trick_n upon_o himself_o as_o to_o think_v of_o bring_v down_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n below_o the_o know_a time_n of_o greece_n as_o for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v next_o i_o shall_v not_o answer_v he_o here_o because_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v it_o false_a it_o run_v too_o far_o from_o the_o present_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n history_n and_o as_o for_o moses_n his_o command_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n i_o scorn_v to_o answer_v it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o impudent_o false_a when_o the_o great_a commandment_n of_o his_o law_n be_v to_o worship_n one_o god_n alone_o and_o when_o himself_o have_v but_o a_o very_a little_a before_o object_v this_o as_o a_o singularity_n in_o the_o jew_n against_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v now_o let_v that_o pass_v too_o without_o be_v suspect_v as_o guilty_a of_o any_o omission_n and_o as_o for_o his_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o account_v for_o that_o too_o already_o in_o that_o it_o be_v but_o suitable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v send_v into_o the_o world_n strip_v of_o all_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o he_o may_v subdue_v it_o pure_o by_o the_o power_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o that_o alone_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o enquiry_n whether_o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o condition_n be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v for_o a_o much_o worse_a objection_n nay_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bring_v any_o real_a disadvantage_n upon_o the_o christian_a cause_n that_o it_o bring_v a_o considerable_a accession_n to_o its_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o evidence_n in_o so_o much_o that_o without_o it_o it_o must_v have_v ever_o be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n for_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v with_o kingly_a splendour_n and_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o earthly_a power_n the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a entertainment_n of_o his_o doctrine_n may_v have_v be_v impute_v to_o worldly_a interest_n and_o not_o to_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n and_o man_n will_v have_v follow_v he_o for_o politic_a end_n and_o not_o for_o any_o conscience_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o no_o secular_a encouragement_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a ensure_n to_o they_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o their_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n his_o institution_n be_v pure_a religion_n and_o conscience_n towards_o god_n be_v its_o only_a obligation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o its_o own_o intention_n that_o it_o shall_v carry_v along_o with_o it_o no_o 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any_o other_o man_n ever_o do_v he_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a do_v any_o of_o your_o caesar_n ever_o do_v so_o what_o then_o if_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o caesar_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o work_n that_o he_o be_v great_a and_o they_o alone_o demonstrate_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o same_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o scorn_v all_o your_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n of_o majesty_n and_o will_v receive_v no_o honour_n but_o what_o reflect_v upon_o he_o from_o the_o glory_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o work_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v origen_n reply_n that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n for_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o birth_n and_o fortune_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o wonderful_a in_o jesus_n that_o a_o person_n so_o obscure_a upon_o all_o worldly_a account_n shall_v raise_v himself_o to_o so_o great_a a_o fame_n and_o reputation_n that_o a_o man_n so_o poor_a and_o mean_o educate_v and_o never_o instruct_v in_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o a_o new_a doctrine_n to_o reform_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o abolish_v the_o superstition_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o yet_o that_o without_o any_o force_n or_o artifice_n he_o shall_v so_o speedy_o effect_v what_o he_o undertake_v this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o thing_n singular_a in_o he_o and_o be_v never_o do_v by_o any_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o any_o other_o age._n nay_o far_a beside_o the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o other_o thing_n design_o lay_v to_o eclipse_v his_o glory_n his_o ignominious_a death_n one_o will_v think_v shall_v have_v put_v it_o out_o for_o ever_o and_o that_o even_o those_o that_o he_o have_v delude_v in_o his_o life-time_n shall_v then_o have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o grossness_n of_o the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o wonderful_a of_o all_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v never_o see_v our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o his_o divinity_n how_o it_o can_v ever_o come_v into_o their_o mind_n to_o leave_v their_o country_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n to_o publish_v and_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n so_o that_o we_o see_v that_o the_o meanness_n of_o that_o state_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n appear_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o material_a objection_n against_o his_o divine_a authority_n that_o upon_o several_a account_n in_o the_o last_o result_n of_o thing_n it_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o itsdemonstration_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o flout_v at_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o voice_n from_o heaven_n at_o our_o saviour_n baptism_n as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o absurd_a and_o incredible_a but_o here_o the_o epicurean_a forget_v that_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n in_o that_o there_o be_v many_o relation_n of_o such_o appearance_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o yet_o if_o this_o objection_n hold_v good_a every_o jew_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v false_a and_o impossible_a but_o to_o treat_v with_o he_o as_o a_o epicurean_a why_o be_v it_o impossible_a because_o all_o story_n of_o god_n concern_v himself_o in_o humane_a affair_n be_v undoubted_a fable_n a_o admirable_a way_n this_o of_o confute_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a upon_o a_o precarious_a principle_n of_o our_o own_o so_o that_o the_o last_o result_n of_o this_o rude_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o can_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a providence_n but_o he_o add_v that_o there_o be_v no_o witness_n of_o it_o but_o only_o john_n the_o baptist_n his_o companion_n in_o wickedness_n and_o this_o be_v another_o unhappy_a mistake_n of_o a_o man_n that_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n when_o all_o the_o jewish_a nation_n even_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o jesus_n have_v a_o very_a great_a reverence_n for_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o testimony_n that_o we_o rely_v upon_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o evangelist_n that_o have_v record_v it_o they_o know_v what_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o its_o reality_n and_o we_o know_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o now_o have_v discharge_v all_o his_o little_a topic_n of_o calumny_n against_o our_o saviour_n own_o person_n in_o the_o last_o place_n he_o fall_v foul_a upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o unhappy_a success_n for_o
unprofitable_a cheat_n but_o yet_o however_o one_o will_v think_v rack_n and_o gibbet_n will_v have_v spoil_v the_o frolic_a and_o it_o be_v high_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n but_o much_o more_o these_o man_n who_o have_v give_v we_o no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v their_o integrity_n because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o forgo_v it_o shall_v prevaricate_v after_o such_o a_o odd_a and_o extravagant_a manner_n with_o mankind_n yes_o and_o themselves_o too_o and_o when_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n so_o apparent_o without_o craft_n and_o without_o design_n without_o advantage_n without_o interest_n have_v give_v the_o world_n the_o most_o unquestionable_a proof_n that_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n as_o to_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o relate_v after_o all_o this_o what_o wise_a and_o wary_a man_n will_v not_o suspect_v the_o forgery_n and_o disbelieve_v the_o relation_n but_o this_o argument_n i_o find_v prosecute_v by_o eusebius_n with_o extraordinary_a acuteness_n both_o of_o wit_n and_o reason_n suppose_v say_v he_o that_o 3_o our_o saviour_n never_o wrought_v any_o of_o those_o miracle_n that_o be_v unanimous_o report_v of_o he_o by_o his_o disciple_n we_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o they_o enter_v into_o covenant_n among_o themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o that_o seducer_n be_v that_o live_v among_o we_o other_o day_n and_o how_o just_o he_o suffer_v death_n for_o his_o vile_a imposture_n we_o of_o all_o man_n have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v and_o though_o other_o that_o be_v less_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o he_o and_o his_o way_n of_o deceive_a may_v have_v some_o opinion_n of_o his_o worth_n and_o honesty_n yet_o we_o that_o be_v the_o daily_a companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n see_v nothing_o in_o he_o answerable_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o pretence_n but_o that_o his_o whole_a design_n be_v by_o all_o the_o bold_a art_n of_o craft_n and_o hypocrisy_n to_o get_v a_o name_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o one_o and_o all_o join_v hand_n and_o enter_v into_o solemn_a covenant_n among_o ourselves_o to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o impudent_a cheat_n among_o mankind_n and_o to_o fain_o all_o manner_n of_o lie_n for_o its_o confirmation_n to_o swear_v that_o we_o see_v he_o restore_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a ear_n to_o the_o deaf_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a and_o though_o it_o be_v all_o impudent_o false_a yet_o let_v we_o confident_o report_v it_o nay_o and_o stand_v too_o it_o to_o the_o last_o drop_n of_o our_o blood_n and_o because_o after_o all_o his_o great_a and_o glorious_a pretence_n of_o be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o son_n of_o god_n he_o be_v at_o last_o execute_v as_o a_o vile_a malefactor_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o shame_n and_o dishonour_n we_o must_v agree_v among_o ourselves_o upon_o some_o lie_n to_o wipe_v off_o this_o disgrace_n let_v we_o therefore_o resolve_v to_o affirm_v with_o a_o undaunted_a impudence_n that_o after_o he_o be_v thus_o dishonourable_o crucify_a the_o three_o day_n he_o arise_v again_o and_o often_o converse_v with_o we_o in_o the_o same_o familiar_a way_n as_o he_o have_v always_o do_v before_o his_o execution_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v sure_a to_o stand_v unalterable_o to_o the_o impudence_n of_o the_o lie_n and_o to_o persevere_v to_o death_n itself_o in_o its_o assertion_n for_o what_o absurdity_n be_v there_o in_o throw_v away_o our_o life_n for_o nothing_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v it_o hard_o to_o suffer_v stripe_n rack_n bond_n imprisonment_n reproach_n dishonur_n and_o death_n itself_o for_o no_o reason_n at_o all_o let_v we_o therefore_o unanimous_o and_o vigorous_o set_v ourselves_o to_o the_o design_n and_o with_o one_o consent_n agree_v to_o report_v such_o impudent_a falsehood_n as_o be_v of_o no_o advantage_n either_o to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o those_o we_o deceive_v or_o to_o he_o for_o who_o sake_n we_o deceive_v neither_o let_v we_o be_v content_a to_o propagate_v this_o lie_n only_o among_o our_o own_o countryman_n but_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o spread_v it_o through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n impose_v new_a law_n upon_o all_o nation_n overthrow_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n command_v the_o roman_n to_o quit_v the_o god_n of_o their_o ancestor_n the_o greek_n to_o renounce_v the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o philosopher_n and_o the_o egyptian_n the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o superstition_n neither_o will_v we_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o overthrow_v these_o ancient_a custom_n of_o the_o most_o polite_a and_o most_o powerful_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o force_n of_o learning_n or_o wit_n or_o eloquence_n but_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o our_o crucify_a master_n neither_o will_v we_o stop_v here_o but_o we_o will_v travel_v to_o all_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n reverse_v all_o their_o ancient_a law_n and_o command_v their_o obedience_n to_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o this_o let_v we_o resolve_v to_o go_v through_o with_o a_o undaunted_a courage_n and_o resolution_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a reward_n that_o we_o expect_v for_o our_o impudence_n nor_o be_v it_o for_o vulgar_a crown_n and_o trophy_n that_o we_o engage_v ourselves_o in_o such_o hard_a and_o hazardous_a enterprise_n no_o no_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o meet_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o the_o law_n in_o all_o place_n wherever_o we_o come_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o deserve_v it_o for_o disturb_v the_o public_a settlement_n only_o to_o establish_v a_o ridiculous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n but_o for_o this_o who_o will_v not_o endure_v all_o the_o torment_n in_o the_o world_n burn_v hang_a behead_v crucify_a and_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n by_o wild_a beast_n all_o which_o we_o must_v as_o we_o will_v secure_v the_o honour_n of_o the_o impostor_n encounter_n with_o a_o cheerful_a and_o resolve_a mind_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o praiseworthy_a than_o to_o abuse_v god_n and_o affront_n mankind_n to_o no_o purpose_n and_o to_o reap_v no_o other_o benefit_n from_o all_o our_o labour_n beside_o the_o pleasure_n of_o vain_a foolish_a and_o unprofitable_a lie_v and_o for_o that_o alone_o will_v we_o blaspheme_v all_o the_o religion_n that_o have_v be_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o gain_v worship_n to_o a_o crucify_a malefactor_n nay_o we_o will_v lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o his_o reputation_n notwithstanding_o that_o we_o know_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o impudent_a impostor_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v it_o that_o we_o honour_v he_o so_o high_o because_o he_o have_v put_v such_o a_o dishonourable_a abuse_n upon_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o do_v or_o suffer_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o so_o vile_a a_o man_n who_o will_v not_o undergo_v all_o manner_n of_o suffering_n for_o a_o cause_n that_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v mere_a falsehood_n and_o forgery_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o constant_o to_o the_o last_o breath_n aver_v that_o he_o raise_v the_o dead_a cleanse_a leper_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o wrought_v all_o manner_n of_o miracle_n though_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o the_o gross_a falsehood_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o we_o have_v mere_o forge_v out_o of_o our_o own_o brain_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o deceive_v as_o many_o as_o we_o can_v and_o if_o people_n will_v not_o be_v deceive_v yet_o however_o we_o shall_v sometime_o or_o other_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o suffering_n and_o perhaps_o of_o die_v for_o a_o unprofitable_a lie_n it_o be_v no_o doubt_n credible_a that_o man_n shall_v discourse_v and_o act_n after_o such_o a_o extravagant_a rate_n as_o this_o or_o that_o humane_a nature_n that_o have_v above_o all_o other_o creature_n a_o high_a sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o self_n preservation_n shall_v thrust_v itself_o upon_o a_o voluntary_a death_n without_o any_o motive_n or_o any_o reward_n or_o if_o they_o shall_v that_o when_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n have_v agree_v among_o themselves_o to_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o frantic_a design_n they_o shall_v all_o persevere_v in_o the_o lie_n to_o the_o very_a death_n and_o not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o all_o the_o threaten_n and_o all_o the_o slattery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o betray_v the_o plot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o their_o testimony_n be_v not_o true_a so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o require_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n against_o infidelity_n than_o only_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v men._n and_o that_o certain_o be_v as_o modest_a and_o moderate_a a_o postulatum_fw-la as_o can_v be_v premise_v to_o any_o question_n and_o yet_o that_o only_o be_v
may_v suffice_v at_o this_o present_a upon_o this_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_a fool_n they_o have_v never_o undertake_v it_o if_o false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v they_o can_v never_o have_v proceed_v with_o any_o success_n in_o it_o §_o vi_o but_o last_o we_o must_v either_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n to_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n or_o not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v unquestionable_a for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n be_v no_o magic_a story_n or_o any_o thing_n capable_a of_o juggle_a trick_n and_o illusion_n but_o a_o plain_a and_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n as_o we_o have_v or_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v or_o hear_v and_o they_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v of_o one_o another_o conversation_n and_o what_o be_v more_o they_o be_v jealous_a and_o incredulous_a and_o suspect_v some_o mistake_n or_o illusion_n and_o force_v he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n and_o convince_v they_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n and_o now_o it_o be_v likely_a when_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v themselves_o that_o they_o will_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o endure_v so_o many_o misery_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o impudent_a and_o a_o unprofitable_a fable_n which_o if_o they_o do_v than_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o then_o beside_o all_o the_o forementioned_a abfurdity_n this_o supposition_n labour_v under_o one_o very_o enormous_a difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o such_o profligate_v cheat_n and_o impostor_n shall_v concern_v themselves_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n as_o they_o do_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n for_o that_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n to_o promote_v and_o advance_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o true_a morality_n no_o man_n that_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v can_v question_v and_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o good_a man_n that_o labour_v as_o the_o apostle_n do_v in_o promote_a of_o christianity_n but_o that_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v be_v a_o frequent_a artifice_n for_o man_n of_o the_o worst_a design_n to_o make_v the_o best_a pretence_n it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o they_o must_v have_v some_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o under_o their_o pretence_n whereas_o if_o the_o apostle_n very_a pretence_n be_v not_o their_o real_a design_n they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n proper_a to_o this_o supposition_n that_o wicked_a man_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n shall_v spend_v their_o day_n and_o loose_v their_o life_n for_o the_o interest_n and_o advancement_n of_o goodness_n with_o out_o any_o design_n or_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o as_o from_o the_o former_a premise_n we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n and_o from_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o man_n to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o master_n doctrine_n so_o in_o this_o place_n do_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o doctrine_n prove_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o men._n for_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v see_v the_o work_n so_o to_o have_v hear_v the_o sermon_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o less_o zealous_a to_o publish_v the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o they_o divulge_v his_o miracle_n only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o doctrine_n now_o what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o teach_v and_o they_o record_v be_v they_o not_o the_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n that_o be_v ever_o deliver_v to_o mankind_n and_o as_o wonderful_a as_o his_o action_n be_v his_o precept_n be_v scarce_o less_o admirable_a the_o goodness_n of_o his_o law_n if_o it_o do_v not_o outdo_v yet_o it_o equal_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o their_o own_o innate_a excellency_n be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o of_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o give_v a_o account_n in_o a_o treatise_n by_o itself_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o apparent_a that_o he_o have_v command_v all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n that_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o that_o no_o law_n nor_o no_o philosophy_n can_v so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o a_o morality_n so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o useful_a and_o now_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n and_o his_o miracle_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o testimony_n and_o the_o same_o person_n who_o report_n that_o he_o do_v such_o mighty_a work_n record_v also_o that_o he_o teach_v such_o excellent_a law_n and_o that_o he_o wrought_v those_o work_n of_o god_n for_o a_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n what_o can_v be_v more_o probable_a than_o that_o the_o same_o person_n shall_v in_o the_o same_o design_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o great_a villainy_n in_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o blasphemy_n and_o imposture_n for_o if_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o report_v concern_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o true_a then_o be_v he_o as_o lewd_a and_o wretched_a a_o impostor_n as_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o bear_v out_o as_o if_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o as_o bold_a atheistical_a and_o ungodly_a wretch_n know_o to_o abuse_v mankind_n with_o such_o a_o palpable_a and_o blasphemous_a cheat._n be_v it_o not_o then_o likely_a that_o man_n shall_v do_v and_o suffer_v after_o their_o rate_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o accurse_a imposture_n that_o be_v so_o infinite_o zealous_a for_o the_o concernment_n of_o truth_n and_o integrity_n how_o awkerd_o do_v these_o thing_n piece_n together_o what_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v reconcile_v in_o this_o odd_a supposition_n the_o same_o man_n die_v martyr_n to_o the_o worst_a imposture_n and_o best_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o notorious_a lie_n and_o yet_o die_v to_o advance_v the_o credit_n of_o uprightness_n and_o integrity_n it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o most_o conceivable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a people_n shall_v conspire_v together_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o so_o lewd_a a_o forgery_n and_o then_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fable_n with_o their_o blood_n but_o how_o do_v the_o prodigy_n heighten_v that_o such_o profligate_v wretch_n shall_v so_o easy_o forego_v their_o life_n rather_o than_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o their_o zeal_n for_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v a_o most_o undeniable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o the_o more_o man_n tumble_v and_o toss_v their_o thought_n about_o to_o raise_v jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o report_n the_o more_o do_v they_o entangle_v themselves_o in_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o i_o shall_v prosecute_v this_o argument_n no_o far_o because_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v no_o more_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_o odd_o conceit_a man_n that_o can_v but_o persuade_v himself_o so_o much_o as_o to_o suspect_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n and_o now_o if_o we_o review_v these_o circumstance_n of_o our_o saviour_n story_n as_o it_o be_v tell_v by_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v favour_v with_o all_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n of_o credibility_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o suppose_v it_o a_o imposture_n yet_o have_v it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v how_o it_o can_v have_v be_v vouch_v with_o strong_a and_o more_o enforce_v motive_n of_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n that_o mankind_n can_v reasonable_o desire_v which_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n have_v not_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n all_o scruple_n and_o exception_n be_v so_o fortunate_o prevent_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o possible_a escape_n or_o pretence_n leave_v for_o insidelity_n for_o first_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n in_o
