very_o easy_a and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o other_o way_n of_o solve_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v at_o this_o distance_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o light_o pass_v it_o over_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o he_o pass_v by_o some_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o be_v there_o record_v yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o he_o happen_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o make_v the_o same_o narration_n for_o the_o only_a place_n beside_o in_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v be_v in_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n which_o he_o say_v happen_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o owl_n but_o saint_n luke_n by_o the_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o a_o owl_n may_v then_o by_o chance_n appear_v be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o it_o shall_v affect_v he_o after_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v not_o credible_a notwithstanding_o a_o german_a soothsayer_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o certain_a omen_n of_o his_o death_n that_o indeed_o may_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v his_o fancy_n but_o it_o can_v not_o natural_o in_o a_o moment_n putrify_v his_o bowel_n into_o worm_n and_o rottenness_n but_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o josephus_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o history_n too_o much_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o greek_a and_o roman_a historian_n who_o constant_a custom_n it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o extraordinary_a calamity_n to_o some_o portentous_a omen_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o a_o misery_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a seize_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blasphemy_n without_o some_o miraculous_a and_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n upon_o record_n of_o a_o immediate_a divine_a infliction_n than_o in_o the_o miserable_a death_n of_o this_o profane_a man._n and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o parallelism_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o that_o particular_a passage_n of_o his_o concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o full_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o our_o learned_a critic_n think_v it_o too_o great_a for_o a_o jew_n to_o give_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n principal_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v soi_v into_o he_o in_o after_o time_n §_o xiii_o but_o upon_o what_o just_a ground_n this_o surmise_n be_v build_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v and_o first_o let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o this_o purport_n at_o this_o time_n live_v jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o wrought_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o instruct_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n and_o draw_v after_o he_o great_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n this_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o nation_n before_o pilate_n and_o afterward_o condemn_v to_o the_o cross_n by_o he_o yet_o do_v not_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o from_o the_o beginning_n cease_v to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o death_n for_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o the_o three_o day_n after_o as_o the_o divine_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o and_o divers_a other_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o race_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v call_v after_o his_o name_n continue_v and_o now_o here_o first_o it_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o huetius_n that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o so_o diligent_a a_o writer_n as_o josephus_n shall_v never_o make_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o history_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o here_o he_o have_v do_v it_o no_o where_o and_o yet_o whatever_o he_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o under_o the_o government_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o draw_v great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o that_o institute_v a_o new_a sect_n of_o religion_n that_o occasion_v great_a commotion_n in_o judaea_n that_o be_v report_v to_o have_v teach_v such_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o to_o have_v do_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v never_o hear_v of_o so_o remarkable_a a_o person_n or_o not_o think_v he_o worthy_a so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o history_n for_o whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o he_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v whole_o omit_v to_o mention_v he_o in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o of_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o the_o messiahship_n so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v think_v he_o a_o impostor_n he_o can_v not_o have_v whole_o baulk_v some_o mention_n of_o his_o history_n nay_o when_o he_o give_v so_o exact_a a_o description_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o saint_n james_n who_o to_o make_v the_o better_o know_v he_o describe_v by_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o give_v any_o account_n of_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v appear_v incredible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v make_v any_o honourable_a mention_n of_o he_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v none_o at_o all_o and_o now_o when_o after_o this_o we_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o this_o testimony_n that_o have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o talk_v of_o late_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v so_o very_o trifle_v as_o scarce_o to_o deserve_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o to_o need_v any_o answer_n for_o beside_o some_o grammatical_a observation_n in_o which_o the_o critic_n exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o from_o which_o they_o make_v what_o determination_n they_o please_v some_o for_o the_o affirmative_a and_o some_o for_o the_o negative_a the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o josephus_n in_o this_o paragraph_n speak_v his_o own_o sense_n and_o write_v not_o as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o confessor_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o story_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o very_a settle_a principle_n according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o of_o the_o place_n that_o he_o live_v in_o and_o so_o be_v no_o otherway_v concern_v in_o any_o controversy_n than_o bare_o to_o deliver_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o that_o whereas_o he_o seem_v to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o rational_o conclude_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o too_o when_o he_o crucify_v he_o because_o he_o put_v this_o title_n upon_o his_o cross_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n not_o to_o write_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o their_o importunity_n but_o answer_v they_o peremptory_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v our_o learned_a critic_n may_v after_o their_o rate_n of_o draw_v conclusion_n infer_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n serious_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o that_o he_o only_o use_v the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n when_o he_o give_v he_o that_o title_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o expression_n of_o josephus_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n a_o title_n so_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o common_a speech_n that_o it_o be_v familiar_o give_v to_o he_o by_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n as_o if_o we_o design_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o authority_n from_o his_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transaction_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o
may_v suffice_v at_o this_o present_a upon_o this_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_a fool_n they_o have_v never_o undertake_v it_o if_o false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v with_o any_o success_n in_o it_o §_o vi_o but_o last_o we_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v no_o magic_a story_n or_o any_o thing_n capable_a of_o juggle_a trick_n and_o illusion_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v of_o one_o another_o conversation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o incredulous_a and_o suspect_v some_o mistake_n or_o illusion_n and_o force_v he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o now_o it_o be_v likely_a when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o endure_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o impudent_a and_o a_o unprofitable_a fable_n which_o if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o beside_o all_o the_o forementioned_a abfurdity_n this_o supposition_n labour_v under_o one_o very_o enormous_a difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o such_o profligate_v cheat_n and_o impostor_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o true_a morality_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v can_v question_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o good_a man_n that_o labour_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o promote_a of_o christianity_n but_o that_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v be_v a_o frequent_a artifice_n for_o man_n of_o the_o worst_a design_n to_o make_v the_o best_a pretence_n it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o they_o must_v have_v some_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o under_o their_o pretence_n whereas_o if_o the_o apostle_n very_a pretence_n be_v not_o their_o real_a design_n they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n proper_a to_o this_o supposition_n that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v spend_v their_o day_n and_o loose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o interest_n and_o advancement_n of_o goodness_n with_o out_o any_o design_n or_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o as_o from_o the_o former_a premise_n we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n and_o from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o master_n doctrine_n so_o in_o this_o place_n do_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n prove_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o men._n for_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v see_v the_o work_n so_o to_o have_v hear_v the_o sermon_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o less_o zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o they_o divulge_v his_o miracle_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o doctrine_n now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o teach_v and_o they_o record_v be_v they_o not_o the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o be_v ever_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n and_o as_o wonderful_a as_o his_o action_n be_v his_o precept_n be_v scarce_o less_o admirable_a the_o goodness_n of_o his_o law_n if_o it_o do_v not_o outdo_v yet_o it_o equal_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o their_o own_o innate_a excellency_n be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o of_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o apparent_a that_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o that_o no_o law_n nor_o no_o philosophy_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o morality_n so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o useful_a and_o now_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o the_o same_o person_n who_o report_n that_o he_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n record_v also_o that_o he_o teach_v such_o excellent_a law_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v those_o work_n of_o god_n for_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n what_o can_v be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o design_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o report_v concern_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o true_a then_o be_v he_o as_o lewd_a and_o wretched_a a_o impostor_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o bear_v out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o as_o bold_a atheistical_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n know_o to_o abuse_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o palpable_a and_o blasphemous_a cheat._n be_v it_o not_o then_o likely_a that_o man_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v after_o their_o rate_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o accurse_a imposture_n that_o be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n how_o awkerd_o do_v these_o thing_n piece_n together_o what_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o odd_a supposition_n the_o same_o man_n die_v martyr_n to_o the_o worst_a imposture_n and_o best_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o conceivable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a people_n shall_v conspire_v together_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o so_o lewd_a a_o forgery_n and_o then_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fable_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o how_o do_v the_o prodigy_n heighten_v that_o such_o profligate_v wretch_n shall_v so_o easy_o forego_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o the_o more_o man_n tumble_v and_o toss_v their_o thought_n about_o to_o raise_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o report_n the_o more_o do_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o because_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_o odd_o conceit_a man_n that_o can_v but_o persuade_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o now_o if_o we_o review_v these_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n story_n as_o it_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n of_o credibility_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o suppose_v it_o a_o imposture_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v vouch_v with_o strong_a and_o more_o enforce_v motive_n of_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n that_o mankind_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n all_o scruple_n and_o exception_n be_v so_o fortunate_o prevent_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o possible_a escape_n or_o pretence_n leave_v for_o insidelity_n for_o first_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n in_o
so_o near_o and_o yet_o so_o prodigious_a and_o when_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n assure_v themselves_o of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n this_o can_v not_o but_o provoke_v they_o to_o a_o eager_a enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n and_o when_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v late_o crucify_v and_o that_o they_o declare_v themselves_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o withal_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n only_o for_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o astonish_a demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o saint_n paul_n style_v it_o rather_o than_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n as_o cogent_a as_o they_o be_v that_o first_o baffle_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n into_o christianity_n and_o force_v in_o the_o assent_v of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o its_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o put_v their_o auditor_n to_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o prevent_v all_o inquiry_n by_o this_o infallible_a confirmation_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o surmount_v the_o power_n of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v stay_v to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o have_v see_v it_o unquestionable_o attest_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o who_o can_v doubt_v and_o dispute_v after_o he_o have_v see_v devil_n dispossess_v the_o sick_a heal_v and_o the_o dead_a raise_v this_o be_v such_o a_o almighty_a attestation_n to_o their_o preach_n that_o it_o upbraid_v away_o their_o scruple_n and_o bear_v away_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o speedy_o over_o all_o the_o world_n its_o first_o preacher_n convert_v whole_a city_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o found_v new_a church_n upon_o one_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o nothing_o less_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o it_o labour_v can_v so_o soon_o have_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o if_o we_o trace_v the_o apostolical_a history_n we_o scarce_o find_v any_o thing_n transact_v without_o a_o miracle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n at_o length_n familiar_o resort_v to_o they_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o disease_n act_n 5._o 12._o and_o this_o power_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v at_o that_o time_n that_o saint_n paul_n insist_o upon_o it_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o true_a apostleship_n rom._n 15._o 18_o 18_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 12._o which_o have_v be_v too_o absurd_a a_o thing_n to_o allege_v to_o his_o follower_n in_o confutation_n of_o his_o enemy_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o if_o it_o be_v they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o have_v already_o wrought_v among_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v wrought_v none_o they_o can_v not_o but_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n but_o though_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o may_v from_o thence_o rational_o enough_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o apostolical_a miracle_n and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o part_n prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o attest_v both_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o shall_v anon_o more_o distinct_o show_v the_o undoubted_a and_o uninterrupted_a conveyance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a they_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v belief_n yet_o in_o this_o present_a argument_n i_o will_v not_o build_v upon_o these_o or_o any_o other_o supposition_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o suppose_v they_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v needless_a for_o once_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o apostle_n action_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o record_n alone_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o only_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v under_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n above_o represent_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v propagate_v with_o that_o speed_n and_o facility_n that_o it_o be_v all_o the_o world_n over_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o suppose_v this_o evidence_n that_o they_o give_v the_o world_n by_o their_o miracle_n that_o then_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o almost_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o success_n they_o do_v here_o then_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o my_o present_a argument_n that_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o design_n any_o other_o way_n and_o when_o it_o be_v natural_a if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n to_o succeed_v in_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v such_o wonderful_a success_n that_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v report_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o now_o allege_v as_o proof_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o only_o as_o instance_n to_o 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the_o confession_n of_o their_o great_a enemy_n in_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v do_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n though_o how_o foolish_a that_o evasion_n be_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v their_o evasion_n to_o this_o argument_n at_o present_a this_o very_a surmise_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o go_v a_o great_a way_n as_o to_o evidence_n when_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o adversary_n but_o this_o have_v suggest_v i_o shall_v not_o far_o insist_v upon_o it_o §_o xxiv_o only_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n remain_v that_o add_v great_a force_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o mere_o confine_v to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o true_a it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a miracle_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o we_o have_v no_o one_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v better_a record_n it_o be_v unanimous_o attest_v by_o all_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o public_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o raises_z their_o testimony_n up_o to_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o they_o do_v not_o bare_o report_v it_o but_o they_o upbraid_v it_o to_o all_o their_o adversary_n as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a they_o challenge_v emperor_n proconsul_n the_o whole_a senate_n in_o their_o apology_n and_o public_a write_n to_o convince_v they_o by_o experiment_n they_o urge_v it_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o learned_a man_n and_o dare_v they_o to_o contradict_v it_o
