matthew_n who_o be_v bear_v a_o jew_n and_o who_o do_v he_o relate_v they_o to_o why_o to_o several_a thousand_o jew_n that_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n and_o who_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n know_v full_a as_o well_o what_o have_v happen_v therein_o both_o in_o their_o day_n and_o in_o those_o of_o their_o father_n as_o they_o know_v at_o paris_n what_o be_v do_v in_o that_o city_n in_o the_o day_n of_o cardinal_n richelieu_n or_o as_o they_o know_v at_o london_n every_o thing_n that_o happen_v in_o those_o of_o oliver_n cromwell_n and_o at_o stockolm_n in_o those_o of_o gustavus_n adolphus_n and_o now_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v probable_a any_o man_n can_v have_v make_v the_o like_a matter_n of_o fact_n believe_v in_o any_o of_o those_o great_a city_n by_o such_o a_o successful_a forgery_n or_o whether_o he_o can_v have_v gain_v over_o to_o his_o side_n several_a thousand_o of_o people_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o his_o fiction_n but_o if_o i_o grant_v 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herod_n to_o assemble_v the_o grand_a council_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o know_v of_o they_o where_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v bear_v neither_o can_v he_o doubt_v of_o the_o answer_n that_o be_v make_v he_o by_o the_o sanhedrin_n if_o he_o own_v that_o herod_n send_v his_o man_n into_o bethlehem_n to_o slay_v the_o young_a child_n that_o be_v there_o from_o two_o year_n old_a and_o under_o so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a the_o other_o two_o will_v not_o need_v much_o proof_n now_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o assert_v this_o last_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v it_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o what_o since_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n surname_v the_o great_a be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o the_o least_o of_o his_o action_n be_v public_o talk_v of_o how_o can_v any_o one_o have_v presume_v to_o impute_v false_o to_o he_o a_o massacre_n so_o notable_a and_o extraordinary_a as_o that_o must_v have_v be_v 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a_o great_a many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o a_o great_a number_n of_o witness_n and_o have_v set_v down_o the_o time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o they_o be_v do_v they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v void_a of_o all_o shame_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n to_o relate_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o if_o they_o be_v false_a they_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n miraculous_o feed_v in_o the_o wilderness_n at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o and_o at_o another_o three_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n now_o i_o be_o at_o a_o stand_n to_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v be_v think_v natural_a for_o one_o man_n to_o undertake_v to_o persuade_v several_a thousand_o that_o they_o have_v be_v wonderful_o feed_v and_o not_o only_o to_o relate_v the_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o but_o also_o bring_v in_o christ_n reproach_v the_o multitude_n that_o they_o follow_v he_o not_o pure_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o miracle_n but_o the_o loaf_n he_o feed_v they_o with_o and_o then_o the_o multitude_n excuse_v themselves_o and_o say_v that_o moses_n have_v feed_v their_o forefather_n and_o that_o he_o must_v also_o feed_v they_o if_o he_o will_v have_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o as_o also_o jesus_n christ_n bid_v they_o on_o this_o occasion_n to_o labour_v not_o for_o the_o meat_n which_o perish_v but_o for_o that_o meat_n which_o endure_v unto_o everlasting_a life_n joh._n 6._o 27._o and_o to_o that_o end_n promise_v to_o give_v they_o his_o flesh_n to_o eat_v and_o his_o blood_n to_o drink_v all_o which_o expression_n be_v indeed_o very_o extraordinary_a in_o themselves_o and_o such_o as_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v use_n of_o before_o he_o but_o there_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o gospel_n more_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_v than_o these_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o remarkable_a and_o which_o strike_v we_o so_o much_o with_o astonishment_n as_o the_o description_n the_o 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to_o look_v upon_o that_o word_n as_o divine_v which_o those_o tongue_n have_v preach_v we_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o those_o write_n as_o divine_a in_o which_o that_o word_n itself_o be_v contain_v i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o these_o principle_n will_v full_o be_v persuade_v that_o their_o union_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dissolve_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o new_a testament_n in_o the_o day_n of_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a father_n as_o without_o dispute_n there_o be_v that_o book_n can_v never_o have_v be_v forge_v if_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v not_o have_v be_v forge_v it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o certain_a public_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v insert_v in_o that_o book_n as_o be_v public_o know_v by_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v true_a and_o if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a it_o can_v never_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o apostle_n receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o the_o apostle_n do_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n certain_o their_o write_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a i_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o these_o principle_n only_o among_o several_a other_o which_o i_o have_v establish_v but_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v imagine_v that_o they_o subsist_v mere_o by_o their_o connexion_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v prove_v each_o of_o they_o apart_o by_o themselves_o after_o several_a different_a way_n it_o be_v very_o true_a therefore_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o our_o religion_n be_v divine_a for_o these_o two_o truth_n be_v proper_o one_o and_o the_o same_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v divine_a if_o the_o word_n or_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o ruleof_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v humane_a and_o the_o scripture_n can_v never_o be_v divine_a unless_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v of_o a_o heavenly_a original_a and_o proceed_v from_o god_n but_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v oppose_v against_o this_o grand_a principle_n chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v probable_o be_v raise_v against_o the_o forego_n truth_n truth_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o shift_n and_o trick_n let_v we_o therefore_o brief_o consider_v what_o doubt_n we_o may_v possible_o entertain_v in_o the_o forego_n truth_n let_v we_o give_v full_a scope_n to_o our_o imagination_n to_o frame_v what_o suspicion_n we_o can_v as_o to_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n their_o miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v impart_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v some_o who_o believe_v that_o 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extraordinary_a morality_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n but_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o refute_v this_o notion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o sect_n as_o that_o of_o the_o essenes_n in_o galilee_n which_o be_v the_o native_a country_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o essenes_n avoid_v all_o correspondence_n with_o other_o man_n as_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o impure_a and_o profane_a and_o for_o that_o reason_n dwell_v not_o in_o any_o great_a city_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n traverse_v town_n and_o village_n teach_v multitude_n preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n etc._n etc._n beside_o the_o essenes_n abhor_a matrimony_n whereas_o jesus_n christ_n make_v choice_n of_o such_o disciple_n as_o be_v marry_v and_o last_o that_o he_o have_v several_a fisherman_n to_o attend_v he_o but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v essenes_n but_o ii_o may_v we_o not_o think_v that_o jesus_n christ_n owe_v his_o knowledge_n to_o his_o education_n but_o how_o can_v that_o be_v for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o shop_n of_o a_o carpenter_n as_o his_o enemy_n themselves_o confess_v in_o their_o reproach_n of_o he_o iii_o some_o will_v object_v that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o spite_n to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o other_o ruler_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o he_o first_o exclaim_v so_o much_o against_o they_o and_o after_o invent_v on_o purpose_n to_o thwart_v they_o a_o religion_n quite_o opposite_a to_o they_o but_o what_o have_v the_o son_n of_o mary_n to_o do_v with_o all_o those_o teacher_n since_o he_o neither_o be_v priest_n nor_o levite_n nor_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o dignity_n what_o shall_v make_v he_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o they_o beside_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n seem_v very_o much_o exasperate_v against_o their_o doctrine_n and_o behaviour_n it_o must_v also_o be_v consider_v whether_o he_o have_v not_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v so_o iu._n it_o be_v object_v that_o perhaps_o he_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v think_v a_o prophet_n or_o it_o may_v be_v not_o right_o understand_v certain_a oracle_n which_o seem_v to_o determine_v at_o that_o time_n the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n he_o real_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v that_o messiah_n but_o nothing_o of_o this_o be_v true_a for_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o have_v think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n out_o of_o mere_a simplicity_n and_o ignorance_n nor_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v it_o out_o of_o malice_n or_o deceit_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a if_o we_o consider_v his_o morality_n and_o doctrine_n and_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n give_v we_o no_o occasion_n to_o imagine_v the_o latter_a the_o incredulous_a will_n soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o evident_a absurdity_n if_o they_o assert_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o most_o ignorant_a or_o most_o wicked_a of_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a if_o he_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n without_o be_v real_o so_o or_o the_o most_o wicked_a if_o he_o endeavour_v to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v it_o when_o he_o believe_v it_o not_o himself_o because_o one_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a not_o to_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n proceed_v both_o from_o a_o very_a clear_a principle_n and_o a_o good_a foundation_n too_o v._n but_o may_v we_o not_o say_v the_o same_o of_o mahomet_n the_o incredulous_a compare_v they_o often_o together_o they_o pretend_v that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n may_v have_v be_v animate_v both_o with_o the_o same_o spirit_n but_o of_o all_o the_o shift_n of_o the_o incredulous_a this_o be_v certain_o their_o weak_a and_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o insist_v upon_o this_o comparison_n for_o we_o can_v here_o produce_v several_a essential_a difference_n betwixt_o jesus_n christ_n and_o mahomet_n mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o establish_v his_o religion_n by_o work_a miracle_n although_o several_a have_v be_v impute_v to_o he_o whereas_o jesus_n christ_n desire_v no_o belief_n but_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a miracle_n be_v willing_a thereby_o to_o convince_v the_o eye_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o disciple_n by_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o give_v they_o also_o power_n to_o work_v themselves_o when_o he_o send_v they_o forth_o to_o preach_v abroad_o his_o resurrection_n and_o miracle_n at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o threaten_v they_o with_o death_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o deceive_v any_o body_n with_o fiction_n or_o even_o disguise_v the_o truth_n itself_o mahomet_n leave_v no_o such_o prophecy_n behind_o he_o as_o have_v be_v accomplish_v whereas_o we_o have_v several_a of_o jesus_n christ_n which_o have_v
