nor_o zorobabel_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n be_v call_v deliverer_n god_n know_v they_o be_v poor_a supplicant_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o indulgence_n of_o the_o persian_n but_o the_o crcumstance_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o these_o blessing_n extend_v the_o benefit_n of_o these_o prophecy_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n who_o be_v ever_o after_o but_o a_o poor_a scatter_a and_o precarious_a people_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o and_o many_o such_o like_a prophecy_n even_o atheism_n itself_o can_v question_v it_o unless_o we_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n after_o the_o appearance_n of_o jesus_n christ_n do_v stuff_n the_o old_a testament_n with_o such_o prophetic_a passage_n as_o make_v against_o themselves_o and_o their_o religion_n beside_o all_o these_o passage_n be_v find_v in_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o consider_v also_o with_o what_o exactness_n the_o jew_n 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genethliacon_n of_o saloninus_n the_o son_n of_o asinius_n pollio_n who_o be_v a_o favourite_n of_o the_o emperor_n those_o passage_n which_o in_o truth_n can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o jesus_n as_o appear_v evident_o from_o this_o description_n the_o happy_a day_n be_v come_v foretell_v long_o since_o 4._o eciog_n 4._o by_o cuman_a sibyl_n sacred_a song_n from_o hence_o all_o feature_n age_n shall_v there_o date_n commence_v the_o virgin_n too_o return_v the_o upright_a reign_n of_o ancient_a saturn_n now_o return_v again_o a_o offspring_n now_o to_o we_o from_o heaven_n send_v forth_o help_v chaste_a lucina_n this_o celestial_a birth_n which_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o iron_n race_n and_o over_o the_o world_n a_o golden_a one_o do_v place_n who_o heavenly_a conduct_n shall_v mankind_n deliver_v from_o all_o their_o gild_n free_v from_o all_o fear_n for_o ever_o who_o godlike_a life_n shall_v yet_o more_o glorious_a prove_v by_o list_v hero_n '_o among_o the_o bless_a above_o these_o shall_v behold_v he_o too_o who_o never_o shall_v cease_v by_o his_o father_n art_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n in_o peace_n such_o a_o lofty_a description_n as_o this_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n square_v with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o soloninus_fw-la who_o die_v nine_o day_n after_o he_o be_v born_n nay_o have_v augustus_n himself_o have_v a_o son_n i_o question_v whether_o these_o character_n can_v have_v be_v apply_v to_o he_o even_o under_o a_o poetic_a licence_n of_o flattery_n in_o short_a they_o be_v transcribe_v out_o of_o the_o sybelline_a oracle_n to_o which_o the_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n so_o often_o appeal_v as_o to_o the_o most_o uncorrupted_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n forasmuch_o as_o these_o book_n be_v keep_v by_o the_o roman_n with_o the_o great_a care_n imaginable_a under_o the_o custody_n of_o the_o college_n of_o sacred_a rite_n call_v quindecem_fw-la viri_fw-la and_o and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v alter_v by_o the_o christian_n nor_o can_v these_o passage_n be_v interpret_v of_o any_o but_o of_o jesus_n who_o be_v he_o that_o be_v to_o give_v peace_n to_o the_o world_n be_v bear_v also_o under_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n who_o shut_v up_o the_o temple_n of_o janus_n proclaim_v this_o memorial_n and_o glorious_a passage_n that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n there_o be_v a_o universal_a cessation_n of_o arm_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o be_v predict_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o introduce_v this_o prince_n of_o our_o eternal_a peace_n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n the_o second_o general_n argument_n by_o which_o we_o have_v propose_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o christ_n messiah-ship_n be_v take_v from_o his_o doctrine_n as_o also_o from_o the_o history_n of_o his_o life_n and_o miracle_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n now_o in_o these_o write_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v first_o their_o author_n second_o their_o authority_n to_o prove_v their_o author_n we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o humane_a authority_n but_o yet_o such_o too_o as_o be_v strengthen_v by_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o it_o be_v rashness_n unpardonable_a to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o caesar_n conquer_a britain_n or_o of_o his_o defeat_a pompey_n and_o of_o his_o be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o book_n which_o report_v these_o thing_n be_v esteem_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o same_o age_n who_o name_n also_o be_v prefix_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o much_o great_a madness_n to_o doubt_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n since_o we_o find_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a belief_n hereof_o in_o the_o concur_v voice_n of_o a_o infinite_a
