which_o conceive_v it_o most_o proper_a that_o there_o appear_v no_o smile_n in_o the_o face_n of_o nature_n but_o that_o she_o come_v forth_o clothe_v with_o terror_n and_o amazement_n when_o some_o great_a vengeance_n and_o destruction_n be_v present_a or_o at_o hand_n this_o disposition_n of_o soul_n do_v never_o more_o strong_o exert_v itself_o then_o when_o the_o prodigy_n be_v no_o unfitting_a emblem_n of_o the_o judgement_n do_v impregnate_n imagination_n and_o offer_v a_o mighty_a assistance_n thereunto_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v call_v the_o rain_v of_o blood_n which_o be_v but_o water_n tincture_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soil_n whence_o it_o arise_v or_o rather_o where_o it_o fall_v shall_v strong_o solicit_v the_o fear_n of_o some_o great_a effusion_n of_o blood_n in_o the_o state_n the_o appearance_n of_o two_o sun_n at_o once_o which_o be_v but_o the_o figure_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o sun_n draw_v by_o its_o own_o beam_n upon_o a_o dispose_a cloud_n do_v great_o encourage_v the_o fancy_n of_o two_o competitor_n for_o royalty_n in_o a_o nation_n some_o great_a eclipse_n seem_v to_o a_o soft_a imagination_n to_o hang_v the_o world_n with_o black_a against_o the_o approach_a funeral_n of_o some_o great_a person_n the_o casual_a part_n of_o the_o river_n ouse_n in_o bedfordshire_n seem_v after_o the_o event_n a_o presage_n of_o the_o succeed_a division_n between_o the_o house_n of_o york_n and_o lancaster_n these_o and_o many_o more_o where_o they_o meet_v with_o a_o imagination_n strong_a enough_o to_o supply_v and_o relieve_v their_o weakness_n shall_v prove_v a_o event_n beyond_o geometry_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o man_n and_o time_n 9_o humane_a nature_n be_v great_o propense_a to_o entertain_v thing_n vehement_a and_o extraordinary_a with_o a_o opinion_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sacredness_n in_o and_o presence_n of_o god_n with_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n thing_n more_o vulgar_a and_o accommodate_v to_o a_o humane_a size_n and_o measure_n have_v the_o name_n of_o man_n call_v upon_o they_o thus_o we_o read_v of_o the_o rod_n of_o a_o man._n 2_o sam._n 7._o 14._o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n hos._n 11._o 4._o the_o pen_n of_o a_o man._n is._n 8._o 1._o that_o be_v gentle_a and_o usual_a on_o the_o other_o side_n thing_n rare_a and_o which_o hardly_o admit_v their_o pattern_n be_v attribute_v unto_o god_n horeb_n the_o mount_n of_o god_n exod._n 3._o 1._o the_o river_n of_o god_n ps._n 65_o 9_o the_o tree_n of_o god_n ps._n 104._o 16._o the_o fire_n of_o god_n job_n 1._o 6._o that_o be_v great_a and_o extraordinary_a now_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n to_o who_o law_n of_o speak_v the_o holy_a ghost_n accommodate_v himself_o in_o their_o custom_n and_o language_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o true_a report_n of_o the_o easy_a sentiment_n of_o simple_a nature_n according_o these_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a alteration_n in_o nature_n appear_v to_o man_n because_o not_o of_o familiar_a occurrence_n stamp_v with_o some_o character_n and_o touch_n of_o divinity_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o raise_v a_o great_a 77._o opinion_n of_o themselves_o in_o man_n as_o if_o send_v forth_o upon_o no_o less_o errand_n then_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o expectation_n of_o some_o strange_a work_n from_o god_n from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourt_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o infer_v the_o fallacy_n of_o that_o first_o argument_n against_o we_o take_v from_o the_o common_a persuasion_n of_o man_n for_o it_o be_v a_o persuasion_n very_o general_a indeed_o but_o grow_v not_o from_o natural_a but_o casual_a or_o abusive_a principle_n and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n the_o more_o common_a and_o prevalent_a the_o persuasion_n be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a because_o it_o derive_v a_o great_a credit_n upon_o error_n and_o give_v it_o the_o colour_n of_o a_o oracle_n vox_fw-la populi_fw-la be_v a_o fallacious_a topic_a to_o conclude_v from_o except_o the_o opinion_n general_o maintain_v across_o the_o ease_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n like_o uriah_n carry_v the_o letter_n the_o principle_n which_o judge_n and_o condemn_v themselves_o as_o the_o common_a notion_n concern_v good_a and_o evil_a of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n a_o future_a judgement_n the_o soul_n immortality_n etc._n etc._n be_v in_o this_o case_n a_o sign_n that_o the_o truth_n be_v seal_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o rather_o lay_n hold_v of_o they_o than_o they_o of_o it_o and_o this_o in_o answer_n to_o that_o first_o objection_n chap._n iu._n the_o objection_n ground_v on_o humane_a authority_n answer_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_n father_n modern_a writer_n allege_v against_o the_o truth_n contend_v for_o answer_v first_o more_o general_o some_o account_n give_v why_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v give_v countenance_n to_o the_o contrary_a persuasion_n a_o particular_a return_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o herodotus_n heathen_n great_o fond_a of_o this_o notion_n and_o why_o the_o father_n no_o great_a favourer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n the_o testimony_n of_o tertullian_n unserviceable_a to_o our_o adversaty_n s._n austin_n express_v against_o they_o the_o testimony_n of_o machiavelli_n disable_v by_o a_o three_o fold_v consideration_n d._n jackson_n whence_o in_o probability_n so_o inclinable_a to_o the_o regard_n of_o prodigy_n some_o account_n of_o his_o lose_a book_n of_o prodigy_n the_o ill_a use_n the_o heathen_n make_v of_o prodigy_n the_o observation_n of_o they_o unbecoming_a our_o religion_n and_o a_o dishonour_n to_o god_n argument_n from_o humane_a authority_n general_o show_v betâ—er_n in_o rhetoric_n then_o logic_n and_o press_v the_o modesty_n of_o man_n more_o than_o their_o judgement_n yet_o because_o the_o most_o judge_n altogether_o by_o their_o proxy_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v fallacy_n in_o strong_a reason_n but_o none_o in_o great_a name_n i_o shall_v next_o make_v answer_n to_o a_o second_o objection_n with_o 27._o which_o this_o truth_n be_v assault_v viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o learned_a writer_n heathen_n father_n modern_a author_n to_o the_o contrary_a where_o two_o of_o each_o kind_n it_o may_v suffice_v to_o take_v as_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o rest._n among_o heathen_a writer_n herodotus_n seem_v to_o our_o adversary_n of_o especial_a remark_n in_o this_o argument_n enter_v it_o as_o a_o try_a case_n quoties_fw-la ingentes_fw-la eventurae_fw-la sunt_fw-la calamitates_fw-la vel_fw-la civitati_fw-la vel_fw-la nationi_fw-la solent_fw-la signis_fw-la praenunciari_fw-la and_o valerius_n maximus_n seem_v to_o subscribe_v the_o opinion_n in_o that_o whole_a chapter_n which_o he_o have_v write_v de_n prodigiis_fw-la and_o the_o regard_v 23._o due_a