in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o must_v be_v either_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o or_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o do_v not_o give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o therefore_o in_o speak_v to_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v 2._o that_o the_o motive_n which_o the_o scripture_n propose_v be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v we_o to_o do_v what_o it_o require_v and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n give_v we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o it_o 1._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o sufficient_a direction_n what_o to_o do_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v little_a doubt_n among_o those_o that_o believe_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o to_o they_o its_o own_o testimony_n of_o its_o own_o sufficiency_n be_v a_o proof_n thereof_o beyond_o all_o exception_n for_o if_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 2._o tim._n 3.16_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o doctrine_n and_o for_o reproof_n and_o for_o correction_n and_o for_o instruction_n in_o rigteousness_n it_o be_v plain_o profitable_a for_o all_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o we_o can_v desire_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o as_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o verse_n it_o be_v give_v to_o make_v perfect_a the_o man_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o man_n who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v other_o and_o thorough_o to_o furnish_v he_o unto_o all_o good_a work_n it_o can_v be_v deficient_a in_o deliver_v all_o such_o rule_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v give_v by_o a_o pastor_n to_o the_o people_n commit_v to_o his_o care_n and_o if_o as_o the_o same_o apostle_n have_v say_v at_o the_o 15_o verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o this_o excellent_a book_n can_v make_v we_o and_o if_o all_o this_o can_v true_o be_v say_v by_o the_o apostle_n before_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v complete_v if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v by_o he_o of_o those_o holy_a scripture_n which_o timothy_n have_v know_v from_o a_o child_n that_o be_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n only_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v now_o say_v of_o the_o book_n of_o both_o testament_n together_o but_o to_o speak_v at_o large_a of_o this_o point_n at_o present_a will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o digression_n from_o the_o design_n of_o these_o lecture_n which_o be_v intend_v only_o against_o infidel_n not_o against_o any_o sect_n of_o christian_n and_o such_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o because_o they_o hold_v the_o foundation_n christ_n jesus_n they_o may_v in_o charity_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v who_o do_v chief_o differ_v from_o we_o in_o this_o article_n and_o deny_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o scripture_n only_o because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v some_o gainful_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a have_v no_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n and_o so_o can_v be_v maintain_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v a_o necessary_a supplement_n to_o the_o write_a word_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o it_o for_o between_o we_o and_o infidel_n who_o reject_v the_o scripture_n the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n be_v hardly_o matter_n of_o controversy_n for_o these_o do_v not_o reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o it_o teach_v too_o little_a but_o rather_o because_o it_o teach_v too_o much_o because_o it_o teach_v doctrine_n above_o their_o reason_n and_o command_v such_o duty_n as_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o practice_v and_o if_o it_o teach_v less_o than_o it_o do_v they_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a to_o own_o its_o divine_a authority_n but_o nevertheless_o even_a these_o man_n that_o they_o may_v leave_v no_o stone_n unturned_a will_v be_v sometime_o discourse_v upon_o this_o point_n and_o although_o those_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o which_o be_v now_o general_o receive_v do_v teach_v much_o more_o than_o they_o themselves_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v and_o practice_v yet_o that_o they_o may_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o other_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o argue_v againast_n the_o christian_a religion_n from_o this_o topick_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v now_o receive_v do_v not_o contain_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n for_o there_o be_v say_v they_o in_o former_a time_n several_a other_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n and_o other_o tract_n design_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o which_o be_v consequent_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n in_o themselves_o with_o those_o which_o be_v now_o receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o which_o nevertheless_o we_o have_v nothing_o now_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n and_o title_n or_o some_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a fragment_n so_o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o few_o book_n which_o be_v now_o remain_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n and_o of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n there_o be_v they_o say_v some_o evidence_n even_o from_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n for_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o gospel_n take_v notice_n that_o many_o before_o he_o have_v take_v in_o hand_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o