to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
marcellin_n b._n xxiii_o c._n 1._o heathen_a historian_n who_o be_v then_o live_v and_o write_v the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o have_v show_v himself_o in_o no_o respect_n over_o favourable_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o be_v a_o soldier_n under_o julian_n and_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o diminish_v his_o character_n the_o judgement_n also_o which_o befall_v several_a of_o the_o great_a persecutor_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o miraculous_a and_o so_o terrible_a as_o to_o extort_v a_o confession_n from_o some_o of_o they_o of_o god_n justice_n in_o their_o punishment_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recall_n their_o persecute_v edict_n and_o change_v they_o for_o other_o in_o favour_n of_o christianity_n 49._o christianity_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 17._o ix_o c._n 10._o lactant_fw-la de_fw-la mortib_fw-la persecut_n c._n xxxiv_o 49._o the_o edict_n of_o maximianus_n and_o maximin_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o eusebius_n and_o iii._o and_o hieron_n in_o hab._n c._n iii._o the_o judgement_n upon_o julian_n be_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o remarkable_a that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a cavil_v that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o christian_n have_v not_o show_v that_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n which_o they_o report_v of_o he_o in_o it_o and_o when_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o come_v down_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n after_o they_o thus_o manifest_v itself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pretence_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o must_v provoke_v they_o to_o make_v all_o the_o discovery_n they_o possible_o can_v concern_v it_o when_o it_o thus_o triumph_v over_o all_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n whilst_o its_o poor_a and_o persecute_a professor_n be_v under_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n and_o lie_v continual_o expose_v to_o their_o cruelty_n and_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n proffer_v in_o public_a apology_n by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n or_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n to_o prove_v their_o own_o religion_n true_a and_o they_o false_a and_o its_o cruel_a persecutor_n be_v by_o miraculous_a judgement_n force_v to_o become_v its_o protector_n this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v towards_o the_o fulfil_n the_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v his_o witness_n to_o all_o nation_n but_o iii_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o have_v be_v thus_o propagate_v unless_o this_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v still_o further_o manifest_a by_o the_o courage_n and_o resolution_n and_o patience_n of_o the_o apostle_n under_o their_o suffering_n our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o to_o become_v witness_n unto_o he_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judaea_n and_o in_o samaria_n these_o be_v the_o place_n where_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n and_o where_o he_o have_v be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v and_o at_o last_o crucify_v and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n go_v not_o from_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o part_n adjacent_a 18._o adjacent_a euseb_n hist_o lib._n â—_o o._n 18._o till_o twelve_o year_n after_o his_o ascension_n and_o when_o they_o have_v testify_v his_o resurrection_n and_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o the_o jew_n their_o work_n be_v not_o yet_o a_o end_n but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v his_o witness_n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o even_o thither_o several_a of_o they_o go_v fear_v no_o danger_n and_o be_v discourage_v at_o no_o suffering_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o some_o man_n by_o which_o they_o be_v often_o carry_v both_o to_o do_v and_o to_o endure_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o other_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o apostle_n they_o be_v natural_o very_o timorous_a and_o faint_a heart_a they_o all_o forsake_v their_o master_n and_o flee_v when_o he_o be_v first_o apprehend_v and_o then_o be_v very_o backward_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n and_o when_o they_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o preach_v be_v to_o other_o but_o after_o he_o have_v be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n they_o still_o have_v mistake_v notion_n and_o expectation_n concern_v it_o when_o they_o therefore_o be_v come_v together_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o say_v â—ord_n will_v thou_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n and_o when_o christ_n be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n they_o stand_v gaze_v up_o after_o he_o not_o know_v what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o till_o two_o angel_n admonish_v they_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o stand_v look_v thus_o any_o long_o and_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o stay_v ten_o day_n before_o they_o venture_v to_o publish_v any_o thing_n of_o what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v till_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n in_o a_o visible_a and_o audible_a manner_n the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o they_o and_o quite_o change_v their_o temper_n and_o of_o the_o most_o timorous_a make_v they_o the_o most_o courageous_a and_o resolute_a inspire_v they_o with_o a_o divine_a vigour_n and_o presence_n of_o mind_n for_o of_o all_o their_o miracle_n few_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v more_o wonderful_a than_o that_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o mind_n which_o man_n so_o low_a and_o mean_a and_o abject_a and_o before_o so_o fearful_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v now_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o our_o saviour_n speak_v to_o these_o his_o poor_a disciple_n and_o command_v they_o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n matt._n xxviii_o 19_o it_o be_v such_o a_o command_n as_o no_o king_n nor_o lawgiver_n ever_o presume_v to_o give_v in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o when_o god_n himself_o send_v moses_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n only_o moses_n fear_v the_o success_n and_o will_v fain_o have_v decline_v the_o message_n and_o how_o may_v the_o disciple_n have_v reply_v to_o our_o saviour_n how_o shall_v we_o preach_v to_o the_o roman_n and_o dispute_v with_o the_o grecian_n and_o discourse_n with_o the_o most_o remote_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o our_o own_o native_a tongue_n how_o can_v we_o compel_v all_o nation_n to_o forsake_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o their_o several_a country_n and_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o we_o be_v command_v to_o teach_v they_o with_o what_o force_n of_o eloquence_n be_v we_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o design_n what_o hope_n can_v we_o have_v to_o succeed_v in_o a_o attempt_n to_o set_v up_o law_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o law_n establish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o god_n what_o strength_n can_v we_o have_v to_o overcome_v such_o difficulty_n and_o to_o accomplish_v such_o a_o enterprise_n but_o they_o make_v no_o objection_n our_o saviour_n have_v converse_v with_o they_o forty_o day_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o now_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o he_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n and_o he_o command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o act_v i_o 4._o and_o when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v they_o be_v endue_v by_o he_o with_o a_o courage_n and_o resolution_n almost_o as_o wonderful_a as_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v to_o perperform_v the_o great_a work_n which_o lie_v before_o they_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o daunt_v at_o any_o danger_n or_o torment_n or_o death_n but_o go_v on_o courageous_o in_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o power_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o bring_v the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n they_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n nothing_o can_v now_o discourage_v they_o who_o before_o be_v so_o timorous_a and_o unbelieving_a the_o come_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n down_o upon_o they_o wrought_v a_o mighty_a change_n in_o they_o who_o be_v to_o work_v as_o great_a a_o alteration_n in_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o st._n peter_n stand_v with_o the_o eleven_o lift_v up_o his_o voice_n he_o speak_v with_o wonderful_a resolution_n and_o the_o rest_n stand_v by_o to_o bear_v witness_n to_o
the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v they_o stand_v now_o undaunted_a by_o to_o testify_v that_o their_o master_n be_v again_o alive_a who_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o he_o that_o before_o so_o shameful_o deny_v he_o thrice_o be_v startle_v and_o affright_v at_o the_o question_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n maid_n now_o speak_v aloud_o in_o a_o vast_a concourse_n of_o people_n with_o so_o much_o steadfastness_n that_o this_o alone_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o concern_v at_o the_o mockery_n and_o abuse_n that_o be_v put_v upon_o they_o the_o spirit_n have_v descend_v on_o they_o and_o raise_v they_o above_o such_o mean_a and_o foolish_a apprehension_n they_o be_v now_o full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o no_o worldly_a thought_n can_v move_v they_o they_o act_v with_o the_o force_n and_o vigour_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o fire_n in_o which_o the_o holy_a 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dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n act_n three_o 13_o 14_o 15._o and_o before_o the_o council_n o_o you_o ruler_n of_o the_o people_n and_o elder_n of_o israel_n if_o we_o this_o day_n be_v examine_v of_o the_o good_a deed_n do_v to_o the_o impotent_a man_n by_o what_o mean_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a be_v it_o know_v to_o you_o all_o and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n who_o you_o crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a this_o be_v the_o stone_n which_o be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o you_o builder_n which_o be_v become_v the_o head_n of_o the_o corner_n neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v act_v four_o 8_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o the_o god_n of_o our_o father_n raise_v up_o jesus_n who_o you_o slay_v and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n he_o have_v god_n exalt_v with_o his_o right_a hand_n to_o be_v a_o prince_n and_o a_o saviour_n for_o to_o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o act._n v._n 30_o etc._n etc._n with_o what_o freedom_n and_o authority_n do_v he_o now_o speak_v how_o unlike_a be_v he_o now_o to_o the_o man_n he_o be_v before_o when_o he_o thrice_o deny_v his_o master_n whilst_o alive_a and_o what_o can_v make_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o he_o after_o his_o master_n death_n but_o a_o supernatural_a power_n what_o can_v cause_v he_o thus_o frequent_o and_o earnest_o to_o make_v a_o open_a confession_n of_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o people_n and_o before_o their_o council_n if_o he_o have_v not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o have_v not_o do_v all_o his_o miracle_n by_o virtue_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o christ_n ascension_n and_o the_o same_o constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n appear_v in_o st._n stephen_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n which_o yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o equal_a humility_n and_o meekness_n whether_o it_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o hearken_v unto_o you_o more_o than_o unto_o god_n judge_v you_o for_o we_o can_v but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v act_v four_o 19_o 20._o you_o may_v do_v your_o