worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o dependence_n and_o coherence_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n of_o any_o book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n can_v be_v upon_o another_o gives_z great_a strength_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o whole_a since_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o if_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a all_o must_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o particular_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o part_n separately_z we_o must_v consider_v the_o connexion_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o evidence_n which_o be_v derive_v upon_o it_o by_o this_o connexion_n if_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v once_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v moses_n must_v be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o he_o foretell_v the_o succession_n of_o such_o prophet_n and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divine_a the_o pentateuch_n must_v be_v so_o because_o they_o all_o along_o acknowledge_v and_o appeal_v to_o it_o as_o contain_v god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o mission_n if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n must_v be_v from_o he_o if_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n prove_v their_o divine_a authority_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o prove_v their_o own_o authority_n from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o wrought_v and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n either_o of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v sufficient_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o convince_a when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o light_n i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o miracle_n without_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n without_o miracle_n or_o that_o one_o evident_a miracle_n or_o one_o evident_a prophecy_n at_o least_o that_o either_o the_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o so_o many_o prophet_n live_v will_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v much_o rather_o so_o in_o conjunction_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o evidence_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v reciprocal_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a respect_n do_v prove_v they_o and_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o both_o derive_v authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o communicate_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o they_o for_o as_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n and_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n so_o both_o prediction_n prove_v the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v verify_v the_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o consequence_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o have_v double_o the_o divine_a seal_n and_o attestation_n now_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
composition_n of_o cato_n it_o have_v be_v hard_o for_o he_o to_o avoid_v the_o be_v a_o stoic_a and_o he_o may_v probable_o have_v found_v that_o sect_n if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v know_v in_o the_o world_n before_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o authority_n to_o promise_v reward_n or_o to_o threaten_v punishment_n upon_o the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n of_o their_o precept_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n be_v at_o his_o liberty_n to_o choose_v or_o to_o reject_v what_o they_o teach_v and_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o unavoidable_a defect_n in_o all_o humane_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n there_o be_v no_o inconvenience_n therefore_o in_o suppose_v that_o many_o of_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o proverb_n and_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n for_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o very_o good_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n because_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o a_o system_fw-la of_o ethic_n or_o a_o collection_n of_o moral_a precept_n but_o as_o a_o body_n of_o law_n give_v out_o upon_o divers_a occasion_n and_o as_o rule_n of_o instruction_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o show_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o command_v our_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o expect_v that_o king_n in_o their_o law_n shovid_v argue_v more_o profound_o than_o other_o man_n do_v but_o they_o shall_v command_v more_o effectual_o than_o other_o can_v teach_v they_o do_v not_o dispute_v but_o pronounce_v and_o dictate_v what_o their_o subject_n must_v take_v notice_n of_o at_o their_o peril_n and_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o a_o prince_n authority_n to_o command_v the_o most_o know_a and_o obvious_a thing_n though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fault_n in_o the_o subject_n to_o need_v such_o command_n and_o god_n in_o his_o word_n do_v not_o design_n to_o furnish_v we_o with_o a_o treatise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n with_o strange_a and_o new_a notion_n and_o make_v we_o profound_a scholar_n but_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o know_a duty_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o to_o enforce_v those_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o natural_a reason_n perhaps_o may_v suggest_v to_o they_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o a_o divine_a law_n establish_v upon_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 3._o though_o the_o philosopher_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v something_o more_o than_o other_o man_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v but_o be_v overbear_v with_o the_o error_n and_o vice_n the_o time_n and_o country_n in_o which_o they_o live_v even_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n and_o therefore_o their_o doctrine_n whatever_o they_o be_v can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a towards_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v into_o the_o report_n concern_v socrates_n and_o plato_n seneca_n and_o cato_n himself_o but_o only_o observe_v that_o socrates_n who_o be_v the_o only_a martyr_n among_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o truth_n yet_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v speak_v with_o no_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o order_v a_o cock_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o aesoulapius_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v reconcile_v to_o that_o doctrine_n for_o for_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o die_v and_o after_o his_o death_n how_o do_v his_o friend_n and_o disciple_n behave_v themselves_o do_v they_o open_o and_o courageous_o vindicate_v his_o innocence_n and_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n for_o which_o he_o suffer_v do_v they_o not_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o but_o mankind_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o perfect_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o such_o instructor_n as_o shall_v both_o teach_v and_o practice_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o at_o their_o utmost_a peril_n and_o of_o a_o succession_n of_o such_o man_n as_o shall_v bear_v testimony_n to_o their_o doctrine_n both_o by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v during_o their_o life_n and_o by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o death_n 4._o as_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n want_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o law_n and_o the_o example_n of_o those_o who_o teach_v it_o so_o it_o want_v principal_a motive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o to_o the_o life_n of_o men._n the_o philosopher_n teach_v nothing_o of_o the_o exceed_a love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o of_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o assist_v and_o conduct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n they_o own_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o perseverance_n in_o it_o iii._o it_o tull._n de_fw-fr nat._n dâ—or_n lib._n iii._o virtutem_fw-la autem_fw-la nemo_fw-la unquam_fw-la acceptam_fw-la deo_fw-la retulit_fw-la nimirum_fw-la recte_fw-la propter_fw-la virtutem_fw-la enim_fw-la jure_fw-la laudamur_fw-la &_o in_o virtute_fw-la recte_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la contingeret_fw-la si_fw-la id_fw-la donum_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la non_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la haberemus_fw-la nam_fw-la quis_fw-la quod_fw-la bone_fw-la vir_fw-la esset_fw-la gratias_fw-la diis_fw-la egit_fw-la unquam_fw-la jovemque_fw-la optimum_fw-la maximum_fw-la ob_fw-la eas_fw-la res_fw-la appellant_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la justos_fw-la temperatos_fw-la sapientes_fw-la efficiat_a sed_fw-la quod_fw-la salvos_fw-la incolumes_fw-la opulento_n copioso_n this_o occasion_v those_o 53._o those_o sen_n epist_n 53._o insolent_a boast_n of_o the_o stoic_n equal_v themselves_o to_o the_o god_n and_o sometime_o even_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o they_o because_o they_o have_v difficulty_n to_o encounter_v which_o make_v their_o conquest_n of_o vice_n and_o their_o improvement_n in_o virtue_n more_o glorious_a than_o they_o suppose_v the_o like_a excellency_n to_o be_v in_o their_o god_n who_o be_v good_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n wherefore_o though_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n have_v be_v never_o so_o perfect_a yet_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v ineffectual_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o and_o so_o unactive_a and_o dead_a when_o they_o be_v discover_v without_o that_o authority_n and_o life_n and_o energy_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o divine_a revelation_n which_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o not_o only_o to_o supply_v the_o imperfection_n and_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o philosophy_n but_o to_o enforce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o though_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o perfect_a chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n in_o