and_o transaction_n of_o his_o life_n be_v open_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n he_o lay_v not_o the_o scene_n of_o his_o action_n in_o a_o dark_a unknown_a or_o undiscovered_a corner_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o he_o appear_v in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a place_n of_o all_o asia_n all_o his_o work_n be_v perform_v amid_o his_o enemy_n and_o he_o choose_v the_o jew_n the_o most_o jealous_a and_o the_o most_o prejudice_v people_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n but_o above_o all_o jerusalem_n itself_o the_o most_o famous_a city_n at_o that_o time_n in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scene_n of_o his_o most_o public_a action_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o presence_n not_o only_o of_o that_o city_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a nation_n there_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a there_o it_o be_v that_o his_o disciple_n first_o publish_v his_o resurrection_n and_o there_o it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o they_o wrought_v undeniable_a miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o power_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o testimony_n and_o origen_n have_v observe_v very_o well_o that_o the_o public_a death_n of_o jesus_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o 2._o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v design_v by_o the_o divine_a providence_n as_o a_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o if_o it_o have_v be_v private_a and_o not_o notorious_a to_o all_o the_o nation_n though_o he_o have_v afterward_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o do_v the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o death_n may_v have_v be_v plead_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o resurrection_n but_o beside_o the_o notoriety_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n among_o the_o jew_n the_o strange_a story_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o in_o a_o little_a time_n fill_v the_o world_n with_o noise_n and_o wonder_n no_o affair_n in_o that_o age_n be_v more_o talk_v of_o than_o the_o story_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n every_o body_n make_v enquiry_n into_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o action_n and_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o curiosity_n of_o the_o philosopher_n there_o be_v never_o man_n bear_v as_o eusebius_n 3._o observe_v upon_o who_o account_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v as_o upon_o that_o of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n mankind_n be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o divide_v concern_v he_o so_o that_o the_o controversy_n be_v not_o improper_o style_v by_o nicephorus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o struggle_a and_o concussion_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v a_o likely_a matter_n and_o worthy_a our_o belief_n that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o confidence_n but_o much_o more_o the_o ability_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o legend_n so_o palpable_a and_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o contradiction_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o impudent_a as_o to_o begin_v to_o publish_v the_o strange_a story_n of_o his_o life_n and_o stranger_n one_o of_o his_o resurrection_n even_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o and_o amid_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n where_o though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o discover_v the_o bold_a and_o manifest_a cheat_n if_o a_o cheat_n at_o all_o that_o yet_o it_o shall_v pass_v without_o any_o contradiction_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o meet_v with_o such_o prodigious_a and_o unparalleled_a entertainment_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o its_o inhabitant_n certain_o they_o must_v have_v be_v puissant_a and_o irresistible_a argument_n wherewith_o they_o can_v so_o brisk_o bear_v down_o and_o vanquish_v jewish_a stubbornness_n their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v overcome_v by_o any_o weak_a proof_n than_o evident_a and_o undeniable_a demonstration_n and_o have_v they_o not_o bring_v some_o such_o thing_n along_o with_o they_o they_o may_v to_o as_o much_o purpose_n have_v preach_v to_o the_o stone_n of_o the_o temple_n as_o to_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o that_o i_o say_v be_v the_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v first_o publish_v this_o strange_a story_n in_o the_o very_a place_n where_o it_o be_v act_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o escape_v be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v upon_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v false_a but_o force_v great_a number_n of_o person_n against_o their_o most_o stubborn_a prejudices_fw-la to_o own_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o relation_n and_o from_o that_o very_a place_n in_o a_o short_a time_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o all_o the_o world_n over_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o affirm_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n if_o real_o and_o indeed_o false_a shall_v ever_o gain_v so_o great_a a_o belief_n of_o its_o be_v true_a i_o will_v grant_v that_o mankind_n may_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o matter_n of_o mere_a opinion_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n can_v require_v but_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n that_o depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o man_n understanding_n as_o their_o sense_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v alike_o here_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a and_o though_o a_o false_a story_n may_v for_o a_o while_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o common_a people_n yet_o unless_o it_o appear_v to_o prove_v itself_o true_a with_o a_o evidence_n proportionable_a to_o its_o weight_n it_o either_o die_v and_o vanish_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n or_o be_v convict_v of_o forgery_n by_o the_o more_o wise_a and_o judicious_a when_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o this_o story_n the_o more_o it_o be_v inquire_v into_o the_o more_o firm_o it_o be_v believe_v and_o learned_a man_n every_o where_o and_o of_o all_o persuasion_n when_o they_o come_v to_o examine_v into_o it_o can_v not_o bring_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o issue_n concern_v it_o till_o at_o length_n they_o be_v force_v to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o its_o full_a belief_n i_o have_v indeed_o hear_v some_o witty_a gentleman_n as_o our_o fantastic_a age_n very_o much_o abound_v with_o such_o shrewd_a person_n compare_v the_o first_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o that_o of_o the_o late_a growth_n and_o spread_v of_o the_o folly_n of_o quakerism_n in_o england_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o enormous_o surmise_v for_o set_v aside_o a_o thousand_o other_o defect_n in_o the_o comparison_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o that_o wild_a and_o enthusiastic_a sect_n do_v not_o set_v up_o upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o new_a revelation_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o raise_v some_o foolish_a and_o fanatique_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o upon_o supposition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o old_a one_o but_o if_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o rabble_n when_o they_o first_o appear_v about_o thirty_o year_n since_o at_o york_n and_o bristol_n have_v pretend_v to_o have_v wrought_v in_o those_o great_a city_n such_o kind_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v long_o since_o bury_v in_o contempt_n and_o oblivion_n and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o case_n of_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o that_o be_v gain_v such_o a_o firm_a belief_n in_o the_o place_n where_o it_o be_v first_o publish_v and_o act_v too_o and_o from_o thence_o all_o the_o world_n over_o only_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o proof_n and_o miracle_n for_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o cautious_a and_o incredulous_a as_o the_o wit_n of_o we_o and_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v anon_o their_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n how_o then_o can_v this_o story_n of_o jesus_n prevail_v so_o effectual_o upon_o they_o but_o by_o the_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n and_o when_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n whereby_o it_o may_v bribe_v their_o belief_n nay_o when_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o other_o objection_n but_o only_a evidence_n of_o truth_n i_o will_v challenge_v any_o sober_a man_n to_o frame_v any_o the_o least_o tolerable_a hypothesis_n how_o it_o be_v so_o much_o as_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v prevail_v have_v not_o its_o truth_n be_v vouch_v by_o the_o most_o undoubted_a and_o
with_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o mankind_n can_v make_v it_o it_o be_v force_v to_o encounter_v the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o zeal_n of_o superstition_n the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n the_o power_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o pride_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o policy_n of_o statesman_n and_o by_o all_o these_o together_o that_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v possible_a be_v it_o everywhere_o harrass_v with_o all_o the_o outrage_n and_o cruelty_n of_o persecution_n no_o other_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o hunt_v with_o that_o keenness_n of_o malice_n or_o sacrifice_v with_o that_o cheapness_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a blood_n and_o as_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o new_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o resolve_v its_o punishment_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o invent_v new_a method_n of_o torment_n study_v all_o the_o art_n of_o pain_n and_o be_v not_o satisfy_v with_o the_o death_n of_o christian_n unless_o they_o may_v tire_v they_o out_o of_o their_o life_n with_o length_n and_o variety_n of_o torture_n in_o short_a it_o want_v not_o the_o utmost_a opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o man_n or_o devil_n if_o we_o suppose_v as_o we_o may_v for_o argument_n sake_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o malignant_a being_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o disadvantage_n it_o grow_v and_o flourish_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n all_o the_o world_n over_o as_o if_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o contrary_a way_n and_o method_n of_o encouragement_n now_o what_o can_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o other_o imaginable_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o irresistible_a force_n of_o evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n for_o when_o every_o thing_n else_o be_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o it_o prevail_v so_o wonderful_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v clear_a of_o all_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n that_o can_v bear_v away_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o so_o great_a a_o force_n against_o all_o argument_n and_o motive_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o for_o i_o do_v not_o urge_v this_o at_o present_a as_o a_o argument_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v concern_v in_o its_o propagation_n but_o for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n labour_v under_o all_o these_o mighty_a and_o unparalleled_a disadvantage_n shall_v ever_o have_v prevail_v with_o such_o sudden_a and_o admirable_a success_n have_v it_o not_o come_v attest_v with_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o irresistible_a proof_n for_o be_v it_o not_o utter_o incredible_a that_o a_o institution_n so_o destitute_a of_o secular_a power_n and_o interest_n so_o uncouth_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o vice_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n so_o contradictory_n to_o the_o settle_a law_n and_o what_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a to_o the_o establish_a religion_n of_o commonwealth_n so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o the_o power_n all_o the_o wit_n and_o all_o the_o zeal_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o so_o effectual_o bear_v away_o all_o resistance_n and_o force_v the_o struggle_a world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o their_o opposition_n to_o yield_v up_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o see_v it_o can_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n nay_o see_v it_o have_v all_o other_o thing_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o yet_o find_v such_o strange_a and_o otherwise_o unaccountable_a entertainment_n that_o alone_o i_o say_v be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o its_o infinite_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n neither_o be_o i_o ignorant_a that_o learned_a man_n both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a usual_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o almighty_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n overrule_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o be_v scarce_o accountable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v of_o the_o secret_a and_o inward_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n yet_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v the_o reason_n of_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o that_o alone_a for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n of_o any_o man_n assent_n than_o his_o assent_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o all_o the_o account_n he_o can_v give_v of_o his_o faith_n be_v that_o he_o find_v himself_o vehement_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o why_o but_o that_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a way_n of_o determine_v rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v force_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o strong_a assent_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o require_v for_o that_o instead_o of_o help_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n will_v utter_o destroy_v they_o and_o therefore_o how_o strong_a soever_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o no_o doubt_n they_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a yet_o the_o outward_a and_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o give_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v still_o proportionable_a to_o that_o inward_a confidence_n that_o he_o wrought_v upon_o their_o mind_n otherwise_o they_o have_v more_o confidence_n than_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o and_o then_o all_o that_o they_o have_v over_o and_o above_o be_v unreasonable_a see_v therefore_o their_o faith_n be_v so_o infinite_o confident_a i_o shall_v demonstrate_v that_o the_o ground_n and_o motive_n that_o they_o have_v for_o it_o be_v equal_a to_o their_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o undoubted_a tradition_n from_o both_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v and_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o they_o have_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v desire_v because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v more_o §_o xxiii_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o great_a and_o unparalleled_a credibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n take_v by_o itself_o as_o it_o stand_v upon_o their_o own_o naked_a reputation_n in_o that_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v sincere_a and_o serious_a in_o their_o design_n so_o that_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o authority_n they_o may_v just_o challenge_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n but_o to_o the_o undoubted_a integrity_n of_o the_o witness_n god_n be_v please_v to_o add_v a_o more_o forcible_a testimony_n of_o his_o own_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o as_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o ambassador_n be_v serious_a and_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o their_o design_n so_o be_v he_o too_o and_o in_o truth_n unless_o he_o have_v endue_v they_o with_o this_o power_n from_o above_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v the_o courage_n so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v undertake_v the_o work_n but_o instead_o of_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o tell_v a_o story_n to_o the_o people_n of_o which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o word_n as_o be_v utter_a stranger_n to_o the_o language_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v they_o must_v have_v conclude_v it_o a_o wise_a course_n to_o resolve_v upon_o mend_v their_o old_a net_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o old_a trade_n but_o this_o eusebius_n have_v excellent_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o their_o own_o person_n in_o that_o when_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o 6._o to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v reply_v upon_o he_o how_o be_v this_o possible_a that_o we_o who_o be_v unlearned_a person_n and_o understand_v only_o our_o mother_n tongue_n shall_v discourse_v in_o their_o several_a language_n to_o the_o roman_n grecian_n egyptian_n persian_n armenian_n chaldean_n scythian_n indian_n and_o all_o the_o other_o numberless_a nation_n of_o the_o barbarous_a world_n and_o if_o we_o can_v as_o without_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o travel_v from_o pole_n to_o pole_n and_o tell_v a_o unintelligible_a story_n to_o the_o people_n nay_o how_o can_v we_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o renounce_v their_o country_n god_n and_o to_o worship_v a_o new_a and_o unknown_a deity_n what_o eloquence_n what_o unheard_a of_o power_n of_o word_n must_v we_o be_v inspire_v with_o to_o encourage_v we_o
so_o near_o and_o yet_o so_o prodigious_a and_o when_o they_o have_v as_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n assure_v themselves_o of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n this_o can_v not_o but_o provoke_v they_o to_o a_o eager_a enquiry_n after_o the_o meaning_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o thing_n and_o when_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v late_o crucify_v and_o that_o they_o declare_v themselves_o eye_n witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o withal_o profess_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n from_o heaven_n only_o for_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n they_o have_v not_o power_n to_o withstand_v the_o force_n of_o such_o a_o mighty_a and_o astonish_a demonstration_n and_o it_o be_v this_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n as_o saint_n paul_n style_v it_o rather_o than_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n as_o cogent_a as_o they_o be_v that_o first_o baffle_v the_o unbelieving_a world_n into_o christianity_n and_o force_v in_o the_o assent_v of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o its_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o put_v their_o auditor_n to_o the_o trouble_n of_o examine_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o prevent_v all_o inquiry_n by_o this_o infallible_a confirmation_n the_o evidence_n of_o their_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o surmount_v the_o power_n of_o all_o other_o demonstration_n and_o what_o rational_a man_n will_v stay_v to_o expect_v any_o other_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n that_o have_v see_v it_o unquestionable_o attest_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n or_o who_o can_v doubt_v and_o dispute_v after_o he_o have_v see_v devil_n dispossess_v the_o sick_a heal_v and_o the_o dead_a raise_v this_o be_v such_o a_o almighty_a attestation_n to_o their_o preach_n that_o it_o upbraid_v away_o their_o scruple_n and_o bear_v away_o their_o understanding_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n prevail_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o speedy_o over_o all_o the_o world_n its_o first_o preacher_n convert_v whole_a city_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o moment_n and_o found_v new_a church_n upon_o one_o undeniable_a miracle_n and_o nothing_o less_o consider_v all_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n under_o which_o it_o labour_v can_v so_o soon_o have_v propagate_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o if_o we_o trace_v the_o apostolical_a history_n we_o scarce_o find_v any_o thing_n transact_v without_o a_o miracle_n insomuch_o that_o the_o people_n at_o length_n familiar_o resort_v to_o they_o for_o the_o cure_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o disease_n act_n 5._o 12._o and_o this_o power_n be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v at_o that_o time_n that_o saint_n paul_n insist_o upon_o it_o as_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o true_a apostleship_n rom._n 15._o 18_o 18_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 12._o which_o have_v be_v too_o absurd_a a_o thing_n to_o allege_v to_o his_o follower_n in_o confutation_n of_o his_o enemy_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o mere_a fiction_n for_o if_o it_o be_v they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o have_v already_o wrought_v among_o they_o and_o if_o he_o have_v wrought_v none_o they_o can_v not_o but_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n but_o though_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o may_v from_o thence_o rational_o enough_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o apostolical_a miracle_n and_o though_o i_o have_v in_o part_n prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n to_o attest_v both_o they_o and_o all_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o shall_v anon_o more_o distinct_o show_v the_o undoubted_a and_o uninterrupted_a conveyance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o so_o that_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a they_o can_v never_o have_v gain_v belief_n yet_o in_o this_o present_a argument_n i_o will_v not_o build_v upon_o these_o or_o any_o other_o supposition_n and_o indeed_o if_o i_o suppose_v they_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v needless_a for_o once_o grant_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a and_o authentic_a record_n of_o the_o apostle_n action_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o record_n alone_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o only_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o christian_a faith_n lie_v under_o all_o those_o disadvantage_n above_o represent_v can_v ever_o have_v be_v propagate_v with_o that_o speed_n and_o facility_n that_o it_o be_v all_o the_o world_n over_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o this_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o suppose_v this_o evidence_n that_o they_o give_v the_o world_n by_o their_o miracle_n that_o then_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o almost_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o the_o success_n they_o do_v here_o then_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o my_o present_a argument_n that_o when_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o design_n any_o other_o way_n and_o when_o it_o be_v natural_a if_o they_o take_v this_o course_n to_o succeed_v in_o it_o and_o when_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o have_v such_o wonderful_a success_n that_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o be_v report_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o produce_v those_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n but_o now_o allege_v as_o proof_n to_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o argument_n but_o only_o as_o instance_n to_o exemplify_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o v_o g._n how_o incredible_a it_o be_v that_o 3000_o people_n when_o they_o hear_v the_o apostle_n affirm_v at_o whitsuntide_n that_o the_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v see_v so_o shameful_o execute_v at_o easter_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o immediate_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a report_n but_o when_o they_o behold_v that_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o whereby_o such_o illiterate_a person_n be_v enable_v to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o language_n that_o alone_o can_v not_o but_o satisfy_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o i_o argue_v not_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v do_v any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o it_o be_v record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v i_o may_v here_o also_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o miracle_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o their_o great_a enemy_n in_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o they_o deny_v they_o to_o have_v be_v do_v but_o instead_o of_o that_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n though_o how_o foolish_a that_o evasion_n be_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v their_o evasion_n to_o this_o argument_n at_o present_a this_o very_a surmise_n be_v a_o plain_a confession_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o go_v a_o great_a way_n as_o to_o evidence_n when_o come_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o adversary_n but_o this_o have_v suggest_v i_o shall_v not_o far_o insist_v upon_o it_o §_o xxiv_o only_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n remain_v that_o add_v great_a force_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o this_o power_n be_v not_o mere_o confine_v to_o the_o apostolical_a age_n but_o be_v continue_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o true_a it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a miracle_n in_o particular_a and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o yet_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o we_o have_v no_o one_o thing_n for_o which_o we_o have_v better_a record_n it_o be_v unanimous_o attest_v by_o all_o writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o public_a and_o extraordinary_a way_n as_o raises_z their_o testimony_n up_o to_o certain_a demonstration_n for_o they_o do_v not_o bare_o report_v it_o but_o they_o upbraid_v it_o to_o all_o their_o adversary_n as_o a_o thing_n undeniable_a they_o challenge_v emperor_n proconsul_n the_o whole_a senate_n in_o their_o apology_n and_o public_a write_n to_o convince_v they_o by_o experiment_n they_o urge_v it_o in_o their_o dispute_n with_o learned_a man_n and_o dare_v they_o to_o contradict_v it_o