be_v clear_o explain_v by_o their_o event_n neither_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n bear_v the_o least_o record_n of_o mahomet_n whereas_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o of_o a_o messiah_n that_o be_v to_o unite_v the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o to_o carry_v the_o covenant_n of_o god_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n but_o jesus_n christ_n only_o by_o patience_n and_o suffering_n the_o former_a be_v environ_v with_o soldier_n the_o latter_a be_v attend_v with_o martyr_n the_o one_o put_v man_n to_o death_n but_o the_o other_o receive_v death_n for_o our_o sake_n mahomet_n ambition_n who_o establish_v such_o a_o flourish_a empire_n be_v present_o see_v in_o the_o success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o undertake_n but_o jesus_n christ_n be_v far_o from_o self_n interest_n or_o ambition_n since_o he_o withdraw_v himself_o when_o they_o will_v have_v make_v he_o king_n and_o declare_v his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n instead_o of_o encourage_v the_o carnal_a prejudices_fw-la of_o his_o disciple_n he_o take_v care_n to_o undeceive_v they_o and_o to_o foretell_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v and_o though_o any_o shall_v presume_v open_o to_o dispute_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n still_o they_o appear_v by_o the_o end_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sanctify_v the_o heart_n and_o calm_v the_o disorderly_a passion_n of_o the_o soul_n mahomet_n invent_v such_o a_o religion_n which_o agree_v only_o with_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o loose_a inordinate_a desire_n of_o the_o heart_n he_o make_v the_o scandal_n of_o the_o cross_n to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o magnificence_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n he_o take_v away_o the_o most_o spiritual_a and_o difficult_a matter_n of_o morality_n to_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o his_o disciple_n with_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a idea_n but_o not_o so_o do_v our_o saviour_n act_n who_o propose_v his_o cross_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o a_o astonish_a paradox_n and_o a_o continual_a cause_n of_o mortification_n and_o repentance_n mahomet_n establish_v his_o religion_n by_o the_o help_n of_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n by_o suppress_v such_o book_n as_o may_v have_v enlighten_v man_n understanding_n and_o by_o require_v a_o blind_a submission_n from_o they_o jesus_n christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n will_v not_o have_v they_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n but_o as_o they_o find_v it_o conformable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n search_v the_o scripture_n say_v he_o for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o mahomet_n establish_v himself_o in_o the_o world_n by_o dissemble_v and_o disguise_v his_o thought_n he_o promise_v in_o the_o begin_n a_o toleration_n of_o all_o religion_n carry_v it_o fair_a to_o the_o christian_n but_o afterwasd_n do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o extirpate_v they_o utter_o but_o jesus_n christ_n declare_v at_o first_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n which_o be_v to_o save_v mankind_n and_o overthrow_v superstition_n itself_o nor_o he_o nor_o his_o disciple_n use_v any_o policy_n or_o circumvention_n in_o this_o respect_n mahomet_n die_v but_o never_o rise_v nor_o pretend_v to_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a thereby_o to_o show_v he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n jesus_n christ_n die_v but_o it_o be_v believe_v he_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o testify_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o effusion_n of_o their_o blood_n mahomet_n religion_n be_v invent_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o policy_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v at_o first_o offensive_a to_o all_o the_o prince_n upon_o earth_n and_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_n mahomets_n religion_n appear_v at_o first_o view_n to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o humane_a industry_n and_o covetousness_n but_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n show_v that_o of_o integrity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o full_a perfection_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o that_o proper_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n that_o be_v restore_v to_o it_o by_o charity_n mahomet_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o a_o particular_a monarchy_n and_o establish_v such_o law_n as_o human_o speak_v be_v serviceable_a only_o in_o those_o place_n wherein_o he_o have_v settle_v his_o dominion_n but_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v we_o new_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o intelligence_n very_o useful_a to_o the_o good_a of_o public_a society_n in_o general_n and_o very_o fit_a to_o cement_v the_o union_n of_o all_o man_n together_o by_o make_v the_o spirit_n of_o charity_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n the_o come_n of_o mahomet_n do_v not_o sanctify_v mankind_n but_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o person_n who_o all_o renounce_v the_o world_n mere_o by_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o mahomet_n but_o jesus_n christ_n who_o exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n concern_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n because_o mahomet_n derive_v all_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n from_o jesus_n christ_n as_o we_o have_v already_o show_v last_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mahomet_n and_o it_o may_v be_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o all_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o great_a prosperity_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v all_o tyrant_n wicked_a and_o unjust_a man_n be_v the_o favourite_n of_o god_n but_o the_o character_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v patience_n self-denial_n innocence_n and_o a_o simplicity_n of_o manner_n and_o certain_o he_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n if_o god_n approve_v of_o virtuous_a patient_a humble_a and_o charitable_a man_n it_o concern_v now_o the_o incredulous_a to_o answer_v all_o these_o difference_n if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v of_o this_o comparison_n for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v ever_o reject_v it_o as_o be_v very_o ridiculous_a and_o extravagant_a chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a the_o incredulous_a be_v apt_a to_o raise_v as_o many_o suspicion_n against_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o against_o his_o person_n because_o of_o all_o those_o proof_n which_o establish_v his_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o that_o can_v move_v the_o sense_n so_o much_o as_o that_o take_v from_o true_a miracle_n i._o then_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n may_v have_v heal_v two_o or_o three_o people_n either_o by_o chance_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o that_o that_o good_a success_n may_v have_v get_v he_o afterward_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n through_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o supernatural_a cause_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o we_o answer_v that_o we_o have_v here_o a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o miracle_n all_o of_o different_a kind_n evident_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n in_o their_o nature_n unimitable_a and_o above_o all_o imposture_n such_o be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a heal_v the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n etc._n etc._n ii_o they_o pretend_v that_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suborn_v witness_n to_o testify_v some_o fabulous_a miracle_n but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v since_o jesus_n christ_n have_v neither_o money_n to_o give_v nor_o dignity_n to_o promise_v and_o as_o for_o cunning_a politic_a nicety_n riches_n and_o credit_n they_o be_v only_o among_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n his_o implacable_a enemy_n who_o take_v all_o opportunity_n to_o prejudice_v he_o because_o he_o public_o censure_v their_o hypocrisy_n upon_o all_o occasion_n iii_o they_o object_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v so_o prudent_a as_o to_o work_v his_o miracle_n only_o before_o three_o of_o his_o choose_a disciple_n viz._n peter_n james_n and_o john_n now_o say_v they_o who_o know_v but_o that_o those_o three_o disciple_n to_o flatter_v the_o ambition_n of_o their_o master_n may_v have_v attest_v certain_a miracle_n as_o true_a which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o to_o remove_v this_o suspicion_n we_o need_v only_o reflect_v upon_o the_o many_o miracle_n jesus_n christ_n wrought_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o other_o disciple_n he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o son_n of_o the_o widow_n of_o naim_n as_o he_o be_v a_o carry_v to_o be_v inter_v he_o raise_v lazarus_n from_o the_o grave_n in_o
the_o most_o considerable_a proof_n that_o every_o thing_n here_o be_v sole_o transact_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n have_v he_o choose_v for_o his_o minister_n the_o prince_n and_o potentate_n of_o the_o world_n some_o will_v perhaps_o have_v ascribe_v the_o wonder_n of_o christian_a morality_n to_o policy_n and_o the_o design_n of_o keep_v people_n in_o obedience_n by_o oblige_v they_o to_o a_o charitable_a union_n among_o themselves_o have_v he_o choose_v philosopher_n some_o will_v have_v ascribe_v their_o heroical_a self-denial_n to_o the_o singularity_n and_o pride_n of_o their_o sect_n or_o to_o those_o elevate_a thought_n which_o philosophy_n have_v inspire_v they_o with_o have_v he_o choose_v orator_n some_o will_v have_v think_v that_o they_o may_v have_v seduce_v man_n by_o the_o charm_n of_o their_o eloquence_n have_v he_o choose_v very_o powerful_a and_o rich_a man_n some_o will_v have_v attribute_v the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n to_o their_o liberality_n he_o choose_v therefore_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a person_n who_o have_v ever_o live_v in_o great_a simplicity_n and_o labour_v under_o a_o obscure_a condition_n to_o show_v more_o clear_o that_o the_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o men._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o objection_n we_o assert_v that_o though_o jesus_n christ_n be_v usual_o attend_v with_o publican_n and_o sinner_n yet_o they_o be_v sinner_n convert_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o be_v publican_n regenerate_v who_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o more_o authentic_a as_o it_o more_o plain_o evince_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a one_o true_o capable_a of_o sanctify_a mankind_n certain_o i_o can_v perceive_v a_o more_o evident_a sign_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n mission_n then_o to_o see_v that_o he_o act_v with_o so_o much_o efficacy_n that_o sinful_a woman_n come_v and_o wash_v his_o foot_n with_o repentant_a tear_n and_o wipe_v they_o with_o their_o hair_n that_o one_o word_n of_o he_o can_v draw_v levi_n from_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n oblige_v peter_n and_o andrew_n to_o follow_v he_o to_o forsake_v their_o net_n their_o boat_n and_o even_o their_o father_n zebedee_n but_o some_o will_v say_v if_o jesus_n christ_n make_v his_o disciple_n utter_o renounce_v all_o worldly_a advantage_n it_o be_v mere_o by_o the_o hope_n he_o give_v they_o of_o a_o bless_a and_o eternal_a life_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v to_o their_o advantage_n thus_o to_o renounce_v they_o i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o say_v this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o and_o be_v more_o than_o sufficient_a to_o give_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o the_o disciple_n do_v very_o expect_v a_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n and_o if_o it_o be_v pure_o on_o the_o account_n of_o that_o interest_n the_o great_a indeed_o of_o all_o our_o interest_n and_o of_o that_o hope_n far_o strong_a than_o all_o their_o passion_n that_o they_o suffer_v such_o torment_n for_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n as_o we_o must_v either_o believe_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o the_o disciple_n as_o so_o many_o fool_n or_o mad_a man_n i_o say_v if_o the_o disciple_n hope_v for_o eternal_a life_n from_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o professd_v himself_o to_o be_v since_o they_o can_v not_o expect_v eternal_a life_n from_o a_o impostor_n and_o if_o they_o believe_v his_o calling_n to_o be_v true_a they_o likewise_o believe_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n to_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o they_o think_v his_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n true_a it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_o so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o require_v only_o see_v hear_v and_o feel_v let_v the_o incredulous_a use_n what_o shift_n and_o evasion_n they_o please_v i_o dare_v say_v they_o can_v bring_v nothing_o but_o absurd_a impertinency_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o argument_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o demonstration_n if_o the_o apostle_n expect_v everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o they_o can_v not_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o impostor_n nor_o abet_v his_o imposture_n nor_o be_v impostor_n themselves_o as_o they_o necessary_o must_v have_v be_v be_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n infallible_o true_a now_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o disciple_n do_v hope_n for_o everlasting_a life_n from_o jesus_n christ_n because_o he_o never_o propose_v any_o other_o object_n to_o their_o faith_n he_o foretell_v they_o nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n public_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n beside_o experience_n and_o reason_n teach_v they_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n they_o themselves_o declare_v in_o all_o their_o epistle_n that_o they_o expect_v nothing_o but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n in_o this_o life_n compare_v it_o to_o a_o warfare_n a_o wrestle_a the_o world_n to_o a_o field_n of_o battle_n call_v themselves_o the_o champion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o continual_o rejoice_v that_o they_o be_v to_o suffer_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o crown_n that_o be_v reserve_v for_o they_o as_o to_o the_o four_o objection_n we_o answer_v that_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o compare_v the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n with_o those_o write_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o synagogue_n testify_v that_o which_o be_v unknown_a to_o they_o