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inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
of_o nabonasser_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o greedy_a of_o all_o empty_a conjecture_n which_o tend_v to_o our_o purpose_n as_o to_o take_v they_o for_o truth_n will_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o history_n we_o find_v more_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n to_o assert_v their_o just_a antiquity_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v out_o of_o any_o undoubted_a record_n of_o their_o own_o which_o yet_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o a_o author_n both_o of_o some_o credit_n and_o antiquity_n the_o true_a berosus_n not_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o annius_n who_o vizard_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o pull_v off_o afterward_o this_o berosus_n be_v as_o josephus_n and_o tatianus_n assure_v we_o a_o priest_n of_o belus_n and_o a_o babylonian_a graecor_fw-la bear_v but_o afterward_o flourish_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o co_n and_o be_v the_o first_o who_o bring_v the_o chaldean_a astrology_n in_o request_n among_o the_o greek_n in_o honour_n to_o who_o name_n and_o memory_n the_o athenian_n who_o be_v never_o backward_o in_o applaud_v those_o who_o bring_v they_o the_o great_a news_n especial_o i_o suitable_a to_o their_o former_a superstition_n erect_v a_o statue_n for_o he_o with_o a_o guild_a tongue_n a_o good_a emblem_n of_o his_o history_n which_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o specious_a show_n but_o be_v not_o that_o within_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o where_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n and_o reckon_v up_o his_o two_o dynastye_n before_o the_o time_n of_o belus_n but_o of_o they_o afterward_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o some_o fragment_n of_o his_o history_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n by_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o josephus_n tatianus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o have_v be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o also_o for_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n concern_v the_o babylonian_a empire_n as_o make_v nabopolasser_n the_o father_n of_o nebucadonosor_n of_o which_o scaliger_n have_v full_o temp._n speak_v in_o his_o note_n upon_o his_o fragment_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o derogate_v any_o thing_n even_o from_o profane_a history_n where_o they_o do_v not_o enterfere_v with_o the_o sacred_a 5._o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o these_o to_o make_v they_o draw_v water_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o serve_v as_o small_a star_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o great_a light_n of_o sacred_a history_n but_o that_o which_o i_o impeach_v these_o profane_a history_n of_o be_v only_o a_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v light_n to_o sacred_a record_n that_o the_o design_n of_o set_v of_o they_o up_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o they_o which_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o the_o more_o probable_a in_o that_o those_o monstrous_a account_n of_o the_o egyptian_a and_o chaldean_a dynastye_n do_v never_o public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n till_o the_o time_n that_o our_o sacred_a record_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a at_o alexandria_n for_o till_o that_o time_n when_o this_o authentic_a history_n of_o the_o world_n be_v draw_v forth_o from_o its_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v look_v up_o before_o among_o the_o israelite_n at_o judea_n into_o the_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o world_n about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n these_o vain_a pretender_n to_o antiquity_n think_v not_o themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n for_o till_o that_o time_n the_o onedulous_a world_n not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o certain_a report_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v apt_a to_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o those_o who_o be_v have_v in_o so_o great_a esteem_n as_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n be_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v free_v from_o other_o avocation_n have_v more_o leisure_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o their_o mysterious_a hide_v what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o vulgar_a be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v but_o now_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v approach_v this_o horizon_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o sacred_a history_n like_o the_o daystar_n be_v to_o give_v the_o world_n notice_n of_o it_o by_o which_o the_o former_a shadow_n and_o mist_n begin_v to_o fly_v away_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o former_a ignorance_n of_o mankind_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o raise_v all_o their_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la and_o whatever_n may_v tend_v to_o obscure_v that_o approach_a light_n by_o invalidate_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o which_o come_v to_o bespeak_v its_o acceptance_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a to_o consider_v what_o gradation_n and_o step_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o grand_a light_n 6._o which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n thither_o how_o the_o world_n not_o long_o before_o be_v awaken_v into_o a_o great_a inquisitiveness_n than_o ever_o before_o how_o knowledge_n grow_v into_o repute_n and_o what_o method_n divine_a providence_n use_v to_o give_v the_o inquisitive_a world_n a_o taste_n of_o truth_n at_o present_a to_o stay_v their_o stomach_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o further_a discovery_n of_o it_o afterward_o in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o enclose_a garden_n before_o be_v now_o throw_v open_a and_o many_o of_o the_o plant_n remove_v and_o set_v in_o foreign_a country_n not_o only_o in_o babylon_n where_o even_o after_o their_o return_n be_v leave_v three_o famous_a school_n of_o learning_n sora_n pombeditha_n and_o neharda_n but_o in_o egypt_n too_o where_o multitude_n of_o they_o by_o alexander_n favour_n be_v settle_v at_o alexandria_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o season_v those_o two_o great_a fountain_n whence_o the_o current_n of_o knowledge_n run_v into_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o it_o be_v not_o in_o jewry_n only_o that_o god_n be_v know_v but_o he_o who_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o allwise_o god_n who_o direct_v the_o magi_n by_o a_o star_n to_o christ_n make_v use_n of_o their_o former_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o star_n which_o come_v now_o on_o a_o peculiar_a errand_n to_o they_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o their_o saviour_n the_o great_a god_n condescend_v so_o far_o to_o mankind_n as_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o particular_a inclination_n and_o to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o they_o for_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o he_o appear_v in_o another_o way_n to_o the_o wiseman_n then_o to_o the_o poor_a shepherd_n the_o same_o god_n make_v use_n of_o the_o curiosity_n and_o inquisitiveness_n after_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n â—_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o applaud_v for_o by_o athenaeus_n and_o other_o to_o bring_v to_o light_v the_o most_o advantageous_a knowleage_v which_o the_o world_n ever_o have_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n and_o that_o great_a library_n of_o his_o erect_n at_o alexandria_n do_v never_o deserve_v that_o title_n till_o it_o have_v lodge_v those_o sacred_a record_n and_o then_o it_o do_v far_o better_a than_o the_o old_a one_o of_o osymanduas_n of_o which_o historian_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o inscription_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o shop_n of_o the_o soul_n physic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o concernment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o original_n of_o these_o vast_a account_n 7._o of_o time_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o a_o subject_n not_o yet_o touch_v by_o any_o we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o improve_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o by_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o translate_v and_o the_o occasion_n may_v thereby_o be_v give_v