but_o full_a of_o such_o native_a decency_n and_o grace_n its_o narration_n so_o equal_a and_o accompany_v with_o so_o curious_a a_o facility_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o relate_v be_v resplendent_a throughout_o and_o seem_v to_o justify_v itself_o with_o a_o confidence_n that_o none_o will_v call_v it_o in_o question_n a_o undubitable_a evidence_n of_o its_o generosity_n the_o discourse_n it_o assign_v those_o it_o introduce_v be_v wonderful_o pathetical_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n which_o it_o relate_v both_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o examination_n of_o reason_n alone_o hold_v forth_o a_o high_a evidence_n then_o that_o of_o verisimilitude_n and_o it_o be_v dubious_a whether_o the_o history_n of_o the_o deluge_n of_o the_o conflagration_n of_o sodom_n of_o the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o the_o like_a more_o clear_o convince_v the_o fable_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o book_n of_o poet_n as_o a_o well-proportioned_a body_n discover_v the_o deformity_n of_o the_o prodigious_a shadow_n it_o cast_v or_o whether_o those_o vain_a worn-out_a trace_n of_o these_o ancient_a verity_n bear_v a_o more_o irrefragable_a testimony_n to_o the_o same_o the_o prophetical_a eruption_n speak_v a_o spirit_n other_o then_o humane_a the_o prediction_n find_v therein_o have_v be_v so_o ratify_v by_o event_n that_o it_o be_v too_o great_a obstinacy_n to_o disparage_v their_o credit_n by_o contradiction_n and_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v relate_v to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v beyond_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n as_o mysterious_a shadow_n of_o what_o be_v to_o appear_v afterward_o and_o which_o real_o appear_v in_o due_a time_n there_o result_v a_o light_n true_o admirable_a from_o the_o comparison_n of_o the_o verity_n with_o the_o figure_n and_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o perform_v for_o confirmation_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o for_o accomplish_v the_o enterprise_n which_o himself_o declare_v be_v commit_v to_o he_o which_o may_v have_v be_v refute_v by_o a_o hundred_o and_o a_o hundred_o thousand_o person_n if_o they_o have_v be_v counterfeit_a and_o for_o defence_n of_o which_o so_o many_o million_o of_o man_n will_v at_o present_a lie_v down_o their_o life_n clear_v he_o from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n proceed_v then_o to_o the_o book_n of_o josuah_n the_o judge_n samuel_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o juda_n and_o israel_n and_o there_o will_v appear_v in_o they_o such_o a_o excellent_a continuation_n both_o of_o matter_n and_o time_n such_o a_o exact_a description_n of_o genealogy_n a_o narration_n of_o various_a occurrence_n arrive_v both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o state_n in_o the_o person_n of_o king_n and_o prophet_n great_a and_o small_a prince_n and_o vulgar_a war_n and_o peace_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o accident_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o thousand_o mark_n of_o verity_n by_o the_o correspondence_n they_o have_v with_o humane_a passion_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o resemblance_n we_o observe_v of_o they_o in_o the_o various_a adventure_n of_o ordinary_a life_n that_o a_o man_n must_v either_o bely_v his_o own_o faculty_n or_o give_v belief_n to_o such_o illustrious_a truth_n and_o remarkable_o here_o and_o there_o occur_v such_o excellent_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n both_o in_o justice_n and_o mercy_n such_o illustrious_a example_n of_o eminent_a piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o rare_a personage_n such_o grave_a admonition_n and_o efficacious_a exhortation_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o he_o must_v exceed_v rock_n in_o stupidity_n that_o do_v not_o resent_v some_o lively_a emotion_n in_o his_o soul_n by_o read_v they_o then_o go_v forward_o and_o read_v the_o book_n of_o the_o patience_n of_o job_n the_o psalm_n of_o david_n and_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n good_a god_n how_o fraught_v with_o wonder_n sometime_o you_o will_v meet_v with_o sentence_n so_o full_a of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o reference_n to_o knowledge_n and_o moral_a virtue_n that_o the_o most_o excellent_a piece_n the_o philosopher_n ever_o compose_v in_o that_o kind_n be_v dross_n and_o darkness_n in_o comparison_n sometime_o with_o a_o complaint_n so_o lamentable_a that_o it_o may_v melt_v the_o most_o rigid_a heart_n with_o compassion_n sometime_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n speak_v and_o reveal_v himself_o from_o heaven_n in_o a_o most_o augu_v majesty_n surround_v with_o lightning_n and_o with_o a_o terrible_a voice_n resemble_v thunder_n in_o one_o place_n a_o ardent_a