trick_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o think_v of_o bring_v down_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n below_o the_o know_a time_n of_o greece_n as_o for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v next_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v he_o here_o because_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v it_o false_a it_o run_v too_o far_o from_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n his_o command_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n i_o scorn_v to_o answer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o impudent_o false_a when_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o worship_n one_o god_n alone_o and_o when_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a before_o object_v this_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o the_o jew_n against_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v now_o let_v that_o pass_v too_o without_o be_v suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o any_o omission_n and_o as_o for_o his_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o account_v for_o that_o too_o already_o in_o that_o it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o he_o may_v subdue_v it_o pure_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o much_o worse_a objection_n nay_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v any_o real_a disadvantage_n upon_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o it_o bring_v a_o considerable_a accession_n to_o its_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o evidence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o without_o it_o it_o must_v have_v ever_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n for_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o kingly_a splendour_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o earthly_a power_n the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n may_v have_v be_v impute_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o man_n will_v have_v follow_v he_o for_o politic_a end_n and_o not_o for_o any_o conscience_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o no_o secular_a encouragement_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a ensure_n to_o they_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o their_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n his_o institution_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v its_o only_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o its_o own_o intention_n that_o it_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o no_o other_o recommendation_n and_o thus_o i_o remember_v when_o julian_n object_n the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n 6._o in_o that_o he_o be_v bear_v a_o subject_a of_o the_o empire_n which_o as_o he_o fancy_n be_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n st._n cyril_n answer_v that_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o imperial_a power_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o mankind_n man_n must_v have_v submit_v to_o he_o for_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o sense_n of_o duty_n or_o religion_n and_o he_o have_v be_v just_o such_o another_o deity_n as_o caligula_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o emperor_n be_v who_o force_v man_n in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o give_v they_o the_o show_n of_o divine_a honour_n by_o their_o own_o law_n and_o whereas_o you_o object_v say_v he_o that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n what_o be_v that_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o he_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o caesar_n nor_o any_o other_o man_n ever_o do_v he_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v any_o of_o your_o caesar_n ever_o do_v so_o what_o then_o if_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v great_a and_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o scorn_v all_o your_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n of_o majesty_n and_o will_v receive_v no_o honour_n but_o what_o reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v origen_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o wonderful_a in_o jesus_n that_o a_o person_n so_o obscure_a upon_o all_o worldly_a account_n shall_v raise_v himself_o to_o so_o great_a 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epicurean_a forget_v that_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n in_o that_o there_o be_v many_o relation_n of_o such_o appearance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o if_o this_o objection_n hold_v good_a every_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v false_a and_o impossible_a but_o to_o treat_v with_o he_o as_o a_o epicurean_a why_o be_v it_o impossible_a because_o all_o story_n of_o god_n concern_v himself_o in_o humane_a affair_n be_v undoubted_a fable_n a_o admirable_a way_n this_o of_o confute_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o a_o precarious_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o the_o last_o result_n of_o this_o rude_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a providence_n but_o he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o it_o but_o only_o john_n the_o baptist_n his_o companion_n in_o wickedness_n and_o this_o be_v another_o unhappy_a mistake_n of_o a_o man_n that_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n when_o all_o the_o jewish_a nation_n even_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n have_v a_o very_a great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o testimony_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelist_n that_o have_v record_v it_o they_o know_v what_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o its_o reality_n and_o we_o know_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o now_o have_v discharge_v all_o his_o little_a topic_n of_o calumny_n against_o our_o saviour_n own_o person_n in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o unhappy_a success_n for_o
hope_n of_o immortality_n the_o vanity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n viz._n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o p._n 106._o §_o xxii_o all_o the_o other_o receipt_n prescribe_v by_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n represent_v and_o explode_v p._n 113._o §_o xxiii_o without_o a_o future_a state_n no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o virtue_n first_o not_o for_o temperance_n p._n 120._o §_o xxiv_o second_o not_o for_o justice_n nor_o magnanimity_n p._n 124._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n represent_v upon_o its_o principle_n neither_o happiness_n nor_o virtue_n without_o a_o future_a state_n p._n 131._o §_o xxvi_o a_o account_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o peripatetic_a morality_n out_o of_o tully_n and_o first_o his_o consolatory_a discourse_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o tusculane_n question_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a p._n 139._o §_o xxvii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o the_o alleviate_a of_o pain_n p._n 147._o §_o xxviii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n against_o grief_n and_o trouble_v under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n p._n 151._o §_o xxix_o a_o account_n of_o the_o five_o book_n where_o he_o forsake_v the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o insufficient_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v p._n 157._o §_o xxx_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o new_a way_n of_o philosophise_v prove_v in_o general_n p._n 162._o §_o xxxi_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a maxim_n of_o his_o friend_n brutus_n that_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a say_n without_o immortality_n the_o argument_n conclude_v p._n 167._o part_n ii_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o i._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n pag._n 175._o §_o ii_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o infinite_a and_o intolerable_a absurdity_n of_o unbelief_n p._n 179._o §_o iii_o this_o particular_o prove_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 182._o §_o iv._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v false_a in_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n p._n 184._o §_o v._o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o common_a understanding_n p._n 190._o §_o vi_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o and_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o design_n in_o publish_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n p._n 193._o §_o vii_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n if_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v p._n 199._o §_o viii_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o any_o other_o demonstrative_o prove_v p._n 204._o §_o ix_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n be_v sometime_o dispute_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n p._n 207._o §_o x._o mr._n hobbs_n witticism_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v first_o compile_v by_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n confute_v p._n 210._o §_o xi_o the_o concurrence_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_a writer_n p._n 112._o §_o xii_o josephus_n and_o saint_n luke_n reconcile_v about_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n p._n 215._o §_o xiii_o the_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o saviour_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o tanaquil_n faber_n and_o other_o critic_n p._n 222._o §_o fourteen_o the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n concern_v the_o eclipse_n at_o the_o passion_n assert_v p._n 229._o §_o xv._n pontius_n pilate_n his_o narrative_a concern_v our_o saviour_n to_o tiberius_n and_o tiberius_n his_o opinion_n of_o it_o clear_v p._n 230._o §_o xvi_o the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n prove_v genuine_a p._n 235._o §_o xvii_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n prevail_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n if_o their_o story_n have_v be_v false_a p._n 239._o §_o xviii_o the_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n describe_v philo_n therapeutae_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v christian_n p._n 241._o §_o xix_o the_o first_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a its_o be_v a_o late_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 251._o §_o xx._n the_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o atheism_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v p._n 256._o §_o xxi_o the_o three_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a p._n 259._o §_o xxii_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o other_o disadvantage_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o rational_a evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n p._n 263._o §_o xxiii_o that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o