and_o command_v upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o hodge_n podg_v of_o sentence_n or_o the_o abrupt_a transport_n of_o a_o frantic_a spirit_n which_o though_o in_o offensive_a many_o of_o they_o in_o themselves_o and_o pretend_v to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o a_o good_a life_n yet_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v and_o without_o the_o least_o connexion_n of_o matter_n it_o quick_o nauseate_v and_o carry_v not_o the_o least_o appearance_n of_o a_o collection_n or_o body_n of_o law_n be_v no_o better_a stuff_n than_o what_o any_o old_a intoxicated_a bigottist_n vent_v usual_o in_o a_o religious_a fury_n so_o that_o the_o alcoran_n may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o be_v as_o dry_v incoherent_a devious_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o sand_n of_o arabia_n in_o which_o it_o be_v hatch_v but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v near_o to_o our_o journey_n end_n through_o this_o barren_a desert_n let_v we_o compare_v the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n with_o that_o of_o mahomet_n and_o here_o a_o sacred_a horror_n put_v a_o kind_n of_o stop_n to_o my_o pen_n when_o i_o offer_v to_o compare_v i_o say_v two_o thing_n so_o extreme_a as_o the_o holy_a jesus_n with_o the_o most_o impure_a impostor_n but_o since_o the_o beauty_n of_o light_n may_v without_o contradiction_n be_v illustrate_v by_o the_o gloom_a nature_n of_o darkness_n and_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n may_v become_v more_o visible_a by_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o deformity_n of_o the_o devil_n let_v we_o i_o say_v compare_v these_o two_o prophet_n together_o first_o then_o for_o the_o holy_a jesus_n he_o tell_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o do_v not_o bear_v record_n of_o himself_o but_o that_o the_o work_n which_o he_o do_v testify_v of_o he_o to_o which_o he_o appeal_v and_o of_o which_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o as_o for_o mahomet_n let_v we_o hear_v what_o he_o say_v of_o himself_o they_o will_v certain_o cry_v out_o say_v he_o that_o mahomet_n dream_v and_o invent_v prophet_n alcoran_n cap_n of_o the_o prophet_n what_o he_o teach_v that_o he_o be_v a_o poet_n and_o that_o all_o be_v but_o fiction_n we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o unless_o he_o show_v we_o some_o miracle_n as_o do_v the_o prophet_n of_o old_a to_o this_o objection_n which_o mahomet_n make_v of_o himself_o and_o against_o himself_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a what_o answer_n do_v he_o give_v why_o true_o and_o very_o wise_o he_o let_v the_o objection_n even_o shift_v for_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o it_o can_v run_v on_o at_o his_o old_a impertinent_a career_n and_o cry_v out_o we_o have_v destroy_v many_o town_n because_o its_o inhabitant_n be_v incredulous_a those_o which_o we_o send_v before_o thou_o be_v man_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o we_o demand_v of_o they_o who_o be_v before_o you_o and_o who_o live_v under_o the_o write_a law_n if_o you_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o they_o be_v man_n who_o do_v eat_v drink_v and_o be_v mortal_a we_o have_v accomplish_v what_o we_o promise_v they_o and_o save_v they_o together_o with_o other_o believer_n and_o have_v root_v out_o the_o unbeliever_n we_o have_v send_v you_o a_o book_n to_o instruct_v you_o do_v you_o not_o understand_v how_o many_o infidel_n town_n we_o have_v destroy_v and_o how_o many_o new_a generation_n have_v be_v establish_v in_o their_o place_n etc._n etc._n a_o very_a fair_a and_o pestilent_a answer_n to_o his_o own_o objection_n and_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o alcoran_n there_o be_v one_o miracle_n i_o confess_v father_v on_o he_o how_o that_o once_o upon_o a_o time_n the_o moon_n be_v cleave_v in_o twain_o and_o fall_v down_o upon_o the_o ground_n wereupon_o mahomet_n run_v nimble_o and_o catch_v up_o the_o piece_n before_o they_o crumble_v into_o bit_n solder_v they_o together_o again_o and_o send_v it_o up_o to_o heaven_n whole_a and_o sound_a as_o a_o bell_n a_o miracle_n which_o no_o man_n see_v beside_o the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v only_o to_o convince_v his_o follower_n that_o he_o be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o lunatic_n in_o the_o next_o place_n jesus_n christ_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a life_n as_o mahomet_n himself_o confess_v whilst_o mahomet_n own_v himself_o in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o alcoran_n to_o have_v be_v a_o very_a lewd_a voluptuous_a and_o lustful_a person_n three_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v this_o love_v your_o enemy_n entertain_v not_o a_o lustful_a thought_n suffer_v reproach_n thankful_o rejoice_v under_o persecution_n and_o the_o like_a the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n be_v kill_v your_o enemy_n get_v as_o many_o wife_n and_o concubine_n as_o you_o can_v keep_v etc._n etc._n four_o the_o instrument_n which_o jesus_n make_v use_v of_o to_o propagate_v his_o doctrine_n be_v a_o few_o poor_a simple_a fisherman_n timorous_a and_o illiterate_a without_o friend_n money_n or_o interest_n the_o instrument_n which_o mahomet_n have_v recourse_n to_o be_v squadron_n of_o arm_a and_o bloody_a arabian_n five_o when_o christ_n appear_v the_o roman_n who_o oppose_v his_o doctrine_n be_v in_o their_o great_a glory_n for_o learning_n number_n and_o strength_n there_o be_v then_o the_o large_a and_o the_o most_o powerful_a emperor_n the_o world_n ever_o know_v which_o make_v head_n against_o it_o when_o mahomet_n appear_v the_o empire_n be_v break_v to_o piece_n and_o