be_v we_o not_o assure_v of_o they_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o have_v we_o not_o a_o clear_a proof_n in_o the_o complaint_n of_o the_o father_n who_o certain_o be_v not_o so_o extravagant_a as_o public_o to_o complain_v of_o a_o imaginary_a persecution_n when_o it_o be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o complain_v of_o one_o that_o be_v real_a and_o therefore_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o this_o christian_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n be_v which_o make_v man_n so_o patient_o suffer_v and_o abandon_v all_o thing_n but_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n i_o find_v that_o they_o believe_v that_o a_o certain_a crucify_a man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n hang_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o adoration_n i_o confess_v i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v some_o supernatural_a power_n in_o all_o this_o for_o though_o man_n of_o as_o mean_a appearance_n as_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n may_v without_o any_o miracle_n have_v weigh_v down_o the_o authority_n of_o emperor_n and_o prelate_n and_o all_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o paganism_n object_n very_o suitable_a to_o the_o worldly_a and_o ambitious_a heart_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o they_o can_v without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o paradox_n so_o offensive_a to_o reason_n and_o which_o appear_v at_o first_o view_n so_o horrible_a as_o this_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v nail_v on_o a_o cross_n we_o can_v never_o persuade_v ourselves_o without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o from_o their_o youth_n represent_v their_o deity_n to_o themselves_o as_o the_o great_a and_o most_o glorious_a being_n they_n can_v imagine_v and_o give_v the_o name_n of_o divine_a to_o whatever_o they_o think_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n beautiful_a and_o magnificent_a shall_v yet_o substitute_v to_o all_o these_o great_a idea_n the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n who_o die_v a_o infamous_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n that_o not_o one_o alone_a but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n embrace_v a_o opinion_n that_o immediate_o overthrow_v all_o their_o first_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o this_o great_a change_n be_v not_o gradual_o and_o insensible_o bring_v to_o pass_v or_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o several_a age_n but_o in_o a_o very_a few_o year_n and_o with_o a_o incredible_a swiftness_n by_o the_o mystery_n of_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a person_n of_o no_o power_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o passion_n they_o have_v for_o a_o doctrine_n which_o seem_v at_o first_o so_o monstrous_a to_o man_n induce_v they_o to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o same_o after_o have_v renounce_v their_o fortune_n reputation_n and_o pleasure_n but_o do_v not_o prejudice_n over-rule_v in_o all_o this_o and_o make_v i_o fancy_n i_o see_v that_o distinct_o which_o i_o perceive_v but_o confuse_o in_o truth_n i_o ought_v yet_o further_o to_o distrust_v myself_o and_o though_o i_o honour_v error_n too_o much_o in_o suspect_v it_o may_v be_v so_o coherent_a so_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o involve_v in_o so_o many_o appearance_n of_o truth_n yet_o i_o will_v not_o pass_v by_o any_o scruple_n for_o all_o that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o say_v i_o find_v then_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n a_o hundred_o year_n ago_o i_o know_v that_o the_o christian_n believe_v in_o a_o certain_a jesus_n christ_n crucify_v i_o know_v also_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o they_o be_v not_o innate_a i_o be_o full_o persuade_v that_o neither_o the_o heathenish_a priest_n nor_o their_o ordinary_a guide_n teach_v they_o this_o doctrine_n because_o they_o be_v the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o it_o i_o be_o compel_v therefore_o in_o despite_n of_o myself_o to_o credit_n at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o relation_n the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n unanimous_o give_v of_o it_o viz_o that_o some_o person_n call_v apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n go_v about_o the_o world_n preach_v that_o this_o same_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o jew_n but_o these_o fundamental_a truth_n require_v a_o more_o particular_a examination_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v show_v more_o distinct_o whether_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o world_n what_o their_o original_a be_v what_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o how_o they_o be_v qualify_v this_o we_o shall_v present_o see_v by_o lay_v down_o for_o a_o certain_a principle_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n in_o their_o possession_n at_o that_o very_a time_n we_o have_v choose_v for_o our_o fix_a point_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a inquire_v whether_o those_o book_n be_v forge_v or_o not_o my_o design_n be_v to_o argue_v some_o time_n without_o enter_v upon_o that_o enquiry_n for_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o at_o least_o we_o learn_v from_o they_o certain_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v all_o our_o follow_a inquiry_n chap._n v._n which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v if_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v it_o may_v well_o be_v presume_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o that_o forgery_n who_o certain_o can_v have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o make_v it_o pass_v for_o truth_n endeavour_v to_o ground_v it_o upon_o some_o foundation_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a so_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v invent_v all_o that_o they_o relate_v at_o least_o they_o invent_v not_o the_o name_n country_n and_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n under_o who_o name_n they_o speak_v and_o to_o who_o they_o ascribe_v the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_v a_o certain_a jew_n call_v jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n a_o galilean_a too_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o have_v several_a disciple_n who_o name_n â—re_n exact_o relate_v if_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v immediate_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n by_o produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n who_o will_v have_v throng_v in_o to_o tell_v they_o â—hat_n jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v only_o fictitious_a â—ames_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o consult_v all_o the_o register_n and_o decree_n wherein_o augustus_n command_v all_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v tax_v in_o the_o day_n of_o cyrenius_n and_o where_o it_o must_v have_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n be_v also_o tax_v it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v publish_v in_o this_o age_n a_o book_n full_a of_o excellent_a precept_n of_o morality_n intermix_v with_o several_a fictitious_a action_n which_o book_n he_o will_v have_v the_o world_n receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o divine_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n who_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o age_n raise_v up_o several_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n calm_v the_o wind_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n give_v authority_n to_o several_a of_o his_o disciple_n to_o work_v many_o strange_a miracle_n be_v at_o length_n seize_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o germany_n and_o who_o disciple_n who_o bear_v such_o and_o such_o name_n and_o be_v bear_v in_o such_o and_o such_o a_o country_n come_v afterward_o into_o france_n disperse_v themselves_o throughout_o the_o other_o part_n of_o europe_n preach_v his_o doctrine_n and_o at_o length_n die_v all_o unanimous_o in_o defence_n of_o it_o what_o think_v you_o of_o this_o tale_n and_o how_o will_v it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o a_o system_n only_o of_o many_o evident_a and_o palpable_a falsity_n what_o think_v you_o those_o person_n will_v say_v of_o it_o who_o shall_v be_v thus_o accuse_v of_o so_o dreadful_a a_o parricide_n they_o will_v certain_o reply_v that_o that_o fictitious_a book_n be_v purposely_o design_v to_o blast_v their_o reputation_n but_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n never_o attempt_v to_o clear_v themselves_o after_o that_o manner_n they_o confess_v there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o their_o father_n put_v he_o to_o death_n neither_o do_v they_o deny_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n ministry_n or_o death_n except_v those_o which_o may_v probable_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n and_o the_o degree_n of_o proximity_n of_o blood_n but_o internal_o divide_v by_o their_o irregular_a passion_n christ_n show_v we_o a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o divide_v by_o the_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o disparity_n of_o their_o condition_n but_o internal_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o the_o same_o faith_n the_o same_o hope_n and_o the_o same_o charity_n nor_o be_v these_o mere_a idea_n or_o speculation_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n visible_o relate_v whole_o to_o the_o design_n of_o make_v man_n holy_a and_o pure_a and_o dedicate_a they_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o end_n of_o their_o preach_v direct_v themselves_o in_o their_o epistle_n to_o those_o that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n and_o to_o the_o spiritual_a israel_n and_o declare_v concern_v apostate_n that_o they_o go_v from_o they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o they_o beside_o that_o jesus_n christ_n on_o all_o occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_o
temple_n which_o god_n resolve_v shall_v be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a worship_n he_o have_v solemn_o declare_v that_o no_o sacrifice_n or_o any_o other_o material_a oblation_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o what_o be_v offer_v in_o they_o intend_v to_o prevent_v by_o that_o mean_v the_o israelite_n wander_v from_o that_o place_n which_o be_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o establish_v their_o separation_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n upon_o a_o sure_a and_o strong_a foundation_n which_o too_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v one_o day_n their_o messiah_n know_v last_o the_o five_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o the_o observance_n of_o its_o ordinance_n indispensable_o oblige_v the_o jew_n to_o abominate_a and_o detest_v all_o commerce_n with_o other_o strange_a nation_n or_o induce_v all_o other_o nation_n to_o look_v upon_o the_o jew_n with_o horror_n and_o indignation_n for_o it_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o creature_n other_o nation_n worship_v as_o deity_n and_o the_o latter_a scruple_v not_o to_o feed_v upon_o the_o flesh_n of_o those_o animal_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o execration_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n the_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n the_o law_n so_o careful_o prescribe_v they_o prohibit_v the_o jew_n all_o manner_n of_o commerce_n with_o those_o profane_a and_o pollute_a nation_n but_o god_n think_v it_o not_o sufficient_a to_o set_v apart_o unto_o himself_o one_o particular_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v further_o please_v to_o separate_v also_o in_o that_o nation_n one_o tribe_n from_o all_o the_o rest_n viz._n the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n in_o particular_o assign_v to_o it_o those_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o excellent_a prophecy_n utter_v by_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o expire_a patriarch_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o the_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n until_o shiloh_n come_v and_o unto_o he_o shall_v the_o gather_n of_o the_o people_n be_v gen._n 49._o 10._o god_n be_v also_o please_v to_o choose_v one_o single_a family_n in_o that_o tribe_n to_o ascribe_v principal_o to_o it_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o be_v the_o family_n of_o david_n to_o who_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o will_v make_v his_o seed_n sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n endure_v which_o promise_n will_v have_v be_v manifest_o false_a and_o absurd_a be_v it_o not_o exact_o fulfil_v in_o the_o person_n of_o the_o messiah_n last_o he_o choose_v such_o a_o branch_n of_o the_o family_n of_o david_n as_o shoot_v forth_o as_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n and_o out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n that_o be_v a_o branch_n of_o it_o that_o be_v fall_v in_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o wretched_a condition_n all_o which_o distinction_n be_v design_v only_o to_o make_v man_n discern_v and_o know_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o knowledge_n so_o necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o nation_n tribe_n family_n and_o generation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o by_o mere_a event_n that_o god_n dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o israelite_n to_o receive_v the_o messiah_n he_o impose_v upon_o they_o also_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o ceremony_n to_o inspire_v a_o more_o fervent_a desire_n in_o they_o of_o be_v free_v from_o the_o burden_n of_o those_o rite_n he_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o in_o part_n many_o sublime_a and_o important_a tenet_n that_o they_o may_v earnest_o desire_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a revelation_n of_o they_o he_o give_v they_o a_o law_n too_o which_o whole_o consist_v in_o carnal_a motive_n and_o reward_n and_o be_v attend_v only_o with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o threaten_n which_o law_n be_v to_o dispose_v they_o by_o its_o insufficiency_n to_o receive_v a_o better_a covenant_n the_o law_n intervene_v that_o sin_n may_v abound_v and_o god_n suffer_v it_o to_o abound_v by_o way_n of_o prevention_n that_o man_n at_o length_n be_v make_v sensible_a of_o their_o gild_n may_v have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v reveal_v unto_o they_o in_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o it_o appear_v all_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v prepare_v the_o jew_n to_o a_o new_a oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n we_o may_v also_o add_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o represent_v it_o the_o lawgiver_n and_o people_n the_o covenant_n itself_o the_o mediator_n the_o worship_n and_o state_n of_o the_o faithful_a in_o a_o word_n every_o thing_n be_v shadow_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o