,rev4 ,felicia ,urbanski4 ,a ,,s]ies ,,( ,,lett]s1 ,,9 ,,def5ce ,,( ,,div9e ,,revelation2 ,,9 ,,reply ,,to ,,rev4 ,,abn] ,,kneel&',s ,,s]i\s ,,inquiry ,,into ,,! ,,au!nticity ,,( ,,! ,,same4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,by ,,hosea ,,ball\1 ,pa/or ( ! ,second ,univ]sali/ ,society 9 ,bo/on4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,to ,,:i* ,,is ,,add$1 ,a ,,religi\s ,,correspond5ce1 ,,betwe5 ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\1 ,,& ,,! ,,rev4 ,,dr4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/] ,,& ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton1 ,,pa/ors ,,( ,,congregational ,,*ur*es ,,9 ,,portsm\?1 ,n4 ,h4 ,di/rict ( ,massa*usetts1 to wit3 ,di/rict ,cl]k's ,(fice4 ,be x rememb]$1 t on ! tw5ty-fif? day ( ,july1 ,a4 ,d4 #ahbj1 9 ! =ty-fif? ye> ( ! ,indep5d5ce ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1 ,,h5ry ,,b[51 ( ! said di/rict1 has deposit$ 9 ?is (fice1 ! title ( a book1 ! "r :]e( he claims z ,proprietor 9 ! words foll[+1 to wit3 ,a ,s]ies ( ,lett]s1 9 def5ce ( ,div9e ,revelation2 9 reply to ,rev4 ,abn] ,kneel&'s ,s]i\s ,inquiry into ! au!nticity ( ! same4 ,by ,,hosea ,,ball\1 ,pa/or ( ! ,second ,univ]sali/ ,society 9 ,bo/on4 ,to :i* is add$1 a ,religi\s ,correspond5ce1 betwe5 ! ,rev4 ,hosea ,ball\1 & ! ,rev4 ,dr4 ,joseph ,buckm9/]1 & ,rev4 ,joseph ,walton1 ,pa/ors ( ,congregational ,*ur*es 9 ,portsm\?1 ,n4 ,h4 ,9 con=mity to ! ,act ( ! ,congress ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 entitl$1 ,an ,act = ! ,enc\ragem5t ( ,le>n+1 by secur+ ! ,copies ( ,maps1 ,*>ts & ,books1 to ! ,au?ors & ,proprietors ( su* ,copies1 dur+ ! times !re9 m5tion$3 & also to an ,act entitl$1 ,an ,act supplem5t>y to an ,act1 entitl$1 an ,act = ! ,enc\ragem5t ( ,le>n+1 by secur+ ! ,copies ( ,maps1 ,*>ts & ,books1 to ! ,au?ors & ,proprietors ( su* ,copies dur+ ! times !re9 m5tion$2 & ext5d+ ! b5efits !re( to ! ,arts ( ,design+1 ,engrav+1 & ,et*+ ,hi/orical1 & o!r ,pr9ts4 ,,john ,w4 ,,davis1 ,cl]k ( ! ,di/rict ( ,massa*usetts ,,to ,,! ,,read]4 ,"s few sugge/ions respect+ ! foll[+ ,controv]sy are ?\ght necess>y 9 ord] to in=m ! read] h[ x 0 fir/ introduc$1 ! motives :i* l$ to x1 & ^? :i* induc$ to its be+ publi%$ to ! _w4 ,we le>n f ! ,rev4 ,mr4 ,,kneel&1 t hav+ at diff]5t times be5 ex]cis$ 9 8 m9d ) s]i\s d\bts respect+ ! au!nticity ( ! ,scriptures1 & ! sy/em ( ,div9e ,revelation1 record$ 9 !m1 he 0 induc$ to solicit a correspond5ce ) ! ,rev4 ,mr4 ,,ball\ on ! subject4 ,t1 9 ord] to r5d] ! controv]sy ! m int]e/+1 by call+ into action ! en]gies ( m9d1 & by direct+ ! correspond5ce to def9ite purposes1 he assum$ ! "* ( a real oppon5t1 det]m9+ to ma9ta9 ! opposition1 9 all its =ms1 until r$uc$1 by necessity1 to yield to successful argum5ts direct$ aga9/ x4 ,x 0 ) great reluctance t ! advocate = ! *ri/ian religion1 9 ?is controv]sy1 cons5t$ to und]take a "w ( ?is nature2 n1 h[ev]1 because he e/eem$ x unnecess>y1 or because he ent]ta9$ any d\bts ) reg>d to ! def5sibility ( revelation1 b1 z he cont5ds1 on acc\nt ( ! want ( abilities & means to d ! subject ju/ice4 ,8 oppon5t1 h[ev]1 be+ a famili> acqua9tance & fri5d1 z well z a prea*] 9 ! same pr(ession ( fai? ) himself1 hav+ l$ him to believe t a lab\r ( ?is k9d 0 call$ = by ! mo/ sacr$ obligations ( bro!r to bro!r1 he 0 induc$ to r5d] :at assi/ance 0 9 8 p[]1 )\t infr++ too mu* on o!r important duties 9 :i* he 0 almo/ con/antly engag$4 ,:5 ! controv]sy clos$1 ,mr4 ,,kneel& felt su* an entire satisfaction 9 8 own m9d1 t ! objections :i* he _h /at$ 7 fairly answ]$1 & ! validity ( ! ,scriptures v9dicat$1 t he 0 l$ to believe t to publi% ! correspond5ce w\ld be ( s]vice to ! cause ( ,*ri/4 ,he !re=e obta9$ leave ( 8 correspond5t1 & c>ri$ ! manuscripts to ! we/w>d1 :]e he (f]$ proposals = ! "w1 & obta9$ a numb] ( subscrib]s2 b be+ call$ to remove to ,philadelphia1 he 0 "u ! necessity ( po/pon+ ! publication = a season4 ,! publi%] hav+ obta9$ "s k ( ?is correspond5ce1 & be+ in=m$ by ! ,rev4 ,mr4 ,,kneel& t ! argum5ts :i* x conta9s 71 9 8 op9ion1 calculat$ to /r5g!n ! believ]1 z well z confirm ! d\bt+1 he negotiat$ = ! manuscripts & n[ pres5ts ! "w to ! public1 ent]ta9+ a hope t x may s]ve ! int]e/ ( *ri/ianity1 & promote a respect & v5]ation = ! sacr$ writ+s4 ,! lett]s :i* pass$ betwe5 ,mr4 ,,ball\ & two respectable cl]gym5 9 ! t[n ( ,portsm\?1 ,n4 ,h4 7 "s ye>s s9ce publi%$ 9 ,v]mont2 b sev]al circum/ances r5d]$ x prop] t ?is "w %\ld be repr9t$4 ,besides its be+ ne>ly or q out ( pr9t1 ! fir/ edition 0 on an inf]ior pap]1 ! "w badly execut$1 & a numb] ( errors 7 discov]$4 ,to ^? :o believe 9 ! univ]sality ( div9e goodness1 ! publi%] feels confid5t ! foll[+ "w w be receiv$ & read ) no small satisfaction4 ,& a hope is ent]ta9$ t x may be ! means ( enlight5+ "s1 :o ?\gh !y possess ! _s ( univ]sal love & b5evol5ce1 h n ! felicity ( believ+ 9 ! div9e goodness to ! ext5t ( _! own desires4 ,h4 ,,b[54 ,a ,,s]ies ,,( ,,lett]s1 c4 ,,extracts ,no4 #a4 ,! fir/ lett] ( ! objector 0 design$ m]ely z an ,introduction1 invit+ ,mr4 ,b4 to ! inve/igation ( ! important subject ( moral tru?1 or m p>ticul>ly ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 ,! foll[+ are extracts4 ,! ?\ght has long s9ce occurr$ to me t ! pres5t age is an age ( discov]y & improvem5t4 ,! human m9d seems to be develop+ its p[]s 9 a mo/ wond]ful mann]2 new inv5tions1 new discov]ies1 & new !ories are ! fruits ( new exp]im5ts2 :ile _m are improv+ ^u !ories & subjects already exi/+4 ,?us human nature seems to be almo/ prep>$ to make a regul> advance 9 moral z well z sci5tific tru?4 ,h[ev] pleas+ ?is mu/ be to e real lov] to ! arts & sci5ces1 yet !re seems to be a disposition 7at lea/1 z x respects all moral & religi\s subjects7 to *a9 d[n ! human m9d to its pres5t atta9m5ts1 & !reby prev5t all fur!r improvem5t4 ,o h[ long w x be be=e common s5se %all bur/ ?is bubble ( fanaticism1 & all its mi/s become evaporat$ & remov$ by ! rays ( simple & native tru?8 ,!n %all man "k = himself t1 "u ,god1 all 8 p[]s & faculties are z free z ! elem5t he brea!s4 ,free to ?9k1 free to speak1 & free to act z reason & good s5se %all dictate4 ,suppos+ t y & ,i %\ld ?9k ( sett+ an example = o!rs1 by try+ to ?r[ (f ! prejudices ( a false education1 s f> z we h be5 ?us entangl$1 & se>* = ! tru? )9 u1 z ! f\ndation ( all ,,tru? :i* mat]ially conc]ns u to "k4 ,:o1 except our own consci5ces1 w ev] call u to an acc\nt = s do+8 ,x gives me pa9 :5 ,i see :at "t & money1 :at lab\r & toil h be5 exp5d$1 & are /ill exp5d+1 9 plodd+ ov]1 z x 7 an old dead lett]2 to le>n languages :i* exi/ no :]e only on pap]1 b>ely = ! sake ( read+ ! op9ions ( o!r m51 9 o!r times2 m5 :o liv$ 9 o!r ages ( ! _w1 & "u v diff]5t circum/ances f ourselves2 ^: op9ions1 all ( :i* are wor? pres]v+1 might be giv5 9 our own language1 s z to answ] e purpose :i* c be answ]$ by !m1 at less ?an a hundr$? "p ( ! exp5se x necess>ily requires to obta9 a compet5t k ( ^? languages 9 :i* almo/ e ?+1 suppos$ to be valuable1 has be5 orig9ally writt54 ,& aft] all1 ! tru?1 or falsity1 ( e proposition mu/ dep5d on ! tru? or falsity ( ! pr9ciples embrac$ 9 x2 & n on ! language 9 :i* x 0 orig9ally writt54 ,if ! ,greek & ,hebrew languages be any security aga9/ ?+s be+ utt]$ or writt5 falsely 9 ^? languages1 ,i %\ld n only ?9k x important to le>n !m1 b to adopt !m1 if possible1 z our v]nacul> tongue4--,b z ,i believe none w cont5d = ?is1 ,i %\ld l to be in=m$ ( :at possible s]vice x c be to an ,am]ican to le>n ei!r ( ^? languages8 ,is x n a fact1 t e natural z well z moral tru? may be fully unfold$ to ! und]/&+ )\t !m8 ,?is w lead ! way to "o ( ! pr9cipal subjects :i* ,i mean to discuss4 ,x maybe said1 t ! holy scriptures 7 orig9ally writt5 9 ,greek & ,hebrew3 viz4 ! bible1 :i* conta9s a revelation ( ! w ( ,god conc]n+ ! duty1 int]e/1 & f9al de/9ation ( mank9d4 ,?is1 if admitt$1 gives ! ,greek & ,hebrew languages an importance t no?+ else c\ld4 ,h5ce ! importance ( pres]v+ ! ,greek & ,hebrew languages1 )\t :i*1 religion c\ld n be pres]v$ 9 its purity4 ,& z all h n an opportunity ( atta9+ to a k ( ^? languages1 x is ! m necess>y t "s %\ld1 le/ ! k ( languages1 on :i* s mu* is suppos$ to dep5d1 %\ld be lo/ to ! _w4 ,if ,i und]/& ! above proposition1 x seems to be ?is3 ,! only revelation ( ,god to man1 :i* 0 ev] record$ on ei!r vellum or pap]1 0 writt5 p>tly 9 ,greek & p>tly 9 ,hebrew2 h5ce1 ! reveal$ w ( ,god _c be kn[n only ?r\gh ! m$ium ( ^? languages4 ,if ! tru? ( all ?is c be made to appe>1 ,i %\ld f9d no difficulty 9 admitt+ all ! consequ5ces :i* mu/ result f su* premises4 ,x appe>s a little extraord9>y1 h[ev]1 to my und]/&+1 & n a v little nei!r1 t ,god %\ld make a revelation ( 8 w 9 "o age1 & n 9 ano!r2 to "o nation2 & n to ano!r2 or t he %\ld make a revelation 9 "o language1 & n 9 ano!r6 ,if a special revelation1 0 ev] necess>y at all1 x is difficult = me to see :y x 0 n equally necess>y 9 all ages ( ! _w1 to all ! nations ( ! e>?1 & 9 all languages ev] spok5 by man4 ,h[ sweet is tru? to ! und]/&+6 ,&1 :5 spok5 9 a language e ^w ( :i* is famili>1 h[ h>moni\s x s\nds to ! e> by :i* ! s5tim5ts f9d _! way to ! he>t6 ,:5 ,god speaks to ! inw>d man !re is no ne$ ( go+ to ,lexicons1 ,diction>ies1 & ,comm5t>ies to "k :at he means4 ,i w\ld n compla91 h[ev]1 ev5 ( ?is me?od to asc]ta9 tru?1 if ,i c\ld be s happy z always to come away satisfi$4 ,b to consid] a subject on :i* mu* is suppos$ to dep5d1 &1 desir+ if possible to obta9 ! tru?1 plod ?r\gh ! d>k mi/s occasion$ by ! ambiguity & contradiction ( au?ors1 & aft] all1 be oblig$ to dismiss ! subject z mu* 9 ! d>k z x 0 f\nd1 is too insupportable to be confid$ 9 z ! only road to moral tru?4 ,let x n be suppos$ h[ev]1 t ,i mean to ins9uate t ! bible conta9s no moral tru?2 s f> f ?is1 ,i conceive x to be replete ) moral in/ruction2 t is to say1 !re are excell5t moral maxims 9 ! bible2 b respect+ ^! !re is nei!r ambiguity nor obscurity2 & probably = ?is pla9 reason1 because !re seems to be no dispute ab\t !m4 ,^! h[ev] are none ! m true = be+ writt51 & w\ld h be5 equally true if f\nd 9 any o!r book1 & at ! same "t n f\nd 9 ! bible4 ,tru? is tru? :]ev] f\nd1 & all moral tru?1 z well z natural1 mu/ be et]nal 9 its nature4 ,mu* ( ! bible h[ev]1 is m]ely hi/orical2 & :e!r mo/ ( ! ?+s !re relat$ are ei!r true or n1 ,i d n see any connexion !y ei!r h1 or c h1 ) ei!r my pres5t or future happ9ess4 ,z = in/ance1 ,i d n see h[ my happ9ess is at all connect$ ) ! /ory ( ,daniel's be+ ca/ into ! d5 ( lions--or ( ,jonah's be+ swall[$ by a fi%6 any m ?an x is ) ! /ory ( ,remus & ,romulus' be+ nurs$ by a %e wolf6 ,& if n1 ^! ?+s are matt]s ( total indiff]5ce2 yea1 z mu* s z ! extraord9>y1 &1 7 x n = comp>+ ?+s suppos$ to be sacr$ ) pr(ane1 ,i w\ld say1 ridicul\s /ories 9 ! hea!n my?ology4 ,if x %\ld be cont5d$ t ! facts record$ 9 sacr$ hi/ory are necess>y to prove ! p[] & provid5ce ( ,god t[>ds 8 *ildr51 x may be answ]$ t ^? 9 pr(ane hi/ory1 if true1 are equally conclusive4 ,if x %\ld be said t we _c place ! same confid5ce 9 pr(ane hi/ory z 9 sacr$1 x br+s me to ! v subject ( my inquiry--viz4 ,if ! ?+s /at$ 9 ! bible are no m reasonable ?an ^? 9 pr(ane hi/ory1 :at reason h we to believe ^! any m ?an ^?8 ,mu/ n our own reason f9ally det]m9e = ourselves :e!r or n ei!r be true8 ,& if we are 9 no s5se int]e/$ 9 ! tru? or falsity ( ^? acc\nts :y ne$ we tr\ble ourselves ab\t !m8 ,y\rs1 c1 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,i4 ,mu* e/eem$ fri5d1--,! desire y express ( attempt+ ^? rese>*es :i* seem necess>y to promote ! fur!r atta9m5t ( moral tru?1 is appreciat$ z truly laudable2 & did ,i feel myself adequate to y\r wi%es1 ,i %\ld enjoy a peculi> felicity 9 comply+ ) y\r reque/4 ,b s f> f ?is ,i am v s5sible t ! magnitude ( ! g5]al subject :i* y h introduc$1 requires to be inve/igat$ by abilities f> sup]ior to ^? possess$ by me1 & dem&s a tribute f res\rces n )9 my possession4 ,h[ev]1 z y h impos$ an obligation on me by ! communication :i* is "h ackn[l$g$1 ,i w make a feeble attempt to sugge/ a few reflections relative to ! ma9 subjects ( y\r epi/le1 :i* if !y d no?+ m1 w return m]it$ ackn[l$gem5ts & plead ! necessity ( call+ to y\r assi/ance abilities m promis+4 ,:ile ,i view ! advances :i* are mak+ 9 ! k ( ! arts & sci5ces1 ) ! pleasure ( :i* y speak1 ,i am appreh5sive t ! prop5sity to *a9 d[n ! human m9d to its pres5t atta9m5ts1 & !reby prev5t all fur!r improvem5ts1 relative to moral tru?1 may h its rise 9 a pr9ciple1 :i*1 s f> f be+ inimical to man1 is1 9 its g5]al t5d5cy1 incalculably b5eficial4 ,no desire is ent]ta9$ to ju/ify all ! zeal & all ! means :i* are employ$ to prev5t ! free ex]cise ( ! human m9d1 9 its rese>*es aft] div9e k1 & to ret>d ! influx ( t light :i* w\ld prove unfav\rable to doctr9es :i* h little m ?an prescription = _! support2 b x seems reasonable to make a prop] di/9ction betwe5 :at may be call$ a salut>y pr9ciple 9 ! human m9d1 & a wrong application or an errone\s indulg5ce ( x4 ,! pr9ciple ref]r$ to1 incl9es u n only to hold 9 ! highe/ v5]ation any improvem5ts :i* we h made1 b also to reta9 su* acquisitions 9 _! purity4 ,n[ x is believ$ t :at y compla9 (1 has its rise f ! =ego+ causes1 & is no?+ m ?an a wrong or an errone\s indulg5ce ( a natural desire :i* 9 its g5]al t5d5cy is advantage\s4 ,no?+ is m incid5t to man1 ?an to misapply 8 desires1 & to ov]ate 8 reasonable duty4 ,b x is at ! same "t believ$ t a rem$y ( su* defects :i* %\ld consi/ 9 ! de/ruction ( ^? pr9ciples :i* are improp]ly act$ on1 w\ld be worse ?an ! disord]4 ,& n[ ! ?\ght /rikes me1 t ! way by :i* we acc\nt = ! improprieties :i* h j be5 trac$ up to _! causes1 w z *>itably acc\nt = :at seems to incite y to aim a fatal /roke at a fabric :i* has its f\ndation 9 ! immovable pr9ciples ( our moral nature1 & :i*1 ?\gh ?r\gh ! w&]+s ( ! human m9d1 may h n a little hay1 wood & /ubble1 yet possess too mu* gold1 silv] & preci\s /ones1 to be =sak5 z a pile ( rubbi%4 ,x gives y pa9 to see :at "t & money1 :at lab\r & toil h be5 exp5d$ & are /ill exp5d+ 9 plodd+ ov] z x 7 an old dead lett]2 to le>n languages :i* exi/ no :]e only on pap]1 b>ely = ! sake ( read+ ! op9ions ( o!r m5 :o liv$ 9 o!r times1 c4 ,b y all[ t all ?is w\ld be necess>y if ! only revelation ( ,god to man1 :i* 0 ev] record$ on vellum or pap] 0 writt5 p>tly 9 ,greek & p>tly 9 ,hebrew1 & t ! w ( ,god _c be kn[n only ?r\gh ! m$ium ( ^? languages4 ,9 ?is la/ p>ticul>1 y express :at appe>s v reasonable1 & ,i presume y w\ld be will+ to cons5t to all ?is exp5se & toil1 ev5 if ! proposition 7 to lose "p ( its importance1 & x 7 only cont5d$ t ,god _h actually made a revelation to man1 :i* 0 writt5 orig9ally p>tly 9 ,greek & p>tly 9 ! ,hebrew1 )\t say+ t he has nev] caus$ a revelation to be writt5 orig9ally 9 any o!r language4 ,a revelation f ,god1 if x 7 writt5 only 9 ! ,hebrew or ,greek1 w\ld be consid]$ ( suffici5t value to recomp5ce ! lab\r ( le>n+ ! language4 ,b y cont5d t ?is revelation1 if real1 c be translat$ into ,engli%1 b1 y mu/ all[ t to translate x1 ! orig9al mu/ be le>n$ fir/4 ,w y say1 t aft] ! translation is once made1 ! orig9al is ( no m use8 ,h[ !n are future ages to det]m9e :e!r !y h n be5 impos$ on8 ,suppose no p]son ( ! pres5t age und]/ood ! languages 9 :i* ! scriptures 7 fir/ writt51 surely 9 ?is case1 ^? languages w\ld be lo/ beyond recov]y4 ,suppose !n x %\ld be d\bt$ :e!r our bible 0 n a fabrication1 writt5 orig9ally n 9 ,hebrew nor 9 ,greek1 b 9 "s m mod]n language1 h[ c\ld ! sugge/ion be refut$8 ,y appe> to be p]plex$ ) ! disagreem5t ( au?ors1 z comm5tators1 & ,i presume1 critics on ! orig9al text2 y speak on ?is subject1 z if x 7 too mu* = pati5ce to endure4 ,n[1 de> bro!r1 ,i confess ,i feel v diff]5tly on ?is subject4 ,i feel a dev\t1 a religi\s gratitude to him ^: wisdom is fooli%ness 9 ! sight ( too _m ( my fell[ creatures4 ,i view ! v ?+ ( :i* y compla91 z t fire & crucible :i* h pres]v$ ! writt5 te/imony f any consid]able corruptions4 ,?is is a subject on :i* volumes might be writt5 to ! in/ruction & edification ( ! disciples ( ,jesus4 ,! qu]ies :i* y /ate conc]n+ a revelation's be+ made 9 "o age & n 9 ano!r1 9 "o nation & n 9 ano!r1 9 "o language1 & n 9 ano!r1 if a special revelation 7 necess>y1 c4 are n consid]$ z v weighty objections to ! doctr9e ( ! scriptures4 ,i believe y w all[ t our species ( be+ comm5c$ on ?is e>? 9 a diff]5t way ?an t by :i* x has be5 cont9u$4 ,b :y %\ld ! ,creator1 create a man & a woman at "o "t1 & n at all times :5 he sees fit to multiply 8 rational creatures8 ,x is n only evid5t t ,god saw t ! laws ( procreation 7 suffici5t to p]petuate man1 & to multiply 8 rational (fspr+1 b x is likewise app>5t t ! connexions1 relations1 & h>monies ( society are pr9cipally built on ?is law4 ,s ,i humbly conceive1 t ! cont9uance & propagation ( a div9e revelation are ev5 z well secur$ by ! means :i* h be5 employ$ = t purpose1 z if ! ,almighty _h 9 e age1 & 9 e c\ntry made su* a revelation1 & moreov]1 x is likewise app>5t1 t ! m5tal lab\rs necess>y 9 obta9+ a k ( ^! div9e ?+s greatly contribute to _! enjoym5t1 & r5d] ! *ri/ian fell[%ip1 fai? & hope peculi>ly int]e/+ & edify+4 ,"h aga9 ,i c only sugge/ a subject on :i* volum9\s writ+s might be pr(itable4 ,y seem to ent]ta9 an idea t ! hi/orical "p ( ! bible c be ( no importance to y1 z x has no connexion ) y\r pres5t or future happ9ess4 ,y in/ance ! p>ticul>s ( ,daniel's be+ ca/ into ! d5 ( lions1 & ,jonah's be+ swall[$ by ! fi%1 c4 ,z ^! are circum/ances 9 ! hi/ory ( t nation :i* cont9ues a comm5t on1 & an evid5ce ( prophesy1 !y are too int]e/+ to be disp5s$ )4 ,if y c\ld produce ! decree ( a p[]ful mon>*1 s5t into all p>ts ( 8 dom9ions1 :i* 0 occasion$ by ,remus & ,romulus' be+ nurs$ by a %e wolf1 ! case w\ld be> "s m>ks ( a p>allel4 ,pr(ane au?ors adv]t to su* ev5ts z suffici5t support ( any fact :i* !y endeavor to ma9ta94 ,i come n[ to y\r ma9 object4 ,speak+ 9 reg>d to ! cr$ibility ( :at is writt5 by pr(ane au?ors1 & ( t :i* is record$ 9 ! scriptures1 y ask--,mu/ n our own reason f9ally det]m9e = ourselves :e!r or n ei!r be true8 ,to ?is ,i reply 9 ! affirmative2 b !n reason mu/ h its means & its evid5ces4 ,= in/ance1 ,i read ( ! dea? & resurrection ( ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus1 ,i consid] ?is va/ly important ev5t z x /&s 9 connexion ) ! evid5ces :i* support x1 & reason is ! eye ) :i* ,i exam9e ^! evid5ces1 & :5 reason is con/ra9$ to say all ^! circum/ances c\ld nev] h exi/$ unless ! fact 7 true1 x is !n ,i am a believ] 9 ,jesus4 ,b if ,i mu/ consid] ! resurrection disconnect$ f ! evid5ce1 reason has no?+ to d ) x4 ,please to accept ^! ha/y rem>ks1 n z an answ]1 b z sugge/ions :i* may lead to "o1 & z a te/imony ( my respect & e/eem4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,ii4 ,a revelation f ,god1 let x be made 9 any language :atev]1 ,i am v ready to admit1 mu/ be consid]$ ( suffici5t importance1 n only to ju/ify all reasonable pa9s to pres]ve x1 b also to h& x d[n 9 its orig9al purity to po/]ity4 ,we owe x1 n only 9 gratitude to ! giv]1 b we owe x 9 ju/ice to future g5]ations1 :o w\ld h j occasion to reproa* u1 if !y c\ld "k t s valuable a treasure 0 put into our h&s1 :i* might h be5 h&$ d[n to !m1 & t we suff]$ x to p]i% ?r\gh :at mu/ be t]m$ by !m1 a crim9al neglect4 ,y w p]ceive1 !re=e1 t ,i _h no p>ticul> allusion to a revelation f ,god1 :5 ,i spoke ( translat+ ! mo/ valuable ( anci5t writ+s into ,engli%4 ,no "o w pret5d t su* translations c\ld n be made suffici5tly accurate to answ] all ! purposes1 ei!r ( hi/ory or ( ! useful arts4 ,x is admitt$ t ! case is q diff]5t1 if !re be a my/]y 9 ^! writ+s1 ! tru? ( :i* dep5ds on lit]>y criticism1 or grammatical exactness2 b if ^! writ+s are no?+ m ?an ! b>e op9ions & discov]ies ( m51 & ( m5 too1 z liable to error z ourselves1 & if no "o 0 to view !m 9 a diff]5t light1 ,i appreh5d !re w\ld be all ! confid5ce plac$ 9 a translation1 t c\ld ) propriety be plac$ 9 ! orig9al itself4 ,=1 aft] all1 we %\ld try ! facts by o!r corroborat+ te/imony2 & z to ! op9ions1 we %\ld judge ( !m only by ! reasonabl5ess & fitness ( ?+s4 ,al?\gh ,i h he>d x object$ to ! translation ( ,s5eca's ,morals1 t mu* ( ! beauty ( ! /yle is lo/ 9 ! translation1 yet ,i nev] he>d x pret5d$ b t ! ideas are suffici5tly cle>2 b ! case w\ld h be5 q diff]5t if mank9d _h ev] be5 taught to believe t _! f9al & et]nal salvation dep5d$ 9 ! lea/ degree on an exact obs]vance ( ^? moral pr9ciples4 ,& ,i v mu* "q :e!r !re ev] has be5 a translation ( ! bible1 or ev5 ( any o!r "w1 9 :i* ! mo/ important facts 7 n suffici5tly app>5t4 ,if ! fact c be suppos$ o!rwise1 x mu/ be admitt$ t1 comp>atively speak+1 b v few p at ! pres5t day are b5efit$ by a revelation f ,god4 ,= ! great mass ( mank9d h to receive ! bible altoge!r on ! cr$it ( o!rs4 ,& :o are _! guides 9 ?is case8 ,answ]1 ,translators & ,comm5tators6 ,& z ^! m5 made no pret5tions to inspiration1 unless ! translation is sub/antially correct1 z to matt]s ( fact1 h[ are ! common p b5efit$ by a revelation f ,god6 ,hav+ adv]t$ to ! previ\s /udies 9 ! dead languages1 :i* are requir$ be=e an admittance c be obta9$ 9 our common colleges1 ! objector proce$s4 ,b ,i am (f f my ma9 subject4 ,i w n[ endeav\r to call up all my m5tal faculties1 s]i\sly to att5d to a revelation f ,god4 ,! idea sugge/$ 9 ^! words is beyond all expression awfully sublime4 ,yea1 n ev5 ! bur/+ ( ,vesuvius1 n ! aurora-borealis1 n ! =k$ lightn+1 n ! trem5d\s e>?quake1 no1 nor yet ! greate/ ph5om5on 9 nature1 ( :i* ! human m9d c conceive1 c af=d su* ideas ( ! truly sublime1 z ! tru?1 if x c\ld be realiz$1 ( ! above proposition4 ,let me n ha/ily reject )\t s]i\s reflection1 t1 :i* ( all tru?s1 mu/ be ! mo/ important4 ,o help me1 my de> fri5d1 help me also1 ,o ?\ :o art ! only s\rce ( tru?1 ?or\ghly to inve/igate ?is mom5t\s subject6 ,b let me n be deceiv$4 ,let me n receive = tru?1 t :i* _c be made suffici5tly cle> to my und]/&+4 ,!re c be no m h>m 9 d\bt+1 ?an 9 believ+1 :]e ! evid5ce is n cle>4 ,all t :i* app]ta9s to et]nal tru? w rema91 :e!r ,i n[ see x or n2 & t :i* does n app]ta9 to x w nev] be realiz$1 al?\gh ,i may n[ be made to believe x4 ,!re c be no h>m1 !re=e1 9 inve/igat+ ?is subject 9 ! same way & on ! same pr9ciples1 z ,i w\ld inve/igate all subjects4 ,al?\gh ,i _c expect to (f] any ?+ v new1 yet ,i am dispos$ to exam9e ! subject = myself1 & t too1 9 my own way4 ,i %all quote no au?ors1 = ,i h n read b few on ?is subject :i* meet my approbation1 & ev5 !m are n n[ by me4 ,my own und]/&+ is ! only au?or to :i* ,i %all appeal4 ,if t c be cle>$ ( ! difficulties :i* h fall5 9 its way1 ,i am will+1 yea ,i wi%1 /ill to believe 9 div9e revelation4 ,"h let me close my preamble1 :i* is already made too l5g?y1 & come imm$iately to disc\rse ',,on ,,div9e ,,revelation4' ,9 ord] to "k ! tru? or falsity ( any proposition1 we mu/ 9 ! fir/ place und]/& ! t]ms by :i* ! proposition is made2 = )\t su* previ\s k1 we _c "k :at is meant ei!r to be affirm$ or d5i$4 ,by div9e revelation1 ,i und]/& 'a communication ( sacr$ tru?1' made directly f ,god to man4 ,9 ord] = any man to "k t a revelation has be5 made to him f ,god1 x mu/ be made 9 su* a way1 t nei!r 8 p]ception1 nor 8 judgm5t or und]/&+1 c possibly be mi/ak54 ,=1 z man by 8 reason alone1 nev] c\ld h =ese5 t a revelation w\ld be made1 !re=e1 unless x %\ld h be5 made 9 su* a way t he c\ld n h be5 deceiv$1 a rational man w\ld be m likely to conclude t he 0 deceiv$1 ?an t1 :i* to him w\ld seem m unlikely1 %\ld be true4 ,x seems1 !re=e1 t a revelation f ,god to all our conceptions ( ! fact1 mu/ be consid]$1 if exi/+ at all1 z some?+ sup]natural2 o!rwise x c\ld be no?+ m ?an discov]y1 or a =tuit\s ev5t4 ,h5ce a revelation f ,god1 h[ev] true1 & h[ev] cle>1 to ! p]son or p]sons to :om x 0 fir/ communicat$1 mu/ lose its evid5ce1 9 "s degree1 :5 x comes to be communicat$ by him or !m to o!rs2 =1 be+ communicat$ to o!rs1 al?\gh x is /ill revelation1 yet n be+ receiv$ imm$iately f ,god1 x _c be accompani$ ) ! same evid5ce :i* x 0 9 ! fir/ place2 !re=e1 to say ! mo/ ( x1 x is no?+ m ?an ! hi/ory ( a revelation4 ,x is made no less true ?an x 0 be=e2 b its tru? n[ re/s ^u v diff]5t te/imony4 ,! pr9ciples 9 nature all exi/$1 be=e !y 7 discov]$ by man4 ,_! be+ discov]$1 nei!r *ang$ _! nature1 nor made !m any m true4 ,:at con/]nation a total eclipse ( ! sun1 or ( ! moon mu/ h produc$1 be=e _! cause 0 kn[n8 ,!y are n[ view$1 especially t ( ! latt]1 among ! common occurr5ces ( nature4 ,yea1 _m ( ! op]ations ( nature1 :i* are n[ p]fectly und]/ood by *emi/s1 c\ld !y be view$ by ! common p1 :o "k n _! causes1 !y w\ld be incl9$ to believe !y 7 sup]natural4 ,at lea/1 x w\ld n be difficult to make !m believe s1 especially :5 ?is k 0 conf9$ to a few1 & ^? few 7 s dispos$4 ,^! rem>ks are n design$ to d away ! =ce ( any argum5ts :i* may be f\nd$ on miracles2 = ?is is no pro( t miracles may n exi/2 b !n1 h[ is a miracle a revelation ( any ?+ m ?an :at is conta9$ 9 ! miracle itself8 ,?is is :at ,i _c see1 b ,i %all h occasion to say m on ?is subject h]eaft]4 ,x w be ne$less = me to object to ! inf]5ces drawn f miracles until a miracle is prov54 ,if a man absolutely kn[s some?+ ( :i* ,i am ignorant1 & in=ms me ( x1 x makes no diff]5ce to me h[ he come by 8 k--x is revelation to me4 ,x may n be div9e revelation2 b suppos+ x is1 or is n1 9 ei!r case1 h[ am ,i to believe8 ,is x any ?+ t w admit ( ma!matical demon/ration8 ,if s1 ,i %all take up ) no?+ %ort ( be+ conv9c$ 9 ?is way4 ,is x any ?+ :i* he has discov]$8 ,if s1 he mu/ give me evid5ce ( su* a discov]y4 ,is x some?+ to :i* he 0 an eye witness8 ,!n ! tru? to me1 dep5ds = ! pres5t1 entirely on 8 cr$ibility4 ,i mu/ be conv9c$ 9 ! fir/ place t he 0 n deceiv$ himself1 & secondly1 t he has no motive 9 deceiv+ me4 ,& evid5ce equally conclusive mu/ accompany ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 or x ought n1 nay m1 x _c1 rationally be believ$4 ,b suppos+ t ,i am conv9c$ ( ! tru?1 & !re=e believe2 & ,i relate ! same to a ?ird p]son2 is x equally revelation to him z x 0 to me8 ,yes1 x may be s consid]$1 9 "o s5se1 at lea/1 = x in=ms him ( some?+ ( :i* he 0 be=e ignorant1 z mu* s z x did me1 b !n ! tru? ( ! fact does n re/ ) him on equal te/imony1 & !re=e he is m excusable if he does n believe4 ,if1 h[ev]1 he c believe all t ,i believe1 & 9 addition to t1 believe also 9 me1 !n1 & n till !n1 he w become a believ] 9 ! same tru?4 ,b if he ev5 suspects my v]acity1 x weak5s 9 8 m9d1 all ! o!r te/imony2 & ?\gh he may /ill believe 9 ! ma9 proposition1 yet he believes ) less /r5g? ( evid5ce4 ,"h a v important "q arises 9 my m9d4 ,is div9e revelation some?+ t re/s entirely on matt]s ( fact2 or is ! mo/ ess5tial "p1 :i* conc]ns u to "k1 a m]e matt] ( op9ion8 ,on a few mom5ts ( reflection1 h[ev]1 x appe>s t ?is c h>dly admit ( a "q4 ,= all t relates to a future1 & an et]nal /ate1 mu/ be a m]e matt] ( op9ion only2 & ! facts record$ 9 ! scriptures are suppos$ to corroborate & sub/antiate ^? op9ions4 ,n[1 z !y respect matt]s ( fact1 ,i believe ! scriptures are sub/antially ! same 9 all v]sions1 & 9 all languages into :i* !y h be5 translat$4 ,& if s1 !re is no ne$ ( le>n+ ! orig9al languages 9 ord] to become acqua9t$ ) ! matt]s ( fact record$ 9 ! bible4 ,we nev] %\ld h se51 nor ev5 he>d1 ( s mu* controv]sy & biblical criticism1 if ! disputes _h be5 :olly relative to matt]s ( fact4 ,no1 all ! v>i\s read+s1 diff]5t translations1 & int]polations1 h little or no?+ to d ) a dispute ( ?is k9d4 ,b if ! facts c he disput$1 !y mu/ be disput$ ^u o!r gr\nds ?an t ( biblical criticism4 ,take1 = in/ance1 ! 'dea? & resurrection ( ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus1' :i* y h m5tion$2 c any "o suppose t !re ev] 01 or ev] w be1 a translation :i* makes any ?+ m or less 9 fav\r ( ?is fact8 ,?is is n pret5d$4 ,& if n1 h[ does a k ( ! ,greek language help me to believe ?is fact8 ,?is br+s me aga9 to my ma9 subject2 & n[ two v important que/ions arise 9 my m9d4 #a4 ,9 relation to ! facts1 z /at$1 respect+ ! life1 dea?1 & resurrection ( ! 'man ,*ri/ ,jesus2' are !y positively & absolutely true8 #b4 ,admitt+ ! tru? ( ! facts1 does x necess>ily foll[1 or is !re any ?+ :i* r5d]s x c]ta91 t1 9 reg>d to o!r ?+s1 nei!r he1 nor ! apo/les1 s call$1 c\ld be mi/ak58 ,& t1 9 all _! writ+s1 !y h /at$ no?+ :i* is incorrect8 ,t is1 :at c]ta9 evid5ce h we t ! writ]s ( ! books1 :i* be+ compil$1 are call$ ! ,new ,te/am5t1 7 all hone/ m58 ,t !y c\ld n h be5 mi/ak5 relative to ! ?+s :i* !y h writt58 ,& t 9 e in/ance1 !y h writt5 ! tru?8 ,respect+ ! fir/ proposition1 ,i h already obs]v$ t ! tru? ( x does n1 nei!r c x1 dep5d on biblical criticism4 ,!y are ei!r facts1 :i* are sub/antially correct1 or !y are fabrications4 ,! circum/antial diff]5ces betwe5 ! orig9al copies !mselves1 z record$ by ! f\r ,evangeli/s1 are mu* great] ?an :at c be f\nd 9 all ! diff]5t v]sions1 translations1 c4 t h be5 collat$4 ,h5ce no argum5t c be br\ght aga9/ ! tru? ( ^? facts f ei!r a real or suppos$ diff]5ce betwe5 ! translation1 & _! respective orig9als4 ,= ev5 if n only ! orig9al copies1 b ! language also 9 :i* !y 7 orig9ally writt51 %\ld be entirely lo/1 x w\ld n militate1 z ,i c see1 aga9/ ! tru? ( ! facts !re9 record$4 ,! translation ackn[l$ges & affirms itself to be a translation out ( ! 'orig9al ,greek1' toge!r ) =m] translations comp>$1 c4 ,n[ p]mit me to ask1 is n ?is z good evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( ! orig9al ,greek1 z ! orig9al ,greek is ( ! facts int5d$ to be prov$ !reby8 ,i %\ld consid] ! translation ( any "w1 :i* 0 g5]ally kn[n at ! "t ( its translation1 bett] evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( su* a "w1 ?\gh ! orig9al %\ld be entirely lo/1 ?an ! "w itself1 ev5 9 ! orig9al1 c\ld be ( ! exi/5ce ( facts1 :i*1 if !y exi/$ at all1 7 kn[n at fir/ to b v few4 ,y h sugge/$1 sir1 t if ! orig9al ( ! scriptures 7 entirely lo/1 future ages w\ld n "k b !y _h be5 'impos$ ^u4' ,i ?9k1 h[ev]1 y w n insi/ on ?is po9t1 le/ y %\ld de/roy an argum5t1 :i*1 h]eaft]1 y may v mu* ne$4 ,i recall my words4 ,= ?is seems to imply t we are already engag$ 9 a controv]sy2 :]eas1 ,i tru/ we are bo? c&idly 9 se>* ( tru?4 ,i suspect1 h[ev]1 !re is too mu* tru? 9 y\r sugge/ion2 b !n its tru?1 in/ead ( reliev+1 only increases my difficulty4 ,e "o mu/ "k t :5 ! translation ( ! scriptures 0 fir/ made1 ! orig9al n only exi/$1 b x mu/ h be5 kn[n to o!rs1 beside ! translators1 :o 7 able to detect ! fraud1 if !re _h be5 any1 z to sub/antial matt] ( fact4 ,&1 9 a "w ( s great importance1 ?is c]ta9ly w\ld h be5 ! case4 ,h5ce y w at once p]ceive1 t :5 ! copies 7 few 9 numb]1 & be=e ! art ( pr9t+ 0 discov]$1 fabrications & int]polations might f9d _! way into ! orig9al scriptures ) mu* great] facility1 ?an c\ld any consid]able v>iations by an int5tionally errone\s translation2 especially aft] ! "w become g5]ally kn[n1 & s highly valu$1 z to require a translation ( x4 ,z y admit t 'reason is ! eye by :i* we are to exam9e ! evid5ces' :i* /& 9 support ( ! 'resurrection ( ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus1' & ( c\rse1 z ,i presume1 by :i* we are to exam9e ! evid5ces 9 support ( all o!r subjects1 ,i %all say no m ^u ?is "p ( ! subject until ,i he> y\r reasons = believ+ 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus2 = ?is fact1 z ,i conceive1 mu/ be consid]$ ! ma9 h+e on :i* ! :ole ,*ri/ian sy/em re/s1 if x c be support$ by any fact1 on :i* x w f9ally turn4 #b4 ,b aft] all1 my greate/ difficulty is ) my second proposition4 ,to relate facts sub/antially correct1 :i* p]sons h ei!r se5 or he>d1 requires no degree ( uncommon skill1 or uncommon hone/y2 b to /ate ?+s :i* w absolutely take place1 :i* are yet future1 requires some?+ m ?an common skill2 & to /ate ?+s correctly1 :i* w take place 9 et]nity1 mu/1 z ,i conceive1 require no?+ %ort ( div9e wisdom4 ,t ! evangeli/s h /at$ no?+ m ?an :at is sub/antially correct1 z x respects matt]s ( fact1 w be admitt$ by all3 = e "o kn[s !re is a circum/antial diff]5ce 9 _! writ+s1 bo? z x respects ! ord] ( "t1 & 9 sev]al in/ances1 z x respects matt]s ( fact4 ,if ! acc\nt giv5 u ( ,jesus be ev5 sub/antially correct1 ,i ?9k !re c be no reasonable d\bt b t he 0 capable ( tell+ 8 disciples e ?+ :i* x conc]ns u to "k relative to a future /ate ( exi/5ce4--,b ,i h be5 (t5 /ruck ) a/oni%m5t1 :5 reflect+ on ! subject1 t ,jesus said s little 9 reg>d to a future /ate6 ,not)/&+ he 0 long ) 8 disciples1 z we are told aft] 8 resurrection1 & did eat & dr9k ) !m2 yet1 h[ sil5t he 0 ^u ! subject ( et]nity1 & ( a future & spiritual _w6 ,at ! only "t :5 we %\ld rationally suppose t he c\ld be a compet5t witness 9 ! case1 admitt+ 8 dea? & resurrection true1 is ! "t :5 he is entirely sil5t z to ! f9al & et]nal /ate ( man6 ,%\ld we admit !re=e t ,jesus at ?is "t 0 capable ( decl>+ et]nal tru?s1 yet1 z he te/ifi$ no?+ on ! subject1 no?+ relative to ! subject c be prov$ f 8 te/imony4 ,x may be said t ,*ri/ _h pla9ly taught 8 disciples respect+ ?is subject1 previ\s to 8 dea?1 & !re=e x 0 n necess>y = him to say any ?+ m respect+ x4 ,b a confirmation ( :at he _h be=e taught1 if x _h be5 repeat$ aft] 8 resurrection1 w\ld h add$ great weight to 8 =m] te/imony4 ,we ne$ n dwell h[ev]1 ^u ^! niceties1 z ! ma9 "q is n involv$ 9 !m4 ,yet ,i am incl9$ to ?9k t if all ! words ( ,*ri/1 :i* h be5 h&$ d[n to u1 %\ld be closely exam9$1 !y w\ld be f\nd to be mu* m sil5t on ! subject ( a future /ate ?an _m h suppos$4 ,b ! ma9 "q is1 are we c]ta9 t he c\ld n h be5 mi/ak5 9 ! ?+s :]e( he affirm$8 ,?is "q may be ?\ght blasphem\s3 b ,i _c see :]e9 ! blasphemy consi/s2 = ,i _c help mak+ ! inquiry1 9 my own und]/&+1 & z my object is to ga9 in/ruction1 ,i put ! inquiry on pap]4 ,y may say t ,jesus 0 end[$ ) div9e wisdom1 & !re=e c\ld n err4 ,t div9e wisdom _c err1 ,i admit1 b does div9e wisdom secure man at all times1 & "u all circum/ances1 f mi/ake8 ,if ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus 0 9 fact man 7& t he 0 man1 ev5 ,tr9it>ians admit7 not)/&+ he 0 end[$ ) div9e wisdom1 :y might he n )\t any di%on\r to ! ,deity1 be sometimes left to ex]cise only ! wisdom ( man8 ,& to say t ! wisdom ( man _c err1 w\ld be say+ contr>y to daily exp]i5ce4 ,i h n cont5d$ t ,jesus ev] err$2 b ,i cont5d t he mu/ h be5 liable to error1 or else he 0 n man4 ,& ! supposition t he did n err1 n ev5 9 ?\ght or op9ion1 ought n to be admitt$ )\t ! mo/ conclusive te/imony4 ,b :atev] may be ! conclusion on ?is subject1 z x respects ! 'man ,*ri/ ,jesus--a man approv$ ( ,god1' yet :at %all we say conc]n+ ! apo/les8 ,7 !y also absolutely secur$ f error8 ,^! m51 accord+ to ! confession ( "o ( !m at lea/1 n only _h be51 b /ill 7--s9n]s4 ,paul1 not)/&+ 8 apo/le%ip1 /ill ackn[l$ges ! plague ( 8 own he>t ',i am c>nal1 sold "u s9--:5 ,i w\ld d good1 evil is pres5t ) me--,o wret*$ man t ,i am6' c4 ,are su* m5 absolutely pro( aga9/ ev5 ! error ( op9ion8 ,x appe>s to me !re are too _m incid5ts ( imp]fection record$ 9 ! lives ( ! apo/les to admit all ?is4 ,pet] once rebuk$ 8 ma/]1 at ano!r "t d5i$ him4 ,he once object$ to ! voice ( ! _s1 & 0 aft]w>ds accus$ by 8 bre?r5 = obey+ x4 ,paul accus$ ,pet] to 8 face1 & also disagre$ ) ,b>nabas4 ,& o!r circum/ances might be nam$1 prov+ !m to be de/itute ( intuitive k4 ,consid]+1 !re=e1 all ^! ?+s1 h[ d we "k b t 9 _! zeal to d good1 7= ,i d n consid] ! apo/les bad m52 nei!r d ,i ?9k any ! worse ( ,paul = ei!r ackn[l$g+ 8 own faults1 or detect+ ! dissimulation ( ,pet]17 ,i say !re=e1 9 _! zeal to d good1 h[ d we "k b t !y /at$ ?+s relative to ano!r _w1 :i* 7 only inf]5ces1 :i*1 z !y suppos$1 7 ju/ly drawn f :at !y _h ei!r se5 or he>d1 or else :at _! own fruitful imag9ation dictat$8 ,if we are at lib]ty to view ! apo/les 9 ?is light1 h[ev] highly _! op9ions are to be valu$ & respect$1 yet ,i see no occasion ( inve/igat+ _! writ+s ) ! eye ( biblical or grammatical criticism2 = aft] all1 !y are b ! op9ions ( m5 l ourselves4 ,b if x c be demon/rat$ t ! op9ions ( ! writ]s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t c be reli$ on1 z conta9+ et]nal tru?1 )\t any mixture ( error1 !n x is v important = u to "k ! mean+ ( all ! words !y us$1 n only z x respects _! g5]al import1 b also ! exact & p>ticul> s5se 9 :i* !y us$ !m4 ,?is h[ev] _c be done )\t a ?or\gh acqua9tance1 n only ) ! ,greek1 b also ) ! ,hebrew language1 = !y us$ _m ,hebraisms1 :i*1 ) a k ( ! ,greek only1 we %\ld n be likely fully to compreh5d4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,ii4 ,mu* e/eem$ fri5d1--,9 reply+ to y\r second numb]1 y w excuse me if ,i beg9 by f9d+ "s fault1 9 :i*1 h[ev]1 ,i w endeav\r to be z sp>+ z ! case w admit4 ,on ! subject ( ! languages1 aft] read+ 9 y\r fir/ numb] ! foll[+ 9 its connexion3 ,if ,i und]/& ! above proposition1 x seems to be ?is2 ! only revelation ( ,god to man1 :i* 0 ev] record$ on vellum or pap]1 0 writt5 p>tly 9 ,greek & p>tly 9 ,hebrew2 h5ce ! reveal$ w ( ,god _c be kn[n only ?r\gh ! m$ium ( ^! languages4 ,if ! tru? ( all ?is c\ld be made to appe>1 c4 & aft] reply+ to y\r argum5t on ?is subject1 ,i c h>dly acc\nt = ! ins9uation 9 y\r second numb]1 by :i* y sugge/1 t y _h no p>ticul> allusion to a revelation f ,god :5 y spoke ( translat+ ! mo/ valuable ( anci5t writ+s1 c4 ,! subject ( a revelation y ackn[l$ge to be y\r ma9 object2 if ?is be ! case1 y h ?is object 9 view :5 y speak ( ! ,greek & ,hebrew1 & also :5 y speak ( ! arts & sci5ces4 ,y cont5d 9 y\r second numb]1 t ! translation ( ! ,scriptures out ( ! orig9al languages is z good evid5ce ( ! exi/5ce ( ! orig9al1 z ! orig9al c\ld be ( ! facts !y relate1 c4 ,& ?is ,i believe is ! only ackn[l$gem5t y make 9 fav\r ( ! orig9al's hav+ be5 any b5efit4 ,y seem n will+ to all[ t ! reta9+ ( ! orig9al language is ( any use 9 prov+ to aft] g5]ations t ! translation 0 correct1 :i* seems n easy to acc\nt =4 ,b ,i w give y no fur!r tr\ble on ! subject ( ?is nature2 nor w ,i occupy my "t 9 inve/igat+ ! "q relative to ! necessity ( /udy+ ^? languages1 :i* y ackn[l$ge is (f f y\r ma9 subject1 & take "s notice ( y\r qu]ies respect+ a div9e revelation4 ,al?\gh ,i am unable to trace ! connexion ( _m ( y\r rem>ks ) :i* y call y\r ma9 subject1 yet ,i am n dispos$ to d\bt t y compreh5d su* connexion--,i ?9k ,i und]/& y\r /atem5ts s z to be able to disc]n ! foll[+ p>ticul>s1 z subjects ( y\r inquiry4 #a/4 ,is x reasonable to suppose t ,god has ev] made a special revelation to man8 #b;d4 ,is ! resurrection ( ,jesus capable ( be+ prov$8 ,&1 #c;d4 ,if s1 does x foll[ t ?is 0 design$ by div9e wisdom to give u any hope respect+ a future /ate8 ,x is n pret5d$ t y h /at$ ^! que/ions j 9 ?is ord]1 b ^! are ! subjects :i* y\r second numb] sugge/s to my m9d4 ,i %all take a mu* ne>] road to come to a solution ( ^! que/ions1 ?an t :i* w\ld lead me to foll[ y ?r\gh all y\r rem>ks1 because y h furni%$ me ) ! means to d s4 #a/4 ,y ackn[l$ge t a div9e revelation if real1 is ( all tru?s ! mo/ important4 ,"h let ! eye ( reason exam9e4 ,:y %\ld a revelation f ,god be m important ?an ^? discov]ies :i* our ,creator has enabl$ u to make 9 ! arts & sci5ces8 ,:y %\ld su* revelation be m important ?an ! use ( ! m>9]'s compass1 or ! art ( pr9t+8 ,ev5 )\t cont5d+ t a div9e revelation is ( any great] importance ?an ! arts & sci5ces1 y\r all[+ x any importance at all1 is1 9 ! eye ( reason an argum5t 9 its support4 ,_h y tak5 ! o!r road1 & cont5d$ t !re 0 no necessity ( a revelation1 & _h y be5 able to make ?is appe>1 y w\ld h prov$ to ! eye ( reason1 t a ,be+ ( inf9ite wisdom1 :o c nev] act )\t a j cause1 _h nev] made a revelation4 ,b if reason admits ( its importance1 z long z ?is is ! case1 x w be look+ n only ) a f]v5t desire1 b ) expectation till x makes ! discov]y4 ,y w1 no d\bt1 all[ t a div9ely munifici5t ,creator w\ld n omit any ?+ :i* is ( importance to 8 intellig5t creatures4 ,p]haps y w1 7?\gh ,i d n see :y y %\ld7 call up a =m] qu]y1 :i* 0 answ]$ 9 my fir/1 :i* answ] 0 n receipt$ 9 y\r second1 & ask :y ?is revelation 0 n made 9 e nation1 9 e language1 & 9 e age8 ,b y w be s5sible t ! same que/ions might be /at$ respect+ ! progress ( sci5ce & ! discov]y ( ! arts useful to a ref9$ /ate ( society4 ,y w n ?9k x /range t ,i am "s disappo9t$ t y took no notice ( my rem>ks on ! above qu]y z ,i really atta* importance to t little piece ( reason+4 ,if reason has no reluctance 9 ackn[l$g+ t man is multipli$ & cont9u$ "h by a law :i* 0 n able to br+ him into exi/5ce at fir/1 :y may n a revelation f ,god1 be p]petuat$ by diff]5t means ?an ^? :i* fir/ made x1 & !reby ! great object be ev5 bett] secur$ ?an by a p]petual revelation1 :i* w\ld seem to r5d] rese>* unnecess>y1 & leave ! reason+ p[]s )\t employ8 ,b x is "t = me to in=m y t ,i feel myself "u no obligations to lab\r to prove :at y & ,i & _m ?\s&s ( o!rs h consid]$ suffici5tly prov$ f anci5t prophesy ) :i* our heav5ly ,fa!r has fav\r$ s _m ages & nations & languages4 ,& fur!rmore1 p]mit me to tell y1 t if y are dispos$ to d\bt & to disprove :at y ackn[l$ge to be ( su* va/ importance1 x is y\r prov9ce to br+ =w>d y\r /rong reason+1 if su* y h1 by :i* ! prophesies ( ! old te/am5t1 ^? deliv]$ by ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les %all be made to appe> ei!r to h no j analogy ) ! ev5ts ( :i* !y speak1 or t !y 7 contriv$ by impo/ors s9ce ! ev5ts took place4 #b;d4 ,y ackn[l$ge ! validity ( ! evid5ces 9 favor ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,y say2 ,t ! evangeli/s h /at$ no?+ m ?an :at is sub/antially correct1 z x respects matt]s ( fact1 w be admitt$ by all4 ,aga92 ,i d n consid] ! apo/les bad m54 ,n[ ! apo/les are ! depon5ts :o solemnly te/ify ! fact ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,:y %\ld y wi% me to prove :at y all[ to be true8 ,:y d y n take ! o!r h&1 & say ! apo/les 7 impo/ors1 !y 7 ! oppon5ts ( ! righte\s rul]s ( ! ,jews :o put _! ma/] to dea?8 ,:y d y n avail y\rself ( ! /ory put into ! m\?s ( ! gu>d :o wat*$ ! sepul*re1 & say t ^? timid disciples :o all fl$ & left ,jesus :5 !y saw him b\nd1 n only w5t to ! sepul*re & /ole ! body ( ,jesus & hid x :]e no mortal c\ld ev] f9d x1 b !n w5t to ,j]usalem & boldly affirm$ he 0 alive1 :o 0 dead1 & !n _h ! boldness & audacity to accuse ! rul]s ( hav+ d5i$ ! holy "o & ! j1 & desir$ a murd]] to be deliv]$ unto !m2 & ( hav+ kill$ ! pr9ce ( life1 :om ,god _h rais$ f ! dead8 ,! reason is obvi\s1 y see ! impropriety ( su* argum5t4--,b3 #c;d4 ,all[+ ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 ! hone/y ( ! apo/les ( ,jesus1 are we to rely on :at !y say respect+ a future /ate8 ,answ]1 yes1 mo/ assur$ly4 ,= "h let reason ask1 :e!r a div9e revelation f\nd$ on ! resurrection ( ,jesus c\ld h a m reasonable object1 ?an ! br++ to light1 life & immortality8 ,aga9 let reason ask :e!r ! div9e ,be+ w\ld end[ ,jesus & 8 apo/les ) ! gift ( miracles1 by :i* ! div9ity ( _! missions 0 prov$ to ! und]/&+ ( all :o believ$1 & !n suff] !m to tea* ?+s ( a moral1 a religi\s1 or ( an et]nal nature :i* 7 n true8 ,by s do+1 x w\ld seem t ,god gave p[] to heal ! sick & to raise ! dead = no o!r purpose ?an to ga9 ! att5tion ( m5 to :at 0 ! m]e guess "w ( m5 subject to error 9 ! ?+s :i* !y pret5d$ to tea*4 ,= myself ,i am p]fectly satisfi$ t inf9ite goodness w\ld nev] d any ?+ s imp]fectly4 ,i am satisfi$1 be+ conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! facts :i* y ackn[l$ge1 t ! te/imony ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les respect+ ?is & ! com+ _w1 may be reli$ on ) ! utmo/ confid5ce & safety4 ,y intimate t ,jesus said b a little on ! subject ( a future /ate4 ,i am entirely ( y\r op9ion4 ,& yet ,i am p]suad$ t he & 8 apo/les h said z mu* on ! subject z is necess>y = u to believe4 ,!y h giv5 suffici5t pro( t ! design ( our ,creator is a design ( et]nal goodness to our race ( be+4 ,jesus has br\ght life & immortality to light ?r\gh ! gospel4 ,! ,*ri/ian is enabl$ to hope = exi/5ce ) ,god 9 an et]nal /ate1 & ?is is z mu* z our pres5t welf>e requires4 ,i h no d\bt t _m passages ( scripture h be5 appli$ to a future _w1 by ,*ri/ian expositors1 :i* h no allusion to su* a case--b ?is h>ms n ! glori\s tru?s & div9e realities ( ! religion ( ! bless$ ,savi\r4 ,i h _m reasons = n believ+ 9 ! g5]al s5tim5t t supposes ! revelation conta9$ 9 ! scriptures 0 design$ to prep>e m5 9 ?is _w = happ9ess 9 ano!r1 & t a want ( a correct k ( ?is revelation "h1 w\ld subject ! ignorant to inconv5i5ces 9 a future /ate4 ,su* a s5tim5t is an impea*m5t ( ! wisdom & goodness ( ,god4 ,= if ?is 7 ! case1 :y 0 ! gospel n e>ly publi%$ to all p8 ,:y 7 ages aft] ages suff]$ to pass away1 & g5]ations aft] g5]ations p]mitt$ to s9k into et]nity )\t a ray ( t light :i* 0 indisp5sable to _! ev]la/+ happ9ess8 ,0 x n z easy = ! et]nal to s5d 8 son at ! dawn ( "t z aft] s _m ages _h pass$ away8 ,0 x n z easy = him to communicate to all nations z to "o8 ,b div9e wisdom has se5 fit to manife/ itself by degrees 9 ! sy/em ( ! gospel z well z 9 ! k ( sci5ce2 & we h no m evid5ce to believe1 t ^? :o g f ?is /ate to ano!r ignorant ( ! gospel ( ,*ri/1 w1 on t acc\nt1 be reject$ ( ,god f 8 fav\r1 ?an we h to believe t ^? :o h di$ ignorant ( ! sci5ces1 w1 on t acc\nt be s reject$4 ,e communication f ,god1 :e!r relative to ! moral or physical _w is evid5tly design$ = our pr(it 9 ! /ate :]e su* communication is made4 ,?is improvem5t ( ! moral & religi\s /ate ( man 0 ! evid5t design ( ! revelation ( ,god1 & to ?is agree all ! prophets4 ,in/ead ( ! ?orn %all come up ! fir-tree1 & in/ead ( ! bri> %all come up ! myrtle-tree4 ,y seem to be oppos$ to biblical criticisms4 ,s am ,i1 if ! object be to fix a cre$ to :i* all mu/ con=m on pa9 ( be+ ana!matiz$1 b if ! object be to get ! "r und]/&+ ( ! sacr$ text all 9 humble submission to t ,,*>ity :i* is great] ?an a ,,fai? t c\ld remove m\nta9s1 no h>m c ev] arise f x1 b a b5efit4 ,no "o c m s9c]ely wi% to h ! frivolities ( sup]/ition & ! endless multitude ( no?+s :i* arrogant cre$-mak]s h impi\sly sup]add$ to pure *ri/ianity remov$ f ! *ur* ?an ,i d2 b wisdom mu/ direct 9 ?is great & necess>y "w4 ,x 0 ^? :o _h m zeal ?an disc]nm5t :o ask$ if !y %\ld pluck up ! t>es f among ! :eat8 ,!y 7 told t !y w\ld pluck up ! :eat ) ! t>es4--,let u be c>eful1 my bro!r1 & 9 our zeal to cleanse1 take c>e & n de/roy4 ,if y are tr\bl$ ) unbelief1 if ?is plague h ent]$ y\r he>t1 p]mit me to sugge/ a rem$y4 ,humility is ! fir/ /ep1 s9c]e piety t[>ds ,god ! second1 let ^! be foll[$ by t = :i* ! ,b]eans 7 comm5d$ & ! deadly virus ( unbelief w soon be purg$4 ,w y say2 physician heal ?yself8 ,i reply1 ,i ?9k ,i h f\nd relief by ! use ( ! prescription1 & am s mu* 9 fav\r ( x1 t ,i am det]m9$ to cont9ue its application myself z well z recomm5d x to o!rs4 ,if y ask :y ,i d n direct "s argum5ts m cog5tly to prove div9e revelation8 ,i answ]1 9 ! fir/ place1 y h grant$ ! validity ( ! evid5ces2 & secondly1 if ,i ?9k ( ! attempt1 ! brilliant lab\rs ( bett] abilities argue ! impropriety ( x4 ,b if y ?9k x necess>y to lab\r ?is subject1 ,i w propose ! s+le in/ance ( ! conv]sion ( ,/4 ,paul = inve/igation4 ,by ?is means we %all be kept f rambl+ aft] diff]5t subjects4 ,if y c give a reasonable acc\nt ( ?is conv]sion )\t admitt+ ! tru? ( *ri/ianity1 ,i w ackn[l$ge y h left me de/itute ( "o evid5ce on :i* ,i n[ rely4 ,on ! o!r h&1 if y fail 9 ?is1 y may reasonably suppose t y w\ld fail 9 any o!r case ( equal mom5t 9 ?is g5]al controv]sy4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! lett] conta9+ extracts ,no4 #a1 hav+ be5 laid be=e ! ,rev4 ,,edw>d ,,turn]1 ( ,*>le/[n1 ,mass4 he saw fit to reply to x4 ,! foll[+ are extracts f 8 lett]4 ,pass+ ov] ! pr9cipal p>ts ( y\r introduction1 :i* g5]ally embrace s5tim5ts to :i* ,i readily subscribe1 ,i w j notice :at y say conc]n+ ! /udy ( languages4 ,i am n s t5aci\s ( ?is k9d ( /udy1 z to believe t too mu* "t has n (t5 be5 employ$ 9 x4 ,i am also conv9c$ ) y1 t '! tru? or falsity ( e proposition mu/ dep5d on ! tru? or falsity ( ! pr9ciples embrac$ 9 x4' ,b /ill ,i am n able to say t ! /udy ( ,greek & ,hebrew c be ( no 'possible s]vice to an ,am]ican4' ,nei!r1 because ^? languages are n a p]fect 'security' aga9/ falsehood1 does x necess>ily foll[ t !y are no 'security' at all4 ,= h[ %all we arrive at ! k ( ! 'pr9ciple embrac$ 9 a proposition' )\t ! k & use ( language8 ,we _c 9 any o!r way4 ,n[ if x be a fact1 t a proposition embrac+ c]ta9 pr9ciples may suff] by translation1 & ev5 its pr9ciples be p]v]t$ & misrepres5t$1 !n1 an und]/&+ ( ! orig9al1 9 :i* ! proposition 0 writt51 may1 9 my op9ion1 be v useful4 ,x may assi/ a man to arrive at a true k ( ! 'pr9ciples' ^u :i* said proposition is f\nd$4 ',x gives y pa9 to see :at "t & money1 :at lab\r & toil are exp5d$ 9 plodd+ ov] an old dead lett]1 to le>n languages1 :i* exi/ no :]e only on pap]1 b>ely = ! sake ( read+ ! op9ions ( o!r m51 9 o!r times2 m5 :o liv$ 9 o!r ages ( ! _w1 & "u v diff]5t circum/ances f ourselves1 ^: op9ions 7all ( :i* are wor? pres]v+7 might be giv5 9 our own language1 s z to answ] e purpose1' c4--,b if ^! 'op9ions' %\ld be giv5 9 our own language1 !re mu/ be "s to und]/& ,greek & ,hebrew1 or ! op9ions ( ^? anci5t writ]s1 let !m be wor? ev] s mu*1 w\ld nev] f9d _! way to u4 ,& :5 we h ga9$ ^? suppos$ op9ions1 ?r\gh ! translation1 h[ d we "k t ! translators 7 fai?ful8 ,:o c say !y 7 n w>p$ by sy/em8 n misl$ by preconceiv$ ideas8 ,:o c say !y h n wilfully impos$ ^u u8 ,"u su* circum/ances1 ! ability to detect any inaccuracies or imposition1 w\ld1 9 my view1 be v desirable4 ,y h1 y\rself1 my bro!r1 avail$ y\rself ( ?is ability1 & v ju/ly m]it$ ! gratitude ( y\r read]s1 by rectify+ ! judgm5t1 ^u c]ta9 t]ms us$ 9 ! scriptures1 ! =m] translation ( :i*1 y h disav[$4 ,z ,i value ^? ef=ts ( y\rs1 & h be5 in/ruct$ & edifi$ by !m1 ,i am proportionably sorry to f9d !m treat$ 9 ! language ( disp>agem5t4 ,y obs]ve t '! le>n$ are z mu* at v>iance ) ea* o!r z ! unle>n$1' & ?is circum/ance y say1 'weak5s y\r confid5ce4' ,b ^u :at subject are !y n at v>iance1 ev5 :]e ,greek & ,hebrew are n conc]n$8 ,h philosoph]s be5 always agre$1 :5 !y h disc\rs$ 9 "o language8 ,h *emi/s be5 always ( "o op9ion1 ?\gh ! subjects ( _! inve/igations are mat]ial bodies8 ,y w n reply affirmatively4 ,& if n1 & no sy/em c be f\nd :i* is n 9 "s degree 'liable to miscon/ruction1 disputation & deception1'--:at are we to d8 ,%all we dep5d ^u no?+8 ,%all we rema9 immovable = fe> we %\ld fall8 ,%all we nev] attempt to walk = fe> we %\ld /umble8 ,i mu/ be all[$ to express my conc]n1 t1 x %\ld appe> 'n a little extraord9>y to y t ,god %\ld make a revelation ( 8 w 9 "o age & n 9 ano!r1 to "o nation & n to ano!r1 or 9 "o language & n 9 ano!r1 & if a special revelation 0 ev] necess>y at all x is difficult = y to see1 :y x is n equally necess>y1 9 all ages ( ! _w1 to all nations ( ! e>? & 9 all languages ev] spok5 by man4' ,x is true1 ,i may be unable to see :y a revelation 0 n equally necess>y to "o nation z well z to ano!r1 & at ! same "t1 b is ?is a pro( t no revelation 0 ev] made to any nation at any "t8 ,i "k ( no special reason :y ! laws ( electricity 7 n develop$ to my gr&fa!r z well z to ,dr4 ,frankl91 ) :om he 0 contempor>y2 or :y ! great pr9ciples ( civil lib]ty %\ld n h be5 discov]$ to o!r nations z well z to our own1 & at ! same "t1 or to ,,all nations1 a ?\s& ye>s be=e !y 7 discov]$ to "o4 ,b all ?is is no discr$it to ^? discov]ies4 ,b ,i f9d reason to d\bt :e!r a revelation 'is equally necess>y 9 all ages ( ! _w4' ,i d\bt :e!r a special revelation is ,,n[ necess>y2 & = a v obvi\s reason2 because a special revelation has already be5 made4 ,& z ?is1 ?\gh at fir/1 really special1 foll[s ! g5]al c\rse ( o!r ?+s :i* are b5eficial1 & :i* comm5ce ) a few & diffuse !mselves to _m1 x is a reason :i* precludes ! necessity ( a con/ant recurr5ce ( miracles or any o!r special m$ium ( revelation4 ,y c]ta9ly w n d5y1 t1 admitt+ !re has be5 a revelation f ,god1 x has be5 progressive l all ?+s else1 :i* involve ! int]e/s ( man4 ,if we admit ^! facts1 !y w g f> to expla9 "s ( ! difficulties1 to :i* y allude2 b if we d n1 our disbeliev+ 9 a special revelation w n remove1 b increase our difficulties4 ,y\r's1 c4 ,e4 ,,turn]4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,iii4 ,to ! extracts above1 ! objector repli$ z foll[s4 ,rem>k+ on ! d\bts :i* unavoidably arise 9 my m9d on acc\nt ( ! div]sity 9 ! op9ions ( ! le>n$ respect+ ! mean+ ( c]ta9 p>ts ( ! scriptures1 our fri5d asks1 '^u :at subject are !y 7! le>n$7 n at v>iance1 ev5 :5 ,greek & ,hebrew are n conc]n$8 ,h *emi/s be5 always ( "o op9ion8' c4 :i* mu/ be answ]$ 9 ! negative4 ,nev]!less ,i may take lib]ty to obs]ve t inasmu* z !y h disagre$1 x %ews t ! subjects ab\t :at !y h disagre$1 are z yet obscure1 & !re=e p]haps none ( !m are entitl$ to full & complete 'confid5ce3' = :atev] is pla9 & obvi\s1 m5 seldom disagree ab\t4 ,t ! sun & moon are globes1 & n triangles1 all are agre$2 & x w\ld be impossible to raise a dispute on ! subject3 b :e!r ei!r or bo? ( !m are inhabit$1 or ev5 capable ( be+ inhabit$1 by rational be+s1 simil> or l unto ourselves1 is a proposition n s cle>1 & respect+ :i* ! greate/ philosoph]s might possibly disagree4 ,! above rem>ks are int5d$ to %ew t :5 m5 diff] 9 op9ion1 :e!r le>n$ or unle>n$1 x is obvi\s t ! tru? ab\t :i* !y diff]1 to say ! mo/ ( x1 is yet b obscurely made manife/ to _! und]/&+4 ,9 ord] to remove an objection1 to ! idea ( revelation1 on acc\nt ( its be+ made only to "o nation1 c4 our fri5d says1 ',x is true1 ,i may be unable to see :y a revelation 0 n equally necess>y to "o nation z well z to ano!r1 & at ! same "t2 b is ?is a pro( t no revelation 0 ev] made to any nation at any "t8' ,i am v ready to answ] ?is "q 9 ! negative4 ,b at ! same "t ,i mu/ be excus$ = n be+ able to see any analogy betwe5 revelation & ! discov]y ( ! laws ( electricity2 z m5tion$ by our bro!r2 & !re=e my m9d is n to be reliev$ f its difficulty 9 ?is way4 ,if x c\ld be prov$ t ! pr9ciples manife/$ by revelation 7 l ! pr9ciples 9 nature1 aga9/ ! developem5t ( :i* !re is no great b>ri] at "o "t ?an at ano!r except :at exi/s 9 ! ignorance ( man2 & if ! ,*ri/ian c\ld n[ try ! exp]im5t ov] aga91 & !reby demon/rate ! tru? ( ! doctr9e ( ! resurrection1 ! same z ! philosoph] c try ! exp]im5t = himself1 & !reby demon/rate ! tru? ( ! doctr9e ( electricity1 !n my d\bts or surprise at ! seem+ p>tiality 9 ! developem5t or discov]y ( ! pr9ciples ( ! doctr9e ( revelation w\ld be entirely remov$4 ,b ! v idea ( a revelation supposes ! manife/ation ( x to diff] ess5tially f all ! discov]ies ( man4 ,!re=e ! rem>ks ( our fri5d relative to ! laws ( electricity1 c4 seem to be h>dly 9 po9t4 ,! evid5ces ( revelation to all1 except+ ^? to :om ! revelation 0 fir/ made1 are 9 _! v nature ess5tially diff]5t f ! evid5ces ( natural philosophy1 *emi/ry1 c4 ,= ^! are f\nd$ 9 immutable pr9ciples :i* nev] v>y1 & are ev] op5 at all times to ?or\gh inve/igation & exp]im5t4 ,h5ce if ! le>n$ h any d\bts on ! subject1 ^? d\bts may be remov$ by occul> demon/ration2 & ev5 :5 !y are enabl$ by any new discov]ies to correct "s =m] op9ions1 :i* 7 ei!r f\nd$ on m]e conjecture or imp]fect reason+1 yet ! fir/ pr9ciples /ill rema91 & ! =m] evid5ces1 in/ead ( be+ weak5$1 are increas$ by e new discov]y or exp]im5t 9 ! developem5t ( tru?4 ,b n s ) evid5ces ( div9e revelation4 ,al?\gh ev] s cle> at fir/1 & s well support$ by facts1 conc]n+ :i* ! witness _h ! cle>e/ evid5ce1 yet ! evid5ces be+ ( su* a nature z preclude a repetition1 l ^? respect+ a vision ( ! night or any o!r ph5om5on1 are liable to suff] by pass+ f "o to ano!r1 & also to be impair$ by e *ange :i* !y are caus$ to pass4 ,& if ! evid5ces ( any fact may be weak5$ at all1 ei!r by lapse ( "t1 or by pass+ ?r\gh diff]5t h&s2 by ! same causes1 if cont9u$1 !y may lose all _! /r5g?4 ,t ! evid5ces ( "s facts may be ?us weak5$1 ,i believe w n be d5i$4 ,h5ce :at 0 once cle> may be n[ d\btful1 & 9 process ( "t may become entitl$ to no cr$it4 ,if !re=e ! evid5ce ( revelation ei!r h be51 or ev] %all by any circum/ances :atev] be ?us impair$1 !n a new revelation may become necess>y ei!r to revive or to /r5g!n ! evid5ces ( ! old4 ,if ,*ri/ %\ld make 8 second appe>ance1 accord+ to ! op9ions ( "s1 x w\ld be z mu* ( a revelation z 8 fir/ appe>ance 02 & ?is new revelation w\ld corroborate & confirm ! old2 b if no?+ ( ! k9d %\ld ev] take place1 & if !re %\ld be no?+ m to confirm ! validity ( prophesy1 b let ! _w pass on = sev]al ?\s& ye>s z we "k x has = fifte5 hundr$ ye>s pa/1 h[ long w ei!r ! ,jews or *ri/ians believe 9 div9e revelation8 ,i believe h[ev]1 we _h bett] see :e!r ! old revelation c be fully prov$ be=e we g v f> into ! inquiry :e!r a new "o is necess>y4 ,t ,i des]ve any cr$it 9 ! op9ion ( our fri5d or my own consci5ce = ! unwe>i$ pa9s ,i h tak5 to asc]ta9 ! correct ideas communicat$ to u 9 ! scriptures is v grateful to my feel+s2 & let x n be imag9$ = a mom5t t ,i feel at all dispos$ to %r9k f my =m] assiduity2 = z long z ! _w1 or any consid]able "p !re(1 believe ! scriptures to be div9e revelation ,i ?9k x v important t !y %\ld h a correct und]/&+ ( !m4 ,s long !re=e z ,i hold ?is to be my pr(ession1 ,i mean fai?fully to pursue x2 ev] rememb]+ t ,i am n acc\ntable 9 ! lea/ degree ei!r = ! tru? or falsity ( ! bible1 b only = my fai?fulness 9 prea*+1 tak+ he$ t ,i d n prea* t = bible1 :i* is n bible4 ,let n my bre?r5 be 'conc]n$1' or made 9 ! lea/ degree unhappy on my acc\nt4 ,my m9d 0 nev] m tranquil respect+ religi\s subjects ?an at ! pres5t mom5t4 ,my d\bts1 :atev] !y are1 give me no uneas9ess2 !y only excite me to dilig5ce & assiduity 9 endeav\r+ by all possible means to asc]ta9 ! tru?2 & :]ev]1 or 9 :atev] light1 x %all be discov]$1 ,i am fully satisfi$ t et]nal tru? is p]fectly "r1 yea j z x %\ld be4 ,=1 provid$ deism %\ld prove true 9 its /ead1 :at is !re to be lo/ if *ri/ianity fails8 ,ought we n to be ?ankful =1 & also satisfi$ ) ! tru? ( ei!r8 ,x appe>s to me t all ought to be satisfi$ ) ! tru? :atev] x may be2 & !re=e my pres5t object is to asc]ta91 if possible1 :at tru? is4 ',did human reason1' sai? he1 'unassi/$ by div9e light make ! discov]y8' 7i4 e4 ( ! 'unity ( ,god4'7--',!n inde$ w\ld all nations1 9 all ages1 h possess$ ! great object made manife/ by revelation4' ,9 answ] to ?is1 ,i w\ld only ask1 7 n ! laws ( electricity discov]$ by 'human reason unassi/$ by div9e light8' ,:y !n 7 !y n kn[n to 'all nations1 9 all ages8'--,! fact is1 :at reason is capable ( discov]+ may also be long conceal$ f ! eye ( reason4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,iii4 ,de> ,sir1 & ,bro!r1--,z ,i h n ! opportunity ( pres5t+ y\r ?ird numb] to our mutual fri5d & bro!r1 to :om x mo/ prop]ly belongs to reply1 ,i h ?\ght x no m ?an reasonable t ,i %\ld ackn[l$ge ! receipt ( y\r fav\r accompany+ ?is ackn[l$gem5t ) "s obs]vations on ! mo/ ess5tial p>ts ( :at y h sugge/$4 ,y wi% u to take x = grant$1 t ^? p>ts ( our communications to :i* y make no reply1 are at lea/1 g5]ally speak+1 satisfactory to y\r m9d4 ,respect+ ?is p>ticul>1 y w suff] me to po9t out1 :at appe>s to me1 a v mat]ial defect 9 y\r propos$ me?od4 ,suppose1 sir1 an argum5t be laid d[n on :i* mu* dep5ds1 9 ! op9ion ( ! writ]1 & out ( a prop] reply to :i*1 he anticipates great advantages2 he waits = a reply--,no reply comes to ?is p>ticul>1 b ! v same qu]y :i* ! argum5t 0 design$ to answ] is /ill urg$2 is x n easy to see t mu* lab\r may be 9 va9 9 consequ5ce ( ?is me?od8 ,if y answ] to a "q1 /at+ ) great seem+ e>ne/ness1 view+ ! "q ( importance 9 ! m9d ( him :o /ates x1 y w\ld n only expect1 b y might really ne$ to be in=m$ :at effect y\r reply 0 all[$ to h 9 ! m9d ( y\r oppon5t4 ,& z he might n anticipate ! use :i* y _h design$ to make ( 8 answ]1 y w\ld n judge x advisable to submit to him :e!r he %\ld reply or n4 ,y h f9ally put ! dispute ab\t ! necessity ( reta9+ ! dead languages at issue on ! "q relative to a future /ate1 9 ! foll[+ words2 ,if ! op9ions record$ 9 scripture relative to a future /ate ( exi/5ce are to be reli$ on1 z be+ dictat$ by ,god himself1 & 9 a way too1 t 0 n mi/ak52 & t ! writ]s ( ! scriptures be+ ?us inspir$1 h writt5 no?+ b ! tru?1 !n ,i admit1 c4 ,n[ f ?is y\r own /atem5t y w see ! importance ( reta9+ ^? languages until x be fully discov]$ t no cr$it is due to ^! writ+s :i* we h be5 9 ! habit ( believ+ to be div9ely inspir$4 ,y\r disc]nm5t w at once discov] t x w\ld be imprud5t 9 ! extreme1 to oblit]ate1 )\t fir/ kn[+ t :at 0 to be defac$ 0 ( no utility4 ,a *ild1 ev] s old1 :o %\ld utt]ly deface 8 fa!r's la/ w & te/am5t1 :i* _h made ample provisions = 8 future wants1 m]ely because he _h n a p]fect und]/&+ ( x1 or on suspicion t !re 7 "s possible defects 9 x1 c\ld n be consid]$ prud5t 9 s do+4 ,b if ! w %\ld f9ally fail1 & prove invalid1 no loss w\ld be su/a9$ ev5 if x 7 committ$ to ! dev\r+ elem5t4 ,to say1 ! w may be de/roy$ until x has be5 prov$1 w\ld be absurd4 ,9 y\r fur!r rem>ks on our bro!r's communication1 y f9d occasion to sugge/ a diff]5ce betwe5 ! subject ( revelation & ! discov]ies :i* h be5 made by m5 9 ! p[]s & prop]ties ( nature4 ,b :5 y h cont5d$ successfully = ?is 7:i* by no means has any p[] to refute 8 argum5t7 y seem n to realize t !re mu/ be z great a diff]5ce 9 ! evid5ces by :i* ^! diff]5t subjects are communicat$ to ! m9d1 z !re are 9 ! subjects !mselves4 ,x is ackn[l$g$1 )\t controv]sy1 t we _c demon/rate by any ma!matical or *emical process t !re ev] 0 su* an emp]or 9 ,rome z ,augu/us ,caes>1 or su* a gov]nor 9 ,judea z ,pilate1 or su* a man z ,jesus2 b !n we are n1 on ?is acc\nt1 or any o!r1 unable to f9d su* k9d ( evid5ce z ! nature ( ! case admits1 & su* z is suffici5t to satisfy ! c&id m9d4 ,%\ld any "o n[ pret5d to d5y t ,l\is ,x,v,ith4 0 behead$1 & allege z pro( t no su* ?+ 0 to be cr$it$1 because x _h nev] be5 discov]$ z ! result ( a *emical process1 w\ld y hesitate to fault 8 reason+8 ,%\ld x occur to y\r m9d t y h cont5d$ t ! evid5ce ( revelation is z diff]5t f ! evid5ce requir$ 9 natural discov]ies1 z ! subjects !mselves are diff]5t1 y are rem9d$ t y h cont5d$ = ?is only ) a view to weak5 ! =ce ( ! =m]1 & 9 a way to disall[ its validity4 ,at ! same "t y /ate t y d n und]take to d5y a special revelation f ,god1 b wi% only to take a review ( ! evid5ces1 & see if !y are su* t x is impossible x %\ld be false4 ,( ^! evid5ces y speak ?us2 ,al?\gh ev] s cle> at fir/1 & ev] s well support$ by facts1 conc]n+ :i* ! witnesses _h ! cle>e/ evid5ces1 yet ! evid5ces be+ ( su* a nature z to preclude a repetition1 l ^? respect+ a vision ( ! night or any o!r ph5om5on1 are liable to suff] by pass+ f "o to ano!r1 & f9ally lose all _! /r5g?4 ,"h x seems y pret5d to /ate ! "* ( ! evid5ces ( a div9e revelation1 :i* evid5ces y wi% to review4 ,p]mit me to ask1 de> bro!r1 if x w\ld n h appe>$ m consi/5t ) piety & c&or to h review$ be=e y fix$ ! "* ( ! evid5ces8--,!re is a prop] ord] 9 :i* e ?