that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o see_v and_o which_o they_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o for_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o watch_n if_o they_o real_o see_v any_o one_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n why_o do_v they_o not_o prevent_v it_o but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v it_o how_o can_v their_o testimony_n be_v valid_a but_o as_o for_o the_o disciple_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o testify_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o their_o eye_n be_v witness_n to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v say_v they_o with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v with_o our_o ear_n and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o the_o former_a witness_n be_v soldier_n the_o latter_a martyr_n the_o former_a endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n by_o force_n the_o latter_a persuade_v they_o maugre_o all_o the_o violence_n offer_v to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o a_o witness_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o be_v need_n of_o constancy_n and_o persuasion_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o those_o suborn_v by_o the_o synagogue_n there_o be_v need_v only_o of_o fury_n and_o violence_n but_o be_v there_o never_o a_o one_o of_o either_o party_n that_o recant_v his_o opinion_n yes_o without_o doubt_n and_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n saul_n a_o servant_n of_o the_o synagogue_n go_v one_o day_n to_o damascus_n not_o only_o to_o testify_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v a_o seducer_n but_o also_o to_o persecute_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v on_o he_o be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v and_o become_v a_o disciple_n of_o he_o who_o before_o he_o go_v about_o so_o furious_o to_o persecute_v judas_n on_o the_o contrary_a a_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n renounce_v his_o master_n and_o deliver_v he_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o put_v he_o to_o death_n here_o be_v two_o several_a witness_n who_o seem_v to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n but_o consider_v the_o different_a end_n of_o their_o recantation_n saul_n be_v a_o pharisee_n the_o son_n of_o a_o pharisee_fw-mi and_o consequent_o a_o member_n of_o a_o sect_n particular_o exasperate_v against_o jesus_n christ_n he_o have_v obtain_v letter_n from_o the_o sanhedrin_n or_o grand_a council_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o synagogue_n of_o damascus_n to_o demand_v assistance_n from_o they_o against_o the_o christian_n that_o dwell_v therein_o who_o he_o have_v purpose_v to_o himself_o to_o drag_v along_o to_o prison_n and_o to_o put_v to_o death_n as_o he_o have_v do_v several_a other_o before_o he_o be_v therefore_o on_o his_o journey_n and_o draw_v nigh_o unto_o damascus_n he_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o satisfy_v his_o rage_n and_o fury_n but_o on_o a_o sudden_a he_o be_v altogether_o change_v what_o be_v there_o that_o can_v have_v oblige_v this_o witness_n thus_o to_o recant_v what_o proffer_n be_v then_o make_v to_o he_o or_o who_o be_v then_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o make_v he_o any_o what_o unexpected_a force_n so_o sudden_o overthrow_v all_o the_o design_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v
come_v after_o i_o be_v mighty_a than_o i_o etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v baptize_v you_o with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n last_o john_n see_v the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o jesus_n under_o such_o a_o form_n as_o true_o denote_v the_o gentleness_n and_o mildness_n his_o life_n be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o and_o he_o hear_v that_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n etc._n etc._n these_o three_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o be_v to_o all_o who_o shall_v serious_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o suspect_v the_o evangelist_n of_o have_v forge_v that_o prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o he_o make_v jesus_n christ_n himself_o utter_v because_o that_o gospel_n be_v compile_v long_o before_o that_o event_n it_o will_v be_v as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n to_o pretend_v that_o that_o other_o prediction_n of_o the_o baptism_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n be_v falsl_o insert_v into_o the_o history_n of_o john_n the_o baptist._n for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v make_v john_n the_o baptist_n utter_v such_o a_o prediction_n have_v they_o see_v nothing_o like_o it_o and_o if_o they_o be_v true_o baptize_v with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o fire_n why_o shall_v any_o body_n refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n john_n the_o baptist_n foretell_v it_o chapt._n iu._n 1._o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n etc._n etc._n have_v the_o evangelist_n propose_v any_o other_o method_n to_o themselves_o in_o all_o their_o write_n but_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n they_o will_v never_o have_v represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v deliver_v into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o he_o who_o set_v he_o one_o while_n upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n in_o all_o this_o relation_n we_o have_v certain_o a_o most_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n verse_n 19_o and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o follow_v i_o and_o i_o will_v make_v you_o fisher_n of_o man_n who_o be_v this_o that_o without_o riches_n arm_n and_o authority_n nay_o without_o any_o assistance_n from_o man_n pretend_v to_o convert_v ordinary_a fisher_n into_o fisher_n of_o man_n how_o come_v any_o such_o thought_n into_o his_o mind_n what_o a_o strange_a design_n be_v this_o what_o a_o rash_a undertake_n nay_o what_o confidence_n join_v to_o so_o great_a a_o weakness_n for_o jesus_n christ_n to_o fortel_n and_o execute_v that_o project_n he_o must_v not_o only_o have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o convert_v they_o so_o wonderful_o but_o also_o of_o their_o mind_n to_o enlighten_v they_o of_o their_o heart_n to_o make_v they_o less_o sensible_a of_o all_o worldly_a object_n he_o must_v have_v be_v a_o absolute_a master_n of_o suturity_n to_o foretell_v it_o of_o time_n present_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o of_o those_o man_n inclination_n who_o he_o be_v thus_o to_o change_v of_o their_o resistance_n and_o continual_a struggle_n and_o opposition_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o must_v have_v be_v absolute_a master_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o his_o name_n in_o a_o word_n of_o all_o event_n and_o juncture_n whatsoever_o verse_n 24._o and_o his_o fame_n go_v throughout_o all_o syria_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v never_o have_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v become_v famous_a for_o his_o miracle_n have_v he_o real_o neither_o wrought_v nor_o pretend_v to_o work_v any_o miracle_n beside_o herein_o be_v jesus_n christ_n distinguish_v from_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o the_o former_a wrought_v many_o notable_a wonder_n and_o sign_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v famous_a only_o for_o the_o innocency_n of_o his_o life_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o manner_n and_o if_o jesus_n christ_n pass_v for_o a_o person_n who_o real_o do_v several_a miracle_n it_o remain_v only_o for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o those_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o that_o sole_o depend_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o witness_n that_o see_v they_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o and_o the_o enemy_n that_o so_o firm_o oppose_v they_o etc._n etc._n chap._n v._o 1._o and_o see_v the_o multitude_n he_o go_v up_o into_o a_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n and_o he_o open_v his_o mouth_n and_o teach_v they_o etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v not_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v that_o excellent_a sermon_n which_o jesus_n christ_n preach_v on_o the_o mount_n we_o need_v only_o read_v it_o over_o to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o be_v a_o abstract_n of_o the_o most_o sound_a pure_a and_o spiritual_a the_o most_o impartial_a sublime_a and_o surprise_v doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v think_v of_o read_v it_o therefore_o i_o say_v and_o you_o will_v as_o much_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o doctrine_n as_o the_o multitude_n that_o hear_v it_o chap._n viii_o 1._o when_o he_o be_v come_v down_o from_o the_o mountain_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n we_o read_v of_o the_o cleanse_n of_o leper_n of_o heal_v sick_a person_n that_o be_v absent_a and_o far_o off_o by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n of_o his_o calm_v the_o storm_n and_o tempest_n of_o the_o sea_n of_o his_o cast_a devil_n out_o of_o those_o that_o be_v possess_v of_o the_o consternation_n the_o gadarenes_n be_v in_o at_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o herd_n of_o swine_n and_o their_o surprise_n to_o see_v those_o heal_v that_o be_v possess_v with_o devil_n all_o which_o be_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v be_v persuade_v of_o by_o a_o mere_a illusion_n nor_o the_o disciple_n make_v other_o believe_v against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n verse_n 11._o and_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o many_o shall_v come_v from_o the_o east_n and_o west_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v it_o that_o have_v thus_o enlighten_v the_o mind_n of_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o make_v he_o so_o clear_o foretell_v the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n verse_n 22._o but_o jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o follow_v i_o and_o let_v the_o dead_a bury_v their_o dead_a this_o be_v certain_o the_o expression_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v so_o deep_o reflect_v upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v true_o persuade_v of_o the_o misery_n and_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n for_o do_v ever_o any_o man_n but_o he_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 34._o and_o behold_v the_o whole_a city_n come_v out_o to_o meet_v jesus_n and_o when_o they_o see_v he_o they_o beseech_v he_o that_o he_o will_v depart_v out_o of_o their_o coast_n here_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o witness_n who_o may_v have_v easy_o convince_v the_o evangelist_n have_v that_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a chap._n ix_o 1._o and_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n etc._n etc._n in_o this_o chapter_n jesus_n christ_n call_v matthew_n from_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n heal_v a_o woman_n that_o be_v disease_v with_o a_o issue_n of_o blood_n twelve_o year_n restore_v sight_n to_o two_o blind_a man_n raise_v a_o young_a girl_n to_o life_n again_o and_o heal_v one_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n now_o matthew_n who_o compile_v the_o history_n of_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o who_o no_o interest_n whatsoever_o can_v have_v oblige_v to_o follow_v jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o own_o repose_n can_v not_o but_o know_v certain_o what_o force_n or_o secret_a power_n have_v compel_v he_o to_o follow_v christ_n and_o jairus_n know_v very_o well_o whether_o or_o no_o his_o daughter_n have_v be_v raise_v to_o liâ—e_z again_o his_o friend_n and_o relation_n have_v be_v inform_v of_o it_o the_o neighbour_n and_o minstrel_n who_o be_v already_o come_v to_o solemnize_v her_o funeral_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o in_o a_o word_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a of_o that_o town_n can_v not_o but_o tell_v whether_o they_o real_o experience_v that_o heal_a virtue_n which_o proceed_v from_o his_o very_a garment_n but_o who_o can_v suppose_v that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v have_v know_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o yet_o that_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o shall_v not_o have_v know_v it_o and_o suppose_v they_o know_v it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o can_v have_v so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o impose_v upon_o all_o the_o world_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o life_n and_o against_o their_o own_o temporal_a interest_n verse_n 5._o for_o whether_o be_v
