the_o emperor_n that_o have_v strict_o inquire_v into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o christian_n he_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o they_o assemble_v together_o in_o remote_a place_n early_o in_o the_o morning_n and_o there_o say_v their_o prayer_n to_o heaven_n and_o bind_v themselves_o under_o a_o solemn_a oath_n not_o to_o commit_v murder_n adultery_n injustice_n or_o any_o other_o crime_n they_o will_v also_o produce_v a_o answer_n from_o trajan_n to_o pliny_n wherein_o that_o emperor_n give_v positive_a order_n that_o for_o the_o future_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o particular_a inquiry_n make_v after_o the_o christian_n but_o those_o only_a shall_v be_v punish_v who_o shall_v discover_v themselves_o and_o that_o we_o may_v not_o think_v that_o these_o letter_n be_v forge_v we_o may_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v tertulian_n that_o mention_n they_o in_o his_o discourse_n to_o the_o senate_n and_o the_o roman_a emperor_n who_o he_o can_v not_o impose_v upon_o without_o endanger_v his_o own_o life_n and_o prejudice_v his_o religion_n chap._n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o perhaps_o we_o may_v soon_o suspect_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n than_o their_o innocence_n we_o be_v sure_a their_o constancy_n proceed_v from_o their_o hope_n and_o their_o hope_n from_o their_o persuasion_n but_o who_o know_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o persuasion_n be_v there_o not_o mahumetan_n so_o strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o error_n the_o multitude_n then_o of_o martyr_n show_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n to_o be_v strong_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o prove_v not_o that_o persuasion_n to_o be_v well_o ground_v we_o mâ—st_v therefore_o go_v a_o little_a further_o and_o here_o we_o may_v easy_o suppose_v without_o fear_n of_o be_v mistake_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v some_o sort_n of_o common_a sense_n those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o profession_n to_o ridicule_n the_o plurality_n of_o god_n and_o the_o many_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n which_o be_v real_o contrary_a to_o reason_n those_o who_o put_v in_o practice_n such_o wise_a rule_n of_o morality_n who_o be_v so_o regular_a in_o their_o behaviour_n so_o averse_a to_o all_o the_o excess_n that_o disorder_n reason_n who_o form_v to_o themselves_o such_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o comparison_n to_o other_o those_o man_n i_o say_v can_v not_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n now_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v but_o the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o that_o light_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o conceiuâ—_v that_o they_o shall_v whole_o renounce_v their_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o courageous_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o any_o cause_n whatsoever_o unless_o they_o have_v very_o powerful_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v good_a this_o consideration_n will_v be_v further_o strengthen_v by_o two_o very_a important_a reflection_n and_o first_o we_o speak_v not_o here_o of_o such_o only_a who_o be_v bear_v christian_n blind_o follow_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n but_o also_o of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o renounce_v paganism_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n and_o lay_v aside_o the_o favourable_a prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o birth_n which_o in_o they_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v yet_o willing_a to_o die_v for_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v know_v and_o embrace_v second_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o found_v upon_o mattter_n of_o fact_n for_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v miracle_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a than_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n true_a but_o if_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n nor_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a then_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n false_a and_o sure_o it_o will_v have_v be_v folly_n or_o madness_n in_o those_o man_n to_o forsake_v so_o flourish_v a_o communion_n as_o paganism_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n a_o name_n so_o vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o those_o day_n to_o suffer_v voluntary_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o estate_n and_o undergo_v a_o most_o terrible_a death_n only_o to_o defend_v a_o religion_n ground_v upon_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a those_o indeed_o that_o be_v bear_v and_o live_v peacable_o in_o a_o communion_n may_v blind_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o but_o he_o that_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o constitution_n of_o man_n heart_n can_v scarce_o imagine_v man_n to_o be_v so_o senseless_a as_o to_o renounce_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o birth_n and_o education_n to_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o dear_a and_o most_o tender_a inclination_n and_o embrace_v a_o faith_n pursue_v with_o fire_n and_o sword_n and_o persecute_v by_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o due_o examine_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o know_v well_o upon_o what_o ground_n they_o thus_o embrace_v it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o of_o these_o man_n be_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o example_n can_v be_v allege_v as_o a_o precedent_n for_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n we_o will_v grant_v it_o but_o than_o it_o must_v also_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o vulgar_a usual_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o be_v attend_v with_o power_n and_o prosperity_n pomp_n and_o authority_n and_o hate_v even_o truth_n itself_o when_o once_o destitute_a of_o all_o these_o outward_a help_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a then_o that_o against_o all_o outward_a appearance_n they_o shall_v have_v act_v so_o contrary_o to_o themselves_o in_o this_o occasion_n but_o suppose_v the_o commmon_a sort_n of_o christian_n to_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n can_v we_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o clement_n polycarp_n justin_n iraeneus_n &_o c_o it_o be_v certain_a on_o one_o hÄnd_n these_o man_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n as_o their_o write_n those_o monument_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o evident_o demonstrate_v and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n for_o polycarp_n converse_v a_o long_a while_n with_o st._n john_n iraeneus_n see_v polycarp_n and_o justin_n be_v a_o more_o ancient_a father_n than_o iraeneus_n have_v those_o doctor_n only_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v suspend_v our_o belief_n upon_o their_o bare_a word_n but_o since_o they_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v full_o be_v inform_v of_o since_o i_o see_v that_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n disciple_n and_o contemporary_n with_o the_o apostle_n cheerful_o come_v to_o the_o stake_n to_o maintain_v a_o religion_n essential_o found_v upon_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o divers_a language_n confer_v upon_o the_o apostle_n the_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o impart_v those_o very_a gift_n themselves_o to_o other_o since_o i_o say_v these_o christian_a doctor_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v essential_o unite_v to_o i_o confess_v i_o begin_v to_o be_v convince_v nevertheless_o let_v we_o search_v more_o narrow_o into_o this_o matter_n and_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v yet_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o further_a scruple_n chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o tell_v we_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n and_o suppose_v they_o do_v who_o will_v assure_v we_o they_o be_v not_o delude_v by_o the_o apostle_n nay_o who_o can_v tell_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o such_o man_n i_o suppose_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o prove_v with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n eusebius_n who_o write_v their_o history_n can_v not_o whole_o have_v invent_v it_o unless_o he_o have_v corrupt_v all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n that_o live_v before_o he_o for_o they_o all_o speak_v of_o it_o iraeneus_n justin_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n etc._n etc._n mention_v it_o as_o a_o know_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o first_o of_o they_o glory_n in_o several_a place_n of_o his_o work_n that_o he_o have_v see_v polycarp_n in_o his_o youth_n and_o it_o appear_v they_o all_o suffer_v martyrdom_n
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 jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o essene_n and_o that_o he_o borrow_v from_o that_o sect_n the_o purity_n of_o his_o moral_n and_o the_o soundness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o description_n which_o philo_n and_o josephus_n give_v we_o of_o that_o sect_n that_o the_o essenes_n live_v among_o themselves_o in_o a_o perfect_a union_n that_o they_o possess_v all_o thing_n in_o common_a that_o they_o look_v upon_o one_o another_o as_o so_o many_o brethren_n and_o that_o they_o have_v very_o rational_a and_o sound_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o this_o pretty_a well_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o chistianity_n beside_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o jesus_n christ_n ever_o oppose_v their_o doctrine_n when_o he_o pronounce_v so_o many_o woe_n against_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o jesus_n christ_n borrow_v his_o doctrine_n from_o that_o sect_n we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v at_o his_o 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
in_o imitation_n of_o those_o primitive_a christian_n that_o the_o apostle_n deceive_v polycarp_n and_o clemens_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o disciple_n be_v a_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o be_v suspect_v because_o they_o themselves_o stick_v not_o to_o boast_v of_o their_o be_v able_a to_o work_v miracle_n heal_v all_o kind_n of_o disease_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n and_o impart_v to_o other_o those_o gift_n they_o call_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o clemens_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n shall_v have_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o respect_n especial_o to_o â—uch_v a_o degree_n as_o to_o suffer_v death_n for_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v on_o so_o many_o imposture_n but_o whence_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o apostle_n boast_v of_o a_o power_n to_o work_v miracle_n and_o impart_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n it_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o their_o own_o epistle_n which_o can_v be_v forge_v as_o we_o shall_v prove_v by_o and_o by_o but_o also_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o doctor_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o fine_a it_o be_v manifest_a of_o itself_o for_o as_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o alexander_n the_o great_a without_o overthrow_v the_o common_a opinion_n that_o he_o subvert_v the_o empire_n of_o darius_n and_o the_o macedonian_n subdue_v all_o asia_n under_o his_o conduct_n because_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v upon_o the_o other_o so_o we_o can_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n without_o believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n his_o resurrection_n his_o pour_v out_o the_o holy_a ghost_n on_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n impart_v to_o those_o that_o believe_v for_o take_v away_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherein_o will_v the_o divinity_n of_o it_o consist_v wherein_o will_v lie_v the_o strength_n promise_n and_o essential_o of_o it_o since_o therefore_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n suffer_v martyrdom_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o they_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o just_o now_o mention_v so_o that_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v very_o palpable_a and_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a for_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o the_o apostle_n to_o know_v certain_o whether_o they_o real_o have_v the_o pretend_a gift_n of_o divers_a tongue_n of_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n and_o of_o communicate_v these_o extraordinary_a gift_n to_o other_o so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o frequent_v in_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o its_o possible_a to_o call_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o in_o question_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n however_o fruitful_a in_o imagination_n can_v hardly_o raise_v here_o a_o doubt_n of_o a_o moment_n continuance_n for_o shall_v i_o fancy_v they_o may_v have_v give_v i_o a_o false_a relation_n of_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o clemens_n of_o polycarp_n and_o the_o successor_n of_o the_o apostle_n this_o thought_n soon_o vanish_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o number_n quality_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o witness_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o sucessour_n of_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n will_v have_v suffer_v a_o real_a martyrdom_n in_o imitation_n of_o one_o that_o be_v but_o imaginary_a will_v they_o so_o courageous_o have_v imitate_v a_o fictitious_a martyrdom_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n and_o shall_v i_o imagine_v clemens_n and_o polycarp_n be_v impose_v on_o by_o the_o apostle_n i_o be_o soon_o convince_v of_o the_o contrary_a since_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v now_o before_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o experience_n so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o that_o we_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o they_o last_o shall_v i_o doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o i_o be_o make_v to_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o christianity_n without_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v never_o have_v establish_v the_o christian_a religion_n unless_o they_o have_v first_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o this_o will_v be_v far_o see_v by_o what_o we_o shall_v offer_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n may_v we_o not_o know_v what_o the_o profess_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n say_v of_o they_o for_o it_o seem_v unjust_a to_o hearken_v to_o that_o only_a which_o the_o christian_n allege_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o own_o cause_n this_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n we_o find_v porphirius_fw-la celsus_n and_o julian_n surname_v the_o apostate_n maintain_v that_o jesus_n christ_n do_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o but_o by_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o fantom_n which_o appear_v to_o the_o disciple_n instead_o of_o jesus_n christ_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a whereupon_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o those_o who_o be_v far_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_n than_o the_o incredulous_a of_o these_o ime_n be_v and_o who_o live_v in_o a_o time_n near_o to_o that_o â—f_n the_o apostle_n may_v have_v easy_o know_v the_o truthâ—r_a â—r_z falsehood_n of_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o say_v it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o those_o man_n dare_v not_o in_o the_o least_o call_v â—ny_n of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o be_v force_v to_o have_v â—ecourse_n to_o ghost_n and_o a_o magic_a power_n to_o avoid_v â—eing_v perplex_v with_o they_o it_o be_v also_o worth_a our_o while_n to_o observe_v that_o celsus_n himself_o who_o ever_o before_o question_v magician_n be_v at_o length_n force_v to_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o a_o magic_a power_n â—s_a origen_n himself_o upbraid_v he_o in_o some_o part_n of_o his_o work_n thus_o it_o immediate_o appear_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v man_n of_o very_a good_a sense_n and_o very_o honest_a and_o sincere_a principle_n too_o that_o part_n of_o they_o live_v in_o a_o time_n so_o very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n in_o who_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o must_v necessary_o have_v know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o suffer_v death_n to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n found_v upon_o all_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o last_o that_o their_o enemy_n themselves_o dare_v not_o presume_v entire_o to_o call_v any_o of_o they_o in_o question_n but_o i_o will_v not_o yield_v myself_o conquer_v for_o all_o that_o but_o rather_o raise_v myself_o a_o little_a high_o and_o stop_v for_o a_o while_n at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o first_o century_n which_o be_v the_o time_n wherein_o st._n john_n the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n be_v yet_o live_v and_o wherein_o clemens_n and_o polycarp_n who_o we_o just_a now_o mention_v flourish_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v our_o fix_a point_n in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o year_n since_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n at_o all_o in_o the_o world_n and_o now_o there_o be_v some_o in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o at_o antioch_n at_o alexandria_n at_o corinth_n at_o ephesus_n in_o spain_n and_o among_o the_o gaul_n etc._n etc._n i_o confess_v i_o be_o some_o what_o surprise_v to_o see_v this_o progress_n yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n because_o mahomet_n religion_n be_v establish_v in_o a_o lesser_a time_n we_o must_v then_o go_v yet_o far_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v 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that_o by_o show_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n i_o show_v also_o that_o it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o which_o afford_v we_o one_o determination_n very_o advantageous_a to_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o this_o objection_n be_v very_o favourable_a to_o instead_o of_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o we_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o second_o suspicion_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o entertain_v concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o we_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v ever_o look_v upon_o as_o sacred_a and_o not_o to_o be_v corrupt_v without_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v reason_n or_o prejudice_n that_o make_v it_o so_o esteem_v by_o the_o christian_n i_o 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speak_v here_o of_o the_o gnostic_n that_o abominable_a sect_n which_o deserve_v not_o the_o honourable_a name_n of_o christian_n certain_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o millenarian_o which_o papias_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o found_v upon_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n fifteen_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n the_o controversy_n which_o soon_o after_o happen_v concern_v the_o christian_a passover_n together_o with_o the_o dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n against_o the_o origenist_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n and_o several_a other_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o say_v these_o dispute_n may_v easy_o have_v divide_v the_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o century_n of_o the_o church_n next_o to_o they_o succeed_v the_o famous_a dispute_n of_o the_o orthodox_n with_o the_o arrian_n and_o with_o what_o heat_n and_o animosity_n they_o be_v carry_v on_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o however_o fatal_a all_o those_o 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copy_n of_o edition_n and_o translation_n make_v at_o first_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n render_v the_o execution_n of_o that_o design_n impossible_a for_o though_o a_o man_n have_v corrupt_v one_o single_a copy_n among_o all_o those_o copy_n or_o translate_v those_o book_n false_a yet_o how_o can_v he_o corrupt_v all_o the_o other_o copy_n of_o they_o which_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n or_o how_o can_v he_o alter_v so_o many_o other_o translation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v of_o they_o in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n but_o suppose_v this_o be_v feasible_a if_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v ever_o corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o in_o their_o essential_o or_o in_o thing_n of_o little_a importance_n i_o mean_v by_o their_o essential_o those_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o all_o those_o other_o which_o if_o true_a demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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to_o they_o and_o which_o will_v certain_o be_v false_a if_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_a but_o let_v we_o join_v experience_n to_o reason_n and_o consider_v that_o if_o the_o christian_n have_v corrupt_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n will_v now_o be_v quite_o different_a from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o former_a age_n and_o that_o have_v be_v continual_o alter_v from_o that_o time_n until_o now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o apparent_a than_o such_o a_o alteration_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o evident_o appear_v by_o a_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n quote_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o book_n that_o suffer_v less_o alteration_n by_o the_o revolution_n of_o year_n than_o that_o do_v there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n in_o my_o opinion_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v to_o this_o argument_n the_o first_o be_v that_o in_o corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n those_o place_n quote_v in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o father_n may_v also_o have_v be_v alter_v but_o this_o thought_n can_v never_o enter_v into_o any_o reasonable_a man_n mind_n for_o he_o must_v then_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o person_n in_o a_o manner_n immortal_a who_o may_v have_v have_v time_n enough_o to_o alter_v so_o many_o book_n compose_v from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o a_o man_n too_o so_o much_o master_n of_o other_o man_n heart_n and_o understanding_n as_o to_o have_v be_v able_a to_o corrupt_v a_o book_n the_o most_o universal_o read_v and_o most_o careful_o preserve_v that_o ever_o be_v and_o to_o alter_v also_o with_o it_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n without_o any_o body_n ever_o perceive_v it_o or_o make_v the_o least_o opposition_n against_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v answer_v be_v that_o this_o
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
be_v several_a famous_a emperor_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n their_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o some_o of_o they_o have_v for_o inscription_n in_o their_o public_a edifice_n several_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o other_o will_v have_v consecrate_v church_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o christian_n and_o last_o that_o other_o profess_a themselves_o admirer_n of_o the_o morality_n of_o christ._n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o not_o be_v able_a to_o deny_v christ_n miracle_n be_v force_v to_o refer_v they_o some_o to_o a_o magic_a power_n and_o other_o to_o a_o certain_a i_o know_v not_o what_o mysterious_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n so_o strange_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v that_o even_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v of_o it_o and_o yet_o scarce_o perceive_v it_o the_o seven_o testimony_n be_v that_o of_o several_a strange_a event_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n so_o order_v that_o they_o firm_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n of_o these_o there_o be_v several_a very_o remarkable_a but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o mention_v three_o only_a which_o among_o the_o rest_n deserve_v a_o particular_a consideration_n the_o first_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o monarchy_n which_o have_v sore_o afflict_v and_o harass_v god_n people_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v immediate_o to_o be_v establish_v the_o second_o the_o entire_a destruction_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o the_o signal_n devastation_n of_o the_o holy_a land_n a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n pour_v out_o upon_o that_o nation_n the_o three_o and_o last_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n attend_v with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n as_o plain_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n can_v perfect_v so_o great_a a_o work_n the_o eight_o be_v that_o testimony_n give_v of_o christ_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o nine_o that_o which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o natural_a religion_n but_o of_o these_o two_o testimony_n we_o shall_v not_o speak_v at_o present_a for_o as_o much_o as_o we_o design_v to_o end_v this_o work_n with_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o authentic_a person_n which_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o deceit_n and_o it_o will_v be_v extravagant_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o prophet_n shall_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o insight_n into_o futurity_n mere_o to_o countenance_n and_o authorise_v a_o fiction_n that_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v be_v at_o first_o take_v by_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o messiah_n shall_v renounce_v the_o honour_n which_o that_o title_n will_v have_v confer_v upon_o he_o only_o out_o of_o love_n and_o complaisance_n to_o a_o impostor_n that_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n shall_v so_o ready_o sacrifice_v their_o estate_n reputation_n repose_v and_o life_n itself_o to_o a_o person_n they_o know_v to_o be_v a_o false_a christ_n that_o the_o heaven_n shall_v countenance_v a_o flame_n and_o a_o lie_n by_o work_v such_o signal_n and_o sensible_a miracle_n that_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n shall_v have_v find_v every_o thing_n that_o can_v supply_v its_o want_n and_o necessity_n in_o a_o mere_a cheat_n that_o even_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v countenance_v and_o approve_v of_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la that_o all_o event_n shall_v so_o exact_o coincide_v with_o a_o erroneous_a imposture_n and_o that_o the_o revelation_n of_o moses_n and_o natural_a religion_n shall_v thus_o testify_v so_o palpable_a a_o fiction_n to_o this_o we_o may_v add_v the_o necessity_n and_o importance_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n since_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n lead_v we_o to_o it_o by_o so_o many_o different_a way_n as_o also_o the_o admirable_a perfection_n and_o transcendency_n of_o it_o since_o in_o a_o manner_n heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o time_n past_a and_o present_a event_n ordinary_a and_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o those_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a since_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n who_o be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o one_o another_o have_v agree_v unanimous_o to_o reveal_v it_o and_o propose_v it_o to_o we_o as_o a_o object_n for_o its_o transcendent_a excellency_n worthy_a of_o our_o great_a admiration_n two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n all_o these_o truth_n will_v more_o evident_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o its_o opposition_n to_o all_o other_o religion_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n consist_v in_o that_o it_o have_v advantage_n which_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o their_o fault_n i_o say_v no_o other_o religion_n have_v advantage_n equal_a to_o those_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o no_o other_o can_v boast_v of_o its_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n even_o mahomet_n think_v it_o better_a to_o oblige_v man_n to_o call_v the_o scripture_n in_o question_n than_o do_v derive_v any_o argument_n from_o it_o which_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v his_o mission_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o not_o boast_v that_o he_o have_v be_v precede_v by_o any_o forerunner_n who_o make_v his_o path_n straight_o there_o be_v indeed_o several_a religion_n which_o perhaps_o may_v have_v have_v their_o martyr_n but_o what_o sort_n of_o martyr_n superstitious_a man_n who_o blind_o expose_v themselves_o to_o death_n without_o know_v what_o they_o do_v like_o those_o barbarian_n who_o prostrate_v themselves_o by_o thousand_o before_o their_o idol_n that_o their_o colossus_n may_v crush_v they_o in_o piece_n with_o its_o wheel_n as_o it_o pass_v along_o but_o no_o religion_n beside_o the_o christian_a be_v ever_o confirm_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o sensible_a understand_a martyr_n who_o voluntary_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v who_o from_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v person_n become_v saint_n upon_o the_o confidence_n they_o have_v in_o their_o master_n and_o who_o at_o length_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o place_n of_o the_o world_n by_o their_o death_n gain_v proselyte_n and_o make_a their_o blood_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o church_n cheerful_o suffer_v martyrdom_n have_v certain_a assurance_n of_o be_v crown_v after_o their_o death_n a_o certain_a assurance_n which_o they_o derive_v from_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v former_o see_v we_o find_v other_o religion_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o several_a sign_n and_o extraordinary_a event_n from_o heaven_n the_o roman_n feliâ—_n use_v to_o attribute_v to_o their_o religion_n all_o the_o advantage_n they_o get_v over_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o mahometan_n pretend_v that_o the_o great_a success_n god_n be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o prophet_n be_v so_o many_o certain_a and_o undeniable_a mark_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o to_o pretend_v that_o temporal_a prosperity_n be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a religion_n or_o adversity_n that_o of_o a_o false_a one_o be_v to_o suppose_v as_o we_o have_v already_o say_v else_o where_o that_o the_o most_o profligate_v wretch_n provide_v they_o be_v happy_a in_o this_o world_n be_v the_o great_a favourite_n of_o god_n but_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n simple_o consider_v but_o prosperity_n or_o adversity_n as_o foretell_v by_o god_n or_o his_o prophet_n that_o be_v a_o certain_a character_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o when_o we_o affirm_v that_o several_a extraordinary_a event_n bear_v 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religion_n we_o need_v no_o deep_a
