the_o paper_n it_o be_v write_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o oppress_v man_n that_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o god_n by_o their_o religion_n which_o breathe_v out_o nothing_o but_o violence_n fury_n and_o oppression_n the_o reason_n why_o man_n usual_o refer_v thus_o every_o thing_n to_o their_o sense_n be_v because_o a_o worship_n that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o sensual_a be_v far_o more_o easy_a it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o a_o man_n to_o take_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o god_n than_o to_o be_v continual_o take_v up_o in_o seek_v after_o a_o god_n that_o be_v invisible_a to_o solemnize_v game_n and_o festival_n in_o honour_n of_o a_o pretend_a deity_n than_o to_o renounce_v himself_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o true_a one_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o fast_o than_o to_o renounce_v his_o vice_n to_o sing_v spiritual_a song_n or_o bow_v to_o a_o statue_n than_o forgive_v his_o enemy_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v a_o more_o excellent_a character_n in_o that_o it_o give_v we_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n not_o a_o god_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n but_o a_o god_n that_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o that_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o honour_v he_o not_o with_o a_o carnal_a but_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o this_o christ_n himself_o have_v very_o elegant_o tell_v we_o in_o these_o word_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n john_n 4._o 24._o who_o can_v fill_v his_o mind_n with_o such_o elevate_a notion_n and_o how_o come_v it_o that_o he_o so_o excellent_o set_v down_o in_o that_o short_a precept_n the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n of_o which_o man_n before_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a v._o it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n without_o exception_n that_o they_o induce_v we_o to_o look_v after_o the_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v we_o glorify_v god_n by_o renounce_v the_o world_n thus_o the_o heathen_n design_v rather_o to_o please_v themselves_o than_o their_o deity_n introduce_v into_o religion_n whatever_o can_v any_o way_n flatter_v and_o divert_v they_o and_o the_o mahumatan_n religion_n not_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o ceremony_n at_o least_o affix_n temporal_a advantage_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o worship_n as_o if_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v the_o future_a reward_n of_o religion_n but_o certain_o both_o of_o they_o be_v much_o mistake_v for_o the_o heathen_n shall_v have_v know_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n consist_v not_o in_o divert_v and_o please_v themselves_o and_o the_o mahometan_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o since_o temporal_a and_o worldly_a advantage_n be_v insufficient_a in_o themselves_o to_o satisfy_v the_o boundless_a desire_n of_o man_n heart_n they_o can_v not_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o those_o benefit_n which_o true_a religion_n have_v peculiar_o design_v for_o he_o but_o both_o these_o follow_v the_o motion_n of_o self-love_n which_o be_v natural_o hold_v in_o suspense_n between_o the_o world_n and_o religion_n imagine_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o to_o unite_v they_o both_o think_v thereby_o to_o reconcile_v its_o inclination_n and_o duty_n consecrate_v its_o pleasure_n and_o put_v no_o difference_n between_o conscience_n and_o interest_n but_o the_o first_o rule_n of_o true_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o mutual_a agreement_n be_v impossible_a or_o to_o use_v it_o be_v own_o word_n that_o christ_n and_o belial_n be_v incompatible_a one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o we_o must_v either_o glorify_v god_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o worldly_a pleasure_n or_o possess_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o certain_o show_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o have_v a_o divine_a character_n vi_o other_o false_a religion_n debase_v the_o deity_n and_o exalt_v man_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n humble_v man_n and_o exalt_v the_o deity_n the_o egyptian_n a_o nation_n that_o boast_v so_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n make_v monster_n of_o their_o deity_n and_o the_o roman_n make_v deity_n of_o their_o emperor_n who_o be_v rather_o monster_n than_o man_n the_o most_o famous_a philosopher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o rank_v their_o deity_n below_o themselves_o and_o themselves_o ever_o before_o jupiter_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o we_o owe_v all_o to_o god_n who_o owe_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o we_o it_o humble_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o god_n and_o we_o it_o show_v that_o we_o be_v miserable_a despicable_a creature_n in_o comparison_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v and_o only_o worthy_a our_o love_n and_o adoration_n who_o then_o can_v choose_v but_o admire_v so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n vii_o other_o religion_n make_v we_o depend_v upon_o those_o being_n which_o be_v give_v we_o to_o command_v and_o saucy_o pretend_v a_o power_n over_o that_o supreme_a be_v upon_o who_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o depend_v they_o teach_v man_n to_o burn_v incense_n to_o the_o mean_a creature_n and_o impudent_o to_o equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o universal_a monarch_n of_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o desire_v to_o become_v god_n since_o they_o be_v so_o base_a as_o to_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n and_o yet_o how_o ill_o their_o pride_n become_v they_o when_o they_o disdain_v not_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o fourfooted_a beast_n to_o the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n the_o creep_a animal_n and_o plant_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o st._n paul_n reproach_n they_o and_o how_o base_o superstitious_a be_v they_o in_o that_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o deify_v themselves_o but_o will_v also_o deify_v their_o own_o vice_n and_o imperfection_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o restore_v that_o equitable_a