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and_o
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that_o wisdom_n his_o whole_a life_n afterward_o be_v take_v up_o in_o preach_v and_o instruct_v and_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n and_o authority_n by_o sign_n and_o mighty_a work_n and_o by_o argument_n draw_v chief_o from_o the_o prophecy_n and_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n he_o go_v about_o every_o where_o teach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o teach_v in_o the_o temple_n and_o other_o public_a place_n of_o jerusalem_n he_o pass_v through_o all_o the_o city_n and_o village_n of_o judah_n and_o samaria_n and_o the_o neighbour_a coast_n preach_v and_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o people_n in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o the_o field_n the_o desert_n and_o upon_o the_o seashore_n we_o find_v he_o attend_v with_o great_a multitude_n who_o hear_v he_o glad_o thus_o be_v he_o constant_o employ_v from_o the_o first_o discovery_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n till_o by_o treachery_n and_o malice_n he_o be_v apprehend_v and_o put_v to_o death_n in_o all_o which_o time_n that_o he_o public_o converse_v with_o man_n we_o have_v a_o great_a many_o surprise_v thing_n relate_v of_o he_o which_o do_v very_o much_o distinguish_v his_o character_n from_o that_o of_o any_o other_o person_n he_o be_v represent_v as_o sensible_a of_o human_a passion_n appetite_n and_o infirmity_n and_o yet_o free_a from_o all_o sin_n and_o endue_v with_o a_o power_n of_o not_o feel_v and_o relieve_v those_o very_a want_n he_o suffer_v he_o love_v grieve_a and_o be_v angry_a but_o these_o affection_n be_v occasion_v in_o he_o by_o a_o just_a concern_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o success_n of_o that_o great_a work_n he_o come_v about_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o they_o never_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n he_o feel_v hunger_n and_o weariness_n yet_o fast_v forty_o day_n and_o forty_o night_n together_o feed_v vast_a multitude_n and_o
be_v with_o much_o enquiry_n and_o examination_n establish_v this_o every_o one_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o and_o a_o free_a disquisition_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o ancient_a writer_n then_o as_o to_o the_o persecution_n they_o be_v so_o many_o they_o continue_v so_o long_o together_o be_v so_o wide_o spread_v be_v attend_v with_o so_o vast_a a_o number_n of_o very_o new_a and_o remarkalbe_n fact_n and_o so_o many_o of_o the_o writer_n live_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o they_o and_o have_v so_o large_a a_o share_n and_o concern_v in_o they_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o very_o true_a the_o four_o observation_n i_o have_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n writer_n be_v that_o there_o be_v so_o 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to_o practise_v or_o animadversion_n and_o reproof_n for_o error_n and_o offence_n all_o which_o be_v write_v under_o the_o form_n of_o oration_n or_o apology_n letter_n disputation_n comment_n etc._n etc._n now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o all_o these_o write_n that_o the_o several_a author_n of_o they_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o appear_v from_o the_o zeal_n and_o warmth_n with_o which_o many_o of_o they_o write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n to_o one_o another_o and_o to_o heretic_n the_o readiness_n they_o testify_v to_o quit_v all_o they_o have_v and_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n the_o concern_v they_o express_v for_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o fellow-christians_a in_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o the_o conversion_n of_o other_o to_o christianity_n the_o boldness_n and_o courage_n they_o show_v to_o person_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n when_o 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several_a other_o remark_n and_o observation_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o write_n of_o those_o christian_n call_v orthodox_n but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a for_o what_o i_o design_n to_o prove_v by_o they_o and_o so_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v write_v by_o heretiek_n jew_n and_o heathen_n with_o relation_n to_o christianity_n a_o great_a many_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o person_n of_o these_o several_a denomination_n in_o the_o three_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a aera_fw-la but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o that_o express_o concern_v christianity_n remain_v now_o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o write_n be_v lose_v in_o eusebius_n time_n so_o that_o almost_o all_o we_o know_v of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o orthodox_n writer_n in_o many_o of_o which_o there_o be_v several_a considerable_a fragment_n yet_o to_o be_v find_v and_o account_n of_o what_o be_v lose_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v collect_v that_o none_o of_o the_o enemy_n 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find_v that_o several_a of_o these_o heretic_n in_o order_n to_o justify_v their_o error_n make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o art_n and_o shift_n they_o can_v and_o some_o deny_v one_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o another_o some_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o reform_v the_o scripture_n and_o add_v what_o they_o think_v serve_v their_o turn_n or_o take_v away_o what_o they_o do_v not_o like_a other_o make_v new_a scripture_n and_o put_v they_o out_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o none_o of_o they_o deny_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n neither_o miraculous_a nor_o common_a though_o their_o character_n oftentimes_o allow_v and_o their_o cause_n require_v such_o a_o denial_n if_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o fact_n have_v not_o appear_v to_o they_o so_o strong_a as_o to_o render_v all_o contradiction_n vain_a and_o ineffectual_a the_o jew_n who_o write_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n