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stage_n in_o their_o theatre_n and_o also_o in_o their_o temple_n for_o in_o the_o one_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o have_v play_n act_v in_o honour_n to_o they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o other_o they_o worship_v they_o in_o all_o which_o we_o find_v they_o shed_v the_o blood_n one_o of_o another_o and_o offer_v most_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n not_o only_o of_o childish_a and_o foolish_a but_o profane_a and_o impious_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n if_o we_o look_v back_o as_o far_o as_o any_o heathen_a record_n will_v carry_v we_o and_o view_v over_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o the_o grecian_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o but_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o varro_n barbarae_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la nationes_fw-la praeter_fw-la graecos_n the_o phaenician_o the_o caldaean_o the_o egyptian_n and_o such_o other_o as_o we_o have_v
and_o indeed_o well_o may_v he_o tell_v they_o so_o for_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o isaiah_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o first_o olympiad_n which_o begin_v as_o scaliger_n prove_v aut_fw-la of_o eusebius_n and_o other_o but_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n ahaz_n who_o son_n hezekiah_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o eâ—dras_n himself_o and_o the_o late_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v before_o socrates_n philosophize_v in_o athens_n who_o teach_v not_o there_o till_o some_o time_n after_o the_o captivity_n this_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o write_n and_o their_o precedency_n to_o all_o other_o write_v religion_n or_o learning_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o tolerable_a denial_n and_o as_o scaliger_n say_v in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o eusebius_n the_o proof_n of_o it_o result_v so_o plain_o from_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o heathen_a author_n themselves_o nihil_fw-la superesse_fw-la paganis_fw-la videtâ—r_fw-la nisi_fw-la aut_fw-la ut_fw-la ingeâ—ua_fw-la confessio_fw-la ab_fw-la this_fw-mi exprimcretur_fw-la aut_fw-la silentium_fw-la pertinacâ—ae_fw-la sinem_fw-la faceret_fw-la and_o he_o add_v quod_fw-la certe_fw-la faeliciter_fw-la câ—ssit_fw-la ut_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la in_o parte_fw-la porphrius_n manus_fw-la daret_fw-la it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o from_o any_o nice_a dispute_n between_o chronologer_n come_v not_o within_o any_o near_a compass_n of_o time_n but_o from_o a_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o history_n and_o be_v so_o far_o beyond_o the_o â—each_n of_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o worst_a enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n have_v agree_v it_o and_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n to_o it_o of_o this_o eusebius_n in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o praep._n evan._n chap._n 3._o take_v special_a notice_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o porphrie_n one_o of_o the_o most_o rage_a malicious_a enemy_n that_o ever_o the_o christian_n meet_v with_o have_v in_o his_o four_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o moses_n and_o his_o antiquity_n that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n true_o which_o thing_n he_o have_v perceive_v by_o confer_v it_o with_o sanchoniathon_n the_o berutian_a who_o rehearse_v the_o very_a same_o circumstance_n and_o name_n and_o place_n that_o moses_n do_v the_o which_o he_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o one_o hierumbalus_n a_o priest_n of_o the_o god_n of_o levi_n and_o out_o of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o holy_a book_n dedicate_v to_o temple_n and_o this_o sanchoniathon_n say_v he_o be_v after_o moses_n about_o the_o time_n of_o semiramis_n by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o make_v he_o to_o be_v much_o early_o in_o the_o world_n than_o we_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n he_o live_v and_o write_v in_o a_o time_n long_o before_o any_o other_o author_n of_o book_n or_o any_o other_o write_v learning_n be_v know_v and_o this_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v so_o clear_a that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o clear_a can_v be_v expect_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o preeminence_n of_o his_o write_n above_o all_o other_o in_o that_o respect_n give_v we_o very_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o introducer_n of_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o book_n whatever_o other_o nation_n have_v fabulous_o boast_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o notwithstanding_o pliny_n absurd_a supposition_n that_o letter_n be_v eternal_a because_o he_o imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v if_o the_o world_n have_v enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n before_o but_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o it_o before_o his_o time_n remain_v at_o the_o least_o to_o the_o next_o after_o age_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v some_o credible_a account_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o diodorus_n siculus_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n and_o that_o the_o action_n of_o king_n be_v not_o record_v of_o old_a because_o the_o world_n want_v letter_n impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la say_v he_o primas_fw-la literas_fw-la aeque_fw-la ac_fw-la primos_fw-la reges_fw-la vetuslas_fw-la extitisse_fw-la and_o josephus_n give_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n than_o we_o have_v because_o the_o world_n ancient_o want_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n but_o especial_o we_o can_v suppose_v but_o that_o those_o revelation_n god_n make_v before_o of_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o write_v and_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n long_o before_o moses_n write_v nor_o can_v we_o well_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o who_o at_o any_o time_n god_n please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o shall_v not_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v and_o communicate_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o the_o least_o upon_o any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o credit_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o write_n before_o moses_n but_o upon_o report_n that_o appear_v gross_o fictitious_a and_o fabulous_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o probable_a that_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n the_o world_n know_v nothing_o of_o letter_n for_o we_o neither_o find_v any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o man_n write_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o most_o probable_a that_o we_o owe_v they_o not_o nor_o their_o use_n to_o humane_a invention_n but_o to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a plato_n have_v learn_v so_o much_o from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o cratilus_n that_o the_o original_a of_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n offer_v its_o self_n very_o fair_o to_o our_o belief_n that_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o give_v the_o ten_o commandment_n write_v by_o his_o own_o singer_n to_o moses_n introduce_v the_o first_o alphabet_n and_o that_o letter_n themselves_o and_o those_o divine_a precept_n be_v of_o a_o equal_a date_n i_o insist_v not_o on_o this_o as_o capable_a of_o any_o certain_a and_o positive_a proof_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o very_a considerable_a weight_n and_o have_v very_o good_a probability_n for_o its_o belief_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o consult_v but_o what_o chrysostome_n theophilact_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v say_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o seven_o book_n against_o julian_n insist_o much_o upon_o it_o vives_z upon_o the_o thirty_o nine_o chapter_n of_o st._n augustine_n 18_o book_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a opinion_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n that_o moses_n first_o give_v letter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o doubtless_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o eupolemus_n artapanus_n and_o many_o other_o profane_a author_n affirm_v it_o and_o that_o both_o the_o egyptian_n and_o also_o the_o phaenician_o from_o who_o the_o grecian_n first_o learn_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n have_v their_o letter_n from_o he_o and_o that_o moâ—es_n be_v that_o mercury_n to_o who_o the_o egyptian_n ascribe_v the_o first_o invention_n of_o they_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o this_o seem_v but_o of_o very_o little_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o certain_a tractate_v of_o enoch_n that_o be_v write_v before_o the_o flood_n second_o of_o two_o pillar_n of_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n with_o observation_n astronomical_a engrave_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o set_v up_o to_o continue_v their_o learning_n and_o that_o it_o may_v remain_v beyond_o the_o flood_n which_o adam_n have_v foretell_v they_o of_o the_o one_o of_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o country_n of_o syria_n till_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n as_o he_o himself_o say_v three_o that_o moses_n in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n extant_a before_o that_o time_n and_o fourthly_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o learn_v probable_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o enoch_n write_v before_o the_o flood_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n for_o so_o they_o must_v be_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o story_n whole_o fabulous_a we_o find_v not_o one_o word_n of_o they_o among_o
such_o a_o way_n that_o to_o the_o best_a exercise_n of_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o seem_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o to_o my_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o prevalency_n with_o a_o miracle_n itself_o nor_o have_v i_o the_o least_o way_n to_o help_v myself_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v simple_o to_o subscribe_v to_o whatever_o be_v attest_v to_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o look_v no_o further_o for_o that_o must_v needs_o go_v for_o a_o miracle_n with_o i_o which_o to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v so_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o who_o make_v those_o distinction_n do_v themselves_o thereby_o subject_a the_o witness_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v for_o if_o those_o they_o call_v miranda_n and_o mirabâ—lia_n be_v in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n as_o true_a miracle_n as_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v they_o will_v then_o have_v be_v so_o call_v and_o that_o distinction_n have_v never_o be_v make_v have_v not_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v several_o bring_v to_o confirm_v be_v â—â—judged_v a_o ground_n â—uâ—licient_a to_o create_v the_o distinction_n he_o that_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o suppose_v as_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o in_o a_o way_n supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a any_o wâ—â—ness_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o a_o docâ—â—â—â—â—_n saâ—se_v anâ—_n corrupt_v and_o yet_o tell_v i_o the_o devil_n and_o â—â—_o man_n be_v often_o permit_v with_o nâ—_n any_o mâ—ans_n leave_v of_o conviction_n by_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a to_o â—â—ect_v such_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o that_o to_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o reasonâ—â—_n mankâ—nâ—_n be_v not_o discoverable_a fiâ—st_o must_v neeâ—â—_n bare_o suppose_v the_o counteâ—cit_a and_o next_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o salve_v the_o justice_n oâ—_n god_n about_o that_o matter_n second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o and_o undeniable_o miraculous_a turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v forth_o multitude_n of_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o water_n by_o stretch_v out_o the_o band_n with_o a_o rod_n in_o it_o can_v beâ—eckoned_v otherwise_v and_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptiaus_n be_v satisfy_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o those_o kind_n that_o moses_n do_v have_v the_o same_o exercise_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n about_o both_o and_o be_v harden_v thereupon_o and_o that_o what_o moses_n do_v in_o those_o particular_n be_v miraculous_a be_v plain_a for_o god_n say_v to_o he_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o exodus_fw-la when_o he_o first_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n when_o pharaoh_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v show_v a_o miracle_n for_o you_o than_o thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o aaron_n take_v thy_o rod_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 105_o psalm_n those_o thing_n do_v by_o moses_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o miraculous_a and_o in_o the_o 27_o verse_n call_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n show_v in_o the_o land_n of_o ham_n of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o exodus_fw-la the_o magician_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o deut._n we_o find_v there_o by_o god_n direction_n a_o caution_n give_v if_o a_o prophet_n arise_v or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n that_o be_v one_o pretend_v to_o see_v vision_n or_o one_o that_o speak_v only_o from_o dream_n which_o be_v a_o inseriour_a sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o see_v thing_n more_o obsemâ—ly_o of_o which_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n any_o miraculous_a or_o supernatural_a thing_n the_o word_n signify_v and_o the_o sigâ—_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o say_v let_v we_o follow_v strange_a god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o matthew_n of_o false_a prophet_n that_o shall_v arise_v and_o show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o read_v of_o another_o beast_n rise_v up_o that_o do_v great_a wonder_n so_o that_o he_o make_v firâ—_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o sigh_n of_o man_n and_o deceive_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n â—y_a reason_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n â—f_o the_o beast_n and_o in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n we_o be_v tolâ—_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o work_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n we_o read_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o dâ—vils_n work_a miracle_n thirdâ—y_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n for_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o world_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o delude_v with_o pretension_n this_o way_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o superior_a power_n to_o what_o be_v among_o man_n the_o devil_n have_v by_o their_o angelical_a nature_n and_o what_o sâ—â—ange_a and_o secret_a operation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n itself_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v yet_o no_o better_a account_n in_o many_o thing_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v than_o arislotle_n do_v long_o since_o when_o he_o derive_v they_o from_o invisible_a cause_n that_o he_o call_v occult_a quality_n and_o also_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o woâ—ld_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o dote_v upon_o the_o art_n and_o practice_n of_o magic_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o pliny_n say_v be_v not_o only_o because_o such_o strange_a thing_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o it_o but_o because_o there_o be_v also_o a_o concurrence_n in_o it_o of_o three_o such_o eminent_a science_n as_o physic_n mathematics_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o reject_v all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o story_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o history_n than_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a resistance_n of_o historical_a evidence_n to_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o real_a of_o that_o kind_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o all_o the_o business_n of_o esculapius_n of_o jarchas_n so_o famous_a among_o indian_n brachmanâ—s_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n tespesion_n among_o the_o gymnosophist_n of_o ethiopia_n simon_n magus_n of_o who_o we_o have_v such_o strange_a story_n and_o most_o especial_o apollonius_n tyenaeus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n though_o leasy_o grant_v much_o of_o what_o they_o all_o pretend_a to_o be_v visible_o but_o a_o counterfâ—it_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o whole_o disbelieve_v what_o i_o find_v in_o the_o roman_a story_n about_o clauda_n vestalis_fw-la tucia_n and_o other_o of_o the_o vestal_a virginâ—_n nor_o many_o other_o report_v i_o find_v in_o credible_a author_n about_o such_o thing_n especial_o that_o story_n of_o vespasian_n cure_v a_o lame_a and_o wither_a i_o high_a by_o tread_v upon_o it_o and_o a_o blind_a man_n in_o egypt_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n of_o which_o latter_a cure_n tacitas_fw-la and_o suetonius_n historian_n of_o great_a credit_n both_o give_v we_o a_o very_a full_a and_o perfect_a account_n and_o very_o exact_o agree_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o dr._n jackson_n say_v in_o his_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n both_o those_o cure_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a roman_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o constant_o avouch_v by_o they_o as_o can_v leave_v no_o place_n say_v he_o for_o suspicion_n in_o age_n follow_v four_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destinctive_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n attribute_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n because_o god_n never_o put_v man_n under_o any_o rational_a necessity_n by_o it_o to_o credit_v a_o falsehood_n he_o never_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o such_o trial_n but_o when_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a accompany_v it_o to_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o trial_n of_o our_o stability_n and_o so_o intend_v it_o be_v no_o way_n unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o above_o we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o his_o supreme_a rule_n shall_v for_o holy_a and_o excellent_a end_n we_o can_v
be_v in_o itself_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corporation_n of_o debauch_a and_o evil_a man_n destructive_a to_o all_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whatever_o and_o perfect_o ruinous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a mind_a man_n never_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n bring_v to_o light_n so_o holy_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v visible_o the_o high_a tendency_n to_o those_o two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n present_a and_o future_a happiness_n no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o particular_a duty_n enjoin_v destructive_a to_o man_n true_a happiness_n but_o all_o perfective_a of_o it_o the_o strict_a self-denial_n have_v a_o recompense_n propose_v to_o we_o of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o most_o suitable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o a_o rational_a choice_n the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o whenever_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o we_o can_v be_v whenever_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o high_a trial_n but_o still_o god_n be_v please_v to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o we_o have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o will_v sâ—â—nd_v it_o and_o â—â—â—kon_v in_o only_a as_o such_o whâ—â—â—ver_o consult_v thâ—_n writing_n of_o the_o primiâ—iâ—e_n châ—â—sâ—â—â—â—_n will_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n upon_o which_o they_o â—hâ—â—â—lâ—_n inâ—â—â—â—d_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v its_o sâ—â—st_a enâ—â—aâ—ce_n and_o ravel_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v â—o_o confirm_v it_o and_o these_o two_o conjoin_v give_v â—s_a the_o mâ—st_o inâ—aâ—â—ible_a assurance_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n the_o miraâ—â—es_v justify_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o doctrine_n reflect_v a_o testimony_n back_o to_o the_o miracle_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n the_o proof_n be_v invincible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o find_v here_o the_o best_a doctrine_n with_o the_o high_a attestation_n whoever_o wary_o consider_v our_o saviour_n reason_v with_o the_o jew_n shall_v find_v he_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n for_o as_o he_o frequent_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n from_o his_o miracle_n so_o he_o likewise_o often_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o divine_a corresponding_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n unquestionable_a thereby_o for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n accompany_v with_o such_o miraculous_a evidence_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o rational_a opposition_n and_o therefore_o in_o discourse_v this_o matter_n in_o hand_n neither_o aught_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o miracle_n distinct_o and_z separately_z from_o the_o other_o but_o both_o urge_v in_o that_o excellent_a conjunction_n in_o which_o they_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o three_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o book_n in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conneyance_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o still_o further_o evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o more_o rational_a persuasion_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o god_n as_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_v and_o about_o which_o he_o have_v exercise_v a_o peculiar_a care_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o that_o this_o book_n though_o write_v at_o several_a time_n all_o so_o long_o since_o past_a and_o some_o of_o it_o before_o any_o other_o book_n be_v extant_a have_v yet_o in_o its_o passage_n through_o so_o many_o age_n escape_v all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v expose_v and_o be_v preserve_v entire_a to_o we_o to_o this_o day_n second_o that_o this_o rock_n and_o the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v make_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o gain_v a_o acceptance_n among_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o