hope_n of_o immortality_n the_o vanity_n of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a antidote_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n viz._n that_o death_n can_v hurt_v we_o because_o when_o that_o be_v we_o be_v not_o p._n 106._o §_o xxii_o all_o the_o other_o receipt_n prescribe_v by_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n represent_v and_o explode_v p._n 113._o §_o xxiii_o without_o a_o future_a state_n no_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o virtue_n first_o not_o for_o temperance_n p._n 120._o §_o xxiv_o second_o not_o for_o justice_n nor_o magnanimity_n p._n 124._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n represent_v upon_o its_o principle_n neither_o happiness_n nor_o virtue_n without_o a_o future_a state_n p._n 131._o §_o xxvi_o a_o account_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o peripatetic_a morality_n out_o of_o tully_n and_o first_o his_o consolatory_a discourse_n in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o tusculane_n question_n against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n prove_v vain_a and_o ineffectual_a p._n 139._o §_o xxvii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v in_o his_o second_o book_n for_o the_o alleviate_a of_o pain_n p._n 147._o §_o xxviii_o the_o same_o show_v of_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o book_n against_o grief_n and_o trouble_v under_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o all_o other_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n p._n 151._o §_o xxix_o a_o account_n of_o the_o five_o book_n where_o he_o forsake_v the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n as_o insufficient_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o what_o good_a reason_n he_o have_v so_o to_o do_v p._n 157._o §_o xxx_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o own_o new_a way_n of_o philosophise_v prove_v in_o general_n p._n 162._o §_o xxxi_o that_o great_a and_o glorious_a maxim_n of_o his_o friend_n brutus_n that_o virtue_n be_v sufficient_a to_o its_o own_o happiness_n prove_v to_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o empty_a say_n without_o immortality_n the_o argument_n conclude_v p._n 167._o part_n ii_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n §_o i._o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n pag._n 175._o §_o ii_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o infinite_a and_o intolerable_a absurdity_n of_o unbelief_n p._n 179._o §_o iii_o this_o particular_o prove_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n own_o advice_n in_o the_o article_n of_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 182._o §_o iv._o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v false_a in_o their_o testimony_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n and_o desire_v of_o self-preservation_n p._n 184._o §_o v._o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o prudence_n and_o common_a understanding_n p._n 190._o §_o vi_o the_o same_o prove_v from_o its_o inconsistency_n with_o and_o contrariety_n to_o their_o own_o design_n in_o publish_v christianity_n to_o the_o world_n p._n 193._o §_o vii_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n if_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v p._n 199._o §_o viii_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v write_v by_o any_o other_o demonstrative_o prove_v p._n 204._o §_o ix_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n be_v sometime_o dispute_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o apostolical_a antiquity_n p._n 207._o §_o x._o mr._n hobbs_n witticism_n against_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o canon_n be_v first_o compile_v by_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n confute_v p._n 210._o §_o xi_o the_o concurrence_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o the_o testimony_n of_o christian_a writer_n p._n 112._o §_o xii_o josephus_n and_o saint_n luke_n reconcile_v about_o the_o tax_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n p._n 215._o §_o xiii_o the_o famous_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n concern_v our_o saviour_n vindicate_v from_o the_o exception_n of_o tanaquil_n faber_n and_o other_o critic_n p._n 222._o §_o fourteen_o the_o testimony_n of_o phlegon_n concern_v the_o eclipse_n at_o the_o passion_n assert_v p._n 229._o §_o xv._n pontius_n pilate_n his_o narrative_a concern_v our_o saviour_n to_o tiberius_n and_o tiberius_n his_o opinion_n of_o it_o clear_v p._n 230._o §_o xvi_o the_o story_n of_o agbarus_n prove_v genuine_a p._n 235._o §_o xvii_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o apostle_n prevail_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n if_o their_o story_n have_v be_v false_a p._n 239._o §_o xviii_o the_o speedy_a propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n describe_v philo_n therapeutae_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v christian_n p._n 241._o §_o xix_o the_o first_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a its_o be_v a_o late_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 251._o §_o xx._n the_o second_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o atheism_n and_o the_o luxury_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v publish_v p._n 256._o §_o xxi_o the_o three_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n both_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a p._n 259._o §_o xxii_o the_o wonderful_a success_n of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o all_o other_o disadvantage_n not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o rational_a evidence_n that_o it_o give_v of_o its_o truth_n p._n 263._o §_o xxiii_o that_o the_o apostle_n plant_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o so_o much_o speed_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o have_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n p._n 266._o §_o xxiv_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o power_n to_o the_o next_o follow_v age_n assert_v and_o with_o the_o great_a assurance_n appeal_v to_o by_o all_o the_o advocate_n of_o christianity_n in_o their_o public_a write_n p._n 275._o §_o xxv_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o ancient_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o magic_n p._n 283._o §_o xxvi_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o miracle_n oppose_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o our_o saviour_n particular_o that_o of_o vespasian_n in_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a p._n 287._o §_o xxvii_o a_o account_n of_o the_o evident_a imposture_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n from_o his_o own_o historian_n philostratus_n p._n 293._o §_o xxviii_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o mere_a humane_a tradition_n and_o that_o first_o public_a by_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o bishop_n in_o the_o chief_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n p._n 300._o §_o xxix_o the_o same_o prove_v by_o private_a tradition_n and_o first_o of_o saint_n clement_n bishop_n of_o rome_n p._n 308._o §_o xxx_o second_o of_o saint_n ignatius_n with_o a_o account_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o epistle_n p._n 311._o §_o xxxi_o three_o of_o saint_n policarp_n pothinus_n and_o papias_n the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o ancient_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o paschal_n controversy_n p._n 320._o §_o xxxii_o of_o hegesippus_n the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n vindicate_v against_o all_o innovator_n and_o hegesippus_n his_o history_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o scaliger_n p._n 328._o §_o xxxiii_o of_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n and_o a_o great_a number_n more_o p._n 338._o §_o xxxiv_o the_o objection_n from_o the_o infidelity_n of_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n answer_v the_o first_o ground_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v their_o invincible_a prejudice_n in_o honour_n of_o moses_n p._n 343._o §_o xxxv_o their_o second_o great_a prejudice_n be_v their_o expectation_n of_o a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n for_o their_o messiah_n and_o how_o they_o be_v cross_v in_o it_o by_o our_o saviour_n p._n 349._o §_o xxxvi_o atheism_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o sadducee_n oppose_v christianity_n and_o fanatic_a pride_n and_o arrogance_n of_o the_o pharisee_n p._n 357._o §_o xxxvii_o the_o heathen_n oppose_v christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o idolatry_n the_o neronian_a persecution_n only_o a_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n by_o deliver_v up_o the_o christian_n to_o it_o p._n 363._o §_o xxxviii_o domitian_n persecution_n found_v upon_o jealousy_n of_o state_n against_o the_o line_n of_o david_n hegesippus_n vindicate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o against_o scaliger_n the_o jealousy_n both_o of_o the_o emperor_n and_o the_o senate_n about_o the_o messiah_n p._n 370._o §_o thirty-nine_o a_o account_n of_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o several_a proceed_n against_o
his_o natural_a ability_n and_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o pretend_v in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o want_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o make_v the_o discovery_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n and_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n their_o equity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o their_o convenience_n so_o obvious_a in_o every_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n that_o no_o man_n can_v reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o but_o it_o must_v make_v he_o sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o perceive_v it_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o unconceivable_a stupidity_n as_o the_o man_n that_o shall_v pass_v through_o the_o world_n without_o ever_o know_v that_o twice_o two_o make_v four_o §_o iii_o for_o there_o be_v but_o two_o rule_n of_o humane_a action_n either_o the_o great_a or_o the_o small_a moral_n as_o the_o platonist_n divide_v they_o the_o first_o take_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o morality_n who_o evidence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o upright_a man_n not_o to_o discern_v their_o goodness_n and_o obligation_n and_o who_o usefulness_n be_v so_o common_a and_o diffusive_a and_o so_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o all_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o possible_a for_o any_o society_n to_o subsist_v without_o some_o regard_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o in_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a all_o man_n and_o all_o nation_n agree_v the_o most_o civil_a and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a people_n consent_n in_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o first_o provision_n of_o natural_a justice_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o corner_n in_o the_o world_n void_a of_o all_o notice_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o humanity_n and_o though_o some_o man_n that_o may_v tell_v we_o any_o thing_n what_o they_o please_v be_v please_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v yet_o they_o give_v we_o very_o little_a ground_n to_o credit_v their_o report_n because_o their_o converse_n in_o those_o place_n be_v so_o very_o short_a and_o their_o intercourse_n with_o those_o people_n so_o very_o imperfect_a and_o withal_o their_o language_n so_o utter_o unintelligible_a to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o suppose_v the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v divers_a notion_n of_o which_o stranger_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o observation_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o any_o enquiry_n at_o least_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o their_o testimony_n concern_v their_o manner_n and_o custom_n when_o the_o best_a information_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v so_o imperfect_a and_o so_o incompetent_a but_o however_o suppose_v there_o be_v any_o part_n of_o mankind_n so_o desperate_o debauch_v as_o to_o live_v without_o all_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o good_a manner_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v of_o so_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n but_o such_o as_o give_v we_o too_o manifest_a token_n of_o extreme_a sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n as_o to_o all_o the_o other_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o that_o live_v altogether_o like_o the_o brute-beast_n heedless_a and_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o emprove_n any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n now_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a and_o most_o obvious_a notion_n of_o thing_n for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o attention_n and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o attend_v they_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o their_o faculty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n that_o can_v force_v or_o obtrude_v a_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o though_o perchance_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n may_v overcome_v their_o dulness_n yet_o this_o be_v violent_a and_o preternatural_a and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n only_o to_o repair_v our_o wilful_a sottishness_n for_o that_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o morality_n and_o to_o make_v we_o uncapable_a of_o all_o practice_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o force_v i._n e._n destroy_v our_o wi_n and_o therefore_o humane_a kind_a must_v be_v govern_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n and_o not_o be_v overpowr_v by_o any_o such_o forcible_a and_o vehement_a mean_n as_o may_v offer_v violence_n to_o its_o liberty_n so_o that_o when_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v fit_a or_o necessary_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o must_v after_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n that_o he_o have_v leave_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o as_o to_o this_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o the_o natural_a law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o wheresoever_o it_o may_v be_v record_v or_o howsoever_o collect_v it_o can_v be_v draw_v forth_o into_o use_n and_o practice_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reflection_n and_o though_o it_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a number_n of_o proposition_n imprint_v upon_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n of_o man_n yet_o he_o may_v as_o easy_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v legible_a within_o he_o as_o not_o observe_v what_o be_v plain_o deducible_a from_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n without_o he_o in_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o depend_v entire_o upon_o his_o own_o animadversion_n so_o that_o if_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v make_v any_o sufficient_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n either_o by_o instinct_n or_o by_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o due_a government_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a welfare_n of_o the_o world_n and_o though_o there_o be_v some_o few_o in_o it_o so_o monstrous_o dull_a and_o sottish_a as_o not_o to_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o the_o most_o obvious_a truth_n yet_o that_o be_v mere_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o will_n and_o not_o any_o default_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o common_a good_a that_o their_o usefulness_n be_v so_o great_a and_o notorious_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v observe_v by_o all_o that_o make_v any_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o thus_o be_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n a_o great_a proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o their_o difference_n be_v numberless_a as_o to_o casual_a and_o arbitrary_a custom_n and_o as_o to_o their_o municipal_a law_n and_o their_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o useful_a rule_n of_o morality_n yet_o as_o for_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o justice_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v vouch_v by_o the_o catholic_n consent_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o know_a nation_n both_o civil_a and_o savage_a the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o obligation_n of_o oath_n love_v to_o parent_n and_o gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n and_o to_o do_v to_o all_o man_n as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o ourselves_o be_v catholic_a and_o obligatory_a all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nation_n as_o well_o as_o nature_n or_o as_o aristotle_n express_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n in_o all_o place_n as_o fire_n burn_v every_o where_o alike_o and_o be_v of_o the_o same_o use_n in_o greece_n and_o in_o persia._n and_o these_o if_o attend_v to_o will_v provide_v competent_o for_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o the_o main_a duty_n of_o mankind_n and_o from_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v derive_v all_o other_o emergent_a and_o subordinate_a rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a though_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v they_o shall_v be_v ratify_v with_o the_o same_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o require_v a_o equal_a obligation_n in_o all_o time_n and_o all_o place_n because_o their_o usefulness_n be_v neither_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o certain_a and_o by_o consequence_n not_o so_o likely_a to_o be_v attest_v with_o the_o same_o agreement_n of_o voice_n for_o where_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o
his_o divine_a authority_n from_o the_o undoubted_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o to_o that_o alone_o he_o refer_v we_o as_o the_o last_o and_o most_o satisfactory_a proof_n of_o his_o commission_n and_o depend_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n not_o only_o of_o his_o doctrine_n but_o of_o all_o the_o other_o argument_n whereby_o he_o prove_v his_o doctrine_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o we_o find_v he_o so_o often_o injoin_v his_o disciple_n not_o to_o publish_v his_o other_o work_n and_o miracle_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n thus_o when_o his_o apostle_n have_v declare_v to_o he_o the_o firmness_n of_o their_o belief_n that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n he_o straight_o charge_v they_o matt._n 16._o 20._o that_o they_o shall_v then_o tell_v no_o man_n of_o it_o and_o takes_z occasion_n thence_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o his_o approach_a death_n and_o passion_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o grave_a ascension_n into_o glory_n and_o mission_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o which_o great_a miracle_n he_o be_v as_o saint_n paul_n observe_v rom._n 1._o 4._o to_o be_v declare_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n but_o chief_o by_o his_o resurrection_n for_o it_o be_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o express_v it_o the_o work_n of_o the_o might_n of_o his_o power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o the_o father_n of_o glory_n raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a ephes._n 1._o 19_o and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n immediate_o add_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o forementioned_a discourse_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o there_o be_v those_o here_o present_a that_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n till_o they_o see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o his_o kingdom_n matt._n 16._o 28._o in_o that_o he_o be_v as_o evident_o declare_v by_o this_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n or_o son_n of_o god_n as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v he_o solemn_o enthrone_v in_o heaven_n by_o the_o holy_a angel_n so_o again_o when_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o cast_v out_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o still_o command_v they_o silence_n he_o be_v not_o willing_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v too_o much_o notice_n take_v of_o he_o before_o his_o resurrection_n because_o by_o that_o he_o intend_v to_o give_v such_o a_o palpable_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n as_o shall_v give_v undoubted_a credit_n to_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n and_o so_o again_o when_o he_o have_v take_v his_o three_o chief_a disciple_n to_o behold_v his_o transfiguration_n thereby_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n against_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffer_v when_o he_o have_v do_v that_o he_o charge_v they_o say_v tell_v the_o vision_n to_o no_o man_n until_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a matt._n 17._o 9_o because_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o will_v give_v undoubted_a credit_n to_o this_o and_o all_o their_o other_o report_n whereas_o till_o then_o man_n will_v be_v very_a difficulty_n persuade_v to_o believe_v such_o prodigious_a and_o unusual_a thing_n though_o after_o that_o and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o apostle_n who_o attest_v it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v at_o all_o difficult_a to_o yield_v to_o their_o testimony_n that_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o distrust_v it_o and_o therefore_o according_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o this_o one_o principle_n this_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o all_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n and_o when_o man_n in_o those_o day_n inquire_v after_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o only_a state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o alone_a without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o proof_n be_v think_v such_o a_o forcible_a and_o convictive_a confirmation_n that_o it_o supersede_v the_o consideration_n of_o all_o other_o less_o evident_a and_o important_a reason_n and_o where_o this_o be_v not_o able_a to_o prevail_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n they_o despair_v of_o any_o success_n from_o any_o other_o topic_n and_o principle_n this_o then_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v in_o this_o one_o article_n specify_v according_a to_o the_o method_n before_o propose_v those_o wild_a those_o extravagant_a those_o incredible_a absurdity_n that_o must_v be_v swallow_v upon_o its_o disbelief_n §_o iv._o first_o then_o they_o believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o it_o both_o will_v and_o can_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o a_o manifest_a lie_n and_o in_o that_o they_o believe_v ten_o thousand_o absurdity_n for_o it_o be_v easy_o credible_a no_o doubt_n that_o man_n endue_v i_o will_v not_o say_v with_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o discretion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o i_o need_v suppose_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n only_o to_o suppose_v they_o possess_v with_o that_o natural_a instinct_n that_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o all_o other_o creature_n viz._n love_n of_o life_n and_o desire_n of_o self-preservation_n it_o be_v i_o say_v easy_o credible_a that_o such_o creature_n as_o these_o will_v so_o willing_o so_o wilful_o forgo_v all_o advantage_n of_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n so_o cheerful_o expose_v themselves_o to_o so_o many_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n so_o many_o reproach_n and_o contumely_n and_o so_o undaunted_o endure_v so_o many_o torture_n and_o misery_n so_o many_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n so_o many_o martyrdom_n and_o persecution_n only_o to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o what_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o lewd_a and_o shameless_a imposture_n it_o be_v a_o likely_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o plain_a and_o simple_a man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o the_o manifest_a ruin_n of_o all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n only_o to_o gain_v credit_n and_o belief_n to_o a_o palpable_a falsehood_n that_o so_o many_o hundred_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v eye_n witness_n both_o of_o all_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o his_o life-time_n and_o his_o resurrection_n after_o death_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o attest_v a_o false_a report_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n no_o nor_o the_o most_o cruel_a death_n can_v ever_o prevail_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v or_o disow_v their_o testimony_n it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o though_o not_o very_o usual_a that_o man_n shall_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o a_o false_a opinion_n because_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n credible_a that_o they_o shall_v persist_v to_o death_n for_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o false_a testimony_n for_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o then_o if_o they_o will_v die_v in_o defence_n of_o its_o truth_n they_o contradict_v the_o first_o instinct_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n for_o nothing_o especial_o when_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v no_o present_a advantage_n in_o the_o lie_n itself_o so_o none_o can_v ensue_v upon_o it_o for_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o expect_v any_o reward_n of_o wealth_n or_o honour_n or_o power_n from_o the_o propagation_n of_o a_o extravagant_a and_o a_o proofless_a lie_n nay_o they_o quick_o find_v that_o they_o must_v either_o part_v with_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o even_o life_n itself_o or_o forbear_v to_o spread_v and_o divulge_v the_o fable_n now_o that_o being_n endue_v with_o humane_a nature_n shall_v act_v and_o suffer_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n for_o no_o design_n at_o all_o nay_o against_o the_o design_n of_o all_o design_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o cross_a to_o all_o belief_n that_o i_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o infidel_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v more_o incredible_a if_o a_o great_a number_n of_o harmless_a and_o well-meaning_a person_n shall_v offer_v their_o oath_n to_o attest_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o just_o command_v and_o immediate_o overrule_v our_o belief_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o suppose_v that_o a_o great_a multitude_n will_v seal_v it_o with_o their_o blood_n that_o they_o see_v jesus_n do_v so_o many_o miraculous_a thing_n though_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o never_o see_v he_o do_v any_o one_o of_o they_o they_o be_v certain_o in_o a_o very_a pleasant_a humour_n when_o they_o covenant_v among_o themselves_o to_o sacrifice_v both_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o