allow_v most_o of_o the_o 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endeavour_v to_o evince_v that_o several_a testimony_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o he_o quote_v be_v cut_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n by_o the_o jew_n which_o charge_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a prove_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o resist_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o by_o deny_v or_o in_o some_o manner_n evade_n the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n here_o they_o place_v the_o chief_a strength_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o not_o in_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n the_o great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v plain_o grant_v in_o the_o argument_n they_o make_v use_v of_o to_o overthrow_v the_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o particular_o josephus_n do_v comfirm_v the_o truth_n of_o several_a of_o the_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o such_o as_o necessary_o determine_v the_o oririginal_a of_o christianity_n the_o like_a
believe_v there_o be_v other_o being_n beside_o god_n of_o a_o superior_a nature_n to_o man_n who_o it_o be_v probable_a may_v and_o do_v by_o some_o invisible_a unperceivable_a way_n act_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o we_o be_v sure_a man_n act_v upon_o one_o another_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o external_n sensible_a sign_n but_o if_o god_n so_o please_v we_o may_v distinguish_v as_o true_o and_o certain_o betwixt_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n as_o we_o can_v betwixt_o the_o thought_n arise_v within_o we_o from_o ourselves_o and_o those_o raise_v in_o we_o by_o other_o man_n upon_o occasion_n of_o external_n sign_n and_o though_o some_o may_v have_v mistake_v the_o suggestion_n of_o other_o spirit_n for_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o more_o reason_n from_o hence_o for_o those_o who_o have_v have_v true_a revelation_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o than_o there_o be_v for_o i_o to_o distrust_v the_o evidence_n of_o my_o own_o perception_n when_o i_o judge_v such_o idea_n be_v occasion_v in_o i_o by_o the_o real_a voice_n and_o presence_n of_o other_o man_n because_o some_o have_v imagine_v they_o hear_v such_o and_o such_o word_n speak_v by_o such_o person_n when_o these_o idea_n come_v from_o their_o own_o mind_n only_o without_o any_o external_n occasion_n to_o execute_v they_o from_o all_o which_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v that_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o wrought_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n be_v communicate_v to_o they_o by_o god_n and_o that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v they_o may_v be_v infallible_o convince_v of_o by_o a_o immediate_a consciousness_n not_o only_o of_o their_o own_o disability_n to_o do_v and_o say_v such_o thing_n of_o themselves_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o high_a power_n but_o of_o god_n express_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o in_o all_o these_o instance_n which_o sort_n of_o evidence_n and_o satisfaction_n though_o it_o reach_v no_o further_a than_o the_o person_n themselves_o who_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v any_o revelation_n from_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o of_o great_a use_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o other_o by_o make_v way_n for_o such_o proof_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o end_n and_o which_o will_v not_o have_v any_o force_n at_o all_o without_o it_o for_o except_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v may_v be_v certain_a of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o persuade_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o if_o revelation_n be_v impossible_a it_o be_v plain_o absurd_a to_o make_v that_o a_o foundation_n either_o of_o faith_n or_o obedience_n and_o if_o revelation_n be_v possible_a but_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a when_o any_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o and_o when_o not_o there_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n find_v to_o convince_v another_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o himself_o but_o both_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v we_o be_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o examine_v how_o other_o people_n can_v be_v satisfy_v that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o account_n before_o give_v that_o they_o themselves_o may_v be_v entire_o satisfy_v by_o the_o immediate_a assurance_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o power_n of_o say_v and_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o have_v make_v such_o thing_n actual_o present_a to_o their_o mind_n as_o can_v proceed_v from_o he_o only_o and_o from_o no_o other_o be_v but_o except_o they_o communicate_v what_o be_v give_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o by_o external_n sign_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o revelation_n can_v not_o be_v know_v to_o or_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o the_o only_a way_n that_o other_o have_v of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n be_v from_o the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n by_o which_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o they_o from_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v it_o which_o as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v may_v be_v consider_v under_o the_o style_n of_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v proceed_v from_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o authority_n the_o proof_n i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o great_a and_o concern_v point_n shall_v consist_v of_o these_o three_o part_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n consider_v as_o mere_a man_n unassisted_a by_o any_o high_a power_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n and_o doctrine_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n second_o i_o will_v make_v it_o appear_v not_o only_o that_o god_n