to_o these_o egyptian_n &_o chaldaean_n to_o produce_v their_o fabulous_a account_n into_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o before_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a case_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o before_o they_o believe_v they_o therefore_o no_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v assign_v on_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o confess_v in_o mahumetism_n a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n have_v for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n but_o then_o withal_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o viz._n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o strict_o forbid_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n to_o dispute_v their_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o other_o therefore_o i_o can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v for_o sake_n all_o their_o former_a persuasion_n and_o resolve_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n if_o this_o give_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o doctrine_n true_a we_o must_v believe_v mankind_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a unhappy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n part_n with_o all_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o to_o come_v if_o that_o be_v not_o undoubted_o certain_a and_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v it_o infallible_o true_a it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o though_o god_n make_v choice_n at_o first_o of_o person_n general_o of_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
be_v convert_v from_o plato_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o find_v that_o true_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n that_o after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n into_o philosophy_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v this_o at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a par._n and_o profitable_a philosophy_n and_o when_o trypho_n after_o deride_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o very_o easy_a faith_n who_o will_v leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n for_o that_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o platonist_n then_o christian_n justin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v move_v with_o such_o reproach_n that_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o empty_a fable_n and_o unprovable_a assertion_n but_o to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v full_a of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n and_o flourish_v with_o grace_n the_o prove_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o discourse_n at_o alexandria_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o excellent_a person_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_a embracer_n themselves_o but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o set_v aside_o there_o abilius_n justus_n cerdo_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippinus_n julianus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o who_o flourish_v about_o the_o second_o century_n i_o shall_v only_o fix_v on_o those_o person_n who_o be_v famous_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o note_v for_o excellency_n in_o heathen_a learning_n yet_o these_o person_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n find_v nothing_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o value_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o such_o be_v pantaenus_n who_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o excellent_a stoic_a before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v after_o so_o eminent_a a_o one_o that_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o wenâ—_n into_o india_n to_o convert_v the_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o his_o return_n be_v make_v rector_n of_o the_o school_n at_o alexandria_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v much_o frequent_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o skill_v in_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n how_o excellent_a pantaenus_n be_v in_o 20._o humane_a learning_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o origen_n and_o hierome_n both_o make_v his_o example_n their_o plea_n for_o the_o study_v of_o it_o after_o he_o succeed_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n pantaenus_n his_o scholar_n a_o person_n of_o great_a depth_n of_o learning_n and_o exquisite_o skill_v in_o all_o heathen_a antiquity_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o remain_a write_n the_o learning_n of_o origen_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a reputation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o not_o only_a christian_n 18._o but_o philosopher_n flock_v to_o his_o lecture_n at_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o wherein_o he_o read_v the_o mathematics_n and_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v dedicate_v their_o book_n to_o he_o and_o sometime_o choose_v he_o as_o arbitrator_n between_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o porphyry_n himself_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n vouchsafe_v a_o high_a encomium_fw-la of_o origen_n for_o his_o excellent_a learning_n in_o origen_n time_n heraclas_n a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n for_o five_o year_n together_o frequent_v the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o put_v on_o the_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 20._o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_a learning_n beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o pierius_n and_o achillas_n two_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o as_o nicephorus_n callistus_n speak_v person_n well_o skill_v in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n if_o from_o alexandria_n we_o go_v to_o caesarea_n there_o we_o not_o only_o meet_v with_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o with_o person_n very_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a pamphilus_n and_o eusebius_n so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o he_o that_o ever_o since_o he_o be_v call_v eusebius_n pamphili_n at_o antioch_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nicephorus_n 35._o speak_v a_o person_n verse_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o ingenuous_a literature_n anatclius_fw-la bishop_n of_o laodicea_n one_o verse_v in_o geometry_n astronomy_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 36._o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n what_o excellent_a person_n many_o of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o concern_v those_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n among_o they_o nun_n aspicimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la auro_fw-la &_o argento_fw-la &_o uâ—ste_fw-la sâ—ffarcinatus_fw-la exierit_fw-la de_fw-fr 40._o aegypto_n cyprian's_n doctor_a suavissimus_fw-la &_o martyr_n beatissimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la lactantius_n quanto_fw-la victorinus_n optatus_n hilarius_n ut_fw-la de_fw-fr vivis_fw-la taceam_fw-la quanto_fw-la innumerabiles_fw-la graeci_fw-la quod_fw-la prio_fw-la ipse_fw-la fidelissimus_fw-la dei_fw-la servus_n moses_n fecerat_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la eruditus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la omni_fw-la sapientia_fw-la aegyptiorum_n to_o who_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a person_n among_o the_o latin_a christian_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o several_a other_o may_v be_v deserve_o add_v but_o as_o st._n austin_n there_o well_o observe_v though_o the_o israclite_n go_v rich_a out_o of_o egypt_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o passover_n which_o save_v they_o from_o destruction_n so_o though_o these_o be_v accomplish_v with_o those_o perfection_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o ornament_n of_o learning_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o true_a passover_n which_o be_v christ_n by_o their_o adhere_n to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o they_o than_o all_o their_o accomplishment_n will_v be_v now_o then_o since_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v not_o only_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o person_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o life_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v curious_a enquirer_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n 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it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_o