to_o they_o among_o the_o father_n we_o find_v tertullian_n tell_v the_o heathen_n deride_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o a_o everlasting_a fire_n of_o some_o prodigious_a mountain_n always_o burn_v upon_o occasion_n whereof_o he_o add_v hoc_fw-la erit_fw-la testimonium_fw-la ignis_fw-la aeterni_fw-la hoc_fw-la exemplum_fw-la jugis_fw-la judicii_fw-la poenam_fw-la nutrientes_fw-la montes_n uruntur_fw-la &_o durant_fw-mi and_o s._n austin_n have_v note_v that_o a_o little_a before_o the_o bellum_n sociale_a in_o the_o roman_a empire_n dog_n horse_n ox_n ass_n and_o such_o like_a creature_n usual_o the_o most_o submissive_a subject_n to_o the_o law_n of_o obedience_n to_o man_n all_o on_o a_o sudden_a put_v off_o their_o gentle_a and_o tractable_a nature_n run_v away_o from_o their_o owner_n grow_v fierce_a and_o hurtful_a and_o approach_v as_o near_o to_o lion_n and_o wolf_n as_o their_o shape_n and_o figure_n will_v permit_v of_o which_o strange_a occurrence_n he_o thus_o deliver_v his_o sense_n quòd_fw-la si_fw-la hoc_fw-la signum_fw-la fuit_fw-la quòd_fw-la tantum_fw-la malum_fw-la fuit_fw-la quantum_fw-la malum_fw-la fuit_fw-la illud_fw-la cujus_fw-la hoc_fw-la fignum_fw-la fuit_fw-la among_o modern_a writer_n machiavelli_n a_o person_n general_o think_v a_o more_o fast_o retainer_n to_o atheism_n then_o superstition_n have_v thus_o abet_v the_o observation_n of_o prodigy_n ut_fw-la causam_fw-la facile_fw-la confitebor_fw-la i_o ignorare_fw-la ita_fw-la rem_fw-la ipsam_fw-la cûm_fw-la ex_fw-la antiquis_fw-la tum_fw-la novis_fw-la exemplis_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la oportet_fw-la &_o confiteri_fw-la omnes_fw-la magnos_fw-la motus_fw-la quicunque_fw-la aut_fw-la urbi_fw-la aut_fw-la regioni_fw-la evenerunt_fw-la vel_fw-la à _fw-la conjectoribus_fw-la vel_fw-la à _fw-la revelatione_fw-la aliqua_fw-la prodigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la coelestibus_fw-la signis_fw-la praedici_fw-la &_o praenunciari_fw-la solere_fw-la to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v to_o pass_v by_o luther_n melancton_n camerarius_fw-la and_o other_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o reverend_n d._n jackson_n the_o manner_n say_v 8._o he_o of_o god_n forewarn_n be_v very_o various_a sometime_o â—e_n forewarn_v by_o sign_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n sometime_o by_o apparition_n in_o the_o aâ—r_n sometime_o by_o monstrous_a birth_n sometime_o he_o make_v the_o murrain_n of_o cattle_n and_o mortality_n of_o â—easts_n of_o the_o field_n or_o bird_n of_o
beyond_o possibility_n of_o proof_n to_o deliver_v over_o himself_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o captivity_n of_o understanding_n to_o the_o confident_a dictate_v of_o the_o son_n of_o imagination_n to_o determine_v of_o thing_n by_o measure_n fantastical_a rule_n which_o can_v maintain_v themselves_o in_o credit_n by_o any_o sober_a and_o severe_a discourse_n both_v inure_v the_o mind_n rather_o to_o divine_v then_o to_o judge_v to_o dispute_v from_o maxim_n rather_o vehement_a then_o folid_a and_o place_v a_o man_n if_o he_o chance_v to_o mistake_v beyond_o possibility_n of_o conviction_n veneratio_fw-la it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o press_v a_o argument_n upon_o he_o that_o think_v he_o can_v confront_v a_o revelation_n a_o miracle_n or_o some_o strange_a judgement_n upon_o his_o adversary_n against_o your_o conclusion_n nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a evil_n than_o wickedness_n establish_v by_o a_o law_n and_o error_n by_o religion_n and_o a_o ignorant_a devotion_n towards_o god_n and_o therefore_o no_o pain_n and_o care_n too_o much_o to_o remove_v these_o two_o beam_n from_o the_o eye_n 6._o of_o humane_a understanding_n render_v it_o so_o insufficient_a for_o a_o just_a and_o faithful_a discovery_n of_o object_n in_o religion_n or_o common_a science_n 2._o upon_o philosophy_n for_o when_o once_o superstition_n have_v advance_v these_o prodigy_n into_o the_o repute_n of_o divine_a messenger_n it_o will_v easy_o be_v infer_v a_o necessary_a respect_n towards_o they_o to_o keep_v some_o distance_n and_o not_o to_o approach_v they_o too_o near_o by_o too_o busy_a and_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o their_o natural_a and_o immediate_a cause_n we_o find_v among_o the_o grecian_n those_o which_o first_o make_v a_o tender_a of_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o lightning_n and_o tempest_n to_o the_o as_o yet_o rude_a ear_n of_o man_n be_v present_o blast_v with_o the_o reproach_n of_o atheist_n as_o if_o to_o show_v how_o many_o wheel_n in_o some_o great_a engine_n move_v in_o subordination_n to_o the_o production_n of_o some_o great_a work_n be_v to_o obscure_v and_o eclipse_v the_o art_n of_o the_o artificer_n 3._o upon_o divinity_n also_o because_o the_o conceit_n conciliate_v reverence_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o christen_v the_o vain_a and_o soft_a fear_n of_o ignorance_n by_o the_o name_n of_o prudent_a foresight_n and_o religious_a observance_n of_o god_n whence_o the_o soul_n be_v bring_v like_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n to_o give_v worship_n to_o its_o very_a passion_n and_o disease_n story_n of_o prodigy_n may_v perhaps_o serve_v to_o deceive_v the_o taedium_fw-la of_o a_o winter_n night_n but_o when_o once_o they_o advance_v à _fw-la focis_fw-la ad_fw-la aras_n from_o the_o chimney_n corner_n to_o the_o church_n and_o be_v adopt_v the_o measure_n of_o a_o religious_a faith_n or_o fear_n advanc'â—_n the_o serious_a motive_n of_o repentance_n it_o be_v time_n to_o throw_v contempt_n upon_o they_o a_o lie_n never_o do_v never_o can_v serve_v the_o interest_n of_o truth_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n whether_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o philosophy_n or_o divinity_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o concern_v myself_o to_o inquire_v have_v express_v herself_o fas_fw-la est_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la host_n doceri_fw-la by_o her_o representative_n a_o great_a adversary_n to_o this_o instance_n of_o superstition_n the_o observation_n of_o portentous_a accident_n we_o find_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o book_n prohibit_v by_o urban_n viij_o this_o interdict_a among_o the_o rest_n author_n chronici_fw-la prodigiorum_fw-la &_o ostentorum_fw-la ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la mundi_fw-la usque_fw-la ad_fw-la an._n 1557._o and_o gregory_n the_o great_a represent_v to_o posterity_n as_o one_o most_o studious_a of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v act_v by_o so_o great_a â—_o zeal_n against_o it_o that_o we_o be_v tell_v he_o take_v care_n for_o the_o extirpation_n of_o that_o polyb._n otherwise_o excellent_a historian_n livy_n out_o of_o all_o library_n ob_fw-la tam_fw-la frequentem_fw-la &_o accuratam_fw-la portentorum_fw-la enumerationem_fw-la for_o his_o so_o frequent_a and_o critical_a enumeration_n of_o all_o the_o portenta_fw-la which_o seem_v to_o attend_v any_o great_a action_n though_o i_o think_v too_o hasty_a and_o severe_a a_o judgement_n pass_v upon_o that_o historian_n who_o we_o shall_v easy_o