prayer_n in_o another_o testimony_n of_o a_o fervent_a piety_n here_o a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o so_o inflame_v a_o virtue_n or_o else_o so_o violent_a a_o hate_n against_o vice_n that_o when_o you_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o read_v of_o these_o book_n to_o those_o of_o the_o philosopher_n or_o of_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o that_o have_v assay_v to_o write_v of_o such_o matter_n you_o will_v seem_v to_o be_v transport_v from_o vesurius_n to_o carcasus_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o they_o be_v intersperse_v prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n so_o remote_a that_o no_o other_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n dare_v have_v offer_v at_o they_o apostrophe_n to_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n exultation_n for_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o messiah_n so_o different_a from_o the_o ordinary_a thought_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n that_o we_o must_v forget_v who_o we_o be_v if_o we_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o humane_a invention_n and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a body_n compose_v of_o member_n so_o well_o adjust_v and_o dispose_v in_o so_o excellent_a a_o harmony_n together_o be_v universal_o diffuse_v like_o blood_n replete_a with_o spirit_n vigour_n life_n consolation_n so_o lively_a efficacious_a and_o sensible_a to_o the_o soul_n into_o what_o perplex_v inquietude_n soever_o it_o fall_v that_o there_o be_v none_o so_o sweet_a a_o refreshment_n in_o any_o ardour_n nor_o sovereign_a balm_n to_o whatsoever_o wound_n and_o last_o he_o that_o shall_v proceed_v from_o thence_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o other_o prophet_n unless_o he_o do_v it_o with_o much_o supinity_n and_o negligence_n will_v observe_v in_o each_o page_n sparkling_n and_o beam_n of_o a_o light_n and_o inspiration_n true_o divine_a do_v they_o expound_v what_o the_o aim_n and_o use_v of_o the_o law_n be_v they_o do_v it_o with_o most_o profound_a wisdom_n do_v they_o reprove_v and_o threaten_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n the_o gravity_n of_o their_o admonition_n be_v inimitable_a and_o the_o denunciation_n of_o his_o judgement_n terrible_a so_o that_o no_o humane_a voice_n be_v able_a to_o stretch_v to_o so_o high_a a_o strain_n without_o break_v no_o affectation_n can_v be_v set_v out_o in_o a_o dress_n so_o stately_a constant_a and_o uniform_a do_v they_o promise_v if_o temporal_a deliverance_n it_o be_v with_o demonstration_n of_o so_o redoubtable_a a_o power_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n which_o be_v so_o often_o repeat_v in_o they_o sounds_z a_o kind_n of_o grandeur_n i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v and_o which_o can_v arise_v from_o humane_a imagination_n if_o spiritual_a redemption_n by_o the_o messiah_n it_o be_v in_o term_n which_o represent_v a_o inexhaustible_a sea_n of_o benediction_n and_o riches_n do_v they_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v in_o obscure_a term_n the_o very_a obscurity_n of_o the_o prophecy_n be_v venerable_a and_o there_o be_v always_o something_o of_o greatness_n discernible_a across_o the_o veil_n though_o not_o very_o distinct_o if_o it_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n the_o name_n of_o person_n design_v entire_a age_n before_o their_o birth_n time_n predetermine_v and_o circumstance_n of_o matter_n most_o exact_o take_v notice_n of_o sufficient_o argue_v that_o they_o be_v neither_o divination_n of_o daemon_n nor_o humane_a conjecture_n neither_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o remote_a a_o foresight_n then_o their_o transport_n be_v so_o sublime_a and_o their_o flight_n so_o bold_a that_o no_o man_n dare_v attempt_v to_o soar_v so_o high_a the_o doctrine_n hold_v forth_o be_v so_o direct_o intend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a any_o evil_a spirit_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o law_n with_o the_o gospel_n be_v dispense_v therein_o so_o wise_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o time_n and_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o prophecy_n open_v themselves_o by_o degree_n maintain_v after_o such_o a_o rate_n that_o shall_v man_n and_o angel_n conspire_v together_o they_o will_v fall_v infinite_o short_a of_o such_o a_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o i_o entreat_v such_o reader_n as_o have_v any_o