pleasure_n but_o we_o must_v do_v our_o duty_n nothing_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n nor_o of_o wildness_n and_o extravagancy_n but_o a_o constant_a composedness_n and_o gravity_n and_o a_o rational_a sober_a zeal_n appear_v in_o all_o their_o behaviour_n they_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o then_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o and_o afterward_o suffer_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v it_o or_o defist_n from_o preach_v it_o though_o they_o can_v cure_v all_o disease_n and_o dispossess_v devil_n and_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o take_v away_o their_o life_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o exempt_v from_o suffering_n because_o we_o must_v then_o have_v want_v one_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n not_o of_o fear_n and_o astonishment_n and_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n which_o be_v apt_a mighty_o to_o work_v upon_o the_o affection_n and_o upon_o any_o seed_n of_o good_a nature_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o when_o by_o their_o miracle_n they_o have_v raise_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v their_o patience_n under_o suffering_n not_o only_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o religious_a life_n in_o gain_v upon_o the_o inclination_n and_o affection_n and_o in_o calm_v the_o spirit_n and_o prepare_v they_o by_o so_o great_a example_n of_o patience_n to_o endure_v all_o the_o calamity_n incident_a to_o man_n who_o be_v there_o that_o be_v not_o more_o affect_v with_o the_o meek_a and_o humble_a courage_n and_o invincible_a patience_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o with_o all_o the_o great_a act_n of_o the_o mighty_a conqueror_n and_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n a_o few_o poor_a unarmed_a defenceless_a man_n stand_v before_o arm_v multitude_n and_o speak_v with_o as_o much_o authority_n as_o if_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o indeed_o all_o power_n be_v in_o their_o hand_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o assist_v and_o inspire_v they_o who_o be_v above_o all_o they_o speak_v to_o multitude_n with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o to_o one_o man_n and_o to_o all_o nation_n with_o as_o much_o ease_n as_o to_o one_o people_n and_o the_o same_o holy_a spirit_n who_o descend_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n descend_v upon_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n and_o give_v that_o great_a apostle_n so_o much_o confidence_n and_o resolution_n so_o much_o patience_n and_o zeal_n under_o his_o suffering_n which_o be_v so_o severe_a and_o terrible_a that_o we_o can_v scarce_o read_v they_o with_o so_o little_a horror_n as_o he_o undergo_v they_o thus_o do_v the_o holy_a ghost_n fit_a and_o prepare_v the_o apostle_n to_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n by_o inspire_v they_o with_o all_o that_o courage_n and_o
patience_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o ungrateful_a and_o despise_a truth_n among_o those_o who_o will_v think_v themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o have_v wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v so_o resolute_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v their_o miracle_n themselves_o may_v have_v become_v suspect_v but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o be_v support_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o a_o supernatural_a constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o sudden_o change_v and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o work_v the_o same_o change_n in_o other_o they_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v and_o as_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n down_o upon_o their_o disciple_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o affliction_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o any_o christian_a emperor_n till_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n can_v need_v no_o human_a aid_n nor_o be_v suppress_v by_o any_o human_a force_n and_o that_o he_o may_v recommend_v the_o great_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o example_n man_n as_o eminent_a for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o may_v instruct_v mankind_n in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n for_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o protection_n from_o christian_a emperor_n till_o most_o of_o the_o empire_n be_v become_v christian_a and_o christianity_n have_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o before_o the_o last_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n 1._o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 1._o the_o church_n flourish_v as_o much_o and_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o great_a man_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n almost_o as_o under_o constantine_n himself_o till_o their_o prosperity_n cause_v their_o sin_n and_o these_o bring_v persecution_n but_o at_o last_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n be_v force_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o they_o to_o restore_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o former_a liberty_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n need_v no_o patronage_n of_o man_n for_o god_n will_v compel_v its_o worst_a enemy_n to_o become_v its_o protector_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v and_o 16._o and_o sozom_n lib._n v._o c._n 16._o when_o julian_n make_v it_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o business_n to_o restore_v paganism_n again_o in_o the_o world_n he_o see_v to_o his_o grief_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o his_o endeavour_n prove_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v a_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o own_o priest_n themselves_o be_v most_o of_o they_o christian_n if_o any_o one_o then_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n can_v withstand_v the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a evidence_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o believe_v any_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o never_o see_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n he_o can_v discern_v in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o and_o beside_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o in_o a_o vicious_a and_o subtle_a age_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o so_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a mean_n can_v obtain_v so_o universal_o among_o man_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o profession_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o so_o violent_a opposition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v by_o miracle_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v propagate_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o propagate_v by_o miracle_n the_o propagation_n itself_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v just_o esteem_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o history_n if_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o integrity_n man_n who_o have_v no_o suspicion_n upon_o they_o of_o dishonesty_n and_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o deceive_v and_o who_o relate_v nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o within_o their_o own_o knowledge_n though_o the_o author_n never_o suffer_v any_o loss_n nor_o run_v any_o hazard_n in_o assert_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o history_n to_o future_a age_n be_v rather_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v attest_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o they_o all_o remain_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o what_o they_o witness_v have_v be_v do_v for_o several_a year_n afterward_o declare_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o all_o the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n they_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a language_n and_o general_o know_v at_o that_o time_n st._n matthew_n who_o first_o pen_v his_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v it_o in_o hebrew_n or_o syriack_n though_o it_o be_v soon_o after_o translate_v into_o greek_n so_o that_o whover_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v read_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o language_n not_o long_o after_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v pen_v and_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o short_a time_n disperse_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n it_o be_v particular_o relate_v ebion_n relate_v eâ—iphan_n haerâ—â—_n ebion_n that_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v soon_o translate_v into_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o evangelist_n give_v such_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o must_v suppose_v they_o record_v at_o rome_n for_o there_o the_o censual_a table_n be_v keep_v where_o by_o st._n luke_n account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v be_v register_v and_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o they_o relate_v they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n the_o emperor_n must_v have_v a_o relation_n send_v he_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o infant_n by_o herod_n be_v preserve_v to_o we_o by_o a_o say_n of_o augustus_n concern_v herod_n upon_o it_o 4._o it_o macrobius_n saturnal_a lib._n two_o c._n 4._o which_o be_v mention_v in_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a author_n for_o augustus_n be_v tell_v that_o among_o other_o herod_n have_v cause_v his_o own_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v which_o whether_o true_a or_o no_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n swine_n than_o his_o son_n tacitus_n mention_n our_o saviour_n suffering_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o 21._o his_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 21._o apology_n tell_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o miraculous_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v at_o christ_n death_n stand_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o own_o register_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
nation_n to_o report_v that_o after_o so_o many_o loathsome_a and_o grievous_a plague_n inflict_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n they_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o destruction_n of_o he_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n in_o the_o red-sea_n make_v their_o escape_n and_o that_o they_o force_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n that_o withstand_v their_o passage_n into_o canaan_n and_o vanquish_v and_o destroy_v they_o as_o they_o go_v and_o then_o to_o proclaim_v a_o sacred_a war_n against_o all_o the_o nation_n who_o land_n they_o be_v to_o possess_v and_o many_o of_o who_o posterity_n be_v remain_v in_o solomon_n time_n and_o probable_o long_a after_o and_o may_v have_v be_v able_a to_o confute_v great_a part_n of_o what_o the_o israelite_n affirm_v of_o themselves_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o of_o a_o late_a invention_n for_o any_o people_n i_o say_v to_o invent_v such_o account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o ancestor_n and_o then_o to_o make_v such_o law_n and_o to_o have_v the_o one_o believe_v and_o the_o other_o obey_v be_v altogether_o incredible_a when_o they_o have_v enrage_v all_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n to_o their_o destruction_n they_o oblige_v themselves_o by_o their_o law_n to_o leave_v all_o their_o border_n naked_a thrice_o every_o year_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o no_o people_n can_v have_v live_v half_o a_o age_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n under_o such_o law_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v protect_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o appear_v therefore_o that_o as_o neither_o moses_n himself_o nor_o any_o party_n of_o man_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o after_o it_o can_v either_o invent_v or_o change_n and_o falsify_v the_o book_n which_o be_v under_o his_o name_n so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o extravagant_a if_o possible_a to_o conceit_n that_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o israel_n shall_v either_o in_o moses_n time_n or_o