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receive_v from_o a_o constant_a repetition_n of_o the_o same_o appearance_n but_o it_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n or_o the_o first_o general_n principles_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o miracle_n be_v urge_v these_o thing_n be_v all_o so_o plain_a and_o easy_a without_o such_o a_o confirmation_n that_o they_o be_v altogether_o without_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n but_o when_o man_n be_v lose_v and_o go_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o be_v become_v altogether_o corrupt_a when_o through_o blindness_n and_o ignorance_n they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o serve_v god_n aright_o and_o when_o those_o who_o use_v their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v it_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o be_v accept_v if_o in_o compassion_n to_o this_o sad_a and_o distress_a estate_n of_o mankind_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o a_o true_a and_o certain_a way_n to_o happiness_n which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o themselves_o what_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v it_o contrary_a to_o to_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o how_o can_v he_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a way_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n than_o by_o miracle_n which_o be_v real_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n and_o which_o man_n be_v ready_o dispose_v to_o acknowledge_v as_o infallible_a sign_n and_o indication_n of_o it_o if_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o may_v certain_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o as_o have_v already_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n than_o be_v they_o very_o fit_a and_o proper_a proof_n that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v intend_v to_o comfirm_v come_v from_o god_n though_o they_o be_v not_o bring_v about_o by_o a_o immediate_a interposition_n but_o be_v part_n of_o the_o general_n scheme_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v 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matter_n of_o fact_n be_v none_o of_o it_o sufficient_o attest_v a_o great_a deal_n or_o it_o manifest_o false_a and_o be_v it_o all_o true_a the_o inference_n draw_v from_o it_o do_v not_o hold_v to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n which_o have_v be_v particular_o make_v use_n of_o by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o of_o vespasian_n it_o be_v record_v that_o he_o once_o cure_v two_o blind_a man_n but_o the_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o apollonius_n fill_v a_o book_n write_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o they_o now_o as_o to_o vespasian_n cure_n of_o the_o blind_a it_o be_v but_o one_o single_a miracle_n and_o therefore_o be_v very_o unjust_o compare_v with_o that_o multitude_n of_o mighty_a work_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o christ_n neither_o be_v it_o so_o well_o attest_v but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v false_a notwithstanding_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o the_o appear_a circumstance_n of_o it_o several_a inducement_n may_v be_v allege_v that_o very_o probable_o dispose_v this_o emperor_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o his_o design_n may_v be_v bring_v about_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o a_o great_a many_o people_n without_o their_o discover_v the_o cheat_n and_o shall_v any_o have_v find_v it_o out_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o imagine_v why_o they_o do_v not_o publish_v it_o but_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o will_v hold_v when_o apply_v to_o christ_n have_v he_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o the_o cure_n of_o two_o blind_a man_n a_o man_n of_o his_o character_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n can_v not_o promise_v himself_o any_o honour_n respect_n or_o advantage_n from_o such_o a_o pretence_n and_o shall_v he_o have_v make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o he_o will_v very_o probable_o have_v raise_v the_o envy_n of_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o the_o jealousy_n of_o his_o superior_n upon_o these_o and_o other_o motive_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a curiosity_n a_o great_a many_o will_v have_v be_v very_o industrious_a and_o inquisitive_a in_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o who_o can_v we_o imagine_v so_o far_o concern_v for_o such_o a_o pretender_n as_o to_o be_v privy_a or_o assist_v to_o his_o cheat_n at_o the_o first_o or_o to_o conceal_v his_o shame_n after_o they_o have_v find_v it_o out_o but_o suppose_v a_o account_n can_v be_v give_v in_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o christ_n to_o pretend_v to_o such_o work_v as_o be_v never_o do_v there_o be_v abundance_n still_o remain_v upon_o record_n that_o be_v manifest_o incapable_a of_o such_o a_o solution_n which_o put_v a_o unanswerable_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o other_o men._n as_o to_o the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n the_o whole_a credit_n of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o single_a author_n who_o live_v too_o long_o after_o he_o to_o be_v a_o competent_a witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v and_o be_v too_o credulous_a and_o partial_a to_o be_v believe_v if_o he_o have_v live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o he_o the_o strange_a unusual_a thing_n relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o this_o apollonius_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n either_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o fact_n and_o person_n concern_v in_o they_o the_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a nature_n of_o they_o the_o beneficial_a design_n of_o they_o or_o the_o public_a and_o hazardous_a manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o