order_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n by_o submit_v every_o thing_n to_o the_o power_n of_o man_n that_o he_o may_v submit_v himself_o to_o the_o will_n of_o his_o god_n and_o what_o can_v be_v the_o duty_n of_o true_a religion_n but_o to_o restore_v such_o just_a and_o become_a order_n in_o the_o world_n viii_o we_o need_v no_o deep_a search_n into_o other_o religion_n to_o find_v that_o they_o chief_o tend_v to_o flatter_v man_n corrupt_a desire_n and_o efface_v those_o principle_n of_o justice_n and_o uprightness_n which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o their_o mind_n but_o he_o that_o shall_v true_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o root_n up_o those_o corrupt_a desire_n out_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o restore_v those_o bright_a character_n of_o honesty_n and_o justice_n imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n flatter_v their_o passion_n to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o erect_v altar_n in_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o mahomet_n be_v so_o well_o please_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o end_n and_o reward_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o gnostic_n imagine_v that_o when_o they_o have_v arrive_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o call_v a_o state_n of_o perfection_n they_o may_v commit_v all_o sort_n of_o action_n without_o any_o scruple_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o sin_n which_o pollute_a other_o will_v be_v sanctify_v in_o they_o but_o what_o blindness_n what_o impiety_n be_v this_o how_o admirable_a be_v the_o christian_a religion_n which_o alone_o among_o all_o other_o show_v we_o our_o own_o wickedness_n and_o corruption_n and_o heal_v it_o with_o such_o remedy_n as_o be_v as_o wholesome_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o unpleasing_a to_o the_o body_n ix_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o other_o religion_n be_v contrary_a to_o policy_n either_o in_o favour_v or_o restrain_v too_o much_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o policy_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n preserve_v its_o right_n and_o privilege_n inviolable_a independent_a from_o either_o the_o pagan_a religion_n be_v against_o policy_n in_o give_v too_o much_o to_o human_a weakness_n and_o corruption_n it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o better_a for_o the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o the_o state_n if_o man_n have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o god_n because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v less_o licentious_a and_o more_o submissive_a to_o the_o civil_a law_n whereas_o they_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o deity_n to_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a right_n mahomet_n desirous_a to_o avoid_v this_o irregularity_n retain_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a
the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
another_o of_o a_o dropsy_n a_o three_o disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n appease_v the_o stormy_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o at_o several_a time_n wonderful_o feed_v many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n these_o miracle_n be_v very_o numerous_a indeed_o seem_v very_o much_o different_a from_o one_o another_o and_o can_v proceed_v but_o from_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o this_o we_o must_v further_o add_v that_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o can_v not_o be_v conceal_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o witness_n so_o that_o have_v the_o apostle_n pure_o invent_v they_o they_o may_v soon_o have_v be_v contradict_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o people_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n dare_v not_o altogether_o deny_v the_o evidence_n of_o they_o because_o they_o accuse_v 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more_o particular_a in_o any_o thing_n and_o can_v the_o author_n of_o the_o act_n be_v so_o foolish_a to_o imagine_v he_o can_v invent_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o make_v st._n peter_n utter_v they_o without_o make_v he_o ridiculous_a and_o himself_o liable_a to_o be_v contradict_v in_o like_a manner_n the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o say_v that_o at_o his_o death_n there_o be_v a_o great_a darkness_n and_o a_o dreadful_a earthquake_n that_o the_o rock_n burst_v and_o the_o vail_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o from_o the_o top_n to_o the_o bottom_n if_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a invention_n those_o writer_n show_v but_o little_a reason_n in_o choose_v such_o strange_a circumstance_n to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n be_v it_o such_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o persuade_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o on_o the_o day_n jesus_n christ_n be_v crucify_v 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quiet_a of_o their_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o because_o they_o mention_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o general_o all_o the_o circumstance_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o render_v the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o beside_o that_o they_o confirm_v those_o miracle_n by_o other_o full_a as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a than_o they_o be_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o tell_v they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o allude_v thereby_o to_o christ_n have_v deliver_v himself_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o handle_v by_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o 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agree_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o severe_a trial_n they_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v in_o a_o time_n they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deject_v or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v that_o cheat_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o also_o affirm_v of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n certain_o though_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v in_o both_o these_o two_o last_o event_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v call_v in_o question_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o