afterward_o be_v conscious_a to_o such_o a_o imposture_n and_o yet_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v ever_o discover_v it_o but_o it_o shall_v to_o this_o day_n be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o neither_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n when_o jeroboam_n be_v force_v to_o set_v up_o altar_n in_o other_o place_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o worship_n nor_o upon_o any_o other_o occasion_n this_o secret_a if_o that_o may_v be_v call_v so_o which_o must_v be_v know_v to_o so_o many_o thousand_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o light_v beside_o that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v those_o law_n by_o unanimous_a consent_n among_o themselves_o which_o they_o be_v so_o hardly_o bring_v to_o obey_v and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v disobedient_a they_o will_v never_o have_v pretend_v they_o be_v and_o have_v invent_v miracle_n to_o make_v it_o believe_v and_o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o forward_o in_o their_o obedience_n they_o can_v not_o have_v live_v in_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n without_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n if_o then_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o consequent_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o give_v his_o law_n to_o the_o israelite_n be_v sufficient_o attest_v suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o if_o neither_o moses_n himself_o can_v feign_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o any_o other_o person_n or_o person_n either_o in_o his_o time_n or_o afterward_o can_v insert_v they_o or_o change_v the_o law_n and_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n can_v not_o at_o any_o time_n conspire_v in_o such_o a_o fiction_n and_o imposture_n we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o any_o sober_a man_n can_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n pen_v by_o he_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o after_o all_o the_o reflection_n make_v by_o infidel_n upon_o the_o credulity_n as_o they_o esteem_v it_o of_o other_o there_o be_v none_o so_o credulous_a as_o they_o for_o they_o reject_v the_o most_o certain_a to_o believe_v the_o most_o incredible_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n of_o moses_n be_v sully_v prove_v from_o thence_o it_o will_v follow_v 1._o that_o god_n have_v institute_v the_o jewish_a government_n be_v in_o point_n both_o of_o wisdom_n and_o honour_n concern_v in_o the_o administration_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o more_o especial_a and_o peculiar_a care_n and_o providence_n must_v he_o watchful_a over_o this_o holy_a nation_n and_o peculiar_a people_n 2_o that_o whatever_o befall_v they_o either_o by_o prophecy_n or_o by_o miracle_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a appointment_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n make_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v beside_o its_o own_o proper_a and_o intrinsic_a evidence_n the_o additional_a proof_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n of_o moses_n so_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o moses_n his_o book_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o proof_n of_o all_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n and_o subject_n of_o they_o consequent_a to_o these_o 3._o that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o this_o place_n reciprocal_o prove_v each_o other_o like_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n the_o pentateuch_n be_v the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o these_o and_o these_o the_o effect_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o fulfil_n the_o several_a prediction_n of_o it_o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o joshua_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n and_o some_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n yet_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o must_v be_v write_v by_o his_o particular_a order_n in_o his_o life-time_n or_o soon_o after_o his_o death_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o require_v that_o the_o division_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n among_o the_o several_a tribe_n shall_v forthwith_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v for_o no_o people_n can_v be_v name_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n that_o trust_v the_o boundary_n of_o their_o land_n to_o memory_n and_o there_o be_v no_o delay_n to_o be_v use_v in_o such_o case_n joshua_n therefore_o who_o do_v by_o lot_n set_v out_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n put_v they_o down_o in_o write_v which_o he_o lest_o upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n to_o prevent_v dispute_n and_o to_o be_v appeal_v to_o in_o case_n any_o controversy_n shall_v arise_v but_o the_o bare_a distribution_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o to_o be_v transmit_v without_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miraculous_a conquest_n of_o it_o which_o may_v dispose_v they_o to_o be_v conâ—ented_v with_o their_o several_a lot_n and_o remind_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n in_o the_o possesssion_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o land_n which_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o thy_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n the_o book_n of_o joshua_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v write_v during_o the_o life-time_n of_o rahab_n jos_n vi_fw-la 25._o and_o to_o have_v be_v write_v in_o part_n at_o least_o by_o joshua_n himself_o and_o annex_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xxiv_o 26._o but_o the_o five_o last_o verse_n give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o of_o what_o follow_v after_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n probable_o by_o samuel_n who_o according_a to_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n where_o we_o find_v the_o same_o thing_n repeat_v concern_v the_o death_n of_o joshua_n judg._n two_o 7._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n two_o 23._o judg._n xiii_o 5._o and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v entitle_v to_o samuel_n act._n iii._o 24._o where_o samuel_n be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o of_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o book_n write_v by_o they_o that_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n be_v pen_v before_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalâ—â—â—_n by_o david_n we_o may_v learn_v from_o judg._n i._n 22._o after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n joshua_n undertake_v the_o government_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o his_o investiture_n to_o it_o by_o moses_n num._n xxvii_o 22._o who_o also_o foretell_v the_o great_a success_n that_o
afterward_o attend_v he_o deut._n i_o 38._o and_o at_o his_o first_o entrance_n upon_o the_o government_n god_n give_v to_o he_o the_o same_o divine_a attestation_n that_o have_v before_o be_v give_v to_o moses_n in_o their_o passage_n through_o the_o red-sea_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o joshua_n this_o day_n will_v i_o begin_v to_o magnify_v thou_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v know_v that_o as_o i_o be_v with_o moses_n so_o i_o will_v be_v with_o thou_o jos_n iii._o 7._o and_o for_o a_o certain_a demonstration_n that_o the_o live_a god_n be_v among_o they_o and_o will_v give_v they_o victory_n over_o the_o seven_o nation_n and_o possession_n of_o their_o land_n the_o priest_n do_v by_o god_n appointment_n bear_v the_o ark_n before_o the_o people_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o foot_n be_v dip_v in_o the_o brim_n of_o the_o water_n in_o the_o time_n of_o harvest_n when_o the_o river_n jordan_n be_v at_o the_o high_a and_o overflow_v all_o its_o bank_n the_o water_n divide_v themselves_o those_o above_o stand_v on_o one_o side_n in_o heap_n and_o those_o below_o be_v cut_v off_o and_o sail_v the_o priest_n stand_v with_o the_o ark_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o river_n upon_o dry-ground_n till_o all_o the_o people_n be_v pass_v over_o and_o until_o every_o thing_n be_v finish_v that_o the_o lord_n command_v joshua_n to_o speak_v unto_o the_o people_n according_a to_o all_o that_o moses_n command_v joshua_n josh_n four_o 10._o now_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a tradition_n among_o the_o jew_n 46._o jew_n light_a chorograph_n centur._n c._n 48._o p._n 46._o that_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o wilderness_n contain_v a_o square_a of_o twelve_o mile_n and_o that_o the_o host_n take_v up_o the_o same_o space_n whilst_o they_o pass_v jordan_n however_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o keep_v at_o the_o distance_n of_o about_o two_o thousand_o cubit_n from_o the_o ark_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o jordan_n josh_n iii._o 4._o so_o that_o the_o water_n must_v be_v withdraw_v for_o many_o mile_n in_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o whole_a army_n over_o the_o river_n if_o they_o pass_v it_o in_o a_o regular_a march_n and_o in_o such_o order_n of_o battle_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o oppose_v the_o enemy_n or_o if_o they_o march_v in_o a_o narrow_a body_n they_o must_v be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o in_o their_o passage_n which_o way_n soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o manifest_a miracle_n the_o people_n be_v all_o go_v over_o and_o every_o thing_n perform_v which_o god_n have_v command_v the_o priest_n with_o the_o ark_n come_v out_o of_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o river_n where_o they_o have_v all_o this_o while_n stand_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o their_o foot_n be_v lift_v up_o unto_o the_o dry_a land_n beyond_o the_o water_n which_o stand_v then_o on_o a_o heap_n and_o do_v not_o flow_v down_o as_o at_o other_o time_n they_o resume_v their_o course_n and_o return_v to_o their_o place_n and_o flow_v over_o all_o the_o bank_n as_o they_o do_v before_o josh_n four_o 8._o and_o as_o a_o memorial_n of_o this_o miracle_n to_o all_o posterity_n twelve_o stone_n be_v set_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jordan_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o bear_v the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n stand_v ver_fw-la 8_o 9_o and_o twelve_o stone_n more_o be_v take_v out_o of_o jordan_n whilst_o it_o be_v dry_a by_o twelve_o man_n choose_v out_o of_o the_o people_n one_o out_o of_o every_o tribe_n and_o be_v pitch_v in_o gilgal_n ver_fw-la 20._o thus_o do_v the_o lord_n magnify_v joshua_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o israel_n and_o they_o fear_v he_o as_o they_o fear_v moses_n all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n v._o 14._o here_o be_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o the_o most_o remarkable_a manner_n which_o the_o whole_a people_n be_v witness_n to_o and_o effectual_a care_n be_v take_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n be_v cut_v off_o for_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n into_o canaan_n as_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n have_v be_v divide_v to_o procure_v their_o escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n and_o such_o a_o experiment_n be_v not_o to_o have_v be_v make_v twice_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v a_o true_a miracle_n they_o be_v no_o soon_o come_v into_o the_o promise_a land_n but_o all_o the_o male_n be_v circumcise_a that_o rite_n have_v be_v omit_v in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o be_v thereby_o disable_v for_o war_n which_o have_v be_v a_o strange_a policy_n for_o the_o invader_n of_o a_o country_n to_o wound_v themselves_o and_o render_v themselves_o unfit_a for_o fight_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o arrive_v in_o the_o coast_n of_o the_o enemy_n if_o the_o canaanite_n have_v not_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o miraculous_a awe_n and_o power_n from_o set_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o son_n of_o jacob_n do_v upon_o the_o shechemite_n gen._n xxxiv_o before_o they_o be_v recover_v of_o their_o soreness_n after_o circumcision_n the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n be_v throw_v down_o only_o by_o march_v round_o it_o seven_o day_n and_o blow_v