examination_n from_o the_o manifest_a inconsistency_n and_o contradiction_n in_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o but_o suppose_v the_o miracle_n attribute_v to_o vespasian_n and_o apollonius_n be_v true_a in_o fact_n what_o reason_n can_v we_o allege_v either_o from_o the_o character_n of_o the_o pretend_a author_n the_o end_n and_o design_n they_o act_v upon_o the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o pretence_n or_o from_o any_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o story_n that_o the_o strange_a thing_n record_v of_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o evil_a spirit_n let_v we_o suppose_v far_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o real_a but_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n perform_v by_o the_o express_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o god_n what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o not_o that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v true_a because_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o design_v or_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o not_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v pure_o humane_a because_o the_o whole_a end_n of_o christ_n work_a miracle_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n there_o may_v be_v several_a reason_n give_v why_o it_o may_v please_v god_n sometime_o to_o work_v miracle_n indifferent_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o good_a or_o ill_a man_n man_n of_o a_o true_a or_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v suppose_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v employ_v good_a man_n or_o concur_v with_o the_o wicked_a in_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o their_o deceive_a mankind_n and_o establish_v a_o lie_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v where_o any_o one_o true_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o prove_v any_o other_o doctrine_n by_o than_o what_o we_o have_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o true_a miracle_n
i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o attest_v to_o have_v be_v do_v as_o those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v account_v for_o without_o the_o power_n of_o god_n than_o they_o can_v many_o of_o which_o i_o will_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v do_v upon_o other_o occasion_n without_o any_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o those_o that_o perform_v they_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n may_v have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o may_v have_v deceive_v many_o who_o simplicity_n and_o bigotry_n to_o the_o cause_n they_o make_v for_o dispose_v to_o entertain_v they_o but_o we_o have_v no_o record_n of_o any_o such_o ill-intended_n miracle_n leave_v which_o by_o the_o nature_n circumstance_n effect_n or_o attestation_n of_o they_o can_v dispose_v a_o rational_a man_n to_o ascribe_v they_o to_o god_n and_o whatever_o pretence_n of_o this_o kind_n there_o 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knowledge_n have_v force_v the_o patron_n of_o irreligion_n upon_o new_a absurdity_n now_o the_o argument_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v express_v in_o such_o a_o form_n be_v this_o that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v principal_o build_v proceed_v from_o impression_n make_v upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o impression_n be_v always_o agreeable_a to_o their_o several_a temper_n complexion_n and_o opinion_n from_o whence_o it_o must_v be_v infer_v that_o such_o visionary_a scene_n and_o figurative_a expression_n as_o these_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v in_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o god_n only_o in_o a_o popular_a way_n as_o all_o other_o extraordinary_a and_o unusual_a event_n be_v and_o therefore_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n because_o they_o proceed_v whole_o from_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o but_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v advance_v by_o spinoza_n or_o whatever_o inference_n be_v draw_v from_o it_o by_o other_o who_o apply_v it_o further_o than_o he_o dare_v open_o assert_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o his_o account_n of_o prophecy_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture-revelation_n be_v all_o his_o observation_n upon_o this_o subject_a true_a as_o it_o be_v manifest_a to_o any_o one_o that_o read_v the_o bible_n they_o be_v not_o for_o suppose_v all_o he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v true_a viz._n that_o the_o prophet_n be_v person_n of_o lively_a imagination_n than_o other_o as_o it_o be_v plain_a of_o some_o of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v not_o that_o the_o angry_a cheerful_a or_o melancholy_a prophet_n always_o prophesy_v thing_n suitable_a to_o his_o particular_a temper_n as_o there_o be_v several_a instance_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o pious_a way_n of_o attribute_v every_o thing_n strange_a or_o unusual_a to_o god_n etc._n etc._n what_o if_o all_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o spinoza_n observe_v the_o knowledge_n which_o these_o angry_a cheerful_a etc._n etc._n prophet_n of_o lively_a imagination_n have_v of_o future_a thing_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o come_v from_o god_n in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o whereby_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o other_o knowledge_n as_o spinoza_n himself_o plain_o own_v and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o those_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o god_n also_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o their_o prophecy_n be_v which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o upon_o we_o whatever_o natural_a cause_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v all_o we_o contend_v for_o or_o be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v this_o be_v all_o that_o either_o the_o