+ %\ld be conduct$4 ,all our rese>*es %\ld be kept f ! emb>rassm5ts ( prejudice4 ,?\gh ,i feel mu* reluctance 9 ent]+ on s great a subject z ! v9dication ( ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 fe>+1 ,i %\ld fail 9 do+ t hon\r to ! subject :i* ,i am confid5t x des]ves1 ,i am incl9$ to sugge/ a few ?+s :i* ,i ?9k are wor?y ( "s notice4 ,z y speak ( a vision ( ! night1 ! evid5ces ( :i* 7 cle> to ! p]son & satisfactory at ! "t1 ^? evid5ces w\ld naturally lose _! =ce :5 communicat$ to o!rs & f9ally lose _! /r5g?4 ,let u suppose a case4 ,a man %all h a vision ( ! night1 9 :i* x %all be reveal$ to him t "s "t be=e ! pres5t g5]ation %all leave ! /age ( life1 ! k+dom ( ,great ,brita9 w be ov]come by ! p[] ( ,france2 t v _m ( ! fl\ri%+ cities ( ,engl& w be de/roy$ 9 a v awful mann]2 t ,london w be laid level ) ! gr\nd2 t ! di/ress ( ! inhabitants dur+ ! siege w be extreme2 t = "s "t be=e ?is great ev5t1 !re w be w>s & rumors ( w>s among ! nations1 & c]ta9 signs v wond]ful w be se5 9 ! heav5s4 ,?is man tells 8 vision v circum/antially & sev]al p]sons write x d[n4 ,n[ suppose z ! "t passes away1 ^! ev5ts1 "o aft] ano!r1 %\ld take place1 all 9 ! same ord] 9 :i* ! vision repres5t$ !m2 d y feel will+ to say t ! evid5ces ( ! tru? ( ?is vision1 are all ! "t los+ _! =ce8 ,no surely !y are n2 !y are all ! "t ga9+ /r5g? & wax+ bright]4 ,:e!r ,i am able to satisfy y t ! above case is a fair repres5tation ( ! evid5ces ( div9e revelation1 or n1 x discov]s 9 "s degree ! gr\nd on :i*1 9 my m9d1 revelation is e/abli%$4 ,comp>e1 if y please1 ! prophesy ( ,jesus record$ 9 ! #bd? ( ,mat!w1 ) ! hi/ory ( ! ev5ts ( :i* ! div9e mess5g] spake4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 ,p4 ,s4 ,y h notic$1 no d\bt1 9 a p>5!sis1 t ,i d n all[ y\r argum5t on ! dissimil>ity ( div9e revelation & pr9ciples ( nature to h any =ce to d away ! argum5t ( our bro!r1 to :i* y repli$4 ,x 0 evid5tly n 8 design to argue a simil>ity betwe5 ! nature ( ^! widely diff]5t subjects1 b to %[ t no great] p>tiality appe>s 9 ! div9e wisdom1 9 n discov]+ ! tru?s ( revelation 9 all ages1 to all nations & 9 all languages1 ?an 9 its n lead+ ! human m9d to ! discov]y ( electricity or any o!r ( ! laws ( nature 9 ! same mann]4 ,w y endeav\r to ma9ta9 t ! div9e economy has no?+ to d 9 direct+ means & circum/ances to ! developem5t ( ! laws ( nature & to ! discov]y ( useful inv5tions8 ,& if y all[ x has1 :y d y n assign a reason :y ^! discov]ies %\ld n h be5 made 9 all ages1 to all nations1 & writt5 or r pr9t$1 9 all languages t _c z well be appli$ 9 ! o!r case8 ,9 ?is way y w\ld d away 8 reason+ & my own likewise1 = z y notice1 we 7 bo? ( "o m9d on ?is subject4 ,be=e ,i close ?is po/script1 ,i wi% to rem>k on ! subject :i* y h 9 view1 9 review+ ! evid5ces ( div9e revelation1 :i* y say is to see if !y are su* t x is impossible x %\ld be false4 ,n[ x appe>s to y\r humble s]vant1 t fai? does n require evid5ce ( ! description y lay d[n4 ,i grant x wants to be satisfi$ & x has a "r to expect x2 x feels "u no obligation to evid5ce :i* comes %ort ( conviction2 b x does n require all possibility to be tak5 into its acc\nt4 ,?is w\ld seem to g beyond ! limits ( fai? & ent] into ! regions ( c]ta9ty4 ,if ! evid5ces 9 support ( fai? be suffici5t to give re/1 peace1 & consolation to ! m9d1 & if ! fai? be /rong en\gh to effect ! conduct ( ! believ] 9 a prop] mann]1 ! object ( fai? is obta9$4 ,! hopes ( ! husb&man may s]ve to illu/rate ?is p>ticul>4 ,he does n "k = c]ta9ty t 8 fields w produce him any ?+2 he does n "k t ! com+ season w be fav\rable to 8 crops1 yet he plants & s[s 9 com=table expectation4 ,he rises e>ly & lab\rs *e]fully1 8 expectations are full ( com=t1 he sleeps quietly & enjoys cont5t4 ,b if y ask him :e!r he views x impossible t he %\ld fail ( a h>ve/8 he w ) b v little conc]n answ] 9 ! negative4 ,! j %all live by fai?1 we walk by fai? & n by sight4 ,all1 !re=e1 t we c reasonably expect 9 ! case be=e u1 is to f9d a decid$ balance ( evid5ce 9 fav\r ( ! religion ( ! gospel4 ,& to review ! evid5ces ( ?is religion1 x seems necess>y fir/ to all[ t !re are evid5ces 9 exi/5ce :i* g to prove x1 if _! validity be all[$4 ,= in/ance1 ! f\r evangeli/s1 ! acts ( ! apo/les1 toge!r ) ! epi/les ( ! apo/les are consid]$ evid5ces ( ! tru? ( ?is religion4 ,& c y reasonably require m until y are able to %[ t all ^! come %ort ( e/abli%+ ! cr$ibility ( ! facts :i* !y relate ) app>5t hone/y & simplicity n to be met ) 9 any o!r anci5t writ+s8 ,!re are a great _m o!r evid5ces :i* s]ve to corroborate ^? m5tion$1 b if y c d !m away1 no d\bt ! o!rs may be z easily remov$4 ,y w duly consid] t 9 disprov+ ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 y disprove all religion1 = ,i am satisfi$ t y w n pret5d t y are mak+ a *oice betwe5 ! gospel & "s o!r doctr9e4 ,no1 ! *oice is betwe5 ! gospel & no religion at all4 ,come !n1 /rip away all ! cl\ds ( sup]/ition1 & demon/rate at once t !re has be5 no sun 9 ! firmam5t dur+ ! :ole ( a cl\dy day6 ,so> l ! /rong p9ion$ eagle1 make y\r t\r beyond ! mi/s ( error & br+ u ! joyless tid+s t !re is no cle> sky 9 ! heav5s4 ,c y imag9e any ?+ to be m pleas+ ?an ! com+ ( "o t br\ght good tid+s8 ,b let u h ! wor/ ( x4 ,%[ f und\bt$ au?ority t !re nev] 0 su* a man z ,jesus1 or %[ t he 0 a wick$ impo/or & des]v$ly lo/ 8 life4 ,%[ moreov]1 t !re nev] 7 su* m5 z ! apo/les ( ,jesus1 or t !y 7 likewise impo/ors1 & all suff]$ dea? = _! wick$ impiety6 ,give ! p>ticul>s ( ,saul's madly =sak+ ! hon\rable connexion 9 :i* he /ood1 = ! sake ( practis+ a fraud :i* produc$ him an imm5se income ( suff]+6 ,b y say ! apo/les 7 n bad m54 ,v well1 !n let u see h[ good m5 c\ld tell s _m ?+s :i* !y knew 7 n true1 & suff] & die 9 atte/ation ( :at !y knew to be false4 ,y w see ! dang] ( suppos+ t hone/ m5 c be> te/imony to falsehood "u ! pret5ce ( do+ good1 z ?is w\ld de/roy all te/imony at once2 ev5 y\r own _c be reli$ on aft] y ma9ta9 ?is abom9able pr9ciple1 :i* has be5 practis$ a wick$ prie/hood = ages4 ,h4,b4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,iv4 ,! objector 9 8 f\r? numb] beg9s by expla9+ himself 9 "s p>ticul>s :]e9 he _h n be5 fully und]/ood1 & also by mak+ "s concessions respect+ ! importance ( reta9+ ! orig9al languages 9 :i* ! scriptures 7 writt52 &1 br++ ^! rem>ks to a close1 he proce$s z foll[s3 ,9 reg>d to a revelation f ,god1 ! ?ree propositions :i* y h /at$ answ] my m9d well en\gh1 z f> z !y g1 to :i*1 h[ev]1 ,i w\ld wi% to add a f\r?2 & ask1 admitt+ ! ?ree fir/ propositions true4 ',f\r?4 ,is x reasonable to suppose t ! apo/les _h any o!r means ( =m+ _! op9ions relative to a future /ate ?an :at pass$ be=e _! eyes8--viz4 ! miracles ( ,*ri/1 ! circum/ances att5d+ 8 dea?1 8 resurrection1 & ! miracles wr\ght by !mselves 9 8 "n8' #a/4 ,is x reasonable to suppose t ,god has ev] made a special revelation to man8 ,y say ,i h ackn[l$g$ t a div9e revelation 'if real1 is ( all tru?s ! mo/ important2' h5ce y call ^u ! 'eye ( reason' to exam9e ?is proposition to see :y x %\ld be consid]$ m important ?an ! discov]ies made 9 ! arts & sci5ces1 c4 ,i ?9k ^! que/ions may be easily & correctly answ]$4 ,"o relates to ! bless+s ( et]nity2 & ! o!rs to ^? only ( "t2 h5ce if ! tru?s manife/$ by a revelation _h be5 ( no m importance to man ?an ! tru?s 9 natural philosophy1 reason w\ld say1 ,god w\ld h left !m also to be discov]$1 if discov]$ at all1 l all o!r tru?s1 )\t a special revelation4 ,b1 y mu/ excuse me = n be+ able to see ! =ce & conclusiv5ess ( y\r reason+1 :5 y say t my 'all[+ x any importance at all1 is1 9 ! eye ( reason1 an argum5t 9 its support4' ,suppos+ ,i am in=m$ ( a l>ge e/ate bequea!d to me by "s b5efactor4 ,i ackn[l$ge t x is v important to me1 if true1 z ,i am 9 great ne$2 yet ,i d n believe x true4 ,n[1 is my ackn[l$g+ its importance1 if true1 an argum5t 9 support ( its tru?8 ,if x is s1 ! reason ( x is out ( my sight4 ,i %\ld ?9k t ! reason ( man 7! only reason ) :i* we are acqua9t$7 w\ld h>dly und]take to say :e!r a revelation is ei!r necess>y or n necess>y4 ,! only evid5ce t reason c h ( its necessity is its tru?2 & a supposition t x is n true equally supposes x n to be necess>y4 ,= to suppose o!rwise supposes t ,god has omitt$ some?+ :i* 0 necess>y to be done6 ,try ! matt] z x respects a new revelation4 ,:o w und]take to say t a new revelation ei!r is or is n necess>y8 ,no "o :o believes 9 a revelation w d5y ! possibility ( su* an ev5t4 ,suppose !n = ! mom5t x is true2 & some?+ is br\ght to light inf9itely m glori\s ?an any ?+ ( :i* ! human m9d has yet conceiv$2 w any "o say x is unimportant8 ,or is ! 'all[+ x any importance--an argum5t 9 its support8' ,i am v ready to all[ t a 'div9ely munific5t ,creator w\ld n omit any ?+ :i* is ( importance to 8 intellig5t creatures3' & on ?is gr\nd ,i admitt$ ! importance ( revelation 'if real2' b ,i am yet unable to see h[ ?is is any argum5t 9 its support4 ,x seems to me t ?is argum5t might be turn$ "r ! o!r way ) equal =ce4 ,if revelation be n true1 x is n necess>y x %\ld be2 & man c be made j z happy 9 ?is _w by kn[+ all t he c "k )\t x1 z ^? are :o believe 9 x2 & admitt+ x n true !re is no m importance 9 all ! /ories ab\t x1 ?an !re is 9 ! ,alcoran6 ,n[1 suppos+ y %\ld 'all[' all ?is1 w\ld x be any argum5t aga9/ ! tru? ( revelation8 ,i ?9k n4 ,9 answ] !re=e to ! fir/ p>ticul>1 ,i mu/ be all[$ to say t ! only reason 9 fav\r ( a div9e revelation mu/ gr[ out ( ! evid5ce 9 support ( ! facts on :i* x is pr$icat$2 =1 aside f ^? evid5ces1 ,i d n see :y mank9d %\ld be taught to believe 9 a future life & immortality by special revelation1 any m ?an !y %\ld be taught ! arts & sci5ces by special revelation2 yet reason does n reject ! evid5ces ( su* an ev5t :5 !y are made cle> to ! und]/&+4--,!re=e1 x appe>s to me t y\r fir/ proposition is involv$ 9 ! second1 viz4 #b;d4 ,is ! resurrection ( ,jesus capable ( be+ prov$8 ,i %\ld h said some?+ m on ! subject :i* 0 answ]$ 9 y\r fir/ numb]1 & :i* ,i neglect$ to ackn[l$ge 9 my second1 if x _h occurr$ to me z be+ necess>y4 ,i w briefly /ate "h t y\r reason+ on t subject is satisfactory2 & if a revelation c be fully prov$ ,i feel n dispos$ to compla9 on acc\nt ( its seem+ p>tiality4 ,inf9ite wisdom disp5ses 8 bless+s s z be/ to answ] 8 b5evol5t designs2 & 7 we to object to ! mann]1 m]ely because we d n compreh5d ! equality1 we %\ld be satisfi$1 /rictly speak+1 ) no?+4 ,b y h excus$ y\rself f und]tak+ to prove y\r second proposition 9 a way t ,i did n expect1 viz4 by f9d+1 z y suppos$1 9 my words1 an ackn[l$gem5t ( its tru?4 ,"h aga9 ,i mu/ confess my mis=tune 9 giv+ too mu* gr\nds = ! wrong con/ruction4 ,e "o kn[s h[ev] ! ambiguity ( words1 & h[ ! mean+ ( a s5t5ce may be alt]$ by plac+ ! emphasis on a diff]5t ^w f :at ! au?or int5d$4 ,i ackn[l$ge t my words w admit ! con/ruction y h giv5 !m2 yet y c\ld b see t x 0 giv+ up at once :at ,i _h 9 a numb] ( places1 bo? be=e & aft]1 consid]$ a ma9 "q4 ,& !n1 y ask me :y ,i wi% y to prove :at ,i ackn[l$ge to be true4 ,if y w be good en\gh to review ! passage1 & notice t ! ^w sub/antially 0 emphatic1 & contra/$ ) circum/antial1 a little bel[1 y w p]ceive t my mean+ 0 simply ?is4 ,no "o w pret5d t ! evangeli/s 7 correct 9 e m9ute p>ticul>1 b only correct 9 sub/ance2 & by ! ,,all1 by :om ?is w be admitt$1 ,i mean ^? :o believe 9 div9e revelation2 t ev5 !y w\ld ackn[l$ge1 t 9 po9t ( correctness1 ! writ]s 7 'no m' ?an sub/antially s4 ,h[ev]3 ,y ?9k if ,i am 'dispos$ to d\bt1' c4 x is my prov9ce to br+ =w>d my '/rong reason+1' c4 ,i "k ( no disposition t ,i feel respect+ ! subject b to asc]ta91 if possible1 ! tru?4 ,if ,i h d\bts1 x is n because ,i *oose to d\bt1 b because ,i _c help !m2 & if ,i h fai? x is su* z is giv5 me4 ,( "o ?+ ,i h no d\bt2 t is1 t ! tru?1 :atev] x is1 is "r4 ,b3 ,admitt+ ! scriptures are n true1 ,i %all n attempt to guess :at is true respect+ ! subjects to :i* !y relate4 ,= ,i might guess a hundr$ diff]5t ways to acc\nt = :at we "k is true1 & all ( !m be wrong4 ,my d\bts on ?is subject are no?+ m ?an d\bts2 !y d n am\nt to a confirm$ unbelief2 because !y admit ! possibility ( ! acc\nt's be+ true4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,iv4 ,mu* e/eem$ fri5d1--,y\r f\r? numb] is h]eby ackn[l$g$2 & ?\gh occasions = f9d+ fault are 9 "s measure ext5uat$1 x /ill appe>s t y h lo/ ! real connexion ( y\r argum5ts1 & h made ! subject ( ! languages "o ( y\r ma9 subjects1 :5 judg+ f y\r fir/ numb]1 x 0 no m ?an a ve/ibule to ! gr& edifice :i* x 0 9 y\r m9d to exam9e4 ,h[ev]1 y hav+ paid m ?an half1 we w n /& ab\t ! fraction1 z long z we h a pr(itable object 9 view4 ,y call up :at y call ! subject4 ,i suppose ! ma9 subject4 ,?is y /ate z foll[s3 ,9 reg>d to a revelation f ,god1 ! ?ree propositions :i* y h /at$ answ] my m9d well en\gh1 z f> z !y g2 to :i* h[ev]1 ,i w\ld wi% to add a f\r?1 & ask2 admitt+ ! ?ree fir/ p>ticul>s true4--#d?4 ,is x reasonable to suppose1 t ! apo/les _h any o!r means ( =m+ _! op9ions1 relative to a future /ate1 ?an :at pass$ be=e _! eyes8 viz4 ! miracles ( ,*ri/1 ! circum/ance att5d+ 8 dea?1 8 resurrection1 & ! miracles wr\ght by !mselves 9 8 "n8 ,i wi%1 9 ?is place1 to %[ y t y\r add$ proposition possesses no p[] relative to our argum5t :i* is n compreh5d$ 9 ! la/ ( ! ?ree :i* ,i /at$4 ,= if x be all[$1 z y propose1 t my propositions are true1 !n y cons5t to ! validity ( ! apo/les' te/imony respect+ a future /ate1 :i* grant$1 x makes no diff]5ce 9 :at way ! apo/les come to ! k ( futurity4 ,:5 a ?+ is kn[n1 x is kn[n4 ,! means by :i* x is kn[n add no?+ to ei!r side ( ! argum5t4 ,if y all[ t my argum5t on ?is subject is correct1 z x seems y d1 !n y ackn[l$ge t ,god w\ld n end[ m5 ) ! p[] to heal ! sick & raise ! dead1 ^: te/imony conc]n+ a future /ate c\ld be ju/ly d\bt$4 ,i w n be too positive t ,i rightly appreh5d y\r mean+ on ?is subject1 b z y propose to all[ my ?ree propositions1 & z y make no attempt to d away my reason+1 especially on my la/1 ,i ?9k ,i %\ld n und]/& y accord+ to y\r own proposal 9 any o!r way4 ,! me?aphor :i* y use to help y away f my argum5t respect+ ! importance ( a revelation f ,god1 does n appe> fully adequate to ! purpose = :i* y use x4 ,x might n be a reasonable1 a necess>y disposition ( prop]ty = ! propos$ b5efactor1 to give y a l>ge e/ate2 x might be1 9 ! eye ( reason a v improp] donation1 & "o :i* w\ld deprive legitimate heirs ( :at !y _h a "r to expect f a fa!r t[>ds :om !y _h always act$ ) filial ob$i5ce4--,b if y w make ! case a p>allel1 & suppose y are an heir1 a lawful *ild1 & y\r fa!r has a l>ge e/ate to dispose (1 !n y w see t x is "r & j1 & no m ?an :at y h reason to expect2 t x is necess>y1 & t ?is necessity is ! importance ( ! subject1 y w at once see t ?is importance is a reason1 yea an evid5ce t y h a "r to expect x4 ,i call$ on y to prove t no revelation 0 ne$$2 ,i ackn[l$g$ t if none 0 necess>y1 a be+ ( inf9ite wisdom w\ld make none4 ,y v5ture to say1 t ! only evid5ce t reason c h ( ! necessity ( div9e revelation is its tru?4 ,x is believ$1 sir1 t ?is hypo!sis involves too mu*4 ,x is say+ t reason c disc]n ! necessity ( no?+ until x obta9s x1 :]eas ! tru? is evid5tly ! o!r side ( ! ass]tion4 ,we are frequ5tly exp]i5c+ ! necessity ( ?+s :i* we h n already atta9$1 & by ?is want we are incit$ to use ! means by :i* we f9ally obta9 !m4--,ask1 & ye %all receive1 seek1 & ye %all f9d1 knock1 & x %all be op5$ unto y1 c4 ,x is believ$1 & no d\bt x may be argu$ ) success1 t ! moral & religi\s /ate ( man really requir$ a div9e revelation4 ,nev] did ! p>*$ gr\nd1 ! )]+ plant1 ! ?ir/y h]ds ne$ ! %[]s f heav51 m ?an man1 t ,,^w ( life :i* desc5d$ z ! ra9 & di/ill$ z ! dew1 :5 ! gospel 0 publi%$ by a cl\d ( fai?ful witnesses1 call$ ( ,god = t purpose4 ,aft] ackn[l$g+ t y\r words admit ( ! con/ruction :i* ,i gave !m respect+ ! apo/les /at+ no m ?an :at 0 sub/antially true1 y in=m me t y meant some?+ v diff]5t2 !n1 sir1 x seems y mu/ mean t !y /at$ t :i* is n true4 ,& if s1 :y d y n prove :]e9 !y te/ifi$ falsely1 :i* w\ld at once ca/ _! b&s f u8 ,by ?is mean y w\ld %[ t _! te/imony is des]v+ ( no cr$it4 ,on ! subjects ( y\r d\bts1 y recollect$ my reque/1 t y br+ =w>d y\r reasons1 c4 ,b 9 room ( do+ ?is y in=m me t y\r d\bts are involunt>y4 ,b ,i wi% to "k if ?is r5d]s x improp] = y to /ate y\r reasons = d\bt+8 ,y fur!r in=m me t y\r d\bts d n am\nt to a confirm$ unbelief4 ,aga91 ,i w\ld ask if x be necess>y = y to wait until y are a confirm$ unbeliev] be=e y /ate y\r reasons = d\bt+ ! tru? ( ! te/imony :i* ,*ri/ians call div9e8 ,by ^! que/ions y w p]ceive t ,i am wait+ = y1 & if ,i am n able to meet y\r argum5ts1 ,i am ready on mak+ ! discov]y1 to ackn[l$ge y\r reason+ too /rong = my weak p[]s to manage4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,v4 ,aft] ackn[l$g+ ! receipt ( ,lett]s ,nos4 #c & #d1 & rem>k+ on sev]al p>ts ( ! reply to ,extracts ,no4 #b1 mak+ "s concessions1 c4 z he f\nd x necess>y1 ! objector proce$s z foll[s4 ,b1 y\r f9al conclusion1 aft] all1 comes s ne> :at ,i conceive to be ! tru?1 t1 7 y z correct 9 e ?+ z y appe> to be 9 ?is1 ,i %\ld h>dly ?9k x exp$i5t to pursue ?is controv]sy any fur!r4 ,! ,*ri/ian is enabl$1 y say1 to hope = exi/5ce ) ,god 9 an et]nal /ate1 & ?is is z mu* z our pres5t welf>e requires4 ,mo/ excell5t6 ,to ?is proposition ,i *]fully ass5t4 ,yea1 ,i w\ld cons5t ev5 to prun+ x a little1 :i* no d\bt w\ld spoil x 9 y\r view4 ,in/ead ( '?is is z mu* z1' read1 'ev5 ?is is m ?an1' & y\r proposition w\ld /& exactly "r4 ,aga91 y say1 ',i h _m reasons = n believ+ 9 ! g5]al s5tim5t t supposes ! revelation conta9$ 9 ! scriptures 0 design$ to prep>e m5 9 ?is _w = happ9ess 9 ano!r1 & t a want ( a correct k ( ?is revelation "h1 w\ld subject ! ignorant to inconv5i5ce 9 a future /ate4 ,su* a s5tim5t is an impea*m5t ( ! wisdom & goodness ( ,god4' ,"h aga91 %\ld ,i admit a div9e revelation1 ,i mo/ he>tily agree ) y2 & also ) ! reason+ :i* foll[s "u ?is proposition4 ,= x is m consi/5t ) reason & good s5se to believe 7l ! fool7 9 ! exi/5ce ( no ,god1 ?an to believe 9 a ,god :o is ei!r p>tial or cruel6 ,if su* 7 ! g5]al s5tim5t ( mank9d1 ! evils result+ f x1 9 my humble op9ion1 w\ld n be worse ?an ! evils :i* h result$ f ! belief 9 a ,god ( ! "* j m5tion$4 ,"o :o1 accord+ to ! s5tim5t1 has let millions1 ev5 millions ( millions1 ( 8 rational creatures die ignorant ( a div9e revelation1 :5 he knew )\t ! k (1 & belief 91 su* a revelation1 !y mu/ s9k d[n into et]nal ru9 & mis]y6 ,&1 s f> z a revelation respects ! damn$1 z ?\gh x 0 design$ to aggravate & increase _! mis]y by increas+ _! s5sibility1 he makes kn[n 8 w1 by special revelation1 to a few1 accompani$ ) ! gift ( 8 holy _s1 ?r\gh ! div9e efficacy ( :i*1 a select$ & *os5 numb] w be admitt$ to bliss & glory1 to ! utt] & et]nal exclusion ( ! millions above m5tion$666 ,if su* a s5tim5t does n impea* ! div9e "*1 n only ( p>tiality1 b ( cruelty1 ,i "k ( no?+ t c\ld4 ,b1 ,sir1 ,are y n aw>e t y\r s5tim5t1 z above /at$1 :i* has met my approbation1 on ! supposition t div9e revelation c be ma9ta9$1 is z mu* oppos$ to ! g5]al s5tim5t ( ,*ri/ianity1 z x respects ?is p>ticul>1 z any ?+ :i* ,i h writt5 or probably %all write on ?is subject8 ,i presume y are aw>e ( all ?is1 & ,i hope y are prep>$ = its consequ5ces4 ,y h m to appreh5d1 h[ev]1 f ?is g5]al s5tim5t1 ?an ,i h4 ,y h levell$ an arr[ at ! v seat ( life ( :at is consid]$ or?odoxy 9 div9ity1 x is impossible b t ! w\nd %\ld be sev]ly felt4 ,= y are n ins5sible sir1 t x is n only ! g5]al1 b almo/ ! univ]sal s5tim5t ( or?odoxy1 f 8 hol9ess ! ,pope d[n to ! smalle/ *ild :o has be5 taught to lisp ! *ri/ian "n1 t ! revelation ( ! gospel ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 design$ to prep>e mank9d 9 ?is _w = heav5 & happ9ess 9 ano!r4 ,h5ce x has be5 believ$ t ^? :o h di$ ignorant ( ! gospel1 & be+ at ! same "t born ( ignorant or unbeliev+ p>5ts1 mu/ be lo/ =ev]4 ,b ^? :o he> & reject ! gospel mu/ be /ill m wret*$ 9 ano!r _w4 ,) ?is s5tim5t1 h[ev]1 x seems y h no m fell[%ip ?an ,i4 ,!re=e1 my bro!r1 x may be well = bo?1 b m especially = y1 t ! days ( rigor\s p]secution are ov]4 ,= not)/&+ or?odoxy w consid] u bo? equally oppos$ to *ri/ianity at he>t1 yet1 ( ! two1 y w be consid]$ ! mo/ dang]\s "*4 ,i %all be consid]$ ! op51 b y ! secret enemy2 :o1 "u ! g>b ( pr(ess$ fri5d%ip1 are do+ y\r utmo/ to sap ! v f\ndation ( ! *ri/ian's hope6 ,& y w n be consid]$ any ! less dang]\s = y\r writ+s1 be+ approv$ 9 any s5se1 by "o :o has ! audacity1 z !y w t]m x1 to d\bt ( ! tru?1 ( div9e revelation6 ,in/ead ( discov]$ impi\s blasphemy 9 ! hone/ inquiry ( y\r fri5d z x w be suppos$ y ought to h done1 & in/ead ( ?reat5+ him ) endless burn+s !re=2--or = n be+ dispos$ to receive1 ev5 tru?1 )\t cauti\s & ?or\gh exam9ation1 y h pa9t$ *ri/ianity 9 su* beautiful col\rs t infidelity itself f9ds b little cause to oppose x4 ,%\ld ^! lett]s !re=e ev] come be=e ! public y mu/ be prep>$ = ! ga!r+ /orm4 ,= %\ld y be able to reconcile revelation ) ! above proposition1 if reason be n fully conv9c$ ( its tru?1 x w f9d no?+ to object to ! pr9ciples x inculcates4 ,h[ev]1 z ?is is n ! av[$ s5tim5t ( *ri/ians1 g5]ally speak+1 y mu/ p]mit me to proce$4 ,z x respects biblical criticism1 not)/&+ all ,i h writt5 on ! subject1 if ! object is :at y h propos$1 'to get ! und]/&+ ( ! sacr$ text1' ,i h no objection to x1 b1 = ^? :o h "t & incl9ation1 ?9k x laudible4 ,y\r caution1 likewise1 t 9 our zeal to cleanse we 'take c>e & n de/roy1' is no d\bt reasonable1 & ,i tru/ duly appreciat$4 ,y\r me?od also = cur+ or remov+ unbelief is happily *os51 & is :at ,i am n[ attempt+1 :i*1 ) y\r assi/ance1 ,i hope to make a prop]1 if n a successful application4 ,al?\gh ! 'validity ( ! evid5ces' ( revelation 0 n int5d$ to h be5 grant$1 z ,i h in=m$ y 9 my f\r? numb]1 yet ,i %all n press y to argue ! po9ts till ,i h giv5 y ! reasons = my d\bts2 = ^! be+ remov$1 no?+ m w be necess>y4 ,y\rs c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,vi4 ,"h twelve pages or m ( ! objector's manuscript are omitt$1 z ! nature ( 8 argum5ts w pretty fully appe> 9 ! reply2 & z he has be5 oblig$ to resc9d ! gr\nd he _h tak51 x is n exp$i5t to publi% 8 rem>ks4 ,t ! read] may see a little ( ! mann]1 h[ev]1 9 :i* he has giv5 up 8 "p ( ! argum5t1 ! foll[+ is ins]t$4 ,speak+ h[ev] on ! evid5ces ( revelation1 y h /at$ "s ?+s wor?y ( s]i\s consid]ation2 :i* if correct1 & ,i _c say b !y are1 give me consid]able satisfaction2 & are v grateful to my feel+s4 ',x' 7fai?7 say y 'does n require all possibility to be tak5 into ! acc\nt3 ?is w\ld seem to g beyond ! limits ( fai? & ent] into ! regions ( c]ta9ty4' ,accord+ to ?is doctr9e1 ,i may yet1 p]haps1 be consid]$ a believ] 9 div9e revelation1 & ( c\rse 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,if 'all possibility' is n requir$1 !n c]ta9ly "s d\bts1 "s possibility ( failure1 may be admit$ )\t de/roy+ ! consi/5cy ( ! ,*ri/ian fai?4 ,"h z x respects ! argum5t1 y h seem+ly =clos$ e ?+ :i* ,i %all say by way ( objection2 at lea/1 y h anticipat$ all my argum5ts on ?is subject4 ,= evid5ces & circum/ances calculat$ to raise d\bts 9 ! m9d2 & %ew+ ! possibility ( unc]ta9ty1 are all ! argum5ts :i* ,i h expect$ to produce 9 ?is case4 ,b x may n be improp] to inquire h[ mu* unc]ta9ty1 or possibility ( unc]ta9ty1 may ,i admit 9 my calculation )\t de/roy+ ! ,*ri/ian fai?8 ,t !re are evid5ces 9 favor ( div9e revelation1 &1 :i* w\ld support x1 if !re 7 no?+ to c\nt]balance _! te/imony1 is a proposition :i* ,i admit1 & :i* ,i ?9k _c be disput$4 ,h5ce ,i conceive x mu/ be admitt$ t !re is a possibility1 at lea/1 ( its be+ true4--,b aft] all1 if ! weight ( evid5ce 9 ! m9d ( any "o %\ld prepond]ate aga9/ x1 ,i d\bt :e!r su* an "o c\ld consi/5tly be call$ a believ] 9 div9e revelation4 ,y h sugge/$ t 9 disprov+ ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ,i %\ld disprove all religion2 z !re c be no *oice betwe5 ?is & any o!r2 = if ?is c be prov$ false all may be prov$ false c4 or words to t effect4 ,9 ?is ,i h>dly "k h[ to und]/& y4 ,s f> z ! religion ( ,*ri/ consi/s 9 'fe$+ ! hungry1 clo?+ ! nak$1 & keep+ himself unspott$ f ! _w1' ,i admit1 t '9 disprov+ ! religion ( ,*ri/1' ,i %\ld 'disprove all religion3' t is to say1 9 o!r words1 s f> z ! religion ( ,*ri/ is n f\nd$ on revelation1 b on ! relation & dep5d5ce exi/+ betwe5 man & man1 to disprove x w\ld disprove all religion3 b if ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/ consi/s purely & exclusively 9 believ+ 9 a future /ate ( exi/5ce1 !n disprov+ x w\ld n disprove all religion4 ,a man may be :at ! poet calls '! noble/ "w ( ,god' i4e4 'an hone/ man1' & att5d to all ! duties embrac$ 9 t religion :i* ,/4 ,james calls 'pure & undefil$ be=e ,god & ! fa!r1' & yet h no op9ion1 t is1 no settl$ op9ion1 9 reg>d to a future /ate4 ,if a man has religion en\gh to be a good husb&1 a good neighbor1 a good citiz51 & c rationably enjoy all ! bless+s :i* app]ta9 to ?is life1 ( :at consequ5ce is x to him1 or to any "o else1 :at he believes 9 reg>d to a future /ate8 ,?is is a "q wor?y ( s]i\s consid]ation4 ,! d5ial ( revelation1 mu* less to d\bt its tru?1 does n r5d] x necess>y t ,i %\ld d :at y h propos$2 nei!r is x my disposition to de/roy if ,i c\ld ! peace ev5 ( an individual4 ,h5ce1 ,i h no wi% to 'demon/rate t !re is no sun 9 a cl\dy day2' b only to prove t cl\ds & d>kness are z necess>y to ! well be+ ( man z cle> sun%9e4 ,nei!r w\ld ,i be ! be>] ( ! 'joyless tid+s t !re is no cle> sky 9 ! heav5s2' b only to qu]y :e!r our portion ( 'cle> sky' is n t :i* reflects ^u ! e>?2 & t only dur+ ! %ort p]iod ( our lives8 ,:o has a "r to compla91 if our bless+s are circumscrib$ to our sph]e ( action8 ,mu/ we enjoy no?+1 because m is n allott$ to our %>e8 ,x is v probable !re may be millions ( o!r suns1 enlight5+ o!r worlds1 & sy/ems ( worlds1 giv+ life1 light & w>m? to rational be+s l ourselves1 exce$+ all imag9ation 9 numb]2 & yet1 h little ( ! bless+s ( ^? heav5ly lum9>ies t falls to our enjoym5t6 ,!y m]ly =m a beautiful canopy ov] our heads4 ,x is true1 _! greate/ use to u may be t ( :i* we are mo/ly ignorant2 9 balanc+ sy/ems c4 b yet we mu/ h "s k ( ^? b5efits1 be=e me c feel grateful = !m4 ,do/ ?\ wi% to visit !m8 ,do/ ?\ desire to "k m conc]n+ !m ?an ?\ can/ "k 9 ?is /ate8 ,calm & delib]ate reason w\ld say unto !1 ',be cont5t1 ,o va9 man6 ) ?9e own lot1 & n try to so> above ?y prop] /ation6' ,! above is n design$ z a reflection2 x is only :at ,i take to myself4 ,y h propos$ :at ,i conceive y ?9k is ! only alt]native to :i* ,i mu/ flee1 :5 ,i give up ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 ,b may ,i n /op to inquire :e!r !re is n "s m$ium betwe5 ! two extremes :i* y h m5tion$8 ,mu/ ,i believe t !re 0 no su* man z ,jesus1 or if !re 71 t he 0 an impo/or2 or else believe all t is /at$ conc]n+ him8 ,mu/ ,i also believe ! same ( ! apo/les or else believe !m impeccable8 ,may n ev5 good m5 be hone/ly deceiv$8 & be+ deceiv$1 hone/ly lead o!rs into an error8--,t hone/ m5 d n be> 'te/imony to fal%ood1' ,i admit2 nei!r c\ld su* a pr9ciple be ju/ifi$ ev5 "u a 'pret5ce ( do+ good2' yet ,i w n und]take to say t no su* pi\s frauds h ev] be5 practic$ 9 ! _w1 & ev5 among pr(ess$ *ri/ians2 & h[ soon x 0 practic$ aft] ! days ( ! apo/les1 & :e!r or n by "s ev5 9 _! day1 w\ld be v difficult n[ to det]m9e4 ,nei!r is x necess>y ,i %\ld say any ?+ m ^u ! subject1 z y admit ?is pr9ciple 'has be5 practis$ ^u by a wick$ prie/hood = ages6' ,9 rem>k+ on my f\r? proposition1 :i* ,i add$ to ! ?ree :i* y _h propos$1 y say1 ',i w n be too positive t ,i rightly appreh5d y\r mean+ on ?is subject1 b z y propose to all[ my ?ree propositions1 & z y make no attempt to d away my reason+1 especially on my la/1' c4 ,"h p]mit me to obs]ve1 ,i am well p]suad$ y did n fully und]/& me1 :atev] y did y\rself1 on ?is subject4 ,y w p]ceive1 sir1 bo? by my f\r? numb]1 & also by my fif?1 t my answ] to y\r ?ree propositions 0 n complet$4 ,probably if y _h wait$ = ! :ole ( my answ] y w\ld h und]/ood me mu* bett]1 & also w\ld h se5 ! use & propriety ( my f\r? proposition4 ,i ?9k1 z y w p]ceive by my fif? numb] t ev5 hone/ m5 may be mi/ak54 ,& if s1 x is v important to "k :e!r ! apo/les judg$ only f outw>d circum/ances1 or :e!r !y _h "s int]nal evid5ce1 call$ inspiration1 by :i* !y always knew ! tru? ( ! ?+s :]e( !y affirm$4 ,?is 0 ! object ( my f\r? proposition4 ,t y did n fully und]/& me appe>s by y\r say+1 ',if x be all[$ t my propositions are true1 !n y cons5t to ! validity ( ! apo/les' te/imony respect+ a future /ate4' ,if ?is c\ld be all[$1 x might !n be admitt$1 t 9 ?is argum5t x makes no diff]5ce h[ ! apo/les come by _! 'k ( futurity4'--,b ,i did n "k1 nei!r d ,i n[ p]ceive1 t my admitt+ ! apo/les to be hone/ m5 makes x necess>y also to admit ! validity ( _! 'te/imony respect+ a future /ate2' unless x c be %[n t hone/ m5 are nev] mi/ak5 respect+ ! ?+s :]e( !y affirm4 ,i admit ! 'hone/y' ( my good fri5d1 9 ! above quot$ proposition2 b ,i c h>dly be will+1 purely on ?is acc\nt1 to 'cons5t' to its tru?4 ,z x respects an inh]itance giv5 9 a ,,w1 c4 ,i h "s d\bts :e!r reason always c>ries ?+s z f> z y w\ld wi% to c>ry ?is metaphor to make x a p>allel4 ,reason sometimes moves 9 a small circle2 & t too )\t be+ unreasonable4 ,if ! b5efit is said to h be5 absolutely made1 & reason is in=m$ ( ! fact1 x has a "r to take x = grant$1 t ! donor _h ! prop]ty to give1 & t x is n giv5 to ! injury ( any "o else4 ,b yet he consults 8 own int]e/1 & t only1 :5 he says1 '?is is v important to me1 if true1 yet ,i d\bt1 yea ,i h reasons = n believ+ x true4' ,w\ld any "o say t su* a man talke? unreasonably8 ,y h call$ on me to prove 't no revelation 0 ne$$2' & h ackn[l$g$1 't if none 0 necess>y1 a be+ ( inf9ite wisdom w\ld make none4' ,& at ! same "t y h argu$ v pa!tically inde$ to prove ! necessity ( a revelation2 t is1 if t c be call$ argum5t :i* gr[s out ( a man's own feel+s3 ,a man1 h[ev]1 ( diff]5t feel+s might br+ =w>d argum5ts equally en]getic1 & p]haps equally conclusive1 b diametrically opposite4 ,i "k n :at evid5ce y wi%1 or :at evid5ce w\ld be accept$1 to prove t a revelation is n necess>y4 ,ev5 if su* 7 ! fact1 x appe>s to me to be h>dly susceptible ( pro(4 ,x may be no m difficult1 h[ev]1 ?an x is to prove t a revelation is true4 ,i presume t no?+ %ort ( a revelation w\ld conv9ce y t a revelation is n necess>y6 ,= :o b ,god c "k :at ei!r is1 or is n necess>y = ,god to make kn[n8 ,b if argum5ts drawn f our feel+s are admissible1 he>1 = once1 ! voice ( simple nature1 proclaim+ 9 h] simplicity by e ?+ :i* exi/s ei!r 9 or ar\nd y1 t a revelation is nei!r necess>y nor useful4 ,t e ?+ :i* c be enjoy$ 9 life c be enjoy$ equally z well1 & (t5 bett]1 )\t ei!r its k or belief4 ,t e duty1 ei!r to ,god or man1 c be p]=m$ z well1 & ) ! same b5eficial effect4 ,& f9ally t man may be br\ght1 )\t ei!r ! aid1 k1 or belief ( revelation1 n only to be reconcil$ to 8 conditions & /ation 9 life1 b also to curtail all 8 anxi\s desires to :i* he n only believes b kn[s !re is a natural possibility ( obta9+4 ,if "o c\ld be br\ght :o w\ld solemnly te/ify to ! tru? ( ! above p>agraph1 w\ld y believe 8 te/imony8 ,i presume n4 ,b :y n8 ,w y say x is impossible x %\ld be true8 ,no "o c "k ?is = a c]ta9ty1 except ^? ^: mis=tune x is1 if x be a mis=tune n to believe 9 a future /ate ( exi/5ce4 ,if su* !re are1 h[ev]1 & yet _! lives are exactly correct1 _! examples 9 society equally good1 & _! enjoym5ts app>5tly equally z great z o!r m51 :y %\ld y d\bt _! te/imony8 ,w\ld y say !y 7 bad m58--c\ld y say !y 7 di%one/ m58--& if hone/1 accord+ to y\r argum5t1 :y n believe !m8 ,i c see no inducem5t t any "o c\ld h to d5y a revelation1 if he believes x true2 b ,i c see a v great inducem5t = mank9d to ma9ta9 ! reality ( a revelation1 al?\gh at ! same "t !y may d\bt its tru?4 ,if y d\bt :e!r ! human m9d c be br\ght to su* a /ate z has be5 m5tion$ above1 x is only = ! want ( prop] evid5ce2 ! fact1 h[ev]1 is susceptible ( pro(4 ,yea1 x c be m ?an prov$2 ! happy unbeliev] 9 idle tales1 b believ+ 9 et]nal pr9ciples1 kn[s x = a c]ta9ty4 ,i d n mean t he kn[s = a c]ta9ty1 t !re is no revelation1 b he kn[s = a c]ta9ty t a belief 9 revelation is n absolutely necess>y to a happy life4 ,n[1 if su* *>act]s exi/s1 w y receive _! own te/imony 9 support ( ! above fact8 ,if n1 x w be ( no use to produce !m4 ,9 ord] to make a prop] e/imation ( virtue1 we %\ld take into consid]ation ! motives & inducem5ts a p]son has to be virtu\s4 ,! virtue ( "s m5 seems to be pr$icat$ on ! foll[+ pr9ciples2 on ! consid]ation t !y are go+ to heav5 & happ9ess 9 ano!r _w1 :ile o!rs1 :om !y conceive n s good z !mselves are go+ to hell1 a place ( nev] end+ torm5ts4 ,on ?is gr\nd !y c be v pi\s also1 & d a great deal = religion4 ,at ! same "t !y w tell y1 z _m h1 if !y believ$ all 7 to be alike happy 9 ano!r _w1 !y w\ld !n /ick at no crimes to obta9 _! object1 b w\ld indulge !mselves 9 all mann] ( gratifications1 c4 ,su* virtue1 h[ev]1 ,i conclude does n /& v high 9 y\r e/imation4 ,no2 b y w\ld be virtu\s on a m noble scale2 s long z y c believe t y %all h an et]nal exi/5ce ) ,god1 9 a happy consci\s id5tity1 y are will+ e body else %\ld enjoy ! same bless+2 on supposition t ?is is true1 or z y c believe x1 y are = do+ all ! good 9 y\r p[]1 & at ! same "t tak+ all ! com=t y c 9 do+ x4 ,y are try+ to make e "o believe :at y believe1 t !y may enjoy :at y enjoy4 ,b ! mom5t ?is fai?1 & ?is hope ( y\rs is gone1 y\r virtue is gone ) x2 y c n[ d no?+1 & ( c\rse enjoy no?+6 ,n[ comp>e ?is virtue ) ! virtue ( "o :om ! *ri/ian _w w\ld call an infidel6 ,"o ^: fai?1 & ( c\rse1 hope1 does n ext5d beyond :at he kn[s has be5 ! lot ( "s1 &1 z f> z circum/ances w admit1 may be 8 own2 & yet he is always fai?ful 9 ! dis*>ge ( :atev] appe>s to be 8 duty1 always enjoys life1 :e!r 9 prosp]ity or adv]sity1 & is always1 s f> z x respects circum/ances ov] :i* he has no control1 reconcil$ & cont5t$ ) 8 lot4 ,he kn[s 8 life is unc]ta91 & al?\gh he has no real fai? or well gr\nd$ hope beyond ! pres5t /ate ( exi/5ce1 yet ! ?\ght gives him nei!r anxiety nor conc]n4 ,8 only object is to d good2 to enjoy life :ile x la/s1 to cultivate & improve human nature = ! b5efit ( po/]ity2 to be> ! evils & mis=tunes ( life ) =titude1 & to be unfeign$ly ?ankful = all ! happ9ess ( :i* he is made susceptible4 ,!re=e :e!r 8 life be = a day1 or = et]nity1 x matt]s n1 because1 = ! pres5t1 x is all ! same to him3 8 duties are ! same1 & 8 enjoym5ts are ! same4 ,o h[ happy6 ,h[ inexpressibly happy1 is su* a /ate z ?is6 ,:ile o!rs are fea/+ _! fruitful imag9ations ) ! idle & vision>y dreams ( fanaticism2 ) a k9d ( *im]ical heav5 ( :i* !y "k no?+1 z to its c]ta9ty3 ?is man is 9 heav5 already3 dwell+ 9 love1 he 'dwelle? 9 ,god1 & ,god 9 him4' ,d y n wi%1 my bro!r1 t y c\ld f9d su* a "* among ,*ri/ians8 ,b ,*ri/ianity does n af=d su* a "*1 9 full1 nor is x possible t x ev] %\ld4 ,su* a "*1 h[ev]1 !re may be1 & :5 ! _w1 or any consid]able "p ( !m c receive 8 te/imony1 he may make 8 appe>ance4 ,y seem to ?9k x may be successfully argu$ 't ! moral & religi\s /ate ( man really requir$ a div9e revelation4' ,?is argum5t1 if ,i und]/& y1 gr[s out ( ! ard5t desires ( man2 :i*1 x is admitt$1 w\ld be pretty conclusive if x c\ld be made to appe> t ! desires ( man are nev] fruitless4 ,man1 x is true1 rationally desires happ9ess2 = ?is is ess5tial to 8 moral exi/5ce2 yet1 may he n1 ?r\gh ignorance1 or f "s o!r cause1 suppose ?+s ess5tial to 8 happ9ess1 :i*1 9 fact1 are n ess5tial1 & !re=e ard5tly desire !m8 ,b does x necess>ily foll[ t ! p>ticul> ?+s desir$ 9 su* cases are absolutely necess>y8 & !re=e w absolutely be grant$8 ,i believe n4--,& if he may be ?us deceiv$ 9 any "o ?+1 :y may he n be deceiv$ 9 ! suppos$ necessity ( a div9e revelation8 ,x is believ$ t a p]fect reconciliation to ! pres5t /ate ( man2 to :at he is1 ) ! prospect only ( :at he yet may be 9 ?is life1 )\t ei!r ! hope or ! fe> ( a future exi/5ce1 w\ld be inf9itely bett] ?an any ?+ :i* has yet be5 produc$ by a belief 9 div9e revelation2 especially any fur!r ?an a revelation is conducive to ?is end2 & if a revelation ev] 0 necess>y1 x 0 necess>y only to reconcile man to 8 pres5t /ate ( exi/5ce4 ,b if man c be equally reconcil$ )\t ! k1 or1 :at am\nts to ! same ?+1 )\t ! belief ( div9e revelation1 !n ! end ( su* a revelation is obta9$4 ,x seems to be exp$i5t t ,i %\ld say a few m words1 'respect+ ! apo/les' /at+ no m ?an :at 0 sub/antially true4' ,i hope1 h[ev]1 we %all n lose sight ( ! ma9 subject 9 debate1 by criticis+ on words4 ,i say ma9 subject "h1 z ,i ?9k !re w be no occasion ( say+ any ?+ m on ! subject ( ! languages 9 relation to ! arts & sci5ces4 ,i am n dispos$ to ?9k1 sir1 t y h design$ly wre/$ ! mean+ ( my words2 nor t y are unwill+ to receive my mean+ :5 x is fully und]/ood2 & yet1 hav+ once expla9$ on ?is subject1 ,i am unable to acc\nt = y\r rem>ks4 ,aft] my in=m+ y t y _h miscon/ru$ me1 & also /at+ my mean+1 z ,i suppos$1 m explicitly1 y h in=m$ me t if y\r fir/ con/ruction 0 n my mean+1 x seems t ,i mu/ h meant ! rev]se ( x1 :i*1 ,i mu/ av]1 is z =eign f my mean+ z y\r fir/ con/ruction6 ,= nei!r y\r =m] nor latt] con/ruction 0 9 my m9d :5 ,i wrote ! s5t5ce to :i* ,i allude3 b a diff]5t idea f ei!r ( y\r con/ructions 0 9 my m9d1 & 0 :at ,i meant to /ate2 :i* idea1 z ,i conceive1 is z fairly express$ by my words1 & is a m j con/ruction ( !m1 tak+ into consid]ation ! s5t5ce :i* foll[s1 ?an ei!r ( ! ideas :i* y h express$ z _! mean+4 ,p]mit me !re=e to /ate aga91 t :atev] might h be5 my op9ion respect+ ! writ+s ( ! apo/les1 ,i did n mean to sugge/1 & mu* less to affirm 9 t s5t5ce 't !y /at$ t :i* is n true6'--,nei!r did ,i mean to ackn[l$ge 9 t s5t5ce t !y _h /at$ 'no m' ?an :at is true1 at lea/ 9 sub/ance2 b ,i did mean ?is1 & ?is only1 t admitt+ ^? ?+s 7 true1 all w\ld admit t ! design ( ! apo/les 0 no?+ m ?an to /ate ! tru? ( ^? ?+s 9 sub/ance2 because all w\ld ackn[l$ge t !y 7 n c>eful to be correct z to e m9utiae4 ,b z ?is makes no?+ ei!r = or aga9/ ! ma9 po9t1 ,i wi% to add no m respect+ x1 ?an simply to rem>k1 t ev5 if ! apo/les _h gone on ! opposite extreme ( :at ,i meant ,i %\ld n ?9k !m 'des]v+ ( no cr$it4' ,suppos+ !y _h desc5d$ into m9utiae1 & relat$1 to an exact nicety1 e p>ticul> circum/ance 7:i* is exactly ! rev]se ( :at ,i mean to /ate71 w\ld !y on ?is acc\nt h be5 des]v+ ( no cr$it8 ,i ?9k n4 ,consid]+ ! "t1 h[ev]1 :i* _h elaps$ aft] ! facts are said to h tak5 place1 be=e a hi/ory ( !m 0 giv5 9 writ+1 ,i ?9k ! evangeli/s are entitl$ to m cr$it1 on ! :ole1 ?an :at !y w\ld h be5 if _! te/imony _h borne ! complexion la/ m5tion$4 ,to close ?is lett]1 :i* p]haps is already too long1 ,i w\ld "h ackn[l$ge t z ,i h express$ d\bts 9 ! subject ( div9e revelation1 y h a "r to he> my reasons = d\bt+4 ,^! ,i promis$ to give y 7z ,i ?\ght7 at ! close ( my f\r? numb]4 ,y h in=m$ me1 v]bally1 t ,i promis$ to give y my d\bts only4 ,if ,i did s1 x 0 only a slip ( ! p51 to :i* ,i am too prone2 x 0 my reasons = d\bt+1 :i* ,i meant to h promis$ y2 & 9 my next ,i %all endeavor to fulfil t promise4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,v4 ,de> sir1 & bro!r1--,y\r fif? & six? numb]s 7 receiv$ toge!r1 & w be notic$ 9 ! ord] 9 :i* !y came to h&4 ,y obs]ve t y "k ( no bett] evid5ce t !re ev] 0 su* a /ory report$ among ! ,jews1 9 ! days ( ! apo/les1 ?an !re is to prove ! actual resurrection ( ,jesus1 c4 ,?is sugge/ion leads to ! foll[+ qu]ies4 #a/4 ,0 !re 9 ! days ( ! apo/les1 su* a man kn[n 9 ! c\ntry ( ! ,jews1 z ,jesus ,*ri/8 #b;d4 ,0 ?is man put to dea?1 z ! f\r evangeli/s & o!rs te/ify8 #c;d4 ,did ! apo/les decl>e to ! p :o put him to dea?1 t !y knew t he _h aris5 f ! dead8 #d?4 ,if ! ,jews :o put ,jesus to dea? c\ld g to 8 sepul*re & %[ 8 dead body to ! p1 w\ld ! /ory ( ! resurrection ev] h ga9$ any cr$it among ! ,jews8 #e?4 ,if !y c\ld n f9d ! body ( him :o _h be5 crucifi$1 w\ld ! oppos]s n endeav\r to report some?+ t might appe> z plausible z !y c\ld1 especially z !y _h ! keep+ ( ! sepul*re 9 _! own h&s8 #f?4 ,:at w\ld m naturally sugge/ itself to ! imag9ation ( m51 9 ! situation ( ! rul]s ( ! ,jews1 ?an ! /ory ( ! disciples hav+ /ol5 ! dead body1 c4 ,or1 #g?4 ,0 ?is acc\nt writt5 long s9ce ! apo/les' days1 by an unkn[n au?or1 :o made ! :ole /ory z he wrote x8 ,if ?is la/ "q _c be answ]$ 9 ! affirmative )\t do+ viol5ce to ! mo/ au!ntic te/imony & also to ! pla9e/ dictates ( reason1 x seems to foll[ t ! #f? prec$+ "q1 mu/ be accept$ 9 ! affirmative1 :i* furni%es suffici5t evid5ce to prove t su* a /ory 0 report$ among ! ,jews 9 ! days ( ! apo/les4 ,:e!r y are correct 9 suppos+ !re is z mu* evid5ce to prove ! resurrection z to prove ! report ( ! disciples' hav+ /ol5 ! body1 or n1 x appe>s to me1 t !re is no prop] gr\nd on :i* ! latt] c ev5 be d\bt$4 ,suppose a writ] 9 v9dicat+ believ]'s baptism 9 opposition to ! spr9kl+ ( infants1 %\ld relate a wond]ful /ory conc]n+ ! p]secutions ( ! bapti/s1 9 :i* he %\ld set =? ! p>ticul>s ( "o ( _! lead+ *>act]s hav+ be5 put to dea? by _! oppos]s4 ,9 ?is acc\nt1 ! au?or says2 ,^? murd]]s1 aft] !y put ! man to dea?1 = fe> 8 fri5ds %\ld /eal ! body1 w5t & plac$ a /rong gu>d r\nd ! tomb to wat* = ! space ( ?ree days & nights1 b be=e ! expiration ( ?is p]iod1 ! gu>d came to ! rul]s & make kn[n t ! body is gone1 & ackn[l$ge at ! same "t1 t !re 7 su* wond]s se5 by !m at ! tomb1 t !y 7 unable to endure ! sight & reta9 _! natural p[]s2 t ! rul]s gave !m money to report t a numb] ( ! bapti/s came :ile ! gu>d 0 asleep & /ole ! body--,s !y took ! money1 & did z !y 7 taught3 & ?is say+ is commonly report$ among ! ,pdobapti/s unto ?is day4 ,w\ld ?is /ory appe> any ways to ! advantage ( a cause1 ) :i* reason & common s5se h any ?+ to d8 ,reason1 sir1 = :i* y seem det]m9$ to cont5d1 is c&id2 x readily ackn[l$ges t ! acc\nt ( ?is report among ! ,jews is a true acc\nt4 ,& x ackn[l$ges also t ! tru? ( ?is acc\nt is good evid5ce to prove t ! rul]s ( ! ,jews f\nd x necess>y1 9 ord] to oppose ! tru? ( ! resurrection1 to get su* a report 9 circulation4 ,y h n tak5 me exactly on ! gr\nd ( my argum5t1 9 suppos+ t1 by revelation1 ,i mean no?+ m ?an :at 0 reveal$ to me by ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 all[+ ! resurrection true4 ,my design 0 to consid] ! ?ree propositions1 viz4 revelation1 ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 & ! tru? ( ! te/imony ( ! apo/les1 conc]n+ matt]s ( fact1 true1 disjunctively2 & also to avail myself ( :atev] might arise to ! advantage ( my argum5t f ! relation ( ^! facts4 ,all ?is y w1 z a g5]\s & c&id antagoni/1 be will+ to all[ me to d1 on ! supposition t ! ?ree propositions1 above nam$1 be grant$4 ,= surely no necess>y d$uction f grant$ premises c mislead1 unless :at is grant$ be false4 ,y w fur!rmore see1 t by grant+ ! tru? ( div9e revelation "s degree ( all[ance is giv5 to ! probability1 at lea/1 ( ! te/imony ( ! apo/les respect+ a future /ate4 ,! conf9+ ( ! subject ( revelation1 to t only :i* is reveal$ by ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 seems an unnecess>y re/riction1 :i* c answ] no purpose b to emb>rass an argum5t :i* x w\ld h no real =ce 9 refut+2 = if ! resurrection be admitt$1 :i* af=ds su* an important revelation z gr[s out ( ! fact1 x e/abli%es ! g5]al tru? ( a ,,div9e ,,revelation f ,god to man4 ,?is be+ grant$1 all t /&s 9 a necess>y relation to x may ) propriety be us$ 9 def5ce ( any p>ticul> "q relative to ! g5]al subject4 ,i h already argu$ ! tru? ( :at ! apo/les say ( a future /ate1 f ! facts :i* y grant = ! sake ( ! argum5t1 b y seem to misappreh5d me 9 suppos+ t ,i mean to cont5d1 t :at ! apo/les h said respect+ a future /ate1 0 spok5 by way ( conclusion f c]ta9 kn[n facts4 ,! kn[n facts1 su* z ! miracles ( ,jesus1 8 resurrection1 & ! miracles wr\ght by ! apo/les1 ,i us$ z pro( ( ! div9e mission ( ^! s]vants ( ,god4 ,?is div9e mission be+ prov$1 gives ! gr\nd on :i* ,i cont5d = ! m]it ( _! te/imony conc]n+ a future /ate4 ,y %\ld h reg>d$ my argum5t1 z plac+ ! cr$ibility ( ! apo/les' te/imony conc]n+ a future /ate1 on ! fact ( _! div9e mission1 & n z y seem to h done1 on ! supposition1 t !y c\ld n err 9 draw+ conclusions1 c4 ,y h misund]/ood me also1 9 suppos+ t by ! guess "w ( m51 ,i _h any allusion to ! kn[n miracles relat$ by ! apo/les4 ,:at ,i call$ m]e guess "w ( m51 0 ! op9ions ( ! apo/les on supposition !y 7 n div9ely direct$1 9 ! te/imony !y laid d[n respect+ a future /ate4 ,on ?is p>ticul> subject1 all y h said 9 reply to my reason+1 has no j relation to my argum5t4 ,x 0 expect$1 t 9 relation to ! =ego+ subject1 y w\ld h se5 ! necessity ( ei!r d5y+ ! reality ( ^? miracles1 :i*1 if true1 prove ! div9e mission ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les1 or ( grant+ ! au?ority ( _! te/imony4 ,b 9 room ( f9d+ :at 0 s confid5tly expect$1 ,i f9d ! mi/akes above po9t$ out1 :i* occupy consid]able space1 )\t decid+ any ?+1 or furni%+ gr\nd on :i* ,i feel dispos$ to place any argum5t4 ,! next p>ticul> :i* dem&s notice is /at$ z foll[s3 ,y\r f9al conclusion1 aft] all1 comes s ne> :at ,i conceive to be ! tru?1 t 7 y z correct 9 e ?+ z y appe> to be 9 ?is1 ,i %\ld h>dly ?9k x exp$i5t to pursue ?is controv]sy any fur!r4 ,y !n quote me4 ,! ,*ri/ian is enabl$ to hope = exi/5ce ) ,god 9 an et]nal /ate1 & ?is is z mu* z our pres5t welf>e requires4 ,y rejo92 ,mo/ excell5t6 to ?is proposition ,i *e]fully ass5t4 ,yea1 ,i w\ld cons5t ev5 to prun+ x a little :i* no d\bt w\ld spoil x 9 y\r view4 ,in/ead (1 '?is is z mu* z1' read1 'ev5 ?is is m ?an1' & y\r proposition w\ld /& exactly "r4 ,y assure me t y are 9 se>* ( tru?4--,tru? is ! only design ( y\r he>t4 ,x w\ld be un*>itable 9 me to d\bt y\r s9c]ity4 ,y s9c]ely & *e]fully ass5t to ! above proposition viz4 t ! *ri/ian is enabl$ to hope = exi/5ce ) ,god 9 an et]nal /ate1 & ?is is z mu* z our pres5t welf>e requires4 ,?is y say is mo/ excell5t4 ,b not)/&+ y *e]fully ass5t to ?is proposition1 & c pron\nce x mo/ excell5t6 ,yet y ?9k1 if ! proposition 0 s alt]$ z to all[ u no hope ( a future exi/5ce ) ,god1 x w\ld /& exactly "r6 ,?is v>iation is s small1 ?is diff]5ce is s little t y ?9k if ,i 7 z correct 9 e ?+ z ,i am 9 ?is1 !re w\ld be no ne$ ( pursu+ ?is controv]sy any fur!r6 ,let me ask de> sir1 if su* reason+ z ?is c promise a pr(itable rew>d = our lab\rs1 & a recomp5ce = ! preci\s "t we are sp5d+8 ,! eye ( reason1 ,i say is c&id3 x sees & kn[s1 t if a hope ( exi/5ce ) ,god h]eaft] is m ?an our pres5t welf>e requires1 su* an expectation is awfully dreadful beyond ! p[] ( language to describe4 ,reason kn[s t !re is an inf9ite diff]5ce betwe5 no exi/5ce h]eaft]1 & an et]nal exi/5ce4 ,& x kn[s1 t if ! =m] is exactly :at our pres5t welf>e requires1 ! latt] is completely repugnant to x4 ,) :at y "h cont5d =1 ,i w connect a passage f y\r six? numb]4 ,he kn[s t a belief 9 revelation is n absolutely necess>y to a happy life4 ,by br++ ^! passages toge!r1 ,i am l$ to und]/& :at y mean by ! latt] viz4 t a belief 9 a happy future /ate1 is n necess>y to our pres5t felicity4 ,?is is :at y "k6 ,:at !n are y 9 pursuant (8 ,y pret5d to be e>ne/ly solicit\s to h y\r d\bts respect+ div9e revelation remov$ if possible2 y call on me to assi/ 9 ?is "w z if y view$ x ) deep conc]n4--,if y\r d\bts %\ld be remov$1 if y %\ld be altoge!r conv9c$ t ,god has actually reveal$ ! tru? ( a a happy immortality1 y "k x w\ld add no?+ to y\r happ9ess4 ,fur!rmore y argue1 foll[+ ! passage quot$ f y\r six? numb]1 t ?is belief 9 ! revelation ( a happy futurity is n necess>y to produce a virtu\s life4 ,all[+ all y argue on ?is subject1 y feel sure t a real conviction ( ! tru? ( ! *ri/ian doctr9e1 & hope ( future bless$ness1 w\ld be ( no advantage to y\r virtue or happ9ess6 ,i ask aga91 :at are y 9 pursuit (8 ,y complim5t me too highly 9 y\r encomium on ! s]mon 9 :i* ,i laid d[n t man is s con/itut$ t he is always will+ to ex*ange t :i* gives him tr\ble1 = t :i* gives him com=t4 ,& y adv]t to ?is p>ticul> s5tim5t ( m9e1 9 y\r obs]vations on ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion1 & v ju/ly refuse to all[ him to be an exception ( ! g5]al rule4 ,b are y n an exception ( ?is rule8 ,d y n appe> to be solicit\s to h y\r d\bts remov$ )\t expect+ ! lea/ advantage by x8 ,are y n employ+ y\r "t 9 writ+ volum9\sly on a subject :i* y "k c yield y no recomp5ce8 ,9 se>* aft] ! evid5ces ( ! *ri/ian hope1 y _c say3 :]e is t fai?ful1 t fri5dly witness by :i* ,i c believe1 & believ+1 enjoy z a preci\s reality t hope :i* is z an an*or to ! s\l1 bo? sure & /$fa/2 :i* ent]e? into t )9 ! veil1 :]e our =]unn] ha? = u ent]$2 :i* hope w\ld enable me to s+ t triumphant song2 ,o dea? :]e is ?y /+1 ,o grave :]e is ?y victory8 ,?anks be to ,god :o give? u ! victory ?r\gh our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,no1 ?is hope w\ld add no?+ to y\r happ9ess1 & :at y want x = is n = me to imag9e4 ,y c employ ! p[]s ( lum9\s reason 9 contemplat+ et]nal no?+ ) sweet complac5cy4 ,?is is exactly z x %\ld be6 ,v>y+ f ?is ! proposition w\ld ne$ to be prun$6 ,de> bro!r1 does reason c\nt5ance all ?is absurdity8 ,if x be a pleasure to contemplate non-exi/5ce does x n involve ! absurdity ( enjoy+ ! expectation ( ! discont9uance ( enjoym5t8 ,y h express$1 ) int]jections1 ! value ( tru?4 ,y seem almo/ dispos$ to arrogate to y\rself a peculi> reg>d = ?is div9e treasure4 ,i c fancy ,i he> y\r secret addresses to ?is lovely div9ity2 9 raptur\s language1 ) aspect ( eag] affection say+2 ,o tru?1 ! lovelie/ ( all attractions1 ?\ art balsam = e w\nd1 antidote = e poison2 ?\ sweet5e/ e bitt] cup2 ! gloomy prospect ( liv+1 9 ?y bright sun%9e is by !e *ang$ into ! joy\s expectation ( soon los+ sight ( !e =ev] 9 ! elysium ( non-exi/5ce6 ,i w n burd5 y ) fur!r d$uctions1 s repugnant to ! dictates ( reason2 b ,i w *]i% a hope1 t y w see suffici5t reason = resc9d+ ! argum5ts :i* lead to !m4#a ,footnote #a3 ,p]haps ! read] may be a little a/oni%$ "h1 t ! objector %\ld ev] h cons5t$ to publi% argum5ts :i* makes him appe> s mu* to a disadvantage4 ,b an hone/ objector1 :o has be5 s bl9d to 8 own he>t z n to p]ceive ! real cause ( a p]fect reconciliation to ! g5]al provid5ce ( ,god1 in/ead ( feel+ *agr9$1 w feel grateful1 :5 8 errors are hone/ly expos$4 ,believ+1 !re=e1 t o!rs may be 9 ! same pr$icam5t1 ^! argum5ts are publi%$ to ! _w4 ,on supposition div9e revelation be true1 y agree ) me on ! subject :]e9 ,i diff] f ! g5]al op9ion1 t a k ( ! gospel 9 ?is _w is indisp5sable to ! s\l's felicity 9 ! next1 b y are confid5t t ?is my s5tim5t w be view$ by ! ,*ri/ian _w 9 g5]al1 ) great] abhorr5ce ?an ev5 y\r own argum5ts1 c4 ,& y hope ,i am prep>$ = ! consequ5ces4 ,reply--,i h little or no conc]n ab\t :at op9ion reput$ or?odoxy may ent]ta9 ( ! tru?s :i* reason & revelation h>monize 9 support+1 nor am v c>eful ab\t any prep>ation to meet ! consequ5ces :i* may result f ! insep>able companions1 sup]/ition & ignorance4 ,9 my view1 ! commonly receiv$ op9ion1 on ! subject "u consid]ation1 is no m reasonable1 ?an ! supposition t ! happ9ess & wellbe+ ( our *ildr51 9 ?is _w1 dep5d on _! hav+ _h a correct k ( _! p>5ts1 ( _! wisdom & p>5tal provid5ce = !m1 be=e !y 7 born4 ,! wisdom & goodness ( ,god1 accord+ to scripture & reason1 are univ]sal4 ,! ignorance ( mortals conc]n+ !m1 on ! "o h&1 makes !m no less1 & _! k1 on ! o!r makes !m no great]4 ,we mu/ duly reg>d1 h[ev]1 ! evid5t fact1 t ! enjoym5t ( reasonable be+s1 is ext5d$ by ! ext5sion ( k1 :i* r5d]s acquirem5ts 9 sci5ce & div9ity an object ( ! fir/ magnitude4 ,! s5tim5t :i* y express on ! above subject is :at ,i am well p]suad$ c nev] be refut$1 & x appe>s to me t by plac+ ! sy/em ( div9e revelation on ! gr\nd above notic$1 x is r5d]$ free f ^! absurdities :i* h r5d]$ x exceptionable to ! eye ( reason & philosophy4 ,! gospel ( ev]la/+ life1 l all real sci5ce1 has always exi/$1 b l ! sci5ces1 has be5 develop$ by degrees1 & br\ght to ! und]/&+ ( mank9d z a mean ( ref9em5t1 improvem5t1 & ( con=mity to mortal pr9ciples1 z express$ by t em95t div9e ,/4 ,paul1 #b ,cor4 #e1 #ah1 #ai1 #bj4 ,& all ?+s are ( ,god1 :o ha? reconcil$ u to himself by ,jesus ,*ri/1 & ha? giv5 to u ! m9i/ry ( reconciliation2 to wit1 t ,god 0 9 ,*ri/ reconcil+ ! _w unto himself1 n imput+ _! trespasses unto !m3 & ha? committ$ unto u ! ^w ( reconciliation4 ,n[ !n we are ambassadors = ,*ri/1 z ?\gh ,god did besee* y by u2 we pray y 9 ,*ri/'s /ead1 be ye reconcil$ to ,god4 ,n[ to suppose t m51 :o on acc\nt ( _! ignorance ( ! gospel are unreconcil$ to ,god1 :o has und]tak5 ! graci\s "w ( reconcil+ !m to himself1 n imput+ _! trespasses unto !m1 are on acc\nt ( _! unreconciliation exclud$ f be+ ! objects ( div9e fav\r is a gr& absurdity to say ! lea/4 ,! fact is1 ! gospel is a disp5sation ( g5]al fav\r1 & x actually communicates _m invaluable bless+s to ^? :o "k no?+ ( its div9e pr9ciples4 ,!re are millions ( p 9 ! _w :o are bless$ 9 a great v>iety ( respects by means ( civil gov]nm5t1 :o "k no?+ ( ! pr9ciples ( ! gov]nm5ts by :i* !y are protect$4 ,h[ _m bless+s are con/antly fall+1 z x 7 l a %[]1 on our infants & y\? 9 ,am]ica1 f ! fav\rable gov]nm5t ( our happy c\ntry1 & yet ^! *ildr5 "k n ! diff]5ce betwe5 an absolute mon>*y & a republic4 ,h[ _m millions ( ! human race are daily f$ f ! products ( agriculture1 :o "k no?+ ( ! pr9ciples :i* produce ^? ri* supplies4 ,s !re are multitudes :o enjoy _m bless+s procur$ by ! gospel ( ,*ri/1 :o h no k ( ! sublime pr9ciples ( ?is religion4 ,b "h aga9 ,i w repeat ! rem>k1 t our rational felicity is greatly increas$ by an ext5sion ( our k 9 ! pr9ciples ( ! doctr9e ( ,jesus1 :i* consid]ation is a prop] inc5tive to gr[ 9 grace & 9 ! k ( our ,"l & ,savi\r ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,k is food = ! m9d & n\ri%es & /r5g!ns x z alim5t does ! body4 ,our y\? le>n to read ! books :i* !y are fav\r$ ) 9 consequ5ce ( ! discov]y ( ! art ( pr9t+1 & !y obta9 great advantages by means ( ^? books1 :ile !y rema9 entirely ignorant1 _m ( !m1 ( ! art by :i* su* a fav\r is put into _! h&s4 ,b /ill x is heal?y to ! y\?ful m9d1 to receive ! k ( ?is & o!r arts1 & ev5 to "k t an art s ext5sively useful 0 n kn[n 9 ! _w f\r hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,a p]son on be+ in=m$ ( ! fir/ discov]y ( ?is art1 & ( its be+ practic$1 9 ! fir/ place1 ) sep>ate wood5 types1 might be dispos$ to d\bt ! ignorance ( m5 9 ^? times4 ,he might ?9k x incr$ible t any ?+ s easy1 t ev5 *ildr5 c p]=m 0 unkn[n to ! le>n$ _w 9 ^? times :5 le>n+ fl\ri%$ 9 anci5t ,greece & ,rome4 ,& ,i am ( op9ion t _m n[1 :o are dispos$ to d\bt ! circum/ances :i* att5d$ ! fir/ promulgation ( ! gospel1 & ev5 call !mselves unbeliev]s1 d 9 reality1 owe ev5 _! exi/5ce & ( c\rse e bless+ !y enjoy to ^? facts ( :i* !y n[ d\bt4 ,yes1 sir1 ! light ( reason1 & ! k ( moral pr9ciples1 on :i* y feel dispos$ to place s mu* consequ5ce1 ,i am incl9$ to believe are reflections ( t light :i* 0 ! delightful !me ( ! evangelical ,isaiah1 *apt]s #f1 #g1 #h4 ,i ! ,"l ha? call$ !e 9 righte\sness1 & w hold ?9e h&1 & w keep !e1 & give !e = a cov5ant ( ! p1 = a light ( ! ,g5tiles2 to op5 ! bl9d eyes1 to br+ out ! prison]s f ! prison1 & !m t sit 9 d>kness out ( ! prison h\se4 ,i am ! ,"l2 t is my "n3 & my glory w ,i n give to ano!r1 nor my praise to grav5 images4 ,am ,i deceiv$1 sir1 or is x evid5t1 t ! glori\s ,,light :i* illum9ates our moral hemisph]e1 & di/+ui%es our c\ntry f b>b>ism & savage ignorance1 is ! gospel8 ,! "n ( ,jesus1 8 doctr9e1 ! re=mation1 sec$+ f ! ,*ur* ( ,engl& & p]secution = consci5ce sake1 rank z causes ( ! settlem5t ( ,new ,engl& by our =efa!rs1 & ( ! exi/5ce ( ! m5 :o are c>ry+ on ?is correspond5ce4 ,?is is m5tion$ ) a view to direct y\r m9d to ! consid]ation ( t c\rse ( causes & effects by :i* we are enabl$ to reason on :at wo call moral & physical pr9ciples4 ,& a hope is ent]ta9$ t due reg>d w be paid to ?is self-evid5t fact1 t no?+ ev] took place )\t an adequate cause to produce x4 ,) ?is reflection1 ,i come to notice y\r rem>ks on ! subject ( ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion2 = x appe>s to me t y h all[$ c]ta9 facts )\t assign+ any adequate causes by :i* ^? facts came to exi/4 ,y make no attempt to d5y t !re 0 su* a man z ,/4 ,paul1 nor d y d5y 8 hav+ be5 educat$1 & religi\sly in/ruct$ z ! scripture hi/ory conc]n+ ?is man sets =?4 ,b y assign no reason :y he became a believ] 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 y assign no reason = 8 becom+ a prea*] ( ! doctr9e ( ,jesus1 y assign no reason :y he %\ld s pati5tly suff] = ! religion1 ! tru? ( :i* y are n[ call+ 9 "q4 ,y all[ t be=e 8 conv]sion he p]secut$ unto dea? ! weak & def5celess disciples ( ! meek & l[ly ,jesus4 ,b y assign no reasons :y weak & def5celess m5 %\ld become ! disciples ( ,jesus4 ,y w\ld fa9 ins9uate t :at he relates ( ! p>ticul> circum/ance :i* happ5$ to him on 8 way to ,damascus 0 a m]e rev]ie4 ,b y make no attempt to %[ h[ su* a rev]ie c\ld produce 9 ?is le>n$ ph>isee a belief t ,jesus1 :o 0 crucifi$ _h actually arose f ! dead1 :5 !re 7 n ev5 ! %ad[ ( evid5ce exi/+ to prove su* an improbable fact4 ,y are incl9$ to ?is notion ( a rev]ie on acc\nt ( "s exp]i5ce ( y\r own1 :i* y\r good s5se & aft] reflection h discov]$ to be no?+ on :i* dep5d5ce ought to be plac$4 ,sir1 :]e is ! simil>ity ( y\r case ) t ( ! le>n$ ph>isee8 ,d y really believe y ev] exp]i5c$ a rev]ie1 t w\ld g 9 ! lea/ to cause y to believe 9 ! resurrection ( a man :o 0 hang$ 9 y\r sight1 & :o y knew 0 buri$1 & ( ^: resurrection y _h no evid5ce1 only a vague rev]ie8 ,d y believe y ev] exp]i5c$ a m]e imag9ation :i* 0 /rong en\gh to produce ! above belief1 & :i* c\ld cont9ue to influ5ce y all y\r life long1 lead y to =sake a mo/ hon\rable connexion1 & to esp\se a religion :i* all ! prejudices ( y\r education oppos$1 & to lab\r cont9ually = its support & to suff] e ?+ = its def5ce8 ,no1 y pret5d to no su* ?+1 !re=e y\r case is v diff]5t f ,/4 ,paul's4 ,i agree ) y1 t ! case ( ?is apo/le comes "u ! rule :i* y recollect ,i sugge/$ 9 my s]mon4 ,he und\bt$ly view$ ! religion :i* he receiv$ 9 room ( ! "o he p>t$ ) ! mo/ valuable4 ,& to ?is agrees 8 own te/imony4 ,phil4 iii4 #g1 c4 ,b :at ?+s 7 ga9 to me1 ^? ,i c\nt$ loss = ,*ri/4 ,yea1 d\btless1 & ,i c\nt all ?+s b loss = ! excell5cy ( ! k ( ,*ri/ ,jesus my ,"l2 = :om ,i h suff]$ ! loss ( all ?+s1 & d c\nt !m b dung t ,i may w9 ,*ri/1 & be f\nd 9 him1 n hav+ m9e own righte\sness1 :i* is ( ! law1 b t :i* is ?r\gh ! fai? ( ,*ri/1 ! righte\sness :i* is ( ,god by fai?4 ,z y promise to say m on ?is subject1 ,i %all cont9ue to expect an attempt to d5y ! conv]sion ( su* a man z ,/4 ,paul is set =? to h be51 to ! ,*ri/ian religion1 "u all ! circum/ances :i* ! scripture acc\nt m5tions2 or an attempt to %[ t su* a conv]sion c\ld probably take place )\t suppos+ ! facts on :i* ! religion ( ,*ri/ 0 f\nd$ 7 realities2 or la/ly1 an ackn[l$gm5t t ?is conv]sion may reasonably be all[$ z evid5ce to u ( ! tru? ( ! ,*ri/ian religion4 ,%\ld y be dispos$ to disall[ ! acc\nt :i* ! scripture gives ( ,/4 ,paul1 ,i w ask ! fav\r ( y to po9t out & %[ to my und]/&+ :]e 9 ,paley's ,horae ,paul9ae fails ( prov+ ! tru? ( ! scripture hi/ory ( ,/4 ,paul4 99 99 99 99 99 ,:at foll[s is design$ to notice y\r six? numb]2 out ( :i* ! foll[+ subjects are select$1 on :i* "s rem>ks are made4 #a/4 ,y obs]ve t :5 we he> ?+s1 :i* to our und]/&+ are improbable1 ! improbability ( ! facts raises a d\bt 9 our m9ds2 & c]ta9ly !re c be no h>m 9 susp5d+ our judgm5t1 nor yet 9 )hold+ our belief until we are fully satisfi$4 ,?is fir/ subject reg>ds ! degrees ( evid5ces :i* are requir$ 9 diff]5t cases1 & ! moral propriety ( )hold+ ! ass5t ( ! m9d 9 ! case ( a want ( evid5ce4 #b;d4 ,y are n dispos$ to d\bt t _m ( ! prophets 7 good m52 nor w y cont5d t !y 7 n all su*1 & taught ! p accord+ to ! be/ ( _! abilities--,& yet y hesitate to all[ ! div9ity ( _! te/imony4 #c;d4 ,i notice t y ackn[l$ge t !re are evid5ces 9 fav\r ( div9e revelation1 :i* w\ld support x1 if !re 7 no?