the_o country_n he_o appear_v in_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o all_o learning_n knowledge_n humility_n and_o sense_n of_o christianity_n except_v a_o few_o nestorian_a heretic_n last_o christ_n promise_v salvation_n by_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o mahomet_n by_o sight_v promise_v also_o that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o to_o they_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o his_o departure_n but_o he_o be_v not_o so_o good_a as_o his_o word_n in_o so_o much_o that_o the_o mufti_n find_v the_o people_n much_o dissatisfy_v and_o ready_a to_o mutiny_n about_o the_o non-accomplishment_n of_o this_o glorious_a prediction_n find_v this_o artifice_n to_o appease_v they_o say_v that_o upon_o a_o more_o diligent_a perusal_n of_o the_o sacred_a book_n he_o discover_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o figure_n and_o so_o it_o be_v find_v to_o be_v 2000_o and_o not_o 1000_o year_n before_o this_o most_o illustrious_a prophecy_n shall_v be_v fullfil_v which_o cheat_n so_o silly_a as_o it_o be_v be_v sufficient_a to_o appease_v the_o delude_a rabble_n from_o all_o these_o instance_n it_o appear_v abundant_o that_o the_o great_a success_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n have_v its_o birth_n and_o progress_n from_o humane_a artifice_n and_o invention_n but_o here_o the_o mahometan_a will_v reply_v if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n from_o error_n and_o eternal_a misery_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o he_o have_v suffer_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o mahomet_n to_o delude_v mankind_n for_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n ravish_v his_o spouse_n the_o church_n out_o of_o his_o bosom_n and_o make_v most_o direful_a butchery_n on_o the_o son_n and_o member_n of_o it_o insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o three_o leave_v to_o christ_n so_o large_a and_o permanent_a be_v the_o acquisition_n of_o mahomet_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o christ_n must_v either_o want_n will_n or_o power_n to_o defend_v that_o church_n for_o who_o sake_n it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v incarnate_a and_o suffer_v a_o ignominious_a death_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o mahomet_n as_o one_o of_o great_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o defend_v his_o doctrine_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o a_o true_a and_o glorious_a prophet_n a_o discourse_n like_o this_o how_o blasphemous_a and_o offensive_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v to_o the_o ear_n of_o a_o christian_a must_v yet_o be_v suffer_v be_v i_o to_o dispute_v with_o a_o mahometan_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n of_o moment_n which_o any_o of_o that_o religion_n can_v suggest_v in_o favour_n of_o it_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o same_o objection_n may_v be_v make_v against_o the_o jewish_a church_n of_o old_a for_o they_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o to_o a_o thousand_o also_o they_o be_v frequent_o oppress_v by_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o last_o their_o law_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o manner_n extinguish_v in_o the_o babylonish_n captivity_n the_o jewish_a church_n indeed_o be_v a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a and_o the_o case_n the_o same_o in_o both_o god_n promise_n be_v always_o conditional_a there_o be_v require_v repentance_n and_o duty_n on_o man_n part_n for_o failure_n whereof_o severe_a judgement_n be_v ever_o denounce_v and_o thus_o much_o mahomet_n himself_o allow_v every_o where_n in_o his_o alcoran_n now_o that_o
a_o eternal_a and_o preaexistent_a matter_n then_o must_v that_o matter_n have_v be_v immutable_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n make_v out_o of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o continual_a vicissitude_n and_o corruption_n yet_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v still_o the_o same_o as_o the_o stone_n and_o timber_n of_o which_o the_o house_n be_v make_v be_v the_o same_o still_o for_o nature_n and_o essence_n as_o it_o be_v before_o now_o if_o that_o out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v be_v immutable_a and_o eternal_a then_o must_v it_o have_v those_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n chief_o do_v consist_v but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v then_o must_v it_o be_v mutable_a and_o then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v eternal_a for_o what_o be_v eternal_a must_v of_o necessity_n endure_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n make_v such_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n that_o 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as_o once_o to_o salute_v jupiter_n in_o short_a whosoever_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a speak_v concern_v a_o deity_n though_o they_o sometime_o use_v the_o word_n jupiter_n as_o be_v a_o name_n most_o know_v to_o the_o vulgar_a yield_v herein_o as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o style_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v nevertheless_o the_o description_n they_o make_v can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o only_a true_a and_o immortal_a god_n for_o can_v that_o jupiter_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v