respect_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v past_o all_o dispute_n and_o this_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o its_o sensual_a allurement_n owe_v its_o propagation_n sole_o to_o the_o â—ower_n of_o the_o sword_n for_o though_o the_o alcoran_n have_v be_v translate_v into_o most_o of_o the_o language_n in_o use_n among_o christian_n yet_o it_o have_v never_o be_v know_v to_o make_v any_o proselyte_n but_o by_o force_n of_o arms._n at_o first_o this_o religion_n have_v many_o circumstance_n for_o its_o advantage_n which_o may_v in_o humane_a probability_n gain_v it_o success_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v begin_v in_o rebellion_n and_o in_o a_o final_a revolt_n from_o the_o emperor_n heraclius_n and_o beside_o this_o popular_a and_o seduce_a temptation_n of_o licence_n and_o violence_n mahomet_n add_v the_o enticement_n of_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n he_o forbid_v man_n indeed_o some_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o he_o can_v easy_o see_v they_o will_v part_v with_o for_o the_o free_a and_o unbounded_a enjoyment_n of_o other_o than_o he_o pretend_v to_o sound_v his_o doctrine_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v he_o all_o which_o make_v his_o religion_n find_v the_o more_o easy_a entertainment_n among_o both_o jew_n and_o christian_n it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n at_o the_o first_o and_o not_o altogether_o so_o gross_a and_o this_o must_v needs_o incline_v all_o of_o seditious_a and_o lewd_a principle_n to_o come_v in_o to_o he_o be_v glad_a of_o such_o a_o colour_n for_o their_o wickedness_n and_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o power_n and_o force_n to_o make_v it_o more_o last_a than_o other_o such_o blasphemy_n have_v be_v christ_n on_o the_o contrary_n forbid_v resistance_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n upon_o any_o term_n whatsoever_o he_o assert_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n but_o so_o as_o to_o abolish_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v what_o the_o jew_n be_v most_o fond_a of_o so_o that_o this_o very_a thing_n make_v the_o jew_n
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
question_n be_v not_o only_o dubious_a but_o certain_o spurious_a the_o remain_a book_n which_o be_v never_o doubt_v of_o be_v sufficient_a for_o all_o the_o necessary_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v former_o matter_n of_o controversy_n i_o shall_v enter_v upon_o no_o discourse_n concern_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n the_o authority_n whereof_o have_v be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o effectual_o disprove_v by_o protestant_n that_o the_o most_o learned_a papist_n have_v now_o little_a to_o say_v for_o they_o but_o â—re_n force_v only_o to_o fly_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o beg_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n or_o to_o beg_v something_o as_o hard_a to_o be_v grant_v viz._n the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o i_o shall_v here_o engage_v in_o no_o controversy_n of_o that_o nature_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n be_v general_o speak_v agree_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v true_a whether_o there_o be_v or_o be_v not_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o of_o equal_a authority_n these_o book_n in_o the_o main_n have_v already_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v genuine_a and_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o propose_v such_o general_a consideration_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o obviate_v objection_n the_o agreement_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o samaritan_n in_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o authority_n and_o though_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a idolatry_n commit_v in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o judah_n yet_o by_o the_o good_a providence_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o the_o people_n nor_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n as_o that_o the_o book_n either_o of_o the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v suppress_v or_o alter_v for_o three_o year_n under_o rehoboam_n they_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o david_n and_o solomon_n 2_o chron._n 11.17.12.1_o and_o though_o afterward_o he_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o israel_n with_o he_o his_o reign_n be_v in_o all_o but_o seventeen_o year_n abijam_n be_v a_o wicked_a king_n but_o he_o reign_v no_o long_o than_o three_o year_n 1_o king_n xv_o 2._o asa_n the_o three_o from_o solomon_n and_o jehoshaphat_n his_o son_n be_v great_a reformer_n and_o asa_n reign_v one_o and_o forty_o year_n and_o jehoshaphat_n five_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o chron._n xuj_o 13._o xx_o 31._o the_o two_o next_o king_n in_o succession_n do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o their_o reign_n be_v short_a jehoram_n reign_v eight_o year_n and_o ahaziah_n but_o one_o 2_o chron._n xxi_o 20._o xxii_o 2._o during_o the_o interval_n of_o six_o year_n under_o the_o usurpation_n of_o athaliah_n the_o people_n can_v not_o be_v great_o corrupt_v for_o she_o be_v hateful_a to_o they_o as_o jehoram_n her_o husband_n have_v be_v before_o she_o and_o they_o ready_o join_v with_o jehoiada_n in_o slay_v she_o and_o in_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n 2_o chron._n xxii_o joash_n the_o son_n of_o ahaziah_n do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n all_o the_o day_n of_o jehoiada_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 2._o we_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o reign_v well_o three_o and_o twenty_o year_n 2_o king_n twelve_o 6._o and_o probable_o much_o long_o for_o jehoiada_n live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n 2_o chron._n xxiv_o 15._o amaziah_n his_o son_n have_v the_o same_o character_n and_o with_o the_o same_o abatement_n that_o he_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o not_o with_o a_o perfect_a heart_n 2_o chron._n twenty-five_o 2._o or_o yet_o not_o like_o david_n his_o father_n he_o do_v according_a to_o all_o thing_n as_o joash_n his_o father_n do_v 2_o king_n fourteen_o 3._o vzziah_n son_n to_o amaziah_n reign_v well_o and_o seek_v god_n in_o the_o day_n of_o zachariah_n 2_o chron._n xxvi_o 5._o and_o after_o he_o be_v seize_v with_o the_o leprosy_n for_o invade_v the_o priest_n office_n the_o administration_n of_o affair_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o son_n jotham_n vers_fw-la 21._o who_o imitate_v the_o good_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n chap._n xxvii_o 2._o ahaz_n be_v wicked_a and_o a_o idolater_n but_o he_o reign_v only_o sixteen_o year_n chap._n xxviii_o 1._o and_o his_o son_n hezekiah_n wrought_v a_o great_a reformation_n who_o reign_v twenty_o nine_o year_n chap._n xxix_o 1._o manasses_n be_v much_o give_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o reign_n but_o after_o his_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n he_o be_v very_o zealous_a against_o it_o chap._n xxxiii_o 15_o 16._o amon_n imitate_v the_o ill_a part_n of_o his_o father_n reign_n but_o his_o own_o continue_v no_o long_o than_o two_o year_n chap._n xxxiii_o 21._o the_o next_o be_v josiah_n in_o who_o time_n the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n be_v find_v in_o the_o temple_n which_o must_v be_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n own_o hand-writing_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n can_v be_v no_o such_o rare_a thing_n at_o that_o time_n in_o jerusalem_n as_o to_o be_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v that_o book_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o be_v to_o be_v transcribe_v by_o every_o king_n it_o seem_v that_o book_n of_o the_o law_n have_v be_v purposely_o hide_v to_o preserve_v it_o from_o the_o attempt_n of_o idolater_n who_o it_o be_v fear_v may_v have_v a_o design_n to_o destroy_v it_o for_o if_o it_o have_v only_o lie_v by_o neglect_a the_o find_n of_o it_o can_v have_v be_v no_o such_o surprise_v thing_n because_o the_o place_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v well_o know_v where_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o where_o they_o may_v have_v seek_v for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v probable_o at_o that_o time_n suppose_v to_o have_v be_v utter_o lose_v and_o its_o be_v find_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v build_v for_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o and_o where_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v keep_v with_o the_o great_a care_n as_o a_o most_o inestimable_a treasure_n the_o veneration_n which_o josiah_n have_v for_o so_o sacred_a a_o write_n and_o the_o happy_a and_o unexpected_a recovery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o have_v be_v disregard_v and_o almost_o lose_v through_o the_o iniquity_n of_o his_o predecessor_n these_o consideration_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o move_v a_o mind_n so_o tender_a and_o affectionate_o pious_a as_o that_o king_n when_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n under_o moses_n own_o hand_n send_v he_o as_o he_o believe_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o deliver_v to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v anew_o from_o heaven_n not_o long_o after_o his_o time_n be_v the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n till_o which_o there_o be_v always_o prophet_n frequent_a reformation_n and_o never_o any_o succession_n of_o idolatrous_a king_n which_o continue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o very_o few_o king_n be_v idolatrous_a throughout_o their_o whole_a reign_n and_o those_o that_o be_v reign_v but_o a_o short_a time_n 9_o time_n book_n 1._o part_n 2._o c._n 6._o &_o 9_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o jew_n till_o their_o return_n and_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n that_o ezra_n who_o compose_v the_o canon_n do_v it_o by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o prophet_n in_o the_o do_v it_o 1._o it_o joseph_n câ—nt_fw-la apion_n lib._n 1._o josephus_n say_v that_o their_o book_n after_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v not_o of_o equal_a authority_n with_o those_o before_o his_o time_n for_o want_v of_o a_o certain_a succession_n of_o prophet_n and_o since_o the_o jew_n admit_v no_o writing_n as_o inspire_v into_o