perceive_v noâ—_n more_o leaven_v in_o mind_n with_o that_o kind_n of_o superstition_n than_o herodotus_n or_o tacitus_n and_o other_o which_o stand_v in_o no_o better_a light_n than_o he_o do_v however_o much_o may_v be_v pardon_v to_o a_o great_a zeal_n to_o a_o good_a undertake_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v make_v for_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o shall_v nor_o in_o any_o matter_n if_o the_o remedy_n fall_v within_o our_o compass_n be_v put_v off_o with_o the_o bare_a form_n and_o idol_n of_o either_o but_o where_o a_o error_n have_v once_o cease_v it_o which_o be_v what_o some_o say_v of_o a_o comet_n both_o malum_fw-la &_o causa_fw-la mali_fw-la a_o evil_a and_o a_o pregnant_a cause_n of_o evil_n no_o need_n then_o of_o the_o voice_n of_o thunder_n to_o awaken_v charity_n to_o endeavour_v as_o it_o can_v its_o remedy_n and_o removal_n three_o this_o discourse_n may_v be_v profitable_a to_o serve_v the_o just_a interest_n of_o state_n and_o that_o 1._o as_o it_o tend_v to_o secure_v the_o honour_n of_o act_n of_o state_n and_o the_o result_v of_o public_a counsel_n how_o mean_v a_o value_n and_o regard_n shall_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o severe_a debate_n and_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n find_v if_o everâ—_n pitiful_a prodigy-monger_n have_v credit_n enough_o with_o the_o people_n to_o blast_v they_o by_o tell_v they_o that_o heaver_n frown_v upon_o they_o and_o that_o god_n write_v his_o displeasure_n against_o they_o in_o black_a and_o visible_a character_n when_o some_o sad_a accident_n befall_v the_o complyer_n with_o they_o 2._o as_o it_o tend_v to_o make_v man_n more_o manageable_a to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n which_o easy_a man_n may_v quick_o be_v fright_v from_o by_o such_o image_n of_o straw_n as_o the_o relation_n of_o monster_n and_o strange_a sight_n be_v of_o what_o ill_a consequence_n the_o roman_n at_o last_o find_v the_o observation_n of_o â—ignes_n and_o omen_n to_o be_v in_o war_n especial_o appear_v from_o what_o tully_n have_v 2._o leave_v record_v viz._n that_o howsoever_o they_o be_v in_o his_o time_n ab_fw-la uâ—banis_fw-la retenta_fw-la retain_v in_o some_o repute_n with_o the_o citizen_n for_o good_a reason_n of_o state_n yet_o they_o be_v a_o bellicis_fw-la sublata_fw-la quite_o banish_v the_o camp_n because_o they_o find_v that_o the_o ignorant_a multitude_n like_o beast_n will_v not_o drive_v well_o if_o any_o such_o bugbear_n be_v suffer_v to_o lie_v before_o they_o now_o where_o weak_a man_n like_o the_o horse_n of_o alexander_n be_v ready_a to_o start_v and_o fly_v off_o from_o their_o ruler_n and_o guide_n because_o fright_v with_o shadow_n it_o be_v but_o a_o charity_n to_o they_o and_o the_o public_a to_o turn_v they_o to_o the_o sun_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o light_n by_o a_o faithful_a information_n of_o their_o judgement_n 3._o as_o it_o minister_v to_o the_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o state_n that_o man_n that_o have_v already_o encircle_v his_o own_o head_n with_o a_o glory_n and_o be_v strong_o persuade_v that_o god_n honour_n and_o the_o gospel_n stand_v or_o fall_v with_o his_o private_a opinion_n will_v need_v no_o great_a rhetoric_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o receive_v a_o prodigy_n as_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n to_o encourage_v any_o endeavour_n to_o advance_v it_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o great_a person_n or_o change_n in_o the_o state_n a_o kind_n of_o weak_a air_n which_o carry_v about_o and_o command_v but_o the_o more_o chaffy_a and_o light_a faith_n the_o wisdom_n 15._o of_o the_o nation_n have_v judge_v of_o such_o evil_a consequence_n in_o a_o state_n as_o by_o two_o several_a act_n of_o parliament_n under_o severe_a penalty_n to_o interdict_v 15._o the_o publication_n of_o they_o now_o prodigy_n have_v ever_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o type_n and_o real_a prophecy_n of_o some_o black_a day_n and_o some_o wonderful_a alteration_n at_o hand_n and_o therefore_o may_v easy_o be_v presume_v to_o have_v as_o malign_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o people_n apt_a to_o be_v mighty_o move_v with_o what_o ever_o come_v towards_o they_o with_o any_o shadow_n and_o promise_v of_o divine_a and_o sacred_a as_o the_o former_a among_o the_o ancient_a roman_n subtle_a statesman_n make_v use_v of_o that_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o omen_n and_o prodigy_n to_o which_o they_o see_v the_o people_n in_o the_o rude_a age_n especial_o so_o invincible_o addict_v to_o act_v and_o manage_v they_o to_o what_o persuasion_n may_v best_o serve_v the_o necessity_n of_o state_n to_o which_o purpose_n they_o have_v their_o collegia_fw-la vatum_fw-la
purpose_n we_o find_v the_o very_a same_o instance_n allege_v against_o they_o by_o another_o of_o the_o ancient_n sicut_fw-la ignes_fw-la fulminum_fw-la corpora_fw-la tangunt_fw-la nec_fw-la absumunt_fw-la ficut_fw-la ignes_fw-la fel._n aetnae_n &_o vesuvii_fw-la &_o ardentium_fw-la ubique_fw-la terâ—rarum_fw-la flagrant_a nec_fw-la erogantur_fw-la itâ—_n poenale_n illud_fw-la incendium_fw-la non_fw-la damnis_fw-la ardentium_fw-la pascetur_fw-la sed_fw-la inexesacorporum_fw-la laceratione_n nutritur_fw-la to_o the_o testimony_n of_o s._n austin_n i_o answer_v 1._o that_o strange_a occurrence_n by_o he_o mention_v may_v possible_o appear_v to_o he_o clothe_v in_o more_o significant_a circumstance_n then_o to_o we_o it_o do_v who_o can_v but_o look_v at_o the_o sudden_a mania_n of_o so_o many_o creature_n but_o as_o the_o natural_a though_o more_o unusual_a effect_n which_o in_o those_o hot_a climate_n the_o unfitting_a season_n of_o the_o year_n may_v possible_o have_v upon_o they_o 2._o he_o speak_v but_o doubtful_o thereof_o hoc_fw-la si_fw-la signum_fw-la fuit_fw-la 3._o but_o if_o our_o adversary_n appeal_v to_o s._n austin_n to_o s._n austin_n shall_v they_o go_v who_o in_o his_o more_o awaken_v thought_n thus_o deliver_v himself_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o such_o ominous_a observation_n monstra_fw-la dicta_fw-la sunt_fw-la à _fw-la monstrando_fw-la quod_fw-la aliquid_fw-la significando_fw-la demonstrent_fw-la &_o osteâ—â—_n ab_fw-la ostendendo_fw-la portenta_fw-la à _fw-la portendendo_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la praeostendendo_fw-la &_o prodigy_n 〈◊〉_d porro_fw-la dicant_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la futura_fw-la praedicant_fw-la sed_fw-la viderint_fw-la eorum_fw-la 8._o conjectores_fw-la quomodo_fw-la ex_fw-la iis_fw-la sive_fw-la fallantur_fw-la sive_fw-la instinctu_fw-la spirituum_fw-la quibus_fw-la curae_fw-la est_fw-la tali_fw-la poena_fw-la dignos_fw-la animos_fw-la hominum_fw-la noxiae_fw-la curiofitatis_fw-la retibus_fw-la implicare_fw-la vera_fw-la praedicant_fw-la sive_fw-la multa_fw-la dicendo_fw-la aliquando_fw-la in_o aliquid_fw-la veritatis_fw-la incurrant_fw-la the_o testimony_n of_o machiavelli_n will_v appear_v of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v 1._o those_o sign_n which_o he_o have_v note_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n as_o the_o