hominum_fw-la sator_fw-la atque_fw-la deorum_fw-la who_o be_v bear_v in_o crete_n and_o so_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v people_v before_o his_o birth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v can_v he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v before_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o give_v immortality_n and_o divinity_n to_o other_o who_o can_v not_o preserve_v himself_o from_o death_n can_v he_o be_v the_o just_a and_o upright_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o in_o his_o life_n time_n commit_v so_o many_o murder_n rape_n and_o incest_n and_o after_o his_o fictitious_a translation_n cease_v not_o to_o have_v his_o ganymede_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o get_v fuel_n for_o his_o lust_n the_o gross_a heathen_a can_v never_o believe_v this_o much_o less_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o of_o who_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o profane_a story_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o this_o knowledge_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o from_o any_o instinct_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o divine_a revelation_n first_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o from_o they_o by_o way_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n the_o ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n be_v this_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n who_o testimony_n be_v cite_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v zoroastres_n and_o hermes_n 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the_o poet_n from_o orpheus_n so_o that_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o the_o original_a the_o better_a always_o be_v their_o copy_n but_o whatsoever_o knowledge_n the_o ancient_n have_v by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o receive_v much_o light_n too_o from_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n for_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v have_v it_o either_o from_o itself_o or_o from_o some_o other_o not_o from_o itself_o for_o than_o must_v it_o have_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o it_o have_v a_o existence_n the_o thing_n which_o produce_v another_o be_v ever_o before_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v but_o if_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o something_o else_o and_o that_o from_o another_o and_o so_o on_o we_o must_v either_o make_v a_o infinite_a progress_n in_o natural_a production_n which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o no_o infinite_a can_v actual_o be_v make_v up_o of_o finite_a action_n or_o 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most_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n their_o king_n also_o and_o ruler_n be_v most_o of_o they_o vicious_a and_o idolater_n in_o time_n of_o peace_n easy_o draw_v away_o to_o follow_v the_o superstition_n of_o their_o neighbour_n and_o at_o length_n break_v to_o piece_n by_o a_o miserable_a captivity_n and_o even_o the_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o their_o nation_n batter_v by_o a_o continual_a series_n of_o calamity_n and_o irreparable_a disorder_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n we_o find_v their_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v miraculous_o preserve_v for_o the_o space_n of_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v never_o abolish_v nor_o any_o new_a rite_n introduce_v by_o the_o solemn_a decree_n of_o the_o sanhedrim_n so_o that_o there_o be_v still_o the_o face_n of_o a_o church_n and_o man_n raise_v up_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o support_v the_o same_o by_o their_o exemplary_a life_n and_o seasonable_a instruction_n all_o 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as_o become_v divine_a oracle_n not_o insinuate_v its_o precept_n by_o rhetorical_a art_n but_o enjoin_v they_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o majesty_n and_o severe_a command_n and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o description_n especial_o among_o the_o prophet_n make_v with_o that_o liveliness_n of_o representation_n and_o grandeur_n of_o expression_n as_o far_o exceed_v the_o rapture_n of_o our_o modern_a poet_n or_o those_o of_o former_a age_n what_o strain_v of_o wit_n can_v draw_v such_o a_o idea_n of_o a_o glorious_a combatant_n as_o that_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o isaiah_n cap._n 63._o in_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o of_o our_o saviour_n bloody_a but_o victorious_a conflict_n upon_o the_o cross_n who_o be_v he_o that_o come_v from_o edom_n with_o die_v garment_n from_o bozrah_n this_o that_o be_v glorious_a in_o his_o apparel_n travel_v in_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o strength_n answ_n i_o that_o speak_v in_o righteousness_n mighty_a to_o save_v quest_n wherefore_o be_v thou_o red_a in_o thy_o apparel_n and_o thy_o garment_n like_o he_o that_o tread_v in_o the_o wine-press_n answ_n i_o have_v tread_v the_o wine-press_n alone_o and_o of_o the_o people_n there_o be_v none_o with_o i_o for_o i_o will_v tread_v they_o in_o my_o anger_n and_o trample_v they_o in_o my_o fury_n and_o their_o blood_n shall_v be_v sprinkle_v upon_o my_o garment_n and_o i_o will_v stain_v all_o my_o raiment_n and_o i_o look_v and_o there_o be_v none_o to_o help_v and_o i_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o