when_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v seem_v absord_n and_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o common_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o wicked_a sergeant_n and_o the_o stande_v piece_n of_o imposture_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o indeed_o that_o any_o book_n of_o religion_n shall_v upon_o such_o perme_n arrive_v at_o such_o a_o reception_n but_o one_o that_o contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o have_v the_o great_a god_n for_o its_o author_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o book_n very_o ancient_a and_o write_v long_o ago_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v have_v descend_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a age._n but_o herein_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o write_n not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v some_o of_o it_o much_o elder_a than_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n more_o liable_a to_o loss_n and_o decay_n but_o that_o no_o book_n or_o write_n the_o world_n be_v ever_o possess_v of_o have_v have_v that_o violent_a opposition_n make_v against_o it_o nor_o such_o design_n form_v for_o its_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n as_o this_o have_v have_v other_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a passage_n this_o have_v be_v often_o beset_v with_o most_o keen_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n beside_o that_o great_a hazard_n so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o as_o than_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n when_o for_o aught_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n there_o be_v but_o one_o copy_n and_o that_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o sixty_o eight_o or_o sixty_o nine_o year_n and_o be_v hide_v either_o in_o the_o rubbish_n or_o else_o in_o some_o secret_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o it_o be_v find_v when_o the_o temple_n come_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v there_o hide_v during_o the_o wicked_a reign_n of_o manasseh_n by_o some_o malicious_a idolater_n with_o a_o intention_n utter_o to_o extinguish_v it_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v do_v in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v make_v it_o irrecoverable_a have_v not_o a_o divine_a hand_n over_o rule_v and_o secure_v it_o beside_o this_o and_o some_o other_o hazard_n the_o bible_n have_v escape_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n we_o read_v of_o two_o famous_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n furnish_v with_o all_o humane_a power_n that_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o skill_n have_v beset_v it_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o empâ—rour_n dioclesian_n under_o the_o nâ—w_n this_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n call_v likewise_o and_o much_o moâ—â—_n true_o epiâ—â—aâ—â—â—_n the_o mad_a and_o the_o furious_a be_v prophefy_v of_o and_o plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o the_o eight_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n he_o there_o call_v he_o a_o king_n of_o fierce_a countâ—â—â—â—ce_n and_o say_v his_o heart_n shall_v be_v against_o the_o hâ—ly_a covenant_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v indignation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a this_o antiochus_n come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o most_o cruel_o destroy_v and_o waste_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v it_o his_o grand_a business_n to_o ruin_v the_o jew_n and_o utter_o extinguish_v their_o whole_a religion_n and_o worship_n dedicate_v their_o temple_n to_o jupiter_n olympius_n erect_v a_o altar_n therein_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o â—â—â—l_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n cause_v many_o swine_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o in_o sacâ—â—fiâ—e_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o pat_o a_o perfect_a â—â—nd_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o place_n and_o people_n with_o utmost_a diligence_n make_v search_v after_o their_o law_n and_o wheresoever_o he_o sound_v it_o iâ—â—â—_n dirty_o burn_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o threatened_a â—â—st_n exquisite_a torment_n and_o death_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o conceal_v or_o retain_v it_o of_o which_o josephas_n give_v we_o the_o relation_n
sort_n of_o christian_n under_o the_o gospel_n st._n jerom_n call_v it_o a_o book_n full_a of_o idle_a dream_n the_o papist_n themselves_o though_o they_o have_v admit_v many_o other_o book_n that_o we_o reckon_v apocryphal_a into_o their_o canon_n yet_o have_v still_o reject_v this_o and_o bellarmine_n himself_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr script_n eccles_n speak_v with_o great_a contempt_n of_o this_o whole_a book_n and_o call_v the_o author_n of_o it_o whoever_o he_o be_v a_o writer_n of_o romance_n second_o there_o be_v many_o very_a good_a and_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o there_o be_v no_o where_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o least_o mention_n not_o by_o esdras_n himself_o though_o he_o give_v we_o a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o what_o he_o himself_o do_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a but_o so_o eminent_a a_o thing_n as_o god_n inspire_v one_o man_n to_o write_v over_o again_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o so_o many_o have_v be_v inspire_v to_o write_v before_o will_v have_v be_v some_o where_o or_o other_o record_v nor_o be_v it_o credible_a but_o that_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o total_a loss_n of_o their_o law_n will_v have_v be_v distinct_o mention_v when_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v so_o very_o particular_a in_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o lossâ—s_v the_o jew_n underweâ—â—_n at_o that_o time_n of_o all_o the_o ruin_n make_v by_o the_o babylonian_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o of_o all_o the_o spoil_n they_o carry_v into_o babylon_n from_o thence_o second_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o there_o be_v multitude_n of_o copy_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o religious_a jew_n especial_o the_o priest_n of_o who_o there_o be_v many_o hundred_o who_o have_v a_o constant_a use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o people_n also_o dâ—d_v general_o possess_v themselves_o of_o it_o after_o that_o eminent_a danger_n it_o have_v undergo_v and_o the_o recovery_n of_o â—â—â—n_n the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o jâ—siah_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o all_o the_o copy_n can_v be_v destroy_v those_o that_o probable_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o jeremiah_n gedalich_n and_o many_o other_o who_o stay_v behind_o and_o accept_v their_o liberty_n to_o continue_v still_o in_o judea_n and_o those_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o daniel_n ezekiel_n and_o those_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o they_o in_o the_o first_o captivity_n to_o babylon_n long_o before_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v burn_v and_o all_o those_o which_o be_v probable_o keep_v by_o many_o of_o those_o that_o be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n after_o especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o no_o where_n find_v that_o the_o babylonian_n make_v it_o any_o part_n of_o their_o business_n in_o particular_a to_o destroy_v and_o extirpate_v their_o law_n and_o when_o antiochus_n do_v afterward_o with_o all_o his_o might_n endeavour_v it_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o many_o copy_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o good_a man_n hand_n he_o be_v no_o way_n able_a to_o effect_v it_o three_o it_o appear_v the_o jew_n have_v the_o scripture_n with_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n both_o from_o daniel_n prophecy_n who_o prophesy_v there_o and_o also_o from_o other_o historical_a evidence_n first_o from_o his_o prophecy_n for_o we_o find_v he_o in_o the_o 9_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n quote_v several_a time_n particular_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o that_o chapter_n he_o say_v he_o understand_v by_o book_n the_o number_n of_o year_n whereof_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v to_o jeremiah_n the_o prophet_n that_o he_o will_v accomplish_v seventy_o year_n in_o the_o desolation_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o those_o book_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n itself_o with_o other_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o record_n of_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n wherein_o be_v to_o be_v find_v the_o time_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v bring_v thither_o which_o daniel_n compare_v together_o and_o so_o find_v out_o the_o end_n of_o jâ—remies_n seventy_o year_n and_o of_o the_o captivity_n the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o arise_v from_o hence_o that_o there_o have_v be_v four_o distinct_a captivity_n and_o four_o several_a king_n of_o judah_n carry_v into_o babylon_n at_o four_o several_a time_n first_o manasses_n than_o jehojakim_n and_o with_o he_o among_o other_o daniel_n himself_o three_o jeconias_n and_o with_o he_o ezekiel_n and_o mordecai_n and_o last_o zedekias_n when_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v destroy_v and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n very_o easy_a to_o know_v from_o which_o of_o these_o captivity_n to_o reckon_v the_o seventy_o â—aâ—s_n ezekiel_n seem_v to_o begin_v it_o eleven_o year_n before_o the_o city_n be_v destroy_v when_o jeâ—â—onias_n be_v carry_v away_o thither_o for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n of_o our_o be_v in_o captivity_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n in_o the_o ten_o day_n of_o the_o month_n in_o the_o fourteen_o year_n after_o that_o the_o city_n be_v smite_v and_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v carry_v away_o with_o jecenias_n use_v these_o word_n thus_o say_v the_o lord_n after_o seventy_o year_n be_v accomplish_v in_o babel_n i_o will_v visit_v you_o and_o cause_v you_o to_o return_v to_o this_o place_n by_o which_o he_o seem_v to_o begin_v the_o seventy_o year_n from_o thence_o but_o in_o other_o place_n be_v very_o express_v that_o the_o seventy_o year_n be_v to_o be_v account_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v the_o captivity_n mention_v by_o ezekiel_n be_v not_o that_o by_o which_o the_o seventy_o â—ears_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v nor_o be_v the_o prophecy_n utter_v by_o jeremy_n to_o comfort_v those_o that_o be_v captivate_v with_o jeconias_n to_o commence_v when_o utter_v nor_o till_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o last_o captivity_n of_o zedekiah_n all_o which_o daniel_n consider_v and_o by_o compare_v these_o prophecy_n together_o find_v the_o exact_a time_n from_o whence_o the_o seventy_o year_n be_v to_o be_v account_v second_o from_o historical_a evidence_n for_o josephus_n say_v the_o reason_n why_o cyrus_n set_v on_o foot_n the_o rebuild_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o restore_v of_o the_o jew_n to_o their_o country_n be_v his_o read_v the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n which_o be_v write_v â—10_n year_n before_o his_o time_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v in_o god_n name_n that_o cyrus_n shall_v be_v raise_v up_o for_o that_o very_a purpose_n upon_o read_v of_o which_o during_o the_o captivity_n he_o save_v cyrus_n be_v ravish_v with_o admiration_n of_o god_n and_o surprise_v with_o a_o ardent_a zeal_n to_o bring_v about_o what_o be_v so_o long_o before_o write_v and_o it_o be_v high_o probable_a that_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o engage_v cyrus_n to_o what_o he_o do_v for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o most_o absurd_o impolitic_a and_o against_o all_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o discretion_n to_o restore_v such_o a_o people_n and_o rebuild_v such_o a_o place_n that_o have_v be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o terrible_a to_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o especial_o when_o as_o josephus_n say_v there_o go_v out_o of_o babylon_n at_o their_o return_n of_o those_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n there_o captivate_v four_o million_o six_o hundred_o twenty_o and_o eight_o thousand_o person_n that_o be_v above_o twelve_o year_n old_a beside_o four_o thousand_o and_o seventy_o levite_n and_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n together_o forty_o thousand_o seven_o hundred_o forty_o and_o two_o beside_o also_o some_o hundred_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n that_o be_v porter_n singer_n and_o other_o sacred_a servitor_n four_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o zerubbabel_n joshuah_n haggai_n and_o so_o many_o other_o of_o they_o will_v have_v so_o labour_v as_o they_o do_v to_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n toâ—e-build_a their_o temple_n and_o restore_v their_o ancient_a worship_n if_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o great_a rule_n and_o foundation_n of_o it_o have_v be_v whole_o lâ—st_o and_o extinguish_v nay_o it_o appear_v evident_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n that_o those_o jew_n that_o firstâ—etâ—â—â—ed_v into_o judaea_n before_o esdras_n come_v out_o of_o babylon_n bring_v the_o law_n out_o of_o babylon_n with_o they_o for_o in_o the_o six_o of_o esdras_n it_o be_v there_o say_v they_o set_v the_o priest_n in_o their_o division_n and_o the_o levite_n in_o their_o corpse_n and_o settle_v the_o worship_n oâ—the_v temple_n
mind_n of_o man_n no_o man_n can_v well_o judge_v this_o a_o effect_n of_o any_o humane_a design_n nor_o can_v reasonable_o think_v that_o the_o private_a observation_n or_o experience_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n can_v have_v reach_v so_o far_o providential_a occurrence_n will_v soon_o have_v confute_v any_o counterfeit_a pretence_n to_o such_o a_o universal_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v any_o but_o god_n himself_o be_v secure_a not_o to_o mistake_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v this_o world_n in_o its_o various_a motion_n the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o intricacy_n and_o change_n of_o it_o the_o more_o be_v the_o bible_n still_o justify_v to_o we_o because_o we_o perceive_v the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v there_o strange_o epitomise_v we_o be_v not_o only_o tell_v in_o the_o general_n what_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o bad_a man_n shall_v often_o prosper_v and_o good_a man_n suffer_v that_o there_o be_v one_o even_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v by_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o point_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o justify_v providence_n to_o we_o and_o great_o inform_v we_o about_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o supreme_a rule_n here_o in_o order_n to_o his_o future_a judgement_n hereafter_o nothing_o can_v befall_v a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o ill_a man_n or_o happen_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o some_o general_a and_o satisfy_a account_n it_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o any_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o especial_o not_o the_o worst_a deceiver_n can_v have_v make_v such_o a_o complete_a model_n of_o his_o own_o government_n and_o it_o be_v no_o little_a justification_n of_o this_o book_n that_o god_n visible_o govern_v the_o world_n according_a to_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o those_o law_n must_v needs_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a probability_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n above_o suitable_o to_o which_o all_o thing_n evident_o come_v about_o here_o below_o and_o to_o which_o the_o whole_a revolution_n of_o this_o world_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n appear_v exact_o correspond_v five_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n a_o full_a and_o ample_a provision_n for_o all_o the_o ill_n that_o have_v accompany_v man_n first_o apostasy_n and_o adequate_a and_o proper_a cure_n for_o all_o the_o malady_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o divine_a preseription_n send_v from_o above_o to_o heal_v and_o relieve_v the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v safe_o to_o disengage_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o their_o lapse_v and_o apostate_n condition_n i_o appeal_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o general_a storehouse_n a_o divine_a treasury_n far_o beyond_o what_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v afford_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o want_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o only_o more_o clear_o and_o full_o than_o be_v ever_o before_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o great_a good_a point_v we_o to_o that_o true_a summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la of_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o disagreement_n with_o themselves_o have_v be_v grope_v after_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a happiness_n but_o apply_v suitable_a remedy_n to_o every_o distemper_n where_o can_v any_o man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n or_o under_o any_o other_o dejection_n of_o mind_n poverty_n or_o disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n sickness_n of_o body_n loss_n of_o friend_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o affliction_n comfort_n himself_o as_o he_o may_v here_o what_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o here_o tell_v of_o for_o sin_n we_o find_v all_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n have_v still_o harp_v upon_o a_o sacrifice_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a man_n be_v most_o inhuman_a detest_a by_o the_o best_a of_o heathen_n the_o sacrifice_v of_o beast_n though_o general_o practise_v the_o wise_a know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o and_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v atone_v by_o the_o fat_a of_o a_o bruit_n how_o infinite_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o by_o the_o gospel_n exceed_v all_o the_o world_n have_v think_v of_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o how_o amaze_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o satisfy_v a_o nature_n be_v it_o what_o divine_a antidote_n be_v there_o provide_v in_o this_o book_n from_o suitable_a example_n comfort_v promise_n wise_a direction_n heavenly_a counsel_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o sink_a mind_n it_o be_v like_o that_o wood_n where_o jonathan_n come_v in_o his_o extremity_n and_o find_v honey_n every_o where_o drop_v and_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o revive_v his_o spirit_n and_o renew_v his_o vigour_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n the_o reality_n the_o excellent_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o that_o relief_n and_o those_o satisfaction_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o we_o they_o be_v no_o such_o delude_a trifle_n as_o man_n be_v cheat_v into_o by_o education_n and_o acquiess_n in_o only_a because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o this_o book_n but_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o intrinsic_a value_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o real_a &_o most_o suitable_a to_o a_o rational_a be_v in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o innate_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v if_o thou_o do_v well_o they_o own_o conscience_n be_v judge_n thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v if_o not_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n we_o find_v no_o resemblance_n here_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n nor_o of_o those_o vanity_n wherewith_o other_o religion_n through_o man_n ignorance_n and_o the_o tract_n of_o education_n have_v besot_v the_o world_n the_o term_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v such_o and_o so_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o there_o be_v a_o self-evident_a satisfaction_n result_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o prevail_v much_o upon_o i_o this_o general_a provision_n i_o find_v here_o make_v to_o suit_n all_o man_n condition_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a account_n to_o we_o of_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n what_o depth_n and_o shallow_n in_o both_o respect_n sometime_o the_o sublimest_n notion_n clothe_v with_o the_o high_a expression_n sometime_o the_o easy_a plain_a truth_n imaginable_a sometime_o divinity_n deck_v with_o the_o rich_a expression_n of_o oratory_n to_o delight_v and_o instruct_v the_o noble_a and_o large_a mind_n sometime_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o mean_a similitude_n and_o express_v by_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o common_a use_n among_o mankind_n to_o be_v grasp_v by_o the_o poor_a understanding_n and_o yet_o a_o decency_n and_o majesty_n in_o all_o no_o part_n of_o mankind_n but_o find_v here_o a_o plentiful_a and_o suitable_a provision_n for_o every_o condition_n not_o a_o impotent_a impoverish_v mind_n but_o be_v here_o relieve_v nor_o a_o condition_n so_o mean_v but_o be_v care_v for_o and_o this_o tell_v we_o much_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o this_o holy_a book_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o some_o thing_n as_o too_o mysterious_a and_o with_o other_o as_o too_o mean_a to_o think_v many_o story_n example_n direction_n superfluous_a and_o other_o whole_o impertinent_a when_o such_o man_n can_v fathom_v the_o deep_a and_o large_a design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v the_o size_n of_o all_o man_n capacity_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o man_n condition_n and_o can_v assure_v i_o that_o what_o one_o contemn_v or_o not_o understand_v may_v not_o prove_v of_o excellent_a and_o proper_a use_n to_o another_o i_o then_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v every_o way_n fit_a to_o correct_v the_o bible_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o fit_v the_o world_n with_o a_o better_a model_n six_o this_o book_n appear_v so_o compose_v that_o all_o
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o