declaration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v sure_o believe_v among_o christian_n that_o be_v have_v write_v and_o publish_v narrative_n of_o the_o life_n action_n miracle_n preach_v death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o there_o be_v no_o history_n of_o this_o kind_a no_o gospel_n now_o extant_a that_o be_v write_v before_o st._n luke_n except_o only_o st._n matthew'_v and_o st._n mark_n be_v and_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o more_o extant_a at_o that_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o improper_a they_o say_v for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o have_v say_v that_o many_o have_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_a when_o he_o speak_v only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o that_o there_o be_v matter_n enough_o for_o several_a such_o narrative_n so_o that_o though_o they_o be_v very_o different_a gospel_n they_o may_v nevertheless_o be_v all_o true_a we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n john_n who_o write_v his_o gospel_n the_o last_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n joh._n 20.30_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n and_o again_o ch._n 21._o verse_n 25._o there_o be_v also_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v the_o which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v write_v every_o one_o i_o suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n its_o self_n can_v not_o contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v be_v write_v now_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v several_a other_o book_n former_o extant_a but_o which_o be_v now_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o inspire_a man_n and_o consequent_o by_o divine_a inspiration_n either_o these_o be_v needless_a when_o write_v and_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v needless_a or_o else_o the_o loss_n of_o these_o book_n be_v a_o loss_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o can_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v do_v sufficient_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n but_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o inspire_v man_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a which_o i_o will_v not_o now_o dispute_v because_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a because_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v grant_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o christian_a cause_n although_o there_o be_v none_o or_o at_o most_o but_o very_o slender_a evidence_n of_o it_o nay_o admit_v more_o than_o be_v upon_o any_o good_a ground_n allege_v viz._n not_o only_o that_o several_a but_o that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o
christ_n every_o one_o that_o have_v hear_v he_o preach_v and_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n and_o have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v write_v a_o distinct_a gospel_n give_v a_o account_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n which_o he_o have_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o and_o do_v likewise_o as_o he_o have_v occasion_n write_v epistle_n or_o other_o tract_n for_o the_o use_n and_o instruction_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n every_o one_o of_o all_o which_o book_n if_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a and_o as_o well_o attest_v as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v will_v be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o because_o dictate_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n by_o which_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o have_v all_o thing_n that_o jesus_n have_v speak_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n yet_o i_o say_v it_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v from_o hence_o either_o that_o those_o book_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v if_o indeed_o there_o be_v any_o lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v needless_a when_o they_o be_v write_v or_o that_o those_o which_o do_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o a_o very_a little_a consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v then_o and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o will_v make_v this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v very_o plain_a for_o the_o case_n then_o be_v thus_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o the_o whole_a world_n by_o a_o few_o person_n who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n of_o he_o by_o do_v the_o like_a miracle_n themselves_o and_o that_o this_o great_a work_n may_v be_v accomplish_v within_o the_o term_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v quick_o disperse_v themselves_o into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n one_o go_v this_o way_n and_o another_o that_o according_a as_o they_o have_v agree_v among_o themselves_o or_o be_v direct_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o this_o division_n of_o country_n every_o one_o have_v a_o large_a province_n assign_v to_o he_o so_o that_o have_v much_o work_n to_o do_v in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o can_v not_o well_o stay_v long_o in_o one_o place_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_a for_o he_o after_o he_o have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o one_o city_n and_o make_v a_o good_a number_n of_o convert_v and_o ordain_v elder_n and_o establish_v a_o christian_a church_n there_o when_o he_o go_v thence_o to_o leave_v behind_o he_o in_o write_v the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v before_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o the_o help_n of_o their_o memory_n for_o the_o direction_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o to_o prevent_v any_o misrepresentation_n that_o may_v afterward_o be_v make_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o