earth_n all_o mention_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n they_o can_v not_o have_v invent_v any_o other_o effective_a complot_n then_o to_o imprint_v this_o belief_n in_o our_o mindâ—_n now_o although_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n do_v not_o as_o yet_o make_v so_o numerous_a a_o party_n as_o the_o two_o other_o and_o have_v not_o hitherto_o venture_v abroad_o whole_o unmask_v yet_o be_v it_o be_v grow_v every_o day_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o indifference_n begin_v to_o bear_v a_o great_a vogue_n and_o particular_o in_o france_n insomuch_o that_o a_o considerable_a number_n of_o those_o person_n which_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o polish_a either_o by_o the_o education_n of_o litterature_n or_o of_o the_o court_n be_v become_v imbue_v with_o it_o and_o even_o some_o it_o seem_v among_o those_o which_o wear_v the_o title_n of_o divine_n incline_v to_o favour_v it_o i_o have_v judge_v it_o my_o duty_n with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o all_o true_a christian_n to_o engage_v against_o this_o error_n in_o this_o treatise_n both_o to_o undeceive_v if_o possible_a such_o as_o be_v already_o mislead_v into_o it_o and_o to_o pre-arm_n other_o against_o its_o poison_n that_o they_o be_v not_o inveigle_v by_o the_o bait_n hope_v that_o beside_o the_o bened_a ction_n of_o god_n to_o who_o my_o purpose_n can_v be_v unacceptable_a i_o shall_v find_v as_o well_o those_o who_o style_v themselves_o catholic_n as_o they_o who_o be_v term_v the_o reform_v notwithstanding_o the_o r_o mutual_a controversy_n candid_a and_o favourable_a the_o error_n which_o i_o attaque_fw-la be_v equal_o enemy_n to_o both_o there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o man_n that_o esteem_v the_o exterior_a profession_n of_o all_o religion_n indifferent_a the_o first_o acknowledge_v no_o providence_n and_o do_v not_o admit_v god_n to_o be_v concern_v with_o humane_a affair_n notwithstanding_o they_o believe_v he_o of_o a_o nature_n so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o and_o transcendent_a above_o all_o other_o being_n that_o for_o this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v deserve_v our_o reverence_n and_o devotion_n and_o this_o be_v sometime_o thâ—_n religion_n of_o epicurus_n to_o which_o these_o man_n have_v give_v new_a birth_n the_o second_o order_n confess_v a_o providence_n govern_v the_o world_n but_o acknowledge_v no_o express_a revelation_n of_o the_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o service_n a_o opinion_n hold_v by_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o three_o another_o sort_n who_o beside_o the_o instruction_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v from_o providence_n rule_v the_o universe_n and_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n do_v assent_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v something_o particular_o concern_v himself_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o service_n fit_v to_o be_v render_v to_o he_o yet_o esteem_v not_o themselves_o thereby_o obl_v ge_v to_o follow_v a_o certain_a and_o determine_a profession_n of_o form_n of_o religion_n a_o sect_n unknown_a to_o the_o ancient_n and_o bear_v in_o our_o own_o time_n suitable_o hereunto_o i_o have_v purpose_v to_o dispute_v against_o each_o order_n apart_o to_o the_o end_n the_o discourse_n may_v be_v more_o ample_o satisfactory_a and_o the_o series_n of_o the_o contexture_n more_o dependent_a and_o conspicuous_a in_o which_o regard_n i_o have_v divide_v my_o work_n into_o three_o part_n of_o which_o the_o first_o shall_v serve_v as_o a_o step_n to_o the_o second_o and_o that_o to_o the_o three_o and_o so_o each_o of_o they_o distinct_o treat_v the_o question_n particular_o assign_v to_o it_o but_o if_o in_o some_o place_n the_o discourse_n seem_v to_o divert_v a_o little_a from_o the_o subject_n which_o the_o lemma_n of_o the_o chapter_n promise_v beside_o that_o i_o do_v it_o not_o out_o of_o incogitancy_n and_o have_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o perhaps_o shall_v appear_v in_o their_o duo_fw-la time_n i_o hope_v to_o manage_v my_o digression_n which_o such_o moderation_n that_o reduce_v the_o reader_n speedy_o into_o his_o way_n it_o will_v not_o be_v offensive_a to_o he_o to_o have_v be_v draw_v aside_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v deem_v convenient_a to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o my_o work_n one_o advertisement_n there_o be_v i_o be_o to_o give_v he_o before_o hand_n that_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o great_a part_n of_o my_o reason_n from_o the_o emanation_n and_o motion_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n and_o from_o conscience_n without_o dilate_v myself_o into_o those_o prolix_a discourse_n in_o which_o the_o incomparable_a advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o all_o other_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v by_o argugument_n draw_v from_o other_o topic_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o ancient_n for_o as_o those_o excellent_a person_n that_o undertake_v it_o have_v outdo_v all_o that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o attempt_v so_o very_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o