with_o trumpet_n and_o this_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o prophecy_n that_o whosoever_o shall_v attempt_v to_o rebuild_v jericho_n shall_v lay_v the_o foundation_n thereof_o in_o his_o first-born_a and_o in_o his_o young_a son_n shall_v he_o set_v up_o the_o gate_n of_o it_o josh_n vi_fw-la 26._o which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o ahab_n when_o hiel_n the_o bethelite_a lose_v his_o elder_a son_n abiram_n upon_o his_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o his_o young_a son_n segub_n upon_o his_o set_n up_o the_o gate_n 1_o king_n xuj_o 34._o these_o miracle_n and_o the_o stand_v still_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n whilst_o the_o israelite_n pursue_v and_o vanquish_v their_o enemy_n and_o the_o prodigious_a hailstone_n cast_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o slay_v more_o of_o they_o than_o the_o sword_n can_v do_v and_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o victory_n never_o interrupt_v but_o for_o achan_n offence_n strike_v such_o a_o mighty_a terror_n into_o the_o canaanite_n that_o some_o of_o they_o seek_v out_o way_n to_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o the_o israelite_n by_o submission_n and_o other_o flee_v into_o foreign_a country_n and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o conquer_v by_o a_o miraculous_a and_o divine_a power_n not_o by_o any_o carnal_a force_n or_o strength_n joshua_n by_o god_n command_n destroy_v the_o horse_n and_o the_o chariot_n that_o he_o take_v from_o the_o enemy_n josh_n xi_o 9_o which_o have_v be_v a_o strange_a action_n in_o humane_a policy_n but_o by_o such_o unlikely_a mean_n he_o subdue_v one_o and_o thirty_o king_n of_o the_o canaanite_n chap._n twelve_o and_o then_o divide_v the_o land_n not_o yet_o conquer_v among_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o as_o if_o they_o have_v it_o already_o in_o possession_n chap._n xiii_o 2_o 7._o joshua_n after_o so_o many_o victory_n and_o so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n come_v to_o be_v divide_v among_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n take_v no_o more_o for_o his_o own_o inheritance_n than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o spare_v he_o after_o the_o land_n have_v be_v divide_v among_o the_o tribe_n ch_n nineteeen_o 49._o and_o at_o last_o as_o moses_n have_v do_v he_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o to_o their_o very_a sense_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o wonder_n and_o deliverance_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o god_n have_v wrought_v among_o they_o chap._n xxiv_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n god_n raise_v up_o judge_n out_o of_o several_a family_n and_o tribe_n with_o a_o immediate_a and_o extraordintry_a commission_n to_o govern_v and_o protect_v his_o people_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o private_a end_n or_o politic_a design_n carry_v on_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n but_o upon_o their_o disobedience_n and_o idolatry_n they_o be_v from_o time_n to_o time_n punish_v with_o slaughter_n and_o captivity_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v as_o constant_o deliver_v judge_n be_v purposely_o raise_v up_o to_o be_v conqueror_n and_o deliverer_n and_o never_o fail_v of_o success_n but_o beside_o these_o who_o be_v impower_v by_o god_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o have_v other_o judge_n or_o chief_a magistrate_n to_o administer_v justice_n and_o to_o preside_v over_o the_o public_a affair_n for_o the_o welfare_n of_o the_o people_n such_o be_v eli_n and_o samuel_n eli_n be_v a_o great_a example_n how_o much_o fondness_n and_o natural_a affection_n may_v prevail_v over_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n but_o he_o be_v more_o afflict_v to_o hear_v that_o
c._n 18._o lib._n v._o c._n 7._o quadratus_n have_v this_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o it_o continue_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o time_n of_o justin_n martyr_n and_o of_o irenaeus_n ii_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v according_a to_o a_o express_a promise_n of_o christ_n to_o they_o that_o after_o his_o ascension_n they_o shall_v do_v even_o great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v himself_o john_n fourteen_o 12._o that_o be_v they_o shall_v do_v work_n that_o will_v be_v more_o eminent_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n though_o not_o more_o excellent_a and_o divine_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v great_a in_o that_o sense_n than_o to_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a which_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v to_o they_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n when_o man_n from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v witness_n to_o it_o for_o they_o be_v command_v by_o our_o saviour_n not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o this_o promise_n and_o he_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o many_o day_n after_o his_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o they_o and_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o he_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judaea_n and_o in_o samaria_n and_o unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n act_v i_o 4_o 5_o 8._o and_o this_o miraculous_a power_n be_v visible_o bestow_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o but_o upon_o the_o 643._o the_o monstrabatur_fw-la locus_fw-la ubi_fw-la super_fw-la centum_fw-la viginti_fw-la credentium_fw-la animas_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la descendisset_fw-la hieron_n epitaph_n paulae_n vid._n dr._n light_n exercit_fw-la on_o act._n two_o 1._o p._n 643._o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_v i_o 15._o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v effectual_o qualify_v to_o be_v witness_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v christ_n and_o that_o they_o can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o nor_o can_v propose_v any_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o by_o deceive_v other_o and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v design_v any_o deceit_n they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v past_o undiscovered_a all_o which_o will_v be_v exceed_o confirm_v by_o consider_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a to_o this_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v how_o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n 1._o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o 2._o by_o that_o power_n which_o be_v convey_v by_o they_o to_o other_o of_o work_v miracle_n 3._o by_o their_o supernatural_a resolution_n courage_n and_o patience_n under_o their_o suffering_n i._o the_o apostle_n be_v enable_v to_o become_v witness_n to_o christ_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v themselves_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n qualify_v they_o most_o effectual_o to_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o other_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o they_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v in_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o to_o be_v a_o assurance_n to_o themselves_o and_o a_o evidence_n to_o other_o that_o it_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engage_v and_o his_o truth_n which_o they_o deliver_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o undoubted_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a whether_o they_o be_v real_a miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v or_o not_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v whether_o their_o own_o pretence_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o whether_o they_o can_v speak_v the_o language_n and_o do_v the_o wonder_n which_o the_o world_n believe_v they_o to_o do_v and_o speak_v and_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v by_o what_o power_n and_o mean_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v all_o their_o miraculous_a work_n and_o these_o work_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o do_v in_o that_o manner_n that_o they_o can_v impose_v upon_o no_o man_n by_o they_o they_o can_v not_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o they_o speak_v all_o kind_n of_o language_n if_o they_o do_v not_o speak_v they_o nor_o that_o they_o cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n if_o they_o have_v not_o cure_v they_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o know_v a_o language_n that_o he_o understand_v when_o he_o hear_v it_o or_o than_o for_o man_n that_o be_v sick_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v recover_v when_o they_o feel_v themselves_o well_o and_o the_o manner_n oâ—_n their_o perform_v these_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o public_a and_o notorious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_v at_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n who_o be_v meet_v together_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n at_o that_o solemnity_n and_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o at_o the_o next_o solemn_a festival_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o very_a same_o city_n where_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a in_o the_o presence_n of_o multitude_n of_o people_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n which_o come_v to_o keep_v the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o they_o in_o all_o their_o several_a tongue_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n be_v by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o they_o be_v impower_v by_o he_o to_o speak_v all_o those_o language_n the_o apostle_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v notice_n of_o to_o be_v gallilean_n man_n of_o low_a birth_n and_o of_o new_a education_n st._n john_n in_o particular_a be_v know_v to_o the_o high_a priest_n himself_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o know_v to_o many_o that_o hear_v they_o their_o parentage_n and_o place_n of_o abide_v and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v inquire_v into_o for_o they_o be_v no_o stranger_n nor_o in_o a_o far_a country_n and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v capable_a of_o speak_v any_o of_o these_o language_n but_o by_o inspiration_n and_o to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n ever_o can_v hope_v to_o arrive_v at_o by_o study_n or_o conversation_n though_o he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o his_o life_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v least_o of_o all_o be_v suspect_v of_o man_n of_o mean_a employment_n and_o who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o their_o daily_a labour_n and_o industry_n the_o miracle_n which_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v likewise_o in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n of_o the_o city_n and_o in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n upon_o person_n who_o have_v be_v most_o remarkable_a and_o general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o their_o infirmity_n st._n peter_n by_o pronounce_v only_o these_o word_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n of_o nazareth_n rise_v up_o and_o walk_v cure_v a_o man_n of_o above_o forty_o year_n of_o age_n who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v lame_a from_o his_o birth_n and_o be_v carry_v and_o lay_v daily_o at_o one_o of_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o there_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o great_a resort_n of_o people_n to_o ask_v a_o alm_n of_o they_o that_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n and_o this_o man_n be_v immediate_o cure_v go_v with_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n john_n into_o the_o temple_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v he_o which_o sit_v for_o alm_n at_o the_o beautiful_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n act_v three_o 9_o 10._o and_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n inquire_v into_o the_o matter_n and_o upon_o examination_n when_o they_o see_v the_o boldness_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n and_o perceive_v that_o they_o be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o they_o take_v knowledge_n of_o they_o that_o they_o have_v be_v with_o jesus_n and_o behold_v the_o man_n which_o be_v heal_v stand_v with_o they_o they_o can_v say_v nothing_o against_o it_o but_o confess_v among_o themselves_o that_o indeed_o a_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o they_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o we_o can_v deny_v it_o act_n four_o 13_o 14_o 16._o by_o this_o and_o other_o evident_a and_o public_a miracle_n the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o apostle_n
