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of_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o and_o such_o author_n without_o sufficient_a assurance_n thereof_o but_o i_o believe_v the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o themselves_o but_o which_o may_v some_o of_o they_o be_v easy_o enough_o guess_v at_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n that_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o apostle_n which_o they_o must_v and_o do_v allow_v to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o any_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n for_o in_o other_o case_n we_o make_v no_o doubt_n to_o receive_v a_o book_n as_o write_v by_o such_o a_o author_n if_o he_o own_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v show_v write_v with_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o if_o they_o that_o be_v the_o publisher_n of_o it_o declare_v that_o they_o have_v it_o from_o he_o as_o his_o own_o or_o that_o they_o transcribe_v or_o print_v it_o from_o a_o copy_n which_o they_o 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other_o matter_n that_o he_o have_v relate_v as_o of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o may_v be_v mistake_n in_o the_o sign_n and_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o revelation_n its_o self_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o report_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o prophet_n himself_o or_o any_o other_o man_n who_o have_v report_v the_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o matter_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n do_v imagine_v he_o see_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o that_o he_o hear_v thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v but_o if_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a that_o any_o man_n and_o much_o more_o that_o several_a man_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o report_n the_o organ_n of_o who_o sense_n be_v right_o dispose_v and_o who_o by_o all_o their_o other_o action_n and_o discourse_n appear_v to_o be_v sober_a and_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a shall_v yet_o in_o the_o day_n time_n and_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o when_o they_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v broad_a awake_a be_v mistake_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n then_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n then_o they_o that_o make_v the_o objection_n can_v be_v no_o more_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o see_v and_o hear_v than_o other_o man_n can_v be_v and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o hold_v a_o argument_n with_o such_o as_o dare_v not_o believe_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o ear_n the_o only_a sense_n whereby_o i_o think_v such_o man_n can_v be_v convince_v must_v be_v feel_v and_o it_o will_v be_v well_o for_o they_o if_o they_o can_v carry_v the_o same_o scepticism_n with_o they_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o when_o they_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n can_v be_v able_a to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o real_a or_o a_o paint_a fire_n whether_o they_o be_v torment_v in_o that_o flame_n or_o not_o leave_v these_o therefore_o to_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o be_v i_o think_v not_o capable_a of_o conviction_n here_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o have_v say_v what_o i_o suppose_v be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v other_o that_o the_o witness_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o witness_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v so_o plain_o to_o man_n that_o they_o may_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o such_o evidence_n may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o a_o author_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o book_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v a_o reasonable_a man._n and_o by_o this_o and_o what_o be_v say_v before_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o a_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n may_v be_v so_o well_o contrive_v and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o effect_v its_o design_n viz._n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n whether_o the_o stand_a revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n will_v be_v matter_n of_o enquiry_n in_o the_o next_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v may_v serve_v to_o dispose_v we_o to_o hear_v without_o prejudice_n the_o argument_n that_o may_v be_v offer_v to_o prove_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o 1._o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o stand_a revelation_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o from_o that_o natural_a notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n it_o may_v be_v fair_o argue_v that_o he_o be_v not_o want_v to_o man_n in_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v not_o new_a revelation_n make_v every_o day_n it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o there_o be_v already_o some_o stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n extant_a that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v already_o any_o such_o stand_a revelation_n extant_a it_o may_v be_v strong_o presume_v that_o it_o be_v that_o which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o book_n that_o we_o know_v of_o which_o have_v such_o good_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o inspiration_n as_o that_o have_v let_v we_o then_o be_v prepare_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o religion_n with_o unprejudiced_a mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n and_o desire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o a_o resolution_n to_o hear_v reason_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o and_o above_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o best_a preparation_n for_o truth_n and_o the_o best_a security_n against_o error_n let_v we_o in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o heart_n apply_v ourselves_o to_o god_n for_o his_o help_n and_o direction_n and_o that_o our_o prayer_n may_v be_v effectual_a let_v we_o be_v careful_a to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o by_o a_o conscientious_a discharge_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n of_o piety_n justice_n temperance_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v clear_o teach_v even_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o practice_v whatever_o else_o we_o shall_v learn_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n by_o any_o far_a illumination_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o for_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o epist_n ded._n l._n 3._o r._n archbishop_n p._n 8._o l._n 31._o r._n forbear_v p._n 13._o l._n 19_o r._n he_o who_o p._n 14._o l._n 16._o r._n a_o book_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n february_n the_o 5_o the_o 1699_o 700._o be_v the_o second_o for_o the_o year_n 1700_o of_o the_o lecture_n found_v by_o the_o honourable_a robert_n boyle_n esq_n by_o offspring_n blackall_n rector_n of_o st._n marry_o aldermary_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n leake_n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1700._o st._n luke_n xvi_o 29_o 30_o 31._o abraham_n say_v unto_o he_o they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o he_o say_v nay_o father_n abraham_n but_o if_o one_o go_v unto_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a they_o will_v repent_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v in_o discourse_v on_o these_o word_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o present_a stand_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o be_v not_o