ancient_n or_o modern_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v or_o can_v have_v to_o object_n to_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n record_v in_o the_o bible_n except_v what_o have_v be_v already_o answer_v in_o the_o direct_a proof_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o the_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v charge_v with_o almost_o all_o the_o fault_n which_o any_o humane_a write_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n contradiction_n of_o one_o part_n to_o another_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n connexion_n of_o the_o part_n chronology_n geography_n etc._n etc._n ridiculous_a and_o improbable_a story_n absurd_a and_o irrational_a law_n and_o injunction_n trifle_a and_o impertinent_a reason_n and_o argument_n low_o and_o unartful_a language_n the_o injustice_n of_o which_o objection_n i_o shall_v show_v very_o brief_o as_o sie_v very_o open_a and_o obvious_a as_o to_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n no_o body_n have_v be_v acute_a enough_o yet_o or_o sufficient_o instruct_v in_o the_o true_a system_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v good_a this_o charge_n we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v several_a new_a scheme_n hypothesis_n and_o theory_n of_o the_o world_n confute_v and_o explode_v but_o the_o plain_a simple_a and_o most_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v now_o extant_a be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a to_o scripture_n and_o answer_v all_o the_o ancient_a blasphemy_n against_o providence_n which_o be_v ground_v upon_o false_a hypothesis_n then_o in_o reputation_n but_o after_o all_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v to_o teach_v we_o philosophy_n if_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n but_o we_o have_v have_v a_o true_a scheme_n of_o knowledge_n than_o any_o philosopher_n have_v be_v yet_o able_a to_o give_v we_o but_o then_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o shall_v have_v have_v much_o less_o religion_n if_o that_o and_o our_o philosophy_n 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and_o now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o just_a view_n of_o they_o and_o consider_v they_o all_o together_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o make_v the_o follow_a conclusion_n 1._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n discover_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n that_o have_v so_o many_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v 2._o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a matter_n of_o fact_n so_o well_o attest_v or_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o the_o christian_a fact_n be_v there_o be_v no_o ancient_a fact_n which_o have_v so_o many_o sensible_a monument_n and_o effect_n of_o they_o leave_v and_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o which_o mankind_n be_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_o concern_v 3._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v or_o frame_v any_o notion_n how_o or_o in_o what_o manner_n the_o christian_a religion_n may_v possible_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o 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have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v be_v become_v so_o fix_v a_o opinion_n with_o i_o that_o i_o dare_v venture_v to_o affirm_v not_o only_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v so_o many_o plain_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v attend_v with_o but_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o true_a history_n of_o thing_n whatsoever_o so_o well_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o unite_a wisdom_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o scheme_n of_o event_n that_o shall_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n with_o so_o many_o certain_a sign_n and_o monument_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o supposition_n invent_v that_o will_v be_v full_a fraught_n with_o absurdity_n than_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n being_n a_o imposture_n these_o be_v assertion_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v 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body_n of_o what_o sect_n 〈…〉_o philosophy_n must_v needs_o grant_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o most_v of_o the_o notion_n employ_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o unconcluding_a and_o upon_o both_o these_o account_n deserve_v a_o particular_a answer_n in_o order_n to_o prevent_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v probable_o do_v among_o the_o unwary_a and_o unstable_a but_o i_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o sure_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o defend_v religion_n which_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o objection_n at_o once_o and_o put_v the_o cause_n upon_o a_o general_a issue_n this_o be_v the_o way_n i_o have_v take_v in_o both_o discourse_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o method_n can_v fail_v if_o the_o performance_n be_v but_o answerable_a if_o we_o be_v such_o being_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o every_o body_n by_o consult_v himself_n may_v find_v and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n as_o every_o man_n that_o will_v look_v abroad_o may_v perceive_v then_o be_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n certain_o true_a and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o such_o creature_n that_o have_v such_o power_n and_o capacity_n and_o act_n for_o such_o end_n and_o motive_n as_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a that_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o public_a state_n of_o humane_a affair_n do_v appear_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o imagine_v they_o do_v then_o do_v we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o if_o the_o inference_n true_o draw_v from_o these_o appearance_n do_v hold_v none_o do_v