may_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n upon_o they_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n three_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v not_o by_o any_o humane_a skill_n or_o power_n be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n say_v and_o do_v by_o their_o ministry_n it_o be_v say_v of_o christ_n that_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v and_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o man_n never_o do_v which_o he_o use_v as_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v their_o unbelief_n in_o he_o inexcusable_a the_o plain_a meaning_n of_o both_o which_o phrase_n here_o be_v not_o only_o that_o no_o man_n can_v of_o himself_o speak_v like_o christ_n or_o perform_v such_o thing_n as_o he_o do_v but_o that_o no_o man_n have_v ever_o speak_v like_o he_o or_o do_v what_o he_o do_v however_o assist_v by_o any_o other_o power_n this_o appear_v from_o several_a other_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o particular_o from_o christ_n own_o argument_n against_o the_o jew_n for_o he_o know_v that_o they_o believe_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o think_v it_o sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o work_n though_o he_o have_v do_v what_o no_o man_n without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o also_o do_v great_a thing_n than_o moses_n or_o any_o other_o person_n divine_o assist_v have_v do_v before_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a to_o convince_v the_o jew_n and_o supersede_n a_o former_a revelation_n but_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n seem_v to_o make_v this_o the_o only_a test_n that_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v exceed_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o man_n from_o whence_o they_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o therefore_o it_o be_v from_o god_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o standard_n we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o revelation_n by_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o make_v out_o that_o neither_o the_o miracle_n prophecy_n nor_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v be_v from_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n who_o assist_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o those_o man_n that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v already_o that_o a_o man_n may_v take_v such_o a_o certain_a estimate_n of_o his_o own_o capacity_n and_o power_n and_o of_o his_o present_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n as_o to_o be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o he_o can_v do_v or_o know_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n either_o at_o all_o or_o not_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n certain_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o general_n we_o may_v confident_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v make_v and_o fashion_v with_o such_o resemblance_n to_o one_o another_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o
upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n which_o be_v before_o show_v to_o exceed_v all_o humane_a reach_n and_o capacity_n do_v certain_o proceed_v from_o god_n after_o which_o proof_n the_o three_o thing_n propose_v will_v be_v very_o easy_o make_v out_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o ascribe_v these_o thing_n to_o evil_a spirit_n all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o good_a or_o evil_a spirit_n without_o revelation_n be_v that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o man_n unaccountable_o assist_v by_o some_o invisible_a power_n to_o say_v and_o do_v certain_a thing_n which_o they_o know_v they_o can_v not_o have_v say_v or_o do_v without_o such_o assistance_n that_o if_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v this_o way_n be_v serious_a and_o concern_v and_o seem_v to_o contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n it_o be_v reckon_v to_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a spirit_n appoint_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n for_o that_o end_n if_o the_o thing_n say_v or_o do_v be_v trifle_a or_o hurtful_a they_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o evil_a spirit_n permit_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o amuse_v or_o punish_v man_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o religious_a rite_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v to_o express_v their_o thanks_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o appease_v the_o other_o these_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v esteem_v as_o god_n of_o a_o low_a order_n who_o have_v different_a office_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o their_o different_a office_n and_o employment_n as_o such_o and_o there_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o angel_n or_o good_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o express_a order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o rest_n when_o they_o be_v all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n but_o neither_o jew_n christian_n or_o heathen_n ever_o entertain_v any_o such_o notion_n of_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o recommend_v and_o establish_v what_o they_o call_v virtue_n in_o the_o world_n or_o contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n welfare_n or_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o such_o a_o scheme_n as_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v can_v not_o be_v contrive_v and_o propagate_v through_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n by_o evil_a spirit_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n shall_v derive_v their_o extraordinary_a character_n from_o the_o possession_n and_o influence_n of_o devil_n these_o be_v such_o notorious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a inlargment_n upon_o this_o head_n thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o record_v with_o all_o the_o strange_a and_o new_a doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o be_v pure_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o book_n be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o contriver_n of_o they_o as_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o the_o utmost_a malice_n of_o scoffer_n and_o unbeliever_n can_v suggest_v but_o the_o folly_n and_o unpresidented_a absurdity_n of_o this_o plea_n will_v easy_o appear_v upon_o a_o slight_a examination_n of_o it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n in_o this_o part_n