the_o world_n both_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o their_o sufficiency_n in_o that_o they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o companion_n of_o his_o conversation_n and_o be_v themselves_o sufficient_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a and_o refuse_v to_o be_v convince_v till_o their_o distrustful_a mind_n be_v overbear_v by_o evidence_n of_o fact_n of_o their_o sincerity_n not_o only_o from_o the_o agreement_n of_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o honest_a and_o upright_a man_n in_o the_o same_o report_n but_o from_o their_o readiness_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n and_o what_o great_a assurance_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n than_o to_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o report_v and_o what_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o desire_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n than_o they_o have_v give_v we_o of_o their_o fidelity_n so_o that_o here_o to_o withhold_v or_o deny_v our_o assent_n be_v first_o a_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o faith_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o suppose_v none_o worthy_a of_o any_o belief_n beside_o ourselves_o for_o unless_o we_o will_v distrust_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o testimony_n and_o believe_v nothing_o but_o by_o the_o immediate_a information_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n quit_v all_o degree_n of_o diffidence_n and_o suspicion_n in_o this_o affair_n second_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n love_v of_o life_n shall_v conspire_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o life_n only_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o a_o impudent_a lye_n three_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v that_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v lose_v their_o life_n for_o a_o ridiculous_a fable_n or_o that_o a_o company_n of_o fool_n and_o madman_n can_v so_o easy_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o wild_a story_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o report_n last_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o only_a employment_n to_o advance_v truth_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v yet_o die_v martyr_n to_o falsehood_n and_o villainy_n and_o that_o when_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n they_o be_v not_o in_o good_a earnest_n now_o lay_v all_o these_o thing_n together_o and_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o history_n or_o report_n to_o come_v attest_v with_o more_o various_a more_o pregnant_a more_o unquestionable_a motive_n of_o credibility_n than_o his_o action_n particular_o his_o resurrection_n as_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o apostle_n and_o thus_o have_v consider_v the_o evidence_n of_o their_o testimony_n as_o give_v in_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n i_o come_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v their_o testimony_n as_o record_v in_o their_o write_n and_o to_o show_v into_o what_o wild_a absurdity_n we_o must_v again_o run_v ourselves_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-history_n §_o vii_o first_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v either_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o relate_v of_o their_o own_o knowledge_n be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a if_o true_a than_o we_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o false_a then_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n or_o sincerity_n not_o for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n for_o two_o of_o the_o evangelist_n saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n john_n be_v immediate_a disciple_n and_o constant_a companion_n of_o the_o person_n who_o history_n they_o write_v and_o so_o be_v present_a at_o his_o work_n and_o miracle_n and_o eye-witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n saint_n mark_n and_o saint_n luke_n if_o they_o be_v not_o disciple_n during_o our_o saviour_n abode_n upon_o the_o earth_n they_o be_v intimate_a associate_n with_o the_o chief_a apostle_n that_o be_v so_o that_o if_o they_o write_v not_o from_o their_o own_o immediate_a knowledge_n yet_o however_o they_o write_v from_o the_o information_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o as_o for_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n write_v by_o saint_n luke_n saint_n luke_n himself_o be_v interest_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o if_o not_o all_o the_o history_n and_o so_o for_o the_o epistle_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n either_o they_o be_v or_o they_o be_v not_o if_o they_o be_v than_o their_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v of_o so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o if_o those_o person_n write_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o go_v for_o their_o author_n that_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o report_n for_o want_n of_o sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o information_n and_o then_o as_o for_o their_o sincerity_n the_o case_n of_o their_o writing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o their_o preach_n and_o so_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o forementioned_a difficulty_n and_o one_o more_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o viz._n that_o when_o they_o have_v be_v so_o wicked_a as_o to_o contrive_v a_o wilful_a lie_n and_o so_o foolish_a as_o to_o publish_v it_o to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o shall_v meet_v with_o no_o contradiction_n in_o so_o gross_a and_o manifest_a a_o forgery_n these_o thing_n be_v write_v in_o a_o very_a short_a time_n after_o they_o be_v do_v and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v false_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o they_o shall_v escape_v discovery_n or_o obtain_v any_o the_o least_o belief_n for_o example_n when_o saint_n luke_n report_v that_o a_o person_n bear_v lame_a and_o know_v to_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o his_o have_v beg_v daily_o for_o many_o year_n at_o the_o chief_a gate_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v cure_v by_o saint_n peter_n only_o with_o invocate_a the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o that_o this_o miracle_n be_v so_o very_o well_o know_v at_o jerusalem_n that_o it_o immediate_o convert_v no_o less_o than_o five_o thousand_o person_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n if_o all_o this_o have_v be_v a_o fable_n the_o mere_a publication_n of_o it_o have_v provoke_v thousand_o of_o people_n nay_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o especial_o the_o citizen_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o opposition_n as_o utter_o and_o for_o ever_o to_o disgrace_v and_o destroy_v itself_o and_o so_o again_o when_o saint_n paul_n tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o resurrection_n be_v see_v not_o only_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o himself_o but_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o person_n at_o once_o most_o of_o who_o be_v then_o survive_v if_o this_o have_v be_v a_o lie_n it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a foolish_a and_o impudent_a one_o and_o too_o bold_a for_o any_o man_n to_o vent_v that_o be_v not_o lose_v not_o only_o to_o all_o modesty_n but_o all_o discretion_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o venture_v upon_o so_o lewd_a a_o falsehood_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v ever_o have_v escape_v the_o shame_n of_o discovery_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v write_v to_o baffle_v some_o fanatic_a person_n who_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o resurrection_n for_o as_o all_o other_o will_v be_v eager_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o curiosity_n so_o will_v those_o man_n especial_o be_v concern_v to_o examine_v it_o more_o strict_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o confute_v their_o adversary_n so_o that_o it_o be_v equal_o incredible_a that_o saint_n paul_n shall_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o vent_v so_o great_a a_o lie_n that_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o contradict_v and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v vent_v it_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o lucky_a as_o to_o escape_v all_o manner_n of_o contradiction_n from_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o oppose_v he_o for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v convict_v of_o falsehood_n in_o it_o all_o the_o corinthian_n must_v immediate_o have_v turn_v back_o to_o their_o infidelity_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v the_o christian_a faith_n prevail_v every_o where_o
upon_o such_o appeal_n and_o challenge_v as_o these_o that_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o their_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o reality_n and_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v though_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a proof_n of_o their_o integrity_n that_o eusebius_n 5._o have_v observe_v in_o their_o impartial_a way_n of_o writing_n thus_o only_a saint_n matthew_n himself_o of_o all_o the_o evangelist_n take_v notice_n of_o his_o own_o dishonourable_a employment_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o saint_n mark_v who_o write_v his_o gospel_n from_o the_o information_n of_o saint_n peter_n be_v observable_o spare_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o praise_n of_o that_o apostle_n and_o so_o can_v not_o with_o decent_a modesty_n be_v report_v by_o himself_o but_o more_o exact_a than_o any_o other_o of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o description_n of_o his_o shameful_a fall_n thus_o when_o saint_n peter_n have_v so_o frank_o own_a our_o saviour_n for_o the_o messiah_n saint_n matthew_n relate_v our_o saviour_n answer_n with_o a_o high_a commendation_n of_o he_o bless_a art_n thou_o simon_n bar_n 19_o jona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o and_o i_o will_v give_v unto_o thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v bind_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o heaven_n and_o whatsoever_o thou_o shall_v loose_v on_o earth_n shall_v be_v loose_v in_o heaven_n then_o charge_v he_o his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v tell_v no_o man_n that_o he_o be_v jesus_n the_o christ._n whereas_o in_o saint_n mark_v all_o these_o magnificent_a expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o saint_n peter_n be_v modest_o omit_v and_o all_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v there_o make_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o and_o he_o charge_v 30._o they_o that_o they_o shall_v tell_v no_o man._n and_o so_o again_o though_o saint_n mark_v in_o all_o his_o other_o relation_n be_v more_o compendious_a than_o any_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n yet_o in_o the_o story_n of_o saint_n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o saviour_n he_o be_v most_o of_o all_o circumstantial_a and_o whereas_o saint_n matthew_n and_o saint_n luke_n set_v off_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o repentance_n afterward_o by_o say_v that_o he_o weep_v bitter_o saint_n mark_n express_v it_o more_o modest_o only_o that_o he_o weep_v now_o when_o writer_n pass_v by_o such_o thing_n as_o make_v for_o their_o own_o praise_n and_o record_v their_o own_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n that_o without_o their_o own_o discovery_n may_v never_o have_v be_v know_v to_o posterity_n they_o be_v of_o all_o man_n lest_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o falsehood_n and_o give_v the_o strong_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n of_o their_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n so_o again_o grant_v that_o they_o will_v not_o stick_v at_o any_o falsehood_n to_o advance_v their_o master_n honour_n and_o reputation_n yet_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o forge_v lie_n of_o his_o disgrace_n and_o suffering_n especial_o all_o those_o shameful_a circumstance_n that_o they_o have_v record_v of_o his_o condemnation_n and_o execution_n now_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o black_a and_o tragical_a part_n of_o the_o story_n why_o not_o in_o all_o for_o if_o they_o only_o design_v to_o set_v off_o their_o master_n greatness_n why_o do_v they_o so_o careful_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o history_n of_o his_o misfortune_n why_o do_v they_o tell_v we_o of_o his_o great_a agony_n before_o his_o passion_n of_o his_o scourge_n and_o mock_n of_o his_o purple_a robe_n and_o reeden_fw-mi sceptre_n of_o the_o contumely_n and_o reproach_n that_o be_v throw_v at_o he_o whilst_o he_o be_v hang_v on_o the_o gibbet_n of_o his_o be_v forsake_v by_o all_o his_o follower_n of_o his_o be_v abjure_v by_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o they_o all_o and_o that_o without_o the_o application_n of_o rack_n or_o torment_n these_o thing_n if_o not_o true_a to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o invent_v they_o nay_o if_o true_a why_o shall_v they_o not_o do_v what_o they_o be_v able_a to_o stifle_v they_o if_o the_o only_a design_n of_o their_o romance_n have_v be_v to_o gain_v honour_n to_o their_o master_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v honest_a and_o faithful_a in_o those_o sad_a relation_n concern_v he_o why_o not_o in_o those_o that_o carry_v triumph_n and_o reputation_n in_o they_o for_o if_o they_o have_v design_v to_o lie_v for_o his_o glory_n they_o must_v have_v baulk_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v any_o way_n offend_v the_o reader_n and_o if_o they_o have_v design_v a_o romance_n instead_o of_o that_o plain_a story_n that_o they_o have_v record_v to_o posterity_n they_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o that_o judas_n have_v no_o soon_o give_v the_o treacherous_a kiss_n but_o he_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o stone_n that_o the_o hand_n that_o strike_v he_o be_v immediate_o wither_v that_o caiphas_n and_o his_o accuser_n be_v strike_v blind_a that_o the_o soldier_n who_o suppose_v they_o have_v apprehend_v he_o have_v only_o seize_v a_o phantasm_n whilst_o he_o vanish_v away_o that_o his_o judge_n be_v befoold_v in_o all_o their_o fantastic_a process_n against_o he_o whilst_o he_o stand_v invisible_a among_o they_o despise_v their_o mock-solemnity_n in_o short_a be_v it_o in_o all_o humane_a account_n much_o more_o become_v the_o grandeur_n and_o dignity_n of_o that_o person_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o the_o common_a misery_n and_o calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n but_o that_o when_o by_o his_o divine_a power_n he_o have_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n he_o shall_v have_v return_v back_o to_o heaven_n without_o any_o suffering_n and_o with_o all_o the_o ornament_n of_o glory_n and_o triumph_n this_o certain_o have_v be_v much_o more_o proper_a matter_n for_o a_o romance_n if_o they_o have_v design_v nothing_o but_o their_o master_n greatness_n than_o to_o have_v feign_v those_o mix_a action_n that_o be_v record_v of_o he_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o those_o that_o will_v have_v believe_v their_o other_o report_n will_v not_o have_v disbelieved_a these_o and_o therefore_o see_v they_o will_v not_o corrupt_v or_o suppress_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o unpleasant_a part_n of_o the_o story_n we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o suspect_v they_o of_o the_o least_o falsehood_n in_o any_o other_o part_n of_o it_o howsoever_o in_o itself_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a when_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o their_o design_n be_v real_a truth_n and_o not_o their_o master_n greatness_n §_o viii_o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v by_o those_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v than_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o either_o they_o be_v forge_v in_o their_o day_n or_o afterward_o if_o in_o their_o day_n than_o they_o either_o own_a they_o as_o true_a or_o not_o if_o they_o vouch_v they_o they_o give_v they_o the_o same_o authority_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v indict_v by_o themselves_o if_o they_o disow_v they_o as_o contain_v report_n that_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a than_o they_o themselves_o be_v oblige_v to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o have_v never_o do_v that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o if_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o time_n either_o they_o themselves_o write_v they_o or_o at_o least_o approve_a of_o they_o but_o if_o they_o be_v write_v afterward_o how_o come_v they_o to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o early_a and_o universal_a reception_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v they_o always_o own_a as_o the_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n in_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n that_o live_v after_o they_o nay_o some_o with_o they_o now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o book_n that_o contain_v in_o they_o matter_n so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a if_o they_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a and_o spurious_a and_o thrust_v upon_o the_o world_n after_o the_o death_n of_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o pretend_v to_o bear_v shall_v command_v such_o a_o catholic_a and_o unquestionable_a reputation_n if_o indeed_o they_o have_v pretend_v to_o have_v lie_v obscure_a for_o some_o time_n and_o to_o have_v be_v afterward_o retrieve_v there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n but_o when_o they_o be_v own_a as_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o the_o church_n
very_o easy_a and_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o hundred_o other_o way_n of_o solve_v it_o that_o we_o can_v know_v at_o this_o distance_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o light_o pass_v it_o over_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a material_a difference_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o though_o he_o pass_v by_o some_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o be_v there_o record_v yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n where_o he_o happen_v upon_o the_o same_o thing_n he_o make_v the_o same_o narration_n for_o the_o only_a place_n beside_o in_o which_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o differ_v be_v in_o the_o death_n of_o herod_n agrippa_n which_o he_o say_v happen_v at_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o owl_n but_o saint_n luke_n by_o the_o invisible_a stroke_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o that_o a_o owl_n may_v then_o by_o chance_n appear_v be_v possible_a but_o that_o the_o mere_a sight_n of_o it_o shall_v affect_v he_o after_o such_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n be_v not_o credible_a notwithstanding_o a_o german_a soothsayer_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o certain_a omen_n of_o his_o death_n that_o indeed_o may_v not_o a_o little_a disturb_v his_o fancy_n but_o it_o can_v not_o natural_o in_o a_o moment_n putrify_v his_o bowel_n into_o worm_n and_o rottenness_n but_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a that_o josephus_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o history_n too_o much_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v the_o greek_a and_o roman_a historian_n who_o constant_a custom_n it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v all_o extraordinary_a calamity_n to_o some_o portentous_a omen_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a that_o so_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o a_o misery_n shall_v all_o on_o a_o sudden_a seize_v upon_o a_o man_n in_o the_o height_n of_o all_o his_o glory_n and_o in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o so_o great_a a_o blasphemy_n without_o some_o miraculous_a and_o invisible_a power_n so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a instance_n upon_o record_n of_o a_o immediate_a divine_a infliction_n than_o in_o the_o miserable_a death_n of_o this_o profane_a man._n and_o thus_o have_v clear_v the_o parallelism_n between_o josephus_n and_o the_o evangelist_n as_o to_o the_o most_o material_a passage_n of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o that_o particular_a passage_n of_o his_o concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o full_a a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o our_o learned_a critic_n think_v it_o too_o great_a for_o a_o jew_n to_o give_v and_o for_o that_o reason_n principal_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v soi_v into_o he_o in_o after_o time_n §_o xiii_o but_o upon_o what_o just_a ground_n this_o surmise_n be_v build_v let_v we_o now_o consider_v and_o first_o let_v we_o set_v down_o the_o passage_n itself_o which_o be_v to_o this_o purport_n at_o this_o time_n live_v jesus_n a_o wise_a man_n if_o yet_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o call_v he_o a_o man_n for_o he_o wrought_v many_o wonderful_a work_n and_o instruct_v such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v the_o truth_n and_o draw_v after_o he_o great_a number_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n this_o be_v christ_n who_o be_v accuse_v by_o the_o prince_n of_o our_o nation_n before_o pilate_n and_o afterward_o condemn_v to_o the_o cross_n by_o he_o yet_o do_v not_o those_o who_o follow_v he_o from_o the_o beginning_n cease_v to_o love_v he_o for_o the_o ignominy_n of_o his_o death_n for_o he_o appear_v unto_o they_o the_o three_o day_n after_o as_o the_o divine_a prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o same_o and_o divers_a other_o wonderful_a thing_n of_o he_o and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o race_n of_o christian_n as_o they_o be_v call_v after_o his_o name_n continue_v and_o now_o here_o first_o it_o be_v excellent_o observe_v by_o huetius_n that_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o so_o diligent_a a_o writer_n as_o josephus_n shall_v never_o make_v the_o least_o mention_n of_o the_o history_n of_o so_o famous_a a_o person_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n for_o if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o here_o he_o have_v do_v it_o no_o where_o and_o yet_o whatever_o he_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o under_o the_o government_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o draw_v great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o that_o institute_v a_o new_a sect_n of_o religion_n that_o occasion_v great_a commotion_n in_o judaea_n that_o be_v report_v to_o have_v teach_v such_o peculiar_a doctrine_n and_o to_o have_v do_v so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o how_o be_v it_o credible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v never_o hear_v of_o so_o remarkable_a a_o person_n or_o not_o think_v he_o worthy_a so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o his_o history_n for_o whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o he_o whether_o good_a or_o bad_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o he_o can_v whole_o omit_v to_o mention_v he_o in_o the_o history_n of_o that_o time_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v not_o omit_v any_o of_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o the_o messiahship_n so_o that_o though_o he_o have_v think_v he_o a_o impostor_n he_o can_v not_o have_v whole_o baulk_v some_o mention_n of_o his_o history_n nay_o when_o he_o give_v so_o exact_a a_o description_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o of_o saint_n james_n who_o to_o make_v the_o better_o know_v he_o describe_v by_o be_v the_o brother_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o shall_v never_o give_v any_o account_n of_o christ_n himself_o so_o that_o how_o much_o soever_o it_o may_v appear_v incredible_a that_o josephus_n shall_v make_v any_o honourable_a mention_n of_o he_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v none_o at_o all_o and_o now_o when_o after_o this_o we_o come_v to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n against_o this_o testimony_n that_o have_v make_v so_o much_o noise_n and_o talk_v of_o late_a in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v so_o very_o trifle_v as_o scarce_o to_o deserve_v i_o be_o sure_a not_o to_o need_v any_o answer_n for_o beside_o some_o grammatical_a observation_n in_o which_o the_o critic_n exercise_v a_o arbitrary_a power_n and_o from_o which_o they_o make_v what_o determination_n they_o please_v some_o for_o the_o affirmative_a and_o some_o for_o the_o negative_a the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v resolve_v into_o this_o one_o principle_n that_o josephus_n in_o this_o paragraph_n speak_v his_o own_o sense_n and_o write_v not_o as_o a_o historian_n but_o as_o a_o confessor_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o story_n that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o very_a settle_a principle_n according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n and_o of_o the_o place_n that_o he_o live_v in_o and_o so_o be_v no_o otherway_v concern_v in_o any_o controversy_n than_o bare_o to_o deliver_v matter_n of_o fact_n so_o that_o whereas_o he_o seem_v to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n they_o may_v as_o rational_o conclude_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o too_o when_o he_o crucify_v he_o because_o he_o put_v this_o title_n upon_o his_o cross_n jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n not_o to_o write_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o will_v not_o yield_v to_o their_o importunity_n but_o answer_v they_o peremptory_o what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v our_o learned_a critic_n may_v after_o their_o rate_n of_o draw_v conclusion_n infer_v that_o pontius_n pilate_n serious_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o messiah_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o that_o he_o only_o use_v the_o common_a form_n of_o speech_n when_o he_o give_v he_o that_o title_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o and_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v that_o expression_n of_o josephus_n when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v the_o christ_n that_o be_v this_o be_v he_o that_o be_v call_v the_o christ_n a_o title_n so_o appropriate_v to_o he_o in_o common_a speech_n that_o it_o be_v familiar_o give_v to_o he_o by_o his_o great_a enemy_n and_o therefore_o we_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n as_o if_o we_o design_v to_o gain_v any_o credit_n or_o authority_n from_o his_o opinion_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v from_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transaction_n then_o on_o foot_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n who_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o