and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n we_o be_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v and_o have_v no_o pretension_n to_o happiness_n neither_o religion_n knowledge_n and_o happiness_n be_v all_o upon_o the_o same_o foot_n and_o be_v so_o close_o unite_v together_o that_o there_o be_v no_o separate_n one_o from_o the_o other_o without_o destroy_v they_o all_o but_o if_o religion_n be_v build_v so_o strong_a what_o support_n can_v irreligion_n have_v what_o principle_n can_v the_o atheist_n deist_n and_o libertine_n reason_n or_o act_n upon_o what_o new_a way_n of_o knowledge_n have_v they_o find_v out_o can_v he_o that_o deny_v a_o god_n or_o providence_n show_v we_o how_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o have_v be_v govern_v without_o or_o can_v he_o that_o disow_v a_o future_a state_n inform_v mankind_n what_o and_o why_o they_o be_v or_o resolve_v they_o that_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o better_o they_o have_v never_o be_v how_o can_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o of_o yesterday_n and_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v see_v ourselves_o or_o our_o immediate_a forefather_n have_v tell_v we_o and_o how_o can_v he_o that_o think_v both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n to_o be_v imposture_n persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n that_o such_o man_n as_o reject_v all_o notion_n of_o religion_n can_v do_v be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o scepticism_n and_o suspense_n be_v so_o very_o difficult_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o every_o body_n must_v have_v something_o continual_o to_o believe_v and_o we_o do_v all_o of_o we_o give_v up_o our_o assent_n in_o abundance_n of_o instance_n without_o stay_v for_o the_o utmost_a conviction_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o none_o have_v be_v more_o remarkable_o distinguish_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n for_o their_o credulity_n than_o the_o irreligious_a it_o be_v common_o and_o true_o observe_v of_o they_o that_o they_o believe_v as_o unreasonable_o and_o absurd_o as_o they_o deny_v and_o that_o be_v what_o no_o body_n else_o do_v what_o can_v be_v more_o extravagant_o ridiculous_a than_o
christ_n the_o first_o author_n of_o this_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v christian_n begin_v to_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n be_v very_o particular_o and_o circumstantial_o set_v down_o by_o st._n luke_n in_o the_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n cesar_n pontius_n pilate_n be_v governor_n of_o judea_n and_o herod_n be_v tetrarch_n of_o galilee_n and_o his_o brother_n philip_n tetrarch_n of_o iturea_n and_o of_o the_o region_n of_o trachonitis_n and_o lysanias_n the_o tetrarch_n of_o abilene_n annas_n and_o caiaphas_n be_v the_o high_a priest_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o the_o book_n call_v the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v to_o be_v write_v by_o the_o same_o st._n luke_n it_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o disciple_n by_o which_o word_n be_v there_o mean_v all_o those_o that_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o be_v call_v christian_n first_o at_o antioch_n which_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o christian_a historian_n record_v to_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n who_o be_v the_o next_o that_o succeed_v tiberius_n in_o the_o empire_n of_o rome_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o low_a point_n of_o time_n it_o can_v be_v fix_v at_o appear_v from_o the_o same_o place_n of_o st._n luke_n where_o immediate_o after_o the_o word_n before_o cite_v it_o follow_v and_o in_o these_o day_n come_v prophet_n from_o jerusalem_n unto_o antioch_n and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n from_o whence_o i_o infer_v that_o this_o relation_n of_o agabus_n concur_v in_o time_n with_o that_o other_o account_n of_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v the_o completion_n of_o agabus_n prophecy_n in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n that_o he_o first_o utter_v his_o prophecy_n some_o time_n before_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n cesar_n the_o time_n when_o the_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n must_v likewise_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a before_o the_o reign_n of_o claudius_n which_o claudius_n be_v the_o immediate_a successor_n of_o caligula_n in_o the_o empire_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n must_v happen_v in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o the_o reign_n of_o caligula_n or_o at_o some_o time_n before_o now_o from_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n when_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o doctrine_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o last_o of_o caligula_n when_o his_o disciple_n be_v first_o call_v christian_n at_o antioch_n be_v about_o twelve_o year_n from_o whence_o to_o the_o ten_o year_n of_o nero_n when_o the_o christian_n be_v first_o persecute_v at_o rome_n be_v a_o little_a above_o twenty_o year_n within_o five_o year_n after_o which_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v and_o a_o end_n be_v put_v to_o the_o jewish_a government_n and_o policy_n so_o that_o from_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n when_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o christ_n first_o publish_v his_o gospel_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o first_o of_o vespasian_n when_o jerusalem_n be_v destroy_v be_v about_o forty_o year_n and_o no_o more_o if_o therefore_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v the_o neronian_a persecution_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v true_a as_o be_v constant_o attest_v by_o heathen_a and_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o those_o mention_v by_o st._n luke_n be_v so_o too_o for_o before_o the_o fifteen_o of_o tiberius_n no_o sign_n or_o footstep_n of_o