the_o canon_n after_o malachi_n prophecy_n this_o show_v their_o sincerity_n and_o exactness_n in_o examine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o such_o write_n as_o they_o admit_v into_o their_o canon_n of_o scripture_n the_o pharisee_n make_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o no_o effect_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o never_o dare_v presume_v to_o impose_v they_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n xlii_o 23._o but_o because_o thing_n foretell_v may_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o foretell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o design_n and_o agitation_n and_o just_o ready_a for_o action_n or_o to_o discern_v thing_n do_v at_o distant_a place_n and_o to_o make_v probable_a guess_n which_o may_v prove_v true_a from_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n by_o diabolical_a prediction_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o deut._n xviii_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o false_a and_o a_o true_a prophet_n that_o whatever_o the_o latter_a foretell_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o whatever_o the_o first_o foretell_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v disappoint_v such_o prediction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o the_o come_a to_o pass_v of_o thing_n foretell_v can_v be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n because_o they_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o jer._n xxviii_o 9_o but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o be_v give_v out_o with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o entice_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n then_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o prove_v his_o people_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n especial_o after_o warn_v give_v and_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n if_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o any_o wonder_n or_o prophecy_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n it_o must_v be_v great_a perverseness_n in_o he_o but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v by_o many_o prophet_n in_o divers_a age_n and_o different_a place_n all_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o several_a revelation_n and_o that_o end_n be_v the_o discouragement_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n these_o prophecy_n have_v all_o that_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o god_n by_o suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o with_o all_o the_o character_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o they_o have_v give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v his_o and_o engage_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o his_o divine_a attribute_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o real_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n beside_o the_o direct_a evidence_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o they_o add_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophecy_n likewise_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n from_o such_o miracle_n for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o be_v single_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v mutual_o support_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o prophecy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 2._o the_o suitableness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o extravagant_a thing_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v establish_v they_o upon_o such_o inviolable_a law_n as_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n when_o he_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o do_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v thus_o alterable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v defective_a in_o regard_n to_o one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o same_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n contrive_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o alterable_a when_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o god_n by_o suspend_v the_o power_n or_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o extraordinary_a will_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o he_o subject_v they_o to_o such_o alteration_n as_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v will_v be_v necessary_a we_o can_v as_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o but_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o influence_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o permission_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o at_o first_o appoint_v can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o for_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o change_v as_o man_n be_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o design_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o for_o the_o importance_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v and_o there_o be_v still_o further_a evidence_n of_o it_o if_o this_o revelation_n be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o by_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o when_o man_n bear_v blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n when_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n by_o a_o touch_n or_o at_o a_o distance_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o these_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o by_o who_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n be_v produce_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a and_o convince_a to_o man_n or_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o force_v the_o devil_n themselves_o to_o confess_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v to_o cause_v the_o most_o insensible_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o power_n by_o give_v way_n as_o it_o be_v and_o start_v back_o in_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n at_o his_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a presence_n to_o inform_v man_n that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o this_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n in_o a_o language_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o humane_a voice_n whilst_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v know_v his_o will_n by_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o nature_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n bow_n and_o tremble_v and_o obey_v all_o which_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n concern_v christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a concurrence_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o he_o and_o this_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o propagate_v that_o religion_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a miracle_n be_v suitable_a
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosopher_n think_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o review_v all_o that_o have_v be_v former_o write_v to_o unite_v their_o force_n and_o select_v those_o notion_n out_o of_o every_o sect_n which_o be_v most_o plausible_a omit_v such_o as_o they_o see_v will_v then_o give_v offence_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v great_o behold_v to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o oppose_v and_o pretend_v to_o despise_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o term_n which_o they_o have_v take_v from_o thence_o unknown_a to_o former_a philosopher_n but_o philosophy_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n still_o retain_v many_o error_n and_o want_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v never_o maintain_v its_o ground_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o those_o who_o they_o contemn_v as_o ignorant_a man_n but_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n wrought_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o philosophy_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o effect_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o eminent_a example_n among_o the_o heathen_a but_o then_o there_o be_v always_o as_o great_a enormity_n allow_v in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n philosophy_n be_v 47_o be_v tertul_n apol._n c._n 47_o prohibit_v by_o three_o of_o the_o principal_a state_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o theban_n the_o spartan_n and_o the_o argive_n and_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v set_v so_o many_o famous_a example_n to_o the_o world_n be_v little_o oblige_v to_o philosophy_n for_o all_o their_o worth_n and_o greatness_n be_v raise_v upon_o the_o stock_n only_o of_o common_a notion_n the_o tradition_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o law_n bring_v from_o athens_n which_o be_v enact_v by_o solon_n who_o have_v be_v in_o egypt_n at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v there_o in_o sufficient_a number_n but_o it_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o philosopher_n be_v suffer_v at_o rome_n they_o have_v be_v 11._o be_v a._n gell._n lib._n xv_o c._n 11._o expel_v by_o the_o senate_n tully_n be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v philosophy_n into_o any_o credit_n there_o and_o by_o the_o apology_n which_o he_o often_o make_v for_o his_o give_a himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o we_o may_v perceive_v under_o what_o prejudices_fw-la it_o then_o lay_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v it_o admission_n a_o strict_a discipline_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n great_a application_n and_o industry_n by_o which_o they_o improve_v their_o common_a notion_n and_o arrive_v to_o wonderful_a experience_n and_o dexterity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n a_o zealous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n and_o a_o unparalleled_a constancy_n manifest_a in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n raise_v the_o roman_n to_o that_o mighty_a height_n and_o extent_n of_o empire_n but_o that_o which_o they_o retain_v of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o disguise_v with_o fabulous_a corruption_n that_o at_o length_n it_o have_v general_o lose_v all_o belief_n among_o they_o cluemio_n they_o pro_fw-la cluemio_n tully_n make_v no_o scruple_n at_o a_o public_a trial_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n to_o deny_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n