three_o year_n or_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a as_o long_o as_o his_o office_n last_v wrought_v more_o surprise_v miracle_n than_o have_v be_v either_o see_v or_o know_v since_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n be_v firm_o to_o believe_v that_o christ_n work_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o circumstantial_o repeat_v in_o it_o and_o so_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o part_n and_o accident_n of_o his_o life_n it_o must_v not_o then_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n embrace_v christianity_n without_o inquire_v in_o the_o least_o into_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n neither_o must_v we_o say_v that_o they_o believe_v those_o miracle_n without_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o indeed_o require_v no_o very_a great_a examination_n but_o they_o can_v not_o avoid_v examine_v they_o have_v they_o endeavour_v it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n either_o to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o place_n which_o i_o inhabit_v neither_o do_v it_o whole_o depend_v upon_o i_o to_o believe_v or_o not_o to_o believe_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o public_a knowledge_n and_o though_o a_o man_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v i_o believe_v he_o have_v raise_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o in_o a_o village_n a_o few_o mile_n distant_a from_o the_o place_n i_o dwell_v in_o who_o i_o may_v have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v after_o his_o resurrection_n or_o if_o i_o have_v not_o see_v he_o myself_o many_o other_o have_v both_o see_v and_o know_v and_o many_o go_v to_o see_v i_o say_v all_o this_o be_v no_o more_o leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o know_v or_o not_o to_o know_v than_o it_o be_v leave_v to_o my_o choice_n to_o be_v mad_a or_o in_o my_o sense_n for_o the_o better_a apprehend_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o supposition_n what_o if_o we_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o christ_n do_v all_o those_o miracle_n the_o gospel_n relate_v have_v go_v up_o to_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o reach_v thither_o just_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o that_o day_n of_o pentecost_n on_o which_o st._n peter_n convert_v so_o many_o people_n by_o convince_a they_o that_o he_o have_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n i_o dare_v maintain_v first_o that_o we_o can_v not_o have_v forbear_v examine_v such_o thing_n which_o make_v so_o great_a a_o noise_n then_o second_o i_o affirm_v that_o however_o willing_a we_o may_v have_v be_v to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o we_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o much_o as_o twenty_o four_o hour_n at_o jerusalem_n without_o know_v very_o distinct_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o will_v have_v be_v no_o very_o great_a trouble_n for_o we_o to_o have_v inquire_v how_o lazarus_n do_v and_o his_o two_o sister_n mary_n and_o martha_n and_o though_o by_o chance_n they_o may_v have_v be_v all_o three_o dead_a to_o have_v desire_v to_o speak_v with_o their_o friend_n and_o relation_n or_o with_o those_o that_o have_v see_v lazarus_n and_o eat_v with_o he_o both_o before_o and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o may_v have_v easy_o speak_v with_o the_o friend_n and_o relation_n of_o jairus_n and_o with_o those_o too_o of_o other_o people_n who_o christ_n have_v heal_v or_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o different_a part_n of_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_a because_o commerce_n be_v much_o more_o stir_v between_o the_o metropolis_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n than_o between_o the_o metropolis_n and_o the_o other_o city_n of_o the_o other_o province_n the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n at_o least_o on_o every_o solemn_a feast-day_n nay_o far_o we_o may_v have_v inquire_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o those_o wonderful_a prodigy_n which_o as_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o attend_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o several_a thousand_o witness_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o concern_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o evident_a and_o sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o will_v have_v be_v absolute_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v become_v christian_n only_o for_o twenty_o four_o hour_n after_o we_o have_v leave_v jerusalem_n suppose_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n have_v be_v utter_o false_a i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o wonderful_a circumstance_n as_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v presume_v to_o invent_v have_v they_o be_v utter_o false_a neither_o have_v the_o power_n to_o forge_v or_o make_v one_o single_a person_n believe_v they_o have_v they_o design_v to_o impose_v upon_o man_n belief_n there_o remain_v only_o for_o our_o full_a conviction_n in_o this_o matter_n to_o show_v that_o they_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v it_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o their_o choice_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o allege_v that_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o recital_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v attend_v with_o such_o circumstance_n and_o so_o many_o strange_a event_n that_o it_o be_v inconceivable_a the_o disciple_n shall_v take_v any_o pleasure_n in_o invent_v they_o such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o tempt_a of_o our_o saviour_n a_o strange_a and_o most_o scandalous_a passage_n indeed_o to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o full_o acquaint_v with_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o it_o since_o it_o represent_v christ_n to_o we_o as_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o sport_v himself_o with_o his_o weakness_n though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o overcome_v his_o virtue_n one_o while_o place_v he_o upon_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n whence_o he_o advise_v he_o to_o cast_v himself_o down_o another_o while_n upon_o a_o exceed_a high_a mountain_n from_o whence_o he_o show_v he_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o now_o to_o see_v a_o man_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o satan_n will_v be_v a_o sight_n that_o will_v shock_v we_o to_o see_v a_o just_a man_n will_v be_v a_o object_n more_o terrible_a but_o to_o see_v a_o prophet_n himself_o will_v be_v a_o wonder_n that_o will_v create_v horror_n in_o we_o what_o must_v it_o be_v then_o to_o see_v a_o divine_a person_n in_o his_o clutch_n or_o rather_o one_o that_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n one_o that_o be_v call_v by_o way_n of_o eminence_n the_o just_a the_o holy_a the_o man_n without_o sin_n or_o blemish_n the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o prophet_n in_o â—ine_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v much_o mistake_v that_o can_v imagine_v that_o such_o thought_n as_o these_o can_v have_v natural_o offer_v themselves_o to_o any_o man_n mind_n much_o less_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o ignorant_a people_n who_o judge_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v general_o possess_v with_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o christ_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o surround_v with_o angel_n who_o minister_v unto_o he_o after_o his_o temptation_n but_o yet_o that_o circumstance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o remove_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v offensive_a and_o surprise_v in_o that_o event_n that_o it_o rather_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a and_o incomprehensible_a nothing_o so_o ill_o befit_v a_o man_n who_o be_v but_o just_a now_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o carry_v about_o by_o he_o wherever_o he_o please_v as_o to_o be_v immediate_o after_o wait_v upon_o by_o angel_n add_v to_o this_o the_o unite_n of_o so_o many_o mean_a circumstance_n with_o so_o many_o glorious_a one_o that_o occur_v in_o his_o nativity_n in_o his_o life_n and_o in_o his_o death_n to_o instance_n in_o christ_n lie_v in_o a_o manger_n whilst_o he_o be_v praise_v by_o the_o host_n of_o heaven_n his_o have_n not_o a_o hole_n wherein_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o command_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n to_o bring_v he_o money_n to_o pay_v tribute_n to_o those_o who_o ask_v it_o of_o he_o his_o show_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o fear_n nay_o even_o apparent_a weakness_n whilst_o he_o shake_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o the_o sky_n to_o become_v dark_a his_o beg_n of_o his_o father_n that_o the_o cup_n of_o his_o suffering_n may_v pass_v away_o from_o
up_o to_o jerusalem_n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o st._n peter_n have_v but_o just_a make_v a_o very_a excellent_a confession_n of_o what_o jesus_n christ_n be_v in_o presence_n of_o all_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o thou_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v crown_v this_o admirable_a confession_n with_o that_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n for_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v it_o unto_o thou_o but_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n and_o i_o say_v also_o unto_o thou_o that_o thou_o be_v peter_n and_o upon_o this_o rock_n i_o will_v build_v my_o church_n and_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o it_o etc._n etc._n matth._n 16._o 17_o 18._o immediate_o after_o christ_n foretell_v what_o death_n he_o be_v to_o suffer_v from_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n but_o add_v withal_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n whereupon_o st._n peter_n rebuke_v he_o and_o say_v be_v it_o far_o from_o thou_o o_o lord_n this_o shall_v not_o be_v unto_o thou_o but_o jesus_n christ_n instead_o of_o approve_v of_o that_o seem_a concern_v and_o affection_n his_o disciple_n have_v for_o he_o severe_o reprove_v his_o indiscretion_n in_o these_o word_n get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n thou_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o i_o for_o thou_o savory_a not_o etc._n etc._n this_o history_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a and_o that_o mixture_n of_o circumstance_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o relation_n with_o one_o another_o can_v not_o of_o itself_o easy_o enter_v in_o any_o man_n mind_n st._n peter_n confession_n be_v excellent_a and_o the_o promise_n jesus_n christ_n make_v he_o be_v extraordinary_a nay_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o it_o imply_v somewhat_o strange_a and_o difficult_a but_o above_o all_o it_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n that_o jesus_n christ_n too_o rigorous_o censure_v the_o great_a zeal_n which_o peter_n show_v for_o his_o person_n and_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v very_o natural_a that_o he_o who_o tell_v he_o bless_v be_v thou_o simon_n barjona_n and_o promise_v to_o make_v he_o a_o pillar_n of_o his_o church_n shall_v tell_v he_o present_o after_o get_v thou_o behind_o i_o satan_n it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n must_v in_o spite_n of_o himself_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v â—he_n force_n of_o truth_n and_o not_o the_o natural_a agreement_n of_o those_o circumstance_n that_o oblige_v the_o evangelist_n to_o join_v they_o both_o together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o recital_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o occasion_n this_o reflection_n of_o we_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v real_o foretell_v his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n before_o ever_o he_o have_v suffer_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o what_o prove_v this_o better_a than_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o cool_a thought_n and_o the_o very_a day_n before_o his_o passion_n do_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o have_v never_o be_v do_v before_o and_o which_o doubtless_o never_o will_v be_v do_v again_o and_o that_o be_v he_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o that_o death_n he_o be_v just_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o suffer_v he_o foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v death_n from_o the_o chief_a priest_n the_o scribes_z and_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o law_n nevertheless_o he_o may_v have_v easy_o avoid_v it_o if_o he_o will_v by_o retire_v into_o another_o place_n but_o he_o chide_v or_o rather_o storm_v at_o the_o indiscretion_n of_o peter_n who_o will_v have_v divert_v he_o from_o that_o death_n therefore_o he_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o event_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v with_o very_o happy_a and_o save_a consequence_n with_o respect_n to_o mankind_n and_o what_o happy_a consequence_n can_v his_o death_n have_v be_v attend_v withal_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v immediate_o follow_v by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o first_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o death_n and_o then_o voluntary_o suffer_v it_o he_o command_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v commemorate_a therefore_o he_o regard_v it_o as_o a_o event_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n he_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v commemorate_a he_o foresee_v then_o what_o will_v most_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o time_n when_o there_o be_v but_o little_a appearance_n of_o its_o ever_o happen_v he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o shall_v commemorate_v his_o death_n only_o till_o he_o rise_v again_o but_o till_o his_o second_o come_v he_o foresee_v then_o that_o he_o shall_v speedy_o rise_v again_o and_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v depart_v in_o order_n to_o return_v again_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n have_v whole_o invent_v the_o account_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o doctrine_n and_o a_o practice_n a_o doctrine_n can_v hardly_o be_v forge_v especial_o because_o it_o must_v be_v concert_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o several_a person_n but_o a_o sensible_a practice_n a_o thing_n in_o use_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o speak_a doctrine_n can_v much_o less_o be_v palm_a upon_o mankind_n and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n imaginable_a in_o any_o one_o to_o think_v that_o a_o dozen_o poor_a fisherman_n astonish_v and_o cast_v down_o at_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n and_o undeceive_v in_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v entertain_v that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n person_n who_o know_v not_o what_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o publish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n that_o