uphold_v therefore_o my_o own_o arm_n bring_v salvation_n unto_o i_o and_o my_o fury_n it_o uphold_v i_o and_o i_o will_v tread_v down_o the_o people_n in_o my_o anger_n and_o make_v they_o drink_v in_o my_o fury_n and_o i_o will_v bring_v down_o their_o strength_n to_o the_o earth_n can_v there_o be_v form_v a_o noble_a image_n of_o a_o conqueror_n daple_v with_o blood_n wreek_v with_o revenge_n and_o pant_v and_o bestride_v his_o prostrate_a enemy_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o two_o army_n how_o far_o short_a of_o this_o be_v aeneas_n character_n in_o his_o combat_n with_o turnus_n describe_v by_o virgil_n so_o that_o angelus_n politianus_n show_v a_o singular_a delicacy_n or_o rather_o a_o critical_a weakness_n in_o neglect_v to_o read_v these_o sacred_a composition_n for_o fear_v of_o debase_v his_o style_n whereas_o marsilius_n ficinus_fw-la and_o john_n picus_n mirandula_n man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o learning_n delight_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o variety_n of_o matter_n treat_v of_o in_o these_o sacred_a write_n there_o be_v no_o collection_n under_o heaven_n can_v compare_v with_o they_o what_o excellent_a observation_n and_o instruction_n have_v we_o for_o morality_n in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la which_o without_o a_o hyperbole_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o best_a in_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n as_o reach_v to_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n the_o book_n of_o solomon_n must_v tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o vast_a knowledge_n his_o canticle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o pregnant_a fancy_n his_o ecclesiaste_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o discourse_n by_o way_n of_o dialogue_n betwixt_o wisdom_n and_o a_o sensual_a nature_n but_o his_o proverb_n do_v declare_v he_o to_o have_v be_v both_o good_a and_o wise_a and_o be_v write_v probable_o before_o he_o be_v corrupt_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n show_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o intrepid_a resolution_n they_o reprove_v without_o flattery_n and_o touch_v the_o affection_n to_o the_o quick_a breathe_v always_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n for_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o as_o for_o the_o book_n of_o the_o psalm_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o poem_n and_o they_o must_v be_v confess_v of_o all_o hand_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o teach_v we_o how_o we_o may_v address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n under_o the_o several_a form_n of_o confession_n petition_n supplication_n thanksgiving_n vow_n and_o praise_n and_o true_o have_v david_n be_v inspire_v with_o a_o human_a spirit_n he_o will_v have_v employ_v his_o poetic_a fancy_n in_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n of_o his_o own_o life_n viz._n his_o fights_z and_o victory_n as_o a_o warrior_n and_o particular_o his_o engagement_n with_o goliath_n will_v have_v afford_v noble_a matter_n for_o a_o heroic_a poem_n or_o else_o as_o a_o courtier_n he_o will_v have_v compose_v some_o soft_a pastoral_n or_o madrigal_n contain_v his_o amour_n with_o bathsheba_n or_o as_o a_o friend_n he_o will_v have_v exercise_v his_o fancy_n about_o his_o more_o innocent_a love_n and_o affection_n for_o jonathan_n but_o we_o find_v nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n his_o subject_n always_o be_v divine_a one_o while_o as_o a_o suppliant_a or_o
and_o present_a enjoyment_n who_o will_v scruple_n to_o enrich_v himself_o by_o fraud_n robbery_n and_o murder_n or_o to_o gratify_v his_o lust_n by_o rape_n adultery_n or_o any_o other_o enormity_n be_v he_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o punishnent_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o after_o death_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o disorder_n can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o subversion_n of_o all_o property_n and_o civil_a government_n upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a consideration_n we_o may_v in_o the_o last_o place_n observe_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n through_o all_o age_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n believe_v the_o soul_n immortality_n such_o as_o hermes_n and_o pythagoras_n who_o by_o the_o few_o fragment_n 1._o hermes_n in_o paenrand_n cap._n 1._o that_o be_v extant_a of_o he_o in_o ancient_a writer_n be_v of_o the_o same_o belief_n socrates_n at_o his_o death_n adher_n do_v to_o this_o belief_n also_o and_o resist_v the_o strength_n and_o malignity_n of_o his_o poison_n by_o this_o antidote_n that_o his_o soul_n short_o shall_v enjoy_v the_o society_n of_o the_o virtuous_a and_o bless_a in_o the_o other_o world_n this_o doctrine_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o plato_n and_o his_o follower_n especial_o platinus_n who_o be_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o that_o sect_n and_o who_o write_v ex_fw-la professo_fw-la divers_a learned_a book_n upon_o this_o argument_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o parent_n but_o immediate_o from_o god_n that_o though_o it_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n yet_o its_o operation_n be_v independent_a on_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n the_o more_o it_o withdraw_v