christianity_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v it_o pretend_v by_o any_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o this_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v early_o and_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n fall_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o vespasian_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o thence_o to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o have_v have_v as_o early_o a_o date_n of_o that_o and_o therefore_o if_o we_o find_v great_a number_n of_o christian_n at_o rome_n in_o nero_n time_n both_o the_o propagation_n as_o well_o as_o original_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v have_v happen_v not_o only_o before_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o some_o time_n between_o the_o fifteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n and_o the_o ten_o of_o nero_n and_o consequent_o the_o account_n before_o give_v by_o st._n luke_n of_o these_o great_a event_n can_v well_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v false_a but_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o mistake_n in_o time_n if_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o suppose_a can_v be_v considerable_a from_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v profess_v at_o rome_n in_o the_o time_n of_o nero_n and_o be_v derive_v from_o one_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o and_o suffer_v death_n at_o jerusalem_n upon_o that_o account_n towards_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o tiberius_n reign_n as_o i_o find_v it_o record_v by_o st._n luke_n and_o the_o other_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o next_o view_n i_o shall_v take_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v be_v under_o constantine_n another_o emperor_n of_o rome_n who_o upon_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o be_v dispose_v to_o embrace_v this_o religion_n about_o 300_o year_n after_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n at_o which_o time_n it_o be_v very_o notorious_a that_o christianity_n be_v the_o prevail_a religion_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o extent_n of_o which_o be_v then_o very_o great_a this_o manifest_o appear_v from_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o history_n of_o this_o famous_a emperor_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n under_o his_o reign_n in_o the_o twenty_o year_n of_o which_o be_v hold_v a_o general_n council_n which_o be_v a_o meeting_n or_o assembly_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o bishop_n who_o come_v from_o all_o the_o different_a province_n and_o city_n both_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a empire_n and_o be_v person_n that_o in_o their_o several_a district_n govern_v and_o direct_v in_o religion_n affair_n the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o meeting_n be_v by_o constantine_n who_o call_v they_o together_o declare_v to_o be_v for_o the_o decision_n of_o a_o controversy_n that_o have_v happen_v between_o certain_a christian_a professor_n concern_v a_o particular_a article_n or_o doctrine_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o some_o affirm_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o one_o sense_n and_o some_o in_o another_o these_o bishop_n do_v meet_v according_o to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o 300_o decide_v the_o matter_n they_o be_v call_v about_o by_o appoint_v a_o form_n of_o word_n for_o all_o christian_n to_o express_v their_o belief_n of_o that_o and_o several_a other_o particular_n in_o which_o be_v unanimous_o approve_v and_o subscribe_v by_o all_o but_o two_o beside_o which_o form_n of_o faith_n they_o make_v several_a canon_n or_o rule_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n which_o concern_v the_o qualification_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v to_o perform_v religious_a office_n or_o to_o partake_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o their_o manner_n of_o act_v upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o their_o behaviour_n to_o one_o another_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o religious_a distinction_n but_o in_o order_n to_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a survey_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o constantine_n from_o the_o account_n that_o be_v give_v we_o of_o this_o council_n by_o eusebius_n and_o athanasius_n who_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o other_o credible_a writer_n who_o live_v at_o or_o near_o the_o same_o time_n i_o shall_v draw_v these_o follow_a observation_n and_o reflection_n i._o constantine_n be_v the_o first_o roman_a emperor_n that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v no_o king_n consul_n dictator_n emperor_n or_o any_o other_o the_o chief_a governor_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n before_o he_o that_o ever_o depart_v from_o the_o ancient_a institution_n make_v upon_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o that_o commonwealth_n or_o public_o embrace_v a_o new_a religion_n of_o a_o different_a character_n from_o that_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o numa_n 2._o there_o never_o be_v before_o this_o council_n any_o such_o general_n meet_v of_o eminent_a and_o learned_a person_n who_o be_v assemble_v together_o from_o so_o many_o different_a quarter_n of_o the_o world_n pure_o to_o settle_v some_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o two_o surprise_a circumstance_n must_v make_v this_o