in_o a_o great_a and_o magnificent_a picture_n draw_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o expose_v to_o the_o public_a view_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o come_v therein_o the_o deity_n be_v represent_v under_o a_o humane_a shape_n to_o give_v we_o a_o type_n of_o god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v wrestle_v with_o jacob_n as_o a_o admonition_n to_o we_o that_o prayer_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o wrestle_a wherewith_o god_n be_v well_o please_v he_o charge_v moses_n not_o to_o come_v near_o the_o fiery_a bush_n where_o he_o manifest_v himself_o till_o he_o have_v first_o put_v off_o his_o shoe_n from_o his_o foot_n the_o better_a to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o without_o holiness_n we_o neither_o aught_o or_o can_v approach_v unto_o god_n he_o show_v his_o backpart_n only_o to_o his_o servant_n moses_n to_o inform_v we_o that_o the_o advantage_n of_o see_v he_o face_n to_o face_n that_o be_v of_o perfect_o know_v his_o will_n and_o his_o counsel_n particular_o belong_v to_o a_o far_o great_a prophet_n than_o moses_n the_o two_o covenant_n be_v likewise_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o abraham_n two_o wife_n the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o sarah_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o free_a child_n and_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n by_o agar_n the_o mother_n of_o the_o bondman_n the_o faithful_a people_n that_o be_v the_o church_n or_o the_o congregation_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v choose_v for_o eternal_a life_n be_v far_o represent_v to_o we_o sometime_o by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n sometime_o by_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first-born_a and_o sometime_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o levite_n and_o priest_n and_o the_o conformity_n betwixt_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v very_o remarkable_a the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v set_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o faithful_a from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v the_o protector_n of_o israel_n only_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o forsake_v all_o other_o people_n in_o like_a manner_n none_o but_o that_o holy_a congregation_n of_o people_n we_o call_v the_o church_n however_o disperse_v in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n can_v just_o boast_v of_o its_o be_v immediate_o protect_v by_o the_o almighty_a the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v abhor_v and_o have_v in_o execration_n by_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o so_o be_v the_o church_n hate_v by_o all_o the_o world_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n cry_v unto_o god_n for_o help_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o oppression_n and_o their_o cry_n come_v unto_o he_o and_o just_o so_o have_v the_o church_n have_v its_o martyr_n and_o afflict_a sufferer_n continual_o cry_v out_o night_n and_o day_n how_o long_o lord_n etc._n etc._n the_o people_n of_o israel_n have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o god_n no_o other_o light_n but_o he_o no_o other_o support_n to_o defend_v they_o but_o his_o providence_n they_o be_v feed_v for_o a_o long_a time_n with_o nothing_o but_o that_o bread_n he_o miraculous_o give_v they_o from_o heaven_n for_o their_o sustenance_n etc._n etc._n the_o church_n in_o like_a manner_n have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o what_o proceed_v from_o god_n no_o other_o mean_n of_o preservation_n but_o his_o providence_n no_o other_o support_n but_o his_o strength_n etc._n etc._n god_n dwell_v in_o israel_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o israelite_n will_v have_v a_o tabernacle_n erect_v he_o when_o they_o themselves_o dwell_v in_o tabernacle_n and_o a_o house_n when_o they_o also_o make_v their_o abide_v in_o house_n so_o god_n be_v now_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o church_n and_o the_o faithful_a themselves_o be_v his_o temple_n and_o his_o sanctuary_n further_o the_o divine_a worship_n pay_v to_o god_n in_o israel_n be_v a_o excellent_a figure_n and_o type_n of_o that_o spiritual_a worship_n that_o we_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v he_o to_o the_o temple_n
the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o prosperity_n and_o glory_n this_o jesus_n himself_o be_v seize_v and_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n where_o he_o suffer_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n infamous_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o nation_n but_o more_o particular_o accurse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n what_o a_o mighty_a thunder_n bolt_n must_v this_o have_v be_v to_o such_o man_n who_o have_v feed_v their_o fancy_n with_o such_o charm_a hope_n they_o be_v long_o since_o persuade_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v make_v his_o appearance_n in_o a_o very_a glorious_a state_n that_o he_o will_v overthrow_v at_o his_o come_v the_o empire_n of_o cesar_n together_o with_o all_o the_o roman_a grandeur_n and_o thereby_o make_v the_o jew_n absolute_a master_n of_o the_o world_n all_o these_o thing_n they_o impatient_o expect_v from_o jesus_n and_o yet_o this_o jesus_n be_v dishonour_v by_o a_o infamous_a punishment_n he_o be_v compel_v to_o endure_v the_o jew_n themselves_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v he_o but_o they_o sacrifice_v he_o even_o to_o cesar_n himself_o and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o the_o roman_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n there_o be_v no_o power_n able_a to_o deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o tormentor_n so_o that_o he_o die_v and_o his_o disciple_n hear_v of_o his_o death_n or_o rather_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o in_o truth_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v after_o all_o this_o have_v still_o preserve_v the_o least_o of_o their_o pretension_n they_o may_v reasonable_o grieve_v at_o the_o loss_n of_o such_o please_a hope_n but_o nothing_o can_v redeem_v the_o loss_n of_o they_o they_o may_v abhor_v the_o furious_a passion_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o sanhedrin_n who_o have_v utter_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o dear_o belove_a master_n but_o they_o must_v at_o length_n lay_v aside_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v of_o he_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o likely_a as_o that_o which_o st._n luke_n make_v they_o utter_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sorrow_n and_o astonishment_n but_o we_o trust_v that_o it_o have_v be_v he_o which_o shall_v have_v redeem_v israel_n and_o beside_o all_o this_o to_o day_n be_v the_o three_o day_n since_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v luke_n 24._o 21._o but_o suppose_v they_o have_v no_o such_o hope_n or_o expectation_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o the_o disciple_n look_v upon_o jesus_n as_o the_o promise_a messiah_n nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o in_o that_o of_o the_o christian_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o but_o imagine_v that_o jesus_n will_v have_v raise_v up_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o its_o utmost_a height_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceive_v he_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o ought_v sure_o to_o have_v believe_v that_o in_o case_n he_o shall_v die_v he_o will_v certain_o raise_v up_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o from_o the_o grave_n because_o the_o whole_a system_n of_o christian_a religion_n essential_o depend_v upon_o this_o foundation_n thus_o be_v the_o disciple_n preposess_v with_o the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o lose_v it_o at_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n and_o be_v they_o prepossess_v with_o the_o profess_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n they_o can_v not_o likewise_o but_o be_v undeceive_v of_o their_o error_n when_o they_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o certain_a fisherman_n who_o be_v a_o most_o mean_a wretched_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n call_v they_o who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o accompany_v their_o master_n even_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o true_a messiah_n but_o give_v he_o over_o to_o his_o executioner_n sure_o they_o be_v by_o this_o time_n sensible_a of_o their_o mistake_n what_o care_v then_o do_v it_o appear_v they_o take_v to_o hide_v themselves_o to_o conceal_v their_o shame_n and_o confusion_n from_o man_n let_v we_o see_v what_o be_v the_o event_n and_o we_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n we_o find_v that_o few_o week_n after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n his_o disciple_n public_o show_v themselves_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o confident_o affirm_v that_o they_o have_v see_v their_o master_n who_o be_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v speak_v with_o he_o handle_v he_o eat_v with_o he_o converse_v with_o he_o for_o forty_o day_n and_o last_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n it_o be_v certain_a this_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n since_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v found_v on_o this_o testimony_n who_o can_v have_v think_v of_o this_o unexpected_a turn_n the_o disciple_n affirm_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n but_o can_v they_o still_o believe_v it_o when_o they_o see_v he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n or_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o be_v they_o now_o grow_v bold_a to_o maintain_v a_o imposture_n than_o before_o to_o follow_v their_o master_n when_o they_o think_v he_o the_o true_a messiah_n can_v certain_a fisherman_n deject_v fearful_a fisherman_n who_o ought_v with_o shame_n to_o have_v own_v their_o error_n can_v they_o invent_v such_o a_o fable_n preach_v it_o with_o so_o much_o confidence_n maintain_v it_o with_o so_o much_o boldness_n expose_v their_o person_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o even_o to_o death_n itself_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n can_v any_o of_o they_o imagine_v that_o they_o can_v seduce_v mankind_n or_o have_v any_o one_o of_o they_o imagine_v it_o can_v the_o rest_n have_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o approve_v of_o his_o ridiculous_a fancy_n do_v they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n and_o be_v they_o then_o no_o long_o in_o any_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n that_o have_v inhumane_o put_v their_o master_n to_o death_n do_v they_o believe_v they_o may_v safe_o reproach_v the_o jew_n for_o have_v put_v the_o messiah_n to_o death_n without_o be_v themselves_o severe_o punish_v be_v they_o not_o sensible_a into_o how_o many_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n this_o fable_n will_v inevitable_o cast_v they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v can_v they_o still_o be_v so_o courageous_a as_o to_o maintain_v such_o a_o imposture_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o no_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v recant_v his_o opinion_n not_o one_o contradict_v himself_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v unanimous_o depose_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o rigorous_a punishment_n inflict_v on_o they_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v altogether_o chimerical_a and_o false_a certain_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o very_o strange_a or_o rather_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o so_o very_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a that_o i_o question_n whether_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n can_v persuade_v themselves_o of_o it_o provide_v they_o will_v but_o reflect_v never_o so_o little_a upon_o it_o but_o let_v we_o continue_v still_o to_o distrust_v ourselves_o may_v we_o not_o probable_o have_v make_v some_o false_a supposition_n in_o what_o we_o just_a now_o affirm_v we_o will_v therefore_o go_v over_o again_o the_o same_o principle_n we_o just_o now_o establish_v and_o indeed_o the_o more_o i_o reflect_v upon_o they_o the_o less_o i_o conceive_v how_o we_o can_v possible_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n for_o can_v i_o deny_v that_o jesus_n ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n that_o he_o ever_o have_v any_o disciple_n or_o that_o those_o disciple_n think_v he_o at_o first_o the_o promise_a messiah_n but_o why_o shall_v i_o alone_o question_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o thalmudist_n nay_o julian_n porphirius_fw-la and_o all_o other_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n have_v always_o acknowledge_v this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v absurd_a can_v i_o question_v but_o that_o if_o jesus_n die_v and_o rise_v not_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a his_o disciple_n be_v then_o undeceive_v of_o the_o opinion_n they_o probable_o entertain_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o so_o either_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o by_o these_o two_o word_n the_o messiah_n the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o else_o they_o understand_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a man_n who_o be_v to_o remain_v for_o ever_o under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n can_v i_o deny_v that_o the_o disciple_n declare_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n it_o be_v self_n evident_a all_o