true_o sincere_a than_o they_o necessary_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceiver_n and_o consequent_o not_o able_a to_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v both_o and_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a article_n 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experience_n and_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o real_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o their_o call_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n suppose_v they_o to_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o any_o way_n to_o move_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o make_v the_o jew_n glorify_v god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v see_v his_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o possible_a though_o this_o illusion_n shall_v have_v take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n yet_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o and_o much_o less_o in_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o their_o holiness_n of_o life_n their_o charity_n their_o zeal_n their_o unaffected_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o their_o self-denial_n sincerity_n and_o plain_a ingenuity_n methinks_v all_o these_o character_n put_v together_o necessary_o and_o evident_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v plain_a honest_a sincere_a man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o this_o truth_n need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n it_o may_v not_o however_o be_v amiss_o to_o remove_v some_o few_o small_a difficulty_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v all_o
come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n last_o john_n see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o jesus_n under_o such_o a_o form_n as_o true_o denote_v the_o gentleness_n and_o mildness_n his_o life_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n etc._n etc._n these_o three_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v serious_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suspect_v the_o evangelist_n of_o have_v forge_v that_o prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o make_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o utter_v because_o that_o gospel_n be_v compile_v long_o before_o that_o event_n it_o will_v be_v as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o that_o other_o prediction_n of_o the_o baptism_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v falsl_o insert_v into_o the_o history_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v make_v john_n the_o baptist_n utter_v such_o a_o prediction_n have_v they_o see_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n why_o shall_v any_o body_n refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v it_o chapt._n iu._n 1._o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o evangelist_n propose_v any_o other_o method_n to_o themselves_o in_o all_o their_o write_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n they_o will_v never_o have_v represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o he_o who_o set_v he_o one_o while_n upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n in_o all_o this_o relation_n we_o have_v certain_o a_o most_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n verse_n 19_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n who_o be_v this_o that_o without_o riches_n arm_n and_o authority_n nay_o without_o any_o assistance_n from_o man_n pretend_v to_o convert_v ordinary_a fisher_n into_o fisher_n of_o man_n how_o come_v any_o such_o thought_n into_o his_o mind_n what_o a_o strange_a design_n be_v this_o what_o a_o rash_a undertake_n nay_o what_o confidence_n join_v to_o so_o great_a a_o weakness_n for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fortel_n and_o execute_v that_o project_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o convert_v they_o so_o wonderful_o but_o also_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlighten_v they_o of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o less_o sensible_a of_o all_o worldly_a object_n he_o must_v have_v be_v a_o absolute_a master_n of_o suturity_n to_o foretell_v it_o of_o time_n present_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o of_o those_o man_n inclination_n who_o he_o be_v thus_o to_o change_v of_o their_o resistance_n and_o continual_a struggle_n and_o opposition_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o must_v have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o name_n in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o event_n and_o juncture_n whatsoever_o verse_n 24._o and_o his_o fame_n go_v throughout_o all_o syria_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v never_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v become_v famous_a for_o his_o miracle_n have_v he_o real_o neither_o wrought_v nor_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n beside_o herein_o be_v jesus_n christ_n distinguish_v from_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o the_o former_a wrought_v many_o notable_a wonder_n and_o sign_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v famous_a only_o for_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n who_o real_o do_v several_a miracle_n it_o remain_v only_o for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o that_o sole_o depend_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o see_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o the_o enemy_n that_o so_o firm_o oppose_v they_o etc._n etc._n chap._n v._o 1._o and_o see_v the_o multitude_n he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o teach_v they_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n which_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v on_o the_o mount_n we_o need_v only_o read_v it_o over_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o abstract_n of_o the_o most_o sound_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o most_o impartial_a sublime_a and_o surprise_v doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v think_v of_o read_v it_o therefore_o i_o say_v and_o you_o will_v as_o much_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o doctrine_n as_o the_o multitude_n that_o hear_v it_o chap._n viii_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v come_v down_o from_o the_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o leper_n of_o heal_v sick_a person_n that_o be_v absent_a and_o far_o