that_o they_o shall_v go_v and_o invent_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o make_v jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n which_o be_v break_v for_o you_o this_o be_v the_o new_a testament_n in_o my_o blood_n word_n that_o imply_v something_o new_a and_o very_o surprise_v which_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o so_o many_o contest_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o different_a interpretation_n word_n which_o s._n paul_n and_o the_o evangelist_n unanimous_o set_v down_o but_o without_o any_o mutual_a compact_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o little_a variety_n there_o occur_v in_o their_o recital_n of_o they_o i_o say_v it_o will_v be_v very_o extravagant_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v in_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o invent_v these_o word_n or_o that_o history_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o eucharist_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v long_o on_o any_o far_a proof_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v upon_o it_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o subject_a the_o only_a consequence_n we_o shall_v draw_v from_o it_o here_o be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n foresee_v his_o death_n prepare_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o suffer_v it_o voluntary_o whereupon_o i_o argue_v thus_o if_o he_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v die_v and_o if_o he_o voluntary_o offer_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n he_o then_o either_o foresee_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o or_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o foresee_v it_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o hope_n than_o do_v he_o comfort_v his_o disciple_n what_o be_v it_o he_o promise_v they_o or_o what_o propose_v he_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n why_o do_v he_o not_o shun_v it_o as_o he_o may_v yet_o have_v do_v when_o he_o be_v at_o supper_n with_o his_o disciple_n what_o mean_v he_o by_o institute_v a_o memorial_n of_o his_o dead_a body_n if_o that_o dead_a body_n be_v always_o to_o abide_v under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n and_o rot_v away_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o as_o we_o may_v very_o reasonable_o imagine_v he_o do_v i_o say_v he_o himself_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o only_o upon_o the_o experience_n he_o have_v already_o make_v of_o that_o power_n which_o have_v restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a health_n to_o the_o sick_a and_o life_n to_o the_o dead_a for_o he_o can_v not_o think_v his_o own_o miracle_n false_a and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n believe_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a if_o he_o think_v he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o also_o think_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a his_o miracle_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v real_o so_o because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n
incapable_a of_o illusion_n and_o deceit_n at_o least_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o who_o wrought_v they_o jesus_n christ_n can_v never_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v fill_v five_o thousand_o man_n at_o one_o time_n three_o thousand_o at_o another_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v to_o life_n the_o widow_n son_n of_o naim_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n and_o lazarus_n of_o bethany_n that_o he_o have_v make_v st._n peter_n walk_v upon_o the_o sea_n etc._n etc._n if_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v not_o real_o be_v true_a no_o one_o sure_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o jesus_n christ_n foretell_v his_o resurrection_n if_o he_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n only_o that_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o command_v the_o stone_n of_o it_o to_o be_v seal_v sir_n we_o remember_v say_v they_o to_o pilate_n that_o that_o deceiver_n say_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a after_o three_o day_n i_o will_v rise_v again_o command_v therefore_o that_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v make_v sure_a until_o the_o three_o day_n lest_o his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o and_o say_v unto_o the_o people_n he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a so_o the_o last_o error_n shall_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o first_o pilate_n say_v unto_o they_o you_o have_v a_o watch_n go_v your_o way_n make_v it_o as_o sure_a as_o you_o can_v so_o they_o go_v and_o make_v the_o sepulchre_n sure_a seal_v the_o stone_n and_o set_v a_o watch_n mat._n 27._o 63_o 64_o 65_o 66._o this_o be_v such_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o dare_v not_o invent_v against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n have_v of_o it_o and_o which_o beside_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o other_o circumstance_n of_o that_o event_n for_o how_o come_v that_o report_n to_o be_v spread_v in_o jerusalem_n that_o the_o watch_v sleep_v when_o the_o disciple_n take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n have_v they_o not_o real_o set_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v his_o sepulchre_n and_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o to_o appoint_v a_o watch_n to_o guard_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v to_o hinder_v the_o disciple_n from_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o if_o christ_n real_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v rise_v again_o he_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o miracle_n neither_o can_v he_o have_v believe_v his_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a have_v they_o be_v false_a thus_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o connexion_n of_o all_o those_o circumstance_n if_o narrow_o consider_v form_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n which_o can_v but_o thorough_o convince_v any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a man._n but_o let_v we_o not_o slight_o pass_v over_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n but_o have_v see_v what_o christ_n think_v concern_v his_o resurrection_n let_v we_o next_o consider_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n concern_v it_o and_o the_o report_n the_o soldier_n make_v that_o be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v this_o sepulchre_n for_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o circumstance_n may_v give_v we_o some_o light_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o most_o important_a and_o the_o most_o essential_a that_o ever_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o scribes_z and_o pharisee_n and_o general_o every_o member_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n be_v instigate_v by_o the_o very_a same_o spirit_n that_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o put_v jesus_n christ_n to_o death_n be_v in_o a_o great_a apprehension_n lest_o his_o disciple_n shall_v take_v away_o his_o body_n and_o afterward_o report_v abroad_o that_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a we_o may_v judge_v how_o much_o they_o think_v it_o for_o their_o interest_n to_o prevent_v it_o by_o the_o attempt_v they_o have_v already_o make_v to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n and_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o since_o the_o sepulchre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o have_v be_v guard_v but_o three_o day_n they_o take_v all_o care_n imaginable_a before_o hand_n for_o fear_v the_o watch_n through_o negligence_n or_o otherwise_o shall_v have_v suffer_v that_o body_n to_o be_v take_v away_o which_o it_o so_o mighty_o behove_v they_o to_o keep_v in_o their_o custody_n but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o event_n of_o all_o this_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v the_o body_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o from_o rise_v out_o of_o its_o sepulchre_n how_o so_o be_v it_o because_o they_o be_v afraid_a or_o be_v they_o bribe_v not_o to_o discover_v the_o business_n have_v they_o be_v bribe_v one_o may_v very_o well_o imagine_v it_o be_v not_o in_o behalf_n of_o the_o disciple_n that_o they_o will_v run_v the_o hazard_n of_o lose_v their_o life_n for_o their_o negligence_n or_o treachery_n what_o then_o be_v they_o afraid_a but_o how_o can_v the_o watch_n prove_v so_o fearful_a and_o the_o disciple_n on_o a_o sudden_a so_o courageous_a as_o to_o attempt_v the_o take_v away_o the_o dead_a body_n of_o one_o from_o who_o they_o have_v so_o late_o flee_v while_o he_o be_v yet_o alive_a beside_o how_o can_v those_o soldier_n have_v report_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o do_v without_o manifest_o contradict_v themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v asleep_a how_o do_v they_o know_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v take_v away_o his_o body_n but_o why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o the_o respect_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o truth_n put_v all_o those_o soldier_n to_o the_o rack_n and_o if_o that_o thought_n come_v not_o present_o into_o their_o head_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a to_o think_v they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o when_o they_o find_v awhile_o after_o all_o jerusalem_n inclinable_a to_o believe_v in_o that_o crucify_a man_n and_o that_o about_o six_o thousand_o soul_n have_v already_o believe_v in_o he_o in_o one_o day_n and_o that_o too_o but_o fifty_o day_n after_o his_o death_n certain_o the_o soldier_n that_o watch_v his_o body_n be_v still_o at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v still_o the_o same_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o before_o it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o punish_v the_o negligence_n of_o those_o soldier_n or_o make_v they_o confess_v the_o secret_a of_o their_o perfidy_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o suborn_v they_o i_o say_v it_o high_o concern_v they_o to_o make_v that_o strict_a examination_n both_o to_o justify_v their_o own_o procedure_n and_o prevent_v the_o utter_a loss_n of_o almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n that_o have_v already_o side_v with_o the_o disciple_n of_o that_o pretend_a impostor_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o when_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n that_o be_v fifty_o day_n after_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o apostle_n show_v themselves_o in_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o testify_v there_o that_o they_o have_v see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v several_a time_n appear_v to_o they_o and_o be_v go_v up_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v pour_v down_o upon_o they_o the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n why_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n then_o who_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v in_o discover_v the_o author_n of_o the_o take_v away_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o say_v why_o do_v they_o not_o seize_v upon_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o make_v they_o confess_v how_o all_o thing_n have_v happen_v why_o do_v they_o not_o confront_v they_o with_o the_o watch_n why_o do_v they_o not_o cast_v joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o those_o man_n in_o prison_n till_o they_o have_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v become_v of_o that_o body_n as_o also_o every_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o imposture_n it_o be_v already_o very_o unlikely_a that_o if_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n have_v come_v by_o night_n and_o have_v steal_v his_o body_n away_o they_o dare_v have_v show_v themselves_o and_o appear_v in_o public_a nay_o immediate_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v his_o disciple_n it_o be_v much_o more_o credible_a they_o will_v have_v hide_v themselves_o after_o such_o a_o action_n and_o that_o if_o they_o preach_v at_o all_o it_o will_v have_v be_v to_o people_n more_o remote_a and_o not_o in_o jerusalem_n the_o very_a place_n where_o those_o thing_n have_v happen_v nor_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o that_o very_a sanhedrin_n they_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o and_o have_v so_o much_o offend_v why_o then_o do_v not_o the_o sanhedrin_n take_v the_o ordinary_a method_n make_v use_v of_o to_o discover_v criminal_n they_o be_v very_o ready_a by_o threat_n torment_n and_o persecution_n to_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n not_o to_o preach_v up_o the_o name_n of_o