different_a country_n who_o speak_v different_a language_n do_v all_o understand_v my_o speech_n there_o can_v certain_o be_v no_o illusion_n in_o that_o the_o validity_n of_o a_o testimony_n be_v no_o long_o incertain_a when_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o witness_n be_v not_o himself_o deceive_v and_o second_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o deceive_v other_o now_o this_o might_n easy_o be_v verify_v concern_v the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n for_o first_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o their_o deposition_n be_v found_v be_v so_o evident_a and_o notorious_a that_o none_o can_v ever_o be_v deceive_v in_o relation_n to_o they_o thus_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o eye_n shall_v think_v they_o see_v what_o they_o do_v not_o real_o see_v that_o the_o ear_n shall_v agree_v to_o witness_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o eye_n that_o the_o hand_n shall_v touch_v that_o which_o both_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o ear_n perceive_v not_o once_o only_o but_o several_a time_n not_o the_o eye_n the_o ear_n and_o the_o hand_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o of_o several_a man_n together_o that_o they_o shall_v unanimous_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o that_o too_o of_o work_a miracle_n unless_o they_o themselves_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v a_o man_n so_o whimsical_a as_o to_o impose_v upon_o himself_o after_o that_o prodigious_a rate_n yet_o sure_o we_o can_v not_o without_o extravagance_n imagine_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v utter_o lose_v their_o sense_n by_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o madness_n that_o this_o madness_n begin_v exact_o after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o spread_a of_o the_o gospel_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v a_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v join_v to_o that_o morality_n which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o sublime_a and_o yet_o so_o just_a and_o pious_a in_o itself_o that_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n always_o reverence_v it_o and_o last_o that_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n derive_v their_o original_n from_o such_o pretend_a madness_n which_o work_v a_o change_n upon_o the_o world_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o exact_o fulfil_v all_o those_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o those_o man_n do_v not_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o much_o less_o ought_v they_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o have_v have_v the_o will_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o their_o simplicity_n and_o mean_a education_n allow_v they_o not_o to_o frame_v any_o such_o design_n and_o beside_o the_o confusion_n they_o be_v in_o to_o see_v themselves_o frustrate_v of_o their_o hope_n by_o the_o unexpected_a death_n of_o their_o master_n will_v whole_o have_v divert_v they_o from_o it_o their_o temporal_a concern_v too_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o and_o their_o shame_n to_o show_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n after_o what_o have_v happen_v be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o hinder_v they_o from_o it_o moreover_o their_o conscience_n will_v have_v check_v they_o for_o their_o superstitious_a fondness_n of_o the_o vain_a shadow_n of_o a_o messiah_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v ever_o have_v agree_v together_o so_o as_o to_o contrive_v that_o strange_a and_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o suppose_v they_o undertake_v it_o the_o torment_v inflict_v on_o they_o will_v have_v make_v they_o repent_v such_o a_o rash_a design_n and_o the_o confession_n of_o one_o single_a person_n among_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_o discover_v they_o all_o last_o their_o shame_n and_o poverty_n the_o gaol_n and_o the_o chain_n the_o stripe_n the_o fire_n and_o the_o sword_n that_o be_v use_v against_o they_o to_o make_v they_o recant_v sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o they_o never_o intend_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o if_o one_o single_a person_n so_o dispose_v be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o unheard_a of_o prodigy_n how_o much_o more_o unlikely_a be_v it_o that_o a_o whole_a society_n can_v have_v conceive_v such_o a_o extravagant_a design_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v false_a we_o can_v choose_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o mad_a man_n or_o rather_o as_o rascal_n nay_o perhaps_o as_o both_o and_o yet_o their_o preach_v sufficient_o show_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o innocence_n and_o wisdom_n to_o confound_v both_o these_o calumny_n let_v any_o man_n but_o read_v over_o the_o book_n of_o those_o admirable_a writer_n and_o there_o he_o will_v to_o his_o satisfaction_n find_v that_o honesty_n sincerity_n and_o self_n denial_n be_v inseparable_o interweave_v with_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o most_o judicious_a morality_n that_o ever_o be_v but_o this_o reflection_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n that_o i_o must_v now_o hasten_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v human_a or_o divine_a for_o that_o will_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o own_o proper_a place_n but_o whether_o they_o be_v forge_v or_o not_o for_o if_o once_o we_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v we_o need_v only_o read_v they_o over_o to_o know_v the_o testimony_n the_o disciple_n bear_v of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o and_o because_o that_o truth_n will_v serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o what_o we_o have_v already_o say_v we_o shall_v begin_v the_o follow_a section_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o it_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n chap._n i._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a when_o i_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n all_o the_o doubt_n i_o strive_v to_o raise_v concern_v they_o amount_v only_o to_o these_o three_o i._n whether_o those_o book_n be_v not_o compose_v by_o some_o impostor_n who_o probable_o may_v have_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n ii_o whether_o those_o book_n suppose_v they_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o afterward_o corrupt_v by_o the_o christian_n iii_o whether_o the_o apostle_n the_o pretend_a author_n of_o those_o book_n do_v not_o themselves_o fill_v they_o up_o with_o many_o fiction_n for_o their_o master_n honour_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o religion_n it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v examine_v whether_o these_o three_o suspicion_n be_v well_o ground_v or_o no._n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o overthrow_v that_o of_o all_o other_o book_n and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a for_o who_o will_v warrant_v i_o that_o cicero_n oration_n be_v his_o own_o if_o i_o can_v reasonable_o assure_v myself_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n himself_o but_o hold_v perhaps_o it_o be_v easy_a or_o more_o advantageous_a to_o counterfeit_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o those_o of_o humane_a learning_n this_o be_v what_o we_o must_v a_o little_a inquire_v into_o and_o i._o the_o facility_n there_o be_v in_o counterfeit_v the_o the_o work_n of_o a_o author_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n place_n and_o person_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o that_o book_n the_o temper_n of_o man_n mind_n their_o different_a notion_n and_o their_o various_a interest_n which_o must_v be_v carry_v on_o in_o it_o now_o to_o counterfeit_a book_n of_o humane_a learning_n seem_v infinite_o more_o easy_a in_o all_o these_o respect_n than_o to_o counterfeit_v those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n i._o because_o they_o who_o counterfeit_v a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n may_v take_v as_o much_o time_n as_o they_o please_v for_o it_o but_o here_o we_o know_v not_o what_o time_n can_v be_v imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v in_o if_o we_o look_v back_o from_o age_n to_o age_n we_o find_v the_o christian_n have_v those_o book_n continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o that_o they_o be_v quote_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a father_n who_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a ii_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n because_o there_o be_v general_o but_o few_o people_n that_o interess_n themselves_o at_o all_o in_o they_o at_o least_o but_o very_o indifferent_o but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n to_o counterfeit_v those_o book_n which_o compel_v man_n to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n as_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v if_o a_o man_n that_o lend_v out_o his_o money_n seek_v the_o best_a security_n he_o can_v for_o it_o what_o
it_o will_v be_v often_o say_v lo_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o lo_o he_o be_v there_o before_o the_o last_o day_n of_o judgement_n as_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n jesus_n christ_n gather_v together_o in_o some_o christian_a church_n the_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n of_o heaven_n and_o that_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n his_o mystical_a angel_n so_o likewise_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o raise_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o dust_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o grave_a for_o the_o lord_n himself_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o shout_n with_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o archangel_n and_o the_o dead_a in_o christ_n shall_v rise_v 1_o thess_n 4._o 16._o as_o there_o be_v see_v several_a comet_n and_o terrible_a sign_n that_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o city_n and_o flame_v temple_n hide_v the_o light_n of_o the_o day_n and_o darken_v the_o sun_n and_o star_n so_o without_o doubt_n the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v also_o attend_v with_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n much_o more_o terrible_a st._n peter_n say_v the_o earth_n shall_v be_v burn_v up_o and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n etc._n etc._n 2._o epistle_n 3._o 10._o as_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n happen_v after_o a_o unexpected_a manner_n so_o also_o shall_v the_o last_o day_n come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n as_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v utter_o destroy_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o jew_n have_v complete_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o this_o world_n which_o we_o inhabit_v must_v perish_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o end_n or_o call_v of_o all_o nation_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v as_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o say_v in_o that_o prophecy_n we_o now_o have_v under_o consideration_n beside_o one_o may_v reasonable_o imagine_v the_o disciple_n to_o be_v always_o prepossess_v with_o this_o opinion_n that_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n will_v immediate_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o when_o it_o be_v report_v among_o the_o disciple_n that_o st._n john_n shall_v not_o die_v because_o christ_n have_v say_v to_o one_o of_o they_o speak_v of_o 22._o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o they_o stretch_v that_o till_o i_o come_v as_o far_o as_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o may_v have_v confine_v it_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n a_o time_n which_o the_o apostle_n in_o reality_n see_v and_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n visit_v the_o jew_n in_o his_o justice_n further_o this_o tradition_n be_v spread_v abroad_o that_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n draw_v nigh_o the_o thessalonian_n be_v so_o terrify_v at_o it_o that_o st._n paul_n to_o comfort_v they_o again_o send_v they_o the_o follow_a assurance_n to_o the_o contrary_a now_o we_o beseech_v you_o brethren_n that_o you_o be_v not_o soon_o shake_v in_o mind_n or_o be_v trouble_v neither_o by_o spirit_n nor_o by_o word_n nor_o by_o letter_n as_o from_o we_o as_o that_o the_o day_n of_o chrst_n be_v at_o hand_n let_v no_o man_n deceive_v you_o by_o any_o mean_n for_o that_o day_n shall_v not_o come_v except_o first_o etc._n etc._n 2_o thess_n 2._o 2_o 3._o in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o that_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n so_o faithful_o relate_v by_o his_o disciple_n shall_v have_v leave_v this_o impression_n in_o their_o mind_n for_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n have_v give_v such_o mark_n and_o sign_n of_o his_o come_n that_o it_o seem_v as_o if_o the_o last_o judgement_n be_v immediate_o to_o follow_v it_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v appear_v as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o have_v declare_v several_a time_n that_o all_o those_o thing_n shall_v happen_v to_o that_o generation_n that_o many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a with_o he_o shall_v not_o taste_v of_o death_n until_o they_o have_v see_v all_o those_o thing_n since_o than_o jesus_n christ_n unite_v thus_o two_o several_a event_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o description_n but_o two_o subordinate_a event_n as_o like_v unto_o one_o another_o as_o the_o copy_n and_o the_o original_a may_v be_v it_o follow_v thence_o that_o his_o prophecy_n must_v have_v have_v two_o accomplishment_n the_o one_o very_o nigh_o and_o the_o other_o remote_a this_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o true_a way_n of_o unravel_v all_o those_o difficulty_n the_o disciple_n confound_v together_o two_o very_o remote_a event_n and_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v they_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o opinion_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o event_n shall_v justify_v the_o prophecy_n but_o not_o that_o the_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v contrary_a to_o their_o event_n it_o be_v necessary_a therefore_o they_o shall_v be_v obscure_a before_o their_o completion_n but_o clear_a and_o easy_a when_o once_o accomplish_v but_o however_o probable_a what_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a any_o one_o shall_v think_v i_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o my_o argument_n upon_o it_o i_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o bare_a conjecture_n and_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n and_o i_o leave_v all_o the_o explanation_n i_o have_v just_a now_o give_v to_o the_o reader_n judgement_n to_o use_v according_a to_o his_o discretion_n i_o be_o indifferent_a whether_o he_o use_v my_o notion_n or_o those_o of_o any_o other_o man_n to_o solve_v certain_a difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v therein_o i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o two_o certain_a truth_n which_o in_o my_o opinion_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n the_o first_o be_v that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v so_o circumstantial_o relate_v that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v it_o compose_v after_o the_o event_n or_o that_o a_o man_n take_v occasion_n from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o which_o none_o but_o titus_n and_o his_o army_n be_v see_v to_o make_v jesus_n christ_n say_v when_o he_o foretell_v that_o devastation_n that_o he_o will_v come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n that_o he_o will_v send_v his_o angel_n to_o gather_v his_o elect_n from_o the_o four_o wind_n that_o they_o will_v see_v he_o come_v with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n as_o the_o lightning_n that_o come_v out_o of_o the_o east_n and_o shine_v even_o unto_o the_o west_n that_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v mourn_v at_o his_o come_n and_o that_o day_n shall_v come_v as_o sudden_o as_o the_o fire_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n the_o second_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o i_o altogether_o unquestionable_a be_v that_o notwithstanding_o that_o little_a darkness_n with_o which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o overshadow_v this_o prophecy_n it_o be_v nevertheless_o in_o all_o respect_n so_o very_o exact_o relate_v in_o all_o its_o circumstance_n and_o so_o clear_o fulfil_v that_o suppose_v it_o compose_v before_o the_o event_n we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o proceed_v from_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n for_o what_o can_v we_o read_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o be_v include_v in_o this_o prophecy_n the_o beginning_n the_o continuation_n and_o end_n of_o the_o misfortune_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v all_o to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o it_o do_v not_o foretell_v a_o particular_a captivity_n of_o that_o people_n but_o a_o general_a dispersion_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v lead_v captive_n into_o all_o nation_n luk._n 21._o 24._o jesus_n christ_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n on_o another_o occasion_n at_o his_o enter_v into_o it_o and_o utter_v these_o compassionate_a word_n o_o that_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o at_o least_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n which_o belong_v unto_o thy_o peace_n but_o now_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o thy_o eye_n for_o the_o day_n shall_v come_v that_o thy_o enemy_n shall_v cast_v a_o trench_n about_o thou_o and_o compass_v thou_o round_o and_o keep_v the_o in_o on_o every_o side_n and_o shall_v â—ay_n thou_o even_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o thy_o child_n within_o thou_o and_o they_o shall_v not_o leave_v in_o thou_o one_o stone_n upon_o another_o because_o thou_o know_v not_o the_o time_n of_o thy_o visitation_n luke_n â—9_n 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o this_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n be_v also_o insert_v in_o â—he_n gospel_n be_v all_o those_o prophetical_a parable_n inâ—erted_v too_o in_o which_o jesus_n christ_n threaten_v the_o jew_n â—ith_z their_o approach_a destruction_n tell_v they_o â—ne_a while_n that_o the_o lord_n will_v let_v his_o vineyard_n to_o other_o