speed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n p._n 266._o §_o xxiv_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n assert_v and_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n appeal_v to_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o public_a write_n p._n 275._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o magic_n p._n 283._o §_o xxvi_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o miracle_n oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o our_o saviour_n particular_o that_o of_o vespasian_n in_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a p._n 287._o §_o xxvii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o evident_a imposture_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n from_o his_o own_o historian_n philostratus_n p._n 293._o §_o xxviii_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o that_o first_o public_a by_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n p._n 300._o §_o xxix_o the_o same_o prove_v by_o private_a tradition_n and_o first_o of_o saint_n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n p._n 308._o §_o xxx_o second_o of_o saint_n ignatius_n with_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o epistle_n p._n 311._o §_o xxxi_o three_o of_o saint_n policarp_n pothinus_n and_o papias_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n p._n 320._o §_o xxxii_o of_o hegesippus_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n vindicate_v against_o all_o innovator_n and_o hegesippus_n his_o history_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o scaliger_n p._n 328._o §_o xxxiii_o of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n and_o a_o great_a number_n more_o p._n 338._o §_o xxxiv_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o infidelity_n of_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n p._n 343._o §_o xxxv_o their_o second_o great_a prejudice_n be_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n for_o their_o messiah_n and_o how_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n p._n 349._o §_o xxxvi_o atheism_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v christianity_n and_o fanatic_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o pharisee_n p._n 357._o §_o xxxvii_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o idolatry_n the_o neronian_a persecution_n only_o a_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o deliver_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o it_o p._n 363._o §_o xxxviii_o domitian_n persecution_n found_v upon_o jealousy_n of_o state_n against_o the_o line_n of_o david_n hegesippus_n vindicate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o against_o scaliger_n the_o jealousy_n both_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o senate_n about_o the_o messiah_n p._n 370._o §_o thirty-nine_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o several_a proceed_n against_o
unprofitable_a cheat_n but_o yet_o however_o one_o will_v think_v rack_n and_o gibbet_n will_v have_v spoil_v the_o frolic_a and_o it_o be_v high_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n but_o much_o more_o these_o man_n who_o have_v give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v their_o integrity_n because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o forgo_v it_o shall_v prevaricate_v after_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o extravagant_a manner_n with_o mankind_n yes_o and_o themselves_o too_o and_o when_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n so_o apparent_o without_o craft_n and_o without_o design_n without_o advantage_n without_o interest_n have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o unquestionable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n as_o to_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v after_o all_o this_o what_o wise_a and_o wary_a man_n will_v not_o suspect_v the_o forgery_n and_o disbelieve_v the_o relation_n but_o this_o argument_n i_o find_v prosecute_v by_o eusebius_n with_o extraordinary_a acuteness_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o reason_n suppose_v say_v he_o that_o 3_o our_o saviour_n never_o wrought_v any_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v unanimous_o report_v of_o he_o by_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o that_o seducer_n be_v that_o live_v among_o we_o other_o day_n and_o how_o just_o he_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o vile_a imposture_n we_o of_o all_o man_n have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v and_o though_o other_o that_o be_v less_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o way_n of_o deceive_a may_v have_v some_o opinion_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o honesty_n yet_o we_o that_o be_v the_o daily_a companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n see_v nothing_o in_o he_o answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o pretence_n but_o that_o his_o whole_a design_n be_v by_o all_o the_o bold_a art_n of_o craft_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o get_v a_o name_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o one_o and_o all_o join_v hand_n and_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n among_o ourselves_o to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o impudent_a cheat_n among_o mankind_n and_o to_o fain_o all_o manner_n of_o lie_n for_o its_o confirmation_n to_o swear_v that_o we_o see_v he_o restore_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a ear_n to_o the_o deaf_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o though_o it_o be_v all_o impudent_o false_a yet_o let_v we_o confident_o report_v it_o nay_o and_o stand_v too_o it_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o because_o after_o all_o his_o great_a and_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v at_o last_o execute_v as_o a_o vile_a malefactor_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n we_o must_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o upon_o some_o lie_n to_o wipe_v off_o this_o disgrace_n let_v we_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o affirm_v with_o a_o undaunted_a impudence_n that_o after_o he_o be_v thus_o dishonourable_o crucify_a the_o three_o day_n he_o arise_v again_o and_o often_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o familiar_a way_n as_o he_o have_v always_o do_v before_o his_o execution_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v unalterable_o to_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o lie_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o death_n itself_o in_o its_o assertion_n for_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o throw_v away_o our_o life_n for_o nothing_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v it_o hard_o to_o suffer_v stripe_n rack_n bond_n imprisonment_n reproach_n dishonur_n and_o death_n itself_o for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o unanimous_o and_o vigorous_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n and_o with_o one_o consent_n agree_v to_o report_v such_o impudent_a falsehood_n as_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o those_o we_o deceive_v or_o to_o he_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o deceive_v neither_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o propagate_v this_o lie_n only_o among_o our_o own_o countryman_n but_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o spread_v it_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n impose_v new_a law_n upon_o all_o nation_n overthrow_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n command_v the_o roman_n to_o quit_v the_o god_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o greek_n to_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o philosopher_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o superstition_n neither_o will_v we_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o overthrow_v these_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o most_o polite_a and_o most_o powerful_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o force_n of_o learning_n or_o wit_n or_o eloquence_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o our_o crucify_a master_n neither_o will_v we_o stop_v here_o but_o we_o will_v travel_v to_o all_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n reverse_v all_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o command_v their_o obedience_n to_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o this_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a reward_n that_o we_o expect_v for_o our_o impudence_n nor_o be_v it_o for_o vulgar_a crown_n and_o trophy_n that_o we_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o such_o hard_a and_o hazardous_a enterprise_n no_o no_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n in_o all_o place_n wherever_o we_o come_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o deserve_v it_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a settlement_n only_o to_o establish_v a_o ridiculous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n but_o for_o this_o who_o will_v not_o endure_v all_o the_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n burn_v hang_a behead_v crucify_a and_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n all_o which_o we_o must_v as_o we_o will_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o impostor_n encounter_n with_o a_o cheerful_a and_o resolve_a mind_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o praiseworthy_a than_o to_o abuse_v god_n and_o affront_n mankind_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o to_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n from_o all_o our_o labour_n beside_o the_o pleasure_n of_o vain_a foolish_a and_o unprofitable_a lie_v and_o for_o that_o alone_o will_v we_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o gain_v worship_n to_o a_o crucify_a malefactor_n nay_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o reputation_n notwithstanding_o that_o we_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o impudent_a impostor_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o we_o honour_v he_o so_o high_o because_o he_o have_v put_v such_o a_o dishonourable_a abuse_n upon_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o vile_a a_o man_n who_o will_v not_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n for_o a_o cause_n that_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v mere_a falsehood_n and_o forgery_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o constant_o to_o the_o last_o breath_n aver_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a cleanse_a leper_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o wrought_v all_o manner_n of_o miracle_n though_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o gross_a falsehood_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o we_o have_v mere_o forge_v out_o of_o our_o own_o brain_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o deceive_v as_o many_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o people_n will_v not_o be_v deceive_v yet_o however_o we_o shall_v sometime_o or_o other_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o suffering_n and_o perhaps_o of_o die_v for_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n credible_a that_o man_n shall_v discourse_v and_o act_n after_o such_o a_o extravagant_a rate_n as_o this_o or_o that_o humane_a nature_n that_o have_v above_o all_o other_o creature_n a_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o self_n preservation_n shall_v thrust_v itself_o upon_o a_o voluntary_a death_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o any_o reward_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v that_o when_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n have_v agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o frantic_a design_n they_o shall_v all_o persevere_v in_o the_o lie_n to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o threaten_n and_o all_o the_o slattery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o betray_v the_o plot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o their_o testimony_n be_v not_o true_a so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n against_o infidelity_n than_o only_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v men._n and_o that_o certain_o be_v as_o modest_a and_o moderate_a a_o postulatum_fw-la as_o can_v be_v premise_v to_o any_o question_n and_o yet_o that_o only_o be_v