matter_n of_o fact_n as_o have_v they_o be_v real_a they_o must_v have_v see_v they_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n chap._n v._o 15._o insomuch_o that_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o sick_a into_o the_o street_n and_o lay_v they_o on_o bed_n and_o couch_n that_o at_o the_o least_o the_o shadow_n of_o peter_n pass_v by_o may_v overshadow_v some_o of_o they_o behold_v the_o completion_n of_o that_o prophecy_n of_o christ_n who_o foretell_v that_o his_o disciple_n shall_v do_v far_o great_a work_n than_o himself_o verse_n 32._o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v christ_n daily_o convince_v the_o unbeliever_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n and_o his_o disciple_n convince_v they_o by_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n impart_v to_o they_o be_v there_o then_o any_o dream_n or_o euthusiasm_n any_o illusion_n or_o distraction_n of_o mind_n any_o mutual_a erroneous_a compact_n in_o all_o this_o or_o rather_o do_v we_o not_o here_o visible_o perceive_v the_o wisdom_n truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n in_o this_o occasion_n chap._n vii_o 51._o you_o stiff-necked_a and_o uncircumcised_a in_o heart_n and_o ear_n you_o do_v always_o resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v all_o deceiver_n and_o impostor_n use_v quite_o another_o method_n to_o flatter_v those_o they_o design_v to_o draw_v over_o to_o their_o side_n verse_n 59_o 60._o and_o they_o stone_v stephen_n call_v upon_o god_n and_o say_v lord_n jesus_n receive_v my_o spirit_n and_o he_o kneel_v down_o and_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lord_n lay_v not_o this_o sin_n to_o their_o charge_n stephen_n die_v pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o enemy_n in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n but_o he_o be_v not_o seize_v with_o sorrow_n anguish_n or_o fear_v he_o cry_v not_o out_o my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o can_v not_o he_o that_o represent_v the_o servant_n so_o courageous_a have_v give_v we_o a_o excellent_a description_n of_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o master_n but_o that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o write_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n chap._n viii_o 14_o 15_o 16._o they_o send_v unto_o they_o peter_n and_o john_n who_o when_o they_o be_v come_v down_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o as_o yet_o he_o be_v fall_v upon_o none_o of_o they_o only_o they_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n by_o these_o word_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o every_o body_n may_v indifferent_o receive_v the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o the_o apostle_n alone_o can_v impart_v it_o to_o other_o a_o distinction_n that_o be_v very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o appear_v yet_o far_o that_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o notable_a and_o visible_a that_o whosoever_o have_v receive_v they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o though_o this_o discourse_n of_o st._n luke_n may_v be_v whole_o invent_v yet_o it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o it_o be_v invent_v upon_o some_o probable_a ground_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o for_o it_o but_o this_o that_o in_o this_o time_n the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o faithful_a for_o otherwise_o to_o talk_v thus_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a and_o extravagant_a verse_n 20._o but_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o thy_o money_n perish_v with_o thou_o because_o thou_o have_v think_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n how_o come_v peter_n to_o deal_v so_o nice_o and_o delicate_o be_v he_o a_o impostor_n indeed_o as_o well_o as_o simon_n magus_n verse_n 22_o 23._o repent_v therefore_o of_o this_o thy_o wickedness_n and_o pray_v god_n if_o perhaps_o the_o thought_n of_o thy_o heart_n may_v be_v forgive_v thou_o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n how_o different_a be_v these_o expression_n from_o those_o of_o a_o man_n who_o conscience_n accuse_v he_o of_o imposture_n and_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o the_o man_n which_o journey_v with_o he_o stand_v speechless_a hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man._n but_o they_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o bring_v he_o unto_o damascus_n and_o he_o be_v there_o three_o day_n without_o sight_n and_o neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v have_v st._n luke_n design_v to_o impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n in_o this_o rehearsal_n he_o will_v have_v manage_v it_o with_o more_o judgement_n for_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o his_o relate_n how_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v company_n with_o he_o when_o the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v round_o about_o he_o what_o make_v he_o quote_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n and_o the_o witness_n of_o who_o the_o synagogue_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o whole_a truth_n how_o can_v he_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o the_o man_n which_o accompany_v saul_n lead_v he_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o damascus_n and_o that_o he_o continue_v there_o three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n deprive_v of_o his_o sight_n verse_n 16._o for_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o great_a thing_n he_o must_v suffer_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n etc._n etc._n the_o whole_a life_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n verse_n 31._o then_o have_v the_o church_n rest_n throughout_o all_o judea_n and_o galilee_n and_o samaria_n and_o be_v edify_v and_o walk_v in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v multiply_v how_o strange_a and_o surprise_a be_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o found_v so_o many_o church_n almost_o every_o where_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n verse_n 34_o 35._o and_o peter_n say_v unto_o he_o aeneas_n jesus_n christ_n make_v thou_o whole_a arise_v etc._n etc._n and_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n see_v he_o and_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n doubtless_o those_o man_n here_o mention_v know_v well_o enough_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o miracle_n perform_v and_o those_o church_n which_o consist_v altogether_o of_o proselyte_n who_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v spectator_n of_o that_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o respect_n verse_n 41_o 42._o and_o he_o give_v she_o his_o hand_n and_o lift_v she_o up_o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v the_o saint_n and_o widow_n present_v her_o alive_a and_o it_o be_v know_v throughout_o all_o joppa_n and_o many_o believe_v in_o the_o lord_n this_o be_v a_o miracle_n notorious_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v witness_n sufficient_a to_o contradict_v and_o convince_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n suppose_v this_o miracle_n have_v be_v only_o a_o frame_a story_n and_o a_o shame_n upon_o man_n belief_n chap._n x._o 45_o 46_o 47._o and_o they_o of_o the_o circumcision_n which_o believe_v be_v astonish_v as_o many_o as_o come_v with_o peter_n because_o that_o on_o the_o gentile_n also_o be_v pour_v out_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o hear_v they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o magnify_v god_n then_o answer_v peter_n can_v any_o one_o forbid_v water_n that_o these_o shall_v not_o be_v baptize_v which_o have_v receive_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o well_o as_o we_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o astonishment_n in_o those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o see_v till_o then_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v impart_v to_o the_o gentile_n the_o very_a mixture_n of_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o be_v often_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o narration_n chap._n xi_o 18._o when_o they_o hear_v these_o thing_n they_o hold_v their_o peace_n and_o glorify_a god_n say_v then_o have_v god_n also_o to_o the_o gentile_n grant_v repentance_n unto_o life_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o perfect_a stile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o very_a expression_n of_o the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n chap._n xii_o 18_o 19_o now_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v day_n there_o be_v no_o small_a stir_n among_o the_o soldier_n what_o be_v become_v of_o peter_n and_o when_o herod_n have_v seek_v for_o he_o and_o find_v he_o not_o he_o examine_v the_o keeper_n and_o command_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n a_o circumstance_n that_o can_v be_v forge_v and_o which_o excellent_o confirm_v the_o relation_n of_o peter_n be_v miraculous_a deliverance_n chap._n xiii_o 3._o and_o when_o they_o have_v fast_v and_o pray_v they_o lay_v hand_n on_o they_o this_o historian_n who_o
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
we_o humble_a that_o fit_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o condition_n of_o life_n and_o satisfy_v all_o the_o desire_n of_o our_o heart_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n that_o sanctify_v we_o exalt_v we_o and_o complete_v all_o our_o wish_n and_o though_o man_n and_o angel_n shall_v joint_o endeavour_v to_o contrive_v a_o more_o excellent_a one_o and_o more_o suitable_a to_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n than_o this_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v never_o accomplish_v their_o design_n vi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o be_v with_o the_o deity_n as_o with_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v bright_a in_o itself_o diffuse_v abroad_o its_o glory_n by_o its_o beam_n and_o imprint_n upon_o the_o cloud_n or_o water_n a_o imperfect_a image_n of_o itself_o which_o image_n though_o it_o want_v the_o full_a splendour_n of_o its_o original_a be_v yet_o pure_a agreeable_a and_o adorn_v with_o sufficient_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n the_o deity_n have_v a_o essential_a glory_n consist_v in_o its_o supereminent_a virtue_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v superad_v and_o the_o brightness_n of_o it_o be_v more_o than_o man_n can_v bear_v this_o glory_n stream_v from_o the_o eternal_a author_n of_o all_o thing_n diffuse_v itself_o abroad_o in_o all_o his_o work_n and_o form_n out_o of_o the_o bright_a efflux_n of_o those_o beam_n which_o strike_v by_o reflection_n upon_o we_o and_o be_v unite_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n a_o image_n of_o that_o refulgent_a and_o immortal_a sun_n which_o image_n though_o it_o have_v not_o all_o it_o be_v full_a perfect_a and_o dazzle_a splendour_n be_v yet_o pure_a bright_a lively_a and_o transcendent_a and_o this_o glory_n be_v what_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n easy_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o in_o that_o it_o refer_v itself_o sole_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o lively_a image_n and_o transcript_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o our_o duty_n this_o religion_n be_v alone_o capable_a of_o undeceive_a man_n by_o remove_v those_o false_a notion_n they_o have_v so_o long_o entertain_v of_o the_o deity_n this_o alone_a discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n remove_v all_o symbol_n type_n shadow_n material_a and_o sensible_a appearance_n under_o which_o he_o be_v worship_v all_o which_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o disguise_v than_o discover_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o deity_n it_o give_v we_o some_o insight_n into_o that_o nature_n by_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n be_v invisible_a and_o remove_v he_o from_o our_o sense_n to_o make_v he_o the_o object_n of_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v this_o religion_n alone_o that_o discover_v that_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o god_n so_o full_a of_o mercy_n and_o consolation_n to_o we_o that_o he_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n it_o be_v this_o alone_a that_o glorify_v god_n in_o his_o attribute_n and_o show_v distinct_o their_o infinite_a perfection_n by_o this_o alone_a we_o be_v teach_v that_o god_n govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o providence_n that_o he_o make_v evil_a itself_o instrumental_a to_o our_o good_a that_o by_o his_o goodness_n he_o supply_v all_o our_o necessity_n that_o our_o sin_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o justice_n he_o can_v consequent_o bear_v with_o they_o and_o yet_o that_o his_o mercy_n and_o compassion_n be_v without_o bound_n it_o teach_v we_o not_o only_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o serve_v he_o but_o assure_v we_o also_o that_o this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o creation_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o ask_v of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o begin_v our_o petition_n with_o this_o form_n hallow_a be_v thy_o name_n thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v it_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v glorify_v he_o not_o only_o with_o our_o lip_n or_o bare_o by_o our_o spiritual_a song_n but_o with_o all_o our_o thought_n word_n and_o work_n it_o show_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o creature_n but_o what_o be_v under_o his_o providence_n no_o sin_n but_o what_o may_v fall_v under_o his_o justice_n no_o sinner_n but_o what_o may_v experience_n his_o mercy_n no_o motion_n or_o inclination_n to_o â—â—â—ty_n but_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o grace_n nor_o no_o unlawful_a action_n but_o what_o will_v one_o day_n fall_v under_o his_o judgement_n it_o discover_v to_o we_o such_o miracle_n as_o glorify_v his_o infinite_a power_n such_o event_n as_o clear_o manifest_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o providence_n such_o benefit_n as_o evince_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o it_o allow_v all_o his_o divine_a attribute_n a_o thing_n before_o unknown_a to_o man_n their_o just_a extent_n that_o be_v a_o extent_n without_o limit_n now_o from_o whence_o can_v proceed_v those_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o god_n of_o his_o immensity_n omnipotence_n his_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o immutability_n etc._n etc._n but_o from_o this_o divine_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n can_v at_o once_o elevate_v both_o god_n and_o man._n it_o show_v we_o how_o admirable_o man_n be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o god_n to_o man._n it_o alone_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n to_o acquiesce_v without_o any_o murmur_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o direct_v all_o our_o desire_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o supreme_a good_n man_n indeed_o heretofore_o endeavour_v to_o honour_v their_o