which_o show_v a_o strange_a corruption_n of_o principle_n in_o that_o age_n when_o he_o can_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o gain_v his_o cause_n by_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n in_o another_o oration_n he_o say_v caeiiâ—_n say_v pro_fw-la m._n caeiiâ—_n non_fw-fr semper_fw-la superet_fw-la uâ—ra_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o directa_fw-la ratio_fw-la uincat_fw-la aliquando_fw-la cupiditas_fw-la voluptasque_fw-la rationem_fw-la that_o this_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o a_o public_a plead_v by_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o roman_n show_v how_o little_a either_o the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v or_o the_o roman_a law_n themselves_o can_v do_v towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o modesty_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o honour_n of_o family_n must_v be_v secure_v upon_o some_o better_a principle_n afterward_o he_o add_v verùm_fw-la siquis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la meretriciis_fw-la amoribus_fw-la interdictum_fw-la juventuti_fw-la putet_fw-la est_fw-la ille_fw-la quidem_fw-la valde_fw-la severus_fw-la negare_fw-la non_fw-la possum_fw-la sed_fw-la abhorret_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la ab_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la licentia_fw-la verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la a_o majorum_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la atque_fw-la concessis_fw-la i_o believe_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n so_o far_o lose_v to_o all_o shame_n among_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v himself_o so_o defend_v in_o a_o public_a court_n or_o any_o judge_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o defence_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o lay_v such_o a_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o men._n but_o this_o looseness_n of_o manner_n be_v the_o fatal_a forerunner_n of_o that_o horrid_a and_o monstrous_a lewdness_n which_o afterward_o like_o a_o leprosy_n overspread_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o conspiracy_n of_o that_o time_n which_o so_o much_o endanger_v the_o state_n be_v contrive_v by_o libertine_n and_o no_o great_a cruelty_n have_v ever_o be_v commit_v than_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n when_o once_o they_o have_v get_v into_o power_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o tiberius_n caligula_n nero_n etc._n etc._n and_o tully_n himself_o perhaps_o may_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o encouragement_n to_o vice_n be_v kill_v by_o a_o villain_n who_o life_n he_o have_v former_o save_v by_o that_o eloquence_n which_o be_v sometime_o employ_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v retain_v against_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o tully_n have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n lay_v down_o admirable_a rule_n of_o virtue_n but_o than_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n viz._n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n after_o death_n ae_v such_o be_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o philosophy_n that_o he_o can_v be_v positive_a and_o certain_a in_o nothing_o seneca_n as_o he_o profess_v have_v take_v many_o of_o his_o best_a precept_n from_o epicurus_n which_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n have_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n be_v no_o better_o than_o prudent_a caution_n against_o temporal_a evil_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n seneca_n many_o time_n divert_v rather_o than_o instruct_v what_o he_o say_v be_v always_o fine_a but_o not_o always_o solid_a he_o dance_v upon_o the_o surface_n according_a to_o quintilian_n censure_v of_o he_o but_o seldom_o descend_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o character_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o seneca_n style_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o sense_n abundat_fw-la dulcibus_fw-la vitiis_fw-la a_o luscious_a poison_n sometime_o diffuse_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n seneca_n 4._o seneca_n sen._n epist_n 82._o the_o benefic_n lib._n 1._o c._n 3_o 4._o deride_v the_o subtlety_n and_o trifle_a both_o of_o zeno_n and_o chrysippus_n but_o he_o do_v it_o seem_v think_v himself_o more_o concern_v to_o exposâ—â—_n they_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n though_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v so_o very_o scandalous_a that_o sextus_n 25._o sextus_n sext._n empir_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24_o 25._o empericus_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v from_o their_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a and_o certain_a difference_n betwixt_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n even_o without_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o its_o authority_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o abhor_v those_o crime_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o practise_v in_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n and_o when_o thing_n notorious_o evil_a be_v receive_v and_o teach_v by_o those_o who_o do_v and_o say_v so_o many_o thing_n well_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o be_v good_a be_v not_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o to_o some_o high_a principle_n i_o will_v here_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o kill_a infant_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v starve_v or_o destroy_v this_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o 16_o of_o plâ—â—t_fw-la de_fw-fr repub._n lib._n
have_v do_v p._n 237._o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o fall_n of_o angel_n how_o cause_v p._n 243._o the_o fall_n of_o man._n the_o effect_n of_o it_o visible_a however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v p._n 244._o no_o preexistence_n of_o soul_n ib._n eve_n beguile_v by_o the_o serpent_n p._n 246._o the_o sin_n of_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n p._n 249._o many_o circumstance_n omit_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o relate_v to_o their_o fall_n ib._n why_o a_o commandment_n be_v give_v they_o concern_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n p._n 250._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n p._n 254._o the_o curse_n of_o the_o ground_n p._n 255._o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n p._n 256._o the_o fall_v not_o allegorical_a p._n 374._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o all_o posterity_n p._n 376._o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_v the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_v consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o 1_o reward_v and_o punishment_n be_v a_o like_a propose_v to_o our_o choice_n p._n 383._o 2_o the_o reward_n be_v eternal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o punishment_n p._n 384._o 3_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v be_v by_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n p._n 387._o 4_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o eternal_a punishment_n shall_v be_v inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a according_a to_o this_o sanction_n p._n 388._o objection_n obviate_v p._n 359._o the_o eternity_n of_o hell_n torment_v consistent_a with_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n p._n 362._o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o jewish_a law_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n p._n 369._o of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n p._n 371._o they_o be_v give_v to_o prevent_v idolatry_n p._n 341._o to_o signify_v and_o represent_v inward_a purity_n and_o holiness_n p._n 344._o this_o show_v of_o circumcision_n p._n 345._o of_o purification_n p._n 346._o of_o abstinence_n p._n 346._o of_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n ib._n the_o jewish_a worship_n be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n p._n 347._o this_o prove_v of_o sacrifice_n p._n 348._o purification_n p._n 350._o incense_n ib._n during_o this_o ceremonial_a dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n p._n 352._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o neighbour_n ib._n a_o future_a state_n p._n 353._o the_o resurrection_n p._n 354._o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o cessation_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n the_o type_n of_o the_o law_n fulfil_v in_o the_o messiah_n p._n 332._o the_o strange_a evasion_n and_o absurd_a opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n ib._n it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n that_o the_o law_n be_v to_o cease_v upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 335._o it_o be_v afterward_o to_o become_v impracticable_a p._n 323._o how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o p._n 324._o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o sinful_a example_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n several_a place_n of_o the_o scripture_n relate_v evil_a action_n contain_v only_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 327._o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o action_n be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n p._n ib._n the_o relation_n of_o the_o bad_a action_n of_o good_a man_n may_v be_v of_o use_n 1._o to_o show_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o to_o discover_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o implore_v the_o divine_a grace_n 3._o to_o show_v that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a p._n 328._o 4._o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o for_o a_o warn_v to_o future_a age_n p._n 329._o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n many_o of_o these_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n on_o who_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n p._n 331._o david_n be_v a_o king_n be_v a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil._n p._n 332._o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v ib._n the_o jew_n may_v appeal_v to_o god_n as_o their_o political_a legislator_n and_o governor_n p._n 333._o those_o which_o seem_v imprecation_n be_v oftentimes_o prediction_n and_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n p._n 334._o divers_a place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o