in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o 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the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o profession_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o and_o second_o by_o man_n of_o sceptical_a principle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o to_o fright_v or_o persuade_v we_o or_o both_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a or_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o how_o serviceable_a this_o objection_n though_o it_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n as_o it_o have_v be_v press_v both_o way_n will_v prove_v to_o either_o of_o these_o design_n and_o indeed_o with_o how_o great_a absurdity_n it_o be_v manage_v in_o order_n to_o both_o will_v be_v soon_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o belief_n of_o thing_n divine_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o divine_a illumination_n as_o god_n may_v particular_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o â—ust_z of_o necessity_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o we_o call_v rational_a and_o moral_a assurance_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v most_o proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n we_o mean_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n not_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o nor_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v less_o proper_a but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o now_o divine_a faith_n in_o that_o best_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v reduce_v into_o no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a a_o ssurance_n at_o last_o for_o if_o i_o say_v my_o faith_n be_v divine_a because_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o if_o i_o be_o ask_v by_o what_o mean_v i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o question_n must_v needs_o bring_v i_o back_o to_o a_o moral_a assurance_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o my_o previous_a belief_n about_o that_o divine_a testimony_n itself_o that_o it_o real_o be_v so_o whatsoever_o revelation_n god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o i_o i_o must_v needs_o without_o divine_a assistance_n receive_v it_o upon_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a term_n and_o so_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o i_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v receive_v my_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a inspiration_n in_o both_o case_n and_o god_n make_v man_n as_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o revelation_n when_o propose_v as_o he_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o plain_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v how_o i_o come_v to_o receive_v all_o other_o thing_n into_o my_o belief_n that_o be_v object_n of_o belief_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a credibility_n and_o moral_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o
errata_n page_n 8._o line_n 1._o deal_n â—_o p._n 13._o l._n 14._o for_o their_o r._n the._n p._n 20._o l._n 10._o for_o he_o r._n it_o be_v p._n 22._o l._n 26._o for_o or_o r._n and_o p._n 47._o l._n 18._o for_o product_n r._n conduct_n p._n 47._o l._n 27_o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o word_n when_o p._n 56._o l._n 2._o for_o whole_a r._n uphold_v p_o 66._o l._n 14._o deal_n common_a sentiment_n p._n 144._o l._n 14._o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o world_n p._n 170_o l._n 11._o for_o when_o r._n where_o p._n 174_o l._n 11._o after_o expectance_n add_v off_o p._n 189._o l._n 19_o for_o may_v r._n many_o p._n 205._o l._n 10._o after_o thirty_o add_v year_n p._n 206._o l._n 1â—_n for_o elysian_a r_o elisiniaâ—_n p_o 207._o l._n 12._o for_o mend_v sius_fw-la r._n man_n disius_a p._n 224._o l._n 16._o for_o afford_v r._n afford_v p._n 258._o l._n 12._o for_o word_n r_o word_n p._n 259._o l._n 6._o r._n a_o after_z in_o p._n 390._o l._n 24._o for_o saniores_fw-la r._n seniores_fw-la p._n 419._o l._n 26._o for_o a_o r_o aâ—_n p._n 494._o l._n 21._o for_o providential_a r._n prudential_a p._n 407._o it_o 6._o for_o by_o r._n be_v s._n scrÃpturam_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la esse_fw-la revelatam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exploratò_fw-la firmat_n iste_fw-la elenchus_n prodeat_fw-la è_fw-la typographiâ_fw-la humph._n london_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-beleif_a a_o discourse_n give_v some_o account_n of_o those_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god._n write_a by_o sir_n charles_n wolseley_n bar_n t._n london_n print_v by_o t.r._n &_o n.t._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_v at_o the_o peacock_n in_o chancery_n lane_n near_o fleetstreet_n 1672._o to_o the_o earl_n of_o anglesey_n my_o lord_n beside_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o these_o paperadventure_n those_o who_o suppose_v they_o can_v do_v much_o better_o and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o please_v they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o well_o from_o a_o twofold_a sort_n of_o man_n i_o expect_v a_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o this_o undertake_n chief_o from_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o reject_v all_o religion_n in_o gross_a as_o a_o thing_n no_o where_o exist_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o sequacious_a and_o fearful_a man_n and_o deride_v all_o attempt_n make_v towards_o its_o rational_a justification_n and_o also_o from_o they_o who_o suppose_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n privilege_v from_o all_o dispute_n or_o debate_n thing_n not_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o admit_v that_o all_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o open_a arraignment_n of_o such_o fundamental_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v question_v a_o disservice_n do_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n thereby_o and_o at_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a the_o follow_a discourse_n my_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n no_o way_n condit_v to_o the_o gust_n of_o any_o such_o man_n on_o either_o hand_n 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themselves_o against_o their_o own_o guilt_n by_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o the_o great_a maxim_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a the_o world_n have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o where_n in_o force_n as_o a_o law_n divine_a but_o where_o by_o law_n civil_a and_o municipal_a it_o be_v make_v so_o to_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n feign_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o fancy_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v these_o and_o most_o of_o the_o bad_a principle_n of_o this_o age_n be_v of_o no_o early_o a_o date_n than_o one_o very_o ill_a book_n be_v indeed_o but_o the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n the_o other_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o easy_a and_o credulous_a man_n that_o derive_v their_o religion_n no_o high_o than_o education_n &_o custom_n have_v take_v up_o their_o great_a concern_v upon_o trust_n and_o whensoever_o encounter_v but_o by_o any_o small_a artificer_n in_o the_o sceptic_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v sufficient_o baffle_v themselves_o and_o religion_n expose_v to_o the_o utmost_a contempt_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o attack_n they_o either_o go_v off_o wound_v with_o a_o secret_a dislike_n of_o their_o own_o profession_n or_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o stubborn_a and_o brutish_a sort_n of_o drudgery_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o which_o they_o find_v they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o good_a reason_n will_v such_o dull_a man_n once_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o do_v nothing_o will_v they_o once_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v but_o a_o sally_n into_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o nothing_o prove_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a good_a of_o religion_n than_o this_o stupid_a sort_n of_o credulity_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o that_o weak_a impotent_a defence_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a truth_n that_o result_v natural_o from_o it_o that_o man_n profane_a triumph_n have_v be_v chief_o erect_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o so_o many_o so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o seduce_v and_o it_o be_v those_o age_n when_o man_n fall_v off_o and_o retire_v from_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o religion_n and_o sink_v into_o implicit_a belief_n and_o ignorant_a devotion_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v date_n most_o of_o the_o great_a ill_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o those_o devout_a foolery_n which_o have_v since_o so_o cumber_v the_o world_n have_v their_o chief_a and_o first_o rise_v as_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o so_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v so_o be_v must_v upon_o rational_a ground_n necessary_o be_v establish_v what_o ever_o belief_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o revelation_n aught_o to_o be_v ultimate_o 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union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o indeed_o have_v come_v much_o short_a of_o that_o reverence_n all_o nation_n have_v pay_v to_o their_o god_n who_o by_o all_o their_o mystery_n still_o have_v profess_v to_o believe_v some_o thing_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o divine_a credit_n which_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o can_v not_o full_o comprehend_v be_v not_o the_o loose_a principle_n my_o lord_n of_o this_o degenerate_a age_n about_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o whatever_o be_v do_v this_o way_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o inculcate_v too_o much_o even_o unto_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o because_o it_o be_v from_o this_o book_n we_o derive_v
of_o those_o who_o have_v themselves_o universal_o proclaim_v the_o bible_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o christian-tradition_n be_v credit_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v thereby_o establish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v dis-believed_n in_o thaâ—_n there_o can_v be_v then_o no_o good_a reason_n to_o receiuâ—_v any_o other_o matter_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o conveyance_n to_o retain_v therefore_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o disow_v the_o bible_n be_v to_o become_v a_o perfect_a problem_n no_o such_o man_n can_v produce_v anâ—_n law_n or_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n nor_o give_v anâ—_n account_v wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v or_o bâ—_n who_o or_o by_o what_o church_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v be_v at_o any_o timâ—_n receive_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n rational_o make_v a_o partial_a rejection_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o retain_v a_o christian_a profession_n from_o thence_o in_o a_o limit_a sensâ—_n of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o bible_n as_o he_o receive_v other_o credible_a writing_n as_o a_o book_n general_o true_a and_o write_v by_o man_n that_o mean_v honest_o and_o well_o but_o believe_v it_o not_o write_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n nor_o to_o carry_v a_o divine_a authority_n along_o with_o it_o nor_o submit_v to_o it_o as_o such_o be_v to_o say_v a_o thing_n extreme_o incongruous_a to_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o a_o perfect_a absurdity_n for_o the_o bible_n come_v to_o we_o with_o a_o claim_n oâ—_n god_n authority_n attend_v it_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n be_v a_o book_n that_o disow_v all_o humane_a contrivement_n propose_v itself_o as_o write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o immediate_a direction_n from_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o composition_n for_o its_o reception_n in_o such_o a_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o middle-way_n but_o either_o we_o must_v receive_v this_o book_n and_o submit_v to_o it_o as_o such_o or_o else_o reject_v it_o with_o the_o just_a contempt_n imaginable_a it_o be_v in_o nothing_o to_o be_v credit_v if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v for_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o vile_a and_o pernicious_a falsehood_n impose_v upon_o the_o world_n then_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o pretend_v that_o to_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v send_v we_o from_o god_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o product_n of_o men._n whoever_o will_v admit_v these_o premise_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o write_v in_o every_o part_n of_o they_o by_o the_o infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o must_v needs_o descend_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o they_o then_o contain_v the_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n and_o be_v compose_v by_o the_o worst_a designer_n against_o mankind_n the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o stand_v in_o so_o near_o a_o conjunction_n as_o they_o do_v the_o be_v of_o the_o one_o have_v so_o necessary_a a_o dependence_n upon_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o other_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v to_o be_v the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o all_o age_n to_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o justify_v that_o book_n to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o be_v indeed_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d divine_o inspire_v and_o to_o be_v send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o that_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o that_o undertake_v this_o province_n and_o design_n to_o himself_o such_o a_o service_n be_v oblige_v first_o to_o consider_v with_o who_o he_o be_v like_a to_o encounter_v and_o to_o proportion_v his_o defence_n to_o those_o various_a assault_n the_o scripture_n be_v usual_o expose_v to_o this_o be_v admit_v which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n close_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n renounce_v the_o bible_n that_o maxim_n of_o st._n austin_n be_v undeniable_a that_o contra_fw-la scripturas_fw-la nemo_fw-la christianus_n there_o be_v but_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v general_o attact_v and_o from_o who_o principle_n their_o sacred_a authority_n can_v receive_v a_o universal_a invasion_n first_o such_o who_o whole_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v relative_n such_o who_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o a_o atheistical_a profession_n second_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n but_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o believe_v he_o be_v no_o way_n concer_v about_o the_o world_n nor_o trouble_v himself_o to_o exercise_v any_o rule_n or_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o it_o three_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n but_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o not_o true_a and_o embrace_v some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o of_o those_o first-born_a monster_n of_o mankind_n that_o anomalous_a offspring_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o principle_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o utmost_a dregs_n of_o all_o humane_a apostasy_n and_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a for_o as_o cicero_n say_v deos_fw-la esse_fw-la ita_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la negate_fw-la vix_fw-la eum_fw-la sanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la existimem_fw-la the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v think_v well_o in_o his_o wit_n that_o deny_v it_o a_o previous_a consideration_n be_v necessary_a to_o whatever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v already_o contest_v with_o such_o and_o dispatch_v all_o my_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o last_o converse_n i_o mean_v to_o have_v with_o that_o evil_a generation_n of_o who_o it_o may_v most_o true_o be_v say_v they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o avow_a opposer_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v host_n humani_fw-la generis_fw-la the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n who_o by_o deny_v a_o supreme_a be_v above_o demolish_v the_o great_a support_n of_o all_o well-being_n here_o below_o of_o this_o belief_n they_o be_v heretofore_o at_o athens_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o atheism_n and_o first_o dawning_n of_o â—speculative_a irreligion_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o cotta_n tell_v we_o in_o cicero_n that_o when_o protagoras_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o this_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la atheniensum_fw-la jussu_fw-la urbe_fw-la atque_fw-la agro_n est_fw-la exterminatus_fw-la librique_fw-la ejus_fw-la in_o concione_fw-la combusti_fw-la and_o he_o add_v exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la for_o those_o secundary_a enemy_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o together_o with_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o divine_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n such_o who_o out_o of_o shame_n disow_v the_o grand_a principle_n of_o atheism_n but_o yet_o by_o this_o method_n secure_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o of_o those_o a_o preliminary_a consideration_n on_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v a_o previous_a confutation_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o discourse_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o impracticable_a project_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o a_o law_n give_v forth_o from_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n any_o where_o in_o be_v which_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o never_o can_v be_v if_o god_n no_o way_n concern_v himself_o with_o what_o man_n do_v nor_o exercise_n any_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o principle_n do_v uno_fw-la ictu_fw-la dispatch_v all_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n put_v a_o perfect_a period_n to_o all_o divinity_n and_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o absurd_a to_o submit_v either_o in_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o divine_a to_o this_o purpose_n cicero_n conclude_v in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n sin_n autem_fw-la dii_fw-la say_v he_o neque_fw-la possunt_fw-la nos_fw-la juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la
reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v exclude_v so_o that_o the_o epicurean_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o whole_o precarious_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n or_o else_o destructive_a to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v venerate_v for_o its_o excellency_n say_v the_o epicurean_o that_o be_v if_o man_n please_v to_o make_v law_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a determination_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o a_o admission_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v the_o deity_n must_v be_v venerate_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o say_v that_o all_o action_n and_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v plain_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o state_v rule_n for_o this_o veneration_n far_o than_o positive_a law_n make_v they_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v practice_v any_o thing_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o thing_n suppose_v positive_a law_n not_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o religious_a venerator_fw-la of_o the_o deity_n the_o admission_n of_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n and_o yet_o to_o annex_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o punishment_n to_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a by_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_o this_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o divinity_n so_o circumstantiate_v seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a a_o attempt_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o 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in_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n accuse_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o about_o matter_n no_o way_n connizable_a and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n but_o mere_o guide_v herein_o by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n give_v in_o concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n this_o truth_n have_v be_v establish_v for_o as_o cicero_n say_v true_o time_n wear_v out_o error_n of_o opinion_n but_o confirm_v all_o natural_a truth_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n carry_v a_o innate_a condemnation_n in_o it_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o evil_n and_o a_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o good_a and_o this_o no_o way_n found_v in_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o time_n or_o place_n but_o in_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o and_o be_v neither_o create_v nor_o can_v be_v abrogate_a by_o any_o thing_n humane_a for_o as_o philo_n say_v well_o lex_fw-la mentiri_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la recta_fw-la 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thing_n that_o carry_v the_o utmost_a of_o improbability_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v mankind_n be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o to_o put_v the_o fool_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o present_a justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o abstract_v from_o all_o bias_n either_o from_o custom_n or_o from_o positive_a law_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o most_o genuine_a judgement_n of_o reason_n itself_o in_o its_o judge_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a but_o that_o our_o best_a judgement_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v ground_v upon_o custom_n &_o so_o mistake_v may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o all_o other_o judgement_n be_v so_o too_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n say_v we_o be_v no_o way_n sure_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n 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be_v the_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o original_a law_n annex_v to_o the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o their_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n by_o which_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v primary_o discriminate_v antecedent_o to_o all_o positive_a law_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o positive_a law_n have_v their_o subsequent_a rise_n shall_v this_o epicurean_a doctrine_n be_v admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n alike_o till_o difference_v by_o positive_a law_n or_o custom_n three_o thing_n will_v evident_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o ruinous_a to_o all_o policy_n the_o second_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o three_o destructive_a to_o both_o first_o no_o man_n that_o think_v all_o thing_n original_o indifferent_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la can_v ever_o be_v oblige_v far_a than_o force_v or_o his_o own_o interest_n prevail_v