and_o transaction_n of_o his_o life_n be_v open_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v not_o the_o scene_n of_o his_o action_n in_o a_o dark_a unknown_a or_o undiscovered_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o appear_v in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o all_o asia_n all_o his_o work_n be_v perform_v amid_o his_o enemy_n and_o he_o choose_v the_o jew_n the_o most_o jealous_a and_o the_o most_o prejudice_v people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n but_o above_o all_o jerusalem_n itself_o the_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o most_o public_a action_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o presence_n not_o only_o of_o that_o city_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o it_o be_v that_o his_o disciple_n first_o publish_v his_o resurrection_n and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o wrought_v undeniable_a miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o origen_n have_v observe_v very_o well_o that_o the_o public_a death_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o 2._o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v design_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o a_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v private_a and_o not_o notorious_a to_o all_o the_o nation_n though_o he_o have_v afterward_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o do_v the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o death_n may_v have_v be_v plead_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o beside_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o strange_a story_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o wonder_n no_o affair_n in_o that_o age_n be_v more_o talk_v of_o than_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n every_o body_n make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o action_n and_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n there_o be_v never_o man_n bear_v as_o eusebius_n 3._o observe_v upon_o who_o account_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o upon_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n mankind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o divide_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o the_o controversy_n be_v not_o improper_o style_v by_o nicephorus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o struggle_a and_o concussion_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v a_o likely_a matter_n and_o worthy_a our_o belief_n that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n but_o much_o more_o the_o ability_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o legend_n so_o palpable_a and_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o contradiction_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o begin_v to_o publish_v the_o strange_a story_n of_o his_o life_n and_o stranger_n one_o of_o his_o resurrection_n even_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o amid_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n where_o though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o bold_a and_o manifest_a cheat_n if_o a_o cheat_n at_o all_o that_o yet_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o any_o contradiction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o meet_v with_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unparalleled_a entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o its_o inhabitant_n certain_o they_o must_v have_v be_v puissant_a and_o irresistible_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o can_v so_o brisk_o bear_v down_o and_o vanquish_v jewish_a stubbornness_n their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o any_o weak_a proof_n than_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n and_o have_v they_o not_o bring_v some_o such_o thing_n along_o with_o they_o they_o may_v to_o as_o much_o purpose_n have_v preach_v to_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o i_o say_v be_v the_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o publish_v this_o strange_a story_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o it_o be_v act_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o escape_v be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o force_v great_a number_n of_o person_n against_o their_o most_o stubborn_a prejudices_fw-la to_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o from_o that_o very_a place_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o affirm_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n if_o real_o and_o indeed_o false_a shall_v ever_o gain_v so_o great_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o be_v true_a i_o will_v grant_v that_o mankind_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n can_v require_v but_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o man_n understanding_n as_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v alike_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a and_o though_o a_o false_a story_n may_v for_o a_o while_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o prove_v itself_o true_a with_o a_o evidence_n proportionable_a to_o its_o weight_n it_o either_o die_v and_o vanish_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n by_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o judicious_a when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o this_o story_n the_o more_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o more_o firm_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o learned_a man_n every_o where_o and_o of_o all_o persuasion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v into_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o issue_n concern_v it_o till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v force_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o its_o full_a belief_n i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v some_o witty_a gentleman_n as_o our_o fantastic_a age_n very_o much_o abound_v with_o such_o shrewd_a person_n compare_v the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o the_o late_a growth_n and_o spread_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o quakerism_n in_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o enormous_o surmise_v for_o set_v aside_o a_o thousand_o other_o defect_n in_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o that_o wild_a and_o enthusiastic_a sect_n do_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o raise_v some_o foolish_a and_o fanatique_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o old_a one_o but_o if_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o rabble_n when_o they_o first_o appear_v about_o thirty_o year_n since_o at_o york_n and_o bristol_n have_v pretend_v to_o have_v wrought_v in_o those_o great_a city_n such_o kind_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o contempt_n and_o oblivion_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o be_v gain_v such_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o act_v too_o and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o proof_n and_o miracle_n for_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o cautious_a and_o incredulous_a as_o the_o wit_n of_o we_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o their_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n how_o then_o can_v this_o story_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v so_o effectual_o upon_o they_o but_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o when_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o may_v bribe_v their_o belief_n nay_o when_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o other_o objection_n but_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n i_o will_v challenge_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o frame_v any_o the_o least_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n how_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prevail_v have_v not_o its_o truth_n be_v vouch_v by_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o