deity_n by_o offer_v beast_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v it_o ever_o know_v before_o that_o they_o be_v to_o glorify_v god_n by_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o themselves_o and_o what_o other_o religion_n but_o this_o can_v incite_v man_n to_o offer_v such_o a_o sacrifice_n in_o which_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o much_o pain_n and_o reluctance_n certain_o unless_o we_o wilful_o blind_v ourselves_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n incredible_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o perceive_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a communion_n between_o the_o perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o their_o effect_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n heart_n which_o glorify_v god_n neither_o flesh_n and_o blood_n neither_o the_o world_n nature_n or_o education_n be_v forcible_a enough_o to_o produce_v so_o great_a and_o sublime_a a_o effect_n and_o this_o can_v be_v the_o work_n of_o none_o but_o he_o who_o perfect_o know_v the_o agreement_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o heart_n be_v whole_o make_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o sentiment_n of_o his_o glory_n be_v to_o be_v imprint_v in_o our_o heart_n only_o by_o the_o help_n of_o religion_n vii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o morality_n be_v we_o never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o what_o pass_v within_o we_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o find_v that_o the_o two_o principal_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o sensitive_a and_o intellectual_a appetite_n by_o consent_n alternate_o deceive_v one_o another_o but_o we_o shall_v also_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a to_o undertake_v to_o rectify_v the_o one_o without_o increase_v the_o disorder_n of_o the_o other_o if_o by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o be_v before_o ignorant_a of_o we_o remove_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o usual_o then_o grow_v proud_a of_o our_o learning_n and_o if_o we_o satisfy_v our_o desire_n by_o soothe_v our_o passion_n we_o often_o cherish_v the_o most_o dangerous_a principle_n of_o error_n and_o prejudice_n that_o obscure_a the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n but_o too_o well_o experience_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n often_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o a_o sin_n indulge_v in_o which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o ill_a success_n those_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o who_o endeavour_v to_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man._n for_o some_o observe_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n in_o be_v too_o indulgent_a to_o their_o passion_n as_o the_o epicurean_o who_o make_v pleasure_n the_o only_a end_n of_o man_n debase_v he_o to_o a_o brute_n to_o render_v he_o more_o happy_a other_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n in_o ascribe_v the_o knowledge_n of_o too_o many_o thing_n to_o their_o reason_n such_o be_v the_o stoic_n who_o forget_v that_o they_o be_v man_n because_o they_o have_v
the_o public_a good_a to_o concur_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o private_a and_o the_o private_a with_o that_o of_o the_o public_a for_o instance_n what_o will_v follow_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o charity_n which_o enjoin_v we_o to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o our_o mind_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o result_n of_o it_o will_v be_v that_o every_o man_n interest_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o that_o there_o shall_v reign_v no_o hatred_n or_o animosity_n no_o jealousy_n or_o competition_n among_o they_o that_o every_o man_n will_v thank_v god_n for_o the_o blessing_n that_o other_o have_v receive_v at_o his_o hand_n that_o charity_n will_v make_v every_o thing_n our_o own_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v happy_a in_o other_o man_n advantage_n as_o a_o son_n in_o the_o prosperity_n of_o his_o father_n and_o a_o father_n in_o that_o of_o his_o son_n that_o a_o public_a society_n will_v make_v but_o one_o family_n more_o close_o unite_v since_o charity_n can_v make_v those_o thing_n equal_a that_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v and_o much_o the_o happy_a since_o the_o happiness_n of_o one_o single_a person_n shall_v be_v enjoy_v by_o all_o and_o the_o happiness_n of_o all_o by_o each_o single_a person_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o foresee_v what_o objection_n our_o incredulous_a adversary_n will_v make_v they_o will_v say_v that_o christian_a morality_n be_v undoubted_o a_o very_a fine_a idea_n of_o true_a perfection_n but_o very_o unprofitable_a since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o raise_v above_o our_o ordinary_a strength_n and_o capacity_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o objection_n depend_v upon_o those_o reflection_n we_o shall_v continue_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o this_o morality_n viii_o we_o therefore_o assert_v that_o although_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o continual_a warfare_n betwixt_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o spirit_n we_o can_v observe_v this_o christian_a morality_n in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o it_o in_o their_o utmost_a extent_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o by_o observe_v it_o according_a to_o our_o present_a condition_n it_o procure_v we_o a_o thousand_o advantageous_a effect_n which_o clear_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a idea_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o undeniable_a truth_n as_o be_v daily_o confirm_v by_o experience_n so_o true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o strict_a observance_n of_o this_o divine_a morality_n tend_v to_o our_o profit_n and_o welfare_n that_o parent_n themselves_o wish_v it_o to_o their_o child_n husband_n to_o their_o wife_n and_o wife_n to_o their_o husband_n servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o master_n to_o their_o servant_n prince_n to_o their_o subject_n and_o subject_n to_o their_o prince_n creditor_n to_o their_o debtor_n and_o debtor_n to_o their_o creditor_n as_o the_o principle_n of_o fidelity_n love_n union_n virtue_n and_o even_o of_o joy_n and_o satisfaction_n self-love_n indeed_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a idea_n especial_o when_o it_o command_v it_o to_o shake_v off_o its_o evil_a inclination_n and_o think_v itself_o not_o able_a to_o observe_v it_o strict_o but_o still_o it_o think_v it_o very_o just_a reasonable_a and_o perfect_a when_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o reform_v other_o man_n imperfection_n and_o vice_n and_o it_o be_v well_o please_v to_o see_v if_o it_o be_v not_o extreme_o degenerate_v into_o the_o worst_a irregularity_n that_o that_o bridle_v sufficient_o curb_v at_o least_o in_o other_o man_n their_o concupiscence_n and_o unruly_a passion_n who_o end_n be_v only_o to_o confound_v ruin_n and_o violate_v all_o thing_n ix_o but_o that_o which_o whole_o secure_v christian_n morality_n from_o the_o reproach_n it_o may_v be_v charge_v with_o in_o this_o respect_n be_v that_o it_o be_v itself_o either_o endow_v with_o such_o strength_n as_o must_v necessary_o exalt_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o contain_v such_o object_n which_o together_o with_o the_o efficacy_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o continual_o attend_v they_o outweigh_v the_o most_o sensible_a object_n and_o that_o passionate_a inclination_n we_o all_o have_v for_o the_o world_n philosopher_n indeed_o may_v be_v very_o just_o charge_v with_o this_o reproach_n namely_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v mere_a speculation_n because_o their_o excellent_a maxim_n have_v no_o motive_n powerful_a enough_o to_o support_v they_o they_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v true_a that_o we_o must_v overcome_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o evil_a desire_n but_o if_o once_o they_o be_v ask_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o they_o be_v much_o perplex_v how_o to_o solve_v the_o query_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o their_o morality_n be_v very_o excellent_a but_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o observe_v it_o be_v weak_a and_o a_o little_a renown_n acquire_v in_o practise_v that_o virtue_n they_o so_o strict_o 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it_o be_v depend_v upon_o matter_n by_o its_o union_n to_o it_o why_o shall_v we_o refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o union_n which_o leave_v to_o god_n his_o entire_a independence_n and_o liberty_n and_o aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o bring_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o christ_n in_o a_o great_a subjection_n to_o he_o we_o no_o soon_o embrace_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o incarnation_n but_o every_o thing_n that_o seem_v offensive_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n will_v present_o vanish_v we_o shall_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o die_v since_o he_o be_v man_n and_o that_o his_o death_n be_v infinite_o valuable_a since_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o great_a be_v the_o dignity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o union_n of_o those_o two_o nature_n that_o it_o make_v the_o death_n of_o christ_n equivalent_a to_o the_o punishment_n our_o sin_n have_v so_o just_o deserve_v we_o shall_v not_o then_o think_v it_o difficult_a to_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o a_o nature_n as_o have_v be_v honour_v with_o so_o particular_a a_o union_n to_o the_o deity_n shall_v yet_o have_v be_v for_o ever_o dissolve_v and_o remain_v to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o power_n of_o death_n but_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o very_o reasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o can_v not_o but_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o grave_a into_o which_o it_o have_v be_v please_v to_o descend_v if_o then_o christ_n be_v true_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a can_v our_o incredulous_a reason_n still_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v also_o rise_v again_o but_o how_o can_v that_o reason_n contradict_v a_o truth_n which_o the_o disciple_n see_v they_o behold_v the_o glory_n of_o christ_n both_o in_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o in_o his_o holiness_n of_o life_n they_o see_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o be_v witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n they_o perceive_v angel_n come_v down_o towards_o he_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n by_o their_o ministry_n the_o world_n believe_v on_o their_o preach_a and_o last_o they_o see_v christ_n ascend_v into_o heaven_n all_o which_o be_v very_o sensible_a and_o evident_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o mystery_n then_o of_o the_o incarnation_n though_o the_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v of_o all_o those_o of_o christian_a religion_n imply_v however_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o we_o must_v except_v the_o most_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n another_o mystery_n which_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n be_v not_o easy_o reconcilable_a to_o it_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n render_v it_o not_o any_o way_n repugnant_a to_o reason_n 1_o sy_n because_o the_o word_n person_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o that_o of_o essence_n i_o grant_v that_o three_o person_n and_o one_o person_n one_o essence_n and_o three_o essence_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o essence_n and_o three_o person_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o any_o after_o you_o know_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o two_o term_n 2_o lie_n because_o the_o deity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o so_o sublime_a a_o subject_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o we_o can_v reach_v to_o the_o greatness_n of_o it_o by_o our_o weak_a imagination_n 3_o dly_z because_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o most_o considerable_a difficulty_n of_o this_o mystery_n proceed_v from_o a_o defect_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o silence_n which_o holy_a writ_n observe_v on_o that_o