praecursour_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n be_v vain_a beyond_o the_o vision_n of_o a_o fever_n and_o the_o whisper_v of_o the_o wind_n for_o he_o there_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o death_n of_o lorenzo_n de_fw-fr medici_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o dukedom_n of_o tuscany_n in_o his_o family_n be_v portend_v by_o the_o deface_a of_o their_o great_a temple_n in_o florence_n by_o fire_n from_o heaven_n and_o the_o banishment_n of_o petrus_n sodâ—â—inus_n one_o of_o the_o pillar_n of_o state_n by_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o senate_n house_n by_o lightning_n tenterden_n steeple_n and_o goodwin_n sands_n we_o may_v conclude_v by_o these_o ear_n that_o the_o whole_a harvest_n of_o his_o other_o observation_n he_o ground_v his_o forementioned_a speech_n upon_o be_v little_a beside_o chaff_n and_o husk_n 2._o the_o suspicion_n of_o atheism_n render_v he_o also_o not_o a_o little_a to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o superstition_n the_o heathen_n of_o old_a style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d atheist_n 12._o in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o most_o superstitious_a observer_n of_o presage_n and_o omen_n they_o which_o live_v most_o in_o neglect_n of_o god_n think_v they_o see_v token_n of_o a_o divine_a nemesis_n in_o every_o strange_a accident_n they_o behold_v superstition_n and_o atheism_n like_o water_n and_o ice_n produce_v one_o another_o slavish_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o god_n lead_v to_o atheism_n as_o their_o cure_n and_o atheism_n lead_v to_o great_a fear_n of_o he_o as_o its_o deserve_a punishment_n it_o be_v a_o great_a justice_n that_o that_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v 36._o punish_v with_o false_a fear_n which_o have_v discard_v the_o true_a they_o which_o will_v not_o fear_v god_n and_o hell_n and_o sin_n shall_v fear_v a_o prodigy_n be_v therein_o like_o the_o horse_n to_o which_o they_o stand_v compare_v jer._n 8._o 6._o which_o will_v start_v at_o its_o shadow_n and_o yet_o rush_v furious_o and_o without_o fear_n into_o the_o battle_n 3._o man_n be_v bear_v to_o trouble_v as_o the_o spark_n fly_v upward_o the_o wheel_n of_o providence_n be_v continual_o go_v over_o kingdom_n and_o person_n the_o world_n like_o mount_n calvary_n present_v we_o with_o nothing_o almost_o but_o cross_n and_o death_n spectacle_n of_o misery_n heaven_n only_a be_v a_o kingdom_n that_o can_v be_v shake_v and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o any_o unusual_a accident_n be_v soon_o second_v by_o some_o tragedy_n or_o other_o though_o never_o intend_v its_o prologue_n and_o precedent_a monitour_n the_o error_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o style_v it_o of_o the_o reverend_a doctor_n jackson_n in_o this_o argument_n may_v be_v easy_o pardon_v to_o his_o singular_a piety_n and_o learning_n the_o light_n and_o lustre_n of_o which_o like_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n may_v easy_o hide_v any_o of_o his_o spot_n and_o blemish_n from_o the_o severe_a eye_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o world_n great_a mind_n like_o the_o heavenly_a body_n though_o they_o be_v move_v for_o the_o main_a with_o the_o force_n of_o the_o primum_fw-la mobile_a the_o weight_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n yet_o they_o appear_v sometime_o to_o have_v their_o dâ—clinationes_fw-la proprias_fw-la some_o private_a motion_n and_o declination_n of_o their_o own_o to_o which_o their_o peculiar_a genius_n impression_n â—rom_o the_o age_n or_o their_o education_n may_v very_o fatal_o betray_v they_o this_o opinion_n concern_v prodigy_n and_o sign_n of_o event_n future_a â—hich_v the_o general_a strain_n of_o his_o write_n speak_v his_o mind_n huge_o possâ—â—â—â—nd_v die_v withal_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o reckon_v among_o those_o idola_fw-la spectis_fw-la false_a notion_n which_o the_o black_a and_o melancholy_a mansion_n his_o excellent_a soul_n plain_o appear_v to_o have_v dwell_v in_o do_v abuse_v his_o mind_n withal_o any_o event_n extraordinary_a in_o the_o world_n seem_v all_o along_o to_o have_v have_v a_o great_a impression_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o seem_v expound_v sometime_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o than_o their_o just_a value_n and_o moment_n will_v well_o warrant_v and_o allow_v melancholy_n be_v of_o a_o very_a impressive_a temper_n and_o poetic_a nature_n and_o be_v apt_a like_o a_o dark_a room_n to_o receive_v in_o the_o image_n of_o object_n without_o in_o very_o monstrous_a and_o antic_a figure_n and_o representation_n as_o for_o his_o book_n of_o prodigy_n mention_v i_o profess_v myself_o not_o great_o tempt_v to_o follow_v its_o casual_a loss_n with_o any_o deep_a sigh_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o man_n understanding_n have_v be_v too_o much_o undervalue_v by_o teratoscos_n book_n of_o that_o nature_n already_o extant_a to_o a_o number_n sufficient_a to_o a_o cure_n of_o the_o most_o troublesome_a curiosity_n in_o such_o inquiry_n buâ—_n 1_o because_o the_o few_o prodigy_n and_o sign_n of_o time_n commend_v with_o a_o great_a 25._o seriousness_n to_o our_o notice_n in_o his_o sermon_n on_o luke_n take_v for_o the_o great_a part_n out_o of_o herodotus_n livy_n valer._n max._n and_o machiavelli_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o man_n that_o do_v not_o use_v to_o start_v at_o shadow_n too_o thin_a and_o weak_a to_o bear_v up_o any_o such_o weighty_a and_o serious_a conclusion_n as_o he_o teach_v his_o reader_n to_o build_v upon_o they_o the_o knowledge_n whereof_o i_o have_v rather_o shall_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o reader_n curiosity_n then_o to_o my_o rehearsal_n now_o i_o think_v we_o may_v make_v some_o judgement_n of_o the_o value_n of_o the_o whole_a piece_n by_o the_o coursness_n of_o a_o remnant_n thereof_o 2._o because_o it_o design_v a_o errorum_fw-la apotheosis_n a_o kind_n of_o consecration_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o error_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o gentile_a superstition_n as_o appear_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n from_o those_o word_n which_o fall_v from_o he_o in_o the_o forecited_n paper_n where_o speak_v of_o such_o kind_n of_o portenta_fw-la and_o sign_n of_o heaven_n at_o which_o the_o have_fw-mi then_o use_v to_o be_v dismay_v he_o thus_o deliver_v himself_o though_o to_o believe_v as_o 16._o much_o concern_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v though_o to_o make_v as_o good_a or_o better_a use_n of_o they_o then_o they_o do_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o acquit_v we_o from_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n fore-signified_n yet_o not_o to_o believe_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v not_o to_o make_v so_o good_a a_o use_n as_o they_o do_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o affect_v as_o they_o be_v be_v enough_o and_o more_o then_o enough_o to_o condemn_v we_o enough_o to_o bring_v that_o ruin_n and_o calamity_n which_o they_o portend_v or_o foresignify_a inevitable_o and_o in_o full_a measure_n upon_o we_o a_o strange_a speech_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o set_v christian_n aurum_fw-la colligcre_fw-la exstercore_fw-la as_o
