christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o church_n sully_v settle_v in_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n universal_o we_o find_v god_n do_v continue_v this_o power_n among_o they_o but_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o embrace_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n that_o they_o reject_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o plead_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o do_v now_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o we_o see_v then_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o miracle_n to_o be_v continue_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v as_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o case_n then_o wherein_o miracle_n may_v just_o and_o with_o reason_n be_v expect_v first_o when_o any_o person_n 4._o come_v as_o by_o a_o 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conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
that_o perish_v if_o now_o the_o weight_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o too_o great_a seasonableness_n of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a fame_n of_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o atheism_n among_o we_o be_v true_a be_v not_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o the_o publish_n this_o book_n i_o be_o resolve_v rather_o to_o undergo_v thy_o censure_n tben_fw-mi be_v behold_v to_o any_o other_o the_o intendment_n therefore_o of_o this_o preface_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o scope_n design_n and_o method_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n although_o the_o view_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n may_v sufficient_o acquain_v thou_o with_o it_o how_o far_o i_o have_v be_v either_o from_o transeribe_v or_o a_o design_n to_o excusse_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o admirer_n the_o several_a write_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n or_o christianity_n in_o particular_a especial_o mornay_n groâ—ius_n amyraldus_n etc._n etc._n may_v easy_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o book_n and_o this_o together_o have_v i_o not_o thought_n something_o may_v be_v say_v if_o not_o more_o full_o and_o rational_o yet_o more_o suitable_o to_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o this_o age_n then_o what_o be_v already_o write_v by_o they_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o preface_n much_o less_o with_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o as_o the_o temper_n and_o genius_n be_v of_o age_n and_o time_n alier_n so_o do_v the_o arm_n and_o wâ—npons_n which_o â—â—theists_n employ_v against_o religion_n the_o most_o papular_a pretence_n of_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v be_v the_o irreconcileableness_n of_o the_o account_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n with_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o ancient_a heathen_a nation_n the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o account_n which_o may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 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all_o religion_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o those_o particular_a account_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n of_o evil_a and_o of_o nation_n which_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o atheist_n exception_n and_o have_v therein_o consider_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n ancient_a or_o modern_a which_o have_v seem_v to_o contradict_v any_o of_o they_o to_o which_o mant_fw-fr ssae_fw-la loco_fw-la i_o have_v add_v the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n history_n in_o the_o remainder_n of_o it_o in_o heathen_a mythology_n and_o conclude_v all_o with_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n thus_o have_v give_v a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o design_n and_o method_n of_o the_o whole_a i_o submit_v it_o to_o every_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n all_o the_o favour_n than_o i_o shall_v request_v of_o thou_o be_v to_o read_v serious_o and_o judge_v impartial_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v see_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o religion_n as_o i_o do_v the_o content_n book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n assert_v and_o prove_v by_o the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hicroglyphick_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o phoenician_n and_o egyptian_a history_n the_o particular_a defect_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a heathen_a nation_n first_o the_o phoenician_n of_o sanchoniathon_n his_o antiquity_n and_o fidelity_n of_o jerombaal_a baal-berith_a the_o antiquity_n of_o tyre_n scaliger_n vindicate_v against_o bâ—chartus_fw-la abibalus_n the_o vanity_n of_o phoenician_n theology_n the_o imitation_n of_o it_o by_o the_o gnostic_n of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o hermes_n trismegistus_n of_o his_o inscription_n on_o pillar_n transcribe_v by_o manetho_n his_o fabulousness_n thence_o discover_v terra_fw-la seriadica_n of_o seth_n pillar_n in_o josephus_n and_o a_o account_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v pag._n 25_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o chaldean_a history_n the_o contest_v of_o antiquity_n among_o heathen_a nation_n and_o the_o way_n of_o decide_v it_o of_o the_o chaldean_a astrology_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n of_o the_o zabiâ—_n their_o founder_n who_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o old_a chaldee_n of_o berosus_n and_o his_o history_n a_o account_n of_o the_o fabulous_a dynastye_n of_o berosus_n and_o manetho_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o prolomy_n of_o that_o translation_n and_o the_o time_n of_o it_o of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n scaliger_n argument_n answer_v manetho_n write_v after_o the_o septuagint_n prove_v against_o kircher_n his_o argument_n answer_v of_o rabbinical_a and_o arabic_a author_n and_o their_o little_a