with_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o mankind_n can_v make_v it_o it_o be_v force_v to_o encounter_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o zeal_n of_o superstition_n the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o statesman_n and_o by_o all_o these_o together_o that_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v it_o everywhere_o harrass_v with_o all_o the_o outrage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o persecution_n no_o other_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o hunt_v with_o that_o keenness_n of_o malice_n or_o sacrifice_v with_o that_o cheapness_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o as_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v its_o punishment_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o torment_n study_v all_o the_o art_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christian_n unless_o they_o may_v tire_v they_o out_o of_o their_o life_n with_o length_n and_o variety_n of_o torture_n in_o short_a it_o want_v not_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o man_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o suppose_v as_o we_o may_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o malignant_a being_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o disadvantage_n it_o grow_v and_o flourish_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o if_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o contrary_a way_n and_o method_n of_o encouragement_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o irresistible_a force_n of_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o prevail_v so_o wonderful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o can_v bear_v away_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o so_o great_a a_o force_n against_o all_o argument_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v concern_v in_o its_o propagation_n but_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n labour_v under_o all_o these_o mighty_a and_o unparalleled_a disadvantage_n shall_v ever_o have_v prevail_v with_o such_o sudden_a and_o admirable_a success_n have_v it_o not_o come_v attest_v with_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o irresistible_a proof_n for_o be_v it_o not_o utter_o incredible_a that_o a_o institution_n so_o destitute_a of_o secular_a power_n and_o interest_n so_o uncouth_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o settle_a law_n and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a to_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o commonwealth_n so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n all_o the_o wit_n and_o all_o the_o zeal_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o so_o effectual_o bear_v away_o all_o resistance_n and_o force_v the_o struggle_a world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o opposition_n to_o yield_v up_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o see_v it_o can_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o see_v it_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o yet_o find_v such_o strange_a and_o otherwise_o unaccountable_a entertainment_n that_o alone_o i_o say_v be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o its_o infinite_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n neither_o be_o i_o ignorant_a that_o learned_a man_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a usual_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n overrule_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o accountable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o alone_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o any_o man_n assent_n than_o his_o assent_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o all_o the_o account_n he_o can_v give_v of_o his_o faith_n be_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o vehement_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o why_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a way_n of_o determine_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v force_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o strong_a assent_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o require_v for_o that_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n will_v utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o therefore_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a yet_o the_o outward_a and_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o give_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v still_o proportionable_a to_o that_o inward_a confidence_n that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o their_o mind_n otherwise_o they_o have_v more_o confidence_n than_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o and_o then_o all_o that_o they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o be_v unreasonable_a see_v therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o infinite_o confident_a i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n that_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o their_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o undoubted_a tradition_n from_o both_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o they_o have_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v more_o §_o xxiii_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a credibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n take_v by_o itself_o as_o it_o stand_v upon_o their_o own_o naked_a reputation_n in_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o design_n so_o that_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o undoubted_a integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n god_n be_v please_v to_o add_v a_o more_o forcible_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o design_n so_o be_v he_o too_o and_o in_o truth_n unless_o he_o have_v endue_v they_o with_o this_o power_n from_o above_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v undertake_v the_o work_n but_o instead_o of_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o tell_v a_o story_n to_o the_o people_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n as_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v they_o must_v have_v conclude_v it_o a_o wise_a course_n to_o resolve_v upon_o mend_v their_o old_a net_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o old_a trade_n but_o this_o eusebius_n have_v excellent_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o their_o own_o person_n in_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o 6._o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v reply_v upon_o he_o how_o be_v this_o possible_a that_o we_o who_o be_v unlearned_a person_n and_o understand_v only_o our_o mother_n tongue_n shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o several_a language_n to_o the_o roman_n grecian_n egyptian_n persian_n armenian_n chaldean_n scythian_n indian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o numberless_a nation_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v as_o without_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o travel_v from_o pole_n to_o pole_n and_o tell_v a_o unintelligible_a story_n to_o the_o people_n nay_o how_o can_v we_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v a_o new_a and_o unknown_a deity_n what_o eloquence_n what_o unheard_a of_o power_n of_o word_n must_v we_o be_v inspire_v with_o to_o encourage_v we_o
affirm_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o quite_o vanish_v away_o at_o last_o he_o only_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o he_o go_v away_o and_o this_o though_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n and_o no_o body_n know_v how_o be_v a_o pitiful_a abatement_n to_o the_o bigness_n of_o his_o former_a expression_n vanish_v away_o though_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o he_o have_v stand_v to_o it_o it_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v prove_v itself_o a_o lie_n for_o it_o be_v utter_o incredible_a that_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n as_o that_o shall_v have_v be_v do_v in_o so_o great_a a_o presence_n as_o that_o and_o yet_o never_o any_o notice_n be_v take_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o historian_n will_v fain_o bid_v at_o something_o of_o his_o hero_n appear_v after_o death_n yet_o he_o do_v it_o so_o faint_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o it_o come_v to_o nothing_o especial_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o time_n of_o his_o death_n be_v altogether_o unknown_a and_o that_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o take_v in_o no_o less_o than_o the_o compass_n of_o thirty_o year_n and_o then_o they_o that_o be_v so_o utter_o at_o a_o loss_n as_o to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o decease_n and_o that_o for_o so_o long_a a_o space_n be_v likely_a to_o give_v a_o very_a wise_a account_n of_o the_o certain_a time_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v after_o it_o but_o how_o or_o to_o who_o do_v he_o appear_v 13._o why_o to_o a_o young_a man_n one_o of_o his_o follower_n that_o doubt_v of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o ten_o month_n together_o after_o his_o death_n but_o how_o or_o where_o why_o the_o young_a man_n be_v tire_v with_o watch_v and_o pray_v to_o apollonius_n that_o he_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o only_o to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o point_n one_o day_n fall_v into_o a_o dead_a sleep_n in_o the_o school_n where_o the_o young_a man_n be_v perform_v their_o several_a exercise_n and_o on_o the_o sudden_a start_n up_o in_o a_o great_a fright_n and_o a_o great_a sweat_n cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o believe_v thou_o o_o tyanaeus_n and_o be_v ask_v by_o his_o companion_n the_o meaning_n of_o his_o transport_n why_o say_v he_o do_v you_o not_o see_v apollonius_n they_o answer_v he_o no_o but_o that_o they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o give_v all_o the_o world_n that_o they_o can_v it_o be_v true_a say_v he_o for_o he_o only_o appear_v to_o i_o and_o for_o my_o satisfaction_n and_o be_v invisible_a to_o all_o other_o and_o so_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sleep_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o soul_n this_o poor_a account_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o a_o over-watched_n boy_n be_v all_o that_o this_o great_a story_n afford_v to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o now_o upon_o review_n of_o this_o whole_a history_n it_o seem_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o this_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v endue_v with_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o divine_a power_n that_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o reputation_n of_o a_o ordinary_a conjurer_n for_o though_o huetius_n have_v take_v some_o pain_n to_o prove_v he_o so_o yet_o he_o give_v no_o evidence_n of_o it_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o common_a people_n and_o if_o that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v a_o conjurer_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o a_o odd_a and_o a_o singular_a humour_n as_o apollonius_n affect_v to_o be_v who_o be_v not_o so_o think_v of_o by_o the_o common_a people_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o be_v accuse_v for_o it_o before_o domitian_n the_o emperor_n when_o he_o come_v to_o hear_v the_o cause_n slight_v both_o he_o and_o his_o accuser_n and_o dismiss_v he_o the_o court_n for_o a_o idle_a and_o fantastic_a fellow_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o history_n that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a man_n and_o affect_v to_o be_v think_v something_o extraordinary_a and_o so_o wander_v all_o the_o world_n over_o in_o a_o odd_a garb_n to_o be_v gaze_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o make_v himself_o considerable_a in_o that_o age_n by_o wit_n impudence_n and_o flattery_n of_o all_o which_o he_o have_v a_o very_a competent_a share_n but_o for_o his_o wonder-working_a faculty_n which_o he_o will_v needs_o pretend_v to_o he_o fetch_v that_o as_o far_o off_o as_o the_o east_n indies_n that_o be_v the_o far_a off_o as_o he_o think_v from_o confutation_n and_o yet_o the_o account_n that_o he_o have_v give_v of_o those_o part_n be_v so_o gross_o fabulous_a that_o that_o alone_o convict_v his_o whole_a life_n of_o imposture_n and_o impudence_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o make_v good_a this_o part_n of_o the_o demonstration_n of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a