the_o sight_n of_o several_a jew_n who_o be_v purposely_o come_v thither_o to_o comfort_v the_o sister_n of_o the_o decease_a person_n he_o tarry_v four_o day_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v say_v he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a he_o permit_v lazarus_n to_o converse_v with_o his_o acquaintance_n after_o his_o resurrection_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o jew_n blind_v with_o madness_n to_o conspire_v together_o to_o send_v he_o to_o the_o grave_n again_o who_o the_o grave_n have_v just_o send_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n iu._n but_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o great_a and_o such_o unparalelled_a miracle_n as_o these_o shall_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o people_n mind_n this_o age_n be_v indeed_o a_o wicked_a and_o prejudice_v age_n but_o yet_o what_o a_o noise_n will_v the_o resurrection_n of_o a_o dead_a man_n make_v now_o how_o many_o will_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n how_o few_o will_v doubt_v it_o after_o have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o hear_v this_o miracle_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o believe_v it_o some_o ascribe_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o beelzebub_n other_o to_o some_o other_o cause_n some_o know_v not_o what_o to_o think_v of_o it_o and_o therefore_o refuse_v to_o inquire_v into_o it_o other_o very_o believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o lazarus_n have_v agree_v together_o thus_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n and_o this_o very_a likely_a be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v after_o lazarus_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n other_o though_o very_o few_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o glorify_v god_n but_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o little_a impression_n this_o miracle_n make_v upon_o the_o prejudice_v and_o superstitious_a mind_n of_o man_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v these_o two_o follow_a reflection_n first_o that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a jew_n who_o free_o acknowledge_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n though_o they_o persist_v in_o their_o incredulity_n choose_v rather_o superstitious_o to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n than_o to_o refer_v they_o totheir_o true_a cause_n which_o show_v that_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o overcome_v the_o hardness_n of_o some_o man_n mind_n when_o prepossess_v with_o prejudice_n second_o that_o superstition_n itself_o have_v be_v sometime_o carry_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o extinguish_v utter_o all_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o call_v in_o question_n those_o very_a object_n that_o be_v present_a to_o the_o sense_n rather_o than_o be_v oblige_v to_o renounce_v its_o prejudices_fw-la but_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o this_o last_o reflection_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v such_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o mind_n be_v prepossess_v will_v either_o call_v in_o question_n any_o palpable_a truth_n or_o else_o ascribe_v matter_n of_o fact_n true_o miraculous_a to_o some_o fantastical_a and_o extravagant_a cause_n but_o there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o order_n to_o maintain_v that_o they_o be_v spectator_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v real_o never_o see_v especial_o when_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o imposture_n be_v a_o crime_n worthy_a of_o death_n and_o when_o they_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o find_v out_o by_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o witness_n it_o will_v argue_v mere_a folly_n for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o jewish_a doctor_n have_v credit_n and_o authority_n enough_o over_o the_o people_n partly_o to_o stifle_v the_o knowledge_n they_o may_v have_v of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o if_o that_o fail_v at_o least_o to_o give_v such_o reason_n of_o they_o as_o will_v certain_o flatter_v the_o immoderate_a desire_n the_o jew_n have_v to_o see_v not_o a_o sorrowful_a and_o contemptible_a but_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumph_a messiah_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v too_o weak_a to_o endure_v the_o severity_n of_o those_o torment_n inflict_v on_o they_o have_v they_o be_v mere_a impostor_n and_o be_v not_o sure_o so_o senseless_a as_o ever_o to_o think_v they_o may_v easy_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o lazarus_n for_o to_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o that_o nature_n one_o have_v need_v only_o of_o prejudice_n and_o a_o wicked_a inclination_n but_o to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o it_o be_v real_o false_a one_o must_v be_v possess_v with_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o unheard_a of_o madness_n v._o but_o you_o will_v say_v let_v the_o opinion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v what_o it_o will_v still_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o they_o and_o that_o josephus_n for_o example_n who_o careful_o relate_v the_o least_o sort_n of_o event_n and_o forget_v not_o to_o mention_v certain_a seducer_n that_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n from_o time_n to_o time_n before_o he_o shall_v not_o in_o the_o least_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o of_o jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o some_o that_o that_o notable_a testimony_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o he_o be_v a_o pious_a fraud_n of_o he_o or_o a_o mere_a invention_n of_o the_o succeed_a age_n we_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o at_o present_a we_o be_v willing_a to_o take_v thing_n in_o the_o worst_a sense_n and_o we_o have_v three_o several_a reply_n to_o make_v this_o objection_n concern_v the_o silence_n of_o josephus_n in_o this_o respect_n the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o who_o probable_o insert_v in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o author_n that_o notable_a place_n which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o the_o criticism_n of_o the_o learned_a may_v for_o a_o continuation_n of_o their_o design_n have_v blot_v out_o every_o thing_n that_o josephus_n real_o tell_v we_o on_o this_o account_n and_o which_o perhaps_o though_o less_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n be_v yet_o sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v hold_v as_o one_o that_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n the_o second_o that_o josephus_n be_v a_o pharisee_n may_v probable_o have_v conceal_v the_o wonder_n of_o the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n out_o of_o the_o hatred_n he_o bear_v to_o our_o religion_n and_o the_o last_o be_v that_o as_o this_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o vespasian_n favour_n by_o foretell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v emperor_n and_o have_v ascribe_v to_o he_o several_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a 12._o testament_n which_o promise_v that_o a_o king_n shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n it_o be_v high_o probabable_a that_o this_o author_n be_v a_o courtier_n will_v not_o out_o of_o complaisance_n to_o vespasian_n and_o his_o child_n mention_v the_o least_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v pretend_v he_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o to_o who_o other_o people_n ascribe_v those_o famous_a prophecy_n whereby_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o ingratiate_v himself_o in_o that_o emperor_n esteem_n and_o certain_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o have_v careful_o relate_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o the_o life_n of_o herod_n the_o great_a shall_v have_v forget_v the_o murder_n of_o the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n if_o at_o the_o time_n he_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o murder_n he_o have_v not_o be_v afraid_a to_o discover_v also_o the_o dread_n herod_n have_v upon_o he_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o opinion_n than_o currant_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n it_o be_v however_o certain_a that_o this_o author_n can_v not_o have_v conceal_v any_o such_o event_n as_o these_o but_o only_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o policy_n he_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o incredulous_a themselves_o will_v not_o presume_v to_o think_v that_o josephus_n be_v altogether_o ignorant_a that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n at_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o be_v accuse_v there_o of_o seduce_v the_o people_n that_o he_o have_v several_a disciple_n to_o attend_v he_o who_o number_n in_o his_o time_n increase_v yet_o daily_o nay_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o very_a numerous_a church_n at_o jerusalem_n compose_v of_o person_n of_o that_o persuasion_n and_o certain_o there_o must_v have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o judea_n since_o there_o dwell_v a_o very_a
just_a go_v to_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o christian_n he_o go_v about_o afterward_o preach_v that_o he_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n that_o a_o great_a light_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o he_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v set_v he_o forth_o unto_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o become_v a_o spectacle_n unto_o man_n and_o angel_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 9_o if_o man_n will_v not_o credit_v his_o report_n let_v they_o try_v he_o by_o torment_n and_o see_v what_o effect_n they_o will_v have_v upon_o he_o let_v they_o load_v he_o with_o chain_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o prison_n let_v they_o expose_v he_o to_o wild_a beast_n at_o ephesus_n let_v the_o element_n man_n and_o devil_n be_v all_o at_o once_o set_v against_o he_o let_v they_o scourge_v he_o drag_v he_o along_o stone_n he_o let_v they_o bring_v he_o from_o jerusalem_n to_o caesarea_n from_o caesarea_n to_o rome_n increase_n and_o prolong_v his_o affliction_n saul_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n it_o be_v true_a recant_v his_o opinion_n but_o paul_n the_o witness_n of_o jesus_n will_v never_o recant_v he_o have_v see_v the_o strange_a alteration_n which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o synagogue_n let_v we_o reflect_v a_o little_a on_o that_o which_o happen_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n judas_n betray_v his_o master_n and_o receive_v for_o his_o reward_n thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n but_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v he_o be_v so_o much_o disturb_v after_o he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o jew_n the_o roman_n the_o people_n the_o doctor_n the_o magistrate_n and_o judge_n all_o favour_v his_o crime_n and_o let_v he_o go_v unpunished_a yet_o the_o remorse_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n torment_v he_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o he_o can_v not_o rest_v any_o where_o and_o at_o length_n not_o be_v able_a to_o overcome_v his_o despair_n he_o make_v away_o with_o himself_o and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o that_o astonish_a event_n by_o buy_v with_o that_o money_n a_o field_n which_o be_v since_o call_v aceldama_n because_o it_o be_v the_o price_n of_o blood_n what_o a_o strange_a difference_n we_o find_v in_o these_o two_o person_n of_o judas_n and_o saul_n judas_n kill_v himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o prosperity_n but_o saul_n rejoice_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o affliction_n judas_n prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o synagogue_n can_v not_o be_v comfort_v by_o the_o same_o but_o die_v in_o despair_n paul_n become_v the_o disciple_n and_o witness_n of_o jesus_n and_o to_o he_o the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a joy_n god_n forbid_v say_v he_o gal._n 6._o 14_o that_o i_o shall_v glory_v save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o my_o saviour_n christ_n by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v crucify_v unto_o i_o and_o i_o unto_o the_o world_n will_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o judas_n be_v his_o own_o executioner_n mere_o out_o of_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v a_o impostor_n to_o the_o jew_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n derive_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o infidelity_n the_o courage_n he_o show_v in_o all_o his_o suffering_n certain_o it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o say_v that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o martyr_n of_o god_n but_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o judas_n