+ to c\nt]balance _! te/imony4 #d?4 ,y h>dly "k h[ to und]/& me :]e ,i sugge/1 t 9 disprov+ ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 y disprove all religion1 c4 #e?4 ,an inquiry :e!r ,jesus & ! apo/les might n be hone/ m51 & yet _! te/imony 9 c]ta9 cases n to be reli$ on6 #f?4 ,y suppose t argum5ts equally en]getic & equally conclusive might be drawn f our feel+s aga9/1 z 9 fav\r ( ! necessity ( div9e revelation4 #g?4 ,9 enum]at+ ! virtues & enjoym5ts ( "o :o does n ev5 desire a future /ate1 y m5tion unfeign$ ?ankfulness = all ! happ9ess ( :i* he is made susceptible4 #h?4 ,y ass]t1 t if a revelation ev] 0 necess>y1 x 0 necess>y only to reconcile man to 8 pres5t /ate efexi/5ce4 ,&1 #i?4 ,y seem to fault me = suppos+ t 9 case y did n mean z ,i took y1 on ! subject ( ! apo/les' te/imony1 y mu/ mean ! rev]se1 c4 ,^! n9e p>ticul>s1 x is true1 d n compreh5d e item conta9$ 9 y\r six? numb]1 b ,i believe t a c&id reply to ea* ( !m w satisfy y t a compet5t degree ( att5tion has be5 paid to ?is communication4 #a/4 ,conc]n+ ! degrees ( evid5ce requir$ 9 c]ta9 cases to c>ry conviction ( facts to ! m9d2 x has always be5 all[$ by ^? :o h v9dicat$ ! religion ( ,jesus1 t a belief 9 miracles requires m evid5ce ?an a belief 9 ord9>y ev5ts record$ 9 hi/ory4 ,hav+ grant$ ?is !y proce$ to associate ! evid5ces1 :i* ,god 9 8 div9e economy has giv5 & pres]v$1 & conclude ) grateful assurance t ! evid5ce ( ! miracles ( ,jesus1 8 unspeakably glori\s resurrection f ! dead1 toge!r ) ! miracles ) :i* ! fir/ promulgation ( ! gospel 0 effect$1 are abundantly suffici5t to c>ry conviction to va/ly ! greate/ "p ( c&id m9ds4 ,9 ! mode ! la/ s5t5ce is conclud$1 ,i mu/1 9 ju/ice to o!rs1 take ! s5tim5t !re express$ to myself2 = ,i am sorry to say t *ri/ians1 :o h cont5d$ aga9/ infidelity h1 g5]ally1 be5 less *>itable ?an ! g5ius ( ! religion !y h1 9 _m respects1 mo/ ably def5d$4 ,i _c f9d au?ority = d5y+ c&or to "o :o is unable to believe on ! gr\nd ( su* evid5ce z may satisfy my m9d ( a fact4 ,i w !re=e suppose t "s :o are c&id1 may1 f "s cause :i* we _c analyze1 be unable to believe ! great tru?s ( ! gospel1 on su* evid5ce z is abundantly suffici5t to conv9ce o!rs :o are z scrupul\s z necess>y inve/igation requires4 ,x is1 sir1 ! op9ion ( "s v le>n$ au?ors1 :o /& 9 ! v fir/ rank1 = c&or & erudition1 t ! pro(s ( :i* ! gospel is susceptible are1 9 all respects1 equal to :at !y c\ld h be5 9 any o!r way conc]t$1 )9 ! rea* ( human conception4 ,?is is go+ to a great l5g? ,i confess2 & yet ,i am /rongly incl9$ to _! op9ion4 ,i w c&idly /ate :y ,i am s4--#a/4 ,tak+ ! subject 9 ! gross1 ,i am conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! gospel ( ,*ri/4 ,n[ z ,i believe ?is gospel is n ( man1 b ( ,god1 ,i likewise believe t ,god 9 consummate wisdom has plann$ ! evid5ces by :i* x is & w be support$ 9 ! _w1 until x fills ! :ole e>?4 #b;d4 ,z ,i believe t div9e wisdom has plann$1 ord]$ & direct$ all ! means :i* w f9ally op]ate z evid5ces 9 def5ce ( ! gospel1 ,i _c believe t ! wisdom or sagacity ( man c\ld h sugge/$ a *a9 ( evid5ces :i* c\ld s well h secur$ ! cause to be support$4 ,& #c;d4 ,i h sp5t mu* "t 9 reflect+ & /udy+ on ?is mom5t\s subject1 "s "t 9 read+ au?ors on bo? sides ( ! "q1 a great deal ( "t 9 read+ ! scriptures1 & h come to ?is conclusion t no set ( m5 ev] liv$ 9 ?is _w t c\ld ei!r h plann$ su* a s*eme z ! gospel1 or ev] h inv5t$ su* a *a9 ( evid5ces = its support4 ,if ! s+le miracle ( ! resurrection be consid]$1 z ! fact on :i* all o!r facts relat+ to ! gospel seem to re/1 x is confid5tly believ$ t no human inv5tion c\ld h conc]t$ a sy/em s well calculat$ to secure ! fact to all future g5]ations1 z t :i* has be5 adopt$ by ! div9e economy4 ,_h ! :ole ( ! ,jewi% nation ) _! ,g5tile neighb\rs1 toge!r ) ! ,roman au?orities1 all confess$ ,*ri/ianity1 be+ fully conv9c$ ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 & _h !y inscrib$ all ! miracles record$ 9 ! new te/am5t on monum5ts :i* %\ld defy ! h& ( "t to br+ !m to decay1 x requires b a mom5t's reflection to see t all ?is w\ld h va/ly increas$ ! difficulty n[ to prove t x 0 n all contriv$ by man's inv5tion4 ,b let u consid] ! unbelief ( ! ,jews1 ! viol5t opposition ( t anci5t prie/hood1 its coalition ) ! ,roman gov]nm5t aga9/ ! gospel1 ! great jeal\sy :i* ! ackn[l$g$ miracles ( ,jesus _h excit$1 ! vigilance by :i* he 0 wat*$ by 8 religi\s enemies1 ! c>eful scrut9y employ$ to discov] fraud 9 8 miracles if x 7 possible2 & !n add to ^! consid]ations t ! miracles ( ,jesus 7 publically p]=m$1 & ( su* a nature z to admit ( ! easie/ possible detection if !y _h n be5 real3 & f9ally to dis>m unbelief at once1 consid] t ! m9i/ry ( ! gospel 0 set up by ! apo/les1 on ! bold decl>ation t ,god _h rais$ ! crucifi$ ,jesus f ! dead6 ,a decl>ation1 :i* if x _h n be5 true1 m>k well1 sir1 c\ld h be5 z easily refut$ & r5d]$ ! d]ision ( all p z any decl>ation t c\ld h be5 made4 ,b ,i %all lose myself1 & =get t y h n yet call$ my att5tion s directly to ?is subject1 z to ju/ify my ent]+ l>gely into x4 ,:at y h said on ! subject ( believ+ 9 ! te/imony ( ,david1 t ! ,"l is good to all1 & 8 t5d] m]cies are ov] all 8 works1 also ! same s5tim5t communicat$ by ,jesus ,*ri/1 t ,god loves 8 enemies & t he requires ( u ! same ex]cise t[>ds our enemies1 ?\gh p]fectly reasonable1 z ,i view ! subject1 seems to call up ! "q1 h[ x happ5s t ?\s&s ( pr(ess$ ,*ri/ians1 :o believe 9 ! miracles ( ,jesus1 8 resurrection & ! miracles ( ! apo/les1 are not)/&+ ho/ile to ?is div9e & glori\s s5tim5t ( ! bless$ ,jesus6 ,be+ compell$1 by ! visible evid5ces ( div9e goodness1 se5 9 ! ra9 & sun%9e1 !y advance s f> z to ackn[l$ge t temporal fav\rs are g5]ally di/ribut$1 b t ,god does really love ! wick$1 !y utt]ly d5y4 ,n[ :ile y c believe ?is great moral tru? )\t a miracle1 ,*ri/ian p 9 g5]al _c believe x ) "o4 ,y are n to suppose t ,i am will+ to all[ t y believe ?is s5tim5t )\t a miracle1 ?\gh y w\ld ins9uate1 t ?is is ! case4 ,my op9ion is1 t _h x n be5 = ! miracles record$ 9 ! new te/am5t1 ! tru? ( :i* y are dispos$ to call 9 "q1 y & ,i1 if we _h exi/$1 w\ld h _h no m light on ?is subject ?an ! rude/ savage1 or :at is worse1 ! mo/ sup]/iti\s & contract$ ,*ri/ian4 ,if y h any gr\nd on :i* y c fairly refute my op9ion on ?is subject1 ,i hope y w fai?fully p]=m x2 if n1 x w be expect$ t y w express y\r acquiesc5ce4 ,su* is ! p[] ( natural prejudice :i* we "k exi/s 9 ! human m9d1 t )\t a div9e revelation f ,god1 support$ by ! mo/ evid5t miracles1 man w n ext5d 8 views ( div9e b5evol5ce sc>cely beyond ! riv]s & m\nta9s :i* environ ! circumscrib$ vic9ity ( 8 bir?4 ,trace ! p[] & op]ation ( ?is prejudice & y f9d x ma9ta9+ ho/ility aga9/ ! light ( revelation itself1 & x is only by sl[ degrees t x is br\ght into submission4 ,we reason v injudici\sly :5 we br+ ourselves to believe1 t by ! light ( reason we c\ld "k & und]/& all ! moral tru?s :i* we h be5 taught by revelation2 we =get t revelation has illum9at$ our reason & taught x h[ to see & und]/&4--,j z well might ! sprightly y\? refuse to ackn[l$ge t its "m le>n$ x to walk1 & ev] gave x n\ri%m5t & /r5g? to p]=m ! ex]cise1 & allege t x c walk z well z %e c4 ,z well might ! le>n$ graduate refuse ! grateful hon\rs due to 8 in/ructors1 & say3 my reason1 my und]/&+ compreh5d ^! sci5ces1 ( :at use !n are ^! le>n$ pr(essors & ?is college in/itution8 ,b w\ld n reason po9t him to ! condition ( ^?1 to :om ! bless+s ( in/ruction1 :i*1 ?r\gh mu* difficulty _h giv5 him ! light ( sci5ce1 _h n ext5d$8 ,w\ld x n =ce ! comp>ison on 8 und]/&+1 & humble him into gratitude8 ,x seems impossible1 sir1 = reason to comp>e our situation ) !irs1 :o h n be5 enlight5$ by ! gospel1 )\t kneel+1 l ! woman 9 ,simon's h\se1 at ! feet ( ,jesus4 #b;d4 ,if ! prophets :]e n div9ely inspir$1 w y sugge/ any way by :i* _! pret5tions to div9e inspiration c be reconcil$ ) _! hone/y8 ,!y all speak 9 ! "n ( ! ,"l1 & evid5tly aim at ! high pret5tion ( be+ spok5 to1 9 a special mann]1 by ,god himself4 ,w y say3 !y 7 a set ( poor delud$ en?usia/s8 ,b ?is w\ld contradict y\r reason :i* c see 9 e page ( _! writ+s a v diff]5t "*4 ,a passage f ! #a/ *apt] ( ,j]emiah is "h quot$ = an example4 ,!n ! ^w ( ! ,"l came unto me1 say+1 be=e ,i =m$ !e c4 ,i sanctifi$ !e2 & ,i orda9$ !e a prophet unto ! nations4 ,!n said ,i1 ah1 ,"l ,god6 behold1 ,i _c speak1 = ,i am a *ild3 ,b ! ,"l said unto me1 say n1 ,i am a *ild3 = ?\ %alt g to all t ,i %all s5d !e1 & :atsoev] ,i comm& !e ?\ %alt speak4 ,be n afraid ( _! faces2 = ,i am ) !e to deliv] !e1 sai? ! ,"l4 ,!n ! ,"l put =? 8 h& & t\*$ my m\?2 & ! ,"l said unto me1 behold1 ,i h put my words 9 ?y m\?4 ,"h ,j]emiah evid5tly design$ to decl>e himself an inspir$ prophet ( ,god1 by :i* he 0 ju/ifi$ 9 speak+ 9 8 "n4 ,n[ if all ?is 0 m]e fiction1 h[ c x be entitl$ to a bett] "* ?an t ( blasphemy8 ,z a specim5 ( ?is prophet's k ( future ev5ts we may notice 8 prophesy ( ! sev5ty ye>s captivity4 ,see *ap4 xxv4 #aa1 c4 xxix4 #aj1 c4 ,comp>e ) #b ,k+s xxiv4 #b ,*ron4 xxxvi4 ,ezra i4 #a1 & o!r correspond+ passages4 ,i w ask y to consult ! "* ( ,daniel1 & obs]ve ) :at g5u9e humility he pret5ds to div9e inspiration1 *ap4 ii4 xxx4 ,b z = me1 ! secret is n reveal$ to me = any wisdom t ,i h m ?an any liv+1 b t ! secret might be made kn[n1 & t ?\ mighte/ "k ! ?\ghts ( ?y he>t4 ,if ,daniel did n receive a div9e revelation1 x mu/ be all[$ t he 0 deceiv$1 or t he meant to deceive ! k+4 ,b if he 7 deceiv$1 or if he meant to deceive1 c y give any good acc\nt h[ he c\ld tell ! k+'s dream & ! int]pretation1 :i* rea*$ into ! f> di/ant p]iods ( "t1 & :i* has be5 rem>kably fulfill$ 9 ! rise & fall ( ! f\r great empires ( ! _w1 & is /ill fulfill+ by ! advances ( ! k+dom ( ,*ri/8 ,i w say no?+ ( ! prophet ,isaiah1 :o speaks ( ! ,messiah m ?an sev5 hundr$ ye>s be=e he 0 born1 z if he _h be5 8 contempor>y4 ,nor ne$ ,i speak ( ,moses :o =etold ! deal+s ( ,god ) ! h\se ( ,israel z if he _h liv$ n[ & _h writt5 _! hi/ory4 ,b ,i mu/ insi/ on y\r pay+ "s nice att5tion to ! prophesies ( ,*ri/ conc]n+ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,?is prophesy is record$ v circum/antially 9 ! #bd? ( ,matt4 ,be s good1 sir1 z to comp>e ?is prophesy ) ! hi/ory writt5 by ,josephus & let c&or decide :e!r ! au?or ( t prophesy 0 div9ely inspir$1 or :e!r he 0 a poor deceiv$ en?usia/4 ,if y all[ t ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 an hone/ man h[ is x possible = y to d5y 8 be+ div9ely inspir$8 ,he c]ta9ly pret5d$ to =etell ev5ts2 he mo/ surely pret5d$ to p]=m mo/ a/oni%+ miracles4 ,( ^! facts we h z mu* evid5ce z we h t !re 0 su* a man4 ,n[1 sir1 if he 7 hone/1 he 0 div9ely inspir$ & endu$1 or he 0 an en?usia/ ev5 to insanity4 ,& yet 9 e in/ance1 :]e ! p[]s ( 8 m9d 7 tri$1 by ! pr(\nde/ le>n+1 & %>pe/ wit t c\ld be br\ght aga9/ him1 he discov]$ a m9d z cle> z light4 ,a volume ( va/ ext5t c\ld n exhau/ ! subject ,i am n[ ^u1 b z y h ! same opportunity & means :i* ,i h to trace x1 ,i %all insi/ on y\r treat+ ?is subject ) c&or & %all expect y to ackn[l$ge t ,jesus 0 div9ely inspir$1 or %[ h[ he c\ld be hone/1 )\t ?is div9e end[m5t4 #c;d4 ,y ackn[l$ge1 t !re are evid5ces 9 fav\r ( div9e revelation1 :i* w\ld support x1 if !re 7 no?+ to c\nt]balance _! te/imony4 ,i %all "h f9d "s fault4 ,:y d y all[ t !re are evid5ces 9 fav\r ( div9e revelation1 & n /ate :at !y are8 ,:y d y ins9uate t !re is some?+ to c\nt]balance _! te/imony & n /ate :at x is8 ,:5 an antagoni/ f9ds 8 oppon5t c&id en\gh to all[ t "s evid5ce /&s on 8 side ( ! argum5t is x n necess>y = him at ! same "t to be in=m$ :at x is8 ,does he n ne$ to "k :at 8 oppon5t is will+ to all[ to be evid5ce8 ,& does he n likewise ne$ to "k h[ ?is evid5ce is c\nt]balanc$8 ,h[ev]1 z y h n fav\r$ me ) su* necess>y assi/ance1 ,i w attempt to proce$ )\t x4 ,b "h ,i mu/ g p>tly on presumption & p>tly by guess4 ,9 ! fir/ place ,i w inquire :at p>ticul> circum/ance record$ 9 scripture1 :i*1 if true1 w\ld sub/antiate revelation2 & :i* y may suppose !re is evid5ce suffici5t to prove1 if !re 0 no?+ to c\nt]balance x8 ,?is ,i w presume is ! resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,:y ,i ?9k y w\ld be mo/ likely to h ?is p>ticul> 9 y\r m9d1 is1 because on ?is ev5t1 ,i believe all w agree1 dep5d ! validity ( ! prophecies1 ! tru? ( ! te/imony ( ,*ri/ himself1 & ! au?ority ( ! apo/les4 ,i w !n presume t y ackn[l$ge t !re is evid5ce ( ?is wond]ful fact2 b at ! same "t ,i am to und]/&1 t1 9 y\r m9d !re is some?+ to c\nt]balance1 9 "s degree1 if n entirely1 ?is evid5ce4 ,hav+ proce$$ s f>1 ,i am n[ to guess :at ! evid5ce is t y ?9k w\ld support ?is all important fact1 if x 7 n c\nt]balanc$4 ,b "h ,i f9d myself 9 difficulty4 ,my difficulty is 9 f9d+ any k9d ( evid5ce :i* c\ld prove su* an ev5t1 if !re 7 no?+ to c\nt]balance x1 t c\ld possibly be c\nt]balanc$4 ,w y say t ! te/imony ( ! disciples1 t !y _h se5 ! man alive aft] 8 dea? w\ld be suffici5t evid5ce to prove ! fact8 ,suppose twelve m5 ( hone/ fame1 %\ld report1 & ev5 depose1 t ! la/ man :o 0 publicly execut$ 9 ,bo/on1 _h actually arose f ! dead1 & t !y _h ate & drank ) him a numb] ( times s9ce he 0 execut$4 ,%\ld y suppose ?is suffici5t evid5ce1 if !re 7 no?+ to d x away8 ,b :at c\ld d x away8 ,if ! p c\ld g to ! grave & f9d ! body !re1 ! te/imony ( ! twelve w\ld rema9 no evid5ce at all1 & !re=e c\ld n aft]w>ds be call$ evid5ce suffici5t to support ! fact if !re 7 no?+ to c\nt]balance x4 ,b suppose ! p _c f9d ! body1 w\ld x n be ?\ght t ! body might possibly h be5 convey$ away by design ( "s :o might h occasion to keep x a secret8 ,b a gu>d is plac$ to wat* ! grave2 b a gu>d might be brib$4 ,! "o we h acc\nt ( 0 brib$1 accord+ to ! /ory2 & if !y c\ld be brib$ by ! *ief prie/s & rul]s1 :y n by "s body else8 ,f9ally1 w\ld ! te/imony ( ^! m5 be suffici5t to prove su* an extraord9>y fact ev5 if ! body c\ld n be f\nd8 ,i ?9k = myself1 t v>i\s op9ions w\ld result f su* evid5ce4 ,"s w\ld believe t ^! m5 _h ent]$ into "s v extraord9>y plot1 & calculat$ t !y %\ld be mo/ likely to succe$ by means ( p]suad+ ! p t !y 7 fav\r$ ) a k ( ?is resurrection4 ,o!rs might believe !m hone/ m51 b by "s crafty contrivance impos$ on4 ,o!rs might believe t ! _s ( ?is man _h appe>$ to ! twelve1 b t no real resurrection _h tak5 place4 ,b ,i v mu* d\bt :e!r any v /able p w\ld consid] ! te/imony ( ! twelve m5 suffici5t to support ?is fact if !re 7 no?+ br\ght1 or if no?+ c\ld be br\ght aga9/ x4 ,su* a circum/ance w\ld no d\bt cause a great deal ( talk1 ! depositions & ! names ( ! depon5ts w\ld be publi%$ 9 ! newspap]s1 p]haps = sev]al weeks1 b aft] a little "t x w\ld die away4 ,f9ally1 ,i _c conceive ( any evid5ce t c\ld suffici5tly support ! fact t ,jesus :o 0 crucifi$1 did actually rise f ! dead1 if no?+ c\ld be br\ght to c\nt]balance x1 t c\ld possibly admit ( be+ c\nt]balanc$4 ,! "q seems to rema91 & ! sub/ance ( x is ?is4 #a/4 ,if ,jesus did actually rise f ! dead :at k9d ( evid5ce w\ld 8 disciples ne$ 9 ord] to be satisfi$ ( ! fact8 ,& #b;d4 ,:at k9d ( evid5ce mu/ !y be able to br+ to ! p 9 ord] to conv9ce !m ( ! fact8 ,i w "h suppose t x is n necess>y to prove t ! disciples ( ,jesus1 :o prea*$ him & 8 resurrection all _! lives aft] !y comm5c$ at ! day ( p5teco/1 really believ$ :at !y prea*$2 b ! evid5ce by :i* !y believ$ x ,i n[ inquire =4 ,we mu/ notice t ! disciples did n expect ! resurrection1 !y 7 n believ]s ( ?is fact :5 _! ma/] 0 crucifi$4 ,!y 7 awfully disappo9t$1 & n only disappo9t$ b intimidat$1 z ! acc\nt fully %[s4 ,!y all =sook ,jesus at 8 trial1 & ,pet] = fe> ( be+ involv$ ) him d5i$ be+ 8 disciple4 ,! evid5ce !n ( 8 resurrection mu/ be su* z w conv9ce ^? ( ! fact :o h no expectation ( ! ev5t4 ,we w n[ look at ! acc\nt4 ,& :5 ! ,sabba? 0 pa/1 ,m>y ,magdal5e1 & ,m>y ! "m ( ,james1 & ,salome1 _h br\ght sweet spices1 t !y might come & ano9t him4 ,?is v rational acc\nt %[s z pla9ly z ! case w admit t ^! wom5 _h no expectation ( 8 resurrection4 ,i omit "h :at pass$ at ! sepul*re :5 ^! wom5 7 !re1 = ?is does n relate to ! disciples4 ,! angel at ! sepul*re told ^! wom5 t ,jesus _h ris51 & direct$ !m to g & tell 8 disciples4 ,n[ :5 ,jesus 0 ris5 e>iy1 ! fir/ day ( ! week1 he appe>$ fir/ to ,m>y ,magdal5e1 out ( :om he _h ca/ sev5 devils4 ,& %e w5t & told !m t _h be5 ) him1 z !y m\rn$ & wept4 ,?is m\rn+ & weep+ c\ld n be ! effect ( ! pleas+ expectation ( soon hav+ _! div9e ma/] ) !m2 no1 x 0 ! natural effect ( ! amaz+ disappo9tm5t :i* _h clos$ all ! hopes !y _h ent]ta9$4 ,& !y1 :5 !y _h he>d t he 0 alive1 & _h be5 se5 ( h]1 believ$8 no1 believ$ n4 ,aft] t he appe>$ 9 ano!r =m to two ( !m z !y walk$1 & w5t into ! c\ntry4--,& !y w5t & told x unto ! residue3 nei!r believ$ !y !m4 ,aft]w>d he appe>$ unto ! elev5 z !y sat at meat1 & upbraid$ !m ) _! unbelief & h>dness ( he>t1 because !y believ$ n !m :i* _h se5 him aft] he _h ris54 ,x seems unnecess>y to quote into ?is communication all ! in/ances relat$ by ! f\r depon5ts ( ,jesus' be+ se5 ( ! elev52 8 frequ5tly be+ ) !m1 eat+ ) !m1 hold+ l5g?y conv]sations ) !m1 c4 ,n[ z ^! disciples knew t ,jesus _h be5 crucifi$ & buri$1 & a gu>d _h be5 plac$ to gu>d ! sepul*re1 & moreov] kn[+ = c]ta9ty t ! body ( ,jesus 0 n :]e x _h be5 deposit$1 & be+ fav\r$ ) 8 pres5ce on a v>iety ( occasions = =ty days1 ! evid5ce to ! disciples 0 ( a "* describ$ by ! au?or ( ! ,acts4 ,to :om also he %ew$ himself alive aft] 8 passion by _m infallible pro(s1 be+ se5 ( !m =ty days1 & speak+ ( ! ?+s p]ta9+ to ! k+dom ( ,god4 ,i believe1 sir1 t su* evid5ce z ,jesus is said to h giv5 8 disciples ( 8 resurrection w\ld be entirely suffici5t to remove all d\bts 9 _! m9d1 h[ev] prone !y 7 to unbelief4 ,i am ( op9ion t su* evid5ce w\ld conv9ce y & me ( a simil> fact4--,two que/ions are "h necess>y4 #a/4 ,c we conceive h[ ! evid5ce c\ld h be5 less )\t be+ insuffici5t8 ,& #b;d4 ,c we conceive h[ x c\ld h be5 /rong]8 ,i w n take up "t to argue ^! que/ions1 ,i feel satisfi$ on !m myself4 ,i w n[ ask :e!r we c imag9e ! possibility ( any evid5ce t c\ld c\nt]balance ! evid5ce ( ! resurrection 9 ! m9ds ( ! disciples8 ,?us we are br\ght to ! sugge/ion1 t any evid5ce :i* c\ld be suffici5t to prove su* a fact1 if no evid5ce appe>$ aga9/ x1 mu/ be su* z admits ( no refutation4 ,y w n =get1 & ?9k t ,i h be5 endeav\r+ to prove ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 or t ! disciples ev5 believ$ x2 all ,i h be5 seek+ = is t k9d ( evid5ce :i* w\ld be necess>y to prove to ! disciples su* a fact1 & to %[ t su* evid5ce _c admit ( refutation4 ,h[ev]1 y w at once see t1 all[+ our reason+ to be correct1 & all[+ ! disciples did really believe ! resurrection1 ei!r ( :i*1 ,i d n believe y w und]take to dispute1 ! resurrection is prov$ beyond all contradiction4 #b;d4 ,let u n[ inquire :at k9d ( evid5ce 0 necess>y = ! disciples ( ,jesus to br+ to ! p1 9 ord] to conv9ce !m ( ?is all-important fact on :i* ! :ole s*eme & m9i/ry ( ! gospel re/$4 ,x seems t ! disciples did n believe on ! te/imony ( o!rs1 ?\gh ( _! own intimate acqua9tance1 p]sons 9 :om !y w\ld place z mu* confid5ce z 9 any 9 ! _w1 no d\bt4 ,( c\rse1 !y c\ld n expect o!r p1 :o _h n be5 ! disciples ( ,jesus1 w\ld believe 9 8 resurrection on _! te/imony4 ,! evid5ce :i* ! disciples _h 0 suffici5t = !m1 b _! te/imony w\ld surely be mu* less2 & any ?+ less w\ld be insuffici5t z be=e /at$4 ,we w n[ h rec\rse to ! acc\nt4 ,b fir/ let u notice1 t we are n endeav\r+ to prove t ! disciples ev] p]suad$ any to believe 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus2 ?is is1 z x mu/ be1 consid]$ a fact1 n disput$4 ,! "q is by :at evid5ce did ! apo/les conv9ce ?\s&s ( ! p 9 ,j]usalem & its vic9ity1 t ,jesus :o 0 publicly execut$1 0 n only ! true ,messiah promis$ 9 ! law & prophets1 b t he _h actually arose f ! dead & asc5d$ into heav54 ,be=e ,jesus asc5d$1 he1 aft] say+ _m o!r ?+s to 8 disciples :o 7 toge!r 9 ! city ( ,j]usalem1 said to !m2 ,?us x is writt51 & ?us x behove? ,*ri/ to suff]1 & to rise f ! dead ! ?ird day3 & t rep5tance & remission ( s9s %\ld be prea*$ 9 8 "n among all nations1 beg9n+ at ,j]usalem4 ,& ye are witnesses ( ^! ?+s4 ,& behold1 ,i s5d ! promise ( my fa!r ^u y3 b t>ry ye 9 ! city ( ,j]usalem until ye be endu$ ) p[] f on high4 ,see ! same acc\nt 9 ,acts1 ,b ye %all receive p[]1 aft] t ! ,holy ,gho/ is come ^u y3 & ye %all be witnesses unto me1 bo? 9 ,j]usalem1 & 9 all ,judea1 & 9 ,sam>ia1 & unto ! utt]mo/ p>ts ( ! e>?4 ,accord+ to ?is acc\nt1 ,jesus did n direct 8 disciples to und]take to conv9ce ! p by _! te/imony1 b *>g$ !m to wait = div9e p[]4 ,accord+ly !y did wait4 ,n[ look at ! acc\nt :i* we h1 ( :at took place on ! day ( p5teco/4 ,i w n mutilate ?is acc\nt by quot+ p>ts1 !re is no ne$ ( quot+ :at y h p]fectly 9 y\r memory4 ,take p>ticul> notice ( :at ,pet] said to ! p :o _h be5 access>y to ! crucifixion ( ,jesus4 ,he :o 0 s intimidat$ z to d5y ,*ri/1 n[ /&s 9 ! mid/ ( ! p & boldly ass]ts1 t ,jesus ( ,naz>e? 0 a man approv$ ( ,god among !m by miracles & wond]s1 & signs :i* ,god did by him1 among !m2 & t !y knew ?is to be ! case4 ,he fur!r tells !m t !y _h ) wick$ h&s crucifi$ & sla9 ?is man :o 0 ?us approv$ ( ,god4 ,& he assur$ ! :ole h\se ( ,israel1 t ,god _h made ?is same ,jesus :om !y _h crucifi$ bo? ,"l & ,*ri/4 ,he moreov] boldly decl>$ t ,god _h rais$ ,jesus f ! dead4 ,n[ add to ! te/imony ( ,pet]1 ! a/oni%+ manife/ation ( ! p[] ( ! ,holy ,_s1 z describ$ 9 ! acc\nt1 & y h ! evid5ce by :i* ab\t ?ree ?\s& s\ls 7 conv9c$ ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus 9 "o day4 ,"h let u consid]2 ! p _h be5 acqua9t$ ) ,jesus1 & _h be5 eye witnesses ( 8 miracles2 _m ( !m 7 p]sonally acqua9t$ ) ,laz>us :om ,jesus rais$ f ! dead4 ,!y _h be51 _m ( !m1 f$ by 8 miracles & _h se5 8 wond]ful works4 ,n[ put all toge!r & x is evid5t t !y _h suffici5t reason to believe4 ,i _c conceive h[ reasonable p 9 ! c&id ex]cise ( _! judgm5ts1 c\ld avoid believ+4 ,look1 sir1 at ! acc\nt ( ! miracul\s cure ( ! lame man1 :o lay at ! gate ( ! temple4 ,notice ! words us$ to effect x4 ,9 ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ( ,naz>e?1 rise up & walk4 ,& all ! p saw him walk+ & prais+ ,god3 & !y knew t x 0 he :o sat = alms at ! beautiful gate ( ! temple4 ,he> :at ,pet] says to ! wond]+ multitude on ?is occasion4 ,ye m5 ( ,israel1 :y m>vel ye at ?is8 or :y look ye s e>ne/ly on u1 z ?\gh by our own p[] or hol9ess we _h made ?is man to walk8 ,! ,god ( ,abraham1 & ( ,isaac1 & ( ,jacob1 ! ,god ( our fa!rs1 ha? glorifi$ 8 son ,jesus2 :om ye deliv]$ up1 & d5i$ him 9 ! pres5ce ( ,pilate1 :5 he 0 det]m9$ to let him g4 ,b ye d5i$ ! holy "o & ! j1 & desir$ a murd]] to be grant$ unto y2 & kill$ ! pr9ce ( life1 :om ,god ha? rais$ f ! dead3 :]e( we are witnesses4 ,& 8 "n1 ?r\gh fai? 9 8 "n1 ha? made ?is man /rong1 :om ye see & "k3 yea1 & ! fai? :i* is by him ha? giv5 him ?is p]fect s\ndness 9 ! pres5ce ( y all4 ,"h we h ! evid5ce by :i* ab\t five ?\s& m51 besides wom51 believ$--t is1 own$ _! belief4 ,:5 ! high prie/ & o!rs call$ ,pet] & ,john be=e !m1 & dem&$1 by :at p[]1 or by :at "n !y _h done ?is ?+1 ,pet] answ]s1 fill$ ) ! ,holy ,_s2 ,ye rul]s ( ! p1 & eld]s ( ,israel1 if we ?is day be exam9$ ( ! good de$ done to ! impot5t man1 by :at means he is made :ole3 be x kn[n unto y all1 & to all ! p ( ,israel1 t by ! "n ( ,jesus ,*ri/ ( ,naz>e?1 :om ye crucifi$1 :om ,god rais$ f ! dead1 ev5 by him do? ?is man /& "h be=e y :ole4 ,?is is ! /one :i* 0 set at naught by y build]s4 ,he> :at ^! rul]s say :5 ,pet] & ,john 7 s5t aside4 ,:at %all we d to ^! m58 = t inde$ a notable miracle ha? be5 done by !m is manife/ to all !m t dwell 9 ,j]usalem2 & we _c d5y x4 ,su* evid5ce z we h notic$1 :i* ! disciples 7 enabl$ to br+ to ! p1 ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 0 suffici5t to remove e reasonable d\bt & to br+ ov] to ?is fai?1 ^? :o _h be5 8 murd]]s4 ,i w n[ inquire :e!r x is reasonable to suppose t less evid5ce w\ld h effect$ su* conviction8--,& on ! o!r h&1 ,i w ask :e!r /rong] pro( c\ld 9 ! nature ( ?+s be giv58 ,& la/ly1 to come to our object aga91 does su* evid5ce possibly admit ( be+ c\nt]balanc$8 ,i und]/& t ^! que/ions admit ( no o!r answ]s ?an su* z g to %[1 t if !re be any evid5ce ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 suffici5t to support x1 if !re 7 no evid5ce to c\nt]balance x1 su* evid5ce is n capable ( be+ c\nt]balanc$4--,y w p]ceive t our reason+ mu/ issue 9 ! tru? ( ! resurrection1 unless we assume ! extravagant notion1 t ! p :o liv$ 9 ,j]usalem & its vic9ity1 at ! "t ( ! crucifiction ( ,jesus1 7 n br\ght ov] to believe x4 ,x is hop$ t no objection w be br\ght f ! circum/ance ( ! rejection ( ! gospel by ! rul]s ( ! ,jews1 & by ! major "p ( t hi]>*y1 z long z x is p]fectly evid5t t _! opposition & unbelief 7 indisp5sably necess>y = ! fulfill+ ( ! prophecies1 = ! c>ry+ ( conviction to ! ,g5tiles1 & = ! purpose ( p]petuat+ ! necess>y evid5ces on :i* we1 at ?is day1 mu/ re/ our belief ( ?is religion4 #d?4 ,y h>dly "k h[ to und]/& me :5 ,i sugge/1 t 9 disprov+ ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 y disprove all religion1 c4 ,i ?9k ,i add$1 t !re is no *oos+ betwe5 ?is religion & "s o!r1 we mu/ h ?is1 or none4 ,by ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 ,i mean to compreh5d all t ! doctr9e ( ! scriptures enc\rage u to believe 9 & hope =1 & also all t ?is doctr9e requires1 also all t x tea*es u to expect z result+ f ob$i5ce & disob$i5ce4 ,i am fully p]suad$ t y nev] c disprove ?is religion1 s z to d away its effects on y\r own m9d4 ,its maxims conta9 all ! morality y "k (1 & all t a ,dei/ calls natural religion1 he has be5 taught f ! reveal$ wisdom ( ,god4 ,! fur!r y advance into ! society ( man1 :]e ! light ( ! holy scriptures has lea/ ext5d$1 s mu* ! m d y lose sight ( ! moral virtues2 & s mu* ! m d y lose sight ( ! simple unity & div9e b5evol5ce ( ,god4 ,my mean+1 sir1 h[ev]1 0 n v ext5sive4 ,x 0 to say1 z 9 a famili> conv]sation1 ,i might express myself z foll[s3 ,bro!r1 if we disprove ! religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 t is1 if we give up our pres5t belief1 !re is no o!r religion1 t we h he>d (1 t c h ! lea/ claim to our belief4 ,judaism1 ,paganism1 ,mahom$anism1 c\ld nei!r ( !m h any claims2 nor 9 fact c\ld :at p call ,deism1 or ! belief 9 "o ,god4 ,if y say !re is c]ta9ly demon/rat$ 9 ! v nature ( ?+s an et]nal un*angeable pr9ciple or law :i* gov]ns all ?+s2 ,i w answ]1 ,i am surpris$ to he> a rational be+1 :o _c rememb] =ty-five ( our %ort ye>s1 & kn[s n t he %all live 9 ! _w ano!r h\r1 talk ab\t et]nal ?+s1 use great swell+ words ( vanity ab\t un*angeability1 & yet d5y t ,god has made a revelation to man6 ,i am really ( ! s5tim5t express$ by him :o is ju/ly /yl$ ! light ( ! _w1 :o said ,no man kn[e? ! ,fa!r save ! ,son1 & he to :om ! ,son reveale? him4 #e?4 ,y seem to inquire :e!r ,jesus & 8 apo/les might n be hone/ m52 & yet _! te/imony1 conc]n+ a future /ate be errone\s4 ,answ]1 ?is case comes into ! same argum5t z ! case ( ! prophets1 to :i* att5tion has be5 paid4 ,we h no m reason to believe t ,jesus & 8 apo/les 7 hone/ m51 ?an we h to believe t !y pret5d$ to div9e inspiration1 & to ! p[] ( work+ _m v a/oni%+ miracles4 ,x does n appe> reasonable to suppose t ^! s]vants ( ,god1 ?\ght !y c\ld1 & did heal ! sick & raise ! dead1 :5 9 fact !y c\ld d no su* ?+4 ,!re=e1 if !y pret5d$ to d su* ?+s & did !m n1 !y 7 all impo/ors1 & surely des]ve no bett] appellation4 ,n[ if ,i c br+ to y\r m9d my inf]5ce1 x is ?is4 ,god w\ld n endue ,jesus ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les ) p[] to "w miracles1 by :i* ! att5tion ( ! p w\ld be drawn to !m & by :i* !y w\ld naturally be l$ to place confid5ce 9 _! te/imony1 & yet leave !m 9 ! d>k conc]n+ ^? ?+s ( :i* !y speak to ! p4 ,:at y say on ?is subject1 indicates t y did n und]/& me to inf] ! validity ( ! apo/les' te/imony conc]n+ a future /ate1 f any high] au?ority ?an _! simple hone/y unconnect$ ) ! o!r "p ( ! argum5t1 :i* 0 z pla9ly set =? 9 my =m] communication z y w n[ f9d x 9 ?is4 #f?4 ,y suppose t argum5ts equally en]getic1 & equally conclusive might be drawn f our feel+s1 aga9/1 z 9 fav\r ( ! necessity ( div9e revelation4 ,?\gh ,i am n ( y\r op9ion1 yet ,i am dispos$ to ?9k t desires v f]v5t may 9 "s in/ances ex]cise ! human he>t aga9/ ! k ( div9e tru?4 ,b1 sir1 ?is is ! effect ( moral disease1 n ( a s\nd m9d4 ,a f\l /oma* w nauseate at ! sight ( :olesome food2 di/emp]$ eyes are r5d]$ pa9ful by ! rays ( light2 "o ^: de$s are evil loves d>kness = ?is v reason4 ,n[ t p affect$ ) ^! infirmities %\ld be ex]cis$ ) f]v5t desires to avoid :at gives !m uneas9ess is surely v natural2 b t a p]son 9 heal? & hav+ good ex]cise %\ld loa! t :i* is good & n\ri%+1 t "o :o has s\nd eyes %\ld dislike ! enliv5+ beams ( ! sun1 or t "o ^: works are wr\ght 9 ,god1 %\ld love d>kness r ?an light is n reasonable4 ,y are caution$ aga9/ suppos+ t ^! rem>ks are design$ to be appli$ to y\rself1 = ,i be> y record t y\r ex]tions & assiduity = ! atta9m5t ( true k h be5 laudable1 & wor?y ( imitation4 ,b all ?is only proves to me t y\r reason+ is unnatural1 & t no man w\ld be m rejoic$ to "k ! tru? ( div9e revelation ?an y\rself4 #g?4 ,t a p]son :o does n ev5 desire a future exi/5ce %\ld realize ! goodness ( ! div9e ,be+1 & feel truly grateful = all enjoym5ts does n /& 9 a cle> light 9 my m9d4 ,i _c conceive t x is possible t any ?+ c\ld remove a desire to exi/ 9 ! future1 except a v /rong fe> t t /ate w\ld be awfully mis]able4 ,to be ?ankful to ,god1 & to rejoice 9 8 goodness1 & at ! same "t feel no desire to cont9ue 9 ! enjoym5t ( su* fav\r is to me a complete solecism1 :i* suffici5tly refutes itself4 #h?4 ,y\r ass]tion1 t if a revelation 0 ev] necess>y1 x 0 necess>y only to reconcile man to 8 pres5t /ate ( exi/5ce1 is ?\ght to be an error ( no small magnitude4 ,if y _h said t revelation 0 necess>y only = ! improvem5t ( man 9 8 pres5t /ate x w\ld h be5 m correct4 ,z = man's pres5t exi/5ce1 x seems he has love en\gh2 p wi% to live "h1 & no d\bt !y w\ld wi% to /ay =ev] if !y _h no hope 9 ! future4 ,by improv+ our pres5t /ate by a div9e revelation1 ,i wi% to be und]/ood to compreh5d all t is meant by ! m9i/ry ( reconciliation4 ,?is has = its object ! reconciliation ( man to ,god4 ,b x is a s\l rejoic+ fact1 t ( ! preci\s ?+s br\ght =? by ! sun ( righte\sness1 ! hope ( immortality is its mo/ preci\s jewel4 ,?is makes e ?+ valuable4 ,h5ce we may lay up our treasures :]e nei!r mo? nor ru/ c corrupt1 nor ?ieves break ?r\gh & /eal4 ,"h ,god's bright fav\r w nev] gr[ dim1 nor w our love & gratitude ev] decay4 ,d y see ?is cele/ial =m lean+ on h] an*or1 & :ile ! rag+ waves ( a re/less sea da% aga9/ h]1 feel unmov$8 ,d y obs]ve h] aspect firm1 & h] eyes turn$ t[>ds ,heav58 ,& w\ld/ y wi% to ca/ h] d[n & wreck h] on ! quicks&s ( dismal d\bt8 ,g1 bro!r1 to ! *amb] ( sickness1 :]e life's wan+ emb]s c no long] w>m ! dy+ he>t1 !re he> f cold & quiv]+ lips ?is hope express$1 ,i long to be ) ,*ri/1 ,i long to be at re/4 ,w\ld y bla/ ?is am>an?9e fl[]8 ,w\ld y plant 9 its /ead ! night %ade ( dispair8 ,d n1 de> sir1 li/5 too long to ! wild sugge/ions ( va9 fancy & w&]+ imag9ation1 "u ! speci\s pret5ce ( se>*+ aft] tru?4 ,i am appreh5sive t %e :o p]suades y t %e is tru?1 really des]ves ano!r "n4 ,jesus is ! way1 ! tru? & ! life1 he also is made unto u wisdom4 ,give me ! light ( ?is bright sun to see1 ,all o!r lights l met'ors are to me2 ,give me t way1 t pleasant pa? to "k1 ,i'll walk no o!r pa? :ile "h bel[4 ,w\ld/ ?\ be wise8 ,?is wisdom le>n to scan1 ,:i* br+s to ,god1 ! w&]+ he>t ( man4 #i? & la/4 ,y misund]/& me 9 suppos+ t ,i meant to ins9uate1 t by :at y wrote respect+ ! apo/les' /at+ no?+ m ?an :at 0 sub/antially true1 y mu/ mean t !y /at$ falsehood4 ,i meant1 if y d n believe t !y /at$ ! tru? y mu/ believe t !y /at$ falsehood1 9 :i* case ,i call$ on y to make a %ort "w ( our argum5t by prov+ t :at !y /at$ 0 n true4 ,i wond] y %\ld n h ?\ght ( ?is way to und]/& me1 because !re is no way to expla9 y\r words into ! mean+ :i* y suppos$ ,i _h atta*$ to !m1 :ile :at ,i n[ sugge/ is fairly ! necess>y result ( :at y /at$4 ,on ?is subject ,i am dispos$ to say a little m4 ,if we f9d ourselves 9 s]i\s d\bts respect+ any important p>ticul> ( our religion1 & we wi% to h ! matt] cle>$ up to our satisfaction1 :y %\ld we sp5d mu* "t & write _m %eets1 ) no o!r app>5t object1 ?an to keep away f ! subject :i* lab\rs 9 our m9ds8 ,if y 7 "u ! necessity ( br++ a tree to ! gr\nd1 & ( remov+ x f ! =e/1 w\ld y asc5d ! tree & beg9 y\r "w on ! extreme twigs1 or w\ld y cut ! trunk (f ne> ! roots1 :5 ! :ole mass w\ld come d[n toge!r8 ,y w appreh5d my mean+4 ,! fact is1 if ! ,*ri/ian religion is ev] ov]?[n1 x mu/ be done1 n by prov+ t pr(essors ( x h held errors & h be5 sup]/iti\s1 & h ev] practis$ wick$ness1 us+ ! "n ( ,*ri/ = a cloak1 c4 b by prov+ ! te/imony1 ( ! new te/am5t false4 ,cut ! trunk ( ! tree (f at ?is place & ! "w is done4 ,b if x 7 possible1 9 ! nature ( ?+s = ! te/imony borne 9 ! new te/am5t to be prov$ false1 c y p]suade y\rself to believe t x w\ld n h be5 done8 ,if a book conta9+ ! grosse/ falsehood1 ! mo/ palpable frauds1 pret5sions ! v easie/ to be detect$ ( any t c be imag9$1 c\ld be got up & publi%$1 & be copi$ by _m h&s1 & be translat$ into diff]5t languages on purpose to ov]?r[ ! popul> religion ( all c\ntries :]e ! book is s5t or c>ri$1 & if 9 spite ( tru?1 & all ! le>n+ ( a le>n$ age1 if 9 spite ( all sorts ( sup]/ition comb9$ ) civil gov]nm5t1 if 9 spite ( reason1 argum5t1 p]suasion1 ! t5d] love & compassion ( p>5ts1 int]e/1 hon\r1 ease1 peace & quiet2 if 9 ! face ( ! mo/ cruel suff]+s & mo/ awful dea?s1 ?is book1 ) all its abom9able lies1 & mo/ palpable frauds c\ld succe$1 its doctr9es run & be glorifi$2 if anci5t sup]/itions1 ?an :i* no?+ c h a m despotic sway ov] ! human he>t1 if ! prie/s ( long v5]at$ idols ) ?\s&s ( _! vot>ies 7 humbl$ be=e ?is te/imony1 :at is !re n[ on :i* we c rely = success aga9/ x8 ,h[ beautiful are reason & c&or4 ,dr4 ,gamaliel gives u a h&some specim54 ,ye m5 ( ,israel1 take he$ to y\rselves1 :at ye int5d to d z t\*+ ^! m54--,= be=e ^! days rose up ,!udas1 boa/+ himself to be somebody3 to :om a numb] ( m51 ab\t f\r hundr$1 jo9$ !mselves3 :o 0 sla92 & all1 z _m z obey$ him1 7 scatt]$ & br\ght to naught4 ,aft] ?is man rose up ,judas ( ,galilee 9 ! days ( ! tax+1 & drew away mu* p aft] him3 he also p]i%$2 & all1 ev5 z _m z obey$ him1 wore disp]s$4 ,& n[1 ,i say unto y1 refra9 f ^! m51 & let !m alone3 = if ?is c\nsel or ?is "w be ( m51 x w come to naught2 b if x be ( ,god1 ye _c ov]?r[ x2 le/ haply ye be f\nd ev5 to fight aga9/ ,god4 ,let u rem>k1 #a/4 ,y w notice t ?is passage ranks ) hundr$s ( o!rs :i* to ! und]/&+ ( s\nd judgm5t we>s e feature ( an hone/ & true /atem5t ( facts4 ,i w take x on myself to say t x does n appe> reasonable t m5 :o 7 fabricat+ a falsehood1 w\ld ev] h ?\ght ( su* a me?od z ?is to give x curr5cy4 #b;d4 ,y w naturally obs]ve t ?is le>n$ doctor ( ! law 0 himself p]suad$ ( ! tru? ( ! apo/les' te/imony1 & ?\gh he 0 n will+ to make s great a sacrifice z he mu/ if he pr(ess$ ,jesus op5ly1 he 0 will+ to esp\se ! cause s f> z 8 le>n+ & influ5ce w\ld g1 )\t r5d]+ himself odi\s to 8 fri5ds4 #c;d4 ,x is pretty evid5t1 t :atev] ,!udas made a h&le ( 9 ord] to obta9 disciples1 ,judas ( ,galilee _h t v unpopul> tax 7,i d n consult any au?ority z x is immat]ial1 b only foll[ a probable sugge/ion7 :i* 0 collect$ ab\t ! "t ( ! bir? ( ,jesus1 or "s o!r1 by :i* he no d\bt1 /rove to disaffect ! ,jews aga9/ ! ,roman gov]nm5t1 :i* !y v naturally 7 oppos$ to4 ,b ,judas did n succe$4 #d?4 ,jesus nev] tri$ to p]suade ! p aga9/ ! civil au?orities1 nor did he ev] promise 8 disciples any worldly b5efits1 nor try to allure ! p aft] him by hold+ out1 z inducem5ts1 any ?+ t ! c>nal passions ( m5 are 9 love )2 & yet he succe$$ ?\gh he lo/ 8 life4 #e?4 ,dr4 ,gamaliel 0 ( op9ion t if ! gospel 7 n ( ,god1 x w\ld come to naught1 b x did n1 nor is !re ! lea/ probability x ev] w4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,vii4 ,9 ?is numb] ! objector gives ! :ole gr\nd ( 8 objections1 & ! reasons = 8 d\bts3 :i* he /ates z foll[s1 viz4 #a4 ,mank9d1 9 all ages ( ! _w1 h be51 & /ill are prone to sup]/ition4 #b4 ,x _c be d5i$1 b t a "p ( mank9d at lea/1 h believ$1 & /ill are believ+ 9 miracles & revelation1 :i* are spuri\s4 #c4 ,! facts on :i* religion is pr$icat$ are unlike e ?+ ( :i* we h any positive k4 ,"u ! fir/ article1 ! objector appeal$ to ! kn[n sup]/itions ( ! _w3 n only ( ! ,pagan2 b ( ! ,jewi%1 ,mahometan1 & ,*ri/ian _w4 ,he took a view ( ! pres5t /ate ( ,asia1 spake ( ! volunt>y sacrifices ( human life to ! great image at ,hug]naught6 & ( wom5 volunt>ily climb+ ! fun]al pile to be burn$ ) _! deceas$ husb&s6 ,he took a view ( ! ,inquisition 9 ,old ,spa92 & f9ally ( ! v>i\s sup]/iti\s notions & practices among ! diff]5t sects ( *ri/ians 9 our own c\ntry4 ,"u ! second article1 he discant$ l>gely on ! pret5sion ( ,mahomet1 & ( _! great influ5ce & ext5t2 & also ( ! p>ticul> tone giv5 to ! ,*ri/ian religion by ,con/ant9e1 :o1 hold+ ! reigns ( gov]nm5t1 _h sup]ior means 9 ext5d+ 8 influ5ce ov] ! ,*ri/ian _w4 ,hav+ made ^! rem>ks1 ! objector proce$s3 ,if !re=e1 he _h happ5$ only to h fav\r$ ! op9ions ( ! ,gno/ics1 we might h expect$1 & probably x w\ld h be5 ! fact1 t ! le>n$ cl]gy ( ! pres5t day w\ld h held t ,jesus 0 n a man 9 reality1 b only a man 9 appe>ance2 t he assum$ a body t he c\ld put on or ?r[ (f at pleasure2 & t he di$ & 0 rais$ aga9 9 appe>ance only4 ,or o!rwise1 if he _h be5 dispos$ to come d[n to ! simplicity & und]/&+ ( ! common p1 !n inde$ ,*ri/ might /ill h be5 consid]$ z ! ,jews' expect$ ,messiah2 yet we %\ld h consid]$ him a man1 & no?+ m ?an a man2 ?\gh 'a man approv$ ( ,god2'--'a man :o ha? told u ! tru?2'--ev5 ',jesus ( ,naz>e?1 ! son ( ,joseph2' z x seems 0 ! op9ion ( ,pet]1 ,john & ,philip4 ,b ! =m] op9ion _h be5 too long treat$ z h]esy by all ! bi%ops to be imbib$ by ,con/ant9e1 :ile ! bi%ops !mselves1 on ! o!r h&1 _h be5 too long contam9at$ ) ! ,platonic philosophy to desc5d to ! simplicity ( ! latt]2 !re=e we h a religion1 comp\nd$1 p>tly ( ! simplicity ( ! tru?1 & p>tly ( ,platonism4 ,con/ant9e1 h[ev]1 be+ support$ by a great majority ( all ! bi%ops1 9 a great measure effect$ 8 purpose2 ?\gh n fully to 8 expectation3 = x seems he did n expect t any "o w\ld presume to oppose ! decisions ( ?is gr& c\ncil1 :i* he _h summon$ & conv5$ at 8 own exp5se1 or at ! exp5se ( ! empire1 b 9 ?is he 0 mi/ak52 = _m1 ev5 aft] ?is1 w\ld take ! lib]ty n only to ?9k = !mselves1 b also to speak _! own ?\ghts4 ,"o circum/ance m ,i _c avoid m5tion+ 9 ?is place1 viz1 ! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e f hea!nism to ! ,*ri/ian fai?4 ,great m51 if turn$ ab\t at all1 mu/ be turn$ ab\t by great means6 ,b :atev] might h be5 ?\ght ( ,con/ant9e's conv]sion by ! p ( t day1 ! acc\nt giv5 ( x does n argue any ?+ v =cibly 9 my m9d1 9 fav\r ( ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 ,great m51 h[ev]1 are n always free f sup]/ition2 & !y are j z likely to be deceiv$ respect+ ?+s :i* are above _! compreh5sion z o!rs4 ,?is is ! mo/ *>itable way 9 :i* ,i c reconcile ! foll[+ acc\nt :i*1 z ,eusebius1 ! contempor>y & hi/orian ( ,con/ant9e1 says1 0 /at$ "u ! solemnity ( an oa?4 ,= a full acc\nt ( ?is extraord9>y /ory4 ,see ! #b;d vol4 ( ,dr4 ,prie/ley's ,*ur* ,hi/ory1 p]4 #g1 sec4 #i4 ,i %all n attempt to quote x 9 full1 nor is x necess>y1 & :at ,i d quote is f memory only1 z ,i write abroad1 my books n be+ ) me4 ,reflect+ on ! ill success ( 8 pr$ecessors 9 ! num]\s w>s 9 :i* !y _h be5 engag$1 :5 _! prie/s & oracles _h ev] promis$ !m success1 & also consid]+ ! bett] success ( 8 fa!r1 ,con/ant9e conclud$ f ^! circum/ances t 8 fa!r pray$ to1 & 0 assi/$ by a diff]5t god6 ,:5 he pray$1 !re=e1 he always pray$ to ! ,god ( 8 fa!r4 ,& be+ ?us pray+ "o ev5+1 t[>ds ! go+ d[n ( ! sun1 ) 8 face t[>d ! same1 he saw ! appe>ance ( a cross 9 ! sun1 ) ^! words ov] x 9 ,greek1 ,greek3 tetw nika by ?is conqu]4 ,n kn[+1 7or else pret5d+ n to "k7 :at ?is sign %\ld mean1 he call$ toge!r "s ( ! *ri/ian prie/s = an explanation2 :o expla9$ x z might naturally h be5 suppos$ !y w\ld1 t x 0 a repres5tation ( ! cross1 on :i* ,*ri/ 0 crucifi$1 & t !re c\ld be no d\bt b t he _h n[ int]pos$ z ,god1 9 behalf ( ! *ri/ians1 to deliv] !m f _! enemies1 & ( c\rse f fur!r p]secution6 ,i d n pret5d to be any ?+ m ?an sub/antially correct 9 ! above acc\nt 7by :i* y w fur!r see h[ ,i use ! ^w sub/antially1 ab\t :i* we h _h "s dispute7 i4 e4 ,i may1 yea und\bt$ly1 h diff]$1 z to words1 yet ,i "k ,i am correct 9 ! mo/ mat]ial "p1 & ( ! use :i* ,con/ant9e made ( ?is suppos$ miracul\s1 or sup]natural appe>ance4 ,he said also1 ! soldi]s saw x z well z himself6 ,n[1 if we give full cr$it to ?is acc\nt1 :at mu/ we ?9k ( ,*ri/ianity8 ,! meek & l[ly ,jesus1 :o 0 l$ 'l a lamb to ! slaught]1' )\t ! lea/ resi/ance1 & :o _h suff]$ ?\s&s to foll[ him 9 ! same way1 n[1 by a miracul\s int]position1 arms a man ) c>nal weapons1 &1 ,mahometan l1 au?orizes him to v9dicate 8 cause1 & av5ge 8 wrongs1 by %$d+ ! blood ( 8 enemies6 ,or1 if we d n cr$it ?is acc\nt1 :at mu/ we ?9k ( ,con/ant9e8 & also ( ,*ri/ianity s f> z x c be trac$ to1 & made to dep5d on 8 influ5ce8 ,t c&or & *>ity1 h[ev]1 :i* ,i ev] wi% to ma9ta91 w oblige me 9 ?is1 z 9 all o!r cases ( a simil> nature1 to take ! middle c\rse4 ,i %all !re=e suppose t !re 0 "s natural appe>ance1 p]haps a p>helion1 ! cause ( :i* ,con/ant9e did n fully und]/&1 &1 f ! appe>ance 9 ! sky ar\nd x1 8 fancy1 aid$ by sup]/ition1 pa9t$ to 8 imag9ation ! suppos$ cross1 z also ! ,greek words1 :i* be+ po9t$ out to ! soldi]s !y might easily imag9e ! same1 or1 if !y did n1 w\ld n l to oppose ! op9ion ( _! g5]al4 ,?us circum/anc$1 :e!r he really believ$ x to be any ?+ sup]natural or n1 ,con/ant9e 0 dispos$ to make ! mo/ ( x he c\ld1 by turn+ x to ! be/ possible acc\nt4#b ,footnote #b3 ,^u ! :ole1 says ,dr4 ,prie/ly1 7vol4 #b1 p4 #if7 x appe>s to me mo/ probable1 t ,con/ant9e & 8 fri5ds saw a natural p>helion1 & t all ! o!r circum/ances 7 ei!r imag9$1 or inv5t$2 & t ! /ory has lo/ no?+ 9 pass+ ?r\gh ! h&s ( ,eusebius4 ,con/ant9e also /ates 7:i* ,i =got to m5tion above7 t ,*ri/ appe>$ to him 9 a dream1 ! night foll[+1 ) ! v same sign :i* he _h se5 9 ! heav5s1 ord]+ him to make a milit>y /&>d l x1 & assur+ him t x w\ld be 8 security 9 battles4 ,by ?is note x w be p]ceiv$ t ,i h comp>$ :at ,i h writt5 ) ! "p ( ! hi/ory f :5ce x 0 tak51 & t ,i f9d no?+ 9 x mat]ially errone\s4 ,x appe>s1 h[ev]1 aft] all1 t ,con/ant9e 0 a man ( great mod]ation1 & on ! :ole1 a v good man3 yet1 t he 0 n :olly cle> f sup]/ition is v evid5t f ! foll[+ circum/ance4 ,not)/&+ 8 extraord9>y1 & :at 0 suppos$ by all1 miracul\s conv]sion1 toge!r ) 8 great pret5sions2 & all t he _h done = *ri/ianity1 yet he neglect$ 8 own baptism till he f\nd he 0 v nigh 8 end2 :5 he dress$ himself 9 :ite1 & ! b$ on :i* he lay1 also all 9 :ite1 9 :i* dress he 0 baptis$ & p>took ( ! sacram5t6 & ?us he cont9u$ 9 :ite till he di$4 ,?is 0 und\bt$ly f a mi/ak5 notion1 t !re 0 some?+ really purify+ 9 ^? outw>d c]emonies1 & also f ! doctr9e ( ! ,navatians1 a c]ta9 sect1 ^: op9ions x 0 suppos$ he fav\r$1 ?\gh n v op5ly1 i4e4 if a p]son committ$ s9 aft] hav+ be5 ?us purifi$ he c\ld n die 9 union ) ! *ur*4 ,y may p]haps object "h & say1 all ?is is to no purpose1 z *ri/ianity 0 well e/abli%$ be=e2 & _h exi/$ = ne>ly ?ree c5turies1 & increas$ too1 not)/&+ ! _m mo/ bitt] & cruel p]secutions4 ,!re=e :at y say respect+ ,con/ant9e only proves t *ri/ianity has be5 corrupt$1 b x is no objection aga9/ its tru?4 ,v good4 ,if ! facts above /at$ are admitt$1 let !m prove :at !y w1 ,i am n ! au?or ( ^? facts1 nor acc\ntable = :at is prov$ by !m4 ,! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e1 h[ev]1 if correct1 be>s "s analogy to ! conv]sion ( ,/4 ,paul3 h5ce1 ! supposition t "o is n correct1 br+s a little d\bt ov] ! m9d respect+ ! tru? ( ! o!r3 = bo? be+ by means :i* 7 sup]natural2 if bo? are support$ on equal te/imony1 :y %\ld !y n bo? %>e ! same fate 9 our m9ds8 ,bo? 7 equally possible2 x is ! want ( probability1 !re=e1 aris+ f ! want ( equal evid5ce 9 its fav\r1 :i* leads u to reject ! tru? ( ! circum/ances att5d+ ! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e1 r ?an ^? att5d+ ! conv]sion ( ,/4 ,paul4 ,! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e also1 if g5u9e1 seems to h be5 design$ = a v diff]5t object1 & 0 att5d$ ) a v diff]5t effect4 ,?is w\ld incl9e me to believe 9 ! validity ( t ( ! apo/le's1 r ?an t ( ! emp]or4 ,nev]!less1 z x respects ! facts2 he :o caus$ a light at mid-day1 above ! brightness ( ! sun1 might z easily h pa9t$ ! sign ( ! cross on 8 disk2 & he :o spake to ,saul f ,heav51 ) an audible voice1 9 ! ,hebrew tongue1 might z easily h pa9t$ lett]s & words 9 ,greek1 s t !y might be di/9ctly read 9 ! firmam5t6 ,leav+ all anci5t miracles & revelation1 ,i w come d[n to ^? ( our own times1 & 9 our own c\ntry4--,/range to tell1 !re is a sect ( p n[ among u1 :o sprang up less ?an half a c5tury ago1 ^: religion is pr(ess$ly f\nd$ on miracles & revelation4 ,on miracles wr\ght by ! fir/ f\nd]s ( ! sect1 z by ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les1 & on a revelation also made directly to !m1 & ?r\gh !m to ! believ]s1 z by ! inspir$ writ]s ( ! new te/am5t4 ,!y appe> to be some?+ simil> 9 s5tim5t1 z x respects ! p]son ( ,*ri/1 to ! anci5t ,arians2 ) ?is diff]5ce only1 !y conceiv$ t z ,*ri/ made 8 fir/ appe>ance 9 ,jesus1 ! son ( a c>p5t]1 s he has made 8 second appe>ance 9 ,ann1 ! daught] ( a blacksmi?1 :om !y call "m2 & !y consid] _! *ur* ! ,new ,j]usalem1 t holy city :i* 0 to come d[n f ,god out ( ,heav54 ,9 ! ye> #ahjh1 ab\t ! same "t aft] _! fir/ rise z x 0 aft] ! days ( ,jesus to ! writ+ ( ! new te/am5t1 !y publi%$ a hi/ory ( _! sect1 9 a "w entitl$ ',*ri/'s second appe>ance1' or ! ,new ,j]usalem ,*ur*1 sett+ =? _! rise1 progress & pres5t /ate2 toge!r ) _! pr9ciples1 cu/oms & mode ( wor%ip4 ,?is "w conta9s an acc\nt ( _! "m ,ann1 & ! fir/ eld]s2 & p>ticul>ly an acc\nt ( ! miracles said to h be5 wr\ght by !m4 ,if my memory s]ves me1 7z ! book is n by me7 !re is an acc\nt ( ab\t =ty miracles1 all ( :i* are well atte/$1 & ?\gh !y ackn[l$ge t mo/ ( !m are inf]ior to ^? wr\ght by ,jesus & 8 apo/les1 yet !y cont5d t !y are no m inf]ior to ^? ?an ^? are to ! miracles wr\ght by ,moses4 ,!y cont5d t = ! plagues 9 ,egypt1 ! divid+ ! r$ sea1 br++ wat] out ( ! rock1 fe$+ ,israel =ty ye>s 9 ! wild]ness ) bread f heav51 & t !re %\ld always fall a d\ble portion on ! six? day1 b none on ! sev5?1 t t :i* fell on ! six? day1 %\ld keep two days1 b on all o!r days x w\ld keep b "o1 & t aft]w>d1 "s ( ! same bread or manna 0 laid up 9 ! ark ( ! cov5ant :i* kept = ages1 z a memorial2 also ! divid+ ! wat]s ( ! riv] ,jordan1 & ! fall ( ! walls ( ,j]i*o2 yea mo/ or all ( ^!1 accord+ to reason or human appe>ance1 are z mu* great] ?an ! miracles wr\ght by ,jesus & 8 apo/les1 z ^? are great] ?an ^? wr\ght by ,ann & h] eld]s6 ,x is true1 !y did n pret5d to raise ! dead1 b ei!r ^! acc\nts are all fabrications & lies1 or else !y _h among !m ! gift ( heal+1 & t too miracul\sly4 ,a woman :o _h fell ) h] horse1 by ! fall+ ( a bridge1 & _h brok5 sev]al ( h] ribs1 besides be+ o!rwise v mu* bruis$1 0 cur$ 9 "o ev5+1 s t %e jo9$ 9 ! dance6 ,a boy :o _h cut 8 foot s t a p]son might h laid 8 f+] into ! w\nd1 :i* bl$ v pr(usely1 0 cur$ 9 a few h\rs s t no?+ 0 to be se5 ( ! w\nd except+ a :ite /reak1 ab\t ! bigness ( a common ?read6 & _m o!rs ( a l k9d1 too num]\s to be m5tion$ 9 ?is place4 ,y w readily p]ceive t ,i allude to ! ,%ak]s2 a p :o are enjoy+ privileges among u :i* no o!r p enjoy1 except ! ,fri5ds1 call$ also ,quak]s3 & :o are deb>r$ f no privileges except+ ^? f :i* !y ei!r religi\sly or sup]/iti\sly deb> !mselves4 ,?us p1 9 consequ5ce ( _! religion1 h entirely *ang$ _! mann]s1 cu/oms1 & modes ( wor%ip4 ,!y h also endur$ consid]able p]secution2 & t !y h n suff]$ m>tyrdom 9 def5ce ( _! religion1 is no fault ( !irs4 ,!re c be no d\bt b t !re has be5 fanaticism en\gh on _! "p to h done x1 if !re _h be5 only bigotry & cruelty en\gh 9 ! p1 at t "t1 to h put x 9 execution4 ,let ! same _s reign among ! p = a %ort "t1 :i* reign$ 9 ,bo/on :5 ! ,quak]s 7 put to dea? = _! religion1 & ! ,%ak]s also w\ld be able to boa/ ( _! m>tyrs 9 def5ce ( ! tru? ( _! p>ticul> sect1 & ( c\rse ( ! miracles & revelation on :i* x is said to h be5 f\nd$4 ,& "h ,i wi% to rem>k a little on m>tyrdom1 see+ x is (t5 br\ght 9 def5ce ( ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 ,i am aw>e t great /ress has be5 laid ^u ?is1 & x w /ill be consid]$ z "o ( its ma9 pill>s4 ,i appreh5d1 h[ev]1 t m /ress has be5 laid ^u m>tyrdom ?an :at x w ju/ly be>4 ,if ?is is a te/ ( ! tru? ( religion1 !re is sc>cely any religion b :at may be prov$ true4 ,only make dea? hon\rable1 ( any k9d :atev]1 9 ! eyes ( ! p1 & !re are always en\gh :o are ready & will+ to die = ! sake ( ! hon\r :i* w be 9 consequ5ce atta*$ to _! names4 ,b only let any p>ticul> k9d ( dea? be consid]$1 9 ! eyes ( ! p1 m]itori\s1 & ! sure & c]ta9 road to endless bliss1 & !re w n only be en\gh f\nd will+ to und]go ?is dea?1 if !y c f9d any to inflict x ^u !m1 b !y w absolutely c\rt x6 ,in/ead !re=e ( hav+ my fai? /r5g!n$ by read+ ! book ( m>tyrs1 z ,i ?\ght ,i _h "s reason to expect1 x has produc$ a q contr>y effect4 ,not)/&+ ^! acc\nts 7 tak5 d[n by ! fri5ds ( ! m>tyrs1 & by !m h be5 h&$ d[n to u1 :o1 z we may well suppose1 7 r prejudic$ 9 _! fav\r1 yet nev]!less1 x is impossible to disguise ! _s & motives ) :i* _m ( ^? infatuat$ p eag]ly s\ght & met dea?4 ,9 all ^? acc\nts x is b too cle>ly discov]$1 :at has be5 too (t5 ! fact1 t ! mo/ bitt]ly p]secut$ w\ld h become ! mo/ viol5t p]secutors1 if !re _h be5 only a *ance = !m s to h done1 & if !re _h be51 9 _! view1 an equal occasion4 ,! p]secutors ( p = _! religion h always consid]$ ! p]secut$1 ei!r h]etics or infidels2 :o if p]secut$ by hea!ns1 unless !y c\ld be br\ght to sacrifice to _! hea!n gods1 or if by *ri/ians1 unless !y c\ld be br\ght to ackn[l$ge ! p>ticul> fai? embrac$ by ! or?odoxy ( ! day1 7 consid]$ z m]e nuisances or pe/s to society2 & !re=e = ! public good1 x 0 ?\ght necess>y to take !m out ( ! _w6 ,:ile on ! o!r h&1 ! p]secut$ h always consid]$ t1 if !y suff]$ dea? 9 def5ce ( _! religion1 !y 7 c]ta9 ( be+ rais$ to great hon\r & dignity 9 ano!r _w2 a privilege :i* !y und\bt$ly believ$ _! p]secutors w\ld nev] enjoy6 ,&1 :atev] 0 ! op9ion ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les on ?is subject1 x _c be d5i$ b t ! idea v soon become preval5t among _! foll[]s t ! di/9ction betwe5 !m & a wick$ _w1 p>ticul>ly _! p]secutors1 w\ld be et]nal6 ,"u ^! circum/ances1 ,i d n wond] at all t m5 h be5 f\nd will+ to die = _! religion2 yea1 & ev5 to c\rt dea? by all ! means ( :i* _! own consci5ces w\ld approve6 ,b1 y may say1 all ?is does n acc\nt = ! dea? ( ! fir/ m>tyrs4 ,v true4 ,i admit t x does n4 ,b x %ews t1 only let ! "w be begun1 f any cause :atev]1 !re is no difficulty 9 its be+ cont9u$4 ,suppose !n1 if y please1 t ! fir/ m>tyrs 7 kill$ by a mob1 a m]e rabble1 )\t any legal process1 or ev5 =m ( trial2 z1 f :i* appe>s by ! acc\nt1 0 ! case ) ! dea? ( ,/eph51 ! fir/ *ri/ian m>tyr2 &1 accord+ to tradition1 mo/ ( ! o!r apo/les3 7& x may be rem>k$ "h1 x is only by tradition t we h any acc\nt ( ! dea? ( ! apo/les2 z all au!ntic docum5ts on ! subject1 if !re ev] 7 any1 are lo/37 ,i say1 let su* a circum/ance z ! dea? ( ,/eph5 take place 9 any c\ntry1 & 9 any age ( ! _w2 b m especially 9 t age & c\ntry 9 :i* he liv$2 & !n let ! same hon\r1 & ! same suppos$ consequ5ces be atta*$ to su* a dea?1 z und\bt$ly 7 atta*$ to ! dea? ( ,/eph52 & !re c be no d\bt b t o!rs w\ld be will+ to foll[ ! example4 ,only let ! blood once beg9 to fl[1 no matt] h[1 & !n only atta* et]nal consequ5ces to x1 & hold out inducem5ts ( an et]nal nature1 & p]suade m5 to believe !m 7:i* is n s difficult a ?+ z "s may imag9e7 & y w nev] want = victims1 s long z y c f9d a zeal suffici5tly bl9d & mad2 z to cont9ue ! slaught]4 ,9 ?is way1 ,i conceive m>tyrdom1 ( e species & k9d1 may be rationally acc\nt$ =4 ,b x may be said all ?is does n disprove ! miracles & revelation on :i* ! *ri/ian religion is f\nd$4 ,i ackn[l$ge x does n2 nei!r d ,i expect to disprove !m4 ,i admit t revelation1 & ( c\rse ! *ri/ian religion may possibly be f\nd$ 9 tru?1 not)/&+ ! tru? ( all t ,i h z yet urg$1 or %all urge aga9/ x4 ,b ,i call on y1 sir1 to disprove ! miracles & revelation :i* ,i h m5tion$1 ( a m mod]n date1 or else ackn[l$ge _! tru?4 ,if y ackn[l$ge ! tru? ( ^? miracles1 ,i %all expect y w con=m to ! religion pr$icat$ ^u !m2 & ( c\rse =sake y\r bosom companion 7:i* ,i presume w\ld be a mu* great] cross ?an ev] y h yet tak5 up17 & also y\r d>l+ (fspr+ 7or else take !m ) y7 & g & live ) ! ,%ak]s666 ,b if y prove !m false1 x w only be t p may become s infatuat$ z to believe 9 miracles :i* are spuri\s4 ,= not)/&+ ! smallness ( ! numb]s ( ?is p1 :i* by ! way1 are consid]able2 & not)/&+ ! contemptible view 9 :i* !y h be51 & /ill are held by ! _w2 yet1 y may f9d x m difficult to prove ! falsity ( _! pret5d$ miracles ?an at pres5t y are aw>e2 = !y are v well atte/$2 & "s ( ! witnesses are /ill liv+1 or 7 s :5 _! te/imony 0 fir/ publi%$2 z also1 if ,i recollect "r1 "s ( ! p]sons on :om ! miracles 7 said to h be5 wr\ght2 :o1 no d\bt1 w\ld /ill te/ify to ! same ?+s4 ,if !y te/ify falsely1 :o c help x8--,al?\gh ?\s&s may believe to ! contr>y2 _m ( :om be+ too 9 situations1 probably to h kn[n ^! ?+s1 if true2 yet ,i believe x w\ld be difficult1 & v difficult inde$1 to f9d any :o c\ld absolutely say t ^? ?+s did n take place4 ,& if !re is a p n[ exi/+ among u1 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! c\ntry1 & 9 diff]5t1 b l>ge ext5sive families1 ^: mann]s1 cu/oms1 & wor%ip are all v diff]5t f ours1 & :o believe 9 miracles on :i* _! religion is said to h be5 f\nd$2 & if ^? miracles1 al?\gh n f\nd$ 9 tru?1 _c n[ be prov$ false1 not)/&+ !y are said to h tak5 place 9 our own c\ntry1 & ev] s9ce we 7 born1 ,i w\ld ask1 ought any "o to be c5sur$ = n giv+ full cr$it to miracles said to h be5 wr\ght1 all ( !m ne>ly two1 & mo/ ( !m above ?ree ?\s& ye>s ago2 & among a p too1 ( :i* we "k b v little8 ,i say1 ought any "o to be c5sur$ = do+ ?is1 al?\gh he %\ld n be able to prove any ( ^? miracles false8 ,i conclude ,i %all n be c5sur$ = n believ+ 9 ! miracles said to h be5 wr\ght by ! ,%ak]s2 b let ! gov]nm5t und]take to annihilate t bl9d & sup]/iti\s class ( p3 let !m increase _! numb]s by p]secution1 :i*1 l ! effects ( all o!r p]secutions1 und\bt$ly !y w\ld2 let !m1 9 ! c\rse ( two or ?ree c5turies1 get ! re9s ( gov]nm5t into _! own h&s2#c let !m !n foll[ ! example ( ,con/ant9e 9 demoli%+ ! temples ( ! hea!n gods2 let !m demoli% e /eepl$ meet+-h\se1 & introduce an entire new ord] ( ?+s2 let !m also remake _! scriptures1 *ange 9 "s degree _! mode ( wor%ip & mann] ( liv+1 & fix e ?+ to ! policy ( ! /ate2 let ! old opposition be entirely ext+ui%$1 & new sects spr+ up among !mselves2 let ?is be ! ord] ( ?+s = a numb] ( c5turies1 & !n let a man call 9 "q ! tru? ( ,%ak] miracles or ,%ak] revelation1 & he mu/ d x z 8 p]il6 ,x w\ld und\bt$ly co/ him 8 life6 ,footnote #c3 ,7 x n = o!r causes besides t ( ,*ri/ianity1 ,i %\ld ?9k ?is full z likely z x 0 t ,*ri/ianity %\ld ev] get ! re9s ( gov]nm5t1 judg+ f :at ,*ri/ianity 0 :5 x _h exi/$ no long] ?an ! ,%ak]s4 ,i might also m5tion "h ano!r p]son n[ liv+ 9 ! we/]n "p ( ! /ate ( ,new-,york1 :o also makes pret5sions to be ,*ri/ 9 8 second com+1 & 9 imitation ( him has *os5 twelve z imm$iate apo/les1 & :o has a consid]able numb] ( foll[]s4 ,b z ?is p]son is /ill liv+1 & x is unc]ta9 :e!r ! sect w take mu* root1 ,i *oose to pass x ov] 9 sil5ce4 ,i %all only call y\r att5tion to "o circum/ance m1 & !n dismiss my second proposition4 ,y v well recollect1 ,i presume1 ! acc\nt giv5 by ,mrs4 ,a----1 ( ,w----1 ,n4 ,h4 9 :i* %e affirms t %e saw & conv]s$ ) h] husb&1 ,mr4 ,john ,a----1 = ab\t an h\r & a half1 :o appe>$ to h] "s consid]able "t1 ,i believe ab\t ?ree mon?s1 aft] he _h be5 dead6 ,?is is no fiction4 ,mrs4 ,a---- is /ill liv+1 & /ill affirms to ! tru? ( :at %e has te/ifi$2 :i* acc\nt y "k 0 publi%$ by two respectable witnesses :o took x d[n1 = t purpose1 f h] lips4 ,x is true1 !re has be5 b v little said 9 ! _w respect+ ?is matt]1 & ,i presume1 = ?is pla9 & obvi\s reason2 ! acc\nt did n correspond ) ! views ( :at is t]m$ or?odoxy 9 ,*ri/ianity4 ,if if _h1 i4 e4 if he _h br\ght z mu* tid+s conc]n+ ! suppos$ hell 9 ano!r _w1 z he did respect+ ! suppos$ heav51 ! acc\nt w\ld h be5 publi%$ 9 e magaz9e1 9 e religi\s tract1 & 9 e p]iodical "w ?r\gh\t ! globe6 ,:y n s1 z well z _m acc\nts :i* 7 simil> 9 o!r respects8 ,b z ?is acc\nt did n fav\r su* views1 x is left to die 9 oblivion4 ,z ! p>ticul>s ( ?is acc\nt1 h[ev]1 make no?+ ei!r 9 fav\r or aga9/ my pres5t purpose1 ,i %all n occupy "t & room to relate x4 ,suffice x only to say1 if !re 7 no mi/ake or deception 9 ! matt]1 ?is acc\nt c be no?+ %ort ( a revelation f ,god2 z mu* s z any revelation :i* has ev] be5 made f ,god to man4 ,= no "o c believe t ,mr4 ,a4 c\ld appe> to 8 wife1 aft] he 0 dead1 unless ,god s5t him2 & if ,god s5t him1 no "o c d\bt ! tru? ( 8 te/imony4 ,no "o c well conceive ( any motive ,mrs4 ,a4 c\ld h 9 giv+ ?is acc\nt1 unless %e fully believ$ x4 ,h] daught] also 0 able to corroborate ! acc\nt 9 "s degree1 by say+ t %e he>d h] "m conv]s+ 9 ! b$room1 b he>d no o!r voice2 & %e int]rogat$ h] on ! subject :5 %e came out1 by ask+ ) :om %e _h be5 talk+1 c4 ,b surpris$ on be+ in=m$ t x 0 ) h] fa!r1 & suppos+1 z %e naturally w\ld1 t h] "m _h be5 talk+ 9 h] sleep1 %e reque/$ h] to say no?+ ab\t :at %e _h ei!r se5 or he>d1 say+1 t no "o w\ld believe h] if %e did4 ,b ,mrs4 ,a4 0 able to conv9ce h] daught] t %e _h n be5 asleep1 by tell+ h] ( p]sons :o _h gone by h] w9d[ dur+ ! "t2 "o man 9 a soldi]'s dress1 & ano!r driv+ a yoke ( ox54 ,i /ate ^! ?+s f memory only1 = ,i h n se5 ! acc\nt s9ce soon aft] x 0 publi%$1 or at lea/ )9 ?ree or f\r ye>s1 t ,i n[ recollect2 yet ,i believe ,i c\ld /ate ! :ole ( x ne>ly v]batim z x 0 publi%$4 ,n[ ,i d n believe t ,mrs4 ,a4 ev] design$ to /ate1 or t %e n[ has ! lea/ idea t %e has /at$ any ?+ incorrect on ?is subject4 ,& yet aft] all1 ,i d\bt ( its reality6 ,su* is my incr$ulity2 & ,i see no way to avoid x4 ,if x be a fault 9 me1 may ,god =give x2 ?\gh ,i am :olly unconsci\s ( x's be+ "o4 ,:5 "o ( two ?+s pres5t$ to ! m9d mu/ be true1 & ! tru? ( "o absolutely excludes ! tru? ( ! o!r1 a rational man w always believe t :i* to 8 own und]/&+ is ! mo/ probable4 ,conc]n+ !re=e ! acc\nt giv5 by ,mrs4 ,a4 x /&s1 9 my m9d ?us3 ei!r x is all a reality1 i4 e4 t h] husb& did absolutely appe> to h]2 t he did give h] ! acc\nt :i* %e has /at$2 & t t acc\nt is 9 fact true2 or else1 x 0 no?+ m ?an ! p[] ( imag9ation1 :i* a c]ta9 tra9 ( ideas & reflections _h produc$ 9 h] m9d1 :i*1 l a k9d ( rev]ie1 seem$ to h] l a reality4 ,& al?\gh ,i %\ld n h made ! same conclusion once1 yet f my pres5t k ( human nature1 toge!r ) my own exp]i5ce1 ,i d n hesitate to reject ! =m] idea1 & believe ! latt]4 ,if 9 judg+ ?us1 ,i d inju/ice ei!r to ,mrs4 ,a4 or to ! tru? ( ,god1 ,i c only ask =giv5ess ( a wrong1 :i*1 9 tru?1 is by no means int5d$4 ,b 9 ju/ice to my own und]/&+ ,i c\ld n /ate diff]5tly1 if ,i knew ?is w\ld be ! la/ s5t5ce ,i %\ld ev] write4 ,h5ce aft] mak+ prop] d$uction = all t c be acc\nt$ = 9 ?is way1 lay+ out ( ! "q at ! same "t all t we may ju/ly suppose 7 ! m]e glosses ( ! hi/orian1 or ! lubric\s figures ( ! poet1 :i* are v peculi> to ! anci5t /yle ( writ+2 aft] mak+ due all[ances also = int]polations1 or :at 9 m mod]n times h be5 consid]$ pi\s frauds6 & aft] reject+ e ?+ 7if any su* !re be7 :i* savors ( gross imposition6 if !re be any ?+ left to support ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 !n x may rationally be believ$4 #c4 ,! facts on :i* revelation is pr$icat$ are unlike e ?+ ( :i* we h any positive k4 ,( ! tru? ( ?is proposition y mu/ be s5sible2 yea1 unless ! revelation _h be5 made directly to ourselves1 x is impossible t x %\ld be o!rwise ?an true4 ,nei!r ( u h ev] se5 any ?+ miracul\s6 ,! anci5ts1 h[ev]1 7 c>ri$ away ) ?is supposition2 ! same z ! mod]ns h be5 ) ! idea ( wit*es1 wiz>ds1 gho/s1 app>itions1 c4 & _m ?+s :i* once w\ld h be5 consid]$ om9\s1 are n[ rationally acc\nt$ =4 ,9 ?is way1 ?+s once suppos$ to be miracul\s also1 may h lo/ _! suppos$ div9e qualities4 ,?is mu*1 h[ev]1 ,i believe1 & ( ?is mu* ,i h no d\bt1 t ,paul & ! o!r apo/les 7 conv9c$ ( ! tru? & ! salut>y effects ( ! moral precepts :i* _h be5 taught & practis$ by ,*ri/2 & !y 7 will+ to prea* & en=ce !m by all ! means 9 _! p[]1 ev5 at ! risk ( _! lives4 ,believ+ ?is1 & practis+ accord+ly1 con/itut$ !m wise & good m52 & happy w\ld x h be5 = ! ,*ri/ian _w if !y _h always foll[$ 9 _! /eps1 )\t ev] und]tak+ to dictate to o!rs1 ei!r modes or =ms ( wor%ip1 or to use co]cive means to compel m5 to ! fai?4 ,t ! apo/les also believ$ 9 ! resurrection1 & also 9 et]nal life1 ,i h no d\bt2 ?is s5tim5t1 h[ev]1 0 nei!r new nor peculi> to !m1 b _h be5 held long be=e1 n only by ! ph>isees1 among ! ,jews1 b by "s ( ! ,grecian philosoph]s2 & ! tru? ( x ,i am n at all dispos$ to dispute2 yet nev]!less1 :e!r ! evid5ces on :i* x 0 f\nd$ 7 n orig9ally m]e vision>y1 l ! appe>ance ( ,mr ,a4 be=e m5tion$1 is ! subject "u consid]ation4 ,!re may be1 & und\bt$ly are pr9ciples 9 nature :i* are n yet und]/ood by any2 & _m m :i* are und]/ood only by a few4 ,! op]ations ( ^! pr9ciples w\ld und\bt$ly1 ev5 at ! pres5t day1 appe> miracul\s to ?\s&s2 & mu/ appe> v extraord9>y to e "o until !y are und]/ood4 ,b ?is ,i conclude is n :at is meant by miracles4 ,respect+ miracles1 ,i h only to ask myself ?is "q1 viz4--,:i* is ! mo/ likely to be true2 ei!r t m5 %\ld h be5 hone/ly deceiv$1 9 ! fir/ in/ance1 or o!rwise facts %\ld h be5 s misrepres5t$1 t fabrication %\ld h be5 hone/ly believ$ = tru?2 or else1 t ?+s s contr>y to e pr9ciple ( :i* ,i "k 9 nature1 %\ld h tak5 place8 ,let reason only dictate ! answ]4 ,ano!r s\rce ( evid5ce 9 support ( div9e revelation is prophecy4 ,& "h1 not)/&+ ,i ?9k x v probable t mu* importance has be5 atta*$ to _m writ+s1 "u ! idea ( _! be+ prophetic1 :i* are no?+ m ?an ! poetic effusions ( a fruitful imag9ation2 yet ,i h long be5 ( op9ion t !re h be51 & p]haps /ill are m5 9 ! _w :o are end[$1 by nature1 ) gifts & faculties diff]+ f m5 9 g5]al2 & p>ticul>ly1 say if y please1 ) a _s ( prophecy1 :i*1 h[ev]1 ,i mu/ consid] no?+ less nor m ?an a second or m5tal sight4 ,by ?is s5se1 or faculty ( see+1 !y are enabl$ to br+ ev5ts :i* are yet future1 z well z ^? o!rwise out ( sight1 pres5t to _! m9ds2 & ?us !y c behold !m ) _! m5tal eye1 z cle>ly z we behold objects at a di/ance4 ,?is1 y may say1 is vision>y inde$4 ,& y may wond] h[ ,i c d\bt ( ! tru? ( miracles1 if ,i c believe 9 su* a *im]ical idea z ?is6 ,b /op1 my de> sir1 y believe 9 su* a p[] "s :]e or o!r2 = )\t x !re c\ld be no su* ?+ z prophecy1 & if su* a p[] exi/1 ev5 9 ! univ]se1 :y may x n exi/ 9 man8 ,= myself1 ,i _c acc\nt = ! _s ( prophecy 9 man1 7& x mu/ be 9 man1 or else m5 c\ld n be prophets7 9 a m rational way4 ,i %\ld n be dispos$1 h[ev]1 to consid] su* a p[]1 s5se1 faculty1 or by :at o!r "n x might be call$1 any m sup]natural ?an ! organs ( sight & he>+4 ,if ! natural eye is s =m$ t objects may be pa9t$ on x1 simply by ! action ( vision1 to ! imm5se di/ance ( ! fix$ />s1 s t we are enabl$ to behold !m1 :y may n ! m5tal eye be s con/itut$ z to br+ future ev5ts pres5t to ! m9d ) equal c]ta9ty8 ,if su* a p[]1 h[ev]1 7 once kn[n to exi/1 x w\ld be likely to be c\nt]feit$2 & h5ce we may suppose1 arose t horde ( impo/ors1 by ! "n ( soo?say]s1 sorc]]s1 necromanc]s1 magicians1 c4 ,b ev5 :]e ?is p[] exi/s1 if x be a natural p[]1 x mu/ h its limits1 & "s may h x to a great] degree ?an o!rs1 & also "s may make a good use ( x1 & o!rs bad4 ,acc\nt+ = prophecy 9 ?is way1 y w readily p]ceive t x is no c]ta9 evid5ce ( a future /ate2 = al?\gh ! "t may come :5 all creatures 9 all ! va/ dom9ions ( ,god may be made happy 9 ! enjoym5t ( 8 bless+s1 yet x does n necess>ily foll[ t y & ,i %all exi/ at t "t6 i4e4 9 consci\s id5tity6 ,if ,i am ask$ :y ,i wi% to expla9 e ?+ ^u natural pr9ciples1 )\t admitt+ ! imm$iate ag5cy ( ! ,deity1 my only answ] is1 because to my und]/&+ x is m rational1 & ( c\rse m likely to be true4 ,t m5 c\ld div9e1 or =etell future ev5ts1 or decl>e pres5t ?+s :i* are beyond _! sight by intuition1 all ( :i* seems to be embrac$ 9 ! ^w prophecy1 is an idea :i* has exi/$ p]haps f "t immemorial2 & h[ev] unacc\ntable x may seem1 yet1 to a c]ta9 degree1 at lea/1 we are oblig$ to admit ! fact2 b :e!r1 aft] all1 ?is is any ?