judas_n or_o of_o other_o like_v he_o p._n 336._o this_o supposition_n be_v employ_v in_o imprecation_n if_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v ib._n what_o charity_n be_v require_v under_o the_o law_n and_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n neighbour_n p._n 337._o chap._n xix_o of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a the_o apostle_n cite_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n according_a to_o the_o exposition_n of_o they_o then_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n p._n 340._o a_o remarkable_a passage_n from_o f._n simon_n to_o this_o purpose_n p._n 342._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n much_o admire_v by_o a_o learned_a jew_n for_o the_o sublime_a sense_n therein_o give_v to_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n ib._n chap._n xx._n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n i_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n consider_v p._n 344._o 2._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n can_v have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o other_o term_n yet_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v can_v so_o much_o have_v become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n p._n 345._o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a dispensation_n unworthy_a of_o god_n p._n 346._o which_o be_v prove_v by_o show_v 1_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n shall_v cause_v the_o god_n head_n to_o suffer_v with_o the_o manhood_n p._n 347._o 2_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o affirm_v our_o nature_n may_v be_v account_v for_o without_o suppose_v that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v p._n 350._o 3_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v explain_v without_o suppose_v it_o p._n 351._o 2._o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n p._n 357._o 1_o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v of_o more_o power_n and_o authority_n than_o the_o preach_a or_o doctrine_n of_o a_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v have_v be_v p._n 358._o 2_o his_o example_n be_v of_o great_a perfection_n and_o holiness_n p._n 360._o 3_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n p._n 362._o 4_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o faith_n hope_n and_o charity_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n p._n 364._o chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n god_n have_v beforehand_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o send_v his_o son_n at_o last_o p._n 371._o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v much_o more_o difficult_a if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v foretell_v in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n by_o the_o prophet_n p._n 374._o the_o time_n of_o christ_n come_v might_n depend_v upon_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 376._o the_o world_n be_v then_o prepare_v for_o his_o come_n p._n 378._o the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o that_o age_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v make_v it_o the_o most_o seasonable_a p._n 380._o chap._n xxii_o of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n seldom_o mention_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n but_o under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o other_o event_n p._n 384._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n typical_a of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n p._n 385._o this_o appear_v from_o matt._n 25._o ib._n the_o
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
to_o consider_v then_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n do_v more_o powerful_o and_o effectual_o take_v away_o sin_n than_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o salvation_n can_v have_v do_v i._o the_o doctrine_n and_o preach_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v more_o power_n and_o authority_n with_o it_o than_o the_o preach_a and_o doctrine_n of_o a_o man_n or_o angel_n can_v have_v have_v god_n who_o at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n speak_v in_o time_n pass_v unto_o the_o father_n by_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o these_o last_o day_n speak_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o son_n who_o he_o have_v appoint_v heir_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o who_o also_o he_o make_v the_o world_n hebr._n i._n 1_o 2._o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v the_o more_o earnest_a heed_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n we_o shall_v let_v they_o slip_v for_o if_o the_o word_n speak_v by_o angel_n be_v steadfast_a and_o every_o transgression_n and_o disobedience_n receive_v a_o just_a recompense_n of_o reward_n how_o shall_v we_o escape_v if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o heb._n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o this_o be_v the_o last_o message_n which_o god_n have_v resolve_v to_o send_v to_o mankind_n a_o person_n of_o the_o great_a dignity_n and_o authority_n be_v to_o bring_v it_o but_o last_o of_o all_o he_o send_v unto_o they_o his_o son_n say_v they_o will_v reverence_v my_o son_n matt._n xxi_o 37._o it_o be_v the_o last_o expedient_a and_o the_o very_a utmost_a that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o reduce_v sinner_n to_o obedience_n and_o if_o this_o will_v have_v no_o effect_n upon_o they_o they_o must_v be_v lest_o without_o all_o excuse_n this_o be_v the_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o render_v man_n utter_o inexcusable_a he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o the_o world_n know_v he_o not_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o his_o own_o receive_v he_o not_o joh._n i._n 10_o 11._o if_o the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o come_v and_o manifest_v himself_o in_o so_o wonderful_a a_o manner_n to_o the_o world_n something_o of_o a_o plea_n may_v have_v be_v pretend_v but_o to_o reject_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o evident_a despite_n do_v to_o the_o father_n and_o even_o hate_v of_o the_o father_n who_o have_v send_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n declare_v joh._n xv_o 22_o 23_o 24._o and_o the_o blaspheme_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o those_o who_o vilify_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o ascribe_v they_o to_o beelzebub_n be_v therefore_o without_o forgiveness_n because_o it_o be_v a_o reject_v of_o christ_n not_o as_o the_o son_n of_o man_n but_o as_o god_n bless_v foreve_a and_o a_o despise_n and_o vilify_a that_n which_o be_v the_o last_o mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n and_o that_o mean_v whereby_o he_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o reject_v christ_n be_v to_o reject_v the_o whole_a trinity_n which_o be_v joint_o concern_v in_o this_o wonderful_a dispensation_n the_o dignity_n of_o christ_n person_n add_v all_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n to_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v become_v incarnate_a god_n have_v before_o speak_v from_o heaven_n but_o that_o be_v too_o terrible_a and_o full_a of_o majesty_n to_o be_v bear_v by_o mortal_n and_o they_o that_o hear_v the_o voice_n entreat_v that_o the_o word_n shall_v not_o be_v speak_v to_o they_o any_o more_o for_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v that_o which_o be_v command_v and_o so_o terrible_a be_v the_o sight_n that_o moses_n say_v i_o exceed_o fear_v and_o quake_v heb._n twelve_o 19_o 20_o 21._o but_o now_o god_n be_v please_v to_o converse_v with_o man_n in_o a_o more_o familiar_a and_o humble_a manner_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n come_v to_o live_v among_o man_n with_o all_o the_o gentleness_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a for_o in_o he_o dwell_v all_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n bodily_a colos_n two_o 9_o the_o godhead_n dwell_v here_o in_o he_o under_o our_o humane_a nature_n lay_v aside_o that_o awful_a majesty_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o ii_o we_o have_v a_o great_a example_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o holiness_n set_v before_o we_o by_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a than_o we_o can_v otherwise_o have_v have_v it_o have_v be_v the_o general_a complaint_n make_v of_o other_o teacher_n and_o lawgiver_n that_o they_o seldom_o observe_v their_o own_o rule_n or_o live_v themselves_o according_a to_o what_o they_o require_v of_o other_o but_o our_o saviour_n have_v give_v we_o a_o example_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a even_o beyond_o his_o own_o doctrine_n for_o though_o he_o be_v no_o rigorous_a lawgiver_n but_o a_o most_o indulgent_a and_o gracious_a master_n to_o we_o yet_o he_o be_v please_v to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o no_o duty_n or_o instance_n of_o obedience_n but_o fulfil_v both_o the_o moral_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o mean_a nor_o so_o difficult_a and_o painful_a but_o he_o perform_v it_o to_o set_v we_o a_o absolute_a pattern_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o all_o that_o ever_o god_n require_v of_o mankind_n it_o become_v he_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n this_o be_v the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o his_o come_n into_o the_o world_n and_o he_o fulfil_v it_o in_o the_o most_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a manner_n in_o all_o particular_n and_o to_o give_v such_o a_o example_n be_v of_o unspeakable_a use_n and_o benefit_n for_o man_n be_v more_o easy_o lead_v by_o example_n than_o by_o precept_n and_o it_o be_v common_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v example_n for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n man_n will_v follow_v the_o vice_n of_o those_o who_o virtue_n they_o never_o imitate_v and_o the_o fault_n of_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n have_v too_o sure_a and_o too_o fatal_a a_o effect_n upon_o such_o as_o their_o excellency_n never_o reach_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o a_o example_n of_o absolute_a perfection_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o this_o example_n must_v be_v give_v by_o one_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o ourselves_o or_o else_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o example_n for_o angel_n and_o spirit_n but_o not_o for_o man_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o