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to_o this_o principle_n we_o owe_v the_o choice_n of_o those_o person_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o seem_a paradox_n he_o command_v they_o to_o publish_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n the_o silence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o a_o few_o word_n from_o he_o will_v have_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o our_o understanding_n but_o god_n be_v not_o content_a to_o exercise_v our_o faith_n by_o those_o obscurity_n we_o find_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o divine_a revelation_n he_o further_o permit_v heresy_n schism_n and_o error_n nay_o superstition_n itself_o to_o reign_v among_o we_o that_o those_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a thus_o we_o may_v say_v he_o suffer_v all_o egypt_n to_o be_v cover_v with_o darkness_n the_o more_o eminent_o to_o discover_v his_o wonderful_a protection_n in_o blessing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o land_n 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in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o man_n who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v i_o never_o see_v the_o like_a i_o can_v willing_o believe_v it_o if_o i_o shall_v but_o see_v it_o who_o ever_o see_v dead_a man_n rise_v again_o from_o their_o grave_n and_o who_o ever_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n or_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n all_o which_o reason_v be_v manifest_o absurd_a for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o great_a folly_n in_o a_o man_n than_o to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v when_o these_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o existence_n be_v they_o not_o invisible_a do_v any_o one_o ever_o see_v the_o time_n past_o long_a before_o he_o live_v or_o the_o future_a long_a after_o his_o death_n do_v he_o ever_o see_v his_o own_o soul_n the_o deity_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o time_n past_a and_o the_o future_a the_o object_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o benefit_n of_o god_n which_o faith_n offer_v 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account_n perhaps_o we_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o hard_a to_o conceive_v if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v its_o nature_n a_o little_a more_o clear_o to_o we_o but_o such_o be_v the_o wonderful_a conduct_n of_o god_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o humble_v we_o and_o not_o to_o satisfy_v our_o vain_a curiosity_n nor_o indulge_v the_o pride_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v too_o greedy_a of_o knowledge_n 4_o thly_a because_o we_o be_v not_o whole_o destitute_a of_o image_n there_o be_v several_a capable_a to_o illustrate_v that_o object_n though_o never_o so_o incomprehensible_a in_o itself_o thus_o for_o instance_n the_o same_o soul_n be_v a_o understanding_n as_o it_o perceive_v a_o will_n as_o it_o have_v a_o desire_n and_o a_o memory_n as_o it_o recall_v the_o thing_n pass_v to_o the_o mind_n all_o which_o three_o faculty_n be_v comprehend_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o understanding_n in_o like_a manner_n also_o the_o same_o light_n be_v 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a_o woman_n of_o a_o insensible_a be_v of_o a_o accident_n of_o a_o act_n of_o sin_n of_o a_o devil_n so_o that_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v true_a god_n be_v a_o sin_n a_o etc._n etc._n whether_o the_o word_n have_v take_v the_o soul_n in_o a_o hypostatical_a union_n rather_o than_o the_o body_n or_o the_o body_n rather_o than_o the_o soul_n whether_o if_o man_n have_v not_o sin_v the_o word_n will_v not_o have_v take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o unite_v to_o the_o essence_n or_o the_o person_n whether_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o divine_a by_o several_a union_n whether_o a_o divine_a person_n may_v take_v upon_o itself_o the_o form_n of_o a_o create_a person_n whether_o humanity_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n by_o way_n of_o accident_n or_o of_o substance_n whether_o the_o humane_a and_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n and_o whether_o christ_n be_v two_o several_a thing_n 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faith_n be_v a_o fable_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o those_o character_n of_o wisdom_n visible_o diplay_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n since_o nothing_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a end_n of_o his_o creation_n none_o but_o that_o can_v justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o hope_n of_o man_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o he_o can_v hope_v for_o if_o christianity_n be_v a_o lie_n the_o centre_n of_o all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o knowledge_n for_o what_o be_v there_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v only_o a_o disposition_n of_o atom_n and_o have_v no_o such_o spirituality_n and_o immortality_n as_o that_o impute_a to_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n there_o need_v have_v be_v only_o a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n to_o form_v first_o notion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o those_o we_o now_o have_v let_v any_o one_o therefore_o close_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o he_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n who_o teach_v to_o know_v our_o own_o self_n in_o reveal_v to_o we_o life_n and_o immortality_n no_o salvation_n can_v be_v expect_v either_o for_o reason_n or_o conscience_n x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o true_a than_o that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v great_a noble_a and_o divine_a and_o we_o can_v reflect_v on_o the_o greatness_n of_o its_o miracle_n the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o morality_n the_o purity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o holiness_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o completion_n of_o its_o prophecy_n without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v stamp_v with_o divine_a character_n but_o yet_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o defective_a if_o we_o separate_v it_o from_o christianity_n since_o its_o essence_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v without_o it_o how_o god_n can_v be_v the_o god_n of_o one_o nation_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v that_o too_o of_o other_o nation_n also_o that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v contain_v in_o a_o material_a ark_n and_o be_v the_o father_n of_o spirit_n shall_v so_o careful_o seek_v after_o a_o external_a and_o corporeal_a purity_n that_o unwilling_a to_o satisfy_v his_o justice_n he_o shall_v require_v sacrifice_n of_o man_n or_o if_o willing_a to_o be_v appease_v by_o offering_n and_o oblation_n he_o shall_v demand_v such_o mean_a one_o of_o they_o which_o be_v unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o his_o godhead_n that_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o temple_n make_v with_o hand_n or_o that_o he_o who_o create_v all_o thing_n visible_a and_o invisible_a shall_v take_v pleasure_n in_o a_o external_a pomp_n that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o smell_a which_o he_o want_v not_o himself_o shall_v delight_v in_o the_o smell_n of_o incense_n or_o that_o his_o voice_n proper_o so_o call_v shall_v be_v hear_v to_o which_o thunder_n itself_o scarce_o bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o a_o echo_n i_o say_v we_o can_v never_o conceive_v any_o of_o these_o thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o who_o can_v reconcile_v the_o wisdom_n see_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n with_o the_o imperfection_n discoverable_a in_o it_o how_o can_v that_o lawgiver_n prove_v so_o contrary_a to_o himself_o and_o how_o can_v so_o many_o character_n of_o divinity_n be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o seem_o superstitious_a custom_n and_o trivial_a ceremony_n consult_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o you_o will_v then_o no_o long_o wonder_v at_o it_o there_o you_o will_v find_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o surprise_v you_o in_o the_o old_a covenant_n all_o the_o custom_n contain_v in_o the_o
a_o vindication_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o objection_n of_o all_o modern_a opposer_n part_n ii_o write_a in_o french_a by_o james_n abbadie_n d._n d._n render_v into_o english_a by_o henry_n lussan_n m._n a._n of_o new_a college_n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v for_o j._n wyatt_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o r._n wilkin_n at_o the_o kings-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcviii_o the_o content_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n page_n 1_o chap._n i._o where_o we_o shall_v inquire_v whence_o the_o christian_n have_v their_o original_a and_o what_o their_o profession_n be_v by_o look_v back_o into_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o appear_v p._n 3_o chap._n ii_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n p._n 7_o chap._n iii_o in_o which_o we_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 10_o chap._n iu_o where_o we_o yet_o further_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o several_a undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 14_o chap._n v._o which_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n can_v never_o be_v forge_v p._n 17_o section_n ii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o examine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n chap._n i._n where_o we_o shall_v prove_v that_o those_o book_n can_v never_o be_v supposititious_a p._n 33_o chap._n ii_o prove_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v never_o corrupt_v p._n 39_o chap._n iii_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o write_v what_o be_v false_a p._n 44_o chap._n iv._o that_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o write_n or_o preach_v p._n 49_o chap._n v._o where_o we_o shall_v more_o particular_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n p._n 53_o chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n p._n 58_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o life_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 63_o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 71_o chap._n ix_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o acts._n p._n 82_o chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v p._n 86_o chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n p._n 88_o chap._n xii_o wherein_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n p._n 102_o chap._n xiii_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o a_o divine_a book_n p._n 107_o 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 p._n 113_o chap._n xv._n where_o we_o further_o examine_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 119_o chap._n xvi_o where_o we_o further_o examine_v those_o difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v against_o our_o principle_n p._n 126_o chap._n xvii_o where_o we_o further_o answer_v the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a p._n 133_o section_n iii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n the_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o external_n evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o they_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v possess_v with_o when_o jesus_n christ_n manifest_v himself_o to_o they_o p._n 143_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 162_o chap._n iii_o the_o second_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 184_o chap._n iu_o the_o three_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n p._n 200_o chap._n v._o the_o four_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o disciple_n p._n 213_o chap._n vi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v join_v all_o the_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n together_o and_o form_n thereby_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o p._n 220_o some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o st._n matthew_n p._n 242_o chap._n vii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o other_o gospel_n several_a place_n very_o proper_a to_o make_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 258_o chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_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 p._n 274_o chap._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 p._n 282_o section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v page_n 300_o i_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o p._n 301_o two_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n p._n 307_o iii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o effect_n p._n 320_o iv_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o consider_v in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n p._n 325_o five_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n p._n 329_o 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 p._n 341_o 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 p._n 344_o viii_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o its_o mystery_n p._n 360_o ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n p._n 399_o x_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n p._n 420_o xi_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n p._n 432_o a_o treatise_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v prove_v by_o its_o own_o proper_a character_n section_n i._n contain_v some_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n draw_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o first_o publisher_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n we_o take_v our_o rise_n from_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o prove_v that_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n of_o mary_n be_v the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v we_o shall_v now_o take_v a_o contrary_a course_n and_o begin_v with_o this_o proposition_n there_o be_v at_o present_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o thence_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n there_o we_o have_v have_v but_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n of_o moses_n here_o we_o shall_v as_o it_o be_v draw_v the_o curtain_n and_o discover_v jesus_n christ_n with_o that_o brightness_n of_o truth_n and_o fullness_n of_o light_n as_o will_v wonderful_o illustrate_v both_o the_o religion_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o we_o shall_v consider_v the_o
then_o must_v that_o person_n do_v or_o rather_o what_o must_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n do_v who_o utter_o renounce_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n iii_o there_o have_v be_v find_v some_o who_o have_v counterfeit_v book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o none_o ever_o know_v that_o be_v willing_a to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o their_o forgery_n now_o none_o here_o can_v be_v suspect_v to_o have_v forge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o only_o those_o who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o consequent_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n on_o which_o chistianity_n itself_o be_v found_v iv._o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o counterfeit_a a_o book_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o ridiculous_a in_o a_o man_n to_o forge_v letter_n that_o must_v have_v be_v write_v not_o long_o ago_o to_o whole_a society_n or_o epistle_n that_o must_v have_v be_v deposit_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n and_o in_o very_a many_o different_a place_n now_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v affirm_v of_o all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o make_v up_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o how_o can_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v possible_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v that_o st._n paul_n write_v a_o epistle_n to_o she_o or_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n that_o she_o have_v receive_v two_o epistle_n from_o he_o and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o v._o this_o argument_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a since_o he_o that_o grant_v one_o point_n in_o this_o matter_n unavoidable_o grant_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o you_o shall_v agree_v with_o i_o that_o perhaps_o one_o single_a epistle_n among_o all_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v not_o forge_v you_o must_v grant_v the_o same_o thing_n of_o they_o all_o or_o at_o least_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o the_o incredulous_a to_o to_o cavil_v thereupon_o for_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v grant_v the_o four_o gospel_n to_o be_v forge_v do_v not_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n contain_v nay_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o same_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n shall_v i_o grant_v the_o same_o of_o the_o book_n of_o act_n be_v not_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n wrought_v several_a miracle_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v upon_o the_o disciple_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n and_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o desire_v in_o a_o word_n shall_v i_o grant_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o be_v the_o work_n of_o another_o man_n i_o need_v but_o receive_v those_o of_o st._n peter_n or_o those_o of_o st._n john_n to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n there_o be_v never_o a_o epistle_n in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o mention_n or_o imply_v those_o essential_a matter_n of_o fact_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n without_o except_v one_o fragment_n or_o single_a epistle_n among_o they_o be_v forge_v and_o whether_o we_o can_v entertain_v such_o a_o suspicion_n which_o no_o heretic_n no_o impious_a or_o incredulous_a person_n ever_o entertain_v but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v forge_v since_o they_o must_v have_v be_v commit_v to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n as_o they_o be_v real_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o since_o tertullian_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o his_o time_n they_o careful_o preserve_v in_o several_a church_n the_o original_n of_o those_o epistle_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v to_o they_o again_o in_o what_o time_n and_o on_o what_o occasion_n can_v this_o forgery_n have_v be_v make_v be_v it_o during_o the_o life_n of_o the_o apostle_n no_o for_o can_v the_o world_n consider_v those_o book_n as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a which_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o forge_v be_v it_o then_o immediate_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v we_o owe_v it_o to_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o the_o other_o doctor_n of_o that_o age_n by_o no_o mean_n for_o those_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n separate_v themselves_o as_o soon_o as_o those_o great_a light_n of_o the_o world_n be_v extinguish_v polycarp_n go_v to_o rome_n to_o decide_v a_o controversy_n with_o a_o bishop_n of_o rome_n occasion_v in_o the_o church_n about_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v to_o celebrate_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o christian_a resurrection_n or_o passover_n those_o two_o great_a man_n differ_v much_o in_o that_o point_n but_o yet_o they_o both_o agree_v unanimous_o to_o receive_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o manner_n moreover_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o church_n can_v have_v be_v induce_v to_o receive_v so_o many_o false_a epistle_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o person_n yet_o live_v who_o have_v converse_v with_o they_o in_o truth_n this_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o notion_n that_o we_o hold_v ourselves_o not_o at_o all_o oblige_a to_o refute_v it_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n question_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o epistle_n such_o as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n who_o author_n be_v never_o certain_o know_v the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n that_o of_o st._n judas_n etc._n etc._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o then_o i_o presume_v that_o this_o consideration_n make_v for_o we_o since_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o the_o ancient_a primitive_a christian_n shall_v dispute_v so_o long_o about_o some_o epistle_n in_o particular_a have_v the_o rest_n altogether_o be_v as_o liable_a to_o suspicion_n but_o may_v we_o not_o reasonable_o imagine_v that_o during_o those_o strange_a disorder_n which_o follow_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n some_o christian_n either_o perfect_a cheat_n or_o but_o partly_o persuade_v of_o that_o faith_n may_v have_v compose_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o so_o after_o have_v insert_v in_o they_o whatever_o story_n they_o please_v ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o apostle_n to_o gain_v the_o great_a veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o their_o fiction_n no_o certain_o because_o the_o devastation_n of_o jerusalem_n hinder_v not_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v very_o numerous_a church_n at_o rome_n at_o antioch_n at_o thessalonica_n philippi_n etc._n etc._n who_o it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v persuade_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v write_v they_o some_o epistle_n which_o must_v have_v be_v already_o deposit_v in_o their_o hand_n and_o beside_o that_o it_o appear_v plain_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v compose_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o church_n establish_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v often_o mention_v therein_o without_o the_o least_o hint_n that_o jerusalem_n be_v then_o utter_o destroy_v beside_o how_o can_v it_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n to_o forge_v such_o book_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o design_n be_v only_o to_o humble_v the_o pride_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o induce_v they_o no_o long_o to_o hate_v the_o heathen_n as_o be_v stranger_n and_o to_o persuade_v they_o that_o though_o god_n as_o yet_o suffer_v the_o carnal_a worship_n of_o their_o law_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o expect_v to_o be_v justify_v by_o that_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o especial_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o seem_v earnest_o to_o desire_v to_o unite_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o two_o nation_n and_o heaven_n have_v sufficient_o declare_v itself_o against_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n the_o confusion_n of_o their_o tribe_n and_o family_n and_o that_o general_a dispersion_n which_o make_v they_o tributary_n to_o all_o other_o nation_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o further_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o the_o only_a nation_n call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o this_o proof_n be_v evident_o write_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o the_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o people_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v