those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v concern_v jesus_n and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o we_o have_v in_o the_o premise_n sufficient_o prove_v the_o validity_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o use_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o make_v of_o these_o foreign_a witness_n to_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o testimony_n then_o give_v and_o if_o there_o be_v than_o its_o be_v give_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o it_o be_v be_v more_o than_o enough_o to_o maintain_v itself_o without_o their_o far_a assistance_n now_o this_o be_v premise_v in_o vain_a do_v tanaquil_n faber_n insist_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o most_o 44._o zealous_a christian_n can_v not_o speak_v more_o magnificent_o of_o christ_n than_o this_o unbelieving_a jew_n for_o what_o wonder_n be_v that_o when_o the_o unbelieving_a jew_n only_o report_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o zealous_a christian_n in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o josephus_n be_v of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n which_o sect_n of_o all_o other_o bore_n most_o spleen_n and_o hatred_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v he_o be_v far_o from_o be_v any_o of_o the_o great_a zealot_n and_o as_o far_o from_o be_v a_o serious_a jew_n as_o a_o good_a christian_a how_o else_o can_v he_o have_v be_v so_o profane_a as_o to_o apply_v all_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n to_o the_o person_n of_o vespasian_n a_o heathen_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o beside_o this_o our_o author_n forget_v himself_o in_o object_v josephus_n his_o be_v a_o pharisee_fw-mi when_o a_o little_a after_o he_o inform_v we_o out_o of_o josephus_n himself_o that_o he_o have_v pass_v through_o all_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o have_v at_o last_o enter_v himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la a_o disciple_n and_o successor_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o disciple_n of_o that_o institution_n shall_v speak_v favourable_o of_o jesus_n so_o that_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v he_o in_o good_a earnest_n in_o his_o character_n of_o our_o saviour_n it_o will_v be_v no_o very_o hard_a supposition_n but_o that_o he_o shall_v describe_v he_o by_o those_o title_n that_o his_o own_o disciple_n give_v he_o he_o can_v not_o avoid_v it_o of_o what_o sect_n soever_o he_o be_v as_o he_o will_v quit_v himself_o like_o a_o faithful_a historian_n and_o though_o after_o his_o enter_a himself_o into_o the_o discipline_n of_o banus_fw-la he_o join_v as_o himself_o inform_v we_o with_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o pharisee_n yet_o that_o be_v only_o in_o outward_a show_n and_o upon_o a_o political_a account_n they_o be_v then_o the_o most_o powerful_a party_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o by_o their_o assistance_n he_o first_o prefer_v himself_o to_o public_a employment_n and_o at_o last_o obtain_v the_o government_n of_o all_o galilee_n which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rule_v like_o a_o jewish_a zealot_n that_o in_o all_o thing_n he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o roman_a gentleman_n and_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v to_o he_o by_o his_o enemy_n be_v his_o indifferency_n and_o unconcernedness_n as_o to_o the_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n again_o in_o vain_a do_v our_o learned_a critic_n aggravate_v that_o jesephus_n shall_v give_v our_o saviour_n the_o title_n of_o god_n when_o that_o be_v more_o than_o the_o jew_n themselves_o believe_v of_o their_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o only_o use_v a_o very_a common_a and_o almost_o proverbial_a form_n of_o speech_n nothing_o be_v more_o frequent_a with_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a writer_n who_o scheme_n of_o speech_n josephus_n every_o where_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v than_o to_o give_v the_o title_n of_o god_n to_o all_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a person_n so_o that_o when_o josephus_n give_v our_o saviour_n this_o title_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o he_o have_v style_v he_o hero_n or_o something_o that_o though_o a_o man_n yet_o by_o his_o miraculous_a work_n seem_v great_a than_o a_o man._n last_o in_o vain_a do_v he_o urge_v that_o if_o josephus_n have_v believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o will_v have_v explain_v to_o the_o greek_n for_o who_o sake_n he_o write_v in_o their_o language_n what_o be_v the_o nature_n and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o probable_o he_o will_v if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o apostle_n and_o design_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o christianity_n but_o when_o he_o write_v of_o he_o only_o as_o a_o historian_n what_o concernment_n have_v he_o upon_o that_o occasion_n to_o run_v into_o so_o great_a a_o digression_n he_o tell_v the_o plain_a story_n as_o he_o have_v it_o from_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n but_o still_o our_o critic_n be_v much_o more_o severe_a in_o his_o next_o injunction_n when_o he_o require_v of_o the_o historian_n that_o if_o he_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n to_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n being_n his_o forerunner_n for_o whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o i_o can_v see_v what_o reason_n or_o obligation_n he_o have_v for_o so_o do_v unless_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o give_v a_o compendious_a character_n of_o a_o person_n without_o set_v down_o every_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o action_n but_o now_o our_o learned_a author_n advance_v from_o his_o argument_n to_o his_o authority_n and_o first_o of_o all_o origen_n express_o assert_n that_o josephus_n do_v not_o believe_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o i_o know_v no_o body_n that_o affirm_v he_o do_v but_o yet_o can_v he_o not_o give_v he_o that_o title_n that_o be_v so_o familiar_o give_v he_o unless_o too_o he_o assert_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o title_n all_o that_o he_o affirm_v be_v only_o that_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o be_v at_o that_o time_n call_v the_o christ_n though_o he_o happen_v to_o express_v it_o by_o say_v this_o be_v the_o christ_n a_o very_a common_a form_n of_o speech_n among_o the_o greek_n to_o put_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v for_o be_v call_v and_o if_o so_o i_o hope_v a_o historian_n may_v relate_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v have_v of_o he_o without_o declare_v his_o own_o in_o the_o next_o place_n justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n say_v our_o author_n write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o if_o this_o passage_n have_v be_v extant_a in_o josephus_n in_o their_o time_n it_o be_v searce_v credible_a that_o they_o shall_v altogether_o overlook_v so_o remarkable_a a_o testimony_n this_o be_v the_o hard_a condition_n that_o our_o critic_n have_v of_o late_o put_v upon_o all_o author_n to_o quote_v all_o that_o ever_o they_o read_v and_o to_o think_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v pertinent_a to_o their_o cause_n but_o this_o seem_v too_o severe_a a_o imposition_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o suppose_v these_o father_n be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o have_v allege_v it_o when_o it_o be_v their_o evident_a design_n to_o dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n pure_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o alone_o to_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o christ._n and_o if_o so_o what_o do_v the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n signify_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v already_o prove_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o that_o these_o author_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o cause_n to_o hale_v in_o this_o passage_n that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v bring_v it_o in_o very_o impertinent_o in_o short_a it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o those_o write_n they_o appeal_v only_o to_o divine_a authority_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o particular_a neglect_n of_o josephus_n if_o he_o be_v pass_v by_o as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o author_n of_o his_o rank_n and_o condition_n and_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v a_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o those_o weighty_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v levy_v against_o this_o passage_n of_o josephus_n and_o so_o leave_v it_o to_o all_o wise_a man_n to_o judge_v whether_o our_o learned_a critic_n may_v not_o have_v better_o employ_v themselves_o than_o to_o raise_v so_o much_o noise_n against_o it_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n and_o now_o have_v dispatch_v this_o great_a testimony_n of_o josephus_n i_o may_v add_v to_o he_o suetonius_n tacitus_n the_o young_a pliny_n seneca_n who_o give_v we_o the_o same_o relation_n of_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o jesus_n and_o the_o great_a prevalency_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o their_o testimony_n have_v be_v
so_o often_o recite_v and_o be_v so_o vulgar_o know_v that_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o give_v myself_o or_o the_o reader_n the_o trouble_n of_o their_o repetition_n especial_o when_o they_o prove_v no_o more_o than_o what_o no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n such_o a_o man_n as_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o that_o in_o a_o short_a time_n he_o draw_v great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o the_o first_o be_v certain_o past_o question_n and_o the_o second_o be_v as_o evident_a mere_o from_o the_o history_n of_o nero_n reign_n under_o who_o what_o vast_a multitude_n of_o christian_n suffer_v both_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a historian_n unanimous_o agree_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v over_o these_o more_o general_a record_n and_o only_o suggest_v two_o or_o three_o particular_a narration_n that_o relate_v not_o only_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n but_o to_o the_o veracity_n of_o his_o pretence_n §_o fourteen_o the_o first_o be_v that_o know_a history_n of_o phlegon_n gentleman_n to_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n in_o his_o general_a history_n of_o the_o olympiad_n concern_v both_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o earthquake_n at_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n so_o exact_o agree_v with_o the_o evangelical_n history_n both_o as_o to_o the_o year_n and_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o the_o day_n 45._o and_o the_o most_o material_a circumstance_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o vanity_n of_o critic_n it_o can_v never_o have_v meet_v with_o dispute_n or_o opposition_n but_o those_o man_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o move_v the_o earth_n from_o its_o centre_n rather_o than_o loose_v the_o honour_n of_o be_v the_o father_n of_o one_o criticism_n otherwise_o certain_o this_o passage_n so_o confident_o appeal_v to_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o agree_v with_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o empire_n together_o with_o that_o of_o thallus_n another_o heathen_a cite_v by_o that_o accurate_a chronologer_n africanus_n can_v not_o but_o have_v escape_v their_o censure_a severity_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v come_v under_o their_o lash_n because_o say_v they_o phlegon_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o natural_a eclipse_n but_o this_o they_o say_v out_o of_o their_o own_o head_n for_o he_o only_o record_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v natural_a or_o preternatural_a concern_v not_o he_o either_o as_o a_o courtier_n or_o a_o historian_n and_o though_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o if_o it_o happen_v at_o that_o time_n that_o he_o say_v it_o do_v it_o be_v preternatural_a and_o though_o himself_o express_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o eclipse_n that_o never_o the_o like_a happen_v yet_o wave_v all_o this_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o he_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o eclipse_n happen_v at_o the_o same_o time_n even_o to_o the_o very_a hour_n of_o the_o day_n and_o so_o it_o be_v rational_o urge_v by_o tertullian_n eodem_fw-la momento_n dies_fw-la medium_n orbem_fw-la 21._o signante_fw-la sole_fw-la subducta_fw-la est_fw-la deliquium_fw-la putaverunt_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la quoque_fw-la super_fw-la christum_fw-la prozedicatum_fw-la non_fw-la scierunt_fw-la &_o tamen_fw-la eum_fw-la mundi_fw-la casum_fw-la relatum_fw-la in_o archivis_fw-la vestris_fw-la habetis_fw-la at_o the_o very_a moment_n of_o our_o saviour_n crucifixion_n the_o sun_n be_v darken_v at_o midday_n and_o though_o they_o suppose_v it_o only_o a_o eclipse_n that_o know_v nothing_o of_o its_o relation_n to_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n yet_o this_o strange_a accident_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v you_o may_v find_v register_v in_o your_o public_a record_n and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a it_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o this_o case_n from_o a_o heathen_a historian_n to_o vouch_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v more_o for_o if_o 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appeal_v to_o the_o act_n of_o pilate_n concern_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o request_v the_o emperor_n to_o satisfy_v themselves_o from_o their_o own_o record_n concern_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v of_o he_o for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a custom_n among_o the_o roman_n for_o the_o governor_n of_o province_n to_o transmit_v a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n that_o happen_v under_o their_o government_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o old_a time_n and_o of_o late_a time_n to_o the_o emperor_n and_o that_o pilate_n have_v do_v so_o be_v evident_a from_o this_o appeal_n of_o justin_n martyr_n for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o act_n scarce_o any_o man_n much_o less_o such_o a_o man_n as_o justin_n martyr_n can_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a or_o so_o confident_a as_o to_o affirm_v a_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v so_o very_o easy_a to_o convict_v he_o of_o falsehood_n and_o if_o such_o act_n there_o be_v they_o be_v a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o 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the_o act_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n though_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a thing_n that_o the_o act_n under_o pilate_n reserve_v in_o the_o imperial_a archive_v be_v the_o act_n of_o pilate_n that_o be_v they_o be_v compile_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o command_n but_o transmit_v by_o himself_o for_o the_o emperor_n receive_v no_o other_o act_n but_o from_o the_o governor_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o learned_a man_n may_v have_v spare_v his_o grammatical_a criticism_n when_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o the_o public_a act_n under_o the_o government_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n must_v be_v transmit_v by_o pilate_n himself_o and_o so_o must_v be_v the_o act_n of_o pilate_n now_o that_o pilate_n shall_v give_v such_o a_o account_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v seem_v strange_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o circumstance_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o evangelist_n
be_v write_v by_o the_o first_o author_n of_o the_o sect_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v none_o other_o be_v plain_a enough_o because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n beside_o those_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n peculiar_a to_o any_o sect_n among_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o be_v object_v that_o philo_n affirm_v that_o his_o therapeutic_a sect_n pray_v only_o twice_o a_o day_n whereas_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v their_o several_a other_o hour_n of_o prayer_n yes_o and_o so_o they_o may_v have_v and_o philo_n not_o know_v it_o however_o their_o most_o solemn_a season_n be_v morning_n and_o evening_n prayer_n when_o as_o philo_z tell_v we_o they_o resort_v to_o their_o consecrate_a chapel_n and_o that_o be_v their_o public_a devotion_n he_o therefore_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o alone_a whereas_o their_o other_o hour_n of_o prayer_n be_v rather_o set_v apart_o for_o private_a devotion_n which_o be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a according_a to_o the_o zeal_n of_o the_o votary_n but_o philo_n say_v he_o affirm_v that_o this_o sect_n compose_v hymn_n and_o those_o in_o various_a measure_n and_o yet_o this_o custom_n be_v very_o well_o know_v not_o to_o have_v be_v use_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n till_o after_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o antonine_n it_o may_v be_v so_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n but_o in_o a_o church_n pure_o jewish_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v and_o be_v so_o agree_v to_o have_v be_v by_o all_o hand_n this_o custom_n be_v use_v from_o the_o beginning_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o new_a invention_n of_o the_o christian_n but_o continue_v by_o they_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n but_o last_o say_v he_o the_o man_n of_o this_o sect_n according_a to_o philo_n description_n be_v very_o numerous_a and_o scatter_v all_o the_o world_n over_o whereas_o at_o that_o time_n there_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o so_o they_o be_v if_o compare_v either_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n at_o that_o time_n or_o to_o their_o own_o multitude_n in_o after-age_n and_o yet_o their_o number_n be_v very_o great_a if_o consider_v as_o they_o be_v by_o philo_n as_o a_o philosophic_a sect_n and_o so_o at_o that_o time_n christianity_n be_v more_o observable_a than_o any_o other_o sect_n spread_v every_o where_o so_o fast_o and_o wherever_o it_o come_v prevail_v so_o much_o but_o if_o this_o great_a and_o famous_a sect_n that_o philo_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o christian_n our_o learned_a author_n will_v have_v do_v very_o well_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o such_o a_o peculiar_a sect_n of_o man_n shall_v at_o that_o time_n have_v be_v disperse_v through_o all_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n and_o never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o any_o writer_n of_o that_o age_n but_o only_o in_o this_o little_a pamphlet_n of_o philo._n at_o least_o consider_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o the_o description_n itself_o to_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o utter_a silence_n about_o any_o other_o sect_n to_o which_o it_o may_v agree_v that_o seem_v to_o i_o no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstrative_a proof_n that_o it_o must_v be_v intend_v of_o they_o and_o of_o they_o alone_o and_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v obvious_a enough_o for_o though_o as_o eusebius_n say_v it_o be_v not_o much_o material_a to_o inquire_v whether_o philo_n himself_o coin_v this_o name_n as_o most_o agree_v with_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o person_n that_o he_o describe_v or_o whether_o the_o christian_n may_v not_o have_v that_o name_v give_v they_o in_o that_o place_n from_o the_o beginning_n the_o name_n of_o christian_n not_o be_v then_o use_v in_o all_o place_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o synonymous_a word_n with_o that_o of_o christian_n especial_o when_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o hebrew_n into_o greek_a for_o the_o word_n jesus_n indifferent_o signify_v either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d saviour_n or_o healer_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o philo_n who_o be_v a_o hebrew-greek_a to_o interpret_v it_o by_o the_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o healer_n especial_o consider_v its_o near_a affinity_n both_o in_o sound_n and_o signification_n to_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o heal_v so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o appellation_n be_v that_o they_o be_v the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n i._n e._n the_o healer_n and_o thus_o have_v recover_v this_o ancient_a church_n from_o the_o perverseness_n of_o learned_a man_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o argument_n with_o a_o excellent_a passage_n of_o irenaeus_n a_o very_a early_a writer_n in_o these_o western_a 3._o part_n of_o the_o world_n though_o say_v he_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a variety_n of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o in_o all_o place_n in_o germany_n in_o spain_n in_o france_n in_o the_o east_n in_o egypt_n in_o lybia_n in_o the_o remote_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o middle_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o there_o be_v but_o one_o sun_n in_o the_o universe_n so_o be_v all_o man_n every_o where_o that_o be_v dispose_v enlighten_v by_o the_o same_o truth_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o tradition_n i_o shall_v discourse_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n at_o present_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o we_o have_v from_o hence_o a_o very_a early_a testimony_n of_o its_o universality_n §_o xix_o this_o then_o be_v so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n prevail_v as_o never_o doctrine_n do_v let_v we_o a_o little_a consider_v what_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o have_v to_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n and_o here_o it_o be_v at_o first_o view_v apparent_a that_o it_o labour_v under_o all_o the_o possible_a disadvantage_n in_o the_o world_n except_v only_o its_o own_o naked_a and_o unassisted_a truth_n so_o that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o that_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o proof_n that_o it_o bring_v along_o with_o it_o of_o its_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v one_o proselyte_n over_o to_o its_o belief_n and_o here_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v that_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v build_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o in_o itself_o so_o incredible_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v have_v it_o not_o be_v vouch_v by_o some_o testimony_n so_o unquestionable_a as_o to_o surmount_v its_o own_o incredibility_n for_o the_o story_n be_v plain_o this_o that_o under_o the_o prefectship_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n there_o be_v a_o poor_a young_a man_n in_o judaea_n of_o mean_a birth_n and_o no_o education_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o cancel_v that_o law_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v by_o moses_n to_o reform_v all_o the_o world_n to_o bring_v in_o a_o more_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o a_o more_o excellent_a way_n of_o worship_n and_o that_o for_o a_o proof_n of_o his_o commission_n he_o pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o often_o cure_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a the_o leprous_a and_o sometime_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o by_o this_o mean_n draw_v great_a multitude_n after_o he_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n grow_v jealous_a of_o his_o design_n and_o so_o apprehend_v he_o as_o a_o disturber_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o establish_a religion_n and_o for_o those_o crime_n condemn_v he_o to_o the_o ignominious_a death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o they_o take_v care_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v with_o all_o the_o aggravation_n of_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n in_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o his_o heartblood_n be_v let_v out_o with_o a_o spear_n whilst_o he_o be_v hang_v upon_o the_o cross_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n converse_v familiar_o with_o his_o disciple_n and_o at_o last_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o great_a number_n of_o they_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n now_o this_o story_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a so_o without_o precedent_n so_o full_a of_o appear_v inconsistency_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o withal_o so_o public_a and_o so_o notorious_a that_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v certain_o true_a it_o can_v never_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a must_v have_v be_v demonstrative_o confute_v for_o the_o passage_n
unquestionable_a proof_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xx._n this_o be_v the_o first_o invincible_a impediment_n of_o christianity_n suppose_v it_o have_v be_v false_a but_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o labour_v under_o many_o other_o great_a disadvantage_n that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v surmount_v but_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o the_o first_o be_v its_o contrariety_n to_o the_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o divulge_v the_o world_n be_v at_o that_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o record_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o it_o extreme_o debauch_v both_o in_o its_o manner_n and_o principle_n for_o julius_n caesar_n have_v violate_v all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n and_o overthrow_v the_o old_a government_n that_o have_v always_o keep_v up_o a_o generous_a sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v chief_o raise_v itself_o to_o that_o vast_a greatness_n that_o 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say_v in_o passion_n be_v serious_o and_o universal_o embrace_v as_o a_o great_a truth_n that_o virtue_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o empty_a name_n so_o that_o if_o we_o survey_v the_o roman_a history_n before_o and_o after_o the_o usurpation_n of_o caesar_n it_o do_v not_o look_v like_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o nation_n the_o former_a abound_v with_o the_o brave_a example_n of_o gallantry_n and_o magnanimity_n whereas_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o be_v general_o entertain_v with_o no_o other_o politic_n than_o fraud_n and_o treachery_n even_o the_o admire_a wisdom_n of_o the_o great_a augustus_n himself_o be_v no_o better_a than_o craft_n and_o dissimulation_n and_o though_o his_o successor_n tiberius_n be_v particular_o remarque_v for_o that_o vice_n it_o be_v only_o because_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o act_v his_o part_n so_o artificial_o as_o his_o predecessor_n have_v do_v who_o die_v with_o that_o particular_a comfort_n to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v so_o skilful_o play_v the_o comedy_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o certain_o of_o all_o prince_n upon_o record_n he_o have_v the_o most_o subtle_a faculty_n of_o appear_v high_o honest_a without_o any_o design_n of_o ever_o be_v so_o in_o short_a under_o his_o reign_n all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o impiety_n be_v prevalent_a in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n that_o then_o prescribe_a manner_n to_o the_o best_a part_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n neither_o be_v their_o practice_n disagree_v to_o their_o principle_n for_o as_o they_o cast_v off_o all_o restraint_n of_o virtue_n and_o modesty_n so_o they_o entire_o devote_v themselves_o to_o luxury_n and_o sensuality_n and_o study_v nothing_o else_o than_o to_o emprove_v their_o brutish_a pleasure_n to_o the_o utmost_a extravagance_n of_o enjoyment_n and_o as_o be_v the_o great_a court_n of_o rome_n so_o be_v all_o the_o other_o lesser_a court_n of_o their_o several_a prefect_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o imitation_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a baseness_n of_o the_o man_n themselves_o scarce_o any_o but_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n that_o be_v epicurean_o and_o vilain_n by_o principle_n be_v prefer_v by_o j._n caesar_n to_o authority_n in_o the_o empire_n though_o thing_n grow_v much_o worse_o under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o mark_n anthony_n a_o man_n knead_v up_o of_o lust_n and_o malice_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o be_v not_o more_o of_o each_o be_v because_o he_o be_v all_o both_o for_o he_o will_v never_o unless_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o lust_n quit_v his_o cruelty_n nor_o ever_o unless_o to_o satisfy_v his_o cruelty_n forsake_v his_o lust_n and_o as_o himself_o be_v make_v up_o of_o all_o manner_n of_o baseness_n so_o he_o will_v advance_v none_o to_o preferment_n but_o such_o as_o have_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o his_o good_a like_n by_o their_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wickedness_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o judaea_n and_o the_o part_n about_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n more_o overrun_v with_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n than_o in_o any_o former_a age_n in_o that_o herod_n one_o of_o the_o vile_a man_n that_o ever_o live_v have_v by_o the_o patronage_n of_o mark_n anthony_n obtain_v their_o government_n and_o by_o a_o long_a reign_n over_o they_o after_o his_o patron_n be_v death_n under_o augustus_n have_v familiarise_v all_o manner_n of_o the_o most_o licentious_a wickedness_n to_o the_o people_n even_o so_o much_o that_o one_o half_a of_o the_o lead_a man_n even_o among_o the_o jew_n themselves_o that_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a through_o all_o age_n for_o their_o reverence_n to_o their_o religion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o open_a and_o avow_v atheist_n now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n that_o consist_v of_o precept_n of_o chastity_n and_o sobriety_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o of_o renounce_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o to_o make_v its_o way_n into_o such_o a_o wicked_a world_n as_o this_o man_n of_o atheistical_a principle_n be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a they_o scorn_v all_o manner_n of_o better_a information_n and_o will_v not_o endure_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v possible_o undeceive_v they_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o overcome_v person_n so_o prejudice_v and_o so_o conceit_v unless_o we_o can_v by_o the_o mere_a evidence_n of_o thing_n force_v they_o into_o conviction_n and_o as_o for_o man_n of_o luxurious_a life_n they_o have_v neither_o mind_n nor_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v reclaim_v they_o it_o be_v pain_n to_o they_o to_o think_v of_o part_v with_o their_o pleasure_n they_o will_v labour_v to_o preserve_v they_o upon_o any_o term_n and_o as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v no_o information_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o fasten_v on_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o sudden_o reform_v infinite_a number_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o vice_n it_o must_v have_v bring_v along_o with_o it_o a_o real_a evidence_n equal_a to_o its_o pretend_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o pretend_v to_o a_o divine_a commission_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o it_o require_v strict_a obedience_n to_o all_o its_o command_n so_o it_o must_v have_v prove_v the_o reality_n of_o its_o commission_n by_o such_o certain_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o the_o most_o refractory_a person_n to_o withstand_v its_o force_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v such_o multitude_n so_o wonderful_o prevail_v upon_o to_o quit_v their_o most_o belove_a lust_n and_o vice_n we_o have_v reason_n from_o thence_o only_o to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v more_o than_o convince_v of_o the_o undeniable_a truth_n of_o its_o pretence_n §_o xxi_o the_o next_o disadvantage_n of_o christianity_n be_v its_o bold_a and_o open_a defiance_n to_o the_o establish_a and_o inveterate_a religion_n of_o the_o world_n for_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la those_o of_o religion_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o the_o old_a they_o be_v the_o deep_a root_n they_o take_v and_o therefore_o when_o its_o enemy_n can_v plead_v the_o antiquity_n of_o many_o hundred_o year_n against_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a task_n to_o persuade_v they_o out_o of_o such_o a_o ancient_a prescription_n it_o be_v mere_a novelty_n be_v a_o objection_n of_o no_o small_a force_n but_o when_o a_o new_a and_o upstart_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o its_o own_o authority_n but_o must_v disgrace_v all_o the_o settle_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o refuse_v its_o own_o settlement_n unless_o they_o may_v be_v utter_o extirpate_v this_o can_v not_o but_o seem_v too_o saucy_a a_o demand_n especial_o to_o prince_n and_o great_a man_n to_o require_v of_o they_o not_o only_o