be_v so_o against_o his_o will_n but_o paul_n voluntary_o if_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o one_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o despair_n of_o the_o other_o be_v no_o small_a honour_n to_o he_o and_o the_o only_a difference_n be_v this_o that_o paul_n be_v proper_o a_o martyr_n but_o judas_n in_o spite_n of_o himself_o a_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a of_o all_o the_o object_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n offer_v to_o our_o understanding_n there_o be_v no_o one_o seem_v more_o to_o shock_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o prejudice_v and_o incredulous_a person_n than_o the_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o cross_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v according_a to_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o apostle_n a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a but_o in_o our_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o bear_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o greatness_n and_o divinity_n than_o that_o do_v the_o incredulous_a tell_v we_o that_o can_v we_o but_o rid_v ourselves_o of_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la we_o shall_v be_v hearty_o ashamed_a to_o entertain_v such_o strange_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o we_o also_o tell_v they_o that_o can_v they_o once_o but_o free_v themselves_o of_o those_o passion_n which_o darken_v their_o understanding_n they_o will_v certain_o admire_v with_o we_o the_o wonder_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o object_n who_o then_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n in_o this_o thing_n that_o will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_v we_o shall_v make_v to_o their_o objection_n we_o find_v in_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n one_o who_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seize_v upon_o and_o be_v afterward_o nail_v on_o a_o cross_n not_o have_v any_o one_o to_o deliver_v he_o from_o the_o power_n of_o his_o enemy_n this_o they_o object_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n for_o say_v they_o have_v he_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n why_o do_v he_o not_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o all_o the_o world_n will_v have_v believe_v on_o he_o he_o die_v as_o one_o condemn_v by_o the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v establish_v this_o be_v he_o as_o be_v find_v guilty_a he_o be_v seize_v with_o sorrowfulness_n even_o unto_o death_n the_o day_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o cry_v out_o bitter_o when_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n this_o show_v his_o wretched_a condition_n he_o be_v make_v to_o suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o for_o slave_n it_o can_v therefore_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o die_v a_o most_o infamous_a death_n and_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o weakness_n gild_n or_o at_o least_o condemnation_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n shall_v be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n thus_o the_o incredulous_a argue_v we_o answer_v that_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v by_o the_o determinate_a council_n of_o god_n since_o the_o scripture_n foretell_v that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n that_o he_o be_v to_o make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n see_v he_o come_v to_o he_o at_o a_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a he_o shall_v ever_o suffer_v call_v he_o the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v voluntary_o he_o foretell_v all_o his_o own_o suffering_n to_o his_o disciple_n invite_v they_o to_o take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o a_o company_n of_o miserable_a and_o afflict_a wretch_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v notwithstanding_o to_o overcome_v the_o world_n and_o by_o their_o suffering_n establish_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n he_o free_o own_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o settle_v peace_n in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o sword_n that_o god_n will_v smite_v the_o shepherd_n and_o that_o the_o sheep_n shall_v be_v scatter_v that_o they_o be_v to_o drink_v of_o the_o same_o cup_n with_o he_o and_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o baptism_n that_o be_v to_o taste_v the_o bitter_a cup_n of_o his_o affliction_n and_o be_v baptize_v with_o he_o with_o a_o baptism_n of_o blood_n he_o intermix_v his_o suffering_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o bear_v they_o in_o remembrance_n if_o we_o shall_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whether_o christ_n foretell_v his_o suffering_n we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o time_n wherein_o this_o ceremony_n be_v institute_v for_o unless_o we_o shall_v call_v in_o question_n the_o real_a institution_n of_o that_o sacrament_n and_o so_o affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n out_o of_o a_o unaccountable_a and_o fantastical_a extravagance_n pretend_v only_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v institute_v that_o ceremony_n when_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n that_o he_o prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o affirm_v he_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o eucharist_n which_o he_o
institute_v in_o cold_a blood_n certify_v we_o of_o all_o these_o thing_n but_o because_o a_o involuntary_a death_n will_v argue_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o weakness_n it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o nothing_o can_v better_v evince_v the_o strength_n and_o courage_n of_o jesus_n christ_n than_o that_o though_o he_o foresee_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o infamous_a and_o painful_a death_n yet_o he_o expose_v himself_o to_o it_o with_o such_o a_o constant_a will_n and_o firm_a resolution_n that_o by_o his_o example_n he_o show_v his_o disciple_n how_o he_o will_v have_v they_o imitate_v and_o commemorate_v his_o suffering_n jesus_n christ_n be_v condemn_v to_o death_n by_o a_o nation_n seditious_o stir_v up_o against_o he_o and_o by_o a_o sanhedrin_n envious_a of_o his_o glory_n but_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o conscience_n of_o judas_n who_o remorse_n for_o have_v betray_v he_o force_v he_o to_o kill_v himself_o and_o by_o the_o solemn_a declaration_n of_o pilate_n who_o wash_v his_o hand_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v innocent_a of_o the_o blood_n of_o that_o just_a person_n he_o be_v justify_v too_o by_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o centurion_n who_o see_v the_o prodigy_n his_o death_n be_v attend_v withal_o and_o soon_o after_o by_o the_o mouth_n even_o of_o those_o who_o seek_v his_o ruin_n and_o who_o be_v prick_v to_o the_o heart_n cry_v out_o to_o the_o apostle_n man_n and_o brethren_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v act._n 2._o 37._o and_o certain_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a glory_n to_o our_o messiah_n that_o the_o most_o guilty_a conscience_n the_o most_o unjust_a judge_n the_o most_o insensible_a and_o harden_a sort_n of_o soldier_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a murderer_n shall_v even_o bare_a record_n of_o his_o innocence_n jesus_n christ_n suffer_v but_o it_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n he_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n of_o death_n and_o make_v his_o life_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n and_o if_o those_o wound_n be_v count_v honourable_a which_o a_o subject_a receive_v sight_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o king_n and_o if_o those_o which_o a_o king_n receive_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o subject_n be_v esteem_v yet_o far_o more_o glorious_a what_o glory_n then_o do_v christ_n deserve_v who_o suffer_v in_o the_o presence_n and_o by_o the_o will_n of_o his_o father_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o people_n and_o child_n and_o who_o by_o his_o suffering_n establish_v such_o a_o empire_n which_o no_o power_n can_v dissolve_v last_o jesus_n christ_n suffer_v a_o punishment_n proper_a only_o to_o slave_n but_o we_o be_v also_o very_o certain_a that_o during_o the_o time_n of_o his_o suffering_n he_o show_v himself_o to_o have_v a_o power_n over_o nature_n herself_o since_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v at_o his_o death_n the_o rock_n rend_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v rend_v in_o twain_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v have_v invent_v so_o sensible_a and_o signal_n matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o fresh_a and_o public_a knowledge_n which_o those_o man_n that_o live_v in_o their_o day_n have_v of_o it_o without_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o extravagance_n which_o be_v more_o than_o humane_a but_o here_o we_o will_v ask_v the_o incredulous_a in_o our_o turn_n whether_o a_o voluntary_a death_n a_o innocence_n public_o own_a the_o sorrow_n and_o anguish_n which_o a_o man_n suffer_v out_o of_o charity_n to_o the_o world_n the_o homage_v which_o even_o insensible_a creature_n pay_v to_o he_o who_o man_n scorn_v and_o condemn_v be_v not_o certain_a character_n worthy_a of_o the_o messiah_n that_o have_v be_v promise_v we_o indeed_o if_o you_o take_v away_o the_o proof_n which_o evident_o show_v jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n you_o may_v then_o call_v his_o cross_n a_o scandal_n to_o he_o and_o the_o world_n but_o whilst_o those_o proof_n shall_v be_v leave_v entire_a his_o cross_n will_v serve_v the_o more_o to_o illustrate_v his_o majesty_n and_o grandeur_n and_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o then_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v a_o voluntary_a death_n which_o he_o undergo_v and_o a_o death_n that_o be_v foretell_v we_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o show_v that_o it_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o looking-glass-like_a wherein_o we_o may_v see_v at_o once_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v find_v the_o patience_n of_o a_o man_n who_o suffer_v every_o thing_n from_o his_o equal_n and_o from_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v his_o servant_n and_o disciple_n the_o charity_n of_o a_o man_n who_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o put_v he_o to_o death_n the_o constancy_n of_o a_o just_a man_n who_o bear_v the_o burden_n of_o the_o iniquity_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o innocent_a man_n who_o at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v wrestle_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o man_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n there_o we_o may_v see_v the_o masterpiece_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n the_o design_n of_o our_o enemy_n frustrate_v and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n triumph_v over_o the_o vain_a opinion_n and_o project_n of_o man_n the_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n make_v for_o we_o by_o the_o most_o dreadful_a parricide_n that_o be_v ever_o commit_v or_o conceive_v the_o synagogue_n bury_v in_o his_o grave_n who_o they_o barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o privilege_n the_o roman_n crown_v a_o king_n with_o thorn_n who_o be_v to_o rule_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o put_v a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n into_o his_o hand_n flesh_n and_o blood_n show_v we_o in_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o true_a pattern_n of_o mortification_n jesus_n christ_n die_v attend_v with_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o martyr_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o imitation_n of_o he_o who_o be_v conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n only_o by_o his_o shame_n who_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o procure_v rest_n and_o peace_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o they_o that_o die_v by_o the_o anguish_n of_o his_o agony_n we_o may_v also_o see_v the_o justice_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n clear_o manifest_v in_o his_o death_n for_o what_o other_o victim_n can_v have_v better_o evince_v god_n hatred_n for_o sin_n what_o present_a can_v have_v be_v make_v unto_o man_n that_o can_v have_v better_o discover_v god_n love_v to_o they_o the_o incredulous_a therefore_o reproach_v we_o with_o the_o meanness_n of_o a_o object_n wherein_o the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v show_v in_o their_o great_a height_n and_o perfection_n but_o let_v he_o that_o any_o way_n doubt_n it_o consider_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o key_n that_o open_v all_o these_o event_n to_o we_o to_o die_v and_o remain_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n be_v indeed_o a_o evident_a mark_n of_o weakness_n and_o misery_n but_o to_o die_v and_o yet_o overcome_v death_n by_o rise_v from_o the_o grave_a be_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n and_o a_o divine_a glory_n thus_o jesus_n christ_n descend_v into_o the_o low_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n as_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o that_o great_a and_o notable_a event_n do_v plain_o testify_v but_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v their_o report_n and_o they_o further_o pretend_v that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o history_n the_o example_n of_o a_o testimony_n very_o like_o that_o which_o be_v nevertheless_o without_o contradiction_n repute_v romulus_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n we_o read_v say_v they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o romulus_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a senator_n who_o have_v always_o live_v in_o the_o repute_n of_o a_o very_a honest_a man_n certify_v that_o romulus_n be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n and_o that_o this_o monarch_n have_v appear_v unto_o he_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o this_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n not_o unlike_a that_o which_o the_o disciple_n testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n throughout_o the_o universe_n it_o be_v very_o like_o it_o indeed_o only_o it_o have_v these_o follow_a difference_n there_o you_o read_v of_o a_o single_a person_n testify_v that_o he_o have_v see_v romulus_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n but_o here_o you_o have_v a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o people_n who_o certifiy_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o a_o great_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n during_o the_o course_n of_o his_o life_n be_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n after_o his_o death_n which_o agree_v