+ m ?an ! effect ( t k9d ( =esight or ratioc9ation1 :i* all m5 7idiots except$7 h to a great] or less degree1 b "s mu* great] ?an o!rs1 is /ill a "q4 ,b %\ld ,i be oblig$ to admit ! tru? ( prophecy1 9 ! s5se 9 :i* x is g5]ally und]/ood1 ,i %\ld acc\nt = x 9 ! way y h se54 ,i d n p]ceive1 at pres5t1 h[ a revelation c\ld be made to ! und]/&+ ( any man only ?r\gh ! m$ium ( ! op]ations ( nature4 ,unless x 7 made to "s ( 8 outw>d s5ses1 h[ c\ld he "k :e!r x 0 any ?+ m ?an a *im]a ( 8 own bra98 ,if !re 7 any faculty 9 8 m9d by :i* he c\ld view ^! ?+s ov] & ov] aga91 7! same z we look at ! heav5ly bodies7 & did he always behold !m 9 ! same light1 !n he w\ld feel safe 9 decl>+ t su* ?+s did exi/2 & unless ! prophets _h "s su* crit]ion by :i* !y c\ld det]m9e on ! tru? ( _! pr$ictions4 ,i d n see h[ t ev5 !y1 & mu* less we1 %\ld feel safe 9 plac+ any real confid5ce 9 !m4 ,! prophecies ( our ,savi\r1 h[ev]1 conc]n+ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 are m cle> & /rik+ ?an any ?+ else we h ( ! k9d2 & if x 7 c]ta9 t ^! 7 writt5 be=e ! ev5t took place1 x w\ld be a v /rong pro( ( some?+ m ?an :at any "o c suppose c\ld h be5 ! result ( human =esight4 ,!re mu/1 at lea/1 on su* a supposition1 h be5 a faculty ( see+ :i* we d n possess4 ,^! pr$ictions1 h[ev]1 if made by ,jesus1 mu/ h be5 made 9 ! he>+ ( ,john1 z well z ,mat!w2 & ( c\rse1 he mu/ h kn[n !m ) m c]ta9ty ?an ,m>k or ,luke2 :o1 9 consequ5ce ( n be+ p]sonally acqua9t$ ) ,jesus1 c\ld h kn[n !m only f he> say2 & z x is pretty g5]ally agre$1 t ,john wrote 8 gospel m ?an tw5ty ye>s aft] ! ev5t took place1 x is v rem>kable t he %\ld be entirely sil5t on ?is subject6 ,john1 z we mu/ suppose1 kn[+ ( ?is pr$iction2 kn[+ also t x _h be5 record$ by all ?ree ( ! o!r ,evangeli/s1 7?\gh ,luke is n v p>ticul> on ! subject7 & kn[+ also t !y _h all writt5 be=e ! ev5t took place2 & he liv+ to see ! :ole v]ifi$1 & !n wrote 8 gospel aft]w>ds1 h[ natural x w\ld h be5 = him1 fir/ to h record$ ?is pr$iction1 at lea/1 9 sub/ance1 & !n to h m5tion$ its fulfillm5t1 z a confirmation ( ! prophecy6 ,b n a ^w on ! subject4 ,?is1 h[ev]1 is no evid5ce t ,jesus did n deliv] ^? pr$ictions1 & t !y 7 n writt5 by ,mat!w & ,m>k1 & also h9t$ at by ,luke be=e ! ev5ts took place2 yet /ill x raises a d\bt & a qu]y 9 ! m9d :e!r ^! are n int]polations1 or else ! books :olly writt5 aft] ! ev5ts took place1 & ( c\rse ^! pr$ictions put into ! m\? ( ,jesus by ! hi/orian4 ,:5 ! copies 7 few 9 numb]1 & ^? kept by ! ,*ri/ians only1 int]polations might h be5 made )\t mu* dang] ( detection4 ,! h]etics 7 e>ly accus$ ( int]polat+1 alt]+1 & =g+ ! scriptures2 & al?\gh !y1 i4 e4 ! majority ( ! believ]s1 z x is likely w\ld be v c>eful to detect any ?+ :i* contradict$ _! views 9 po9t ( doctr9e1 yet :e!r !y w\ld be equally c>eful respect+ ^? int]polations :i* fav\r$ ! ,*ri/ian fai? is a "q wor?y ( consid]ation4 ,9 ,calmet's diction>y ( ! bible1 "u ! ^w gospel1 we h an acc\nt ( betwe5 ?irty & =ty gospels1 ( :i* he gives _! names1 b none ( :i* are n[ extant4 ,nei!r is !re any ?+1 :i* ,i n[ recollect1 ( any disputes ab\t ! validity ( ! writ+ ( ! apo/les1 except :at is m]ely traditional1 until ab\t ! ye> #ahj1 :5 ,celsus und]took to disprove ! :ole4 ,i may be incorrect1 9 ?is1 h[ev]1 if ,i am1 y w correct me3 = except+ b>ely ! bible1 z ,i h in=m$ y be=e1 ,i h no books by me on ?is subject4 ,ano!r circum/ance mu/ be tak5 into consid]ation1 & :i* be>s great weight 9 my m9d4 ,t is1 ! great & a/oni%+ diff]5ce !re has be5 made 9 ! /ate & condition ( mank9d by ! discov]y or inv5tion ( ! art ( pr9t+2 an art = :i* we _c be too ?ankful1 nor too highly appreciate its b5efits4 ,= x w\ld be v difficult n[ to realize ! situation ( mank9d previ\s to ! inv5tion ( ?is art4 ,writ+1 x is true1 z we may rationally suppose1 0 c>ri$ to a great] /ate ( p]fection at t "t1 ?an x is at pres5t2 = x 0 ( m use1 yet its use mu/ h be5 v limit$1 & x is reasonable to suppose t a v great proportion ( ! common p c\ld nei!r read nor write4 ,= x c\ld be ( b little use to !m1 z !y _h no?+ to read1 = books ( all descriptions1 & ^u all subjects1 mu/ h be51 comp>atively1 v few4 ,?is1 z y w\ld readily p]ceive1 w\ld h a t5d5cy to cause ! common p to place great confid5ce 9 any ?+ t 0 writt54 ,h5ce1 g5]ally speak+1 x 0 suffici5t b>ely to say1 conc]n+ any matt]1 ,greek3 gegraptai1 x is writt5 to ga9 full belief4 ,x is ) all anci5t sects1 z x is ) anci5t nations & k+doms2 _! hi/ory may be trac$ back until we f9d x veil$ 9 my/]y1 & m+l$ ) fable4 ,we are n to suppose1 h[ev]1 t ^! ?+s 7 done at ! "t1 ) an int5t to deceive2 b aft] ! ev5ts1 :atev] !y 71 _h pass$ away1 & ! imag9ation _h be5 long 9 op]ation respect+ ! traditions conc]n+ !m1 !y are dress$ up ) all ! appe>ance ( real hi/ory2 & might s be con/ru$ & believ$1 7 x n = improbability4 ,! probability is1 t :5 su* hi/ories 7 fir/ writt51 !y deceiv$ no "o1 or at lea/1 no "o ?\ght x wor? :ile to und]take to detect !m1 because1 n kn[+ :at effect !y w\ld h1 !y consid]$ _! errors 7 ( no mat]ial consequ5ce4 ,! ,%ak] ,book has be5 publi%$ n9e ye>s2 & al?\gh ,i conclude t v few1 if any1 except ! ,%ak]s !mselves1 believe ! miracles !re9 record$2 yet no "o t ,i "k ( has ?\ght x exp$i5t to und]take to refute !m4 ,& unless ! sect %\ld gr[ to m consequ5ce ?an x is at pres5t1 ,i presume t no "o w give himself mu* tr\ble on ! subject4 ,if x %\ld be ?\ght necess>y1 h[ev]1 to refute ^! pret5d$ miracles1 9 ord] to prev5t ^? 9 scripture f gr[+ into disrepute1 !n x w alt] ! case4 ,i am p]fectly reconcil$ & will+1 h[ev]1 t :atev] is tru? %\ld be true2 & h n ! lea/ incl9ation1 ev5 if x 7 9 my p[]1 to alt] "o tru? respect+ et]nity4 ,?is is ! /ate ( my m9d exactly2 a /ate into :i* x has be5 gr[+1 gradually1 = _m ye>s2 &1 /range z x may seem to y1 ,i c assure y 9 ! fe> ( t ,god be=e :om ,i /& or fall1 & by :om ,i h be5 support$ hi!rto1 x is ! mo/ happy /ate ( m9d 9 :i* mortals c be plac$6 ,gloria 9 altissimis ,deo1 et 9 t]ra pax 9 hom9es b5evol5tia4 ,luke ii4 #ad1 ,beza4 ,:atev] may be y\r op9ion conc]n+ miracles1 ,i believe x mu/ be admitt$ t !re 0 no m ( a miracle 9 ! production ( man1 orig9ally1 ?an !re 0 9 ! production ( o!r animals2 & z nature has n provid$ man ) clo?+ = ! body1 :i* x does = o!r animals1 especially ^? :i* inhabit cold climates1 x is evid5t t man 0 orig9ally produc$ "u ! torrid zone2 & t he c\ld n h liv$ 9 any o!r "p ( ! _w1 _h x n be5 = art4 ,:at alt]ation ! discov]y ( ! arts has made 9 ! orig9al con/itution ( man1 x w\ld he difficult n[ to det]m9e4 ,:at man mu/ h be5 previ\s to ! discov]y & use ( fire1 is difficult n[ to conceive4 ,we c trace man d[n1 h[ev]1 f grade to grade1 until we are at a loss to det]m9e :e!r su* a race ( be+s belongs to ! human species4 ,i h long desir$1 & %\ld be glad if "s "o ( suffici5t le>n+ & skill w\ld po9t out to me ! l9e ( demon/ration betwe5 ! human & brutal creation2 & say :]e ! human ends1 & :]e ! brutal beg9s6 ,naturali/s take c>e to say b little on ?is subject1 & ,i believe ! task w\ld be m difficult ?an :at p 9 g5]al imag9e4 ,come !n1 ye le>n'd1 ye great & wise1 ,unfold ! s\l to mortal eyes2 ,say :]e et]nal life %all end1 ,or :]e et]nal dea? beg9s6 ,= dea? et]nal !irs mu/ be1 ,^: s\ls no future life %all see6 ,& :y %\ld mortals va9ly weep ,= creatures wrapt 9 endless sleep8 ,!y've _h _! day1 !y've _h _! bliss1 ,_! life1 _! joy1 & happ9ess1 ,& n[ mu/ we =ev] m\rn1 ,because _! life w n return6 ,o fooli% man6 g1 & be wise6 ,le>n :]e ! s\rce ( greatness lies2 ,to be cont5t is to be ble/3 ,a cure = woes is endless re/4 ,if ,god be good to all ! race ,( animals be=e 8 face1 ,al?\gh ! life ( "s be %ort1 7,"o day beg9s & ends _! sport7 ,%all we presume he is less k9d ,to human s\ls ( nobl] m9d1 ,unless he l5g!n out _! days ,to endless ye>s 9 future maze8 ,x _c be6 ,8 love is su*1 ,:ate'er he gives1 little or mu*1 ,is always good3 fai?1 hope1 desires2 ,or any grace :i* he inspires4 ,all1 all are good3 = man inde$1 7,:il/ "h7 su* gifts1 su* helps may ne$6 ,all br+ him to 8 f9al goal1 ,:]e nature's law w9ds up ! :ole6 ,b y w say1 does ,god inspire man ) fai? & hope b>ely to deceive him2 & does he n mean t he %\ld ev] realize ! '?+s hop$ =8' :i* mu/ be ! case1 unless ! hope is f\nd$ on a reality4 ,answ]3 ,let u r say1 unless ! hope be a reality4 ,! hope ( man is 9 fact a reality1 z mu* s z any ?+ else :i* exi/s4 ,x is1 h[ev]1 :at x is1 i4 e4 hope2 & n :at is n1 i4 e4 ! '?+s hop$ =4' ,b hope nev] deceives any "o1 x cont9ues z long z ! creature has any use = x2 & x is nev] tak5 away f any 7except a disord]$ m9d1 to :i* all m5 are liable7 z long z x c be ( any s]vice to ! creature4 ,t hope is giv5 = ?y bless+ ,,n[4--,pope4 ,mank9d1 if ev]1 are v seldom made unhappy & wret*$ 9 consequ5ce ( d\bt+ ! exi/5ce ( a future /ate4 ,?\s&s1 no d\bt1 ?9k !y %\ld be wret*$ 9 ?is condition3 b1 al?\gh ,i h be5 acqua9t$ ) a numb] ( ?is description1 ,i nev] saw "o made unhappy 9 consequ5ce4 ,x is ! fe> ( endless mis]y :i* produces s mu* wret*$ness 9 ! _w4--,?is idea1 x is true1 begg>s all description6 ,x produces t fe> :i* ha? torm5t4 ,x di/urbs ! bra92 de/roys ! m5tal faculties2 &1 by di/ract+ ! imag9ation1 fills ! s\l ) horror6 ,x is inf9itely m to be dread$ ?an endless dea?6 ,b :at fe> or dread c !re be 9 ! idea ( endless sleep8 ,surely none4 ,p are too apt to conf\nd ! idea ( ! abs5ce ( immortality ) endless mis]y1 believ+ ?is to be ! only alt]native4 ,?is is n correct4 ,mortality & dea? are ! only opposites to immortality & et]nal life4 ,! =m] ,i "k is true1 & yet ,i am satisfi$ ) kn[+1 7i4 e4 = an absolute c]ta9ty7 no?+ fur!r2 nev]!less1 z ,i feel truly ?ankful = my pres5t exi/5ce1 %\ld ,i be s happily disappo9t$ z to f9d all my d\bts1 f\nd$ 9 error1 ,i tru/1 z ,i %\ld be inexpressibly happy1 s ,i %\ld be inexpressibly ?ankful = a future life4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,vi4 ,de> sir1 & bro!r1--,9 reply+ to y\r sev5? numb]1 ,i propose tak+ ! advantage :i* y h fav\r$ me )1 by ! division ( y\r subject4 ,i hope by ?is1 to be able to compress my rem>ks on y\r reason+1 & avoid any unnecess>y protraction ( ?is epi/le4 ,y all[1 t a g5]al view ( ! :ole gr\nd on :i* ! scriptures seem to re/1 w\ld be suffici5t to support ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 7 x n = ! foll[+ consid]ations4 #a4 ,mank9d1 9 all ages ( ! _w1 h be51 & /ill are prone to sup]/ition4 #b4 ,x _c be d5i$1 b t a "p ( mank9d1 at lea/1 h believ$1 & /ill are believ+ 9 miracles & revelations :i* are spuri\s4 #c4 ,! facts on :i* revelation is pr$icat$1 are unlike e ?+ ( :i* we h any positive k4 ,if ,i rightly appreh5d y\r mean+ ( ! :ole gr\nd 9 :i* ! scriptures seem to re/1 a g5]al view ( :i* w\ld be suffici5t to support a belief 9 revelation1 7 x n = ! ?ree consid]ations above quot$2 x occupies1 at lea/1 prophecies conc]n+ a ,messiah & ! fulfillm5t ( ^? prophecies by a ,messiah1 accord+ to ! acc\nt :i* we h 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,z x w s]ve to circumscribe ! b\nds ( our pres5t reason+1 x is ?\ght be/ to direct our inquiry to ! consid]ation ( ! facts record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 presum+ if ^! be admitt$1 ! prophecies w n be d5i$4 ,b h ,i n occasion1 sir1 to be surpris$ to f9d y\r fir/ proposition adduc$ z evid5ce unfav\rable to ! *ri/ian scriptures8 ,0 !re ev] a "t :5 ! _w ( human k9d1 bo? ,jews & ,g5tiles1 0 m deeply involv$ 9 ! d>kness & /upidity ( sup]/ition ?an :5 ! ,messiah ent]$ on 8 public m9i/ry8 ,if ! doctr9e ( ,jesus _h be5 pleas+ to ! sup]/iti\s ,jews1 if x _h accord$ ) ! idolatr\s notions ( ! ,g5tiles1 7:i* 0 impossible7 if 8 ,messiah%ip _h be5 esp\s$ by bo?1 & by _! cons5t & influ5ce _h be5 h&$ d[n1 & decl>$ to h be5 evid5c$ by all ! miracles record$ 9 ! f\r ,evangeli/s1 d y n see t y\r fir/ proposition w\ld be ( ,h]culean /r5g? aga9/ ?is religion8 ,on ! contr>y1 x be+ well e/abli%$1 f unque/ionable au?ority1 t z ,/4 ,paul obs]v$1 ,*ri/ crucifi$ 0 a /umbl+ block to ! ,jews1 & to ! ,greeks fooli%ness1 ! :ole =ce ( ,jewi% & ,greek sup]/ition1 z x oppos$1 s]ves to /r5g!n ! evid5ces ( our fai?4 ,w y be s good z to read ! acc\nt :i* is record$ ( ! miracle :i* ,jesus wr\ght 9 giv+ sight to ! man :o 0 born bl9d1 & inquire c>efully f beg9n+ to end = any ?+ t looks 9 ! lea/ z if ! writ] 0 endeav\r+ to write a falsehood 9 a way to h x deceive ! read]4 ,?is reque/ might1 z ,i humbly conceive1 be made 9 respect to any ( ! o!r miracles2 b :at ,i _h 9 view1 p>ticul>ly :5 ?is subject came to my m9d1 0 ! foll[+ words1 spok5 by ! ph>isees to him :o _h be5 bl9d2 ,?\ art 8 disciple3 b we are ,moses' disciples4 ,we "k t ,god spake unto ,moses2 z = ?is fell[ we "k n f :5ce he is4 ,is x n pla9 f ?is z well z f _m o!r scriptures1 t 9 ! same degree t ! ph>isees' sup]/ition run 9 fav\r ( ,moses1 x op]at$ aga9/ ,jesus8 ,i "k ! objector may say1 ! ,jews expect$ a ,messiah2 b !n !y did n expect su* a "* z 0 ,jesus4 ,!y also expect$ ,elias to come fir/1 b !y did n expect su* a "* z ,john4 ,y1 & all ! _w "k t ! prote/ant cl]gy 9 ,europe & ,am]ica us$ to pray = ! d[nfall ( ! ,pope2 b :5 he 0 humbl$1 !y all jo9$ 9 f]v5t pray] to set him up aga94 ,h[ did ?is inconsi/5cy happ58 ,answ]3 ,! way 9 :i* x pleas$ ,god to humble ! ,pope1 0 n ! way :i* cl]ical wisdom & prud5ce _h plann$2 & we all see n[1 t !y are bett] pleas$ ) ! ,pope & ! ,inquisition1 ?an !y 7 to h him lose 8 p[] 9 a way :i* endang]$ _! own4 ,n[1 sir1 if lib]al pr9ciples d obta91 & if ! cause ( civil & religi\s lib]ty %\ld f9ally triumph1 9 spite ( popi% & prote/ant cl]gy ) mon>*y unit$1 d y believe t ?is triumph w ev] be imput$ to ! sup]/ition ( k+-craft & prie/craft8 ,on ! gr\nd ( y\r fir/ proposition ?is w\ld be y\r conclusion4 ,! ph>isees & ^? :o adh]$ to !m1 built ! sepul*res ( ! prophets1 :om _! fa!rs kill$1 & said2 ,if we _h be5 9 ! days ( our fa!rs1 we w\ld n h be5 p>tak]s ) !m 9 ! blood ( ! prophets4 ,^! holy m5 7 sure t !y 7 mu* bett] ?an _! fa!rs :o p]secut$ ! prophets2 !y _h no disposition to p]secute2 all ! weal? 9 ! _w c\ld n h tempt$ ^! godly sa9ts to kill a prophet ( ,god4 ,h[ev]1 ,/4 ,paul writ+ to ! ,!ssalonians1 says1 ,= ye1 bre?r51 became foll[]s ( ! *ur*es ( ,god1 :i* 9 ,judea are 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus3 = ye also h suff]$ l ?+s ( y\r own c\ntrym51 ev5 z !y h ( ! ,jews2 :o bo? kill$ ! ,"l ,jesus & _! own prophets1 & h p]secut$ u2 & !y please n ,god1 & are contr>y to all m54 ,b ! ,jews w\ld n h put ,jesus to dea? if he _h be5 a ph>isee1 & _h n dep>t$ f _! traditions & sup]/itions4 ,b he 0 n a ph>isee1 nor did he adh]e to _! sup]/itions2 & = ?is cause he 0 to !m a root out ( dry gr\nd4 ,to !m1 he _h no =m nor comel9ess1 no1 nor _h he any beauty t !y %\ld disc]n him4 ,say1 bro!r1 is n ?is ! sup]/ition :i* y are urg+ z unfav\rable to ! evid5ces ( *ri/ianity8 ,& does n ! passage above quot$ f ,!ssalonians g to prove :at all ecclesia/ical hi/ory z well z ! ,new ,te/am5t proves1 t ! ,*ri/ians 7 p]secut$ by ! ,jews & by ! ,g5tiles8 ,did any ?+ b sup]/ition ev] p]secute8 ,x surely does n aim to build up t :i* x p]secutes3 & !re=e 9 room ( its be+ evid5ce aga9/ ! g5u95ess ( :at x opposes1 is ju/ly admitt$ z a valid evid5ce 9 its fav\r4 ,x is well kn[n t our ,*ri/ian doctors1 cl]gy1 & laity h be5 long p]suad$ t a glori\s day ( univ]sal peace & gospel light is n only promis$1 b fa/ approa*+2 & if _! pray]s h any influ5ce1 x is evid5t t ! "t is ha/5$ by _! means4 ,all ?is looks v well1 & a man w\ld be ?\ght to be impi\s1 if n insane1 :o %\ld intimate t ^! sa9ts 7 sup]/it\s or illib]al1 or t !y possess$ ! _s ( p]secution4--,b :at has be5 _! _s =1 say1 tw5ty-five ye>s pa/ t[>ds a doctr9e :i* tea*es univ]sal peace on e>? & good w t[>ds man8 ,is !re any ?+ bad :i* !y h n spok5 aga9/ ?is doctr9e8 ,h !y n treat$ its prea*]s ) all ! contempt & ev5 ridicule ( :i* !y 7 capable8 ,h !y n us$ all _! influ5ce to keep ! doctr9e f be+ prea*$ 9 _! meet+ h\ses1 & h !y n dealt ) *ur* memb]s :o h believ$ ?is b5ign doctr9e ( love1 ) excommunications att5d$ ) z _m aggravations z !y c\ld inv5t8 ,9 a ^w1 is !re "o bitt] h]b 9 all ! gr\nd :i* 0 curs$ = man's sake1 t has n be5 us$ aga9/ :at is call$ ! poison ( ?is abom9able h]esy8 ,if !y _h ! p[] ( ! pope1 if ! inquisition 7 at _! comm&1 w\ld !y let su* p[] lie dormant = want ( zeal8 ,balaam smote 8 ass ) a /aff1 b said3 ,i w\ld !re 7 a sword 9 m9e h&1 = n[ w\ld ,i kill !e4 ,b aft] all t has be5 said & done aga9/ ?is doctr9e ( univ]sal b5evol5ce & grace1 its progress conf\nds its enemies1 enc\rages its fri5ds1 & calls to m9d ! p>able ( ! mu/>d se$4 ,suppose = a c5tury to come x %\ld cont9ue its advances accord+ to :at x has ga9$ = ! tw5ty-five ye>s above m5tion$1 is x n evid5t t ! k ( ,god w\ld cov] ! e>? z ! wat]s cov] ! sea8 ,b w\ld any body !n1 be+ acqua9t$ ) ! hi/ory ( ^! times1 ?9k ( mak+ use ( ! sup]/ition ( our cl]gy to oppose ! evid5ces ( ?is doctr9e8 ,w\ld su* a "o say1 x is probable t 9 ^? times ( sup]/ition1 ! cl]gy :o _h great influ5ce ) ! common p1 might alt] _m passages ( scripture1 & 9 room ( us+ ! ^w elect1 int]polate ! words all m58 ,if ,i und]/& y\r argum5t1 ?is is ! use y make ( sup]/ition4 ,b1 sir1 ,i am satisfi$ t ! sup]/ition ( our times w be suffici5t pro( to future ages1 t ! scriptures :i* s abundantly prove ! doctr9e ( univ]sal salvation1 7 n ! production ( a sup]/iti\s cl]gy :o 7 kn[n to oppose ?is doctr9e ) all _! le>n+ & influ5ce4 ,n[ if y please1 y may indulge 9 /r5g!n+ y\r hypo!sis1 & prove by ! fai?ful hi/ories ( diff]5t nations1 t ,jews1 ,greeks1 & ,romans 7 mo/ /upidly sup]/iti\s4 ,also t ,india1 ,turkey1 & ,arabia are n[ groan+ "u ! pond]\s weight ( ?is vanity4 ,g on & enl>ge on all t y h said1 & po9t out all ! sup]/itions ( :i* we read or "k2 %[ h[ p[]ful ?is sup]/ition is 9 ! human he>t2 h[ x r5d]s its vot>ies bl9d to reason & ! pr9ciples ( moral tru?2 %[ h[ h>d x is to break 9 ^u ?is almo/ inv9cible phalanx2 b consid]1 sir1 ! black] y repres5t ?is cl\d1 ! bright] y r5d] ! evid5ces ( ! religion ( ,jesus4 ,y ne$ n be in=m$1 :at ! ,*ri/ian _w all kn[s1 t ! doctr9e ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 f\nd$ on ! miracles record$ 9 ! f\r ,evangeli/s & 9 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 0 propagat$ among ,jews & ,g5tiles1 ^: sup]/itions1 ?\gh v>i\s1 r5d]$ !m bo? ho/ile to ?is new religion1 & incit$ !m to p]secutions :i* subject$ ! weak & def5celess disciples ( ! meek & l[ly ,jesus to trials & suff]+s1 fe>s & temptations ( :i* we c h b a fa9t conception4--,! gr& hypo!sis on :i* ! gospel 0 advocat$1 & by :i* x succe$$ 9 obta9+ va/ multitudes ( ,jewi% z well z ,g5tile conv]ts1 0 ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 :o 0 publicly execut$ on a cross by ! ,roman au?ority in/igat$ by ! rul]s ( ! ,jews4 ,all ?is mu/ be acc\nt$ = 9 a rational way4 ,! facts are z well atte/$ z any ?+ ( :i* hi/ory gives any acc\nt4 ,! f\r gospels h be5 comm5t$ on1 & quot$1 & adv]t$ too by a great] numb] ( controv]sial writ]s1 ?an any o!r book ( :i* we h any k4 ,! epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul :5 comp>$ ) ! ,acts & ) ea* o!r h all ! necess>y *>act]i/ics ( be+ g5u9e1 & ( relat+ no?+ b realties4 ,y1 sir1 all[ t ! au?ority on :i* ?is religion re/s1 w\ld be suffici5t to support x1 if x 7 n = ! consid]ation ( y\r ?ree propositions1 ! fir/ ( :i*1 ,i tru/1 y w ackn[l$ge /&s 9 its v9dication4 ,y\r second proposition may n[ be notic$4 ,t "p ( mank9d h believ$ & /ill are believ+ 9 miracles & revelations :i* are spuri\s1 we h no int]e/ 9 d5y+1 b we feel "u no obligation to admit ?is fact z any evid5ce aga9/ ,*ri/ianity1 or ( any =ce to c\nt]balance ! evid5ces :i* /& 9 its fav\r4 ,:at w\ld y ?9k ( su* k9d ( reason+ z %\ld cont5d1 t z x is evid5t t _m h be51 & /ill are impos$ on by c\nt]feit money1 x ju/ifies s]i\s d\bts :e!r !re ev] 0 any true money 9 ! _w8 ,w\ld y n reply1 t z ! c\nt]feit is entirely dep5d5t on ! true = its imposition1 9 room ( be+ evid5ce t !re is no true money1 x demon/rates t !re is8 ,x be+ well kn[n1 nor ev] d\bt$ by ! fri5ds or enemies ( ,*ri/ianity1 t its f\nd] & 8 apo/les prov$ ! div9ity ( _! missions by miracles alone1 x 0 no?+ m ?an might be rationally expect$1 t impo/ors w\ld rise up "u ^? sacr$ pret5sions1 ) a view to e/abli% !mselves4 ,b if ?is religion ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 _h n at fir/ be5 built ^u ?is f\ndation1 impo/ors w\ld nev] h ?\ght ( impos+ on p ) su* pret5sions4 ,impo/ors1 !re=e1 toge!r ) all _! deceptions1 _c1 z ,i humbly conceive1 be admitt$ z evid5ce aga9/ ! g5u95ess ( ! gospel1 b 9 fav\r ( x4 ,z to ,mahomet ( :om y speak1 ,i h always und]/ood t he made no pret5sions to miracles4 ,he pret5d$ to hold correspond5ce ) ! angel ,gabriel1 & to receive revelations f ,god 9 ?is way2 b he nev] attempt$ to sanction 8 div9ity by miracles2 & inde$ !re 0 no ne$ ( ?is1 = he decl>$ he 0 commission$ f heav5 to propagate 8 religion by ! sword1 & to de/roy ! monum5ts ( idolatry4 ,8 k+dom 0 ( ?is _w1 !re=e did 8 s]vants fight2 b !y did n fight always alone1 = he f\ght at n9e battles or sieges 9 p]son1 & 9 t5 ye>s a*iev$ fifty milit>y ent]prizes4 ,he unit$ religion & plund]1 by :i* he allur$ ! vagrant ,arabs to 8 /&>d4 ,he ass]t$ t ! sword 0 ! key ( heav5 & hell2 t a drop ( blood %$ 9 ! cause ( ,god1 a night sp5t 9 arms are ( m acc\nt ?an two mon?s ( fa/+ & pray]4 ,he assur$ ^? :o %\ld fall 9 battle1 t _! s9s %\ld be =giv5 at ! day ( judgm5t1 t _! w\nds w\ld be respl5dant z v]million & odorif]\s z myrrh1 & t ! loss ( limbs %\ld be suppli$ by ! w+s ( angels & *]ubim4 ,b :at y c f9d 9 ,mahometism :i* 9 ! lea/ militates aga9/ ! evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity ,i "k n4 ,x is affirm$ by writ]s1 t he collect$ 8 ideas ( ,god & ( morals f ! ,hebrew & ,*ri/ian scriptures4 ,f ,mahomet y g to ! conv]sion ( ,con/ant9e1 tak+ p>ticul> notice ( ! acc\nt giv5 ( 8 see+ ! sign ( a cross 9 ! sun1 c4 ,& z we are n[ on ! subject ( miracles1 we mu/ n =get ! miracles ( ! ,%ak]s :i* seem to %ake y\r fai?6 ,two notable miracles y h hon\r$ ) a place 9 y\r epi/le1 or hon\r$ y\r epi/le ) !m1 :i*1 ,i %all n und]take to det]m9e4 ,a bridge fell ) a horse on x1 :i* fell ) ! bridge2 ! rid] 0 a woman2 by ! fall sev]al ( h] ribs 7 brok51 & %e 0 o!rwise bruis$2 b %e 0 miracul\sly recov]$ s z to be able to dance 9 "o ev5+4 ,a boy cut 8 foot1 ! w\nd bl$ pr(usely2 ! boy 0 miracul\sly heal$ 9 a few h\rs4 ,^! are ! miracles2 b :e!r "m ,ann1 or "s ( h] eld]s p]=m$ ^! miracles y d n in=m me4 ,x seems to be all[$ t mo/ ( ^! ,quak] miracles are inf]ior to ! miracles record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 b n m inf]ior to !m1 ?an !y are to ! miracles ( ,moses4 ,doctor ,prie/ley1 ) 8 usual c&or1 endeav\rs to assign a natural cause = :at ,con/ant9e saw1 & y are incl9$ to 8 op9ion1 to all ( :i* ,i h no objections to make2 & ,i am by no means c]ta91 t a prop] att5tion to ! pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,%ak]s1 might n issue 9 assign+ a natural cause = !m4 ,b h[ev] ?is may be1 ,i _c see h[ ! matt] affects our belief 9 ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,d y n discov] a diff]5ce too wide betwe5 ! case ( ,jesus & 8 doctr9e1 & ,ann ,lee & h] pr9ciples to admit ( ! comp>ison :i* y seem incl9$ to make8 ,y h also m5tion$ ! case ( ,mrs4 ,a----'s see+ h] husb& & talk+ ) him aft] he 0 dead1 :i* y w\ld draw into ! same comp>ison4 ,t ,mrs4 ,a---- may h satisfactory evid5ce ( h] hav+ se5 & conv]s$ ) h] husb& s9ce 8 dea?1 ,i am n at all dispos$ to dispute2 b "h ! matt] ends4 ,god has n se5 fit to endue h] ) ! p[] ( work+ miracles4 ,if ?is woman %\ld come into a public assembly & "w a/oni%+ miracles be=e all ! p z an atte/ation ( h] hav+ se5 h] husb&1 & y & ,i %\ld be pres5t1 & see ^! m>vell\s ?+s ) our own eyes %\ld we d\bt ! woman's te/imony8 ,i h already1 9 a =m] communication %[n t ! decl>ation ( ! apo/les ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 until x 0 accompani$ ) p[] f on high1 0 nev] ev5 communicat$ to ! public1 or ord]$ to be communicat$4 ,b 9 fact ! disciples 7 /rictly comm&$ to t>ry at ,j]usalem until ! gift ( ! ,holy ,_s4 ,con/ant9e w\ld h _h no occasion to depose "u ! solemnity ( an oa?1 conc]n+ ! sign ( ! cross1 c4 if he _h _h p[] to evid5ce 8 decl>ation by miracles4 ,if ,ann ,lee's disciples w heal ! sick1 re/ore ! lame1 & raise ! dead 9 s public a mann] t ! p at l>ge may "k ^! facts1 !n1 sir1 !y w no long] ne$ to pur*ase poor *ildr5 9 ord] to increase _! societies4 ,& if ,god %\ld see fit to call me f my wife & *ildr5 by su* evid5ces z ^!1 ,i hope ,i %\ld n disobey 8 div9e m&ate4 ,b w y reply1 t miracles hav+ ceas$1 we h no "r to expect !m8 ,9 return x may be ask$1 h[ we are assur$ t miracles are n n[ necess>y z !y 7 tw5ty or ?irty ye>s ago8 ,w y retort ?is "q & ask :y miracles are n n[ z necess>y to ev9ce ! tru? ( *ri/ianity z 9 ! days ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les8 ,to ?is we reply3 ! miracles on :i* ! gospel 0 f\nd$1 or propagat$1 7 ( ! mo/ extraord9>y k9d2 !y 7 ( ext5sive publicity1 & ( ocul> notoriety2 !y 7 va/ly num]\s1 ext5d+ to ! infirm$ ( all descriptions2 & !y 7 cont9u$ long en\gh to answ] ! purpose = :i* !y 7 int5d$4 ,y w feel satisfi$ t ! enemies ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les knew = c]ta9ty1 t ^? miracles wr\ght by !m 7 realities2 & t !y1 9 room ( imput+ !m to ! div9e ag5cy1 violat$ _! own reason1 by ref]r+ to an evil ag5t su* p[] & acts ( goodness2 ,i say y w feel satisfi$ ( all ?is1 if y w set d[n & read all ! acc\nts relative to ?is subject1 9 ! f\r gospels1 c>efully reg>d+ ?is "q3 ,d ^! writ]s discov] any m>ks ( deception or fraud8 ,9 no in/ance d ! evangeli/s betray ! lea/ anxiety = fe> :at !y relate w n be cr$it$4 ,ev5 :5 !y p5 ! a/oni%+ miracles ( :i* !y pret5d to be eye witnesses1 !y make no pause to cle> up any ?+2 b tell ! :ole z if ! :ole 0 publicly kn[n4 ,9 a ^w1 ?is hi/ory1 ?is sacr$ te/imony1 c>ries its own compet5t evid5ce )9 itself4 ,x has be5 notic$ by ^? :o h writt5 on ?is subject1 z evid5ce t ,mat!w1 ,m>k1 ,luke1 & ,john 7 ! real au?ors ( ^? books :i* be> _! respective names1 t a great _m passages are allud$ to or quot$ f ! evangeli/s1 exactly z we read !m n[1 by a regul> succession ( ,*ri/ian writ]s1 f ! "t ( ! apo/les d[n to ?is h\r2 & at a v e>ly p]iod _! names are m5tion$ z ! au?ors ( _! respective gospels2 :i* is m ?an c he said ( any o!r hi/orian :atev]4 ,see ,l>dn] & ,paley4 ,i w n call up ,ann ,lee 9 ?is place1 b ,i w suppose an attempt %\ld be made n[ 9 ,new-,engl& to conv9ce ,tr9it>ians ( ! error ( suppos+ !re are ?ree p]sons 9 ! ,godhead4 ,?is %all be und]tak5 by m5 :o are wick$ en\gh to attempt to deceive by pret5d$ miracles4 ,"o is select$ z a lead]1 & ! o!rs to ! numb] ( twelve pr(ess to be 8 foll[]s4 ,! lead] pret5ds to a revelation f ,god1 ! sub/ance ( :i* is1 t ,jesus ,*ri/ is a creat$ be+ & dep5d5t on ! ,fa!r4 ,?is doctr9e he prea*es & directs 8 foll[]s to g into e t[n 9 ,new-,engl& & proclaim ?is tru? to ! p1 & exhort !m to rep5t ( _! =m] doctr9e & turn to ,god4 ,?is impo/or pret5ds to "w miracles 9 confirmation ( 8 div9e mission2 & also pret5ds to give 8 disciples p[] to "w miracles4 ,he in=ms 8 fri5ds t he is to lose 8 life & t !y mu/ lose _!'s1 9 ord] to e/abli% ?is doctr9e4 ,/op1 we h come to an absurdity4 ,:o w\ld und]take to deceive _! fell[ creatures = no o!r rew>d ?an ! loss ( _! lives8 ,b let u pursue on4 ,?is lead] pret5ds to give sight to bl9d p1 to heal ! sick ) a ^w1 & to raise ! dead4 ,x is report$ all r\nd ! c\ntry t _m su* cases h actually tak5 place2 t ! bl9d d receive _! sight1 ! sick are rais$ to heal? at once1 & "o man 9 p>ticul> :o 0 dead f\r days1 has be5 call$ out ( 8 grave4 ,p n[ are wak$ up2 _m believe ! reports2 ?\s&s are flock+ f place to place to he> ?is man & to see 8 miracles4 ,9 ?is case :o w\ld be mo/ likely to place !mselves v ne> to ?is pret5d]8 ,:o w\ld "o expect to f9d ne> 8 p]son8 ,answ]1 "s ( ! ,tr9it>ians2 *os5 ones too2 m5 ( s\nd judgm5t1 & :o c\ld be dep5d$ on z able to detect any fraud4 ,h[ long is x reasonable to suppose ^! pret5sions c\ld possibly cont9ue ) any success8 ,x may be ask$ likewise1 :e!r all hone/1 reasonable1 & c&id ,unit>ians w\ld n express _! abhorr5ce ( su* pret5sions8 ,are y1 sir1 ( op9ion t su* a fraud c\ld possibly be manag$ 9 a way to insure success8 ,a mom5t's reflection is suffici5t to put ! "q to re/4 ,b we w /ill pursue our supposition4 ,! ,tr9it>ians ent] a compla9t aga9/ ?is tea*]1 to ! au?orities1 alleg+ t he is guilty ( treason2 he is arre/$1 convict$1 & publicly execut$4 ,at ! "t ( 8 arre/ 8 disciples all =sake him1 & "o be+ f\nd ne> him d5ies t he kn[s ! man4 ,all is ov] n[1 & p g ab\t _! common avocations2 once 9 a :ile a ^w or two may be dropp$ on ! subject ( ! impo/or1 b ! ?+ is dy+ away1 till all at once ! twelve disciples ( him :o 0 execut$ came boldly be=e ! public & proclaim ! resurrection ( _! lead]1 *>ge ! rul]s ( ! p ( hav+ murd]$ him1 & decl>e t ,god has rais$ him f ! dead1 & appo9t$ !m to be witness ( ?is to ! p1 & to prea* ,unit>ianism4 ,:at w\ld be ?\ght ( ^! m58 ,w\ld ! doctr9e ( ! div9e unity be likely to triumph ov] its opposite1 ! ,tr9ity1 by ! prea*+ ( ! twelve8 ,w\ld !re be any att5tion paid to ^! m51 except by au?ority1 to disp]se !m & cause !m to desi/ f su* madness1 & g ab\t "s hone/ bus9ess8 ,b n[ !y pret5d to "w miracles 9 confirmation ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection6 ,en\gh4 ,suppose1 sir1 ,i %\ld tell y t ,i believe su* pret5sions might be s manag$ z to succe$ completely1 w\ld y n reply1 t ! success ( su* pret5sions be+ altoge!r a fraud1 w\ld itself be z great a miracle z is record$ 9 scripture1 ) ! addition ( absurdity8 ,y w rememb] t y sugge/$ t x w\ld require a miracle to dissuade me f my belief2 & ,i hope y w see t y mu/ believe 9 a miracle 9 ord] n to believe ) me6 ,w y say t ! =ego+ does n come to ! difficulty1 t ! "q is1 0 n ! acc\nt we h ( ^? ?+s 9 ! gospels1 =g$ long s9ce ! days 9 :i* !y are repres5t$ to h tak5 place8 ,!n1 sir1 9 room ( ! above suppos$ fraud1 und]tak5 to propagate ,unit>ianism1 y may take ! supposition ( a =g$ book publi%$ by ! fri5ds ( t doctr9e1 9 :i* j su* a /ory is told ( ! fir/ propagations ( ! s5tim5t z is told 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les--& ! ,tr9it>ians %all be made to act ! "p ( ! old ph>isees4 ,c y1 sir1 conceive t ! book w\ld meet ) any bett] success ?an ! impo/ors !mselves8 ,w\ld our le>n$ doctors ( ! ,tr9it>ian s*ool be sil5t :ile su* a book 0 9 circulation8 ,w\ld !y suff] x to be h&$ d[n to po/]ity unansw]$ & unrefut$8 ,w\ld !y see _! *ur*es impos$ on 9 ?is way1 _! doctr9e sat at n\ght1 & ?is mo/ extravagant impo/ure obta9 cr$it8 ,ask likewise on ! o!r side2 w\ld hone/ ,unit>ians pay any att5tion to su* a book8 ,w\ld !y impose on _! fell[ creatures 9 ?is way8 ,w\ld !y in/ruct _! *ildr5 to believe :at !y knew to be a lie8 ,x %\ld be kept 9 m9d t :5 ! gospels 7 writt5 & = m ?an two hundr$ ye>s aft]w>ds1 *ri/ianity 0 hat$ & p]secut$ beyond :at we c easily conceive1 by ! emp]ors ( ,rome & _! wick$ gov]nors1 :o be+ au?oriz$ by special edicts = t purpose put to ! mo/ cruel tortures & horrid dea?s ! foll[]s ( ,jesus4 ,! sup]/iti\s prie/s ( hea!n idols1 7 con/antly active ) all possible inv5tions calculat$ to excite jeal\sies & %>p5 ! edge ( p]secution aga9/ a doctr9e t 0 calculat$ to subv]t _! ord] & demoli% _! temples4 ,x 0 n until ,a4 ,d4 #caa1 t ,maxim9 ,gal]ius1 :o _h be5 ! au?or ( ! heavie/ calamities on ! *ri/ians1 publi%$ a solemn edict1 ord]+ ! p]secution to cease1 :i* 8 indescribable horrors & pa9ful sickness compell$ him to d4 ,! next ye> ,con/ant9e1 & 8 colleague ,lic9ius grant$ to ! *ri/ians a full p[] ( liv+ accord+ to _! own laws & in/itutions4 ,= ne>ly ?ree hundr$ ye>s !n ! gospel m9i/ry1 f\nd$ on miracles1 :i*1 if n real1 7 z easily detect$ z any falsehood :atev]1 0 oppress$ by cruel edicts act$ ^u by ! bitt]e/ enemies4 ,:]e 0 all ! boa/$ le>n+ ( ?is le>n$ age8 ,:]e 0 all ! sagacity ( ! sagaci\s8 ,c\ld n a prie/hood1 = ages improv$ 9 sc>cely any ?+ b imposition & fraud1 succe$ 9 detect+ pret5sions1 :i*1 if n real1 7 too grossly absurd to impose on ! mo/ artless8 ,y1 sir1 are entirely "r 9 say+ y _c prove ?is *ri/ian revelation & ! miracles on :i* x 0 f\nd$1 false4 ,= if ?is c\ld ev] h be5 done1 !re c be no reasonable d\bt t x w\ld h be5 by its enemies 9 its fir/ rise2 b ! day is pa/ = ! detection ( ?is fraud1 if x be "o2 = ! age 9 :i* all ! means ( detection 7 9 possession ( its enemies1 has long s9ce pass$ away & ^? means are lo/4 ,! imposition1 possess$ at fir/ ( no solidity1 might h be5 bl[n into ! air ) a brea? ( common s5se1 has magnifi$ & petrifi$ till x promises to fill ! :ole e>?1 & is z h>d z an adamant4 ,we he> ( no writ]'s und]tak+ to disprove ,*ri/ianity till ab\t "o hundr$ ye>s aft] ! apo/les' day1 :5 ,celsus wrote a viol5t "w aga9/ ! ,*ri/ians1 :o 71 at ! same "t1 suff]+ sev]e p]secutions4 ,b ?is au?or1 ?\gh a bitt] enemy to ,*ri/1 all[s 8 miracles2 b l ! old ph>isees imputes !m to a diff]5t p[] f t ( ,god4 ,:y %\ld ?is enemy ( ,jesus1 8 religion1 apo/les & foll[]s all[ ^? miracles8--,x seems t !re c be no good reason = ?is unless !y 7 realities4 ,y say1 t no miracles or revelations t h come d[n to u are support$ by s good au?ority z ^? record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ,i admit4 ,b h[ c y conceive ( any good evid5ce ( su* miracles z are record$ 9 ?is book8 ,we h no acc\nt ( any te/imony "u oa? t !y 7 realities4 ,& ev5 if we _h1 c\ld ! solemnity ( an oa? be admitt$ z good evid5ce8 ,i ?9k n4 ,inde$ !re 0 no au?ority t w\ld all[ ! apo/les to depose 9 fav\r ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus2 b !re 7 no au?orities t c\ld prev5t _! be>+ a m]e conv9c+ te/imony4 ,i h endeav\r$ h]et(ore1 to %[ t !re c be no good evid5ce ( su* a fact z ! resurrection1 :i* is capable ( be+ refut$2 & ,i w "h add1 ( admitt+ reasonable d\bts ( ! fact1 9 ! m9d4 ,x is a "q :i* prop]ly belongs to ?is subject1 & :i* %\ld be (t5 call$ up1 :e!r ! evid5ces ( ! resurrection 7 n z /rong z !y c\ld h be51 bo? to ! disciples & to ^? :o believ$ on ,jesus ?r\gh _! te/imony2 & fur!rmore1 :e!r we c conceive h[ ! evid5ces c\ld h be5 /rong] on :i* we believe1 )\t p]petual miracles1 :i* n only seems an absurdity1 b w\ld1 if z p[]ful z !y 7 at fir/1 preclude ! ex]cise ( our reason+ faculties & ! necessity ( inve/igation1 :i* is "o ( ! mo/ rational enjoym5ts ( :i* we are capable4 ,i grant1 if ! vulg> error1 t our et]nal salvation dep5d$ on our be+ correctly acqua9t$ ) ?is subject1 7 true1 x w\ld foll[1 ( c\rse1 t ! lea/ difficulty 9 ! way ( our kn[+ ! :ole matt]1 might be att5d$ ) fatal & awful consequ5ces4 ,& = myself1 %\ld ,i adopt ! popul> op9ion t ^? :o g out ( ?is _w n und]/&+ ! doctr9e1 or believ+ 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 mu/ h]eaft] be =ev] exclud$ f ! bless$ immortality :i* is br\ght to light ?r\gh ! gospel1 x w\ld be difficult = me to acc\nt = ! lea/ obscurity nameable1 & mu* m difficult w\ld x be to acc\nt = ! limit$ circle 9 :i* div9e tru? has be5 caus$ to %9e4 ,b ,i h be=e intimat$ t ! consequ5ces ( our unbelief "h1 c ) no m propriety be c>ri$ into an et]nal /ate1 ?an ! consequ5ces ( our ignorance ( any sci5ce4 ,x is d]ogatory to ! sacr$ lovel9ess ( div9e tru?1 ei!r to promise any fur!r rew>d to ^? :o seek & f9d h] ?an ! enjoym5t %e br+s to ! s\l 9 h] own native sweetness1 or to ?reat5 ^? :o neglect s div9e a treasure ) any o!r inconv5i5ce ?an ! loss ( su* felicity dur+ _! fooli% neglect4 ,x becomes ! philosoph] & p]haps m ! *ri/ian to ex]cise pati5ce1 b pati5ce is sometimes tri$ ) ! bigotry & nons5se ( ! self-righte\s1 self-wise1 & self-kn[+1 :o pr(ess ! religion ( ,*ri/1 yet /& tiptoe1 l ,james & ,john1 to call fire f heav5 to consume all :o d n receive _! ma/]4 ,b ! true _s ( our religion rebukes su* bl9d zeal & fooli% arrogance1 by %[+ t su* a disposition is ! malady :i* ! gospel is design$ to cure4 ,:ile ! ,*ri/ian cl]gy h sp5t _! brea? & wore out _! lungs 9 ana!matis+ ) et]nal v5geance1 ^? :om !y call infidels1 h be5 worse ?an infidels1 & br\ght a great] /igma on ! "n ( ,jesus1 ?an 8 op5 enemies f ,celsus d[n to ,t4 ,pa9e4 ,i w\ld by all means except f ! above rem>k a goodly numb] :o h done hon\r to our religion by treat+ its oppos]s1 z its _s dictates1 ) c&or & s\nd argum5t well m+l$ ) div9e *>ity4 ,inde$ ,i ?9k ,i see mu* reason to look on :at is call$ infidelity1 ) a *>itable disposition = ?is pla9 reason1 x has greatly contribut$ to enlight5 ! ,*ri/ian commonweal?1 by call+ into action ! v be/ ( human abilities & direct+ !m to se>* = ! true gr\nds on :i* our fai? securely re/s4 ,i h>dly "k h[ ,i ought to reply to :at y say ab\t ! p]secution ( ,/eph51 c4 ,at "o "t y write z if y w\ld d\bt ! au!nticity ( ^? ,new ,te/am5t acc\nts2 !n aga9 y adv]t to !m = assi/ance4 ,b :y %\ld y g ov] su* gr\nd1 on :i* s mu* dep5ds1 z if y did n realize t ! subject 0 wor?y ( a pause = consid]ation8 ,:5 y adv]t to ! m>tyrdom ( ,/eph5 by a mob1 7:i* by ! way 0 ! c\ncil71 y take no notice ( ! cause ( 8 be+ arre/$1 accus$ or condemn$4 ,let reason & c&or look at ! acc\nt4 ,& ,/eph5 full ( fai? & p[]1 did great wond]s & miracles among ! p4 ,!n !re arose c]ta9 ( ! synagogue1 :i* is call$ ! synagogue ( ! lib]t9es1 & ,cyr5ians1 & ,alex&rians1 & ( !m ( ,celicia & ( ,asia1 disput+ ) ,/eph54 ,& !y 7 n able to resi/1 c4 ,!n !y suborn$ m51 :i* said1 we h he>d him speak blasphem\s words aga9/ ,moses1 & aga9/ ,god4 ,& !y /irr$ up ! p1 & ! eld]s1 & ! scribes1 & come ^u him1 & caught him1 & br\ght him to ! c\ncil1 & set up false witnesses1 :i* said1 ?is man cease? n to speak blasphem\s words aga9/ ?is holy place1 & ! law3 = we h he>d him say1 t ?is ,jesus ( ,naz>e? %all de/roy ?is place1 & *ange ! cu/oms :i* ,moses deliv]$ u4 ,& all t sat 9 ! c\ncil1 look+ /$fa/ly on him1 saw 8 face z x _h be5 ! face ( an angel4 ,!n said ! high prie/1 are ^! ?+s s8 ,"h foll[s t admirable spee* ( ,/eph5 be=e ! gr& c\ncil ( 8 nation1 :i* defies all conjecture ( =g]y1 & enrag$ 8 enemies aga9/ him4 ,& !y /on$ him = pret5d$ blasphemy4 ,! conclud+ clause ( ?is spee* is p>ticul>ly wor?y ( notice4 ,:i* ( ! prophets h n y\r fa!rs p]secut$8 ,& !y h sla9 !m :i* %ew$ be=e ( ! com+ ( ! j "o2 ( :om ye h be5 n[ ! betray]s & murd]]s2 :o h receiv$ ! law by ! disposition ( angels1 & h n kept x4 ,n[1 sir1 is !re any m evid5ce = believ+ t !re 0 su* a man z ,/eph5 /on$ accord+ to ! above acc\nt1 ?an = believ+ t he 0 /on$ by ! au?ority ( ! c\ncil1 & = :at is "h set =?8 ,?is c\ncil :i* put ,/eph5 to dea?1 0 ! same be=e :i* ,pet] 0 arraign$ on acc\nt ( ! miracle wr\ght on ! impot5t man2 :i* accord+ to ,dr4 ,hammond 0 ! ,sanh$rim4 ,b y seem mu* engag$ to prove t m>tyrdom does n prove ! tru? ( a belief = :i* ! m>tyr dies4 ,"h y h n be5 c>eful to di/+ui% cases4 ,a ,papi/1 :o has be5 br\ght up to believe 9 ! div9e pres5ce1 might p]haps suff] dea? r ?an r5\nce x2 & yet we %\ld n consid] ?is suffici5t to prove ! doctr9e ( transub/antiation2 b no c&id p]son w\ld d\bt ! s9c]ity ( ! m>tyr4 ,b :y %\ld we hesitate to believe ! doctr9e = :i* he suff]$8 ,answ]1 ! doctr9e is n a subject ( :i* he c\ld h positive k4 ,he c\ld n be eye nor e> witness ( ! fact4 ,b ! te/imony = :i* ! disciples ( ,jesus suff]$1 0 a te/imony conc]n+ a matt] ( fact1 ( :i* _! eyes & e>s c\ld take prop] cognizance2 & if _! suff]+s are all[$ to prove _! s9c]ity1 !n x is grant$ t !y believ$ 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,if ! entire unbelief ( ! disciples 9 ! resurrection c\ld be ov]come1 & !y br\ght to believe t !y saw ,jesus & talk$ ) him1 & ate ) him1 & 7 frequ5tly 9 8 company aft] 8 resurrection1 = =ty days2 & if !y 7 will+ to suff] p]secution & dea? r ?an desi/ f tr\bl+ ! p ) ?is te/imony1 x appe>s to me t reason w all[ t ?is is1 at lea/1 "s evid5ce ( ! tru? ( ?is a/oni%+ fact2 ?\gh ?is 0 n ! evid5ce :i* c>ri$ conviction to s _m ?\s&s ( ! ,jews z well z ( ! ,g5tiles4 ,?is we h be=e %[n 0 ! manife/ation ( ! mighty p[] ( ,god 9 ! miracul\s wond]s :i* ,god wr\ght by ! apo/les4 ,y speak ( ! hon\r1 :i* 0 no d\bt atta*$ to ! m>tyrdom ( ,/eph51 z be+ an inducem5t to o!rs to submit to ?is example1 c4 ,y h]eby all[ t ! te/imony = :i* he suff]$ 0 surely believ$1 o!rwise no hon\r c\ld atta* to ^? :o suff]$ = x4 ,:y !n d y n attempt to %[ ! probable gr\nd on :i* ?is te/imony 0 errone\sly believ$8 ,i humbly conceive t y\r obs]vations :i* reg>d to ! uprightness ( ! apo/les are too indef9ite4 ,y say1 ,?is mu*1 h[ev]1 ,i believe1 & ( ?is mu* ,i h no d\bt1 t ,paul & ! o!r apo/les 7 conv9c$ ( ! tru? & ! salut>y effects ( ! moral precepts :i* _h be5 taught & prea*$ by ,*ri/2 & !y 7 will+ to prea* & en=ce !m by all ! means 9 _! p[]1 ev5 at ! risk ( _! lives1 c4 ,& ?is y ?9k1 con/itut$ !m wise & good m54 ,"h1 sir1 d y n leave room = ! notion t ! apo/les w\ld en=ce _! moral doctr9e ) ! te/imony ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus & _! pret5sions to miracul\s p[]s1 :5 !y _h no belief 9 ! =m]1 & knew ! latt] to be an imposition8 ,if ^! m5 endeav\r$ to en=ce any pr9ciples by practic+ su* impositions1 h[ev] pure ^? pr9ciples 71 ^! m5 7 vile impo/ors1 & m]it$ all _! suff]+s4 ,i solemnly prote/ aga9/ ! wisdom or goodness ( any man :o is an impo/or4 ,i proce$ to notice y\r ?ird proposition1 :i* is z foll[s3 #c4 ,! facts on :i* revelation is pr$icat$ are unlike e ?+ ( :i* we h any positive k4 ,( ! tru? ( ?is proposition1 y say ,i mu/ be s5sible4 ,y mu/ indulge me1 sir1 9 say+ t y h made a mi/ake4 ,i am ins5sible ( ! correctness ( y\r /atem5t4 ,! ,,facts on :i* ! ,*ri/ian fai? is pr$icat$1 are ( t description :i* come )9 ! obs]vation ( ! outw>d s5ses ( m54 ,i "k ( no fact on :i* ,jesus call$ ! p to re/ _! fai?1 t !y c\ld n z easily judge (1 ?r\gh ! m$ium ( _! s5ses z ( any facts 9 nature4 ,see ,john v4 #cf1 ,b ,i h great] witness ?an t ( ,john3 = ! works :i* ! ,fa!r ha? giv5 me to f9i%1 ! same works t ,i d be> witness ( me1 t ! ,fa!r ha? s5t me4 #aj?1 #bd?1 #be?1 ,!n came ! ,jews r\nd ab\t him1 & said unto him1 h[ long doe/ ?\ make u to d\bt8 ,if ?\ be ! ,*ri/ tell u pla9ly4 ,jesus answ]$ !m1 ,i told y1 & ye believ$ n3 ! works t ,i d 9 my ,fa!r's "n1 !y be> witness ( me4 #cg?1 #ch?1 ,if ,i d n ! works ( my ,fa!r1 believe me n4 ,b if ,i d1 ?\gh ye believe n me1 believe ! works2 t ye may "k & believe t ! ,fa!r is 9 me & ,i 9 him4 ,all ! works ( :i* ,jesus spake1 7 su* z ! p c\ld "k & exam9e by see+ & he>+1 & conc]n+ :i* !re 0 no necessity ( _! be+ ignorant or impos$ ^u4 ,see ! acc\nt ( ,john's s5d+ two ( 8 disciples to ask ,jesus if he 7 ! ,*ri/4 ,luke vii4 #bj1 c4 ,:5 ! m5 7 come unto him1 !y said1 ,john ,bapti/ ha? s5t u unto !e1 say+1 art ?\ he t %\ld come8 or look we = ano!r8 ,& 9 t same h\r he cur$ _m ( _! infirmities & plagues1 & ( evil spirits2 & unto _m t 7 bl9d he gave sight4 ,!n ,jesus1 answ]+1 said unto !m1 g y\r way1 & tell ,john :at ?+s ye h se5 & he>d2 h[ t ! bl9d see1 ! lame walk1 ! lep]s are cleans$1 ! deaf he>1 ! dead are rais$1 to ! poor ! gospel is prea*$4 ,( su* facts ! p 7 capable ( judg+1 & on su* facts ! ,messiah%ip ( ,jesus re/$4 ,& fur!rmore1 x 0 on su* facts t ! te/imony ( ! apo/les conc]n+ ! resurrection ( ,jesus re/$4 ,n[ x is evid5t t ^? facts on :i* div9e revelation is pr$icat$1 are l facts ( :i* we h positive k1 9 all respects z x reg>ds ! case ( kn[+ !m4 ,x 0 j z easy = p to "k ^? ?+s1 z x is = u to "k ! ?+s :i* are famili> to our s5ses4 ,if y mean by ! above proposition1 simply t miracles are n wr\ght be=e our eyes1 x is grant$2 b h y %[n t a cont9uance ( miracles w\ld m rationally v9dicate ! gospel1 ?an ! div9e economy has done by pres]v+ ! v>iety ( evid5ce :i* is n[ at our comm&8 ,if ?is _c be done1 !n ! discont9uance ( miracles is no reason :y we %\ld d\bt ! tru? ( ?is revelation4 ,h[ !n is y\r ?ird proposition1 ev5 9 any s5se 9 :i* x c be true1 to be und]/ood unfav\rable to div9e revelation8 ,x may n be improp] to notice "s reasons :y ! cont9uance ( ! miracles1 on :i* ! gospel 0 fir/ propagat$1 w\ld n comport ) ! div9e economy4 #a/4 ,z has be5 be=e sugge/$1 x w\ld1 if comb9$ ) ! =ce x fir/ _h1 preclude ! ex]cise ( ! m5tal p[]s ( inve/igation4 #b;d4 ,?is p[] ( work+ miracles mu/ h be5 di/ribut$ to v>i\s sects & h]esies1 or by be+ conf9$ to "o ord]1 prev5t ! exi/5ce ( any o!r1 :i* w\ld be ano!r prev5tive ( imm5se reason+1 & t5d to circumscribe ! sph]e 9 :i* ! human m9d is capacitat$ to move4 #c;d4 ,! cont9uance ( ^? miracles mu/ h *ang$ ! ord] ( nature1 & cont9u$ m5 on e>? =ev]1 or f g5]ation to g5]ation2 = if ?is p[] _h be5 ex]cis$ on "s & n to ! advantage ( o!rs1 x w\ld look l ! p>tial sy/ems ( m51 & 9 room ( comm5d+ ! imp>tial goodness ( ,god1 w\ld h refut$ x4 ,b1 ! manife/ation ( ?is div9e p[]1 9 ^? miracles on :i* our religion is f\nd$1 :ile x is att5d$ ) none ( ! evils :i* a cont9uance w\ld evid5tly produce1 besides =m+ an immoveable rock on :i* s glori\s a sup]/ructure is safely f\nd$1 furni%es an imm5se subject = ! p[] ( ratioc9ation4 ,y w excuse me = n notic+ p>ticul>ly all y say ab\t mod]n pret5sions to revelations & miracles1 z ,i ?9k x w\ld occupy "t t may be bett] employ$4 ,b ,i w obs]ve on y\r op9ion1 t x is rem>kable1 t ,saul :5 he 0 conv]t$1 did n g to ,j]usalem to inquire m fully into ! circum/ances ( ! resurrection1 t if he _h done ?is1 y w\ld n h hesitat$ to make use ( x aga9/ 8 decl>ation record$ 9 ,gal4 i4 #aa1 #ab4 ,b ,i c]tify y1 bre?r51 t ! gospel :i* 0 prea*$ ( me is n aft] man4 ,= ,i nei!r receiv$ x ( man1 nei!r 0 ,i taught x1 b by ! revelation ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,:y d y m5tion t we h n a p>ticul> acc\nt ( ,/4 ,paul's conv]sion writt5 by 8 own h&8 ,d y ?9k t :at a man writes ( himself is m to be dep5d$ on1 ?an :at 8 biograph] writes ( him8 ,y\r sugge/ions on ?is subject seem to indicate1 at lea/1 "s scruples respect+ ?is conv]sion1 b n 9 a way to %[ :]e ! gr\nd ( scruples lies4 ,:at is !re = me to answ]8 ,:y d y treat ?is subject ) su* neglect8 ,9 a =m] communication1 ,i reque/$ y\r att5tion to x 9 a special mann]1 ) a view to conf9e our reason+ to our subject1 & to avoid rambl+ f "o ?+ to ano!r )\t mak+ ourselves acqua9t$ ) any ?+4 ,9 y\r reply y nev] attempt$ to give any acc\nt :y ,saul %\ld embrace ! religion he _h p]secut$2 y made no attempt to give any reason :y he prea*$ ,jesus & ! resurrection2 nor did y assign any reason :y he %\ld be will+ to suff] ! loss ( all e>?ly enjoym5ts & endure p]secutions = ,*ri/'s sake2 nor did y attempt to prove t !re nev] 0 su* a man & su* a conv]sion4 ,! subject y consid]$ /ill be=e y1 & 9 ?is sev5? numb] y h spok5 ( x aga91 b h paid no p>ticul> att5tion to x4 ,:at y say on ! subject ( prophecy1 does n appe> to me1 ei!r to reflect any light on x1 or to call up any "q ( importance4 ,y\r qu]y :e!r ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 7 n writt5 aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 :i* w\ld suppose t ! prophecy ( ! de/ruction ( t city 0 writt5 aft] ! ev5ts took place ( :i* ! prophecy speaks1 is an old sugge/ion 9 :i* ,i am unable to see any ?+ v reasonable4 ,& ,i w rem>k "h1 t m5 :o seem to lay an uncommon claim to reason1 ought to make use ( x :5 argu+ on su* mom5t\s subjects4 ,:at diff]5ce w\ld x make :e!r ,/4 ,mat!w wrote 8 gospel be=e1 or aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 z x respects ! prophecy :i* ,jesus deliv]$ conc]n+ x8 ,y all[ ,/4 ,mat!w to be an hone/ man4 ,y d n d\bt !n b ,jesus did deliv] su* a prophecy be=e 8 dea?1 :i* 0 c]ta9ly be=e ! de/ruction ( ! city4 ,!n surely x makes no diff]5ce :e!r ! prophecy 0 committ$ to pap] be=e1 or aft] ! fulfilm5t ( x4 ,besides1 y seem to urge ! sil5ce ( ,/4 ,john on ! subject z unfav\rable to ! acc\nt1 because he wrote 8 gospel aft] ,j]usalem 0 de/roy$4 ,z to int]polations :i* y ?9k might h f\nd _! way into ! gospels1 x appe>s to me1 sir1 t a c&id consid]ation ( ?is subject w\ld issue 9 ?is conclusion2 if any important int]polations _h be5 admitt$1 !y w\ld h produc$ su* a disagreem5t z to effectually de/roy ! validity ( ! books2 = if "o h]esy c\ld be indulg$1 x is reasonable to suppose t ano!r w\ld be1 & s on1 :i* 9 room ( all[+ u ! scriptures 9 _! pres5t consi/5t =m1 w\ld ei!r h de/roy$ _! exi/5ce altoge!r1 or h v>i$ s z to conf\nd _! ideas4 ,= a c&id1 le>n$1 & imp>tial view ( ! scriptures ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ,i ref] y to ,paley's evid5ces1 & 9 p>ticul> to 8 elev5 propositions1 :i* he has prov$ 9 a mann] satisfactory1 z ,i conceive to ! c&id inquir]4 ,^! propositions beg9 on page #ajc1 & are ! foll[+4 #a4 ,t ! hi/orical books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 mean+ !reby ! f\r gospels1 & ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 are quot$1 or allud$ to1 by a s]ies ( *ri/ian writ]s1 beg9n+ ) ^? :o 7 contempor>y ) ! apo/les1 or :o imm$iately foll[$ !m1 & proce$+ 9 close & regul> succession f _! "t to ! pres5t4 #b4 ,t :5 !y are quot$1 or allud$ to1 !y are quot$ or allud$ to ) peculi> respect1 z books sui g5eus1 z possess+ an au?ority :i* belong$ to no o!r books1 & z conclusive 9 all que/ions & controv]sies among *ri/ians4 #c4 ,t !y 7 9 v e>ly times collect$ into a di/9ct volume4 #d4 ,t !y 7 di/+ui%$ by appropriate names & titles ( respect4 #e4 ,t !y 7 publicly read & exp\nd$ 9 ! religi\s assemblies ( ! ,*ri/ians4 #f4 ,t comm5t>ies 7 writt5 ^u !m1 h>monies =m$ out ( !m1 diff]5t copies c>efully collect$1 & v]sions ( !m made into diff]5t languages4 #g4 ,t !y 7 receiv$ by ,*ri/ians ( diff]5t sects1 by _m h]etics z well z ca?olics1 & usually appeal$ to by bo? sides 9 ! controv]sies :i* arose 9 ^? days4 #h4 ,t ! f\r ,gospels1 ! ,acts ( ! ,apo/les1 ?irte5 epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 ! fir/ epi/le ( ,john1 & ! fir/ ( ,pet]1 7 receiv$ )\t d\bt1 by ^? :o d\bt$ conc]n+ ! o!r books :i* are inclos$ 9 our pres5t canon4 #i4 ,t ! gospels 7 attack$ by ! e>ly adv]s>ies ( ,*ri/ianity1 z books conta9+ ! acc\nts ^u :i* ! religion 0 f\nd$4 #aj4 ,t =mal catalogues ( au!ntic scriptures 7 publi%$1 9 all :i* our pres5t sacr$ hi/ories 7 record$4 #aa4 ,t ^! propositions _c be affirm$ ( any o!r books1 claim+ to be books ( scripture2 by :i* ,i mean ^? books :i* are commonly call$ ,apo*ryphal4 ,! fir/ evid5ce adduc$ by ?is celebrat$ au?or to prove 8 fir/ proposition1 proves t ! gospel ( ,/4 ,mat!w1 :i* conta9s a v p>ticul> acc\nt ( ! prophecy ( ,jesus conc]n+ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 0 writt5 be=e ! ev5t took place4 ,?is evid5ce is a quotation f ! epi/le ( ,b>nabas1 ,/4 ,paul's companion1 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,let u !re=e1 bew>e le/ x come ^u u1 z x is writt51 !re are _m call$1 few *os54 ,/4 ,mat!w's gospel is ! only book 9 :i* ^! words are f\nd2 & y w p]ceive by ! expression1 z x is writt51 t ,b>nabas quot$ ! passage f an au?or ( au?ority4 ,b>nabas wrote 8 epi/le dur+ ! tr\bles :i* end$ 9 ! de/ruction ( ! ,jews & _! city4 ,?is epi/le ( ,b>nabas is quot$ by ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria1 ,a4,d4 #aid3 by ,orig51 ,a4,d4 #bcj4 ,x is m5tion$ by ,eusebius1 ,a4 ,d4 #cae1 & by ,j]ome1 ,a4 ,d4 #cib4 7,paley's evid5ces1 p4 #ajf47 ,y\r ins9uations t ! orig9 ( ! *ri/ian scriptures is involv$ 9 fable & my/]y1 %\ld h be5 accompani$ ) a cle> refutation ( ! argum5ts us$ by ,l>dn]1 ,paley1 & o!rs1 :o h ) mu* le>n+ & lab\r trac$ ! /ream to its f\nta94 ,i mu/ say some?+ on ! subject :i* y introduce conc]n+ man1 z a species ( be+1 or y may ?9k me inexcusable = ! neglect4 ,!re seem to be two ma9 que/ions sugge/$ on ?is subject2 ! fir/ inquires :at man 0 f>!r back ?an hi/ory rea*es2 & ! o!r directs ! m9d to a l9e ( dem>cation betwe5 ! human & ! brute4 ,we h no acc\nt t ,i "k ( :5 ! use ( fire 0 n kn[n4 ,we read ,g54 iv4 #bb1 t ,tubal-ca9 0 an in/ructor ( e artific] 9 brass & iron1 & if reason has any ?+ to d 9 ?is case1 we may suppose t ! use ( fire 0 kn[n to ^! me*anics4 ,! date to :i* ?is read+ belongs1 is #chge ye>s be=e ,*ri/2 b !re c be no reasonable d\bt b t ! use ( fire 0 kn[n long be=e1 & t x 0 us$ 9 ! (f]+s :i* 7 made by ,ca9 & ,abel4 ,t ! discov]y ( arts & ! progress ( sci5ce h *ang$ man f :at he orig9ally 01 is no m reasonable1 ?an to suppose t ! education :i* a *ild acquires by degrees1 by ! same degrees *anges him 9 respect to 8 nature4 ,t ! arts & sci5ces s]ve to improve & ext5d ! human intellects is reasonable en\gh1 b t !y add any ?+ to ! natural pr9ciples or faculties ( man is n conceivable4 ,9 fix+ ! l9e ( dem>cation betwe5 ! human nature & ! brutal1 ,i w sugge/ two *>act]i/ics :i* y h notic$ by :i* ! di/9ction may be asc]ta9$4 ,! fir/ is ! p[] or faculty ( improv+ f g5]ation to g5]ation 8 condition by means ( art1 & kn[+ h[ to advance f "o degree ( sci5ce to ano!r4 ,?is ,i w suppose belongs to man & is peculi> to our race ( be+4 ,we "k ( no o!r animal on e>? t has ev] improv$ 8 condition by ! discov]y ( ! arts or an increase ( sci5ce4 ,! o!r *>act]i/ic is "o ( y\r propositions1 on :i* y build y\r sy/em ( d\bt+1 viz4 ,sup]/ition4 ,?is is f\nd 9 no creature b su* z is susceptible ( religion4 ,man is ! only religi\s animal1 if ,i may be all[$ ?is =m ( expression1 f\nd on ! e>?4 ,! progress :i* man has made 9 arts & sci5ces1 & ! progress he has made 9 div9e or religi\s k di/+ui% him f ! brutal creation4 ,z 9 ! =m] he has run into ?\s&s ( errors1 s 9 ! latt] he has w&]$ 9 d>kness1 ) n[ & !n a bless$ ray ( light :i* improv$ 8 m9d4 ,:5 ! k ( ! arts became g5]ally defus$ by means ( ! ext5sion ( ! ,roman gov]nm5t1 x pleas$ our bless$ ,creator to cause ! sun ( div9e light to rise on ! ,jew & ,g5tile _w4 ,& gave him a cov5ant ( ! p1 a light to light5 ! ,g5tiles1 & ! glory ( 8 p ,israel4 ,y\r op9ion t m5 are seldom made unhappy 9 consequ5ce ( d\bt+ a future exi/5ce1 may be true 9 a comp>ative s5se1 = ,i believe !re are few 9 comp>ison ) ! :ole1 :o d d\bt on ?is subject4 ,g5]ally speak+1 x is ! few1 :o l ! philosoph] t r5d]$ himself bl9d by endeav\r+ to f9d out :at ! sun 0 compos$ (1 ?\ght !re 0 no sun nor any light1 t s f> give up a hope ( futurity z to be mis]able 9 _! belief4 ,t ! idea ( endless torm5t1 su* z our cl]gy h repres5t$1 & ) :i* !y h mo/ horribly t]rifi$ ?\s&s & driv5 !m into black despair1 is m horrible ?an no exi/5ce at all w be all[$ by e c&id m9d4 ,b 9 contemplat+ an inf9ite s\rce ( div9e b5evol5ce1 & 8 means ( giv+ & p]petuat+ exi/5ce1 & ( r5d]+ exi/5ce a bless+1 ! m9d is n driv5 to ! necessity ( select+ betwe5 ^! two evils4 ,no1 sir1 ! m9d ?us employ$ has sweet] !mes & bright] prospects--9 belief ( t invaluable treasure1 t div9e te/imony ( ! inspir$ apo/le3 ,z 9 ,adam all die1 ev5 s 9 ,*ri/ %all all be made alive2 :i* s5t5ce y nor ,i ev] he>d a prea*] ( endless puni%m5t recite 9 a s]mon 9 our lives1 ! s\l rises by fai? into sublime regions ( future peace & ev]la/+ enjoym5t1 :5 dea? %all be swall[$ up ( life4 ,i ne$ n tell y1 my bro!r1 t x has be5 ?r\gh _m trials1 afflictions1 d\bts1 & temptations1 t y\r feeble humble s]vant has f\nd ! way to ?is rock2 y _c be altoge!r ignorant ( ?is travail ( m9d4 ,p]mit me !n to call to remembrance ! bondage we h escap$1 ! sea ?r\gh :i* we h pass$1 ! sweet songs ( deliv]ance & salvation :i* we h *ant$ to our ,r$eem] 9 ! fai? ( our ,"l & ,savi\r ,,jesus ,,*ri/4 ,& "h p]mit me to reque/ y\r assi/ance 9 giv+ me support1 & 9 /r5g!n+ my h&s 9 ! "w ( ! ,"l4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,viii4 ,9 reg>d to ! /ory report$ among ! ,jews1 respect+ ! body ( ,jesus1 ,i admit !re is a great] probability ( !re be+ su* a report1 especially if ! body c\ld n be f\nd1 & ! apo/les affirm$ t he 0 ris5 f ! dead1 ?an !re is t ! resurrection1 %\ld be actually true3 h5ce1 p]haps1 ,i 0 n s mu* on my gu>d 9 ! expression z ,i ought to h be54 ,:at ,i p>ticul>ly _h 9 my m9d 01 t ,i might f9d x difficult to prove ev5 ! exi/5ce ( su* a /ory1 i4 e4 9 ! days ( ! apo/les2 & /ill m difficult to prove1 ev5 on ! gr\nd t !re 0 no resurrection1 t ?is /ory 0 true2 & !re=e !re c\ld be no use 9 urg+ ! tru? ( ?is /ory 9 ord] to invalidate ! tru? ( ! resurrection4 ,i d n conceive1 h[ev]1 t because ,i d\bt ! fact1 ,i am "u obligations to acc\nt = ! fallacy4 ,x always belongs to ! advocates ( ! tru? ( any /ory1 to br+ =w>d suffici5t evid5ce to prove ! same4 ,i c ?9k ( a solution1 h[ev]1 t w\ld appe> to my und]/&+ mu* m probable1 ?an to suppose1 z m5tion$ 9 y\r sev5? article1 ! 'acc\nt writt5 long s9ce ! apo/les' day2' yet x may1 p]haps1 be att5d$ ) equal or great] difficulties1 viz4 t ! body 0 n /ol5 by ! apo/les1 b 0 tak5 away by o!r p]sons1 :o 7 will+ t ,jesus %\ld be deifi$1 accord+ to ! !n common acceptation ( t ^w among ! ,greeks1 & :o /udi$ ?is /ratagem ) an express design to deceive ! ,jews1 z a puni%m5t to !m = s cruelly putt+ him to dea?1 & also to deceive 8 disciples1 9 ord] to inhance ! hon\r ( ! "n ( ,jesus4 ,?is might h be5 done1 z ,i conceive1 by p]sons :o nev] became 8 op5 foll[]s1 s f> z to suff] dea? on 8 acc\nt1 b 7 cont5t$ 9 hav+ ga9$ _! object2 to d :i*1 x 0 only necess>y 9 ! fir/ in/ance to fright5 ! soldi]s4 ,x may be difficult aft] all1 z ,i h obs]v$ conc]n+ ! human species1 to say :]e ! tru? ( ! acc\nt ends1 or :]e ! fallacy beg9s2 b t "s su* ?+ %\ld h tak5 place is m probable to my und]/&+ ?an t ! lit]al resurrection ( ,jesus %\ld h be5 true4 ,b ,i p]ceive t my expression1 conc]n+ ! report among ! ,jews1 0 a little too /rong2 & c>ri$ r m 9 x ?an :at ,i 0 aw>e4 ,= ev5 on my hypo!sis1 z well z on e o!r :i* admits ! abs5ce ( ! body1 su* a report w\ld appe> v probable4 ,x mu/ be grant$1 z y h sugge/$1 t !re 0 su* a report among ! ,jews at ! "t :5 t record 0 made1 or else t record w\ld n appe> at all to 'advantage' 9 support ( ! tru? ( *ri/ianity4 ,t 'reason is c&id1' ,i also admit2 & if ,i am blund]+ 9 mak+ mi/akes1 ,i believe y w h ! goodness to ackn[l$ge t ,i am c&id 9 retract+ !m aga9 :5 !y are s po9t$ out to me t ,i c see !m4 ,respect+ div9e revelation1 x is true1 ,i und]/ood y to mean some?+ m ?an b>ely :at is pr$icat$ on ! resurrection ( ,jesus2 yet 9 ! second proposition ( ! ?ree :i* y made1 viz4 ',is ! resurrection ( ,jesus capable ( be+ prov$1' ,i und]/& y to /ate "o s+le fact1 on :i* y are will+ to re/ ! f9al issue ( ! argum5t4 ,?is be+ ! mo/ important fact1 relative to ! tru? ( *ri/ianity1 & :i*1 probably1 is z difficult ( pro( z any1 ,i d n p]ceive any dis+5u\sness 9 conf9+ y n[ to ?is proposition till x is ei!r prov$ or admitt$4 ,nei!r d ,i p]ceive h[ ?is c emb>rass y\r argum5t1 z y h propos$ to consid] !m 'true1 disjunctively1' z well z conjunctively4 ,:5 !re=e y h prov$ ! ?ree propositions disjunctively2 p>ticul>ly ! second1 above nam$1 !n ,i %all be will+ y %\ld avail y\rself ( _! union4--,y may say1 p]haps1 ,i h propos$ to admit ! tru? ( y\r ?ree propositions2 b y w also p]ceive1 x 0 only = ! sake ( introduc+ a f\r? proposition1 :i* x w n be necess>y = y to consid] until ! ?ree fir/ are prov$ true4 ,i conceive t reason has no m to d 9 ?is case ?an to judge ( ! evid5ces ( facts2 & !n1 if ! facts are support$1 reason c judge ( _! relation "o to ! o!r2 b to assume1 9 ! fir/ place1 ! tru? ( revelation1 & !n inf] f t ! probability ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 appe>s to me to be unreasonable4 ,!re=e1 if y attempt to prove ! tru? ( revelation1 ,i conceive y mu/ 9 ! fir/ place prove1 'disjunctively1' ! tru? ( ! resurrection4 ,if1 !re=e1 y h consid]$ y\rself excus$ f prov+ ! facts on :i* ! tru? ( revelation seems to re/1 because ,i h grant$ !m = ! sake ( ! argum5t1 y h misappreh5d$ my mean+4 ,i grant no?+1 respect+ ! ma9 "q1 until x is prov$4 ,not)/&+ :at y h said ab\t '! kn[n facts1' & 'facts :i* y grant1 = ! sake ( ! argum5t1' c4 y w p]ceive by my sev5? numb]1 t ,i d n consid] ! 'miracles ( ,jesus1 8 resurrection1 & ! miracles wr\ght by ! apo/les1' ei!r grant$ or prov$1 i4 e4 9 relation to ! ma9 "q2 & h5ce1 :atev] weight y\r argum5t may h1 :5 y h succe$$ 9 t 7if y %\ld succe$ at all7 at pres5t !y seem to be h>dly conclusive4 ,i "k x w\ld save y mu* "t1 if y c\ld draw f me an ackn[l$gem5t ( ! tru? ( ! facts on :i* y rely2 & y seem to argue1 if ,i und]/& y1 z ?\gh t 0 already ! case2 b :atev] y may h und]/ood1 ,i mu/ di/9ctly disav[ any su* ackn[l$gem5t2 & ,i %all /ill expect 7unless x is done 9 answ] to my sev5? numb]7 :5 y come to reply to ?is1 t y w /ate di/9ctly1 & toge!r1 ! evid5ces & argum5ts on :i* y mo/ly rely4 ,if1 h[ev]1 y h meant no?+ m by all ?is ?an to po9t out ! use y %all make ( ! miracles1 c4 7:i* h be5 grant$ = ! sake ( ! argum5t7 :5 ^? miracles1 c4 %all h be5 ei!r prov51 or else ackn[l$g$ true1 9 relation to ! ma9 "q1 !n ,i h no fault to f9d2 b o!rwise1 y\r argum5t 9 ?is place seems to be a little premature4 ,y say1 '! kn[n facts1 su* z ! miracles1 c4 ,i us$ z pro( ( ! div9e mission ( ! s]vants ( ,god4 ,?is div9e mission be+ prov$ gives ! gr\nd on :i* ,i cont5d = ! m]it ( _! te/imony1 conc]n+ a future /ate4' ,"h y w p]ceive1 sir1 t1 accord+ to y\r own /atem5t1 to prove ?is div9e mission1 y mu/ fir/ prove ! c]ta9ty ( ^? miracles1 c4 on :i* ! tru? ( ! div9e mission is pr$icat$4 ,& ^! are ?+s ab\t ! tru? ( :i*1 z ,i indicat$ all along1 !re may be s]i\s d\bts4 ,i am at a loss also to und]/&1 :at y mean by a 'div9e mission4' ,y in=m me t ,i misappreh5d$ y '9 suppos+ t' y 'mean to cont5d1 t :at ! apo/les h said respect+ a future /ate1 0 spok5 by way ( conclusions f c]ta9 kn[n facts4' ,"h1 ,i mu/ confess1 ,i am really at a loss to und]/& y3 h[ t ei!r ,jesus1 or 8 apo/les1 c\ld und]/& a div9e mission1 ev5 if !y _h receiv$ "o1 unless x 7 by conclusions f c]ta9 kn[n facts1 t is1 facts well kn[n to !m1 ,i _c conceive2 & !re=e mu/ h "s fur!r explanation on ?is subject be=e ,i c fully answ] y4 ,= ,i mu/ be bett] in=m$ ?an ,i am at pres5t1 :at y mean by a div9e mission1 be=e ,i c see ! necessity ( 'd5y+ ! reality ( ^? miracles--or ( grant+ ! au?ority ( _! 7,*ri/ & 8 apo/les7 te/imony2' t is1 9 reg>d to a future /ate4 ,b ev5 if ,i %\ld be made to see ?is1 x w\ld be ( no use = ! pres5t2 because z x respects ! f9al issue ( ! argum5t1 ,i h n1 nei!r d ,i n[ admit ! reality ( ^? miracles3 z y mu/ h se5 by my sev5? numb]4 ,! next p>ticul> :i* dem&s notice is ! quot$ passage :i* ,i pron\nc$ ,mo/ excell5t6 ,"h a s]i\s qu]y sugge/s itself to my m9d4 ,i ask myself3 am ,i1 or am ,i n1 z capable ( writ+ my s5tim5ts1 s z to be und]/ood by a rational man1 z ^? pla9 illit]ate m5 :o wrote ! gospels8 ,& yet if my words are s wre/$ by logical twi/icisms 7if ,i may be all[$ to use t expression7 s z to mean :at nev] ent]$ my he>t1 & all ?is ) app>5t s]i\s c&or too1 :at may h be5 ! fate ( ! writ+s ( ! evangeli/s8 ,n[ ?is is some?+ 9 :i* ,i _c be deceiv$1 i4 e4 z x respects myself2 = any man ( common s5se does "k 8 own mean+1 :e!r 8 words fully express 8 mean+ or n1 or :e!r !y may be made to mean some?