be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o fetch_v testimony_n out_o of_o the_o fabulous_a age_n itself_o and_o to_o compare_v the_o descent_n of_o orpheus_n and_o hercules_n into_o hell_n and_o of_o rampsinitus_n who_o go_v thither_o to_o play_v at_o table_n with_o ceres_n with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n but_o such_o trifle_n as_o these_o be_v to_o be_v laugh_v at_o not_o to_o be_v answer_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o next_o book_n he_o piece_n up_o these_o fable_n out_o of_o the_o poet_n with_o some_o example_n out_o of_o historian_n but_o those_o so_o remote_a so_o obscure_a so_o lamentable_o attest_v and_o so_o altogether_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n of_o belief_n that_o the_o metamorphosis_n of_o the_o poet_n be_v scarce_o more_o incredible_a and_o therefore_o origen_n very_o well_o put_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o he_o believe_v the_o story_n that_o he_o relate_v or_o not_o if_o he_o do_v not_o than_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o his_o purpose_n but_o if_o he_o do_v than_o he_o show_v his_o strange_a partiality_n that_o whilst_o he_o reject_v the_o story_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o believe_v thing_n so_o ill-vouched_n in_o comparison_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o narrative_a but_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o assent_n and_o the_o same_o relation_n may_v either_o be_v a_o mere_a fable_n or_o a_o undoubted_a truth_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v the_o difference_n be_v the_o testimony_n wherewith_o it_o be_v vouch_v and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n between_o the_o story_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n that_o be_v so_o strong_o confirm_v by_o all_o that_o testimony_n that_o i_o have_v represent_v whereas_o the_o tale_n that_o they_o oppose_v to_o it_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o proof_n and_o when_o pursue_v home_o to_o their_o original_a authority_n appear_v no_o better_o than_o poetic_a fable_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a of_o they_o be_v that_o of_o aristeas_n proconnefius_fw-la who_o be_v report_v by_o herodotus_n to_o have_v often_o die_v and_o live_v again_o but_o upon_o what_o authority_n nothing_o but_o a_o oldwife_n tradition_n among_o the_o people_n but_o to_o who_o do_v he_o appear_v first_o to_o the_o people_n of_o proconnesus_n and_o between_o two_o or_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o to_o those_o of_o metapontum_n how_o then_o be_v any_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n able_a to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o man_n but_o as_o vain_a a_o fable_n as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v not_o as_o huetius_n 6._o conjecture_n without_o some_o ground_n of_o history_n in_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o aristeas_n of_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o town_n of_o proconnesus_n about_o the_o reign_n of_o cyrus_n but_o beside_o he_o there_o be_v another_o in_o the_o fabulous_a age_n the_o son_n of_o apollo_n who_o the_o poet_n feign_v to_o have_v take_v a_o sudden_a flight_n to_o heaven_n now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o report_v of_o the_o one_o what_o be_v feign_v of_o the_o other_o especial_o by_o his_o own_o countryman_n it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o greek_n to_o apply_v the_o deed_n of_o their_o god_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o their_o own_o citizen_n and_o here_o they_o have_v a_o especial_a advantage_n from_o the_o identity_n of_o their_o name_n and_o that_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n that_o he_o be_v namesake_n with_o one_o of_o who_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v fable_v of_o old_a time_n another_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o poem_n call_v arimaspea_n false_o ascribe_v to_o this_o aristeas_n where_o the_o poet_n begin_v as_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o poet_n be_v with_o the_o imagination_n of_o his_o be_v convey_v out_o of_o himself_o by_o apollo_n to_o a_o certain_a place_n where_o he_o may_v have_v the_o most_o convenient_a prospect_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o describe_v now_o what_o he_o thus_o speak_v in_o a_o poetic_a scheme_n they_o afterward_o understand_v in_o rigour_n of_o speech_n and_o when_o once_o the_o mistake_n be_v raise_v it_o easy_o support_v itself_o among_o the_o common_a people_n from_o who_o herodotus_n as_o himself_o confess_v a_o long_a time_n after_o receive_v it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o worthy_a story_n to_o vie_v with_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n when_o this_o have_v all_o the_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n that_o not_o one_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o sign_n of_o folly_n and_o fiction_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v the_o same_o account_n of_o cleomedes_n hermotimus_n epimenides_n but_o the_o story_n be_v so_o apparent_o fabulous_a and_o so_o utter_o void_a of_o all_o original_a authority_n and_o so_o very_a like_o mere_a mythology_n that_o serious_o to_o confute_v they_o be_v to_o betray_v my_o own_o understanding_n and_o affront_v my_o reader_n but_o beside_o these_o romance_n of_o antiquity_n they_o insist_v upon_o some_o few_o miracle_n of_o a_o late_a date_n but_o those_o too_o so_o slender_o attest_v that_o only_o to_o compare_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v they_o those_o of_o most_o seem_a credit_n be_v the_o story_n of_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n as_o for_o vespasian_n he_o be_v strange_o befool_v with_o the_o ambition_n of_o be_v the_o messiah_n that_o be_v as_o he_o understand_v it_o the_o monarch_n of_o the_o world_n which_o some_o say_v be_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o occasion_n of_o his_o glory_n for_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o a_o easy_a belief_n of_o prophecy_n and_o prediction_n and_o there_o be_v at_o that_o time_n as_o the_o roman_a historian_n attest_v a_o strong_a and_o unanimous_a opinion_n among_o the_o eastern_a people_n of_o a_o universal_a monarch_n that_o be_v foretell_v by_o some_o ancient_a prophet_n about_o that_o time_n to_o come_v out_o of_o judaea_n he_o first_o apply_v this_o prophecy_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o apply_v himself_o to_o fulfil_v it_o percrebuerat_fw-la oriente_fw-la toto_fw-la say_v vespas_fw-la suetonius_n vetus_fw-la &_o constans_fw-la opinio_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o fat_a be_v ut_fw-la eo_fw-la tempore_fw-la judaeâ_fw-la profecti_fw-la rerum_fw-la potirentur_fw-la and_o so_o tacitus_n pluribus_n persuasio_fw-la inerat_fw-la antiquis_fw-la histor._n sacerdotum_fw-la literis_fw-la contineri_fw-la eo_fw-la ipso_fw-la tempore_fw-la ut_fw-la valesceret_fw-la oriens_fw-la profectique_fw-la judaeâ_fw-la rerum_fw-la potirentur_fw-la and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o the_o rebellion_n and_o ruin_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o application_n of_o this_o prophecy_n to_o themselves_o whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o all_o circumstance_n that_o it_o mark_v out_o vespasian_n and_o titus_n and_o then_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n themselves_o he_o be_v gross_o abuse_v as_o vainglory_n be_v sufficient_o credulous_a by_o the_o flattery_n of_o josephus_n who_o accommodate_v all_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o the_o messiah_n to_o his_o person_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o affair_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o he_o add_v great_a authority_n to_o his_o prediction_n by_o his_o great_a confidence_n presever_v in_o his_o flattery_n in_o spite_n of_o vespasian_n unkindness_n for_o when_o he_o have_v cast_v he_o into_o prison_n josephus_n make_v light_a of_o it_o and_o assure_v himself_o and_o his_o friend_n that_o he_o shall_v in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v deliver_v by_o vespasian_n himself_o but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v do_v till_o after_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o empire_n unus_n ex_fw-la nobilibus_fw-la captivis_fw-la josephus_n cum_fw-la conjiceretur_fw-la in_o vincula_fw-la constantissimè_fw-la 5._o asseveravit_fw-la fore_fw-la ut_fw-la ab_fw-la eodem_fw-la brevi_fw-la solveretur_fw-la verùm_fw-la jam_fw-la imperatore_n and_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o take_v with_o this_o 12._o conceit_n of_o his_o messiahship_n that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v search_v after_o and_o slay_v all_o that_o pretend_v to_o have_v be_v of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n thereby_o to_o secure_v the_o title_n to_o himself_o against_o all_o rival_n and_o competitor_n flushed_a with_o these_o please_a omen_n in_o judaea_n but_o much_o more_o with_o some_o answerable_a success_n find_v all_o his_o competitor_n remove_v but_o only_o vitellius_n who_o he_o fear_v least_o of_o all_o he_o repair_v to_o rome_n and_o by_o the_o way_n visit_v egypt_n to_o secure_v those_o part_n or_o to_o fulfil_v a_o sibyllan_n prophecy_n and_o here_o he_o be_v more_o abuse_v with_o the_o flattery_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n than_o he_o have_v be_v before_o by_o josephus_n for_o he_o be_v no_o soon_o come_v to_o alexandria_n where_o that_o wander_a pedant_n happen_v to_o be_v at_o that_o time_n but_o he_o beg_v of_o he_o his_o confirmation_n of_o those_o omen_n that_o he_o bring_v along_o with_o he_o from_o judaea_n beg_v
the_o table_n of_o the_o consul_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o careful_o preserve_v in_o those_o time_n and_o as_o easy_o consult_v by_o any_o inquisitive_a person_n as_o any_o other_o public_a record_n and_o be_v so_o by_o all_o learned_a man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o inquire_v into_o they_o or_o to_o convey_v the_o account_n of_o they_o to_o after-age_n and_o particular_o eusebius_n who_o as_o he_o make_v use_v of_o many_o other_o help_v and_o have_v all_o the_o other_o advantage_n of_o information_n will_v not_o want_v this_o that_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o satisfactory_a as_o himself_o 12._o particular_o inform_v we_o concern_v the_o succession_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o transcribe_v it_o out_o of_o their_o own_o archive_v though_o set_v aside_o the_o information_n that_o he_o receive_v thence_o the_o history_n of_o the_o succession_n be_v sufficient_o preserve_v by_o other_o writer_n that_o of_o rome_n be_v already_o clear_v that_o of_o antioch_n be_v as_o clear_v only_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o raise_v a_o dispute_n about_o the_o immediate_a successor_n to_o the_o apostle_n whether_o it_o be_v euodius_n or_o ignatius_n probable_o it_o may_v be_v both_o as_o it_o be_v at_o rome_n but_o if_o euodius_n be_v the_o first_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o his_o successor_n ignatius_n be_v a_o apostolical_a man_n and_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o he_o the_o succession_n run_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a down_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o which_o eustathius_n be_v then_o present_a bishop_n be_v summon_v and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n so_o he_o bear_v a_o considerable_a sway_n in_o it_o as_o for_o alexandria_n the_o succession_n run_v so_o clear_a there_o that_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o the_o most_o sceptical_a adversary_n in_o this_o point_n dare_v so_o much_o as_o question_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o succession_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o that_o church_n be_v so_o early_o and_o so_o uninterrupted_a that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o succession_n of_o their_o bishop_n than_o it_o be_v for_o any_o learned_a man_n now_o not_o to_o know_v the_o succession_n in_o the_o see_v of_o canterbury_n from_o the_o reign_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n to_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o add_v many_o more_o if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o tedious_a but_o though_o i_o do_v not_o meet_v with_o any_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o a_o interrupt_a succession_n in_o any_o eminent_a church_n yet_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o two_o that_o next_o to_o those_o already_o mention_v most_o deserve_v our_o notice_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o athens_n a_o account_n of_o who_o succession_n we_o have_v from_o dionysius_n a_o learned_a 23._o man_n and_o bishop_n of_o corinth_n in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n antoninus_n as_o indeed_o we_o have_v of_o many_o other_o church_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o they_o as_o for_o his_o own_o church_n it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o demand_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o its_o succession_n when_o himself_o be_v so_o near_o the_o fountain_n head_n and_o have_v withal_o accidental_o let_v we_o understand_v his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v transact_v there_o before_o his_o own_o time_n and_o particular_o by_o his_o account_n of_o saint_n clement_n epistle_n as_o for_o the_o church_n of_o athens_n he_o express_o affirm_v that_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n be_v their_o first_o bishop_n and_o after_o he_o mention_n publius_n and_o quadratus_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o unknown_a interruption_n in_o so_o short_a a_o interval_n this_o may_v suffice_v for_o a_o brief_a specimen_fw-la of_o the_o certain_a succession_n in_o the_o most_o eminent_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o consequence_n of_o their_o undoubted_a tradition_n §_o xxix_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v to_o prove_v its_o more_o particular_a conveyance_n down_o from_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n after_o 201._o he_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o discipline_n of_o several_a master_n and_o several_a sect_n acquiesce_v at_o last_o without_o any_o far_a search_n in_o the_o christian_a institution_n because_o they_o that_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n of_o this_o heavenly_a doctrine_n receive_v it_o immediate_o from_o peter_n james_n and_o john_n and_o paul_n the_o holy_a apostle_n as_o a_o son_n succeed_v a_o father_n and_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v bring_v it_o down_o to_o we_o plant_v those_o seed_n of_o doctrine_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n and_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o that_o learned_a man_n suppose_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o succession_n itself_o in_o that_o the_o first_o witness_n of_o christianity_n next_o to_o the_o apostle_n familiar_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o with_o apostolical_a men._n as_o saint_n clemens_n bishop_n of_o rome_n who_o write_v a_o excellent_a epistle_n to_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n receive_v with_o great_a veneration_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n value_v next_o to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o read_v with_o they_o in_o several_a church_n but_o especial_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a next_o to_o the_o apostolical_a book_n so_o be_v it_o the_o most_o undoubted_a write_n of_o the_o christian_a 38._o church_n it_o be_v say_v eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d receive_v without_o controversy_n and_o it_o be_v cite_v by_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n a_o short_a time_n 23._o after_o who_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v then_o read_v in_o that_o church_n every_o lord_n day_n it_o be_v magnify_v by_o irenaeus_n not_o only_o for_o its_o 3._o own_o strength_n and_o piety_n but_o for_o the_o primitive_a antiquity_n of_o its_o author_n who_o he_o say_v be_v conversant_a with_o the_o apostle_n receive_v his_o christianity_n from_o they_o have_v their_o preach_v still_o fresh_a in_o his_o memory_n and_o their_o custom_n and_o tradition_n in_o his_o eye_n as_o divers_z other_o there_o be_v then_o live_v that_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n quote_v this_o epistle_n as_o he_o often_o do_v 4._o give_v he_o the_o title_n of_o apostle_n for_o his_o primitive_a antiquity_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v unanimous_o attest_v by_o the_o ancient_n it_o be_v never_o call_v in_o question_n by_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a critic_n who_o though_o they_o have_v take_v infinite_a pain_n to_o destroy_v or_o impair_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lay_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o have_v pass_v this_o epistle_n as_o undoubted_o genuine_a with_o a_o unanimous_a approbation_n now_o this_o suppose_v the_o own_n and_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o assert_n particular_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o beside_o several_a other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v the_o first_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n to_o the_o corinthian_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n prove_v its_o undoubted_a certainty_n by_o the_o testimony_n not_o only_o of_o himself_o and_o the_o apostle_n but_o of_o above_o five_o hundred_o witness_n beside_o most_o whereof_o be_v then_o alive_a beside_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o the_o great_a labour_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n in_o assert_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o great_a patience_n and_o constancy_n of_o vast_a number_n more_o for_o the_o same_o cause_n and_o this_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o a_o thing_n present_a let_v we_o say_v he_o consider_v the_o generous_a and_o worthy_a example_n of_o our_o own_o age_n through_o emulation_n and_o envy_v the_o faithful_a pillar_n of_o the_o church_n be_v persecute_v even_o unto_o a_o most_o grievous_a death_n let_v we_o place_n before_o our_o eye_n our_o holy_a apostle_n and_o so_o he_o proceed_v to_o the_o act_n and_o suffering_n of_o saint_n peter_n and_o saint_n paul_n now_o how_o can_v this_o have_v be_v do_v at_o that_o time_n if_o christianity_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a fable_n or_o what_o more_o unquestionable_a tradition_n can_v we_o have_v of_o its_o truth_n especial_o of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o he_o quote_v the_o gospel_n in_o which_o it_o be_v record_v the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o such_o a_o number_n of_o eye-witness_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o innumerable_a other_o that_o live_v at_o the_o
same_o time_n and_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n out_o of_o that_o undoubted_a assurance_n they_o have_v of_o its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n we_o may_v now_o with_o much_o more_o reason_n doubt_n of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o his_o late_a majesty_n in_o january_n 1648._o than_o they_o can_v at_o that_o time_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o passion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n neither_o do_v the_o current_n of_o this_o tradition_n stop_v here_o in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n but_o as_o it_o come_v down_o from_o the_o first_o witness_n so_o it_o descend_v in_o the_o same_o channel_n to_o aftertime_n for_o as_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v own_a by_o this_o epistle_n so_o be_v this_o epistle_n by_o those_o who_o can_v not_o but_o be_v certain_a of_o its_o authority_n especial_o dionysius_n bishop_n of_o that_o church_n to_o who_o it_o be_v write_v for_o as_o saint_n clement_n epistle_n be_v write_v not_o long_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n probable_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o domitian_n so_o be_v that_o of_o dionysius_n write_v not_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o saint_n clemens_n for_o he_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o m._n aurelius_n and_o have_v full_a assurance_n of_o its_o be_v authentic_a from_o its_o have_v be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o corinthian_a church_n so_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n be_v as_o certain_a in_o that_o church_n in_o the_o time_n of_o that_o emperor_n who_o begin_v his_o reign_n about_o the_o year_n 161._o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o own_o time_n so_o that_o if_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o dionysius_n have_v be_v contemporary_a to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o they_o can_v not_o have_v have_v a_o more_o satisfactory_a and_o unquestionable_a information_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o preach_v than_o be_v give_v they_o from_o so_o clear_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n for_o that_o be_v so_o entire_o free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o suspicion_n the_o distance_n of_o time_n make_v no_o alteration_n as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o xxx_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o apostolical_a man_n we_o may_v join_v that_o of_o ignatius_n policarp_n papias_n and_o quadratus_n as_o have_v all_o converse_v with_o the_o follower_n and_o familiar_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o first_o as_o for_o ignatius_n he_o be_v educate_v under_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o by_o they_o constitute_v bishop_n of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o antioch_n where_o he_o sit_v many_o year_n and_o govern_v his_o charge_n with_o extraordinary_a zeal_n and_o prudence_n and_o at_o last_o with_o infinite_a courage_n and_o alacrity_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o faith_n there_o have_v be_v great_a controversy_n of_o late_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n concern_v his_o epistle_n though_o with_o how_o little_a reason_n on_o their_o side_n that_o oppose_v they_o i_o have_v account_v elsewhere_o and_o though_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o make_v use_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o make_v it_o good_a too_o yet_o our_o present_a argument_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o dispute_n for_o whether_o these_o epistle_n that_o at_o this_o time_n pass_v under_o his_o name_n be_v genuine_a or_o counterfeit_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n and_o that_o he_o write_v such_o epistle_n and_o if_o so_o than_o he_o be_v another_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a testimony_n and_o his_o great_a sense_n of_o immortality_n and_o earnest_a desire_n of_o martyrdom_n show_v his_o great_a assurance_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v so_o that_o he_o be_v another_o undoubted_a witness_n of_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n viz._n that_o the_o christian_a faith_n descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o they_o give_v that_o proof_n of_o their_o testimony_n that_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o by_o his_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o christianity_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n connect_v with_o the_o certain_a history_n of_o aftertime_n so_o as_o to_o leave_v no_o dark_a and_o unknown_a interval_n wherein_o the_o story_n pretend_v to_o have_v be_v former_o act_v by_o the_o apostle_n may_v have_v be_v first_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o make_v it_o undeniable_o evident_a that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o story_n have_v it_o not_o first_o descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n but_o though_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o my_o purpose_n for_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostolical_a history_n by_o such_o a_o near_a and_o immediate_a witness_n to_o make_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a yet_o i_o will_v not_o wave_v that_o advantage_n that_o i_o have_v from_o this_o glorious_a martyr_n epistle_n because_o they_o breathe_v so_o much_o the_o genuine_a spirit_n of_o the_o ancient_a christianity_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a immortality_n which_o show_v what_o mighty_a satisfaction_n they_o have_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o so_o firm_o believe_v and_o so_o vehement_o desire_v and_o as_o for_o the_o epistle_n themselves_o they_o be_v so_o strong_o and_o unanimous_o attest_v by_o the_o record_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o as_o question_v but_o for_o their_o resolute_a opposition_n to_o some_o mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la for_o they_o be_v resolve_v in_o their_o own_o innovation_n of_o church-government_n contrary_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n which_o these_o epistle_n so_o zealous_o assert_v and_o that_o as_o establish_v by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o thereby_o make_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o stubborn_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v say_v impudent_o to_o reject_v their_o authority_n but_o alas_o that_o be_v so_o admirable_o vouch_v as_o if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v purposely_o design_v to_o secure_v their_o credit_n for_o ever_o and_o particular_o in_o the_o first_o place_n by_o his_o friend_n policarp_n who_o send_v a_o copy_n of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n of_o philippi_n with_o a_o letter_n of_o his_o own_o now_o policarp'_v epistle_n be_v never_o question_v nay_o it_o be_v for_o some_o hundred_o year_n after_o public_o read_v in_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o avoid_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a a_o testimony_n as_o this_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o only_o by_o say_v that_o this_o particular_a passage_n be_v foist_v in_o without_o any_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o the_o surmise_n nay_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o a_o epistle_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o unlearned_a shall_v be_v so_o easy_o corrupt_v and_o the_o corruption_n never_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o when_o this_o counterfeit_a passage_n be_v thrust_v into_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o public_a book_n it_o shall_v pass_v down_o uncontrolled_a and_o unquestioned_a to_o all_o after-age_n nay_o far_o if_o it_o be_v forge_v it_o must_v have_v be_v before_o the_o time_n of_o eusebius_n who_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o genuine_a and_o yet_o himself_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v at_o his_o time_n public_o read_v in_o church_n as_o saint_n jerome_n afterward_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o now_o it_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a thing_n that_o eusebius_n will_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o one_o private_a copy_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o the_o public_a book_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v impose_v the_o mistake_n upon_o all_o that_o follow_v he_o when_o the_o same_o book_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o same_o public_a manner_n till_o the_o time_n of_o saint_n jerome_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o have_v another_o shift_n altogether_o as_o groundless_a and_o not_o less_o bold_a viz._n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o epistle_n of_o ignatius_n that_o policarp_n speak_v of_o but_o that_o a_o little_a before_o eusebius_n his_o time_n the_o true_a one_o be_v lose_v and_o a_o counterfeit_a copy_n put_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o as_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a conjecture_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o desperate_a cause_n and_o void_a of_o all_o pretence_n of_o probability_n so_o it_o be_v incredible_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o possible_a in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a affair_n that_o such_o a_o famous_a write_n of_o such_o a_o ancient_a and_o apostolical_a bishop_n of_o such_o a_o eminent_a and_o glorious_a martyr_n write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n at_o the_o