unreasonable_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a they_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o have_v also_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n let_v they_o hear_v they_o and_o if_o that_o stand_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o his_o will_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v upon_o any_o account_n be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v this_o design_n it_o must_v be_v i_o think_v either_o 1._o because_o no_o stand_a revelation_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n or_o 2._o because_o there_o be_v some_o particular_a defect_n in_o that_o revelation_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o render_v it_o not_o so_o sufficient_a for_o this_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o stand_a revelation_n may_v be_v i_o have_v therefore_o in_o a_o former_a discourse_n upon_o 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no_o suspicion_n of_o what_o be_v do_v nor_o any_o sense_n of_o that_o great_a alteration_n that_o have_v be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o book_n nor_o any_o remembrance_n afterward_o when_o they_o awake_v and_o find_v themselves_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v be_v of_o some_o other_o religion_n before_o when_o they_o be_v first_o take_v with_o that_o lethargic_a fit_n but_o if_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v what_o be_v there_o of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v not_o be_v if_o the_o world_n be_v so_o much_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v as_o much_o mistake_v in_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n or_o virgil_n or_o caesar_n or_o cicero_n or_o plutarch_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o person_n as_o who_o write_n we_o now_o receive_v the_o book_n that_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o that_o all_o the_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v write_v by_o those_o author_n and_o likewise_o all_o the_o book_n of_o late_a date_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o former_a book_n be_v attest_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n contrive_v and_o make_v and_o disperse_v by_o such_o another_o gang_n of_o crafty_a and_o design_v knave_n who_o take_v a_o pleasure_n in_o abuse_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n or_o hope_v to_o make_v a_o gain_n to_o themselves_o â—hereby_o nay_o then_o for_o why_o shall_v we_o stop_v here_o it_o may_v be_v that_o not_o only_o the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o the_o law_n of_o our_o civil_a state_n too_o be_v all_o forge_a and_o counterfeit_a it_o may_v be_v that_o once_o upon_o a_o time_n the_o keeper_n of_o the_o public_a record_n have_v by_o much_o and_o long_a observation_n attain_v to_o good_a skill_n â—n_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v for_o many_o age_n backward_o and_o be_v a_o complete_a master_n of_o his_o pen_n and_o have_v also_o get_v a_o art_n to_o make_v a_o fresh_a write_n seem_v just_a as_o old_a 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foolhardy_a as_o to_o venture_v their_o soul_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n upon_o so_o many_o and_o such_o very_a improbable_a i_o have_v almost_o say_v such_o impossible_a may_v be_v his_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v if_o indeed_o these_o book_n be_v forge_v and_o counterfeit_a if_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o they_o be_v common_o ascribe_v to_o but_o yield_v this_o point_n may_n the_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n far_o say_v viz._n that_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n matthew'_v be_v write_v by_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o of_o st._n mark_v by_o st._n mark_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o certain_a author_n by_o those_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v several_o ascribe_v yet_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n will_v not_o by_o this_o concession_n be_v sufficient_o establish_v for_o of_o some_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o 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truth_n of_o the_o rest_n 5._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v relate_v by_o they_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v very_o public_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o know_v to_o a_o great_a many_o for_o very_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o lord_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n be_v address_v in_o private_a to_o his_o apostle_n only_o but_o most_o of_o they_o be_v speak_v in_o public_a his_o set_a sermon_n common_o to_o great_a multitude_n gather_v together_o on_o a_o mountain_n on_o the_o seashore_n or_o in_o a_o synagogue_n and_o the_o rest_n more_o common_o in_o place_n of_o resort_v in_o populous_a town_n or_o city_n in_o jerusalem_n or_o the_o temple_n when_o many_o be_v by_o to_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v and_o his_o miracle_n be_v do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o the_o best_a inhabit_a city_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n or_o if_o in_o other_o place_n yet_o in_o 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towards_o the_o render_n it_o easy_a to_o disprove_v that_o relation_n which_o they_o have_v give_v of_o they_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a for_o when_o a_o man_n witness_v a_o thing_n of_o his_o own_o private_a knowledge_n there_o may_v be_v no_o way_n to_o invalidate_v his_o testimony_n but_o either_o by_o show_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o testify_v be_v not_o possible_a or_o by_o offer_v some_o just_a exception_n to_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o witness_n but_o when_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o they_o can_v always_o be_v do_v although_o the_o thing_n testify_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o case_n the_o matter_n be_v do_v public_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o convict_v a_o false_a witness_n by_o the_o contrary_a testimony_n of_o several_a other_o that_o be_v present_a and_o as_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o himself_o or_o by_o the_o clash_v of_o the_o witness_n among_o themselves_o nothing_o therefore_o can_v 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the_o false_a evidence_n they_o have_v give_v concern_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a may_v easy_o have_v be_v show_v other_o way_n for_o what_o they_o testify_v be_v that_o that_o same_o jesus_n who_o the_o jew_n have_v crucify_a and_o who_o they_o have_v see_v lay_v into_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v rise_v again_o and_o have_v be_v see_v alive_a three_o day_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n have_v this_o therefore_o be_v false_a how_o very_o easy_a will_v it_o have_v be_v for_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v disprove_v their_o evidence_n of_o it_o by_o only_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o take_v out_o thence_o his_o dead_a body_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o some_o time_n to_o public_a view_n and_o thither_o doubtless_o they_o do_v go_v and_o with_o this_o design_n but_o the_o body_n they_o can_v not_o find_v and_o yet_o they_o have_v take_v all_o the_o caution_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o prevent_v its_o be_v convey_v away_o 27.62_o mat._n 27.62_o have_v obtain_v from_o pilate_n a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n on_o purpose_n to_o keep_v watch_n over_o it_o for_o three_o day_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v our_o lord_n resurrection_n that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v disprove_v if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o it_o nothing_o to_o oppose_v to_o it_o but_o only_o