some_o mark_n of_o his_o weakness_n in_o the_o garden_n of_o gethsemane_n where_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n make_v he_o sweat_v great_a drop_n of_o blood_n and_o where_o he_o cry_v out_o several_a time_n o_o my_o father_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a let_v 39_o this_o cup_n pass_v from_o i_o they_o also_o pretend_v that_o this_o exclamation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n when_o nail_v on_o the_o cross_n my_o god_n my_o god_n why_o have_v thou_o forsake_v i_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o his_o despair_n i_o know_v not_o here_o what_o to_o admire_v most_o either_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o proud_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n or_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n which_o still_o become_v strong_a the_o more_o they_o endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o first_o if_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n wont_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v that_o jesus_n christ_n utter_v these_o word_n which_o give_v they_o occasion_n to_o think_v he_o want_v constancy_n but_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v the_o report_n of_o the_o evangelist_n why_o shall_v they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v so_o many_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o the_o evangelist_n leave_v to_o we_o in_o writing_n after_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o same_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o may_v find_v in_o our_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o explain_v those_o place_n they_o bring_v against_o we_o the_o word_n which_o jesus_n christ_n speak_v to_o his_o bless_a mother_n give_v we_o only_o to_o understand_v how_o very_o jealous_a he_o be_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v he_o speak_v to_o she_o as_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n as_o the_o person_n in_o who_o she_o ought_v necessary_o to_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o her_o salvation_n and_o who_o doubt_v but_o in_o that_o quality_n he_o have_v some_o authority_n over_o she_o as_o for_o the_o sorrowfulness_n he_o express_v in_o his_o agony_n it_o may_v proceed_v from_o a_o double_a cause_n the_o one_o natural_a and_o the_o other_o supernatural_a he_o may_v very_o well_o fear_v death_n as_o man_n and_o the_o pain_n inflict_v on_o his_o humane_a nature_n may_v force_v he_o to_o utter_v some_o innocent_a complaint_n but_o that_o be_v not_o all_o that_o make_v his_o torment_n grievous_a he_o be_v load_v with_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n he_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o father_n but_o god_n offer_v himself_o to_o he_o as_o a_o angry_a judge_n the_o more_o he_o love_v his_o father_n the_o more_o sensible_a he_o be_v of_o the_o grief_n he_o sustain_v in_o be_v remove_v from_o he_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o suffering_n consist_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o what_o he_o say_v here_o to_o his_o father_n be_v rather_o the_o language_n of_o his_o love_n than_o that_o of_o his_o despair_n but_o if_o the_o incredulous_a shall_v say_v they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o subscribe_v to_o my_o explanation_n because_o it_o be_v incertain_a whether_o they_o have_v any_o other_o ground_n than_o my_o bare_a imagination_n i_o be_o willing_a they_o shall_v entertain_v this_o scruple_n and_o cherish_v it_o till_o by_o establish_v my_o principle_n i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o answer_v yet_o more_o full_o all_o those_o difficulty_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o hold_v that_o nothing_o can_v more_o demonstrate_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n than_o those_o place_n just_a now_o mention_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o evangelist_n be_v well_o demonstrate_v do_v invincible_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o certain_o either_o those_o who_o compose_v the_o gospel_n have_v a_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n in_o behalf_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o religion_n or_o they_o have_v no_o such_o design_n at_o all_o if_o they_o have_v any_o such_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o set_v down_o those_o circumstance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o their_o master_n which_o may_v give_v the_o world_n a_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v he_o want_v courage_n or_o think_v himself_o forsake_v of_o god_n but_o if_o in_o write_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o design_n to_o deceive_v mankind_n we_o must_v then_o of_o necessity_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o be_v very_o sincere_a author_n who_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o unless_o they_o themselves_o have_v first_o of_o all_o be_v deceive_v so_o that_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o be_v such_o as_o be_v show_v only_o by_o illusion_n and_o we_o need_v here_o only_o consider_v whether_o all_o the_o disciple_n can_v have_v fancy_v they_o see_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o singular_a and_o sensible_a miracle_n such_o as_o sick_a man_n heal_v dead_a raise_v to_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o have_v believe_v that_o they_o themselves_o work_v miracle_n when_o all_o the_o while_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n here_o to_o allege_v that_o the_o evangelist_n affect_v a_o ingenuous_a simplicity_n to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o dishonesty_n for_o have_v that_o be_v their_o design_n they_o will_v have_v take_v special_a care_n not_o to_o furnish_v impious_a man_n with_o place_n and_o passage_n on_o which_o they_o may_v raise_v imaginary_a triumph_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v those_o word_n because_o their_o simplicity_n be_v so_o great_a that_o they_o have_v not_o judgement_n to_o discern_v whether_o they_o be_v for_o or_o against_o their_o cause_n for_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o man_n who_o have_v wit_n enough_o to_o deceive_v other_o people_n shall_v have_v so_o little_a in_o this_o occasion_n must_v a_o man_n needs_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a when_o he_o choose_v to_o represent_v his_o master_n constant_a and_o undaunted_a rather_o than_o sorrowful_a unto_o death_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o one_o single_a evangelist_n that_o relate_v the_o history_n of_o his_o passion_n after_o this_o manner_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o how_o can_v this_o be_v so_o but_o that_o they_o only_o propose_v to_o themselves_o to_o speak_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o they_o speak_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o impression_n it_o will_v make_v on_o mankind_n without_o examine_v whether_o the_o incredulous_a will_v take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o slander_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n if_o what_o have_v be_v say_v here_o be_v not_o sufficient_a i_o be_o willing_a more_o particular_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n chap._n vi_o where_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o illusion_n or_o imposture_n those_o book_n contain_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o extraordinary_a divine_a and_o admirable_a thing_n but_o the_o principal_a of_o they_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o four_o head_n i._o the_o birth_n genealogy_n and_o education_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o they_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a lest_o we_o shall_v be_v too_o tedious_a have_v already_o mention_v they_o in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n ii_o the_o exercise_n of_o his_o office_n confirm_v by_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o miracle_n from_o his_o baptism_n to_o his_o ascension_n iii_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o life_n and_o conversation_n see_v clear_o in_o several_a occasion_n and_o shine_v throughout_o the_o various_a action_n of_o his_o life_n iv._o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o prophecy_n from_o these_o four_o different_a head_n spring_v forth_o such_o beam_n of_o truth_n as_o wonderful_o illustrate_v this_o whole_a matter_n let_v we_o therefore_o examine_v they_o in_o their_o order_n and_o keep_v still_o to_o our_o usual_a method_n which_o be_v to_o raise_v as_o we_o go_v along_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v and_o urge_v they_o on_o with_o all_o their_o force_n to_o stop_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o complaint_n of_o the_o incredulous_a against_o we_o we_o may_v very_o well_o consider_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n their_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n the_o noise_n they_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v receive_v and_o first_o the_o evangelist_n make_v appear_v the_o number_n variety_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o in_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o change_v water_n into_o wine_n in_o cana_n that_o he_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a hear_v to_o the_o deaf_a and_o health_n to_o the_o sick_a that_o he_o cleanse_v the_o leprous_a heal_v the_o sick_a of_o the_o palsy_n cure_v one_o of_o a_o wither_a hand_n
holy_a ghost_n but_o perhaps_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o christian_a church_n found_v at_o jerusalem_n if_o so_o then_o must_v the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n who_o live_v in_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n have_v conspire_v together_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o this_o respect_n and_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o all_o other_o profess_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o well_o ancient_a as_o modern_a who_o never_o contest_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n must_v utter_o have_v lose_v their_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n suppose_v the_o book_n of_o act_n compose_v long_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n that_o be_v when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o any_o flourish_a church_n in_o that_o city_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o point_n gain_v for_o it_o be_v true_a still_o that_o the_o apostle_n set_v down_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o their_o epistle_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o thing_n as_o visible_o relate_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o further_o add_v that_o the_o book_n of_o act_n mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o death_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v compose_v during_o their_o life_n and_o consequent_o in_o a_o time_n wherein_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v nor_o that_o it_o mention_n nothing_o of_o the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o of_o the_o sign_n or_o presage_n of_o it_o which_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o that_o book_n be_v compose_v some_o time_n before_o that_o great_a event_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o author_n who_o compose_v it_o mere_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o incredulous_a undoubted_o imagine_v will_v never_o have_v fail_v to_o have_v insert_v in_o it_o the_o history_n of_o all_o those_o dreadful_a misfortune_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o jew_n and_o which_o the_o christian_n look_v upon_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o reject_v the_o messiah_n but_o since_o my_o design_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o reader_n the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o doubt_n i_o promise_v to_o prove_v by_o and_o by_o that_o the_o apostle_n both_o receive_v and_o impart_v many_o miraculous_a gift_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n till_o the_o method_n i_o have_v prescribe_v to_o myself_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o enter_v upon_o that_o subject_n i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o make_v some_o few_o reflection_n concern_v the_o success_n of_o the_o apostle_n preach_v which_o be_v that_o essential_a head_n to_o which_o all_o other_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o act_n relate_v chap._n x._o wherein_o we_o shall_v take_v into_o consideration_n what_o success_n the_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v relate_v with_o very_o remarkable_a circumstannce_n as_o i._o that_o those_o man_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v fisherman_n that_o be_v gross_a and_o ignorant_a people_n of_o no_o appearance_n or_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o that_o those_o man_n go_v about_o preach_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o that_o they_o have_v long_o before_o be_v eye-witness_n to_o his_o miracle_n iii_o that_o they_o offend_v by_o their_o preach_v all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n and_o expose_v their_o person_n to_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o danger_n and_o misfortune_n iv._o that_o they_o suffer_v they_o with_o patience_n or_o rather_o with_o joy_n v._o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v so_o swift_a and_o sudden_a as_o be_v almost_o inconceivable_a in_o all_o this_o st._n luke_n have_v tell_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o reason_n will_v tell_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o no_o extraordinary_a birth_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n that_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n since_o no_o body_n have_v ever_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o those_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v testify_v that_o they_o have_v see_v jesus_n christ_n work_v many_o miracle_n see_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n because_o they_o will_v never_o have_v convert_v so_o many_o nation_n as_o they_o do_v have_v they_o only_o say_v they_o know_v all_o those_o thing_n by_o hear_v say_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n inform_v we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o preach_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n persecute_v these_o man_n for_o as_o much_o as_o policy_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o new_a sect_n and_o the_o people_n themselves_o be_v always_o jealous_a of_o their_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v neither_o but_o that_o the_o apostle_n very_o courageous_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o persecution_n because_o have_v they_o recant_v or_o draw_v back_o for_o fear_n of_o punishment_n their_o design_n will_v have_v miscarry_v in_o its_o very_a beginning_n last_o who_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o success_n of_o their_o preach_n be_v very_o swift_a and_o sudden_a in_o as_o much_o as_o in_o a_o short_a time_n there_o be_v several_a church_n establish_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v never_o contest_v and_o therefore_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o all_o these_o thing_n the_o book_n of_o act_n inform_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o which_o utter_o destroy_v the_o suspicion_n we_o may_v entertain_v that_o they_o be_v all_o forge_v or_o invent_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o can_v consider_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n nor_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o observe_v the_o proportion_n they_o have_v one_o with_o another_o without_o present_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o so_o plain_o prove_v and_o establish_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o we_o shall_v examine_v the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o the_o ancient_n have_v not_o unanimous_o receive_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n though_o clemens_n polycarp_n and_o barnabas_n have_v make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v write_v to_o some_o church_n that_o be_v to_o whole_a society_n who_o for_o a_o long_a while_n preserve_v the_o original_n of_o they_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v not_o forge_v it_o be_v then_o our_o concern_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o any_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o can_v read_v st._n paul_n epistle_n without_o observe_v therein_o i._o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o that_o apostle_n ii_o his_o impartiality_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n iii_o his_o courage_n in_o endure_a affliction_n which_o instead_o of_o dishearten_v rather_o overjoy_v he_o iv._o a_o continual_a repetition_n of_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o apostle_n bear_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o lord_n v._o such_o thing_n which_o manifest_o denote_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v receive_v the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o that_o those_o that_o then_o believe_v very_o frequent_o receive_v they_o the_o piety_n of_o that_o apostle_n so_o various_o discover_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n that_o we_o can_v think_v it_o dissemble_v without_o offer_v violence_n to_o our_o understanding_n for_o though_o a_o man_n shall_v constrain_v himself_o upon_o some_o occasion_n yet_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v after_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n during_o a_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o all_o his_o action_n in_o all_o his_o word_n in_o his_o manner_n of_o tell_v of_o thing_n which_o often_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o the_o heart_n than_o the_o thing_n he_o speak_v of_o i_o know_v very_o well_o hypocrisy_n cover_v itself_o with_o the_o external_a show_n of_o virtue_n but_o real_o there_o be_v yet_o something_o which_o i_o can_v express_v a_o simple_a and_o natural_a air_n in_o true_a virtue_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o hypocrisy_n or_o rather_o hypocrisy_n be_v neither_o so_o subtle_a nor_o clear_v sight_v but_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o nay_o often_o it_o let_v drop_v a_o wordwhich_v unmasque_n it_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o willing_a the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n shall_v be_v strict_o examine_v to_o see_v whether_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o sincere_a can_v be_v find_v
character_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a than_o that_o of_o the_o write_n of_o all_o the_o father_n who_o live_v successive_o from_o the_o apostle_n down_o to_o we_o wherein_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o observe_v a_o strange_a affectation_n a_o particular_a vanity_n of_o show_v their_o part_n and_o learning_n and_o sometime_o much_o heat_n and_o passion_n because_o they_o be_v far_o from_o the_o perfection_n in_o christianity_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v iv._o that_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o godly_a book_n write_v among_o the_o christian_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o to_o we_o i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o most_o establish_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o public_a society_n and_o chief_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v write_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o which_o they_o have_v their_o material_n to_o compose_v they_o with_o this_o be_v what_o in_o my_o opinion_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o certain_a and_o as_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o be_v impostor_n nay_o such_o abominable_a man_n as_o desire_v only_o to_o dishonour_v their_o nation_n and_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o a_o vain_a flatter_a idea_n of_o glory_n the_o life_n and_o fortune_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o person_n who_o they_o encourage_v to_o suffer_v martyrdom_n let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a book_n that_o be_v ever_o know_v i_o mean_v those_o book_n that_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o piety_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o best_a matter_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v and_o the_o original_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o they_o be_v only_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o most_o wicked_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v certain_o since_o all_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n consider_v this_o book_n as_o divine_a and_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n whereby_o they_o distinguish_v it_o from_o all_o other_o book_n it_o follow_v thence_o that_o all_o the_o christian_n be_v either_o deceive_v in_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v false_a or_o else_o that_o book_n must_v in_o reality_n be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n for_o such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n so_o constant_a and_o so_o necessary_o affix_v to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n can_v never_o impose_v upon_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v to_o take_v care_n that_o this_o book_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o we_o as_o entire_a as_o when_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o apostle_n hand_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o all_o assure_v we_o that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a authority_n tell_v we_o only_o but_o what_o right_a reason_n oblige_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o we_o as_o well_o as_o they_o for_o the_o word_n preach_v and_o the_o word_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n differ_v not_o essential_o from_o one_o another_o so_o that_o if_o the_o former_a be_v divine_a the_o latter_a must_v necessary_o be_v so_o too_o and_o who_o doubt_v but_o that_o word_n must_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a which_o god_n himself_o authorise_v by_o so_o many_o miracle_n perhaps_o some_o will_v reply_v that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o very_a dangerous_a consequence_n to_o reason_n often_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o that_o although_o a_o false_a prophet_n shall_v work_v prodigious_a miracle_n yet_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o follow_v he_o upon_o a_o bare_a supposition_n that_o god_n never_o assist_v a_o impostor_n with_o his_o infinite_a power_n but_o this_o i_o own_o and_o affirm_v also_o that_o we_o ought_v strict_o to_o examine_v both_o his_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n to_o find_v out_o by_o that_o comparison_n the_o true_a original_a of_o both_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v this_o advantage_n that_o we_o not_o only_o find_v here_o such_o miracle_n as_o excel_v all_o the_o power_n of_o hell_n such_o as_o for_o example_n the_o raise_v a_o man_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o that_o this_o doctrine_n also_o visible_o bear_v all_o the_o character_n of_o one_o that_o proceed_v from_o heaven_n those_o miracle_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n so_o great_a and_o numerous_a that_o the_o people_n cry_v out_o sure_o this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsity_n and_o pernicious_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v because_o the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v not_o usual_o employ_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o imposture_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o so_o perfect_o tend_v to_o the_o union_n and_o welfare_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v so_o worthy_a of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o man_n sufficient_o warrant_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n whereby_o it_o be_v confirm_v proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o from_o the_o power_n of_o darkness_n as_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n seem_v to_o believe_v hell_n never_o concern_v itself_o either_o to_o unite_v or_o sanctify_v mankind_n all_o the_o apostle_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v proceed_v not_o from_o themselves_o but_o god_n but_o i_o certify_v you_o brethren_n say_v st._n paul_n in_o his_o epist_n to_o the_o galatian_n chap._n 1._o v._n 11._o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v preach_v of_o i_o be_v not_o after_o man_n for_o i_o neither_o receive_v of_o man_n neither_o be_v i_o teach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n thus_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v assemble_v together_o at_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o first_o council_n that_o ever_o be_v hold_v and_o write_v to_o some_o chnrche_n concern_v several_a question_n that_o be_v then_o in_o agitation_n they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v for_o it_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o to_o we_o act._n 15._o 28._o it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o apostle_n speak_v by_o the_o order_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v several_a way_n viz._n sometime_o by_o vision_n as_o when_o st._n peter_n see_v a_o certain_a vessel_n descend_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a sheet_n knit_v by_o the_o four_o corner_n wherein_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o unclean_a beast_n and_o he_o be_v command_v say_v peter_n kill_v and_o eat_v act._n 10._o 13._o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o preach_v â—he_v gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v no_o long_o a_o unclean_a nation_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o dream_n as_o when_o a_o certain_a macedonian_a appear_v unto_o st._n paul_n command_v he_o to_o go_v into_o macedonia_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n there_o sometime_o by_o ecstasy_n as_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o st._n paul_n be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n but_o yet_o much_o often_o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n form_v as_o it_o be_v â—n_v their_o soul_n as_o when_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o peter_n concern_v the_o man_n which_o cornelius_n send_v to_o inquire_v for_o he_o go_v thou_o with_o they_o doubt_v nothing_o for_o i_o â—ave_n send_v they_o act._n 10._o 20._o it_o be_v true_a one_o may_v very_o well_o suspect_v these_o revelation_n if_o one_o single_a man_n boast_v of_o have_v have_v â—hem_fw-mi impart_v to_o he_o but_o here_o we_o have_v several_a god_n do_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o after_o one_o single_a manner_n but_o after_o divers_a they_o assert_v not_o only_o â—hat_n god_n have_v reveal_v some_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o order_n â—o_o induce_v mankind_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o they_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n speak_v divers_a language_n impart_v â—hose_v gift_n to_o other_o thereby_o convert_v the_o world_n â—nd_v exact_o fulfil_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n that_o spirit_n which_o fill_v they_o and_o be_v necessary_o to_o fill_v â—hem_fw-mi because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o call_v of_o the_o gentilesâ—as_v â—as_z come_v be_v outward_o produce_v by_o such_o effect_n â—s_v undoubted_o will_v confound_v the_o incredulous_a if_o they_o â—eflect_v upon_o they_o certain_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n pour_v down_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o apostle_n on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n it_o be_v only_a that_o they_o may_v preach_v unto_o man_n by_o their_o ministry_n unless_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v exalt_v after_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n so_o far_o as_o to_o speak_v all_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o particular_a employ_v and_o not_o to_o reveal_v unto_o man_n the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o if_o we_o ought_v
one_o another_o and_o so_o to_o become_v subject_n of_o the_o same_o heavenly_a king_n they_o renounce_v then_o all_o their_o difference_n and_o quarrel_n the_o dear_a expectation_n they_o have_v of_o their_o messiah_n stifle_v in_o their_o heart_n all_o passion_n and_o resentment_n but_o when_o john_n the_o baptist_n have_v as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o they_o be_v strange_o surprise_v to_o find_v in_o he_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o expect_v they_o find_v in_o he_o poverty_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v find_v riches_n shame_n and_o affliction_n where_o they_o think_v to_o have_v meet_v nothing_o but_o great_a splendour_n and_o temporal_a glory_n for_o this_o reason_n therefore_o they_o reject_v he_o with_o horror_n and_o abomination_n all_o their_o thought_n be_v on_o a_o sudden_a change_v into_o indignation_n and_o anger_n against_o he_o in_o who_o before_o they_o have_v fix_v all_o their_o imaginary_a hope_n but_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o his_o nation_n cast_v he_o off_o there_o be_v yet_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n who_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v he_o and_o that_o number_n daily_o increase_v in_o proportion_n as_o jesus_n christ_n suffering_n and_o affliction_n increase_v there_o be_v at_o first_o but_o twelve_o who_o he_o call_v to_o his_o service_n then_o send_v he_o seventy_o other_o abroad_o who_o be_v succeed_v by_o a_o great_a may_v other_o after_o his_o death_n and_o their_o number_n further_o increase_v with_o the_o fury_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n there_o be_v at_o length_n many_o see_v who_o testify_v in_o behalf_n of_o that_o crucify_a man_n but_o how_o come_v those_o disciple_n to_o follow_v a_o messiah_n so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o idea_n and_o receive_a opinion_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v not_o have_v be_v discourage_v at_o his_o cross_n unless_o jesus_n christ_n have_v promise_v they_o to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n how_o can_v they_o have_v be_v with_o he_o night_n and_o day_n for_o three_o year_n and_o a_o half_a without_o inquire_v into_o that_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o able_a to_o do_v miracle_n or_o not_o or_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a when_o they_o find_v their_o mistake_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v but_o a_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o a_o man_n uncapable_a of_o work_v any_o sign_n or_o wonder_n they_o shall_v not_o have_v forsake_v he_o as_o a_o whymsical_a impostor_n how_o can_v their_o mind_n be_v so_o sudden_o change_v as_o to_o look_v on_o humiliation_n and_o meanness_n misery_n and_o affliction_n as_o upon_o the_o true_a and_o real_a character_n of_o the_o messiah_n they_o i_o say_v who_o mind_n education_n have_v fill_v only_o with_o carnal_a idea_n of_o the_o flourish_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o above_o all_o how_o can_v they_o be_v present_a at_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o their_o master_n without_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o last_o great_a consternation_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o the_o second_o consequence_n which_o may_v very_o well_o be_v draw_v from_o these_o principle_n already_o establish_v be_v that_o the_o disciple_n have_v always_o imagine_v with_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n their_o brother_n and_o sister_n their_o teacher_n and_o elder_n and_o in_o general_a with_o their_o whole_a nation_n that_o their_o messiah_n shall_v have_v restore_v the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n and_o have_v understand_v those_o word_n in_o a_o literal_a sense_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v extreme_o offend_v to_o see_v he_o wear_v a_o crown_n of_o thorn_n upon_o his_o head_n when_o he_o be_v nail_v on_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o reed_n instead_o of_o a_o sceptre_n in_o his_o hand_n nay_o more_o than_o this_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a but_o that_o this_o object_n must_v have_v root_v out_o of_o their_o heart_n all_o thought_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o pretension_n to_o greatness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n which_o their_o blindness_n have_v cause_v they_o to_o conceive_v upon_o this_o man_n account_n unless_o there_o have_v happen_v since_o his_o death_n such_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a thing_n as_o be_v able_a to_o revive_v in_o their_o heart_n such_o great_a hope_n as_o these_o three_o we_o shall_v conclude_v from_o the_o principle_n we_o have_v already_o establish_v that_o the_o disciple_n as_o well_o as_o all_o other_o jew_n be_v as_o it_o be_v tie_v to_o their_o religion_n by_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v by_o their_o inclination_n and_o understanding_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o piety_n by_o their_o custom_n and_o education_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n wherewith_o they_o may_v well_o flatter_v themselves_o of_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v further_o as_o it_o be_v wed_v to_o it_o by_o that_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o custom_n the_o justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o which_o they_o can_v no_o way_n doubt_v of_o since_o they_o have_v be_v so_o exact_o prescribe_v they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v but_o that_o they_o imagine_v their_o law_n to_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a duration_n and_o that_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o every_o new_a sort_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o of_o moses_n they_o can_v not_o have_v so_o sudden_o alter_v their_o opinion_n nor_o can_v there_o have_v happen_v so_o strange_a a_o revolution_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o so_o many_o person_n unite_v and_o as_o it_o be_v link_v by_o so_o many_o respect_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o in_o so_o small_a a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o those_o jew_n shall_v have_v be_v so_o entire_o change_v as_o that_o they_o shall_v begin_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o jewish_a religion_n as_o upon_o a_o dispensation_n grant_v with_o a_o proviso_n and_o which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n and_o for_o the_o future_a be_v consider_v only_o as_o a_o thing_n altogether_o useless_a and_o out_o of_o date_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o of_o all_o approve_a of_o in_o the_o world_n without_o great_a contest_v and_o difficulty_n and_o that_o there_o be_v for_o a_o while_o certain_a judaise_v christian_n who_o teach_v other_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v still_o in_o force_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o join_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n with_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n but_o than_o it_o be_v well_o know_v they_o be_v only_o either_o some_o of_o christ_n enemy_n who_o start_v these_o question_n out_o of_o a_o particular_a design_n to_o make_v a_o division_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o some_o jew_n turn_v christian_n as_o yet_o very_o weak_a and_o not_o full_o strengthen_v in_o their_o belief_n who_o scrupulous_a zeal_n and_o blind_a superstition_n cause_v all_o those_o controvesy_n but_o however_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o especial_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o long_o in_o a_o error_n as_o to_o this_o point_n they_o affirm_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o in_o the_o first_o council_n hold_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n abolish_v the_o custom_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o at_o last_o it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n whether_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n or_o religion_n of_o moses_n be_v abolish_v ten_o year_n soon_o or_o late_a still_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v sometime_o abolish_v or_o rather_o to_o speak_v more_o exact_o and_o true_o it_o be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o so_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o cease_v now_o i_o demand_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o man_n who_o be_v so_o devote_v and_o bigoted_a to_o that_o law_n who_o make_v it_o the_o object_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o most_o common_a discourse_n shall_v so_o great_a a_o number_n of_o they_o and_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n with_o one_o common_a consent_n renounce_v that_o law_n which_o piety_n make_v so_o venerable_a and_o honour_n and_o interest_n so_o valuable_a in_o their_o esteem_n whereas_o so_o many_o age_n elapse_v before_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n can_v not_o wear_v out_o of_o their_o mind_n that_o profound_a esteem_n and_o respect_n they_o have_v for_o that_o law_n for_o though_o they_o have_v often_o break_v it_o in_o several_a respect_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o behalf_n they_o almost_o always_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o inviolable_a and_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o so_o many_o age_n as_o have_v pass_v since_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v not_o remove_v