off_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n of_o his_o calm_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o cast_a devil_n out_o of_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o consternation_n the_o gadarenes_n be_v in_o at_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o herd_n of_o swine_n and_o their_o surprise_n to_o see_v those_o heal_v that_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n all_o which_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v be_v persuade_v of_o by_o a_o mere_a illusion_n nor_o the_o disciple_n make_v other_o believe_v against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n verse_n 11._o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v thus_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o make_v he_o so_o clear_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 22._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o follow_v i_o and_o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a this_o be_v certain_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v so_o deep_o reflect_v upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 34._o and_o behold_v the_o whole_a city_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v jesus_n and_o when_o they_o see_v he_o they_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n here_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o may_v have_v easy_o convince_v the_o evangelist_n have_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a chap._n ix_o 1._o and_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n jesus_n christ_n call_v matthew_n from_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n heal_v a_o woman_n that_o be_v disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n twelve_o year_n restore_v sight_n to_o two_o blind_a man_n raise_v a_o young_a girl_n to_o life_n again_o and_o heal_v one_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n now_o matthew_n who_o compile_v the_o history_n of_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o who_o no_o interest_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v oblige_v to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o repose_n can_v not_o but_o know_v certain_o what_o force_n or_o secret_a power_n have_v compel_v he_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o jairus_n know_v very_o well_o whether_o or_o no_o his_o daughter_n have_v be_v raise_v to_o liâ—e_z again_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n have_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o the_o neighbour_n and_o minstrel_n who_o be_v already_o come_v to_o solemnize_v her_o funeral_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o that_o town_n can_v not_o but_o tell_v whether_o they_o real_o experience_v that_o heal_a virtue_n which_o proceed_v from_o his_o very_a garment_n but_o who_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o shall_v not_o have_v know_v it_o and_o suppose_v they_o know_v it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o impose_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o against_o their_o own_o temporal_a interest_n verse_n 5._o for_o whether_o be_v
spiritual_a benefit_n than_o any_o miraculous_a gift_n although_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o transcendent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n than_o the_o former_a verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o she_o martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o do_v ever_o a_o deceiver_n or_o a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o world_n express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n chap._n xi_o 27_o 28._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v a_o certain_a woman_n of_o the_o company_n lift_v up_o her_o voice_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v thou_o and_o the_o pap_n which_o thou_o have_v suck_v but_o he_o say_v yea_o rather_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o flatter_v christ_n for_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o nor_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o man_n inordinate_a desire_n have_v his_o whole_a heart_n fix_v upon_o god_n his_o eye_n his_o ear_n be_v bend_v whole_o upon_o his_o service_n and_o his_o sole_a felicity_n consist_v in_o see_v his_o father_n fear_v and_o adore_v nothing_o can_v be_v pleasant_a nothing_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o true_a piety_n and_o that_o because_o god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o the_o love_n of_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n that_o give_v motion_n to_o all_o his_o desire_n and_o affection_n so_o great_a be_v his_o behaviour_n and_o so_o sublime_a his_o thought_n verse_n 40_o 41._o you_o fool_n do_v not_o he_o that_o make_v that_o which_o be_v without_o make_v that_o which_o be_v within_o also_o but_o rather_o give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o the_o pharisee_n contend_v only_o for_o outward_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n but_o christ_n for_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o internal_a which_o think_v you_o of_o the_o two_o know_v best_o the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n chap._n xii_o but_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o christ_n utter_o renounce_v all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v scarce_o hear_v they_o mention_v so_o strange_o have_v he_o wean_v his_o thought_n from_o the_o world_n verse_n 30_o 31._o for_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n seek_v after_o and_o your_o father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o rather_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o christ_n design_v to_o form_v a_o society_n that_o shall_v whole_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v utter_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o not_o busy_a their_o thought_n about_o temporal_a concern_v such_o as_o be_v to_o lose_v all_o their_o possession_n and_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o punishment_n to_o be_v number_v among_o his_o follower_n do_v ever_o yet_o such_o a_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a design_n enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n a_o strange_a and_o terrible_a declaration_n indeed_o which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v a_o flatter_a impostor_n chap._n xxiv_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51_o 52_o 53_o and_o you_o be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o