ignorant_a or_o design_v man_n and_o after_o he_o be_v go_v from_o thence_o he_o may_v have_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o send_v they_o letter_n either_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o caution_n they_o against_o some_o error_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v be_v spring_v up_o among_o they_o or_o to_o correct_v some_o fault_n in_o their_o discipline_n or_o manner_n by_o this_o mean_n i_o say_v it_o may_v well_o enough_o be_v though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n there_o may_v be_v beside_o occasional_a letter_n as_o many_o distinct_a gospel_n as_o there_o be_v apostle_n every_o one_o write_v a_o gospel_n for_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o those_o church_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v plant_v and_o in_o the_o language_n that_o be_v best_a know_v to_o they_o and_o this_o if_o it_o be_v do_v may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o may_v be_v then_o necessary_a when_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a as_o it_o be_v now_o since_o the_o increase_n of_o commerce_n and_o navigation_n and_o the_o invention_n of_o print_v to_o communicate_v and_o disperse_v the_o book_n that_o be_v publish_v in_o one_o country_n to_o other_o country_n that_o be_v far_o distant_a beside_o if_o this_o can_v have_v be_v do_v then_o it_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o gospel_n write_v by_o any_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v never_o be_v in_o that_o province_n or_o division_n and_o of_o who_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v perhaps_o more_o than_o only_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o of_o so_o great_a authority_n to_o they_o as_o a_o gospel_n write_v by_o that_o very_a apostle_n by_o who_o ministry_n they_o have_v be_v convert_v and_o of_o who_o miracle_n they_o themselves_o have_v be_v witness_n thus_o it_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o may_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o before_o those_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v can_v be_v well_o disperse_v and_o upon_o good_a attestation_n receive_v in_o all_o christian_a country_n some_o particular_a church_n and_o especial_o those_o most_o remote_a from_o judea_n shall_v have_v for_o their_o present_a use_n other_o book_n write_v by_o some_o other_o of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v the_o same_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o relate_v the_o same_o thing_n concern_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o these_o do_v and_o that_o some_o of_o those_o many_o book_n which_o may_v be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o other_o inspire_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a shall_v be_v lose_v be_v no_o marvel_n at_o all_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o wonder_n consider_v the_o poverty_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o the_o constant_a persecution_n they_o be_v then_o under_o and_o the_o many_o revolution_n of_o government_n that_o have_v be_v in_o christendom_n since_o that_o time_n that_o so_o many_o as_o we_o have_v now_o leave_v can_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n before_o printing_n be_v find_v out_o and_o those_o be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o like_a to_o be_v lose_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a country_n and_o which_o be_v write_v in_o some_o language_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o one_o nation_n only_o and_o those_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o probable_a to_o be_v preserve_v which_o be_v publish_v in_o the_o learned_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o write_v in_o the_o most_o learned_a language_n then_o in_o use_n but_o although_o a_o great_a number_n of_o inspire_a book_n than_o be_v now_o extant_a may_v be_v necessary_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n before_o the_o christian_a church_n then_o new_o plant_v in_o all_o country_n of_o the_o then_o know_a world_n can_v have_v communication_n with_o one_o another_o it_o can_v be_v argue_v from_o hence_o that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o the_o present_a time_n and_o for_o all_o the_o time_n that_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o other_o book_n be_v lose_v but_o rather_o it_o may_v very_o reasonable_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o for_o substance_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v lose_v than_o there_o be_v in_o these_o which_o be_v now_o remain_v so_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o they_o may_v be_v no_o real_a loss_n or_o detriment_n to_o religion_n and_o those_o which_o remain_v and_o be_v now_o receive_v in_o all_o christian_a church_n may_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o practice_n and_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o see_v some_o of_o those_o single_a book_n which_o we_o have_v now_o be_v write_v for_o this_o very_a purpose_n be_v design_v as_o compendium_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a institution_n for_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n that_o theophilus_n may_v know_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o evangelist_n design_n 1.4_o luke_n 1.4_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o he_o think_v he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o gospel_n whatever_o be_v necessary_a or_o very_a material_a and_o st._n john_n in_o the_o same_o place_n where_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o relation_n of_o many_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v 31._o joh._n 20.30_o 31._o say_v that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o thing_n contain_v in_o his_o gospel_n that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v they_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o