be_v the_o reasonable_a bound_n of_o all_o such_o future_a debate_n as_o be_v bottom_v upon_o they_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v when_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v in_o question_n nor_o upon_o such_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_v when_o two_o mabumetan_o be_v in_o dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v to_o they_o a_o proper_a umpirage_n because_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o both_o but_o when_o a_o mahometan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o koran_n itself_o must_v precede_v any_o proof_n he_o can_v make_v of_o religion_n from_o thence_o because_o whatever_o be_v itself_o under_o question_n and_o doubt_n can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o determine_v other_o controversy_n by_o nor_o ought_v this_o the_o fact_n whereof_o be_v so_o verify_v to_o we_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v often_o mistake_v and_o general_o differ_v and_o divide_v upon_o all_o such_o 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make_v the_o talon_n of_o their_o reason_n ten_o talent_n oother_n fold_v up_o their_o know_a faculty_n in_o the_o slumber_n of_o a_o drowsy_a sensuality_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o do_v know_v not_o what_o they_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v a_o lazy_a enjoyment_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n rather_o than_o a_o inquisitive_a possession_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v of_o several_a stature_n in_o the_o know_a part_n but_o they_o continual_o render_v themselves_o so_o by_o the_o various_a and_o different_a improvement_n of_o those_o ability_n they_o possess_v three_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n itself_o render_v all_o thing_n capable_a of_o dispute_n and_o debate_n that_o be_v not_o bound_v with_o visible_a contradiction_n to_o its_o own_o be_v and_o be_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o those_o primary_n law_n it_o necessary_o give_v to_o itself_o and_o make_v various_a determination_n about_o all_o such_o 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we_o with_o some_o thing_n so_o much_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o comprehension_n be_v beyond_o the_o verge_n of_o problem_n and_o serve_v only_a to_o show_v we_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n or_o second_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o perfect_a information_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o ground_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n upon_o there_o be_v not_o a_o little_a share_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_v mingle_v with_o most_o of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o nothing_o but_o experience_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o or_o three_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o man_n fall_n from_o the_o bias_n of_o some_o interest_n or_o concern_v whereby_o man_n be_v engage_v or_o some_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o oppose_v and_o undiscerned_o prevail_v over_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n enslave_v they_o to_o appetite_n and_o sway_v the_o judgement_n another_o way_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o prudent_a observation_n that_o one_o make_v heretofore_o upon_o those_o various_a sect_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o philosopher_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o qui_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la severo_fw-la rigido_fw-la &_o moroso_fw-la querulo_fw-la &_o aroganti_fw-la ij_o stoicismum_n sun_n amplecti_fw-la qui_fw-la vero_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la molli_fw-la &_o stadiosi_fw-la tranquillitatis_fw-la &_o atij_fw-la ij_o fuerunt_fw-la epicurei_n qui_fw-la denique_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la civili_fw-la modestoque_fw-la &_o liberali_fw-la ij_o peripateticorum_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la sunt_fw-la secuti_fw-la and_o aristotle_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la say_v vnumquemque_fw-la prout_fw-la animo_fw-la affectus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la de_fw-fr summâ—_n rono_fw-it judicare_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la oriri_fw-la quod_fw-la alij_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la collecant_v in_fw-la divitiis_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o honoribus_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o voluptate_fw-la it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o those_o many_o other_o circumstantial_a impediment_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o all_o our_o rational_a determination_n and_o not_o from_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o have_v be_v derive_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o have_v be_v divide_v of_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v and_o accidental_a principle_n be_v man_n assent_n to_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o book_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a mission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o those_o first_o bear_v principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o we_o can_v dissent_v without_o a_o apparent_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o first_o praerequisites_n to_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o stand_a boundary_n of_o all_o ratiocination_n but_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o admit_v man_n doubt_n query_n and_o debate_n about_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a positive_a belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o all_o man_n reason_v and_o discourse_v into_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o man_n satisfaction_n about_o it_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o man_n and_o be_v connate_a with_o their_o being_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v but_o all_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v discourse_v into_o man_n and_o make_v its_o entrance_n that_o way_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o all_o science_n there_o must_v be_v some_o principle_n grant_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v than_o such_o as_o be_v general_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o such_o as_o lie_v adequate_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v only_o the_o property_n of_o one_o party_n and_o be_v peculiar_a
the_o world_n thales_n miletius_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jonick_a school_n who_o be_v antiquissimus_fw-la sapientum_fw-la in_o graece_fw-la and_o the_o first_o author_n among_o they_o of_o that_o science_n they_o afterward_o call_v natural_a philosophy_n and_o come_v near_a to_o the_o story_n of_o moses_n he_o derive_v all_o thing_n from_o water_n rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la principium_fw-la dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la aquam_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la namque_fw-la omne_fw-la existere_fw-la &_o in_o aquam_fw-la resolvi_fw-la omne_fw-la follow_v therein_o homer_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o graece_fw-la who_o book_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a pagan-bible_n and_o from_o who_o not_o only_o most_o of_o the_o gracian_a religion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o the_o heethen_a theology_n be_v after_o derive_v for_o he_o make_v the_o sea_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d occanum_fw-la rerum_fw-la genuit_fw-la qui_fw-la cuncta_fw-la parentem_fw-la year_n of_o the_o god_n themselves_o for_o he_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n no_o high_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oceanumque_fw-la deumm_n patrem_fw-la tethymque_fw-la parentem_fw-la anaximander_n his_o successor_n he_o think_v the_o world_n come_v from_o no_o one_o particular_a thing_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o proper_a and_o singular_a beginning_n which_o he_o hold_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o infinite_a world_n be_v thereby_o beget_v all_o which_o have_v their_o successive_a original_a continuance_n and_o end_n anaximenes_n he_o think_v all_o thing_n come_v from_o air_n exit_fw-la aere_fw-la omne_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o in_o hunc_fw-la desinere_fw-la omne_fw-la heraclitus_n ascribe_v all_o to_o fire_n think_v all_o thing_n come_v first_o from_o fire_n and_o will_v revert_v to_o fire_n again_o pythagoras_n the_o author_n of_o the_o italic_a philosophy_n and_o the_o first_o introducer_n of_o the_o name_n of_o philosophy_n according_a to_o laertius_n and_o as_o clemens_n alex._n tell_v we_o the_o first_o that_o take_v the_o name_n of_o a_o philosopher_n upon_o himself_o which_o st._n austin_n say_v he_o do_v out_o of_o modesty_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v a_o wise_a man_n which_o every_o philosopher_n be_v before_o but_o choose_v rather_o to_o style_v himself_o a_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n he_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o number_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o absurd_a and_o contradictory_n speculation_n the_o philosopher_n have_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o best_a of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o successive_o instruct_v each_o other_o and_o attain_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o grecian_a literature_n socrates_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n what_o a_o cloud_n do_v those_o elevate_a understanding_n set_v in_o about_o these_o matter_n socrates_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o he_o by_o what_o his_o scholar_n have_v collect_v of_o his_o for_o he_o write_v nothing_o himself_n see_v so_o great_a vanity_n in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n about_o these_o thing_n &_o withal_o be_v so_o convince_v of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o come_v to_o a_o right_a comprehension_n of_o they_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o morality_n wave_v all_o dispute_n about_o they_o as_o uncertain_a and_o no_o way_n satisfy_v and_o make_v his_o business_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o such_o speculation_n wherein_o he_o find_v they_o have_v be_v ever_o benight_a and_o lose_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wise_a resolve_n by_o far_o that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v to_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v silent_a in_o that_o about_o which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o this_o particular_a happy_o he_o make_v good_a what_o the_o oracle_n say_v of_o he_o mortalium_fw-la unus_fw-la socrates_n veer_fw-la sapit_fw-la plato_n assert_n three_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n deum_fw-la materiam_fw-la &_o idaeam_n deum_fw-la conditorem_fw-la omnium_fw-la materiam_fw-la autem_fw-la primariae_fw-la rerum_fw-la genitarum_fw-la generationi_fw-la subjacentem_fw-la &_o causam_fw-la occasionemque_fw-la deo_fw-la creationis_fw-la praebentem_fw-la ideam_fw-la porro_fw-la creaturae_fw-la cujusque_fw-la exemplar_n and_o sometime_o add_v a_o four_o animam_fw-la universalem_fw-la aristotle_n make_v but_o two_o principle_n deum_n &_o materiam_fw-la and_o indeed_o so_o contradict_v the_o former_a hypothesis_n of_o plato_n and_o so_o little_a agreement_n be_v there_o in_o those_o thing_n between_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v his_o scholar_n from_o fifteen_o that_o plato_n complain_v he_o kick_v at_o he_o as_o foal_v use_v to_o do_v at_o their_o dame_n that_o have_v breed_v they_o up_o some_o think_v the_o world_n eternal_a without_o a_o deity_n aristotle_n he_o think_v it_o eternal_a with_o a_o deity_n and_o that_o the_o world_n flow_v natural_o from_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o light_n do_v from_o the_o sun_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o one_o philosopher_n among_o they_o all_o but_o hold_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o posture_n or_o other_o about_o which_o they_o much_o differ_v be_v eternal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o deity_n itself_o and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v omnes_fw-la philosophi_fw-la in_o his_o consenserunt_fw-la semper_fw-la prater_fw-la deum_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la eater_n nitate_fw-la aliquid_fw-la fuisse_fw-la in_o this_o all_o philosopher_n have_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o beside_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n they_o never_o admit_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n can_v possible_o come_v original_o from_o divine_a potentiality_n and_o so_o from_o nothing_o if_o you_o respect_v matter_n that_o maxim_n fieri_fw-la é_fw-fr nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la in_fw-la nihilum_fw-la nil_fw-la posse_fw-la reverti_fw-la be_v universal_a among_o they_o and_o still_o confine_v by_o they_o all_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o matter_n for_o divinity_n no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o or_o since_o ever_o produce_v a_o far_a corruption_n therein_o then_o greece_n and_o rome_n in_o their_o great_a splendour_n they_o make_v god_n of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o themselves_o living_n and_o dead_a idolatry_n be_v then_o in_o its_o meridian_n that_o natural_a notion_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v in_o no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_o debauch_v to_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o all_o false_a worship_n then_o in_o those_o know_a time_n whatever_o they_o general_o love_v or_o fear_v fancy_a and_o not_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o adore_v their_o back_n be_v bow_v down_o with_o a_o ignorant_a implicit_a reverence_n to_o what_o they_o know_v not_o and_o so_o their_o devotion_n prove_v as_o ruinous_a to_o they_o as_o their_o vice_n it_o be_v their_o religion_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o make_v man_n turn_v atheist_n and_o make_v that_o learned_a country_n the_o first_o soil_n that_o ever_o atheism_n grow_v in_o it_o be_v so_o gross_o absurd_a and_o their_o poet_n have_v make_v it_o so_o ridiculous_a that_o it_o become_v loathsome_a to_o the_o most_o intelligent_a part_n of_o themselves_o at_o athens_n so_o blind_a be_v they_o in_o their_o devotion_n and_o withal_o so_o confuse_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o own_o deity_n not_o sometime_o know_v which_o to_o apply_v to_o that_o they_o inscribe_v altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n by_o which_o they_o fall_v accidental_o into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a for_o the_o unknown_a god_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d indeed_o the_o true_a god_n the_o occasion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d â—uch_o we_o find_v in_o laertius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o epimenides_n who_o he_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n that_o be_v at_o athens_n oves_fw-la alas_o &_o nigras_fw-la in_o areopagum_fw-la adduxit_fw-la ac_fw-la dimissis_fw-la deinde_fw-la quo_fw-la ire_n vellent_fw-la auctor_fw-la suis_fw-la ut_fw-la ubi_fw-la illi_fw-la recubuissent_fw-la ibi_fw-la sacrificarent_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o altar_n be_v likewise_o mention_v by_o pausanias_n lib._n 1._o and_o by_o phylostratus_n lib._n 6._o such_o altar_n so_o inscribe_v also_o they_o have_v in_o rome_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o earthquake_n there_o when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o of_o their_o god_n to_o apply_v to_o as_o appear_v by_o agelli_fw-la lib._n 11._o chap._n 28._o in_o rome_n their_o religion_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n that_o one_o tell_v we_o in_o cicero_n the_o roman_a priest_n themselves_o do_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n contemn_v their_o own_o devotion_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v smile_v at_o each_o other_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o street_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o believe_v god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o what_o man_n mock_v at_o themselves_o cotta_n in_o cicero_n book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n say_v plain_o religion_n must_v be_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o otherwise_o all_o
method_n by_o which_o mankind_n come_v since_o to_o be_v save_v thing_n beyond_o all_o natural_a kenn_n and_o which_o only_o serve_v to_o reproach_n the_o wise_a thought_n and_o to_o tell_v man_n how_o little_a they_o can_v discover_v of_o what_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v moses_n have_v tell_v we_o more_o in_o two_o page_n then_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o discover_v by_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o humane_a search_n nor_o have_v the_o world_n any_o way_n improve_v itself_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o sience_n to_o this_o day_n however_o man_n by_o experience_n and_o industry_n have_v meliorate_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o other_o thing_n whatever_o advance_v they_o have_v make_v in_o natural_a theory_n or_o in_o any_o mechanic_n contrivance_n whatever_o rust_n of_o error_n or_o ignorance_n that_o stick_v to_o former_a age_n may_v be_v wear_v off_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a speculation_n in_o this_o yet_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o reject_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o ever_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o natural_a theology_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o while_o man_n have_v be_v most_o busy_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o contrive_v way_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n second_o such_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o evident_o appear_v the_o world_n man_n themselves_o have_v general_o find_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o out_o of_o a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o impotency_n without_o it_o have_v still_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o supernatural_a to_o be_v reveal_v from_o above_o mankind_n since_o the_o fall_n have_v be_v still_o listen_v after_o some_o further_a discovery_n of_o god_n then_o what_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n do_v afford_v they_o and_o some_o more_o perspicuous_a notice_n of_o his_o pleasure_n then_o what_o their_o own_o natural_a ability_n can_v dictate_v to_o they_o as_o that_o which_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o own_o excellent_a nature_n seem_v to_o promise_v to_o the_o world_n and_o man_n natural_a tendency_n to_o some_o supernatural_a happiness_n as_o the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o be_v continual_o call_v for_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o revelation_n and_o man_n thought_n have_v be_v so_o constant_o take_v up_o with_o a_o expectance_n of_o some_o divine_a instruction_n that_o they_o have_v be_v still_o in_o danger_n to_o fall_v into_o all_o the_o extreme_n of_o delude_a enthusiasm_n not_o only_o their_o religion_n but_o whatever_o else_o they_o think_v well_o off_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o father_n it_o still_o upon_o revelation_n scarce_o be_v there_o a_o mechanic_n invention_n but_o they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o discovery_n make_v by_o the_o go_n pythagoras_n when_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a demonstration_n in_o geometry_n sacrifice_v a_o hundred_o ox_n in_o gratitude_n to_o the_o god_n who_o have_v favour_v he_o with_o such_o a_o discovery_n whatever_o be_v in_o itself_o difficult_a or_o excellent_a they_o impute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n homer_n the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n not_o only_o ascribe_v to_o the_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o all_o abstruse_a matter_n and_o all_o the_o heroical_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o refer_v our_o ordinary_a cogitation_n to_o divine_a impulse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d talis_fw-la nempe_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la terram_fw-la incolentium_fw-la hominum_fw-la qualem_fw-la in_o dies_fw-la indit_fw-la pater_fw-la hominumque_fw-la deumque_fw-la and_o his_o book_n be_v fill_v throughout_o with_o enthusiastic_a advertisement_n direct_v to_o man_n from_o the_o go_n cicero_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 2._o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n be_v large_a in_o his_o expression_n this_o way_n nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la magnus_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la never_o be_v there_o any_o great_a man_n say_v he_o without_o some_o inspiration_n not_o only_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o mystery_n all_o inspire_a man_n but_o not_o a_o eminent_a physician_n or_o a_o soldier_n be_v there_o among_o they_o nor_o a_o man_n any_o way_n excellent_a but_o they_o derive_v his_o ability_n from_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o think_v his_o quality_n from_o above_o socrates_n that_o excellent_a person_n often_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v as_o art_n and_o science_n be_v but_o to_o be_v have_v by_o inspiration_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a gift_n he_o avow_v himself_o raise_v up_o by_o god_n to_o philosophize_v and_o by_o his_o precept_n to_o reform_v the_o athenian_a manner_n and_o when_o condemn_v to_o die_v and_o sentence_v to_o the_o poisonous_a cup_n resolute_o protest_v though_o the_o prison-dore_n shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o with_o a_o injunction_n never_o more_o to_o philosophize_v he_o will_v whole_o refuse_v his_o liberty_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o will_v choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o men._n we_o read_v not_o of_o a_o eminent_a legislator_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o pretend_v he_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o god_n solon_n law_n be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o minerva_n lycurgus_n derive_v his_o law_n from_o jupiter_n and_o much_o more_o be_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n thereof_o still_o father_v upon_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o and_o hand_v down_o to_o the_o world_n with_o a_o supernatural_a stamp_n numa_n pompilius_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a ceremony_n declare_v he_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o goddess_n egeria_n no_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o have_v make_v some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n that_o absurd_a imposter_n mahomet_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o father_n his_o medley_n divinity_n and_o all_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o his_o koran_n upon_o revelation_n nothing_o else_o can_v have_v cheat_v so_o many_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o that_o mahomet_n have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o revelation_n in_o religious_a affair_n that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o divine_a law_n give_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v their_o religious_a obedience_n whether_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v any_o particular_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la nimis_fw-la magnifico_n &_o superbo_fw-la titulo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ducem_fw-la vocant_fw-la requiri_fw-la coelestem_fw-la quandam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la inde_fw-la nata_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la ritus_fw-la cerimoniae_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la se_fw-la commendant_fw-la praelect_v de_fw-fr verb._n dei_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n well_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o direct_v he_o beside_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v from_o this_o general_a apprehension_n that_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o by_o delude_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n and_o the_o many_o gross_a cheat_n of_o enthusiasm_n the_o great_a impostor_n still_o set_v up_o for_o enthusiast_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enslave_v to_o their_o oracle_n