behold_v i_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o my_o father_n but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o you_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o he_o lead_v they_o out_o as_o far_o as_o to_o bethany_n and_o he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o bless_a they_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o they_o worship_v he_o and_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o bless_v god_n in_o these_o word_n we_o find_v four_o several_a thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o reflection_n 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o 4._o their_o continual_a assiduity_n in_o praise_v god_n how_o can_v st._n luke_n have_v make_v his_o brethren_n believe_v that_o chrict_a have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v exceed_o joyful_a and_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o blessing_n god_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v none_o of_o they_o to_o believe_v it_o what_o can_v be_v his_o design_n in_o write_v it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n st._n john_n chap._n i._n 8_o 9_o he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o â—ear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n be_v original_o but_o a_o fisherman_n who_o then_o can_v have_v infuse_v these_o sublime_a notion_n into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 14._o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o â—nly_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n there_o plain_o appear_v in_o this_o discourse_n the_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v see_v with_o his_o eye_n what_o he_o testify_v and_o the_o fullness_n of_o a_o understanding_n that_o be_v true_o convince_v of_o what_o he_o assert_v nay_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o author_n that_o think_v no_o expression_n can_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o utter_v what_o he_o think_v and_o who_o unite_a together_o several_a idea_n different_a from_o one_o another_o because_o a_o single_a idea_n can_v not_o perfect_o represent_v what_o he_o will_v say_v the_o word_n glory_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o further_o add_v a_o glory_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n chap._n iii_o 7._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o what_o can_v be_v more_o extraordinary_a than_o this_o discourse_n and_o how_o strange_o persuade_v be_v he_o that_o speak_v it_o that_o we_o must_v be_v entire_o change_v before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n verse_n 13._o and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n certain_o this_o man_n speak_v not_o like_o other_o man_n whatever_o he_o say_v here_o seem_v either_o to_o be_v very_o extravagant_o blasphemous_a or_o something_o above_o the_o sublimest_n thought_n of_o men._n if_o then_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o manner_n his_o holiness_n of_o life_n his_o short_a clear_a expressive_a precept_n that_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o nothing_o but_o piety_n and_o true_a holiness_n together_o with_o the_o surprise_v and_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n force_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o expression_n as_o blasphemous_a we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o believe_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v so_o too_o verse_n 31._o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o earth_n he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o though_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v not_o say_v this_o we_o may_v have_v know_v christ_n by_o his_o own_o word_n to_o have_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n chap._n iu._n but_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n these_o expression_n be_v something_o more_o than_o humane_a have_v christ_n think_v like_o other_o man_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v express_v himself_o so_o too_o but_o he_o think_v no_o otherwise_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n than_o as_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a what_o ever_o he_o meet_v with_o he_o make_v use_v of_o only_a for_o that_o design_n he_o seem_v to_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n for_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n to_z fishermen_z he_o speak_v of_o become_a fisher_n of_o men._n to_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o birth_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v bear_v again_o when_o they_o speak_v
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o mean_v only_o those_o event_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n final_o there_o may_v be_v several_a religion_n that_o may_v deceive_v but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o can_v true_o satisfy_v mankind_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n ground_v upon_o fabulous_a miracle_n and_o confirm_v by_o witness_n easy_o convince_v of_o imposture_n but_o none_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v firm_o and_o solid_o establish_v to_o upon_o true_a miracle_n and_o valid_a testimony_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n have_v such_o extraordinary_a qualification_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o it_o must_v also_o be_v affirm_v that_o it_o be_v free_a from_o all_o such_o defect_n as_o be_v incident_a to_o other_o religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o 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matter_n and_o so_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o most_o wretched_a and_o impious_a ignorance_n and_o horrid_a darkness_n of_o understanding_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v no_o better_o comprehend_v what_o eternity_n infinity_o extension_n the_o manner_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n be_v than_o we_o already_o know_v what_o pass_v within_o god_n 2_o lie_v that_o our_o heart_n be_v dispose_v to_o such_o a_o submission_n of_o mind_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o civil_a and_o natural_a concern_v and_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o do_v not_o defer_v to_o receive_v nourishment_n till_o we_o be_v full_o instruct_v after_o what_o manner_n nutrition_n be_v make_v within_o we_o and_o if_o we_o be_v easy_o induce_v to_o believe_v the_o attraction_n of_o the_o magnetic_a stone_n though_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o