+ else or n4 ,p]mit me !re=e once m to expla94 ,! expression1 ,mo/ excell5t6 0 n s mu* int5d$ to h be5 appli$ to ! s5t5ce prec$+ x1 z to ! au?or ( t s5t5ce1 ^: goodness1 9 /at+ s explicitly :at he und]/&s by ! *ri/ian fai?1 ,i comm5d$4 ,& y mu/ excuse me = n be+ able to see any inconsi/5cy1 absurdity1 or contradiction 9 my words :i* foll[ t expression4 ,suppose a case4 ,y h a good & fai?ful s]vant1 :o feels happy 9 y\r s]vice1 & is p]fectly cont5t$ ) 8 f>e4 ,y promise him ) "s fav\rs :i* y _h nev] be=e made kn[n to him4 ,he is elat$ ) ! idea ( y\r goodness1 :i* he has nev] d\bt$1 b did n "k till n[ t x 0 to be manife/$ 9 ?is p>ticul> way4 ,y tell him t a k ( ?is1 ) 8 =m] k1 'is z mu* z 8 pres5t welf>e requires4' ,he v readily ass5ts to ! tru? ( ! proposition2 & fur!r adds1 x is ev5 'm ?an is necess>y = 8 pres5t welf>e1' = he 0 cont5t$ & happy be=e4 ,w\ld any rational man say t y\r s]vant talk$ unreasonably8 ,w\ld he say t su* reason+ 0 absurd8 ,i ?9k n4 ,y\r s]vant does n despise ei!r y\r goodness or y\r b\nty2 he consid]s t 8 ma/] kn[s be/1 :at is be/ = 8 s]vant2 & he receives ) gratitude :atev] is be/[$4 ,y\r argum5t w\ld h appe>$ to me m j1 if1 aft] fully und]/&+ me1 :i* ,i p]ceive1 by ! use y h made ( ! quotation f my six? numb]1 y n[ d1 y _h prov$ f well kn[n facts1 or f conclusive argum5t1 ! absolute necessity ( ! hope ( a *ri/ian 9 ord] = ! 'pres5t welf>e' ( mank9d4 ,9 do+ ?is y w\ld h +5u\sly refut$ ! proposition :i* ,i say w\ld h be5 exactly "r4 ,y d n seem1 sir1 yet to h fully und]/ood me z to my object 9 se>*+ = tru?4 ,y ask1 say+1 ',d y n appe> to be solicit\s to h y\r d\bts remov$1 )\t expect+ ! lea/ advantage by x8' ,y mu/ "k1 sir1 t ?is is only on supposition1 t my d\bts are f\nd$ 9 error2 9 :i* case ,i %\ld reap ! advantage1 z my object is tru?4 ,y w recollect t my fir/ object 0 to se>* = moral tru?2 )\t be+ at all solicit\s :]e1 or on :at gr\nd x %all be f\nd4 ,tru? only is my object4 ,9 ?is only ,i feel at all int]e/$ 9 ?is argum5t4 ,h5ce ,i %all be j z mu* oblig$ to y to confirm me 9 my d\bts1 admitt+ !y are f\nd$ 9 tru?1 z ,i %all to remove !m1 admitt+ !y are f\nd$ 9 error4 ,i once ?\ght j z y1 viz4 t ! idea & contemplation ( enjoy+ future life 0 absolutely necess>y to pres5t enjoym5t2 b ,i am n[ fully conv9c$1 yea1 m1 x is absolutely kn[n to be a fact1 t ! idea is altoge!r vision>y & illusive4 ,i admit t a k ( ! tru?1 s f> z ! tru? may be kn[n1 is p]fectly cong5ial ) ! pres5t happ9ess ( mank9d3 ?\gh x is (t5 ! case t a p>tial k ( ! tru?1 9 relation to any p>ticul> subject1 produces di/ress & mis]y r ?an enjoym5t4 ,i n[ am v happy 9 kn[+ "s ?+s1 :i*1 once1 only ! idea ( _! be+ true w\ld h giv5 me pa94 ,i am incl9$ to ?9k t ! idea ( n[ enjoy+ ! pleasures1 or n[ endur+ ! pa9s ( a future life is altoge!r *im]ical4 ,i c enjoy ! life or lives ( o!rs 9 a future t5se j z well z ,i c n[ enjoy my own future life4 ,i h z mu* reason to believe t rational intellig5ce always did exi/1 z ,i h to believe x always w2 yea1 "o idea is j z c]ta9 to me z ! o!r1 & no m s4 ,& z ,i _c reflect on ! idea ( et]nity pa/1 only ) a k9d ( rev]5tial awe m+l$ ) sublime pleasure2 s ! idea ( et]nity to come produces 9 me ! same s5sation2 yea1 feel+ myself equally ignorant ( bo?1 7:i* mu/ be ! case on ! supposition t revelation is n true47 ,i c p]ceive no diff]5ce4 ,i feel anxi\s to "k1 h[ev]1 e ?+ :i* c be kn[n on ?is subject2 & yet1 at ! same "t1 ,i am incl9$ to ?9k ,i %\ld d\bt ( e revelation ( :i* ,i c h any conception1 unless x %\ld be s made t ,i c\ld see its tru?1 7or at lea/ ! evid5ces ( its tru?7 ov] & ov] aga91 & t !y %\ld /ill rema9 by me at all times1 s t ,i c\ld exam9e !m1 & re-exam9e !m1 ! same z ,i n[ look at ! />s 9 ! firmam5t4 ,?us ,i h op5$ my m9d to y1 m fully ?an ,i h ev] done be=e1 on ?is subject2 & not)/&+ y\r writ+s may be v b5eficial to o!rs 7z well z m9e1 = "s may /& 9 ne$ ( "o1 & "s ( ! o!r7 yet1 "h comes up my d\bts aga91 if ,i am b5efit$ by !m1 ,i expect x w be 9 a diff]5t way ?an t ( be+ any m p]suad$ ( ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 ,nev]!less1 ,i am no less anxi\s to cont9ue ! correspond5ce on ?is acc\nt4 ,y\r address to ,,tru?1 :i* y are pleas$ to put into ! m\? ( my argum5t1 is clos$ ) an idea :i* does n gr[ out ( my hypo!sis4 ',! joy\s expectation ( soon los+ sight ( !e 7i4 e4 tru?7 =ev] 9 ! ellysium ( non exi/5ce6' ,non-exi/5ce1 sir1 does n exi/6 ,nei!r does ! t]m convey an idea to my und]/&+ ( any ?+4 ,i "k ( no exi/5ce1 nei!r c ,i conceive ( any1 except t :i* ,i believe to be et]nal 9 its nature4 ,& ! idea ( some?+ be+ =m$ or made out ( no?+1 or ( some?+'s return+ to no?+ aga91 ,i h long s9ce explod$4 ,e ?+1 h[ev]1 except+ fir/ pr9ciples1 is liable to *ange4 ,h5ce arises ! v>i\s modes1 /ates1 circum/ances1 conditions & situations 9 be+s & ?+s3 also _! diff]5t prop]ties1 relations & dep5d5ces4 ,i "k n :e!r consci\sness is a be+1 or :e!r x be only a mode ( be+4 ,if x be ! =m]1 x always did1 & always w exi/1 9 "s /ate or o!r2 if ! latt]1 ! /ate ( ! be+ may be s *ang$ t al?\gh id5tity exi/s1 yet consci\sness is n !re4 ,& !re is no m absurdity 9 ?is idea ?an !re is 9 suppos+ t ! same matt] :i* =ms a cube1 may become a globe4 ,i c z well conceive ( a consci\s be+ to day1 becom+ unconsci\s to-morr[1 z ,i c conceive ( a p]son 9 a s\nd sleep4 ,b non-exi/5ce 7/rictly speak+7 s\nds to my und]/&+ some?+ l ! falsity ( tru?6 ,i n[ come to y\r reply to my six? numb]2 & 9 my rem>ks1 :i* w be b few1 ,i %all foll[ ! arrangem5t :i* y h made4 #a/4 ,! c&id concessions :i* y h made1 & ! *>ity :i* y h ext5d$ t[>ds d\bt+ ,*ri/ians1 or c&id unbeliev]s 7= su* ,i conceive !re may be7 is hon\rable bo? to y\rself & to ! cause :i* y h esp\s$1 & y\r writ+1 ( c\rse ga9s a mu* m fav\rable reception ?an ! writ+s ( ^? :o appe> to be fill$ ) a _s ( acrimony1 & are ready at once to deal out ana!mas aga9/ e ?+ ( :i* !y _c approve4 ,b1 sir1 y w p]mit me to say1 we ought to be cauti\s1 le/ our p]sonal atta*m5t to an au?or1 & 8 *>itable feel+s t[>ds u be su*1 z imp]ceptibly to bl9d u to correct reason1 & cause u to imbibe 8 errors1 m]ely because !y are 81 & mi/ake !m = tru?4 ,i am well aw>e t ,i %\ld f9d x difficult to prove t ,i n[ believe :at ,i d )\t a miracle1 z y h sugge/$2 = if miracles h exi/$ !y may h1 indirectly1 m influ5ce 9 my m9d ?an ,i am at pres5t s5sible (2 & !re=e ,i w n und]take to say t ,i am n pr9cipally indebt$ to !m = my pres5t views ( ! "* ( ! supreme ,be+4 ,i am dispos$ to ackn[l$ge 9 humble gratitude all ! bless+s :i* ,i h receiv$1 & am made s5sible (1 let !m come to me by :at means1 or ?r\gh :at *annel soev]4 ,b ,i d n see h[ y _h a "r to expect t ,i %\ld ei!r refute1 or else acquiesce 9 y\r op9ion on ?is subject4--,:at6 mu/ ,i ei!r prove t !re h be5 no su* ?+s z miracles1 or else admit _! tru?6 ,mu/ ,i ei!r refute y\r notion t !y h _h great influ5ce on my fai? & practice1 or else 'express my acquiesc5ce' t su* is ! fact6 ,h>d l9es6 ,i *oose to take ! easi] c\rse1 & confess t ,i am too ignorant to d ei!r4 ,i am will+1 h[ev]1 /ill to be in/ruct$4 #b;d4 ,i h no?+ at pres5t to say on ! subject ( prophecy2 i4e4 to reconcile ! pret5sions to x ) ! hone/y ( ! prophets1 )\t admitt+ div9e inspiration1 bett] ?an :at ,i h writt5 9 my sev5? numb]4 ,:5 ,i h receiv$ y\r answ] to t ,i may h some?+ m to write4 ,i w\ld sugge/1 h[ev]1 "h1 t z y frequ5tly make use ( ! expression 'div9e inspiration1' ,i want ! expression m fully def9$ & expla9$4 ,i h no di/9ct idea1 t ,i "k (1 ( div9e inspiration4 ,i suppose y mean ! same by x :i* y did by ! 'div9e mission1' giv5 to ! apo/les1 or at lea/ some?+ simil>2 b /ill ,i am ignorant ( ! subject4 ,y h sometimes spok5 ( div9e revelation1 z ?\gh x 0 some?+ di/9ct f ?is div9e mission1 & :i* 0 a pro( ( x2 b1 y mu/ excuse me1 ,i am /ill all 9 ! d>k ab\t x4 ,d be s good z to in=m me h[ y suppose ! prophets1 or apo/les1 or ev5 ,jesus1 c\ld "k = a c]ta9ty t !y 7 div9ely inspir$8 #c4 ,:5 ,i ackn[l$g$ t !re are evid5ces 9 fav\r ( div9e revelation1 ,i did n suppose x necess>y to /ate :at ^? evid5ces are2 because "s ( !m1 to say ! lea/1 are v app>5t4 ,! b>e report ( any ?+1 ,i conceive to be evid5ce ( ! report's be+ true2 & w\ld be suffici5t to acquire belief %\ld no?+ arise 9 ! m9d to c\nt]balance x3 & z ,i _h repeat$ly promis$ to give y ! reasons = my d\bts ,i expect$ to h be5 indulg$ a little long] be=e ,i %\ld h be5 aga9 fault$ on ?is subject4 ,b z x respects ?is matt] ,i am all pati5ce & submission1 if x may be s t tru? %all f9ally come to light4 ,"u ?is article y h gone into a v l5g?y discussion to %ew t ! evid5ce by :i* ! apo/les believ$ 9 ! resurretion c\ld n be c\nt]balanc$1 c4 ,& if ,i und]/& :at y h writt5 x am\nts 9 my m9d to ab\t ! foll[+1 viz4 ! apo/les c\ld n h be5 conv9c$ ( ! fact ( ! resurrection by any evid5ce %ort ( ! fact itself4 #b;dly4 ,if ! fact did exi/ !re is no evid5ce :i* c cont]balance x4 ,ergo4 ,z ! apo/les 7 conv9c$ ( ! tru?1 ! fact did exi/4 ,?is is pretty mu* l say+1 if ! fact 7 true1 x c\ld n h be5 false6 ,b ,i spoke ( ! evid5ce 9 relation to ourselves r ?an ! apo/les3 we believe or disbelieve = ourselves1 & by su* evid5ce z we h4 ,y ?9k if twelve m5 %\ld te/ify 9 fav\r ( a resurrection1 & ! body c\ld n be f\nd1 'v>i\s op9ions w\ld result f su* evid5ce4' ,if s1 "s might believe ! acc\nt true2 & !y might p]suade o!rs to believe x2 & only let x be report$ & believ$ t "s "o _h di$ = ! tru? ( x1 & x w\ld make no diff]5ce aft] ?is1 z x respects ! influ5ce ( fai?1 :e!r ! acc\nt 0 true or false4 ,y w excuse me = mak+ no fur!r rem>ks on :at y h writt5 "u ?is article till y h answ]$ my sev5? numb]1 & also giv5 me a m cle> def9ition ( div9e inspiration4 #d4 ,:at y h writt5 "u ! f\r? article1 g5]ally speak+1 is satisfactory1 till ,i come to ! la/ s5t5ce2 & ev5 ) t ,i h n mu* fault to *>ge y )4 ,x is true we may be mi/ak5 z to our ideas ( ! et]nity or immutability ( any ?+2 b !n1 z x respects argum5t1 x is j z well z ?\gh we 7 correct1 z no "o c prove u o!rwise2 no1 nor ev5 raise a reasonable d\bt on ! subject4 ,b ev5 if x c\ld be demon/rat$ t !re is n a rational be+ n[ 9 ! univ]se :o exi/$ two c5turies ago1 or "o :o w exi/ two c5turies h5ce1 ,i conceive1 z ! fact c\ld n1 s ! k ( ! fact ought n to make any diff]5ce 9 ! relation1 dep5d5ce & moral obligation betwe5 man & man4 ,man le>ns by 8 own exp]i5ce1 z well z f ! exp]i5ce ( o!rs2 & vice v]sa2 h5ce we pr(it by ! exp]i5ce ( ^? :o h gone be=e u4 ,:5 man %all univ]sally le>n ?is great moral tru? t mu* ( 8 happ9ess is insep>ably connect$ ) ! happ9ess ( 8 fell[ be+s1 :i* is "o ( ! immutable pr9ciples ( moral nature1 !n ea* individual w /rive to ! utmo/ to promote ! g5]al welf>e2 = 9 s do+ he increases 8 own individual happ9ess1 & also ! happ9ess ( po/]ity4 #e4 ,:at y h said "u ! fif? article1 = reasons already giv51 w be consid]$ 9 my next numb]1 :5 ,i hope ,i %all he furni%$ ) m light on ! subject4 ,i w only obs]ve "h t a miracle1 z ,i conceive1 mu/ be p]=m$ agreeable to1 or else x mu/ be a violation ( ! laws ( nature4 ,if ! =m]1 :atev] x might be to o!rs1 to ^? :o und]/ood ! means ( its op]ation1 x c\ld be1 /rictly speak+1 no miracle2 & if no miracle1 no evid5ce1 to !m1 ( div9e inspiration3 b if ! latt]1 & ^? :o p]=m$ ! same 7 ignorant ( ! p[] by :i* !y 7 p]=m$1 ,i d n see h[ t ! p]=mance ( a miracle c\ld give !m any k ( futurity4 ,& if n1 :at did give x to !m1 & 9 :at way 0 x giv58 ,x w /ill be recollect$ t ,i d n admit ! exi/5ce ( miracles1 al?\gh ,i speak ( !m z ?\gh !y 7 true1 m]ely to %ew t ev5 if !y 7 true ,i %\ld /ill h my difficulties respect+ ! tru? ( div9e revelation4 #f?4 ,y\r rem>ks "u ! six? article are satisfactory1 ?\gh !y h n conv9c$ me ( ! incorrectness ( my op9ion2 because t :i* is f\nd$ 9 tru? is1 aft] all ! only ?+ t is 'good & n\ri%+' to ! und]/&+4 ,! s\nd m9d pants only aft] tru?2 & z he kn[s et]nal tru? is unalt]able1 he is n fooli% en\gh ev5 to desire1 x %\ld be :at x is n4 ,! reason :y we (t5 desire t :i* we _c h is because1 n kn[+ ! :ole tru?1 we d n "k b t we may h ! ?+s we desire4 #g?4 ,z x respects 'n ev5 des]v+ a future exi/5ce1' ,i 0 n fully und]/ood4 ,i only meant an anxi\s desire1 z ,i express$ a little be=e1 & z also ,i express$ anxi\s conc]n a little aft]2 t is a desire :i* is incompatible ) reconciliation to tru? :e!r t tru? gives u little or mu*4 ,_h n tru? be5 fav\rable to our exi/5ce we c]ta9ly %\ld n h exi/$2 & ,i c see no reason to fe> a tru? :i* has be5 s fav\rable z to give u be+4 ,x is true1 a desire to exi/ z long z we c enjoy life seems to be insep>ably connect$ ) our moral nature2 & yet ,i c see no t]ror 9 t :i* takes away our s5sibility1 :e!r x be = a night1 = ages1 or = et]nity4 ,i %\ld j z soon ?9k ( be+ t]rifi$ at ! idea ( a s\nd & sweet sleep4 ,if ! tru? be :at ,i suspect x is1 ,i see no good reason :y x %\ld be reveal$ to u1 any m ?an ! h\r ( our dea?6 ,?is tru? is wisely conceal$ f u4 #h?4 ,y h se5 me s long 9 ! d>k t ,i beg9 to d\bt :e!r y w\ld be will+ to own me correct1 ev5 if ,i %\ld come fully into ! light2 i4 e4 accord+ to y\r und]/&+4 ,is x possible sir1 t y %\ld suppose me capable ( writ+ s great a solecism z ! foll[+1 viz43 ,if a revelation 7 ev] necess>y1 x 0 necess>y only to conv9ce mank9d t a revelation is n true6 ,b x seems t su* mu/ h be5 y\r con/ruction1 or v ne> x1 or else y c\ld n h f\nd ! error ( s great magnitude1 ( :i* y speak4 ,al?\gh ,i did n express my idea s full & explicit z ,i might1 & p]haps ought to h done1 yet ,i c assure y t1 by reconcil+ man to 8 pres5t /ate1 ,i meant no?+ less ?an :at y h express$ 9 a =m] lett]2 & ,i meant to include all = :i* y h cont5d$ 9 ! article n[ "u consid]ation4 ,= #a/4 ,if div9e revelation 7 necess>y1 ! ?+ reveal$ is und\bt$ly true4 #b;d4 ,if true1 ,i am fully satisfi$ ) y\r views on ! subject4 #i?4 ,y\r explanation relative to :at y sugge/$ 9 a =m] lett] 7i4 e4 t ,i mu/ mean t ! apo/les /at$ falsehood7 is satisfactory2 ?\gh :at y n[ say y meant1 z ,i h already in=m$ y1 0 n exactly my mean+4 ,! fact is1 ,i did n mean to express any op9ion z to ! tru? or to ! falsity ( ! apo/les' te/imony4 ,i v readily grant1 h[ev]1 t1 if ,i 'd n believe t !y /at$ ! tru?' ',i mu/ believe t !y /at$ falsehood2' unless 7:i* w\ld be v extraord9>y7 ! weight ( evid5ce be s exactly balanc$ 9 my m9d t x is impossible = me to =m an op9ion on ! subject4--,b suppos+ ,i disbeliev$ _! te/imony altoge!r2 :at c\ld ,i d m ?an to give my reasons = n believ+ x8 ,w\ld x be reasonable to call on me to prove _! te/imony false8 ,x is a v h>d ?+ to prove a negative6 ,y w h already p]ceiv$ by my sev5? numb] t ,i h no idea t ! facts on :i* ! ,*ri/ian religion is said to h be5 f\nd$ c n[ be prov$ false4 ,no1 :atev] might h be5 ! case 9 ! "t ( x1 !y 7 neglect$ too long be=e any attempt ( ?is k9d 0 made1 ?\gh ! acc\nts %\ld h be5 suppos$ ev] s errone\s z to promise any success 9 _! refutation4 ,& ,i am incl9$ to ?9k t "o c5tury !n w\ld involve facts 9 z mu* obscurity z five c5turies w\ld n[4 ,b ,i h already express$ my d\bts :e!r ! facts on :i* ! religion ( ! ,%ak]s is said to be pr$icat$1 al?\gh n half a c5tury /&+1 c n[ be prov$ false2 & yet if !y are true !y are no?+ %ort ( miracul\s4 ,! ,*ri/ian religion !re=e1 true or false1 und\bt$ly w /&1 9 "s %ape or o!r1 & be believ$ m or less1 z long z man rema9s ^u ! e>?4 ,= if x 0 introduc$ )\t any violations ( ! laws ( nature1 i4 e4 )\t miracles1 :i* probably 0 ! case1 if false1 we _c expect any su* violations = ! sake ( de/roy+ x2 & )\t su* violations ,i d n see h[ x c\ld be de/roy$1 because ! believ]s ( x1 inv>iably1 believe x to be e/abli%$ on su* my/]i\s sup]natural pr9ciples2 & ,i expect b v few1 comp>atively1 w ev] h suffici5t /r5g? ( m9d to ?r[ (f ! my/ic veil4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,vii4 ,de> sir1 & bro!r--,desir+ to br+ our pres5t correspond5ce to a close z soon z ! m]its ( its subject w admit1 ,i propose 9 reply+ to y\r #h? numb]1 to rem>k only on ! mo/ ess5tial p>ticul>s1 tak+ no p>ticul> notice ( two classes conta9$ 9 y\r communication1 viz4 t :i* seems to gr[ out ( a miscon/ruction ( my argum5ts & t 9 :i* y appe> to agree ) !m4 ,indulg+ 9 ?is lib]ty1 ! subjects to :i* ,i w endeav\r to confirm myself are ! foll[+4 #a/4 ,y\r me?od ( acc\nt+ = ! abs5ce ( ! crucifi$ ,jesus1 f ! sepul*re :]e x 0 laid & gu>d$ by ! ,roman soldi]s4 #b;d4 ,:at y sugge/ respect+ ! div9e mission ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les1 ! miracles :i* 7 wr\ght by !m 9 atte/ation ( ! ,messiah1 & ! cr$ibility ( _! te/imony reg>d+ a future /ate4 #c;d4 ,:at y cont5d = respect+ ! utility1 or inutility ( ! *ri/ian hope ( future felicity4 #d?4 ,some?+ on ! in/ructions ( ,jesus to 8 disciples respect+ _! conduct t[>d _! enemies4 #e?4 ,:at y sugge/ respect+ ,jesus' n be+ kn[n to ! two disciples1 c4 #f?4 ,y\r criticism on my argum5t respect+ ! evid5ces ( ! resurrection1 c4 #a/4 ,y propose to acc\nt = ! abs5ce ( ! body ( ,jesus1 by suppos+1 t "s p]sons by fright5+ ! gu>ds 7 enabl$ !reby to convey ! body away1 :i* !y did be+ will+ t ,jesus %\ld be ?\ght to h ris5 f ! dead1 :]eby he w\ld be deifi$1 accord+ to ! notions ( ! ,greeks respect+ deify+ m5 aft] !y 7 dead1 c4 ,^? :o ?us /ole ! body 7 n ! disciples ( ,jesus1 b "s p]sons :o 7 desir\s !reby to puni% ! ,jews = s cruelly putt+ ,jesus to dea?4 ,"h y h propos$ two subjects z =m+ ! cause1 9 ! m9d ( ^? :o /ole ! body1 ( _! und]tak+ s haz>du\s an ent]prise1 nei!r ( :i* appe>s to me to we> ! necess>y m>ks ( probability4--#a/4 ,if !y wi%$ to h ,jesus deifi$ accord+ to ! notions ( ! ,greeks1 !re 0 no ne$ ( e/abli%+ ! belief ( 8 hav+ rose f ! dead4 ,?is 0 n ! case ) ^? :o among ! ,greeks 7 deifi$ aft] _! dea?4 ,! tombs ( _! h]oes :om !y plac$ among ! gods1 rema9$ among ! p4 #b;d4 ,:o t !n liv$ 9 ,j]usalem or its vic9ity c\ld look on ! crucifixion ( ,jesus z an act ( cruelty8 ,o!rs ?an ,jews w\ld n feel v mu* int]e/$ 9 ?is affair1 z ,jesus _h conf9$ 8 m9i/ry to ! ,jews1 & direct$ 8 disciples n to ent] into any ( ! cities ( ! ,g5tiles1 ?is matt] 0 a case :i* seem$ to conc]n ! ,jews only4 ,n[ look at ! case4 ,! ,jews expect$ a ,messiah1 a deliv]]1 "o :o %\ld become _! pr9ce1 & deliv] !m f ! bondage ( ! ,romans4 ,jesus pret5d$ to be s5t ( ,god z _! ,messiah ( :om ! anci5t prophets _h spok52 he pret5d$ to "w miracles 9 confirmation ( 8 div9e mission2 b 9 room ( deliv]+ ! ,jews f ! ,roman yoke1 he propheci$ ( _! de/ruction by ! ,romans4 ,n[1 sir1 if ,jesus made all ^! pret5sions )\t div9e au?ority = s do+1 if he caus$ to be report$ t he wr\ght miracles :5 he nev] wr\ght "o 9 8 life1 if he kept ! p 9 a cont9ual upro> driv+ ab\t ! c\ntry f "o extreme ( ,pale/9e to ano!r all by 8 frauds & fasc9at+ deceptions2 & 9 ord] to quiet ! p1 & h ?+s g on 9 a regul> ord]1 ^? :o 7 *>g$ ) ! public conc]ns br\ght ab\t ! crucifixion ( ?is impo/or1 :o kn[+ all ^! ?+s1 be+ a ,jew w\ld ?9k ( accus+ ^! godly ph>isees & rul]s ( cruelty = s do+8 ,if ,jesus did n d ! works :i* he pret5d$ to d1 he c]ta9ly 0 an impo/or1 & x is 9 va9 to attempt to save him f su* a *>ge4 ,& if he 7 su* a blasphem\s impo/or z to pret5d to "w miracles by ! p[] ( ,god1 :5 he knew he _h no su* p[]1 x appe>s v pla9 t he des]v$ to die accord+ to ,jewi% cu/oms4 ,if ! miracles ( ,jesus _h be5 ( a diff]5t description1 !re might h be5 "s deception4 ,t is1 if su* miracles _h be5 pret5d$ z y /ate ( ! ,%ak]s2 9 su* a case nobody w\ld tr\ble _! heads ab\t ! matt]4 ,"s w\ld say1 ! good woman p]haps 0 badly hurt1 & %e ?\ght h] ribs 7 brok51 :5 9 fact !y 7 n1 & ) a little good nurs+ %e 0 able to jo9 ! dance2 o!rs might be extravagant en\gh to suppose t some?+ m>vel\s _h tak5 place1 b :o w\ld "k8 ,or1 ,i w add1 :o w\ld c>e8 ,b w y und]take to argue t ! mo/ le>n$ & artful c\ld impose on p by pret5d+ to h p[] f ,god to op5 ! eyes ( ! bl9d1 to heal all mann] ( diseases ) a ^w1 & to raise ! dead f _! graves8 ,no1 sir1 if ,jesus did n p]=m ! miracles :i* he pret5d$ to p]=m1 !re is no propriety 9 believ+ t any body 0 dispos$ to *>ge ! ,jews ) cruelty = ridd+ community ( su* an impo/or4 ,b aft] all1 ev5 all[+ y\r propos$ me?od ( acc\nt+ = ! abs5ce ( ! body1 :i* by no means is half z probable a /ory z t report$ by ! ,jews1 z ?is does n acc\nt = ! disciples' believ+ t ,jesus _h actually arose f ! dead4 ,:at is to be done ) ?is circum/ance8 ,are we to suppose t z soon z ! disciples f\nd t ! body 0 miss+1 !y took x into _! heads t he _h actually arose f ! dead )\t any fur!r evid5ce8 ,well if !y really believ$ x !y c\ld hone/ly /ate _! belief to ! p4 ,y w rememb] t y h agre$ t ! apo/les 7 hone/ m54 ,b !n ! apo/les g fur!r1 !y ass]t t !y 7 c]tifi$ ( ! real resurrection ( ,jesus by _m infallible pro(s1 t !y saw him1 conv]s$ ) him1 ate ) him1 he>d 8 disc\rses 9 :i* he exp\nd$ ! scriptures ( ! law1 ( ! prophets1 & ( ! psalms :i* respect$ 8 passion & resurrection4 ,w y all[ ^! m5 to h be5 hone/ m51 & /ill suppose t somebody /ole ! body ( ,jesus f ! sepul*re8 ,! boldness ( ! disciples 9 decl>+ ! resurrection1 _! will+ness to suff] all mann] ( p]secutions = ! "n ( ,jesus1 %[ pla9ly t !y did believe 9 8 resurrection4 ,"h ,i ref] y to my =m] argum5ts 9 :i* ,i h attempt$ to make x appe> t ! disciples c\ld n h be5 deceiv$4 ,b ev5 all[+1 t ! body 0 /ol51 & t ! disciples 7 deceiv$1 !re is /ill1 if possible1 a great] difficulty to acc\nt =1 viz4 ! success ( ! prea*+ ( ,jesus & him crucifi$4 ,"h ,i wi%1 9 a special mann]1 to call y\r att5tion4 ,! f\r evangeli/s & ! acts ( ! apo/les 7 writt5 9 ! life "t ( ! disciples ( ,jesus2 ?is1 ,paley1 9 8 ,evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity1 fully proves4 ,he likewise proves beyond any reasonable d\bt t !y 7 writt5 by ! m5 ^: names !y be>4 ,^! hi/orians !n relate all ! miracles record$ 9 ! f\r gospels1 & in=m u t ,jesus actually p]=m$ !m4 ,!y give ea* ( !m an acc\nt ( ! crucifixion & resurrection ( _! div9e ma/]4 ,!y relate ! ?+s ( :i* !y 7 eye witnesses4 ,b suppos+ !y 7 deceiv$1 :i* ,i humbly conceive1 is n supposable1 c we reasonably believe t ^! gospels 9 :i* su* b>efac$ falsehoods 7 record$ w\ld ev] ga9 cr$it among a p ^: religi\s education 0 to be all ov]?r[n by com+ into ! belief ( ^? writ+s8 ,b ! apo/les _h n ^! books to assi/ !m 9 _! m9i/ry2 !y w5t on 9 prea*+ ,jesus & ! resurrection1 fir/ 9 ! city ( ,j]usalem1 & ?r\gh\t all ,judea1 & among ! ,g5tiles ) a/oni%+ success be=e !y wrote ! acc\nts :i* we h4 ,n[1 sir1 on ! supposition t ! body 0 /ol5 w y acc\nt = ! p's be+ p]suad$ t ,jesus rose f ! dead8--,is x possible to conceive ( any ?+ to :i* ! ,jews c\ld h be5 m oppos$1 ?an to ! te/imony1 t ! man :om !y _h crucifi$ 0 ! ,messiah1 & t ,god _h rais$ him f ! dead8 ,n[ turn to ! acc\nt giv5 9 ,acts1 *ap4 ii4 & let reason & c&or h _! voice 9 ! matt] "u consid]ation4 ,!re=e let all ! h\se ( ,israel "k assur$ly1 t ,god ha? made t same ,jesus1 :om ye h crucifi$1 bo? ,"l & ,*ri/4 ,c y conceive ( any ?+ t c\ld h be5 m try+ to ! feel+s ( ! p8 ,obs]ve1 :om ye h crucifi$4 ,br+ ! matt] home to y\rself4 ,suppose y _h be5 active 9 ! prosecution ( "o ( y\r fell[ creatures1 & ! prosecution %\ld h t]m9at$ 9 ! execution ( ! accus$1 h[ w\ld x try y\r feel+s = y\r neighb\rs to come & tell y1 t y _h be5 ! murd]] ( a good & innoc5t man8 ,b 9 ! case "u consid]ation !re are circum/ances t height5 ! importance ( ! subject4 ,! great ,messiah 9 :i* all ! ,jews 7 educat$ to believe1 z mu* z we are educat$ to believe 9 ,*ri/2 ?is p]sonage is ! subject4 ,see ! acc\nt1 ,n[1 :5 !y he>d ?is1 !y1 7 prick$ 9 _! he>t1 & said unto ,pet]1 & to ! re/ ( ! apo/les1 m5 & bre?r51 :at %all we d8 ,:y d we he> ?is exclamation8 ,m5 & bre?r51 :at %all we d8 ,:y %\ld ! p n[ feel ?us affect$8 ,:y d !y n cry out aga9/ ! m5 :o accuse !m ( hav+ done ?is wick$ness1 z !y did aga9/ ,jesus a few days be=e8 ,c y1 sir1 believe t all t caus$ ?is1 0 ! body's hav+ be5 /ol5 f ! sepul*re1 ! disciples hav+ gott5 ! :im into _! heads t ,jesus _h arose f ! dead1 n[ run ab\t l mad m5 & accuse ! p ( hav+ murd]$ ! great ,messiah1 ! ano9t$ ( ,god1 affirm+ t ,god _h rais$ him f ! dead1 :5 b>ely ! abs5ce ( ! dead body 0 all ! evid5ce on :i* ?is c\ld be f\nd$8 ,n only did ! te/imony ( ,pet]1 on ?is occasion1 :i* w rema9 a mo/ memorable "o :ile ! _w /&s1 c>ry pung5t conviction to ! v he>ts ( ! p1 b x happily issu$ 9 ! glori\s triumph ( fai? 9 ! ris5 ,jesus 9 ab\t ?ree ?\s& ( ! !n pres5t audi5ce4 ,9 ! =e "p ( ?is *apt] we h an acc\nt ( ! manife/ation ( ! mighty & miracul\s p[] ( ,god :i* 0 ! evid5t cause ( ! conviction ( ! p2 & to no o!r cause1 ,i humbly conceive1 c we impute su* consequ5ces4 ,p]mit me to rem>k "h1 t all t +5uity has ev] inv5t$ ab\t h[ ! body ( ,jesus 0 dispos$ (1 c h no weight at all aga9/ ! doctr9e ( ! resurrection :i* ! apo/les propagat$4 ,! body's be+ abs5t f ! sepul*re nev] conv9c$ "o reasonable be+ 9 ! _w1 ( ! fact ( ! resurrection4 ,x did n conv9ce ^? :o fir/ saw ! sepul*re empty4 ,m>y /ood )\t at ! sepul*re weep+2 & !y 7! angels7 say unto h]1 woman1 :y weepe/ ?\8 ,%e sai? unto him1 because !y h tak5 away my ,"l1 & ,i "k n :]e !y h laid him4 ,& :5 %e _h ?us said1 %e turn$ h]self back1 & saw ,jesus /&+1 & knew n t x 0 ,jesus4 ,jesus sai? unto h]1 woman1 :y weepe/ ?\8 ,:om seeke/ ?\8 ,%e suppos+ him to be ! g>dn]1 sai? unto him1 sir1 if ?\ h borne him h5ce1 tell me :]e ?\ ha/ laid him1 & ,i w take him away4 ,jesus sai? unto h]1 ',m>y4' ,%e repli$1 ',,rabboni6' ,h[ naturally is ?is acc\nt giv54 ,9 :at an artless mann] is ! /ory told4 ,i s mu* admire ! s9c]ity & unaffect$ love ( ,m>y to h] ma/] t ! foll[+ reflections dem& a place "h4 ,! p]son :o b ?ree days be=e 0 cr[n$ ) ?orns1 0 revil$ & spat ^u1 0 mo/ ignom9i\sly crucifi$ betwe5 two ?ieves & laid 9 ! sepul*re is s mu* ! object ( ,m>y's affection t %e appe>s solicit\s = ! body4 ,i _c d\bt ! tru? ( ,m>y's be+ "h1 = ! /ory is told )\t any design4 ,b :y is ,m>y "h8 ,if ,jesus 0 an impo/or %e nev] knew ( 8 work+ a miracle 9 h] life4 ,b if ,jesus 0 9 fact :at he pret5d$ to be & if he wr\ght ^? miracles :i* are record$ ( him1 all is expla9$4 ,b x is evid5t t ,m>y _h n ?\ght ( ,jesus' hav+ be5 rais$ f ! dead1 :5 %e saw t he 0 abs5t f ! sepul*re4 ,:5 ,jesus spake to h]1 & call$ h] by "n z he _h frequ5tly done be=e1 %e knew him4 ,:5 ?is ,m>y & ! o!r wom5 t 7 ) h] w5t to ! elev51 & told !m ! /ory1 !y did n believe x1 nor does x appe> t ,pet] believ$ 9 ! resurrection1 ev5 aft] ,m>y & o!rs _h c]tifi$ him1 & he _h be5 himself to ! sepul*re & f\nd x empty2 b he w5t away wond]+ 9 himself at t :i* 0 come to pass4 ,! evid5ces by :i* ! disciples believ$ 9 ?is all-important tru? 7 equal to its importance & to its extraord9>y "*4 ,^! evid5ces h be5 notic$4 #b;d4 ,! mission ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les1 ! miracles wr\ght by !m 9 atte/ation ( t mission1 & ! cr$ibility ( _! te/imony respect+ a future /ate may n[ receive "s notice4 ,y are dispos$ to call on me to in=m y :at ,i mean by ?is mission1 to :i* ,i reply2 ,i mean a div9e appo9tm5t to act 9 a c]ta9 (ficial "*1 accompani$ ) c]ta9 p[]s by :i* !y 7 enabl$ to ev9ce1 by miracles1 ?is _! appo9tm5t4 ,jesus 0 appo9t$ by ,god himself to reveal ! div9e "*1 nature1 & w ( ! ,fa!r to ! _w1 by 8 prea*+1 by 8 miracles ( m]cy1 by 8 suff]+s1 by 8 dea? & resurrection4 ,! apo/les 7 s5t by ,jesus ,*ri/ on ! same mission1 on :i* ,jesus himself 0 s5t4 ,see 8 pray]1 ,john xvii4 ,z ?\ has s5t me into ! _w1 ev5 s h ,i also s5t !m into ! _w4 ,^? :o believ$ 9 ,jesus1 & ackn[l$g$ him to be ! ,messiah1 believ$ on acc\nt ( ! miracles :i* he wr\ght1 & z ,i h be=e argu$1 ,jesus nev] requir$ ( any a belief 9 him1 b>ely on 8 te/imony ( himself1 b on ! evid5ce af=d$ by ! works :i* he did 9 8 ,fa!r's "n4 ,s likewise1 ^? :o believ$ on ,jesus ?r\gh ! m9i/ry ( ! apo/les1 nev] 7 call$ on to believe b by ! au?ority ( z great wond]s z 7 wr\ght by ,*ri/ himself4 ,i ne$ n say mu* on ?is p>ticul>1 z y mu/ "k t ! gr\nd on :i* ,i h "h plac$ ?is subject1 is ! gr\nd on :i* ! ,new ,te/am5t places x4 ,! absurd notions :i* h be5 errone\sly adopt$ by ,*ri/ian doctors & c\ncils conc]n+ ! mission ( ,*ri/ to appease ! div9e wra?1 to reconcile ,god to man1 to suff] ! p5alty ( ! div9e law1 c4 c4 :i* h r5d]$ ! gospel a my/]y & a mi/1 9 room ( a high way = ! ransom$ ( ! ,"l to return to ,zion 91 is *>geable to ! enemy :o s[$ t>es among ! :eat4 ,^! op9ions ) a multitude ( /udi$ inv5tions ab\t a my/]i\s "w ( sov]eign elective grace wr\ght 9 c]ta9 individuals1 9 an unkn[n way & frequ5tly 9 an unkn[n "t all :i* is to be foll[$ by a sy/em ( my/]i\s sanctification1 connect$ mo/ my/]i\sly ) f9al p]sev]ance1 toge!r ) all ! intricate unkn[n items set d[n 9 ! ,we/m9i/] ,cate*ism1 h only s]v$ to p]plex "s1 puff o!rs up ) spiritual pride & exalt !m 9 ! k+dom ( spiritual wick$ness 9 high places1 to drive "s to despair1 & to disgu/ reason & common s5se 9 o!rs4 ,!re is n a ^w ( all ! above j>gon 9 ! sacr$ scriptures1 :i* give u a mo/ rational acc\nt ( ! great object ( ! gospel m9i/ry4 ,?is object is ! r$emption ( mank9d f moral d>kness1 :i* is ! :ole occasion ( moral evil1 & to produce t improvem5t 9 ! religi\s _w :i* sci5ce is design$ to effect 9 ! political4 ,x is to br+ tru? to light1 to comm5d ! "* ( ,god to man1 to lead all m5 into ! true k1 _s1 & temp] ( ! div9e nature4 ,?us we discov] 9 ,jesus no p>tiali/1 no sect>ian1 no fri5d to any "o d5om9ation1 m ?an ano!r4 ,& :5 he _h accompli%$1 by 8 suff]+s1 :at ! prophets _h =etold1 he !n s5t 8 gospel ( ! love & m]cy ( ,god to ! :ole _w4 ,8 div9ely inspir$ apo/les foll[$ ! examples ( _! lead] & prea*$ ! univ]sal1 imp>tial goodness ( ,god to all m51 & confirm$ _! mission by simil> miracles to ^? wr\ght by ,jesus4 ,y fur!r inquire ! gr\nds on :i* we are to believe ,jesus & 8 apo/les respect+ a future /ate4 ,reply1 on ! same gr\nd on :i* we believe !m 9 o!r matt]s1 viz4 because !y h prov$ ! div9ity ( _! mission or appo9tm5t to tea* tru? by ! p[] ( ! ,god ( tru?4 ,see #b ,cor4 xii4 #ab1 ,truly ! signs ( an apo/le 7 wr\ght among y 9 all pati5ce1 9 signs1 & wond]s1 & mighty de$s4 ,y ne$ n be told t an apo/le is a mess5g]1 & t a mess5g] mu/ h a mission4 ,:at !n 7 ! signs ( ,/4 ,paul's mission8 ,answ]1 pati5ce1 signs1 wond]s1 & mighty de$s4 ,jesus is said to be ! great apo/le1 & high prie/ ( our pr(ession1 & he ev9c$ 8 apo/le%ip by signs1 by wond]s1 & mighty de$s4 ,n[1 sir1 z ^! signs 7 design$ to prove to u t ,jesus & 8 apo/les 7 div9ely inspir$1 s !y are ! gr\nd on :i* we may safely believe _! te/imony 9 all ?+s4 ,if y\r inquiry ext5ds fur!r ?an ! pla9 /atem5ts & facts g1 y w at once see t !y g beyond ! dem&s ( reason1 = x is an unreasonable ?+ to require ( an un9spir$ p]son any fur!r acc\nt conc]n+ ! way by :i* an inspir$ man kn[s :at he says to be true1 ?an x has pleas$ ,god to enable 8 mess5g] to make kn[n4 ,:5 ! ph>isees ask$ ! man :o 0 born bl9d1 to :om ,jesus _h giv5 sight1 ,:at saye/ ?\ ( him8 t he ha? op5$ ?9e eyes8 he said1 he is a prophet4 ,h[ comes ?is man to believe t ,jesus 0 a prophet8 ,because ! sign ( a mess5g] ( ,god _h be5 giv54 ,if ! ph>isees _h ask$ him1 h[ he knew t ,jesus 0 a prophet1 w\ld he n answ] !m by ! miracle wr\ght ^u him8 ,if !y %\ld fur!r ask him ( p>ticul>s1 h[ ,jesus c\ld be a prophet1 h[ he knew ?+s :i* o!rs did n "k1 w\ld !y h discov]$ any wisdom 9 _! que/ions8 or w\ld he h discov]$ any 9 attempt+ to answ] !m8 ,if ,i may fur!r rem>k on ! mission ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les1 x seems reasonable to say t x compreh5ds ! :ole doctr9e ( ! gospel1 t is to say1 !y 7 appo9t$ to prea* ! gospel :i* compreh5ds ! :ole m9i/ry ( reconciliation1 or a manife/ation ( reconcil+ tru?4 ,!re is1 !re=e1 no tru? 9 ! gospel :i* is n calculat$ 9 its nature to reconcile man to ,god1 :5 su* tru? is und]/ood4 ,if our heav5ly ,fa!r _h f all et]nity pr$e/9at$ f> ! greate/ "p ( mank9d to a /ate ( endless un-reconciliation1 ! revelation ( ?is to !m :o 7 ?us de/9$1 c\ld h no effect 9 reconcil+ !m to ,god4 ,:at _h ,jesus or 8 apo/les to d ) su* doctr9e z ?is8 ,no?+4 ,!y make no m5tion ( any su* ?+4 ,if accord+ to ! va9 traditions receiv$ f ! wisdom ( ?is _w t come? to n\ght1 our t5d] babes 7 doom$ to ev]la/+ wra? = ! s9 ( ! fir/ man :o liv$ on e>?1 ! manife/ation ( su* a tru? c\ld reconcile none ( ^? victims to ?is ,god ( unm]ciful v5geance4 ,b :at _h ,jesus to d ) su* blasphem\s doctr9e8 ,see him z ! repres5tative ( ,god1 z ! great apo/le ( heav5 to man1 notice :at he does & :at he says4 ,he takes "y *ildr5 9 8 arms & blesses !m1 he says suff] little *ildr51 & =bid !m n to come unto me1 = ( su* is ! k+dom ( heav54 ,if our ,creator 0 full ( wra? & v9dictive v5geance t[>ds s9n]s1 ! manife/ation ( su* a tru? w\ld by no means reconcile s9n]s to ,god2 b :5 ,god comm5de? 8 love t[>ds ! s9n] ?r\gh ! mission1 m9i/ry1 or disp5sation ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 su* tru? :5 reveal$1 naturally reconciles ! s9n] to ,god4 ,god is et]nally ! same1 8 love is ! same1 8 w to d 8 creatures good is always ! same1 & 8 means to c>ry 8 good w into effect are always at 8 comm&4 ,jesus taught s9n]s1 enemies to ,god1 t ,god to :om !y 7 enemies1 lov$ !m4 ,?is he demon/rat$ by ! ra9 & sun %9e :i* 0 communicat$ to ! evil & ! good1 & ?is imp>tial love ( ,god1 he urg$ z ! p]fect patt]n = our imitation1 & set x up z ! m>k :]e lies ! prize to be won by our ,*ri/ian vocation4 ,i say unto y love y\r enemies1 pray = !m t use y spitefully & p]secute y1 t ye may be ! *ildr5 ( y\r ,fa!r :i* is 9 heav52 t is1 t y may imitate him 9 y\r conduct & moral "*4 ,n[1 sir1 :at has all ?is to d ab\t reconcil+ ,god to man8 ,:at has x to d ab\t appeas+ div9e wra?8 ,if ,jesus taught ! doctr9e ( ,god's love to s9n]s1 & our doctr9e taught by our ,*ri/ian doctors ( ,god's wra? & hatr$ t[>ds s9n]s be true1 ! matt] is settl$ at once4 ,^! doctors be+ m9i/]s ( div9e tru?1 ,jesus may be any ?+ else1 b he _c be an apo/le & high prie/ ( ,god4 ,b ,i ne$ n ext5d ?is article1 y are z well p]suad$ ( ! errone\sness ( ^! doctr9es ( m5 z ,i am2 b x belongs to ?is subject1 to take a g5]al view ( ! m9i/ry ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les4 ,x is s especially1 because ?is view %[s at once ! necessity z well z ! nature ( ?is div9e m9i/ry4 ,if y view ! nature ( tru? z y h h]et(ore express$ x1 & z ,i am confid5t y d1 y _c reasonably d\bt ! necessity ( hav+ x manife/$ to ! _w4 ,x 0 necess>y !n = ,god to endue "o ) ?is m9i/ry ( tru?1 x is reasonable t o!rs1 be+ taught by him %\ld be appo9t$ to ! same m9i/ry2 b y w see at once t tru? c\ld n be prea*$ to ! ,jews )\t mov+ ! sup]/iti\s scribes1 ph>isees1 & doctors ( ! law aga9/ x1 ?is opposition hid its natural t5d5cy1 & t]m9at$ 9 ! dea? ( ! div9e tea*]2 & if ! disciples _h gone on & prea*$ ! same doctr9e1 reason w\ld suppose t !y w\ld all h be5 put to dea? imm$iately1 & ! "w ( re=mation w\ld h /opp$4 ,n[1 sir1 if ,i am able to reason at all1 x 0 necess>y = ,god to make a display ( div9e p[] 9 v9dicat+ tru?1 :i* w\ld place x on gr\nd too high = all ! sup]/ition ( ! _w to remove4 ,y cont5d t ! voice ( reason %\ld be he>d4 ,:at does x say8 ,x says t ,god produc$ man 9 ! fir/ place on ?is e>?1 9 a diff]5t way f t by :i* man is n[ multipli$4 ,reason says1 !re 0 a necessity = ?is2 b x does n say t ! means ( procreation n[ d n answ] ev5 a bett] purpose ?an to h man multipli$ by ! same means by :i* he came fir/ to exi/4 ,! same reason w cont5d t 9 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! gospel m9i/ry 9 ! _w1 diff]5t means 7 necess>y f ^? :i* are successfully employ$ 9 p]petuat+ x4 #c;d4 ,y cont5d t ! ,*ri/ian hope ( a future happy exi/5ce1 is n necess>y to our pres5t happ9ess2 & t !re is no?+ m disagreeable 9 ! ?\ght ( an et]nal cessation ( exi/5ce1 ?an !re is 9 ! ?\ght ( repos+ ourselves 9 quiet sleep4 ,not)/&+ :at y say ab\t non exi/5ce1 all y\r play on words makes no diff]5ce ab\t ! ?+ talk$ (4 ,nor d ,i see t reason 9 y\r obs]vations on ?is subject1 = :i* y cont5d4 ,y v well "k t to cease to possess an id5tity ( be+ & ( intellect is :at we mean by non-exi/5ce1 & ?is is j ! ?+ = :i* y argue4 ,n[ :5 we contemplate tak+ refre%m5t 9 sleep1 x is 9 hope ( awak+ aga9 9 a bett] condition = enjoy+ ourselves & o!rs1 & = ! p]=mance ( our duty4 ,b ! contemplation ( pass+ out ( exi/5ce1 nev] to h ano!r ?\ght is c]ta9ly v widely diff]5t z to ! nature ( ! subject1 f ! =m]4 ,n[1 sir1 :y %\ld n ^! diff]5t subjects produce diff]5t s5sations 9 ! m9d8 ,& :]e9 "o is entirely repugnant to ! o!r1 :y is x n reasonable t ! contemplation ( !m %\ld be att5d$ ) effects 9 ! m9d z repugnant to ea* o!r z are ! subjects8 ,if x be a pleasure to a p>5t to contemplate1 :5 he retires to re/ ) 8 family1 ! expectation ( see+ !m aga9 9 ! morn+1 all refre%$ & invigorat$ anew is x n reasonable to suppose t a contemplation exactly rev]se f ?is w\ld produce m5tal pa98 ,i c conceive1 )\t any violation ( my reason or s5ses1 h[ a fond "m c take satisfaction 9 nurs+ h] babe to sleep1 kn[+ t ! t5d] be+ ne$s ?is repose2 b ,i _c conceive h[ ! same affectionate "m c\ld be equally pleas$ ) ! ?\ght t h] *ild w\ld nev] wake aga9 9 "t or 9 et]nity4 ,i feel grateful to ! giv] ( e good & p]fect gift1 t he has giv5 t bless$ hope :i* is z an an*or to ! s\l1 :]eby ! ,*ri/ian 9 8 dy+ h\r is enabl$ to take a %ort f>ewell ( 8 fri5ds1 express+ 8 hope ( meet+ !m soon 9 a bett] _w4 ,& ,i ?9k x unreasonable1 ev5 9 ! extreme1 to suppose t a rational p]son c\ld1 9 a simil> situation1 feel z well satisfi$ ) an expectation ( an ext9ction ( be+4 ,y fault ! address to tru?1 :i* y say ,i put into ! m\? ( y\r argum5t1 b ?is y d )\t ! lea/ occasion1 nor is x 9 y\r p[]1 sir1 to %[ t y\r argum5t does n af=d all ,i h made x say4 ,y might1 or r y h v>i$ ! language a little1 b ! s5tim5t is pres]v$ entire4 ,! address to tru? w\ld1 z be=e1 extoll h] exi/5ce1 express ! mo/ ard5t & con/ant love = h] div9ity & f9i% ! climax by so>+ d[n to non-exi/5ce1 :i* y c contemplate ) z mu* satisfaction z y c\ld an et]nal exi/5ce 9 ! enjoym5t ( ! object ( y\r love6 ,b y cont5d t tru? is lovely1 & if y\r d\bts are consi/5t ) tru? y %all be happy to be confirm$ 9 !m2 c4 ,?is hypo!sis1 sir1 is too l>ge to suit y\r own views2 = y h be=e decid$ a *oice betwe5 ! doctr9e ( et]nal mis]y & t (1 ,i w call x1 annihilation = ?is is its true mean+4 ,y h revolt$ at ! ?\ght ( et]nal mis]y1 b y\r hypo!sis all[s y no su* lib]ty4 ,tru? is lovely1 & if ! doctr9e ( et]nal puni%m5t1 ) all ! fire & brim/one t has ev] be5 prea*$ by ! mo/ zeal\s advocates ( torm5t be tru?1 y\r hypo!sis compels y to embrace ! goddess1 & contemplate et]nal mis]y ) ! same pleasure t y d non-exi/5ce1 or ) ! same y w\ld ev]la/+ felicity did y believe 9 x6 ,if we w\ld reason well1 we mu/ reason f :at we "k4 ,we "k t man is capable ( be+ mis]able1 he is capable ( great suff]+s2 likewise he is capable ( be+ happy1 he is capable ( great enjoym5ts4 ,n[ to pret5d t he has no *oice1 t x is z well = him to be mis]able z to be happy1 z well = him n to exi/ z to exi/1 is ! rev]se ( reason4 #d?4 ,z ,jesus1 9 ! in/ructions :i* he gave to 8 disciples1 respect+ _! conduct t[>ds _! enemies1 _h no design rea*+ to ! laws ( a body politic1 b only to ! conduct by :i* ! m9i/ry ( ! gospel w\ld be/ succe$ 9 its e>ly beg9n+1 :ile x 0 necess>y = x to be p]secut$1 by :i* we are n[ fav\r$ ) its evid5ces1 we may n[ err 9 apply+ ^? in/ructions diff]5tly f _! prim>y design4 ,/4 ,paul1 z mu* z any ( ! disciples ( ,jesus1 submitt$ himself to ! directions ( non-resi/ance1 yet he insi/s on submission to ! high] p[]s1 because !y 7 ! m9i/]s ( ,god1 ev5 rev5g]s to execute wra? ^u !m t d evil4 #e?4 ,) a confid5ce r unusual1 y *all5ge me to acc\nt = ,jesus' n be+ kn[n by ! two disciples :ile he walk$ ) !m on _! way to ,emmaus2 y br+ a comp>ison1 & urge ! subject 9 a way to signify t y h f\nd some?+ 9 ! scripture acc\nt t refutes itself4 ,y might h consid]$ ,m>y's case too z a simil> "o4 ,%e saw ,jesus ) :om %e _h _h a famili> acqua9tance1 b %e ?\ght x _h be5 ! g>dn]1 & talk$ ) him )\t kn[+ him1 until1 9 ! same mann] z he us$ to address h]1 he said ,m>y1 :5 9 a mom5t %e knew him4 ,s ! two bre?r5 walk$ on ! way ) ,jesus1 & att5d$ to 8 conv]sation1 :i* mu/ h be5 ( consid]able l5g?1 yet knew him n until he p]=m$ an (fice at table 9 :i* no d\bt1 he appe>$ z he _h done _m times be=e1 :i* l$ !m to "k him at once4 ,b ,i am call$ on to tell h[ !y c\ld walk & disc\rse ) him & n "k him4 ,well1 sir1 d y n und]/& t y\r "q is ask$ on supposition t ! miracle ( ! resurrection 0 a fact1 & on ! supposition t ,jesus c\ld appe> & disappe> to p]sons z he pleas$8 ,we are in=m$ t :5 ! two bre?r5 knew him1 he vani%$ out ( _! sight4 ,on ! supposition !n1 t ,jesus c\ld appe> & disappe> at pleasure1 is x at all difficult to all[ t he c\ld appe> to 8 acqua9tance z a /rang]1 if he pleas$8 ,x seems to me1 sir1 a little unacc\ntable :y y %\ld take hold ( ?is subject ) s mu* seem+ e>ne/ness4 ,is x possible t y %\ld suppose t ! fate ( ?is p>ticul> %\ld h any p[] on our g5]al subject8 ,)\t ! lea/ conc]n = ! argum5t 9 :i* ,i am engag$1 ,i might all[ t ,/4 ,luke 0 wrongly in=m$ respect+ ?is p>ticul>1 b t he wrote x j z he und]/ood ! matt]4 ,& :at w\ld foll[8 ,w\ld ?is prove any ?+ false on :i* *ri/ianity re/s8 ,i am unable to see h[ x affects ! argum5t "o way or ! o!r4 ,i am n ! less incl9$ to believe ! acc\nt1 because x does n affect ! tru? ( ! resurrection2 & ,i %\ld ?9k t z ?is /ory does n seem at all necess>y 9 pro( ( t fact1 x w\ld be consid]$ an evid5ce t ! writ] ( x 0 n endeav\r+ to make a /ory = su* a purpose4 ,if we read ! sev]al acc\nts ( ! resurrection1 we %all p]ceive t ! writ]s probably put d[n z _m p>ticul>s z come into _! m9ds at ! "t ( writ+1 )\t ?\ghts com+ into _! m9ds h[ ! tru? ( ! resurrection w\ld be prov$ by ! incid5ts :i* !y wrote4 ,!re is no design ( ?is sort 9 :at !y h writt5 t we c see4 ,!y write z if !y knew = c]ta9ty t ,jesus rose f ! dead1 & z if ! matt] 0 out ( all dispute4 ,!y discov] no conc]n = fe> ! acc\nt !y 7 giv+ w\ld n be believ$4 ,!re is n "o in/ance ( an attempt to gu>d ! /ory by cle>+ up any difficulty4 ,w\ld impo/ors write 9 ?is way8 ,x is n believ$ t !re 0 ev] ! in/ance4 ,impo/ure is l a ?ief :o />ts at 8 own %ad[1 & discov]s guilt by endeav\r+ to hide x4 ,b tru? hav+ no conc]n ( ?is sort1 discov]s none4--,& ?is is 9 all respects ! app>5t "* ( ! f\r gospels4 #f?4 ,y\r criticism on my argum5t respect+ ! evid5ces ( ! resurrection ,i %all n[ endeav\r to %[ to be incorrect4 ,y criticise z foll[s2 ,! apo/les c\ld n h be5 conv9c$ ( ! fact ( ! resurrection by any evid5ce %ort ( ! fact itself4 #b;d4 ,if ! fact did exi/ !re is no evid5ce :i* c c\nt]balance x4 ,ergo1 z ! apo/les 7 conv9c$ ( ! tru?1 ! fact did exi/4 ,?is is pretty mu* l say+1 if ! fact 7 true x c\ld n h be5 false6 ,! fir/ memb] ( y\r criticism supposes t ,i cont5d t ! apo/les _h no evid5ce ( ! resurrection b ! fact itself4 ,! second memb] ( y\r criticism supposes t ,i cont5d ! fact ( ! resurrection c\ld n exi/ )\t prov+ itself to ! apo/les 9 su* a way t no evid5ce c\ld c\nt]balance x4 ,n[ 9 bo? ( ^! y are "u a mi/ake1 ,i nev] urg$ ! fact ( ! resurrection z evid5ce ( itself to ! apo/les4 ,i nev] pret5d$ t !y saw him rise4 ,we h no acc\nt t any body saw ?is act p]=m$4 ,if ! apo/les _h /ood by ! sepul*re & _h se5 ! body ( ,jesus rise up & walk out ( ! h\se ( dea?1 !n _! evid5ces ( 8 resurrection w\ld h be5 ! fact itself2 b ?is 0 n ! case1 nor did ,i use any intimations ( ?is nature4 ,s ! fir/ memb] ( y\r criticism is an error ( y\rs4 #b;dly4 ,if ,jesus _h rose f ! dead & asc5d$ into heav51 & nev] _h giv5 any pro(s ( ?is to any "o1 w\ld ! fact ( 8 hav+ ris5 be any evid5ce ( itself to any p]son8 ,x surely w\ld n4 ,nor h ,i sugge/$ any ?+ :i* intimates t ! resurrection c\ld n h be5 true )\t prov+ itself to be s to ! apo/les4 ,:at seems a little rem>kable respect+ ?is subject1 is1 y pr(ess to c>e = no?+ b simple tru?1 & yet y seem to /udy h[ to avoid x1 z ! above criticism seems to ev9ce4 ,i say seems to ev9ce1 = ,i am n prep>$ to accuse y ( su* a fault--,i w\ld *>itably believe t y ?\ght y\r criticism w\ld hit some?+ or ano!r ne>ly ab\t "r1 )\t und]/&+ :at ! am\nt ( x is4 ,aft] hav+ lab\r$1 9 a l5g?y mann]1 z y ackn[l$ge1 to prove t ! evid5ces :i* prov$ to ! apo/les ! tru? ( ! resurrection c\ld n be c\nt]balanc$1 y mu/ reasonably suppose t ,i feel a little disappo9t$ t y %\ld condesc5d to pay no o!r att5tion to my reason+ ?an ! above criticism4 ,if ,i did n make my argum5t cle> :y %\ld y neglect to po9t out to me :]e9 x 0 want+8 ,:y %\ld ,i n expect to h my errors correct$1 z well z to be call$ on to correct my bro!r's8 ,%\ld n ^! k9d (fices be reciprocal8 ,if y conduct 9 ?is way1 ,i %all c]ta9ly gr[ va91 & boa/ ( do+ m = y1 ?an y d = me4 ,hav+ notic$ 9 a brief mann]1 ! sev]al p>ticul>s :i* 7 propos$ on my fir/ page1 ,i w occupy a few m ) "s obs]vations on ! evid5ces :i* we are fav\r$ )1 on :i* to build our belief 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus4 ,i h 9 "o or two in/ances ref]r$ y to ,paley1 :o has1 ) abilities & le>n+ suit$ to su* a task1 br\ght =w>d ! au?orities on :i* ! cr$ibility ( ! gospels re/s4 ,i h set d[n 8 elev5 propositions respect+ ! scriptures1 & ,i humbly reque/ y to exam9e ! pro( :i* he has br\ght to support !m4 ,if he has fairly support$ all ^! propositions1 z ,i humbly conceive he has1 w y %[ :y ! scriptures ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are n wor?y to be cr$it$ by u8 ,i am loa? to attempt to pres5t ! evid5ces on :i* ,i conceive our fai? re/s1 because 9 ! fir/ place !y are va/ly num]\s2 #bndly1 ,i d n believe t ,i am capable ( do+ t ju/ice to ! subject :i* x ju/ly claims2 & #c;dly1 ,paley has done x by ! assi/ance ( ,dr4 ,l>dn]'s works1 to s great an ext5t1 t x r5d]s unnecess>y any attempt ( m9e4 ,h[ev]1 z !re seems a p>ticul> sort ( pleasure 9 x1 ,i w "h make a little addition to :at ,i quot$ 9 my =m] communication1 & notice t1 foll[+ ! passage f ! epi/le ( ,b>nabas1 ,paley m5tions an epi/le writt5 by ,clem5t1 bi%op ( ,rome1#d ano!r ( ,/4 ,paul's fell[ lab\r]s4 ,?is epi/le is spok5 ( by ! anci5ts z an epi/le ackn[l$g$ by all2 & z ,ir5u well repres5ts its value1 writt5 by ,,clem5t1 :o _h se5 ! bless$ apo/les & conv]s$ ) !m1 :o _h ! prea*+ ( ! apo/les /ill s\nd+ 9 8 e>s1 & _! traditions be=e 8 eyes4 ,9 ?is epi/le ( ,clem5t1 he quotes ,mat4 v4 #g1 xviii4 #f4 ,next to ,clem5t1 ,paley notices ,h]mes :o is m5tion$ by ,/4 ,paul1 ,rom4 xvi4 #ad1 9 a catalogue ( ,roman ,*ri/ians4 ,h]mes wrote a "w call$ ! ,%eph]d or ,pa/or ( ,h]mes4#e ,says our au?or1 ,its antiquity is inconte/ible f ! quotations ( x 9 ,ir5u1 ,a4,d4 #agh1 ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria1 ,a4,d4 #aid1 ,t]tullian1 ,a4,d4 #bjj1 ,orig51 ,a4 ,d4 #bcj4 ,9 ! epi/le !re are allusions to ,/4 ,mat!w's1 ,/4 ,luke's1 & ,/4 ,john's gospels4 ,footnote #d3 ,paley's ,evid5ces1 p4 #ajg4 ,ref]r$ to ,dr4 ,l>dn]'s ,cre$1 vol4 #a1 p4 #fb1 et seq4 ,footnote #e3 ,paley's ,evid5ces1 p4 #aaj4 ,l>dn]'s ,cre$1 vol4 #a1 p4 #aaa4 ,next to ,h]mes our au?or m5tions ,,ignatius1 :o became bi%op ( ,antio*1 ab\t ?irty-sev5 ye>s aft] ! asc5sion ( ,*ri/2 & 0 )\t d\bt p]sonally acqua9t$ ) ! apo/les4 ,epi/les ( ,ignatius are ref]r$ to by ,polyc>p 8 contempor>y4 ,passages1 f\nd 9 ! epi/les n[ extant "u 8 "n1 are quot$ by ,ir5u1 ,a4,d4 #agh1 by ,orig51 ,a4,d4 #acj4 ,9 ^! epi/les !re are v>i\s und\bt$ allusions to ! gospels ( ,/4 ,mat!w & ,/4 ,john4 ,( ^! allusions ! foll[+ are cle> specim5s3 ,*ri/ 0 baptis$ ( ,john1 t all righte\sness might be fulfill$ by him4 ,be ye wise z s]p5ts 9 all ?+s1 & h>mless z doves4 ,yet ! _s is n deceiv$1 be+ f ,god2 = x kn[s :5ce x comes1 & :e!r x goes4 ,he 7,*ri/7 is ! door ( ! ,fa!r1 by :i* ent]s 9 ,abraham & ,isaac & ,jacob1 & ! apo/les & ! *ur*4 ,ignatius speaks ( ,/ ,paul 9 t]ms ( high respect1 & quotes 8 epi/les to ! ,ephesians by "n4 ,next to ,ignatius1 our au?or m5tions ,,polyc>p :o _h be5 taught by ! apo/les2 _h conv]s$ ) _m :o _h se5 ,*ri/1 0 also by ! apo/les appo9t$ bi%op ( ,smyrna4 ,?is te/imony conc]n+ ,polyc>p is giv5 by ,ir5u1 :o 9 8 y\? _h se5 him4 ,i c tell ! place1 sai? ,ir5nus1 9 :i* ! bless$ ,polyc>p sat & taught1 & 8 go+ out & com+ 91 & ! mann] ( 8 life1 & ! =m ( 8 p]son1 & ! disc\rses he made to ! p1 & h[ he relat$ 8 conv]sation ) ,john amid o!rs :o _h se5 ! ,"l1 & h[ he relat$ _! say+s1 & :at he _h he>d conc]n+ ! ,"l1 bo? conc]n+ 8 miracles & 8 doctr9e1 z he _h receiv$ !m f ! eye witness ( ! ^w ( life3 all :i* ,polyc>p relat$ agreeably to ! scriptures4 ,9 "o %ort lett] ( ,polyc>p's1 !re are ne> =ty cle> allusions to books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t3 :i* is /rong evid5ce ( ! respect :i* ,*ri/ians ( t age he> = ^! books1 & positive evid5ce t ! gospel _h be5 writt5 be=e ?is epi/le4 ,papias1 a he>] ( ,john1 & companion ( ,polyc>p1 z ,ir5u atte/s1 & ( t age1 z all agree1 expressly ascribes ! respective gospels to ,mat!w & ,m>k1 9 a passage quot$ by ,eusebius4 ,he in=ms u t ,m>k collect$ 8 gospel f ,pet]'s prea*+1 & t ,mat!w wrote 8 gospel 9 ,hebrew4 ,?is au?ority fully %[s t ! gospels bore ^! names at ?is e>ly p]iod4 ,! au?ors :i* are "h m5tion$1 all liv$ 9 ! days ( ! apo/les1 t is1 :5 ! apo/les 7 ag$ m51 ^! 7 _! pupils 9 ! gospel1 & _! epi/les :i* h ref]5ce to ! gospels are v ju/ly us$ to prove t ! gospels 7 writt5 by ! m5 ^: names !y be>4 ,f ^! mo/ e>ly au?ors1 ,paley goes on1 & br+s d[n1 by regul> succession1 ! *ri/ian au?ors1 until he comes into ! f\r? c5tury1 :5 !y are va/ly num]\s4 ,by ! =ego+ au?ority1 toge!r ) an innum]able multitude ( corroborat+ circum/ances1 we are l$ to ent]ta9 no d\bts b t ! gospels ( ,mat!w & ,john 7 writt5 by ^! eye witnesses ( ! ?+s :i* !y relate2 & t ! gospel ( ,luke 0 writt5 by a p]son ( ?is "n1 :o _h 8 in=mation f und\bt$ te/imony ( ! apo/les2 & t ,m>k wrote 8 gospel f ,/4 ,pet]'s m\?1 & t ?is gospel may be call$ ! gospel ( ,pet]4 ,^? eye witnesses !n wrote :at !y saw1 & if !y 7 hone/ m5 !y wrote ! tru?4 ,we1 sir1 d c]ta9ly "k z well z we "k any ?+ :i* anci5t hi/ory records1 t ! te/imony ( ! miracles & resurrection ( ,jesus 0 believ$ 9 ! age to :i* ^! ?+s are ref]r$1 & t ?is te/imony 0 seal$ by ! suff]+s & dea? ( va/ multitudes ( believ]s4 ,x %\ld be notic$1 t accord+ to all acc\nts :i* h come to u1 !re 7 no worldly motives ( any sort by :i* ! propagators ( ! gospel 7 induc$ to lab\r 9 ?is cause4 ,b on ! contr>y1 e e>?ly consid]ation 0 direct aga9/ !m2 & fur!rmore let u rememb]1 t ! :ole hi]>*y ( ! ,jews & all ! sup]/ition ( ! ,g5tiles 7 9 arms aga9/ ?is religion1 z ,i h be=e obs]v$1 ne>ly #cjj ye>s4 ,hop+1 de> bro!r1 t ^! ha/y rem>ks w be fav\rably receiv$1 & duly consid]$4 ,i rema91 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,,ix4 ,z ! objector "h beg9s to give up 8 gr\nd1 8 lett]s f ?is place w be giv5 ne>ly entire4 ,he comm5ces ?is numb] z foll[s1 viz4 ,de> sir & bro!r--,y\r reply to my sev5? numb] has be5 receiv$1 & h]eby duly ackn[l$g$4 ,i h j giv5 x a second read+1 ) peculi> c>e & att5tion2 & ,i mu/ add1 g5]ally speak+1 ) peculi> satisfaction too2 = z x has t5d$ 9 "s degree to revive my almo/ ext+ui%$ fai? 9 div9e revelation1 s x has 9 ! same ratio s]v$ to oblit]ate1 9 "s degree1 ^? d\bts :i* seem$ to be ris+ m\nta9s high1 9 my appreh5sion1 & port5d$ ere long to ov]turn all my =m] fai?4 ,!re are "s ( my objections1 h[ev]1 :i* seem n yet to h be5 fully met on _! prop] gr\nd1 & ( c\rse n fully remov$2 & ,i mu/ !re=e be yet indulg$ ) a few rem>ks4 #a/4 ,not)/&+ all ! le>n+ ( ! ,greeks & ,romans1 9 ! days ( ,jesus & 8 apo/les1 yet1 z y v ju/ly ins9uate1 ,i am incl9$ to believe !re nev] 0 a "t 9 :i* '! _w ( human k9d1 bo? ,jews & ,g5tiles1 0 m deeply involv$ 9 ! d>kness & /upidity ( sup]/ition ?an :5 ! ,messiah 7i4 e4 ,jesus7 ent]$ on 8 public m9i/ry4' ,& not)/&+ y\r argum5t drawn f sup]/ition1 is admitt$ z good1 & weighty1 z f> z x goes2 yet1 z x is conceiv$1 x does n fully come to ! po9t4 ,=1 9 ! grosse/ ages ( sup]/ition x is reasonable to suppose t !re are always "s :o ent]ta9 s]i\s d\bts & scruples 9 reg>d to ! propriety ( _m ( ! sup]/iti\s notions ( _! lead]s4 ,^! w be m easily wr\ght ^u4 ,& al?\gh !y may be direct$ by v>i\s circum/ances to fix ! m9d ^u some?+ mu* bett] 9 po9t ( moral pr9ciple1 yet h[ f> ?is w\ld prev5t !m f connect+ _m ( ! sup]/iti\s notions ( ! age ) ^? moral pr9ciples1 only giv+ !m a diff]5t dress1 ,i am n able to say2 nei!r d ,i see h[ ! sup]/ition ( ! ,jews & ,g5tiles1 g5]ally1 w\ld be likely to prev5t a ?+ ( t k9d4--,x is ! suspect$ sup]/ition ( ! apo/les & primitive *ri/ians & n ! sup]/ition ( _! oppos]s1 to :i* ! proposition alludes4 ,m51 ,i conceive1 may be hone/1 & yet sup]/iti\s2 !y may also give up "o sup]/ition1 by be+ conv9c$ ( its error1 & yet ano!r w gradually gr[ 9 its /ead4 ,i am s5sible1 h[ev]1 t ?is argum5t w bett] apply to ^? :o 7 conv]t$ to *ri/ianity aft] ! days ( ! apo/les1 :5 x is agre$ t miracles _h ceas$1 ?an x w to ! apo/les !mselves4 ,b1 f :at y h writt51 toge!r ) my fur!r inve/igation ( ?is subject1 ,i _c b p]ceive t ?is argum5t1 ev5 on its prop] gr\nd1 does n conta9 all t =ce :i*1 at fir/ view1 ,i ?\ght x might3 because1 #a/1 x mu/ apply to ! apo/les1 or else1 z x respects ! ma9 "q1 x does n seem to h any real be>+ on ! subject2 & #b;dly1 ! *ange ( ! appo/les appe>s to h be5 too sudd51 & too extraord9>y1 to be acc\nt$ = 9 ?is way4 ,t sup]/itions1 h[ev]1 h aris51 ev5 9 ! *ri/ian *ur*1 y d n und]take to d5y1 b seem r to admit2 & x 0 on ?is fact t ! fir/ proposition 0 f\nd$2 b ,i p]ceive !re is a difficulty 9 c>ry+ ?is objection back to ! apo/les2 = !n ! doctr9e 0 new1 & )\t prec$5t2 & 7unless ! miracles on :i* x is said to h be5 f\nd$ 7 real7 )\t any c]ta9 prospect ( success4 ,al?\gh !re=e ! religion ( ! despis$ ,galatians 7= su* 7 ! *ri/ians call$ by ! ,romans7 0 consid]$ by _! p]secutors1 to be no?+ m ?an a gross1 & ev5 impi\s sup]/ition1 yet no "o c expect successfully to acc\nt '9 a rational way1' = ! facts1 :e!r real or suppos$1 on :i* t suppos$ sup]/ition is said to h be5 f\nd$4 ,h5ce ! d\bts gr[+ out ( my fir/ proposition seem to be r5d]$ equally1 if n m d\btful ?an ! reality ( t tru?1 ! evid5ce ( :i* ?is objection 0 suppos$ 9 "s degree to c\nt]balance4 #b;d4 ,! tru? ( my second proposition1 viz4 t a "p ( mank9d at lea/ h be5 & /ill are believ+ 9 miracles & revelations :i* are spuri\s1 y seem n dispos$ to d5y2 b yet1 at ! same "t y ?9k y are '"u no obligation to admit ?is fact z any evid5ce aga9/ *ri/ianity4' ,t a spuri\s or pret5d$ miracle does n invalidate a real "o ,i admit2 yet if a spuri\s miracle may obta9 cr$it1 & be 9 fact believ$1 x raises a qu]y :e!r !re h ev] be5 any o!rs b spuri\s4 ,y\r argum5t respect+ 'c\nt]feit money' is admitt$ good 9 relation to t subject1 b :e!r x w apply ) equal weight to ! subject ( miracles may admit ( a d\bt4 ,i d n see h[ ! pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,%ak]s are at all 'dep5d5t' on ! miracles ( ,jesus = _! 'imposition4' ,i meant no?+ m by ! miracles ( ,mahomet ?an 8 pret5d$ 'correspond5ce ) ! angel ,gabriel1' :i* ,i consid]$1 if true1 miracul\s2 z ,i conceive e revelation mu/ be let x be communicat$ h[ x w4 ,i h no?+ to object to ! picture :i* y h giv5 ( ! life & religion ( ,mahomet2 & z to :at ,i h said 9 reg>d to ! conv]sion & influ5ce ( ,con/ant9e1 9 giv+ a p>ticul> tone to ! *ri/ian religion1 y are n dispos$ to disagree ) me3 & at ! same "t y are 'by no means c]ta9 t a prop] att5tion to ! pret5d$ miracles ( ! ,%ak]s might n issue 9 assign+ a natural cause = !m4' ,( all ?is ,i h no d\bt4 ,b1 t ^! miracles are believ$ by ! ,%ak]s1 y d n und]take to d5y2 nor t _! religion1 _! fai? 9 ,ann1 z be+ ,*ri/ 9 8 second com+1 & t _! pres5t mode ( wor%ip are all pr$icat$ ^u !m4 ,!y d n d5y ! miracles ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les any m ?an ,*ri/ians 9 g5]al d5y ! miracles ( ,moses & ! prophets2 b appeal to !irs z be+ equally ( div9e orig91 & !reby clo?+ _! religion ) ! same div9e au?ority4 ,n[1 unless ^! ?+s c be acc\nt$ = '9 a rational way1' :i* y seem to ?9k may be ! case1 ?\gh y d n attempt x1 !y c]ta9ly raise a qu]y 9 ! m9d at lea/ :e!r ! miracles record$ 9 scripture re/ ^u any bett] f\ndation4 ,if a ?+ is absolutely kn[n or believ$ to be miracul\s1 x is miracul\s2 7at lea/ to ^? :o ?us believe7 & :e!r any ?+ c be ju/ly argu$ f ! inf]iority or sup]iority ( a miracle1 ,i "k n4 ,9 ! rais+ ( ,laz>us1 x is true1 ?\gh ! effect 0 ! same1 we discov] z great a miracle1 & p]haps great]1 ?an 9 ! rais+ ( a son ( ! ,%unamite by ,eli%a ! prophet2 #b ,k+s iv4 #cd1 #ce1 b ! miracle ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus c h>dly be said to h be5 wr\ght ei!r by ,jesus or by 8 apo/les1 & !re=e t 0 n p>ticul>ly ref]r$ to 9 ! comp>ison ( miracles2 nei!r d ,i "k t ! comp>ison1 9 any s5se1 has mu* weight4 ,:e!r ,laz>us ev] di$ aga9 or n we are n in=m$3 nei!r d ,i recollect ( ev] he>+ an op9ion on ! subject2 b1 if he di$1 x seems t 8 resurrection mu/ h be5 v diff]5t f ! resurrection ( ,jesus2 i4e4 to an immortal /ate1 s t he 'die? no m4' ,y admit1 if ,i und]/ood y1 t ! te/imony ( ! apo/les1 conc]n+ ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 _h x n be5 accompani$ ) pla9 & a/oni%+ miracles 9 ! op5 day1 & be=e ! surr\nd+ multitudes1 :o _h ocul> demon/ration ( _! tru?1 w\ld h be5 entitl$ to no m cr$it ?an ! te/imony ( ,mrs4 ,a----1 respect+ h] conv]sation ) h] deceas$ husb&4 ,= al?\gh x might h be5 true1 & we c\ld h no good reason to d\bt ! s9c]ity or belief ( ! witnesses1 yet aft] all1 its tru? w\ld solely re/ on _! m]e ipse dixit1 :i* w\ld n be suffici5t to e/abli% s important a tru? 9 ! _w4 ,h5ce1 z y v ju/ly obs]ve1 '! decl>ation ( ! apo/les ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 until x 0 accompani$ ) p[] f on high1 0 nev] ev5 communicat$ to ! public1 or ord]$ to be communicat$4' ,9 ?is mann] ,i und]/ood y\r reason+1 & ,i ?9k ,i und]/& y correctly2 & all ?is appe>s to be v c&id2 x is ackn[l$g+ all ,i w\ld wi% y to ackn[l$ge on ?is subject4 ,b "h comes ! difficulty4 ,miracles 9 process ( "t cease2 & n[ p mu/ believe1 if !y believe at all1 )\t ! te/imony's be+ 'accompani$ ) p[] f on high4' ,& h[ c we believe 9 ! miracles said to h be5 wr\ght by ! apo/les1 )\t ! te/imony's be+ accompani$ by miracles any m ?an !y c\ld at fir/ believe 9 ! miracles ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus )\t ! te/imony's be+ accompani$ by miracles8 ,y h already anticipat$ ?is objection1 & h endeav\r$ to answ] x by argu+ t 'p]petual miracles w\ld1 if z p[]ful z !y 7 at fir/1 preclude ! ex]cise ( our reason+ faculties & ! necessity ( inve/igation1 :i* is "o ( ! mo/ rational enjoym5ts ( :i* we are capable4' ,al?\gh ?is argum5t1 x is confess$1 has consid]able weight1 yet x does n seem :olly to remove ! difficulty4 ,i feel v mu* l ^? ,jews :o propos$ ! "q to ,jesus2 'h[ long do/ ?\ make u to d\bt8 ,if ?\ be ! ,*ri/ tell u pla9ly4' ,i am n satisfi$ t ! evid5ce ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection is z great1 at ?is day1 :atev] x 0 !n1 z x c\ld h be54 ,if ,jesus _h rema9$ on ! e>? till ?is "t1 or if he _h appe>$ to e g5]ation s9ce1 x appe>s to me ! evid5ce w\ld h be5 mu* great]2 & yet n s great z to 'preclude ! ex]cise ( our reason+ faculties4' ,9 y\r /atem5t respect+ ! controv]sy betwe5 ,unit>ians & ,tr9it>ians1 x appe>s to me y h left out "s v important circum/ances :i* ought to h be5 tak5 into ! acc\nt to h made x any ?+ ne> a p>allel4 ,y seem to h =gott5 ! de/ruction ( ! ,jews by ! ,romans ab\t ! "t ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t are said to h be5 writt52 dur+ :i* calamity1 z ! hi/ory ( ^? times in=m u1 ab\t "o million "o hundr$ ?\s& ,jews 7 cut (f1 & among :om1 x is m ?an probable1 all _! lead]s1 :o 7 !n conc]n$ 9 ! dea? ( ,jesus1 7 includ$2 & only ab\t n9ety-sev5 ?\s&1 n a t5? "p1 7 tak5 prison]s4 ,! ,jews 9 ! adjac5t c\ntries1 h[ev]1 probably are n tak5 into ?is acc\nt1 b !y 7 all equally subdu$ to ! ,romans4 ,& if ! p[] ( ! ,jews 7 s limit$ at ! crucifixion ( ,jesus t !y c\ld n lawfully put a man to dea? )\t lib]ty f ! ,roman gov]nor1 :at mu/ we suppose 0 _! p[] aft] ! de/ruction ( _! city & temple8 ,on a review ( ! subject1 !re=e1 ,i ?9k y w p]ceive t y\r case1 h[ev] plausibly /at$1 falls v f> %ort ( be+ a p>allel4 ,we may well suppose1 ,i ?9k1 t ! ,jews 7 s humbl$ by ! ,romans1 t1 #a/1 !y _h n ! p[]2 &1 #b;dly1 !y might n "u ^! circum/ances be incl9$ any long] to p]secute & put to dea? ! *ri/ians4 ,& ?is 0 ! only way x seems1 at t day1 t ei!r ,jews or ,g5tiles ?\ght ( putt+ d[n :at !y consid]$ h]esy or sup]/ition4 ,i consid] !re=e ! de/ruction ( ! ,jews z giv+ a v fav\rable opportunity to get up a new sy/em ( religion1 p>tly or :olly bas$ on !irs1 b a little remov$ f x1 s z to neglect ! use ( sacrifices1 :i*1 if ,i mi/ake n1 accord+ to ! ,jewi% traditions1 c\ld only be (f]$ at ,j]usalem4 ,& ! long lapse ( "t1 be=e ! dogmas ( ?is new sect 0 attempt$ to be refut$ by argum5t gave an opportunity to involve ! suppos$ facts on :i* ! *ri/ian religion is pr$icat$ 9 su* obscurity1 t x /&s n[ 9 no dang] ( refutation f t s\rce4 ,"s may be made to d\bt1 o!rs to disbelieve1 b nev]!less no "o c prove x false4 ,if x be prov$ true1 h[ev]1 x mu/ be prov$ f ! record :i* we h2 = ,i "k ( no?+ :i* c n[ add mu* weight to t te/imony1 unless x be ! fulfilm5t ( "s s9k+ prophecies :i* yet rema9 to be fulfill$1 or else ! return ( miracl\s p[]s & a new revelation 9 fur!r confirmation ( :at we already h4 ,& if :at we h be true1 x seems we h a "r to expect1 ere long1 some?+ ( ! k9d4 ,! t5 la/ *apt]s ( ! prophecy ( ,ezekiel1 ,i ?9k no "o w pret5d has ev] be5 fulfill$1 z yet2 & :5 fulfill$1 ! ev5ts w prove ! div9e inspiration ( t prophecy4 ,b if x %\ld nev] be fulfill$1 or its fulfilm5t be delay$ till ! ,jews e :]e %\ld give up all hope & expectation ( any ?+ ( ?is k9d2 & %\ld1 ?r\gh unbelief1 neglect _! pres5t cu/oms1 z _m ( !m already h done1 by int]m>ry+ ) o!r nations1 & !reby %\ld become bo? lo/ to !mselves & to ! _w1 :i* w\ld be ! same z ?\gh !y 7 ext9ct1 ,i appreh5d t no confid5ce w\ld be plac$ 9 t "p ( ! prophecy aft] su* a p]iod4 ,9 l mann] ! fulfilm5t or ! non-fulfilm5t ( ! foll[+ words w h a simil> effect4 ',?is same ,jesus1 :i* is tak5 up f y into heav51 %all s come 9 l mann] z ye h se5 him g into heav54' ,"s pret5d to say t ev5 ?is prophecy has be5 already fulfill$2 b we h no evid5ce ( x1 & ,i ?9k we may say ! prophecy 9 ,ezekiel1 above m5tion$1 has be5 fulfill$1 ) z mu* propriety4 ,b ?is is r (f ! po9t4 ,9 reg>d to ! dea? ( ,/eph51 not)/&+ 8 trial seems to h be5 by ! c\ncil1 yet ! mann] ( 8 dea?1 z /at$1 seems to h be5 r turbul5t ?an o!rwise4 ',:5 !y he>d ^! ?+s !y 7 cut to ! he>t1 & !y 7:e!r ! c\ncil1 or ! spectators ,i _c say7 gna%$ on him ) _! tee?