example_n the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a only_o can_v give_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o create_v be_v under_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o temptation_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n to_o live_v up_o to_o such_o a_o divine_a height_n and_o excellency_n of_o all_o perfection_n as_o our_o saviour_n do_v and_o to_o leave_v such_o a_o example_n to_o the_o world_n he_o come_v not_o to_o teach_v we_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n how_o to_o get_v riches_n and_o honour_n in_o this_o mankind_n be_v well_o enough_o instruct_v before_o and_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n with_o a_o design_n to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n and_o the_o profit_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o this_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o insinite_a perfection_n and_o essential_a bliss_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o show_v the_o mean_a and_o worthless_a vanity_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a to_o give_v a_o example_n of_o contentment_n in_o a_o low_a condition_n of_o victory_n under_o temptation_n and_o of_o patience_n and_o meekness_n under_o the_o severe_a affliction_n and_o torment_n to_o discover_v to_o man_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n in_o the_o worst_a circumstance_n of_o this_o world_n to_o teach_v those_o who_o enjoy_v this_o world_n good_n not_o to_o be_v proud_a of_o they_o nor_o despise_v other_o and_o those_o who_o want_v they_o to_o be_v content_v and_o happy_a without_o they_o to_o lead_v man_n in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n through_o all_o condition_n through_o all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n which_o must_v befall_v many_o of_o we_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n this_o be_v a_o glorious_a and_o godlike_a design_n it_o be_v such_o as_o none_o but_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v perform_v and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v in_o reason_n believe_v he_o will_v undertake_v and_o for_o which_o he_o may_v vouchsafe_v to_o live_v a_o humane_a life_n upon_o earth_n iii_o the_o
thus_o for_o it_o be_v ever_o suppose_a and_o agree_v in_o all_o case_n that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o thing_n impossible_a and_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o any_o man_n either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n beyond_o his_o power_n and_o capacity_n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o faith_n except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o but_o this_o suppose_n that_o he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n for_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v that_o faith_n the_o general_a knowledge_n whereof_o he_o can_v attain_v we_o must_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n believe_v all_o that_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n but_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v explicit_o any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o belief_n he_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o to_o know_v in_o general_n what_o he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v though_o he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o complete_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o and_o let_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o few_o and_o plain_a yet_o there_o will_v still_o be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o understand_v they_o in_o any_o way_n or_o measure_n and_o then_o there_o will_v lie_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o those_o article_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n urge_v against_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o trinity_n itself_o which_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v and_o believe_v be_v not_o above_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o no_o more_o be_v require_v to_o be_v believe_v explicit_o of_o any_o than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o such_o a_o belief_n whatever_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v assign_v in_o natural_a or_o reveal_v religion_n they_o will_v be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o many_o adult_n person_n and_o of_o all_o infant_n to_o apprehend_v they_o who_o therefore_o according_a to_o all_o religion_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o those_o article_n which_o be_v never_o so_o necessary_a to_o other_o and_o what_o may_v be_v object_v against_o all_o religion_n natural_a as_o well_o as_o reveal_v ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v object_v against_o none_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o force_n in_o it_o iii_o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o men._n that_o god_n the_o father_n shall_v send_v his_o son_n his_o only_o beget_v and_o only_o belove_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o we_o be_v a_o endear_n and_o amaze_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n the_o death_n not_o of_o a_o mere_a man_n but_o of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o in_o our_o stead_n must_v needs_o heighten_v our_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o faith_n and_o dependence_n on_o he_o our_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o our_o assurance_n of_o pardon_n upon_o repentance_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o discourse_v of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o we_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o here_o in_o like_a manner_n whatever_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v do_v and_o be_v continual_o do_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o and_o give_v we_o quite_o another_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o our_o own_o duty_n than_o we_o can_v have_v have_v if_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o creature_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v god_n we_o can_v have_v that_o devout_a love_n and_o faith_n and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o which_o we_o ought_v we_o can_v have_v that_o esteem_n and_o reverence_n for_o his_o communion_n and_o presence_n which_o be_v require_v of_o we_o nor_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n whereby_o we_o resist_v and_o grieve_v and_o do_v despite_n to_o he_o that_o argument_n of_o st._n paul_n what_o know_v you_o not_o that_o your_o body_n be_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o like_a purpose_n will_v be_v lose_v but_o on_o supposition_n that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n we_o can_v never_o have_v that_o sense_n which_o it_o behoove_v we_o to_o have_v of_o our_o sin_n commit_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o gift_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o grace_n without_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o godhead_n so_o that_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o fear_v and_o love_n be_v more_o excite_v and_o enlarge_v and_o all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v more_o dispose_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n through_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n than_o they_o can_v be_v without_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o expedient_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v reveal_v chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v that_o which_o the_o apostle_n chief_o insist_v upon_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n for_o if_o once_o they_o can_v convince_v man_n that_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o persuade_v they_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o they_o teach_v beside_o there_o be_v no_o other_o part_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o can_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o incredible_a than_o this_o and_o when_o that_o which_o they_o can_v with_o so_o much_o difficulty_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v and_o which_o can_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v evident_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v to_o they_o this_o must_v give_v that_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o all_o their_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o long_o withstand_v or_o gainsay_v this_o therefore_o be_v the_o point_n which_o the_o apostle_n most_o of_o all_o urge_v know_v that_o if_o they_o can_v gain_v this_o all_o the_o rest_n will_v follow_v of_o course_n and_o that_o every_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v once_o convince_v of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o defence_n before_o king_n agrippa_n put_v the_o question_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v a_o thing_n incredible_a with_o you_o that_o god_n shall_v raise_v the_o dead_a act_n xxvi_o 8._o which_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n to_o think_v that_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a and_o that_o therefore_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v raise_v christ_n for_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o so_o many_o man_n daily_o witness_v it_o at_o the_o peril_n of_o their_o life_n that_o if_o their_o adversary_n will_v but_o allow_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v possible_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n remain_v but_o that_o christ_n be_v indeed_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o apostle_n argue_v that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a absurd_a thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v raise_v the_o dead_a what_o reason_n can_v any_o man_n give_v why_o god_n can_v do_v it_o or_o how_o dare_v any_o man_n so_o limit_v and_o confine_v the_o infinite_a power_n of_o god_n by_o his_o own_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a can_v be_v effect_v by_o he_o this_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o christ_n be_v rise_v and_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v a_o general_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o objection_n that_o can_v lie_v against_o it_o but_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o our_o resurrection_n be_v assert_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 20._o and_o his_o resurrection_n be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o the_o great_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n