that_o persuasion_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o their_o law_n be_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o yet_o that_o a_o few_o year_n shall_v persuade_v that_o great_a multitude_n of_o disciple_n convert_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o all_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v become_v invalid_a by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o the_o sanhedrin_n have_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n without_o any_o extraordinary_a or_o supernatural_a accident_n intervening_a which_o shall_v occasion_v the_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o first_o prejudices_fw-la certain_o we_o may_v very_o well_o affirm_v that_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o imposture_n and_o ignorance_n when_o they_o imagine_v that_o a_o universal_a delusion_n and_o unanimous_a consent_n to_o a_o lie_n can_v convert_v nation_n sanctify_v mankind_n and_o spread_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n throughout_o the_o world_n according_a as_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o scripture_n or_o that_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a fisherman_n who_o knowledge_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o their_o employment_n shall_v discover_v the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o introduce_v instead_o of_o it_o a_o spiritual_a worship_n as_o real_o more_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o more_o worthy_a of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n that_o those_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n shall_v discover_v the_o sacrifice_n under_o the_o law_n to_o be_v only_a type_n of_o the_o death_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v execute_v as_o a_o malefactor_n that_o they_o shall_v attribute_v this_o thought_n to_o john_n the_o baptist_n and_o make_v he_o express_v it_o only_o in_o these_o word_n behold_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n that_o take_v away_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 29._o word_n so_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a that_o they_o contain_v the_o whole_a sum_n of_o christian_n religion_n and_o last_o that_o they_o shall_v invent_v mystery_n so_o very_o different_a from_o man_n ordinary_a thought_n and_o conjecture_n and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a that_o it_o may_v deserve_o be_v say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v they_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o last_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o person_n already_o advance_v in_o year_n to_o renounce_v the_o common_a practice_n general_o approve_v of_o in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o authorise_v by_o religion_n and_o education_n how_o hard_o will_v it_o be_v for_o we_o christian_n to_o live_v as_o the_o jew_n and_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v more_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o live_v as_o we_o do_v because_o we_o look_v upon_o all_o their_o custom_n as_o thing_n very_o indifferent_a in_o themselves_o whereas_o they_o always_o look_v upon_o our_o practice_n as_o scandalous_a and_o unlawful_a how_o then_o be_v it_o that_o not_o only_o one_o or_o two_o jew_n but_o thousand_o who_o have_v embrace_v christianity_n no_o long_o in_o the_o least_o scruple_v to_o converse_v with_o the_o gentile_n nay_o to_o to_o live_v with_o heathen_n who_o before_o be_v a_o abomination_n in_o their_o eye_n you_o will_v say_v this_o be_v not_o without_o many_o considerable_a difficulty_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o several_a great_a animosity_n and_o dispute_n i_o grant_v it_o but_o yet_o it_o appear_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v utter_o abolish_v present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o apostle_n have_v determine_v that_o it_o have_v be_v accomplish_v in_o his_o death_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o join_v the_o carnal_a ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o spiritual_a worship_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o say_v that_o have_v not_o the_o apostle_n both_o testify_v the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o wrought_v very_o great_a wonder_n themselves_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v execute_v so_o great_a a_o design_n especial_o in_o so_o small_a a_o time_n for_o certain_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o disciple_n as_o bear_a jew_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v very_o much_o devote_v to_o their_o own_o law_n if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o poor_a and_o mean_a people_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v passionate_o fond_a of_o that_o law_n which_o give_v such_o wonderful_a precept_n for_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o relief_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o poor_a if_o we_o consider_v they_o as_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v a_o blind_a love_n and_o obedience_n for_o their_o law_n as_o all_o ignorant_a people_n have_v for_o the_o external_a object_n of_o religion_n last_o shall_v we_o consider_v they_o as_o prepossess_v with_o the_o usual_a prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o nation_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v expect_v a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a messiah_n who_o instead_o of_o abolish_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v establish_v it_o throughout_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o need_v only_o consider_v the_o event_n to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n we_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o reflection_n we_o may_v easy_o make_v hereupon_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o those_o thing_n by_o the_o by_o because_o they_o may_v serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o illustrate_v the_o particular_a examination_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v already_o consider_v they_o in_o general_a sufficient_o to_o convince_v all_o reasonable_a person_n but_o it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o insist_v more_o particular_o on_o they_o that_o we_o may_v confound_v the_o obstinate_a and_o incredulous_a and_o make_v they_o at_o least_o true_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n though_o perhaps_o we_o can_v reclaim_v they_o from_o it_o to_o do_v this_o better_o we_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o miraculous_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o shall_v be_v as_o so_o many_o centre_n of_o the_o truth_n we_o inquire_v into_o because_o there_o be_v several_a line_n and_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o light_n which_o necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o each_o of_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v join_v they_o all_o together_o the_o better_a to_o form_v a_o full_a and_o perfect_a demonstration_n of_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o first_o centre_n of_o truth_n a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o dare_v say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o miracle_n that_o the_o composer_n of_o the_o gospel_n dare_v not_o can_v not_o will_v not_o have_v forge_v they_o have_v they_o be_v real_o false_a i_o say_v they_o dare_v not_o because_o they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v be_v public_o know_v to_o prove_v this_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o four_o example_n of_o they_o which_o be_v i._o the_o history_n of_o zachariah_n the_o father_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n ii_o the_o history_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o young_a child_n of_o bethlehem_n iii_o the_o miraculous_a feed_n of_o several_a thousand_o at_o several_a time_n in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o some_o small_a fish_n iu._n and_o last_o the_o supernatural_a prodigy_n which_o happen_v at_o the_o death_n of_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o as_o to_o the_o first_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o subject_a upon_o who_o this_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v be_v a_o priest_n a_o priest_n who_o daily_o perform_v the_o function_n of_o his_o ministerial_a office_n and_o be_v then_o actual_o burn_v incense_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o a_o very_a remarkable_a time_n during_o which_o the_o people_n who_o expect_v he_o be_v very_a intent_n at_o their_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o the_o outward_a part_n or_o porch_n of_o the_o temple_n whilst_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o holy_a place_n now_o though_o the_o historian_n have_v observe_v only_o concern_v the_o birth_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n that_o zachariah_n and_o elizabeth_n his_o wife_n be_v far_o advance_v in_o year_n and_o that_o the_o latter_a till_o then_o be_v think_v barren_a yet_o that_o event_n will_v have_v employ_v something_o so_o extraordinary_a and_o surprise_a that_o one_o may_v have_v be_v almost_o positive_a that_o the_o evangelist_n dare_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o forge_v it_o against_o the_o public_a knowledge_n which_o all_o the_o jew_n must_v then_o have_v have_v of_o it_o how_o then_o dare_v any_o one_o have_v affirm_v that_o zachariah_n whole_o lose_v
christ_n into_o heaven_n and_o how_o can_v any_o man_n reasonable_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n to_o see_v a_o man_n that_o have_v be_v crucify_v and_o lay_v in_o a_o sepulchre_n where_o a_o watch_n be_v appoint_v to_o guard_v he_o rise_v out_o of_o that_o sepulchre_n again_o appear_v alive_a to_o several_a man_n that_o touch_v and_o handle_v he_o and_o afterward_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o their_o sight_n certain_o that_o very_a ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n can_v but_o convince_v the_o most_o suspicious_a and_o scrupulous_a person_n that_o it_o be_v a_o event_n pure_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a for_o otherwise_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v imagine_v since_o they_o be_v everlasting_o raise_v doubt_n that_o the_o body_n of_o jesus_n christ_n may_v have_v be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o that_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n who_o be_v his_o disciple_n though_o he_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o public_o may_v have_v dress_v his_o body_n and_o recover_v he_o out_o of_o his_o swoon_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o remedy_n he_o give_v he_o that_o he_o may_v have_v lay_v another_o counterfeit_a dead-body_n in_o his_o place_n and_o bury_v it_o and_o that_o afterward_o jes_n christ_n may_v have_v private_o show_v himself_o to_o his_o disciple_n not_o dare_v to_o appear_v in_o public_a for_o fear_v of_o fall_v a_o second_o time_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o suffer_v a_o true_a and_o real_a death_n instead_o of_o that_o imaginary_a one_o he_o have_v suffer_v before_o but_o this_o fiction_n be_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a and_o that_o for_o several_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o evangelist_n relate_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o side_n pierce_v with_o the_o lance_n of_o a_o soldier_n which_o thing_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o give_v he_o his_o death_n second_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrin_n who_o have_v condemn_v he_o to_o die_v nay_o who_o have_v take_v such_o care_n to_o set_v a_o watch_n over_o his_o sepulchre_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v his_o body_n to_o be_v take_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n before_o the_o breath_n be_v go_v out_o of_o it_o last_o because_o it_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o man_n who_o hang_v several_a hour_n together_o on_o a_o cross_n shall_v yet_o escape_v death_n and_o show_v himself_o not_o long_o after_o safe_a and_o sound_a to_o his_o disciple_n but_o that_o which_o will_v immediate_o remove_v all_o these_o doubt_n be_v that_o jesus_n christ_n not_o only_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o also_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o disciple_n and_o this_o be_v so_o sensible_a and_o evident_a a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o that_o respect_n so_o that_o it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o 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man_n will_v conceive_v or_o endeavour_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o find_v any_o man_n so_o much_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o willing_o to_o lose_v his_o quiet_a his_o liberty_n friend_n relation_n and_o all_o his_o acquaintance_n only_o to_o assert_v and_o defend_v a_o lie_n that_o must_v unavoidable_o be_v attend_v by_o such_o fatal_a and_o sorrowful_a consequence_n for_o nature_n be_v not_o insensible_a of_o grief_n and_o pain_n as_o she_o be_v expose_v to_o grief_n and_o suffering_n so_o when_o she_o suffer_v it_o be_v with_o reluctance_n complaint_n sigh_n and_o tear_n she_o can_v accustom_v herself_o to_o bear_v slight_o contempt_n or_o infamy_n nothing_o disturb_v and_o exasperate_v she_o more_o nothing_o make_v she_o more_o impatient_a than_o mortification_n and_o disgrace_n how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a so_o great_a a_o company_n of_o people_n shall_v on_o a_o sudden_a renounce_v all_o those_o inviolable_a sentiment_n of_o 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christ_n himself_o wrought_v the_o first_o degree_n of_o this_o evidence_n must_v necessary_o convince_v we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a convince_a demonstration_n indeed_o to_o have_v present_a to_o one_o eye_n nay_o in_o one_o own_o disposal_n and_o power_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o such_o eye-witness_n too_o that_o both_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v see_v every_o thing_n he_o do_v familiar_o converse_v with_o he_o and_o often_o question_v he_o concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o last_o such_o witness_n who_o all_o unanimous_o depose_v the_o very_a same_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o bold_o maintain_v it_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o most_o cruel_a torment_n and_o yet_o such_o witness_n as_o these_o have_v those_o who_o be_v first_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n yet_o somewhat_o more_o persuasive_a to_o hear_v those_o man_n affirm_v that_o they_o have_v 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down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o we_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o nay_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v and_o manifest_v himself_o after_o a_o sensible_a manner_n by_o speak_v to_o man_n immediate_o from_o the_o high_a heaven_n and_o than_o they_o will_v all_o be_v force_v in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o but_o god_n do_v not_o desire_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o against_o our_o own_o inclination_n and_o consequent_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o manifest_v himself_o as_o we_o in_o our_o extravagant_a desire_n will_v have_v he_o but_o as_o it_o seem_v best_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n raise_v all_o the_o dead_a they_o find_v to_o life_n again_o we_o shall_v then_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o almighty_a have_v have_v no_o other_o faith_n but_o what_o depend_v entire_o upon_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o they_o heal_v 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matter_n of_o fact_n and_o not_o on_o the_o contrary_a regulate_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o any_o speculative_a opinion_n and_o this_o be_v such_o a_o general_a maxim_n that_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o respect_n many_o difficulty_n arise_v at_o first_o about_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o antipode_n some_o pretend_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n other_o affirm_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o both_o party_n raise_v several_a notable_a objection_n against_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_o prove_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n all_o their_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n some_o philosopher_n have_v pretend_v to_o prove_v by_o argument_n that_o motion_n be_v impossible_a but_o since_o we_o have_v daily_a experience_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o motion_n we_o let_v these_o philosopher_n talk_v on_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o believe_v our_o own_o sense_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v without_o beg_v any_o excuse_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o my_o assertion_n that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o never_o will_v be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n against_o which_o we_o may_v not_o raise_v several_a plausible_a objection_n and_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o be_v mere_o speculative_a some_o be_v daily_o raise_v against_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n against_o the_o attraction_n of_o the_o loadstone_n with_o iron_n the_o source_n or_o head_n of_o the_o river_n nile_n against_o comet_n and_o meteor_n nay_o even_o against_o the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n we_o ready_o grant_v the_o incredulous_a that_o several_a considerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v raise_v against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o less_o considerable_a one_o daily_o raise_v even_o against_o the_o mystery_n and_o secret_a operation_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o still_o affirm_v that_o we_o must_v renounce_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n if_o we_o prefer_v any_o difficulty_n of_o mere_a speculation_n before_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v take_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n though_o we_o shall_v argue_v only_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n it_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o obscurity_n which_o cause_n those_o difficulty_n with_o the_o evidence_n which_o clear_v they_o that_o the_o latter_a will_v gain_v more_o upon_o our_o belief_n than_o the_o former_a and_o this_o truth_n we_o think_v we_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o our_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n but_o though_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o else_o but_o difficulty_n in_o those_o natural_a principle_n without_o any_o light_n at_o all_o to_o clear_v they_o yet_o ought_v we_o to_o banish_v all_o scruple_n and_o doubt_n that_o arise_v mere_o from_o speculation_n the_o better_a to_o embrace_v the_o opinion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o we_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o a_o absurdity_n not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v whole_o contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n but_o have_v thus_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o essential_o of_o our_o religion_n namely_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n it_o remain_v only_o that_o we_o make_v man_n further_o sensible_a of_o they_o by_o lay_v down_o a_o few_o short_a remark_n which_o we_o shall_v make_v on_o several_a place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o whole_a purport_n shall_v be_v either_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o teach_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o sincere_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o declare_v or_o else_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o in_o those_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o from_o those_o three_o principle_n be_v form_v the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n some_o reflection_n on_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o s._n matthew_n chapt_n ii_o 1._o now_o when_o jesus_n be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n behold_v there_o come_v wiseman_n etc._n etc._n those_o wiseman_n be_v of_o all_o nation_n the_o first_o that_o come_v to_o pay_v their_o homage_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o priest_n and_o elder_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v consult_v concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n free_o own_v he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o opinion_n than_o the_o modern_a jew_n who_o pervert_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n chap._n 5._o as_o to_o what_o concern_v we_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o wiseman_n can_v not_o be_v false_o invent_v i._o because_o it_o agree_v admirable_o with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n numb_a 24._o 17._o where_o he_o cry_v out_o i_o shall_v sâ—e_v he_o but_o not_o now_o i_o shall_v behold_v he_o but_o not_o nigh_o there_o shall_v come_v a_o star_n out_o of_o jacob_n and_o a_o sceptre_n shall_v rise_v out_o of_o israel_n a_o star_n of_o the_o wiseman_n indeed_o and_o a_o sceptre_n of_o jesus_n christ_n ii_o the_o evangelist_n can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n believe_v that_o they_o be_v trouble_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o come_v of_o those_o wiseman_n and_o much_o less_o persuade_v the_o inhabitant_n against_o their_o own_o public_a knowledge_n that_o herod_n have_v so_o barbarouf_o shed_v so_o much_o innocent_a blood_n iii_o herod_n must_v necessary_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n because_o thither_o he_o send_v direct_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o execrable_a fury_n iu._n and_o last_o joseph_n flee_v into_o egypt_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o return_v again_o into_o judea_n when_o he_o hear_v that_o archelaus_n reign_v in_o the_o room_n of_o his_o father_n herod_n a_o circumstance_n that_o wonderful_o agree_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n chapt._n iii_o 1._o in_o those_o day_n come_v john_n the_o baptist_n in_o this_o chapter_n john_n foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o word_n o_o generation_n of_o viper_n who_o have_v warn_v you_o to_o fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o now_o also_o the_o axe_n be_v lay_v to_o the_o root_n of_o the_o tree_n therefore_o every_o tree_n which_o bring_v not_o forth_o good_a fruit_n be_v hew_v down_o and_o cast_v into_o the_o fire_n etc._n etc._n he_o foretell_v also_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o apostle_n in_o these_o word_n i_o indeed_o baptize_v you_o with_o water_n unto_o repentance_n but_o he_o that_o