--!n !y cri$ out ) a l\d voice1 & /opp$ _! e>s1 & ran ^u him ) "o accord1 & ca/ him out ( ! city & /on$ him4' ,su* proce$+s at ?is day1 z ?is appe>s to h be51 we %\ld be incl9$ to call a mob1 let x be> :at o!r appellation x may4 ,t ! fir/ m>tyrs1 h[ev]1 did1 f "s circum/ance or o!r1 believe 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 on :i* all _! hope seems to h be5 pr$icat$1 ,i ?9k _c admit ( a rational d\bt4 ,= to suppose o!rwise1 supposes su* madness & folly 9 ^? un=tunate m51 :o suff]$ e ?+ :i* c\ld be inflict$ ^u !m r ?an to give up _! te/imony2 t x seems no?+ c be a p>allel1 unless x be ! madness & folly ( su* unreasonable d\bts4#f ,& ?is seems to be all = :i* y cont5d1 z x respects ! pres5t qu]y2 because y seem to ?9k ! fir/ believ]s 9 ?is all-important tru? c\ld n h believ$ by any evid5ce :i* c\ld h exi/$ _h x n be5 = ! tru? ( ! fact believ$ 94 ,n[ "h is ! mi/ake1 z ,i conceive1 if !re be any2 i4e4 9 suppos+ t ! apo/les & primitive ,*ri/ians c\ld n believe %ort ( su* indubitable evid5ce4 ,only suppose ! resurrection to h be5 actually believ$1 by any evid5ce1 or any circum/ance :atev]1 no matt] :at1 = x makes no diff]5ce 9 ?is argum5t1 & ! report w\ld naturally be l all o!r reports ( su* an extraord9>y nature4 ,bo? zeal & imag9ation w\ld be enli/$ on ! side ( its tru?4 ,extraord9>y disc\rses w\ld be put into ! m\?s ( ! m>tyrs1 aft] !y 7 dead1 z well z extraord9>y de$s into _! h&s2 & al?o' contradict$ ev] s _m times by _! enemies & p]secutors1 yet ! contradictions w\ld nev] s out run ! report b t _m w\ld /ill believe4 ,:5 mu* /r5g? ( te/imony _h be5 ?us add$1 by v]bal reports1 dur+ tw5ty or ?irty ye>s1 let a few m5 und]take to pa9t up real hi/ories & lett]s 9 ! "n ( ! fir/ disciples1 & let ^! be kept 9 ! h&s ( ^? :o are /rong 9 ! fai?1 & let !m be read = a long "t1 only 9 _! own assemblies or *ur*es al?\gh !y might conta9 some?+ ( :i* !y _h n be=e he>d1 ?is is only :at w\ld be natural = !m to expect1 & z x conta9$ ! ma9 ?+ :i* 0 ! object ( fai?1 & ^? o!r ?+s1 if true1 w5t to e/abli% _! fai? /ill m1 :o w\ld be likely to call ! tru? ( su* writ+s 9 "q8 ,n ^? :o believe 9 ! ma9 "q c]ta9ly4 ,!y w\ld be a ?\s& times m likely to pass ov] 9 sil5ce ?+s ( :i* !y _h "s scruples1 = ! sake ( ! ma9 "q1 !n !y w\ld be to endang] ! tru? ( ! ma9 "q1 z !y might ?9k !y %\ld1 by criticis+ on m]e circum/antial ?+s4 ,i am n n[ speak+ ( ! apo/les1 :om ,i h consid]$ hone/ m52 yet ,i %\ld suppose t ev5 ^! m5 might h mu* good at he>t1 al?\gh !y %\ld conduct exactly 9 ! way :i* ,i h sugge/$4 ,& h[ little "t w\ld x require to put ?is matt] beyond all possible refutation8 ,n s long1 ,i conceive1 z did elapse be=e t "w 0 attempt$ by ,celsus4 ,footnote #f3 ,i h "h express$ myself 9 /rong t]ms1 ) a view to *eck my d\bts & prev5t _! runn+ wild4 ,y w see by ?is1 sir1 9 :at light my argum5t views ! apo/les4 ,x does n suppose 't ! apo/les w\ld en=ce _! moral doctr9e ) _! pret5tions to miracul\s p[]s1' al?\gh !y might ) ! 'te/imony ( ! resurrection ( ,jesus1' b x supposes t _! successors might cont5d t ! apo/les work$ miracles1 & _m ( !m might believe t !y did1 j z ! apo/les believ$ 9 ! resurrection1 :5 no su* ?+ z ! resurrection or ! miracles ( ! apo/les ev] exi/$ 9 fact4 ,?is is :at ! argum5t supposes1 & x is :olly pr$icat$ on ! possibility ( ! apo/les' be+ made to believe1 "s h[ or o!r1 ,i d n pret5d to say h[1 t ,jesus _h ris5 f ! dead :5 no su* ?+ _h tak5 place4 ,b1 only believe 9 ! resurrection1 & !re is no difficulty 9 believ+ 9 ! miracles ( ,jesus or ! miracles ( 8 apo/les4 ,!y are equally well atte/$1 & no m improbable4 ,yea1 if !y 7 true1 !y 7 n believ$1 b absolutely kn[n to be true by ! apo/les4 ,!y knew x z well z !y c\ld "k ! tru? ( any object ( sight4 ,& ! tru? ( :at !y knew be+ all :i* !y ne$$ 9 support ( :at !y taught1 ,i d n see1 on ?is supposition1 h[ !y c\ld h ! occasion1 or ! motive1 to /ate "o ?+ falsely conc]n+ x4 ,no1 nor c\ld _! foll[]s h any occasion to add to _! te/imony1 = no?+ :i* !y c\ld add w\ld be ( any m weight ?an t :i* we may suppose 0 already 9 _! possession4 ,! two fir/ *apt]s ( ,mat!w & ,luke 7or all except ! g5ealogy 9 ,mat!w1 & ! preface ( ,luke7 ! au!nticity ( :i* has be5 suspect$ by "s ( ! le>n$1 & ,i believe n )\t pretty good reasons1 d n conta9 a s+le ^w 9 support ( ! resurrection2 nei!r is ! subject ( !m1 z ,i n[ recollect1 m5tion$ ei!r by ,*ri/ or any ( ! apo/les 9 any o!r "p ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,& al?\gh ! tru? ( ^? n>ratives is no m miracul\s ?an ! resurrection1 yet ,i presume y w\ld n cont5d t a belief ( ^!1 also1 is absolutely necess>y to ! ,*ri/ian fai?4 ,) ^! obs]vations1 ,i %all once m1 & probably = ! la/ "t quit my second proposition1 & proce$ to take notice ( :at y h writt5 on my ?ird4 ,& "h y mu/ p>don me if ,i rem>k1 )\t ! lea/ view ( f9d+ any fault1 t if my words w admit ( a bad con/ruction1 t con/ruction seems to be ! fir/ "o :i* /rikes y\r m9d4 ,if y suppose me capable ( su* an abom9able absurdity z to say1 t if ! man ( ?is t[n :o 0 born bl9d %\ld be re/or$ to 8 sight by "s "o's ano9t+ 8 eyes ) clay & spittle1 & ?is done 9 our pres5ce1 we c\ld n "k x6 t we c\ld n "k b t ! see+ man 0 a total /rang] :om we _h nev] be=e se51 & t ! bl9d man _h abscond$ no body kn[s h[ or :]e6 ,i say1 if ?is 0 ! way 9 :i* y und]/ood my ?ird proposition1 y are p]fectly excusable3 o!rwise1 x is difficult to acc\nt = y\r rem>ks4 ,b1 hav+ ?us f\nd y\r antagoni/1 y level y\r artill]y aga9/ him1 nor desi/ until y h put to dea? )\t m]cy ?is creature ( y\r own fruitful imag9ation4 ,hav+ done1 y beg9 to qu]y :e!r y _h n mi/ak5 my mean+2 & aft] mak+ a wond]ful ef=t1 by call+ up ^! p5etrat+ p[]s ( rese>*1 :i* are only summon$ on extraord9>y occasions1 y dive ?r\gh ! mi/s ( obscurity1 9 :i* my words seem to be too (t5 plac$1 & behold my proposition 9 its true light6 ,my proposition is no soon] se5 ?an 'grant$'3 :i* is1 t we h no positive k ( miracles2 or1 to use y\r own words1 'miracles are n n[ wr\ght be=e our eyes4' ,b al?\gh y grant ! tru? ( my proposition1 y d n admit t ?is is any objection aga9/ ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 = a numb] ( reasons :i* y h giv52 all ( :i*1 no d\bt1 are satisfactory to y\r own m9d4 ,b sir1 ?is is a matt] ( op9ion only1 & if ,i agree ) y at all1 x mu/ be f ! consid]ation t ! ,gov]nor ( ! univ]se mu/ d "r4 ,b1 al?\gh ! "t may n be yet1 nev]!less ,i am cle> 9 ! op9ion t ! revival ( miracles w1 9 process ( "t1 be absolutely necess>y 9 ord] to pres]ve ! fai? 9 ^? :i* h already be54 ,b1 ,i cont5d1 if ! scriptures be true1 we h a "r to expect ! revival ( miracles2 & ,i d n see h[ !y c be fulfill$ )\t4 ,consid]+ ! prejudices ( ! ,jews1 z a p1 ,i _c suppose t !y w ev] believe 9 ,jesus1 z _! promis$ ,messias1 %ort ( be+ conv9c$ ( its tru? by a miracle2 & %\ld !y return to ! l& ( ,pale/9e1 & !re rebuild _! temple1 at ,j]usalem1 x w\ld be su* a cle> fulfilm5t ( ! prophecy ( ,ezekiel1 t x w\ld be equal to a miracle1 & d z mu* t[>ds corroborat+ ! tru? ( all ! o!r prophecies4 ,y f9ally come once m to ! circum/ance ( ! conv]sion ( ,/4 ,paul1 :]e y aga9 f9d "s fault 7& ,i mu/ confess1 n )\t "s reason7 at my neglect to meet y\r argum5ts on ?is subject2 or 9 o!r words1 to d away ! scripture acc\nt1 & reconcile x ) my hypo!sis2 i4e4 t ( suppos+ him to be conv]t$ )\t a miracle4 ,to be +5u\s ) y1 sir1 ,i mu/ ackn[l$ge t ,i h ev] suppos$ ?is to be ! mo/ difficult task ,i %\ld h to d2 & !re=e ,i wi%$ to he> all y _h to say on ! subject ( ! resurrection be=e ,i attempt$ x4 ,s9ce ,i wrote my la/ ,i h exam9$ ,paley's ,hor ,paul91 a "w ( extraord9>y m]it :i* _h nev] be=e fall5 into my h&s3 8 ,evid5ces ( ,*ri/ianity1 ,i h read sev]al ye>s ago1 b h n lately p>ticul>ly exam9$ t "w4 ,9 ! exposition ( ! argum5t1 7( ! "w fir/ m5tion$7 ,paley sets =?1 z ,i conceive1 ! only possible gr\nds on :i* ei!r ! epi/les ( ,/4 ,paul1 or ! acts ( ! apo/les1 c be suppos$ to be =g]ies1 9 _! full =ce4 ,& !n he attempts to prove _! g5u95ess by _! int]nal evid5ce1 :i* !y conta9 )9 !mselves1 entirely aside f ^? objections2 & :i* w\ld h be5 ( equal weight ev5 on ! supposition t ! :ole _h be5 conceal$ f ! "t !y 7 writt5 till n[1 & we %\ld n[1 = ! fir/ "t1 exam9e !m4 ,& al?\gh ,i might n fully agree ) him 9 all po9ts1 yet ,i ?9k he proves1 beyond all contradiction or rational d\bt1 :at he ma9ly attempts to prove2 i4 e4 t ! epi/les 7 writt5 by "s p]son acqua9t$ ) ! circum/ances m5tion$ 9 ! hi/ory1 & t ! writ] ( ! hi/ory mu/ h be5 acqua9t$ ) ! circum/ances allud$ to 9 ! epi/les1 :]e1 at ! same "t1 !re is n ! lea/ app>5t design 9 ^? ref]5ces or allusions2 :i*1 z he v ju/ly argues1 prove ! g5u95ess ( bo?4 ,i d n pret5d to quote 8 words1 z ! book is n n[ by me4 ,?is1 x mu/ be confess$1 is a great acquisition 9 fav\r ( ! tru? ( *ri/ianity2 because x evid5tly c>ries ! writ+s back into ^? times :5 e ?+ 0 fre% 9 ! m9ds ( all :o _h any k ( ! subject ( :i* ^? writ+s treat$4 ,n[ comes ! po9t4 ,paul expressly decl>es t he saw ,*ri/ aft] he 0 ris5 f ! dead4 ,8 decl>+ t he 0 se5 ( ,cephas1 !n ( ! twelve1 c\ld h be5 only f ! report ( o!rs2 b x agrees pretty well ) :at has be5 record$ by ! evangeli/s4 ,8 decl>+ t he _h be5 se5 '( above five hundr$ bre?r5 at once1' mu/ h be5 also by report1 :i* report might h be5 incorrect1 z !re is no m5tion made ( x 9 ei!r ( ! gospels4 ,yet if incorrect x might h be5 v easily refut$4 ,b :5 he comes to say1 ',& la/ ( all he 0 se5 ( me also1 z ( "o born out ( due "t1' !re rema9s = him no su* excuse4 ,paul1 z x seems1 c\ld n believe t he _h se5 ,jesus1 lit]ally1 & p]sonally1 :5 he _h n4 ,& if he knew t he _h n1 & yet decl>$ t he _h1 & meant t o!rs %\ld believe t he _h1 he 0 n hone/1 z ,i be=e admitt$ t he 02 & n[ to say t he 0 n hone/1 z ,i cle>ly see1 w\ld involve me 9 /ill great] difficulty1 z !n ,i c\ld give no rational acc\nt = 8 life & conduct4 ,:at %ift %all ,i n[ make8 ,= hav+ suppos$ t my d\bts 7 really f\nd$ on reason1 ,i mu/ h good reason = s do+ be=e ,i c give !m up3 i4e4 ,i mu/ be fully conv9c$ t !y are f\nd$ 9 error4 ,:at c we suppose t ,paul meant by ,*ri/'s be+ se5 ( above five hundr$ bre?r5 at once8 ,is x at all likely t su* an extraord9>y circum/ance %\ld h happ5$ )\t any m5tion be+ made ( x 9 ei!r ( ! five hi/ories :i* we h ( ^? times8 ,might he n mean ! same :i* ! au?or ( ! ,acts means1 speak+ ( ! day ( ,p5teco/8 ,& !re=e ! :ole might n h be5 design$ to be und]/ood lit]ally1 b spiritually true8 ,& not)/&+ ! lit]ality ( ! language1 may n all ! miracles ( ,*ri/ & ! apo/les1 & ev5 ! acc\nt we h ( ! resurrection1 be all acc\nt$ = & reconcil$ 9 ! same way8 ,b "h ,i involve myself 9 difficulty aga92 =1 if ,i mi/ake n1 ?is 0 v ne> ! op9ion ( ! ,gno/ics1 :om ! apo/les & fa!rs e :]e spake aga9/4--',^!1' says ,dr4 ,prie/ley1 'taught t x 0 n ,jesus t 0 prop]ly ! ,*ri/1 or t he _h n fle% & blood l o!r m54' ,!y also 'd5i$ ! doctr9e ( ! resurrection4' ,^! !re=e1 ',paul1 ,pet]1 ,jude1 & ,john1 mo/ /r5u\sly oppos$4' ,aga91 says he1 ',! apo/les !y consid]$ z judg+ only by _! s5ses1 :i* 7 deceiv$ 9 ?is case3 & ?\gh !y gave entire cr$it to !m ) respect to e ?+ :i* !y _h se51 or he>d1 !y consid]$ !m z pla9 unlett]$ m5 :o 7 ignorant ( :at 0 n )9 ! sph]e ( _! s5ses4' ,to ^! x is suppos$ t ,john alludes 9 8 fir/ ,epi/le iv4 #a--c4 ,if1 !re=e1 ! apo/les did believe1 & cont5d = ! lit]al resurrection1 & p]sonal appe>+ ( ,jesus1 & if 9 ?is !y 7 oppos$ by ! ,gno/ics1 ev5 9 _! day2 !re is no way n[1 t ,i see1 any long] = me to ma9ta9 my d\bts only by believ+ t ! fir/ disciples1 z well z ,paul1 ?\ght !y saw ,jesus :5 9 fact !y did n1 & t ! idea ( miracles by :i* ^! ?+s 7 said to h be5 propagat$ & :i* c>ri$ conviction to ! multitudes1 0 no?+ m ?an ! bold figurative language ( ! day1 design$1 9 reality1 to deceive no "o2 or else m]e exagg]ations3 or1 :at p]haps is /ill m probable1 p>tly ( bo?4 ,b en\gh6 ,i confess ,i beg9 to gr[ dissatisfi$ ) ?is k9d ( reason+4 ,:at does x all am\nt to8 ,:at am ,i br++1 aft] all1 to oppose ! lab\r$ rese>*es ( ,drs4 ,l>dn]1 ,paley1 ,prie/ley1 & o!rs1 z well z ! p]t95t obs]vations ( my wor?y fri5d :o has s long borne ) me1 & oblig$ me ) 8 fri5dly & *ri/ian-l aid on ?is subject8 ,let me pause & consid]--,i h ackn[l$g$ t !re are evid5ces 9 fav\r ( div9e revelation2 h ,i prov$ any ( ^? evid5ces false8--,no6 ?is ,i h ackn[l$g$ ,i c\ld n d4 ,:at h ,i put into ! o!r end ( ! scale1 to weigh d[n ^? evid5ces8 ,ah6 :at inde$6 ,no?+6 except x be my own ignorance1 & ! errors ( o!r m51 9 ^: errors ,i h no m fai? ?an ^? :o believe 9 ! tru? ( t :i* ,i h be5 disput+6 ,i w !re=e1 in/ead ( pursu+ ! dispute any fur!r1 beg9 to ?9k once m :e!r ! ?+ = :i* y s ard5tly cont5d may n 9 reality be true4 ,b1 "h aga91 ,i mu/ be cauti\s1 le/ ,i %\ld err z f> on ! o!r h&4 ,= not)/&+ :5 ,i f\nd t ,i c\ld n help d\bt+1 ,i tri$ to reconcile myself to my d\bts1 & h s9c]ely & hone/ly tri$ to make myself believe t ,i 0 p]fectly reconcil$ ei!r way2 yet ! mom5t ,i beg9 to ?9k ab\t ! c]ta9ty ( immortality & et]nal life1 ,i am all on fire6 ,i h>dly "k h[ to conta9 myself6 ,& 7 x n = ! special obligations1 :i* ,i feel to my family1 & to ! _w1 m ?an any ?+ :i* ,i ev] expect to receive f ! _w1 ,i %\ld long to 'dep>t1 & be ) ,*ri/1 :i* is f> bett]4' ,?us my d\bts1 :atev] !y are1 may be ne$ful = me4 ,y\r rem>ks respect+ my claims to ! privilege ( "o :o is weak 9 ! fai? are v p]t95t & j4 ,= ,i mu/ confess 9 proportion z my d\bts arose1 z to ! tru? ( ! resurrection1 equal d\bts w\ld arise z to ! propriety ( prea*+ x = a tru?4 ,i wi% y to und]/&1 h[ev]1 t my m9d has nev] be5 settl$ !re1 if x has ev] vibrat$ t way1 x 0 only mom5t>y1 & r on m]e supposition ?an any confirm$ op9ion4 ,9 answ] to :at y say 9 reg>d to hope1 ,i w only add3 ,?\gh a man %\ld h ev] s firm a hope 9 any ?+ :atev]1 & %\ld aft]w>ds f9d t 8 hope 0 f\nd$ 9 error1 ! hope w\ld be tak5 away2 b if at ! same "t he %\ld f9d t ! tru? is absolutely bett] ?an ! error hop$ =1 he w\ld also f9d t a bett] ?+ is giv5 9 lieu ( 8 hope3 b if a man has hope1 ?\gh t hope %\ld be f\nd$ 9 error1 if ! hope rema9 z long z ! man exi/s1 x is n tak5 away f him1 z bo? cease to exi/ toge!r4 ,once m1 & f9ally3 a hope :i* is f\nd$ 9 tru?1 a k ( ! tru? c nev] take away4 ,al?\gh a man may hope1 & ard5tly desire to exi/ et]nally1 yet ,i d n see h[ a man c ext5d ei!r 8 hope1 or 8 desires1 beyond ! possibility ( 8 exi/5ce4 ,to my und]/&+1 ?is is j l suppos+ t a man :i* does n exi/ may yet hope & desire2 or t a man may hope & desire1 aft] he %all h ceas$ to exi/4 ,aft] return+ y my s9c]e ?anks = y\r k9d indulg5ce & lab\rs ( love1 ,i %all close ! pres5t numb]4 ,i _c take my leave ( ?is numb]1 h[ev]1 )\t express+ my humble gratitude to ! ,allwise dispos] ( ev5ts1 t he has giv5 su* abundant manife/ations ( 8 unspeakable goodness to 8 creatures2 t he has also1 z ,i may p]haps be p]mitt$ to hope ) y1 giv5 a div9e te/imony ( 8 inf9ite love & univ]sal b5evol5ce to t "p ( 8 creation :om he ha? di/+ui%$ ) ! attributes ( 8 own nature1 reg>d+ at ! same "t all o!r be+s & ?+s1 & t he _h rais$ up s _m fai?ful witnesses :o h set to _! seals t ?is te/imony is true4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,viii4 ,de> sir1 & bro!r1--,! p>ticul>s conta9$ 9 y\r n9? lett]1 :i* ,i h select$ z ! subject ( ?is1 are ! foll[+3 #a/4 ,y d n see h[ ! miracles ( ! ,%ak]s are at all dep5dant on ! miracles ( ,jesus = _! imposition4 #b;d4 ,y ?9k1 if ,jesus _h rema9$ on ! e>? until n[1 or _h appe>$ to e g5]ation s9ce 8 resurrection1 ! evid5ce w\ld h be5 mu* great]2 & yet n s great z to preclude ! ex]cise ( our reason+ faculties4 #c;d4 ,9 ! suppos$ controv]sy betwe5 ! ,unit>ians & ,tr9it>ians1 y ?9k ,i h fail$ ( mak+ ! case a p>allel ) my subject1 n consid]+ ! great *ange :i* took place 9 ! /ate ( ! ,jews 9 consequ5ce ( _! de/ruction by ! ,romans4 #d?4 ,! argum5t :i* y re/ on ! supposition1 t ! apo/les did 9 reality believe 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 :5 9 fact ! ?+ 0 n true4 #e?4 ,:at y say ( ! necessity ( miracles 9 "s future "t1 to confirm ! belief ( ^? :i* h be54 #f?4 ,! difficulty y sugge/ conc]n+ ,/4 ,paul's say+ t ,jesus 0 se51 aft] 8 resurrection1 by m ?an five hundr$ bre?r5 at once4 #a/4 ,z y object to ! idea t ! miracles ( ! ,%ak]s dep5d at all on ! miracles ( ,jesus = _! imposition1 x may be consid]$ suffici5t1 on my "p1 if ,i %[ t y h fully support$ ! proposition :i* y pr(ess n to see4 ,i w1 h[ev]1 fir/ presume1 t ,i am n au?oris$ to say t ! miracles ( ! ,%ak]s are imposition1 ,i h n cont5d$ t !y are2 ! gr\nd = :i* ,i cont5d is ?is1 viz4 if ^! or any o!r pret5d$ miracles among u are impositions1 !y dep5d on ! miracles ( ,jesus = ?is p[]1 z mu* z c\nt]feit money dep5ds on ! true = its imposition4 ,t y h giv5 suffici5t support to :at ,i h /at$1 y w see at once by ! foll[+ passage quot$ f y\r argum5ts on ?is subject3 ,!y d n d5y ! miracles ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les any m ?an ,*ri/ians 9 g5]al d5y ! miracles ( ,moses & ! prophets2 b appeal to !irs z be+ equally ( div9e orig91 & !reby clo! _! religion ) ! same div9e au?ority4 ,is x possible t ! writ] ( ! =ego+ s5t5ce %\ld n see1 t he e/abli%$ ! v ?+ :i* he _h j said he c\ld n see8 ,:at is t div9e au?ority ) :i* ! religion ( ,moses1 ! prophets & ( ,*ri/ is clo!d8 ,answ]1 miracles4 ,:at au?ority d y pret5d ! ,%ak]s make use ( to clo! _! religion8 ,answ] ! same4 ,h[ does ?is diff] f c\nt]feit money1 on ! supposition t ^! miracles are imposition8 ,x is abundantly evid5t t ! ,jews expect$ t ! ,messiah1 :5 he came1 w\ld e/abli% 8 "* by miracles z ,moses did 81 & z "s ( ! prophets 7 enabl$ to d4 ,!re=e1 d we read ,matt4 xii4 #bb1 #bc4--,!n 0 br\ght unto him "o possess$ ) a devil1 bl9d & dumb3 & he heal$ him insomu*1 t ! bl9d & dumb bo? spake & saw4 ,& all ! p 7 amaz$ & said1 is n ?is ! son ( ,david8 ,jesus himself sai?1 ,luke iv4 #bd1 #bg4 ,v]ily ,i say unto y1 no prophet is accept$ 9 8 own c\ntry4 ,b ,i tell y ( a tru?1 _m wid[s 7 9 ,israel 9 ! days ( ,elias1 :5 ! heav5 0 %ut up ?ree ye>s & six mon?s1 :5 great fam9e 0 ?r\gh\t all ! l&2 b unto none ( !m 0 ,elias s5t1 save unto ,s>epta1 a city ( ,sidon1 unto a woman t 0 a wid[2 & _m lep]s 7 9 ,israel 9 ! "t ( ,eliseus ! prophet2 & none ( !m 0 cleans$1 save+ ,naaman ! ,syrian4--,see ,john vii4 #ca4 ,& _m ( ! p believ$ on him1 & said1 :5 ,*ri/ come?1 w he d m miracles ?an ^! :i* ?is man ha? done8 ,by ! =ego+ quotations1 z by _m o!r passages1 we le>n t ! ,jews expect$ ! ,messiah w\ld e/abli% 8 "* z a prophet l unto ,moses & o!rs1 & also t ,jesus did 9 reality a multitude ( miracles m ?an ! prophets did4 ,n[ is x n evid5t1 t if ! miracles ( ,jesus 7 suppos$ to be impositions1 !y 7 dep5dant on ^? ( ,moses & ! prophets = any p[] to impose on ! p8 ,j s are all miracles wr\ght or pret5d$ to be wr\ght s9ce ,*ri/1 dep5dant on 8 miracles = any impos+ p[] :i* !y possess4 ,if our religion _h n be5 fir/ propagat$ by ! means ( ^? miracles :i* are record$ 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ( :at use w\ld any pret5d$ miracles be to any sect ( ,*ri/ians8 #b;d4 ,:at y say ( ! great] evid5ce ( ! resurrection :i* w\ld h be5 furni%$ by ,*ri/'s cont9uance on e>? until n[1 or by 8 mak+ 8 appe>ance 9 e g5]ation s9ce 8 "t1 appe>s to me to be r want+ 9 its m]its by :i* x claims a reply4--,:y %\ld y neglect to del9eate "s special reasons = y\r suppositions1 by %[+ h[ wide ! diff]5ce w\ld h be5 f ! evid5ce we n[ h1 & h[ t diff]5ce w\ld h recomm5d$ y\r s*eme8--,y h left me to conjecture ! p>ticul> features ( y\r argum5t1 & if ,i mi/ake !m1 y w reply t ,i und]/& y incorrectly4 ,h[ev]1 ?is is ! way ,i mu/ proce$4 ,we w suppose !n t ,jesus1 9 room ( asc5d+ into heav51 _h rema9$ on e>?4 ,w\ld ?is h done any good1 unless he _h made himself kn[n to all ! p8 ,well1 we w suppose he _h made himself kn[n aft] 8 resurrection1 to ! :ole h\se ( ,israel1 w\ld ! p n h believ$8 ,!y w\ld h believ$ mo/ assur$ly1 or 8 mak+ himself kn[n to !m w\ld h done no good4 ,if !y _h all believ$ !y w\ld n h p]secut$ ! religion ( ,*ri/1 all w\ld h embrac$ x at once be+ conv9c$ by _! eyes1 t ,jesus :o 0 crucifi$1 _h actually rose f ! dead1 & 0 n subject to dea? any m4 ,all ?is w\ld h be5 z evid5t to ! ,roman gov]nm5t z to ! ,jewi% hi]>*y1 & ! :ole w\ld h be5 *ri/ianiz$ at once4 ,h[ long w\ld all ?is rema9 a wond]8 ,jesus rema9s on e>? f g5]ation to g5]ation4 ,h[ long ago w\ld ! conjecture h aris51 t ?is man :o has liv$ ?r\gh s _m ages1 _h always be5 "h on e>?1 & t ! tradition ( 8 once hav+ be5 mortal l o!r m51 0 no?+ b a sup]/ition gott5 up 9 "s age ( antiquity beyond our rea*8 ,!re w\ld h be5 no occasion ( pres]v+ any records ( ! wond]ful works ( ,jesus 9 ! days ( 8 fle%1 = z ! :ole w\ld become imm$iately connect$ to *ri/ianity1 !re w\ld h be5 no necessity nor excitem5t to write & pres]ve ! acc\nts we h 9 ! gospel1 or if !y _h be5 writt51 !y c\ld h _h no support n[ b anci5t tradition4 ,n "o m>tyr1 n "o in/ance ( p]secution1 n a ,celsus 9 ! second1 a ,porphyry 9 ! ?ird1 nor a ,julian 9 ! f\r? c5turies to oppose ! tru?1 & !reby be> te/imony to ! antiquity ( ! *ri/ian hi/ory4 ,?is immortal man w\ld be "h on e>?1 & ! sun & ! moon & ! />s w\ld be 9 ! heav5s1 ! m\nta9s & ! riv]s "h on e>?2 & ! same m9d t w\ld conjecture t all ^! visible ?+s 7 f ev]la/+ to ev]la/+1 w\ld make no exception ( ?is man ,*ri/ ,jesus4 ,b n[ y are call$ on to prove y\r *ri/ian tradition2 & :at h y to conv9ce ! ,dei/ )8 ,w y say my conjectures are by no means correct8 ,well1 ,i expect$ x w\ld turn out s4 ,y mean !n t ,jesus %\ld n only rema9 on e>?1 b t he %\ld cont9ue ! evid5ces ( 8 hav+ be5 mortal1 ( 8 hav+ di$1 & ( 8 resurrection z cle> z !y 7 :5 !y conv9c$ ! _w 9 ! fir/ place4--,w\ld !re1 9 ?is case1 be any room = any inquiry8 any = d\bts8 ,w\ld !re be z _m d5om9ations ( *ri/ians z !re are n[8 ,%\ld we get at ?is religion by reason+8 ,p]haps y w\ld pref] y\r second proposal1 & h ,jesus manife/$ 9 e g5]ation4 ,b ?is w\ld h be5 a regul> return ( ! same ev5t1 & w\ld h be5 plac$ among ! ph5om5a ( nature1 & ! ,dei/ w\ld say t !re nev] _h be5 any beg9n+ to ?is regul> op]ation1 x has always be5 s f "t beyond date4 ,?us f>1 b no m4 ,! evid5ces ( our religion are l ! religion itself1 inf9itely sup]ior to any ?+ ev] contriv$ by human wisdom4 ,& x is an op9ion 9 :i* ,i am ! m confirm$1 ! m ,i exam9e x1 t if ! wise/ set ( philosoph]s :i* ev] liv$ on e>? _h be5 a c\ncil to contrive a me?od by :i* *ri/ianity c\ld h be5 p]petuat$ 9 ! _w1 t s*eme :i* !y w\ld h project$1 w\ld ( itself defeat$ ! object4 ,! wisdom ( ?is great s*eme corresponds ) ! div9e p[] :i* has be5 manife/$ 9 x4 ,:at set ( impo/ors1 ei!r wise or simple1 le>n$ or unle>n$ w\ld ev] h ?\ght ( su* an und]tak+ z t ( :i* we h an acc\nt 9 ! f\r evangeli/s8 ,w\ld !y be likely to f9d "o :o w\ld be _! lead]1 ! "o to die1 & leave ! re/ to make ! p believe t he arose f ! dead8 ,c\ld a man be f\nd n[ :o w\ld be will+ to und]take su* a piece ( madness & folly8 ,if we pret5d to reason %all we n keep to human nature1 & reason accord+ to ^? laws by :i* ourselves & o!rs are gov]n$8 ,d y believe1 sir1 t a man c\ld be f\nd :o w\ld und]take to lead a p>ty1 ^: object %\ld be to impose on ! p by a pret5d$ resurrection1 & cons5t himself to be ! h]o ( ?is impo/ure8 ,y answ]1 no4 ,b !n ask2 if ?is wond]ful /ory 0 n writt5 "s consid]able "t aft] t p]iod to :i* ! dates ( ! writ+s are assign$1 & su* l>ge additions made t ! :ole appe>s entirely diff]5t f :at 0 really true8 ,?is br+s me to consid] ! ?ird p>ticul> select$ = consid]ation1 out ( y\r epi/le4 #c;dly4 ,9 allusion to ! suppos$ controv]sy betwe5 ! ,unit>ians & ,tr9it>ians1 y ?9k ,i ought to h consid]$ ! circum/ance ( ! de/ruction ( ! ,jews by ! ,romans1 z giv+ a fav\rable opportunity = ! fabricat+ ! books ( ! evangeli/s1 & ( giv+ !m success 9 ! _w1 z ! old ph>isees & rul]s ( ! ,jews 7 pr9cipally cut (f 9 t awful de/ruction ( _! nation & city4 ,y w obs]ve t by y\r sugge/ion y leave ! fir/ section ( ! argum5t to :i* y ref]1 9 :i* no book or books 7 us$1 & notice only ! la/ section 9 :i* y 7 indulg$1 = sake ( ! argum5t1 9 ! supposition t ! gospels 7 n writt5 until aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 nor propagat$ on ! miracles on :i* ! gospels h f\nd$ x4 ,"h1 sir1 h ,i n an occasion ( "s little compla9t8 ,if y really ?\ght t ! gospels 71 none ( !m1 writt5 9 ! life "t ( ! apo/les1 & consid]$ x safe to pr$icate an argum5t on ?is gr\nd1 :y %\ld y )hold ! pro( ( ?is fact8 ,:y did y n in=m me ( ! au?ority by :i* y\r argum5t is support$ 9 y\r own m9d8 ,& fur!rmore1 :y d y try to get away f ! argum5t z /at$ 9 its fir/ =m1 )\t %[+ its want ( =ce1 or )\t all[+ its m]it8 ,by conduct+ argum5ts 9 ?is way1 9 room ( conv]gu+ !m to "s def9ite po9t ( conclusion1 !y are div]g$ indef9itely1 & ! m9d seems bewild]$ )\t an object4 ,h[ev]1 ,i am dispos$ to foll[ y1 & w n[ endeav\r to %ew ! probability ( ! gospel's hav+ be5 writt5 ev5 be=e ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,! foll[+ passages are quot$ f ,paley's evid5ces f page #ajf & on-- ,f ! epi/le ( ,b>nabas1 to :i* ,i h be=e allud$2 ,let u1 !re=e1 bew>e le/ x come ^u u1 z x is writt51 !re are _m call$1 few *os54 ,our au?or ju/ly adds3 ,f ! expression1 'z x is writt51' we inf] ) c]ta9ty1 t1 at ! "t :5 ! au?or ( ?is epi/le liv$1 !re 0 a book extant1 well kn[n to *ri/ians1 & ( au?ority among !m1 conta9+ ^! words--',_m are call$1 few *os54' ,= ! au?ority ( ?is epi/le ,i ref] unto ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria1 ,orig51 ,eusebius1 & ,j]ome1 notic$ 9 a =m] communication4 ,if ,clem5t 7 liable to mi/ake ! au?or1 x seems h>dly probable t he w\ld be deceiv$ conc]n+ ! "t :5 ?is epi/le1 purport+ to h be5 writt5 by ,b>nabas1 0 writt52 z x is no lat] ?an ,a4,d4 #aid t he quotes ?is epi/le z an anci5t "w4 ,x may be prop] to rem>k1 t al?\gh au?ors diff] respect+ ! g5u95ess ( ?is epi/le1 bo? ,dr4 ,prie/ly & ,paley ackn[l$ge & ma9ta9 its antiquity1 & place x v ne> to ! "t ( ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 :i* gives x all ! au?ority = :i* x is "h quot$2 = ! ?+ n[ to be prov$ is1 t x is probable t ! gospel ( ,mat!w 0 writt5 be=e ! de/ruction ( ! ,jewi% hi]>*y4 ,n[ z ?is epi/le ( ,b>nabas 0 writt5 soon aft] ?is de/ruction1 & ref]s to ! gospel ( ,mat!w 9 ! mann] above quot$1 z ref]+ to :at 0 an ackn[l$g$ writ+ ( scripture au?ority1 x seems reasonable to inf] t ,/4 ,mat!w's gospel _h be5 writt5 long en\gh be=e1 to obta9 its e/abli%m5t among ,*ri/ian *ur*es1 :i* fairly ?r[s its antiquity ant]ior to ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,sir1 ,i see no?+ to =bid ?is conclusion f be+ highly probable1 & ?is1 ,i expect to %[1 is all t is necess>y to be made out 9 ?is case4 ,( ,polyc>p1 :o 0 appo9t$ bi%op ( ,symrna by ! apo/les !mselves1 says our au?or1 we h "o und\bt$ epi/le rema9+4 ,& ?is1 ?\gh a %ort lett]1 conta9s ne>ly =ty cle> allusions to books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t2 :i* is /rong evid5ce ( ! respect :i* *ri/ians ( t age bore = ^? books4 ,x appe>s f ?is acc\nt1 t1 z ,polyc>p 0 a contempor>y ( ! apo/les1 & ref]r$ to ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t 9 8 writ+s1 z to books ( e/abli%$ au?ority1 ^! books mu/ h be5 writt5 z e>ly z ! "t 9 :i* _! reput$ au?ors liv$1 :i* places _! date prior to ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem2 z x is n pret5d$ t any ( ! evangeli/s cont9u$ until aft] ! de/ruction ( t city except ,/4 ,john :o is suppos$ to h liv$ to a v great age4 ,"o m f our au?or3 ,papias1 a he>] ( ,john1 & companion ( ,polyc>p1 z ,ir5u atte/s1 & ( t age1 z all agree1 9 a passage quot$ by ,eusebius1 f a "w n[ lo/1 expressly ascribes ! respective gospels to ,mat!w & ,m>k1 & 9 a mann] :i* proves t ^? gospels mu/ h publicly borne ! names ( ^! au?ors at t "t1 & probably long be=e4 ,all ?is appe>s p]fectly consi/5t ) ! idea t ^! gospels 7 writt5 by ! evangeli/s !mselves1 & proves toge!r ) ! foll[+ consid]ations ! probability ( its be+ correct4 ,fur!r consid]ations to be tak5 into ! =ego+ acc\nt are ! foll[+4 ,/4 ,mat!w1 ,/4 ,luke & ,/4 ,m>k1 all speak ( ! prophesy ( ,jesus respect+ ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 b d n ev5 h9t t ?is prophesy _h be5 fulfill$4 ,9 ,/4 ,john's gospel no m5tion is made ( ?is prophesy1 & x is reasonable en\gh to suppose t ?is omission 0 on acc\nt ( ! prophesy's hav+ be5 fulfill$ be=e 8 gospel 0 writt54 ,aga91 if ! gospels _h n be5 writt5 by ^! reput$ au?ors1 nor 9 ! "t t ! evangeli/s liv$1 b "s "t aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 & ^! _h be5 fabricat$ by design+ m51 !y w\ld c]ta9ly h be5 expos$ z a fraud by ! ,gno/ics :o held _m op9ions s v contr>y to ! scriptures ( ! ,new ,te/am5t4 ,s v contr>y 7 "s ( ! e>ly h]esies to ! writ+s ( ! evangeli/s t !y eras$ _m ?+s f !m t !y might ! bett] ma9ta9 _! own notions4 ,n[ ?is w\ld nev] h tak5 place if ^! ,gno/ics c\ld h prov$ t ^! ,gospels 7 frauds1 :i* !y c]ta9ly c\ld h done1 = !y exi/$ z e>ly z ^! writ+s are suppos$ to h be5 writt54 ,fur!rmore1 if ! gospels _h be5 =g$ books1 writt5 aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 x w\ld h be5 an easy task = ,celsus to h expos$ ! :ole fraud4 ,he c]ta9ly w\ld nev] h admitt$ ! tru? ( ! miracles ( ,jesus if he c\ld h prov$ t ! books 9 :i* !y 7 record$ 7 =g]ies4 ,b ?is nei!r he nor ! le>n$ ,porphyry attempt$ to d4 ,i h sugge/$1 t1 if ! probability ( ! gospel's hav+ be5 writt5 be=e ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem & by ! evangeli/s !mselves be prov$ x is suffici5t = our pres5t argum5t4 ,& s1 ,i ?9k1 x w appe> to y1 :5 y comb9e ) ?is probability two m important consid]ations4 #a/4 ,t ! int]nal evid5ces conta9$ 9 ! books ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 ( _! g5u95ess1 are suffici5t ( !mselves to e/abli% _! "* z su*2 &3 #b;d4 ,t ! above probability ( itself is to be reli$ on ev5 f ext]nal evid5ce if no ext]nal pro( c be prov$ aga9/ x1 :i* is n pret5d$4 ,x %\ld be kept 9 m9d1 t ! writ+s ( ! evangeli/s are gu>d$ by ! e>ly attacks ( ! enemies ( *ri/ianity1 :o ev] treat$ !m z be+1 :at !y pret5d$ to be1 a fai?ful hi/ory ( ! orig9 ( ! religion !y inculcat$2 & also by ! opposition ( ! e>ly sects :o arose f ! *ur*1 :o w\ld h demoli%$ _! f\ndations if !y _h be5 spuri\s4 #d?4 ,! argum5t y re/ on ! supposition t ! apo/les did1 9 reality1 believe 9 ! resurrection ( ,jesus1 :5 9 fact ! ?+ 0 n true1 may n[ be notic$4--,z y w\ld naturally expect1 ,i %all by no means all[ ei!r y\r premises or conclusions4 #a/4 ,:y %\ld ,i all[ y\r premises8 ,y h br\ght no argum5t1 nor attempt$ to br+ any to disprove :at ,i cont5d$ =1 viz4 t ! apo/les c\ld n h be5 p]suad$ to believe ! resurrection ) any evid5ce %ort ( t record$ 9 ! evangeli/s4 ,"h1 y say lies ! mi/ake if !re be any2 & to ?is ,i agree4 ,:]e !n is y\r argum5t aga9/ m9e1 on :i* s mu* dep5ds8 ,y h attempt$ to br+ none4 ,b y say3 only suppose ! resurrection to h be5 actually believ$1 by any evid5ce1 or circum/ance :atev]1 no matt] :at4 ,:at argum5t is !re sir1 9 ?is only suppose8 ,i cont5d ! ?+ is n supposable4 ,x 0 z true 9 t age ( ! _w1 t a fact naturally incr$ible requires indubitable evid5ce to sub/antiate x1 z x is n[4 ,i w\ld all[ t x is supposable1 t "o man might1 9 a sort ( a delirium1 :i* g5]ally ?r[s ! bra9 into a situation1 by :i*1 :at only exi/s 9 ! m9d1 appe>s a reality to ! s5se ( sight1 might ?9k he saw ,jesus aft] 8 crucifixion1 :5 9 fact he did n4 ,b ,i _c all[ x to be a supposable case t ! :ole elev5 apo/les %\ld all become deliri\s at once & ) !m a numb] m1 & all be p]suad$ aga9/ ! prejudices ( _! m9ds1 t !y saw ,jesus1 & t at a numb] ( times1 & 9 div]se mann]s1 :5 !re 0 no su* ?+4 ,b3 #b;d4 ,ev5 all[+ y\r supposition1 y\r consequ5ces w\ld be v unlikely to foll[4 ,y surely w\ld n suppose t ! apo/les c\ld believe !y saw ,jesus :5 !y did n1 if !y _h ! use ( _! reason prop]ly4 ,we mu/ suppose !m to h be5 insane !n4--,:at !n w\ld h be5 ! consequ5ces8 ,w\ld ! au?ority h put ^! mad-m5 to dea?8 ,w\ld !y h be5 p]secut$ at all = _! mis=tune8 ,b ^! mad-m5 prea*$ ,jesus & ! resurrection to ! p1 & s conv9c$ !m ( ! fact1 t multitudes believ$ !m1 & on ?is supposition we are n[ to suppose our religion 0 fir/ e/abli%$ 9 ! _w6 ,if we may suppose su* ?+s1 !re are no absurdities t we may n suppose4 ,y mu/ suppose x to be a v dang]\s ?+ to try a man = 8 life by a jury ( twelve m51 = if ! man 0 innoc5t ( ! murd] = :i* he 0 indict$ & no evid5ce 0 produc$ to convict him on1 ^! m5 might all be made to believe1 "s h[1 by "s circum/ance1 no matt] :at1 t !y all saw ! murd] committ$ by ?is v innoc5t p]son on trial4 #e?4 ,i ?\ght ( say+ some?+ on y\r sugge/ion ( ! necessity ( miracles 9 "s future "t to conv9ce ! ,jews t ,jesus is ! ,messiah1 b be+ a little m c>eful1 ?an at fir/1 ,i f9d y seem to give up ?is matt]4 ,y say3 consid]+ ! prejudices ( ! ,jews1 z a p1 ,i _c suppose t !y w ev] believe 9 ,jesus1 z _! promis$ ,messias %ort ( be+ conv9c$ ( its tru? by a miracle2 & %\ld !y return to ! l& ( ,pale/9e1 & !re rebuild _! temple1 at ,j]usalem1 x w\ld be su* a cle> fulfilm5t ( ! prophesy ( ,ezekiel1 t x w\ld be equal to a miracle1 & d z mu* t[>ds corroborat+ ! tru? ( all ! o!r prophecies4 ,if ! return ( ! ,jews1 etc4 be equal to miracles1 !n x may preclude _! necessity4 ,b z ?is p>ticul> does n imm$iately conc]n our g5]al subject x is dismiss$4 #f?4 ,z none ( ! evangeli/s h be5 p>ticul> respect+ ! meet+ 9 ,galilee1 & z ?is 0 an appo9tm5t ev5 be=e ! crucifixion1 z well z aft]w>d1 x is fairly )9 ! rea* ( probable conjecture1 t ?is meet+ 0 suffici5tly num]\s to ju/ify ,/4 ,paul's words4 ,he does n speak ( ?is matt] z ( a subject ) :i* 8 acqua9tance 0 small1 = he says2 he 0 se5 ( above five hundr$ bre?r5 at once2 ( :om ! great] "p rema9 unto ?is pres5t1 b "s are fall5 asleep4 ,he no d\bt1 _h se5 _m ( ?is great numb] & _h be5 in=m$ ( ! circum/ances ( ! occasion1 & ( ! "t :5 ?is multitude 0 fav\r$ ) ?is sight4 ,to conclude2 ,i he>tily jo9 ) y 9 grateful ackn[l$gem5ts1 to ! ,almighty dispos] ( ev5ts1 = ! manife/ations ( 8 univ]sal b5evol5ce to 8 creatures1 & especially unto man :om he ha? se5 fit to induce ) ! attributes ( 8 own nature1 & con/itut$ him an heir ( life & immortality4 ,9 view ( ?is1 ,i c be ?ankful = any fai?fulness discov]able 9 ^? :o publi% ! ^w ( life1 & endeav\r to def5d x 9 ! _s ( meekness & ,*ri/ian love4 ,& ,i w fur!r add1 t ,i feel a peculi> pleasure 9 f9d+ y\r m9d to be some:at dive/$ ( its incumb]ances1 & t y\r d\bts ( ! gr\nds ( y\r preci\s fai?1 are disp]s+ m & m f y\r m9d1 :ile ! evid5ces ( div9e tru? f9d a s9c]e reception 9 y\r und]/&+4 ,let u endeav\r to *]i%1 n only ! evid5ces ( tru?1 b tru? itself 9 our afflictions1 & 9 room ( be+ idl]s 9 ! m>kets1 g e>ly into our ,"l's v9ey>d tru/+ ! words ( him :o sai?2 :atsoev] is "r1 ye %all receive4 ,y\rs1 c4 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,extracts ,no4 ,x4 ,de> sir & bro!r--,9 rem>k+ on y\r reply to my #h? numb]1 z 9 a =m] case ,i %all foll[ ! arrangem5t :i* y h made2 tak+ up ! articles 9 ! same ord]4 #a/4 ,i did n suppose b t ! me?od :i* ,i propos$ to acc\nt = ! abs5ce ( ! body ( ,jesus w\ld be liable to s]i\s objections2 & ^! objections are increas$ by connect+ ) !m1 circum/ances :i*1 if ! resurrection be false1 mu/ be consid]$ equally false4 ,because1 if ! resurrection ( ,jesus 0 n a tru?1 :atev] 0 ! tru? on :i* t belief 0 f\nd$1 mu/ be n[ all m]e conjecture4 ,!re might be p]sons1 h[ev]1 :o ?\ght t ,jesus suff]$ dea? v wrongfully al?\gh he nev] pret5d$ lit]ally to p]=m ^? miracles4 ,yea ,i conceive x possible t :5 ?is language 0 fir/ adopt$1 i4 e4 ( 8 fe$+ ! hungry1 op5+ ! eyes ( ! bl9d1 rais+ ! dead1 c4 x 0 n und]/ood1 nor meant to be und]/ood lit]ally4 ,!re=e al?\gh ! acc\nt at fir/ might h be5 lit]ally false1 ?\gh n s mu* s z :at x grew to be aft]w>d1 yet x might h be5 consid]$ spiritually true2 & !re=e n design$ absolutely to deceive4 ,! only difficulty1 i4e4 ! only irreconcilable difficulty1 :i* ,i conceive 9 ! case1 is 9 suppos+ t ! fir/ disciples c\ld be made to believe 9 ! resurrection1 by any evid5ce :i* c\ld h exi/$1 & yet ! resurrection n to be true4 ,b we mu/ suppose ?is1 ,i ?9k1 9 ord] to raise a reasonable d\bt ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection4 ,=1 if ! disciples did n believe x1 !y c\ld h _h no int]e/ or motive1 7or c]ta9ly no ju/ifiable motive7 9 mak+ o!rs believe x2 & )\t ?is1 x is difficult to acc\nt ev5 = ! exi/5ce ( su* a report4 ,i %\ld n ?9k x s /range1 h[ev]1 t o!rs1 aft] ! report 0 once 9 circulation1 & t ev5 ,/4 ,paul himself %\ld h be5 made to believe ?is1 m]ely by "s vision>y sc5e4 ,i ?9k !re=e ! "q may be r$uc$ to ?is po9t4 ,:i* ( ! two is ! mo/ incr$ible1 ei!r t ! fir/ disciples %\ld absolutely believe 9 ! resurrection1 by any evid5ce :i* did n gr[ out ( ?is tru?1 or t ! resurrection %\ld h be5 absolutely true8 ,"h is :]e ! two propositions1 :5 r$uc$ to _! simplicity mu/ f9ally come4 ,& ,i cont5d t :5 two propositions are ?us cle>ly plac$ be=e ! m9d or und]/&+1 :e!r ! judgm5t be "r or wrong1 ! m9d or und]/&+ mu/ reject1 yea x is impossible to avoid reject+1 t :i* to ! m9d or und]/&+1 is ! mo/ incr$ible4 ,b :5 we admit t ! disciples did believe 9 ! resurrection1 we are n oblig$ to admit t !y _h all or any ( ! evid5ces ( t fact :i* h come d[n to u4 ,?is we may suppose might h be5 mo/ly or altoge!r fictiti\s2 writt5 by lat] h&s1 & attribut$ to ! apo/les4 ,& "h we mu/ n suppose t ! acc\nt 0 altoge!r made up at once1 b grew gradually2 & n to come out 9 writ+ until ! p]sons1 :o c\ld ei!r atte/ or d5y ! lit]al tru? ( ^! facts1 7 tak5 (f ( ! /age4 ,"h z x respects ! records also1 ! same "q aga9 occurs4 ,:i* is ! mo/ incr$ible 7n to miracul\s1 = "o miracle is no m miracul\s1 t ,i "k ( ?an ano!r2 ,i !re=e say :i* is ! mo/ incr$ible7 t su* hi/ories %\ld h be5 ?us1 or 9 "s o!r way got up1 & be believ$1 al?o' ! v>i\s acc\nts1 s f> z !y relate to miracles1 & o!r circum/ances necess>y to be tak5 into ! acc\nt only = ! sake ( support+ ! tru? ( ^? miracles1 %\ld h be5 altoge!r fictiti\s1 & su* p>ts only true z c\ld be acc\nt$ = 9 a rational way1 )\t admitt+ ! exi/5ce ( miracles2 or t all ^? miracles1 or at lea/ ! mo/ ess5tial ( !m1 %\ld h be5 lit]ally & absolutely true8 ,! answ] to ^! two propositions1 i4 e4 ! above que/ions1 w1 & mu/1 decide ! :ole controv]sy4 ,n[1 7 x n = ! int]nal evid5ces :i* ! writ+s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t d1 & ev] w1 possess 7! ext]nal evid5ces fall+ s f> %ort ( be+ conclusive 9 my m9d1 z ,i %all %[ m fully h]eaft]1 :5 ,i come to speak ( ^? evid5ces7 ,i %\ld /ill be incl9$1 9 my own und]/&+1 to reject ! latt] proposition 9 ea* ( ! above que/ions1 & adh]e to ! =m]4--,mu* ( ! ext]nal evid5ce1 ,i am v ready to admit is p]fectly consi/5t ) ! suppos$ tru? ( ! int]nal1 b aft] all1 9 my humble op9ion1 x does n q come to ! po9t4 ,b ! int]nal evid5ce1 ,i confess1 ,i _c )/&4 ,! m ,i inve/igate ! subject1 ! m ,i discov] its =ce1 its cle>ness1 & its irresi/ibility2 & al?\gh ! tru? x unfolds is s augu/1 s mom5t\s1 s a/oni%+ly & inexpressibly sublime1 t x is ) ! pr(\nde/ & mo/ rev]5tial awe ,i speak1 :5 ,i ackn[l$ge my fai? 9 ! div9e orig9 ( ^? te/imonies2 yet1 z ,i _c resi/ _! =ce1 s ,i am oblig$ to ackn[l$ge !m true4 ,! illusion1 h[ev]1 if x be "o1 ,i "k is happify+ to ! m9d2 b ?is is no good reason1 t ,i "k (1 :y we %\ld ei!r embrace x ourselves1 or propagate x 9 ! _w4 ,al?\gh ,i h endeav\r$ to calm my consci5ce1 :ile m$itat+ on my d\bts1 ) ! consid]ation t ,i am n acc\ntable = ! tru? or ! falsity ( ! scriptures2 yet1 ,i mu/ confess1 ?is did n fully satisfy my m9d2 & !re=e ,i come to a det]m9ation to be m ?or\ghly p]suad$ ( _! tru?1 if possible1 or else be m ?or\ghly conv9c$ ( _! fallacy4 ,) ?is motive ,i ent]$ on ! pres5t controv]sy2 & ,i feel v happy 9 its t]m9ation1 hav+ be5 mu* /r5g!n$ 9 my fai? !reby1 & humbly pray1 t %\ld x ev] come be=e ! public1 x may be ble/ to ! b5efit ( o!rs4 #b;d4 ,:at y h said on ! div9e mission1 c4 ( ! apo/les is satisfactory4 ,= al?\gh x has n fully come to my "q1 yet x has _h ! same good effect by conv9c+ me t my "q w5t a little beyond ! b\nds ( reason2 = x 0 too mu* l ask+ a bl9d man h[ x is t o!r m5 see6 ,x is n reasonable to suppose t ! apo/les !mselves c\ld h in=m$ p]sons :o 7 un9spir$ to _! und]/&+1 h[ or by :at means1 !y 7 inspir$4 ,x 0 suffici5t to demon/rate ! fact by ! works :i* !y 7 enabl$ to p]=m1 7admitt+ ! acc\nt true17 9 ! "n ( ,,jesus4 #c;d4 ,my argum5t respect+ a hope ( future exi/5ce has be5 ext5d$ r beyond my design4 ,)\t tak+ up "t to recapitulate1 ,i w only say ,i admit ! tru? ( y\r argum5t on ?is subject2 nei!r d ,i see h[ x /&s altoge!r 9 opposition to m9e4 ,:at ,i cont5d = is ?is4 ,! idea ( non-exi/5ce1 i4e4 ( exi/+ only 9 ,god1 )\t reta9+ our individual consci\sness ( be+1 does n1 l ! idea ( endless mis]y1 absolutely de/roy our pres5t com=ts4 ,x only cuts %ort1 or else prev5ts1 future prospects4 ,if x c be demon/rat$1 z ,i believe x c1 t ,god is good to ! animal creation1 9 giv+ !m exi/5ce1 on ! supposition1 t !y h no future /ate1 ,i cont5d t man is equally1 if n m abundantly bless$1 ev5 on ! same supposition4--,b ,i nev] meant to cont5d t et]nal life w\ld n be /ill inf9itely bett]1 accord+ to our conceptions ( good1 if true4 ,to /ate a case1 :i* w illu/rate 9 "s degree my ideas ( ?is subject1 ! foll[+ may come some?+ nigh x2 viz4 ,i %\ld be pleas$ ) ! idea ( liv+1 say1 t5 ye>s1 9 ref]5ce only to ! bless+ ( ?is life1 al?\gh ,i might "k ,i %\ld die at t "t1 provid$ t1 dur+ ! t5 ye>s1 ,i %\ld enjoy ! common bless+s ( life4 ,?is does n prev5t my desir+ to live long]2 nei!r does a c]ta9 k t ,i %all n prev5t me f desir+ to live1 nor f be+ pleas$ ) ! idea ( liv+1 till t "t4 ,b let me "k = a c]ta9ty1 or1 :i* w\ld be ! same ?+ to me1 let me absolutely believe t ,i %\ld live fifty ye>s1 & t al?\gh ! t5 fir/ w\ld be att5d$ ) all ! common bless+s ( life1 z usual1 yet t ! rema9+ =ty ye>s1 :i* w\ld be ! rema9+ :ole ( my natural life1 ,i %\ld be plac$ 9 ! mo/ di/ress$ & aggravat$ circum/ances1 ( :i* ,i c\ld possibly conceive2 n[1 9 ref]5ce to ! :ole fifty ye>s1 c\ld ,i desire to live8 ,no6 ,i say1 ,i r *oose in/ant dea?6 ,:5 ,i look ar\nd on ! circum/ances & condition ( m51 ,i am s fully conv9c$ t ! aggregate ( happ9ess s f> ov]balances ! aggregate ( mis]y1 t ,i am firmly ( op9ion1 yea1 ,i d n ent]ta9 ! lea/ possible d\bt ( its tru?1 & !re=e ?9k ,i ev] %all cont5d1 t ?is life is a bless+1 & we h abundant reason to be v ?ankful = x1 )\t ! lea/ ref]5ce to a future /ate4 ,b1 nev]!less1 ,i am v ready to admit1 t1 :5 futurity & immortality are tak5 into ! acc\nt1 & are connect$ ) ! same view ( ! "* ( ! ,deity1 ^! bless+s are all ext5d$ & magnifi$ to inf9ity4 ,b on ! supposition t tru? is any :]e connect$ ) endless mis]y1 ! sc5e is :olly *ang$4 ,on ?is supposition ,i am n reconcil$ to tru? at all2 ,i c f9d no?+ 9 my moral nature1 :i* ,i call good1 b :at /&s directly oppos$ to x2 ,h5ce1 ! v brighte/ & mo/ brilliant "p ( ! picture is de=m$ by ! awful idea2 x takes away all ! pleasure ( inve/igation1 & if ?is be tru?1 my only desire & pray] to ,god1 is t ,i might be p]mitt$ to rema9 et]nally ignorant ( x6 ,x is my confid5ce !re=e 9 ! goodness ( ! tru?1 & ?is only1 :i* has reconcil$ my m9d to x4 ,y may cont5d t ,i h n obta9$ ?is confid5ce )\t ! k ( div9e revelation4 ,be t z x may2 on ?is supposition only ,i am reconcil$1 & some?+ mu/ de/roy ?is confid5ce be=e ,i c become unreconcil$ to tru?4 ,i ?9k n[ ,i mu/ be fully und]/ood1 & w !re=e add no m on ?is subject4 #d?4 ,:at y say "u ! f\r? article is satisfactory4 ,errors1 no d\bt1 may be1 & (t5 are committ$ by apply+ in/ructions 'diff]5tly f _! prim>y design4' #e?4 ,y\r rem>ks "u ! six? article are v judici\s4 ,mu* injury no d\bt is (t5 done to ! tru? ( div9e revelation by cont5d+ s t5aci\sly z "s d = ?+s1 :i*1 if true1 are n ess5tial to its support4--,x is (t5 ! case t1 by try+ to prove too mu*1 we weak5 ! evid5ce1 9 ! m9ds ( _m1 respect+ ! ma9 ?+ we wi% to e/abli%4 ,h5ce1 ! oppos]1 n be+ able1 or else n dispos$1 to make prop] di/9ction1 consid]s x all ( "o piece2 & n be+ able to see ! propriety ( _m ?+s1 :i* are cont5d$ = ) equal zeal1 sets ! :ole d[n z a fallacy4 #f?4 ,x is true1 ,i ?\ght y /ra9$ ! argum5t a little too f> 9 suppos+ t ! apo/les c\ld n h be5 conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection by any evid5ce :i* c\ld be c\nt]balanc$4 ,?is induc$ me to /ate t suppos$ absurdity 9 /ill m gl>+ colors1 ) a hope t y w\ld !reby be induc$ to take a review ( y\r argum5t1 & n )\t "s expectation1 t y w\ld be able to see "s defects 9 x4 ,b 9 ?is ,i h be5 disappo9t$4 ,y /ill hold on ^u y\r argum5t1 & turn ! error :olly on y\r fri5d4 ,b1 z ?is is ! turn+ po9t1 ,i %all n blame y = /ra9+ e n]ve1 & hold+ on ^u e fibre :i* gives y ! lea/ possible support4 ,x w\ld n d = y to give up ! idea t ! apo/les c\ld n h be5 conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection by any evid5ce :i* c\ld h exi/$ %ort ( ! fact's be+ true2 7:i*1 by ! way1 0 :at ,i meant by ! fir/ memb] ( my criticism1 ?\gh n exactly s express$27 = ! mom5t ?is is admitt$1 d\bt & unbelief w soon cont5d t !y 7 s conv9c$4 ,imag9ation may soon call up su* evid5ce 9 ! m9d1 )\t suppos+ any ?+ miracul\s1 & all ! re/ ( ! acc\nt may be suppos$ to be fictiti\s4 ,i did n mean to ins9uate1 h[ev]1 t y h cont5d$ t ! apo/les mu/ h se5 ,jesus rise 9 ord] to be conv9c$ ( ! fact4 ,i suppose _! see+ him aft] he 0 ris5 0 z full a demon/ration to !m z ?\gh !y _h se5 him rise4 ,& if !y c\ld n h be5 conv9c$ ( its tru? by any ?+ %ort ( ?is1 !n !y c\ld n be conv9c$ by any ?+ %ort ( ! fact2 i4e4 :at 0 ! same to !m z ! fact4 ,! second memb] ( my criticism1 viz4 ',if ! fact did exi/ !re is no evid5ce :i* c c\nt]balance x1' does n1 z ,i conceive1 suppose t y cont5d 't ! fact ( ! resurrection c\ld n exi/ )\t prov+ itself to ! apo/les 9 su* a way t no evid5ce c\ld c\nt]balance x2' b x supposes t if ! fact did exi/1 no evid5ce c\ld prove t x did n exi/1 z x is always difficult to prove a negative1 & utt]ly impossible :5 ! positive is true4--,h5ce my conclusion2 viz4 ,z ! apo/les 7 conv9c$ ( ! tru? ( ! resurrection1 :i* !y c\ld n h be5 only by evid5ce :i* c\ld n h exi/$ _h n ! fact be5 true1 ! fact did exi/4 ,h[ f> does ?is criticism fall %ort ( my o!r8 7= x is exactly :at ,i meant by my o!r47 ,or h[ f> does x g beyond y\r argum5t8 ,f9ally1 ,i _c conceive ( any evid5ce t c\ld suffici5tly support ! fact t ,jesus :o 0 crucifi$1 did actually rise f ! dead1 if no?+ c\ld be br\ght to c\nt]balance x1 t c\ld possibly admit ( be+ c\nt]balanc$2 & aga93 ',?us we are br\ght to ! sugge/ion1 t any evid5ce :i* c\ld be suffici5t to prove su* a fact1 if no evid5ce appe>$ aga9/ x1 mu/ be su* z admits1 ( no refutation4' ,unless x may be reasonably suppos$ t ! apo/les 7 n absolutely s gu>d$ aga9/ an error ( ?is k9d z ?is argum5t sugge/s1 ,i "k ( no way to )/& its =ce4 ,& ,i am sure ,i feel no disposition to )/& x1 ev5 aga9/ probability4 ,x is ! improbability ( ! fact x goes to prove1 i4 e4 9 my m9d1 t ev] induc$ me to oppose x4 ,i %all n[ take notice ( ! ext]nal evid5ce 9 support ( ! tru? ( div9e revelation1 :i* y h quot$ f ,paley 9 8 view ( ! evid5ces ( *ri/ianity4 ,9 y\r reply to my sev5? numb]1 y m5tion$ a quotation f ! epi/le ( ,b>nabas1 ,/4 ,paul's companion1 9 ! foll[+ words1 ',let u !re=e1 bew>e le/ x come ^u u1 z x is writt51 !re are _m call$1 few *os54' ,! object ( ?is quotation is to prove t ! gospel ( ,mat!w 7f :i* "h is a quotation7 0 writt5 be=e ?is epi/le1 & "h appeal$ to z to a book ( div9e au?ority4 ,& al?\gh x is p]fectly consi/5t ) su* a supposition1 yet !re is great room to d\bt :e!r su* 0 ! fact4 ,or1 at lea/1 !re is room to conjecture t ! gospel ( ,mat!w might h be5 writt5 be=e ?is epi/le1 & yet n writt5 till aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,speak+ ( ! writ]s ( ?is p]iod1 ,dr4 ,prie/ly obs]ves#g ',! olde/ "w ( ! age1 if x _h be5 g5u9e1 is t :i* goes by ! "n ( ,! epi/le ( ,b>nabas4 ,:oev] 0 ! au?or ( ?is epi/le1 x 0 probably writt5 soon aft] ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4--,x ab\nds ) int]pretations ( ! ,old ,te/am5t :i* discov] m ( imag9ation1 ?an judgem5t4' ,by ?is y w p]ceive t ! au?ority ( ?is epi/le is d\btful4 ,i %\ld also h ga!r$ ! same idea1 f :at ,paley himself says1 ^: "w ,i h exam9$1 on ?is subject1 s9ce ,i wrote my la/ numb]4 ,x might h be5 writt5 at a mu* lat] p]iod ?an :at is suppos$ & palm$ ^u ,b>nabas2 & !re=e does n1 z 0 suppos$1 absolutely prove t ! gospel ( ,mat!w 0 writt5 prior to ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem4 ,x seems t *ri/ians ( a lat] p]iod 7 9 ! habit ( palm+ works ^u _! pr$ecessors2 or 9 o!r words1 writ+ 9 _! "n4 ,aft] speak+ ( ! epi/le ( ,clem5s1 ,prie/ly obs]ves 7p4 #cja7 !re is extant ano!r epi/le ascrib$ to ?is ,clem5s1 b x is evid5tly spuri\s1 & 0 probably writt5 9 ! middle ( ! ?ird c5tury4 ,sev]al o!r writ+s 7 palm$ ^u him also1 especially ! ,apo/olical ,con/itution & ! ,clem5t9e homilies4 ,! epi/le ( ,b>nabas1 x seems1 is fir/ quot$ by ,clem5t ( ,alex&ria1 ,a4,d4 #aid4 ,?is c]ta9ly gives room = my conjecture = aught :i* appe>s to ! contr>y1 x might h be5 writt5 a :ole c5tury aft] ! days ( ! apo/les4 ,footnote #g3 ,*4 ,hi/4 vol4 i4 p4 #bjj4 ,! next :i* ,paley m5tions is an epi/le writt5 by ,clem5t1 bi%op ( ,rome4 ,?is is ! same :i* ,prie/ly calls ,clem5s4 ',?is epi/le1' he says1 '0 held 9 ! highe/ e/eem by all *ri/ians1 &1 l ! scriptures1 0 publicly read 9 _m *ur*es4' ,9 ?is epi/le ( ,clem5t1 y say1 'he quotes ,matt4 v4 #g4 xviii4 #f4' ,b h[ does he quote ^? passages8 ,n z ! writ+ ( ,mat!w1 b z ! words ( 'our ,"l4' ,al?\gh ?is !re=e1 z ,i h be=e sugge/$1 is p]fectly consi/5t ) ! suppos$ tru?1 x falls f> %ort1 9 my m9d1 ( prov+ t ! gospel ( ,mat!w1 0 writt5 be=e ?is epi/le4 ,clem5t or ,clem5s might h writt5 ?is by tradition ev5 if he _h nev] se5 ! gospel ( ,mat!w1 or any o!r4 ,x only proves t ^! words 9 ! gospel & ^? 9 ! epi/le 7 indebt$ to ! same orig9al s\rce1 viz4 ! words ( ,jesus4 ,i am n dispos$ to dispute1 h[ev]1 ! g5u95ess ( ?is epi/le4 ',x is an e>ne/ dissuasive1' says ,prie/ly1 'f ! _s ( faction1 :i* appe>$ 9 ! *ur* ( ,cor9?1 & :i*1 inde$1 0 suffici5tly conspicu\s :5 ,paul wrote 8 epi/les4' ',ano!r "w ( d\btful au?ority1' says ,prie/ly1 'is ! ,%eph]d ( ,h]mes1 by "s ?\ght to be t ,h]mes :o is m5tion$ by ,paul 9 8 epi/le to ! ,romans2 b by o!rs suppos$ to be ei!r spuri\s1 or to h be5 writt5 by a lat] ,h]mes1 or r ,h]mes1 bro!r ( ,pius1 bi%op ( ,rome1 ab\t ! ye> #adj4 ,:oev] 0 ! au?or ( ?is "w 7& ?\gh x 0 s mu* e/eem$ by _m *ri/ians1 z to be publicly read 9 _! *ur*es7 x is c]ta9ly a v poor p]=mance4' ,if ?is "w !re=e be ( s late a date1 z1 accord+ to ?is acc\nt1 x may be1 &1 f all :i* appe>s to ! contr>y1 we may presume x is1 z ! fir/ quotation ( x is by ,ir5aeus1 ,a4 ,d4 #agh1 x falls %ort ( ! pro( we want4 ,! same obs]vations w apply to ! allusions to ! gospels 9 ! epi/les ( ,ignatius1 z 0 m5tion$ 9 reg>d to ! epi/le ( ,clem5t4 ,!y are n lit]al quotations1 & !re=e might h be5 only traditions4 ,i consid] !m no c]ta9 pro( t ! gospels 7 writt5 previ\s to ?is "t1 ?\gh x is v natural to suppose t to h be5 ! fact4 ,! same w apply to ! epi/le ( ,polyc>p1 z we "k n exactly :at 0 meant at t "t by ! scriptures2 nei!r d allusions to c]ta9 passages 9 ! scriptures1 especially su* z ! words ( ,jesus1 prove ! exi/5ce ( ^? scriptures at t "t4 ,9 ! "t ( ,eusebius !re 7 extant five books ( ,papias1 bi%op ( ,hi]apolis 9 ,syria1 ( ! int]pretation ( ! div9e oracles4 ',papias1' says ,prie/ly1 '0 a great collector ( ! say+s ( ! apo/les2 & "o ( ! traditions pres]v$ by him 0 t1 aft] ! resurrection1 ,*ri/ w\ld reign ^u e>? a ?\s& ye>s1 an op9ion :i*1 f 8 au?ority1 0 long respect$ by _m4'#h ,papias1 x seems1 is ! fir/ :o speaks ( ! gospels by "n1 & he m5tions only ,mat!w & ,m>k4 ,t all ! gospels1 h[ev]1 exi/$ 9 8 day1 & also bore ! names :i* !y n[ d1 ,i %\ld n be dispos$ to dispute2 nei!r is !re any ?+ to contradict ! idea ( _! be+ writt5 by ! p]sons reput$ to be ! au?ors ( !m4 ,footnote #h3 ,*4 ,hi/4 vol4 i4 p4 #bjc ,euseb4 ,hi/4 ,lib4 iii4 ,cap4 #ci p4 #ace4 ,b1 suppos+ a few ( ^! fir/ bi%ops _h tak5 x into !r heads1 hav+ succe$$ s well1 dur+ a little respite f p]secution1 9 consequ5ce ( ^? tr\blesome times at ! de/ruction ( ,j]usalem1 z to get appo9t$ to _! respective (fices1 & ?9k+ x w\ld lead greatly to _! future success1 ,i say1 suppos+ !y _h tak5 x into _! heads to write ! f\r gospels & ! acts ( ! apo/les !mselves1 embrac+ all ! traditions1 :i* !y knew1 ( ! apo/les1 dress$ up 9 ! figurative /yle 9 :i* ^? ?+s1 ev5 f ! fir/1 _h be5 report$1 toge!r ) _m fictions ( _! own4 ,& t !y did write ^! books 9 ! "n ( ! apo/les2 :o w\ld be likely1 or w\ld be able1 to contradict !m8 ,or suppos+1 )\t any previ\s conc]t1 "s "o %\ld h writt5 ! gospel ( ,mat!w2 ano!r1 aft] hav+ se5 x1 %\ld write "o 9 ! "n ( ,m>k2 a ?ird1 :o _h se5 !m bo?1 %\ld write t ( ,luke1 & ! acts ( ! apo/les2 & a f\r? %\ld write t ( ,john4--,^!1 ( c\rse1 w\ld make _! fir/ appe>ance at diff]5t times1 & 9 diff]5t p>ts ( ! c\ntry2 or1 9 o!r words1 9 diff]5t c\ntries4 ,"s /ory or o!r might h be5 got up1 9 reg>d to _! fir/ discov]y1 :i* %\ld g curr5tly ) ! common p1 & :i*1 aft] ! works 7 receiv$ z canonical1 w\ld ( c\rse be done away4 ,z a ju/ification ( ! above hypo!sis 7:i* ,i am v s5sible is n )\t its difficulties7 9 addition to :at h said 9 reg>d to ! writ+s palm$ ^u ,clem5s1 ,i w m5tion ! foll[+ f ,prie/ly's ,*4 ,hi/4 vol4 ii4 p4 #dab4 ,x appe>s to h be5 a quotation f ,sozom51 by ,socrates1 ,lib4 vii4 *ap4 #ai1 p4 #cjg4 ',! revelation ( ,pet]1 :i* is reject$ z a spuri\s book by ! anci5ts1 is read once e ye> 9 "s *ur*es 9 ,pale/9e on good ,friday1 :i* is a religi\s fa/ 9 commemoration ( our ,"l's suff]+s4 ,! book t is call$ ! revelation ( ! apo/le ,paul1 :i* 0 unkn[n to ! anci5ts1 is greatly comm5d$ by _m ( ! monks4 ,"s say t ?is book 0 fir/ f\nd 9 ! reign ( ,!odosius4 ,= !y say t 9 ! h\se ( ,paul at ,t>sus1 !re 0 a m>ble *e/ 9 a subt]rane\s place1 9 :i* ?is book 0 deposit$1 & t x 0 discov]$ by a p>ticul> revelation4' ,any "w ( ?is k9d1 got up at s late a p]iod z t ( ! reign ( ,!odosius1 w\ld n be likely to be g5]ally receiv$ among ! *ur*es2 yet if x c\ld be receiv$ by any1 :y might n a simil> "w1 or simil> works1 :i* made _! appe>ance s soon aft] ! apo/les1 z might well be suppos$ to h be5 writt5 by !m & :5 too1 ! *ur*es 7 few 9 numb]1 )\t ! lea/ suspicion ( fraud1 h be5 receiv$ by all8 ,or if any fraud _h be5 suspect$1 yet1 believ+ 9 ! ma9 ?+ :i* all ^! 7 design$ to support1 ^? frauds :atev] !y 71 might h be5 consid]$ really pi\s6 ,b1 sir1 y w p]ceive t ,i am n altoge!r pleas$1 nor fully satisfi$1 ) ?is argum5t4 ,i "k x has its difficulties2 b ! "q is1 :e!r x has great] ?an ! "o :i* x is br\ght to oppose8 ,! "q is n1 :e!r ^! ?+s look probable8 ,= ,i ackn[l$ge !y d n look probable4 ,b ! "q is1 :i* is ! mo/ incr$ible2 ei!r t ! above hypo!sis1 or some?+ l x1 %\ld be true2 or else t ! extraord9>y miracles1 relat$ 9 ! books ref]r$ to1 %\ld be true8 ,if !re 7 no bett] evid5ce 9 favor ( ! miracles ?an t :i* ,i h be5 exam9+1 ,i %\ld be oblig$ to decide aga9/ ! latt]1 let me ?9k :at ,i might respect+ ! =m]4 ,! mo/ t we c say ( ?is te/imony is1 x does n contradict ! tru? ( ^? hi/ories1 b1 s f> z x goes1 x is p]fectly consi/5t ) ! tru? ( ! ma9 "q4 ,! weight ( ?is te/imony !re=e1 :atev] x is1 seems to be on ! side ( ! tru? ( *ri/ianity4 ,b :at c>ries ! mo/ conviction to my m9d is n :o wrote ^? books2 n ! mann] 9 :i* !y h be5 h&$ d[n to u1 nor 9 :i* !y c n[ be trac$ to ! apo/les2 b ! mann] 9 :i* ! /ory itself is told4 ,x mu/ be confess$ t1 except+ a few ?+s1 :i* may be suppos$ to h be5 e>ly int]polations1 x c>ries 9 x all ! int]nal m>ks ( ,,tru?4 ,:5 ?is is admitt$1 we mu/ also admit ! propriety ( br++ 9 ^! ext]nal evid5ces z auxili>ies2 & :5 we f9d t !y also1 in/ead ( be+ contradictory to1 are p]fectly consi/5t ) ! suppos$ tru?1 !y add n a little to ! weight ( te/imony4 ,h5ce we f9d t our fai? is /r5g!n$ by ! consid]ation ( circum/ances1 :i* w\ld n h be5 suffici5t1 9 !mselves alone1 to h orig9at$1 or produc$1 t fai?4 ,! "q may be /ill ask$1 :y d y n[ believe8 ,to :i* ,i give ?is pla9 & simple answ]4 ,x is because1 not)/&+ ! incr$ibility ( ! miracles ( ,*ri/1 & ( ! apo/les1 & ! resurrection1 ! tru? ( :i* ^! miracles g to confirm & sub/antiate2 yet1 ! idea t ?is /ory %\ld ev] h be5 told 9 ! mann] x is1 )\t hav+ tru? = its f\ndation1 9 spite ( all my incr$ibility1 is /ill m incr$ible6 ,& x is my humble op9ion t :oev] w give !mselves ! tr\ble1 to pay ! same att5tion to ! subject1 mu/ be ( ! same op9ion3 =1 ,i am incl9$ to ?9k t no "o has be5 m pr$ispos$ to unbelief4 ,n t ,i ev] felt any real opposition to ! tru? ( ! holy scriptures1 z ,i n[ und]/& !m1 b ,i did n wi% to be deceiv$4 ,i _h r t my hopes & expectations %\ld nev] be rais$1 ?an to h !m rais$ ^u a fruitless or spuri\s f\ndation4 ,b aft] all1 x w be p]ceiv$ t ,i make no pret5sions to a miracul\s1 or my/]i\s1 conv]sion4 ,my conv]sion1 :atev] x is1 is altoge!r rational4 ,x gr[s out ( ! evid5ce :i* ,i pla9ly h be=e my eyes4 ,& x is my humble op9ion t ^? :o pret5d to su* conv]sions ought to be able to confirm ! same by miracles1 ! same z ! tru? 0 fir/ confirm$2 & unless !y c d x1 x ought to be consid]$ z no?+ m ?an m]e pret5sion4--,accord+ to ! ideas ( "s1 & ( mu* too ( t :i* is t]m$ or?odox1 e conv]sion is z mu* a miracle z 0 ! resurrection ( ,*ri/4 ,b z ?is is a fact1 :i* if true1 is entirely out ( sight ( ! unconv]t$1 & ( :i* !y c =m no conception1 nor judge ( x 9 any s5se :atev]1 is x n reasonable t !y %\ld h a demon/ration ( its tru?1 by "s fact1 ( ! tru? ( :i* !y c judge1 t !y may "k t ! "w is ( ,god8 ,& until we h su* demon/ration1 may we n consid] all su* pret5sions to be ( m58 ,) ^! rem>ks ,i ha/5 to a ,,conclusion4 ,9 tak+ leave ( ?is subject1 consid]+ x probable t ^! lett]s w1 at "s future "t1 come be=e ! public1 x is b j t ,i %\ld m fully av[ my motives 9 ?is controv]sy4 ,y w h p]ceiv$1 all along1 ! gr\nd on :i* ,i /ood4 ,i h endeav\r$ to p]sonate an hone/ inquir] aft] tru?2 b "o :o 0 fill$ ) d\bts conc]n+ e ?+ ( :i* !re is n positive demon/ration4 ,h[ f> ,i h act$ up to su* a "*1 y & ! public c be/ judge4 ,i ?\ght1 h[ev]1 ,i %\ld be ! mo/ likely to d ?is1 by br++ ^? objections1 & ^! only1 :i*1 at "o "t or ano!r1 h occupi$ my own m9d4 ,b1 t ! controv]sy might n appe> z a m]e f>ce1 or l a man rais+ objections aga9/ himself 79 :i* case he g5]ally takes c>e to raise none b :at he ?9ks he c answ]7 & t ,i might engage all y\r int]e/ & en]gy on ! subject1 ,i h c>ri$ ! idea1 ?r\gh ! :ole1 bo? by my lett]s & by my private conv]sation ) y dur+ ! "t 7z y v well "k7 t ^? objections 7 n[ labor+ 9 my m9d ) all _! =ce4 ,i h !re=e endeav\r$ to dispute e in* ( gr\nd1 & give way only z ,i f\nd myself oblig$ to give way1 by ! =ce ( y\r argum5ts4 ,t ,i h n act$ my "p bett] mu/ be imput$ to want ( ability & n to want ( good w4 ,i h endeav\r$ to ?r[ e block 9 y\r way :i* ,i c\ld ?9k (1 )\t deviat+ f ! "* :i* ,i _h assum$2 & t ,i h n made y\r task m ardu\s1 is because ,i did n see h[ ,i c\ld d x )\t betray+ a manife/ di%one/y on my "p4 ,! result is su* z ,i anticipat$4 ,my real motive mu/ be my only apology = ! "p ,i h tak54 ,y "k t no "w ( ! k9d has ev] be5 really & s]i\sly attempt$ by any "o :o is av[$ly ( our ord]2 t our religi\s oppon5ts are cont9ualiy ?r[+ ! gauntlet ( asp]sions at u1 z be+ no?+ m ?an m]e pret5d]s to *ri/ianity1 b 9 reality1 ,dei/s 9 disguise4 ,to repel1 !re=e1 ^? *>ges1 z well z to let ! unbeliev+ _w "k our views on ?is subject1 ,i ?\ght a "w ( ?is k9d 0 really ne$$4 ,& x appe>$ to me t ! "w1 9 ! fir/ place1 w\ld be m likely to be read1 &1 9 ! end1 m sure ( success1 to h x come =? by ! way ( controv]sy1 ?an :at x w\ld 9 any o!r way4 ,x is true1 ,i may n h br\ght all ! objections :i* "s w\ld wi% to h br\ght2 b if :at ,i h br\ght are s f> remov$ z n to rema9 a s]i\s ob/acle 9 ! m9d ( c&id read]s 7:i* ,i conclude w be ! case1 ) o!rs1 z x is ) me7 !n all objections may be z easily remov$4 ,t ?is "w may be an in/rum5t1 9 ! h&s ( ,god1 ( remov+ ! prejudices f ! m9ds ( _m ( our religi\s oppon5ts1 ( /r5g!n+ ! fai? ( _m :o are wav]+1 &1 z x 71 halt+ betwe5 two op9ions1 & ( call+ up ! att5tion ( ^? :o1 l ,gallis1 'c>e = none ( ^! ?+s1' is ! s9c]e pray] (3 ,y\rs 9 ! bonds ( ! gospel4 ,a4 ,,kneel&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,ix4 ,de> sir1 & bro!r1--,a c>eful p]usal ( y\r t5? numb] has giv5 me mu* satisfaction1 & seems to sugge/ t my reply may be g5]al4 ,y discov] ! rational gr\nd on :i* y\r scruples are remov$1 & /ate no difficulty t y d n surm\nt4 ,i agree ) y1 t ! gloomy doctr9e ( et]nal mis]y1 :5 by ! imag9ation x becomes incorporat$ into ! sy/em ( div9e revelation1 rev]ses ! :ole sc5e1 & r5d]s t1 :i* 9 its div9e & native beauty possesses ! mo/ p[]ful attractions1 ! mo/ de=m$ picture t ev] repell$ ! human affections4 ,x is ?is heav5-di%on\r+ doctr9e1 s repugnant to & irreconcilable ) ! kn[n goodness ( ,god manife/$ to all nations 9 8 div9e provid5ce1 t has1 m ?an any ?+ else1 s buffet$ all ! be/ feel+s ( man1 z 9 ?\s&s ( in/ances to drive ! he>t ( b5evol5ce to lay aside ! scriptures to ^: au?ority ?is unm]ciful doctr9e has be5 errone\sly ascrib$4 ,b let ! scriptures be once consid]$ z free f ! above horrible s5tim5t z 9 reality !y are1 !y w !n p]fectly correspond ) ! demon/rations ( univ]sal b5evol5ce & grace1 r5d]$ conspicu\s 9 all ! ways ( ,god2 !y w also comp>e z a p]fect transcript ( t inw>d light & love :i* r5d]s man an image ( 8 ev] adorable ,creator4 ,z ! *ri/ian *ur* em]ges f ! city ( my/]y ,babylon & its suburbs1 & advances into ! light ( ! wisdom ( ,god1 ! doctr9e above m5tion$ loses its influ5ce & its vot>ies2 nor w x be 9 ! p[] ( our self-/yl$ or?odox cl]gy1 long to *a9 ! public m9d to su* a =bidd+ absurdity4 ,no?+ discov]s ! deplorable /ate ( depravity1 to :i* ! human m9d is subject1 by =ce ( tradition1 m ?an ! unnatural & absurd notion ( enhanc+ future bliss1 by behold+ fell[ creatures ( ! ne>e/ connexion 9 a /ate ( indescribable mis]y1 !re to rema9 "t )\t end6 ,x seems to u a/oni%+ t p>5ts 7 ev] capable ( caus+ _! *ildr5 to pass ?r\gh ! fire to an idol1 b :at is ?is comp>$ ) :at our pi\s fa!rs & mo!rs h believ$ conc]n+ _! *ildr5's suff]+s 9 ! et]nal _w1 = ! glory ( t ,god :o is ! ,fa!r ( ! spirits ( all fle%8 ,tradition makes ! mo/ horrible ?+s acceptable to ! m9d :i* becomes bl9d to _! de=mity1 & ev5 ! mo/ dete/able ?+s1 desirable1 by a c]ta9 feign$ sanctity :i* x atta*es to !m4 ,b ! *>m once brok51 ! rational m9d becomes trans=m$ into ano!r image1 totally diff]5t1 & entirely repugnant to ! ?