credit_n in_o matter_n of_o history_n the_o time_n of_o berosus_n inquire_v into_o his_o writing_n co-temporary_a with_o philadelphus_n pag._n 40_o chap._n iu_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o grecian_a history_n that_o manifest_v by_o three_o evident_a argument_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o poetical_a age_n of_o greece_n the_o antiquity_n of_o poetry_n of_o orpheus_n and_o the_o ancient_a poet_n whence_o the_o poetical_a fable_n borrow_v the_o advancement_n of_o poetry_n and_o idolatry_n together_o in_o greece_n the_o different_a censure_n of_o strabo_n and_o eratosthenes_n concern_v the_o poetical_a age_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o elder_a historian_n of_o greece_n be_v of_o suspect_a credit_n of_o damastes_n aristeus_n and_o other_o of_o most_o of_o their_o elder_a historian_n we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v but_o their_o name_n of_o other_o only_o the_o
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
demonstrate_v the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o one_o beyond_o the_o other_o whereby_o we_o must_v do_v as_o archimedes_n do_v by_o the_o crown_n of_o hiero_n find_v out_o the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o lie_v in_o all_o those_o heathen_a fable_n and_o this_o now_o lead_v to_o the_o three_o account_n why_o truth_n be_v so_o 14._o hardly_o discern_v from_o error_n even_o by_o those_o who_o search_v after_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a obscurity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a agreement_n in_o some_o common_a principle_n and_o a_o frequent_a resemblance_n in_o particular_a tradition_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n from_o its_o corruption_n have_v recourse_n to_o ancient_a history_n to_o see_v if_o thereby_o we_o can_v find_v out_o where_o the_o original_a tradition_n be_v best_o preserve_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o whereby_o we_o may_v distinguish_v those_o corruption_n from_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v which_o be_v the_o design_n and_o subject_n of_o our_o future_a discourse_n viz._n to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a original_n and_o general_a tradition_n preserve_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o old_a age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o this_o tradition_n be_v gradual_o corrupt_v among_o the_o heathen_n that_o not_o withstand_v this_o corruption_n there_o be_v sufficient_a remainder_n of_o it_o to_o evidence_n its_o true_a original_n that_o the_o full_a account_n of_o this_o tradition_n be_v alone_o preserve_v in_o those_o book_n we_o call_v the_o scripture_n that_o where_o any_o other_o histery_n seem_v to_o cross_v the_o report_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v their_o credibility_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o clear_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o histery_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n which_o thales_n take_v in_o take_v the_o height_n of_o the_o pyramid_n by_o measure_v the_o length_n of_o their_o shadow_n so_o shall_v we_o the_o height_n and_o antiquity_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o fabulous_a corruption_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a difficulty_n because_o the_o truth_n we_o pursue_v after_o take_v covert_n in_o so_o great_a antiquity_n and_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o follow_v its_o most_o fly_a footstep_n through_o the_o dark_a and_o shady_a path_n of_o ancient_a history_n for_o though_o history_n be_v frequent_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o herald_n of_o time_n yet_o that_o light_n be_v so_o faint_a and_o dim_a especial_o in_o heathen_a nation_n as_o not_o to_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n from_o her_o counterseit_n error_n and_o that_o herald_n so_o little_a skilled_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v we_o which_o be_v of_o the_o elder_a house_n the_o reason_n be_v though_o truth_n be_v always_o of_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o error_n may_v have_v the_o more_o wrinkle_a face_n by_o which_o it_o often_o impose_v on_o such_o who_o guess_v antiquity_n by_o deformity_n and_o think_v nothing_o so_o old_a as_o that_o which_o can_v give_v the_o least_o account_n of_o its_o own_o age_n this_o be_v evident_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o make_v the_o pretence_n of_o ancient_a history_n a_o plea_n for_o insidelity_n and_o think_v no_o argument_n more_o plausible_a to_o impugn_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n with_o than_o the_o seem_a repugnancy_n of_o some_o pretend_a history_n with_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n report_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v a_o pretext_n so_o unworthy_a &_o design_v for_o solill_o a_o end_n and_o so_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o such_o who_o account_n infidelity_n a_o piece_n of_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v baffle_v with_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o antiquity_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o stumbling-block_n in_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v first_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a credibility_n 15._o in_o any_o of_o those_o ancient_a history_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o they_o when_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o bible_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o all_o those_o undoubted_a character_n of_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o authentic_a history_n be_v legible_a in_o those_o record_v contain_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n but_o the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v the_o first_o of_o these_o viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o assent_n to_o any_o ancient_a history_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thing_n different_a from_o the_o scripture_n from_o these_o argument_n the_o apparent_a desect_v weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o