of_o the_o world_n they_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o sin_n and_o never_o live_v up_o to_o those_o holy_a rule_n he_o prescribe_v these_o who_o never_o feel_v the_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v never_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o it_o as_o constant_o to_o vouch_v and_o maintain_v a_o unprofitable_a lie_n in_o its_o defence_n when_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v have_v have_v easy_a conscience_n and_o better_a fortune_n for_o disprove_v the_o pretence_n it_o be_v build_v upon_o other_o of_o they_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o turn_v again_o unto_o those_o beggarly_a element_n or_o idol_n they_o be_v free_v from_o neither_o can_v these_o be_v suspect_v of_o justify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a in_o behalf_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o have_v forsake_v it_o be_v more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v have_v they_o be_v privy_a to_o any_o deceit_n that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o zealous_a in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o then_o as_o to_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o authority_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v at_o first_o educate_v in_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o see_v who_o as_o we_o find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v frequent_o reproach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinate_a adherence_n to_o the_o religion_n and_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o and_o those_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n authority_n and_o learning_n among_o they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o persecute_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v plain_o as_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o person_n of_o this_o character_n shall_v agree_v to_o own_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o that_o honest_a sincere_a christian_n who_o abhor_v a_o lie_n and_o be_v thorough_o persuade_v eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o certain_a punishment_n of_o lie_v shall_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o contrive_v spread_a and_o continual_o support_v what_o they_o be_v sure_o be_v the_o gross_a cheat_n imaginable_a but_o without_o consider_v the_o character_n of_o the_o witness_n the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o first_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n miracle_n make_v a_o confederacy_n to_o deceive_v utter_o impossible_a for_o in_o many_o instance_n of_o public_a miracle_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o something_o do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o spectator_n immediate_o declare_v their_o belief_n and_o admiration_n by_o open_o glorify_v god_n or_o express_v their_o wonder_n to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o it_o plain_o appeat_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o be_v all_o several_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o wonderfulness_n of_o what_o they_o see_v before_o they_o can_v know_v one_o another_o mind_n concern_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o agreement_n of_o their_o testimony_n can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o antecedent_n concert_n among_o themselves_o thus_o have_v i_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n will_v hold_v with_o the_o same_o or_o rather_o great_a degree_n of_o certainty_n concern_v the_o public_a miracle_n of_o the_o first_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o receive_v that_o power_n immediate_o from_o their_o master_n and_o of_o all_o other_o christian_a believer_n to_o who_o the_o same_o gift_n be_v convey_v by_o their_o hand_n for_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o any_o of_o they_o be_v as_o easy_o know_v and_o distinguish_v by_o vulgar_a sense_n and_o capacity_n as_o those_o of_o christ_n the_o character_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o witness_n so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o credibility_n of_o their_o testimony_n be_v very_o near_o the_o same_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o by_o a_o intimate_a consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o power_n know_v they_o perform_v such_o work_n of_o those_o who_o feel_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o miraculous_a power_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o external_n sign_n and_o appearance_n of_o it_o in_o the_o fact_n that_o be_v do_v be_v very_o far_o great_a than_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o general_a agreement_n to_o deceive_v more_o manifest_a here_o than_o there_o and_o consequent_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o these_o fact_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o that_o of_o the_o other_o before_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o more_o private_a miracle_n do_v by_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n only_o and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n employ_v by_o some_o other_o power_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n to_o a_o few_o choose_a person_n we_o have_v these_o reason_n to_o believe_v they_o true_a the_o fact_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o discern_v as_o the_o other_o before_o mention_v the_o several_a witness_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o happen_v at_o several_a time_n take_v altogether_o be_v a_o great_a many_o which_o make_v a_o agreement_n of_o they_o all_o to_o deceive_v and_o a_o constant_a invincible_a perseverance_n in_o a_o cheat_n very_o difficult_a to_o imagine_v the_o character_n of_o they_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o suspect_v the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o relation_n for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n especial_o who_o be_v principal_o concern_v in_o the_o present_a cause_n represent_v as_o honest_a sincere_a undesigning_a person_n that_o fear_v god_n and_o love_a mankind_n that_o be_v free_a from_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o seek_v their_o own_o interest_n or_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v despise_v and_o set_v at_o nought_o and_o evil_o entreat_v wherever_o they_o come_v and_o be_v as_o to_o this_o life_n of_o all_o man_n most_o miserable_a for_o constant_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o other_o fact_n now_o in_o question_n all_o which_o they_o