it_o easy_a to_o say_v thy_o sin_n be_v forgive_v thou_o or_o to_o say_v arise_v and_o walk_v there_o be_v no_o suspect_v a_o man_n proceed_n that_o prove_v by_o several_a sensible_a and_o heal_a miracle_n the_o authority_n he_o assume_v and_o ascribe_v to_o himself_o verse_n 13._o but_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_v a_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v the_o only_a worship_n that_o god_n delight_v in_o the_o ceremony_n of_o moses_n law_n be_v only_o agreeable_a to_o he_o as_o they_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o obedience_n that_o be_v due_a to_o god_n this_o obedience_n derive_v its_o whole_a perfection_n from_o a_o willing_a compliance_n out_o of_o love_n and_o charity_n for_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v obedience_n can_v never_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o which_o be_v most_o excellent_a in_o charity_n be_v mercy_n which_o consist_v in_o forgive_a injury_n and_o do_v good_a to_o other_o without_o expect_v any_o return_n from_o they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v do_v good_a to_o another_o through_o a_o principle_n of_o vain_a glory_n but_o the_o work_n of_o mercy_n proceed_v from_o another_o motive_n and_o be_v a_o product_n of_o a_o noble_a disinterest_v nature_n mercy_n then_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o religion_n and_o both_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o so_o but_o the_o world_n be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o this_o truth_n when_o jesus_n christ_n first_o take_v it_o for_o a_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o surprise_v to_o man_n than_o his_o express_a himself_o after_o this_o manner_n verse_n 13._o for_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n a_o expression_n that_o thunder_v out_o against_o hypocrisy_n root_v out_o of_o our_o heart_n that_o false_a pride_n and_o vain_a confidence_n we_o have_v of_o ourselves_o humble_v mankind_n glorify_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o repentance_n and_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n evident_o show_v the_o self-denial_n of_o our_o lord_n chap._n x._o 1._o and_o when_o he_o have_v call_v unto_o he_o his_o twelve_o disciple_n he_o give_v they_o power_n etc._n etc._n the_o evangelist_n be_v not_o afraid_a of_o be_v contradict_v by_o the_o twelve_o disciple_n of_o our_o lord_n who_o name_n he_o set_v down_o when_o he_o say_v that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v give_v they_o power_n to_o heal_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n among_o the_o people_n verse_n 5._o these_o twelve_o jesus_n send_v forth_o and_o command_v they_o say_v go_v not_o into_o the_o city_n of_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o go_v rather_o to_o the_o lose_a sheep_n of_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n these_o word_n remove_v all_o suspicion_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n may_v entertain_v that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o gospel_n be_v willing_a to_o favour_v the_o gentile_n in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o jew_n verse_n 7._o and_o as_o you_o go_v preach_v say_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v at_o hand_n be_v jesus_n christ_n in_o a_o fit_a condition_n to_o make_v himself_o know_v for_o that_o monarch_n who_o be_v to_o come_v unless_o he_o have_v first_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a power_n verse_n 8._o heal_n the_o sick_a cleanse_v the_o leper_n raise_v the_o dead_a cast_v out_o devil_n free_o you_o have_v receive_v free_o give_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o jesus_n christ_n can_v have_v make_v his_o disciple_n believe_v they_o have_v free_o receive_v that_o which_o they_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o receive_v how_o bold_a then_o must_v that_o command_n have_v be_v to_o work_v so_o many_o miracle_n verse_n 9_o provide_v neither_o gold_n nor_o silver_n nor_o brass_n in_o your_o purse_n nor_o scrip_n for_o your_o journey_n etc._n etc._n christ_n waâ—_n not_o content_a to_o choose_v poor_a man_n for_o his_o disciple_n he_o sâ—rther_o oblige_v they_o to_o become_v poor_a than_o they_o be_v he_o forbid_v they_o to_o provide_v themselves_o any_o thing_n design_v to_o nourish_v they_o wonderful_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o resolve_v so_o to_o dispose_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v believe_v in_o their_o word_n that_o they_o shall_v feed_v and_o clothe_v they_o this_o indeed_o be_v speak_v like_o the_o master_n and_o god_n of_o nature_n verse_n 22._o and_o you_o shall_v be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n for_o my_o name_n sake_n christ_n flatter_v not_o his_o disciple_n but_o foretell_v they_o from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o their_o ministry_n all_o the_o evil_n that_o be_v to_o befall_v they_o now_o what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 23._o but_o when_o they_o persecute_v you_o in_o this_o city_n flee_v into_o another_o for_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v go_v over_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n till_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v come_v this_o text_n be_v somewhat_o difficult_a because_o it_o do_v not_o plain_o appear_v that_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v be_v exact_o fulfil_v but_o this_o very_a difficulty_n serve_v to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evangelist_n write_v this_o he_o who_o live_v to_o see_v the_o success_n of_o that_o matter_n he_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o all_o the_o city_n of_o israel_n but_o almost_o in_o every_o country_n in_o the_o world_n though_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o yet_o come_v in_o all_o his_o glory_n doubtless_o it_o be_v because_o he_o intend_v to_o relate_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o ascribe_v no_o more_o to_o his_o divine_a master_n but_o just_a the_o very_a word_n he_o utter_v and_o although_o holy_a writer_n by_o the_o come_n of_o jesus_n christ_n common_o understand_v his_o last_o come_n in_o his_o glory_n yet_o that_o same_o expression_n do_v also_o sometime_o signify_v the_o judgement_n which_o god_n execute_v upon_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o send_v the_o roman_n to_o destroy_v their_o city_n which_o explanation_n plain_o solve_v the_o whole_a difficulty_n verse_n 34._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o send_v peace_n on_o earth_n i_o come_v not_o to_o send_v peace_n but_o a_o sword_n a_o terrible_a declaration_n indeed_o for_o those_o man_n who_o according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n imagine_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v have_v raise_v they_o up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o happiness_n and_o temporal_a prosperity_n but_o who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v bold_a enough_o to_o foretell_v that_o his_o gospel_n shall_v disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o universe_n how_o come_v it_o he_o do_v not_o rather_o foresee_v that_o that_o gospel_n will_v unavoidable_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o darkness_n of_o silence_n and_o oblivion_n have_v such_o weak_a defender_n to_o maintain_v and_o such_o formidable_a adversary_n to_o oppose_v it_o do_v it_o seem_v natural_a that_o a_o man_n who_o dwell_v on_o the_o border_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o gennesareth_n shall_v have_v pretend_v to_o make_v other_o man_n rise_v up_o one_o against_o another_o by_o the_o bare_a efficacy_n of_o his_o word_n without_o any_o arm_n riches_n or_o authority_n be_v only_o get_v at_o the_o head_n of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o miserable_a wretch_n who_o know_v nothing_o beyond_o the_o mend_n their_o net_n verse_n 28._o and_o he_o that_o take_v not_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v after_o i_o be_v not_o worthy_a of_o i_o do_v ever_o man_n get_v himself_o any_o follower_n by_o such_o declaration_n as_o these_o chap._n xi_o 4_o 5._o jesus_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o go_v and_o show_v john_n those_o thing_n which_o you_o do_v hear_v and_o see_v the_o blind_a receive_v their_o fight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v the_o dead_a be_v raise_v up_o and_o the_o poor_a have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n christ_n convince_v not_o his_o disciple_n by_o mere_a speculation_n but_o by_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n verse_n 12._o and_o from_o the_o day_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n until_o now_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n suffer_v violence_n and_o the_o violent_a take_v it_o by_o force_n do_v ever_o man_n in_o so_o mean_a and_o miserable_a a_o condition_n as_o he_o be_v in_o speak_v thus_o whence_o have_v he_o this_o confidence_n and_o what_o sort_n of_o language_n be_v this_o verse_n 21._o woe_n unto_o the_o chorazin_n etc._n etc._n what_o probability_n be_v there_o that_o christ_n shall_v thus_o reproach_v the_o jew_n who_o dwell_v in_o all_o those_o country_n unless_o he_o have_v real_o wrought_v several_a miracle_n among_o they_o verse_n 28._o come_v unto_o i_o all_o you_o that_o labour_n etc._n etc._n there_o have_v be_v many_o
at_o she_o etc._n etc._n when_o jesus_n have_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o see_v none_o but_o the_o woman_n he_o say_v unto_o she_o woman_n where_o be_v those_o thy_o accuser_n have_v no_o man_n condemn_v thou_o she_o say_v no_o man_n lord_n and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o she_o neither_o do_v i_o condemn_v thou_o go_v and_o sin_n no_o more_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o comment_n to_o understand_v the_o divine_a energy_n of_o these_o word_n a_o heart_n right_o dispose_v will_v soon_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o than_o able_a to_o express_v it_o verse_n 51._o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o if_o a_o man_n keep_v my_o say_n he_o shall_v never_o see_v death_n how_o can_v christ_n advance_v such_o a_o paradox_n or_o how_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o john_n shall_v make_v he_o utter_v it_o he_o who_o have_v already_o see_v several_a of_o his_o master_n disciple_n die_v these_o word_n than_o must_v secret_o imply_v something_o more_o sublime_a and_o uncommon_a than_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o first_o sight_n and_o those_o who_o teach_v they_o have_v deep_a understanding_n and_o more_o pierce_a judgement_n than_o other_o men._n chap._n xi_o 25._o i_o be_o the_o resurrection_n and_o the_o life_n he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o though_o he_o be_v dead_a yet_o shall_v he_o live_v this_o be_v such_o a_o strange_a discourse_n as_o be_v never_o meet_v with_o before_o verse_n 43_o 44._o and_o when_o he_o have_v thus_o speak_v he_o cry_v with_o a_o loud_a voice_n lazarus_n come_v forth_o and_o he_o that_o be_v dead_a come_v forth_o bind_v hand_n and_o foot_n with_o grave-cloath_n and_o his_o face_n be_v bind_v about_o with_o a_o napkin_n etc._n etc._n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o circumstantial_o tell_v than_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n lazarus_n have_v be_v dead_a about_o four_o day_n he_o be_v bury_v and_o a_o stone_n have_v be_v roll_v over_o his_o grave_n nay_o he_o already_o begin_v to_o stink_n some_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v there_o present_a murmur_v and_o say_v among_o themselves_o can_v not_o this_o man_n who_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a have_v cause_v that_o even_o this_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v die_v john_n 11._o 37._o and_o other_o that_o be_v come_v to_o comfort_v the_o two_o sister_n be_v there_o assemble_v the_o dead_a person_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o he_o be_v see_v and_o hear_v to_o speak_v several_a that_o be_v there_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n so_o that_o the_o great_a council_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v terrify_v at_o it_o and_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o pharisee_n be_v gather_v together_o upon_o this_o occasion_n many_o of_o they_o cry_v out_o and_o say_v what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n if_o we_o let_v he_o thus_o alone_o all_o man_n will_v believe_v on_o he_o and_o the_o roman_n shall_v come_v and_o take_v away_o both_o our_o place_n and_o nation_n etc._n etc._n have_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v false_o invent_v how_o dare_v the_o evangelist_n so_o exact_o describe_v it_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n why_o do_v not_o other_o make_v a_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o dive_v into_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o do_v the_o christian_n want_v enemy_n to_o do_v it_o they_o who_o be_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o persecution_n of_o all_o the_o power_n upon_o earth_n this_o gospel_n be_v believe_v at_o jerusalem_n which_o place_n be_v yet_o extant_a and_o bethany_n be_v but_o a_o few_o furlong_n distant_a from_o jerusalem_n the_o falsehood_n alone_o of_o that_o single_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n and_o so_o public_o know_v will_v have_v utter_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o apostle_n new_a religion_n give_v up_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o universal_o silence_v the_o christian_n why_o then_o do_v they_o not_o manifest_v the_o truth_n upon_o the_o spot_n chap._n xiii_o 35._o by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o have_v love_v one_o to_o another_o a_o divine_a mark_n indeed_o and_o a_o character_n not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v suspect_v chap._n fourteen_o 11_o 12._o believe_v i_o that_o i_o be_o in_o the_o father_n and_o the_o father_n in_o i_o or_o else_o believe_v i_o for_o the_o very_a work_n sake_n very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o i_o the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v shall_v he_o do_v also_o and_o great_a work_n than_o these_o shall_v he_o do_v what_o can_v the_o evangelist_n think_v when_o he_o relate_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v true_o convince_v by_o his_o own_o experience_n and_o by_o that_o of_o his_o associate_n that_o christ_n be_v disciple_n can_v not_o perform_v any_o miracle_n chap._n xv._n 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n he_o continual_o lay_v before_o their_o eye_n the_o testimony_n of_o his_o work_n chap._n xvi_o 2._o they_o shall_v put_v you_o out_o of_o the_o synagogue_n yea_o the_o time_n come_v that_o whosoever_o kill_v you_o will_v think_v that_o he_o do_v god_n service_n it_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o prediction_n the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n that_o the_o disciple_n do_v not_o then_o expect_v nay_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v any_o thing_n but_o cross_n and_o tribulation_n what_o then_o can_v support_v they_o in_o their_o present_a suffering_n and_o the_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o worse_a to_o come_v but_o the_o hope_n of_o such_o a_o reward_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o quality_n of_o impostor_n a_o name_n which_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n be_v please_v to_o give_v they_o verse_n 33._o in_o the_o world_n you_o shall_v have_v tribulation_n but_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n i_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n he_o be_v continual_o foretell_v they_o what_o misfortune_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v this_o in_o all_o appearance_n shall_v have_v dishearten_v they_o but_o it_o only_o serve_v to_o try_v their_o patience_n and_o confirm_v the_o word_n which_o they_o preach_v chap._n xvii_o 25_o 26._o o_o righteous_a father_n the_o world_n have_v not_o know_v thou_o but_o i_o have_v know_v thou_o and_o these_o have_v know_v that_o thou_o have_v send_v i_o and_o i_o have_v declare_v unto_o they_o thy_o name_n that_o thy_o love_n wherewith_o thou_o have_v love_v i_o may_v be_v in_o they_o and_o i_o in_o they_o can_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o a_o impostor_n shall_v express_v himself_o thus_o be_v falsehood_n then_o so_o different_a here_o from_o what_o it_o usual_o be_v and_o do_v it_o breath_n out_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n innocence_n love_n and_o charity_n have_v it_o altogether_o that_o spirit_n of_o pure_a holiness_n and_o elevate_a simplicity_n of_o ineffable_a consolation_n and_o wonderful_a trust_n and_o reliance_n upon_o god_n which_o run_v through_o all_o the_o latter_a discourse_n jesus_n make_v to_o his_o disciple_n to_o comfort_v they_o for_o his_o approach_a departure_n chap._n xviii_o 36_o 37._o my_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n etc._n etc._n pilate_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o be_v thou_o a_o king_n then_o jesus_n answer_v thou_o say_v that_o i_o be_o a_o king_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n come_v i_o into_o the_o world_n that_o i_o shall_v bear_v witness_n unto_o the_o truth_n every_o one_o that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n hear_v my_o voice_n jesus_n plain_o declare_v that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o king_n have_v he_o be_v a_o impostor_n he_o will_v have_v pretend_v to_o have_v reign_v somewhere_o or_o at_o least_o show_v some_o ambition_n of_o it_o chap._n xx._n 25_o 26._o the_o other_o disciple_n therefore_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o except_o i_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v my_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n i_o will_v not_o believe_v etc._n etc._n jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o thomas_z because_o thou_o have_v see_v i_o thou_o have_v believe_v bless_a be_v they_o that_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v can_v any_o one_o have_v make_v thomas_n believe_v that_o he_o have_v be_v more_o incredulous_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v till_o he_o have_v see_v and_o feel_v the_o body_n of_o his_o master_n chap._n xxi_o 3._o simon_n peter_n say_v unto_o they_o i_o go_v a_o fish_n they_o say_v unto_o he_o we_o also_o go_v with_o thou_o they_o go_v forth_o and_o enter_v into_o a_o ship_n immediate_o and_o that_o night_n they_o catch_v nothing_o but_o when_o the_o morning_n be_v now_o come_v jesus_n stand_v on_o the_o shore_n etc._n etc._n christ_n be_v dead_a the_o disciple_n betake_v themselves_o again_o
to_o their_o former_a employment_n for_o they_o can_v not_o subsist_v without_o do_v something_o to_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o jesus_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v sometime_o to_o they_o on_o the_o sea_n shore_n where_o they_o be_v a_o fish_n what_o can_v be_v suspect_v in_o all_o this_o verse_n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o then_o peter_n turn_v about_o seethe_v the_o disciple_n who_o jesus_n love_v follow_v which_o also_o lean_v on_o his_o breast_n at_o supper_n and_o say_v lord_n who_o be_v it_o that_o betray_v thou_o peter_n see_v he_o say_v to_o jesus_n lord_n and_o what_o shall_v this_o man_n do_v jesus_n say_v unto_o he_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o follow_v thou_o i_o then_o go_v this_o say_n abroad_o among_o the_o brethren_n that_o that_o disciple_n shall_v not_o die_v yet_o jesus_n say_v not_o unto_o he_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v but_o if_o i_o will_v that_o he_o tarry_v till_o i_o come_v what_o be_v that_o to_o thou_o this_o be_v the_o disciple_n which_o testify_v of_o these_o thing_n and_o write_v these_o thing_n etc._n etc._n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o evangelist_n himself_o invent_v this_o report_n which_o he_o pretend_v go_v about_o concern_v his_o immortality_n and_o do_v such_o thought_n come_v into_o a_o man_n head_n however_o do_v but_o observe_v how_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o matter_n hang_v so_o one_o upon_o another_o that_o whosoever_o grant_v one_o of_o they_o must_v grant_v also_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o report_n spread_v abroad_o that_o john_n shall_v not_o die_v be_v ground_v upon_o the_o answer_n which_o christ_n return_v to_o peter_n and_o he_o return_v not_o that_o answer_n to_o peter_n till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o after_o have_v foretell_v peter_n himself_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o death_n he_o shall_v glorify_v god_n this_o connexion_n therefore_o plain_o show_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v upon_o this_o account_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o we_o shall_v further_o produce_v from_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n several_a place_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_n religion_n chap._n i._n 8._o but_o you_o shall_v receive_v power_n after_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v come_v upon_o you_o and_o you_o shall_v be_v witness_n unto_o i_o both_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n â—et_z these_o witness_n be_v strict_o examine_v let_v their_o patience_n be_v try_v with_o all_o kind_n of_o severe_a punishment_n and_o it_o will_v then_o appear_v whether_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o to_o force_v they_o to_o recant_v their_o opinion_n verse_n 26._o and_o the_o lot_n fall_v upon_o mathias_n and_o he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o eleven_o apostle_n in_o this_o election_n there_o appear_v neither_o bribe_n preeminence_n or_o arbitrary_a partiality_n so_o different_a be_v that_o society_n from_o these_o now_o establish_v in_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o 13_o other_o mock_v say_v these_o man_n be_v full_a of_o new_a wine_n these_o sort_n of_o circumstance_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o show_v the_o exactness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o historian_n verse_n 22._o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o you_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n as_o you_o yourselves_o also_o know_v how_o come_v they_o to_o know_v it_o have_v christ_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o what_o a_o strange_a piece_n of_o confidence_n must_v it_o have_v be_v in_o the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v thus_o verse_n 41._o and_o the_o same_o day_n be_v add_v unto_o they_o about_o three_o thousand_o soul_n what_o but_o the_o wonderful_a power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n verse_n 44_o 45._o and_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v together_o and_o have_v all_o thing_n common_a and_o sell_v their_o possession_n and_o good_n and_o part_v they_o to_o all_o man_n as_o every_o man_n have_v need_v a_o holy_a society_n indeed_o consist_v of_o none_o but_o such_o as_o have_v give_v up_o all_o their_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o glorify_a god_n by_o offer_v up_o themselves_o and_o what_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o what_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o who_o absolute_o renounce_v every_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n let_v a_o man_n reason_n never_o so_o much_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o unite_n man_n in_o a_o body_n together_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v never_o a_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o form_v a_o society_n than_o charity_n for_o it_o make_v those_o thing_n equal_a which_o humane_a passion_n have_v before_o distinguish_v it_o subvert_v all_o competition_n destroy_v all_o interest_n banish_v the_o design_n of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o all_o the_o little_a distinction_n vanity_n create_v in_o a_o word_n it_o unite_v man_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o they_o all_o equal_o enjoy_v the_o same_o revelation_n the_o same_o spiritual_a worship_n and_o the_o same_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n all_o which_o represent_v as_o it_o be_v on_o earth_n the_o joy_n we_o may_v partake_v hereafter_o and_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a image_n and_o idea_n of_o heaven_n and_o what_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o a_o religion_n verse_n 46._o and_o they_o continue_v daily_o with_o one_o accord_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o break_v bread_n from_o house_n to_o house_n do_v eat_v their_o meat_n with_o gladness_n and_o singleness_n of_o heart_n what_o perseverance_n what_o joy_n nay_o what_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n do_v the_o apostle_n here_o show_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v deceiver_n for_o we_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o else_o allow_v the_o gospel_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a and_o divine_a chap._n iii_o 8_o 9_o and_o he_o enter_v with_o they_o into_o the_o temple_n walk_v and_o leap_v and_o praise_v god_n and_o all_o the_o people_n see_v he_o walk_v and_o praise_v god_n be_v it_o a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v other_o man_n believe_v such_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o these_o suppose_v they_o be_v altogether_o false_a verse_n 12._o and_o when_o peter_n see_v it_o he_o answer_v unto_o the_o people_n you_o man_n of_o israel_n why_o marvel_v you_o at_o this_o or_o why_o look_v you_o so_o earnest_o on_o we_o as_o though_o by_o our_o own_o power_n or_o holiness_n we_o have_v make_v this_o man_n to_o walk_v have_v simon_n magus_n perform_v such_o a_o miracle_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v take_v all_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o and_o now_o more_o confident_o than_o ever_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a power_n of_o god_n observe_v i_o pray_v here_o a_o character_n of_o ingenuity_n humility_n and_o sincerity_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o express_v verse_n 16._o and_o his_o name_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o name_n have_v make_v this_o man_n strong_a who_o you_o see_v and_o know_v yea_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v by_o he_o have_v give_v he_o this_o perfect_a soundness_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o you_o all_o this_o multiply_a expression_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v not_o so_o well_o please_v some_o man_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o empty_a flourish_n of_o word_n or_o a_o put_v some_o good_a word_n fine_o together_o to_o signify_v little_a a_o thing_n not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o true_a eloquence_n man_n ought_v to_o use_v but_o here_o it_o be_v not_o real_o so_o the_o apostle_n here_o regard_v not_o politness_v in_o the_o least_o but_o rather_o be_v afraid_a they_o can_v not_o use_v expression_n strong_a enough_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o name_n but_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n then_o whether_o the_o ear_n be_v offend_v at_o it_o or_o not_o provide_v the_o understanding_n humble_v itself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o ascribe_v that_o extraordinary_a miracle_n to_o none_o but_o christ_n himself_o verse_n 14._o but_o you_o deny_v the_o holy_a one_o and_o the_o just_a and_o desire_v a_o murderer_n to_o be_v grant_v unto_o you_o observe_v how_o little_o he_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o flatter_v those_o man_n he_o speak_v to_o chap._n iu._n 4._o howbeit_o many_o of_o they_o which_o hear_v the_o word_n believe_v and_o the_o number_n of_o the_o man_n be_v about_o five_o thousand_o how_o can_v s._n luke_n who_o write_v in_o a_o time_n when_o the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o proselyte_n flourish_v i_o say_v how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o believe_v such_o miraculous_a
such_o defect_n because_o it_o be_v whole_o found_v upon_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n search_v the_o scripture_n for_o in_o they_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n john_n 5._o 39_o chap._n iu._n 7_o 8_o i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n st._n paul_n be_v draw_v nigh_o towards_o his_o latter_a end_n and_o the_o word_n of_o a_o die_a man_n be_v always_o to_o be_v regard_v whence_o then_o come_v that_o cheerful_a joy_n the_o apostle_n so_o natural_o express_v in_o this_o occasion_n his_o hope_n have_v they_o be_v of_o this_o world_n must_v have_v be_v soon_o bury_v with_o he_o in_o his_o grave_n and_o his_o happiness_n too_o at_o a_o end_n whence_o then_o derive_v he_o that_o great_a confidence_n which_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v be_v it_o from_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o reproach_v 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but_o also_o to_o the_o froward_a etc._n etc._n for_o what_o glory_n be_v it_o if_o when_o you_o be_v buffet_v for_o your_o fault_n you_o shall_v take_v it_o patient_o but_o if_o when_o you_o do_v well_o and_o suffer_v for_o it_o you_o take_v it_o patient_o this_o be_v acceptable_a with_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n we_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o own_o that_o a_o mutual_a agreement_n of_o malice_n and_o falsehood_n which_o real_o be_v a_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o piety_n charity_n obedience_n and_o righteousness_n paul_n express_v himself_o like_o peter_n and_o peter_n speak_v like_o paul_n they_o both_o act_v and_o suffer_v alike_o nay_o they_o bear_v the_o very_a same_o testimony_n be_v endow_v with_o the_o same_o patience_n practise_v the_o very_a same_o virtue_n and_o discover_v one_o and_o the_o same_o wisdom_n in_o all_o their_o word_n now_o what_o have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v in_o all_o this_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n chap._n i._n 16_o 17_o 18._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n for_o he_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o father_n honour_n and_o glory_n when_o there_o come_v such_o a_o voice_n to_o he_o from_o the_o excellent_a glory_n this_o be_v my_o well_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o voice_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n we_o hear_v when_o we_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o holy_a mount_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v a_o witness_n who_o speak_v of_o what_o he_o have_v see_v who_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o testimony_n who_o see_v it_o not_o alone_o for_o several_a other_o have_v see_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n of_o interest_n or_o conceal_v what_o he_o know_v through_o any_o fear_n or_o apprehension_n of_o death_n and_o who_o for_o all_o that_o do_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o bestow_v all_o his_o time_n his_o labour_n and_o his_o life_n in_o advance_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n which_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v suspect_v and_o if_o so_o what_o man_n be_v there_o that_o can_v reasonable_o mistrust_v he_o first_o epistle_n of_o st._n john_n chap._n i._n 1_o 3._o that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n 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 etc._n etc._n if_o you_o shall_v doubt_v whether_o the_o apostle_n do_v real_o go_v about_o testify_v every_o where_o that_o they_o have_v see_v with_o their_o eye_n both_o the_o miracle_n and_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v but_o learn_v it_o from_o their_o epistle_n and_o their_o own_o word_n too_o chap._n ii_o 1._o my_o little_a child_n these_o thing_n write_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o you_o sin_v not_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o he_o whether_o man_n sin_v or_o not_o do_v ever_o the_o design_n of_o sanctify_a mankind_n and_o contribute_v to_o their_o salvation_n at_o the_o cost_n of_o one_o blood_n one_o liberty_n one_o life_n enter_v before_o into_o any_o man_n heart_n but_o they_o these_o and_o the_o like_a reflection_n be_v of_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o give_v the_o reader_n a_o relish_n of_o those_o truth_n and_o incite_v he_o to_o make_v some_o of_o his_o own_o as_o shall_v more_o effectual_o instruct_v and_o convince_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v make_v several_a which_o perhaps_o satisfy_v i_o better_o than_o they_o will_v any_o body_n else_o and_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v also_o make_v several_a of_o his_o own_o that_o will_v convince_v he_o far_o better_o than_o those_o of_o another_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n let_v we_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o christ_n himself_o do_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n for_o after_o have_v consider_v the_o outside_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o look_v into_o the_o inward_a part_n of_o the_o building_n section_n iu._n wherein_o we_o shall_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n several_a portraiture_n in_o which_o it_o may_v be_v consider_v hitherto_o we_o have_v insist_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o shell_n and_o bark_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v examine_v the_o proof_n take_v from_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o first_o that_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o seem_v therefore_o now_o expedient_a we_o shall_v discover_v as_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o so_o proceed_v to_o those_o other_o proof_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o that_o by_o show_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o its_o beauty_n and_o proper_a excellency_n but_o because_o this_o be_v too_o copious_a a_o subject_n for_o we_o who_o study_n brevity_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o reduce_v what_o we_o have_v to_o say_v into_o as_o small_a a_o compass_n as_o we_o can_v and_o since_o we_o can_v allow_v our_o reflection_n their_o due_a and_o proper_a extent_n to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o plan_n or_o draught_n of_o the_o same_o as_o shall_v supply_v that_o defect_n and_o though_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v consider_v under_o several_a different_a face_n because_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v like_a unto_o its_o object_n which_o have_v no_o bound_n to_o confine_v its_o extent_n yet_o methinks_v we_o may_v give_v a_o idea_n just_a and_o adequate_a enough_o to_o our_o present_a design_n by_o consider_v it_o in_o eleven_o different_a draught_n or_o portraiture_n i._o in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o which_o we_o shall_v touch_v upon_o cursory_o because_o we_o have_v already_o partly_o examine_v they_o all_o ii_o in_o its_o essential_a opposition_n to_o all_o false_a religion_n that_o ever_o be_v iii_o in_o its_o effect_n which_o can_v only_o just_o be_v refer_v to_o a_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n iv._o in_o the_o purity_n of_o its_o end_n v._o in_o its_o suitableness_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o it_o undertake_v to_o reform_v vi_o in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o it_o shall_v advance_v vii_o in_o its_o morality_n viii_o in_o its_o mystery_n ix_o in_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n x._o in_o that_o exact_a proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n xi_o and_o last_o in_o that_o proportion_n it_o bear_v to_o natural_a religion_n i_o hope_v these_o portraiture_n will_v like_o so_o many_o