authority_n from_o the_o certain_a evidence_n both_o of_o his_o own_o and_o his_o apostle_n miracle_n and_o to_o set_v it_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o manner_n either_o of_o objection_n or_o competition_n §_o xxviii_o but_o though_o the_o history_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n have_v this_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o in_o that_o the_o tradition_n whereby_o it_o have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o its_o own_o testimony_n by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o this_o peculiar_a divine_a attestation_n and_o consider_v the_o tradition_n by_o itself_o as_o mere_o humane_a and_o deliver_v down_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n it_o have_v be_v so_o constant_a so_o catholic_a and_o so_o uninterrupted_a as_o to_o be_v its_o own_o demonstration_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o that_o age_n there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o tradition_n or_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v so_o early_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a it_o must_v immediate_o have_v perish_v as_o a_o manifest_a lie_n in_o that_o when_o it_o come_v so_o near_o the_o very_a time_n in_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v act_v nothing_o but_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v ever_o have_v maintain_v its_o authority_n for_o though_o it_o be_v easy_a at_o a_o distance_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n of_o the_o time_n of_o old_a as_o we_o find_v by_o those_o many_o idle_a and_o incredible_a legend_n add_v to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o after-age_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n yet_o to_o raise_v a_o story_n so_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a as_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o his_o apostle_n without_o any_o ground_n or_o foundation_n for_o it_o nay_o against_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o broach_v and_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n to_o such_o a_o notorious_a fiction_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n for_o to_o pass_v by_o all_o the_o other_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v already_o represent_v that_o this_o tradition_n must_v labour_v under_o if_o it_o rise_v not_o up_o to_o the_o very_a time_n that_o it_o pretend_v to_o especial_o that_o of_o its_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o must_v unavoidable_o have_v destroy_v it_o if_o false_a that_o which_o i_o have_v already_o propose_v and_o come_v now_o to_o prosecute_v seem_v as_o insuperable_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n viz._n that_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n next_o and_o immediate_o after_o it_o shall_v after_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n concern_v its_o truth_n not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o so_o late_a and_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n but_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o this_o be_v not_o credible_a unless_o they_o be_v full_o assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o their_o assurance_n alone_o be_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o though_o that_o be_v enough_o yet_o i_o will_v undertake_v more_o viz._n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o assurance_n by_o trace_v up_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o from_o they_o derive_v it_o down_o to_o after-age_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o wise_a learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o that_o as_o i_o take_v it_o will_v make_v a_o new_a and_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n now_o this_o tradition_n be_v convey_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n either_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n or_o of_o single_a person_n first_o by_o a_o succession_n of_o church_n and_o
to_o their_o vow_n but_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n a_o recabite_n say_v hegesippus_n interpose_v to_o save_v james_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o say_v scaliger_n can_v not_o be_v for_o the_o recabite_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o so_o uncapable_a of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o if_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o either_o have_v be_v exact_o observe_v at_o that_o time_n especial_o of_o the_o priesthood_n when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a those_o office_n even_o of_o the_o high-priesthood_n itself_o be_v entire_o dispose_v of_o by_o their_o governor_n who_o at_o pleasure_n put_v they_o in_o and_o out_o as_o they_o do_v any_o other_o officer_n of_o state_n but_o they_o place_v he_o say_v hegesippus_n on_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whither_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n go_v up_o to_o cast_v he_o down_o which_o say_v scaliger_n they_o can_v not_o do_v because_o it_o be_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o so_o very_o thick_o set_v with_o point_a iron_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o bird_n from_o settle_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o great_a and_o high_a battlement_n of_o all_o be_v but_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o james_n shall_v be_v place_v there_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v hear_v from_o so_o great_a a_o height_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v dash_v apiece_o when_o he_o be_v cast_v thence_o instead_o of_o fall_v alive_a upon_o his_o knee_n as_o the_o historian_n report_v and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v any_o cover_n or_o battlement_n must_v have_v be_v some_o low_a frame_n of_o building_n from_o which_o he_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o hear_v of_o the_o people_n now_o as_o from_o these_o objection_n say_v scaliger_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o hegesippus_n so_o say_v i_o from_o these_o reply_v to_o they_o may_v we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o scaliger_n that_o upon_o such_o poor_a surmise_n as_o these_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o destroy_v and_o vilify_v the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o ancient_a author_n be_v full_o vindicated_n it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v good_a his_o own_o testimony_n but_o of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v record_v in_o his_o history_n between_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o his_o own_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o his_o account_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v a_o great_a way_n for_o next_o to_o james_n the_o just_a he_o inform_v we_o that_o simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n and_o cousin_n german_n to_o our_o lord_n succeed_v in_o the_o bishopric_n and_o sit_v there_o till_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n under_o who_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n only_o for_o the_o old_a jealousy_n of_o vespasian_n and_o domitian_n of_o be_v of_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o so_o a_o rival_n to_o the_o empire_n so_o that_o here_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o that_o time_n by_o as_o short_a a_o succession_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n from_o st._n paul_n to_o clement_n and_o from_o clement_n to_o dionysius_n and_o in_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n by_o policarp_n to_o pothinus_n and_o irenaeus_n §_o xxxiii_o next_o to_o hegesippus_n follow_v justin_n martyr_n though_o have_v not_o the_o other_o be_v a_o historian_n he_o may_v as_o be_v somewhat_o his_o senior_n have_v go_v before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o within_o eight_o year_n after_o address_v a_o excellent_a apology_n to_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o afterward_o a_o second_o to_o m._n aurelius_n his_o son_n and_o successor_n he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o eminent_a part_n and_o learning_n the_o most_o judicious_a philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n that_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o study_v all_o kind_n of_o useful_a learning_n for_o the_o settlement_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o school_n of_o the_o stoic_n the_o peripatetic_n the_o pythagorean_n and_o the_o platonist_n of_o which_o himself_o have_v give_v a_o pleasant_a account_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o be_v at_o last_o advise_v by_o a_o unknown_a grave_a old_a man_n that_o meet_v he_o in_o his_o retire_a walk_n to_o consider_v the_o christian_a philosophy_n to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o apply_v himself_o but_o he_o find_v it_o the_o only_a certain_a and_o satisfactory_a philosophy_n in_o short_a he_o be_v such_o a_o proficient_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n that_o his_o own_o write_n make_v good_a photius_n his_o character_n of_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v admirable_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o read_v and_o history_n so_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n both_o of_o the_o christian_a and_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o therefore_o immediate_o after_o his_o conversion_n give_v a_o learned_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n as_o afterward_o in_o his_o apology_n and_o his_o other_o write_n he_o do_v of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o from_o the_o undoubted_a miracle_n that_o in_o his_o time_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o certain_a proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a conveyance_n of_o it_o down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o frequent_o avow_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o mind_n and_o at_o last_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o though_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v it_o not_o from_o any_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o in_o it_o but_o from_o the_o probable_a course_n and_o most_o natural_a event_n of_o thing_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o slacken_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n but_o go_v on_o with_o all_o assurance_n of_o mind_n in_o its_o defence_n till_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o encounter_n of_o death_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o meet_v with_o his_o eye_n open_a but_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o alacrity_n as_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o happiness_n next_o to_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n follow_v in_o order_n who_o live_v much_o about_o or_o a_o little_a after_o the_o same_o time_n but_o of_o he_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o because_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o