itself_o from_o all_o sensible_a object_n the_o more_o distinct_a and_o clear_a be_v ratiocination_n from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o when_o it_o shall_v total_o be_v separate_v it_o shall_v apprehend_v thing_n in_o a_o instant_n by_o intuition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o reason_v by_o ratiocination_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o combat_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o evince_v something_o of_o which_o it_o doubt_v which_o doubt_v spring_n from_o the_o gross_a and_o cloudy_a suggestion_n and_o obstacle_n of_o the_o body_n from_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o doubt_n and_o hesitation_n as_o for_o the_o stoic_n their_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o lead_v they_o to_o a_o different_a persuasion_n since_o they_o place_v all_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n with_o regard_n to_o no_o other_o reward_n so_o that_o our_o moral_a action_n cease_v as_o certain_o they_o do_v after_o death_n all_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o this_o doctrine_n of_o they_o though_o it_o carry_v with_o it_o a_o great_a many_o of_o noble_a sentiment_n yet_o it_o fail_v in_o the_o true_a end_n of_o man_n felicity_n it_o oblige_v they_o to_o maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o paradox_n in_o its_o defence_n whereas_o have_v they_o understand_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n after_o death_n that_o have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v support_v they_o in_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n maugre_o all_o the_o disaster_n that_o may_v assault_v they_o and_o which_o these_o philosopher_n endeavour_v to_o oppose_v by_o so_o many_o noble_a precept_n of_o their_o doctrine_n seneca_n in_o some_o place_n seem_v dubious_a yet_o in_o his_o consolatory_a epistle_n to_o mercia_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n he_o be_v altogether_o divine_a epictetus_n also_o a_o stoic_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o sect_n and_o age_n assert_n every_o where_o the_o soul_n immortality_n but_o above_o all_o tully_n the_o flower_n of_o roman_a 1._o tuscul_fw-la quaes_n lib._n 1._o eloquence_n and_o himself_o a_o philosopher_n of_o plato_n school_n be_v every_o where_o most_o copious_a and_o ravish_a when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o capacity_n and_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n many_o say_v he_o think_v the_o eternity_n of_o soul_n to_o be_v incredible_a because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o essence_n and_o quality_n of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o can_v they_o let_v i_o ask_v they_o define_v what_o a_o soul_n be_v even_o in_o the_o body_n of_o what_o form_n it_o be_v what_o its_o dimension_n be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o place_n of_o its_o abode_n and_o a_o little_a after_o for_o my_o own_o part_n when_o i_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v much_o more_o difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o know_v what_o the_o soul_n be_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o body_n where_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v lodge_v as_o in_o a_o foreign_a inn_n than_o to_o understand_v the_o same_o when_o it_o quit_v the_o lodging_n in_o which_o it_o sojourn_v and_o take_v its_o journey_n home-ward_n to_o heaven_n the_o place_n of_o its_o constant_a habitation_n for_o if_o we_o can_v understand_v that_o which_o we_o never_o see_v we_o may_v as_o well_o disow_v all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o separate_a soul_n but_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o know_v only_o by_o spirit_n and_o by_o and_o by_o he_o conclude_v whatsoever_o that_o thing_n be_v which_o perceive_v which_o understand_v which_o will_v which_o be_v always_o vigorous_a and_o masculine_a must_v needs_o be_v celestial_a and_o divine_a and_o therefore_o eternal_a for_o we_o can_v form_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o as_o of_o a_o mind_n abstract_v from_o all_o material_a concretion_n understand_v all_o thing_n move_v all_o thing_n and_o be_v itself_o end_v with_o a_o eternal_a activity_n all_o which_o the_o same_o divine_a orator_n prosecute_v most_o copious_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr senectute_n tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o itch_n of_o disputation_n which_o draw_v he_o to_o this_o persuasion_n but_o have_v build_v his_o belief_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o socrates_n he_o declare_v far_a that_o such_o be_v the_o celerity_n of_o the_o soul_n thought_n so_o great_a its_o memory_n of_o past_a and_o foresight_n of_o future_a thing_n so_o many_o be_v its_o art_n science_n and_o other_o invention_n that_o it_o be_v inpossible_a that_o the_o nature_n which_o comprehend_v such_o excellent_a thing_n shall_v be_v mortal_a and_o therefore_o since_o the_o mind_n be_v always_o a_o work_n and_o have_v this_o principle_n of_o motion_n from_o itself_o and_o know_v also_o no_o period_n of_o its_o motion_n because_o it_o can_v never_o divide_v from_o itself_o and_o serve_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v void_a of_o all_o mixture_n and_o alloy_n and_o contain_v nothing_o heterogeneous_a to_o itself_o he_o conclude_v that_o it_o must_v be_v indivisible_a and_o uncapable_a of_o dissolution_n follow_v as_o he_o