degree_n of_o light_n wonderful_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o incredulous_a and_o discover_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o sublimity_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o i._o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o testimony_n give_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o though_o testimony_n be_v somewhat_o foreign_a and_o exterior_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v seem_v improper_a to_o discover_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o do_v discover_v it_o if_o we_o but_o careful_o unite_v they_o together_o and_o so_o consider_v well_o their_o joint_a union_n and_o agreement_n we_o can_v but_o have_v a_o very_a great_a idea_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o nine_o several_a testimony_n each_o whereof_o will_v have_v be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n who_o all_o testify_v of_o jesus_n christ_n by_o a_o long_a and_o continue_a series_n of_o prophecy_n some_o far_o plain_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o some_o of_o the_o prophet_n see_v almost_o as_o clear_v in_o the_o night_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v of_o shadow_n and_o figurative_a type_n as_o we_o can_v in_o the_o day_n of_o their_o exact_a accomplishment_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v the_o second_o be_v that_o of_o john_n the_o baptist_n so_o much_o the_o more_o certain_a because_o it_o be_v foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o disciple_n continual_o refer_v the_o jew_n to_o that_o testimony_n so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a because_o we_o can_v suspect_v john_n the_o baptist_n of_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o base_a complacency_n towards_o the_o jew_n or_o mean_a design_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o 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word_n sanctify_v we_o by_o deliver_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n and_o so_o consequent_o supply_v all_o our_o want_n and_o necessity_n the_o six_o be_v that_o even_o of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n who_o have_v be_v force_v to_o speak_v favourable_o on_o our_o side_n the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n have_v testify_v in_o our_o behalf_n the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o convince_a force_n of_o truth_n have_v oblige_v they_o tacit_o to_o own_o that_o truth_n against_o which_o they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o such_o inveterate_a and_o implacable_a enemy_n the_o ancient_a jew_n believe_v that_o the_o famous_a 11._o prophecy_n jacob_n utter_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n the_o sceptre_n shall_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n this_o their_o own_o write_n testify_v and_o their_o talmud_n acknowledge_v that_o that_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n who_o be_v to_o be_v bruise_v for_o our_o iniquity_n and_o from_o 12._o who_o they_o 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same_o hope_n follow_v a_o certain_a robber_n into_o the_o wilderness_n and_o the_o jew_n see_v their_o city_n just_o ready_a to_o be_v lay_v in_o ash_n imagine_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v just_a upon_o manifest_v himself_o nay_o the_o merciless_a ringleader_n of_o those_o factious_a wretch_n who_o tear_v one_o another_o in_o piece_n during_o the_o devastation_n of_o judea_n so_o obstinate_o seek_v after_o one_o another_o ruin_n only_o because_o they_o expect_v to_o vanquish_v the_o roman_n and_o so_o become_v the_o conqueror_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v to_o fulfil_v ancient_a prophecy_n few_o age_n after_o they_o turn_v to_o one_o barkokebas_n a_o villainous_a robber_n only_o because_o they_o think_v he_o the_o messiah_n according_a to_o their_o computation_n of_o the_o year_n of_o his_o come_n josephus_n a_o great_a man_n and_o well_o verse_v in_o the_o scripture_n imagine_v as_o well_o as_o other_o that_o the_o time_n prefix_v for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v or_o if_o 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of_o hezekiah_n other_o that_o his_o come_n be_v put_v off_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o cry_a sin_n of_o the_o people_n nay_o they_o go_v on_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n and_o irreligion_n as_o to_o pronounce_v they_o curse_a who_o shall_v calculate_v the_o year_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o by_o these_o their_o confession_n and_o shift_n they_o in_o a_o manner_n bear_v witness_n though_o unwilling_o and_o without_o design_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_n beside_o the_o authentic_a testimony_n of_o pliny_n the_o young_a 5._o concern_v the_o innocence_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o beside_o that_o of_o tiberius_n concern_v jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o will_v have_v insert_v among_o the_o god_n be_v himself_o astonish_v at_o the_o surprise_a wonder_n which_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o we_o all_o know_v that_o there_o meaux_n have_v
have_v for_o ever_o divide_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n restore_v the_o society_n of_o nature_n for_o by_o unite_n man_n so_o strict_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o charity_n it_o far_o strengthen_v that_o natural_a love_n which_o we_o call_v humanity_n it_o destroy_v too_o the_o society_n of_o interest_n and_o ambition_n because_o it_o extirpate_v such_o inordinate_a desire_n as_o be_v not_o true_a principle_n of_o union_n and_o good_a understanding_n one_o among_o another_o it_o also_o strengthen_v civil_a society_n by_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v our_o superior_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o render_v unto_o cesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o unto_o god_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v go_n last_o it_o establish_v such_o a_o society_n as_o restore_v the_o equality_n of_o nature_n among_o we_o and_o whereas_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n of_o man_n external_o indeed_o unite_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o civil_a law_n government_n 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occasion_n make_v the_o very_a same_o distinction_n refuse_v to_o own_v they_o for_o his_o disciple_n that_o shall_v be_v whole_o take_v up_o with_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o give_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o those_o who_o he_o own_v for_o his_o my_o sheep_n hear_v my_o voice_n and_o the_o world_n hate_v they_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o world_n joh._n 17._o 14._o i_o say_v beside_o all_o this_o we_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o we_o can_v produce_v a_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n that_o yield_v not_o to_o any_o power_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withstand_v the_o most_o rigorous_a trial_n of_o persecution_n and_o renounce_v the_o entice_a charm_n of_o the_o world_n the_o better_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n a_o society_n victorious_a in_o temptation_n that_o overcome_v vice_n and_o delude_v the_o indefatigable_a endeavour_n of_o tyrant_n a_o society_n compose_v of_o mortal_a man_n yet_o not_o to_o be_v exstinguish_v by_o death_n that_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n yet_o encourage_v with_o motive_n supernatural_a that_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o despise_v it_o that_o be_v disperse_v in_o several_a different_a time_n and_o place_n yet_o always_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o thought_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v continual_o attack_v by_o different_a passion_n yet_o constant_o surmount_v they_o in_o a_o word_n a_o society_n that_o still_o flourish_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o persecution_n increase_v the_o more_o as_o often_o as_o it_o be_v defeat_v and_o raise_v itself_o out_o of_o it_o be_v own_o ruin_n certain_o he_o must_v have_v read_v but_o little_a of_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o all_o these_o truth_n and_o he_o must_v be_v wilful_o blind_a and_o purposely_o impose_v upon_o himself_o that_o acknowledge_v not_o the_o efficacy_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o those_o wonderful_a effect_n and_o it_o be_v proper_o in_o that_o society_n of_o holy_a man_n or_o in_o the_o church_n itself_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o fruit_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o those_o ancient_a prophecy_n which_o promise_v to_o show_v we_o the_o sheep_n feed_v with_o the_o bear_n and_o the_o leopard_n with_o the_o lamb_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o its_o enemy_n without_o work_v several_a wonder_n among_o they_o which_o even_o those_o infidel_n be_v sensible_a of_o so_o the_o christian_a church_n can_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n without_o produce_v such_o remarkable_a effect_n in_o it_o which_o the_o most_o incredulous_a themselves_o can_v call_v in_o question_n for_o let_v they_o tell_v we_o if_o they_o can_v how_o come_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n to_o be_v immediate_o silence_v when_o the_o apostle_n first_o preach_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o what_o power_n the_o sound_n of_o those_o man_n be_v go_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n make_v those_o oracle_n eternal_o cease_v which_o have_v so_o long_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o so_o force_v the_o heathenish_a writer_n as_o plutarch_n and_o other_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o so_o sudden_a and_o so_o unexpected_a silence_n for_o to_o object_v with_o julian_n that_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a oracle_n have_v be_v also_o silence_v conclude_v nothing_o because_o the_o apostle_n foretell_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n shall_v cease_v but_o how_o appear_v it_o that_o the_o oracle_n among_o the_o heathen_n declare_v they_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v silence_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o our_o prophecy_n be_v a_o everlasting_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n serve_v we_o instead_o of_o perpetual_a oracle_n but_o what_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n confirm_v the_o pagan_a religion_n no_o less_o wonderful_a a_o effect_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n which_o bring_v so_o many_o superstitious_a and_o idolatrous_a nation_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n hence_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v fill_v with_o wisdom_n by_o the_o preach_n of_o ignorant_a person_n and_o the_o mean_a servant_n to_o have_v more_o noble_a and_o rational_a idea_n of_o the_o deity_n than_o the_o most_o quick_a clearsighted_n philosopher_n and_o that_o too_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o seem_v indeed_o to_o the_o flesh_n a_o object_n of_o scandal_n and_o horror_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o other_o for_o have_v utter_o abolish_v all_o those_o sacrifice_n wherein_o they_o offer_v the_o blood_n of_o man_n neither_o can_v we_o doubt_v but_o that_o this_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a superstition_n be_v sufficient_o advance_v in_o the_o world_n since_o we_o find_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n reproach_n the_o jew_n for_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o child_n to_o moloch_n and_o that_o julius_n cesar_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o it_o be_v a_o ancient_a custom_n among_o the_o gaul_n to_o offer_v human_a victim_n to_o their_o pretend_a deity_n i_o confess_v indeed_o the_o roman_n have_v already_o renounce_v such_o a_o barbarous_a and_o cruel_a superstition_n but_o then_o i_o question_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o still_o retain_v some_o spice_n of_o it_o in_o those_o spectacle_n they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o people_n wherein_o they_o be_v extreme_o please_v to_o see_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o gladiatour_n run_v down_o who_o kill_v one_o another_o mere_o to_o make_v they_o sport_n a_o sacrifice_n so_o much_o the_o more_o impious_a because_o dedicate_v rather_o to_o the_o unlawful_a pleasure_n of_o man_n than_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o being_n they_o look_v upon_o as_o go_n and_o what_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v have_v abolish_v all_o those_o bloody_a spectacle_n and_o horrid_a divertisement_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v to_o think_v how_o licentious_o that_o abominable_a sin_n usual_o punish_v by_o god_n and_o man_n with_o fire_n reign_v heretofore_o in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o can_v without_o horror_n and_o amazement_n reflect_v how_o that_o the_o love_n of_o both_o sex_n seem_v equal_o grow_v common_a to_o man_n and_o that_o ancient_a author_n free_o speak_v of_o that_o kind_n of_o debauchery_n which_o our_o own_o writer_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v lest_o they_o defile_v their_o write_n socrates_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o some_o of_o they_o as_o be_v deep_o smite_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o alcibiades_n and_o the_o emperor_n trajan_n who_o panegyric_n well_o deserve_v thirty_o year_n labour_n strange_o blemish_v his_o reputation_n by_o that_o monstrous_a lechery_n which_o pretty_a well_o show_v the_o just_a ground_n for_o st._n paul_n reproach_n to_o the_o heathen_n who_o say_v that_o because_o when_o
such_o a_o deep_a penetration_n of_o mind_n and_o attempt_v to_o exalt_v man_n above_o himself_o by_o infatuate_a he_o with_o the_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n but_o god_n who_o know_v best_a what_o remedy_n be_v most_o proper_a for_o we_o have_v give_v we_o a_o religion_n which_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n without_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n and_o enlarge_v the_o understanding_n without_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o that_o because_o it_o satisfy_v and_o yet_o mortify_v it_o enlighten_v and_o yet_o confound_v the_o understanding_n if_o to_o the_o understanding_n several_a great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n be_v reveal_v it_o have_v not_o therefore_o any_o pretence_n to_o exalt_v itself_o because_o it_o know_v that_o knowledge_n to_o be_v above_o its_o capacity_n and_o owe_v it_o only_o to_o revelation_n if_o the_o heart_n find_v the_o object_n of_o religion_n answerable_a to_o its_o infinite_a desire_n it_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v puff_v up_o by_o they_o because_o those_o object_n destroy_v its_o darling_n passion_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n so_o that_o the_o only_a mean_n to_o enlighten_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n humble_a our_o understanding_n be_v to_o intermix_v some_o obscurity_n with_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o the_o only_a way_n to_o satisfy_v the_o heart_n and_o prevent_v its_o be_v puff_v up_o be_v to_o qualify_v some_o sorrowful_a and_o mortify_a duty_n with_o the_o extraordinary_a promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o the_o severity_n of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o its_o mystery_n be_v two_o different_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o to_o enlighten_v the_o understanding_n without_o puff_v up_o the_o heart_n and_o to_o satisfy_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o heart_n without_o flatter_a those_o passion_n which_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n which_o manifest_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a stamp_n upon_o it_o since_o it_o contain_v the_o true_a manner_n of_o reform_v and_o regulate_v the_o desire_n of_o man_n heart_n but_o also_o that_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o mystery_n which_o shock_n the_o incredulous_a most_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o by_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a wisdom_n as_o the_o most_o proper_a mean_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v then_o here_o the_o two_o most_o essential_a and_o most_o important_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n its_o morality_n and_o mystery_n the_o latter_a be_v necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o former_a be_v the_o rule_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o god_n be_v please_v we_o shall_v perform_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o attain_v everlasting_a life_n it_o will_v be_v superfluous_a to_o lay_v down_o here_o at_o large_a what_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n because_o it_o have_v please_v god_n that_o we_o can_v pretend_v any_o ignorance_n of_o they_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n we_o be_v now_o treat_v of_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o christian_a morality_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n as_o for_o the_o morality_n of_o christ_n it_o have_v so_o many_o remarkable_a character_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reflect_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o without_o immediate_o acknowledge_v its_o divinity_n for_o i._o it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o paradox_n to_o the_o sense_n to_o the_o heart_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o nature_n of_o man._n it_o be_v never_o before_o hear_v of_o or_o know_v that_o a_o man_n must_v take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o think_v those_o bless_a that_o be_v poor_a in_o spirit_n that_o mourn_n and_o be_v persecute_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n that_o we_o must_v love_v our_o enemy_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o shall_v revile_v and_o persecute_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o comfort_v ourselves_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o our_o affliction_n and_o cross_n but_o also_o rejoice_v for_o be_v thus_o afflict_v and_o esteem_v our_o happiness_n and_o glory_n the_o great_a as_o our_o suffering_n be_v increase_v man_n i_o say_v have_v never_o such_o thought_n before_o and_o the_o puradox_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v nothing_o to_o these_o for_o here_o we_o find_v to_o our_o great_a surprise_n that_o a_o few_o poor_a fisherman_n rustic_a in_o their_o speech_n preach_v such_o maxim_n abroad_o as_o be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o ordinary_a capacity_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o affection_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o heart_n ii_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o christian_a morality_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a sad_a and_o mortify_a thing_n for_o it_o curb_v and_o restrain_v all_o our_o passion_n self-love_n repine_v at_o it_o voluptuousness_n can_v endure_v it_o pride_n be_v whole_o humble_v and_o mortify_v by_o it_o and_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o allow_v of_o it_o most_o can_v but_o private_o hate_v it_o when_o ever_o their_o heart_n be_v engage_v in_o any_o passion_n it_o have_v be_v often_o observe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v christian_n in_o all_o age_n who_o attempt_v to_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o put_v such_o gloss_n and_o interpretation_n upon_o it_o as_o be_v more_o conformable_a to_o their_o inclination_n than_o to_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o extirpate_v it_o at_o least_o indirect_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o attempt_v it_o in_o a_o more_o open_a manner_n but_o let_v no_o man_n imagine_v that_o this_o morality_n be_v offer_v to_o the_o world_n under_o any_o disguise_n christ_n who_o among_o so_o many_o other_o wonderful_a character_n of_o his_o call_v have_v a_o very_a remarkable_a one_o and_o that_o be_v never_o to_o flatter_v the_o loose_a inclination_n of_o man_n plain_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v think_v his_o disciple_n must_v pluck_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o cut_v off_o his_o hand_n must_v hate_v himself_o deny_v himself_o nay_o even_o hate_v his_o own_o soul_n etc._n etc._n expression_n which_o explain_v one_o another_o and_o certify_v we_o that_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n the_o observer_n of_o his_o morality_n must_v undergo_v be_v like_a unto_o those_o which_o man_n endure_v when_o they_o cut_v off_o their_o arm_n or_o pluck_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n separate_v from_o themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o like_o the_o cunning_a address_n and_o subtle_a management_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v new_a doctrine_n and_o it_o evident_o appear_v that_o christ_n alone_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n iii_o the_o better_a to_o comprehend_v this_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_a religion_n depend_v upon_o humility_n as_o their_o chief_a foundation_n 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which_o they_o prefer_v before_o all_o thing_n but_o it_o be_v never_o know_v that_o man_n have_v so_o little_a self-love_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n unless_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o can_v make_v their_o name_n immortal_a such_o a_o miracle_n be_v only_o to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o christian_a morality_n iv._o after_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o this_o morality_n root_v up_o every_o vice_n since_o all_o vice_n proceed_v either_o from_o pride_n or_o voluptuousness_n this_o morality_n then_o which_o subvert_v the_o former_a by_o the_o severe_a mortification_n of_o repentance_n and_o destroy_v the_o latter_a by_o the_o idea_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o greatness_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n as_o oppose_v to_o our_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n i_o say_v this_o morality_n contain_v every_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o extirpate_v our_o vice_n in_o their_o first_o rise_n and_o
they_o on_o the_o bright_a side_n they_o appear_v great_a sublime_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o most_o inviolable_a principle_n both_o of_o our_o heart_n and_o understanding_n their_o greatness_n and_o sublimity_n cause_v such_o a_o admiration_n in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o divulge_v they_o to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o can_v not_o possible_o conceal_v for_o sometime_o they_o be_v force_v to_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v thing_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o a_o expression_n which_o be_v as_o natural_a as_o full_a of_o energy_n and_o clear_o demonstrate_v what_o great_a idea_n they_o have_v of_o they_o another_o while_n they_o express_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o again_o colos_n 2._o 3._o they_o call_v they_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v continual_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v out_o expression_n worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o they_o and_o these_o object_n be_v infinite_o raise_v above_o our_o sense_n scarce_o seem_v to_o have_v any_o probability_n be_v altogether_o repugnant_a to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o carnal_a notion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v above_o any_o conjecture_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o object_n worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o for_o they_o glorify_v he_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n and_o clear_o reveal_v unto_o we_o his_o greatness_n and_o majesty_n either_o in_o the_o gift_n he_o confer_v upon_o man_n or_o the_o sublimity_n of_o those_o duty_n he_o prescribe_v they_o to_o follow_v or_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o reward_n he_o propose_v to_o they_o or_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n whereby_o he_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o christianity_n with_o those_o of_o other_o religion_n and_o you_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a that_o those_o mystery_n seem_v to_o we_o far_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o man_n who_o can_v never_o have_v invent_v they_o and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o we_o may_v also_o further_o add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n exact_o fall_v in_o with_o they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o idle_a tale_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n former_o so_o eager_o embrace_v when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n their_o reason_n condemn_v they_o for_o it_o the_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n by_o a_o almighty_a be_v the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o a_o mediator_n the_o expiatory_a sacrifice_n of_o christ_n the_o communion_n of_o saint_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o life_n everlasting_a be_v all_o object_n equal_o reasonable_a sublime_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n and_o the_o denial_n of_o they_o will_v take_v away_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a revelation_n and_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v what_o will_v become_v then_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n will_v it_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v whole_o take_v up_o by_o such_o end_n as_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creation_n will_v god_n permit_v irregularity_n and_o confusion_n to_o reign_v in_o public_a society_n and_o never_o compose_v they_o whilst_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o establish_v a_o firm_a union_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o society_n among_o irrational_a creature_n if_o so_o what_o will_v then_o signify_v those_o principle_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o he_o have_v write_v in_o our_o heart_n wherefore_o shall_v he_o make_v so_o many_o thing_n for_o the_o good_a and_o preservation_n of_o man_n that_o be_v not_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o conscience_n what_o will_v be_v the_o punishment_n reserve_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o the_o reward_n which_o attend_v the_o just_a what_o will_v become_v of_o our_o soul_n since_o reason_n have_v teach_v we_o that_o the_o think_v principle_n within_o we_o be_v distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whence_o be_v it_o that_o this_o soul_n have_v notion_n of_o its_o immortality_n what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o equity_n and_o justice_n why_o may_v not_o man_n rather_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o vice_n which_o will_v then_o be_v whole_o preferable_a before_o virtue_n who_o then_o will_v refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v such_o principle_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o lawful_a and_o reasonable_a without_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o public_a society_n darkness_n and_o incertainty_n in_o the_o mind_n nothing_o but_o error_n and_o illusion_n in_o the_o conscience_n and_o natural_a law_n of_o reason_n nothing_o but_o prejudice_n and_o misery_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o then_o also_o the_o goodness_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v at_o a_o end_n those_o excellent_a attribute_n which_o have_v so_o clear_o prove_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o existence_n these_o be_v not_o the_o speculation_n of_o contemplative_a man_n or_o the_o nicety_n of_o schoolman_n but_o certain_a truth_n that_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o excellent_a manner_n agree_v with_o the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o man._n but_o how_o clear_a soever_o the_o one_o side_n of_o these_o mystery_n may_v be_v they_o be_v very_o obscure_a on_o the_o other_o not_o that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sound_v and_o unprejudiced_a reason_n but_o it_o be_v because_o they_o can_v be_v fathom_v by_o our_o shallow_a understanding_n and_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o secure_a nor_o allowable_a or_o even_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o they_o now_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o explicate_v all_o difficulty_n in_o his_o mystery_n and_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a only_o to_o allege_v that_o such_o be_v his_o will_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o wisdom_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o neglect_v to_o illustrate_v and_o interpret_v they_o as_o far_o as_o scripture_n and_o reason_n will_v permit_v every_o body_n know_v the_o difference_n between_o sight_n and_o faith_n sight_n admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n but_o faith_n be_v intermix_v both_o with_o light_n and_o darkness_n both_o their_o object_n be_v very_o different_a from_o one_o another_o for_o we_o do_v not_o see_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o proper_o speak_v we_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o which_o we_o see_v to_o see_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o one_o self_n but_o to_o believe_v be_v to_o perceive_v by_o another_o man_n eye_n sight_n be_v twofold_a that_o of_o the_o sense_n which_o perceive_v those_o object_n only_o that_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n when_o it_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o its_o own_o proper_a light_n faith_n also_o be_v twofold_a humane_a and_o divine_a the_o first_o be_v that_o persuasion_n we_o have_v of_o sacred_a mystery_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o man_n and_o the_o other_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n so_o that_o after_o what_o have_v be_v thus_o premise_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n that_o be_v we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o follow_v only_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o receive_v those_o truth_n which_o promise_v we_o salvation_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n alone_o nevertheless_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o perceive_v how_o great_a a_o repugnance_n we_o have_v to_o it_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o not_o give_v we_o mystery_n without_o difficulty_n restrain_v the_o rove_a speculation_n of_o our_o mind_n it_o humble_v the_o proud_a reason_n of_o man_n and_o rob_v he_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o a_o full_a insight_n into_o matter_n which_o yet_o infinite_o concern_v he_o when_o we_o shall_v renounce_v the_o world_n which_o be_v present_a to_o our_o eye_n we_o will_v fain_o see_v those_o object_n religion_n have_v put_v in_o