fire_n on_o his_o altar_n will_v quick_o go_v out_o and_o therefore_o he_o appoint_v all_o the_o change_n in_o the_o exta_fw-la in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n in_o the_o birth_n of_o creature_n in_o the_o fly_n of_o bird_n etc._n etc._n as_o a_o kind_n of_o sign_n from_o the_o god_n of_o some_o great_a and_o strange_a effect_n which_o when_o he_o see_v their_o cause_n to_o swell_v out_o withal_o and_o just_o ready_a to_o be_v deliver_v of_o they_o he_o can_v easy_o bring_v about_o all_o these_o little_a change_n fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n that_o on_o which_o side_n soever_o the_o die_n of_o affair_n fall_v be_v the_o success_n of_o a_o undertake_n on_o this_o side_n or_o that_o he_o may_v still_o secure_v the_o repute_n of_o his_o prescience_n by_o hold_v his_o easy_a votary_n in_o hand_n that_o the_o precede_a prodigy_n be_v a_o warning_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o fall_v out_o and_o therefore_o he_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o imposture_n much_o better_a upon_o these_o dumb_a and_o doubtful_a than_o his_o speak_a oracle_n wherein_o he_o hazard_v his_o credit_n great_o by_o return_v doubtful_a or_o false_a solution_n to_o the_o question_n propose_v to_o he_o de_fw-fr futuro_fw-la well_o therefore_o may_v the_o devil_n be_v presume_v upon_o a_o easy_a foresight_n of_o some_o great_a disaster_n to_o cause_v the_o entrail_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n to_o put_v on_o a_o sad_a and_o unusual_a face_n and_o therefore_o the_o poet_n upon_o such_o a_o accident_n speak_v more_o truth_n than_o he_o be_v aware_a caesique_fw-la in_o viscera_fw-la tauri_n inferni_fw-la venêre_fw-la dei._n so_o also_o upon_o his_o sight_n of_o a_o approach_a battle_n he_o may_v easy_o give_v forth_o a_o prophetic_a emblem_n thereof_o in_o some_o such_o martial_a image_n and_o impression_n upon_o the_o airy_a region_n his_o proper_a province_n if_o all_o this_o satisfy_v not_o i_o shall_v ready_o deliver_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o own_o judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o thing_n for_o myself_o when_o i_o find_v in_o the_o book_n of_o god_n that_o holy_a and_o heavenly_a host_n not_o call_v forth_o but_o to_o wait_v upon_o some_o great_a and_o important_a service_n the_o protection_n of_o a_o patriarch_n or_o a_o great_a prophet_n the_o declaration_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o perhaps_o to_o attend_v god_n great_a act_n of_o justice_n upon_o jerusalem_n i_o know_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o such_o cheap_a and_o little_a thought_n of_o they_o as_o once_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v ever_o send_v forth_o to_o run_v a_o tilt_n in_o the_o air_n to_o find_v the_o vain_a world_n talk_v and_o to_o tell_v it_o news_n or_o that_o god_n will_v ever_o confer_v the_o honour_n of_o so_o solemn_a and_o great_a a_o presage_n upon_o a_o paltry_a battle_n at_o sea_n or_o land_n which_o be_v general_o intend_v but_o to_o serve_v the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n which_o have_v break_v all_o those_o cord_n of_o love_n precept_n of_o charity_n whereby_o they_o be_v bind_v one_o unto_o another_o four_o the_o apparition_n of_o evil_a angel_n in_o what_o place_n form_n company_n 4._o and_o their_o premonition_n by_o what_o voice_n and_o sign_n soever_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attend_v unto_o as_o the_o prognostic_n of_o any_o event_n whatsoever_o many_o relation_n there_o be_v current_a in_o writer_n and_o common_a converse_n of_o such_o apparition_n in_o very_o terrible_a form_n and_o that_o before_o some_o great_a plague_n 2._o and_o war_n and_o i_o shall_v not_o once_o attempt_v to_o build_v my_o cause_n upon_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o credit_n of_o they_o all_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n the_o fall_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n foretell_v by_o the_o apparition_n of_o a_o evil_a angel_n such_o apparition_n have_v happen_v though_o general_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o great_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o that_o perhaps_o as_o be_v say_v that_o these_o lie_a spirit_n may_v maintain_v a_o opinion_n of_o their_o foresight_n of_o thing_n though_o the_o matter_n signify_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v in_o their_o natural_a or_o moral_a cause_n or_o to_o derive_v a_o suspicion_n upon_o the_o story_n of_o angelical_a apparition_n in_o sacred_a writ_n or_o to_o get_v such_o a_o stock_n of_o credit_n whereby_o they_o may_v set_v up_o cheater_n with_o the_o less_o suspicion_n for_o the_o future_a or_o perhaps_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o petty_a triumph_n over_o those_o man_n who_o sin_n together_o with_o their_o temptation_n have_v betray_v they_o to_o such_o fearful_a judgement_n or_o perhaps_o evil_a angel_n be_v often_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n god_n will_v have_v these_o apollyon_n see_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o stage_n before_o execution_n 44._o that_o man_n may_v know_v and_o consider_v into_o who_o hand_n in_o all_o likelihood_n their_o iniquity_n have_v betray_v they_o but_o admit_v the_o depth_n of_o god_n or_o the_o devil_n in_o such_o apparition_n past_o our_o fathom_v sure_o i_o be_o we_o have_v no_o warrant_n at_o all_o to_o give_v any_o evil_a spirit_n the_o honour_n of_o the_o least_o trust_n and_o regard_n by_o a_o observance_n of_o any_o word_n action_n or_o sign_n of_o he_o god_n will_v disow_v one_o of_o his_o royal_a title_n when_o once_o black_v and_o profane_v by_o the_o devil_n usurpation_n hos._n 2._o 16_o 17._o our_o saviour_n refuse_v a_o just_a and_o true_a testimony_n to_o his_o divinity_n when_o give_v in_o by_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n mark_v 1._o 24._o god_n servant_n refuse_v his_o good_a creature_n when_o once_o set_v upon_o the_o devil_n table_n 1_o cor._n 10._o 21._o we_o be_v allow_v no_o fellowship_n with_o devil_n by_o who_o truth_n be_v never_o tell_v but_o to_o serve_v some_o delusion_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o read_v psal._n 78._o 49._o that_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o evil_a angel_n as_o the_o executioner_n of_o his_o judgement_n yet_o never_o that_o he_o commissionated_a any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o denouncers_n of_o they_o to_o receive_v therefore_o the_o apparition_n voice_n drumming_n or_o antic_a noise_n of_o spirit_n in_o any_o place_n whatsoever_o as_o presage_n of_o some_o approach_a evil_n as_o if_o like_o some_o strange_a creature_n in_o the_o sea_n they_o use_v to_o show_v themselves_o and_o play_v in_o sight_n against_o a_o storm_n be_v to_o consult_v shame_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o religion_n to_o ourselves_o because_o render_v ourselves_o thereby_o to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o have_v a_o great_a