they_o since_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v original_o jew_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o these_o five_o follow_a prejudices_fw-la i._o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o temporal_a prosperity_n ii_o they_o imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n will_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n and_o once_o more_o raise_v up_o the_o house_n of_o david_n out_o of_o that_o disgrace_n and_o almost_o oblivion_n it_o have_v lie_v under_o to_o its_o ancient_a power_n and_o majesty_n iii_o they_o believe_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n now_o by_o their_o law_n i_o do_v not_o here_o understand_v the_o moral_a law_n only_o but_o the_o ceremonial_a one_o too_o or_o rather_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o it_o in_o general_a contain_v both_o the_o moral_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n iv._o they_o esteem_v their_o sacrifice_n to_o be_v the_o most_o sacred_a and_o most_o inviolable_a duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v far_o from_o imagine_v that_o those_o sacrifice_n enjoin_v by_o their_o law_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a cease_v as_o soon_o as_o one_o man_n be_v put_v to_o death_n v._o and_o last_o they_o can_v not_o consider_v the_o gentile_n but_o as_o a_o unclean_a and_o abominable_a sort_n of_o people_n in_o comparison_n to_o themselves_o for_o beside_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o the_o jew_n account_v so_o capital_a a_o crime_n as_o to_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v for_o ever_o cast_v they_o off_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o it_o the_o heathen_n be_v various_o pollute_v and_o defile_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n the_o jew_n have_v of_o their_o law_n since_o they_o use_v none_o of_o those_o ceremony_n that_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o external_a sanctification_n by_o avoid_v all_o uncleanness_n and_o legal_a impurity_n as_o to_o the_o first_o prejudice_n it_o can_v never_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o jew_n expect_v a_o temporal_a prosperity_n from_o their_o messiah_n for_o beside_o that_o the_o prophet_n seem_v to_o have_v dispose_v they_o thereto_o by_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o noble_a prophecy_n utter_v concern_v he_o who_o know_v but_o that_o they_o may_v look_v upon_o herod_n the_o great_a though_o bear_v a_o idumean_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v be_v surprise_v at_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o victory_n the_o pomp_n of_o his_o triumph_n and_o that_o constant_a prosperity_n that_o continual_o follow_v his_o reign_n nay_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o herod_n himself_o have_v a_o design_n to_o be_v take_v for_o the_o true_a messiah_n and_o therefore_o cause_v the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v demolish_v on_o purpose_n to_o re_fw-la build_v it_o after_o a_o more_o glorious_a and_o magnificent_a manner_n since_o it_o be_v the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o those_o day_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o have_v be_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o house_n according_a to_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v or_o no_o any_o ground_n for_o that_o conjecture_n it_o be_v true_a at_o least_o that_o his_o surprise_a victory_n and_o prosperity_n have_v make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n of_o they_o imagine_v that_o herod_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o the_o prophet_n have_v promise_v and_o who_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o nation_n to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n for_o this_o opinion_n give_v rise_v to_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o herodian_o that_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o it_o since_o the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o man_n delight_n in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o worldly_a grandeur_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n therein_o consist_v the_o pleasure_n of_o great_a as_o well_o as_o mean_v person_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v but_o consult_v the_o history_n of_o mankind_n will_v find_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n those_o society_n which_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o by_o the_o splendour_n of_o honour_n or_o enjoyment_n of_o temporal_a prosperity_n still_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o second_o receive_v opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n to_o its_o former_a glory_n for_o on_o one_o hand_n their_o prophet_n have_v teach_v they_o that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n shall_v reign_v and_o endure_v as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o on_o the_o other_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o the_o house_n of_o david_n be_v partly_o extinguish_v and_o partly_o fall_v into_o disgrace_n and_o humiliation_n they_o expect_v therefore_o from_o the_o messiah_n that_o he_o will_v restore_v it_o again_o and_o although_o the_o people_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v govern_v by_o several_a king_n not_o descend_v from_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n yet_o they_o still_o feed_v themselves_o up_o with_o that_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o above_o all_o the_o jew_n be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o law_n that_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v continual_o come_v up_o from_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o worship_v in_o mount_n zion_n and_o offer_v up_o variety_n of_o sacrifice_n in_o the_o holy_a land_n it_o be_v this_o law_n they_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o their_o infancy_n which_o their_o parent_n their_o elder_n and_o their_o teacher_n have_v so_o often_o entertain_v they_o with_o in_o their_o common_a discourse_n they_o hear_v every_o body_n speak_v of_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o it_o be_v repute_v a_o great_a oath_n among_o they_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o city_n of_o the_o great_a king_n they_o consider_v the_o levite_n as_o so_o many_o sacred_a person_n and_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o visible_a minister_n of_o a_o invisible_a god_n that_o be_v please_v to_o dwell_v among_o they_o they_o send_v yearly_a to_o jerusalem_n the_o ten_o of_o their_o good_n and_o bring_v a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o victim_n to_o be_v there_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n they_o think_v they_o can_v neither_o be_v acceptable_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n nor_o man_n unless_o they_o practise_v all_o the_o custom_n their_o law_n prescribe_v they_o touch_v their_o purity_n and_o external_a sanctification_n they_o have_v see_v the_o great_a severity_n inflict_v upon_o the_o infringer_n of_o that_o law_n and_o the_o four_o sort_n of_o punishment_n ordain_v by_o the_o law_n against_o the_o violator_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v strangle_v or_o cut_v off_o by_o the_o sword_n or_o burn_v or_o stone_v to_o death_n according_a to_o the_o enormity_n of_o their_o crime_n be_v continual_o before_o their_o eye_n and_o almost_o daily_o execute_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v guilty_a in_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o law_n as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a duty_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o perform_v now_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o one_o how_o great_a a_o impression_n these_o punishment_n must_v necessary_o make_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n they_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o festival_n and_o solemnity_n which_o be_v so_o very_o proper_a to_o fix_v and_o stay_v their_o mind_n by_o that_o great_a number_n both_o of_o ceremony_n and_o circumstance_n they_o be_v attend_v with_o thrice_o every_o year_n they_o be_v enjoin_v to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n during_o such_o certain_a sacred_a time_n which_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o observe_v with_o a_o particular_a devotion_n and_o it_o be_v forbid_v they_o to_o discourse_v any_o thing_n else_o during_o the_o passover_n but_o of_o the_o sorrowful_a captivity_n which_o the_o ancient_a israelite_n endure_v in_o egypt_n exod._n 13._o 8._o neither_o be_v they_o permit_v to_o eat_v any_o thing_n for_o seven_o day_n together_o but_o unleavened_a bread_n in_o token_n of_o that_o bread_n of_o affliction_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v eat_v they_o be_v command_v to_o kill_v as_o many_o lamb_n as_o there_o be_v family_n dwell_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o token_n of_o the_o ancient_a passage_n of_o the_o destroy_a angel_n over_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n be_v to_o be_v commemorate_a with_o no_o less_o solemnity_n at_o which_o time_n they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o to_o god_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o observe_v yearly_o a_o solemn_a and_o general_a fast_a the_o ten_o day_n of_o september_n as_o also_o to_o rest_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o labour_n the_o first_o and_o last_o day_n of_o the_o feast_n
estate_n of_o the_o rich_a in_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o consecrate_v they_o to_o god_n and_o to_o comfort_v the_o poor_a in_o their_o necessity_n by_o enact_v such_o admirable_a law_n design_v only_o for_o their_o subsistence_n levit._n 19_o deut._n 15._o 7_o 8_o 24._o last_o to_o all_o this_o you_o may_v yet_o further_o add_v those_o wonderful_a law_n of_o equity_n and_o justice_n whereby_o their_o lawgiver_n have_v so_o prudent_o determine_v what_o judgement_n shouldbe_v execute_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o that_o people_n those_o law_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v only_o the_o first_o and_o most_o just_a determination_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o serve_v for_o a_o example_n to_o all_o civil_a and_o political_a law_n establish_v in_o the_o world_n now_o from_o all_o this_o it_o necessary_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o look_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n as_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v and_o who_o their_o nation_n expect_v with_o so_o great_a impatience_n without_o expect_v from_o he_o a_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n this_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o request_n which_o the_o mother_n of_o zebedee_n child_n make_v to_o jesus_n christ_n when_o she_o come_v to_o he_o say_v lord_n grant_v that_o these_o my_o two_o son_n may_v sit_v the_o one_o on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o other_o on_o the_o left_a in_o thy_o kingdom_n mat._n 20._o 21._o the_o disciple_n therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v strange_o offend_v to_o hear_v that_o their_o master_n be_v not_o come_v to_o command_v but_o to_o serve_v and_o give_v his_o life_n as_o a_o ransom_n for_o many_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o great_a in_o his_o kingdom_n who_o be_v most_o humble_a and_o that_o the_o great_a be_v to_o be_v as_o the_o least_o and_o as_o one_o that_o serve_v beside_o how_o strange_o must_v their_o hope_n be_v cross_v to_o see_v that_o nothing_o but_o misery_n poverty_n and_o affliction_n continual_o attend_v the_o profession_n they_o have_v embrace_v of_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n they_o must_v have_v certain_o find_v something_o or_o other_o in_o their_o master_n which_o recompense_v the_o loss_n of_o that_o temporal_a prosperity_n they_o so_o eager_o thirst_v after_o and_o make_v they_o patient_o endure_v all_o sort_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o recompense_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o doctrine_n or_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o his_o doctrine_n because_o they_o understand_v it_o not_o for_o along_o time_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o so_o many_o vain_a frivolous_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a question_n that_o be_v offensive_a and_o savour_v of_o little_a respect_n to_o their_o master_n beside_o what_o be_v most_o holy_a and_o most_o proper_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v most_o spiritual_a and_o that_o part_n be_v hide_v from_o they_o and_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v it_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v fill_v only_o with_o gross_a and_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o discourse_n to_o their_o master_n which_o they_o themselves_o relate_v after_o so_o simple_a and_o ingenuous_a a_o manner_n they_o must_v then_o necessary_o have_v find_v in_o jesus_n christ_n such_o miracle_n as_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o all_o their_o oâ—her_n desire_v and_o it_o be_v by_o they_o chief_o that_o jesus_n christ_n prove_v the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o his_o call_v to_o they_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o father_n have_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o a_o witness_n but_o that_o the_o work_n which_o he_o do_v testify_v that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v he_o and_o on_o another_o occasion_n he_o solemn_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o john_n the_o baptist_n add_v that_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v he_o to_o do_v be_v those_o that_o shall_v testify_v of_o he_o but_o perhaps_o it_o may_v here_o be_v object_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n can_v draw_v a_o great_a multitude_n after_o he_o and_o be_v esteem_v a_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n without_o have_v wrought_v any_o miracle_n at_o lest_o none_o that_o we_o know_v of_o or_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o jesus_n christ_n as_o well_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n draw_v a_o great_a number_n of_o disciple_n after_o he_o not_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n as_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n and_o the_o promise_n he_o make_v they_o of_o a_o eternal_a life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o though_o we_o read_v of_o no_o kind_n of_o miracle_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v himself_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n or_o of_o his_o ministry_n yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o his_o birth_n be_v signalise_v by_o a_o very_a surprise_a miracle_n which_o be_v sufficient_o know_v by_o all_o his_o nation_n to_o make_v they_o expect_v great_a and_o wonderful_a matter_n from_o he_o second_o i_o say_v that_o as_o john_n the_o baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n so_o neither_o be_v he_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o prophet_n that_o be_v to_o have_v do_v any_o he_o be_v not_o that_o messiah_n of_o who_o it_o have_v beeen_n foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n at_o who_o come_v god_n will_v shake_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o dry_a land_n he_o be_v no_o more_o than_o his_o forerunner_n