that_o very_o ill_o contrive_v that_o self-contradicting_a evidence_n of_o the_o watchman_n 29.13_o mat._n 29.13_o who_o say_v that_o while_n they_o be_v asleep_a that_o be_v when_o all_o their_o sense_n be_v bind_v up_o and_o when_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v the_o disciple_n come_v and_o steal_v the_o body_n away_o but_o if_o they_o see_v the_o body_n remove_v in_o which_o case_n only_o they_o can_v be_v good_a witness_n of_o it_o they_o be_v not_o as_o they_o say_v they_o be_v asleep_z when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v or_o if_o indeed_o they_o be_v asleep_a when_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a how_o it_o be_v remove_v they_o can_v not_o say_v he_o be_v not_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a 6._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v how_o very_a improbable_a or_o rather_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n shall_v ever_o have_v gain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o history_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o be_v so_o contrive_v that_o it_o may_v with_o the_o great_a ease_n have_v be_v disprove_v so_o the_o matter_n therein_o relate_v be_v in_o themselves_o and_o especial_o in_o their_o consequence_n such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o make_v the_o strict_a examination_n that_o be_v possible_a into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o if_o they_o have_v discover_v 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great_a many_o engage_v by_o the_o strong_a worldly_a interest_n to_o support_v and_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o at_o ephesus_n that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o craftsman_n get_v their_o wealth_n by_o make_v silver_n shrine_v for_o diana_n etc._n act_n 19.24_o etc._n etc._n but_o in_o every_o other_o country_n the_o live_n of_o a_o considerable_a number_n depend_v upon_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v therein_o receive_v which_o be_v destroy_v and_o their_o trade_n or_o profession_n thereby_o at_o a_o end_n they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o get_v bread_n by_o take_v up_o some_o new_a employment_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n of_o what_o trade_n or_o profession_n soever_o they_o be_v be_v general_o so_o zealous_a and_o concern_v about_o nothing_o that_o they_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o any_o change_n or_o innovation_n in_o as_o religion_n this_o be_v it_o well_o or_o weak_o ground_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v that_o form_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o will_v not_o easy_o let_v go_v so_o that_o i_o say_v too_o little_a when_o i_o say_v before_o that_o a_o great_a many_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v engage_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n for_o this_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o mankind_n except_o only_o of_o those_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v instruct_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n all_o other_o whether_o jew_n or_o gentile_n rich_a or_o poor_a learned_a or_o ignorant_a priest_n or_o people_n be_v engage_v either_o by_o interest_n or_o prejudice_n or_o conscience_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n to_o convict_v the_o apostle_n of_o falsehood_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n and_o if_o any_o falsehood_n have_v be_v therein_o it_o be_v impossible_a consider_v how_o obvious_a it_o must_v needs_o lie_v to_o discovery_n and_o how_o many_o be_v at_o work_n to_o find_v it_o out_o that_o they_o can_v have_v fail_v of_o their_o aim_n and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v make_v the_o discovery_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v he_o will_v have_v be_v long_o before_o he_o have_v impart_v to_o other_o a_o piece_n of_o news_n so_o very_o welcome_a as_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n or_o that_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a once_o make_v and_o publish_v shall_v ever_o after_o have_v be_v stifle_v or_o suppress_v because_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o put_v they_o at_o first_o upon_o make_v the_o discovery_n be_v of_o the_o same_o force_n afterward_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o discovery_n of_o that_o kind_n that_o have_v be_v make_v and_o therefore_o i_o add_v in_o the_o last_o place_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o give_v weight_n and_o strength_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v before_o upon_o this_o subject_a and_o full_o complete_v that_o argument_n which_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n 7._o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o disproof_n of_o this_o history_n if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o incessant_a endeavour_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n to_o find_v out_o some_o falsehood_n therein_o to_o do_v which_o â—hey_n be_v not_o only_o prompt_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n â—nd_v inclination_n but_o also_o frequent_o and_o bold_o challenge_v by_o the_o christian_n themselves_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o â—he_n ancient_a apology_n for_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o a_o history_n of_o very_a good_a credit_n now_o cavil_v â—t_a perhaps_o but_o not_o deny_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v disprove_v either_o by_o jew_n or_o 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subject_a but_o also_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v express_o forbid_v to_o lie_v one_o to_o another_o and_o by_o which_o they_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o a_o false_a witness_n that_o speak_v lie_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n 19_o leu._n 19.11_o pro._n 6.16_o 19_o and_o especial_o by_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o he_o who_o they_o have_v late_o take_v for_o their_o master_n and_o who_o law_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v to_o preach_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n by_o which_o they_o be_v oblige_v and_o under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n no_o less_o than_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o put_v away_o all_o lie_v 21.8_o eph._n 4.25_o rev._n 21.8_o and_o to_o speak_v every_o man_n the_o truth_n to_o his_o neighbour_n the_o subject_a matter_n of_o their_o relation_n do_v also_o lay_v upon_o they_o the_o strong_a obligation_n to_o have_v a_o strict_a regard_n to_o truth_n in_o every_o 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the_o four_o evangelist_n but_o all_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v do_v consent_n to_o the_o report_n of_o so_o many_o and_o such_o notorious_a and_o hurtful_a untruth_n but_o this_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v be_v not_o a_o direct_a proof_n that_o the_o evangelist_n be_v true_a and_o faithful_a in_o their_o relation_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a ground_n of_o presume_v that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o nevertheless_o i_o think_v if_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v offer_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o render_v their_o testimony_n high_o credible_a so_o long_o as_o nothing_o be_v allege_v on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o disprove_v it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v so_o for_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o person_n of_o who_o truth_n we_o have_v no_o other_o assurance_n but_o such_o a_o probable_a presumption_n all_o question_n and_o controversy_n 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for_o though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o we_o lay_v no_o great_a stress_n upon_o in_o