elder_a time_n the_o monstrous_a confusion_n ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v the_o evident_a partiality_n of_o they_o to_o themselves_o and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o defect_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o give_v in_o such_o a_o account_n of_o elder_a time_n as_o may_v amount_v to_o certain_a credibility_n which_o if_o clear_v will_v of_o its_o self_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o incompetency_n of_o those_o record_n as_o to_o the_o lay_v any_o foundation_n for_o any_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o now_o this_o defect_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o history_n be_v either_o more_o general_a which_o lie_v in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o several_a nation_n which_o have_v pretend_v high_a to_o antiquity_n the_o general_a defect_n be_v the_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n to_o preserve_v their_o history_n in_o for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a 16._o history_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o various_a corruption_n through_o length_n of_o time_n if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o entire_a and_o that_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o memory_n in_o those_o who_o have_v integrity_n to_o preserve_v it_o through_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o barbarism_n and_o ignorance_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o such_o who_o interest_n it_o may_v be_v to_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v that_o tradition_n if_o we_o find_v such_o infinite_a variety_n and_o difference_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o account_n can_v we_o imagine_v can_v be_v give_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_v to_o posterity_n the_o most_o authentic_a relation_n of_o former_a age_n especial_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o where_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_a tradition_n be_v want_v a_o people_n must_v soon_o degenerate_a into_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o barbarism_n because_o all_o will_v be_v take_v up_o in_o mind_v their_o own_o petty_a concern_v and_o no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o give_v to_o such_o public_a spirit_n who_o will_v mind_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o what_o be_v there_o for_o such_o to_o employ_v themselves_o upon_o or_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o but_o some_o general_a tradition_n convey_v from_o father_n to_o son_n which_o may_v be_v learn_v by_o such_o who_o follow_v nothing_o but_o domestic_a employment_n so_o that_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n after_o their_o several_a dispersion_n and_o plantation_n of_o several_a country_n do_v gradual_o degenerate_a into_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n for_o upon_o their_o first_o settle_v in_o any_o country_n they_o find_v it_o employment_n sufficient_a to_o cultivate_v the_o land_n and_o fit_v themselves_o habitation_n to_o live_v in_o and_o to_o provide_v themselves_o of_o necessity_n for_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o subsistence_n beside_o this_o they_o be_v often_o put_v to_o remove_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o where_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o reside_v which_o thucydides_n speak_v much_o of_o as_o to_o the_o ancient_a state_n of_o greece_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o come_v to_o imbody_n themselves_o together_o
such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o write_n shall_v come_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o question_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la prove_v of_o either_o of_o these_o know_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o write_n will_v be_v to_o such_o who_o deny_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o may_v be_v these_o account_n give_v why_o these_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n first_o because_o these_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o they_o believe_v with_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o more_o early_a day_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o be_v more_o fresh_a and_o entire_a it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
not_o to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n in_o they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n so_o they_o have_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o punishment_n none_o lie_v under_o so_o great_a misery_n here_o but_o withal_o they_o have_v some_o share_n in_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v less_o wonder_n that_o this_o part_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n have_v not_o want_v some_o among_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v it_o which_o set_v aside_o what_o simplicius_n on_o epictetus_n and_o many_o other_o have_v do_v be_v full_o perform_v by_o seneca_n in_o his_o tract_n on_o this_o very_a sâ—â—â—â—ct_n â—â—ur_fw-la bonis_fw-la male_a sit_fw-la cum_fw-la sit_fw-la providentia_fw-la as_o muretuâ—â—_n restore_v the_o title_n of_o that_o book_n wherein_o these_o follow_a account_n be_v give_v of_o it_o 1._o god_n bring_v they_o up_o as_o his_o child_n under_o sharp_a discipline_n for_o their_o future_a benefit_n a_o good_a man_n in_o seneca_n language_n be_v discipulus_fw-la dei_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v one_o teach_v of_o god_n a_o follower_n of_o 1_o god_n and_o one_o bear_v of_o he_o now_o say_v he_o parens_fw-la ille_fw-la magnificus_fw-la virtutum_fw-la non_fw-la lenis_fw-la exactor_n sicut_fw-la severi_fw-la patres_fw-la durius_fw-la educat_fw-la god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a father_n of_o good_a man_n keep_v they_o under_o discipline_n while_o under_o age_n and_o by_o hardship_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n thence_o he_o bid_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o different_a indulgence_n of_o father_n