alone_o present_o reject_v either_o of_o they_o but_o we_o inquire_v which_o of_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o least_o liable_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o falsehood_n and_o which_o story_n be_v the_o most_o probable_o relate_v and_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o we_o incline_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o think_v there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o history_n and_o who_o do_v give_v credit_n to_o other_o history_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v so_o and_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o allow_v that_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v very_o credible_a which_o contain_v a_o relation_n only_o of_o such_o matter_n of_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o cheat_n or_o deceit_n in_o and_o in_o which_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o deceit_n or_o mistake_v it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v and_o disprove_v and_o which_o yet_o neither_o be_v now_o nor_o ever_o be_v contradict_v by_o any_o history_n of_o competent_a antiquity_n and_o good_a credit_n i_o think_v we_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n or_o judgement_n but_o prejudice_n or_o interest_n or_o the_o love_n of_o some_o vice_n or_o lust_n that_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o sermon_n the_o five_o sermon_n 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 subject_n i_o be_v upon_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n on_o these_o word_n and_o which_o i_o leave_v unfinished_a be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o give_v full_a credit_n to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o their_o relation_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o have_v record_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o propose_v these_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1_o the_o nature_n condition_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o have_v record_v and_o of_o the_o history_n its_o self_n 2_o the_o good_a capacity_n they_o be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v relate_v 3_o the_o strong_a obligation_n they_o be_v under_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n or_o information_n 4_o the_o good_a evidence_n that_o we_o have_v of_o their_o honesty_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o 5_o last_o the_o confirmation_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o history_n by_o god_n himself_o the_o last_o discourse_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o first_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o the_o second_o viz._n 2._o the_o good_a capacity_n that_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v in_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v now_o the_o matter_n of_o history_n which_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o epistle_n be_v but_o few_o and_o those_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v by_o or_o have_v happen_v to_o either_o the_o person_n that_o write_v they_o or_o the_o church_n or_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v write_v so_o that_o of_o these_o we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v any_o thing_n for_o the_o bulk_n or_o body_n of_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o four_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o author_n of_o these_o book_n there_o be_v no_o controversy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o repute_a author_n a_o few_o word_n will_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a capacity_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o have_v record_v much_o better_a than_o most_o other_o ancient_a historian_n who_o relation_n nevertheless_o be_v general_o think_v worthy_a of_o credit_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n two_o of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o twelve_o who_o be_v in_o constant_a attendance_n upon_o our_o lord_n from_o the_o time_n that_o he_o first_o begin_v to_o preach_v and_o to_o make_v disciple_n until_o he_o be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n so_o that_o they_o be_v themselves_o eye_n or_o ear-witness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v record_v of_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n indeed_o the_o same_o can_v be_v say_v neither_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n though_o that_o be_v affirm_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n but_o this_o i_o think_v be_v agree_v to_o by_o all_o that_o st._n mark_n be_v for_o some_o part_n of_o his_o life_n a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n peter_n who_o be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o but_o most_o probable_o the_o first_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n and_o who_o be_v also_o one_o of_o the_o three_o with_o who_o our_o lord_n be_v most_o intimate_a and_o familiar_a for_o we_o often_o read_v that_o peter_n 5.37_o matt._n 17.4.26_o 37._o mark_v 5.37_o and_o james_n and_o john_n be_v single_v from_o the_o rest_n to_o be_v witness_n of_o some_o of_o the_o most_o private_a transaction_n of_o his_o life_n and_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v in_o the_o ancient_a church_n that_o st._n peter_n be_v more_o true_o the_o author_n of_o the_o gospel_n call_v st._n mark_n be_v then_o st._n mark_v himself_o he_o be_v only_o the_o scribe_n or_o amanuensis_fw-la and_o st._n peter_n the_o person_n that_o dictate_v the_o thing_n write_v by_o he_o whence_o also_o this_o gospel_n be_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n style_v the_o gospel_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o this_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v some_o token_n even_o in_o the_o history_n its_o self_n particular_o in_o that_o relation_n that_o be_v therein_o give_v of_o st._n peter_n denial_n of_o