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o 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under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a and_o artifice_n to_o steal_v a_o despicable_a reputation_n which_o another_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o worth_a the_o have_v so_o it_o be_v never_o last_a after_o the_o reception_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o over_o again_o and_o we_o will_v never_o decline_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o modern_a infidel_n have_v change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n of_o old_a this_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o celsus_n porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n insinuate_v the_o contrary_a that_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
two_o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o threaten_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v suffer_v eternal_a punishment_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o express_o foretell_v that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v sentence_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n matth._n twenty-five_o 41_o 46._o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o hope_n of_o any_o end_n or_o abatement_n of_o the_o punishment_n we_o have_v our_o saviour_n express_a declaration_n that_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o threaten_v and_o that_o the_o everlasting_a punishment_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v certain_o execute_v upon_o the_o wicked_a our_o judge_n have_v beforehand_o declare_v what_o sentence_n he_o will_v pass_v the_o term_n whereof_o be_v therefore_o as_o unalterable_a as_o if_o it_o be_v already_o pronounce_v he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a as_o well_o as_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v eternal_a as_o direct_o and_o positive_o as_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n else_o relate_v to_o the_o last_o judgement_n or_o concern_v any_o other_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o his_o express_a and_o repeat_v affirmation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o reserve_v mean_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n whatsoever_o some_o of_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o punishment_n of_o this_o world_n be_v precedent_n to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o here_o man_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o own_o amendment_n or_o for_o the_o advantage_n and_o security_n of_o other_o or_o for_o both_o in_o the_o next_o world_n the_o actual_a inflict_v of_o punishment_n be_v not_o for_o these_o end_n but_o they_o be_v threaten_v for_o these_o and_o they_o must_v be_v inflict_v when_o they_o have_v be_v once_o threaten_v and_o declare_v by_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v it_o be_v for_o the_o repentance_n of_o sinner_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n in_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a that_o hell_n shall_v be_v threaten_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n of_o the_o wicked_a it_o can_v be_v for_o their_o amendment_n after_o the_o execution_n of_o its_o torment_n upon_o they_o and_o good_a man_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o wicked_a can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o protection_n or_o advantage_n from_o the_o punishment_n dehounce_v against_o impenitent_a sinner_n but_o whether_o the_o advantage_n arise_v from_o punishment_n be_v before_o or_o after_o the_o inflict_a of_o punishment_n there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n for_o the_o appoint_v and_o consequent_o for_o the_o inflict_v they_o viz._n the_o good_a of_o mankind_n in_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o leave_v those_o without_o excuse_n who_o will_v not_o be_v restrain_v from_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o another_o end_n of_o punishment_n be_v that_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o supreme_a authority_n which_o be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o it_o and_o the_o vindication_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o authority_n and_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o holiness_n in_o his_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o indignation_n against_o sinner_n be_v manifest_v by_o the_o actual_a punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o all_o this_o if_o they_o be_v threaten_v and_o not_o inflict_v and_o the_o number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v thus_o punish_v do_v not_o alter_v the_o case_n but_o only_o show_v that_o many_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o if_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o the_o justice_n must_v be_v the_o same_o too_o though_o the_o person_n be_v never_o so_o many_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v execute_v that_o which_o be_v just_o towards_o one_o or_o merciful_a towards_o one_o be_v just_a or_o merciful_a towards_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o for_o justice_n and_o mercy_n consist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n of_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v extend_v and_o though_o multitude_n of_o criminal_n be_v apt_a to_o move_v compassion_n in_o man_n yet_o this_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o sympathy_n and_o frailty_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o be_v mighty_o sway_v by_o number_n and_o multitude_n to_o do_v either_o good_a or_o evil_a partly_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a affair_n for_o to_o destroy_v multitude_n will_v depopulate_v city_n and_o country_n and_o will_v be_v a_o affliction_n to_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a person_n their_o friend_n and_o relation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o the_o present_a case_n there_o will_v be_v no_o want_n of_o number_n in_o heaven_n and_o the_o righteous_a shall_v be_v everlasting_o happy_a and_o shall_v perceive_v no_o diminution_n of_o their_o happiness_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o damnation_n of_o such_o as_o be_v never_o so_o dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o mercy_n and_o pity_n be_v not_o a_o passion_n in_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o man_n but_o a_o perfection_n it_o be_v the_o highst_a reason_n and_o equity_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o misery_n of_o sinner_n be_v never_o so_o severe_a and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o miserable_a never_o so_o great_a yet_o when_o the_o equity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o case_n do_v not_o require_v it_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o move_v god_n for_o their_o relief_n because_o he_o act_n by_o the_o stand_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n not_o by_o any_o fondness_n and_o weakness_n of_o passion_n 2._o i_o come_v now_o to_o show_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o his_o inflict_a eternal_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n strict_a justice_n have_v a_o severe_a aspect_n and_o it_o may_v seem_v hard_a for_o frail_a man_n to_o abide_v the_o sentence_n that_o he_o may_v in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n deserve_v but_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o we_o to_o appeal_v to_o his_o mercy_n and_o thither_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o appeal_v but_o not_o so_o as_o to_o expect_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o merciful_a as_o not_o to_o be_v just_a or_o shall_v forget_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n whilst_o he_o extend_v his_o mercy_n to_o the_o offend_a and_o criminal_a part_n of_o it_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o government_n and_o god_n as_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n must_v inflict_v punishment_n and_o what_o these_o be_v to_o be_v it_o belong_v to_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n to_o appoint_v and_o eternal_a torment_n be_v appoint_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o very_a just_a but_o even_o out_o of_o a_o gracious_a design_n because_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o threaten_n of_o they_o will_v keep_v man_n from_o sin_n and_o from_o that_o misery_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o so_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o ancient_n and_o true_a observation_n which_o edit_n which_o chrysad_a stagir_n lib._n 1._o tom_n 6._o sau._n edit_n st._n chrysostom_n have_v make_v that_o there_o be_v mercy_n even_o in_o the_o threat_n of_o eternal_a vengeance_n because_o nothing_o less_o can_v have_v bring_v many_o man_n to_o heaven_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o many_o will_v be_v there_o who_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v god_n for_o this_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o first_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o move_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o bliss_n and_o glory_n and_o the_o same_o mercy_n be_v extend_v to_o those_o that_o perish_v and_o will_v not_o make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o it_o which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v they_o have_v never_o perish_v though_o heaven_n and_o hell_n 7._o hell_n chrys_n ad_fw-la â—op_n antioch_n de_fw-fr sâ—â—tuis_fw-la hom._n 7._o say_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o both_o aim_n at_o the_o same_o end_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n invite_v man_n to_o it_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n force_v those_o to_o heaven_n who_o otherwise_o will_v be_v regardless_o of_o their_o own_o happiness_n god_n have_v use_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o prevail_a mean_n to_o convince_v sinner_n of_o their_o danger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o escape_v it_o and_o obtain_v salvation_n we_o have_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o everlasting_a punishment_n propose_v to_o our_o choice_n we_o be_v exhort_v with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n and_o move_v and_o assist_v with_o the_o continual_a influence_n