and_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n the_o father_n he_o hasten_v they_o to_o school_v suffer_v they_o not_o to_o be_v idle_a on_o their_o playdaye_n make_v they_o toil_n and_o sometime_o cry_v the_o mother_n she_o be_v all_o for_o hold_v they_o in_o her_o lap_n keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o catch_v cold_a will_v not_o willing_o have_v they_o either_o cry_n or_o take_v pain_n patrium_fw-la habet_fw-la deus_fw-la adversus_fw-la bonos_fw-es animum_fw-la &_o illos_fw-la fortius_fw-la amat_fw-la god_n bear_v the_o indulgence_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o love_n they_o with_o great_a severity_n 2._o good_a man_n receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o suffering_n quicquid_fw-la evenit_fw-la in_o suum_fw-la colorem_fw-la trahit_fw-la say_v seneca_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a the_o sea_n lose_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o its_o saltness_n by_o the_o river_n run_v into_o it_o neither_o do_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o current_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o of_o all_o benefit_n which_o he_o receive_v that_o of_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o patience_n be_v most_o discernible_a marcet_n sine_fw-la adversario_fw-la virtus_fw-la as_o soon_o as_o carthage_n be_v destroy_v rome_n fall_v to_o luxury_n true_a wrestler_n desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o try_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la industrio_fw-la otium_fw-la poena_fw-la est_fw-la a_o active_a spirit_n hate_v idleness_n and_o cowardice_n for_o etiamsi_fw-la ceciderit_fw-la de_fw-la genus_fw-la pugnat_fw-la though_o his_o leg_n be_v cut_v off_o he_o will_v fight_v on_o his_o knee_n 3._o it_o redound_v to_o god_n honour_n when_o good_a man_n bear_v up_o under_o suffering_n ecce_fw-la par_fw-fr deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la vir_fw-la fortis_fw-la cum_fw-la mala_fw-la fortuna_fw-la compositus_fw-la it_o be_v a_o spectacle_n god_n delight_v to_o see_v a_o good_a man_n combat_n with_o calamity_n god_n do_v in_o seneca_n phrase_n quosdam_fw-la fastidio_fw-la transire_fw-la pass_v they_o by_o in_o a_o slight_a a_o old_a wrestler_n scorn_v to_o contend_v with_o a_o coward_n one_o who_o be_v vinci_fw-la paratus_fw-la ready_a to_o yield_v up_o present_o calamitates_fw-la sub_fw-la jugum_fw-la mittere_fw-la proprium_fw-la magni_fw-la viri_fw-la est_fw-la it_o argue_v a_o noble_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v misery_n 4._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o strength_n seneca_n high_o extol_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o philosopher_n demetrius_n nihil_fw-la infelicius_fw-la eo_fw-la cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la unquam_fw-la evenit_fw-la adversi_fw-la non_fw-la licuit_fw-la enim_fw-la illi_fw-la se_fw-la experiri_fw-la he_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a man_n who_o never_o know_v what_o misery_n mean_v for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o pass_v one_o life_n away_o sine_fw-la morsu_fw-la animi_fw-la without_o any_o trouble_n it_o be_v ignorare_fw-la rerum_fw-la naturae_fw-la alteram_fw-la partem_fw-la not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v upon_o the_o reverse_n of_o nature_n idem_fw-la licet_fw-la fecerint_fw-la qui_fw-la integri_fw-la revertuntur_fw-la ex_fw-la acie_n magis_fw-la spectatur_fw-la qui_fw-la sancius_fw-la redit_fw-la though_o he_o that_o come_v home_o sound_a may_v fight_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v wound_v yet_o the_o wound_a person_n have_v the_o more_o pity_n and_o be_v most_o cry_v up_o for_o his_o valour_n the_o pilot_n be_v see_v in_o a_o tempest_n a_o soldier_n in_o battle_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o suffering_n god_n do_v by_o such_o as_o master_n do_v by_o scholar_n qui_fw-la plus_fw-la laboris_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quibus_fw-la certior_fw-la spes_fw-la est_fw-la who_o set_v the_o best_a wit_n the_o hard_a task_n 5._o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o suffering_n to_o discover_v the_o indifferency_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n value_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o deny_v they_o to_o good_a man_n blindness_n will_v be_v hateful_a if_o none_o be_v blind_a but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o therefore_o appius_n and_o metellus_n be_v blind_a riches_n be_v no_o good_a thing_n therefore_o the_o worst_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a have_v they_o nullo_n modo_fw-la magis_fw-la potest_fw-la deus_fw-la concupita_fw-la traducere_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la illa_fw-la ad_fw-la turpissimos_fw-la defert_fw-la ab_fw-la optimis_fw-la abigit_fw-la god_n can_v not_o traduce_v or_o defame_v those_o thing_n more_o which_o man_n desire_v so_o much_o then_o by_o take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a 6._o that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o as_o seneca_n conclude_v nati_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o exemplar_n they_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v pattern_n to_o other_o if_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o add_v what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v concern_v the_o nature_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o comparison_n with_o which_o exceed_v weight_n of_o glory_n these_o light_n and_o momentany_a affliction_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v than_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o impunity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a but_o how_o ever_o from_o hence_o we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n have_v carry_v man_n in_o resolve_v these_o difficulty_n concern_v god_n providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o they_o suppose_v evil_a of_o punishment_n to_o arise_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v the_o good_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o 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