this_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o any_o historian_n who_o personal_a character_n be_v unknown_a to_o we_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n seem_v to_o have_v relate_v all_o matter_n with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n that_o they_o seem_v as_o free_v in_o tell_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v or_o may_v be_v account_v disgraceful_a to_o their_o master_n or_o themselves_o as_o in_o tell_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o glorious_a and_o reputable_a for_o thus_o in_o their_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n as_o they_o tell_v we_o the_o wonderfulness_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o many_o miracle_n that_o he_o wrought_v the_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v he_o by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o and_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n his_o glorious_a resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n so_o they_o stick_v not_o to_o tell_v we_o also_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o parentage_n the_o obscurity_n of_o his_o birth_n his_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n in_o the_o world_n the_o affront_v that_o be_v give_v he_o the_o contempt_n he_o be_v have_v in_o and_o the_o shameful_a death_n he_o be_v put_v to_o and_o of_o themselves_o they_o have_v leave_v it_o upon_o record_n to_o all_o posterity_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mean_a extraction_n and_o breed_v up_o to_o very_o poor_a or_o scandalous_a employment_n that_o they_o be_v fisherman_n tentmakers_n publican_n they_o own_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a man_n they_o tell_v their_o own_o childish_a mistake_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o mention_v their_o own_o foolish_a and_o ambitious_a contention_n with_o one_o another_o about_o worldly_a greatness_n they_o 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it_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o that_o they_o will_v at_o least_o have_v conceal_v their_o own_o frailty_n and_o infirmity_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v they_o will_v have_v furnish_v their_o adversary_n with_o matter_n wherewith_o to_o reproach_v they_o but_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o a_o historian_n who_o mean_v to_o deceive_v his_o reader_n in_o some_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n may_v purposely_o insert_v some_o few_o such_o passage_n as_o these_o thereby_o to_o gain_v himself_o a_o easy_a belief_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o to_o cover_v his_o wicked_a design_n it_o be_v therefore_o another_o and_o a_o better_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n history_n that_o the_o evangelist_n and_o other_o witness_n of_o the_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v person_n not_o liable_a to_o any_o just_a
suspicion_n of_o unfaithfulness_n in_o their_o relation_n because_o whatever_o they_o have_v be_v before_o they_o be_v then_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n person_n of_o a_o very_a good_a character_n 2.10_o 1_o thes_n 2.10_o you_o be_v witness_n say_v the_o apostle_n and_o god_n also_o how_o holy_o and_o just_o and_o unblamable_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o among_o you_o they_o that_o can_v not_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o other_o crime_n be_v not_o just_o to_o be_v suspect_v guilty_a of_o forgery_n and_o lie_v and_o we_o have_v abundant_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v unblameable_a because_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v ever_o charge_v at_o all_o either_o true_o or_o false_o even_o by_o their_o great_a enemy_n with_o any_o other_o fault_n but_o only_o too_o great_a zeal_n and_o industry_n in_o propagate_a their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o this_o shall_v be_v think_v a_o fault_n by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o religion_n or_o that_o by_o the_o power_n that_o then_o be_v who_o endeavour_v with_o all_o their_o might_n to_o suppress_v the_o growth_n of_o christianity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o zealous_a to_o spread_v it_o shall_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o disaffect_v to_o their_o government_n and_o mover_n of_o sedition_n but_o however_o this_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o fault_n be_v not_o such_o a_o crime_n as_o can_v just_o have_v render_v their_o honesty_n suspect_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v rather_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o however_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v mistake_v yet_o they_o do_v believe_v themselves_o it_o be_v a_o fair_a proof_n that_o they_o think_v they_o have_v good_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o testify_v and_o that_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o under_o a_o strict_a obligation_n to_o testify_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o that_o be_v another_o good_a argument_n of_o their_o veracity_n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o 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the_o report_n be_v true_a but_o so_o far_o be_v this_o if_o it_o be_v a_o lie_n from_o be_v a_o profitable_a and_o advantageous_a lie_n to_o the_o forger_n and_o reporter_n of_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v and_o they_o can_v not_o but_o ready_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o prejudicial_a to_o their_o worldly_a interest_n expose_v they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o persecution_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o every_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o every_o other_o religion_n however_o hate_v one_o another_o with_o a_o mortal_a hatred_n ready_o join_v together_o to_o persecute_v the_o christian_n and_o those_o above_o all_o other_o who_o be_v the_o witness_n of_o christianity_n the_o ringleader_n as_o they_o call_v they_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o nazarene_n this_o therefore_o may_v be_v reckon_v another_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o truth_n than_o any_o that_o have_v be_v yet_o mention_v so_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o i_o believe_v no_o history_n in_o the_o world_n have_v but_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n that_o no_o threat_n or_o punishment_n can_v move_v the_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v record_v in_o the_o evangelical_n history_n so_o much_o as_o to_o desist_v from_o give_v fresh_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v once_o relate_v for_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v all_o that_o be_v ever_o require_v or_o expect_v from_o they_o not_o that_o they_o shall_v retract_v the_o testimony_n they_o have_v give_v but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o speak_v or_o teach_v any_o more_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n 4.18.5.46_o act_n 4.18.5.46_o and_o upon_o this_o condition_n alone_o any_o of_o they_o may_v have_v expect_v both_o a_o pardon_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v before_o and_o likewise_o all_o fit_a favour_n and_o encouragement_n but_o this_o be_v what_o they_o all_o refuse_v to_o 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themselves_o so_o that_o they_o may_v finish_v their_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o testify_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o if_o these_o proof_n and_o evidence_n already_o mention_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n be_v not_o think_v sufficient_a to_o gain_v they_o credit_n what_o be_v there_o that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a for_o more_o evidence_n or_o better_a proof_n can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v so_o good_a