his_o master_n and_o of_o his_o repentance_n for_o it_o for_o his_o denial_n be_v there_o tell_v with_o some_o more_o circumstance_n than_o in_o the_o other_o gospel_n such_o as_o the_o person_n himself_o chief_o concern_v be_v best_o able_a to_o know_v and_o might_n best_o remember_v and_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o repentance_n be_v by_o this_o author_n express_v more_o modest_o as_o it_o best_o become_v a_o person_n to_o speak_v who_o speak_v of_o himself_o than_o it_o be_v by_o the_o other_o evangelist_n for_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n luke_n say_v that_o he_o weep_v bitter_o but_o st._n mark_n or_o rather_o st._n peter_n himself_o dictate_v those_o word_n only_o say_v that_o when_o he_o think_v thereon_o he_o weep_v it_o be_v likewise_o agree_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o st._n luke_n if_o not_o one_o of_o the_o seventy_o disciple_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a he_o be_v not_o be_v however_o a_o very_a early_a convert_n to_o christianity_n that_o he_o converse_v frequent_o with_o the_o apostle_n and_o immediate_a disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o be_v a_o constant_a companion_n of_o st._n paul_n for_o a_o good_a while_n in_o his_o preach_a and_o travel_n so_o that_o of_o almost_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o relate_v in_o his_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o may_v be_v and_o of_o much_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a and_o of_o some_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o be_v a_o eye_n or_o earwitness_a so_o then_o there_o be_v three_o of_o the_o five_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v relate_v viz._n the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matthew_n and_o st._n john_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o another_o of_o they_o though_o it_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o st._n mark_v the_o person_n by_o who_o it_o be_v pen_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v as_o have_v be_v general_o believe_v dictate_v by_o st._n peter_n may_v be_v add_v to_o that_o number_n and_o be_v likewise_o reckon_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v of_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v relate_v in_o this_o respect_n therefore_o the_o gospel_n history_n be_v manifest_o as_o credible_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a any_o history_n shall_v be_v for_o no_o historian_n can_v record_v any_o thing_n upon_o better_a assurance_n of_o its_o truth_n than_o the_o
than_o it_o do_v they_o or_o how_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o our_o choice_n than_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o to_o have_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o they_o have_v but_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o as_o they_o then_o have_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o we_o have_v not_o so_o we_o now_o have_v some_o evidence_n thereof_o which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o indeed_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n some_o of_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o have_v not_o as_o we_o now_o have_v a_o credible_a history_n or_o record_n of_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o therefore_o without_o consider_v at_o present_a which_o of_o these_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v ground_v be_v the_o most_o convince_a thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o we_o who_o have_v already_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o well_o attest_v history_n be_v also_o admit_v to_o be_v eye_n witness_n of_o some_o fresh_a miracle_n such_o as_o we_o be_v tell_v be_v then_o wrought_v both_o these_o evidence_n together_o will_v be_v strong_a and_o more_o irresistible_a than_o either_o of_o they_o alone_o so_o that_o consequent_o if_o we_o who_o have_v already_o one_o of_o these_o evidence_n be_v allow_v to_o have_v the_o other_o also_o we_o shall_v have_v more_o evidence_n in_o the_o whole_a than_o they_o have_v our_o choice_n consequent_o will_v not_o be_v so_o free_a as_o they_o be_v it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o in_o the_o power_n of_o our_o will_n to_o be_v infidel_n as_o it_o be_v in_o they_o true_o perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v we_o shall_v indeed_o in_o that_o case_n have_v more_o evidence_n than_o they_o have_v but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n we_o desire_v all_o that_o we_o can_v wish_v for_o be_v the_o very_a same_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v and_o upon_o that_o condition_n we_o can_v be_v well_o content_v to_o want_v the_o historical_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v and_o they_o have_v not_o for_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v be_v much_o strong_a than_o we_o and_o that_o they_o have_v much_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v christian_n than_o we_o have_v for_o 1._o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n who_o as_o it_o be_v say_v both_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o have_v plain_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v than_o even_o those_o have_v who_o hear_v from_o their_o mouth_n the_o testimony_n that_o they_o give_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o see_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o their_o hand_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o testimony_n and_o 2._o they_o who_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n the_o miracle_n that_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v have_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v than_o those_o have_v to_o who_o they_o be_v only_o report_a by_o eye_n witness_n and_o therefore_o much_o rather_o than_o we_o have_v who_o receive_v this_o report_n only_o by_o a_o history_n that_o be_v write_v