+s :i* x be=e v5]at$ z div9e4 ,y v ju/ly rem>k1 t if tru? be 9 any way connect$ ) endless mis]y1 y are n reconcil$ to x2 b ! "t has be5 :5 y & ,i view$ ?is doctr9e z an ess5tial article ( ! fai? ( ! gospel4 ,:at an absurdity6 ,et]nal mis]y an ess5tial article ( ! fai? ( a ,savi\r6 ,& ?is v mom5t !re are ?\s&s :o set _! feet on ?is vag>y1 believ+ x to be ! only rock ( safety4 ,b we h reason to be ?ankful = our happy deliv]ance f su* a p]nici\s tradition2 a tradition :i* has poison$ ! doctr9e ( ! *ur*1 & h>d5$ ! he>ts ( ,*ri/ian pr(essors to su* a degree1 t cruelty ( ! wor/ k9d has become habitual4 ,w our pi\s cl]gy cont5d aga9/ ?is *>ge8 ,let !m acc\nt !n = all ! p]secutions1 ! ana!mas1 ! hang+s & ! burn+s1 :i* owe _! orig9 to ?is doctr9e ( et]nal mis]y4 ,let !m acc\nt = _! own s]mons1 9 our day1 :i* s5t5ce age1 middle age1 & infancy to endless torture1 = (f5ces !y nev] he>d (1 nor w !y ev] be in=m$ ( !m until !y f9d !mselves 9 hell = :at a man & a woman did ?\s&s ( ye>s be=e !y 7 born1 & ( :om !y nev] _h he>d "o ^w 9 ! l& ( ! liv+6 ,?is !y z con/antly prea* z !y cont5d t man mu/ be s5sible ( 8 fall 9 ,adam1 ( ! ju/ice ( 8 be+ et]nally mis]able = t (f5ce1 & ( p>don ?r\gh ! atonem5t ( ,*ri/ 9 ?is life1 or be mis]able =ev] h]eaft]2 = ?\s&s 9 all ages h liv$ & di$ :o nev] he>d ?is absurd /ory :ile on e>?4 ,sir1 we h no reason to wond] t religion is s little set by1 :ile x is held up 9 su* a "*4 ,let x put on ! mild =m ( ! meek & humble ,jesus1 let x appe> 9 ! m]cy ( him :o said ! son ( man came n to de/roy m5's lives b to save !m1 let x be repres5t$ by its own similitude1 by p\r+ oil & w9e into ! w\nds ( an enemy1 let x be he>d :5 x decl>es 9 apo/olic language1 ,god w h all m5 to be sav$1 & to come unto ! k ( ! tru?1 let its language be /rictly reg>d$ :5 x in=ms u t *>ity is great] ?an fai? or hope1 !n x w be pure & undefil$ be=e ,god & ! ,fa!r2 x w engage ! be/ affections ( ! human he>t1 & call to its devotion all ! en]gies ( man4 ,:o c c\nt ! damages :i* h be5 occasion$ by ! prepo/]\s error ( sett+ up fai? z a crit]ion ( *>ity8 ,cre$ mak]s & cre$ def5d]s surely mu/ h be5 av]se to ,/4 ,paul's s5tim5t conc]n+ ! sup]iority ( *>ity ov] fai?2 = !y h sat *>ity at defiance ) undef9$ items 9 _! cre$s1 :i* 7 ackn[l$g$ my/]i\s 9 _! own m9ds1 & evid5tly repugnant to reason 9 ! judgm5t ( ^? :o 7 proscrib$ z h]etics by _! au?ority4 ,relative to my quotations f ! epi/le ( ,b>nabas & o!rs1 y\r argum5t1 z f> z x is int5d$ to less5 our belief 9 ! g5u95ess ( ^! epi/les1 has no direct be>+ on ! argum5t :i* ,i endeav\r$ to support by !m2 = x makes no diff]5ce :o wrote ^? epi/les1 x is _! conta9+ quotations f ! ,new ,te/am5t :i* gives !m ! consequ5ce = :i* !y 7 quot$4 ,9 reply to :at y say respect+ ,clem5t's n quot+ ,mat4 v4 #g1 xviii4 #f4 z ! writ+ ( ,/ ,mat!w1 b z ! words ( our ,"l1 ,i "h set d[n ,paley's answ]4 ,x may be said1 t1 z ,clem5t ha? n us$ words ( quotation1 x is n c]ta9 t he ref]s to any book :atev]4 ,! words ( ,*ri/1 :i* he has put d[n1 he might himself h he>d f ! apo/les1 or might h receiv$ !m ?r\gh ! ord9>y m$ium ( oral tradition4 ,?is has be5 said2 b t no su* inf]5ce c be drawn f ! abs5ce ( words ( quotation is prov$ by ! ?ree foll[+ consid]ations3--,fir/1 t ,clem5t 9 ! v same mann]1 namely1 )\t any m>k ( ref]5ce1 uses a passage n[ f\nd 9 ! epi/le to ! ,romans2#i :i* passage f ! peculi>ity ( ! words :i* compose x1 & f _! ord]1 x is manife/ t he mu/ h tak5 f ! book4 ,! same rem>k may be repeat$ ( "s v s+ul> s5tim5ts 9 ! epi/le to ! ,hebrews4 ,secondly1 t !re are _m s5t5ces ( ,/4 ,paul's epi/le to ! ,cor9?ians /&+ 9 ,clem5t's epi/le )\t any sign ( quotation1 :i* yet are c]ta9ly quotations2 because x appe>s t ,clem5t _h ,/4 ,paul's epi/le be=e him1 inasmu* z 9 "o place he m5tions x 9 t]ms too express to leave u 9 any d\bt--',take into y\r h&s ! epi/le ( ! bless$ apo/le ,paul4' ,?irdly1 t ?is me?od ( adopt+ words ( scripture1 )\t ref]5ce or ackn[l$gm5t1 01 z w appe> 9 ! sequel1 a me?od 9 g5]al use among ! mo/ anci5t *ri/ian writ]s4 ,^! analogies n only repel ! objection1 b ca/ ! presumption on ! o!r side2 & af=d a consid]able degree ( positive pro( t ! words 9 "q h be5 borr[$ f ! places ( scripture 9 :i* we n[ f9d !m4#aj ,footnote #i3 ,rom4 i4 #bi4 ,footnote #aj3 ,paley's ,evid5ces1 p4 #aji1 #aaj4 ,i ?9k1 if we take into consid]ation ! au?ority ( ext]nal evid5ce1 especially if we duly consid] h[ easily ,celsus c\id h ov]?r[n ! gospels1 if !y _h n be5 g5u9e1 x mu/ be ackn[l$g$ suffici5t1 ev5 ( itself1 to e/abli% any matt] ( fact h[ev] important1 all[+ no natural improbability 7 involv$ 9 ! fact4 ,& ?is is z mu* z we want ( ext]nal evid5ce1 ( ! sort ref]$ to4 ,b z ev5 ! int]nal evid5ces ( scripture w\ld be insuffici5t to support _! au?ority )\t ! concurr5ce ( ext]nal evid5ce1 s w\ld ! ext]nal be f\nd want+ )\t ! int]nal4 ,b ^! toge!r are abundantly suffici5t to e/abli% ! cr$ibility ( ?is gospel1 :i* is1 l e ?+ else ( ! "w & wisdom ( ,god1 ! wond] & admiration ( ! believ+ s\l4 ,! purity ( y\r motives 9 writ+ on ! subject ( our discussion1 w fully ju/ify ! ex]tions y h made to draw =? su* argum5ts z y\r bro!r has be5 enabl$ to adduce 9 support ( our common fai?4 ,i regret t my almo/ con/ant employ on o!r subjects & o!r duties1 has af=d$ s little "t z ,i h be5 able to devote to y\r qu]ies1 :i*1 toge!r ) my want ( abilities to d ju/ice to a subject ( ?is importance is n[ an emb>rassm5t on my m9d 9 reg>d to giv+ my cons5t to ! publication ( ?is correspond5ce4 ,& !re is /ill ano!r circum/ance :i* seems to op]ate z an objection to ! publi%+ ( ^! lett]s1 viz4 ! want ( ext5sion ( argum5t 9 _m in/ances1 :i* w\ld h be5 att5d$ to1 if ! "w _h be5 writt5 = ! conviction ( common read]s1 :i* 0 n ?\ght to be necess>y = ! b5efit ( ! mov] ( ! qu]ies4 ,h[ev]1 z all human productions are imp]fect & ought s to be consid]$1 & especially ^? f y\r humble s]vant1 ,i am will+ to appe> to "s disadvantage if any consid]able advantage may !reby result to ! cause ( ,jesus ,*ri/ our ,"l4 ,i _c close ?is val$ictory epi/le )\t a solemn ackn[l$gem5t ( he>t felt gratitude to ! m]ciful dispos] ( all ev5ts1 = ! ample evid5ce :i* 8 provid5ce & grace h giv5 ( ! tru? ( our religion1 especially :5 consid] ! glori\s hope set be=e u2 & am p]mitt$ to anticipate ! promis$ era :5 !re %all be no m dea?1 nei!r sorr[ nor cry+2 :5 !re %all be no m pa92 b :5 te>s %all be wip$ f all faces1 & ! rebuke ( ! nations remov$ f (f all ! e>?1 & e creature 9 heav51 & on ! e>?1 & "u ! e>?1 & su* z are 9 ! sea %all h>moni\sly ascribe bless+1 & glory1 & honor unto him :o sitte? ^u ! ?rone & unto ! lamb =ev] & ev]1 ,i loose myself 9 ! contemplation ( ! transport+ sc5e4 ,to conclude1 z y1 my bro!r1 h lab\r$ toge!r ) y\r fell[ s]vant1 to look into1 & exam9e ^! ?+s :i* belong to ! k+dom ( righte\sness1 & z we h be5 fav\r$ ) mutual satisfaction 9 ^! rese>*es1 may x please ! ,great ,head ( ! *ur* /ill to hold u 9 8 h&1 /ill to engage u 9 8 bless$ cause1 & r5d] our mutual lab\rs promotive ( 8 grace among m54 ,& h[ev] di/ant f ea* o!r x may be/ suit ! capta9 ( our salvation to place u1 may x be 8 pleasure to cont9ue our fell[%ip 9 ! bonds ( ! gospel4 ,y\rs affectionately1 ,h4 ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,s]ies ,,( ,,lett]s1 ,,betwe5 ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/]1 ,d4,d4 ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton1 ,a4,m4 ,,pa/ors ,,( ,,congregational ,,*ur*es ,,9 ,,portsm\?1 ,n4,h4 ,,& ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,a ,,s]ies ,,( ,,lett]s ,,lett] ,i4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/] ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,dec4 #bh1 #ahji4 ,de> ,sir1--,at ! close ( ! int]view :i* we _h at my h\se1 "s little "t s9ce1 y express$ a wi% to live 9 habits ( fri5d%ip ) ! m9i/]s ( ?is t[n1 & ,i ?9k ,i express$ a hope t ,i %\ld be always dispos$ to treat y & all m5 ) ^? fruits ( b5evol5ce & fri5d%ip :i* ! law ( our common nature & ! _s & pr9ciples ( ! ,*ri/ian religion1 dem& ( me2 ) ?is pr(ession1 )\t its fruits1 my consci5ce is n satisfi$4 ,x 0 nei!r fri5d%ip nor piety t dictat$ t e>ly "q1 ,am ,i my bro!r's keep]8--,!re is a reciprocal responsibility among mank9d1 bo? = ! int]e/ ( "t & et]nity4 ,7 ,i to see y or any o!rs expos+ !mselves to dang]1 or runn+ into situations t ,i appreh5d w\ld be prejudicial & de/ructive1 fri5d%ip w\ld require me to w>n & admoni%1 & endeav\r to re/ra92 & c ,i support my pret5sions to ?is pr9ciple 9 )hold+ my w>n+ & admonition1 :ile ,i am v]ily p]suad$ t ! pres5t t5d5cy & f9al issue ( t sy/em ( s5tim5ts :i* y h embrac$1 & :i* y h come among u to advocate & to support1 w expose y1 & ^? t embrace & build ^u x1 to dang] & di/ress1 ) :i* no temporal calamity or ru9 c be> any sort ( comp>ison8 ,i "k n :at sy/em ( ,univ]salism y h embrac$ or advocate1 nor is x ( any mat]ial consequ5ce 9 my view2 ,i presume ,i d n mi/ake or injure y 9 suppos+ t y publicly prea* & advocate ! f9al salvation ( all mank9d1 _! re/oration & association ) ,jesus ,*ri/ 9 realms ( glory4 ,:atev] human +5uity or plausible & sophi/ic reason+ may d ) respect to ei!r ( ^! sy/ems1 !y ea* & all ( !m are1 9 my view1 de/itute ( div9e au?ority1 & h n a ?us sai? ! ,"l1 = _! support4 ,!re may be "s little diff]5ce 9 ! pres5t t5d5cy & effect ( ^! diff]5t sy/ems ^u ! pres5t conduct ( m51 & s ^u ! int]e/ ( society2 b 9 _! g5]al influ5ce1 & 9 _! f9al results1 !y meet 9 ! same po9t1 & w be att5d$ ) ! same dreadful consequ5ces4 ,!y are nei!r ( !m true1 & s c h no effect 9 quick5+ into life or sanctify+ ! s\l1 = x is ! _s t quick5e?1 & ! tru? t sanctifie?2 !y may exhil>ate1 please1 & produce triumph2 b x w be a triumph+ t is %ort1 & a joy t is b = a mom5t2 = ,god1 to my appreh5sion1 has be5 s f> f giv+ any c\nt5ance to ei!r ( ^? sy/ems1 t he ha? long ago pron\nc$ !m false1 & _! t5d5cy de/ructive--^! are 8 words3,because ) lies ye h made ! he>ts ( ! righte\s sad1 :om ,i h n made sad1 & /r5g!n$ ! h&s ( ! wick$1 t he %\ld n return f 8 wick$ way by promis+ him life4 ,b x is n my int5tion to ent] into a dispute ^u ?is subject1 nei!r to enl>ge ^u argum5ts to support my own s5tim5ts1 nor to disprove y\rs2 ,i h no appreh5sion t any good w\ld result f x2 x w\ld be a tax ^u "t t might be bett] employ$4 ,:5 p]sons h adopt$ a sy/em & are engag$ 9 its support1 :5 ! pride ( peculi>ity or ! influ5ce ( p>ty views are enli/$ z auxili>ies1 !re is little gr\nd to hope = a conviction ( its errors by =mal disputation1 h[ev] temp]ately conduct$2 no?+ w effect a *ange ( views & feel+s b t /ill small voice :i* induc$ ! prophet to wrap 8 face 9 8 mantle4 ,?is voice is m likely to att5d our calm1 retir$ reflections1 ?an ! p]usal ( argum5ts t t5d to disprove :at we h be5 accu/om$ to advocate & support4 ,! object ( ?is lett] is n to revile1 to c5sure1 nor to dispute2 b1 9 fri5d%ip & affection1 to entreat y to reflect & consid] ! consequ5ces to y\rself & o!rs ( t sy/em ( s5tim5ts :i* y are advocat+--anticipate ! day ( judgm5t1 & realize y\rself call$ ^u to give an acc\nt ( y\r /ew>d%ip4 ,i am n dispos$1 my de> sir1 to impea* y\r s9c]ity & hone/y4 ,i "k h[ f> m5 may be delud$ & deceiv$4 ,i am dispos$ to believe t y consci5ti\sly ?9k ! s5tim5ts y advocate are true4 ,b rememb]1 de> sir1 ?is does n make !m true1 nor secure y f ! dreadful consequ5ces 9 :i* !y may issue4 ,) all ?is moral s9c]ity & uprightness1 if y cease to w>n ! wick$1 t he turn f 8 wick$ way 7& h[ c ?is be m effectually done ?an by lead+ him to expect f9al1 ev]la/+ happ9ess7 8 blood w be requir$ at y\r h&s4 ,! apo/le ,paul mo/ consci5ti\sly p]secut$ ! *ri/ians & decl>$ to ! c\ncil be=e :om he 0 arraign$1 t he _h liv$ 9 all good consci5ce be=e ,god till t day4 ,he v]ily ?\ght he ought to d _m ?+s contr>y to ! "n ( ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 yet 8 p]suasion did n acquit him f guilt1 nor w\ld x h %ield$ him f de/ruction _h he n be5 r5ew$ to rep5tance & fai? 9 ,*ri/1 :ile z yet ,*ri/ 0 9 ! way ) him4 ,*ri/ said to 8 disciples1 ,! "t w come :5 :osoev] kille? y w ?9k he do? ,god's s]vice2 & he has add$1 _m w say unto me1 9 t day1 ,"l1 ,"l1 h we n prophesi$ 9 ?y "n1 & 9 ?y "n ca/ out devils1 & 9 ?y "n done _m wond]ful works8 !n w ,i pr(ess unto !m1 ,i nev] knew y1 dep>t f me ye t "w iniquity4 ,:at mu/ be y\r situation 9 ! day ( retribution if ! sy/em y advocate %\ld 9 f9al evid5ce prove false8 ( :i* ,i h n ! lea/ %ad[ ( d\bt ^u my m9d1 & !re=e h all ! =ebod+s = my err+ & deceiv$ fell[ mortals :i* may be suppos$ to be ! result ( su* conviction4--,i _c cease to w>n & to entreat y to consid]1 fri5d%ip =bids1 my )hold+ ! voice ( w>n+ & adjuration2 & bo? duty & respect to my own safety require me to endeav\r to save y f ! issue1 ( :i* ,i h su* awful =ebod+s4 ,we mu/ bo? /& be=e ! ,son ( man1 & ea* "o mu/ give an acc\nt ( himself & ( 8 /ew>d%ip to ,god4--,f our connextion "h1 !re w probably be "s int]e/ 9 ea* o!r 9 t day2 & ,i _c be> ! ?\ght ( y\r be+ able to say :5 ! s*eme ( ,univ]salism %all all vani% l ! baseless fabric ( a vision1 & all ! hopes built ^u x w be l ! spid]'s web & l ! giv+ up ( ! gho/1 t y %\ld be able to say1 ,i nev] w>n$ y ( ?is issue1 nor admoni%$ y ( y\r dang]4 ,i "k n ) :at s5tim5ts y w receive ?is address1 nor :at use y may make ( x2 my conc]n is ) ! s5tim5ts & _s t dictate x4 ,i ?9k !y are su* z w induce me cont9ually to pray t y may n pi]ce y\rself ?r\gh ) _m sorr[s1 nor be left to m\rn at ! la/4 ,y\r fri5d & humble s]vant1 ,j4 ,,buckm9/]4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,ii4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\ ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/]4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,jan',y4 #a1 #ahaj4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,! receipt ( y\r affectionate1 fri5dly address1 be>+ date ,decemb] #bh1 #ahji1 is gratefully ackn[l$g$1 & al?\gh ,i h n words fully adequate to express ! satisfaction ,i feel aris+ f ! circum/ance & _s ( y\r epi/le1 ,i _c be will+ to suppress my feel+s s mu* z n to notice1 t x is ) uncommon pleasure t ,i appreciate y\r fav\r1 :i*1 ,i am happy to ackn[l$ge1 is a demon/ration ( t fri5d%ip fir/ reciprocat$ at y\r h\se1 & secondly recapitulat$ 9 y\r epi/le4 ,?is fri5d%ip f\nd$1 z y ju/ly obs]ve1 9 ! law ( our common nature & 9 ! _s & pr9ciples ( ! *ri/ian religion1 is su* an inexhau/ible treasure ( moral ri*es t ! aggregate sum ( e>?ly weal? is pov]ty 9 ! comp>ison4 ,?is fri5d%ip1 sir1 be+ f\nd$ on su* pr9ciples1 w und\bt$ly la/ z long z su* pr9ciples rema92 & if y are my real fri5d on ! pr9ciple ( ! law ( our common nature1 s long z y possess ! law ( our common nature1 y w be my real fri5d2 & if y are my real fri5d1 on ! pr9ciples & _s ( ! *ri/ian religion1 s long z y possess ! pr9ciples & _s ( ! *ri/ian religion1 y w rema9 my real fri5d4 ,& if ,i be1 z ,i tru/ 9 ,god ,i am1 y\r real fri5d1 on ^? imp]i%able pr9ciples1 ,i %all cont9ue to possess ?is fri5d%ip = y s long z ,i possess ^? pr9ciples4 ,if ^! obs]vations on fri5d%ip be correct1 z ,i conceive !y are1 y w "k :y ,i s highly prize ! treasure1 especially :5 ,i f9d x 9 a man capable ( ex]cis+ x to s mu* advantage z y\r le>n+1 ability & exp]i5ce enable y to d4 ,y ju/ly obs]ve t nei!r piety nor fri5d%ip dictat$ ! "q1 ,am ,i my bro!r's keep]8 ,h[ diff]5t mu/ h be5 ! _s :i* dictat$ t "q f ! _s ( him :o sai?1 ,i w decl>e ?y "n unto my bre?r51 my "m's *ildr5 7 angry ) me1 !y made me ! keep] ( ! v9ey>ds1 b m9e own v9ey>d h ,i n kept8 ,y\r next obs]vation is highly wor?y1 n only ( g5]al consid]ation1 b ( p>ticul> notice2 & ,i am ! m pleas$ ) x on acc\nt ( its fall+ f y\r p5 z ,i am sure y mu/ und]/& ! tru?s :i* are necess>ily connect$ ) ! "o express$ 9 ! obs]vation2 y\r words are1 !re is a reciprocal responsibility among mank9d bo? = ! int]e/ ( "t & et]nity4 ,z x _c reasonably require any argum5t to discov] ! propriety ( suppos+ t ! et]nal int]e/ ( mank9d is connect$ ) et]nal causes & pr$icat$ on et]nal pr9ciples1 s :5 x is ackn[l$g$ t a reciprocal responsibility exi/s among mank9d = _! et]nal int]e/1 x is evid5t t ?is reciprocal responsibility is et]nal4 ,%\ld any conviction ( m9d r5d] x necess>y t we give up ! idea ( ! et]nal nature ( ?is reciprocal responsibility1 t conviction w\ld drive ! idea ( et]nal int]e/1 pr$icat$ on su* responsibility f our m9d4 ,h[ noble are y\r s5tim5ts communicat$ 9 ?is obs]vation6 ,h[ ri* mu/ y & ,i feel 9 ! enjoym5t ( su* reciprocal pr9ciples & 9 ! consequ5t int]e/ aris+ f !m2 n only = "t1 b = et]nity6 ,y v ju/ly obs]ve aga9--,7 ,i to see y or any o!rs expos+ !mselves to dang] or runn+ into situations :i* ,i appreh5d$ w\ld be de/ructive1 fri5d%ip w\ld require me to w>n & admoni%1 & to endeav\r to re/ra94 ,^! expressions1 sir1 illu/rate ! good fruits ( real fri5d%ip1 & z our ,savi\r has told u t ! tree is kn[n by its fruits1 s we are to di/+ui% betwe5 real & pret5d$ fri5ds by _! fruits4 ,suppose1 sir1 we move ! position a little1 & say1 not)/&+ y w>n me & endeav\r to re/ra9 me f dang]1 ,i p]si/ 9 my error1 & my calamity comes ^u me2 9 ?is situation y come & tell me t y are he>tily glad t ,i am torm5t$1 & t y are glad to ?9k !re is no probability ( my mis]y's be+ any less2 t y feel no pity = me n[2 c\ld ,i look back & rememb] y\r w>n+1 & believe t y w>n$ me out ( real fri5d%ip8 ,we h j se5 t fri5d%ip pr$icat$ on ! law ( our common nature & on ! pr9ciples & _s ( ! ,*ri/ian religion mu/ necess>ily be z durable z ^? et]nal pr9ciples4 ,x is no less ! *>act]i/ic ( real fri5d%ip to endeav\r to meliorate ?an to pres]ve f suff]+s4 ,on obs]v+ y\r admonitions1 & believ+ y s9c]e 9 !m1 ,i am l$ to say1 t _h ,i su* a fri5d z y are :o possess$ ! means = mak+ me et]nally happy1 ,i might ent]ta9 no d\bt ( obta9+ ! ine/imable enjoym5t2 nor d ,i view y1 sir1 less a fri5d because y d n possess a p[] :i* is equal to ! putt+ ( all y\r fri5dly desires into full execution1 b w ackn[l$ge y my wor?y fri5d1 & accept ! w>n+s :i* y give me aga9/ ! sy/em ( doctr9e :i*1 z y say1 ,i h embrac$ & come among ?is p to advocate1 z a tok5 ( t fri5d%ip :i* w\ld1 if connect$ ) suitable p[]1 place me out ( all f9al dang]1 or :i* w\ld cause y to rejoice exce$+ly1 _h y ! evid5ce to believe t "o :o has su* p[] possesses ev5 /rong] desires = my et]nal welf>e ?an y d4 ,y in=m me t y d n "k :at sy/em ( ,univ]salism ,i h embrac$4 ,p]mit me1 sir1 to in=m y1 ?\gh y d n reque/ x1 t ,i h embrac$ ! sy/em ( ,univ]salism1 :i* ,abraham1 ,isaac1 & ,jacob embrac$1 9 believ+ ,god1 :o said1 ,9 !e %all all ! families ( ! e>? be bless$2 & 9 ?y se$ %all all ! nations ( ! e>? be bless$4 ,if ?is fai? ( ,abraham 7 imput$ to him = righte\sness1 x mu/ be a true fai?1 & if true1 wor?y to be embrac$ by all nations & families ( ! e>?1 )\t ! exception ( an individual4 ,p]mit me fur!r to obs]ve t ,i disclaim all au?ors z div9e guides1 except ! div9e au?or ( ^? scriptures :i* _c be brok54 ,y rightly appreh5d me 9 suppos+ t ,i believe & tea* t all mank9d w be sav$1 re/or$ & associat$ ) ,*ri/ ,jesus 9 realms ( glory2 b ,i d n believe z y intimate1 t human +5uity1 or plausible & sophi/ic reason+ are necess>y to ! support ( ?is doctr9e among m52 nor w ,i attempt to say h[ sorry ,i am t y %\ld decl>e ! doctr9e n true until y _h produc$ a ?us sai? ! ,"l to prove x false2 or t y %\ld intimate t ,i am employ+ human +5uity or plausible & sophi/ic reason+ to support ! univ]sal b5evol5ce ( ,god until ! disagreeable circum/ance %\ld transpire1 9 :i* ,i might be ju/ly ?us *>g$4 ,al?\gh 9 ord] to please myself1 ,i might expla9 y\r mean+ z direct$ aga9/ "s o!rs ( ! advocates ( ! heav5ly gospel ( univ]sal salvation2 ,i c\ld f9d b little satisfaction 9 ?us endeavor+ to avoid any reproa* :i* is direct$ aga9/ ! true disciples ( my div9e ,ma/]4 ,y in=m me t z univ]sal salvation is n true1 x c h no effect 9 quick5+ into life or ( sanctify+ ! s\l1 = x is ! _s t quick5e?1 & ! tru?1 :i* sanctifies4 ,if1 de> sir1 y d n believe t ! _s ( salvation quick5e? into life1 w\ld x n h be5 prop] to in=m me :at _s does8 ,& ,i %\ld h highly e/eem$ an illu/ration ( ! evid5ce :i* y h1 t ! tru?1 t mank9d w rema9 et]nally unsanctifi$1 w sanctify ! s\l6 ,i fully believe t z f> z any proposition is capable ( be+ prov$ f ! writt5 ^w1 or ( be+ demon/rat$ by logical reason+ f ackn[l$g$ facts1 ! doctr9e ( ! salvation ( all m5 is capable ( be+ prov$ & sub/antially ma9ta9$4 ,does x require human +5uity or plausible & sophi/ic reason+ to make x appe> f ! scriptures t ,jesus ,*ri/1 by ! grace ( ,god1 ta/$ dea? = e man2 t he gave himself a ransom = all to be te/ifi$ 9 due "t2 t he is ! propitiation = ! s9s ( ! :ole _w2 t x is ! w ( ,god t all m5 %\ld be sav$ & come to ! k ( ! tru?2 t he worke? all ?+s aft] ! c\ncil ( 8 own w8--,does x require ?is +5uity1 c4 to sub/antiate f ! writt5 ^w t ! promise to ,abraham w be fulfill$1 & t all nations :om ,god ha? made %all come & wor%ip be=e him & glorify 8 "n2 t ,jesus w 9 ! fulness ( "t1 reconcile all ?+s unto himself1 :e!r !y be ?+s 9 heav5 or ?+s on e>?1 or ?+s "u ! e>?2 t he w ga!r toge!r 9 "o all ?+s 9 ,*ri/ bo? :i* are 9 heav5 & :i* are on e>?1 ev5 9 him8 ,if x be an ackn[l$g$ fact t ,god w bless all ! families ( ! e>? 9 ,*ri/1 t all nations :i* ,god ha? made %all come & wor%ip be=e him & glorify 8 "n1 t ,jesus gave himseif a ransom = all m5 to be te/ifi$ 9 due "t1 t he did by ! grace ( ,god ta/e dea? = e man1 t he w h all m5 to be sav$ & come to ! k ( ! tru?1 t he ha? made kn[n ! my/]y ( 8 w accord+ to 8 good pleasure :i* he ha? purpos$ 9 himself1 t 9 ! disp5sation ( ! fulness ( times1 he w\ld ga!r toge!r 9 "o1 all ?+s 9 ,*ri/1 bo? :i* are 9 heav5 & :i* are on e>?1 & t he worke? all ?+s aft] ! c\ncil ( 8 own w1 !n ! doctr9e ( ! salvation ( all m5 is z fully ackn[l$g$ z language c possibly express1 or my error lies 9 n und]/&+ ! =ce ( words & s5t5ces4 ,by :at me?od1 sir1 w\ld x be prop] = me to express my surprise at y\r introduc+ ! words record$ 9 ! #ac? *apt] ( ,ezekiel1 & at ! #bb;d v]se1 z a te/imony aga9/ ! doctr9e ( univ]sal salvation8 ,because ) lies ye h made ! he>t ( ! righte\s sad1 :om ,i h n made sad1 & /r5g!n$ ! h&s ( ! wick$ t he %\ld n turn f 8 wick$ way by promis+ him life2--,mu/ ,i suppose1 sir1 t y believe1 t ! lies m5tion$ 9 ?is quotation 7 promises ( life 9 ! se$ ( ,abraham1 9 :om all ! families ( ! e>? are to be bless$8 ,i _c believe ?is ( a man ( y\r und]/&+1 & yet _c conceive :y y adduce ?is passage z pro( t ,*ri/ is n ! life ( all m54 ,is x n evid5t t ^? :o 7 address$ 9 t text 7 su* z promis$ ! p life 9 ! va9 traditions :i* !y _h e/abli%$1 by :i* !y made void ! law8 ,& :at does ! ,"l say t he w\ld f9ally d 9 ?is case8--,see v]se #bc;d1 ,!re=e ye %all see no m vanity1 nor div9e div9ations2 = ,i w deliv] my p out ( y\r h&s1 & ye %all "k t ,i am ! ,"l4 ,?is is v f> f say+ t !y %\ld be endlessly mis]able4 ,*ri/ is ! ,"l our righte\sness1 & 8 he>t 0 made sad by ! traditions ( ! h\se ( ,israel & by ! ,rabbis :o promis$ ! p life 9 _! va9 cu/oms :i* !y _h e/abli%$ = religion3 & ,i w\ld ackn[l$ge ?is passage ju/ly urg$ aga9/ ! doctr9e :i* ,i %\ld v9dicate1 %\ld ,i set up any ?+ b ,*ri/ & him crucifi$1 on :i* to dep5d = life & salvation2 b y leave ?is quotation z if y _h done :at y h>dly meant to d1 by obs]v+ t y d n int5d to ent] into a dispute on ?is subject1 nei!r to enl>ge on argum5ts to support y\r own s5tim5ts nor to disprove m9e4 ,y ?9k t no good w\ld result f ! argum5t h[ev] temp]ately conduct$ x might be1 assign+ ! pride ( peculi>ity1 & ! influ5ce ( p>ty views z suffici5t b>ri]s to prev5t success4 ,9 ?is obs]vation may ,i say )\t (f5d+1 sir1 y are inexplicit1 or want+ 9 propriety1 & premature 9 application4 ,temp]ate m5 are n gov]n$ 9 _! religi\s rese>*es by ! pride ( peculi>ity nor ! influ5ce ( p>ty views1 & a fai?ful trial ought to h be5 made 9 ord] to conv9ce ( error be=e ! *>ge ( pride ( peculi>ity1 or ! influ5ce ( p>ty views1 c\ld ) propriety h be5 made4 ,i am dispos$ to believe :5 p]sons are c&id & temp]ate 9 an inve/igation1 !y g5]ally obta9 light & edification4 ,i w say = myself1 not)/&+ ,i highly prize y\r solemn w>n+s1 & believe !m z proce$+ f ! mo/ comm5dable s5tim5ts ( fri5d%ip1 ,i %\ld h be5 mu* pleas$ if y _h accompani$ !m ) ! be/ & mo/ =cible argum5ts ( :i* y are ma/]1 aga9/ ! doctr9e :i* y are dispos$ to say 9 s _m words x n true4 ,! small /ill voice to :i* y recomm5d$ my att5tion has nev] told me t ,*ri/ 0 n ! ,savi\r ( all m54 ,may we n suppose t ?is voice is uni=m 9 its te/imony8 ,d tell me1 sir1 if t voice ev] told y t x 0 n ! w ( ,god t all m5 %\ld be sav$6 ,is x n by ! influ5ce ( ! _s ( ?is voice t y pray = ! salvation ( all m58 ,& w\ld ?is small /ill voice tell y t x is n ,god's w to save all m51 & !n induce y to pray = all m58 ,if ,i be n a /rang] to ?is heav5ly voice :i* tea*es me to wrap myself 9 my mantle1 ! ,"l my righte\sness1 x influ5ces me to pray 9 fai?1 no?+ d\bt+1 = ! salvation ( all m54 ,9 y\r truly affect+ entreaty y direct my m9d to ! day ( judgm5t :5 ,i am call$ to give an acc\nt ( my /ew>d%ip1 & ask :at my situation mu/ be1 if ! sy/em ,i advocate %\ld 9 f9al evid5ce1 prove false8 ,i h s]i\sly ?\ght on ?is "q2 & ?is is my conclusion3 ,my judge w "k t ,i am1 9 ?is in/ance1 hone/ & s9c]e2 he w "k h[ h>dly ,i wre/l$ aga9/ 8 writt5 ^w 9 ord] to avoid believ+ t he w\ld save all m51 & he w "k t my deception 0 9 und]/&+ 8 ^w z a simple1 hone/ man w\ld und]/& a pla9 te/imony void ( s*ola/ic dress4 ,9 ?is case ,i am will+ to ?r[ myself on ! m]cy ( ! judge4 ,on ! o!r h&1 de> sir1 ,i h made a calculation too4 ,suppose ,i adh]e to y\r te/imony1 t ! doctr9e ,i believe is n true1 & ab&on x z a h]esy1 prea* x d[n to ! utmo/ ( my ability1 & ! doctr9e at la/1 :5 y & ,i /& be=e t judge :o kn[s ! he>ts ( all m51 %\ld 9 f9al evid5ce ( ! law & prophets1 prove true1 ( :i* ,i h n ! lea/ %ad[ ( d\bt 9 my m9d1 ) :at a blu% mu/ ,i give up my acc\nt6 ,my judge :o has suff]$ e ?+ = me1 asks me1 :y did y d5y me1 =sake my cause1 & use ! abilities :i* ,i gave y to prea* t di%on\rable doctr9e t ,i did n r$eem all m51 or t ,i w\ld n f9ally reconcile all m5 to myself1 & cause !m all to love me he>tily 9 bliss & glory8 ,i1 aba%$ beyond description1 mu/ answ]1 a man1 :o1 ,i conceiv$ 0 my fri5d & :o prea*$ t ,god my ,savi\r1 nev] int5d$ to save all m51 told me ! doctr9e ,i prea*$ 0 n true6 ,o1 h[ w\ld my s\l ?rill ) grief :5 a look1 su* z 0 ca/ on ,pet] aft] he d5i$ 8 ,"l1 %\ld accompany ?is "q1 & :o told y 9 ! fir/ place x 0 true8 ,i appeal to ! se>*] ( he>ts = ! s9c]ity ( my s\l :5 ,i say1 my de> sir1 ,i feel an uncommon desire to cultivate fri5d%ip ) y1 & 7 x possible = me to gratify y 9 any ?+ t %\ld be consi/5t ) my duty to my ,god1 ,i ?9k ,i %\ld n %r9k f ! s]vice2 b %\ld ! multitude1 ^: he>ts h be5 made joyful 9 ! salvation ( all m51 become s bl9d$ z to r5\nce ! s5tim5ts1 ,i mu/ rema9 un%ak51 until m ?an human te/imony /&s aga9/ ! doctr9e4 ,i am v s5sible ( ! propriety ( ! obs]vation1 t ! s9c]ity ( a belief does n prove ! ?+ believ$ to be true2 = ?\gh ,i _c say s mu* z y d1 viz4 t ,i "k h[ f> m5 may be delud$ & deceiv$1 yet ,i am s5sible t m5 may be deceiv$ & yet be hone/2 & x is on ?is gr\nd1 t ,i h *>ity = ^? :o believe & prea* diff]5t f me4 ,t[>ds ! conclusion ( y\r epi/le1 y intimate t y wi% n to h me say at la/1 :5 my doctr9e issues 9 my m\rn+1 t y _h n w>n$ me4 ,be assur$1 sir1 if ,i may be s mu* at my own disposal at ! la/ day1 t ,i w n say1 y did n w>n me2 b if my doctr9e be false at la/1 & y are ask$ :y y did n prove f ! writt5 ^w to my und]/&+ t ,i 0 9 an error1 w y say 9 answ]1 t x w\ld h be5 su* a tax ^u "t1 t y c\ld n af=d x1 t y c\ld n or did n wi% to8 ,z ! passages :i* y quote on y\r la/ page are design$ to illu/rate :at ,i believe to be a fact1 ,i =be>1 at ?is "t1 an illu/ration ( !m1 9 :i*1 ! impropriety ( ! common mode ( und]/&+ !m might be made to appe>4 ,%\ld y be dispos$ to attempt to correct my ideas 9 ?is epi/le1 or my doctr9e 9 g5]al1 by turn+ to ! great t\*/one1 ! law & ! te/imony1 be z ample1 sir1 z y\r incl9ation & opportunity w admit4 ,e argum5t %all be duly att5d$ to ) pray]ful solicitude to obta9 conviction1 if x c be f\nd2 & :atev] light ,i ga9 ,i w gratefully ackn[l$ge1 & :]e9 ,i d n agree ) y1 ,i w give y my reasons4 ,y\r mo/ oblig$ fri5d & humble s]vant1 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,rev4 ,j4 ,,buckm9/]4 ,p4,s4 ,if ,i h be5 s un=tunate1 9 ! =ego+ epi/le make *oice ( any words :i* indicate too mu* fre$om1 please to impute x to a frankness :i* p]haps ,i sometimes indulge to a fault1 & n to any want ( due respect4 ,h4,b4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,iii ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/] ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,jan4 #aj1 #ahaj4 ,de> ,sir1--,x 0 n my int5tion1 9 ! lett] :i* ,i sometime s9ce address$ to y1 to ent] into a discussion ( ! subject ( ,univ]salism1 mu* less1 = reasons t 7 sugge/$1 provoke a dispute ^u x4 ,i !re=e endeav\r$ s to express myself t no reply %\ld be necess>y4 ,my object 0 to dis*>ge :at ,i ?\ght a duty ( fri5d%ip & affection1 r5d]$ m necess>y by my p]sonal decl>ations to y at my h\se1 by /at+ to y ) frankness & decision :at ,i 0 p]suad$ w\ld be ! f9al result ( t s5tim5t :i* y h embrac$1 & are advocat+ among u2 & to fulfil a duty :i* ,i owe to myself1 & to ,him :o has set me "h to be a wat*man1 t ,i might use e prop] precaution to appe> be=e my ,judge at la/ ) un/a9$ g>m5ts1 preclude an occasion = a crim9ation & reproa*1 & give up my acc\nt ) joy & n ) grief4 ,i might h a secret hope t ! appreh5sions s s]i\sly & c&idly sugge/$ might excite y to review y\r s5tim5ts1 & r5ew$ly comp>e !m ) ! only /&>d1 & t ?is s]i\s1 calm & retir$ ex]cise might be accompani$ ) an influ5ce f above1 t might alt] y\r views & conclusions ^u ! subject2 b my pr9cipal design 0 to dis*>ge :at ,i ?\ght my duty z above /at$4 ,y h ?\ght x y\r duty to rem>k ^u ! address1 & intimate an expectation t ,i %\ld rejo92 y\r pr(essions & c&or h induc$ me = a "t1 to hesitate :e!r ,i ought n1 9 ?is in/ance1 to dep>t f my g5]al resolutions1 & ?is hesitation has _h influ5ce 9 my delay to notice y\r lett]4 ,b ! result ( my hesitations1 reflections & pray]1 is a m full p]suasion1 t if ! writ+s ( ,dr4 ,edw>ds1 ,dr4 ,/rong & o!rs :o h discuss$ ! subject1 & :i* d\btless y h se51 h produc$ no hesitation or conviction 9 y\r m9d1 x w\ld be va9 & idle to expect x f any ef=ts ( m9e2 & t x w\ld be a misuse ( "t1 :i* might be employ$ 9 m hopeful prospects ( usefulness4 ,?is is a reason :i* ,i at pres5t feel satisfi$ to give to ,god & my consci5ce = decl9+ to ent] ^u a discussion ( ?is subject1 & ,i tru/ x w be accept$ at ! tribunal ( ,god4 ,to t tribunal ,i humbly & *e]fully ref] ! decision ( ! "q t w\ld be matt] ( dispute betwe5 u1 f :i* decision !re w be no appeal1 & to :i* !re w be no lib]ty to reply4 ,i reciprocate ! t5d] ( e (fice ( fri5d%ip consi/5t ) :at ,i ?9k my duty to ,god & my consci5ce1 & %all n cease to pray t ^? :o h err$ f ! tru? may be recov]$ f _! errors1 & be+ sanctifi$ by ! tru?1 may be sav$ 9 ! day ( ! ,"l ,jesus4 ,y\r fri5d & well wi%]4 ,j4 ,,buckm9/]4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,iv4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\ ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,buckm9/]4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,jan4 #aa1 #ahaj4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,y\r fav\r ( ye/]day is ackn[l$g$ ) t respectful submission :i* y\r age & exp]i5ce1 toge!r ) ! _s & import ( y\r note ju/ly impose1 & ) gratitude also1 = an obligation :i* ,i wi%$ to be "u 9 be+ satisfi$ ( y\r hav+ receiv$ my epi/le ( ! #a/ in/4 ,?is ,i le>n by ! fri5dly rebuke 9 y\r fir/ section 9 :i* y speak ( my reply z unnecess>y1 & also by y\r condesc5d+ to ref] to x aga9 9 y\r f\r? section4 ,_h ,i1 sir1 view$ y\r address altoge!r 9 ! light :i* y in=m me y did1 or _h y in=m$ me t a reply w\ld n be expect$1 ,i %\ld by no means h tr\bl$ y contr>y to y\r wi%es4 ,h[ev]1 z y are an exp]i5c$ judge ( all su* matt]s1 s y w condesc5d to p>don me if 9 y\r judgm5t my epi/le is de/itute ( important subjects4 ,y are s k9d z to repeat ! design ( y\r address aga91 c]tify+ me t y\r object 0 to dis*>ge ! (fice ( fri5d%ip1 by /at+ to me ) frankness & decision :at y are p]suad$ w be ! f9al result ( t s5tim5t :i* ,i h embrac$ & am advocat+4 ,no man1 sir1 w ev] be m ready to ackn[l$ge a fri5dly (fice ) s5tim5ts ( gratitude ?an y\r humble s]vant2 b ,i am sure x _c be expect$ by y1 t ,i %\ld receive ! te/imony ( a man1 h[ev] fri5dly to me1 z a decision aga9/ t gospel :i* ,i did n receive ( man1 nor by man1 b by ! revelation ( ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,y\r precautions 9 w>n+ me z !y reg>d y\r f9al ju/ification be=e ,god1 ,i hope w be sup]c$$ by ! acceptable atonem5t ( ! ,lamb ( ,god :i* take? away ! s9s ( ! _w2 ?\gh t %all n r5d] y\r fai?fulness void ( approbation 9 a subord9ate s5se4 ,! secret hope :i* y ent]ta9$ ( excit+ me1 by y\r s]i\s appreh5sions to review my s5tim5ts & r5ew$ly to comp>e !m ) ! only /&>d1 w\ld p]haps appe> n altoge!r s necess>y1 did y "k t my daily bus9ess is to /udy ! law & ! te/imony1 :i* increase _! light z !y are m exam9$1 & furni% e h\r ,i /udy !m1 new pro(s ( ! unb\nd$ goodness ( ,god to ! s9ful race ( ,adam4 ,o my de> fri5d6 ,c\ld y b "k ! inexpressible consolation & peace :i* ,i enjoy 9 believ+ t he1 :o gave himself a ransom = all m51 w f9ally see ( ! travail ( 8 s\l1 & be satisfi$1 y c\ld n feel conc]n$ ab\t ! f9al issue ( ! doctr9e :i* ,i believe & advocate6 ,i feel t my bless$ ,"l & k9d ,r$eem] des]ves e ex]tion ( m9e to p]suade m5 to ! k ( t tru? :i* w\ld make !m free2 nor c ,i easily =be> to express my desire t y\r great] exp]i5ce & bett] abilities might be employ$ 9 %ew+ to poor b5ight$ s9n]s ! div9e amplitude ( gospel grace = ! salvation ( all mank9d4 ,i believe1 de> sir1 if x %\ld please ,god to discov] ?is s\l rejoic+ tru? to y1 t ! angels w\ld rejoice 9 heav51 & sa9ts on e>? w\ld be made exce$+ glad3 yes1 y\r *ur* & p>i% w\ld foll[ y ) raptur\s joy to ! f\nta9 :i* is op5 = ,judah & ,j]usalem to wa% 9 f s9 & uncleanness1 & to :i* ! fulness ( ! ,g5tiles %all be ga!r$4 ,i am n at all dispos$ to compla9 ( y\r decision n to ent] into an inve/igation ( ! doctr9e aga9/ ! tru? ( :i* y h oppos$ y\r te/imony2 ?\gh ,i %\ld h>dly h believ$ t 9 y\r judgm5t1 su* a te/imony c\ld h be5 ?\ght prop] unless prec$$ or succe$$ by "s col\r ( evid5ce4 ,no man1 my de> sir1 is less calculat$ to enjoy a dry1 unfruitful controv]sy on religi\s s5tim5ts ?an ,i am--?\gh ,i wi% to hold myself 9 p]petual read9ess to give an answ] to e man :o may ask me a reason = ! hope t is )9 me ) meekness & fe>4 ,! argum5ts ( ,dr4 ,edw>ds & ,dr4 ,/rong be+ dispos$ to repres5t ! div9e economy ( grace less ext5sive ?an ! pla9 & positive promises ( ,god1 ! te/imony ( ! prophets1 ! ^w ( life ?r\gh ,*ri/ & ! witness+ apo/les1 h decl>$ x to be1 /& =ev] refut$ by t cl\d ( witnesses1 z !y are also by ! _s ( ,*ri/ 9 e humble believ+ he>t4 ,x is f> m easy = ! rational lov] ( ,*ri/ to believe ^? le>n$ doctors1 deceiv$ by ! va9 traditions ( ! s*ools1 ?an to believe t ! grace ( ,god 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus is less ext5sive ?an 8 ^w & _s decl>e x to be4 ,if !re nev] 7 a true ,*ri/ian ^: desires did n ext5d to ! :ole human race1 t all might be br\ght to a sav+ rep5tance & to holy & happy life 9 ,*ri/1 !n ,jesus has nev] left himself )\t a witness 9 8 disciples1 t all ! cre$s ( m5 :i* limit ! div9e fav\r are false4 ,) :atsoev] panics worms ( ! du/ may h /ruck _! fell[ worms by *all5g+ !m to a decision ( _! weak1 insignificant notions at a tribunal ( an omnipot5t judge1 su* solemn appeals c h b little effect on ! humble m9d :o leans n to 8 own wisdom1 & :o views e ?+ already decid$ 9 ! et]nal sy/em ( t ,god ^: t5d] m]cies are ov] all ! works ( 8 h&s4 ,! mode 9 :i* y express ! circum/ance ( f9al judgm5t is r indicative ( :at ,i hope y d n mean1 z x intimates t too mu* fre$om has be5 assum$ by me 9 presum+ to reply to y\r address4 ,!re is mu* to excite my gratitude 9 ! assurance y give me ( reciprocat+ (fices ( fri5d%ip1 consi/5t ) duty to ,god2--& :ile y1 sir1 give me to und]/& t ,i h an int]e/ 9 y\r pray]s1 p]mit me to beg y\r supplications1 t ,i may be fai?ful unto dea?2 & to assure y ( my humble desire t y may cont9ue to be useful to y\r fell[ pilgrims :ile y live1 & f9d acceptance ) ,god ?r\gh ,*ri/ at la/4 ,y\r mo/ oblig$ fri5d & humble s]vant 9 ,*ri/4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,note ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,dr4 ,,buckm9/] ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,mr4 ,,ball\4 ,,friday1 ,p4 ,m4 ,x is a duty :i* ,mr4 ,buckm9/] owes to himself to decl>e t ! ?\ght ( intimat+ t x 0 any assumption or presumption 9 ,mr4 ,ball\ to reply to 8 address1 nev] once ent]$ 8 m9d2 & he is sorry if any ?+ 9 ,mr4 ,buckm9/]'s communications c\ld give gr\nd to suspect su* fooli% vanity2 b x confirms ! correctness ( ! op9ion1 t disputes h[ev] temp]ately conduct$ are r>ely productive ( any good4 ,all t he meant 0 t ! decision at ! tribunal ( ,god w\ld be f9al4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a ,,note ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,mr4 ,,ball\ ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,dr4 ,,buckm9/]1 ,,9 ,,reply4 ,,saturday1 ,p4 ,m4 ,mr4 ,ball\ is happy to ackn[l$ge ! hon\r done him by ! ,doctor's note ( ,friday1 ,p4 ,m4 by :i* he realizes ! hope express$ 9 8 epi/le ( ! #aa? in/1 t :at appe>$ to be intimat$ by ! ,doctor's lett] ( ! #aj? in/4 9 relation to f9al judgm5t 0 n meant4 ,9 ! mean "t ,mr4 ,ball\ ?9ks x a duty :i* he owes to himself to po9t out to ! ,doctor ! items 9 8 lett] :i* 7 misund]/ood4 ,! ,doctor's expression1 ,i !re=e endeav\r$ s to express myself t no reply %\ld be necess>y1 0 und]/ood to intimate t ! reply 0 unnecess>y2 & ! ,doctor's expression1 !re w be no lib]ty to reply1 0 und]/ood to intimate t lib]ty _h be5 assum$ unnecess>ily4 ,9 confirm+ ! op9ion1 t disputes h[ev] temp]ately conduct$1 are r>ely productive ( any good4 ,mr4 ,ball\ ?9ks 8 mi/ake has produc$ b little consequ5ce1 z t op9ion 0 s confirm$ be=e1 t ev5 a reason = an ass]tion c\ld n ) propriety be giv54 ,,lett] ,i4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,,portsm\?1 ,nov4 #ai1 #ahaj4 ,de> ,fri5d1--,i take ?is me?od to write to y1 ) a desire y w\ld receive x z a fri5dly admonition4 ,y recollect1 no d\bt1 t ,i h he>d y make two spee*es at fun]als1 z !y are commonly call$1 "o at ! grave & ! o!r at ! h\se ( sorr[ & m\rn+1 ^u a v solemn & s+ul> occasion4 ,at ! grave y 7 %ort1 & said1 if ,i mi/ake n1 view+ ! grave1 ?is is ! h\se appo9t$ = all liv+1 two or ?ree times1 & !n said1 :at reflection %all we make f x8 is x done by an enemy8 has ! ,almighty suff]$ ! gov]nm5t to be tak5 out ( 8 h&s8--& spake z if dea? 0 orig9ally design$ by ! ,almighty = ! good ( mank9d1 & made x a v desirable ?+4 ,my de> sir1 do? n ! bible1 :i* is ! ^w ( ,god1 or ! scriptures ( tru? say1 ,:]e=e z by "o man s9 ent]$ into ! _w1 & dea? by s91 & s dea? pass$ ^u all m51 = t all h s9n$1 ,rom4 v4 #ab1 & ,rom4 vi4 #bc1 ,= ! wages ( s9 is dea?4 ,god :o is a graci\s & holy sov]eign made man upright1 b he s\ght out _m inv5tions4 ,by li/5+ unto t apo/ate _s1 ,satan1 he transgress$ & disobey$ 8 mak] & sov]eign1 by eat+ ! =bidd5 fruit4 ,god made man 9 8 own image1 9 ! image ( ,god creat$ he him1 male & female creat$ he !m4 ,& ! ,"l ,god took ! man & put him into ! g>d5 ( ,ed51 to dress x & to keep x2 & ! ,"l ,god comm&$ ! man1 say+1 ( e tree ( ! g>d5 ?\ maye/ freely eat1 b ( ! tree ( k ( good & evil1 ?\ %all n eat ( x1 = 9 ! day ?\ eate/ !re(1 ?\ %all surely die4 ,g54 ii4 #ae1 #ag4 ,s9 is t enemy t introduc$ or 0 ! cause ( dea?1 z we may fur!r see by consid]+ t portion ( scripture1 ,i ,john4 iii4 #h1 ,he t committe? s9 is ( ! devil1 = ! devil s9ne? f ! beg9n+4 ,= ?is purpose ! ,son ( ,god 0 manife/$1 t he might de/roy ! works ( ! devil4 ,s9 is ! "w ( ! devil2 ! s\l t s9s %all die4 ,if y w read ! :ole *apt] & s]i\sly consid] x1 & pray to ,god ?r\gh ,jesus ,*ri/ to op5 y\r und]/&+1 t y may und]/& ! scriptures1 y w\ld n misappply & p]v]t !m z ,i fe> y d4 ,9 y\r speak+ at ! h\se ( m\rn+1 y began & spake v eloqu5tly at fir/ ^u dea?2 !n y br\ght =w>d ! same ideas1 ) respect to dea?1 z y did be=e at ! grave4 ,i d n rememb] t y1 at ei!r place1 spake "o ^w ( ! necessity or nature ( rep5tance4 ,*ri/ began 8 p]sonal & public m9i/ry by prea*+ rep5tance1 say+1 ,rep5t1 = ! k+dom ( heav5 is at h&--aga91 b except ye rep5t1 ye %all all likewise p]i%1 ,luke xiii4 #e4 ,& aft] 8 resurrection f ! dead he appe>$ to 8 disciples & confirm$ !m 9 ! c]ta9ty ( x1 & *ose !m witnesses ( ! tru? ( x1 & said ?us x is writt51 & ?us x behove? ,*ri/ to suff] & to rise f ! dead ! ?ird day4 ,& t rep5tance & remission ( s9s %\ld be prea*$ 9 my "n among all nations1 beg9n+ at ,j]usalem4 ,& ye are witnesses ( ^! ?+s1 ,luke xxiv4 #df1 #dg1 #dh4 ,! apo/les1 aft] ,*ri/'s asc5sion1 practis$ z he comm&$ !m1 z we may see by read+ ! ,acts ( ! apo/les1 ,pet] 9 p>ticul>1 9 ! #b;d & #c;d *apt]s2 & we d n f9d t !y ev] gave any enc\ragem5t t _! he>]s c\ld or %\ld be =giv5 _! s9s )\t fai? & rep5tance4 ,pet] says1 ,rep5t1 & be conv]t$1 t y\r s9s may be blott$ out2 :i* presupposes t if !y did n rep5t & be turn$ to ,god by conv]t+ grace _! s9s w\ld n be =giv54 ,?us ! apo/le ,paul prea*$1 see ,acts xxvi4 #ah1 #ai1 #bj1 :i* ,i entreat y to read & s]i\sly to consid]4 ,see likewise #bj? *ap4 ( ! ,acts ( ! apo/les1 h[ he appeal$ to ! eld]s ( ! *ur*2 9 ! #ag? v]se x is writt51 ,& f ,miletus he s5t to ,ephesus1 & call$ ! eld]s ( ! *ur*2 & :5 !y 7 come to him he said unto !m1 ye "k f ! fir/ day ,i came into ,asia aft] :at mann] ,i h be5 ) y at all seasons1 s]v+ ! ,"l ) all humility ( m9d1 & ) _m te>s & temptations :i* befell me1 by ! ly+ 9 wait ( ! ,jews2 & h[ ,i kept back no?+ t 0 pr(itable unto y1 b h %ew$ y & h taught y publicly & f h\se to h\se1 te/ify+ bo? to ! ,jews & also to ! ,greeks1 rep5tance t[>ds ,god1 & fai? t[>ds our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,! apo/les spake ( ! nature ( rep5tance t !y %\ld br+ =? fruits meet = rep5tance1 & t ,godly sorr[ work$ rep5tance to salvation1 n to be rep5t$ (2 b ! sorr[ ( ! _w worke? dea?4 ,= a m9i/] ( ! ,new ,te/am5t to advance su* doctr9e z w give hopes to _! he>]s t all w be happy 9 a future /ate1 :e!r !y h rep5t$ or no1 is n prea*+ z ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les prea*$4 ,if we "k n ,god1 & obey n ! gospel ( our ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/1 :at w be ! consequ5ce8 ,see #b ,!s4 i4 #h1 #i4 ,m9i/]s are direct$ by ! inspir$ apo/le ,paul2 see 9 8 epi/les to ,timo?y & ,titus4 ,see #b ,tim4 #d? *ap4 f #a/ to ! end1 ! #e? v]se1 :i* ,i w\ld entreat & besee* y to read & s]i\sly consid]4 ,he1 9 "s ( ^? v]ses ref]r$ to1 says to ,timo?y1 ,reprove1 rebuke1 exhort1 ) all long suff]+ & doctr9e2 = ! "t w come :5 m5 w n endure s\nd doctr9e1 b aft] _! own lu/s %all !y heap to !mselves tea*]s hav+ it*+ e>s4 ,& !y %all turn away _! e>s f ! tru?1 & %all be turn$ unto fables4 ,b wat* ?\ 9 all ?+s1 endure afflictions1 d ! "w ( an evangeli/1 make pro( ( ?y m9i/ry4 ,paul 0 j ab\t to leave ! _w2 ! "t ( 8 dep>ture 0 at h&2 ! above 7 8 dy+ words to 8 belov$ son ,timo?y 79 ! fai?47 ,! bless$ & belov$ apo/le _h ?r\gh grace kept ! fai?1 t is1 ! true fai? ( ! gospel2 he _h f9i%$ 8 c\rse1 he _h f\ght a good fight1 & h5ce=? he says1 !re is laid up = me a cr[n ( righte\sness :i* ,god ! righte\s judge %all give me at t day2 & n only to me1 b unto all !m also1 t love 8 appe>+4 ,y1 my fri5d1 once pr(ess$ ! true fai? ( ! gospel--h y kept x8 ,i ?9k n4 ,i fe> y h fall5 f x4 ,y are n[ prea*+ a doctr9e :i* pleases ! _w1 b x makes aga9/ y1 accord+ to scripture2 ! apo/le ,john says1 9 #a/ epi/le1 #d? *ap1 #e? & #f? v]ses1 ,!y are ( ! _w2 !re=e ! _w he>e? !m4 ,we are ( ,god2 he t kn[e? ,god he>e? u2 he t is n ( ,god he>e? n u2 h]eby "k we ! _s ( tru?1 & ! _s ( error4 ,i besee* y aga91 my fri5d1 exam9e & s]i\sly consid] ! fir/ five v]ses ( t *apt]1 & pray ,god ?r\gh ,jesus ,*ri/ t he w\ld op5 x to y\r und]/&+3 ,solomon says1 ,my son1 lean n to y\r own und]/&+4 ,i c\ld n b obs]ve ) :at an emphasis y at ! grave m5tion$ ^? select$ texts ( scripture :i* y suppos$ w\ld confirm y\r he>]s 9 ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation4 ,w\ld ,*ri/ or ! apo/les prea* ,univ]sal ,salvation 9 "o place ( scripture1 & 9 ano!r contradict x8 ,i believe !y w\ld n4 ,i am an old man1 & h /udi$ ! scriptures tw5ty or ?irty ye>s2 yea1 ,i may say m or less f my y\? up2 ,i f9d x ! be/ way ( /udy1 to comp>e scripture ) scripture2 to consid] ! prec$+ & foll[+ context2 to be self-diffid5t2 & to be mu* 9 pray]1 t x w\ld please ,god1 by 8 holy _s1 to lead & guide u into all necess>y tru?2 & ,i d n ?9k x amiss to use s\nd au?ors1 = z we are 9 "s measure dep5dant on "o ano!r = temporal1 s ,i ?9k we may1 "u ,god1 be = spiritual assi/ance2 ?\gh by no means to put our tru/ 9 an arm ( fle%4 ,we may obs]ve h[ e>ne/ ,david 9 pray] to ,god 0 9 ! #be? ,psalm4 ,he 0 a prophet z well ! royal ,psalmi/1 yet he comes 9 a v humble mann] to ,god 9 pray] t he w\ld %ew him 8 ways1 & tea* him 8 pa?s2 & 9 t ,psalm1 #h? v]se1 says1 good & upright is ! ,"l3 !re=e w he tea* s9n]s 9 ! way4 ,! meek w he guide 9 judgm5t2 & ! meek he w tea* 8 way4 ,b if m5 w und]take to expla9 scripture 9 _! own /r5g? & wisdom1 :at mu/ we expect b to h !m mangl$ & made havoc (1 or expla9$ 9 a m]e my/ical or lit]al s5se8 ,! natural man receive? n ! ?+s ( ! _s ( ,god3 = !y are fooli%ness unto him1 nei!r c he "k !m1 because !y are spiritually disc]n$4 ,see ,i ,cor4 ii4 #ad4 ,z y did n say any ?+ ab\t ! resurrection ( ! dead 9 ei!r ( y\r spee*es1 ,i began to qu]y 9 my m9d :e!r y believ$ x or no4 ,i ?9k1 yea1 ,i "k1 x 0 prea*$ by ,*ri/1 & expla9$ s z to confute ! ,sadducees4 ,our ,"l says1 ,m>vel n at ?is1 = ! h\r is com+ 9 ! :i* all t are 9 _! graves %all he> 8 voice1 & %all come =?2 !y t h done good unto ! resurrection ( life1 & !y t h done evil unto ! resurrection ( damnation4 ,/4 ,paul 9 8 def5ce be=e ! ,roman gov]nor :5 accus$ by an orator1 :om ! ,jews employ$1 z he 0 all[$ to speak = himself1 said1 !y _c prove ! ?+1 :]e( !y n[ accuse me2 b ?is ,i confess aft] ! way :i* !y call h]esy2 s wor%ip ,i ! ,god ( my fa!rs1 believ+ all ?+s :i* are writt5 9 ! law & ! prophets1 & h hope t[>ds ,god1 :i* !y !mselves also all[2 t !re %all be a resurrection ( ! dead1 bo? ( ! j & unju/2 & h]e9 d ,i ex]cise myself to h always a consci5ce void ( (f5ce t[>d ,god1 & t[>d man4 ,we may obs]ve :at an influ5ce ! belief ( a future /ate ( rew>ds & puni%m5ts _h on ! bless$ apo/le to excite him to live a godly & self-d5y+ life4 ,9 #b ,cor4 v4 #aj1 #aa1 speak+ ( a day ( judgm5t1 :5 e "o mu/ give an acc\nt = himself z ! de$s h be5 done 9 ! body1 t e "o may receive ! ?+s done 9 8 body accord+ to t he ha? done :e!r x be good or bad2 & says1 kn[+ ! t]ror ( ! ,"l1 we p]suade m54 ,my fri5d1 is !re ! lea/ room = u to believe f ?is scripture & _m o!rs1 t ! wick$ :o h di$ imp5it5t & 9 a disbelief ( ! gospel or )\t ! true k ( ,god & ,jesus ,*ri/1 :om ,god ha? s5t1 h et]nal life1 9 ! fruition & enjoym5t ( ,god8 ,heav5 consi/s 9 be+ made l ,god1 & enjoy+ him3 h5ce x is1 t ! pi\s ?ir/ = ,god1 ! liv+ ,god1 say+1 :5 %all ,i come & appe> be=e him8 ,aga91 ,:om h ,i 9 heav5 b !e8 & !re is none ^u e>? ,i desire besides !e4 ,my fle% & he>t fail me1 b ,god is ! /r5g? ( my he>t & portion =ev]4 ,^! pi\s brea?+s are ! ex]cises ( ! *ildr5 ( ,god4 ,o may !y be ours4 ,,joseph ,,walton4 ,,por/m\?1 ,nov4 #ai1 #ahaj4 ,p4 ,s4 ,! )91 enclos$1 my fri5d1 ,i c assure y 0 n writt5 to y 9 ?is mann]1 z ,god is my judge1 f an envi\s & bitt] _s1 = ,i love & e/eem y\r p]son1 z a fri5d1 :o has1 f my fir/ acqua9tance ) y1 treat$ me ) great respect4 ,i see1 on ! ,"l's days1 great numb]s ( preci\s s\ls go+ & return+ f y\r meet+2 &1 z f> z ,i "k my own he>t1 ,i d n envy y = t2 b h (t5 pray$ t ! gifts & natural abilities y h might be sanctifi$ & turn$ into "r improvem5ts1 :i* is ! glory ( ,god & ! sav+ b5efit ( y\r he>]s4 ,may x please ,god to make y an able & fai?ful m9i/] ( ! ,new ,te/am5t1 n ( ! lett]1 b ( ! _s1 = ! lett] kille?1 b ! _s give? life4 ,f y\r fri5d & humble s]vant1 ,,joseph ,,walton1 ,pa/or1 ,( ! ,indep5d5t ,congregational ,*ur* 9 ,portsm\?4 ,,to ,,mr4 ,,hosea ,,ball\1 ,,pa/or ,,( ,,! ,,univ]sal ,,*ur* ,,& ,,society ,,9 ,,portsm\?4 ,sir1--,y may obs]ve by ! date1 ! lett] has be5 writt5 "s "t2 b by sev]al avocations ,i h n _h "t to correct & copy x until ! pres5t date1 ,decemb] #g1 #ahaj4 ,j4,w4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,ii4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\ ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,dec4 #aa1 #ahaj4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,x is ) pleasure t ,i ha/5 to ackn[l$ge ! receipt ( y\r fri5dly admonition1 be>+ date ,decemb] #g?1 :i* came to my h& late la/ ev5+1 :i* ,i assure y is accept$ z a tok5 ( fri5d%ip1 & a m>k ( p>ticul> att5tion2 & m]its1 z ,i conceive1 a grateful ackn[l$gem5t z well z an e>ly answ]4 ,y\r admonition beg9s by tak+ notice ( :at y conceive an egregi\s error :i* y h he>d me sugge/ at two sev]al fun]als4 ,y say t ,i spake z if dea? 0 orig9ally design$1 by ! ,almighty1 = ! good ( mank9d4 ,?is /atem5t y consid] ( su* a dang]\s nature t x r5d]s an admonition necess>y4 ,b1 de> sir1 !re are two important ideas conta9$ 9 ! above %ort s5t5ce1 & y h n di/+ui%$ betwe5 !m1 nor in=m$ me :e!r x be bo?1 or only "o :i* is ?us repreh5sible4 ,t ,god orig9ally design$ dea?1 is "o idea2 t he design$ x = ! good ( mank9d is ano!r idea4 ,9 ord] to d y ju/ice & to atta* no o!r mean+ to y\r communication ?an su* z ,i conceive to be consi/5t ) y\r real s5tim5ts1 ,i mu/ suppose t y w\ld n wi% to fault ! fir/ ( ^? ideas1 z x is an item 9 y\r cre$1 t ,god =eorda9$ :atsoev] comes to pass2 ( c\rse1 y believe t ,god orig9ally design$ dea?4 ,b1 t ,god design$ dea? = ! good ( mank9d1 ,i d n "k x to be an article ( y\r fai?1 & !re=e1 may1 )\t do+ y any inju/ice1 suppose t y believ$ t ,god orig9ally design$ dea?1 b n = ! good ( mank9d6 ,"h1 sir1 ,i ackn[l$ge t my s5tim5t diff]s f y\rs2 & z y h giv5 me no reason :y ,god %\ld n h design$ dea? = ! good ( mank9d1 ,i h only to consid] ! fri5dly admonition1 ) :i* y oppose my idea4 ,i w\ld qu]y :y ! idea t ,god %\ld design dea? = ! good ( mank9d r5d]s me ju/ly admoni%able8 ,w\ld ! idea1 %\ld ,i av[ x1 t ,god design$ dea? = ! damage ( mank9d1 r5d] me comm5dable8 ,s1 x seems2 b at ?is exp5se ,i _c avoid admonition6 ,i w\ld fur!r qu]y :at int]e/ ,god c\ld h consult$ :i* requir$ him to design dea? = a damage to ^? creatures :om he made subject to dea?8 ,& ,i ?9k x exp$i5t to ask h[ ,god c be ju/ifi$1 9 ! sight ( 8 rational creatures1 if ! idea be once e/abli%$ t he design$ evil aga9/ !m1 ev5 be=e !y exi/$8 ,i feel x to be my duty1 de> sir1 to call on y to support ?is high allegation aga9/ ! ,fa!r ( our spirits4 ,i w\ld n pret5d t y design$ to br+ an allegation aga9/ our ,creator1 b ,i am satisfi$ t e unprejudic$ m9d mu/ see ! nature ( an allegation 9 :at y are dispos$ to ma9ta94 ,= if we say ,god1 our ,creator1 design$ dea? = ! damage ( ^? dep5d5t be+s :om he has made1 x is giv+ him a "* :i*1 ,i believe1 ! wise/ ( m5 w\ld f9d x difficult to ju/ify4 ,aga91 if ! notion be true1 t ,god design$ dea? = ! damage ( mank9d1 is x n f h5ce evid5t t he 0 an enemy to mank9d :5 he ?us design$8 ,n[1 if ,god be consid]$ an enemy to mank9d ev5 be=e he made !m1 ,i wi% to "k :at reason c be giv5 :y mank9d ought to love ,god s9ce creation8 ,9 relation to a numb] ( scriptures :i* y h quot$1 seem+ly ) a design to illu/rate ! =ego+ subject1 ,i c only say1 t if any or all ^? passages relate at all to ! subject1 t relation is out ( my sight4 ,& ,i c truly say1 t ,i am glad t !re is no?+1 9 any "p ( ! scripture1 s contr>y to good s5se & reason z to support ! notion t ,god is an enemy to ! works ( 8 own h&s4 ,i believe1 sir1 if ,i prove f scripture t ,god design$ dea? = ! good ( mank9d1 x mu/ be consid]$ a sub/antial support ( :at y wi% to oppose2 & w also be consid]$ z plac+ ! scripture doctr9e on ! mo/ reasonable pr9ciple4 #a/4 ,i w %[ t dea? is n a tok5 ( ,god's enmity t[>ds mank9d4 ,z a pro( ( ?is1 see ,rom4 viii4 #ch1 #ci1 ,= ,i am p]suad$1 t nei!r dea?1 nor life1 nor angels1 nor pr9cipalities1 nor p[]s1 nor ?+s pres5t1 nor ?+s to come1 nor height1 nor dep?1 nor any o!r creature %all be able to sep>ate u f ! love ( ,god :i* is 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus our ,"l4 ,?is passage is a full & positive pro( t nei!r dea? nor any ?+ else1 is a tok5 ( ,god's enmity to mank9d4 #b;d4 ,i w n[ %[ t dea? 0 design$ by ,god = ! good ( m54 ,:i* to d1 ,i mu/ le>n ( ,jesus4 ,he is ! tru?4 ,0 8 dea? design$1 by ! et]nal ,fa!r1 = ! good ( mank9d1 or n8 ,0 8 dea? a tok5 ( ,god's love to ! _w1 or 0 x a tok5 ( 8 enmity8 ,see ,rom4 v4 #h1 ,b ,god comm5de? 8 love t[>ds u 9 t :ile we 7 yet s9n]s ,*ri/ di$ = u4 ,?is same apo/le1 believ+ 9 ,*ri/1 :o1 he says1 0 deliv]$ = our (f5ces1 & 0 rais$ aga9 = our ju/ification1 9 a %ort1 b compreh5sive inv5tory ( ! ?+s :i* are ours1 has plac$ dea? among !m4 ,see #a ,cor4 iii4 #ba1 #bb1 #bc1 ,!re=e1 let no man glory 9 m53 = all ?+s are y\rs2 :e!r ,paul1 or ,apollos1 or ,cephas1 or ! _w1 or life1 or dea?1 or ?+s pres5t1 or ?+s to come2 all are y\rs2 & ye are ,*ri/'s2 & ,*ri/ is ,god's4 ,aga91 he says1 to ! ,phil4 i4 #ba1 ,= me to live is ,*ri/1 & to die is ga94 ,no?+ appe>s m evid5t ?an t ! dea? ( ,*ri/ 0 design$ = ! good ( mank9d2 & z he is ! head ( e man1 s 8 dea? is consid]$1 9 ! scriptures1 a graci\s b5efit to e man2 z ! apo/le expresses x1 ,t he1 by ! grace ( ,god1 %\ld ta/e dea? = e man4 ,& aga91 ,z 9 ,adam all die1 ev5 s 9 ,*ri/1 %all all be made alive4 ,:o c imp>tially consid] ^? scriptures & suppose t ,god design$ dea? = a damage to mank9d8 ,i view dea?1 sir1 z an appo9tm5t ( ,god1 a fri5dly mess5g]1 s5t to dissolve a tab]nacle ( corruption & vanity1 at ! dissolution ( :i*1 ! du/ returns to ! e>? z x 01 & ! _s unto ,god :o gave x4 ,y\r admonition 9 ! next place sugge/s1 t if ,i w read ! :ole *apt] 7mean+ ! #c;d *apt] ( ! #a/ ( ,john7 & s]i\sly consid] x1 & pray to ,god1 ?r\gh ,jesus ,*ri/1 to op5 my und]/&+1 t ,i may und]/& ! scriptures1 ,i w\ld n misapply & p]v]t !m1 z y fe> ,i d4 ,rev4 ,sir1 are y suffici5tly acqua9t$ ) my prea*+ & writ+ on ! scriptures to w>rant ! propriety ( ! sugge/ion1 t ,i am 9 ! habit ( misapply+ & p]v]t+ ! holy writ+s8 ,are y suffici5tly acqua9t$ ) my retir$ /udies & religi\s ex]cises to w>rant ! sugge/ion t ,i get along )\t ackn[l$g+ ! wisdom ( ,god8 ,i humbly reque/ y to reconsid] ?is "p ( y\r admonition1 & see if x d n we> ! appe>ance ( judg+ ano!r :o mu/ /& or fall to 8 own ma/]4 ,9 ! mean "t ,i wi% to obs]ve1 t a fri5dly advice to be con/ant 9 f]v5t supplication & pray] w\ld be receiv$ by me z a m>k ( *ri/ian fri5d%ip & fell[%ip4 ,b ,i w ask y ! "q1 if y w\ld be will+ to h me g into y\r desk ) y 9 pres5ce ( y\r *ur* & congregation1 & !re read ! :ole ( ! above nam$ *apt]1 !n 9 humble & solemn pray] to ,almighty ,god1 ?r\gh ,*ri/ ,jesus1 implore a j & true und]/&+ ( 8 ^w & tru? conta9$ 9 t portion ( 8 writt5 w1 & close my p]=mance ) a c&id diss]tation on ! *apt]8 ,grant me lib]ty to d ?is 9 y\r he>+2 aft] :i* ,i w n object to y\r po9t+ out any misapplication or p]v]sion :i* y may ?9k y discov]4 ,by :at law is a man condemn$ )\t fir/ he>+ 8 def5ce8 ,aga91 y\r admonition sugge/s1 t ,i did n1 at ei!r ( ! fun]als :]e y he>d me p]=m1 speak "o ^w ( ! necessity or nature ( rep5tance4 ,9 ?is p>ticul> ,i believe y made a mi/ake at bo? places1 :i* mi/ake1 ,i believe ,i c rectify to y\r recollection4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ,i wi% to obs]ve t ,i z mu* believe 9 ^? scriptures :i* speak ( ! necessity ( rep5tance z ,i d 9 any "p ( ! sacr$ writ+s4 ,b1 aft] all1 y & ,i may ent]ta9 v diff]5t ideas respect+ ! prea*+ ( rep5tance4 ,! op9ion t rep5tance is prea*$ :5 a public speak] tells 8 congregation t _! et]nal salvation dep5ds on _! rep5tance1 t et]nal mis]y mu/ inevitably be _! doom unless !y rep5t is an op9ion to :i* ,i h no reason to subscribe4 ,prea*+ rep5tance1 ,i conceive is tea*+ m5 & giv+ !m su* div9e in/ructions z br+ _! m9ds to discov] m glori\s ?+s ?an ! s9s & c>nal vanities ( ?is _w2 :i* tea*+ produces a return+ ( ! m9d to ! ?+s ( ,god & 8 ev] bless$ k+dom4 ,! ^w rep5t may or may n be us$ 9 ! giv+ ( su* in/ructions4 ,i conceive a prea*] ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 w>m$ ) ! _s ( et]nal love1 brea?+ =? ! graci\s words ( tru?1 may successfully prea* rep5tance z well )\t ! use ( ! ^w rep5t z ) x4 ,at bo? ^? places ( sorr[1 de> sir1 ,i endeav\r$ to lead ! m\rn]s' m9ds to ! consid]ation ( et]nal ?+s2 ,i endeav\r$ to repres5t ,god our ,creator & ,gov]nor1 z a fri5d to 8 creatures1 & /rove to ! utmo/ ( my p[] to fix ! love1 reg>d & confid5ce ( our m\rn+ fri5ds on ,god our ,creator4 ,?is y w recollect1 & ,i _c suppose t y believe t a p]son c truly believe 9 ! div9e goodness1 & love 8 ,creator z ! greate/ good1 & put confid5ce 9 him1 s z to draw consolation1 9 ! day ( adv]sity1 f su* confid5ce1 & /ill be a /rang] to true p5it5ce4 ,! _m scriptures :i* y h judici\sly quot$ to prove ! propriety ( ! doctr9e ( rep5tance are ju/ly appli$1 z ,i conceive2 & ,i accord ) y 9 _! use & mean+ z f> z y h expla9$ !m4 ,i w\ld wi% to be und]/ood t :5ev] rep5tance is spok5 ( z a creature act1 orig9at+ 9 creature ag5cy1 x is repres5t$ directly contr>y to ! scripture s5se z express$ 9 ,acts v4 #ca1 ,him ha? ,god exalt$ ) 8 "r h& to be a ,pr9ce & a ,savi\r1 = to give rep5tance to ,israel & =giv5ess ( s9s4 ,f ! above passage x is evid5t t rep5tance is no m dep5d5t on creature ag5cy ?an ! =giv5ess ( s9s2 & ! idea t rep5tance is a grant ( div9e fav\r is pla9ly express$ 9 ,acts xi4 #ah1 ,!n ha? ,god also1 to ! ,g5tiles1 grant$ rep5tance unto life4 ,by ! above te/imonies ! idea t rep5tance is a creature condition1 on :i* ! div9e fav\r is be/[$1 is prov$ errone\s4 ,! next p>ticul> :i* y\r fri5dly admonition occupies1 is ! subject ( ,univ]sal ,salvation 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,i c\ld n b obs]ve ) :at emphasis y1 at ! grave1 m5tion$ ^? select$ texts ( scripture :i* y suppos$ w\ld confirm y\r he>]s 9 ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation4 ,w\ld ,*ri/ or ! apo/les prea* ,univ]sal ,salvation 9 "o place ( scripture1 & 9 ano!r contradict x8 ,i believe !y w\ld n4 ,9 ! above p>ticul>1 sir1 ,i agree ) y 9 all :i* y express4 ,i d n believe t ,*ri/ or any ( 8 apo/les ev] contradict$ ! glori\s doctr9e1 9 :i* !y all prea*$ ( ,univ]sal ,salvation4 ,& until ?is contradiction c be %ewn 9 _! prea*+1 y & ,i h full lib]ty to believe 9 ,god z ! ,savi\r ( all m54 ,*ri/ gave himself a ransom = all m52 ta/$ dea? = e man2 is ! propitiation = ! s9s ( ! :ole _w4 ,he says he w draw all m5 unto him1 & he also says t him t come? aft] me ,i w 9 no wise ca/ out4 ,/4 ,paul says t ,god w h all m5 to be sav$ & to come unto ! k ( ! tru?4 ,to :i* te/imony we might add an imm5se numb] ( scriptures f ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts2 & z y agree t ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les w\ld n prea* ,univ]sal ,salvation 9 "o place1 & contradict x 9 ano!r1 s y mu/1 ( necessity subscribe to ! uni=mity ( ! scripture doctr9e 9 ! ,salvation ( all m54 ,y in=m me1 t y are an old man2 ?is ,i 0 s5sible ( be=e1 9 consequ5ce ( :i*1 ,i h m p>ticul>ly endeav\r$ to cultivate an acqua9tance ) y1 s9ce ,i h be5 9 ?is t[n2 = ,i conceive t ! ag$ are n only entitl$ to ! respects & att5tion ( ! y\ng]1 b ! y\ng] are also entitl$ to ! advantages ( _! exp]i5ce & wisdom4 ,y fur!r tell me1 t y h /udi$ ! scriptures tw5ty or ?irty ye>s4 ,on ?is acc\nt1 sir1 ,i covet e>ne/ly y\r assi/ance2 = al?\gh ,i h /udi$ ! scriptures almo/ con/antly tw5ty ye>s out ( less ?an =ty1 yet ,i f9d b a few :o are notable to assi/ me 9 ?is agreeable employm5t4 ,! happy me?od :i* y recomm5d1 ,i h = _m ye>s endeav\r$ to obs]ve1 = ,i am sure t mo/ ( ! vulg> errors1 9 respect to ! scriptures1 are = ! want ( a c>eful exam9ation ( all :i* is said on ! same subjects4 ,:]e9 y recomm5d ! pi\s example ( ! prophet ,david1 ,i fully accord 9 x1 & w\ld humbly hope & /rive to be a p>tak] ( ! b5efits aris+ f su* an example4 ,:at y say ( m5's expla9+ scripture 9 _! own ,/r5g? & wisdom1 & ( _! mak+ havoc (1 & mangl+ !m by expla9+ !m 9 a my/ical or lit]al s5se1 ,i f9d myself r emb>rass$ ab\t4 ,y beg9 y\r epi/le "u ! "* ( a fri5dly admonition1 b :at y mean by accus+ me ( ! folly ( mangl+ & mak+ havoc ( ! scriptures :5 y d n attempt to %[ :]e9 ,i ev] expla9$ a passage wrong1 ,i mu/ leave = y to expla9 :5 x is conv5i5t4 ,nor is x easy = me to und]/& y :5 y repres5t bo? ! my/ical & lit]al explanation ( scripture equally errone\s4 ,y imm$iately conclude ^? obs]vations ) ! foll[+ quotation3 ,! natural man receive? n ! ?+s ( ! _s ( ,god1 = !y are fooli%ness unto him4 ,did y mean t ! natural man1 suppos+ ! ?+s ( ! _s ( ,god to be fooli%ness1 w\ld say t ! _s mangl$ & made havoc ( ! scriptures8 ,?is c\ld n be y\r mean+4 ,y\r conclud+ qu]y is ! foll[+2 ,my fri5d1 is !re ! lea/ room = u to believe f ?is scripture 7mean+ #b ,cor4 v4 #aj1 #aa7 & _m o!rs1 t ! wick$ :o h liv$ imp5it5t & 9 a disbelief ( ! gospel1 or )\t ! true k ( ,god1 & ( ,jesus ,*ri/ :om ,god ha? s5t1 h et]nal life 9 ! fruition & enjoym5t ( ,god8 ,?is qu]y ,i w endeav\r to answ] z pla9ly z possible4 #a/4 ,unless we grant t a man has et]nal life 9 ,jesus ,*ri/1 giv5 him be=e ! f\ndation ( ! _w1 we _c ju/ly call him an unbeliev] because he does n believe he has ?is et]nal life 9 ,*ri/4 ,nor c we say1 ) ! lea/ propriety1 t he does n "k ! tru?1 because he does n "k t :i* is n4 #b;d4 ,if we all[ t a man has et]nal life 9 ,*ri/1 we mu/ all[ him to be an unbeliev] if he d n believe x2 & t he does n "k ! tru? z x is 9 ,jesus1 if he be ignorant ( ?is gift ( et]nal life4 #c;d4 ,:ile a man is 9 a /ate ( unbelief he is n 9 ! enjoym5t ( ! tru?4 ,i conceive1 sir1 ^! obs]vations mu/ appe> reasonable to any reasonable man2 & !re=e ,i suppose !y w appe> reasonable to y4 ,! passage 9 ,cor9?ians allud$ to1 fully refutes ! notion ( endless rew>ds & puni%m5ts2 = !re x is /at$1 t e "o may receive ! ?