tradition_n that_o he_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v from_o policarp_n and_o pothinus_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o other_o apostolical_a man_n only_o some_o few_o remark_n remain_v to_o make_v up_o his_o perfect_a character_n and_o make_v out_o his_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o for_o this_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o florinus_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o doctrine_n of_o thou_o o_o florinus_n that_o i_o may_v frank_o declare_v the_o truth_n savour_v not_o of_o the_o sincere_a faith_n disagree_v from_o the_o church_n and_o betray_v such_o as_o listen_v to_o it_o into_o extreme_a impiety_n this_o doctrine_n no_o not_o the_o heretic_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n dare_v ever_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n such_o as_o be_v elder_n before_o we_o and_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n never_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o i_o see_v thou_o when_o i_o be_v yet_o a_o youth_n with_o policarp_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n live_v gorgeous_o in_o the_o emperor_n palace_n and_o mighty_o buisy_v thyself_o to_o get_v into_o favour_n and_o credit_n with_o he_o for_o i_o remember_v better_o the_o thing_n of_o old_a than_o latter_a affair_n for_o the_o thing_n we_o learn_v in_o our_o young_a year_n sink_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o grow_v together_o with_o we_o so_o that_o i_o particular_o remember_v the_o very_a place_n where_o policarp_n sit_v when_o he_o teach_v his_o go_v out_o and_o his_o come_n in_o his_o course_n of_o life_n the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o his_o body_n the_o sermon_n he_o make_v to_o the_o people_n the_o report_n he_o make_v of_o his_o conversation_n with_o john_n and_o other_o which_o know_v the_o lord_n how_o he_o remember_v their_o say_n and_o what_o he_o hear_v from_o their_o mouth_n concern_v the_o lord_n
under_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v if_o it_o have_v be_v nothing_o but_o mear_v falsehood_n and_o forgery_n and_o yet_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o very_o many_o and_o great_a disadvantage_n let_v its_o evidence_n have_v be_v never_o so_o bright_a it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n either_o not_o at_o all_o to_o see_v or_o to_o wink_v at_o it_o so_o that_o at_o best_a this_o be_v but_o a_o negative_a testimony_n oppose_v to_o a_o affirmative_a and_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n though_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o not_o altogether_o useless_a of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o for_o unless_o christianity_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v vouch_v as_o it_o be_v and_o though_o it_o be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n impose_v upon_o all_o mankind_n to_o yield_v to_o its_o belief_n especial_o when_o it_o have_v all_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o present_a interest_n to_o weigh_v against_o naked_a truth_n and_o interest_n alone_o as_o be_v too_o well_o know_v by_o experience_n have_v a_o more_o forcible_a influence_n upon_o most_o man_n mind_n than_o integrity_n so_o that_o here_o i_o may_v again_o run_v through_o all_o the_o forementioned_a particular_n and_o show_v what_o force_n each_o of_o they_o single_o much_o more_o all_o joint_o may_v have_v to_o hinder_v man_n from_o believe_v or_o own_v the_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o particular_o i_o may_v declaim_v upon_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o prejudice_n in_o this_o case_n and_o make_v a_o long_a common_a place_n of_o it_o to_o show_v the_o equality_n of_o its_o strength_n to_o truth_n itself_o but_o i_o shall_v make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o and_o consider_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o history_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o show_v that_o whatever_o opposition_n christianity_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n be_v from_o unreasonable_a man_n and_o upon_o unreasonable_a ground_n and_o if_o that_o be_v prove_v no_o man_n can_v think_v the_o opinion_n of_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o weigh_v any_o thing_n by_o itself_o but_o much_o less_o against_o all_o that_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o record_n that_o we_o have_v lay_v together_o in_o the_o premise_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o make_v good_a but_o for_o our_o clear_a method_n of_o proceed_v i_o shall_v divide_v my_o discourse_n into_o these_o particular_n first_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o unreasonable_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o of_o this_o first_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a nation_n second_o as_o to_o their_o several_a faction_n first_o saducees_o second_o pharisees_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o the_o heathen_n and_o show_v how_o all_o unbelief_n in_o they_o proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o blindness_n either_o of_o atheism_n or_o superstition_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v both_o as_o to_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o private_a opposition_n that_o christianity_n meet_v with_o and_o thus_o when_o i_o have_v take_v the_o objection_n into_o piece_n from_o the_o emptiness_n of_o each_o part_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a and_o first_o the_o grand_a reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o demonstrative_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o they_o will_v not_o care_v to_o hear_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v derogate_v from_o he_o much_o less_o our_o saviour_n that_o pretend_v to_o excel_v he_o and_o the_o truth_n be_v this_o prejudice_n have_v some_o reasonable_a force_n in_o itself_o that_o when_o almighty_a god_n have_v in_o such_o a_o miraculous_a way_n deliver_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n keep_v up_o his_o own_o true_a worship_n in_o opposition_n to_o idolatry_n that_o prevail_v every_o where_o but_o only_o in_o judaea_n and_o when_o it_o be_v enact_v with_o some_o expression_n that_o seem_v to_o imply_v its_o perpetual_a and_o unalterable_a obligation_n and_o last_o when_o it_o have_v flourish_v so_o many_o year_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o by_o the_o heathen_a world_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abate_v its_o force_n that_o it_o prevail_v upon_o its_o enemy_n and_o bring_v over_o great_a number_n of_o proselyte_n from_o heathenism_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n after_o all_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n it_o can_v not_o but_o appear_v very_o strange_a that_o a_o obscure_a person_n a_o galilaean_a a_o carpenpenters_n son_n shall_v without_o any_o appearance_n of_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n take_v upon_o he_o so_o confident_o to_o repeal_v this_o ancient_n this_o divine_a this_o venerable_a law_n the_o very_a pretence_n can_v not_o but_o seem_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n to_o itself_o for_o what_o can_v his_o design_n be_v in_o throw_v down_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v the_o only_a bulwark_n against_o idolatry_n than_o to_o let_v in_o all_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n upon_o they_o beside_o if_o moses_n act_v by_o divine_a commission_n whatever_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o moses_n reflect_v upon_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o this_o person_n by_o pretend_v to_o enact_v a_o more_o perfect_a law_n than_o that_o seem_v to_o make_v himself_o wise_a than_o his_o maker_n such_o objection_n as_o these_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o so_o obvious_a to_o the_o prejudice_v people_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o to_o keep_v they_o back_o from_o so_o much_o as_o make_v enquiry_n after_o such_o wild_a and_o frantic_a pretence_n and_o this_o as_o i_o have_v already_o intimate_v from_o origen_n be_v the_o peculiar_a difficulty_n of_o our_o saviour_n work_n and_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o his_o life_n be_v object_v against_o all_o his_o miracle_n as_o i_o have_v particular_o show_v concern_v the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a so_o that_o though_o they_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v be_v so_o dare_o blasphemous_a as_o to_o prefer_v himself_o to_o moses_n and_o this_o objection_n our_o saviour_n confess_v so_o forcible_a as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o nothing_o can_v answer_v it_o but_o his_o unparalleled_a miracle_n john_n 15._o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o never_o any_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n that_o be_v they_o have_v be_v excusable_a in_o reject_v he_o and_o his_o pretence_n of_o establish_v a_o new_a religion_n if_o his_o miracle_n have_v not_o exceed_v those_o of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o yet_o they_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o now_o when_o they_o have_v see_v i_o do_v such_o work_n as_o none_o but_o god_n can_v do_v cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n feed_v thousand_o with_o a_o few_o loaf_n raise_v the_o dead_a and_o all_o only_a by_o the_o power_n of_o a_o word_n as_o god_n at_o first_o create_v the_o world_n after_o all_o this_o if_o they_o reject_v i_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o affront_v he_o too_o and_o so_o again_o when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v blind_a and_o dumb_a because_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n they_o blaspheme_n it_o and_o say_v it_o be_v do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a of_o all_o the_o devil_n for_o who_o else_o can_v assist_v the_o man_n that_o oppose_v moses_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v demonstrate_v by_o rational_a proof_n that_o he_o act_v not_o by_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o miraculous_a work_n that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o they_o that_o be_v the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n as_o it_o be_v call_v daniel_n 11._o 14._o and_o add_v that_o all_o calumny_n be_v pardonable_a but_o only_o that_o against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o which_o he_o discover_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n by_o which_o they_o bar_v their_o mind_n against_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o if_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o when_o they_o see_v it_o in_o his_o work_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o as_o man_n and_o so_o they_o thereby_o put_v themselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o impenitence_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o pardon_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o obstinacy_n of_o