be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o or_o expect_v and_o indeed_o i_o think_v there_o be_v but_o only_o one_o strong_a proof_n thereof_o that_o can_v ever_o possible_o be_v give_v by_o man_n and_o that_o be_v when_o a_o witness_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o confirm_v the_o testimony_n he_o have_v give_v for_o if_o when_o a_o man_n have_v witness_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v question_v for_o it_o and_o threaten_v with_o 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death_n there_o be_v any_o memory_n preserve_v either_o by_o history_n or_o tradition_n st._n john_n be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o do_v not_o seal_v the_o testimony_n he_o have_v give_v with_o his_o blood_n and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n be_v not_o occasion_v by_o his_o forbear_n to_o repeat_v the_o testimony_n he_o have_v before_o give_v and_o much_o less_o by_o his_o retract_n it_o but_o be_v mere_o a_o act_n of_o divine_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n whereby_o though_o he_o be_v put_v into_o a_o cauldron_n of_o boil_a oil_n his_o life_n be_v preserve_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n consider_v the_o hazard_n he_o run_v of_o his_o life_n which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v save_v but_o by_o a_o miracle_n he_o may_v very_o
and_o this_o he_o himself_o urge_v as_o a_o reason_n why_o his_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v credit_v joh._n viij_o 46._o which_o of_o you_o convince_v i_o of_o sin_n and_o if_o i_o say_v the_o truth_n why_o do_v you_o not_o believe_v i_o and_o a_o very_a good_a reason_n it_o be_v for_o it_o can_v not_o just_o be_v suspect_v that_o a_o person_n of_o who_o no_o other_o ill_a thing_n can_v be_v say_v be_v yet_o indeed_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n guilty_a of_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n viz._n of_o lie_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n of_o say_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v send_v he_o when_o indeed_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o send_v he_o nor_o speak_v by_o he_o 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n though_o it_o be_v concern_v himself_o yet_o be_v not_o for_o himself_o i_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o for_o his_o own_o worldly_a advantage_n and_o this_o consideration_n he_o himself_o likewise_o offer_v to_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n joh._n seven_o 18._o he_o that_o speak_v of_o himself_o seek_v his_o own_o glory_n but_o he_o that_o seek_v his_o glory_n that_o send_v he_o the_o same_o be_v true_a and_o no_o unrighteousness_n be_v in_o he_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o he_o pretend_v be_v what_o god_n have_v command_v he_o to_o teach_v be_v contrive_v to_o advance_v the_o worldly_a honour_n and_o greatness_n of_o himself_o or_o his_o follower_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o it_o and_o a_o reasonable_a ground_n of_o suspect_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o hear_v his_o discourse_n and_o be_v no_o less_o so_o to_o we_o that_o read_v they_o that_o he_o seek_v not_o his_o own_o glory_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o that_o send_v he_o and_o that_o his_o whole_a doctrine_n tend_v to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n this_o render_v his_o testimony_n very_o credible_a when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n to_o teach_v it_o to_o the_o world_n for_o when_o a_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o according_a to_o godliness_n 6.3_o 1_o tim._n 6.3_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v himself_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v to_o his_o own_o benefit_n that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o any_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v to_o his_o worldly_a disadvantage_n expose_v he_o to_o the_o envy_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o the_o jealousy_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o to_o all_o the_o cruel_a suffering_n which_o he_o endure_v from_o both_o of_o they_o and_o certain_o a_o man_n testimony_n concern_v himself_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v credible_a if_o it_o be_v against_o his_o own_o interest_n if_o he_o himself_o be_v a_o great_a loser_n or_o sufferer_n by_o what_o he_o testify_v for_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o else_o but_o only_o the_o evidence_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o obligation_n to_o declare_v it_o shall_v ever_o induce_v a_o man_n to_o say_v such_o thing_n concern_v himself_o as_o will_v procure_v his_o own_o mischief_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v say_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o expectation_n and_o that_o he_o hope_v to_o make_v himself_o rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n by_o these_o glorious_a pretence_n though_o in_o the_o event_n it_o prove_v otherwise_o but_o the_o gospel-history_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n in_o those_o many_o prediction_n of_o our_o lord_n therein_o record_v concern_v his_o own_o suffering_n 16.31.20.17_o mat._n 16.31.20.17_o whereby_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v he_o for_o give_v this_o testimony_n concern_v himself_o do_v not_o happen_v to_o he_o unexpected_o but_o that_o he_o know_v long_o before_o all_o that_o afterward_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o i_o say_v again_o that_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v imagine_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n but_o only_o because_o he_o know_v it_o be_v true_a and_o have_v receive_v a_o command_n from_o his_o father_n to_o declare_v this_o truth_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v further_o 4._o last_o that_o he_o continue_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o at_o his_o death_n which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o in_o his_o life_n give_v thereby_o the_o best_a assurance_n that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n for_o the_o main_a matter_n of_o his_o accusation_n to_o pilate_n be_v that_o he_o have_v give_v out_o himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o the_o messiah_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expectation_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a king_n have_v our_o lord_n therefore_o but_o deny_v this_o charge_n have_v he_o but_o grant_v that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o messiah_n he_o may_v have_v save_v his_o life_n but_o this_o he_o will_v not_o do_v he_o disown_v indeed_o the_o false_a notion_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o messiah_n my_o kingdom_n 62._o john_n 18.26_o mat._n 27.11_o joh._n 18.37_o mat._n 26.63_o 64._o mar._n 14.61_o 62._o say_v he_o be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o king_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n he_o bold_o own_v as_o well_o when_o the_o question_n be_v put_v to_o he_o by_o the_o roman_a governor_n who_o have_v power_n of_o life_n and_o death_n as_o when_o it_o have_v be_v put_v to_o he_o before_o by_o the_o highpriest_n this_o therefore_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v alone_o sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o he_o witness_v the_o same_o good_a confession_n before_o pontius_n pilate_n 6.13_o 1_o tim._n 6.13_o which_o he_o have_v do_v before_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o seal_v his_o witness_n with_o his_o blood_n for_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o any_o man_n tell_v a_o know_a lie_n for_o nothing_o and_o it_o be_v plain_o then_o too_o late_o for_o he_o to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o in_o this_o world_n by_o persist_v in_o this_o testimony_n his_o only_a hope_n have_v be_v in_o retract_v it_o and_o it_o be_v