say_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o conclude_v he_o say_v that_o if_o i_o do_v err_v in_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n i_o do_v err_v wilful_o nor_o will_v i_o ever_o retract_v this_o belove_a error_n whilst_o i_o live_v or_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v possible_a that_o be_v dead_a i_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o all_o sense_n as_o some_o minute_n sophister_n do_v fancy_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n the_o constant_a belief_n of_o the_o wise_a greek_n and_o roman_n only_o but_o also_o of_o the_o persian_n too_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o die_a cyrus_n upon_o this_o subject_n record_v by_o xenophon_n and_o as_o for_o the_o poet_n they_o universal_o tell_v we_o of_o a_o future_a state_n after_o death_n wherein_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v punish_v and_o the_o just_a reward_v and_o what_o their_o sense_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n we_o may_v read_v in_o lucan_n in_o that_o noble_a description_n he_o make_v of_o pompey_n apotheosis_n from_o all_o which_o consideration_n we_o have_v a_o most_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o its_o eternal_a verity_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o doctrine_n establish_v upon_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n of_o such_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o believe_v by_o the_o wise_a best_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n of_o all_o age_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o humane_a interest_n and_o sensual_a suggestion_n whatsoever_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o of_o a_o premeditate_a collusion_n chap._n xxviii_o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o a_o mean_n to_o salvation_n have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o the_o wise_a heathen_a have_v not_o only_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o a_o knowledge_n also_o of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n where_o good_a man_n shall_v receive_v
the_o reflection_n of_o image_n from_o a_o brittle_a glass_n but_o charity_n be_v of_o a_o permanent_a and_o celestial_a nature_n it_o hope_v all_o thing_n it_o boast_v not_o itself_o it_o seek_v not_o its_o own_o but_o another_o good_a and_o of_o the_o three_o grace_n though_o it_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o last_o place_n yet_o be_v it_o by_o the_o apostle_n account_v the_o first_o and_o great_a of_o they_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v ever_o find_v those_o to_o have_v be_v the_o brave_a who_o be_v most_o diffusive_a of_o their_o goodness_n and_o the_o wide_a they_o extend_v their_o compassion_n and_o bounty_n the_o great_a honour_n be_v they_o ever_o think_v worthy_a of_o this_o greatness_n of_o mind_n in_o do_v good_a to_o all_o not_o that_o swell_a ambition_n of_o enlarge_n itself_o by_o dominion_n and_o empire_n be_v that_o in_o all_o age_n make_v man_n hero_n and_o in_o some_o sort_n partaker_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whereas_o private_a end_n with_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n which_o terminate_v in_o our_o own_o good_a only_o have_v be_v ever_o account_v character_n of_o a_o narrow_a and_o straiten_v mind_n the_o conclusion_n the_o great_a scope_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n through_o all_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n have_v be_v to_o combat_v atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o profaneness_n from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o not_o only_o show_v we_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n but_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o pure_a worship_n by_o which_o a_o creature_n be_v capable_a to_o express_v his_o adoration_n be_v most_o just_o due_a unto_o he_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o we_o from_o the_o theory_n of_o nature_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o eminent_a testimony_n of_o the_o best_a man_n in_o all_o age_n by_o the_o same_o light_n we_o discover_v also_o some_o of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n indeed_o so_o essential_a that_o they_o be_v incommunicable_a to_o any_o other_o be_v and_o serve_v to_o prove_v both_o the_o unity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o godhead_n these_o i_o have_v brief_o speak_v to_o forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v every_o where_o copious_o and_o clear_o handle_v by_o such_o as_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_a the_o consideration_n of_o god_n in_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n do_v afford_v we_o a_o large_a field_n of_o matter_n to_o travel_v in_o whether_o we_o reflect_v upon_o his_o work_n or_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v of_o we_o the_o grand_a work_n of_o creation_n be_v as_o demonstrable_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o fortuitous_a production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o a_o pre-existent_a chaos_n and_o from_o a_o incorruptibility_n of_o a_o eternity_n of_o matter_n with_o that_o of_o the_o godhead_n so_o that_o the_o very_a creation_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v another_o argument_n of_o the_o verity_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o god_n conserve_n power_n or_o providence_n be_v that_o we_o daily_a