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o 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who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v 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to_o he_o as_o his_o rational_a be_v call_v for_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n without_o revelation_n natural_a divinity_n if_o due_o pursue_v point_v man_n direct_o to_o supernatural_a from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o deficiency_n and_o our_o natural_a light_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n from_o its_o own_o imperfect_a discovery_n and_o by_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o daty_n in_o general_a which_o without_o revelation_n we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o perform_v my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o of_o a_o sapreme_a and_o perfect_a be_v that_o make_v i_o but_o give_v i_o no_o distinct_a or_o satisfy_a information_n about_o he_o my_o natural_a light_n enjoin_v i_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o can_v sufficien_o direct_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o upon_o ill_a term_n with_o god_n and_o bid_v i_o be_v my_o near_a concern_v endeavour_v a_o 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any_o where_o extant_a a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n let_v it_o be_v produce_v let_v the_o best_a â—ival_n to_o the_o bible_n upon_o that_o account_n or_o all_o its_o competitor_n together_o be_v bring_v foâ—th_n and_o let_v but_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a and_o impartial_a reason_n of_o reason_n as_o much_o itself_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v it_o as_o abstract_v from_o all_o prejudice_n all_o bias_n of_o custom_n education_n or_o any_o collateral_a interest_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o pat_o a_o end_n to_o the_o contest_v let_v man_n be_v but_o true_a to_o that_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o to_o the_o gennine_a issue_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n which_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v predominant_a and_o prevail_v against_o all_o competition_n and_o that_o will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v there_o be_v something_n which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n must_v necesiary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o such_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o we_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v now_o we_o find_v those_o thing_n peculiarly_a to_o belong_v to_o the_o bille_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n applicable_a to_o any_o other_o write_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v so_o as_o by_o the_o follow_a particular_n it_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v to_o be_v where_o any_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v admit_v the_o bible_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v and_o in_o truth_n its_o divine_a authority_n will_v against_o all_o opposition_n be_v establish_v first_o there_o must_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v in_o any_o divine_a law_n god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n such_o a_o legislative_a authority_n express_v in_o command_v in_o promise_v in_o threaten_v and_o 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a_o counterfeit_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n need_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n though_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o bible_n have_v out_o go_v all_o the_o possible_a contrivance_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o word_n so_o become_v his_o own_o greatness_n and_o so_o suitable_a to_o those_o conception_n right_a reason_n will_v give_v we_o of_o he_o because_o though_o many_o book_n and_o write_n have_v make_v a_o claim_n to_o revelation_n beside_o the_o bible_n yet_o in_o fact_n no_o book_n nor_o write_n have_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o command_v the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n nor_o indeed_o in_o any_o way_n become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o bible_n have_v a_o peculiarity_n in_o this_o respect_n above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o have_v be_v extant_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v we_o find_v not_o a_o instance_n where_o any_o have_v so_o far_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o with_o such_o a_o absolute_a superintendency_n to_o dictate_v to_o the_o world_n all_o pretend_a revelation_n have_v in_o this_o visible_o discover_v their_o own_o nakedness_n and_o betray_v their_o own_o mean_a descent_n not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v clothe_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a &_o majestic_a authority_n as_o become_v a_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o most_o of_o they_o no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o common_a prudence_n of_o man_n the_o ancient_a heathen_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o trifle_a part_n of_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o that_o koran_n which_o in_o late_a time_n mabomet_n have_v father_v upon_o revelation_n be_v a_o systeme_n of_o law_n so_o prodigious_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v much_o of_o it_o no_o way_n reconcileable_a to_o common_a discretion_n or_o any_o way_n 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revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v correspond_v to_o and_o perfective_a of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a issue_n of_o our_o natural_a light_n there_o must_v be_v nothing_o in_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n to_o ourselves_o or_o to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o any_o way_n contradict_v the_o law_n natural_a for_o that_o be_v the_o primary_n law_n god_n give_v to_o the_o world_n and_o which_o be_v original_o annex_v to_o our_o being_n and_o inseparable_a from_o ourselves_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o conceive_v and_o indeed_o upon_o many_o account_n impossible_a to_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v ever_o repeal_v either_o the_o whole_a or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o still_o proceed_v to_o rectify_v and_o complete_a it_o and_o superstruct_v all_o future_a revelation_n upon_o it_o two_o thing_n upon_o this_o account_n we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v from_o any_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n first_o so_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v simple_o to_o thing_n natural_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v justify_v to_o we_o by_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o to_o be_v a_o re-inforcement_n of_o the_o law_n true_o natural_a second_o whatever_o it_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n as_o supernatural_a aught_o to_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o a_o rational_a reception_n as_o such_o for_o though_o i_o may_v well_o suppose_v god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n to_o i_o that_o be_v above_o and_o beyond_o i_o and_o which_o my_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v and_o can_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v without_o a_o negative_a upon_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n yet_o i_o can_v reasonable_o suppose_v he_o to_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o that_o be_v in_o itself_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o my_o reason_n to_o believe_v when_o it_o be_v so_o discover_v or_o uncapable_a of_o a_o rational_a assent_n to_o its_o verity_n when_o in_o such_o a_o way_n propose_v because_o the_o design_n of_o all_o revelation_n must_v needs_o be_v in_o a_o reasonable_a though_o 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to_o we_o of_o his_o own_o infinite_a be_v and_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o deity_n itself_o do_v exist_v it_o be_v a_o most_o rational_a thing_n to_o suppose_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a he_o shall_v tell_v we_o many_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o grasp_v in_o our_o mind_n nor_o full_o comprehend_v indeed_o whenever_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n every_o man_n reason_n will_v tell_v he_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n fit_a to_o be_v that_o many_o thing_n shall_v be_v receive_v and_o believe_v bare_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o god_n authority_n and_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o their_o author_n when_o they_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o comprehension_n what_o respect_n and_o reverence_n do_v we_o otherwise_o pay_v to_o the_o great_a god_n more_o than_o we_o shall_v do_v to_o the_o mean_a humane_a pretender_n to_o who_o we_o can_v deny_v a_o assent_n to_o whatever_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v either_o to_o sense_n or_o to_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n 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can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n nor_o before_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o book_n then_o extant_a in_o truth_n write_v by_o he_o they_o will_v have_v be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n though_o they_o have_v not_o be_v within_o their_o canon_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o they_o be_v not_o and_o philo_n or_o josephus_n most_o diligent_a searcher_n of_o their_o antiquity_n will_v have_v make_v some_o eminent_a mention_n of_o they_o in_o who_o work_n we_o find_v altum_fw-la silentium_fw-la about_o any_o such_o book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o real_a book_n then_o extant_a but_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o after_o the_o apostle_n judas_n have_v in_o his_o epistle_n quote_v a_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n which_o prophecy_n without_o doubt_n he_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o either_o pure_o by_o revelation_n which_o i_o rather_o believe_v or_o else_o by_o a_o tradition_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v ascertain_v to_o he_o by_o revelation_n by_o which_o mean_n come_v other_o also_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n in_o aftertime_n to_o be_v ascertain_v of_o what_o they_o write_v about_o divers_a thing_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o his_o book_n for_o in_o the_o psalm_n we_o find_v mention_n of_o some_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n that_o be_v not_o record_v in_o his_o book_n st._n paul_n in_o the_o 9_o to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v that_o when_o moses_n have_v speak_v every_o precept_n according_a to_o the_o law_n he_o take_v the_o blood_n of_o calf_n and_o goat_n with_o water_n and_o scarlet_a wool_n and_o hyssop_n and_o sprinkle_v bâ—th_v the_o book_n and_o all_o the_o people_n say_v this_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o testament_n etc._n etc._n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n have_v add_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o insert_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o selation_n of_o this_o passage_n in_o the_o 24_o of_o exodus_fw-la so_o stephen_n speech_n set_v down_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o the_o act_n tell_v we_o that_o moses_n in_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a suppose_a that_o his_o brethren_n will_v have_v understand_v how_o that_o god_n by_o his_o hand_n will_v deliver_v they_o but_o they_o understand_v not_o by_o which_o we_o have_v a_o reason_n give_v for_o moses_n kill_v the_o egyptian_a that_o he_o himself_o have_v no_o where_o set_v down_o and_o by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o before_o moses_n go_v into_o the_o land_n of_o midian_a god_n reveal_v to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o that_o people_n which_o moses_n himself_o have_v not_o any_o where_n tell_v we_o i_o say_v it_o be_v probable_a that_o some_o heretic_n in_o the_o church_n most_o likely_a the_o gnostic_n who_o much_o cry_v up_o those_o spurious_a write_n to_o promote_v their_o own_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o interest_n take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o frame_v certain_a counterfeit_a book_n just_a as_o some_o other_o do_v under_o the_o name_n of_o jaâ—nes_n and_o jambres_n after_o st._n paul_n mention_n of_o they_o as_o write_v by_o enoch_n before_o the_o flood_n which_o book_n have_v sufficient_o betray_v themselves_o for_o those_o that_o be_v publish_v under_o his_o name_n be_v stuff_v as_o st._n austin_n say_v with_o such_o absurd_a and_o fabulous_a story_n of_o angel_n and_o such_o ridiculous_a relation_n of_o giant_n who_o father_n be_v angel_n and_o no_o man_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v just_o reject_v as_o palpable_o counterfeit_v and_o fictitious_a of_o the_o same_o mind_n be_v jerom_n chrysostom_n and_o epiphanius_n and_o when_o celsus_n allege_v some_o absurd_a story_n out_o of_o those_o writing_n in_o reproach_n to_o the_o christian_n origen_n in_o his_o five_o book_n answer_v he_o by_o show_v what_o a_o mean_a esteem_n the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n than_o have_v of_o they_o for_o the_o second_o those_o pillar_n of_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o credit_n that_o any_o such_o pillar_n shall_v be_v set_v up_o with_o a_o intention_n to_o outlast_v the_o deluge_n or_o that_o they_o shall_v so_o do_v or_o that_o any_o engraving_n upon_o they_o shall_v be_v visible_a some_o thousand_o of_o year_n after_o especial_o upon_o one_o of_o brick_n for_o josephus_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v two_o at_o first_o erect_v one_o of_o brick_n and_o another_o of_o stone_n and_o that_o of_o stone_n they_o make_v on_o purpose_n to_o last_v if_o the_o other_o shall_v decay_v how_o he_o come_v to_o such_o a_o exact_a account_n of_o their_o mind_n the_o reader_n may_v guess_v and_o yet_o he_o say_v it_o be_v that_o of_o brick_n that_o then_o remain_v upon_o which_o he_o do_v not_o absolute_o say_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n write_v in_o letter_n but_o that_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n engrave_v upon_o they_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v invent_v which_o may_v be_v by_o many_o other_o representation_n and_o other_o way_n then_o by_o letter_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o symbolical_a representation_n of_o man_n thought_n one_o to_o another_o be_v extreme_a early_o in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o want_v alphabetical_a letter_n nor_o do_v josephus_n say_v that_o he_o see_v it_o it_o himself_o or_o give_v any_o punctual_a account_n what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v engrave_v upon_o it_o or_o any_o certain_a place_n where_o the_o pillar_n be_v to_o be_v see_v but_o only_o in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v then_o in_o the_o country_n of_o syria_n where_o he_o leave_v man_n of_o leisure_n to_o inquire_v after_o it_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v so_o very_a many_o improbable_a and_o unlikely_a if_o not_o impossible_a circumstance_n do_v attend_v this_o vain_a story_n that_o it_o be_v plain_a josephus_n though_o in_o the_o general_a a_o historian_n of_o deserve_a credit_n take_v it_o upon_o bare_a report_n from_o other_o some_z late_a author_n think_v and_o perhaps_o not_o amiss_o from_o the_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o manetho_n who_o say_v he_o take_v his_o history_n from_o some_o pillar_n set_v up_o before_o the_o flood_n and_o be_v marvailous_o abuse_v in_o that_o countenance_n he_o seem_v to_o give_v to_o it_o nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o we_o sin_v many_o of_o the_o best_a historian_n have_v take_v up_o thing_n upon_o trust_n and_o fall_v thereby_o into_o very_o great_a mistake_n suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n be_v both_o eminent_a historian_n among_o the_o roman_n yet_o both_o guilty_a of_o strange_a mistake_v tacitus_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o history_n that_o the_o jew_n worship_v a_o ass_n head_n with_o the_o high_a veneration_n then_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o untrue_o and_o upon_o less_o ground_n affirm_v and_o suetonius_n so_o mistake_v that_o he_o think_v christ_n live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n for_o he_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o claudius_n judaeos_fw-la impulsore_fw-la chresto_fw-la assidue_fw-la tumultuantes_fw-la civitate_fw-la expulit_fw-la that_o claudius_n expel_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o rome_n who_o be_v continual_o make_v uproar_n be_v stir_v up_o thereunto_o by_o christ_n then_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o absurd_a mistake_n nor_o a_o great_a falsehood_n well_o utter_v for_o the_o three_o the_o mention_n that_o moses_n make_v in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n and_o the_o 14_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n then_o extant_a his_o word_n be_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n what_o he_o didin_fw-mi the_o red_a sea_n and_o in_o the_o brook_n of_o arnon_n first_o divers_a probable_a sense_n be_v give_v of_o the_o place_n that_o render_v it_o no_o objection_n in_o this_o case_n the_o geneva_n translation_n not_o much_o differ_v from_o some_o other_o render_v it_o thus_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n if_o so_o then_o it_o be_v prophetical_a and_o may_v relate_v to_o joshuah_n who_o be_v say_v to_o sight_n the_o battle_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o the_o relation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o joshuah_n or_o judge_n that_o be_v to_o be_v after_o junius_n read_v the_o word_n thus_o idcirco_fw-la dici_fw-la solet_fw-la in_o recensione_n bellorum_fw-la jehovae_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o understand_v it_o not_o of_o any_o particular_a book_n but_o that_o among_o the_o war_n that_o god_n dispose_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v in_o those_o time_n a_o famous_a mention_n in_o the_o
have_v and_o in_o its_o own_o antiquity_n answer_v that_o antiquity_n we_o may_v just_o expect_v to_o accompany_v god_n first_o revelation_n the_o bible_n i_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n have_v a_o singular_a evidence_n give_v in_o to_o its_o credibility_n and_o its_o antiquity_n do_v strong_o affirm_v its_o divine_a authority_n second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v point_v we_o to_o its_o divinity_n because_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o first_o written_a account_n the_o world_n have_v of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o cheat_n that_o the_o first_o eminent_a record_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o not_o only_o a_o lie_n but_o the_o worst_a of_o lie_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a falsehood_n for_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o impose_v a_o law_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o god_n name_n without_o his_o authority_n that_o ever_o be_v publish_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n consist_v with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v original_o cheat_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n to_o suffer_v a_o public_a open_a counterfeit_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n first_o to_o possess_v the_o world_n and_o take_v the_o precedence_n of_o all_o truth_n to_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o publish_v a_o systeme_n of_o lie_n and_o erect_v a_o monument_n of_o falsehood_n before_o there_o be_v any_o write_a record_n of_o truth_n we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v god_n care_n of_o man_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o his_o own_o honour_n to_o engage_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o god_n shall_v first_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n to_o which_o mankind_n may_v still_o have_v a_o recourse_n and_o by_o which_o as_o a_o standard_n all_o delusion_n and_o false_a pretension_n may_v be_v try_v it_o be_v as_o one_o say_v well_o very_o absurd_a to_o think_v god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o set_v up_o a_o chapel_n before_o he_o have_v build_v a_o church_n if_o the_o bible_n be_v original_o compose_v by_o impostor_n and_o be_v not_o a_o divine_a book_n it_o will_v then_o undeniable_o follow_v that_o the_o most_o primitive_a and_o ancient_a account_n we_o have_v of_o religion_n be_v connterfeit_a and_o that_o in_o the_o early_o notice_n we_o have_v of_o god_n of_o the_o world_n original_a man_n fall_n and_o the_o way_n of_o his_o recovery_n for_o we_o have_v none_o so_o early_o as_o what_o the_o bible_n give_v we_o of_o any_o of_o these_o and_o of_o some_o of_o they_o no_o other_o the_o world_n be_v deceive_v and_o abuse_v and_o that_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o before_o any_o thing_n be_v public_o extant_a from_o he_o to_o contradict_v it_o in_o his_o name_n and_o with_o pretence_n of_o his_o authority_n to_o abuse_v and_o deceive_v mankind_n with_o a_o false_a and_o delusive_a account_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v and_o upon_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o which_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n do_v unavoidable_o depend_v this_o very_a one_o consideration_n will_v prevail_v much_o upon_o every_o impartial_a judgement_n who_o can_v believe_v the_o first_o religion_n shall_v be_v the_o worst_a when_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o old_a as_o the_o world_n and_o the_o early_o notion_n of_o god_n the_o false_a when_o we_o must_v needs_o think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n or_o that_o the_o first_o book_n we_o sin_v write_v shall_v contain_v the_o high_a imposture_n in_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o more_o dishonour_n god_n and_o abuse_v the_o world_n than_o any_o or_o all_o the_o book_n write_v since_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o credit_n that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v false_a information_n to_o be_v give_v in_o his_o own_o name_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o revelation_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o about_o 4043_o year_n for_o about_o so_o long_a a_o time_n it_o be_v from_o that_o first_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o historical_o a_o account_n of_o till_o the_o last_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n and_o that_o this_o account_n shall_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o book_n that_o the_o world_n have_v and_o be_v gradual_o carry_v on_o into_o such_o a_o complete_a systeme_n as_o now_o we_o see_v it_o be_v in_o a_o write_a way_n by_o several_a hand_n in_o several_a age_n for_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n together_o for_o about_o so_o long_a a_o time_n it_o be_v from_o moses_n his_o first_o write_v to_o st._n john_n close_v the_o bible_n nor_o be_v it_o supposable_a that_o the_o vile_a falsehood_n for_o such_o be_v the_o bible_n if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n a_o religion_n whereby_o if_o it_o be_v false_a god_n will_v be_v more_o dishonour_v and_o man_n more_o delude_v then_o by_o any_o that_o ever_o be_v yet_o extant_a shall_v have_v this_o to_o say_v in_o its_o justisication_n that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o have_v be_v long_a last_v among_o mankind_n the_o consideration_n therefore_o of_o this_o book_n in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o antiquity_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n it_o contain_v and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o itself_o as_o a_o book_n write_v long_o before_o all_o other_o and_o of_o so_o early_a a_o date_n in_o the_o world_n do_v with_o great_a evidence_n point_v we_o to_o its_o divine_a original_a and_o very_o strong_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n to_o we_o the_o method_n of_o god_n thus_o record_v his_o pleasure_n have_v be_v such_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v we_o have_v all_o those_o reasonable_a inducement_n and_o 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that_o one_o god_n who_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o penman_n god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n and_o those_o humane_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o ground_n to_o believe_v this_o book_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n as_o there_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o other_o humane_a author_n we_o be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o indeed_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o credit_v those_o man_n that_o write_v the_o bible_n consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o write_v it_o and_o how_o and_o when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o write_v it_o as_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o author_n we_o least_o doubt_v