he_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o one_o cry_v in_o the_o wilderness_n prepare_v you_o the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n make_v his_o path_n straight_o matt._n 3._o 3_o three_o john_n the_o baptist_n declare_v only_o to_o they_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o can_v not_o but_o very_o much_o please_v the_o jew_n and_o which_o perfect_o well_o agree_v with_o their_o hope_n and_o opinion_n his_o ministry_n have_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v very_o grateful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v not_o requisite_a he_o shall_v work_v any_o miracle_n to_o exhort_v the_o jew_n to_o receive_v the_o most_o welcome_a tiding_n they_o can_v ever_o hear_v of_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v oblige_v to_o show_v the_o messiah_n in_o his_o own_o person_n and_o he_o too_o so_o contrary_a to_o that_o idea_n they_o have_v frame_v to_o themselves_o of_o he_o even_o from_o their_o infancy_n so_o that_o he_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o exasperate_v they_o against_o he_o and_o to_o this_o if_o i_o may_v mention_v it_o by_o the_o way_n we_o ought_v to_o refer_v the_o different_a success_n of_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v signify_v in_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n shall_v reconcile_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v be_v a_o stumble_a block_n and_o a_o offence_n to_o israel_n since_o the_o jew_n so_o eager_o expect_v the_o come_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o frame_v a_o very_a agreeable_a idea_n of_o he_o to_o themselves_o as_o they_o do_v still_o to_o this_o day_n they_o invest_v he_o with_o all_o the_o splendour_n and_o glory_n they_o can_v possible_o wish_v to_o themselves_o they_o paint_v he_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o colour_n suitable_a to_o their_o own_o pride_n and_o ambition_n they_o expect_v they_o shall_v speedy_o have_v king_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o nurse_n father_n and_o queen_n for_o their_o nurse_n mother_n nay_o they_o imagine_v no_o less_o than_o to_o have_v they_o immediate_o for_o man_n servant_n and_o maid_n servant_n these_o thing_n they_o have_v be_v tell_v of_o from_o their_o infancy_n and_o that_o carnal_a and_o temporal_a messiah_n they_o fancy_v be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o idol_n of_o their_o heart_n soon_o after_o john_n baptist_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n who_o set_v forth_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n in_o such_o term_n as_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n have_v make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o public_o affirm_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n mat._n 3_o 2_o at_o the_o report_n of_o this_o agreeable_a voice_n all_o the_o people_n run_v in_o crowd_n to_o hear_v it_o from_o jerusalem_n from_o decapolis_n from_o judea_n from_o galilee_n and_o from_o the_o city_n beyond_o jordain_n john_n preach_v repentance_n to_o they_o as_o a_o necessary_a preparation_n to_o become_v partaker_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v under_o the_o messiah_n and_o they_o willing_o hearken_v to_o his_o preach_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o
the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n mark_n chapt_n i._o 14._o now_o after_o that_o john_n be_v put_v in_o prison_n jesus_n come_v into_o galilee_n preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n all_o these_o expression_n the_o gospel_n or_o good_a tiding_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o strange_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o because_o our_o ear_n be_v somewhat_o use_v to_o they_o we_o do_v not_o reflect_v on_o they_o so_o much_o as_o we_o ought_v certain_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o mutual_a agreement_n that_o several_a fisherman_n make_v together_o to_o go_v preach_v about_o the_o world_n and_o call_v the_o subject_a of_o their_o preach_n by_o the_o name_n of_o gospel_n chap._n iu._n 19_o and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n enter_v in_o choke_v the_o word_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v not_o usual_a for_o other_o man_n thus_o to_o declare_v open_a war_n against_o their_o passion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v they_o fail_v not_o present_o to_o discover_v themselves_o and_o lay_v open_a their_o own_o hypocrisy_n to_o the_o world_n verse_n 41._o and_o they_o say_v one_o to_o another_o what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o even_o the_o wind_n and_o sea_n obey_v he_o etc._n etc._n we_o too_o may_v as_o well_o say_v what_o manner_n of_o man_n be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o sea_n and_o wind_n but_o disease_n grave_n death_n hell_n earth_n man_n and_o devil_n all_o obey_v he_o for_o it_o be_v observable_a there_o be_v nothing_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v sensible_a of_o his_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o 2_o 3._o from_o whence_o have_v this_o man_n these_o thing_n and_o what_o wisdom_n be_v this_o which_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o that_o even_o such_o mighty_a work_n be_v wrought_v by_o his_o hand_n be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n etc._n etc._n whence_o rather_o proceed_v this_o astonishment_n of_o they_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o reproach_n have_v not_o christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 4_o 5_o 6._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n but_o in_o his_o own_o country_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v many_o mighty_a work_n there_o save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o he_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n every_o thing_n in_o this_o passage_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o air_n of_o truth_n without_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o falsity_n for_o he_o that_o will_v invent_v a_o story_n and_o desire_v other_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o will_v never_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o verse_n 56._o and_o whithersoever_o he_o enter_v into_o village_n or_o city_n or_o country_n they_o lay_v the_o sick_a in_o the_o street_n and_o beseech_v that_o they_o may_v touch_v if_o it_o be_v but_o the_o border_n of_o his_o garment_n and_o as_o many_o as_o touch_v he_o be_v make_v whole_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o people_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o chap._n viii_o 27_o 28._o and_o by_o the_o way_n he_o ask_v his_o disciple_n say_v unto_o they_o who_o do_v man_n say_v that_o i_o be_o and_o they_o answer_v some_o say_v john_n the_o baptist_n but_o some_o say_v elias_n and_o other_o one_o of_o the_o prophet_n here_o we_o may_v observe_v what_o a_o great_a impression_n christ_n be_v miracle_n have_v already_o make_v upon_o other_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o and_o he_o begin_v to_o be_v sore_o amaze_v and_o to_o be_v very_o heavy_a to_o own_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o state_n nay_o he_o who_o they_o will_v have_v man_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o strange_a and_o surprise_v sincerity_n verse_n 62._o and_o jesus_n say_v i_o be_o and_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n sit_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o power_n and_o come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n do_v ever_o any_o criminal_a bring_v before_o a_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n speak_v thus_o chap._n xvi_o 17_o 18_o 20._o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n they_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n they_o shall_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n they_o shall_v take_v up_o serpent_n and_o if_o they_o drink_v any_o deadly_a thing_n it_o shall_v not_o hurt_v they_o they_o shall_v lay_v hand_n on_o the_o sick_a and_o they_o shall_v recover_v etc._n etc._n and_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o preach_v every_o where_o the_o lord_n work_v with_o they_o and_o confirm_v the_o word_n with_o sign_n etc._n etc._n either_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v have_v be_v necessary_o true_a or_o st._n mark_n must_v have_v be_v strange_o beside_o himself_o when_o he_o relate_v they_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v it_o that_o he_o relate_v or_o who_o do_v he_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o nay_o what_o time_n do_v he_o choose_v to_o effect_v it_o how_o can_v he_o possible_o persuade_v the_o disciple_n that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o do_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o that_o power_n to_o do_v miracle_n which_o they_o never_o receive_v st._n luke_n chap._n i._n 64._o and_o his_o mouth_n be_v open_v immediate_o and_o his_o tongue_n loose_v and_o he_o speak_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o fear_n come_v on_o all_o that_o dwell_v round_o about_o they_o and_o all_o these_o say_n be_v noise_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o hill_n country_n of_o judea_n no_o man_n be_v so_o mad_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o public_a as_o these_o he_o will_v rather_o make_v choice_n of_o passage_n scarce_o hear_v of_o or_o at_o least_o but_o obscure_o know_v chap._n ii_o 16._o and_o find_v mary_n and_o joseph_n and_o the_o babe_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n great_a be_v the_o exactness_n of_o these_o writer_n in_o give_v we_o a_o simple_a relation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v what_o can_v seem_v more_o contrary_a and_o irreconcilable_a one_o with_o another_o than_o all_o these_o circumstance_n a_o child_n sleep_v in_o a_o manger_n but_o a_o child_n who_o nativity_n be_v declare_v even_o by_o angel_n and_o celebrate_v by_o all_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n a_o child_n that_o be_v banish_v the_o society_n of_o man_n but_o elevate_v in_o dignity_n even_o above_o the_o bless_a spirit_n a_o child_n that_o be_v inconsiderable_a and_o of_o no_o esteem_n on_o earth_n but_o great_a in_o heaven_n and_o adore_v by_o angel_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o while_n after_o his_o birth_n worship_v by_o some_o wiseman_n that_o bring_v he_o present_n but_o soon_o force_v to_o fly_v into_o egypt_n for_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o life_n certain_o there_o appear_v nothing_o like_o a_o fiction_n in_o all_o these_o circumstance_n chap._n v._o 19_o and_o when_o they_o can_v not_o find_v by_o what_o way_n they_o may_v bring_v he_o in_o because_o of_o the_o multitude_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o housetop_n and_o let_v he_o down_o through_o the_o til_n with_o his_o couch_n into_o the_o midst_n before_o jesus_n do_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o enter_v easy_o of_o themselves_o into_o a_o man_n mind_n who_o write_v nothing_o but_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n chap._n vii_o 38._o and_o she_o stand_v at_o his_o foot_n behind_o he_o weep_v and_o begin_v to_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o tear_n and_o do_v wipe_v they_o with_o the_o hair_n of_o her_o head_n and_o kiss_v his_o foot_n and_o anoint_v they_o with_o the_o ointment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n by_o that_o save_a alteration_n he_o be_v see_v to_o make_v in_o those_o that_o follow_v he_o chap._n ix_o 45._o but_o they_o understand_v not_o this_o say_n and_o it_o be_v hide_v from_o they_o that_o they_o perceive_v it_o not_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o evangelist_n sincerity_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o own_v the_o ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n of_o the_o disciple_n chap._n x._o 19_o 20._o behold_v i_o give_v unto_o you_o power_n to_o tread_v on_o serpent_n and_o scorpion_n and_o over_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o nothing_o shall_v by_o any_o mean_n hurt_v you_o notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n indeed_o which_o set_v a_o great_a value_n upon_o
spiritual_a benefit_n than_o any_o miraculous_a gift_n although_o the_o latter_a be_v more_o transcendent_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n than_o the_o former_a verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o she_o martha_n martha_n thou_o be_v careful_a and_o trouble_v about_o many_o thing_n but_o one_o thing_n be_v needful_a and_o mary_n have_v choose_v that_o good_a part_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v take_v away_o from_o she_o do_v ever_o a_o deceiver_n or_o a_o man_n who_o mind_n be_v set_v upon_o this_o world_n express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n chap._n xi_o 27_o 28._o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v a_o certain_a woman_n of_o the_o company_n lift_v up_o her_o voice_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o bless_a be_v the_o womb_n that_o bear_v thou_o and_o the_o pap_n which_o thou_o have_v suck_v but_o he_o say_v yea_o rather_o bless_v be_v they_o that_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o keep_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o flatter_v christ_n for_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o nor_o take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o other_o man_n inordinate_a desire_n have_v his_o whole_a heart_n fix_v upon_o god_n his_o eye_n his_o ear_n be_v bend_v whole_o upon_o his_o service_n and_o his_o sole_a felicity_n consist_v in_o see_v his_o father_n fear_v and_o adore_v nothing_o can_v be_v pleasant_a nothing_o acceptable_a to_o he_o but_o true_a piety_n and_o that_o because_o god_n be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o the_o love_n of_o he_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o spring_n that_o give_v motion_n to_o all_o his_o desire_n and_o affection_n so_o great_a be_v his_o behaviour_n and_o so_o sublime_a his_o thought_n verse_n 40_o 41._o you_o fool_n do_v not_o he_o that_o make_v that_o which_o be_v without_o make_v that_o which_o be_v within_o also_o but_o rather_o give_v alm_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o you_o have_v and_o behold_v all_o thing_n be_v clean_a unto_o you_o the_o pharisee_n contend_v only_o for_o outward_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n but_o christ_n for_o that_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o internal_a which_o think_v you_o of_o the_o two_o know_v best_o the_o genius_n of_o true_a religion_n chap._n xii_o but_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o man_n who_o make_v i_o a_o judge_n or_o a_o divider_n over_o you_o christ_n utter_o renounce_v all_o the_o care_n and_o business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o will_v scarce_o hear_v they_o mention_v so_o strange_o have_v he_o wean_v his_o thought_n from_o the_o world_n verse_n 30_o 31._o for_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n seek_v after_o and_o your_o father_n know_v that_o you_o have_v need_n of_o these_o thing_n but_o rather_o seek_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v unto_o you_o christ_n design_v to_o form_v