experiment_n and_o by_o which_o we_o have_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n on_o he_o even_o in_o our_o being_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n be_v a_o point_n of_o great_a importance_n also_o and_o capable_a of_o a_o large_a discourse_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o work_n of_o nature_n in_o general_a or_o humane_a affair_n in_o the_o regard_n they_o have_v either_o to_o public_a society_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o the_o particular_a concern_v of_o private_a men._n that_o god_n providence_n be_v concern_v in_o all_o these_o and_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o revolution_n of_o kingdom_n be_v unquestionable_a what_o measure_n and_o inference_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o hence_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o more_o dispute_n wherein_o we_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o god_n determination_n or_o order_n of_o these_o affair_n be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v always_o good_a so_o as_o to_o justify_v the_o instrument_n by_o which_o such_o his_o purpose_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v we_o have_v see_v in_o transitu_fw-la what_o influence_n god_n free_a knowledge_n have_v on_o future_a action_n and_o how_o far_o man_n may_v be_v a_o free_a agent_n notwithstanding_o such_o prescience_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n what_o hitherto_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o be_v point_n of_o speculation_n that_o which_o follow_v and_o be_v so_o necessary_a also_o to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n concern_v practice_n be_v no_o other_o than_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o which_o be_v his_o worship_n we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o all_o age_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n ever_o hold_v a_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v due_a from_o they_o though_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o be_v idolater_n and_o superstitious_a in_o such_o worship_n place_v it_o on_o false_a god_n and_o those_o few_o among_o they_o who_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v direct_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v yet_o very_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n such_o a_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o although_o all_o the_o heathen_a lawgiver_n and_o founder_n of_o religion_n pretend_v to_o receive_v their_o precept_n from_o some_o kind_n of_o deity_n and_o by_o revelation_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o such_o deity_n be_v notorious_o false_a and_o their_o superstition_n long_o since_o vanish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v they_o a_o place_n among_o the_o founder_n of_o reveal_v worship_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v consider_v such_o religious_a worship_n as_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o vogue_n have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o true_a god_n and_o which_o make_v claim_v also_o to_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o the_o first_o be_v the_o jewish_a touch_v who_o original_a there_o be_v no_o dispute_n among_o any_o professor_n of_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n extant_a in_o the_o world_n for_o both_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o mahometan_n do_v acknowledge_v moses_n to_o have_v receive_v his_o law_n from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o people_n set_v apart_o by_o god_n for_o his_o peculiar_a worship_n appear_v abundant_o from_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o little_a nation_n and_o of_o their_o rite_n amid_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o surround_v they_o and_o hold_v they_o in_o subjection_n from_o who_o as_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n so_o be_v it_o impossible_a but_o their_o religion_n shall_v have_v be_v drown_v in_o that_o ocean_n of_o superstition_n which_o encompass_v they_o consider_v also_o their_o frequent_a apostasy_n persecution_n and_o inclination_n to_o idolatry_n have_v they_o not_o be_v uphold_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n from_o who_o their_o religion_n be_v derive_v notwithstanding_o this_o their_o religion_n be_v but_o temporary_a and_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o messiah_n to_o who_o also_o all_o the_o great_a promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n all_o the_o rite_n ceremony_n and_o sacrifice_n have_v a_o immediate_a regard_n as_o type_n and_o figure_n in_o who_o also_o they_o be_v all_o full_o verify_v and_o accomplish_v which_o messiah_n be_v no_o other_o but_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o true_a saviour_n not_o only_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o who_o also_o be_v and_o be_v the_o author_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v by_o he_o as_o the_o only_a safe_a and_o secure_a way_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a subject_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o truth_n hereof_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v not_o only_o from_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o from_o the_o life_n doctrine_n and_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n and_o 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