to_o their_o vow_n but_o one_o of_o the_o priest_n a_o recabite_n say_v hegesippus_n interpose_v to_o save_v james_n from_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o people_n but_o this_o say_v scaliger_n can_v not_o be_v for_o the_o recabite_n be_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o so_o uncapable_a of_o the_o priesthood_n as_o if_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o either_o have_v be_v exact_o observe_v at_o that_o time_n especial_o of_o the_o priesthood_n when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o ever_o since_o the_o time_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a those_o office_n even_o of_o the_o high-priesthood_n itself_o be_v entire_o dispose_v of_o by_o their_o governor_n who_o at_o pleasure_n put_v they_o in_o and_o out_o as_o they_o do_v any_o other_o officer_n of_o state_n but_o they_o place_v he_o say_v hegesippus_n on_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whither_o great_a number_n of_o the_o people_n go_v up_o to_o cast_v he_o down_o which_o say_v scaliger_n they_o can_v not_o do_v because_o it_o be_v as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o so_o very_o thick_o set_v with_o point_a iron_n as_o to_o keep_v the_o bird_n from_o settle_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o great_a and_o high_a battlement_n of_o all_o be_v but_o it_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v in_o the_o least_o probable_a that_o james_n shall_v be_v place_v there_o to_o preach_v to_o the_o people_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v hear_v from_o so_o great_a a_o height_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v dash_v apiece_o when_o he_o be_v cast_v thence_o instead_o of_o fall_v alive_a upon_o his_o knee_n as_o the_o historian_n report_v and_o therefore_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v any_o cover_n or_o battlement_n must_v have_v be_v some_o low_a frame_n of_o building_n from_o which_o he_o may_v be_v most_o convenient_o hear_v of_o the_o people_n now_o as_o from_o these_o objection_n say_v scaliger_n we_o may_v learn_v what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o hegesippus_n so_o say_v i_o from_o these_o reply_v to_o they_o may_v we_o learn_v what_o to_o think_v of_o this_o scaliger_n that_o upon_o such_o poor_a surmise_n as_o these_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o destroy_v and_o vilify_v the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o now_o the_o credit_n of_o this_o ancient_a author_n be_v full_o vindicated_n it_o do_v not_o only_o make_v good_a his_o own_o testimony_n but_o of_o all_o other_o that_o be_v record_v in_o his_o history_n between_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o his_o own_o and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o his_o account_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n go_v a_o great_a way_n for_o next_o to_o james_n the_o just_a he_o inform_v we_o that_o simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n and_o cousin_n german_n to_o our_o lord_n succeed_v in_o the_o bishopric_n and_o sit_v there_o till_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n under_o who_o he_o suffer_v martyrdom_n only_o for_o the_o old_a jealousy_n of_o vespasian_n and_o domitian_n of_o be_v of_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o so_o a_o rival_n to_o the_o empire_n so_o that_o here_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o that_o time_n by_o as_o short_a a_o succession_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n from_o st._n paul_n to_o clement_n and_o from_o clement_n to_o dionysius_n and_o in_o the_o asian_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n by_o policarp_n to_o pothinus_n and_o irenaeus_n §_o xxxiii_o next_o to_o hegesippus_n follow_v justin_n martyr_n though_o have_v not_o the_o other_o be_v a_o historian_n he_o may_v as_o be_v somewhat_o his_o senior_n have_v go_v before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n after_o our_o saviour_n passion_n and_o within_o eight_o year_n after_o address_v a_o excellent_a apology_n to_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o afterward_o a_o second_o to_o m._n aurelius_n his_o son_n and_o successor_n he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o eminent_a part_n and_o learning_n the_o most_o judicious_a philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n that_o have_v survey_v all_o the_o tenet_n of_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o study_v all_o kind_n of_o useful_a learning_n for_o the_o settlement_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o school_n of_o the_o stoic_n the_o peripatetic_n the_o pythagorean_n and_o the_o platonist_n of_o which_o himself_o have_v give_v a_o pleasant_a account_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n he_o be_v at_o last_o advise_v by_o a_o unknown_a grave_a old_a man_n that_o meet_v he_o in_o his_o retire_a walk_n to_o consider_v the_o christian_a philosophy_n to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o apply_v himself_o but_o he_o find_v it_o the_o only_a certain_a and_o satisfactory_a philosophy_n in_o short_a he_o be_v such_o a_o proficient_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n that_o his_o own_o write_n make_v good_a photius_n his_o character_n of_o he_o that_o as_o he_o be_v admirable_o furnish_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o read_v and_o history_n so_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o perfection_n both_o of_o the_o christian_a and_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o therefore_o immediate_o after_o his_o conversion_n give_v a_o learned_a and_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n as_o afterward_o in_o his_o apology_n and_o his_o other_o write_n he_o do_v of_o the_o certain_a truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n both_o from_o the_o undoubted_a miracle_n that_o in_o his_o time_n be_v wrought_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o it_o and_o from_o the_o certain_a proof_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n and_o the_o uninterrupted_a conveyance_n of_o it_o down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o frequent_o avow_v with_o the_o great_a freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o mind_n and_o at_o last_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n and_o though_o he_o foresee_v and_o foretell_v it_o not_o from_o any_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n that_o he_o pretend_v to_o in_o it_o but_o from_o the_o probable_a course_n and_o most_o natural_a event_n of_o thing_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o he_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o slacken_v his_o zeal_n for_o the_o christian_a cause_n but_o go_v on_o with_o all_o assurance_n of_o mind_n in_o its_o defence_n till_o it_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o encounter_n of_o death_n which_o he_o do_v not_o only_o meet_v with_o his_o eye_n open_a but_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o alacrity_n as_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o hope_n and_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o happiness_n next_o to_o justin_n martyr_n irenaeus_n follow_v in_o order_n who_o live_v much_o about_o or_o a_o little_a after_o the_o same_o time_n but_o of_o he_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o say_v the_o less_o because_o i_o have_v already_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o tradition_n that_o he_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o believe_v from_o policarp_n and_o pothinus_n and_o his_o acquaintance_n with_o other_o apostolical_a man_n only_o some_o few_o remark_n remain_v to_o make_v up_o his_o perfect_a character_n and_o make_v out_o his_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o for_o this_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n of_o he_o to_o florinus_n deserve_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n this_o doctrine_n of_o thou_o o_o florinus_n that_o i_o may_v frank_o declare_v the_o truth_n savour_v not_o of_o the_o sincere_a faith_n disagree_v from_o the_o church_n and_o betray_v such_o as_o listen_v to_o it_o into_o extreme_a impiety_n this_o doctrine_n no_o not_o the_o heretic_n which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n dare_v ever_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n such_o as_o be_v elder_n before_o we_o and_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n never_o deliver_v unto_o thou_o i_o see_v thou_o when_o i_o be_v yet_o a_o youth_n with_o policarp_n in_o the_o lesser_a asia_n live_v gorgeous_o in_o the_o emperor_n palace_n and_o mighty_o buisy_v thyself_o to_o get_v into_o favour_n and_o credit_n with_o he_o for_o i_o remember_v better_o the_o thing_n of_o old_a than_o latter_a affair_n for_o the_o thing_n we_o learn_v in_o our_o young_a year_n sink_v deep_a into_o our_o mind_n and_o grow_v together_o with_o we_o so_o that_o i_o particular_o remember_v the_o very_a place_n where_o policarp_n sit_v when_o he_o teach_v his_o go_v out_o and_o his_o come_n in_o his_o course_n of_o life_n the_o figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o his_o body_n the_o sermon_n he_o make_v to_o the_o people_n the_o report_n he_o make_v of_o his_o conversation_n with_o john_n and_o other_o which_o know_v the_o lord_n how_o he_o remember_v their_o say_n and_o what_o he_o hear_v from_o their_o mouth_n concern_v the_o lord_n
he_o and_o after_o that_o he_o be_v kill_v he_o shall_v rise_v the_o three_o day_n yet_o they_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n mark_n 9_o 3._o one_o will_v think_v the_o say_n be_v as_o plain_a as_o word_n can_v make_v it_o but_o though_o they_o understand_v the_o grammatical_a sense_n of_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o this_o jewish_a prejudice_n of_o his_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n that_o nothing_o that_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o it_o can_v enter_v into_o their_o head_n so_o that_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n be_v that_o they_o understand_v not_o how_o they_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o those_o prophecy_n that_o they_o have_v of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o upon_o occasion_n of_o all_o such_o discourse_n they_o still_o mind_v he_o of_o the_o recovery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o when_o those_o hope_n be_v bury_v in_o his_o grave_n than_o all_o their_o expectation_n utter_o die_v together_o with_o he_o saint_n peter_n think_v of_o return_v 3._o to_o his_o old_a trade_n of_o fish_v and_o we_o trust_v say_v the_o two_o disciple_n that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n luke_n 24._o 21._o and_o after_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o resurrection_n the_o very_a first_o thing_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o his_o crown_n lord_n will_v thou_o not_o at_o this_o time_n restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n act_v 1._o 6._o these_o be_v the_o big_a and_o swell_a expectation_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n concern_v their_o messiah_n but_o whilst_o they_o be_v eager_o gaze_v upon_o the_o outward_a pomp_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o their_o prince_n shall_v slip_v into_o it_o clothe_v in_o all_o the_o dress_n of_o meanness_n and_o humility_n that_o he_o may_v have_v nothing_o to_o recommend_v he_o to_o mankind_n but_o mere_a evidence_n of_o truth_n every_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n life_n and_o death_n be_v design_v cross_a to_o all_o the_o grandeur_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o be_v he_o bear_v not_o at_o jerusalem_n the_o imperial_a city_n but_o at_o bethlehem_n the_o least_o among_o the_o city_n of_o judah_n not_o in_o the_o town_n but_o in_o the_o suburb_n in_o a_o poor_a cottage_n not_o in_o the_o dwell_a house_n but_o in_o the_o stable_a among_o beast_n and_o beggar_n rag_n be_v his_o only_a imperial_a robe_n and_o his_o first_o throne_n a_o manger_n and_o instead_o of_o post_v away_o currier_n to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o persia_n the_o message_n of_o his_o birth_n be_v impart_v to_o a_o few_o plain_a and_o honest_a peasant_n they_o be_v shepherd_n a_o simple_a and_o innocent_a sort_n of_o people_n that_o make_v the_o first_o address_n and_o do_v the_o first_o homage_n to_o this_o infant_n prince_n and_o the_o whole_a progress_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v but_o agreeable_a to_o this_o humble_a coronation_n he_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o poor_a parent_n and_o as_o some_o who_o be_v no_o incompetent_a witness_n tell_v we_o wrought_v at_o his_o father_n trade_n and_o get_v his_o live_n by_o make_v of_o plough_n and_o yoke_n and_o after_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n and_o declare_v who_o he_o be_v he_o choose_v for_o the_o principal_a place_n of_o his_o residence_n galilee_n the_o most_o ignoble_a part_n of_o all_o judaea_n not_o only_o because_o it_o lay_v most_o remote_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o place_n of_o their_o court_n and_o temple_n but_o because_o it_o be_v inhabit_v by_o a_o mix_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o thence_o common_o style_v galilee_n of_o the_o gentile_n partly_o in_o that_o lie_a next_o to_o they_o and_o have_v more_o commerce_n with_o they_o they_o be_v not_o so_o coy_a of_o admit_v they_o into_o their_o kindred_n as_o the_o other_o jew_n and_o partly_o in_o that_o it_o be_v inhabit_v by_o some_o of_o those_o jew_n that_o return_v from_o the_o captivity_n who_o settle_v there_o among_o the_o gentile_n that_o have_v during_o the_o captivity_n place_v themselves_o in_o it_o so_o that_o the_o galilean_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o sort_n of_o mongrel_n jew_n and_o a_o galilean_a be_v little_o better_a than_o a_o name_n of_o reproach_n whence_o the_o proverb_n shall_v christ_n come_v out_o of_o galilee_n and_o as_o he_o choose_v the_o worst_a part_n of_o his_o country_n for_o the_o chief_a place_n of_o his_o residence_n though_o at_o time_n he_o show_v himself_o in_o other_o place_n but_o still_o under_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o a_o galilean_a so_o he_o choose_v the_o mean_a of_o his_o countryman_n for_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o kingdom_n fisherman_n a_o poor_a and_o beggarly_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v make_v so_o much_o the_o poor_a by_o be_v his_o disciple_n we_o have_v leave_v all_o say_v peter_n to_o follow_v thou_o and_o this_o mighty_a all_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o few_o totter_a net_n but_o yet_o with_o they_o be_v they_o able_a to_o get_v a_o small_a maintenance_n for_o their_o family_n whereas_o when_o they_o leave_v their_o trade_n to_o follow_v he_o they_o become_v perfect_a beggar_n for_o the_o fox_n have_v hole_n etc._n etc._n nay_o what_o be_v still_o a_o great_a condescension_n he_o converse_v not_o only_o with_o the_o mean_a but_o as_o his_o office_n require_v with_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n publican_n and_o sinner_n the_o most_o hate_a and_o most_o scandalous_a person_n insomuch_o that_o his_o enemy_n take_v advantage_n from_o it_o to_o reproach_v himself_o as_o a_o person_n that_o live_v a_o life_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o thus_o he_o pass_v on_o through_o perpetual_a affront_v reproach_n and_o calumny_n till_o he_o purposely_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n to_o deliver_v up_o himself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o with_o what_o scorn_n insolence_n and_o cruelty_n he_o be_v there_o treat_v and_o with_o what_o meekness_n patience_n and_o humility_n he_o there_o behave_v himself_o i_o need_v not_o here_o represent_v they_o indeed_o put_v upon_o he_o a_o royal_a robe_n but_o it_o be_v in_o derision_n they_o crown_v he_o but_o it_o be_v with_o thorn_n they_o bow_v the_o knee_n before_o he_o bâ—â—_n it_o be_v in_o mockery_n and_o they_o write_v he_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o his_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v execute_v with_o two_o thief_n and_o that_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o the_o great_a villain_n of_o the_o three_o all_o which_o as_o he_o suffer_v for_o other_o weighty_a end_n so_o not_o lest_o of_o all_o in_o order_n to_o his_o resurrection_n partly_o because_o that_o be_v design_v as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o his_o religion_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n take_v particular_a care_n to_o make_v it_o stand_v upon_o its_o own_o unassisted_a evidence_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n not_o only_o lay_v it_o so_o very_o deep_a but_o clear_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o give_v it_o the_o least_o assistance_n partly_o because_o be_v the_o most_o material_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o withal_o most_o difficult_a to_o be_v believe_v god_n be_v please_v to_o confirm_v its_o truth_n by_o sensible_a experience_n as_o arnobius_n have_v very_o well_o observe_v cumque_fw-la novitas_fw-la rerum_fw-la &_o inaudita_fw-la promissio_fw-la audientium_fw-la 1._o turbaret_fw-la mentes_fw-la &_o credulitatem_fw-la faceret_fw-la hoesitare_fw-la virtutum_fw-la omnium_fw-la dominus_fw-la atque_fw-la ipsius_fw-la mortis_fw-la extinctor_fw-la hominem_fw-la suum_fw-la permiserit_fw-la interfici_fw-la ut_fw-la ex_fw-la rebus_fw-la consequentibus_fw-la scirent_fw-la in_o tuto_fw-la esse_fw-la spes_fw-la svas_fw-la quas_fw-la jamdudum_fw-la acceperant_fw-la de_fw-la animarum_fw-la salute_n nec_fw-la periculum_fw-la mortis_fw-la aliâ_fw-la se_fw-la posse_fw-la ratione_fw-la vitare_fw-la when_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o promise_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n amaze_v man_n mind_n and_o stumble_v their_o belief_n the_o lord_n of_o all_o power_n and_o conqueror_n of_o death_n permit_v his_o humane_a nature_n to_o be_v slay_v that_o from_o his_o resurrection_n and_o those_o thing_n that_o follow_v after_o his_o death_n they_o may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o future_a salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n now_o this_o humble_a appearance_n of_o jesus_n be_v design_v so_o utter_o cross_v to_o the_o proud_a and_o revengeful_a expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o thirst_v for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o messiah_n only_o to_o be_v avenge_v of_o all_o their_o enemy_n it_o do_v not_o only_o raise_v their_o prejudice_n â—ut_v their_o indignation_n against_o he_o but_o especial_o when_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o great_a prerogative_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o
necessary_a upon_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o that_o he_o too_o well_o know_v in_o his_o court_n outweigh_v all_o other_o consideration_n and_o hence_o come_v that_o constant_a succession_n of_o murder_n in_o the_o empire_n whereby_o all_o of_o his_o own_o family_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n cut_v off_o and_o afterward_o all_o his_o kindred_n so_o imprudent_a a_o thing_n be_v it_o to_o think_v of_o dispose_n of_o crown_n against_o the_o right_n of_o inheritance_n it_o certain_o entail_v murder_n upon_o the_o royal_a family_n and_o civil_a war_n upon_o the_o kingdom_n but_o to_o return_v to_o nero_n these_o be_v the_o main_a instance_n of_o cruelty_n wherewith_o he_o be_v usual_o brand_v some_o other_o there_o be_v that_o i_o shall_v here_o pass_v by_o and_o only_o concern_v myself_o in_o that_o he_o be_v charge_v with_o against_o the_o christian_n against_o who_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o proceed_v not_o either_o from_o any_o enquiry_n into_o their_o cause_n or_o any_o voluntary_a cruelty_n of_o his_o own_o but_o deliver_v they_o up_o to_o the_o people_n fury_n only_o to_o deliver_v himself_o from_o it_o for_o the_o city_n happen_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o sudden_a fire_n nero_n enemy_n to_o render_v he_o more_o odious_a cast_a report_n among_o the_o people_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o mischief_n and_o the_o more_o to_o exasperate_v they_o add_v that_o he_o behold_v the_o sad_a sight_n from_o maecenas_n his_o tower_n with_o no_o small_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n sing_v the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n whether_o this_o report_n be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o mattered_a not_o the_o people_n be_v ready_a enough_o to_o run_v away_o with_o any_o thing_n in_o their_o rage_n and_o anguish_n and_o though_o it_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v altogether_o groundless_a and_o malicious_a it_o be_v then_o believe_v and_o be_v so_o to_o this_o day_n and_o therefore_o nero_n to_o bring_v himself_o off_o transfer_v the_o odium_n upon_o the_o christian_n who_o he_o know_v to_o be_v sufficient_o hateful_a to_o the_o common_a rabble_n as_o despiser_n of_o their_o god_n and_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o turn_v they_o loose_v to_o their_o rage_n and_o cruelty_n divert_v or_o at_o least_o somewhat_o assuage_v their_o fury_n against_o himself_o neither_o do_v this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v nero_n own_a device_n but_o rather_o to_o have_v be_v first_o prompt_v by_o the_o people_n themselves_o for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a that_o the_o idol_n priest_n upon_o occasion_n of_o so_o sad_a a_o calamity_n shall_v blow_v the_o suspicion_n into_o the_o people_n head_n that_o it_o come_v from_o the_o christian_n who_o as_o they_o hate_v their_o god_n hate_v their_o temple_n too_o and_o so_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o set_v the_o city_n on_o fire_n on_o purpose_n to_o destroy_v they_o and_o such_o a_o suggestion_n as_o this_o be_v once_o kindle_v among_o the_o common_a people_n it_o will_v quick_o prevail_v like_o the_o flame_n themselves_o and_o in_o the_o extremity_n of_o their_o anguish_n transport_v they_o to_o the_o utmost_a excess_n of_o rage_n and_o indignation_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o historian_n observe_v they_o do_v not_o think_v simple_a punishment_n enough_o unless_o they_o add_v scorn_n to_o their_o cruelty_n and_o so_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o man_n but_o worry_v they_o with_o dog_n in_o the_o skin_n of_o wild_a beast_n but_o whether_o nero_n fire_v the_o city_n or_o not_o or_o whether_o he_o contrive_v this_o device_n to_o save_v himself_o or_o only_o make_v advantage_n of_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o people_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o he_o nor_o they_o proceed_v against_o they_o upon_o any_o mature_a deliberation_n but_o that_o they_o be_v sacrifice_v mere_o to_o the_o outrage_n of_o the_o rabble_n and_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a account_n of_o the_o neronian_a persecution_n in_o which_o the_o prosecutor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o it_o be_v whole_o manage_v by_o popular_a tumult_n that_o be_v raise_v by_o calumny_n and_o enrage_v by_o superstition_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n in_o it_o suffer_v not_o as_o christian_n but_o only_o upon_o occasion_n of_o this_o accident_n the_o people_n fall_v foul_a upon_o they_o as_o enemy_n to_o their_o idol-god_n and_o that_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o blind_a and_o furious_a rabble_n to_o do_v whatever_o the_o christian_a cause_n may_v be_v for_o without_o inquire_v into_o that_o they_o be_v only_o zealous_a for_o their_o old_a superstition_n and_o therefore_o their_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o for_o though_o we_o suppose_v its_o truth_n and_o evidence_n yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v avoid_v their_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o in_o most_o of_o the_o other_o persecution_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o be_v both_o set_v on_o foot_n and_o carry_v on_o only_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o multitude_n §_o xxxviii_o the_o second_o persecution_n be_v raise_v by_o domitian_n the_o second_o to_o nero_n for_o fierceness_n and_o cruelty_n though_o neither_o do_v he_o proceed_v in_o it_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o religion_n but_o pure_o out_o of_o jealousy_n of_o state_n for_o as_o he_o exceed_v all_o other_o prince_n in_o suspicion_n and_o ill-nature_n so_o upon_o the_o least_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n he_o will_v never_o stick_v at_o any_o cruelty_n to_o secure_v himself_o thus_o he_o murder_v metius_n domitianus_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o 10._o he_o be_v bear_v as_o the_o astrologer_n affirm_v under_o a_o imperial_a horoscope_n and_o slay_v his_o own_o uncle_n flavius_n sabinus_n because_o when_o he_o be_v choose_v consul_n the_o clerk_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o declare_v the_o choice_n to_o the_o people_n by_o mistake_n pronounce_v he_o emperor_n instead_o of_o consul_n and_o though_o it_o be_v common_o say_v that_o he_o slay_v his_o kinsman_n flavius_n clemens_n who_o two_o son_n he_o have_v adopt_v to_o succeed_v he_o in_o the_o empire_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o christianity_n yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o probable_a that_o his_o displeasure_n be_v sudden_o take_v up_o upon_o some_o pretence_n of_o state_n as_o suetonius_n express_o affirm_v repentè_fw-fr ex_fw-la tenuissimâ_fw-la suspicion_n tantum_fw-la non_fw-la ipso_fw-la ejus_fw-la consulatu_fw-la 1_o interemit_fw-la and_o this_o as_o we_o have_v the_o story_n from_o hegesippus_n be_v the_o true_a original_a cause_n of_o 20._o his_o trouble_v the_o christian_n against_o who_o he_o do_v not_o proceed_v in_o general_a as_o christian_n but_o only_o against_o some_o of_o our_o saviour_n kindred_n who_o be_v accuse_v before_o he_o as_o descend_v from_o the_o royal_a line_n of_o david_n out_o of_o which_o the_o messiah_n or_o universal_a monarch_n be_v to_o come_v of_o who_o domitian_n say_v the_o historian_n be_v not_o less_o jealous_a than_o herod_n himself_o but_o upon_o examination_n find_v both_o the_o poverty_n and_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o person_n he_o dismiss_v they_o and_o by_o a_o public_a edict_n for_o bad_a all_o far_a prosecution_n against_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n thus_o far_o hegesippus_n and_o it_o be_v one_o will_v think_v a_o plain_a and_o a_o easy_a story_n and_o record_v by_o a_o person_n that_o live_v very_o near_o the_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v transact_v and_o yet_o our_o great_a scaliger_n in_o pursuit_n of_o that_o scholastic_a authority_n which_o he_o have_v take_v to_o himself_o of_o correct_v mmcxii_o the_o ancient_n but_o especial_o hegesippus_n be_v please_v not_o to_o pass_v it_o for_o so_o much_o as_o credible_a and_o that_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a reason_n as_o too_o gross_o discover_v his_o affectation_n of_o find_v fault_n for_o first_o he_o wonder_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o than_o two_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n leave_v and_o those_o of_o the_o family_n of_o judas_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n as_o hegesippus_n affirm_v whereas_o hegesippus_n affirm_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o only_o say_v that_o two_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o judas_n the_o brother_n of_o our_o lord_n be_v accuse_v before_o domitian_n but_o that_o they_o be_v all_o that_o be_v remain_v of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v neither_o have_v scaliger_n any_o ground_n for_o this_o surmise_n unless_o from_o thence_o to_o seize_v a_o opportunity_n to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n at_o babylon_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o of_o many_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n in_o great_a honour_n but_o grant_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o story_n though_o all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o their_o dispersion_n be_v