credulity_n and_o curiosity_n pregnant_a argument_n of_o a_o soft_a vain_a and_o unfurnished_a mind_n to_o our_o religion_n derive_v upon_o it_o a_o appearance_n of_o falsehood_n in_o those_o many_o assurance_n it_o offer_v we_o of_o the_o treachery_n and_o imposture_n of_o those_o forsake_a spirit_n such_o apparition_n report_v nothing_o to_o we_o with_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n but_o what_o they_o tempt_v man_n lest_o to_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o so_o as_o the_o viper_n flesh_n cure_v its_o own_o bite_n enable_v we_o to_o quote_v the_o devil_n against_o satan_n and_o to_o cast_v he_o out_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v therefore_o our_o wisdom_n not_o to_o invite_v the_o devil_n so_o far_o to_o be_v our_o oracle_n as_o to_o vouchsafe_v the_o least_o credit_n or_o regard_n to_o any_o of_o his_o prophetic_a speech_n posture_n action_n but_o to_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o goodness_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o security_n sufficient_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o composure_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o not_o to_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o his_o keep_n and_o so_o make_v way_n for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o of_o they_o by_o any_o distrustful_a fear_n arise_v from_o any_o sign_n whatsoever_o give_v forth_o by_o so_o swear_v a_o enemy_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n five_o the_o appearance_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v now_o rare_o give_v hardly_o 5._o discover_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v i_o say_v rare_o give_a i_o do_v not_o say_v never_o lest_o i_o speak_v without_o book_n to_o omit_v some_o very_a probable_a relation_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o apparition_n be_v usual_o think_v a_o herald_n from_o heaven_n which_o advise_v james_n the_o four_o of_o scotland_n in_o who_o counsel_n at_o that_o time_n the_o concern_v of_o a_o nation_n be_v wrap_v up_o to_o historian_n forbear_v some_o vicious_a practice_n but_o especial_o the_o fight_n of_o his_o intend_a battle_n with_o the_o english_a in_o those_o word_n rex_fw-la ego_fw-la ad_fw-la te_fw-la missus_fw-la sum_fw-la ut_fw-la te_fw-la admoneam_fw-la ne_fw-la quò_fw-la instituisti_fw-la progrediaris_fw-la quam_fw-la admonitionem_fw-la si_fw-la neglexeris_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la è_fw-it re_fw-mi tua_fw-la nec_fw-la eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la
draw_v from_o those_o fearful_a sight_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n mention_v luke_n 21._o 11._o precedent_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o jewish_a polity_n to_o encourage_v the_o expectation_n of_o any_o such_o sign_n of_o time_n now_o or_o the_o advancement_n of_o prodigy_n into_o the_o repute_n of_o any_o divine_a monitor_n they_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v great_o inconsequent_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o all_o those_o accident_n be_v foretell_v and_o particular_o appoint_v by_o god_n as_o sign_n particular_o the_o open_n of_o the_o gate_n of_o the_o temple_n some_o time_n before_o its_o desolation_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n though_o of_o such_o massy_a brass_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v shut_v or_o open_v if_o we_o credit_v josephus_n without_o the_o twist_a strength_n of_o twenty_o man_n and_o though_o secure_v with_o great_a bar_n of_o iron_n be_v think_v by_o some_o learned_a jewish_a and_o christian_a expositor_n the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n 1._o of_o zechariah_n chap._n 11._o vers_fw-la 1._o openâ—thy_a door_n o_o lebanon_n that_o the_o fire_n may_v devour_v thy_o cedar_n where_o by_o lebanon_n they_o understand_v the_o temple_n build_v especial_o of_o the_o cedar_n there_o grow_v as_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o in_o the_o prophet_n use_v to_o signify_v and_o munster_n upon_o the_o place_n tell_v we_o that_o one_o of_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n upon_o occasion_n thereof_o thus_o rebuke_n the_o temple_n ego_fw-la cognosco_fw-la imminere_fw-la tui_fw-la desolationem_fw-la juxta_fw-la vatiâ—inium_fw-la zechariae_fw-la qui_fw-la dixit_fw-la aperi_fw-la libane_n portas_fw-la tuas_fw-la but_o what_o patent_n can_v be_v show_v from_o the_o book_n of_o god_n whereby_o any_o much_o less_o all_o the_o forementioned_a prodigy_n hold_v the_o place_n and_o honour_n of_o divine_a sign_n 2._o the_o misery_n foretell_v by_o those_o sign_n be_v great_a without_o example_n josephus_n call_v they_o evil_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d worthy_a of_o some_o sign_n they_o come_v not_o forth_o as_o the_o herald_n of_o some_o petty_a war_n or_o to_o precede_v the_o funeral_n of_o some_o great_a personage_n but_o as_o it_o be_v call_v a_o great_a tribulation_n such_o as_o be_v not_o since_o the_o world_n begin_v nor_o ever_o shall_v be_v exemplóque_fw-la carens_fw-la &_o nulli_fw-la cognitus_fw-la aevo_fw-la luctus_n erat_fw-la 3._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o type_n and_o picture_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a it_o be_v that_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o latter_a shall_v be_v a_o little_a pattern_v and_o shadow_v out_o in_o the_o fearful_a sight_n and_o prodigy_n attend_v the_o former_a beside_o the_o consternation_n of_o soul_n and_o fail_n of_o heart_n which_o these_o forego_v sign_n wrought_v in_o some_o man_n before_o the_o decree_n break_v forth_o make_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n thereof_o the_o more_o lively_a type_n not_o only_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n but_o of_o those_o horror_n and_o sinking_n of_o spirit_n in_o bad_a man_n which_o shall_v go_v before_o it_o 4._o our_o bless_a saviour_n extraordinary_a prediction_n of_o those_o prodigy_n as_o his_o sign_n to_o that_o generation_n seem_v rather_o to_o assure_v they_o not_o intend_v the_o common_a forerunner_n of_o any_o great_a plague_n and_o war_n and_o that_o no_o good_a crisis_n can_v be_v ordinary_o make_v of_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o a_o state_n by_o a_o regard_n to_o any_o such_o in_o themselves_o doubtful_a and_o unfaithful_a indication_n for_o what_o need_n of_o prediction_n if_o these_o sign_n be_v to_o fall_v out_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o providence_n and_o how_o unnecessary_a have_v it_o be_v to_o appoint_v such_o accident_n for_o sign_n of_o evil_a which_o draw_v after_o they_o a_o series_n of_o evil_n with_o so_o great_a a_o constancy_n that_o they_o seem_v without_o a_o prophet_n to_o appoint_v themselves_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o time_n 5._o the_o condition_n of_o those_o time_n seem_v especial_o to_o require_v some_o such_o sign_n for_o 1._o they_o serve_v then_o as_o merciful_a warning_n to_o christ_n follower_n 16._o to_o hasten_v their_o escape_n from_o that_o house_n that_o city_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o fall_v upon_o they_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o