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the_o corruption_n of_o their_o law_n be_v ever_o by_o their_o worst_a enemy_n object_v against_o they_o and_o indeed_o how_o great_a soever_o their_o enmity_n be_v against_o their_o religion_n yet_o they_o never_o deny_v but_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o law_n they_o have_v be_v the_o same_o he_o deliâ—cred_a at_o first_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n since_o the_o closure_n and_o completion_n of_o the_o whole_a what_o a_o fâ—â—ious_a persecution_n do_v the_o bible_n escape_v in_o the_o time_n of_o dioclesian_n who_o after_o the_o grievous_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o i_o before_o persecution_n assault_v they_o about_o the_o year_n 302_o with_o the_o sore_a and_o most_o cruel_a of_o all_o and_o with_o a_o full_a purpose_n to_o root_n christianity_n utter_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v its_o very_a name_n from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n euselius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o in_o the_o nineteenth_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n he_o publish_v a_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o christianity_n itself_o in_o which_o he_o so_o much_o glory_v that_o he_o cause_v a_o pillar_n to_o be_v erect_v as_o his_o memorial_n to_o all_o posterity_n with_o this_o inscription_n dioclesiano_n casari_fw-la augusto_fw-la superstitione_n christi_fw-la ubique_fw-la deleta_fw-la to_o dioclesian_n the_o emperor_n have_v abolish_v the_o superstition_n of_o christ_n all_o the_o world_n over_o by_o that_o edict_n he_o command_v that_o the_o christian-churche_n shall_v every_v where_o be_v demolish_v the_o christian_n all_o seize_v and_o imprison_v et_fw-la quibuâ—cunque_fw-la adhiâ—itis_fw-la machinis_fw-la victimas_fw-la idolis_fw-la immolare_fw-la cogerentur_fw-la that_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o mean_n fair_a and_o foul_a they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o sacrifice_v unto_o his_o idol_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v every_o where_o seek_v for_o burn_v and_o destroy_v and_o whoever_o retain_v they_o shall_v be_v most_o sharp_o torment_v dioclesian_n at_o this_o time_n have_v the_o command_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n for_o as_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a writer_n say_v romanâ—_n spatium_fw-la est_fw-la vrbis_fw-la &_o orbis_n idem_fw-la the_o scripture_n be_v then_o but_o in_o write_a hand_n man_n general_o quake_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o that_o rage_a tyrant_n very_o many_o apostatise_v and_o deliver_v up_o the_o bible_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o be_v thereupon_o brand_v with_o the_o name_n of_o traditores_fw-la of_o which_o and_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n we_o may_v perhaps_o have_v have_v a_o large_a account_n have_v not_o the_o life_n of_o deoclesian_n write_v by_o eusthenius_n his_o secretary_n be_v since_o lose_v for_o as_o baronius_n have_v right_o observe_v in_o his_o annal_n we_o have_v now_o no_o writer_n who_o do_v at_o that_o time_n historical_o set_v down_o the_o action_n of_o that_o emperor_n yet_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n deliver_v this_o book_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n disappoint_v his_o fury_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o these_o divine_a law_n the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n tire_v out_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o find_v out_o way_n to_o torment_v they_o and_o by_o their_o constant_a and_o patient_a suffer_v the_o utmost_a of_o humane_a misery_n even_o weary_v out_o their_o executioner_n one_o remarkable_a passage_n we_o have_v in_o euseblus_fw-la that_o happen_v upon_o this_o occasion_n a_o noble_a man_n in_o nicomedia_n of_o eminent_a quality_n hear_v this_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o bible_n publish_v at_o nicemedâ—a_n after_o it_o be_v read_v and_o open_o fix_v to_o a_o public_a pillar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o dioclesian_n himself_o maximinius_n galerius_n constantius_n and_o other_o the_o chief_a person_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o emperor_n to_o come_v themselves_o in_o person_n with_o their_o chief_a attendants_n to_o hear_v their_o own_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n proclaim_v to_o see_v the_o christian_n torment_v and_o to_o make_v themselves_o sport_n with_o their_o misery_n this_o noble_a man_n have_v such_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o before_o the_o emperor_n face_n he_o take_v down_o that_o profane_a and_o impious_a edict_n and_o with_o a_o holy_a indignation_n open_o tear_v it_o to_o piece_n and_z and_o thereby_o willing_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a suffering_n the_o fury_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o emperor_n can_v any_o way_n make_v he_o the_o subject_n of_o two_o thing_n be_v usual_o urge_v in_o diminution_n of_o the_o â—â—ble_a and_o its_o authority_n upon_o a_o quite_o contrary_a account_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o some_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o its_o part_n that_o first_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o be_v then_o extant_a when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n periâ—â—ed_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o esdras_n write_v it_o himself_o all_o over_o again_o upon_o their_o return_n and_o that_o we_o have_v now_o so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n only_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o re-pâ—â—ned_n it_o in_o this_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o the_o 33_o chapter_n of_o his_o leviathan_n where_o he_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o insinuate_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v gratify_v man_n of_o sceptical_a notion_n about_o the_o bible_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o tell_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o no_o other_o time_n then_o that_o of_o esdras_n and_o be_v retrive_v by_o he_o when_o they_o be_v lose_v and_o second_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o particular_a book_n and_o write_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o once_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v since_o consume_v by_o time_n and_o be_v now_o whole_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v then_o extant_a which_o be_v the_o whole_a as_o we_o have_v it_o save_o some_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezeâ—iel_n daniel_n haggai_n zachary_n and_o masachai_n and_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v total_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o copy_n destroy_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o assertion_n very_o weak_o ground_v and_o there_o be_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o weak_o ground_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o that_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n that_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n a_o book_n every_o where_o stuff_v with_o childish_a and_o fabulous_a stoties_fw-la there_o we_o find_v this_o absurd_a fiction_n that_o esdras_n shall_v speak_v unto_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o thy_o law_n be_v burn_v and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o write_v it_o all_o over_o again_o and_o to_o wrire_fw-fr all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n and_o night_n with_o god_n in_o a_o apish_a foolish_a imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v take_v a_o potion_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o he_o dictate_v all_o the_o bible_n over_o again_o to_o five_o man_n now_o of_o how_o little_a credit_n this_o relation_n be_v no_o where_n find_v but_o in_o this_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o any_o consider_a man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o only_o constant_o reject_v as_o apocryphal_a by_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o a_o counterfeit_n under_o esdras_n his_o name_n and_o none_o of_o he_o but_o have_v be_v so_o by_o all_o
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o 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bring_v we_o to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o guide_v we_o to_o what_o we_o ourselves_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a that_o it_o be_v extreme_a unreasonable_a to_o judge_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a sort_n of_o imposture_n never_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v so_o dutiful_o to_o god_n so_o comfortable_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o useful_o one_o to_o another_o so_o tuneable_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n be_v most_o transparent_a beam_n of_o divine_a perfection_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n give_v according_a to_o what_o be_v eternal_o 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moses_n i_o mean_v the_o true_a ancient_a berosus_n and_o not_o the_o latter_a counterfeit_n of_o he_o set_v down_o the_o story_n of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o moses_n do_v begin_v his_o history_n ante_fw-la aquarum_fw-la cladem_fw-la famosam_fw-la quâ_fw-la universus_fw-la perut_fw-la orbis_fw-la and_o say_v there_o be_v only_o eight_o person_n save_v cyril_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o julian_n show_v that_o alexander_n polybistor_n and_o abidene_n under_o the_o feign_a name_n of_o saturn_n and_o xyfuthrus_n have_v write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o same_o story_n that_o moses_n have_v do_v of_o the_o flood_n and_o of_o the_o ark_n and_o the_o place_n of_o its_o rest_a and_o in_o very_a many_o other_o ancient_a author_n have_v we_o particular_a narrative_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o poetical_a fiction_n and_o fabulous_a story_n that_o we_o find_v among_o the_o ancient_a heathen-writer_n have_v their_o derivation_n from_o thence_o so_o that_o to_o doubt_v about_o the_o fact_n of_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v in_o this_o particular_a be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a for_o it_o be_v to_o deny_v what_o be_v eminent_o witness_v unto_o by_o several_a historian_n of_o several_a country_n and_o to_o withstand_v the_o stream_n of_o a_o universal_a tradition_n the_o story_n of_o building_n the_o babylontan_n tower_n be_v particular_o set_v down_o by_o the_o same_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o abidene_n as_o we_o find_v they_o quote_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n will_v needs_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o god_n build_v up_o a_o tower_n to_o the_o sun_n in_o the_o place_n where_o babylon_n now_o be_v and_o when_o they_o have_v build_v it_o very_o high_a the_o god_n overthrow_v it_o and_o that_o at_o that_o time_n begin_v the_o diversity_n of_o language_n and_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o common_a understanding_n that_o all_o that_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n about_o the_o giant_n war_a against_o heaven_n be_v but_o a_o corruption_n of_o this_o story_n the_o burn_v of_o sodom_n be_v mention_v by_o many_o of_o the_o best_a credit_v author_n by_o diodorus_n saculus_fw-la strabo_n tacitus_n pliny_n and_o solinus_n and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o produce_v the_o like_a testimony_n to_o the_o most_o eminent_a passage_n that_o moses_n have_v set_v down_o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n conquer_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n dispossess_v the_o inhabitant_n and_o settle_a themselves_o in_o palestine_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a from_o the_o effect_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o denial_n and_o we_o have_v a_o large_a account_n of_o many_o particular_n of_o it_o in_o procopius_n eupolemus_n and_o other_o author_n who_o write_v of_o joshua_n samuel_n saul_n david_n in_o who_o according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o moses_n the_o government_n of_o that_o people_n come_v into_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o other_o mention_v in_o the_o sacred_a story_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o king_n as_o solomon_n that_o build_v a_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n josephus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n prove_v from_o the_o ancient_a chronicle_n of_o the_o tyrian_n which_o say_v he_o they_o have_v keep_v with_o great_a diligence_n and_o therein_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o solomon_n league_n with_o the_o king_n of_o tyre_n and_o of_o his_o building_n the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o exact_a time_n of_o it_o a_o hundred_o forty_o three_o year_n and_o eight_o month_n before_o the_o build_n of_o carthage_n the_o same_o account_n we_o have_v in_o eupolemus_n alexander_n polyhistor_n haecateus_fw-la dius_n a_o phenician_a and_o many_o other_o who_o have_v write_v so_o large_o about_o that_o temple_n that_o as_o some_o have_v observe_v there_o be_v not_o a_o vessel_n nor_o any_o tool_n or_o instrument_n in_o it_o which_o they_o have_v not_o particular_o mention_v which_o exactness_n we_o find_v not_o in_o any_o heathen_a story_n in_o the_o description_n of_o any_o temple_n of_o their_o own_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n cyrus_n his_o obtain_v the_o persian_a empire_n and_o his_o conquest_n of_o babylon_n be_v all_o punctual_o set_v down_o by_o profane_a writer_n alexander_n polyhistor_n write_v a_o exact_a story_n of_o jeremiah_n prophecy_n and_o of_o the_o captivity_n and_o diocles_n and_o berosus_n both_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o jew_n deliverance_n by_o cyrus_n and_o that_o they_o be_v captive_n in_o babylon_n 70_o year_n and_o alexander_n polyhistor_n and_o haecateus_fw-la both_o write_v of_o cyrus_n his_o re-building_n the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n daniel_n prediction_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n and_o other_o thing_n have_v be_v visible_o fulfil_v beyond_o all_o denial_n porphiry_n so_o rage_v heretofore_o at_o that_o prophetical_a instance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o he_o seek_v by_o all_o mean_n to_o evade_v it_o spend_v his_o whole_a twelve_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o the_o christian_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o find_v no_o other_o way_n at_o last_o to_o do_v it_o but_o by_o a_o absurd_a pretence_n that_o those_o prophecy_n about_o the_o four_o monarchy_n be_v write_v long_o after_o daniel_n death_n by_o some_o other_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochas_n which_o be_v sufficient_o confute_v not_o only_o by_o the_o credible_a relation_n we_o have_v in_o history_n that_o daniel_n prophecy_n be_v show_v by_o jaddus_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o alexander_n who_o live_v many_o year_n before_o antiochus_n when_o he_o be_v march_v towards_o jerusalem_n with_o a_o intention_n to_o destroy_v it_o who_o find_v himself_o so_o particular_o in_o that_o prophecy_n prophesy_v of_o spare_v the_o city_n thereupon_o but_o because_o the_o 70_o interpreter_n who_o tranâ—tated_v the_o old_a testament_n for_o ptolemy_n about_o a_o hundred_o year_n before_o antiochus_n tranâ—â—â—ated_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n which_o be_v then_o extant_a and_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o the_o captivity_n it_o be_v clear_a from_o all_o story_n that_o the_o jew_n that_o return_v out_o of_o babylon_n continue_v under_o a_o national_a establishment_n though_o not_o under_o a_o succession_n of_o kingly_a government_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n for_o god_n have_v declare_v by_o jeremiah_n that_o none_o of_o the_o seed_n of_o jeconaih_n shall_v any_o more_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n of_o david_n have_v sovereign_a jurisdiction_n among_o they_o which_o the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v whole_o lose_v and_o long_o before_o be_v total_o deprive_v of_o nay_o be_v still_o govern_v by_o some_o of_o themselves_o till_o the_o roman_n impose_v herod_n and_o idumaean_a upon_o they_o in_o who_o time_n our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v so_o that_o the_o sceptre_n do_v not_o depart_v from_o judah_n nor_o a_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n till_o shiloe_n come_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o disbelieve_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n in_o fact_n as_o our_o saviour_n and_o such_o man_n as_o the_o apostle_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o erect_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o of_o the_o succession_n of_o it_o in_o multitude_n of_o professor_n ever_o since_o and_o the_o write_a account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o not_o only_o from_o christian_n themselves_o but_o from_o jew_n and_o heathen_n in_o those_o time_n tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n both_o make_v mention_n of_o christ_n tacitus_n in_o the_o 15_o book_n of_o his_o annal_n speak_v of_o nero_n cruelty_n to_o the_o christian_n say_v the_o author_n of_o they_o be_v one_o christ_n who_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o pontius_n pilate_n procurator_n of_o judea_n josephus_n speak_v of_o he_o pliny_n suetonius_n and_o other_o write_v of_o the_o christian_n extant_a in_o those_o time_n of_o their_o principle_n their_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o of_o their_o suffering_n suetonius_n say_v in_o the_o life_n of_o nero_n christianos_n genus_fw-la hominum_fw-la maleficae_fw-la superstitionis_fw-la suppliciis_fw-la affixit_fw-la that_o he_o pumsh_v the_o christian_n a_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o a_o magical_a superstition_n many_o historical_a passage_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v attest_v to_o we_o by_o heathen_a and_o jewish-writters_a though_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o roman_a historian_n of_o that_o age_n know_v not_o much_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o palestine_n as_o appear_v by_o what_o they_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o jew_n especial_o tacitus_n who_o appear_v very_o gross_o ignorant_a both_o about_o they_o and_o their_o religion_n the_o star_n that_o appear_v at_o our_o saviour_n birth_n be_v mention_v by_o pliny_n lib._n 2._o chap._n 5._o and_o by_o the_o philosopher_n chalcidius_n large_o in_o his_o comment_n upon_o plato_n timaeas_n herodi_n kill_v the_o child_n in_o bethlehem_n by_o macrobius_n the_o eclipse_n of_o