be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v of_o as_o of_o any_o of_o the_o public_a miracle_n of_o jesus_n crrist_n and_o several_a of_o they_o they_o preach_v up_o as_o more_o necessary_a and_o impottant_a to_o be_v believe_v beside_o all_o this_o many_o of_o these_o miraculous_a fact_n which_o be_v full_o discover_v only_o to_o a_o few_o be_v accompany_v with_o several_a circumstance_n more_o public_o know_v with_o which_o they_o have_v so_o near_o and_o almost_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n that_o 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foretell_v for_o the_o rise_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o great_a earthquake_n and_o that_o then_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o roll_v back_o the_o stone_n from_o the_o door_n of_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o sit_v upon_o it_o that_o his_o countenance_n be_v like_o lightning_n and_o his_o raiment_n white_a as_o snow_n that_o the_o keeper_n see_v all_o these_o thing_n and_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o angel_n do_v shake_v and_o become_v as_o dead_a man_n afterward_o we_o read_v that_o some_o of_o the_o watch_n come_v into_o the_o city_n and_o show_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v that_o the_o chief_a priest_n when_o they_o be_v assemble_v with_o the_o elder_n and_o have_v take_v counsel_n give_v large_a money_n to_o the_o soldier_n to_o say_v his_o disciple_n come_v by_o night_n and_o steal_v he_o away_o while_o they_o sleep_v which_o the_o soldier_n
upon_o the_o prospect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a religion_n be_v found_v may_v not_o shock_v the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n what_o wise_a and_o more_o convince_a method_n can_v be_v take_v than_o by_o various_a instance_n of_o thing_n actual_o do_v in_o their_o presence_n of_o as_o strange_a and_o surprise_v a_o nature_n as_o those_o foretell_v and_o some_o of_o they_o of_o the_o very_a same_o kind_n as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ascension_n into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n how_o i_o say_v can_v man_n be_v better_o satisfy_v than_o by_o such_o present_a experience_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o thing_n in_o a_o future_a state_n which_o eye_n have_v not_o yet_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v thus_o have_v i_o prove_v in_o short_a that_o the_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o 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do_v be_v trifle_a or_o hurtful_a they_o be_v think_v to_o come_v from_o evil_a spirit_n permit_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o amuse_v or_o punish_v man_n and_o that_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o religious_a rite_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o person_n particular_o concern_v to_o express_v their_o thanks_o to_o the_o one_o or_o to_o appease_v the_o other_o these_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n be_v esteem_v as_o god_n of_o a_o low_a order_n who_o have_v different_a office_n assign_v they_o by_o the_o supreme_a in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n the_o first_o occasion_n of_o their_o distinction_n and_o their_o different_a office_n and_o employment_n as_o such_o and_o there_o we_o find_v that_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o angel_n or_o good_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o express_a order_n and_o command_n of_o god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o if_o it_o have_v proceed_v immediate_o from_o himself_o and_o what_o be_v say_v or_o do_v by_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n be_v by_o the_o permission_n of_o god_n for_o the_o trial_n or_o punishment_n of_o men._n the_o power_n god_n suffer_v evil_a spirit_n to_o exercise_n and_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n he_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o tempt_v man_n from_o the_o belief_n or_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v enjoin_v and_o command_v they_o be_v so_o easy_o distinguishable_a from_o the_o positive_a express_a manifestation_n of_o divine_a power_n that_o any_o man_n be_v just_o to_o be_v condemn_v for_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o for_o beside_o that_o miracle_n do_v by_o the_o help_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v pascal_n pascal_n as_o a_o judicious_a author_n well_o observe_v always_o foretell_v or_o outdo_v or_o both_o and_o consequent_o can_v never_o be_v of_o force_n enough_o to_o invalidate_v a_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o so_o easy_o know_v to_o be_v so_o especial_o when_o compare_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o no_o miracle_n or_o sign_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o all_o that_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o of_o concern_v devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v employ_v all_o their_o power_n and_o cunning_a to_o promote_v a_o pure_a and_o holy_a service_n of_o one_o god_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o policy_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v divide_v against_o itself_o and_o that_o some_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v disturb_v and_o oppose_v the_o rest_n when_o they_o be_v all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o work_n but_o neither_o jew_n christian_n or_o heathen_n ever_o entertain_v any_o such_o notion_n of_o devil_n or_o evil_a spirit_n as_o to_o make_v they_o the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o recommend_v and_o establish_v what_o they_o call_v virtue_n in_o the_o world_n or_o contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n welfare_n or_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o such_o a_o scheme_n as_o we_o have_v see_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v can_v not_o be_v contrive_v and_o propagate_v through_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n by_o evil_a spirit_n neither_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o