of_o the_o world_n that_o most_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o we_o that_o be_v now_o call_v christian_n pretend_v they_o be_v write_v by_o and_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v write_v about_o the_o same_o time_n we_o now_o believe_v and_o affirm_v they_o be_v and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n to_o believe_v these_o book_n to_o be_v true_a and_o genuine_a as_o any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o stand_v and_o antiquity_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o book_n much_o great_a in_o the_o next_o place_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v leave_v we_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n it_o no_o where_o appear_v that_o any_o of_o the_o ancient_a adversary_n of_o this_o religion_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_n profane_a or_o revolt_a christian_n ever_o object_v to_o the_o true_a christian_a believer_n that_o the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v their_o religion_n be_v contain_v be_v forge_v and_o supposititious_a and_o consequent_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o ill-grounded_n and_o if_o those_o who_o live_v at_o and_o near_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o christianity_n never_o make_v use_n of_o this_o objection_n against_o it_o then_o what_o strength_n can_v it_o have_v now_o when_o urge_v by_o those_o who_o can_v well_o be_v more_o industrious_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o their_o unbelieve_a predecessor_n be_v and_o can_v possible_o at_o this_o distance_n make_v out_o such_o a_o discovery_n as_o they_o pretend_v to_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o never_o detect_v before_o by_o such_o as_o seek_v all_o occasion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o stop_v the_o growth_n of_o christianity_n in_o every_o age_n which_o to_o i_o seem_v utter_o inconceivable_a i_o be_o likewise_o persuade_v that_o no_o mere_a man_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o own_o unassisted_a capacity_n can_v have_v frame_v and_o contrive_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v i_o can_v possible_o prevail_v upon_o myself_o to_o believe_v that_o such_o fact_n as_o be_v there_o record_v such_o a_o contexture_n of_o history_n such_o a_o scheme_n of_o doctrine_n such_o character_n of_o man_n and_o such_o a_o manner_n of_o write_v as_o we_o find_v throughout_o that_o book_n can_v be_v altogether_o the_o issue_n and_o result_v of_o humane_a sagacity_n alone_o but_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a that_o all_o these_o thing_n may_v have_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n mind_n suppose_v likewise_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o universal_a uncontradict_v tradition_n to_o the_o contrary_a a_o book_n now_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a may_v some_o time_n or_o other_o have_v be_v invent_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o such_o a_o work_n in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n allow_v i_o say_v the_o possibility_n of_o these_o thing_n it_o be_v still_o upon_o many_o other_o account_n manifest_o absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o work_n and_o contrivance_n of_o man_n without_o a_o sufficient_a foundation_n of_o true_a real_a fact_n to_o support_v they_o this_o will_v more_o paticular_o appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o undertake_v such_o a_o work_n 2._o that_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n both_o common_a and_o extraordinary_a have_v not_o be_v true_a it_o will_v have_v be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v believe_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o manner_n we_o find_v it_o be_v at_o present_a first_o then_o i_o be_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o end_n or_o design_n imaginable_a sufficient_a to_o have_v determine_v the_o suppose_a author_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n to_o undertake_v such_o a_o work_n all_o the_o end_v we_o can_v imagine_v the_o author_n of_o this_o extraordinary_a performance_n act_v upon_o must_v be_v either_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n his_o own_o particular_a interest_n or_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n or_o pure_o the_o pleasure_n of_o deceive_a but_o none_o of_o these_o can_v have_v influence_n enough_o to_o produce_v such_o a_o work_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v account_v for_o its_o original_a some_o other_o way_n for_o first_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o some_o virtuous_a good_a man_n who_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o live_v up_o to_o those_o rule_n we_o find_v deliver_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n shall_v out_o of_o pure_a zeal_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n publish_v such_o a_o scheme_n of_o live_v as_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o under_o the_o gross_a form_n of_o imposture_n imaginable_a it_o can_v 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of_o convey_v good_a instruction_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v too_o particular_a and_o circumstantial_a to_o be_v reckon_v a_o allegory_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o prove_v it_o none_o so_o that_o if_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n record_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o true_a according_a to_o the_o first_o obvious_a literal_a meaning_n of_o they_o the_o whole_a relation_n must_v be_v a_o downright_a forgery_n and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o honest_a man_n invent_v by_o he_o mere_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n the_o possibility_n of_o which_o supposition_n can_v no_o way_n be_v account_v for_o by_o the_o many_o forge_v and_o supposititious_a write_n publish_v by_o