to_o make_v know_v his_o name_n and_o truth_n among_o the_o gentile_n in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n this_o people_n itself_o be_v uncapable_a of_o that_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n which_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appoint_v and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o service_n to_o restrain_v they_o from_o idolatry_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o promise_n and_o law_n deliver_v to_o adam_n and_o noah_n and_o this_o ritual_a service_n be_v unworthy_a that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v purposely_o to_o appoint_v it_o who_o be_v indeed_o himself_o the_o principal_a thing_n signify_v and_o typify_v by_o it_o and_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o himself_o can_v not_o be_v institute_v by_o himself_o in_o person_n for_o than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v insignificant_a and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o use_n or_o occasion_n for_o they_o but_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a institution_n be_v reserve_v for_o his_o appointment_n to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o preparatory_a the_o law_n be_v add_v because_o of_o transgression_n till_o the_o seed_n shall_v come_v to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v gal._n iii._o 19_o after_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o commandment_n have_v through_o the_o great_a neglect_n and_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n become_v ineffectual_a god_n send_v all_o his_o servant_n the_o prophet_n daily_o rise_v up_o early_o and_o send_v they_o a_o expression_n set_v forth_o his_o great_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o his_o people_n for_o their_o good_a yet_o they_o hearken_v not_o unto_o he_o nor_o incline_v their_o ear_n but_o harden_v their_o neck_n jer._n seven_o 25_o 26._o to_o cure_v this_o strange_a stubbornness_n and_o their_o proneness_n to_o idolatry_n god_n send_v this_o people_n into_o captivity_n for_o seventy_o year_n which_o wrought_v so_o through_o a_o reformation_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o afterward_o give_v to_o idolatry_n but_o endure_v all_o extremity_n of_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v be_v bring_v to_o any_o compliance_n with_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o such_o necessity_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o they_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o idol_n but_o in_o other_o respect_v their_o provocation_n be_v still_o very_o great_a and_o as_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o parable_n first_o send_v his_o servant_n and_o last_o of_o all_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n and_o thereby_o leave_v those_o wicked_a man_n without_o excuse_n and_o manifest_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o vengeance_n upon_o the_o murderer_n of_o his_o own_o son_n so_o god_n first_o send_v his_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v train_v in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v by_o they_o but_o revile_v and_o destroy_v they_o and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o own_o tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o their_o doctrine_n he_o send_v his_o belove_a son_n before_o he_o will_v utter_o take_v away_o their_o city_n and_o nation_n and_o effect_v that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n who_o they_o crucify_a which_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o age_n have_v show_v can_v be_v effect_v no_o other_o way_n god_n reveal_v himself_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n proportion_v the_o way_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o revelation_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v make_v till_o at_o last_o he_o have_v speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n heb._n i_o 1_o 2._o when_o we_o be_v child_n we_o be_v in_o bondage_n under_o the_o element_n of_o the_o world_n but_o when_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o time_n be_v come_v god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n gal._n four_o 3_o 4._o 2._o the_o reception_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n in_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a if_o so_o many_o prophet_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n have_v not_o foretell_v his_o come_n our_o saviour_n himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o appeal_v to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n this_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o confirmation_n even_o of_o their_o miracle_n themselves_o they_o prove_v that_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o christ_n shall_v come_v at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o come_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o shall_v empower_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v the_o like_a his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n and_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o prophesy_v of_o and_o prophecy_n thus_o foretell_v the_o miracle_n and_o miracle_n fulfil_n the_o prophecy_n and_o both_o mutual_o confirm_v and_o support_v each_o other_o afford_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v all_o the_o way_n by_o which_o god_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o thousand_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v convince_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n and_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n be_v still_o a_o unanswerable_a argument_n in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o argument_n we_o must_v have_v want_v if_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v come_v so_o much_o soon_o as_o not_o to_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o so_o many_o age_n beforehand_o and_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n now_o will_v have_v think_v they_o have_v have_v much_o more_o reason_n on_o their_o side_n than_o they_o can_v now_o pretend_v to_o have_v for_o there_o have_v then_o be_v so_o much_o less_o mean_n for_o their_o conviction_n so_o that_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v defer_v to_o give_v the_o great_a evidence_n and_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o his_o be_v the_o christ_n it_o will_v have_v be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n give_v of_o it_o beforehand_o and_o few_o or_o no_o prophet_n send_v to_o foretell_v his_o come_n and_o prepare_v his_o way_n but_o when_o he_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o prophesy_v of_o even_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o it_o when_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o the_o time_n and_o place_n and_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o degree_n and_o at_o several_a time_n have_v be_v foretell_v when_o man_n hope_n and_o desire_n to_o see_v he_o be_v thus_o from_o age_n to_o age_n awaken_v and_o alarm_v this_o be_v a_o solemnity_n worthy_a to_o introduce_v and_o attend_v the_o son_n of_o god_n into_o the_o world_n and_o a_o method_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o stand_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v come_v into_o it_o 3._o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_n may_v depend_v upon_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o know_v for_o it_o may_v depend_v upon_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v how_o long_o that_o shall_v be_v the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o last_o day_n but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o relation_n not_o to_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o world_n but_o to_o the_o christian_a dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n of_o salvation_n that_o god_n will_v vouchsase_v to_o mankind_n and_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o government_n which_o be_v just_a then_o at_o a_o end_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o the_o next_o chapter_n now_o if_o the_o world_n may_v continue_v as_o long_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o it_o have_v do_v before_o it_o and_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v but_o it_o may_v we_o shall_v find_v little_a cause_n to_o wonder_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o soon_o bear_v into_o the_o world_n for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o zeal_n of_o christian_n decay_n as_o we_o be_v at_o a_o far_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o length_n of_o the_o time_n itself_o prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o some_o to_o disbelieve_v it_o for_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v less_o credit_n to_o what_o happen_v long_o ago_o and_o to_o think_v themselves_o less_o concern_v in_o it_o
life_n have_v be_v the_o soul_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o the_o self_n same_o body_n so_o dispose_v and_o qualify_v to_o affect_v the_o soul_n as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o life_n only_o with_o infinite_o great_a more_o exquisite_a and_o more_o last_a degree_n of_o pain_n or_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n yet_o without_o any_o mixture_n of_o gross_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n in_o the_o righteous_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o spiritual_a body_n and_o this_o disposition_n of_o body_n depend_v upon_o the_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a action_n and_o habit_n of_o man_n here_o for_o a_o body_n by_o vicious_a practice_n and_o custom_n prone_a to_o rage_v and_o furious_a passion_n insatiable_a appetite_n and_o torment_a inclination_n and_o desire_n without_o any_o thing_n to_o gratify_v or_o assuage_v they_o must_v have_v quite_o another_o effect_n upon_o a_o soul_n than_o a_o body_n subdue_v to_o the_o mild_a and_o calm_a and_o obedient_a temper_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o though_o god_n can_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n form_v another_o body_n to_o that_o frame_n and_o disposition_n which_o the_o body_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n be_v in_o when_o his_o soul_n depart_v out_o of_o it_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o purity_n by_o his_o immediate_a power_n to_o frame_v a_o new_a body_n to_o the_o deprave_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o a_o vicious_a man._n and_o we_o be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v a_o soul_n can_v be_v unite_v only_o to_o its_o proper_a body_n the_o truth_n be_v we_o know_v nothing_o of_o these_o matter_n but_o from_o the_o scripture_n all_o beside_o be_v only_a conjecture_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v probable_a even_o to_o our_o reason_n though_o indeed_o it_o ought_v to_o over-rule_v reason_n especial_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o obscure_a and_o so_o little_o understand_v by_o we_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v raise_v these_o body_n to_o life_n again_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o whatever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o it_o to_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o do_v as_o to_o say_v it_o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n st_n peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n resurrection_n say_v he_o god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a act_v x._o 40_o 41._o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v show_v open_o but_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n he_o be_v see_v in_o a_o plain_a and_o open_a manner_n yet_o not_o so_o public_o as_o to_o make_v all_o the_o people_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n the_o will_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o we_o of_o all_o his_o action_n especial_o in_o act_n of_o mercy_n for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a return_v make_v but_o to_o a_o man_n for_o any_o favour_n receive_v to_o be_v captious_a and_o quarrelsome_a about_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o bestow_n it_o instead_o of_o be_v grateful_a to_o he_o for_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o general_a reason_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o force_n with_o we_o in_o all_o case_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o the_o present_a case_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o even_o according_a to_o our_o own_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n i._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a ii_o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o iii_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n iv_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v v._o the_o power_n of_o his_o resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v 1._o there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n not_o according_a to_o the_o infirmity_n and_o condescension_n of_o the_o humane_a the_o time_n of_o his_o converse_v with_o man_n be_v at_o a_o end_n at_o his_o death_n and_o then_o another_o method_n and_o manner_n of_o dispensation_n be_v to_o begin_v he_o be_v then_o to_o converse_v only_o with_o his_o particular_a friend_n and_o favourite_n to_o satisfy_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o enable_v they_o both_o by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v other_o it_o can_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o majesty_n which_o he_o have_v assume_v after_o his_o resurrection_n to_o submit_v himself_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o his_o enemy_n he_o have_v suffer_v enough_o from_o they_o already_o in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n and_o must_v he_o never_o be_v above_o the_o suspicion_n and_o scrutiny_n of_o their_o malice_n shall_v not_o his_o resurrection_n free_v he_o from_o it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n they_o cry_v out_o with_o upbraid_v and_o insolent_a scorn_n that_o they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o thence_o but_o neither_o do_v they_o deserve_v such_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o pleasure_n who_o thus_o call_v for_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o suitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v wrought_v it_o be_v neither_o fit_v that_o he_o shall_v save_v himself_o from_o death_n nor_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o they_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v to_o die_v for_o our_o redemption_n and_o as_o we_o have_v want_v the_o argument_n from_o his_o resurrection_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n so_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v want_v other_o evidence_n which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v at_o least_o amount_n to_o all_o the_o proof_n which_o that_o can_v have_v give_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n our_o saviour_n be_v please_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o all_o their_o affront_v and_o injury_n but_o when_o this_o their_o hour_n and_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n be_v once_o past_a they_o be_v to_o see_v he_o no_o more_o but_o with_o confusion_n of_o face_n and_o terror_n of_o mind_n yet_o his_o mercy_n be_v still_o the_o same_o towards_o they_o one_o of_o the_o great_a persecutor_n be_v convert_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n the_o son_n of_o man_n speak_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o happy_a instrument_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o and_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o of_o the_o long_a suffering_n of_o christ_n 1_o tim._n i_o 16._o but_o his_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o to_o st._n paul_n at_o his_o conversion_n be_v with_o dreadful_a awe_n and_o majesty_n not_o in_o that_o mild_a and_o gracious_a glory_n in_o which_o he_o be_v see_v by_o st._n stephen_n and_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o those_o who_o persecute_v and_o pierce_v he_o to_o look_v upon_o he_o with_o consternation_n and_o anguish_n at_o the_o last_o day_n rev._n i_o 7._o 2._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o christ_n to_o be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n god_n may_v work_v such_o astonish_a miracle_n and_o strike_v such_o terror_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n but_o he_o do_v not_o all_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o what_o he_o in_o his_o wisdom_n see_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v he_o do_v not_o use_v all_o the_o
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
and_o who_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o my_o father_n john_n vi_fw-la 64_o 65._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o divine_a faith_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n but_o of_o its_o efficient_a cause_n in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o reason_n when_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o evidence_n even_o of_o demonstration_n though_o it_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o necessary_o gain_v that_o firm_a and_o last_a assent_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v require_v in_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a be_v unacceptable_a against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o against_o the_o former_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o present_a conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v soon_o stifle_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o carry_v the_o mind_n off_o to_o other_o and_o contrary_a object_n which_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o think_v of_o and_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o academic_n and_o sceptic_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o other_o clear_a truth_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v whilst_o they_o think_v of_o they_o and_o attend_v strict_o to_o they_o but_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wrought_v themselves_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o general_a and_o habitual_a opinion_n soon_o stifle_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n which_o can_v be_v represent_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o their_o mind_n to_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o lay_v under_o long_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o contend_v for_o they_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o else_o though_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o present_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o some_o miracle_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o last_a or_o wellgrounded_n faith_n john_n two_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o faith_n be_v deny_v to_o some_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v john_n twelve_o 40._o so_o that_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v still_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o habitual_a thought_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o convert_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o former_a habit_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o frequent_a act_n and_o length_n of_o time_n and_o which_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o consist_v but_o in_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v soon_o lose_v and_o vanish_v through_o the_o prevail_a contrary_a habit_n both_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n and_o where_o because_o of_o former_a sin_n and_o provocation_n this_o grace_n be_v not_o vouchsafe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a conviction_n of_o mind_n some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v soon_o damp_a and_o extinguish_v be_v overpower_v by_o former_a contrary_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o habitual_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v once_o convince_v be_v likewise_o the_o more_o easy_o convert_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n become_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o little_o prevail_v with_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n declare_v to_o be_v either_o inconsiderate_a negligence_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o advantage_n take_v from_o thence_o by_o satan_n or_o want_v of_o constancy_n in_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n or_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n matth._n xiii_o 18._o mark_v four_o 9_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o natural_a so_o much_o as_o moral_a accomplishment_n not_o so_o much_o part_n and_o learning_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o humble_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o man_n to_o become_v christian_n because_o as_o god_n the_o more_o free_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o man_n thus_o qualify_v so_o they_o be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o whereas_o other_o though_o they_o want_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v less_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i._o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a christ_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o general_o reject_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o nation_n of_o be_v convert_v but_o 1._o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o vast_a number_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n simon_n and_o anna_n the_o prophetess_n acknowledge_v and_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n luke_n two_o 25_o 36._o and_o it_o be_v probable_o hebr._n probable_o buxtorf_n de_fw-fr abbreu._n hebr._n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v rabban_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o hillel_n and_o father_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o title_n of_o rabban_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o title_n signify_v a_o prince_n rather_o than_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n as_o rabbi_n do_v and_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o it_o nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o many_o other_o of_o note_n and_o eminency_n receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n about_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o time_n act_v two_o 41._o great_a number_n be_v convert_v not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n also_o act_n vi_fw-la 7._o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v ix_o 35._o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o religious_a proselyte_n follow_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 43._o at_o iconium_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n believe_v act_v fourteen_o 1._o crispus_n chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n act_v xviii_o 8._o and_o sosâ—henes_n another_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xviii_o 19_o 1_o cor._n i_o 1._o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_a act_n xviii_o 24._o many_o thousand_o or_o myriad_o in_o the_o greek_a act_n xxi_o 20._o and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v seal_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n seven_o 4._o the_o people_n be_v general_o well-disposed_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n will_v have_v persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v often_o force_v to_o desist_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o depart_v 18._o depart_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n v._o c._n 18._o from_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o space_n of_o twelve_o year_n as_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o all_o that_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o great_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v exceed_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n be_v of_o
mean_n which_o some_o man_n may_v conceit_n he_o may_v use_v but_o leave_v man_n without_o excuse_n and_o then_o require_v their_o faith_n and_o obedience_n at_o their_o peril_n to_o imagine_v that_o christ_n shall_v have_v appear_v promiscuous_o unto_o all_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o to_o all_o alike_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v speak_v from_o heaven_n to_o man_n without_o the_o message_n and_o ministry_n of_o his_o prophet_n for_o when_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o act_v like_o a_o mortal_a man_n but_o as_o in_o his_o glorify_a state_n as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o as_o god_n in_o our_o humane_a nature_n now_o no_o long_o subject_n to_o any_o of_o its_o imperfection_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v no_o more_o to_o come_v himself_o to_o the_o people_n as_o he_o have_v do_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o humiliation_n but_o to_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n among_o they_o as_o he_o have_v before_o his_o incarnation_n send_v the_o prophet_n 3._o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v up_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n those_o who_o when_o they_o have_v see_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v vilify_v they_o and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v have_v their_o heart_n harden_v that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o be_v convert_v and_o of_o this_o number_n the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v who_o hire_v the_o solider_n to_o contradict_v and_o stifle_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n with_o a_o false_a story_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n the_o chief_a priest_n before_o have_v consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n when_o he_o be_v undeniable_o know_v to_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o grave_a john_n twelve_o 10._o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o belief_n in_o christ_n by_o the_o sight_n of_o lazarus_n that_o they_o full_o verify_v that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a lazarus_n be_v show_v open_o to_o all_o the_o people_n and_o live_v among_o they_o for_o many_o year_n after_o he_o have_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n again_o when_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n and_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o they_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o but_o be_v the_o more_o enrage_a at_o it_o christ_n himself_o therefore_o after_o his_o resurrection_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n but_o use_v other_o mean_n which_o be_v