time_n as_o not_o only_o to_o endure_v but_o often_o to_o humour_n their_o insolence_n and_o vanity_n and_o from_o they_o he_o have_v his_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o own_v in_o his_o book_n from_o who_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o precept_n but_o if_o he_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n he_o can_v never_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o fortitude_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n as_o lib._n 1â—_n §_o 3._o obstinacy_n but_o the_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n know_v they_o can_v not_o better_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o teach_v its_o moral_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v that_o esteem_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o to_o this_o those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o so_o much_o admire_v owe_v either_o their_o original_a or_o improvement_n whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o vulcat_n in_o cassio_n virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n whole_o to_o their_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v just_o give_v to_o m._n antonius_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o value_v himself_o extreme_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o great_a hindrance_n to_o his_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o capitolin_n study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o emperor_n who_o make_v the_o philosophy_n of_o those_o time_n his_o study_n the_o sophist_n his_o chief_a favourite_n and_o popularity_n his_o aim_n shall_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o religion_n so_o unpopular_a and_o so_o opposite_a in_o some_o of_o its_o principal_a article_n to_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a upon_o what_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n this_o emperor_n can_v deify_v id_fw-la lucius_n verus_n and_o faustina_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v do_v this_o and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o christian_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o deisy_v notorious_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o shine_v in_o imperial_a robe_n shall_v believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n crucify_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a 〈◊〉_d p._n 527._o l._n 3._o after_o at_o all_o add_v 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o very_o great_a learning_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o forum_n at_o rome_n often_o acknowledge_v himself_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n before_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v open_o to_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v his_o friend_n that_o be_v gentile_n he_o pretend_v he_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o secret_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o other_o who_o never_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o ib_n p._n 530._o l._n 7._o after_o with_o they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o either_o sect_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o none_o dare_v maintain_v they_o but_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o other_o these_o two_o sect_n than_o be_v in_o so_o little_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o error_n any_o countenance_n which_o they_o before_o have_v so_o long_o with_o great_a subtlety_n and_o success_n defend_v against_o the_o platonist_n but_o they_o who_o will_v gain_v any_o reception_n to_o their_o error_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o heresy_n of_o plotinus_n school_n some_o become_v christian_n and_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o magic_n as_o plotinus_n himself_o must_v have_v do_v if_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o porphyry_n write_v of_o he_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o be_v see_v under_o the_o bed_n and_o then_o be_v observe_v creep_v into_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o wall_n as_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n be_v a_o odd_a story_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o peter_n buck._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._o by_o robert_n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n the_o character_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o age._n write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr bruyere_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o key_n in_o the_o margin_n make_v english_a by_o several_a hand_n with_o the_o character_n of_o theophrastus_n translate_v from_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o edition_n correct_v throughout_o and_o enlarge_v a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a antiquity_n explain_v the_o religion_n mythology_n history_n ancient_a chronology_n geography_n sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o custom_n law_n policy_n art_n and_o engine_n of_o war_n opinion_n of_o their_o philosopher_n life_n of_o inventor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o other_o famous_a for_o they_o or_o arm_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o elucidate_v the_o abstruse_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o clastical_a author_n and_o historian_n compile_v original_o in_o french_a by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o dauphin_n d._n of_o bourgundy_n anjou_n and_o berry_n by_o mr._n danet_n and_o now_o make_v english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o useful_a map_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n 6._o marg._n r._n populo_fw-la p._n 7._o marg._n r._n cic._n brut._n p._n 9_o l._n 7._o r._n those_o p._n 11._o l._n 13._o r._n pleraque_fw-la l._n 3._o r._n intus_fw-la p._n 18._o l._n 12._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n superstitious_a p._n 20._o marg._n r._n lib._n 1._o p._n 22._o marg._n r._n greg._n nazianz._n ib._n r._n cic._n topic._n p._n 27._o l._n 24._o r._n to_o expose_v they_o for_o be_v ill_a disputant_n than_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n p._n 29._o l._n 2._o r._n solon_n who_o be_v p._n 32._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 38._o l._n 13._o r._n join_v p._n 41._o l._n 9_o r._n at_o all_o p._n 42._o l._n 22._o r._n pharadox_n p._n 44._o l._n ult_n r._n and_o early_o p._n 45._o marg._n r._n buteo_n de_fw-fr arcâ_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 3._o r._n consideration_n in_o the_o book_n p._n 3._o l._n ult_n r._n every_o p._n 4._o l._n 22._o r._n it_o be_v own_o p._n 5._o l._n 18_o r._n whether_o p_o 6._o l._n 16._o deal_n be_v p._n 7._o l._n 12._o deal_n the_o p._n 8._o l._n 26._o r._n demonstration_n p._n 9_o l._n 14._o r._n of_o the._n p._n 14._o l._n 3._o r._n persuade_v l._n penult_n r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 21._o l._n 14._o r._n philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n p._n 27._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 29._o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 30._o l._n 19_o r._n wind_n l._n 29._o r._n of_o themselves_o p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r_o 1_o joh._n 11.20_o p._n 44._o l._n 22._o r._n with_o the_o ancient_n ib._n marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 59_o l._n 13._o r._n regum_fw-la ib._n marg._n r._n aâ—mian_n marcellâ—n_o lib._n 17._o c._n 5._o ib._n r._n cic._n de_fw-fr orat._n p._n 61._o marg._n r._n contr_n ctesiph_n ib._n l._n 27._o r._n judge_n and._n p._n 62._o marg._n r._n sermo_n omnis_fw-la utitur_fw-la r._n laetas_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la r._n paâ—am_fw-la audacter_fw-la p._n 65._o marg._n r._n nec_fw-la culpandus_fw-la propheta_fw-la p._n 67._o marg._n r._n de_fw-fr servii_fw-la matre._n p._n 69._o l_o 23._o r._n without_o example_n p._n 70._o l._n 17._o r._n rhepaliâ—k_n p._n 71._o l._n 19_o r._n from_o thing_n p._n 72._o l._n 6._o r._n isa_n xliv_o 8._o p._n 73._o l_o r._n may_v p._n 81._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 86._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n r._n scipionem_fw-la p._n 88_o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o l._n 12._o r._n as_o p._n 95._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 106._o l._n 9_o r._n and_o the_o book_n p._n 67_o mark_fw-mi r._n sen._n â—pist_v 108._o p._n 113._o l._n ult_n r._n time_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o r._n hand_n ib._n l._n 19_o r._n bishop_n by_o st._n john_n p._n 115._o l._n 15._o r._n mâ—st_v entire_a ib._n mark_fw-mi 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 119._o l._n 28._o r._n schism_n p._n 123._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 122._o l._n 8._o after_o scripture_n deal_n of_o l._n 22._o r._n by_o those_o p._n 125._o l._n 12._o r._n though_o the_o divine_a p._n 128._o l._n 20._o r._n as_o josephus_n ib._n mark_fw-mi r._n consider_v p._n 129._o l._n 26._o r._n eâ—penius_n p._n 130._o l._n 28._o r._n ketib_n p._n 134._o l._n 6._o r._n theadetion_n p._n 135._o l._n 24._o deal_n ever_o p._n 138._o l._n 12._o r._n hâ—brew_n p._n 142._o l._n 〈◊〉_d r._n have_v p._n 145._o l._n 1._o r._n diogenes_n p._n 166._o mark_fw-mi r._n sex_n p._n 168._o l._n 30_o r._n confute_v p._n 179._o l._n 25._o deal_n just_a before_o affront_n and_o place_n it_o before_o very_o p._n 180._o mark_fw-mi r._n habet_fw-la pro_fw-la merito_fw-la inferior_n multiplices_fw-la latent_fw-la p._n 181._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v so_o p_o 192._o l._n 8._o deal_n as_o p._n 201._o l._n 28._o r._n love_n and_o adore_v p._n 120._o mark_fw-mi r._n in_o johan_n p._n 209._o l._n 14._o r._n contact_n l._n 20._o r._n form_n l._n 27._o r._n gravitation_n be_v p._n 210._o l._n 1._o r._n mass_n p._n 213_o l._n 2._o r._n monstrous_a p._n 215._o l._n 13._o after_o of_o deal_n the._n l._n 24._o after_o as_o deal_n te_fw-mi p._n 219._o l._n 19_o r._n microscope_n p._n 220._o for_o or_o r._n of_o 221._o l._n 17._o r._n they_o have_v p._n 223._o l._n 22._o r._n as_o hard_a p._n 229._o l._n 9_o r._n there_o be_v city_n l._n 28._o r._n by_o the._n p._n 230._o l._n 18._o r._n exact_o express_v p._n 238._o l._n penult_n r._n in_o which_o p._n 239._o l._n 2._o r._n ransom_n p._n 380._o l._n 19_o r._n the_o mean_n p._n 385._o l._n 4._o r._n spare_v he_o l._n 27._o r._n bear_v in_o sin_n p._n 386._o mark_fw-mi r._n lerii_fw-la hist_n r._n celso_n apud_fw-la ib._n l._n 