the_o sun_n upon_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o consider_v the_o position_n of_o the_o moon_n at_o that_o time_n it_o be_v the_o time_n of_o the_o jew_n passeover_n must_v needs_o be_v judge_v to_o be_v prodigious_o supernatural_a be_v mention_v in_o many_o heathen_a writer_n which_o eusebius_n say_v he_o himself_o have_v read_v both_o eusebius_n in_o his_o chronology_n and_o origen_n in_o his_o second_o book_n against_o celsus_n tell_v we_o that_o phlegon_n trallianus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n in_o the_o thirteen_o book_n of_o his_o chronicle_n write_v of_o this_o eclipse_n and_o say_v that_o in_o the_o four_o year_n of_o the_o two_o hundred_o and_o ten_o olympiad_n there_o be_v the_o great_a eclipse_n of_o thâ—â—an_n that_o ever_o be_v behold_v and_o withal_o a_o strange_a earthquake_n and_o that_o year_n be_v exact_o the_o eighteen_o year_n of_o tiberius_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n suffer_v and_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o tertullia_n â—â—â—loâ—y_n and_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n in_o those_o first_o age_n that_o this_o and_o divers_a other_o passage_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o stoâ—â—_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o those_o time_n reâ—â—red_v among_o the_o roman_n for_o they_o ofâ—en_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o record_n to_o â—â—ove_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o and_o many_o other_o particular_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n which_o â—e_n write_v but_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o death_n of_o st._n john_n persuade_v the_o emperor_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n refer_v he_o to_o the_o act_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n then_o register_v at_o rome_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o do_v these_o thing_n you_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o register_n of_o the_o act_n do_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n josephus_n who_o be_v bear_v about_o five_o or_o six_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n suffering_n and_o survive_v the_o reign_n of_o both_o the_o vâ—spatians_n relate_v much_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n story_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n of_o his_o holy_a life_n and_o also_o of_o his_o death_n tell_v we_o of_o herod_n and_o give_v a_o large_a and_o particular_a account_n of_o his_o strange_a and_o remarkable_a death_n of_o pilate_n of_o festus_n foelix_n gamaliel_n and_o other_o indeed_o neither_o jew_n nor_o heathen_n do_v ever_o in_o those_o time_n contradict_v or_o deny_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o new_a testament_n story_n judge_v it_o certain_a beyond_o all_o denial_n julian_n himself_o admit_v the_o fact_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o miracle_n and_o plain_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o those_o time_n and_o by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v that_o we_o have_v no_o full_a and_o exacter_n a_o account_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o affair_n of_o judea_n in_o his_o time_n in_o the_o roman_a story_n be_v not_o to_o be_v much_o wonder_v at_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o peaceable_a posture_n that_o country_n be_v then_o in_o news_n which_o best_o please_v the_o roman_n from_o any_o of_o their_o province_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v tacitus_n observe_v that_o judea_n be_v most_o quiet_a in_o the_o reign_n of_o tâ—berius_n as_o well_o it_o may_v all_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o follower_n do_v tend_v high_o to_o peace_n and_o subjection_n now_o we_o find_v that_o the_o roman-writer_n chief_o apply_v themselves_o to_o write_v of_o some_o famous_a war_n the_o suppression_n of_o some_o eminent_a mutiny_n or_o some_o such_o accident_n as_o in_o their_o issue_n redound_v much_o to_o the_o roman-glory_n the_o peaceable_a condition_n of_o any_o province_n usual_o shorten_v their_o relation_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o neither_o of_o the_o jew_n not_o of_o the_o christian_n in_o that_o age_n have_v they_o vouchsafe_v to_o say_v much_o nor_o do_v the_o christian_n at_o any_o time_n such_o be_v their_o peaceable_a and_o submissive_a behaviour_n give_v historian_n occasion_n to_o mention_n much_o more_o of_o they_o than_o their_o patient_a suffering_n but_o in_o the_o aftertime_n of_o vâ—spatian_n trajan_n &_o adrian_n when_o the_o roman-sword_n be_v draw_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o there_o be_v great_a mutiny_n rebellion_n and_o war_n among_o they_o the_o roman-historian_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o ample_a relation_n of_o all_o those_o affair_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v of_o great_a eminency_n in_o themselves_o and_o of_o most_o public_a nature_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n the_o fact_n of_o which_o have_v have_v such_o signal_n justification_n as_o do_v great_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o to_o which_o a_o very_a peculiar_a remark_n be_v due_a the_o one_o be_v the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o and_o the_o repeopling_a of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n the_o other_o be_v those_o prophetical_a prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n of_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o jew_n utter_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o new_a for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o flood_n nothing_o i_o have_v show_v have_v have_v a_o more_o universal_a belief_n that_o the_o earth_n according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v again_o repeopled_n by_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n and_o that_o the_o nation_n be_v divide_v in_o the_o earth_n from_o his_o three_o son_n and_o their_o issue_n as_o moses_n tell_v we_o we_o have_v from_o the_o record_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o history_n abundant_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o that_o upon_o this_o threefold_a account_n first_o we_o find_v that_o in_o those_o eastern_a part_n where_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n be_v say_v first_o to_o land_n and_o settle_v themselves_o after_o the_o deluge_n the_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n first_o begin_v of_o which_o the_o greatness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o assyrian-empire_n be_v a_o sufficient_a instance_n those_o eastern_a country_n arrive_v to_o much_o state_n and_o pomp_n and_o to_o much_o greatness_n in_o dominion_n and_o government_n long_o before_o either_o in_o greece_n italy_n or_o any_o of_o the_o western_a part_n any_o such_o thing_n be_v attain_v to_o or_o know_v which_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o those_o country_n be_v the_o first-born_a and_o heir_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v the_o great_a court_n and_o metropolis_n among_o they_o and_o that_o other_o nation_n be_v of_o the_o young_a house_n and_o colony_n of_o a_o latter_a edition_n second_o the_o earliness_n of_o learning_n of_o art_n science_n and_o invention_n among_o â—he_n assyrian_n chaldaeâ—ns_n and_o egyptian_n before_o they_o so_o much_o as_o bud_v forth_o or_o appeat_v in_o other_o conntry_n do_v argue_v that_o those_o part_n be_v first_o inhabit_v that_o they_o be_v the_o elder_a possessor_n oâ—_n the_o world_n have_v be_v long_a in_o it_o werâ—_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o that_o other_o nation_n &_o people_n be_v gradual_o deriveâ—_n and_o plant_v from_o those_o country_n anâ—_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n three_o we_o find_v that_o those_o in_o honour_n of_o who_o the_o nation_n receive_v their_o first_o name_n be_v the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n that_o moses_n tell_v we_o of_o from_o japhet_n most_o probable_o the_o elder_a son_n of_o noaâ—_n call_v by_o hesiod_n and_o other_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n japito_n and_o his_o posterito_fw-la japeâ—â—onides_n come_v the_o gomerian_o or_o â—ymbrians_n from_o his_o son_n gomer_n the_o magogim_n from_o magog_n the_o mede_n or_o madian_o from_o madus_n the_o jones_n after_o call_v graeâ—â—ns_n from_o javan_n in_o greek_a jovan_n and_o so_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o the_o other_o two_o the_o canaanite_n from_o canaan_n the_o sabaeâ—ns_n from_o seba_n which_o the_o grecian_n write_v saba_n the_o philistines_n from_o palesthim_n the_o thracian_n from_o thyras_n the_o sidonâ—ans_n from_o sidon_n the_o egyptian_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o cham_n egypt_n be_v call_v mizraim_n from_o mizraim_n one_o of_o his_o son_n mizraim_n in_o hebrew_a be_v the_o name_n of_o egypt_n and_o ancient_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n the_o egyptian_n he_o say_v be_v call_v chuseans_n from_o cush_n or_o chus_n the_o elder_a son_n of_o cham_n and_o so_o throughout_o all_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o find_v the_o several_a nation_n by_o their_o ancient_a denomination_n to_o be_v original_o descend_v from_o that_o posterity_n of_o noab_n set_v down_o in_o the_o ten_o of_o genesis_n seem_v posterity_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o planter_n of_o asia_n cham_n of_o africa_n and_o japhet_n of_o most_o part_n of_o europe_n with_o asia_n the_o less_o
of_o imposture_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o who_o design_v to_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v a_o book_n shall_v choose_v to_o compose_v it_o in_o such_o a_o prophetic_a way_n and_o so_o positive_o and_o plain_o deliver_v themselves_o about_o so_o many_o future_a event_n indeed_o about_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v among_o mankind_n for_o the_o first_o miscarriage_n in_o that_o kind_n a_o palpable_a mistake_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a must_v needs_o ruin_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o that_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v ever_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o what_o be_v to_o come_v he_o therefore_o that_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o miss_v or_o else_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o own_o imposture_n that_o in_o the_o 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unintelligible_a as_o in_o truth_n render_v they_o problem_n rather_o than_o prophecy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v frame_v more_o to_o confound_v and_o amuse_v than_o to_o inform_v or_o satisfy_v and_o to_o be_v chief_o calculate_v to_o abuse_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o adore_v what_o they_o least_o understand_v and_o to_o suppose_v some_o extraordinary_a matter_n to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o all_o such_o cloud_a expression_n according_a to_o that_o of_o lucretius_n omnia_fw-la enim_fw-la stolidi_fw-la magis_fw-la admirantut_o amantque_fw-la inversis_fw-la quae_fw-la sub_fw-la verbis_fw-la latitantia_fw-la cernunt_fw-la three_o their_o oraculous_a divination_n of_o future_a thing_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o deliver_v that_o they_o have_v divers_a aspect_n carry_v in_o they_o divers_a intricate_a sense_n manifold_a ambiguity_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o credit_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o divers_a and_o those_o contrary_n interpretation_n which_o make_v the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v their_o great_a oracle_n at_o delphos_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thwarter_n or_o crooked-speaker_n four_o many_o of_o their_o plain_a and_o most_o intelligible_a prediction_n have_v be_v consequent_o find_v to_o be_v false_a and_o mistake_v and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o a_o perfect_a subversion_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v by_o porphiry_n declare_v that_o all_z other_z god_n be_v but_o airy_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o direction_n have_v it_o be_v follow_v have_v put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o all_o their_o own_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o sibyl_n prophesy_v so_o full_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v out_o of_o their_o work_n in_o the_o four_o eglogue_n of_o virgil._n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o for_o some_o secret_a and_o to_o we_o unknown_a end_n god_n who_o as_o the_o heathen_n general_o acknowledge_v can_v only_o do_v it_o for_o they_o still_o ascribe_v it_o even_o porphiry_n himself_o unto_o their_o god_n might_n and_o do_v sometime_o reveal_v some_o future_a event_n which_o no_o other_o way_n can_v be_v know_v as_o he_o do_v the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n at_o endor_n to_o the_o devil_n or_o to_o other_o which_o they_o may_v communicate_v but_o nothing_o that_o ever_o be_v extant_a in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v any_o way_n put_v in_o balance_n with_o that_o prophetic_a spirit_n we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v much_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o miracle_n the_o heathen-world_n be_v fill_v with_o pretension_n both_o way_n some_o of_o they_o real_a and_o true_a but_o most_o general_o fictitious_a and_o false_a and_o when_o true_a both_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o we_o derive_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o different_o circumstance_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o superior_a eminency_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o one_o as_o render_v the_o other_o no_o objection_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n here_o we_o have_v clear_a plain_a and_o positive_a prediction_n of_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v prediction_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o natural_a cause_n then_o extant_a when_o they_o be_v make_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o unbounded_a will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o such_o prediction_n with_o marvalous_a variety_n and_o great_a exactness_n and_o particularity_n concern_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o all_o age_n and_o throughout_o a_o constant_a and_o un-erring_a success_n without_o a_o failure_n in_o a_o tittle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o record_v in_o the_o general_a story_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v we_o suppose_v can_v pronounce_v with_o such_o a_o positive_a certainty_n upon_o all_o future_a event_n not_o to_o foretell_v once_o or_o a_o second_o time_n what_o shall_v be_v here_o or_o there_o but_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o positive_a prophetic_a determination_n about_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o write_v of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o world_n as_o man_n write_v history_n of_o age_n past_a and_o to_o have_v thing_n always_o right_o come_v to_o pass_v never_o to_o mistake_v constant_o to_o give_v right_a divination_n this_o be_v single_o the_o property_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v reasonable_o though_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o prophetical_a book_n but_o he_o that_o grasp_v all_o age_n with_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n span_n all_o time_n and_o season_n from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o who_o with_o the_o sane_a 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we_o as_o appear_v evident_o sit_v and_o suit_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o after_o a_o admirable_a manner_n harmonise_v with_o the_o rational_a nature_n in_o which_o thing_n from_o above_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o thing_n below_o and_o every_o way_n so_o proportion_v to_o they_o as_o that_o truth_n supernatural_a which_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v appear_v justify_v to_o we_o by_o truth_n natural_a that_o we_o be_v perfect_o judge_n of_o and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v a_o wonderful_a concord_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v in_o god_n own_o name_n command_v the_o world_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n to_o bow_v before_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n peculiar_o proper_a to_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n with_o a_o positive_a claim_n to_o his_o immediate_a authority_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o claim_n establish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a 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age_n thaâ—_n have_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n beforâ—_n some_o of_o they_o happen_v pronounce_v with_o a_o absolute_a prophetic_a certainty_n about_o thâ—m_n and_o have_v never_o be_v find_v tâ—_n mistake_v in_o a_o tittle_n though_o it_o have_v sometimes_o descend_v so_o to_o particular_n as_o 〈◊〉_d name_n even_o the_o person_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v can_v once_o be_v impeach_v for_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o the_o least_o circumstance_n relate_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v be_v signal_o preserve_v from_o the_o great_a rage_n of_o many_o powerful_a adversary_n and_o from_o the_o most_o violent_a and_o potent_a attempt_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o ruin_n of_o such_o who_o be_v in_o high_a authority_n and_o furnish_v with_o great_a advantage_n to_o effect_v it_o a_o book_n that_o have_v escape_v all_o sort_n of_o contrivance_n against_o it_o and_o safe_o descend_v through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n providential_o secure_v and_o unmaimed_a and_o entire_o deliver_v over_o to_o we_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o evident_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o right_a reason_n improve_v mankind_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o all_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a attainment_n boâ—h_v moral_a and_o divine_a bring_v the_o world_n into_o the_o best_a posture_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v man_n wise_a better_a and_o happy_a than_o they_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v themselves_o find_v out_o how_o to_o be_v if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o by_o mean_n utter_o unthought_a of_o and_o far_o out_o of_o all_o humane-reach_a and_o yet_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a nature_n sweet_o and_o safe_o even_o to_o our_o great_a admiration_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n fill_v up_o that_o vast_a gulf_n that_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o free_a and_o perpetual_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o a_o beatitude_n infinite_o transcend_v whatever_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v or_o invent_v which_o the_o rational_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o it_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o in_o which_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v in_o short_a if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n if_o we_o respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o appertinent_a to_o it_o that_o we_o can_v rational_o expect_v shall_v accompany_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o supernatural_a law_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v enlighten_v and_o rule_v the_o world_n a_o book_n that_o every_o way_n answer_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n propose_v most_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o all_o our_o natural_a defect_n leave_v not_o a_o disease_n in_o humane_a nature_n 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it_o divers_a contradiction_n several_a strange_a and_o incredible_a story_n and_o other_o thing_n great_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v previous_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v advantage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o bible_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v that_o we_o have_v not_o and_o we_o have_v likewise_o some_o advantage_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a to_o our_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o penman_n themselves_o the_o name_n of_o many_o of_o who_o be_v to_o we_o whole_o unknown_a the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o record_v they_o foresee_v the_o scripture_n will_v descend_v to_o we_o upon_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o personal_a integrity_n and_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o 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this_o question_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o ascertain_v man_n in_o their_o reception_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o first_o become_v public_a first_o by_o some_o outward_a visible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o that_o service_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o commissionated_a from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o write_n themselves_o and_o herein_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o write_v it_o will_v much_o inform_v we_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o first_o and_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n in_o the_o five_o book_n that_o he_o write_v he_o have_v a_o justification_n personal_n beyond_o all_o question_n his_o commission_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o assure_v those_o that_o then_o live_v that_o god_n have_v employ_v he_o for_o god_n admit_v he_o open_o to_o a_o personal_a converse_n with_o himself_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o exodus_fw-la that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n loe_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v bear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n he_o impower_v he_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o since_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o open_o to_o shame_n and_o outdo_v all_o his_o opposer_n and_o all_o pretender_n that_o way_n and_o whensoever_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n make_v about_o this_o divine_a authority_n or_o any_o contest_v with_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o korah_n and_o at_o other_o time_n god_n plain_o and_o open_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n decide_v the_o matter_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o write_a way_n and_o publish_v those_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o succeed_v and_o the_o great_a cornerstone_n of_o all_o that_o revelation_n that_o he_o will_v at_o any_o time_n after_o make_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n so_o that_o such_o who_o live_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o all_o be_v do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o put_v that_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o god_n visible_o show_v himself_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o of_o exodus_fw-la and_o his_o own_o glory_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v a_o pave_a work_n of_o a_o saphire-stone_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o clearness_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n raise_v whether_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n be_v right_o record_v and_o as_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v for_o before_o his_o death_n he_o himself_o by_o god_n special_a command_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n deliver_v over_o his_o five_o book_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n after_o moses_n his_o time_n