some_o of_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o favour_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o consider_v only_o those_o which_o make_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o general_n and_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v 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false_a and_o spurious_a write_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n in_o general_n the_o forgery_n that_o be_v contrive_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o some_o particular_a doctrine_n proceed_v most_o common_o from_o a_o worse_a original_a but_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o first_o invention_n and_o publication_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a scheme_n can_v not_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o such_o principle_n or_o motive_n as_o be_v before_o mention_v and_o if_o it_o have_v the_o inventor_n and_o publisher_n can_v not_o have_v be_v a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v so_o influence_v nor_o such_o a_o good_a man_n as_o we_o suppose_v act_v upon_o a_o pure_a disintere_v principle_n of_o love_n to_o mankind_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o object_v that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a some_o honest_a well-meaning_a christian_n be_v guilty_a
believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o render_v we_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o now_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o prove_v lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o own_o present_a perception_n and_o memory_n and_o be_v not_o communicate_v to_o we_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o god_n we_o can_v be_v inform_v and_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o no_o other_o way_n than_o by_o humane_a testimony_n the_o connexion_n of_o present_a appearance_n with_o former_a and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n either_o in_o general_n or_o the_o particular_a fact_n in_o question_n if_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o make_v up_o the_o christian_a history_n and_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v found_v be_v as_o well_o attest_v as_o any_o other_o distant_a fact_n whatsoever_o that_o there_o be_v as_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n betwixt_o they_o and_o the_o present_a state_n of_o 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gospel_n he_o preach_v and_o the_o meanness_n and_o poverty_n of_o his_o condition_n while_o he_o live_v the_o scandal_n of_o his_o death_n and_o the_o many_o affliction_n and_o danger_n his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n be_v expose_v to_o after_o his_o death_n be_v very_o great_a discouragement_n from_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n the_o history_n these_o person_n acquaint_v we_o with_o consist_v of_o such_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o public_a notorious_a fact_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v so_o curious_a to_o be_v inquire_v into_o and_o of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n and_o importance_n for_o all_o person_n to_o be_v right_o imform_v in_o that_o every_o body_n may_v have_v disprove_v they_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a and_o every_o body_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o will_v have_v think_v himself_o concern_v to_o have_v do_v it_o if_o he_o can_v after_o these_o first_o christian_n writer_n we_o have_v a_o large_a succession_n of_o other_o author_n who_o live_v at_o different_a 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place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o body_n that_o read_v what_o they_o have_v write_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o imform_v himself_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a tradition_n as_o the_o author_n themselves_o be_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o writer_n cite_v by_o they_o and_o divers_a other_o monument_n and_o record_n appeal_v to_o which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o public_o know_v it_o be_v moreover_o very_o remarkable_a that_o during_o this_o forementioned_a term_n of_o 300_o year_n while_o christianity_n be_v new_a and_o under_o persecution_n neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o heathen_n those_o industrious_a enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o be_v every_o where_o mix_v with_o the_o christian_n and_o be_v continual_o dispute_v with_o they_o this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o not_o one_o of_o all_o its_o ancient_a enemy_n either_o jew_n or_o heathen_a shall_v ever_o deny_v or_o call_v in_o question_n the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a fact_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o but_o that_o several_a of_o they_o shall_v corroborate_v the_o christian_a account_n by_o many_o circumstance_n mention_v in_o their_o own_o write_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o have_v do_v thus_o stand_v the_o first_o and_o early_a proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o humane_a testimony_n which_o be_v further_o confirm_v by_o a_o innumerable_a and_o continual_o increase_v company_n of_o writer_n and_o the_o constancy_n and_o universality_n of_o belief_n ever_o since_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o opposition_n or_o other_o have_v be_v in_o every_o age_n almost_o examine_v over_o again_o and_o stand_v the_o test_n of_o the_o most_o malicious_a examination_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n then_o without_o consider_v these_o humane_a authority_n in_o particular_a let_v we_o examine_v what_o connexion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o it_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v now_o own_a and_o profess_a in_o a_o great_a many_o country_n that_o wherever_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v believe_v there_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v also_o as_o the_o rule_n and_o standard_n of_o it_o and_o that_o all_o the_o wonderful_a fact_n therein_o record_v be_v believe_v by_o christian_n to_o have_v real_o happen_v at_o the_o time_n and_o place_n there_o mention_v be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o every_o body_n may_v by_o his_o own_o observation_n find_v to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o shall_v here_o take_v for_o grant_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v a_o beginning_n there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o where_o practise_v nor_o any_o of_o those_o fact_n record_v