as_o little_a as_o he_o gain_v by_o object_v the_o meanness_n of_o our_o saviour_n condition_n he_o gain_v just_a as_o much_o by_o insult_v over_o their_o ignorance_n that_o be_v but_o another_o enhance_a circumstance_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n for_o so_o obscure_a a_o person_n to_o make_v such_o a_o alteration_n in_o the_o world_n so_o be_v it_o much_o more_o so_o to_o effect_v it_o by_o such_o contemptible_a instrument_n for_o no_o man_n that_o ingenuous_o consider_v the_o prodigious_a success_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v ever_o impute_v it_o to_o any_o other_o cause_n than_o either_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n or_o the_o great_a and_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o that_o by_o the_o objection_n itself_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o art_n of_o eloquence_n and_o learning_n by_o which_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o they_o may_v persuade_v or_o deceive_v the_o people_n into_o any_o belief_n whereas_o if_o jesus_n have_v choose_v the_o learned_a and_o the_o eloquent_a for_o the_o propagation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n he_o may_v have_v be_v just_o suspect_v of_o the_o same_o design_n with_o the_o philosopher_n of_o erect_v a_o new_a sect_n by_o the_o power_n of_o wit_n and_o rhetoric_n but_o when_o a_o few_o fisherman_n that_o want_v all_o the_o improvement_n of_o learning_n and_o education_n as_o the_o evangelist_n record_v and_o celsus_n object_n effect_v it_o with_o such_o prodigious_a success_n it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o miracle_n either_o in_o their_o word_n or_o action_n and_o thus_o all_o along_o the_o more_o they_o object_v the_o contemptibleness_n of_o the_o mean_n the_o more_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o event_n return_v upon_o themselves_o so_o that_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v something_o more_o than_o humane_a in_o the_o design_n it_o can_v never_o in_o the_o way_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prosecute_v have_v take_v any_o effect_n in_o the_o second_o book_n the_o counterfeit_a jew_n first_o rate_v his_o countryman_n for_o quit_v the_o law_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n to_o follow_v this_o innovatour_n but_o set_v aside_o the_o answer_n of_o origen_n that_o the_o christian_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n forsake_v the_o religion_n of_o moses_n but_o pursue_v and_o improve_v it_o still_o this_o be_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o do_v it_o if_o they_o have_v none_o their_o lightness_n be_v just_o unblamable_a but_o whether_o they_o have_v or_o have_v not_o it_o concern_v not_o this_o atheist_n to_o inquire_v and_o then_o this_o become_v celsus_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o epicurean_a very_o well_o that_o when_o the_o epicurean_a have_v begin_v his_o discourse_n with_o a_o disparagement_n of_o the_o impostor_n moses_n the_o jew_n shall_v make_v this_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o renounce_v the_o man_n that_o his_o friend_n have_v prove_v a_o impostor_n in_o the_o next_o place_n when_o he_o object_n our_o saviour_n cowardice_n that_o he_o flee_v and_o hide_v himself_o and_o such_o other_o trash_n it_o be_v equal_a malice_n and_o folly_n without_o ground_n or_o pretence_n in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o jesus_n extant_a beside_o the_o evangelist_n who_o all_o affirm_v that_o he_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n purposely_o to_o deliver_v up_o himself_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n now_o say_v origen_n i_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v these_o unvouched_a and_o vagabond_n surmise_n invent_v out_o of_o mere_a hatred_n to_o the_o christian_n or_o to_o believe_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o evangelist_n who_o pretend_v either_o to_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n or_o to_o have_v have_v a_o full_a information_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n with_o their_o blood_n this_o strange_a constancy_n and_o resolution_n even_o to_o death_n itself_o be_v not_o like_a man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o of_o have_v forge_v a_o false_a story_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o clear_a and_o manifest_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v serious_a and_o very_a well_o satisfy_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o record_v be_v not_o this_o then_o a_o ingenuous_a way_n of_o proceed_v to_o oppose_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n with_o fly_a report_n that_o have_v neither_o author_n nor_o authority_n and_o indeed_o such_o that_o whilst_o there_o be_v malice_n in_o the_o world_n no_o true_a story_n can_v escape_v but_o say_v celsus_n though_o he_o be_v please_v not_o open_o to_o show_v his_o divinity_n before_o yet_o at_o least_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v it_o by_o vanish_v miraculous_o from_o the_o cross._n no_o no_o celsus_n he_o have_v a_o far_a design_n to_o demonstrate_v not_o only_o his_o own_o divinity_n but_o man_n immortality_n if_o he_o have_v only_o disappear_v you_o may_v have_v impute_v that_o to_o a_o trick_n of_o magic_n but_o when_o he_o arise_v from_o the_o dead_a after_o he_o have_v be_v so_o public_o execute_v this_o be_v both_o a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o a_o full_a assurance_n to_o mankind_n of_o their_o capacity_n to_o subsist_v after_o death_n and_o though_o there_o be_v other_o indispensable_a reason_n why_o he_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o the_o cross_n yet_o if_o it_o be_v for_o these_o alone_a he_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suffer_v what_o he_o do_v especial_o when_o himself_n have_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n refer_v the_o proof_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o if_o he_o have_v according_a to_o celsus_n his_o advice_n withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o cross_n he_o have_v apparent_o defeat_v his_o own_o design_n that_o he_o have_v lay_v through_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o beside_o this_o by_o his_o death_n passion_n and_o resurrection_n he_o have_v demonstrate_v to_o mankind_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v reserve_v the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o another_o life_n and_o clear_v up_o the_o future_a existence_n of_o soul_n by_o a_o undeniable_a experiment_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o much_o fret_v the_o epicurean_o that_o he_o have_v put_v so_o clear_a a_o basfle_n upon_o their_o impiety_n but_o as_o for_o his_o next_o cavil_v he_o be_v real_o to_o be_v pity_v when_o he_o ask_v why_o we_o do_v not_o worship_v all_o other_o crucify_a malefactor_n it_o be_v a_o objection_n worthy_a the_o wisdom_n and_o gravity_n of_o a_o learned_a philosopher_n but_o yet_o for_o his_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o let_v he_o know_v that_o we_o worship_v all_o such_o malefactor_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v who_o own_a himself_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o then_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v murder_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o his_o resurrection_n but_o he_o say_v his_o disciple_n forsake_v he_o and_o will_v die_v neither_o with_o nor_o for_o he_o they_o do_v so_o by_o sudden_a surprise_n but_o what_o do_v the_o same_o disciple_n immediate_o after_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n they_o that_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o seize_v with_o so_o much_o cowardice_n fear_v then_o no_o danger_n to_o attest_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o they_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n of_o cowardice_n in_o the_o apostle_n be_v just_a such_o another_o advantageous_a circumstance_n to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n as_o that_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o want_n of_o learning_n for_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o man_n neither_o learned_a nor_o 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of_o so_o ridiculous_a a_o surmise_n and_o he_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o bear_v he_o out_o in_o it_o but_o only_o his_o epicurean_a conceit_n that_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a but_o as_o for_o that_o we_o will_v not_o dispute_v it_o with_o he_o at_o present_a though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n both_o of_o their_o own_o and_o all_o philosophy_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o easy_a and_o conceivable_a as_o the_o generation_n of_o a_o man._n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n what_o have_v be_v be_v the_o only_a argument_n of_o our_o debate_n and_o we_o will_v not_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o dispute_v its_o possibility_n when_o we_o have_v demonstrate_v its_o actual_a certainty_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o celsus_n after_o he_o have_v take_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o that_o in_o the_o person_n of_o a_o jew_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v so_o wretched_o sottish_a as_o to_o declare_v his_o own_o belief_n of_o the_o resurrection_n even_o of_o the_o body_n to_o eternal_a life_n and_o that_o the_o first_o proof_n and_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o messiah_n in_o the_o three_o book_n he_o begin_v to_o dispute_v in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o first_o object_n that_o the_o dispute_n between_o the_o christian_n and_o jew_n be_v of_o no_o moment_n in_o that_o both_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o only_o differ_v in_o this_o whether_o he_o be_v already_o come_v or_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o yet_o this_o beside_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o objection_n itself_o be_v a_o mere_a contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o former_a discourse_n by_o the_o personate_a jew_n for_o if_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o small_a as_o he_o pretend_v than_o all_o the_o sad_a out-cry_n and_o invective_n of_o the_o 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if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a that_o command_v the_o obedience_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o his_o law_n as_o the_o only_a term_n of_o salvation_n and_o if_o so_o then_o nothing_o can_v more_o concern_v they_o than_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n so_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trifle_a controversy_n as_o celsus_n foolish_o object_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o controversy_n start_v in_o the_o world_n of_o great_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o epicurean_n real_a meaning_n be_v that_o all_o controversy_n about_o religion_n be_v trifle_v because_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o a_o childish_a thing_n to_o contend_v about_o it_o but_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n then_o certain_o if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n do_v it_o high_o concern_v all_o man_n to_o inform_v themselves_o of_o those_o certain_a rule_n of_o duty_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o their_o practice_n but_o against_o both_o religion_n the_o epicurean_a object_n that_o they_o begin_v in_o sedition_n the_o jewish_a against_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o christian_a against_o the_o jew_n but_o in_o the_o first_o he_o suppose_v the_o jew_n to_o have_v be_v original_o egyptian_n which_o because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o proofless_a presumption_n can_v prove_v nothing_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o more_o vain_a to_o charge_n christianity_n with_o sedition_n because_o all_o sedition_n either_o design_n or_o act_v some_o violence_n against_o the_o government_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o saviour_n allow_v no_o weapon_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o suffering_n and_o have_v threaten_v no_o one_o offence_n with_o great_a severity_n than_o endeavour_n of_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o his_o religion_n be_v true_a it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o more_o inoffensive_o to_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v with_o any_o ingenuity_n be_v charge_v with_o sedition_n till_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n be_v first_o determine_v for_o that_o be_v the_o only_a controversy_n in_o this_o matter_n which_o if_o celsus_n and_o his_o partisan_n have_v but_o the_o courage_n to_o undertake_v they_o will_v have_v have_v no_o need_n of_o these_o petty_a and_o remote_a reflection_n the_o next_o cavil_v be_v that_o the_o christian_n affect_v nothing_o but_o singularity_n very_o likely_a this_o when_o so_o many_o of_o they_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o extreme_a hazard_n of_o their_o life_n to_o convert_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o mankind_n to_o christianity_n but_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o agree_v at_o first_o they_o afterward_o divide_v into_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o levity_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o truth_n or_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n for_o beside_o what_o origen_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o thing_n of_o great_a reputation_n in_o itself_o or_o usefulness_n to_o the_o world_n about_o which_o man_n do_v not_o raise_v dispute_n and_o make_v party_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o raise_v controversy_n about_o it_o if_o it_o be_v than_o their_o do_v so_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o that_o be_v to_o say_v no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o it_o bring_v a_o fatal_a necessity_n upon_o all_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o to_o be_v both_o wise_a and_o honest_a which_o be_v such_o a_o awkerd_fw-mi condition_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v not_o only_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o but_o say_v he_o they_o scare_v the_o people_n with_o fable_n and_o bugbear_n tell_v what_o say_v origen_n beside_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o that_o hereafter_o he_o will_v sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o all_o our_o action_n and_o in_o this_o belief_n we_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o live_v as_o they_o ought_v that_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o themselves_o to_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n these_o indeed_o be_v fable_n to_o a_o atheist_n and_o a_o epicurean_a but_o not_o to_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o celsus_n write_v against_o not_o mere_o christianity_n only_o he_o be_v fierce_a in_o his_o opposition_n to_o that_o because_o it_o be_v so_o full_a a_o check_n to_o his_o impiety_n though_o otherwise_o the_o main_a of_o his_o objection_n that_o he_o level_v against_o that_o aim_v as_o direct_o against_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o bugbears_a of_o a_o future_a state_n with_o which_o he_o here_o upbraid_v christianity_n be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o only_a his_o own_o sect._n and_o though_o he_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o all_o the_o world_n take_v away_o the_o opinion_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n this_o vizor_n be_v too_o ridiculous_o put_v upon_o a_o epicurean_a it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o contradiction_n to_o himself_o and_o he_o renounce_v his_o first_o principle_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n but_o though_o they_o indeed_o may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o any_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v by_o his_o master_n epicurus_n who_o frequent_v their_o public_a sacrifice_n to_o make_v himself_o sport_n at_o home_n with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o superstition_n yet_o he_o shall_v never_o
doctrine_n but_o how_o much_o great_a violence_n do_v these_o man_n offer_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o submit_v to_o the_o authority_n and_o yet_o despisé_fw-fr the_fw-fr obligation_n of_o his_o law_n this_o be_v more_o palpable_a blasphemy_n and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o worse_a than_o a_o profess_a infidel_n as_o judas_n be_v worse_o than_o a_o common_a pharisee_fw-mi he_o in_o some_o measure_n believe_v his_o master_n to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o yet_o betray_v he_o and_o so_o be_v every_o vicious_a christian_a guilty_a of_o the_o same_o traitorous_a wickedness_n he_o believe_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o behave_v himself_o towards_o he_o as_o if_o he_o real_o believe_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n this_o man_n sin_v know_o against_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o his_o conscience_n and_o every_o act_n of_o disobedience_n be_v not_o only_o a_o affront_n to_o his_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n but_o to_o his_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o judas_n what_o a_o strange_a contradiction_n be_v a_o vicious_a christian_a both_o to_o himself_o and_o his_o profession_n it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o to_o i_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a instance_n of_o sottishness_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n shall_v after_o such_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n engage_v itself_o for_o the_o contrivance_n and_o procurement_n of_o man_n felicity_n and_o that_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o low_a world_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o shall_v suffer_v all_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o when_o he_o have_v recover_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o condition_n of_o peaceable_a intercourse_n with_o his_o father_n he_o shall_v prescribe_v to_o we_o some_o law_n of_o life_n to_o keep_v and_o continue_v we_o in_o that_o state_n into_o which_o he_o have_v redeem_v we_o and_o that_o to_o secure_a all_o he_o have_v enforce_v they_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o establish_v their_o obligation_n upon_o no_o less_o sanction_n than_o the_o certain_a assurance_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v i_o say_v to_o i_o it_o be_v a_o unconceivable_a brutishness_n that_o any_o person_n who_o serious_o believe_v these_o thing_n shall_v act_v so_o gross_o against_o his_o own_o interest_n against_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n and_o against_o the_o strong_a inducement_n both_o of_o his_o hope_n and_o fear_n as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o dare_a and_o habitual_a disobedience_n to_o any_o of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n what_o a_o intolerable_a aggravation_n must_v it_o be_v of_o their_o wickedness_n whilst_o it_o be_v commit_v against_o all_o the_o endearment_n of_o love_n and_o goodness_n and_o all_o the_o inducement_n of_o interest_n and_o ingenuity_n i._n e._n against_o all_o the_o obligation_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o lay_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o apostle_n discourse_v very_o apposite_o heb._n 2._o 3_o 4._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o be_v publish_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v witness_n to_o they_o with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n here_o lay_v the_o emphasis_n that_o aggravate_v the_o neglect_n of_o their_o salvation_n that_o god_n have_v send_v his_o own_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o preach_v and_o to_o procure_v it_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o by_o the_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o undeniable_a power_n of_o miracle_n after_o all_o these_o motive_n and_o all_o this_o assurance_n if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v so_o wretched_a as_o to_o neglect_v so_o easy_a condition_n of_o so_o great_a salvation_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v escape_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a stupidity_n for_o what_o shall_v prevail_v upon_o such_o mind_n as_o be_v proof_n against_o such_o motive_n and_o yet_o as_o strange_a as_o this_o appear_v what_o do_v we_o find_v more_o vulgar_a when_o a_o wicked_a believer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o monster_n in_o our_o age_n that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o great_a prodigy_n in_o it_o than_o a_o entire_a true_a christian._n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o our_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v flee_v to_o heaven_n with_o its_o primitive_a professor_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o real_a christianity_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n i._n e._n a_o serious_a and_o habitual_a conformity_n to_o all_o its_o law_n and_o whatever_o man_n may_v do_v or_o pretend_v without_o this_o it_o may_v be_v humour_n or_o faction_n or_o any_o thing_n but_o religion_n no_o design_n how_o great_a soever_o less_o than_o this_o be_v worthy_a our_o saviour_n embasly_a and_o when_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v send_v on_o a_o errand_n into_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v of_o any_o less_o concernment_n than_o its_o reformation_n the_o last_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n be_v only_o to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v good_a and_o virtuous_a and_o the_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v so_o defeat_v all_o the_o love_n and_o wisdom_n of_o heaven_n in_o send_v the_o holy_a jesus_n into_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o let_v i_o challenge_v my_o reader_n as_o he_o will_v not_o frustrate_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n as_o he_o will_v not_o baffle_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o innocence_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n under_o the_o reign_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o as_o he_o will_v not_o hereafter_o with_o that_o his_o saviour_n have_v never_o be_v bear_v nor_o himself_o neither_o that_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a for_o his_o own_o part_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o let_v he_o see_v by_o the_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n that_o he_o be_v bear_v to_o some_o purpose_n and_o that_o he_o die_v not_o in_o vain_a nay_o let_v i_o challenge_v all_o christendom_n not_o to_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o complain_v have_v i_o desert_v heaven_n and_o all_o its_o glory_n and_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o shame_n and_o misery_n upon_o earth_n have_v i_o wrestle_v with_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n have_v i_o live_v and_o die_v in_o disgrace_n and_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o affront_n and_o ill_a usage_n to_o restore_v the_o practice_n and_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n to_o this_o low_a world_n and_o be_v this_o all_o the_o issue_n of_o the_o travel_n of_o my_o soul_n that_o i_o have_v only_o found_v a_o new_a faction_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n by_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o that_o they_o signalise_v themselves_o by_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v this_o all_o the_o purchase_n of_o my_o blood_n to_o be_v only_o follow_v by_o a_o few_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a proselyte_n i_o have_v as_o good_a have_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v in_o its_o degenerate_a state_n of_o heathenism_n as_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o that_o i_o have_v do_v only_o to_o give_v a_o new_a name_n to_o those_o part_n of_o it_o call_v christendom_n without_o reform_v their_o old_a manner_n i_o neither_o design_n nor_o accept_v any_o other_o separation_n of_o my_o church_n from_o other_o part_n of_o mankind_n than_o what_o be_v make_v by_o the_o virtue_n the_o innocence_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n without_o this_o all_o their_o pretend_a faith_n in_o and_o zeal_n for_o my_o institution_n be_v to_o i_o no_o better_a than_o scandal_n and_o impudent_a hypocrisy_n and_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o aggravate_v their_o impiety_n and_o increase_v their_o punishment_n and_o in_o truth_n what_o can_v more_o provoke_v our_o saviour_n displeasure_n than_o christian_a wickedness_n this_o bring_v disgrace_n and_o dishonour_n upon_o his_o religion_n and_o prostitute_n it_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n it_o break_v through_o all_o the_o best_a rule_n of_o duty_n and_o strong_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n