13._o r._n word_n p._n 357._o l._n 12._o r._n to_o this_o p._n 346._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v design_v p._n 354._o l._n 20._o r._n please_v p._n 339._o l._n 3._o r._n law_n p._n 321._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 339._o l._n 8._o r._n proselyte_n p._n 342._o mark_fw-mi r_o judaic_n p._n 343._o l._n 12._o r._n calcare_fw-la l._n 13._o r._n sententâ—is_n p._n 363._o l._n 5._o r._n man._n p._n 393._o l._n 8._o r._n who_o p._n 394._o l._n 26._o r._n require_v p._n 395._o l._n 8._o r._n sun_n p._n 400._o l._n 26._o r._n counsel_n p._n 481._o l._n 11._o r._n they_o p._n 485._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o they_o l._n 24._o r._n be_v deny_v p._n 492._o l._n ult_n r._n all_o p._n 497._o l._n 10._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 511._o l._n 14._o r._n themselves_o p._n 512._o l._n 2._o r._n themselves_o p._n 517._o l._n 19_o deal_n a_o p._n 520._o l._n 15._o r._n with_o the_o rest_n p._n 540._o l._n 5._o r._n offence_n come_v or_o p._n 527._o mark_fw-mi lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o p._n 548._o l._n 19_o r._n it_o tend_v p._n 549._o l._n 25._o r._n to_o which_o p._n 551._o l._n 14._o r._n aâ—l_a age_n l._n 26._o he_o do_v p._n 556._o l._n 1._o r._n dispute_v about_o l._n 3._o r._n that_o this_o p._n 558._o l._n 11._o r._n which_o enemy_n l._n 13._o deal_n and._n r._n approve_v itself_o p._n 559._o l._n 14._o r._n affect_v p._n 562._o l._n 12._o r._n rite_n l._n 14._o r._n be_v able_a l._n 25._o r._n way_n to_o be_v p._n 566._o l._n 20._o r._n to_o our_o p._n 570._o l._n 19_o r_o as_o in_o p._n 571._o l._n 20._o r._n art_n of_o p._n 574._o l._n 14._o r._n have_v thought_n
character_n of_o a_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o modern_a jew_n in_o like_a manner_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o new_a book_n of_o revelation_n but_o have_v constant_o adhere_v to_o the_o old_a and_o what_o inducement_n can_v the_o jew_n have_v to_o receive_v these_o book_n into_o their_o canon_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v rather_o than_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n more_o especial_o remarkable_a in_o some_o book_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v certain_a book_n under_o the_o name_n of_o solomon_n esther_n daniel_n and_o ezra_n but_o not_o admit_v into_o the_o canon_n other_o go_v under_o the_o same_o name_n but_o because_o of_o the_o difference_n in_o their_o authority_n why_o shall_v they_o receive_v the_o book_n of_o those_o who_o their_o forefather_n have_v slay_v and_o those_o very_a book_n for_o which_o they_o slay_v they_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v be_v possess_v with_o no_o prejudice_n in_o their_o favour_n but_o with_o very_a many_o against_o the_o book_n of_o such_o author_n to_o give_v another_o instance_n the_o book_n of_o ruth_n contain_v the_o affair_n and_o transaction_n of_o a_o particular_a family_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n as_o one_o may_v imagine_v at_o first_o view_n and_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v preserve_v with_o as_o much_o â—are_n and_o as_o constant_o receive_v as_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v little_a reason_n upon_o human_a consideration_n why_o a_o relation_n concern_v that_o family_n shall_v be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n rather_o than_o one_o concern_v any_o other_o but_o the_o lineage_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v insert_v and_o therefore_o by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o providence_n neither_o the_o emulation_n and_o envy_n of_o other_o family_n nor_o any_o other_o cause_n or_o accident_n hinder_v its_o reception_n and_o preservation_n among_o the_o other_o inspire_v book_n and_o in_o that_o history_n there_o be_v a_o account_v not_o very_o honourable_a for_o david_n family_n in_o derive_v his_o descent_n from_o phares_n of_o thamar_n and_o show_v that_o his_o great_a grandmother_n be_v a_o moabitess_n the_o moabite_n be_v a_o people_n who_o have_v a_o indelible_a mark_n of_o intamy_n sixth_o upon_o they_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dentr_n xxiii_o 3._o ii_o as_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n after_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o tribe_n judah_n so_o if_o they_o reject_v the_o writing_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o must_v have_v be_v because_o all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n who_o be_v of_o the_o two_o tribe_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o israel_n own_v the_o temple_n of_o jerasalem_fw-la to_o be_v the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o israelite_n and_o samaritan_n must_v have_v great_a prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v the_o book_n of_o any_o of_o the_o prophet_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o do_v those_o of_o moses_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n david_n and_o solomon_n have_v less_o regard_n pay_v to_o they_o upon_o reason_n of_o state_n by_o the_o tribe_n who_o follow_v the_o revolt_n of_o jeroboam_n yet_o when_o 1._o when_o antiqu._n orient_a eccl._n pist_o 1._o joseph_n scaliger_n send_v to_o the_o samaritan_n for_o the_o canticle_n of_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n in_o their_o language_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o joshua_n they_o promise_v to_o send_v he_o they_o and_o it_o be_v prove_v sufficient_o by_o dr_n 25._o dr_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o joh._n four_o 25._o lightfoot_n that_o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n though_o they_o do_v not_o admit_v the_o rest_n into_o the_o same_o veneration_n and_o authority_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n nor_o read_v they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n this_o be_v also_o prove_v by_o f._n simon_n 12._o simon_n crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 1._o c._n 16._o &_o 29._o disquisit_a crit_fw-fr c._n 12._o both_o of_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n and_o orient_a and_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu_n eccl._n orient_a morinus_n likewise_o prove_v it_o of_o the_o karaei_n who_o be_v general_o take_v for_o sadducee_n f._n simon_n maintain_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o they_o have_v wrong_v do_v they_o in_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o sadducces_n however_o this_o be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n since_o he_o show_v that_o both_o the_o sadducee_n and_o the_o karaei_n or_o caraite_n and_o all_o the_o jew_n beside_o receive_v the_o entire_a volume_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o contradiction_n lipmanno_n contradiction_n praefat._n de_fw-fr lipmanno_n hackspan_n likewise_o have_v show_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n iii_o concern_v the_o book_n whereof_o we_o we_o find_v mention_v make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n either_o 1._o they_o be_v not_o different_a from_o those_o which_o be_v now_o in_o the_o canon_n but_o the_o same_o book_n under_o divers_a name_n or_o 2._o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o inspiration_n though_o write_v by_o prophet_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o the_o prophet_n be_v inspire_v in_o every_o thing_n that_o they_o write_v any_o more_o than_o in_o all_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o show_v the_o care_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o compile_v their_o canon_n that_o they_o will_v not_o take_v into_o it_o all_o the_o write_n even_o of_o the_o prophet_n themselves_o but_o only_o such_o as_o they_o know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o they_o as_o prophet_n that_o be_v by_o inspiration_n the_o prophet_n themselves_o no_o doubt_n make_v a_o distinction_n as_o we_o find_v st_n paul_n do_v between_o what_o they_o have_v write_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o his_o immediate_a and_o extraordinary_a direction_n and_o infallible_a assistance_n or_o 3_o they_o may_v not_o be_v write_v by_o prophet_n for_o the_o office_n of_o recorder_n or_o remembrancer_n or_o writer_n of_o chronicle_n as_o it_o be_v explain_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v mention_v as_o â—n_v office_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o sam._n viij_o â—6_n 2_o king_n xviii_o 18_o 2_o chron._n xxxiv_o 8._o isaiah_n xxxvi_o 3_o 22._o beside_o the_o hebrew_n call_v every_o small_a write_v a_o book_n thus_o deut._n xxiv_o 1._o â—hat_n which_o we_o render_v a_o bill_n of_o divorcement_n â—s_v in_o the_o original_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o josh_n x._o 13._o and_o 〈◊〉_d sam._n i._n 18._o be_v translate_v the_o book_n of_o jasher_n â—o_o matt._n nineteeen_o 7._o and_o mark_v x._o 4._o it_o be_v in_o the_o greek_a a_o book_n of_o divorcement_n the_o word_n be_v the_o same_o which_o the_o septuagint_n have_v use_v it_o indeed_o may_v signify_v a_o little_a book_n but_o it_o often_o signify_v a_o book_n without_o that_o distinction_n and_o so_o it_o be_v render_v 2_o tim._n four_o 13._o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n be_v a_o book_n in_o the_o hebrew_n and_o in_o the_o greek_a 2_o sam._n xi_o 14_o 15._o and_o lettet_n be_v style_v book_n by_o 4._o by_o herod_n lib._n 1._o c._n 124._o &_o lib._n 6._o c._n 4._o herodotus_n or_o 4._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n be_v now_o lose_v it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v write_n to_o be_v lose_v through_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n which_o be_v dictate_v by_o his_o spirit_n several_a thing_n may_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v deliver_v by_o revelation_n to_o the_o person_n who_o they_o concern_v which_o be_v never_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o other_o which_o be_v write_v but_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n but_o rather_o concern_v particular_a time_n and_o place_n and_o the_o substance_n whereof_o as_o far_o as_o the_o world_n in_o general_n be_v concern_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o other_o scripture_n may_v by_o the_o carelessness_n of_o man_n never_o come_v to_o the_o sight_n and_o knowledge_n of_o posterity_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o prophecy_n have_v always_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o common_o they_o be_v often_o repeat_v in_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o in_o matter_n