neither_o be_v it_o because_o of_o his_o extraordinary_a piety_n for_o moses_n call_v the_o meek_a of_o man_n be_v without_o doubt_n in_o that_o equal_a to_o he_o it_o be_v then_o because_o of_o the_o advantage_n he_o enjoy_v both_o in_o see_v and_o hear_v the_o messiah_n but_o how_o come_v our_o saviour_n to_o add_v that_o the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a than_o he_o must_v we_o understand_v by_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n that_o kingdom_n of_o which_o john_n himself_o say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v it_o not_o rather_o because_o john_n see_v none_o of_o all_o the_o wonder_n of_o that_o kingdom_n which_o the_o least_o of_o christ_n disciple_n have_v see_v which_o indeed_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o bless_a be_v your_o eye_n for_o they_o see_v and_o your_o ear_n for_o they_o hear_v for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o many_o prophet_n and_o righteous_a man_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o matth._n 13._o 16_o 17._o now_o all_o this_o evident_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o marvellous_a event_n which_o serve_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n what_o he_o also_o say_v himself_o concern_v blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v altogether_o strange_a and_o very_a surprise_v nay_o the_o very_a name_n he_o give_v to_o that_o sin_n imply_v something_o in_o itself_o singular_a and_o extraordinary_a for_o no_o body_n before_o he_o ever_o express_v himself_o after_o this_o manner_n man_n be_v not_o ignorant_a that_o sin_v against_o god_n be_v a_o very_a great_a crime_n but_o they_o have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n much_o less_o be_v they_o satisfy_v if_o there_o be_v any_o harm_n in_o blaspheme_v against_o he_o this_o unusual_a language_n necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o new_a revelation_n and_o from_o new_a and_o different_a object_n not_o see_v or_o hear_v of_o before_o for_o the_o jew_n know_v not_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v if_o we_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o evangelist_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o of_o they_o who_o though_o convert_v to_o the_o gopsel_n of_o christ_n yet_o still_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o we_o will_v but_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o therein_o the_o gospel_n the_o act_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o those_o great_a and_o extraordinary_a man_n they_o will_v present_o inform_v we_o that_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n impart_v to_o the_o man_n of_o those_o day_n and_o that_o to_o blaspheme_n against_o he_o be_v downright_a blasphemy_n against_o that_o divine_a and_o glorious_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o give_v such_o power_n unto_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v first_o in_o that_o text_n such_o a_o obscurity_n as_o prove_v that_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v think_v of_o invent_v it_o have_v not_o christ_n himself_o real_o utter_v these_o very_a word_n and_o second_o it_o undeniable_o suppose_v the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o pharisee_n be_v wont_a to_o ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n of_o belzebub_n wherein_o indeed_o chief_o consist_v the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o like_a manner_n this_o text_n except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v of_o water_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n john_n 3._o 5._o imply_v a_o very_a puzzle_v difficulty_n because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_a former_o for_o man_n to_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n it_o be_v a_o very_a difficult_a matter_n indeed_o to_o understand_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o text_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o far_o more_o difficult_a to_o invent_v it_o and_o all_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o world_n may_v put_v their_o head_n together_o and_o yet_o never_o be_v able_a to_o invent_v the_o like_a text._n above_o all_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o the_o jew_n to_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n because_o they_o have_v no_o such_o object_n among_o they_o as_o can_v fill_v up_o their_o mind_n with_o any_o such_o idea_n when_o we_o suppose_v the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n confer_v upon_o christ_n disciple_n we_o may_v then_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o mysterious_a but_o very_o remarkable_a expression_n we_o may_v also_o add_v to_o this_o text_n that_o other_o which_o mention_n the_o baptism_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o fire_n in_o like_a manner_n it_o please_v god_n in_o his_o wisdom_n that_o they_o who_o relate_v to_o we_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n shall_v tell_v we_o also_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v at_o first_o view_n easy_o comprehend_v though_o they_o have_v a_o true_a and_o reasonable_a meaning_n on_o purpose_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a say_n ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o they_o shall_v come_v of_o themselves_o into_o their_o thought_n have_v not_o he_o real_o speak_v they_o so_o consequent_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o man_n shall_v have_v forge_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n or_o their_o discourse_n with_o he_o after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o for_o instance_n these_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o mary_n touch_v i_o not_o for_o i_o be_o not_o yet_o ascend_v to_o my_o father_n john_n 20._o 17._o we_o can_v make_v almost_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o such_o remark_n as_o these_o which_o though_o they_o can_v come_v up_o to_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n yet_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a number_n of_o circumstance_n with_o which_o their_o narrative_n be_v fill_v some_o whereof_o be_v so_o singular_a that_o they_o can_v easy_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o other_o so_o unbecoming_a their_o master_n or_o disadvantageous_a to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o probability_n they_o can_v have_v any_o desire_n to_o forge_v they_o other_o be_v so_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o those_o event_n which_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v well_o know_v that_o they_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o think_v of_o forge_v they_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n every_o body_n must_v have_v have_v of_o they_o as_o we_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a but_o last_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o insist_v pure_o upon_o probable_a reason_n though_o never_o so_o probable_a and_o sufficient_a of_o themselves_o to_o form_v a_o true_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n when_o join_v together_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o whole_o demonstrative_a now_o the_o whole_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o this_o argument_n namely_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v his_o miracle_n resurrection_n ascension_n and_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o invincible_a proof_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o disciple_n shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o they_o may_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o his_o resurrection_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o though_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o his_o ascension_n yet_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o too_o in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o know_v by_o inward_a sense_n and_o continual_a experience_n i_o prove_v also_o the_o principle_n of_o this_o argument_n viz._n that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n sincere_o believe_v all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o the_o same_o gradation_n i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n as_o to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n not_o only_o because_o they_o assert_v they_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o their_o own_o
quiet_a of_o their_o dear_a blood_n and_o even_o of_o their_o life_n but_o also_o because_o they_o mention_v the_o place_n the_o occasion_n the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v do_v and_o general_o all_o the_o circumstance_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n and_o render_v the_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o mankind_n altogether_o impossible_a and_o beside_o that_o they_o confirm_v those_o miracle_n by_o other_o full_a as_o great_a if_o not_o great_a than_o they_o be_v which_o they_o pretend_v to_o do_v even_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o only_o tell_v they_o that_o which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n declare_v we_o unto_o you_o 1_o john_n 1._o 1._o allude_v thereby_o to_o christ_n have_v deliver_v himself_o to_o be_v touch_v and_o handle_v by_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o also_o add_v these_o word_n in_o another_o place_n therefore_o he_o have_v shed_v forth_o this_o which_o you_o now_o see_v and_o hear_v there_o be_v this_o further_a very_o remarkable_a in_o those_o expression_n namely_o that_o they_o pretend_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v not_o in_o great_a abundance_n upon_o they_o till_o after_o christ_n glorification_n for_o they_o make_v this_o truth_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o their_o gospel_n the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v they_o be_v not_o yet_o give_v because_o that_o jesus_n be_v not_o yet_o glorify_v john_n 7._o 39_o thus_o it_o appear_v what_o it_o be_v they_o understand_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n only_o which_o they_o have_v already_o receive_v when_o christ_n be_v yet_o with_o they_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o they_o have_v partly_o receive_v they_o when_o they_o be_v send_v into_o the_o different_a part_n of_o 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agree_v to_o testify_v the_o same_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o severe_a trial_n they_o be_v force_v to_o undergo_v in_o a_o time_n they_o must_v otherwise_o have_v be_v so_o much_o deject_v or_o that_o they_o can_v be_v able_a to_o maintain_v that_o cheat_n with_o so_o much_o constancy_n as_o they_o do_v and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o also_o affirm_v of_o his_o glorious_a ascension_n certain_o though_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o disciple_n may_v be_v just_o suspect_v in_o both_o these_o two_o last_o event_n yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v call_v in_o question_n concern_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o if_o christ_n disciple_n be_v not_o true_o sincere_a than_o they_o necessary_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceiver_n and_o consequent_o not_o able_a to_o work_v any_o miracle_n or_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o have_v boast_v that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v both_o and_o make_v this_o a_o essential_a article_n 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perceive_v how_o false_o they_o have_v promise_v they_o the_o gift_n of_o several_a language_n and_o though_o one_o single_a disciple_n of_o christ_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o foolish_a and_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o shall_v be_v besot_v with_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o stupidity_n shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o disciple_n have_v undertake_v to_o persuade_v their_o proselyte_n that_o they_o have_v confer_v upon_o they_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o those_o proselyte_n will_v believe_v it_o against_o their_o continual_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a for_o if_o the_o disciple_n know_v by_o experience_n they_o can_v speak_v no_o language_n but_o their_o own_o by_o the_o same_o experience_n their_o proselyte_n will_v have_v know_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o though_o one_o single_a person_n may_v have_v fancy_v he_o have_v receive_v it_o which_o be_v yet_o impossible_a in_o itself_o yet_o a_o whole_a multitude_n can_v never_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v still_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o this_o pretend_a illusion_n shall_v have_v grow_v so_o universal_a and_o durable_a that_o st._n paul_n not_o only_o suppose_v but_o find_v it_o settle_v in_o the_o world_n and_o undertake_v to_o reform_v the_o disorder_n which_o arise_v in_o several_a particular_a church_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o though_o christ_n disciple_n may_v have_v promise_v out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n of_o their_o own_o to_o impart_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o have_v not_o and_o make_v other_o man_n speak_v such_o language_n as_o they_o neither_o understand_v nor_o speak_v themselves_o and_o though_o a_o multidude_v of_o proselyte_n and_o disciple_n may_v have_v persuade_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o experience_n and_o inward_a sense_n that_o they_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o or_o speak_v those_o language_n which_o they_o real_o speak_v no_o more_o than_o they_o do_v before_o their_o call_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o impossible_a that_o those_o miraculous_a gift_n suppose_v they_o to_o exist_v only_o in_o the_o imaginary_a conceit_n of_o the_o one_o and_o of_o the_o other_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o any_o way_n to_o move_v the_o sight_n of_o the_o spectator_n or_o make_v the_o jew_n glorify_v god_n in_o that_o they_o have_v see_v his_o spirit_n descend_v upon_o the_o gentile_n but_o grant_v all_o this_o possible_a though_o this_o illusion_n shall_v have_v take_v place_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o gift_n of_o speak_v divers_a tongue_n yet_o man_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o gift_n of_o interpret_n they_o and_o much_o less_o in_o all_o the_o other_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o the_o disciple_n of_o their_o holiness_n of_o life_n their_o charity_n their_o zeal_n their_o unaffected_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o their_o self-denial_n sincerity_n and_o plain_a ingenuity_n methinks_v all_o these_o character_n put_v together_o necessary_o and_o evident_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o disciple_n be_v plain_a honest_a sincere_a man_n that_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o any_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o this_o truth_n need_v no_o further_a demonstration_n it_o may_v not_o however_o be_v amiss_o to_o remove_v some_o few_o small_a difficulty_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o oppose_v what_o have_v be_v say_v concern_v these_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o difficulty_n be_v to_o know_v how_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v able_a to_o extinguish_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o convert_v all_o