more_o proper_a 4._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v their_o stubbornness_n and_o hardness_n of_o heart_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n with_o their_o dispersion_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o prediction_n likewise_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o so_o miraculous_a a_o manner_n not_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o in_o judea_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v make_v give_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n to_o it_o as_o their_o favour_n and_o protection_n can_v have_v do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n rather_o to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n than_o to_o use_v such_o further_a method_n with_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o will_v either_o have_v only_o harden_v they_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n or_o at_o least_o will_v not_o have_v prove_v more_o effectual_a towards_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n 5._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v our_o saviour_n show_v himself_o to_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n act_v x._o 39_o 41._o these_o man_n know_v his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o he_o and_o have_v forsake_v all_o for_o he_o and_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a to_o enable_v they_o to_o testify_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o they_o have_v not_o only_o see_v he_o but_o have_v often_o converse_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o one_o of_o their_o chief_a qualification_n be_v that_o they_o be_v but_o a_o few_o poor_a and_o ignorant_a man_n without_o force_n or_o policy_n without_o any_o art_n or_o contrivance_n they_o can_v tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n but_o can_v neither_o feign_v nor_o dissemble_v if_o they_o have_v be_v more_o in_o number_n the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o miraculous_a and_o they_o be_v not_o choose_v out_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o elder_n who_o have_v be_v use_v to_o artifices_fw-la and_o falshood_n but_o have_v they_o all_o along_o their_o enemy_n and_o oppose_v to_o their_o craft_n and_o power_n a_o honest_a simplicity_n of_o mind_n that_o neither_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o deceit_n nor_o fear_v any_o in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o the_o least_o discourage_v to_o see_v their_o own_o and_o all_o other_o nation_n against_o they_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a and_o god_n have_v choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v mighty_a 1_o cor._n i_o 27._o these_o man_n under_o all_o necessity_n and_o persecution_n and_o danger_n and_o torment_n both_o live_n and_o die_v witness_v that_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n alive_a after_o he_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o though_o they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o their_o enemy_n yet_o consider_v as_o witness_n they_o be_v many_o for_o he_o be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o which_o be_v a_o vast_a number_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o evidence_n and_o if_o so_o many_o man_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a testimony_n no_o number_n of_o man_n can_v have_v be_v that_o which_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o one_o way_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a in_o never_o so_o many_o method_n and_o he_o who_o see_v a_o thing_n plain_o with_o his_o two_o eye_n may_v be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o so_o many_o eye_n to_o see_v it_o withal_o it_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a or_o credible_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o truth_n john_n viij_o 17._o and_o it_o be_v the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o a_o small_a number_n of_o sufficient_a witness_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o if_o these_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n speak_v and_o act_v and_o suffer_v as_o no_o man_n will_v or_o can_v have_v do_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o what_o they_o testify_v and_o assist_v from_o above_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o infallible_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o their_o testimony_n as_o it_o can_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o never_o so_o many_o more_o for_o all_o that_o never_o so_o many_o other_o can_v have_v do_v will_v have_v be_v but_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o which_o these_o man_n certify_v by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n and_o what_o be_v once_o infallible_o prove_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v agree_v in_o declare_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n but_o the_o character_n and_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o in_o its_o full_a force_n and_o circumstance_n which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o but_o a_o few_o man_n can_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v by_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n himself_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o they_o then_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n be_v own_o sense_n before_o who_o they_o work_v their_o miracle_n and_o make_v every_o one_o that_o see_v they_o a_o
witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v say_v in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o very_a different_a case_n what_o need_v we_o any_o further_a witness_n for_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n or_o see_v it_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o the_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v continual_o wrought_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o give_v as_o full_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o most_o of_o they_o nor_o more_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o his_o appearance_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v and_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v unanimous_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o have_v contribute_v more_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v do_v he_o send_v his_o apostle_n with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o convince_a as_o his_o own_o appearance_n can_v have_v be_v and_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o jew_n afford_v we_o as_o full_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v do_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o since_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n the_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o witness_n be_v more_o or_o few_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o whatever_o the_o mean_n be_v by_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o it_o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v certify_v his_o disciple_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v they_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o prove_v and_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o not_o once_o but_o often_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n or_o at_o a_o hasty_a interview_n but_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o then_o he_o perform_v the_o common_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o also_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n i_o 3._o that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o conversation_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v with_o his_o disciple_n during_o the_o forty_o day_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n and_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o leave_v they_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v see_v of_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n or_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o what_o manner_n all_o that_o time_n be_v spend_v with_o they_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v which_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o his_o former_a life_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a manner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v we_o of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v nothing_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o ostentation_n nor_o for_o ornament_n but_o many_o thing_n omit_v in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v think_v needful_a in_o humane_a author_n to_o make_v up_o a_o complete_a history_n we_o have_v no_o more_o mention_v of_o his_o parentage_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o david_n and_o bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v of_o he_o when_o he_o be_v bear_v we_o read_v that_o the_o shepherd_n and_o the_o wiseman_n come_v to_o worship_v he_o that_o he_o be_v circumcise_a that_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v present_v to_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o he_o be_v carry_v into_o egypt_n to_o avoid_v herod_n cruelty_n and_o hereby_o know_v prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v afterward_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o nazareth_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n and_o from_o that_o time_n we_o read_v no_o more_o of_o he_o till_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o go_v down_o to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o mother_n and_o to_o joseph_n and_o in_o general_a term_n that_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o luke_n two_o 40_o 52._o the_o next_o time_n we_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o come_v to_o john_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o not_o only_o during_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n there_o be_v little_o relate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o ripe_a year_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n in_o all_o which_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o action_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n but_o what_o well_o deserve_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o mention_n in_o history_n than_o all_o the_o renown_a adventure_n and_o exploit_n or_o than_o the_o wise_a or_o witty_a say_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n but_o modesty_n humility_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o come_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o lead_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n little_o know_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n till_o two_o or_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o by_o a_o cruel_a and_o infamous_a death_n he_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_v and_o converse_v and_o when_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v this_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a person_n be_v to_o rebuke_v and_o control_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o popular_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n very_o much_o of_o his_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n not_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o action_n be_v omit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o write_v and_o describe_v in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n many_o volume_n must_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v write_v joh._n xxi_o 25._o that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o our_o language_n he_o do_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n more_o than_o these_o which_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n st._n james_n say_v that_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n jam._n iii._o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o st._n john_n be_v that_o hardly_o any_o word_n can_v express_v how_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n beside_o those_o which_o he_o have_v set_v down_o christ_n may_v have_v employ_v some_o accurate_a historian_n to_o compose_v the_o annal_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n imaginable_a but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n very_o imperfest_o by_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o write_a history_n any_o far_a than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v the_o strict_a and_o necessary_a truth_n the_o