a_o society_n that_o shall_v whole_o consist_v of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v utter_o to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o not_o busy_a their_o thought_n about_o temporal_a concern_v such_o as_o be_v to_o lose_v all_o their_o possession_n and_o suffer_v all_o kind_n of_o punishment_n to_o be_v number_v among_o his_o follower_n do_v ever_o yet_o such_o a_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a design_n enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n chap._n fourteen_o 33._o so_o likewise_o whosoever_o he_o be_v of_o you_o that_o forsake_v not_o all_o that_o he_o have_v he_o can_v be_v my_o disciple_n a_o strange_a and_o terrible_a declaration_n indeed_o which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v a_o flatter_a impostor_n chap._n xxiv_o 48_o 49_o 50_o 51_o 52_o 53_o and_o you_o be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o behold_v i_o send_v the_o promise_n of_o my_o father_n but_o tarry_v you_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n until_o you_o be_v endue_v with_o power_n from_o on_o high_a and_o he_o lead_v they_o out_o as_o far_o as_o to_o bethany_n and_o he_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o bless_a they_o and_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v while_o he_o bless_v they_o he_o be_v part_v from_o they_o and_o carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o they_o worship_v he_o and_o return_v to_o jerusalem_n with_o great_a joy_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o bless_v god_n in_o these_o word_n we_o find_v four_o several_a thing_n worthy_a of_o our_o reflection_n 1._o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n 3._o the_o joy_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o 4._o their_o continual_a assiduity_n in_o praise_v god_n how_o can_v st._n luke_n have_v make_v his_o brethren_n believe_v that_o chrict_a have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n that_o the_o disciple_n be_v exceed_o joyful_a and_o continue_v daily_o in_o the_o temple_n praise_v and_o blessing_n god_n and_o if_o he_o can_v persuade_v none_o of_o they_o to_o believe_v it_o what_o can_v be_v his_o design_n in_o write_v it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o incredible_a fiction_n st._n john_n chap._n i._n 8_o 9_o he_o be_v not_o that_o light_n but_o be_v send_v to_o â—ear_v witness_n of_o that_o light_n that_o be_v the_o true_a light_n which_o lighten_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n be_v original_o but_o a_o fisherman_n who_o then_o can_v have_v infuse_v these_o sublime_a notion_n into_o his_o mind_n verse_n 14._o and_o we_o behold_v his_o glory_n the_o glory_n as_o of_o the_o â—nly_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n there_o plain_o appear_v in_o this_o discourse_n the_o steadfast_a persuasion_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v see_v with_o his_o eye_n what_o he_o testify_v and_o the_o fullness_n of_o a_o understanding_n that_o be_v true_o convince_v of_o what_o he_o assert_v nay_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o author_n that_o think_v no_o expression_n can_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o utter_v what_o he_o think_v and_o who_o unite_a together_o several_a idea_n different_a from_o one_o another_o because_o a_o single_a idea_n can_v not_o perfect_o represent_v what_o he_o will_v say_v the_o word_n glory_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o he_o further_o add_v a_o glory_n full_a of_o grace_n and_o truth_n chap._n iii_o 7._o marvel_v not_o that_o i_o say_v unto_o thou_o you_o must_v be_v bear_v again_o what_o can_v be_v more_o extraordinary_a than_o this_o discourse_n and_o how_o strange_o persuade_v be_v he_o that_o speak_v it_o that_o we_o must_v be_v entire_o change_v before_o we_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n verse_n 13._o and_o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n certain_o this_o man_n speak_v not_o like_o other_o man_n whatever_o he_o say_v here_o seem_v either_o to_o be_v very_o extravagant_o blasphemous_a or_o something_o above_o the_o sublimest_n thought_n of_o men._n if_o then_o the_o purity_n of_o his_o manner_n his_o holiness_n of_o life_n his_o short_a clear_a expressive_a precept_n that_o seem_v to_o savour_v of_o nothing_o but_o piety_n and_o true_a holiness_n together_o with_o the_o surprise_v and_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n force_v we_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o expression_n as_o blasphemous_a we_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o believe_v the_o latter_a to_o be_v so_o too_o verse_n 31._o he_o that_o be_v of_o the_o earth_n be_v earthly_a and_o speak_v of_o the_o earth_n he_o that_o come_v from_o heaven_n be_v above_o all_o though_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v not_o say_v this_o we_o may_v have_v know_v christ_n by_o his_o own_o word_n to_o have_v be_v the_o lord_n of_o life_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n chap._n iu._n but_o whosoever_o drink_v of_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v shall_v never_o thirst_v but_o the_o water_n that_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o shall_v be_v in_o he_o a_o well_o of_o water_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n these_o expression_n be_v something_o more_o than_o humane_a have_v christ_n think_v like_o other_o man_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v express_v himself_o so_o too_o but_o he_o think_v no_o otherwise_o upon_o earthly_a thing_n than_o as_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a what_o ever_o he_o meet_v with_o he_o make_v use_v of_o only_a for_o that_o design_n he_o seem_v to_o live_v here_o upon_o earth_n for_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o guide_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n to_z fishermen_z he_o speak_v of_o become_a fisher_n of_o men._n to_o those_o who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o birth_n he_o speak_v of_o be_v bear_v again_o when_o they_o speak_v
represent_v the_o disciple_n continual_o fast_v and_o pray_v can_v not_o devise_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a he_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a that_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o apostle_n lead_v a_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n and_o plunge_v themselves_o in_o all_o sort_n of_o lewd_a debauchery_n their_o word_n their_o action_n convince_v we_o of_o the_o contrary_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o they_o be_v villain_n indeed_o if_o what_o they_o preach_v be_v false_a but_o if_o they_o be_v downright_o plain_a honest_a man_n as_o their_o speech_n necessary_o evince_v to_o we_o than_o be_v their_o preach_v also_o necessary_o true_a verse_n 12._o then_o the_o deputy_n when_o he_o see_v what_o be_v do_v believe_v be_v astonish_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o will_v argue_v but_o little_a judgement_n in_o any_o one_o that_o design_n to_o impose_v a_o fiction_n upon_o man_n belief_n to_o pitch_v upon_o circumstance_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o public_a knowledge_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o deputy_n be_v certain_o a_o event_n very_o remarkable_a chap._n xv._n 39_o and_o the_o contention_n be_v so_o sharp_a between_o they_o that_o they_o depart_v asunder_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o so_o barnabas_n take_v mark_n and_o sail_v unto_o cyprus_n this_o historian_n be_v very_o exact_a in_o relate_v the_o least_o occurrence_n he_o be_v sincere_a too_o since_o he_o scruple_n not_o to_o relate_v the_o contention_n which_o arise_v among_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o chap._n xx._n 12._o and_o they_o bring_v the_o young_a man_n alive_a and_o be_v not_o a_o little_a comfort_v can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o surprise_v or_o convince_a than_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a chap._n xxiv_o 25._o and_o as_o he_o reason_v of_o righteousness_n temperance_n and_o judgement_n to_o come_v fellix_fw-la tremble_v and_o answer_v go_v thy_o way_n for_o this_o time_n when_o i_o have_v a_o convenient_a season_n i_o will_v call_v for_o thou_o great_a indeed_o be_v the_o divine_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n which_o make_v a_o judge_n tremble_v sit_v on_o his_o tribunal_n of_o justice_n and_o before_o the_o chain_n of_o his_o prisoner_n chap._n xxviii_o 30_o 31._o and_o paul_n dwell_v two_o whole_a year_n in_o his_o own_o hire_a house_n and_o receive_v all_o that_o come_v unto_o he_o preach_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n here_o end_v the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n write_v by_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v manifest_a he_o compile_v it_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o he_o mention_n nothing_o of_o that_o event_n neither_o do_v the_o gospel_n or_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o but_o they_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a come_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o of_o the_o judgement_n he_o have_v resolve_v to_o execute_v upon_o the_o jewish_a nation_n cahp._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v yet_o far_o produce_v from_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n st._n peter_n and_o st_n john_n several_a text_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n i._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o paul_n the_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n call_v to_o be_v a_o apostle_n separate_v unto_o the_o gospel_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n concern_v his_o son_n jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n with_o power_n according_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n by_o the_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a man_n general_o insert_v all_o their_o title_n in_o the_o epistle_n they_o write_v but_o st._n paul_n insert_v the_o whole_a gospel_n in_o he_o and_o what_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o because_o his_o mind_n and_o heart_n be_v so_o full_a of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o jesus_n christ_n be_v his_o alpha_n and_o his_o omega_n his_o beginning_n and_o his_o end_n verse_n 7._o to_o all_o that_o â—e_v in_o rome_n belove_v of_o god_n call_v to_o be_v saint_n grace_n be_v unto_o you_o and_o peace_n from_o god_n our_o father_n and_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v ever_o man_n before_o he_o write_v in_o this_o stile_n he_o direct_v his_o discourse_n to_o those_o only_a that_o be_v call_v to_o be_v saint_n he_o do_v not_o vain_o compliment_v they_o after_o the_o usual_a way_n of_o the_o world_n but_o wish_v they_o the_o peace_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n certain_o he_o will_v not_o have_v write_v thus_o have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n or_o a_o enemy_n to_o his_o country_n man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o odious_a throughout_o the_o world_n by_o accuse_v they_o of_o a_o imaginary_a crime_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o be_o not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v etc._n etc._n how_o strong_o persuade_v must_v that_o man_n be_v of_o what_o he_o say_v who_o express_v himself_o after_o so_o pathetical_a a_o manner_n and_o how_o well_o do_v the_o fullness_n of_o his_o mind_n appear_v by_o all_o these_o manifold_a and_o multiply_v expression_n chap._n viii_o 37_o 38_o 39_o nay_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o angel_n etc._n etc._n a_o immovable_a constancy_n indeed_o and_o a_o divine_a confidence_n which_o he_o so_o natural_o set_v down_o and_o which_o can_v not_o possible_o arise_v from_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xi_o 28_o 29._o as_o concern_v the_o gospel_n they_o be_v enemy_n for_o your_o sake_n but_o as_o touch_v the_o election_n they_o be_v belove_v for_o the_o father_n sake_n for_o the_o gift_n and_o call_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n why_o do_v st._n paul_n here_o speak_v so_o move_o and_o tender_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o why_o do_v he_o earnest_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v and_o mitigate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o gentile_n towards_o they_o whence_o come_v that_o inclination_n both_o of_o his_o heart_n and_o affection_n to_o favour_v those_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o seek_v nothing_o but_o his_o destruction_n and_o ruin_n certain_o a_o man_n that_o have_v forsake_v his_o own_o nation_n out_o of_o spite_n or_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n can_v not_o be_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n chap._n xii_o 2._o and_o be_v not_o conform_v to_o this_o world_n but_o be_v you_o transform_v by_o the_o renew_n of_o your_o mind_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v here_o a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v whole_o change_v have_v acquire_v new_a knowledge_n new_a habit_n and_o new_a affection_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o be_v transform_v renew_v and_o become_v a_o new_a creature_n etc._n etc._n a_o man_n who_o have_v be_v enlighten_v in_o his_o way_n to_o damascus_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o of_o illumination_n of_o a_o light_n that_o shine_v from_o heaven_n of_o a_o kingdom_n of_o light_n a_o man_n in_o fine_a who_o have_v have_v mercy_n show_v he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o fury_n of_o his_o persecution_n speak_v of_o nothing_o but_o pardon_n and_o grace_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o collect_v his_o history_n from_o his_o very_a expression_n verse_n 10_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o be_v kind_o affection_a one_o to_o another_o with_o brotherly_a love_n in_o honour_n prefer_v one_o another_o not_o slothful_a in_o business_n fervent_a in_o spirit_n serve_v the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o hope_n patient_a in_o tribulation_n continue_v instant_a in_o prayer_n distribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o saint_n give_v to_o hospitality_n bless_v they_o which_o persecute_v you_o bless_v and_o curse_v not_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o do_v rejoice_v etc._n etc._n can_v we_o suppose_v these_o to_o be_v the_o word_n or_o thought_n of_o a_o impostor_n chap._n xiii_o 5._o wherefore_o you_o must_v needs_o be_v subject_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n religion_n as_o it_o be_v cement_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o a_o state_n and_o piety_n seem_v inseparable_a from_o the_o public_a good_a of_o a_o society_n because_o god_n by_o who_o appointment_n king_n reign_n be_v the_o prime_a author_n of_o religion_n verse_n 12_o 14_o the_o night_n be_v far_o spend_v the_o day_n be_v at_o hand_n etc._n etc._n but_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o author_n word_n continual_o follow_v and_o express_v his_o thought_n he_o consider_v the_o gospel_n as_o a_o light_n that_o dissipate_v all_o the_o erroneous_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n of_o his_o mind_n he_o consider_v