its_o ruin_n 2._o the_o jew_n require_v sign_n from_o heaven_n and_o god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o probable_a mean_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o repentance_n 3._o the_o jewish_a oeconomy_n commence_v in_o fearful_a sight_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n and_o fit_v it_o be_v its_o conclusion_n shall_v somewhat_o resemble_v the_o solemnity_n of_o its_o beginning_n 4._o the_o many_o sign_n give_v by_o our_o saviour_n serve_v gradual_o to_o wean_v the_o heart_n of_o his_o follower_n from_o jerusalem_n once_o the_o light_n of_o their_o eye_n of_o who_o determine_a desolation_n these_o give_v they_o such_o full_a and_o repeat_v assurance_n second_o we_o can_v receive_v any_o signa_fw-la operantia_fw-la as_o the_o faithful_a and_o 2._o unquestionable_a intelligencer_n of_o the_o condition_n of_o succeed_a time_n as_o the_o unquestionable_a intelligencer_n i_o say_v and_o that_o 1._o because_o god_n often_o act_v secondary_a agent_n to_o secret_a and_o unknown_a end_n 7._o he_o act_v sometime_o without_o but_o usual_o beyond_o they_o and_o have_v oftentimes_o end_v to_o serve_v upon_o their_o motion_n and_o counsel_n which_o they_o reach_v no_o more_o than_o a_o beast_n do_v the_o intention_n of_o its_o rider_n 2._o because_o god_n often_o accomplish_v his_o big_a end_n by_o mean_n unpromise_v and_o almost_o invisible_a he_o frequent_o row_v his_o purpose_n to_o harbour_v 28._o while_o the_o mean_n seem_v to_o look_v quite_o another_o way_n what_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o method_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n hold_v true_a general_o in_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o great_a work_n be_v perform_v by_o the_o least_o and_o most_o insensible_a agent_n we_o shall_v find_v great_a kingdom_n 36._o in_o history_n commence_v like_o a_o great_a snowball_n from_o a_o handful_n increase_v to_o a_o greatness_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o fence_n immovable_a and_o at_o last_o conclude_v in_o soil_n and_o dirt_n but_o especial_o observable_a be_v this_o usage_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n which_o like_o christ_n the_o head_n thereof_o spring_v as_o a_o root_n out_o of_o a_o dry_a ground_n and_o be_v never_o any_o great_a gainer_n by_o the_o war_n and_o arm_n of_o prince_n 3._o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o mean_n great_a and_o pompous_a to_o some_o end_v weak_a and_o little_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o sense_n to_o what_o great_a action_n all_o on_o the_o sudden_a do_v he_o strengthen_v the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o sweden_n his_o victory_n draw_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o he_o and_o it_o be_v conclude_v by_o some_o that_o providence_n design_v he_o the_o apocalyptick_a angel_n which_o shall_v pour_v out_o one_o of_o the_o vial_n upon_o the_o beast_n when_o behold_v unexpected_o the_o current_n of_o his_o success_n run_v under_o ground_n and_o man_n engage_v to_o conclude_v god_n have_v end_n more_o secret_a and_o spiritual_a to_o accomplish_v by_o he_o than_o they_o imagine_v 4._o god_n usual_o advance_v his_o great_a work_n and_o end_n by_o pause_n and_o period_n providence_n in_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o church_n have_v usual_o its_o fine_n abruptos_fw-la god_n in_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n do_v compendium_n facere_fw-la 2._o go_v the_o near_a way_n to_o his_o end_n but_o in_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n he_o do_v circulum_fw-la describere_fw-la go_v about_o and_o his_o work_n advance_v by_o such_o slow_a and_o silent_a progress_v that_o in_o the_o issue_n it_o seem_v to_o any_o but_o a_o prudent_a and_o severe_a observer_n the_o issue_n of_o time_n and_o chance_n rather_o than_o any_o steady_a and_o well_o advise_v understanding_n 5._o god_n have_v a_o unknown_a variety_n of_o mean_n and_o method_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n by_o he_o work_v by_o any_o mean_n by_o weak_a by_o contrary_a by_o none_o he_o sometime_o bring_v his_o great_a end_n to_o birth_n by_o the_o midwifery_n of_o seem_a casualty_n and_o little_a emergency_n which_o take_v asunder_o be_v weak_a and_o common_a but_o view_v in_o consort_n speak_v excellent_a art_n and_o counsel_n the_o observation_n whereof_o draw_v forth_o that_o christian_a speech_n of_o machiavelli_n in_o a_o ethnic_a dress_n fatorum_fw-la viae_fw-la &_o rationes_fw-la producendorum_fw-la effectuum_fw-la obscuriores_fw-la sunt_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la intelligi_fw-la queant_fw-la upon_o these_o and_o many_o more_o account_n out_o of_o the_o line_n of_o our_o present_a argument_n the_o fair_a promise_n of_o these_o active_a sign_n may_v
figure_n and_o dimension_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o ignorance_n fingere_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o credere_fw-la 2._o religion_n seem_v much_o concern_v in_o such_o relation_n now_o man_n like_a jacob_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o venture_v upon_o a_o lie_n for_o a_o great_a blessing_n the_o advancement_n of_o religion_n beside_o as_o atheism_n give_v all_o event_n to_o the_o second_o so_o superstition_n religion_n scare_v out_o of_o its_o wit_n give_v all_o sole_o to_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o be_v therefore_o quick_o persuade_v to_o fill_v out_o its_o relation_n with_o all_o the_o example_n of_o wonderful_a and_o extraordinary_a that_o effect_n may_v appear_v the_o more_o worthy_a of_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n moreover_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a fear_n of_o god_n make_v the_o mind_n impressive_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o religious_a legend_n never_o be_v the_o world_n more_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o philo_n style_v it_o a_o region_n of_o lie_n and_o fallacy_n then_o in_o the_o more_o dark_a and_o rude_a time_n of_o gentilism_n and_o popery_n when_o a_o ignorant_a devotion_n towards_o god_n have_v make_v religion_n almost_o nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a history_n of_o prodigy_n apparition_n miracle_n voice_n from_o the_o cloud_n and_o the_o like_a and_o therefore_o the_o lord_n bacon_n advise_v a_o just_a history_n of_o prodiges_fw-la to_o direct_v 29._o to_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o nature_n and_o knowledge_n of_o cause_n give_v in_o this_o prudent_a caveat_n maximè_fw-la habenda_fw-la sunt_fw-la pro_fw-la suspectis_fw-la quae_fw-la pendent_fw-la quomodocunque_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la ut_fw-la prodigia_fw-la livii_n etc._n etc._n superstition_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o viper_n bite_v off_o that_o head_n weaken_v and_o soften_v that_o faculty_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o do_v at_o first_o conceive_v and_o make_v it_o receptive_a of_o any_o odd_a fancy_n and_o impression_n 3._o the_o strength_n of_o these_o relation_n like_o that_o of_o nisus_n in_o the_o poet_n lie_v general_o in_o the_o weak_a hair_n of_o some_o single_a or_o double_a