+s done 9 8 body1 accord+ to t he ha? done1 :e!r x be good or bad4 ,n[ z ?is same apo/le tells u t all h s9n$ & come %ort ( ! glory ( ,god1 if he mean t all :o h s9n$ mu/ be endlessly puni%$1 he _c mean t any ( ! human race w be et]nally bless$ accord+ to _! own works1 nor yet accord+ to ! grace ( ,god4 ,& y1 sir1 _c b see if "o s9n] c be rew>d$ accord+ to 8 works & yet be sav$ by grace ?r\gh fai?1 & t n ( himself1 b by ! gift ( ,god1 all ! s9n]s ( ,adam's race may be ?us rew>d$ accord+ to :at !y h done ei!r good or bad1 & yet be sav$ by grace z above4 ,y\r sugge/ions respect+ ! resurrection require no o!r answ] ?an t ,i pr(ess to believe 9 ! doctr9e ( ! resurrection z taught by ! scriptures1 ?\gh ,i _c flatt] myself t t op9ion agrees ) ! op9ion ( :at y call s\nd au?ors4 ,= myself1 ,i call ! writ]s ( ! holy scriptures s\nd au?ors1 & ^? :o diff] f !m ,i am will+ to call or?odox accord+ to our common s*ools ( div9ity4 ,i jo9 ) y 9 a humble desire t ! holy brea?+s ( ! true *ildr5 ( ,god may be y\rs & m9e2 & ,i am s5sible if !y be we %all n judge "o ano!r1 nor condemn "o ano!r2 b /rive = ! unity ( ! _s 9 ! bonds ( div9e peace4 ,yes1 sir1 ,i am confid5t t ! true temp] & _s ( ! gospel1 if possess$ & practic$ by ! public m9i/]s 9 ?is t[n1 w\ld lead !m to op5 _! doors to ea* o!r1 to meet toge!r & pray1 prea*1 s+ & exhort1 9 love & fell[%ip2 b ,anti*ri/'s _s is directly ! rev]se4 ,! assurance y give me 9 y\r po/script1 t :at y wrote to me 0 n writt5 9 an envi\s _s is duly appreciat$2 nor d ,i mu* wond] t y d n envy me ! numb]s :o att5d my public m9i/ry1 :ile y suppose t !y ) innum]able multitudes ( o!rs are reprobat$ to endless s9 & mis]y4 ,envy1 9 su* a case1 w\ld be truly unacc\ntable6 ,i w n say t ,i fully compreh5d y\r mean+ 9 call+ ! great numb]s :o att5d my meet+1 preci\s s\ls4 ,:y are !y preci\s8 ,to :om are !y preci\s8 ,if y view !m ! objects ( div9e love1 ( c\rse y mu/ suppose !m to be preci\s 9 ,god's sight2 b if n1 :y d y call !m preci\s8 ,y\r flatt]+ ackn[l$gem5ts ( civilities receiv$ f me & ! acceptabl5ess ( my p]son to y1 is v gratefully consid]$1 = x is an object ) me to des]ve ! approbation ( ! pi\s :o h treasur$ up mu* valuable k by exp]i5ce2 & ,i wi% to give y ! fulle/ assurance possible t ,i consid] my acqua9tance ) y\rself highly wor?y ( fur!r cultivation & improvem5t1 :i* ,i %all always endeav\r to promote1 z opportunity may pres5t1 & x %all please y to fav\r4 ,hav+ not$ ! mo/ important sections ( y\r fri5dly admonition 9 z concise a mann] z 0 conv5i5t1 p]mit me1 de> sir1 to make a few obs]vations on ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation1 t be+ a subject to :i* y allude 9 y\r epi/le1 ?\gh y did n see fit to plant any p>ticul> argum5ts aga9/ x4 ,?is doctr9e ,i op5ly pr(ess1 & prea* z a doctr9e :i* ,i conceive is pla9ly taught 9 ! scriptures ( ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts2 a doctr9e :i* all good m5 9 ! _w desire ! tru? (2 a doctr9e ! mo/ wor?y ( ,god ( any ev] publi%$2 a doctr9e ! be/ calculat$ to fill ! s\l ( ! believ] ) love to ,god & to our fell[ creatures2 a doctr9e :i* h>monizes ! div9e attributes1 ! scriptures & e pr9ciple ( reason & good s5se1 9 a surpris+ & an a/oni%+ mann]2 a doctr9e1 m ?an any o!r1 calculat$ to de/roy ! hurtful animosities exi/+ 9 ! religi\s _w2 & to produce g5]al fell[%ip & bro!rly love2 & 9 a ^w1 ,i believe x to be ! only doctr9e :i* c be support$ by reason or scripture1 to a m9d n improp]ly bias$ by tradition4 ,?\gh ,i am s5sible ( y\r great] exp]i5ce1 yet ,i am will+ to say to a man ( y\r piety & ,*ri/ian c&or1 t any argum5ts :i* y %\ld see cause to lay be=e me1 on ! above subject1 %all1 by ! bless+ ( ,god1 receive an e>ly att5tion & a judici\s discussion4 ,9 ! _s ( ! ,new ,te/am5t & n 9 ! lett]2 9 ! _s ( life1 & n 9 ! dea? ( ! lett]1 9 ! _s ( salvation1 & n ( condemnation1 ,i pray ,god1 ,i may ev] live & act accord+ to y\r fri5dly desire2 & feel+ ! same f]v5t desire = my highly e/eem$ & v5]able fri5d1 ,i ackn[l$ge myself y\r mo/ oblig$ & v humble s]vant1 = ,*ri/'s sake4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,rev4 ,joseph ,walton4 ,p4,s4 ,i h res]v$ ?ree p>ticul>s 9 y\r fri5dly admonition = ! subject ( ano!r communication4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett]4 ,,iii4 ,f ! ,same to ! ,same4 ,portsm\?1 ,jan4 #e1 #ahaa4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,hav+ notifi$ y 9 a po/script ( my lett] ( ,dec4 #aa?1 t ,i _h res]v$ ?ree p>ticul>s 9 y\r fri5dly admonition = ! subject ( ano!r communication1 ,i am dispos$ to embrace ?is opportunity to fulfil my engagem5t4 ,! ?ree p>ticul>s res]v$ are express$1 9 y\r lett]1 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,= ! "t w come :5 !y w n endure s\nd doctr9e1 b aft] _! own lu/s %all !y heap to !mselves tea*]s hav+ it*+ e>s2 & !y %all turn away _! e>s f ! tru?1 & %all be turn$ unto fables4 ,y1 my fri5d1 once pr(ess$ ! true fai? ( ! gospel--h y kept x8 ,i ?9k n4 ,i fe> y h fall5 f x4 ,y are n[ prea*+ a doctr9e :i* pleases ! _w1 b x makes aga9/ y accord+ to scripture4 ,! apo/le ,john says 9 8 #a/ epi/le #d? *apt] #e? & #f? v]ses1 ,!y are ( ! _w2 !re=e ! _w he>e? !m2 we are ( ,god2 he t kn[e? ,god1 he>e? u1 he t is n ( ,god1 he>e? n u2 h]eby "k we ! _s ( tru? & ! _s ( error4 ,i w\ld n1 de> sir1 kn[+ly misapply y\r words1 nor make a use ( ! above quotation contr>y to _! mo/ pla9 & evid5t s5se :i* ,i conceive is z foll[s3 #a/4 ,! doctr9e :i* ,i believ$ be=e ,i believ$ z ,i d n[1 is ! true gospel accord+ to ! te/imony ( ! apo/le ,john1 9 8 #a/ epi/le1 #d? *apt] #e? & #f? v]ses4 #b;d4 ,t 9 believ+ z ,i n[ d1 ,i h fall5 f t fai?1 & turn$ unto fables4 #c;d4 ,my n[ prea*+ a doctr9e :i* pleases ! _w is good pro( t my doctr9e is n ( ,god1 & t ^? :o he> me are ju/ly describ$ by ! apo/le z heap+ to !mselves tea*]s hav+ it*+ e>s4 ,9 ! fir/ place ,i %all agree ) y 9 ! supposition t :5 ,i fir/ made a pr(ession ( religion1 ,i believ$ ! true gospel4 ,9 ! second place ,i %all endeav\r to %[ t ,i h n fall5 f t fai?4 ,9 ! ?ird place ,i w attempt to %[ t ! evid5ce1 :i* y ?9k makes aga9/ me1 is by no means suffici5t to prove t ! doctr9e ,i n[ believe & prea* is consi/5t ) ! lu/s ( ! _w or contr>y to ! true fai? ( ! gospel4 #a/4 ,! true fai? ( ! gospel z express$ 9 #a ,john1 #d?1 c4 is z foll[s--see v]se #b1 #c1 ,e _s t confesse? t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle% is ( ,god2 & e _s t confesse? n t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle% is n ( ,god4 ,! apo/le "h /ates 9 ! mo/ simple t]ms ! true ,*ri/ian fai?1 & br+s x into su* a %ort compass t none c mi/ake him4 ,! belief t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle% is ! true fai?1 & a d5ial ( t fact is a false fai?4 ,:5 ,i fir/ pr(ess$ religion ,i pr(ess$ to believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle%2 & ?is ,i am will+ to say n[ is ! true fai? ( ! gospel1 & ! only article ( fai? :i* con/itut$ a ,*ri/ian believ] 9 ! op9ion ( ! apo/les2 re/rict+ ?is belief1 at ! same "t1 to ,jesus ( ,naz>e?1 t he 0 ! ,*ri/4 #b;d4 ,i z mu* believe n[ z ,i ev] did t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle%4 ,i h z cle> evid5ces n[ z ,i ev] _h t ,jesus ( ,naz>e? is ! ,*ri/4 ,^! ?+s be+ facts1 ! conclusion is t ,i h n fall5 f ! true *ri/ian fai?4 #c;d4 ,! above fai? ,i prea*1 believ+ & te/ify+ t ,god s5t 8 ,son to be ! ,savi\r ( ! _w2 & ,i h reason to bless ,god t su* feeble means are at all prosp]$1 & t z y obs]ve1 ,great numb]s ( preci\s s\ls adh]e to ! ^w1 :i* ,i conceive is no evid5ce t ! fai? ,i prea* is n ( ,god1 or t x is consi/5t ) ! lu/s ( ! _w4 ,we are in=m$ 9 ! ^w ( ,god1 t ! common p he>d ,*ri/ gladly4 ,:o did n he> him gladly8 ,answ]1 ! ,scribes & ,ph>isees4 ,d y ?9k1 sir1 t ! common p's he>+ ,*ri/ gladly 0 a ju/ifiable evid5ce to ! ,ph>isees t he 0 n ! true ,messiah8 ,:5 _m ?\s&s ( m51 wom51 & *ildr5 flock$ f _! cities into des]t places to he> ! graci\s words :i* proce$$ f ! lips ( him :o spake z nev] man spake1 0 x a ju/ifiable evid5ce t he & 8 doctr9e 7 n ( ,god8 ,to br+ ?is matt]1 if possible1 ne>] home1 %\ld y f9d y\r meet+ h\se cr[d$ ) he>]s :o express$ 9 _! c\nt5ances an approbation ( ! doctr9e :i* y prea*1 w\ld x be suffici5t evid5ce to conv9ce y t y\r doctr9e 0 n ( ,god8 ,t ! te/imony t ,god s5t 8 ,son to be ! ,savi\r ( ! _w is n consi/5t ) ! lu/s ( ! _w1 is %[n by ,/4 ,paul to ,titus2 ,= ! grace ( ,god :i* br+e? salvation to all m51 ha? appe>$1 tea*+ u1 t d5y+ ungodl9ess & worldly lu/s1 we %\ld live sob]ly1 righte\sly & godly 9 ?is pres5t _w4 ,i h n ! lea/ d\bt 9 my m9d1 t if y & ,i prea*$ m l our bless$ ma/] ?an we d1 p 9 g5]al1 w\ld be m engag$ to he> u1 & our meet+ h\ses w\ld be m ?rong$ ?an !y are n[4 ,%\ld y he> a %eph]d compla9+ t ! increase ( 8 flock 0 small1 or t x r dim9i%$1 y w\ld ?9k t evid5ce made aga9/ him4 ,i suppose ! p>ticul> idea :i* y _h 9 view1 :i* con/itutes1 9 y\r m9d1 an ,apo/asy1 is1 t ,jesus ,*ri/1 :o 0 manife/$ 9 ! fle%1 w1 pursuant to p[] giv5 to him ( 8 fa!r1 save all m5 f _! s9s1 & reconcile all ?+s unto himself4 ,?is idea1 ,i ackn[l$ge1 ,i did n see cle>ly 91 :5 ,i fir/ made a pr(ession ( a belief 9 ,*ri/2 b n[ am fully p]suad$ 9 x4 ,h[ev]1 ,i _c see :y ! adopt+ ( ?is p>ticul> idea %\ld be call$ an ,apo/asy4 ,i w1 sir1 m5tion "s simil> cases1 n wi%+ h[ev]1 to be consid]$ an equal subject to ! p]sonage :om ,i %all introduce4 ,! apo/le ,pet] 0 a believ] 9 ! true fai? ( ! gospel1 t is1 he believ$ t ,jesus 0 ! ,*ri/1 ! ,son ( ! liv+ ,god3 & ,jesus says to him1 on t confession1 t fle% & blood _h n reveal$ x to him1 b 8 ,fa!r4 ,?is belief ,pet] _h be=e he believ$ t ,*ri/ %\ld suff] on ! cross & rise f ! dead4 ,aft] _m trials & dreadful temptations 9 :i* ?is poor1 dep5d5t bro!r ( ours exp]i5c$ ! fallibility ( all human /r5g?1 he 0 privileg$ ) positive evid5ce ( ! resurrection ( ,*ri/ f ! dead4--,"h ,i ask1 0 ?is new acquisition 9 ,pet]'s fai? an apo/asy8 ,0 x n an advancem5t8 ,y w agree ) me 9 ?is4 ,aga91 ?is same apo/le1 ev5 aft] he 0 end[$ ) p[] f on high1 & prea*$ & heal$ 9 ! "n ( ,jesus1 did n "k t ! ,g5tiles 7 fell[ heirs & ( ! same body1 & p>tak]s ( ! promises ( ,god1 9 ,*ri/1 by ! gospel4 ,x 0 n until ! angel ( ! ,"l appe>$ unto ,cornelius & direct$ him to s5d = ,pet]1 t ,god gave to t apo/le ! k ( ! fact :i* he ackn[l$g$ to ,cornelius1 t ,god _h %ew$ him t he %\ld call no man common or unclean4 ,x is v evid5t t ! apo/le ,pet] _h m ext5sive k ( ! gospel ( ! grace ( ,god 9 consequ5ce ( ! vision ( ! %eet by ! sea ( ,joppa ?an he _h be=e2 b w\ld any real ,*ri/ian1 kn[+ all ! circum/ances1 suppose t ,pet] _h apo/atis$ f ! true fai?1 because he believ$ t millions w\ld be b5efit$ by ,*ri/ m ?an 7 compreh5d$ 9 8 =m] belief8 ,:ile !y :o 7 ( ! circumcision rema9$ ignorant ( ! revelation giv5 to ,pet]1 we f9d !y cont5d$ ) him1 say+1 ?\ w5te/ 9 to m5 uncircumcis$1 & did/ eat ) !m4 ,b :5 ,pet] _h rehe>s$ ! matt] f ! beg9n+1 & exp\nd$ x by ord] unto !m1 !y held _! peace & glorifi$ ,god1 say+1 !n ha? ,god also to ! ,g5tiles1 grant$ rep5tance unto life4 ,?us we see t ! *ur* 9 ,j]usalem1 :o 7 ( ! circumcision1 ?\gh believ]s 9 ,*ri/ 71 until ,pet]'s def5ce fur!r enlight5$ !m1 ignorant ( ! ext5sion ( div9e grace to ! ,g5tiles ?r\gh ! gospel4 ,b surely no real ,*ri/ian w\ld suppose t ?is enl>gem5t ( _! fai? 9 ! great salvation 0 an apo/asy f ! true fai?6 ,) pr(\nd def]5ce1 sir1 p]mit me to sugge/1 t %\ld ! =ego+ obs]vations pres5t y\rself1 to y\r own m9d1 9 a simil> situation ) ^? ( ! circumcision1 yet !y ackn[l$ge y a believ] 9 ,*ri/1 a m9i/] ( 8 ^w & a c&idate = great] manife/ation ( t grace ( ,god by :i* ,jesus ta/$ dea? = e man4 ,i believe ,i may v5ture to say t unless ! belief t ,god is n ! ,savi\r ( all m5 c be ma9ta9$ by positive scripture z an ess5tial article ( apo/olic fai?1 ,i _c be ju/ly admoni%$ = fall+ f ! true fai?4 ,may ,i n1 ) great propriety1 call on my ,rev4 fri5d to %[1 if he c1 t su* an article ( fai? 0 ev] requir$ by ,*ri/ or 8 apo/les z a t]m ( *ri/ian fell[%ip & *>ity8 ,let u look into ! writt5 ^w ( ,god & see :at is !re requir$ ( u to believe4 ,see ,rom4 x4 #i1 ,if ?\ %alt confess ) ?y m\? ! ,"l ,jesus1 & %alt believe 9 ?9e he>t t ,god ha? rais$ him f ! dead1 ?\ %alt be sav$4 ,acts viii4 #cg1 ,& ,philip said if ?\ believe/ ) all ?9e he>t ?\ maye/4 ,& he answ]$ & said1 ,i believe t ,jesus ,*ri/ is ! ,son ( ,god4 ,matt4 x4 #cb4 ,:osoev]1 !re=e1 %all confess me be=e m51 him w ,i confess also be=e my fa!r :i* is 9 heav54 ,luke xii4 #h1 ,also ,i say unto y1 :osoev] %all confess me be=e m51 him %all ! ,son ( man also confess be=e ! angels ( ,god4 ,n to multiply quotations1 p]mit me to qu]y :e!r !re be 9 ^? passages1 or 9 any o!r scripture on ! same po9t any intimations giv5 t ! c&idate mu/ believe t ?is preci\s ,savi\r w n1 ?r\gh ! peace made by ! blood ( 8 cross1 reconcile all ?+s to ,god8 ,are y fully satisfi$1 de> sir1 t y are au?oris$ to admoni% z an apo/ate1 "o :o confesses ) 8 m\? ! ,"l ,jesus1 & :o believes 9 8 he>t t ,god ha? rais$ him f ! dead8 ,:y did n ,philip dem& ( ! ,eunu* a p>ticul> confession ( a belief 9 limit$ grace & salvation8 ,0 !re n ! same au?ority to require ?is article ( fai? !n1 z !re is n[8 ,if ,jesus ha? promis$1 9 8 ^w1 t he w confess be=e 8 ,fa!r 9 ,heav51 :osoev] confesse? him be=e m5 are y satisfi$ ) ! au?ority by :i* y d5\nce1 disfell[%ip1 & d5y ^? little ones8 ,! ?\ght is truly solemn6 ,i feel a *ill 9 e ve9 ( my body1 :5 ,i consid] ! va9 traditions ( a corrupt$ *ur*1 9 :i* x has long be5 a religi\s habit to ana!matise ^? :o confess ,*ri/ be=e m51 because !y _c believe 9 c]ta9 t5ets nev] requir$ by ,*ri/ or 8 apo/les6 ,rev4 ,sir1 ,i c say 9 ! s9c]ity ( my s\l1 t ,i believe t ,jesus ( ,naz>e? is ! true ,*ri/1 ,i believe him to be ! ,son ( ! liv+ ,god1 :o 0 deliv]$ = our (f5ces & 0 rais$ aga9 = our ju/ification4 ,& ?\gh ,i feel myself ! mo/ unwor?y ( ! subjects ( salvation1 yet ,i %\ld be ungrateful n to ackn[l$ge ! goodness ( ,god my ,savi\r4 ,:atev] m5 may ?9k or say ( me1 ,i "k t my s\l exp]i5ces joys unspeakable 9 sweet m$itations on ! glories & inexpressible beauties ( my ,r$eem]2 & ! ?\ght t ,i am own$ z 8 *ild be=e ! angels ( ,god1 is inf9itely bett] ?an to receive ! approbation ( m5 :o are dispos$ to judge )\t kn[+ ! he>t4 ,if ! ,*ri/ian cl]gy 7 once dispos$ to /rip _! cre$s & confessions ( fai? till !y 7 r$uc$ to ! simplicity t is 9 ,*ri/1 & require no o!r belief ?an ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les requir$1 !re w\ld be an end at once ( all ! discord & animosity :i* h w\nd$ ! "* ( ,*ri/ianity = ages4 ,& ! pray] ( ! bless$ ,jesus w\ld be fulfill$ 9 ! on5ess ( all :o believe 9 him1 :i* w\ld conv9ce ! _w t ! ,fa!r s5t him4 ,al?\gh y h n yet f\nd x conv5i5t to fav\r me ) any obs]vations on my =m] lett]1 ,i h n done expect+ x4 ,& ,i %all endeav\r to hold myself 9 read9ess to pay an e>ly att5tion to any communication :i* %all come f y\r h&4 ,9 hopes t no?+ conta9$ 9 ?is lett] w be consid]$ inconsi/5t ) ! true _s ( a humble believ] 9 ,*ri/1 ,i rema91 sir1 y\r humble s]vant1 = ,*ri/'s sake4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,iv4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,jan4 #aa1 #ahaa4 ,sir1--,i h receiv$ y\r answ] to my lett] s5t y1 dat$ ,dec4 #g1 #ahaj1 & n[ desire to answ] x1 9 ! fe> ( ,god1 9 z concise a mann] z ,i am capable1 agreeable to ! scriptures ( tru?4 ,sir1 ,i ?ank y = ! civilities y manife/ t[>d me1 & t y receiv$ my lett] 9 a fri5dly mann] z ,i ?9k ,i s5t x1 wi%+ x might be receiv$ & improv$ = y\r b5efit2 n t ,i suppos$ t ,i 0 capable ( conv9c+ or confut+ y ( :at ,i conceive to be errone\s 9 y\r doctr9e or pr9ciples1 b rely+ on ! bless+ ( ,god to make x effectual = y\r ev]la/+ good1 & ^? y pr(ess to be ov] 9 ! ,"l4 ,i %all n take into consid]ation e argum5t y make use (1 b %all give x a g5]al answ]4 ,s9ce ,i h receiv$ x ,i h _h a great numb] ( scriptures occur+ to my m9d :i* ,i might quote if ,i ?\ght exp$i5t4 ,9 ! fir/ place y speak or write z if ,i ?\ght dea? 0 orig9ally design$ by ! ,almighty = ! damage ( mank9d2 ,i say dea? 0 ?reat5$ to be ! consequ5ce1 if mank9d did transgress ! law ( _! ,creator2 our fir/ p>5ts transgress$1 & ! p5alty 0 execut$ accord+ to ! ?reat5+1 ,?\ %all surely die2 !y 7 condemn$ to die2 !y 7 "u s5t5ce ( dea?2 !y became spiritually dead1 imm$iately2 !y lo/ ! k ( _! ,creator2 d>kness cov]$ _! m9ds2 !y endeav\r$ to hide !mselves f ,god among ! trees ( ! g>d52 !y br\ght mis]y ^u !mselves & ^u _! po/]ity2 we feel ! woeful effects ( _! fall & apo/asy until ?is day2 by nature we are spiritually dead2 z x is writt51 y ha? he quick5$ :o 7 dead 9 trespasses & s9s4 ,sir1 if !re is a law made by our legislature1 is !re n a p5alty annex$ unto x8 ,if t law is transgress$1 is n ! p]son :o transgress$ puni%$ "s way or o!r8--,yet ! law is made = ! good ( ! :ole2 ! legislature is n to be impea*$1 z if he made x = ! damage ( 8 p1 :om he gov]ns2 ! law-break] is puni%$ ei!r 9 8 own p]son or 8 surety1 ?\gh ! pa91 %ame & puni%m5t is = ! damage ( ! transgressor1 yet ! law is = ! good ( ! :ole1 & ! law mak] is n 9 ! lea/ to blame2 ! transgressor also1 if he rep5ts & is re=m$1 is b5efit$ by x1 c4 ,i ?9k1 sir1 y\r giv+ y\r he>]s enc\ragem5t 9 y\r prea*+ t ,*ri/ w save !m all1 :e!r !y rep5t & believe ! gospel or no1 is ( a dang]\s nature4 ,*ri/ has said1 if ye believe n t ,i am he ye %all die 9 y\r s9s1 ,john viii4 #bd4 ,read1 if y please1 ! proce$+ context4 ,! decrees ( ,god1 y say1 is my cre$1 & t ,i believe t ,god =eorda9$ :atsoev] come to pass4 ,i d n ?9k ,i ev] told y s4 ,& s y ?9k ,god =eorda9$1 accord+ to my cre$1 dea?1 = a damage to 8 creatures4 ,i h said dea? is puni%m5t = s91 z ,i wrote1 & ,i c ma9ta9 x f scripture2 dea? 0 introduc$ by s92 ! p]son t lives a life ( s9 & dies )\t reg5]at+ grace1 :i* all true believ]s 9 ,*ri/ h1 w be mis]able1 & be puni%$ ) ev]la/+ de/ruction f ! pres5ce ( ! ,"l & ! glory ( 8 p[]4 ,i believe e true believ] is a true p5it5t1 is reg5]at$1 is 9 ,*ri/ by a vital union is a new creature1 & t ^? p]sons w be sav$ & none else1 accord+ to ! doctr9e ( ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les4 ,i believe t ,god ! ,fa!r worke? all ?+s accord+ to ! c\ncil ( 8 own w2 t 8 r$eem$ & sav$ p %\ld be to 8 glory4 ,y say1 9 my writ+ to y1 ,i said1 d y ?9k ,*ri/ or 8 apo/les w\ld prea* univ]sal salvation 9 "o place ( scripture & contradict x 9 ano!r8 ,i believe !y w\ld n4--,"h y design$ly1 ,i ?9k mi/ake2 ,i d n believe t ,*ri/ or 8 apo/les ev] did prea* univ]sal salvation1 t is1 t e son & daught] ( apo/ate ,adam1 w\ld be sav$4 ,i believe t ?is gospel ( ! k+dom is to be prea*$ to e creature1 & :osoev] believe? & is baptiz$ %all be sav$2 b he t believe? n %all be damn$4 ,d me ju/ice1 sir2 d n animadv]t ^u :at ,i h j quot$1 z if ,i ?9k our ,savi\r is to be und]/ood z if e individual w\ld h ! privilege ( he>+ ! gospel4 ,i conceive t ! apo/les' commission runs ?us3 ,g into all ! _w & prea* ! gospel to e human or rational creature4--,:at ,i meant by say+1 d y ?9k ,*ri/ w\ld prea* univ]sal salvation 9 "o place1 & 9 ano!r contradict x1 is1 t ^? texts :i* y suppose supports y\r doctr9e1 is n to be und]/ood z y apply !m2 = if !y prove univ]sal salvation1 z y w\ld h !m1 !n !y w contradict _m texts :i* ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les improv$ o!rwise2 !re=e ,i /ill ass]t1 t ! scriptures ought to be c>efully exam9$1 consci5ti\sly improv$ & appli$4 ,! fai?ful m9i/] ( ,*ri/ w r5\nce ! hidd5 ?+s ( di%one/y1 n walk+ 9 craft9ess1 nor h&l+ ! ^w ( ,god deceitfully1 b by manife/ation ( ! tru?1 comm5d+ !mselves to e man's consci5ce 9 ! sight ( ,god4 ,= we are n z _m :i* corrupt ! ^w ( ,god2 b z ( s9c]ity1 b z ( ,god1 9 ! sight ( ,god1 speak we 9 ,*ri/4--,see #b;d ,cor9?ians1 ii4 #ag4 ,& ,i w\ld take x z a fav\r1 if y w\ld read ! #ae? & #af? v]ses 9 ! same *apt]1 & s]i\sly consid] !m4 ,^? texts ( scripture1 :i* y h quot$ f ,rom4 #h? *apt]1 are n to be appli$ z y apply !m1 nei!r do? ! apo/le apply !m s4 ,& me?9ks y "k !y are n1 if y consid] ! connexion f ! #bh? v]se ( ! *apt] to ! end4 ,& t passage ( scripture quot$ f #a ,cor4 iii4 #ba1 #bb1 #bc1 is only to be appli$ to real ,*ri/ians2 & ?is1 sir1 ,i presume y "k2 b x w\ld n suit y & y\r s*eme ( ,univ]sal ,salvation to apply !m s4 ,i w\ld ask y1 if1 :5 ,i am writ+ a lett] or an epi/le to ,mr4 ,hosea ,ball\1 x w\ld be prop] = me to apply :at ,i write 9 p>ticul> to y1 conc]n+ y\r affairs or circum/ances1 to ! :ole _w8 ,m9i/]s ( ,*ri/ %\ld rightly divide ! ^w2 & %\ld take ! preci\s f ! vile2 !n !y w\ld be z ,god's m\? to ! p4 ,see ,j]emiah xv4 #ai1 see likewise1 ,ezekiel xiiv4 #bc1 ,! prie/s ( ! ,"l are to tea* ! ,"l's p ! diff]5ce betwe5 ! holy & ! pr(ane1 & cause !m to disc]n betwe5 ! unclean & ! clean2 x is by ?is g5]al way ( prea*+1 errors are introduc$1 n only by y\r d5om9ation1 b by o!rs also4 ,i c\ld multiply quotations f ! ,bible1 bo? f ! ,old & ,new ,te/am5ts1 b :at w\ld x avail1 unless y w consid] !m & endeav\r to improve !m1 & apply !m z ! ,holy ,gho/ w\ld h u to to8 ,= holy m5 ( ,god spake z !y 7 mov$ by ! ,holy ,gho/1 see #b ,pet] i4 #be4 ,y say1 y 7 some:at emb>rass$ 9 und]/&+ :at ,i meant :5 ,i wrote t m5 und]tak+ to expla9 ! scriptures 9 _! own /r5g? & wisdom1 & _! mak+ havoc ( !m1 c4 by expla9+ !m 9 a my/ical or lit]al s5se4 ,i w endeav\r to expla9 :at ,i meant--#a/4 ,to allegorize ! scriptures 9 a m]e moral or my/ical s5se1 or altoge!r 9 a figurative s5se1 is a degree ( en?usiasm1 7z to say !re is no devil b our c>nal nature1 c47 & 9 a m]e lit]al s5se is to und]/& & improve !m n 9 t spiritual s5se 9 :i* !y are to be und]/ood1 b re/+ 9 ! lett] only2 z we may obs]ve :5 ,*ri/ said 9 ,/4 ,john1 #f? *apt]1 ,except ye eat ! fle% ( ! ,son ( man & dr9k 8 blood1 ye h no life 9 y2 ,:oso eate? my fle% & dr9ke? my blood ha? et]nal life1 & ,i w raise him up at ! la/ day2 ,^! ?+s said he 9 ! synagogue z he taught 9 ,cap]naum2 ,_m !re=e ( 8 disciples :5 !y he>d ?is1 said1 ?is is a h>d say+1 :o c he> x8 ,*ri/ said1 do? ?is (f5d y8--,& in=m$ !m he did n mean t !y %\ld eat 8 human fle%1 & dr9k 8 blood lit]ally1 b he 0 to be und]/ood 9 a spiritual s5se4 ,he in=m$ !m x is ! _s t quick5e?1 ! fle% pr(ite? no?+1 ! words ,i speak unto y !y are _s & life4 ,"s h s9ce misund]/ood him1 &1 to ?is day1 misund]/& ?is piece ( scripture2 & h f !nce introduc$ ! absurd doctr9e ( transub/antiation1 t aft] ! words ( consecration1 ! bread & w9e are ! real body & blood ( ,*ri/4 ,s "s adh]e only to ! lett] ( ! ^w & exp\nd ! law ( ,god 9 a m]e lit]al s5se4 ,x seems ! apo/le ,paul1 be=e 8 conv]sion1 und]/ood x s4--,read ! #g? *apt] ( ,romans1 f ! #f? to ! end ( ! #ac? v]se4 ,paul 0 br\ght up at ! feet ( ,gamaliel1 a doctor ( ! law2 yet1 :ile 9 8 unreg5]ate /ate1 knew n ! spiritual mean+ ( ! law ( ,god1 7,i mean ! holy or moral law7 & no d\bt he spake by exp]i5ce :5 he says1 7z ,i wrote to y f ,i ,cor4 ii4 #ad7 ,b ! natural man receiv$ n ! ?+s ( ! _s ( ,god1 = !y are fooli%ness unto him1 nei!r c he "k !m1 because !y are spiritually disc]n$4 ,by ! natural man1 ,i conceive1 ! apo/le meant ! unreg5]ate man3 yea1 ) ! highe/ degree ( human tea*+ & k )\t he is taught ( ,god1 by 8 ^w & _s1 he _c truly und]/& ! ?+s ( ! _s ( ,god2 & !re=e !y are1 z ,i say1 misappli$1 mangl$ & made havoc (4 ,fai? is1 by "s1 only held z a b>e ass5t t ,jesus ,*ri/ came 9 ! fle%4 ,none d truly believe t1 b by ! ,holy ,gho/4 ,y /ill w cont9ue to ma9ta9 ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation1 by ^? texts1 :i* ,i said y spake at ! grave ) su* an emphasis2 if !y are to be und]/ood only 9 a lit]al s5se z !y are express$1 ,i c quote z _m or m spok5 by ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les :i* w contradict !m 9 _! lit]al s5se3 ,*ri/ says1 ,he t believe? & is baptis$ %all be sav$2 b he t believe? n %all be damn$4 ,!n %all he say unto !m on 8 left h&1 dep>t f me ye curs$ into ev]la/+ fire1 prep>$ = ! devil & 8 angels4 ,& ^! %all g away into ev]la/+ puni%m5t2 b ! righte\s into life et]nal4 ,!n said ,jesus aga9 unto !m1 ,i g my way1 & ye %all seek me & %all die 9 y\r s9s3 :i!r ,i g ye _c come4 ,john viii4 #ba1 #bd1 ,i said !re=e unto y t ye %all die 9 y\r s9s2 = if ye believe n t ,i am he ye %all die 9 y\r s9s4 ,) respect to t text y quote f ,john xii4 #cb1 ,& ,i1 if ,i be lift$ up f ! e>?1 w draw all m5 unto me4 ,x is1 ,i conceive1 expla9$ by ,*ri/ himself 9 ,john iii4 #ad1 #ae1 ,& z ,moses lift$ up ! s]p5t 9 ! wild]ness ev5 s mu/ ! son ( man be lift$ up2 t :osoev] believe? on him %\ld n p]i%1 b h ev]la/+ life4 ,by ,*ri/ be+ lift$ on ! cross ! way ( salvation is to be prea*$ to all m52 b x is only ^? t believe :o w n p]i% & h et]nal life1 accord+ to ! =ego+ scriptures ,i h quot$ f ,m>k xvi4 #af1 & ,mat4 xxv4 #da1 #df4 ,i c\ld quote _m m scriptures spok5 by our ,"l himself & expla9$ by him2 & ,i hope1 sir1 y w all[ our ,"l to be ! be/ expositor ( 8 own ^w4 ,i conceive y ?9k y h got a mighty argum5t :5 y m5tion ! apo/le ,pet]1 :o _h a vision :i* in/ruct$ him 9 8 duty to prea* ! gospel to ! ,g5tiles2 b rememb]1 ,pet] says1 ,i p]ceive t ,god is no respect] ( p]sons3 b 9 e nation1 he t fe>e? ,god & worke? righte\sness1 is accept$ ( him4 ,!n he began to prea* ! gospel to ,cornelius & 8 fri5ds2 he prea*$ ,*ri/ to !m2 he prea*$ ,jesus & ! resurrection2 he %[s he is orda9$ ( ,god to be ! ,judge ( ! quick & ! dead2 & says1 ,to him give all ! prophets witness t ?r\gh 8 "n :osoev] believe? 9 him %all receive remission ( s9s4 ,did he say t e individual ( ! human race w\ld be sav$8 ,no su* ?+6 ,& ?\gh he _h fur!r light conc]n+ ! ,g5tiles1 he nev]1 z ,i c f9d1 prea*$ ,univ]sal ,salvation1 b to ! contr>y4 ,read 8 epi/les1 fir/ & second1 p>ticul>ly #b;d epi/le1 #b;d *apt] f #a/ to ! end ( ! #i? v]se4 ,! ,"l kn[e? h[ to deliv] ! godly out ( temptation2 & to res]ve ! unju/ to ! day ( judgm5t1 to be puni%$2 n to be lib]at$6 ,read #c;d *apt]1 #g? v]se1 ,b ! heav5s & ! e>? :i* are n[1 by ! same ^w are kept 9 /ore res]v$ unto fire aga9/ ! day ( judgm5t & p]dition ( ungodly m54 ,pet] wrote ^! epi/les aft] he _h fur!r light ) respect to ! ,g5tiles' hav+ ! gospel prea*$ unto !m4 ,z to :at y write ab\t my say+ ,i d n envy y because great numb]s g to he> y1 ,i /ill say x1 z f> z ,i "k my wick$ & deceitful he>t1 & wi% y might prea* ! pure & simple gospel1 & t y\r he>]s might desire no?+ m ?an ! s9c]e milk ( ! ^w1 z new-born babes1 prea*$ unto !m2 t !y might gr[ !reby1 c4 ,t place ,i direct$ y to 9 #a ,john1 iv4 #e1 #f1 & wi%$ y to consid]1 ?\gh ,i h 9 "s measure already consid]$ x1 ,i w attempt m p>ticul> to consid] x4 #a/4 ,y say1 ,john says1 ,& e _s t confesse? n t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle% is n ( ,god1 & ?is is t _s ( ,anti*ri/ :]e( y h he>d x %\ld come & ev5 n[ already is 9 ! _w4 ,john 9 ! prec$+ v]se said1 t e _s t confesse? ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle%1 is ( ,god2 d y ?9k1 sir1 t e p]son t ass5ts to ?is tru? is a true believ]8 ,b few t h be5 born 9 a l& ( gospel light b :at ass5ts to ?is2 b ! s\l t is born ( ,god truly believes x1 accord+ to :at ! same apo/le writes1 #e? ,*apt] #a/ epi/le #a/ v]se1 ,:osoev] believe? ,jesus is ! ,*ri/ is born ( ,god1 & e "o t love? him t begat1 love? him also t is begott5 ( him4 ,d all m5 t confess t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle% pr(ess to be born ( ,god8 ,d !y love ! *ildr5 ( ,god t be> 8 image8 ,no2 !y1 if unreg5]ate1 are ( ! _w2 !y love d>kness r ?an light1 because _! de$s are evil4 ,:o does our ,"l mean :5 he says1 ,if ! _w hate y1 x hat$ me be=e x hat$ y1 if ye 7 ( ! _w ! _w w\ld love 8 own2 b because ye are n ( ! _w1 b ,i h *os5 y out ( ! _w1 !re=e ! _w hate? y8 ,sir1 y "k t !re has be5 _m anti*ri/ian pr(essors ( ?is tru?1 t ,jesus ,*ri/ is come 9 ! fle%1 t h %$ mu* human blood1 because !y hat$ ! de> *ildr5 ( ,god4 ,!re=e ,i conceive ?is is ! mean+ ( ! text3 we mu/ "k = ourselves t ,jesus ,*ri/ is ! ,son ( ,god1 z ,pet] did :5 he confess$ him1 & ,*ri/ said to him1 ,bless$ art ?\ ,simon ,b>jona1 = fle% & blood has n reveal$ ?is unto !e1 b my ,fa!r :i* is 9 heav5--^u ?is rock ,i w build my *ur*1 & ! gates ( hell %all n prevail aga9/ x4 ,i believe t true & sav+ fai? is wr\ght 9 ! he>t by ! _s ( ! liv+ ,god2 & ! s\l t believes truly1 is1 z ,i h already said1 born ( ,god1 is 9 union ) ,*ri/1 is p>tak] ( ! div9e nature1 & has escap$ ! corruption t is 9 ! _w ?r\gh lu/1 & is press+ =w>d t[>ds ! m>k = ! prize ( ! high call+ ( ,god 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus4 ,i h wrote m ?an ,i int5d$1 hav+ receiv$ y\r o!r epi/le & h consid]$ "s ( x4 ,?is rema9s to be consid]$3 :at y wrote conc]n+ y\r hav+ great numb]s ( he>]s4 ,x is true ,*ri/ _h a great numb] :i* foll[$1 & he>d him1 b few :i* foll[$ because !y lov$ 8 doctr9e1 & foll[$ him f "r motives4 ,he said unto !m1 ,ye seek me n because ye saw ! miracles1 b because ye did eat ( ! loaves & 7 fill$4 ,lab\r n = ! meat t p]i%e?1 b = ! meat :i* endure? unto ev]la/+ life1 :i* ! ,son ( man %all give unto y1 = him ha? ,god ! ,fa!r seal$1 ,john vi4 #bf1 #bg4 ,our ,"l says1 ,john viii4 #dg1 ,he t is ( ,god he>e? ,god's words2 ye !re=e he> !m n because ye are n ( ,god4 ,h5ce y may see h[ our ,"l & 8 belov$ disciple ,john agree2 x is n ! tru? z x is 9 ,jesus1 ! populace are aft]2 x is to gratify _! curiosity1 or he> some?+ ab\t _! salvation 9 a way t has no cross 9 x4 ,b ,*ri/ says1 ,if any man w be my disciple let him d5y himself & take up 8 cross1 & foll[ me4 ,:5 ,*ri/ prea*$ s\l se>*+ doctr9e z he did 9 ! #f? ( ,john1 ,_m ( 8 disciples w5t back & foll[$ no m ) him4 ,& ,i believe :5 y prea* rep5tance & fai?1 & %ew :at fruits !y w produce 9 ! true p5it5t & true believ]1 ! _w w n he> y & cordially l y\r doctr9e4 ,b !y1 z ,john says1 are ( ! _w1 !re=e !y speak ( ! _w1 & ! _w he>e? !m2 ,we are ( ,god1 we t kn[e? ,god he>e? u2 he t is n ( ,god he>e? n u3 h]eby "k we ! _s ( tru? & ! _s ( error4 ,i h reason to ?9k "s popul> prea*]s are good m51 b ! _w d n l !m nor _! doctr9e1 because !y are s2 b because ( _! popul>ity _! curiosity is f$1 or gratifi$--& n _! s\ls ) ! pure milk ( ! ^w4 ,sir1 y answ] 9 "s way :i* is ambigu\s to me ab\t y\r prea*+ rep5tance1 & say rep5tance may be prea*$ )\t speak+ ! ^w rep5tance4 ,:at makes y %un speak+ pla9ly z ,*ri/ did8 ,be explicit 9 prea*+ x4 ,y _c d5y1 b ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les prea*$ x explicitly4 ,*ri/ said 9 pla9 language1 ,except ye rep5t ye %all all likewise p]i%1 ,luke xiii4 #c1 #e4 ,9 y\r answ] conc]n+ ! resurrection ( ! dead1 y d n speak ( t 9 a cle> & explicit way1 & y\r n m5tion+ x at ei!r ( ! fun]als1 makes me d\bt :e!r y believe x 9 z cle> & lit]al a mann] z x is express$ 9 ! scriptures by ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les4 ,paul says1 ,see+ we h su* hope we use great pla9ness ( spee*4 ,i hope1 sir1 y w n be (f5d$ ) me = pla9 deal+4 ,z to y\r apo/asy1 ,i hope ,i %all h an opportunity to conf] ) y ab\t x4 ,i am happy to say ,i feel no ranc\r or enmity aga9/ y\r p]son or p1 z a neighb\r & fri5d1 b %\ld be will+ to assi/ y 91 & z f> z my ability & p[] ) a good consci5ce w admit2 & hope ?is w n int]rupt our meet+ toge!r z usual 9 visit+ ! s*ools4 ,i ?9k we _h be/ drop ! controv]sy1 & ,i ?9k ,i %all no m write to y1 & hope y w no m write to me on ?is subject4 ,y may make :at use y please ( x2 ,i hope x w be made ( good use to y4 ,i n[1 de> sir1 comm5d y to ,god & ! ^w ( 8 grace1 :i* is able to build yon up 9 ! tru? z x is 9 ,jesus1 & give y an inh]itance among all !m :i* are sanctifi$4 ,f y\r fri5d1 & well wi%] 9 ! gospel ( our de> ,"l ,jesus ,*ri/4 ,,joseph ,,walton4 ,mr4 ,hosea ,ball\1 ,pa/or ( a ,*ur*4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,v4 ,,f ,,! ,,rev4 ,,hosea ,,ball\ ,,to ,,! ,,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,jan4 #ae1 #ahaa4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,y\rs ( ! #aa? in/4 is be=e me1 & accord+ to my promise ,i ha/5 to pay an e>ly att5tion to its cont5ts1 not)/&+ y express a hope t ,i %\ld write to y no m on ?is subject4 ,9 y\r desire1 sir1 t ,i %\ld write no m ,i believe y to be really s9c]e1 = ,i believe y to be a man dispos$ to give y\r fri5ds z little tr\ble z possible2 b ,i h sev]al reasons = answ]+ y\r la/1 :i*1 :5 ,i h /at$1 ,i presume1 w fully satisfy y t my answ] is requir$ 9 ju/ice to myself4 #a/4 ,i f9d myself accus$ ( bas5ess1 ( :i*1 7 ,i guilty1 ! =feiture w\ld be t ( confid5ce4 #b;d4 ,i f9d my prea*+ misrepres5t$1 & t 9 direct violation ( my own decl>ation 9 ! pres5t correspond5ce4 #c;d4 ,i f9d que/ions propos$ = my discussion1 :i* r5d]s x reasonable t y %\ld h an answ]1 z ,i 0 9 hopes ( obta9+ to ! que/ions :i* ,i /at$ to y4 #d?4 ,i f9d y q (f f ! subjects ( y\r admonitions1 n attempt+ to support !m1 nor yet will+ to exon]ate me f *>ges4 #e?4 ,i f9d ! scriptures ( our bless$ ,"l & ,savi\r quot$ ) a manife/ design to limit 8 grace & salvation4 ,i might g on & /ate a numb] m reasons :y ,i conceive x to be my duty to reply1 b ! five already giv5 w und\bt$ly satisfy y\r m9d2 & !y furni% subjects suffici5tly ample = an epi/le4 ,to !m ,i %all con=m myself1 & endeav\r to be z concise z is consi/5t ) ! importance ( ! subject4 #a/4 ,y\r accusation is 9 ! foll[+ words3-- ,"h y design$ly1 ,i ?9k1 mi/ake4 ,^? texts ( scripture :i* y h quot$ f ,rom4 #h? *apt4 are n to be appli$ z y apply !m1 nei!r do? ! apo/le apply !m s4 ,& me?9ks y "k !y are n1 if y consid] ! connexion f ! #bh? v]se ( ! *apt] to ! end4 ,& t passage ( scripture quot$ f #a ,cor4 iii4 #ba1 #bb1 #bc1 is only to be appli$ to real *ri/ians2 & ?is1 sir1 ,i presume y "k2 b x w\ld n suit y\r & y\r s*eme ( ,univ]sal ,salvation to apply !m s4 ,"h ,i am accus$1 #a/ ( design$ly mi/ak+ y6 ,&1 #b;d ( a wilful misapplication ( ! sacr$ ^w6 ,to ^! high *>ges1 sir1 ,i beg ! privilege ( plead+ n guilty2 &1 aft] mak+ my def5ce1 ( submitt+ my cause to imp>tial judges4 ,) reg>d to ! design$ mi/ake1 my def5ce is t no mi/ake 0 made by me ei!r design$ or n design$4--,i h exam9$ & f9d t ,i quot$ y v]batim4 ,i also f9d t ,i fully agre$ ) y 9 ! s5t5ce quot$ z to :at 0 necess>ily signifi$ by x4 ,i appli$ ! s5t5ce accord+ to my own m9d2 b did n pret5d nor say t y appli$ x z ,i did4 ,:]e !n is ! design$ mi/ake8 ,c\ld an action lie aga9/ a man = murd] if no body 7 f\nd1 on :i* murd] _h be5 committ$8--,c\ld an indictm5t = !ft be support$ aga9/ a man if no prop]ty 7 miss+ f ! own]8 ,is x prop] to br+ an allegation ?us1 )\t po9t+ out "s sort ( mi/ake8 ,i w n be s un*>itable1 sir1 z to suppose t y design$ to br+ a false accusation 9 ?is in/ance4 ,no1 sir1 y are n capable ( su* wick$ness2 ,i h ev] believ$ y to be an hone/1 s9c]e *ri/ian2 & t op9ion is s cong5ial to my feel+s t ,i %all nev] give x up :ile ,i c f9d a reasonable excuse = reta9+ x4 ,my op9ion is1 t y1 f9d+ t ,i _h made su* ready use ( y\r s5t5ce app>5tly to my own advantage1 ?\ght ,i design$ to mi/ake y1 & feel+ a little disagreeably on ! occasion1 did n look m9utely to see if y _h rightly appreh5d$ me1 or n4 ,) reg>d to ! wilful misapplication ( ! sacr$ ^w my def5ce is to be made f ! sacr$ text itself4 ,9 ?is def5ce1 sir1 x is suffici5t if ,i give y reasons :i* induce me to apply ! scripture z ,i d4 ,x is n necess>y t ,i conv9ce y or any body else t my application is "r1 = we are all liable to err4 ,:at ,i %all aim at is to %[ t if my applications are n correct yet ,i am n guilty ( wilfully misapply+ ! sacr$ text4 #a/4 ,( ! passage 9 ! #h? ( ,rom4 ! foll[+ are my reasons = a g5]al application ( t scripture to mank9d4 #a/4 ,! :ole human family1 at lea/1 is made ! prim>y subject ( ! apo/le's application z may be se5 by look+ at ! #ai? v]se & onw>d4 ,= ! e>ne/ expectation ( ! creature waite? = ! manife/ation ( ! sons ( ,god4 ,= ! creature 0 made subject to vanity1 n will+ly1 b by reason ( him :o subject$ ! same 9 hope2 because ! creature itself also %all be deliv]$ f ! bondage ( corruption into ! glori\s lib]ty ( ! *ildr5 ( ,god4 ,= we "k t ! :ole creation groane? & travaile? 9 pa9 toge!r until n[2 & n only !y1 b ourselves also1 :i* h ! fir/ fruits ( ! _s1 ev5 we ourselves groan )9 ourselves1 wait+ = ! adoption1 to wit1 ! r$emption ( our body4 ,i und]/& by ! above quotation t ,/4 ,paul meant ! same by ! :ole creation z he did by ! creature :o 0 made subject to vanity1 n will+ly1 b by reason ( him :o ha? subject$ ! same 9 hope4 ,& ?is creature :i* he calls ! :ole creation he says %all be deliv]$ f ! bondage ( corruption into ! glori\s lib]ty ( ! *ildr5 ( ,god4 ,?is is ! apo/le's prim>y application ( ! love & m]cy ( ,god4 ,9 a m9or s5se he is p>ticul> z may be se5 9 ! above quotation1 & n only !y1 t is ! :ole creation at l>ge1 b ourselves also1 :i* h ! fir/ fruits ( ! _s1 ev5 we ourselves groan )9 ourselves1 wait+ = ! adoption1 to wit1 ! r$emption ( our body4 ,i "k ( no way to und]/& ! apo/le "h to mean o!rwise ?an t ! :ole human race groan & travail = ! same deliv]ance & r$emption t ^? d :o are bless$ ) ! fir/ fruits ( ! _s4 ,nor d ,i f9d any expression1 9 relation to ?is subject1 m significant ( ! deliv]ance ( ^? :o h ! fir/ fruits ( ! _s1 ?an ( ! deliv]ance ( ! :ole creation1 or creature made subject to vanity4 ,by turn+ back only to ! #e? *ap1 we f9d ! apo/le labor+ ! subject ( grace & salvation 9 j z ext5sive a mann]4 ,see v]se #ah?1 ,!re=e z by ! (f5ce ( "o1 judgm5t came ^u all m5 unto condemnation1 ev5 s1 by ! righte\sness ( "o1 ! free gift came ^u all m5 unto ju/ification ( life4 ,consi/5tly ) ?is positive & p>ticul> decl>ation ( ! apo/le's belief 9 ! ju/ification ( all m5 ?r\gh ! righte\sness ( ,jesus ,*ri/1 we f9d 8 foll[+ te/imony4 ,see #a ,tim4 ii4 #d1 c4 ,:o w h all m5 to be sav$ & come unto ! k ( ! tru?4 ,= !re is "o ,god & "o m$iator betwe5 ,god & m51 ! man ,*ri/ ,jesus2 :o gave himself a ransom = all to be te/ifi$ 9 due "t4 ,heb4 ii4 #i4 ,b we see ,jesus :o 0 made a little l[] ?an ! angels = ! suff]+ ( dea?1 cr[n$ ) glory & honor2 t he by ! grace ( ,god %\ld ta/e dea? = e man4 ,rom4 iv4 #be4--:o 0 deliv]$ = our (f5ces & 0 rais$ aga9 = our ju/ification4 v4 #h4 ,b ,god comm5de? 8 love t[>d u1 9 t1 :ile we 7 yet s9n]s1 ,*ri/ di$ = u4 ,9 ! above te/imony ! apo/le says1 t ,*ri/ gave himself a ransom = all m51 t he1 by ! grace ( ,god1 ta/$ dea? = e man1 t he 0 deliv]$ = our (f5ces & 0 rais$ aga9 = our ju/ification1 t 8 dea? = s9n]s is a comm5dation ( ,god's love to !m4 ,n[ ,i am will+ to ackn[l$ge to y1 sir1 & to all ! _w1 t ,i c make no s5se ( ! above te/imony )\t apply+ x to all mank9d4 ,9 ! apo/le's obs]vations 9 ! close ( ! #h? ( ,rom4 ( no?+ be+ able to sep>ate u f ! love ( ,god1 :i* is 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus1 !re is a p]fect analogy ) ! =ego+ te/imony4 ,! love ( ,god :i* is 9 ,*ri/ ,jesus1 0 comm5d$ to a s9ful _w 9 t ,*ri/ ta/$ dea?1 by ! grace ( ,god1 = e man4 ,if "o ( all ^? = :om ,*ri/ di$ c be sep>at$ f t love by :i* ,*ri/ di$ = him1 ,i "k n :y ! :ole may n be1 by ! same argum5t4 #b;d4 ,( ! passage 9 #a/ ,cor4 #c;d1 c4 ,?is passage1 y say1 y presume ,i "k ought n to be appli$ to any b real *ri/ians6 ,see ! text4 ,!re=e let no man1 glory 9 m52 = all ?+s are y\rs2 :e!r ,paul1 or ,apollos1 or ,cephas1 or ! _w1 or life1 or dea?1 or ?+s pres5t1 or ?+s to come2 all are y\rs2 & ye are ,*ri/'s2 & ,*ri/ is ,god's4 ,are y will+1 sir1 to presume t ,i "k t ! apo/le ,paul did n mean to dissuade any b real *ri/ians f tru/+ 9 m58 ,?is y mu/ presume 9 ord] to presume t ,i "k ! text ought to be appli$ to none b real ,*ri/ians4 ,is n ! s5se ( no man z univ]sal 9 ! negative1 z ! s5se ( all m5 is 9 ! positive8 ,:y did y n attempt to give "s reason = su* a presumption8 ,i hope de> sir1 y w n all[ y\rself to ?9k1 ev5 = "o mom5t1 t ,i am s un*>itable z to suppose y presum$ ?us1 contr>y to impressions ( y\r own m9d1 ?\gh y _c ?9k any worse ( me ?an is impli$ 9 ! presumption4 ,i tell y1 sir1 t ,i s]i\sly believe t ! above text ought to be appli$ to all m52 ,i believe x is wrong = any man to put 8 tru/ 9 man1 accord+ to t scripture2 & ,i believe x to be p]fectly "r to exhort all m5 to put _! tru/ 9 ,god :o has giv5 8 son to die = u all1 & :o w ) him freely give u all ?+s ri*ly to enjoy4 ,i d n d\bt y\r s9c]ity 9 ! above presumption1 b ,i d\bt y\r hav+ paid a suitable att5tion to ! subject be=e y ?us presum$4 ,ha/y judgm5ts & sudd5 conclusions frequ5tly make "w = rep5tance2 b ! true *ri/ian w1 on cool reflection1 be will+ to ackn[l$ge 8 faults & to remove unju/ accusations4-- ,by _! fruits ye %all "k !m4 ,on consid]+ ! usage ) :i* ,i meet 9 ?is unsolicit$ & unexpect$ correspond5ce1 ,i _c b call to m9d ! v diff]5t treatm5t :i* ! devil receiv$ f an heav5ly dignit>y1 :o d>$ n to br+ aga9/ 8 oppon5t a rail+ accusation6 ,z a fur!r evid5ce t ! text 9 ,cor9?ians ought to be appli$ to all m51 or to m5 9 g5]al1 see ! words ( ! same apo/le to ! ,ephesians1 *apt] iv4 #h1 #aa1 c4 ,:]e=e he sai?1 :5 he asc5d$ up on high1 he l$ captivity captive1 & gave gifts unto m54 ,& he gave "s apo/les2 & "s prophets2 & "s evangeli/s2 & "s pa/ors & tea*]s4--,n[ look aga9 to ! passage 9 ,cor9?ians1 ,= all ?+s are y\rs1 :e!r ,paul1 or ,apollos1 or ,cephas1 c4 ,^! 7 ! gifts giv5 unto m54 ,! "q n[ is1 7 ^? gifts :i* 7 giv5 unto m51 giv5 to any b real *ri/ians8 ,see ,psalm lxviii4 #ah1 to :i* ! apo/le alludes 9 8 words quot$ f ,eph4 iv4 ,?\ ha/ asc5d$ on high2 ?\ ha/ l$ captivity captive2 ?\ ha/ receiv$ gifts = m52 yea1 = ! rebelli\s also1 t ! ,"l ,god might dwell among !m4 ,are y will+1 sir1 to presume t ,i "k t ! prophet ,david & ,/4 ,paul meant to apply ^? scriptures to none b real *ri/ians8 ,i mu/ ackn[l$ge my suprise at su* presumption4 ,i w n[ take my leave ( ^? accusations1 j rem>k+ t ,i feel no fe> 9 submitt+ my case to any imp>tial tribunal4 ,! #b;d g5]al p>ticul> is t ( my prea*+ be+ misrepres5t$1 & t 9 direct violation ( my own decl>ations 9 ! pres5t correspond5ce4 ,?is misrepres5tation ,i f9d 9 y\r lett] 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,i ?9k1 sir1 y\r giv+ y\r he>]s enc\ragem5t 9 y\r prea*+ t ,*ri/ w save !m all :e!r !y rep5t & believe ! gospel or no1 is ( a dang]\s nature4 ,9 ! fir/ place ,i call my :ole congregation to witness aga9/ ?is misrepres5tation4 ,9 ! second place ,i call my own te/imony 9 ?is correspond5ce :i* y _h be=e y1 to witness aga9/ ?is misrepres5tation4 ,! foll[+ are my own words v]batim3--,9 ! fir/ place ,i wi% to obs]ve t ,i z mu* believe 9 ^? scriptures :i* speak ( ! necessity ( rep5tance1 z ,i d 9 any "p ( ! sacr$ writ+s4 ,! _m scriptures :i* y h judici\sly quot$ to prove ! propriety ( ! doctr9e ( rep5tance are ju/ly appli$ z ,i conceive1 & ,i accord ) y 9 _! use & mean+ z f> z y h expla9$ !m4 ,:ile a man is 9 a /ate ( unbelief he is n 9 ! enjoym5t ( ! tru?4 ,^! quotations1 sir1 are all 9 direct opposition to y\r repres5tation ( ! subject ( rep5tance4 ,"h aga9 ,i ought to obs]ve1 t ,i am f> f accus+ y ( an int5tional fault1 or a wilful misrepres5tation2 ?\gh 9 ord] to suppose y cle> f su* a fault1 ,i mu/ *>itably suppose t ! p]turbations ( y\r m9d 7 su* t y did n give my lett] a c>eful exam9ation4 ,i prov$ by pla9 & positive scripture t rep5tance is z mu* a gift ( ,*ri/ z ! =giv5ess ( s9s1 :i* is1 ) ! passage quot$ f my lett]1 suffici5t to conv9ce any man1 :o is n improp]ly bias$ by tradition1 t ,i d n exclude ! necessity ( rep5tance4 #c;d4 ,i f9d que/ions propos$ = my discussion1 :i* r5d]s x necess>y t y %\ld receive an answ]1 z ,i 0 9 hope ( obta9+ to ! que/ions :i* ,i /at$ to y4 ,^! que/ions are 9 ! foll[+ words3 ,i w\ld ask y1 if1 :5 ,i am writ+ a lett] or an epi/le to ,mr4 ,hosea ,ball\1 x w\ld be prop] = me to apply :at ,i wrote 9 p>ticul> to y conc]n+ y\r affairs1 or circum/ances1 to ! :ole _w8 ,:o does our ,"l mean :5 he says1 ',if ! _w hate y x hat$ me be=e x hat$ y1' c4 ,to ! fir/ ( ^! que/ions ,i answ]1 %\ld y /ate 9 a lett] to me t no man ought to prea* ! doctr9e :i* ,i prea*1 ,i %\ld suppose t y\r obs]vation w\ld apply to ! :ole _w ( mank9d z well z to me2 or if ,i %\ld say 9 a lett] to ! ,rev4 ,joseph ,walton1 no man ought to presume 8 fri5d to be guilty ( wilful mi/akes1 & misapplications ( scripture )\t ! be/ possible evid5ce ,i believe y w\ld see ! propriety ( apply+ my obs]vation to all m51 ev5 if y %\ld feel y\rself p>ticul>ly admoni%$ by x4 ,! second "q ,i conceive may be ju/ly answ]$ ?us3 ,! _w :i* hat$ ,*ri/ 0 t religi\s ord] among ! ,jews :o accus$ him ( be+ a fri5d to publicans & s9n]s2 :o ?\ght !mselves s mu* bett] ?an _! neighb\rs1 z to say1 ,/& by ?yself2 come n nigh me1 = ,i am holi] ?an ?\4 ,enmity to ,*ri/ gr[s out ( a ,ph>isaical notion ( our own righte\sness1 & x is an inv>iable m>k ( a ,ph>isee to oppose ! humiliat+ doctr9e ( equal guilt & equal grace4 ,no man ev] hat$ ,*ri/ :o felt ! weight ( 8 own s9s & ! ne$ ( a ,savi\r4 ,no set ( m5 ev] fom5t$ p]secutions b su* z ?\ght !mselves ! m p>ticul> fav\rites ( ,god ?an o!rs4 ,:5 ,i he> c]ta9 *>act]s rais+ su* qu]ies1 ,i am almo/ induc$ to use ! fre$om ) !m :i* ! prophet ,na?an us$ ) 8 t]rible maje/y ! k+1 & say4 ,?\ art ! man6 ,b ,i d>e n assume ! place ( judgm5t2 & ,i "k my own fallibility s well t ,i h no ne$ to accuse o!rs4 #d?ly4 ,i f9d y q (f f ! subjects ( y\r admonition1 n attempt+ to support !m1 nor yet will+ to exon]ate me f *>ges4 ,q (f1 ,i say1 f ! subjects ( admonition2 = y h n attempt$ to di/+ui% betwe5 ! two ideas conta9$ 9 :at y /at$ z ! fir/ subject ( admonition1 nor h y told me :e!r x be "o1 or bo? :i* y consid] ?us repreh5sible4--,y lab\r "s "t on ano!r subject :i* conc]ns ! mode by :i* dea? 0 introduc$1 b y h said no?+ ab\t :e!r ,god orig9ally design$ dea?1 or n4 ,n kn[+ y\r real m9d f :at y express$ on ?is subject1 ,i qu]i$ 9 my m9d h[ ,i ought to und]/& y1 & suppos+ y consi/5t ) y\rself1 & hav+ suffici5t reason to believe t y\r cre$ conta9s ! belief t ,god =eorda9$ :atsoev] comes to pass1 ,i expla9$ ! s5t5ce accord+ly2 b y nei!r ackn[l$ge me "r 9 ?is p>ticul>1 nor object2 b y say t y d n ?9k y ev] told me s6 ,"h aga91 sir1 ,i c easily suppose y speak ! tru?1 ?\gh ,i am "u ! necessity ( *>itably suppos+ t y\r memory fails1 = at ! fir/ visit :i* ,i _h ! happ9ess ( mak+ y1 ,i he>d y recomm5d ! ,cate*ism to be taught 9 s*ools :i* conta9s ?is v article ( fai?4 ,& n[1 sir1 ,i mu/ ei!r believe t y w\ld recomm5d t :i* y d n believe1 or ,i mu/ /ill suppose t y believe t ,god =eorda9$ :atsoev] comes to pass2 & ( c\rse t he =eorda9$ dea?4 ,& z y admoni% me = sugge/+ t ,god orig9ally design$ dea? = ! good ( mank9d y _c be consi/5t ) y\rself1 z ,i c see1 )\t believ+ t ,god orig9ally design$ dea? = a damage to mank9d4 ,& z y d n d5y believ+ ?us1 ,i _c b m>vel t y %\ld :olly neglect to answ] my qu]ies on ?is subject3 a subject :i* evid5tly involves ! moral "* ( ,god4 ,d y feel1 sir1 z if y _h hon\rably acquitt$ y\rself 9 ?is p>ticul>1 by only exult+ 9 y\r =getfulness conc]n+ hav+ giv5 me to und]/& y\r cre$8 ,does ?is look altoge!r l r5\nc+ ! hidd5 ?+s ( di%one/y8 ,did y believe y\r cre$ 9 respect to ! subject ( admonition 0 hid f me8 ,:y !n did y n op5ly decide ei!r "o way or ! o!r8 ,may ,i n )\t do+ y ! lea/ inju/ice suppose y 7 /raight5$ by ! gl>+ inconsi/5cy ( y\r admonition8 ,if y av[$ ! sugge/$ item all ! abom9able absurdity :i* ,i po/$ full 9 sight mu/ h be5 *>g$ to y\r acc\nt4 ,if y disav[$ ! sugge/$ item !n away w5t ! d>l+ ,cate*ism1 9 a mom5t1 & ) x1 m ( ! prepo/]\s inv5tions ( prie/craft ?an c\ld be easily replac$ to ! advantage ( ! cause ( sup]/ition & ignorance6 ,i w\ld by no means sugge/ t y did any ?+ or neglect$ to d any ?+ f a motive :i* y\r own consci5ce disall[$2 b ,i am impell$1 ev5 by *>ity itself1 to attribute y\r conduct 9 ! above case to an improp] prejudice aga9/ a doctr9e ( :i* y "k b v little4 ,ano!r subject ( y\r admonition is t ( my hav+ apo/atis$ f ! true fai?4 ,on ?is subject1 on :i* ,i 0 p>ticul>1 y make no def5ce1 nor yet exhon]ate me f ! *>ge4 ,y obs]ve y hope = an opportunity to conf] ) me ab\t ?is matt]4 ,:y 7 y unwill+ to write y\r def5ce ( ?is allegation1 or be s k9d z to )draw x4 ,i mu/ use ! pla9ness1 sir1 to say1 if y accuse ( design$ mi/akes 9 writ+ :]e no mi/akes exi/1 if ,i h a v]bal conf]5ce ) y on ^! matt]s1 ,i %\ld wi% to h x be=e a ready scribe :o c\ld produce ! cons]vation aft]w>ds4 ,y are n to suppose by ?is precaution ,i mean to intimate t y w\ld report ! conv]sation contr>y to tru?1 design$ly2 ,i mean if :5 my lett]s are be=e y\r eyes1 y misund]/&1 y might be z likely to misund]/& conv]sation4 ,y admoni%$ me = prea*+ a doctr9e :i* pleases ! _w1 mean+ ! populace2 & ,i endeav\r$ to def5d myself 9 t p>ticul>3 b y nei!r attempt to %[ my reason+ faulty1 nor yet1 ackn[l$ge me correct4 ,?is is admoni%+1 ,i %\ld suppose1 9 ! unacc\ntable mann] 9 :i* ,popes admoni%6 ,y say t _m foll[$ ,*ri/ = ! sake ( ! loaves4 ,de> sir1 ,i did n say b !y all did2 & if !y did1 ! "q is1 does t prove 8 doctr9e n ( ,god8 ,"h1 sir1 y w see1 if y look "o mom5t1 t y 7 (f1 f> (f f ! subject4 #e?4 ,i f9d ! scriptures ( our bless$ ,"l & ,savi\r quot$ ) a manife/ design to limit 8 grace & salvation4 ,y introduce ^? quotations z foll[s3 ,y /ill w cont9ue to ma9ta9 ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation by ^? texts :i* ,i said y spoke at ! grave ) su* an emphasis4 ,if !y are to be und]/ood only 9 a lit]al s5se z !y are express$1 ,i c quote z _m1 or m spok5 by ,*ri/ & 8 apo/les1 :i* w contradict !m 9 _! lit]al s5se4 ,*ri/ says1 ',he t believe? & is baptis$ %all be sav$1 b he t believe? n %all be damn$4 ,!n %all he say unto !m on 8 left h& dep>t f me ye curs$ into ev]la/+ fire prep>$ = ! devil & 8 angels4 ,& ^! %all g away into ev]la/+ puni%m5t1 b ! righte\s into life et]nal4'--',!n said ,jesus aga9 unto !m1 ,i g my way & ye %all seek me & %all die 9 y\r s9s2 :i!r ,i g ye _c come4 ,john viii4 #ba1 #bd4 ,i said !re=e unto y t ye %all die 9 y\r s9s1 = if ye believe n ,i am he ye %all die 9 y\r s9s4' ,^! passages y say contradict ^? :i* ,i make use ( to prove ,univ]sal ,salvation1 if we und]/& ^? :i* ,i ?us use 9 a lit]al s5se1 z !y are express$4 ,i w /ate "o passage only z an example1 :i* ,i h be=e quot$4 ,rom4 v4 #ah1 ,!re=e1 z by ! (f5ce ( "o1 judgm5t came ^u all m5 unto condemnation1 ev5 s by ! righte\sness ( "o ! free gift came ^u all m5 unto ju/ification ( life4 ,no?+ c be said on ! above text :i* c t5d to make its mean+ m pla9 ?an x is1 if its mo/ natural s5se be ! true s5se4 ,?is1 sir1 ,i presume1 y w all[3 ,n[ let u look = a contradiction ( ?is text 9 ! passages :i* y quot$4 ,he t believe? & is baptis$ %all be sav$1 & he t believe? n %all be damn$4 ,i ask h[ long ! unbeliev] w be damn$8 ,answ]--,z long z he is an unbeliev]1 & no long]1 accord+ to ! text4 ,is !re any expression 9 ! text1 or context t ev5 intimates t any w rema9 et]nally 9 unbelief8 ,no4 ,:]e is ! contradiction !n8 ,!re is none4 ,! passage :i* y quote f ! #be? ( ,mat4 says1 ,& ^! %all g away into ev]la/+ puni%m5t1 b ! righte\s into life et]nal4 ,z ! ^w ev]la/+ is v frequ5tly us$ 9 ! scriptures to signify ages & disp5sations1 is !re any c]ta9ty t x has n su* a mean+ 9 ?is place8 ,answ]3 ,no4 ,:]e is ! contradiction !n8 ,!re is none4 ,! v expression puni%m5t %[s pla9ly t :at is inflict$ is design$ z an em5dation ( ! puni%$4 ,i h %[n 9 a late publication1#aa t x is 9 direct violation ( ! words ( ,*ri/1 to expla9 ! above text to signify a puni%m5t 9 ano!r /ate ( exi/5ce2 & yet1 if we 7 "u ! necessity ( und]/&+ x s1 x w\ld fall aft] all inf9itely %ort ( prov+ t1 at "s p]iod kn[n to a m]ciful ,god1 all m5 w n be ju/ifi$ unto life4--,!re=e no contradiction c be f\nd4 ,! passage :i* speaks ( ^? :o %\ld die 9 _! s9s w fall equally %ort ( contradict+ ! te/imony ( ,univ]sal ,ju/ification4 ,i w ask 9 ! fir/ place1 :e!r a man's be+ dead 9 s9 r5d] x impossible = him to be quick5$ unto life by ! _s ( ,god8 ,see a passage :i* y quote1 ,y ha? he quick5$ :o 7 dead 9 trespasses & s9s4 ,if ^? :o are dead 9 trespasses & s9s c be quick5$ accord+ to ?is passage1 :at is ! reason t ^? ,jews to :om ,*ri/ spake c nev] be quick5$8 ,y mu/ see1 sir1 t ! passage :i* y quote refutes y\r notion ab\t ?is contradiction4 ,y w say t ,*ri/ told ! ,jews :i!r ,i g ye _c come1 b y _c b rememb] t he said ! same ?+ to 8 own disciples4 ,z ,i said unto ! ,jews s ,i say unto y1 :i!r ,i g ye _c come2 & aft]w>ds expla9s himself to mean t !y c\ld n come imm$iately4--,let u n[ turn ?is subject r\nd & ask h[ ! text quot$ f ,romans c be true if y\r notion ( endless mis]y be grant$ to be ! true mean+ ( ! passages y quote8 ,w y und]take to say t m5 :o are ju/ifi$ unto life by ! righte\sness ( ,*ri/ w rema9 endlessly 9 a /ate ( dea? & condemnation8 ,if y d n feel compet5t to ! task ( ma9ta9+ su* palpable contradiction1 :y w\ld x n be do+ y\rself a k9dness j to exam9e t s\l *ill+ & heav5 di%on\r+ doctr9e ( endless1 unm]ciful puni%m5t6 ,"o mom5t's exam9ation ( su* an idea :5 br\ght 9 sight ( ! f\nta9 :i* is op5$ = ! h\se ( ,david & ! inhabitants ( ,j]usalem to wa% 9 f s9 & uncleanness w\ld aboli% x =ev]4 ,i ackn[l$ge1 sir1 t my five p>ticul>s d n compreh5d e p>ticul> ( y\r lett]2 nor h ,i att5d$ to all :i* !y d compreh5d s ext5sively z ,i w\ld if ,i c\ld suppose x necess>y2 b z y 7 9 hopes ( receiv+ no?+1 x is n to be expect$ t y w f9d fault because !re is no m4 ,footnote #aa3 ,c&id ,review1 or ,answ] to ,rob9son4 ,i _c be will+ to close ?is epi/le )\t giv+ y cr$it ( foll[+ ! apo/le's direction 9 y\r obs]vation conc]n+ my argum5t 9 respect to ,/4 ,pet]4 ,y say ,i conceive y ?9k y h got a mighty argum5t1 c4 ,! apo/le exhorts u to be *ildr5 9 malice1 & ,i am sure ,/4 ,paul1 nor any body else ev] he>d a m *ildi% expression :i* communicat$ ! lea/ possible disaffection4 ,:at y quote f ,/4 ,pet] ) a design to prove endless mis]y1 )\t attempt+ to %[ t su* 0 8 mean+1 ,i =be> comm5t+ ^u4 ,if y _h %[n t ,pet] c\ld consi/5tly believe t no man 0 common or unclean consid]$ 9 ! %eet :i* he saw 9 vision1 & at ! same "t believe t ! greate/ "p ( mank9d w\ld rema9 9 s9 & uncleanness et]nally y w\ld h done m ?an y h4 ,i hope1 sir1 if y are det]m9$ to take y\r leave ( ?is correspond5ce )\t support+ ! subjects ( y\r admonition1 & )\t support+ ! heavy *>ges y h /at$ aga9/ me1 &1 likewise1 )\t ackn[l$g+ ! impropriety ( y\r admonition1 & ! incorrectness ( y\r *>ges1 t y w nev] attack ano!r ( y\r fell[ creatures 9 ! same way4 ,i d n express ?is because ,i feel ! lea/ unfri5dl9ess to y 9 consequ5ce ( ! me?od y h pursu$1 b because ,i ?9k x is contr>y to ! _s ( ,*ri/ianity2 x is n do+ z we wi% to be done by4 ,i d n believe t y\r s\l feels satisfi$ ) x2 b y h "s rema9s ( pride yet :i* keeps y f giv+ up gr\nd :i* y are s5sible y _c ma9ta94 ,i hope1 sir1 y w ent]ta9 no appreh5sions respect+ my cordial fri5d%ip to y1 or my read9ess to jo9 y 9 any possible usefulness to our fell[ creatures4 ,&1 z y affectionately committ$ me to ,god & to ! ^w ( 8 grace1 please to accept ! s9c]e desires = y\r pres5t & ev]la/+ welf>e1 ( sir1 y\r humble s]vant1 = ,*ri/'s sake4 ,,hosea ,,ball\4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,lett] ,,vi4 ,,f ,,! ,,same ,,to ,,! ,,same4 ,,portsm\?1 ,,feb4 #a1 #ahaa4 ,rev4 ,sir1--,hav+ tak5 into s]i\s consid]ation ! :ole correspond5ce :i* has pass$ betwe5 u1 ,i h felt v deep impressions on my m9d aris+ f ! foll[+ coosid]ations4 #a/4 ,y & ,i are acc\ntable be+s1 & mu/ und\bt$ly1 soon] or lat]1 be call$ to acc\nt = ! propriety1 or impropriety ( our lab\rs ) ea* o!r4 #b;d4 ,our pr(essional "* mu/1 )\t d\bt1 be a high consid]ation 9 our acc\ntability4 #c;d4 ,! eyes ( society are ev] wat*ful1 & ,god has made u acc\ntable1 n only to himself1 b to our fell[ creatures1 :o h a j dem& ^u u4 ,:ile ^! important consid]ations 7 revolv+ 9 my m9d1 ,i felt a s5se ( my y\?1 comp>$ ) y\r age1 my inexp]i5ce1 ! pron5ess ( ! human he>t to ! vanity ( self confid5ce1 ! bl9dness ( prejudice to :i* old & "y are m or less subject1 & also1 ! fri5d%ip :i* has hi!rto happily subsi/$ betwe5 u s9ce our fir/ acqua9tance4 ,^! circum/ances & ^? consid]ations1 l$ my m9d to ! conclusion t ,i ought to lay ! :ole matt] be=e ,god1 & to ask ( him suitable wisdom to guide me 9 relation to s weighty a subject4 ,! result ( my devotional supplications is a =cible application ( ! div9e direction1 giv5 by ,/4 ,paul #a ,tim4 v4 #a1 ,rebuke n an eld] b entreat him z a fa!r1 & ! y\ng] m5 z bre?r54 ,h[ f> y\r communications to me are consi/5t1 or inconsi/5t ) ! apo/le's direction1 9 ! above te/1 ,i d n conceive x my duty to judge1 any f>!r ?an a dis*>ge ( my own duty1 pursuant to ! apo/le's direction1 may require4 ,on ! mo/ delib]ate recapitulation ( all :i* ,i h writt51 ,i _c n[ say1 t ,i c\ld wi% to recall a s+le idea1 argum5t1 application ( scripture1 or s5tim5t2 ?\gh ,i w n ev5 sugge/ t bett] in=mation might n produce a diff]5t conclusion4 ,i tru/ ,i h hi!rto treat$ y1 sir1 & ! subjects ( y\r communications ) all ! propriety ( :i* my und]/&+ is ma/]2 & my f]v5t desire is1 t ,i may complete ! lab\rs enjo9$ on me by ! above text1 9 /rict con=mity to t mo/ holy _s :i* inspir$ su* excell5t c\nsel4 ,!re=e1 ,rev4 ,sir1 ,i entreat y z a fa!r to consid]1 #a/4 ,:e!r y entreat$ y\r humble s]vant z a bro!r :5 y admoni%$ him = important p>ticul>s :i* y :olly refuse to sub/antiate ei!r z facts or wrongs8 #b;d4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 refus+ to decide1 z to y\r mean+1 9 ! fir/ subject ( y\r admonition1 & 9 n giv+ me to und]/& :e!r ,i _h rightly appreh5d$ y or n8 #c;d4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 n ackn[l$g+ an agreem5t ( s5tim5t on ! subject ( rep5tance aft] ,i _h giv5 y ! fulle/ assurance possible1 t ,i believ$ 9 its necessity & importance8 #d?4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 admoni%+ me z an apo/ate f ! true fai? ( ! gospel1 :ile ,i pr(ess to believe 9 ,*ri/ ! ,son ( ,god1 z ! ,savi\r ( ! _w2 & /& 9 society1 9 my v>i\s relation by ! bless+ ( ,god1 unimpea*$ z to morality8 #e?4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 admoni%+ me aga9/ a doctr9e :i* comm5ds ! love & m]cy ( ,god 9 ! f9al reconciliation & ev]la/+ happ9ess ( all unreconcil$ be+s2 & 9 oppos+ said doctr9e ) no o!r argum5t ?an say+1 9 effect1 t if ! scriptures :i* prove ! doctr9e are all[$ to mean z !y naturally read1 o!r scriptures contradict !m6 ,?us furni%+ ! infidel ) 8 d>l+ weapon aga9/ ! div9ity ( ! scriptures8 #f?4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 /at+ ^? heavy *>ges aga9/ me1 9 :i* y accuse me ( a design$ mi/ake1 & ( wilful misapplications ( scriptures :]e nei!r mi/ake or misapplications ( scriptures c be made to appe>8 #g?4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 misrepres5t+ my prea*+ :5 y nev] he>d me p]=m 9 ! p>ticul> capacity ( a prea*]8 #h?4 ,:e!r y entreat$ me z a bro!r 9 tak+ y\r leave ( ?is correspond5ce )\t support+ "o s+le p>ticul> ( y\r admonition1 or "o s+le *>ge aga9/ me4 ,& also1 )\t ackn[l$g+ ! incorrectness ( y\r admonition1 or ! impropriety ( y\r *>ges4 ,i entreat y1 sir1 z a fa!r1 to consid] :e!r ! _s :i* y manife/$1 9 br+ su* unreasonable *>ges aga9/ me1 be consi/5t ) ! directions giv5 by ,/4 ,paul to ,timo?y1 & also ) ! example & precept ( him :o lov$ 8 enemies & comm&$ 8 disciples to d likewise8 ,i entreat y s]i\sly to consid] :at ! conduct ( ! ,savi\r w\ld h be51 if he _h be5 dispos$ to judge1 d5\nce1 reject & disfell[%ip all ^? :o s9c]ely believe 9 him & /rove to hon\r him ) becom+ ob$i5ce to 8 comm&s1 on acc\nt ( _! n und]/&+ e ?+ z well z he did8 ,i entreat y to call 9 "q y\r treatm5t ( me because ,i d n believe 9 e ?+ z y d2 & c>efully exam9e if x correspond ) ! conduct ( him1 :o1 out ( pity to human weakness1 submitt$ himself to ! scorn & hatr$ ( ^? :o consid]$ !mselves m righte\s ?an o!rs8 ,9 relation to ! doctr9e1 to :i* y appe> s viol5tly oppos$1 ,i entreat y1 z a fa!r1 to take into consid]ation1 #a/4 ,! promises ( ,god to ,abraham by :i* ! doctr9e is support$4 #b;dly4 ,! corroborat+ te/imonies 9 ! ,new ,te/am5t by :i* we are to und]/& ^? promises4 #c;dly4 ,! consi/5cy ( ! doctr9e ) ! "* ( inf9ite goodness4 ,&1 #d?ly4 ,! consi/5cy ( ! doctr9e ) e b5evol5t & godlike desire ( ! human he>t4 ,if ,god promis$ to bless all ! families1 nations & k9dr$s ( ! e>? 9 ! se$ ( ,abraham1 :o is ,*ri/1 & if ,/4 ,paul has in=m$ u t ?is bless+ is ju/ification ?r\gh fai?1 ,i entreat y to consid] by :at au?ority y condemn ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,ju/ification4 ,if ! apo/le has also argu$ t ,god has made peace ?r\gh ! blood ( ! cross ( ,jesus1 by him to reconcile all ?+s to himself1 ,i entreat y to consid] by :at au?ority y condemn ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,reconciliation4 ,if 9 p]fect con=mity to ! promises ( ,god1 ! prophet has giv5 8 te/imony t all ! ends ( ! e>? %all see ! salvation ( our ,god1 ,i entreat y to consid] by :at au?ority y condemn ! doctr9e ( ,univ]sal ,salvation4 ,if y make use ( scripture to contradict su* pla9 & positive decl>ations1 by expla9+ p>ables & d\btful say+s = t purpose1 ,i entreat y c&idly to consid] :e!r y c d any ?+ m to ! di%on\r ( ! sacr$ ^w1 or m pleas+ to ^? :o wi% to br+ ! scriptures into disrepute4 ,if y feel det]m9$ to ma9ta9 & inculcate ! idea ( ,god's puni%+ 8 rational (fspr+ et]nally )\t m]cy1 love1 or pity t[>ds !m1 ,i entreat y1 z a fa!r1 to consid] :e!r y c inv5t any idea :i*1 appli$ to ,god1 w\ld make 8 "* appe> m contr>y to ! _s ( him :o lov$ 8 enemies & di$ = !m4 ,i entreat y to exam9e c>efully & see if x be possible to reconcile ! doctr9e ( endless mis]y ) ! b5evol5t desires ( ! true spiritual *ildr5 ( ,god2 & consid] s]i\sly :e!r x be prop] to pray = ! salvation ( all m51 & !n condemn ! belief ( x z a h]esy4 ,i entreat y1 z a fa!r1 to call into s]i\s consid]ation ! real cause ( all ! p]secutions & abom9able cruelties :i* h be5 practic$ 9 ,*ri/5dom1 on acc\nt ( religion1 & see if y c f9d a f\ndation = ^! ?+s except 9 ! blasphem\s notion t ,god is unm]ciful t[>ds ! imp5it5t4 ,endeav\r1 sir1 to satisfy y\rself h[ ! fooli% prejudices ( ignorant zealots c\ld ev] h succe$$ 9 e/abli%+ s _m middle walls ( p>tition1 & 9 mak+ s _m p]nici\s di/9ctions 9 ! ,*ri/ian _w1 if ! blasphem\s notion ( p>tiality 9 ,god _h n be5 ! rage ( an apo/atis$ *ur*4 ,f9d out1 if y c1 ,i entreat y1 sir1 ! cause ( all ! madness & folly1 :i* appe> 9 ! habitual coldness & bitt]ness ex]cis$ by ! cl]gy1 ( diff]5t d5om9ations t[>ds ea* o!r1 if x be n ! blasphem\s notion t _! fooli% prejudices are sanction$ by ,god6 ,adieu1 ,i write no m4 ,i feel t ,i h done my duty4 ,i h entreat$ y z a fa!r 9 love & fai?funess4 ,i leave ! effects ) ,god2 humbly pray+ & joyfully believ+1 t :5 we are purg$ f our hay1 wood & /ubble1 ) ! _s ( judgm5t & ! _s ( burn+1 we %all see eye to eye & be admitt$ to a humble seat at ! feet ( our bless$ ,savi\r1 = ^: sake ,i rema91 sir1 y\r mo/ ob$i5t & v humble s]vant4 ,,hosea ,,ball\ ,rev4 ,,joseph ,,walton4