many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o now_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o desire_v viz._n to_o be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n and_o to_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o be_v christian_n as_o they_o have_v and_o we_o can_v see_v why_o this_o request_n shall_v be_v think_v unreasonable_a we_o do_v not_o understand_v why_o there_o will_v not_o be_v then_o as_o much_o freedom_n and_o consequent_o as_o great_a virtue_n in_o our_o believe_v upon_o such_o strong_a evidence_n as_o there_o be_v in_o they_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o shall_v consider_v distinct_o the_o two_o case_n beforementioned_a and_o compare_v the_o same_o with_o we_o 1._o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o both_o see_v our_o lord_n miracle_n and_o be_v enable_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n to_o do_v the_o like_v themselves_o and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o sure_a ground_n of_o faith_n than_o any_o since_o or_o than_o any_o beside_o themselves_o ever_o have_v i_o believe_v must_v be_v grant_v but_o then_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v on_o the_o other_o side_n 1._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v but_o few_o in_o number_n only_o twelve_o person_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v reckon_v in_o to_o the_o number_n as_o in_o this_o respect_n equal_a to_o the_o apostle_n all_o those_o that_o be_v call_v by_o our_o saviour_n himself_o to_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o who_o be_v very_o much_o though_o not_o so_o constant_o in_o his_o company_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v we_o read_v but_o of_o seventy_o of_o they_o or_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o all_o those_o that_o be_v convince_v by_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n 10.1_o luke_n 10.1_o and_o that_o own_a themselves_o his_o disciple_n while_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o these_o together_o be_v no_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o viz._n those_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n 15.6_o 1_o cor._n 15.6_o to_o who_o when_o meet_v together_o in_o galilee_n our_o lord_n show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n 2._o it_o may_v be_v also_o consider_v that_o their_o case_n be_v extraordinary_a and_o peculiar_a and_o that_o this_o advantage_n of_o great_a evidence_n as_o we_o reckon_v it_o which_o they_o have_v above_o all_o other_o be_v not_o more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v they_o for_o that_o special_a office_n which_o they_o and_o none_o but_o they_o be_v to_o be_v employ_v in_o which_o be_v to_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o that_o generation_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o to_o all_o future_a age_n by_o their_o write_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o no_o man_n be_v a_o proper_a witness_n of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o only_o he_o who_o be_v a_o eye_n witness_v thereof_o 3._o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v that_o as_o they_o have_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o unexceptionable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n than_o any_o beside_o ever_o have_v so_o they_o have_v also_o a_o great_a burden_n lay_v upon_o they_o than_o any_o christian_n since_o have_v have_v and_o it_o may_v be_v no_o more_o than_o necessary_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v as_o much_o sure_a and_o strong_a than_o those_o on_o which_o other_o man_n faith_n be_v build_v as_o their_o duty_n be_v large_a and_o more_o difficult_a than_o other_o man_n duty_n be_v for_o a_o weak_a foundation_n be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o support_v a_o low_a building_n place_v in_o a_o bottom_n and_o well_o shelter_v from_o storm_n as_o a_o much_o strong_a be_v to_o bear_v a_o high_a build_v tower_n situate_v on_o the_o top_n of_o a_o hill_n or_o by_o the_o seashore_n and_o continual_o expose_v to_o violent_a wind_n and_o tempest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o comparison_n with_o we_o we_o have_v indeed_o several_a temptation_n to_o resist_v by_o the_o power_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n but_o then_o they_o be_v only_o such_o temptation_n as_o be_v common_a to_o man_n and_o for_o the_o overcome_v whereof_o a_o faith_n ground_v only_o upon_o good_a historical_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o by_o the_o power_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n a_o great_a many_o in_o all_o age_n have_v happy_o overcome_v they_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v difficulty_n and_o temptation_n of_o another_o sort_n to_o contend_v with_o they_o wrestle_v not_o only_o against_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o against_o principality_n against_o power_n against_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o darkness_n of_o this_o world_n against_o spiritual_a wickedness_n in_o high_a place_n it_o be_v their_o business_n to_o go_v in_o a_o untrodden_a path_n to_o break_v the_o ice_n and_o to_o make_v plain_a the_o way_n for_o all_o that_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o our_o work_n very_o easy_a in_o comparison_n with_o they_o be_v only_o to_o follow_v in_o that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v make_v plain_a and_o smooth_a to_o that_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n into_o which_o they_o can_v not_o enter_v but_o through_o manifold_a tribulation_n that_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o have_v strong_a and_o more_o convince_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o we_o have_v and_o such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o so_o easy_o resist_v as_o we_o may_v those_o which_o be_v afford_v to_o we_o may_v be_v grant_v and_o yet_o it_o may_v