not_o credible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o expect_v to_o better_v himself_o in_o the_o other_o world_n by_o die_v with_o a_o lie_n in_o his_o mouth_n thus_o i_o hope_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n concern_v his_o own_o divine_a mission_n be_v credible_a in_o itself_o so_o that_o we_o may_v rational_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n although_o we_o have_v only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o but_o we_o have_v more_o than_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o i_o be_o not_o alone_a say_v he_o joh._n viij_o 16_o etc._n etc._n but_o i_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o it_o be_v also_o write_v in_o your_o law_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o two_o man_n be_v true_a i_o be_o one_o that_o bear_v witness_v of_o myself_o and_o the_o father_n that_o send_v i_o bear_v witness_n of_o i_o and_o this_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o show_v the_o good_a reason_n that_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n viz._n second_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o this_o testimony_n of_o our_o lord_n by_o god_n himself_o and_o this_o be_v give_v several_a way_n 1._o god_n bear_v he_o witness_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o to_o this_o our_o saviour_n frequent_o appeal_v joh._n v._n 39_o search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o and_o again_o v._o 46._o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o and_o this_o st._n peter_n compare_v it_o with_o that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n testify_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n 19_o 2_o pet._n 1.18_o 19_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v be_v a_o earwitness_n call_v a_o more_o sure_a word_n of_o
prophecy_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a a_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v for_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a concern_v to_o the_o world_n to_o discern_v the_o promise_a messiah_n that_o so_o they_o may_v know_v in_o who_o to_o believe_v and_o from_o who_o to_o expect_v salvation_n and_o to_o this_o end_n god_n be_v please_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o all_o his_o holy_a prophet_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o give_v several_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o messiah_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v certain_o know_v and_o ready_o distinguish_v from_o all_o impostor_n for_o they_o foretell_v exact_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_v his_o pedigree_n and_o the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o life_n the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o do_v the_o suffering_n he_o be_v to_o undergo_v and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a accident_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o world_n all_o which_o prediction_n be_v punctual_o fulfil_v in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o one_o that_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n and_o this_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n when_o he_o mean_v to_o give_v mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o the_o messiah_n may_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o give_v only_o such_o as_o may_v belong_v to_o another_o person_n no_o less_o than_o to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n that_o his_o providence_n shall_v ever_o permit_v that_o all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n shall_v meet_v together_o in_o a_o impostor_n because_o by_o this_o mankind_n must_v have_v lie_v under_o a_o inevitable_a necessity_n of_o be_v cheat_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n but_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o type_n or_o figurative_a expression_n not_o ready_o to_o be_v understand_v till_o they_o be_v accomplish_v nor_o then_o very_a easy_a to_o be_v apply_v by_o every_o one_o to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o teacher_n how_o can_v i_o understand_v what_o i_o read_v say_v the_o eunuch_n 8.31_o act_n 8.31_o even_o when_o he_o be_v read_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a prophecy_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n except_o some_o man_n shall_v guide_v i_o and_o therefore_o god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v a_o yet_o more_o certain_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o to_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n in_o which_o he_o appear_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 2._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o be_v a_o burn_a and_o a_o shine_a light_n and_o do_v not_o as_o the_o former_a prophet_n have_v do_v only_o lie_v down_o mark_v and_o character_n by_o the_o wise_a application_n whereof_o man_n may_v discern_v the_o messiah_n when_o they_o see_v he_o but_o point_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o finger_n as_o he_o stand_v before_o their_o eye_n so_o that_o the_o simple_a among_o they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v who_o he_o mean_v behold_v say_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n 30._o joh._n 1.29_o 30._o which_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v he_o of_o who_o i_o say_v after_o i_o come_v a_o man_n which_o be_v prefer_v before_o i_o and_o to_o this_o testimony_n of_o john_n our_o saviour_n himself_o frequent_o appeal_v as_o to_o a_o testimony_n that_o be_v full_a to_o the_o purpose_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v you_o send_v unto_o john_n say_v he_o and_o he_o bare_a witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n joh._n v._n 32._o &c_n mat._n 21.23_o &c_n &c_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o elder_n question_v he_o about_o his_o authority_n he_o perfect_o confound_v they_o by_o only_o ask_v they_o whether_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n be_v from_o heaven_n or_o of_o man_n for_o that_o john_n be_v a_o prophet_n although_o he_o do_v no_o miracle_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o all_o by_o the_o wonderful_a manner_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o the_o miraculous_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o that_o they_o can_v not_o and_o he_o be_v also_o so_o general_o receive_v and_o accept_v among_o the_o people_n as_o a_o prophet_n that_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v it_o if_o they_o say_v we_o shall_v say_v of_o man_n all_o the_o people_n will_v stone_n we_o for_o they_o be_v persuade_v that_o john_n be_v a_o prophet_n and_o yet_o have_v they_o grant_v this_o which_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v they_o have_v answer_v their_o own_o question_n and_o see_v clear_o by_o what_o authority_n our_o saviour_n act_v and_o teach_v for_o no_o testimony_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n can_v be_v plain_a and_o clear_a than_o that_o of_o john_n be_v and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n grant_v by_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o be_v a_o prophet_n without_o all_o doubt_n and_o needs_o no_o far_a trial_n unto_o who_o another_o prophet_n bear_v witness_n 3._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n give_v witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o he_o and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n be_v by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n which_o testimony_n be_v give_v he_o three_o time_n 3.22_o mat._n 3.16_o 17._o mar._n 1.10_o 11._o luke_n 3.22_o first_o at_o his_o baptism_n when_o be_v come_v up_o out_o of_o the_o water_n the_o heaven_n open_v and_o the_o spirit_n like_o a_o dove_n descend_v upon_o he_o and_o there_o come_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v thou_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o of_o this_o voice_n it_o be_v