testimony_n now_o as_o there_o be_v little_a reason_n to_o conceive_v a_o whole_a nation_n concern_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o one_o or_o two_o private_a person_n if_o they_o be_v true_a god_n sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v intend_v as_o lesson_n to_o a_o nation_n or_o posterity_n be_v general_o attest_v by_o number_n so_o as_o little_a reason_n to_o hang_v the_o weight_n of_o so_o serious_a a_o faith_n and_o great_a affection_n in_o religion_n upon_o so_o slender_a a_o wire_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o one_o perhaps_o two_o or_o three_o man_n in_o such_o matter_n be_v the_o roman_n of_o old_a though_o as_o apt_a to_o swallow_v such_o prodigious_a story_n as_o any_o yet_o use_v to_o chew_v they_o fiâ—st_v by_o a_o serious_a examination_n sometime_o by_o the_o public_a magistrate_n make_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o attestour_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o livy_n prodigious_a accident_n sometime_o past_a by_o without_o any_o religious_a regard_n viz._n where_o the_o testimony_n appear_v incompetent_a and_o this_o lest_o what_o be_v intend_v a_o devotion_n to_o their_o deity_n may_v chance_v to_o prove_v a_o mockery_n 4._o some_o man_n seem_v even_o natural_o fabularum_fw-la proci_fw-la the_o very_a courter_n of_o fable_n and_o legend_n either_o out_o of_o a_o native_a vanity_n and_o emptiness_n of_o mind_n whereby_o like_o the_o chameleon_n they_o be_v better_o please_v with_o 16._o airy_a then_o substantial_a nourishment_n or_o a_o mean_a kind_n of_o ambition_n of_o be_v look_v at_o and_o stare_v upon_o by_o the_o rude_a multitude_n who_o in_o all_o likelihood_n will_v neglect_v they_o if_o their_o book_n and_o discourse_n be_v not_o somewhat_o antic_a and_o extraordinary_a hence_o the_o man_n can_v scarce_o relate_v any_o matter_n especial_o if_o go_v a_o little_a off_o from_o common_a and_o quotidian_a but_o it_o must_v look_v big_a and_o borrow_v somewhat_o of_o a_o romance_n very_o observable_a therefore_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o any_o great_a wonder_n in_o sacred_a writ_n wherein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o most_o glorious_a display_v of_o the_o divine_a power_n deliver_v in_o that_o simplicity_n and_o coolness_n of_o style_n in_o that_o lax_n and_o general_a way_n with_o as_o little_a of_o ecstacy_n and_o emotion_n of_o mind_n appear_v in_o the_o relatour_n as_o if_o some_o vulgar_a and_o quotidian_a occurrence_n have_v fall_v before_o he_o that_o so_o there_o may_v not_o appear_v any_o symptom_n of_o that_o common_a itch_n in_o man_n to_o tell_v strange_a story_n or_o any_o affectation_n of_o strangeness_n and_o the_o common_a wonder_n or_o a_o great_a solicitousness_n to_o raise_v the_o esteem_n of_o that_o cause_n or_o party_n to_o which_o they_o be_v a_o honourable_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n second_o such_o a_o undertake_n will_v prove_v exceed_v difficult_a it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a to_o believe_v many_o a_o strange_a story_n then_o to_o attempt_v its_o refute_v especial_o where_o the_o scene_n thereof_o be_v lay_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n off_o beside_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v to_o make_v any_o steady_a judgement_n of_o some_o prodigy_n without_o a_o actual_a presence_n to_o they_o such_o be_v the_o water_n of_o pond_n or_o fountain_n turn_v as_o it_o be_v pretend_v into_o blout_n the_o interruption_n of_o the_o current_n of_o river_n some_o spot_n as_o of_o blood_n discover_v upon_o stone_n or_o statue_n etc._n etc._n the_o cause_n of_o which_o appearance_n will_v scarce_o be_v ever_o hit_v by_o person_n which_o stand_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o understand_v not_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o season_n climate_n water_n earth_n when_o and_o where_o the_o event_n fall_v out_o 3._o the_o undertake_n will_v have_v prove_v very_o unserviceable_a to_o our_o main_a purpose_n for_o 1._o our_o design_n be_v not_o the_o disparagement_n of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o adversary_n of_o which_o any_o attempt_n upon_o their_o credit_n will_v have_v be_v indict_v but_o of_o their_o cause_n 2._o a_o solicitous_a enquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n will_v have_v be_v conclude_v a_o tacit_n acknowledgement_n of_o the_o value_n and_o significancy_n of_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v chance_v to_o prove_v truth_n 3._o have_v cut_v off_o the_o neck_n of_o this_o opinion_n those_o precarious_a principle_n it_o hold_v of_o a_o cut_n off_o the_o particular_a head_n monstrous_a relation_n which_o grow_v upon_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a nay_o endless_a for_o other_o will_v quick_o rise_v up_o in_o their_o place_n 4._o we_o have_v as_o tâ—rquinius_n do_v the_o head_n of_o the_o tall_a poppy_n direct_o strike_v at_o the_o credit_n and_o significancy_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o pretend_v prodigy_n comet_n and_o apparition_n 5._o i_o conceive_v that_o more_o word_n will_v have_v be_v but_o lose_v upon_o person_n which_o after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v have_v a_o great_a devotion_n for_o this_o ancient_a idol_n the_o opinion_n of_o presage_n by_o prodigy_n speculative_a 2._o error_n general_o scorn_v the_o truth_n practical_a error_n â—ate_z it_o but_o it_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n to_o fear_v it_o because_o in_o the_o two_o former_a self_n only_o but_o in_o the_o latter_a god_n be_v presume_v especial_o concern_v all_o the_o image_n and_o fiction_n of_o the_o braiâ—_n like_o those_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o poet_n be_v translate_v present_o into_o heaven_n and_o god_n honour_n and_o counsel_n think_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v with_o they_o 6._o because_o as_o for_o person_n of_o more_o free_a and_o unengage_v minâ—s_n and_o that_o use_v not_o to_o believe_v without_o ask_v themselves_o why_o i_o be_v not_o without_o some_o hope_n that_o what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v in_o this_o argument_n may_v suffice_v to_o their_o resolution_n and_o satisfaction_n upon_o all_o which_o account_n i_o do_v not_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o concern_v myself_o in_o any_o solicitous_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o particular_a relation_n or_o a_o tedious_a discovery_n of_o the_o lightness_n and_o insignificancy_n of_o they_o single_o and_o apart_o and_o so_o to_o kill_v this_o superstition_n as_o they_o do_v some_o kind_n of_o vermin_n by_o part_n and_o piece_n after_o all_o that_o have_v be_v already_o say_v before_o i_o conclude_v the_o reader_n task_n and_o my_o own_o i_o conceive_v it_o necessary_a to_o call_v he_o to_o a_o notice_n of_o that_o strong_a and_o almost_o catholic_a propension_n in_o our_o nature_n against_o the_o reproach_n even_o of_o our_o understand_a part_n and_o the_o loud_a voice_n of_o a_o great_a experience_n to_o entertain_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o sacred_a regard_n person_n who_o assume_v to_o themselves_o a_o ability_n to_o