inevitable_a difficulty_n when_o join_v to_o religion_n their_o end_n be_v so_o different_a that_o they_o may_v just_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v opposite_a for_o 1._o the_o main_a design_n of_o philosophy_n be_v to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o man_n whereas_o religion_n design_n only_o to_o mortify_v it_o 2._o the_o one_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o other_o profess_v a_o utter_a ignorance_n of_o they_o 3._o that_o swell_v up_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n by_o increase_a his_o knowledge_n this_o humble_v it_o by_o require_v he_o to_o submit_v his_o reason_n to_o his_o faith_n last_o philosophy_n endeavour_n to_o comprehend_v all_o thing_n whereas_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n consist_v in_o hmble_o acknowledge_v that_o we_o comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o nature_n much_o less_o of_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o philosophy_n seldom_o agree_v with_o religion_n nor_o religion_n with_o philosophy_n thus_o copernicus_n and_o descartes_n doubtless_o be_v not_o well_o please_v with_o the_o description_n the_o author_n of_o genesis_n give_v we_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o two_o great_a luminary_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o joshuah_n who_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o the_o three_o heaven_n which_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o of_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o the_o new_a earth_n which_o sacred_a author_n make_v we_o expect_v of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o heaven_n the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o element_n and_o the_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o the_o star_n all_o which_o sign_n be_v to_o precede_v the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a day_n of_o judgement_n i_o say_v such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o will_v perhaps_o cry_v out_o that_o these_o object_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o their_o idea_n of_o astronomy_n but_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o for_o those_o holy_a writer_n intend_v to_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o people_n and_o not_o in_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sanctify_v mankind_n and_o not_o to_o explain_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a they_o shall_v accommodate_v their_o expression_n to_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n nay_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v they_o shall_v use_v no_o other_o that_o so_o his_o mystery_n be_v represent_v under_o those_o vulgar_a idea_n may_v be_v suitable_a to_o every_o one_o capacity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o revelation_n since_o they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n nor_o ought_v we_o to_o think_v this_o conduct_n of_o he_o extraordinary_a or_o unusual_a for_o thus_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n act_v when_o it_o be_v to_o represent_v to_o the_o ancient_n israelites_n the_o wonder_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n and_o it_o make_v use_v of_o expression_n borrow_v from_o custom_n and_o practice_n general_o receive_v among_o men._n it_o say_v that_o all_o nation_n shall_v go_v up_o to_o mount_n zion_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o altar_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n that_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o god_n and_o a_o pure_a offer_n that_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v with_o the_o gentile_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v then_o why_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v the_o call_v of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o familiar_a way_n it_o be_v because_o those_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v use_v only_a expression_n know_v and_o familiar_a to_o the_o vulgar_a since_o revelation_n itself_o will_v have_v become_v unintelligible_a without_o that_o condescend_v goodness_n of_o god_n who_o be_v wont_a to_o accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n without_o exception_n for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v defer_v his_o reveal_n to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n of_o joshua_n the_o glory_n which_o the_o bless_a enjoy_v in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o judgement_n to_o come_v etc._n etc._n till_o all_o man_n have_v be_v make_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n that_o the_o star_n be_v big_a than_o the_o moon_n that_o it_o be_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n which_o move_v that_o the_o heaven_n be_v nothing_o but_o liquid_a space_n of_o a_o infinite_a extension_n that_o the_o sun_n be_v so_o essential_o bright_a that_o he_o can_v lose_v his_o brightness_n without_o a_o immediate_a annihilation_n of_o his_o essence_n etc._n etc._n heaven_n where_o shall_v we_o be_v and_o what_o will_v become_v of_o we_o if_o all_o man_n must_v necessary_o first_o become_v philosopher_n before_o they_o can_v learn_v to_o fear_n god_n but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v so_o wonderful_a in_o that_o he_o not_o only_a accomodate_n himself_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o every_o man_n that_o he_o may_v render_v himself_o intelligible_a to_o all_o but_o also_o in_o that_o he_o have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v care_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o urge_v too_o far_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o all_o those_o vulgar_a expression_n thus_o for_o instance_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o insipid_a than_o the_o ridiculous_a jest_n of_o our_o incredulous_a adversary_n touch_v those_o description_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o hell-fire_n and_o certain_o they_o do_v but_o expose_v themselves_o as_o often_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o mock_v and_o despise_v religion_n for_o he_o that_o will_v true_o consider_v what_o holy_a writ_n tell_v we_o in_o that_o respect_n will_v certain_o find_v that_o it_o put_v several_a different_a image_n together_o to_o represent_v to_o we_o by_o know_v and_o familiar_a idea_n a_o object_n altogether_o unknown_a and_o set_v before_o we_o by_o all_o those_o 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these_o idea_n too_o far_o as_o to_o raise_v any_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o notion_n of_o paradise_n the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n the_o celestial_a canaan_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n etc._n etc._n all_o which_o notion_n be_v particular_o design_v to_o represent_v to_o we_o the_o bliss_n that_o attend_v the_o faithful_a and_o these_o idea_n will_v be_v absolute_o false_a and_o contradictory_n if_o understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o paradise_n can_v never_o be_v take_v for_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o jerusalem_n for_o the_o bosom_n of_o abraham_n hence_o therefore_o it_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o those_o image_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n and_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v to_o we_o after_o so_o many_o different_a way_n be_v too_o great_a and_o sublime_a to_o be_v describe_v unto_o man_n by_o any_o one_o single_a idea_n of_o this_o kind_a and_o indeed_o according_a to_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o answer_v a_o certain_a objection_n raise_v about_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o at_o first_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o considerable_a and_o to_o carry_v in_o it_o some_o intricate_a difficulty_n some_o hold_n that_o the_o description_n which_o holy_a writ_n give_v we_o of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v precede_v by_o his_o holy_a angel_n that_o he_o will_v place_v man_n some_o on_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o other_o on_o his_o left_a etc._n etc._n i_o say_v they_o affirm_v that_o this_o description_n neither_o agree_v with_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o already_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n nor_o with_o that_o we_o shall_v entertain_v of_o so_o great_a and_o signal_n a_o event_n to_o answer_v this_o objection_n we_o be_v only_o to_o
distinguish_v the_o object_n from_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o the_o first_o indeed_o be_v very_o reasonable_a great_a and_o sublime_a worthy_a to_o take_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o able_a to_o move_v our_o heart_n and_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o evince_v its_o conformity_n to_o our_o reason_n in_o show_v that_o we_o either_o must_v deny_v any_o evidence_n to_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o or_o else_o acknowledge_v a_o future_a judgement_n and_o what_o can_v be_v great_a than_o a_o object_n which_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n his_o justice_n and_o all_o his_o other_o attribute_n and_o bring_v all_o man_n under_o his_o strict_a examination_n all_o their_o action_n all_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o this_o object_n be_v that_o alone_a as_o be_v real_a and_o immutable_a as_o for_o the_o manner_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o of_o its_o accomplishment_n it_o will_v never_o suit_v with_o our_o weak_a knowledge_n be_v it_o altogether_o as_o sublime_a as_o the_o object_n itself_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o will_v certain_o dazzle_v our_o shallow_a reason_n if_o god_n do_v exact_o represent_v it_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o christ_n have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o we_o must_v not_o push_v too_o far_o the_o signification_n of_o any_o of_o those_o expressive_a image_n in_o that_o he_o use_v such_o a_o multitude_n and_o variety_n of_o other_o to_o represent_v that_o judgement_n to_o we_o for_o sometime_o he_o describe_v it_o by_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o groom_n and_o the_o virgin_n then_o again_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n a_o lord_n pass_v upon_o all_o his_o servant_n who_o he_o have_v in_o his_o absence_n entrust_v with_o his_o talent_n one_o while_o he_o represent_v the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n as_o a_o shepherd_n select_v his_o sheep_n from_o the_o he-goat_n another_o time_n he_o describe_v he_o under_o the_o image_n of_o a_o housholder_n pluck_v up_o the_o tare_n and_o divide_v it_o from_o the_o wheat_n that_o he_o may_v burn_v the_o former_a but_o gather_v the_o latter_a into_o his_o barn_n in_o a_o word_n he_o compare_v he_o to_o a_o glorious_a and_o triumphant_a monarch_n who_o be_v precede_v by_o several_a legion_n of_o angel_n or_o messenger_n sound_v the_o trumpet_n before_o he_o now_o all_o these_o description_n will_v certain_o be_v of_o no_o use_n be_v they_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a sense_n the_o same_o judgement_n must_v necessary_o be_v make_v of_o the_o history_n of_o dives_n and_o lazarus_n which_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o reasonable_a and_o circumstantial_o tell_v yet_o for_o all_o that_o be_v but_o a_o parable_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o will_v seem_v absurd_a if_o it_o be_v understand_v in_o a_o literal_a sense_n let_v not_o then_o philosophy_n any_o long_o be_v offend_v at_o any_o of_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n or_o its_o figurative_a expression_n let_v it_o not_o object_n that_o a_o material_a fire_n proper_o so_o call_v can_v burn_v up_o our_o soul_n that_o angel_n have_v no_o mouth_n to_o sound_a trumpet_n that_o the_o valley_n of_o josaphat_n be_v too_o little_a to_o contain_v all_o mankind_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v such_o trivial_a difficulty_n as_o can_v puzzle_v those_o who_o be_v never_o so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n of_o canaan_n beside_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o mixture_n man_n have_v make_v of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v considerable_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o faith_n for_o first_o philosophy_n as_o it_o be_v heap_v up_o one_o speculation_n upon_o another_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v other_o globe_n inhabit_v and_o people_v other_o world_n be_v frame_v of_o the_o concourse_n of_o atom_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a invio_n jable_a law_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n and_o several_a other_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n as_o have_v not_o the_o least_o relation_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o thereupon_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o watch_n to_o catch_v and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o favour_v their_o several_a pretence_n in_o resist_a faith_n authorise_v the_o small_a conjecture_n and_o give_v such_o weight_n and_o credit_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o will_v certain_o pass_v for_o mere_a extravagancy_n and_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o the_o scruple_n of_o philosophy_n be_v change_v into_o certainty_n through_o our_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o change_a certainty_n of_o religion_n into_o doubt_n second_o philosophy_n create_v in_o we_o a_o habit_n of_o endeavour_v to_o judge_v of_o every_o thing_n by_o ourselves_o only_o a_o disposition_n indeed_o absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o require_v of_o we_o a_o belief_n pure_o ground_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n but_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o be_v continual_o ask_v demonstration_n of_o we_o and_o those_o too_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v geometrical_a one_o that_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o be_v free_a from_o all_o perplex_v obscurity_n these_o man_n make_v large_a pretension_n and_o demand_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a demonstration_n but_o they_o be_v all_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v some_o obscurity_n as_o well_o as_o light_n three_o another_o very_a dangerous_a effect_n of_o philosophy_n be_v that_o it_o change_v religion_n from_o practice_n into_o speculation_n for_o the_o nice_a and_o sublime_a our_o inquiry_n be_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o mystery_n the_o more_o we_o neglect_v the_o body_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v essential_o practical_a religion_n appear_v not_o then_o to_o we_o in_o its_o usual_a brightness_n and_o majesty_n and_o the_o more_o we_o pursue_v it_o by_o nice_a speculation_n the_o far_a it_o get_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o reason_v set_v we_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o true_a centre_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v piety_n and_o that_o the_o more_o metaphysical_a it_o be_v the_o less_o able_a it_o be_v to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n but_o rather_o raise_v scruple_n in_o the_o understanding_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o more_o we_o practise_v religion_n the_o better_a we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o because_o we_o grow_v then_o sensible_a of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n by_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o be_v make_v to_o believe_v the_o true_a value_n of_o it_o by_o the_o impression_n it_o leave_v in_o our_o heart_n have_v religion_n indeed_o be_v pure_o design_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o philosophize_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o from_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o the_o understanding_n but_o since_o it_o be_v give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v our_o heart_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o contemplation_n shall_v yield_v to_o practice_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n we_o have_v of_o its_o divine_a efficacy_n viii_o policy_n be_v yet_o a_o far_o great_a enemy_n to_o religion_n than_o philosophy_n not_o but_o that_o it_o often_o happy_o make_v use_v of_o religion_n to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o duty_n but_o it_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o right_n of_o superiority_n over_o it_o it_o will_v have_v religion_n submit_v to_o its_o order_n whereas_o religion_n submit_v only_o to_o the_o order_n of_o god_n policy_n general_o look_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n as_o no_o better_a than_o slave_n to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o power_n but_o religion_n in_o spite_n of_o policy_n make_v all_o man_n equal_a and_o effectual_o remove_v all_o those_o distinction_n which_o humane_a passion_n have_v put_v between_o they_o policy_n according_a to_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n act_v as_o if_o the_o live_v of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n than_o those_o of_o brute_n but_o religion_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o peasant_n be_v as_o dear_a and_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o that_o of_o a_o monarch_n what!_o say_v the_o ambitious_a man_n must_v all_o people_n become_v my_o equal_n and_o companion_n yes_o certain_o reply_v religion_n and_o far_o happy_a than_o thou_o be_v like_a to_o be_v unless_o thou_o repente_v a_o great_a and_o mighty_a character_n indeed_o which_o true_o convince_v we_o that_o it_o sole_o spring_v from_o god_n
easy_o believe_v mystery_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o 3_o dly_z this_o submission_n to_o god_n be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a that_o none_o but_o a_o man_n utter_o void_a of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o perceive_v it_o for_o till_o we_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o know_v but_o one_o side_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v necessary_o be_v for_o ever_o ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o 4_o thly_a it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o equitable_a if_o ever_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o it_o aim_v at_o nothing_o but_o show_v we_o our_o ignorance_n and_o represent_v to_o we_o that_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v we_o ought_v careful_o to_o follow_v revelation_n as_o a_o true_a and_o faithful_a guide_n we_o shall_v certain_o be_v extravagant_a proud_o to_o deny_v our_o own_o ignorance_n or_o impious_o suspect_v that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o when_o his_o design_n be_v to_o reveal_v his_o majesty_n to_o we_o v._o but_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o our_o religion_n what_o show_v the_o character_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o force_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v they_o be_v that_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o to_o see_v clear_a into_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o will_v be_v free_a from_o error_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o render_v we_o happy_a by_o induce_v we_o to_o renounce_v ourselves_o and_o no_o less_o admirable_a that_o it_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o oblige_v we_o to_o renounce_v our_o reason_n to_o look_v bold_o and_o steadfast_o upon_o mystery_n be_v the_o way_n to_o be_v blind_a whereas_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v the_o light_n of_o god_n shine_v about_o we_o if_o we_o do_v but_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n we_o shall_v be_v sufficient_o learn_v if_o we_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o reveal_v unto_o we_o and_o nothing_o more_o betray_v a_o universal_a ignorance_n than_o a_o insignificant_a desire_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o in_o other_o science_n a_o man_n skill_n be_v measure_v by_o his_o knowledge_n but_o in_o that_o of_o salvation_n he_o be_v best_o instruct_v who_o be_v most_o humble_a he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o pride_n have_v the_o most_o understanding_n and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v easy_a we_o have_v already_o see_v that_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o reason_n about_o mystery_n do_v but_o more_o perplex_v and_o darken_v what_o be_v before_o obscure_a let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o much_o the_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o faith_n make_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a insight_n into_o those_o mystery_n or_o at_o least_o how_o much_o it_o hinder_v our_o be_v confound_v by_o they_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o continue_v in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o humility_n whatsoever_o difficulty_n may_v arise_v they_o will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o discompose_v our_o mind_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v surprise_v that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o manner_n of_o know_v love_a and_o act_v or_o his_o eternity_n immensity_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n to_o think_v that_o we_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o worm_n or_o atom_n be_v yet_o think_v worthy_a to_o know_v he_o and_o raise_v to_o that_o pitch_n of_o glory_n as_o to_o have_v some_o prospect_n though_o but_o a_o faint_a one_o of_o his_o wondrous_a work_n and_o infinite_a perfection_n neither_o shall_v we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v offend_v because_o god_n former_o abandon_v the_o gentile_n and_o cast_v away_o other_o nation_n which_o still_o abide_v in_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o darkness_n though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o nature_n so_o difficult_a or_o incomprehensible_a as_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n but_o we_o shall_v rather_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o upon_o such_o a_o consideration_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o bury_v and_o swallow_v up_o if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o some_o corner_n of_o this_o vast_a universe_n and_o that_o too_o in_o such_o a_o time_n or_o conjuncture_n as_o be_v a_o mere_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o almost_o infinite_a duration_n of_o time_n which_o have_v elapse_v and_o that_o eternity_n which_o be_v still_o to_o pass_v away_o we_o shall_v only_o perceive_v a_o few_o year_n and_o a_o few_o nation_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o providence_n as_o its_o object_n as_o if_o that_o which_o preside_v over_o the_o whole_a creation_n be_v to_o be_v bound_v by_o a_o few_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o weak_a and_o foolish_a creature_n that_o we_o be_v we_o perceive_v not_o that_o infinite_a succession_n of_o object_n which_o take_v their_o turn_n and_o move_v on_o according_a to_o the_o decree_n of_o eternal_a wisdom_n we_o perceive_v not_o the_o strict_a union_n of_o this_o world_n with_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v or_o the_o share_n those_o nation_n who_o ignorance_n we_o so_o much_o deplore_v have_v in_o that_o continue_a chain_n of_o event_n nor_o the_o right_n which_o divine_a justice_n have_v over_o they_o or_o at_o least_o we_o have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o they_o we_o consider_v not_o that_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v as_o one_o day_n and_o one_o day_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n one_o nation_n as_o a_o hundred_o nation_n and_o a_o hundred_o nation_n as_o one_o nation_n in_o his_o sight_n who_o be_v able_a to_o create_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o they_o out_o of_o nothing_o as_o he_o do_v we_o and_o in_o this_o we_o may_v be_v compare_v to_o those_o who_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n of_o a_o well_o will_v fain_o see_v the_o whole_a extent_n of_o the_o heaven_n be_v we_o true_o sensible_a of_o our_o wretched_a nature_n we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o curious_a or_o inconsiderate_a but_o rather_o dread_a the_o fate_n of_o those_o man_n who_o be_v smite_v from_o above_o for_o have_v look_v into_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o opinion_n which_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o rash_a curiosity_n and_o whilst_o we_o limit_v our_o inquiry_n by_o revelation_n we_o shall_v easy_o discern_v those_o that_o go_v beyond_o it_o we_o shall_v distinguish_v religion_n which_o mortisy_n we_o from_o superstition_n which_o flatter_v and_o agreeable_o delude_v we_o and_o however_o policy_n in_o the_o height_n of_o its_o pride_n may_v rank_v we_o among_o creature_n not_o much_o superior_a to_o brute_n we_o shall_v not_o cease_v to_o think_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o god_n no_o charm_n of_o eloquence_n shall_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n no_o idle_a nicety_n of_o grammar_n perplex_v that_o faith_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o object_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v indeed_o too_o manifest_a in_o their_o nature_n too_o often_o repeat_v and_o close_o unite_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n too_o well_o confirm_v and_o attest_v by_o their_o event_n too_o worthy_a of_o god_n himself_o and_o conduce_v too_o much_o to_o our_o sanctification_n to_o be_v ever_o call_v in_o question_n in_o a_o word_n we_o shall_v then_o shake_v off_o our_o incredulity_n when_o we_o remove_v that_o which_o excite_v within_o we_o a_o secret_a propension_n to_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v cover_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n with_o a_o sacred_a darkness_n and_o have_v even_o permit_v man_n to_o make_v they_o yet_o more_o obscure_a by_o their_o vain_a speculation_n but_o what_o at_o once_o give_v we_o wonder_n and_o consolation_n be_v that_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n and_o most_o curious_a enquirer_n see_v not_o always_o clear_a into_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o make_v least_o use_n of_o the_o force_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o forbear_v to_o inquire_v nice_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o become_v they_o humble_o to_o believe_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o christ_n himself_o who_o say_v to_o his_o father_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n mat._n 5._o 11._o and_o here_o indeed_o we_o can_v but_o tremble_v with_o reverence_n and_o admiration_n when_o we_o join_v this_o character_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o rest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o