high_o probable_a st._n john_n baptist_n be_v a_o earwitness_n for_o it_o be_v say_v express_o that_o he_o see_v the_o spirit_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n from_o heaven_n and_o abide_v on_o he_o 1.32_o john_n 1.32_o and_o that_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o the_o voice_n be_v utter_v a_o second_o time_n be_v at_o his_o transfiguration_n on_o the_o mount_n when_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o a_o cloud_n 9.35_o ex._n 24.15_o etc._n etc._n mat._n 17.5_o mar._n 9.7_o luke_n 9.35_o as_o it_o have_v ancient_o use_v to_o do_v there_o come_v a_o voice_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n which_o say_v this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v hear_v you_o he_o and_o at_o the_o utter_n of_o this_o voice_n three_o of_o his_o apostle_n be_v present_a 5.7_o 2_o pet._n 1.17_o john_n 1_o 14._o 1_o john_n 5.7_o two_o of_o which_o have_v witness_v the_o same_o to_o we_o under_o their_o own_o hand_n a_o three_o time_n be_v after_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n when_o be_v present_v not_o only_o his_o apostle_n who_o constant_o accompany_v he_o 28._o joh._n 12.20_o 28._o but_z several_z other_o both_o jew_n and_o greek_n and_o this_o voice_n be_v so_o loud_o as_o to_o be_v hear_v by_o all_o that_o be_v present_a though_o not_o by_o all_o so_o distinct_o and_o articulate_o as_o it_o be_v by_o some_o who_o as_o it_o be_v probable_a be_v near_o than_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o difference_n that_o be_v among_o the_o people_n concern_v it_o some_o say_v that_o it_o thunder_v and_o other_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v to_o he_o 29._o ver._n 29._o to_o doubt_v therefore_o of_o his_o divine_a mission_n who_o god_n thus_o testify_v to_o by_o voice_n from_o heaven_n be_v to_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o liar_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v 5.10_o 1_o joh._n 5.10_o because_o we_o receive_v not_o the_o record_n that_o he_o give_v of_o his_o son_n 4._o another_o way_n by_o which_o god_n give_v witness_n to_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v by_o indue_a he_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n or_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v 9.31.10.33_o mat._n 16.21.20.17_o etc._n etc._n mar._n 9.31.10.33_o several_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel-history_n for_o he_o foretell_v very_o often_o his_o own_o suffering_n and_o death_n with_o all_o the_o remarkable_a circumstance_n thereof_o he_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v betray_v by_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n 6.70_o mat._n 26.21_o john_n 6.70_o when_o none_o of_o they_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v a_o false_a brother_n among_o they_o and_o the_o traitor_n himself_o know_v not_o yet_o the_o falseness_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n 26.34_o mat._n 26.34_o he_o tell_v peter_n but_o a_o few_o hour_n before_o that_o he_o shall_v deny_v he_o thrice_o when_o he_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v very_o confident_a of_o his_o own_o strength_n and_o declare_v himself_o resolve_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v he_o once_o
witness_v of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o i_o now_o chief_o design_n be_v that_o which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o after_o his_o ascension_n into_o heaven_n and_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o all_o power_n in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v then_o commit_v to_o he_o i_o mean_v those_o gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o he_o shower_v down_o on_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n when_o be_v meet_v together_o etc._n act_n 2.1_o etc._n etc._n there_o come_v sudden_o a_o sound_n from_o heaven_n as_o of_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n which_o fill_v all_o the_o house_n where_o they_o be_v sit_v and_o there_o appear_v unto_o they_o cleave_a tongue_n like_v as_o of_o fire_n which_o sit_v upon_o each_o of_o they_o whereupon_o they_o wre_v all_o fill_v with_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o begin_v to_o speak_v with_o other_o tongue_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n our_o saviour_n promise_v before_o shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o joh._n xv_o 26._o when_o the_o comforter_n be_v come_v who_o i_o will_v send_v unto_o you_o from_o the_o father_n even_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n he_o shall_v testify_v of_o i_o and_o the_o testimony_n indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o full_a for_o by_o this_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o all_o his_o former_a miracle_n have_v be_v true_a and_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n when_o even_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v this_o world_n he_o be_v still_o able_a to_o make_v good_a this_o promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o empower_v they_o to_o do_v great_a work_n in_o his_o name_n than_o he_o himself_o have_v do_v while_o he_o be_v live_v upon_o earth_n this_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o he_o be_v the_o belove_a son_n of_o the_o father_n and_o be_v as_o st._n peter_n say_v 2.33_o act._n 2.33_o exalt_v at_o god_n right_a hand_n when_o he_o do_v shed_v forth_o that_o wonderful_a power_n upon_o his_o apostle_n of_o which_o all_o that_o then_o dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o have_v come_v thither_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_n be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n and_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n be_v give_v to_o our_o saviour_n not_o at_o that_o time_n only_o not_o one_o day_n and_o no_o more_o but_o be_v continue_v to_o be_v give_v to_o he_o all_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v who_o be_v also_o enable_v to_o communicate_v to_o other_o by_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o act._n 2.38.8.17.10.44.19.6_o the_o same_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v receive_v until_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o ministry_n and_o plant_v christian_a church_n in_o all_o the_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v brief_o mention_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel_n history_n afford_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n testimony_n of_o himself_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v take_v for_o grant_v as_o be_v part_n of_o the_o gospel-history_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o have_v be_v i_o hope_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v and_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o full_a that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o open_v it_o in_o more_o word_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o that_o the_o testimony_n which_o god_n do_v by_o all_o these_o way_n give_v to_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o rational_a inducement_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v concern_v himself_o be_v what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v doubt_v by_o those_o that_o allow_v themselves_o any_o time_n to_o consider_v thing_n this_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o may_v say_v that_o if_o this_o strong_a evidence_n that_o the_o gospel-history_n afford_v of_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o there_o never_o yet_o have_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v nor_o ever_o can_v be_v but_o that_o i_o know_v it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o say_v what_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v do_v but_o as_o some_o jew_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n say_v 7.31_o joh._n 7.31_o when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v