sense_n or_o first_o obtain_v credit_n among_o those_o who_o live_v afterward_o without_o any_o proof_n of_o their_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v before_o and_o if_o we_o suppose_v the_o christian_a morality_n entertain_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o present_a history_n we_o have_v of_o it_o the_o forgery_n of_o that_o afterward_o will_v have_v be_v whole_o unnecessary_a and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o get_v such_o a_o forgery_n believe_v much_o great_a from_o hence_o then_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o now_o perceive_v if_o all_o the_o principal_a part_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n as_o it_o be_v at_o present_a general_o believe_v be_v not_o true_a and_o have_v some_o time_n or_o other_o real_o happen_v out_o according_a to_o the_o relation_n we_o find_v give_v of_o they_o this_o do_v likewise_o further_o appear_v from_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n in_o which_o those_o book_n that_o contain_v this_o history_n be_v write_v where_o we_o find_v so_o many_o extraordinary_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o the_o simplicity_n integrity_n and_o undesigning_a humility_n of_o the_o writer_n their_o hearty_a belief_n of_o what_o they_o write_v themselves_o and_o their_o great_a zeal_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o plain_o show_v they_o to_o have_v be_v influence_v not_o only_o by_o the_o force_n of_o well-attested_n truth_n but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a and_o more_o than_o humane_a impression_n 3._o these_o be_v in_o short_a the_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o validity_n and_o force_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o more_o full_o under_o the_o three_o head_n where_o i_o be_o to_o show_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o the_o proof_n that_o have_v be_v give_v of_o the_o christian_a matter_n of_o fact_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o well_o as_o other_o truth_n be_v ultimate_o found_v now_o the_o chief_a and_o immediate_a reason_n of_o believe_v most_o fact_n be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o we_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o as_o the_o common_a original_a capacity_n and_o power_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o their_o end_n and_o motive_n of_o act_v it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o give_v be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o but_o do_v in_o evidence_n and_o multiplicity_n of_o conviction_n far_o exceed_v the_o proof_n any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o let_v we_o consider_v why_o we_o believe_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o never_o fall_v within_o our_o own_o particular_a and_o immediate_a cognizance_n why_o do_v we_o so_o firm_o believe_v the_o story_n of_o julius_n cesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o italy_n or_o china_n &_o c_o now_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o upon_o examine_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v to_o be_v because_o a_o great_a many_o man_n have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v former_o such_o person_n who_o do_v such_o and_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n be_v competent_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o tell_v we_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n themselves_o no_o motive_n conceivable_a that_o can_v dispose_v they_o to_o lie_v to_o other_o and_o be_v contradict_v by_o no_o body_n of_o equal_a authority_n with_o they_o these_o be_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v general_o believe_v and_o no_o further_a character_n of_o truth_n be_v require_v by_o one_o that_o be_v satisfy_v of_o these_o but_o we_o have_v all_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o full_a force_n and_o extent_n of_o they_o and_o several_a other_o beside_o as_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o witness_n to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v be_v dispose_v to_o do_v it_o the_o great_a motive_n they_o have_v not_o to_o say_v what_o they_o do_v than_o to_o say_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a and_o the_o great_a motive_n other_o person_n have_v to_o contradict_v they_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v disprove_v let_v we_o examine_v all_o these_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o see_v how_o far_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a history_n exceed_v that_o of_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o how_o far_o the_o suppose_a falsehood_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o these_o character_n be_v consistent_a with_o that_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o humane_a nature_n as_o to_o the_o first_o character_n require_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o number_n of_o the_o witness_n there_o never_o be_v certain_o so_o vast_a a_o multitude_n of_o person_n all_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o case_n before_o we_o because_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o swift_a that_o we_o can_v suppose_v more_o person_n can_v have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o history_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n and_o there_o never_o be_v such_o industrious_a care_n take_v to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o other_o fact_n and_o opinion_n that_o we_o ever_o read_v of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o certain_a that_o the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o the_o first_o publisher_n and_o professor_n of_o christianity_n be_v as_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_n of_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v of_o 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