must_v renounce_v ourselves_o and_o beg_v of_o almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v enlighten_v our_o understanding_n when_o we_o perceive_v that_o such_o a_o sublime_a and_o elevate_a science_n which_o offer_v such_o noble_a and_o magnificent_a object_n to_o our_o consideration_n be_v yet_o conceive_v by_o those_o only_a that_o be_v pure_a in_o heart_n here_o then_o ought_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o what_o a_o divine_a religion_n be_v this_o which_o at_o once_o enlighten_v and_o humble_v we_o which_o amaze_v and_o yet_o clear_v our_o understanding_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o save_a knowledge_n by_o the_o free_a and_o ready_a confession_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o make_v it_o submit_v to_o faith_n where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n ix_o portraiture_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n have_v look_v into_o the_o original_a of_o all_o our_o false_a prejudices_fw-la it_o be_v now_o no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o distinguish_v religion_n from_o superstition_n and_o divinity_n from_o philosophy_n without_o such_o a_o distinction_n we_o must_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a difficulty_n and_o by_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o religion_n contain_v no_o great_a difficulty_n than_o even_o nature_n itself_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n of_o grace_n and_o original_a sin_n be_v such_o unfathomable_a depth_n as_o terrify_v at_o first_o view_v the_o mind_n of_o he_o that_o endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v they_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o methinks_v i_o already_o hear_v a_o multitude_n of_o doctor_n cry_v out_o against_o i_o that_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o presume_v to_o dive_v into_o thebottom_n of_o those_o profound_a mystery_n which_o confound_v their_o reason_n the_o more_o attentive_o they_o consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o those_o worthy_a man_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o all_o those_o matter_n will_v seem_v to_o they_o less_o difficult_a than_o they_o do_v be_v they_o less_o philosopher_n than_o they_o be_v and_o i_o will_v have_v they_o always_o remember_v that_o faith_n and_o reason_n divinity_n and_o philosophy_n be_v essential_o distinct_a one_o from_o the_o other_o in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o former_a bare_o perceive_v the_o object_n itself_o without_o endeavour_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o consist_v in_o that_o submission_n which_o prevent_v its_o further_a inquiry_n pride_n and_o rashness_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o whereas_o the_o latter_a continual_o endeavour_n to_o know_v both_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o together_o with_o the_o physical_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v no_o great_a enemy_n than_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v its_o progress_n according_o a_o divine_a aught_o only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o grace_n predestination_n original_a sin_n etc._n etc._n but_o a_o philosopher_n not_o satisfied-with_a a_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o it_o will_v yet_o further_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o immutable_a decree_n of_o god_n after_o what_o manner_n grace_n determine_v our_o free_a will_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v original_a sin_n be_v transmit_v from_o the_o first_o man_n to_o his_o posterity_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o indeed_o only_a divine_n that_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o due_a limit_n of_o divinity_n have_v very_o large_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o object_n by_o full_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o let_v fall_v the_o least_o word_n that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o but_o the_o succeed_a christian_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o platonic_a and_o aristotelian_a philosophy_n real_o think_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n a_o science_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n and_o thereupon_o frame_v to_o themselves_o many_o fruitless_a and_o unprofitable_a speculative_a system_n which_o in_o many_o place_n be_v repugnant_a to_o piety_n and_o perplex_v our_o divine_a religion_n with_o several_a humane_a difficulty_n it_o will_v be_v injurious_a to_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o large_a discourse_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o predestination_n aim_v at_o nothing_o else_o but_o to_o gratify_v the_o vain_a curiosity_n of_o those_o he_o address_v himself_o to_o all_o that_o he_o there_o say_v though_o seem_o speculative_a be_v in_o reality_n practical_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o distinction_n that_o be_v between_o the_o jew_n and_o gtntile_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o the_o gentile_n be_v not_o to_o make_v up_o one_o and_o the_o same_o body_n with_o the_o beliving_a jew_n those_o of_o the_o circumcision_n be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o the_o heathen_n as_o a_o people_n that_o be_v curse_v can_v not_o easy_o imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o same_o privilege_n with_o they_o but_o st._n paul_n the_o apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n endeavour_n to_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n of_o they_o and_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o show_v they_o that_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o all_o man_n that_o he_o suffer_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v sin_n that_o he_o may_v thereby_o extend_v his_o grace_n to_o all_o that_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o his_o peculiar_a people_n be_v a_o free_a and_o liberal_a election_n that_o it_o be_v by_o by_o faith_n alone_o and_o not_o by_o work_n that_o the_o patriarch_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o that_o his_o mercy_n be_v not_o entail_v upon_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o patriarch_n that_o the_o circumcision_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o acceptance_n with_o god_n that_o the_o law_n of_o itself_o can_v not_o have_v that_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o good_a work_n of_o jacob_n that_o his_o posterity_n be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o esau_n for_o whilst_o the_o child_n be_v yet_o in_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o have_v do_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a it_o be_v tell_v rebekah_n consult_v the_o divine_a oracle_n about_o they_o that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a now_o the_o reflection_n to_o be_v make_v upon_o this_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v these_o 1._o that_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n there_o be_v then_o to_o treat_v of_o those_o matter_n and_o the_o urgent_a occasion_n that_o oblige_v the_o apostle_n to_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v now_o whole_o at_o a_o end_n for_o there_o be_v none_o among_o the_o christian_n that_o either_o call_v or_o aught_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o election_n of_o those_o gentile_n who_o sincere_o believe_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o if_o we_o happen_v now_o adays_o to_o be_v engage_v in_o any_o eager_a dispute_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v mere_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o vanity_n or_o obstinacy_n or_o a_o rash_a and_o impious_a curiosity_n every_o thing_n be_v practical_a in_o st_n paul_n discourse_n of_o predestination_n whereas_o those_o be_v whole_o speculative_a that_o be_v in_o these_o latter_a day_n compose_v about_o it_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o create_v peace_n and_o charity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n by_o show_v they_o that_o they_o be_v both_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a election_n but_o now_o this_o doctrine_n be_v change_v into_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n and_o have_v no_o other_o use_n but_o to_o create_v scandalous_a division_n in_o christian_a society_n 2._o the_o best_a and_o sure_a method_n in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o imitate_v the_o modesty_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o bare_o assert_v the_o thing_n take_v great_a care_v not_o to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o he_o only_o speak_v of_o election_n in_o general_n and_o when_o his_o curious_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n go_v about_o to_o examine_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o he_o only_o cry_v out_o o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n etc._n etc._n it_o must_v be_v confess_v st._n paul_n have_v as_o much_o wit_n as_o any_o modern_a divine_n can_v pretend_v to_o and_o so_o can_v have_v frame_v as_o probable_a system_n of_o the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n or_o have_v find_v out_o either_o in_o the_o ill_a use_n we_o make_v of_o our_o free_a will_n or_o in_o the_o spring_n of_o our_o soul_n wherewith_o to_o solve_v these_o difficulty_n yet_o he_o never_o attempt_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v he_o be_v a_o true_a divine_a and_o not_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n and_o know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o humble_o cast_v down_o our_o eye_n before_o the_o dark_a side_n of_o the_o mystery_n 3._o but_o because_o we_o be_v
phenomenon_n it_o will_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o sense_n since_o all_o unanimous_o testify_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n but_o sense_n certify_v the_o existence_n of_o that_o phenomenon_n and_o reason_n be_v true_o persuade_v that_o it_o be_v so_o reason_n think_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o understand_v and_o sense_n affirm_v not_o the_o contrary_a reason_n therefore_o and_o sense_n perfect_o well_o agree_v together_o and_o such_o be_v likewise_o the_o joint_a agreement_n of_o faith_n and_o reason_n in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o religion_n those_o be_v difficulty_n indeed_o worthy_a to_o be_v admire_v which_o philosophy_n so_o confident_o start_v up_o in_o matter_n of_o divinity_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n who_o existence_n we_o ready_o own_o but_o nothing_o though_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o it_o never_o come_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n that_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o call_v they_o in_o question_n if_o then_o we_o show_v ourselves_o so_o very_o reasonable_a in_o natural_a thing_n why_o shall_v we_o prove_v so_o senseless_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o common_a thing_n our_o understanding_n act_v natural_o but_o in_o religion_n it_o be_v delude_v by_o the_o passion_n which_o continual_o seek_v how_o to_o suggest_v to_o it_o new_a occasion_n of_o doubt_v we_o may_v pass_v the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o matter_n of_o grace_n do_v but_o distinguish_v philosophy_n from_o divinity_n and_o you_o will_v avoid_v thereby_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o difficulty_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o eager_a desire_n we_o have_v to_o understand_v what_o be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a or_o from_o the_o speculation_n we_o have_v already_o make_v upon_o that_o we_o can_v not_o comprehend_v now_o to_o know_v the_o injustice_n of_o man_n in_o this_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o god_n preserve_v we_o nourish_v and_o support_v we_o by_o his_o perpetual_a concurrence_n without_o which_o the_o meat_n we_o eat_v and_o the_o care_n we_o have_v of_o our_o preservation_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o no_o stead_n and_o by_o which_o we_o immediate_o subsist_v yet_o we_o never_o hear_v that_o any_o one_o do_v serious_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o we_o ought_v whole_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o sole_o rely_v on_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n we_o never_o see_v any_o one_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o perplex_v himself_o with_o these_o sort_n of_o needless_a question_n if_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o i_o nourish_v myself_o by_o take_v those_o aliment_n as_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a for_o my_o preservation_n how_o can_v it_o be_v reasonable_o affirm_v that_o god_n nourish_v or_o preserve_v i_o or_o if_o it_o be_v god_n as_o nourish_v i_o how_o do_v i_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n of_o do_v it_o myself_o i_o say_v we_o never_o hear_v any_o of_o those_o difficulty_n object_v against_o natural_a thing_n whereas_o it_o appear_v they_o be_v continual_o start_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n however_o there_o be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o they_o in_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o because_o they_o consist_v in_o the_o dependence_n we_o have_v upon_o the_o deity_n either_o in_o our_o be_v creature_n already_o or_o be_v bear_v again_o or_o become_v new_a creature_n in_o nature_n we_o all_o know_v we_o subsist_v only_o by_o the_o concurrence_n of_o god_n without_o inquire_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o but_o in_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o content_a to_o know_v that_o we_o be_v regenerate_v by_o grace_n we_o further_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o operation_n and_o our_o principal_a care_n be_v how_o to_o find_v it_o out_o so_o that_o those_o very_a difficulty_n which_o can_v not_o perplex_v man_n in_o matter_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v seem_v 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book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v partly_o reducible_a to_o three_o head_n 1_o sy_n to_o a_o general_a preparation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o messiah_n who_o be_v to_o come_v 2_o lie_n to_o the_o representation_n of_o his_o office_n and_o oeconomy_n by_o a_o type_n or_o shadow_n 3_o dly_z to_o the_o describe_v of_o he_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a for_o the_o elect_a soul_n not_o to_o know_v he_o when_o he_o come_v whosoever_o shall_v consider_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n under_o these_o three_o notion_n will_v certain_o discover_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o can_v perplex_v his_o faith_n but_o he_o will_v find_v that_o every_o thing_n therein_o serve_v to_o increase_v his_o knowledge_n by_o discover_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v the_o scheme_n of_o god_n counsel_n and_o his_o great_a plan_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n but_o since_o it_o be_v not_o our_o present_a design_n to_o dive_v into_o the_o unfathomable_a abyss_n of_o the_o justice_n wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o neither_o shall_v we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v he_o to_o permit_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o why_o he_o be_v please_v to_o save_v some_o rather_o than_o other_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o intervention_n of_o a_o mediator_n rather_o than_o of_o any_o other_o mean_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n to_o expiate_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n but_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n i_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o any_o of_o these_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a inquiry_n and_o since_o it_o be_v but_o just_a we_o shall_v free_o own_v our_o ignorance_n i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o find_v a_o better_a opportunity_n to_o acknowledge_v it_o than_o when_o we_o be_v talk_v about_o the_o secret_a method_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v never_o discover_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o unless_o we_o cease_v 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have_v already_o mix_v himself_o with_o stranger_n the_o holy_a race_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n avoid_v be_v confound_v with_o the_o profane_a and_o so_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n will_v not_o have_v be_v entail_v upon_o any_o particular_a family_n or_o nation_n because_o in_o succession_n of_o time_n it_o will_v have_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v then_o necessary_a that_o jacob_n shall_v forsake_v his_o father-in-law_n house_n and_o consequent_o live_v apart_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o protect_a providence_n of_o god_n this_o people_n who_o be_v honour_v with_o his_o covenant_n and_o entrust_v with_o his_o oracle_n will_v have_v absolute_o perish_v in_o egypt_n and_o together_o with_o they_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o promise_a redeemer_n to_o preserve_v therefore_o such_o comfortable_a hope_n they_o be_v necessary_o separate_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o the_o better_a to_o keep_v themselves_o in_o that_o state_n though_o they_o differ_v from_o they_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o policy_n manner_n inclination_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o have_v god_n for_o their_o supreme_a magistrate_n who_o give_v they_o all_o those_o wonderful_a mark_n of_o his_o protection_n we_o read_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o thev_n be_v carry_v away_o captive_n into_o babylon_n for_o their_o sin_n they_o be_v necessary_o gather_v together_o again_o from_o that_o dispersion_n seventy_o year_n after_o lest_o a_o long_a bondage_n shall_v have_v make_v they_o for_o ever_o lose_v the_o mark_n of_o their_o election_n it_o be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n to_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o messiah_n only_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v so_o many_o distinction_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n can_v not_o be_v entail_v upon_o every_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n he_o set_v apart_o one_o single_a nation_n from_o the_o rest_n purposely_o to_o intrust_v they_o with_o so_o great_a a_o salvation_n and_o because_o it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a this_o distinction_n shall_v remain_v till_o the_o birth_n of_o that_o redeemer_n so_o for_o that_o end_n he_o appoint_v five_o very_a remarkable_a principle_n of_o that_o separation_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n a_o divine_a character_n of_o the_o election_n of_o that_o people_n and_o a_o privilege_n they_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v infinite_o jealous_a of_o especial_o when_o they_o consider_v what_o profound_a darkness_n ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v then_o disperse_v in_o the_o world_n the_o second_o be_v the_o circumcision_n that_o sign_n of_o his_o covenant_n which_o god_n be_v please_v the_o israelite_n shall_v bear_v in_o their_o flesh_n to_o distinguish_v they_o the_o more_o effectual_o from_o all_o other_o nation_n for_o it_o be_v not_o by_o mere_a chance_n or_o out_o of_o any_o fantastical_a humour_n that_o this_o custom_n be_v first_o settle_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o can_v have_v receive_v without_o very_o powerful_a motive_n to_o it_o so_o painful_a and_o difficult_a a_o custom_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a affection_n of_o mother_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o zeporah_n nay_o which_o even_o seem_v at_o first_o view_n somewhat_o shameful_a and_o obscene_a as_o for_o philo_n and_o other_o man_n reflection_n on_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o circumcision_n they_o be_v very_o pitiful_a the_o three_o principle_n of_o that_o distinction_n be_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o their_o posterity_n after_o they_o though_o he_o do_v not_o give_v they_o immediate_o a_o actual_a possession_n of_o it_o he_o fix_v the_o heart_n of_o that_o people_n upon_o that_o particular_a land_n lest_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v insensible_o disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o the_o patriarch_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n strict_o recommend_v the_o carry_v of_o their_o bone_n into_o it_o the_o better_a to_o fix_v the_o hope_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n upon_o it_o but_o lest_o it_o shall_v have_v happen_v that_o the_o canaanite_n the_o perisite_n the_o jebusite_n etc._n etc._n who_o be_v before_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o land_n shall_v have_v intermix_v themselves_o with_o the_o holy_a generation_n and_o consequent_o corrupt_v they_o by_o their_o superstition_n god_n himself_o consent_v that_o those_o nation_n shall_v in_o this_o life_n undergo_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n for_o their_o sin_n which_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o to_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o excess_n and_o for_o that_o end_n his_o vengeance_n make_v use_v of_o josuah_n and_o his_o army_n as_o instrument_n to_o destroy_v they_o utter_o the_o four_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o afterward_o the_o
search_n no_o great_a sagacity_n or_o penetration_n of_o mind_n to_o discover_v this_o truth_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a appetite_n of_o man_n as_o that_o of_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o aspire_v only_o after_o temporal_a prosperity_n and_o worldy_a pomp_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o monstrous_a medley_n like_o that_o of_o the_o samaritan_n make_v up_o of_o a_o ridiculous_a mixture_n of_o the_o pagan_a and_o jewish_a religion_n nor_o be_v it_o impious_a and_o cruel_a like_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n nor_o have_v it_o any_o of_o the_o fault_n or_o extravagant_a superstition_n of_o the_o pagan_a religion_n but_o since_o we_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o oppose_v it_o particular_o to_o all_o the_o error_n of_o other_o religion_n we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o show_v in_o this_o comparison_n the_o advantage_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v above_o all_o the_o rest_n by_o lay_v down_o the_o follow_a rule_n i._n other_o religion_n as_o be_v principal_o of_o human_a invention_n and_o institution_n be_v form_v by_o degree_n from_o the_o different_a imagination_n of_o several_a person_n who_o successive_o make_v such_o addition_n or_o alteration_n as_o they_o think_v convenient_a the_o greek_n for_o example_n add_v several_a thing_n to_o that_o religion_n they_o receive_v from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o roman_n to_o that_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o greek_n menander_n sâ—â—ll_o improve_v the_o â—ottish_a impiety_n of_o simon_n magus_n and_o saturninus_n and_o basilides_n add_v to_o those_o of_o menander_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o man_n be_v never_o weary_a of_o invent_v nor_o the_o people_n of_o believe_a novelty_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v whole_o deliver_v by_o christ_n be_v entire_o contain_v in_o every_o one_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o even_o in_o each_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n what_o ever_o alteration_n man_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v in_o the_o doctrine_n christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n do_v only_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o great_a disproportion_n there_o be_v betwixt_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o the_o ordinary_a speculation_n of_o men._n ii_o other_o religion_n dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o open_o in_o full_a light_n and_o therefore_o be_v veil_v over_o with_o a_o mysterious_a silence_n and_o affect_a darkness_n the_o gnostic_n choose_v the_o night_n to_o cover_v the_o impurity_n of_o juvenal_n their_o abominable_a mystery_n and_o the_o roman_n expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o satirical_a raillery_n of_o their_o poet_n 〈◊〉_d be_v so_o careful_a to_o conceal_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o goddess_n bona_n julian_n and_o porphyrius_n set_v all_o their_o wit_n to_o work_v either_o to_o set_v off_o the_o ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a ceremony_n of_o paganism_n or_o to_o palliate_v their_o superstition_n by_o several_a various_a explanation_n of_o it_o as_o when_o they_o so_o stiff_o affirm_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o only_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o acknowledge_v at_o the_o same_o time_n other_o subordinate_a deity_n depend_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o justify_v the_o worship_n they_o pay_v to_o their_o idol_n by_o use_v many_o subtle_a and_o nice_a distinction_n it_o be_v certain_a there_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o pride_n implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v accuse_v of_o entertain_v any_o absurd_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o their_o passion_n have_v make_v they_o embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o seem_v not_o very_o reasonable_a they_o employ_v all_o heir_n wit_n to_o make_v it_o at_o least_o appear_v consonant_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v no_o veil_n to_o cover_v it_o no_o mysterious_a silence_n no_o dark_a dissimulation_n or_o close_a disguise_n although_o it_o propose_v such_o kind_n of_o object_n to_o we_o as_o be_v vast_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o prejudices_fw-la and_o receive_v opinion_n the_o apostle_n free_o confess_v that_o the_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o it_o be_v a_o apparent_a folly_n but_o yet_o they_o assure_v we_o god_n be_v resolve_v to_o save_v the_o world_n by_o that_o seem_a folly_n they_o know_v that_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n become_v a_o scandal_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o a_o folly_n to_o the_o greek_a yet_o they_o public_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v determine_v not_o to_o know_v any_o thing_n save_o jesus_n christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v and_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o mince_n or_o endeavour_v to_o soften_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o seem_a paradox_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o conceal_v it_o but_o that_o they_o be_v strong_o and_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o that_o the_o abundance_n of_o their_o understanding_n serve_v only_o to_o make_v they_o more_o full_o comprehend_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cross_n iii_o shall_v we_o strict_o consider_v some_o religion_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o be_v first_o for_o the_o most_o part_n institue_v either_o by_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o general_o spring_v from_o the_o sportive_a conceit_n or_o witty_a speculation_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n they_o be_v not_o so_o universal_o approve_v the_o philosopher_n always_o deride_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o vulgar_a understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o philosopher_n socrates_n ridicule_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o athenian_n and_o the_o athenian_n accuse_v socrates_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o condemn_v he_o to_o death_n the_o christian_a religion_n alone_o be_v approve_v of_o as_o well_o by_o the_o philosopher_n as_o the_o vulgar_a people_n as_o neither_o depend_v upon_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o latter_a nor_o proceed_v from_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o former_a it_o have_v a_o divine_a efficacy_n and_o agreeable_a power_n suitable_a to_o all_o heart_n it_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a and_o ignorant_a though_o infinite_o raise_v above_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o wise_a it_o be_v sublime_a without_o be_v nice_o speculative_a and_o simple_a without_o be_v mean_a in_o its_o sublimity_n preserve_v its_o clearness_n and_o in_o its_o simplicity_n preserve_v its_o dignity_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o inconsiderable_a in_o human_a society_n but_o what_o may_v some_o way_n fall_n under_o its_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o approve_v of_o and_o admire_v by_o all_o iv._o other_o religion_n bring_v man_n from_o spiritual_a object_n to_o those_o that_o be_v corporeal_a and_o earthly_a the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v they_o from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n we_o all_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n when_o they_o deify_v man_n or_o worship_v a_o deity_n under_o a_o human_a shape_n they_o be_v so_o far_o pay_v that_o deity_n a_o worship_n due_a to_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n that_o their_o adoration_n consist_v in_o several_a game_n show_n and_o divers_a exercise_n of_o the_o body_n the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n by_o their_o eager_a dispute_n whether_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o jerusalem_n or_o in_o mount_n gerazim_n extinguish_v charity_n the_o true_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o too_o hot_a defence_n of_o the_o external_a part_n 5._o of_o it_o nay_o the_o prophet_n complain_v former_o that_o the_o jew_n make_v 〈…〉_z to_o consist_v in_o bow_v down_o their_o head_n as_o a_o â—â—â—rush_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n observe_v that_o the_o priest_n of_o 28._o baal_n be_v wont_a to_o cut_v themselves_o with_o knife_n and_o lance_n when_o they_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o make_v their_o god_n hear_v their_o prayer_n but_o by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n on_o their_o own_o body_n the_o modern_a jew_n can_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o have_v be_v call_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n though_o they_o find_v we_o all_o profess_v to_o put_v our_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o because_o they_o perceive_v not_o that_o we_o use_v any_o corporeal_a ceremony_n and_o the_o mahometan_n more_o irreligious_a than_o superstitious_a make_v their_o religion_n and_o its_o happiness_n depend_v chief_o on_o their_o sense_n when_o they_o worship_n they_o turn_v themselves_o towards_o mecha_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v towards_o jerusalem_n and_o earnest_o desire_v of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v gratify_v their_o sense_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o religious_a respect_n for_o the_o letter_n that_o compose_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o