so_o i_o may_v ask_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a to_o make_v answer_n to_o it_o when_o christ_n come_v if_o indeed_o he_o be_v not_o already_o come_v if_o indeed_o that_o jesus_n on_o who_o we_o believe_v be_v not_o he_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o know_v he_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v he_o give_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n than_o jesus_n have_v give_v what_o better_a reason_n can_v we_o ever_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o messenger_n that_o shall_v be_v send_v from_o god_n than_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v our_o saviour_n for_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n suppose_v the_o gospel-history_n to_o be_v true_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v send_v from_o god_n as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o be_v as_o secure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o he_o as_o we_o be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sense_n for_o the_o best_a the_o only_a security_n that_o we_o have_v that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o that_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v not_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o this_o same_o security_n we_o have_v that_o we_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n divine_a mission_n nay_o we_o be_v more_o secure_a of_o this_o than_o we_o be_v of_o that_o because_o it_o be_v more_o plain_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n on_o which_o our_o everlasting_a welfare_n depend_v than_o in_o matter_n only_o of_o this_o life_n which_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n for_o which_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v of_o use_n to_o we_o and_o if_o indeed_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o saviour_n it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v as_o he_o say_v he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o now_o have_v be_v so_o large_a in_o show_v the_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v a_o teacher_n send_v from_o god_n i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o show_v that_o his_o apostle_n be_v likewise_o commission_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o receive_v all_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o they_o whether_o in_o their_o epistle_n or_o in_o their_o discourse_n interweave_v by_o st._n luke_n with_o his_o history_n of_o their_o act_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a for_o 1._o there_o be_v plain_o no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o receive_v they_o as_o such_o because_o they_o be_v the_o very_a same_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o no_o other_o some_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v indeed_o more_o large_o explain_v and_o handle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o epistle_n than_o they_o be_v in_o those_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o be_v record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n but_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o lord_n himself_o and_o those_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v such_o a_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n that_o if_o we_o have_v only_o their_o own_o word_n for_o it_o that_o they_o speak_v and_o write_v by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o may_v secure_o believe_v they_o for_o though_o one_o man_n may_v without_o inspiration_n say_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o another_o before_o he_o have_v speak_v by_o inspiration_n yet_o if_o the_o second_o say_v that_o he_o also_o be_v inspire_v there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_a though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o believe_v he_o see_v whether_o the_o man_n be_v inspire_a or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v but_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v be_v teach_v before_o by_o our_o saviour_n i_o say_v there_o be_v however_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n evidence_n enough_o of_o their_o divine_a mission_n also_o so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o secure_o take_v upon_o their_o credit_n as_o true_a and_o divine_a any_o doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v instruct_v we_o in_o for_o 1._o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n if_o the_o gospel-history_n be_v true_a joh._n xx_o 21._o as_o
my_o father_n have_v send_v i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o again_o mat._n xxviii_o 19_o 20._o go_v you_o and_o disciple_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o that_o he_o have_v authority_n to_o grant_v they_o such_o a_o commission_n he_o show_v in_o the_o word_n before_o all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o 2._o that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n and_o enlighten_v by_o his_o holy_a spirit_n be_v what_o can_v be_v doubt_v if_o we_o believe_v the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o before_o our_o lord_n go_v from_o they_o 20.22_o joh_n 20.22_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_v the_o holy-ghost_n be_v to_o be_v give_v they_o he_o have_v tell_v they_o before_o 14.26_o joh._n 14.26_o the_o comforter_n which_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o the_o father_n will_v send_v in_o my_o name_n he_o shall_v teach_v you_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v say_v unto_o you_o and_o when_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n be_v come_v 16.13_o joh._n 16.13_o he_o will_v guide_v you_o into_o all_o truth_n be_v thus_o therefore_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n our_o saviour_n may_v well_o say_v as_o he_o do_v luke_n x._o 16._o he_o that_o hear_v you_o hear_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o and_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o 3._o last_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o receive_v they_o as_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o they_o have_v teach_v be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v the_o same_o attestation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v to_o he_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n do_v bear_v they_o witness_v all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o our_o saviour_n for_o that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o all_o those_o way_n by_o which_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o by_o which_o he_o have_v bear_v witness_n to_o any_o former_a prophet_n for_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o that_o they_o be_v send_v by_o he_o 21._o joh._n 13.22.20_o 21._o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o he_o have_v do_v to_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o john_n and_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v credible_a concern_v our_o saviour_n much_o more_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n high_o credible_a concern_v a_o messenger_n send_v by_o he_o he_o bare_a witness_n to_o they_o also_o by_o indue_a they_o with_o 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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 begin_v to_o be_v speak_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 they_o witness_n both_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-ghost_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la in_o sermon_n iv_o and_o v._o page_n 14._o line_n 23._o for_o more_o read_v most_o p._n 47._o l._n 12._o for_o they_o r._n be_v l._n 27._o for_o there_o r._n they_o in_o sermon_n vi_o p._n 5._o l._n 3._o for_o he_o r._n by'r_o no_o reason_n to_o desire_v new_a revelation_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o cathedral-church_n of_o st._n paul_n october_n seven_o
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