in_o palestine_n nor_o understand_v by_o any_o but_o the_o disperse_a hellenist_n and_o so_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o be_v send_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o that_o church_n who_o never_o own_v any_o scripture_n for_o canonical_a but_o what_o be_v in_o hebrew_n a_o language_n peculiar_a to_o they_o and_o the_o bibles_n they_o constant_o use_v till_o our_o saviour_n time_n in_o their_o synagogue_n be_v all_o in_o hebrew_n three_o there_o be_v in_o most_o of_o these_o book_n some_o eminent_a discovery_n of_o their_o own_o humane_a extraction_n as_o in_o the_o second_o of_o macc._n 2.24_o the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n whoever_o he_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v borrow_v what_o he_o write_v out_o of_o jason_n of_o cyrene_n and_o contract_v five_o book_n of_o his_o into_o one_o volumn_n and_o so_o what_o he_o there_o write_v he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o father_v it_o on_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o any_o dictate_v of_o his_o that_o he_o plain_o confess_v it_o be_v none_o of_o his_o own_o but_o the_o bare_a epitome_n of_o another_o man_n write_n and_o desire_n to_o be_v excuse_v if_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o well_o and_o it_o be_v most_o notorious_o evident_a to_o every_o common_a reader_n that_o many_o of_o these_o book_n contain_v such_o ridiculous_a story_n and_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o without_o high_a impiety_n and_o great_a contradiction_n to_o all_o those_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n they_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o their_o author_n four_o these_o book_n be_v never_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n nor_o be_v to_o this_o day_n and_o so_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v never_o receive_v by_o any_o church_n for_o there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o which_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v of_o any_o part_n of_o god_n write_a and_o supreme_a law_n as_o also_o that_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o in_o a_o most_o peculiar_a way_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v and_o who_o have_v the_o custody_n of_o all_o god_n sacred_a record_n and_o be_v as_o st._n austin_n call_v they_o god_n &_o the_o church_n great_a library-keeper_n shall_v so_o notorious_o err_v as_o to_o reject_v for_o not_o to_o receive_v into_o their_o canon_n be_v to_o reject_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n with_o who_o chief_o we_o contest_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o who_o annex_v to_o the_o church_n a_o infallible_a judgement_n shall_v imagine_v the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n to_o fall_v into_o so_o great_a and_o gross_a a_o mistake_n in_o so_o fundamental_a a_o matter_n that_o the_o jewish_a church_n never_o heretofore_o receive_v these_o apocryphal_a book_n into_o their_o canon_n nor_o do_v to_o this_o day_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o with_o the_o least_o colour_n of_o reason_n can_v be_v deny_v that_o they_o do_v not_o to_o this_o day_n be_v know_v all_o the_o world_n over_o wheresoever_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o their_o bible_n be_v to_o be_v see_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n have_v no_o other_o book_n within_o their_o canon_n than_o those_o we_o now_o have_v be_v evident_a from_o the_o testimony_n of_o josephus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n who_o there_o tâ—lls_v we_o what_o book_n the_o jew_n reckon_v canonical_a and_o say_v they_o be_v only_o twenty_o two_o in_o number_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o letter_n in_o their_o alphabet_n and_o reckon_v those_o very_a book_n we_o now_o receive_v as_o only_o canonical_a other_o book_n he_o say_v there_o be_v write_v after_o the_o captivity_n but_o they_o be_v never_o number_v with_o the_o sacred_a record_n origen_n st._n jerome_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v large_o prove_v the_o same_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o have_v turn_v every_o stone_n to_o ease_v themselves_o from_o the_o dint_n of_o this_o argument_n have_v find_v no_o other_o countenance_n that_o ever_o these_o book_n receive_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o make_v we_o suppose_v they_o receive_v they_o into_o their_o canon_n but_o that_o in_o some_o place_n some_o few_o of_o the_o hellenist_n jew_n that_o live_v remote_a from_o palestine_n have_v annex_v some_o of_o these_o book_n to_o their_o septuagint_n bibles_n but_o such_o hellenist_n themselves_o have_v any_o esteem_n of_o they_o as_o canonical_a write_n nor_o can_v it_o any_o more_o be_v prove_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o have_v than_o it_o can_v that_o we_o in_o england_n receive_v they_o into_o our_o canon_n because_o they_o be_v bind_v up_o with_o some_o of_o our_o bibles_n and_o never_o be_v any_o of_o these_o book_n annex_v to_o the_o hobrew-bibles_n use_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o palestine_n nor_o be_v any_o of_o they_o ever_o read_v or_o admit_v into_o their_o synagogue_n there_o in_o truth_n this_o matter_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o notorious_a and_o evident_a that_o bellarmine_n himself_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a confession_n of_o it_o and_o say_v plain_o hos_fw-la omnes_fw-la libros_fw-la speak_v of_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n ad_fw-la unum_fw-la rejici_fw-la ab_fw-la hebraeis_n that_o every_o one_o of_o these_o book_n be_v rect_v by_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n contr._n 1._o lib._n 1._o ch_n 10._o and_o confirm_v the_o same_o out_o of_o st._n jerome_n and_o if_o so_o we_o have_v then_o not_o only_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o this_o case_n which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a for_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a contradiction_n to_o make_v any_o book_n part_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o receive_v then_o but_o we_o have_v also_o a_o more_o infallible_a determination_n for_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n full_o and_o constant_o approve_v the_o old_a testament_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o possess_v of_o it_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v with_o so_o much_o exactness_n reduce_v all_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o yet_o tacit_o approve_v and_o silent_o pass_v over_o so_o great_a a_o mistake_n about_o the_o rule_n itself_o our_o saviour_n direct_v the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n as_o they_o then_o have_v they_o as_o be_v perfect_a and_o complete_a appeal_n to_o their_o own_o bibles_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o own_o defence_n expound_v moses_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n as_o those_o to_o who_o he_o speak_v be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v then_o extant_a nay_o he_o himself_o read_v and_o preach_v in_o their_o synagogue_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o there_o find_v they_o and_o as_o they_o be_v there_o public_o use_v and_o no_o man_n can_v sober_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v go_v about_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n out_o of_o any_o false_a and_o imperfect_a rule_n the_o apostle_n likewise_o upon_o all_o occasion_n make_v use_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o they_o find_v the_o jew_n possess_v of_o it_o nor_o have_v we_o the_o least_o intimation_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o mistake_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o book_n they_o receive_v or_o that_o the_o least_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v in_o those_o book_n since_o the_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o write_v and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o the_o old_a tement_n as_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v it_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n approve_v it_o descend_v down_o to_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v constant_o so_o receive_v the_o primitive_a writer_n agree_v universal_o in_o it_o cyprian_a epiphanius_n athanasius_n nazianzen_n all_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o cyril_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n after_o he_o have_v reckon_v up_o to_o his_o catechumini_fw-la the_o 22_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o now_o receive_v add_v hos_fw-la lege_fw-la viginti_fw-la dvos_fw-la cum_fw-la apocryphis_fw-la nil_fw-la habe_fw-la negotii_fw-la catechis_n 4._o read_v these_o two_o and_o twenty_o book_n but_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o apocrypha_fw-la origen_n quote_v for_o it_o at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o history_n reckon_v up_o the_o very_a same_o twenty_o two_o book_n for_o the_o canonical_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o so_o do_v st._n jerome_n and_o express_o reckon_v the_o other_o apocryphal_a the_o same_o we_o find_v in_o russinus_n who_o say_v the_o apocryphal_a book_n they_o never_o ancient_o call_v libros_fw-la canonicos_fw-la but_o ecclesiasticos_fw-la and_o the_o first_o council_n we_o read_v of_o that_o enter_v into_o a_o consideration_n of_o this_o matter_n which_o be_v that_o of_o laodicea_n about_o the_o year_n 364._o in_o their_o 59_o canon_n declare_v the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o
old_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o very_a same_o and_o no_o other_o than_o those_o we_o now_o receive_v nor_o be_v these_o apocryphal_a book_n ever_o otherwise_o reckon_v either_o in_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a church_n than_o as_o humane_a and_o fallible_a write_n till_o the_o late_a assembly_n at_o trent_n be_v please_v to_o declare_v they_o otherwise_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o seem_v sufficient_a to_o any_o reasonable_a man_n to_o clear_v up_o that_o doubt_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n whether_o we_o have_v not_o less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o indeed_o ought_v to_o have_v because_o that_o beside_o what_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v of_o late_o do_v to_o canonize_v these_o apocryphal_a write_n no_o other_o addition_n to_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n attempt_v that_o merit_v the_o least_o consideration_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o doubt_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o that_o be_v how_o we_o may_v be_v reasonable_o secure_v that_o our_o bibles_n contain_v in_o they_o no_o more_o than_o they_o shall_v that_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n we_o receive_v some_o book_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st._n james_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o epistle_n of_o judas_n the_o 2_o and_o 3_o epistle_n of_o john_n and_o the_o apocalypse_v of_o all_o which_o there_o have_v former_o be_v some_o doubt_n make_v in_o the_o solution_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v what_o be_v most_o probable_o the_o first_o and_o original_a ground_n of_o such_o doubt_n and_o second_o to_o show_v that_o those_o doubt_n than_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o no_o prevalency_n with_o we_o now_o and_o that_o there_o be_v at_o this_o time_n no_o good_a reason_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o be_v now_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o all_o the_o doubt_n that_o have_v arisen_a about_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v most_o probable_o these_o two_o way_n occasion_v first_o it_o be_v obvious_a that_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o several_a part_n at_o several_a time_n and_o not_o all_o compose_v together_o the_o whole_a become_v not_o public_a but_o by_o many_o step_n and_o degree_n have_v several_a former_a and_o latter_a edition_n that_o be_v some_o part_n that_o be_v first_o write_v be_v copy_v out_o by_o those_o that_o have_v the_o original_n and_o conjoined_a and_o so_o disperse_v and_o other_o part_n still_o add_v as_o they_o be_v write_v and_o become_v public_a now_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o some_o part_n that_o be_v after_o add_v to_o such_o bibles_n as_o first_o come_v out_o may_v be_v at_o first_o question_v and_o doubt_v of_o by_o such_o who_o have_v the_o former_a edition_n and_o be_v not_o full_o inform_v about_o the_o after_o addition_n of_o other_o part_n and_o so_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o publication_n of_o most_o systeme_n of_o humane_a law_n that_o have_v come_v out_o gradual_o and_o by_o part_n and_o not_o in_o a_o full_a and_o entire_a body_n at_o once_o second_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o many_o christian_n that_o live_v in_o those_o first_o time_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o distance_n from_o those_o place_n where_o some_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n first_o become_v public_a may_v be_v for_o a_o considerable_a time_n it_o may_v be_v till_o after_o the_o death_n of_o their_o author_n without_o any_o notice_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n some_o doubt_n about_o such_o part_n may_v arise_v because_o they_o â—ad_v come_v to_o their_o knowledge_n no_o soon_o especial_o if_o any_o such_o part_n seem_v to_o â—avour_n or_o countenance_v any_o particular_a sect_n or_o opinion_n as_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v that_o of_o the_o novation_n and_o the_o apocalypse_v that_o of_o the_o chiliast_n and_o this_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n and_o we_o know_v it_o be_v about_o the_o epistle_n that_o the_o doubt_n chief_o be_v be_v at_o any_o time_n question_v especial_o such_o as_o be_v more_o remote_o and_o uncertain_o direct_v to_o the_o scatter_a jew_n as_o that_o of_o st._n james_n that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o that_o of_o st._n peter_n which_o be_v no_o way_n likely_a to_o be_v so_o soon_o or_o so_o common_o know_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o come_v by_o as_o those_o epistle_n send_v to_o rome_n corinth_n and_o ephesus_n and_o those_o great_a and_o public_a city_n from_o whence_o the_o fame_n of_o they_o will_v soon_o spread_v and_o copy_n be_v upon_o much_o easy_a term_n to_o be_v have_v because_o it_o be_v certain_o know_v where_o the_o original_n be_v second_o there_o be_v no_o good_a reason_n from_o any_o question_n that_o be_v make_v heretofore_o to_o raise_v any_o doubt_n now_o about_o any_o part_n of_o the_o new-testament_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o because_o these_o book_n in_o question_n be_v most_o general_o receive_v at_o first_o and_o doubt_v of_o only_a by_o some_o and_o those_o such_o who_o have_v least_o information_n about_o they_o and_o this_o be_v very_o evident_a because_o we_o find_v they_o frequent_o quote_v as_o canonical_a scripture_n by_o many_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian-writer_n in_o those_o age_n next_o the_o apostle_n tertullian_n except_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st._n peter_n have_v in_o his_o work_n quote_v as_o canonical_a scripture_n every_o book_n of_o the_o new-testament_n we_o now_o receive_v and_o st._n jerome_n speak_v in_o his_o epistle_n ad_fw-la dardanâ—m_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrews_n and_o some_o other_o of_o those_o book_n about_o which_o we_o now_o discourse_v say_v we_o receive_v they_o not_o from_o the_o custom_n of_o this_o time_n but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o primitive_a writer_n second_o they_o contain_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o do_v plain_o harmonise_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o be_v general_o witness_v unto_o by_o other_o book_n about_o which_o no_o question_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v and_o of_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n unless_o it_o be_v concern_v the_o revelation_n which_o yet_o contain_v a_o most_o admirable_a though_o mysterious_a agreement_n with_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezekiel_n and_o daniel_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o this_o book_n beside_o that_o the_o suitableness_n of_o event_n thereunto_o and_o the_o notorious_a fulfil_n of_o many_o prophetical_a passage_n in_o it_o have_v put_v its_o divine_a authority_n out_o of_o all_o question_n we_o have_v as_o great_a a_o testimony_n from_o antiquity_n as_o can_v in_o such_o a_o case_n well_o be_v expect_v justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v very_o near_o the_o apostle_n john_n himself_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n cite_v it_o as_o the_o write_n of_o st._n john_n and_o without_o the_o least_o question_n ascribe_v it_o to_o he_o irenaeus_n who_o live_v some_o small_a time_n after_o justin_n and_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o polycarp_n who_o be_v the_o scholar_n of_o st._n john_n say_v positive_o it_o be_v write_v by_o st._n john_n the_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v thereof_o from_o some_o most_o probable_o polycarp_n that_o have_v see_v the_o apostle_n john_n himself_o and_o personal_o converse_v with_o he_o lib._n 4._o cap._n 37._o and_o lib._n 5._o and_o â—ertullian_n in_o his_o four_o book_n against_o martion_n say_v though_o martion_n do_v reject_v the_o apocalypse_v as_o none_o of_o st._n john_n be_v yet_o say_v he_o the_o succession_n of_o bishop_n tracod_n to_o the_o beginning_n will_v establish_v he_o as_o the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a author_n of_o it_o three_o god_n have_v in_o a_o providential_a way_n determine_v this_o matter_n for_o those_o that_o at_o first_o question_v those_o book_n when_o the_o heat_n of_o primitive_a persecution_n be_v somewhat_o abate_v the_o church_n have_v free_a intercourse_n and_o communication_n together_o and_o come_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v receive_v they_o all_o doubt_n about_o they_o be_v now_o vanish_v luthur_n and_o some_o with_o he_o in_o germany_n who_o be_v the_o last_o that_o revive_v any_o doubt_n of_o that_o kind_a upon_o second_o and_o more_o deliberate_a thought_n recant_v their_o error_n all_o christian_n be_v now_o at_o a_o agreement_n about_o they_o the_o supreme_a establishment_n that_o can_v be_v of_o canonical-authority_n even_o the_o roman_a church_n themselves_o receive_v the_o apocalypse_v into_o their_o canon_n although_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o seem_v very_o particular_o direct_v against_o they_o indeed_o the_o heavenly_a lustre_n of_o these_o book_n be_v
same_o term_n must_v i_o believe_v all_o thing_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a unless_o god_n give_v i_o new_a faculty_n or_o some_o way_n extraordinary_o assist_v i_o and_o make_v i_o somewhat_o more_o than_o i_o be_v nor_o do_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o himself_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o apostle_n be_v and_o inspire_v infallible_o to_o know_v that_o he_o be_v so_o ever_o receive_v any_o revelation_n upon_o any_o high_a term_n then_o that_o we_o call_v moral_a assurance_n and_o humane_a credibility_n for_o first_o if_o i_o receive_v a_o revelation_n upon_o motive_n external_n and_o foreign_a to_o itself_o such_o motive_n be_v all_o grant_v to_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o humane_a and_o fallible_a nature_n if_o i_o receive_v it_o upon_o any_o motive_n internal_a any_o testimony_n result_v from_o such_o revelation_n itself_o to_o justify_v its_o own_o divinity_n to_o i_o yet_o i_o must_v of_o necessity_n without_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n judge_v of_o such_o internal_a testimony_n by_o moral_a consideration_n and_o from_o humane_a and_o rational_a argumentation_n with_o myself_o come_v at_o last_o to_o make_v a_o judgement_n about_o it_o those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o first_o time_n that_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v yet_o without_o inspiration_n but_o upon_o humane_a and_o fallible_a term_n of_o judge_v and_o believe_v because_o those_o medium_n by_o which_o they_o do_v judge_v and_o believe_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o infallible_o certain_a but_o that_o any_o man_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o judgement_n he_o make_v of_o a_o miracle_n or_o in_o that_o faith_n whereby_o he_o embrace_v any_o doctrine_n as_o divine_a first_o this_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n do_v not_o disturb_v we_o at_o all_o indeed_o return_v direct_o upon_o themselves_o nor_o do_v the_o remedy_n they_o provide_v any_o way_n cure_v that_o inconveniency_n which_o they_o suppose_v will_v otherwise_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o it_o they_o tell_v we_o god_n have_v place_v a_o unerring_a judgement_n a_o faculty_n of_o make_v a_o infallible_a determination_n in_o the_o church_n and_o from_o thence_o this_o objection_n be_v answer_v by_o that_o mean_v we_o be_v perfect_o at_o a_o end_n of_o all_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o if_o the_o church_n that_o be_v in_o itself_o infallible_a tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v we_o come_v upon_o that_o account_n to_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n as_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o be_v infallible_o assure_v about_o it_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v bring_v we_o but_o just_o where_o we_o be_v and_o be_v indeed_o in_o itself_o but_o a_o very_a mean_a sort_n of_o trifle_a for_o it_o be_v to_o erect_v another_o infallibility_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o which_o there_o be_v ten_o time_n great_a difficulty_n then_o in_o the_o former_a case_n the_o scripture_n we_o say_v be_v in_o themselves_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o come_v from_o god_n the_o question_n be_v about_z out_z way_n of_o come_v to_o know_v this_o that_o they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v confess_v by_o we_o it_o must_v be_v without_o inspiration_n by_o mean_n in_o themselves_o humane_a and_o fallible_a and_o from_o thence_o result_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o objection_n that_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o divine_a yet_o we_o come_v in_o a_o humane_a way_n to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o to_o solve_v all_o objection_n against_o they_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v still_o resolve_v into_o no_o more_o than_o that_o we_o call_v a_o humane_a and_o rational_a credibility_n and_o do_v we_o not_o come_v to_o the_o very_a same_o point_n in_o the_o other_o case_n the_o church_n say_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v but_o how_o come_v i_o to_o know_v it_o to_o say_v by_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o case_n ridiculous_a if_o upon_o providential_a and_o probable_a motive_n as_o themselves_o do_v acknowledge_v we_o be_v thereby_o pitch_v upon_o a_o fallible_a bottom_n still_o be_v we_o not_o upon_o the_o same_o humane_a and_o fallible_a mean_n of_o judge_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o in_o this_o case_n to_o make_v the_o pope_n or_o any_o else_o infallible_a but_o before_o we_o can_v that_o way_n perfect_o enervate_a this_o objection_n we_o must_v make_v every_o man_n infallible_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o infallible_a can_v any_o man_n more_o infallible_o judge_v of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n then_o of_o the_o bibles_n be_v there_o not_o as_o many_o nay_o more_o question_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v determine_v by_o fallible_o and_o humane_o judge_v in_o the_o one_o case_n then_o in_o the_o other_o as_o first_o whether_o 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