the_o first_o preacher_n and_o professor_n of_o this_o religion_n shall_v derive_v their_o extraordinary_a character_n from_o the_o possession_n and_o influence_n of_o devil_n these_o be_v such_o notorious_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o further_a inlargment_n upon_o this_o head_n thus_o have_v i_o finish_v what_o i_o undertake_v under_o my_o second_o general_n and_o by_o a_o full_a and_o direct_a proof_n make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a iii_o i_o shall_v strengthen_v and_o confirm_v the_o same_o truth_n by_o show_v the_o improbability_n and_o absurdity_n of_o a_o contrary_a supposition_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o the_o difficulty_n and_o objection_n raise_v against_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a in_o order_n to_o my_o main_a design_n which_o be_v to_o establish_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o if_o all_o the_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n or_o only_o the_o principal_n of_o they_o such_o as_o have_v be_v before_o mention_v be_v true_a in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n there_o set_v down_o it_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n there_o record_v must_v be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n be_v true_a they_o must_v certain_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o revelation_n and_o consequent_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o person_n so_o assist_v must_v come_v from_o god_n this_o i_o say_v have_v be_v full_o make_v out_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o a_o reasonable_a contradiction_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v suppose_v all_o the_o different_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o these_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o invalidate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o inference_n draw_v from_o they_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a and_o groundless_a the_o next_o pretence_n which_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o behalf_n of_o infidelity_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v forge_v and_o suppositious_a that_o all_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n there_o record_v with_o all_o the_o strange_a and_o new_a doctrine_n build_v upon_o they_o be_v pure_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o book_n be_v give_v out_o by_o the_o contriver_n of_o they_o as_o contain_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v their_o credit_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o worst_a that_o the_o utmost_a malice_n of_o scoffer_n and_o unbeliever_n can_v suggest_v but_o the_o folly_n and_o unpresidented_a absurdity_n of_o this_o plea_n will_v easy_o appear_v upon_o a_o slight_a examination_n of_o it_o for_o first_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v already_o that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o universal_a tradition_n in_o this_o part_n
where_o every_o body_n be_v as_o capable_a and_o certain_a a_o judge_n of_o the_o cheat_n as_o they_o be_v not_o there_o such_o a_o man_n as_o christ_n do_v he_o not_o in_o all_o appearance_n maintain_v such_o a_o character_n do_v he_o not_o pretend_v to_o such_o discovery_n and_o wonderful_a work_n and_o do_v he_o not_o real_o suffer_v such_o thing_n upon_o account_n of_o his_o pretence_n as_o we_o find_v record_v in_o those_o book_n call_v the_o gospel_n all_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v in_o the_o present_a supposition_n which_o fix_v the_o real_a publication_n of_o that_o religion_n we_o now_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o date_n we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o these_o fact_n be_v true_a then_o do_v it_o certain_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a for_o otherwise_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v believe_v as_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o and_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v under_o another_o head_n where_o i_o shall_v show_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n betwixt_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o common_a and_o the_o extraordinary_a fact_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o if_o these_o common_a matter_n of_o fact_n just_a now_o instance_a in_o be_v false_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o then_o must_v the_o whole_a story_n be_v much_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o incredible_a if_o the_o forgery_n be_v date_v about_o forty_o year_n low_a at_o some_o time_n near_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n then_o must_v we_o take_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n into_o our_o account_n which_o will_v render_v the_o difficulty_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n much_o great_a for_o here_o we_o have_v abundance_n of_o new_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o believe_v as_o strange_a as_o those_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o disprove_v but_o vast_o more_o numerous_a and_o more_o public_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o a_o great_a many_o more_o city_n and_o nation_n be_v bring_v in_o as_o witness_n all_o which_o be_v suppose_v false_a and_o consequent_o can_v never_o obtain_v credit_n in_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o hear_v of_o any_o where_o till_o some_o time_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o can_v it_o possible_o be_v then_o believe_v when_o its_o chief_a pretence_n be_v that_o it_o have_v be_v publish_v believe_v and_o establi_v in_o many_o place_n long_o before_o which_o be_v palpable_o and_o notorious_o false_a now_o that_o this_o must_v be_v the_o pretence_n upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v first_o found_v whatever_o period_n we_o suppose_v this_o event_n happen_v in_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o publication_n which_o be_v entire_o build_v upon_o 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