in_o treat_v with_o such_o as_o be_v endue_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o piety_n there_o be_v any_o reason_n preferable_a to_o those_o which_o be_v desume_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o same_o or_o that_o towards_o such_o as_o have_v none_o at_o all_o any_o other_o course_n of_o argumentation_n can_v be_v very_o powerful_a and_o effective_a i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a some_o writer_n have_v conjoin_v this_o method_n with_o their_o other_o reason_n and_o so_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o go_v about_o here_o to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o their_o commendation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o wish_v the_o labour_n of_o those_o great_a man_n be_v as_o careful_o peruse_v as_o their_o peculiar_a worth_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o matter_n deserve_v but_o see_v book_n how_o good_a soever_o they_o be_v and_o in_o whatever_o language_n write_v have_v their_o time_n at_o the_o end_n of_o which_o they_o remain_v neglect_v in_o the_o dust_n of_o closet_n and_o almost_o bury_v in_o oblivion_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o side_n this_o profane_a humour_n be_v immortal_a and_o gather_v youth_n every_o day_n sprout_v and_o enlarge_n to_o the_o shame_n of_o our_o age_n it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v account_v strange_a if_o after_o other_o i_o bring_v my_o endeavour_n to_o the_o root_n of_o it_o up_o or_o at_o least_o to_o intercept_v its_o future_a fertility_n and_o possible_o my_o design_n of_o employ_v no_o other_o instrument_n than_o that_o of_o argument_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o be_v less_o profitable_a to_o the_o great_a part_n in_o regard_n all_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o use_v it_o than_o the_o diligence_n other_o have_v have_v to_o enrich_v their_o write_n with_o disquisition_n of_o rare_a and_o profound_a erudition_n of_o which_o the_o learned_a only_o be_v capable_a judge_n beside_o it_o many_o time_n happen_v that_o what_o be_v produce_v upon_o the_o credit_n or_o testimony_n of_o antiquity_n have_v not_o much_o weight_n in_o this_o matter_n with_o the_o intelligent_a because_o if_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n these_o indifferent_n accuse_v it_o to_o have_v be_v forge_v by_o such_o as_o be_v infatuate_v by_o affection_n to_o religion_n and_o if_o the_o original_n of_o it_o be_v refer_v to_o man_n they_o be_v ready_a with_o a_o return_n that_o in_o all_o age_n man_n have_v deceive_v themselves_o so_o that_o there_o remain_v scarce_o any_o other_o principle_n from_o which_o to_o dispute_v against_o these_o people_n then_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o they_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o renounce_v the_o eternal_a god_n to_o who_o glory_n i_o undertake_v this_o work_n guide_v my_o mind_n and_o my_o hand_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o a_o table_n of_o the_o chapter_n contain_v in_o this_o treatise_n the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._n that_o according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n page_n 1_o chap._n ii_o wherein_o the_o service_n of_o god_n consist_v and_o what_o that_o be_v the_o epicurean_o can_v tender_v he_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n p._n 17_o chap._n iii_o with_o what_o kind_n of_o adoration_n the_o epicurean_o according_a to_o their_o principle_n can_v â—eâ—erate_v tâ—e_v dâ—ity_n p._n 29_o chap._n iu_o a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o honour_n which_o the_o epicurean_o pretend_v to_o render_v to_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o his_o power_n goodness_n justice_n and_o wisdom_n p._n 41_o chap._n v._o the_o continuation_n of_o the_o argument_n evince_v that_o the_o epicurean_o can_v adore_v the_o deity_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n with_o the_o solution_n of_o some_o objection_n p._n 58._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o natural_a difference_n which_o be_v between_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o conscience_n whether_o it_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n p._n 80_o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o
be_v make_v of_o its_o suffrage_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o be_v any_o at_o this_o day_n that_o bear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_a who_o esteem_v it_o to_o have_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n wherefore_o the_o little_a i_o shall_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o for_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o as_o because_o the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n do_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o pass_v it_o over_o absolute_o in_o silence_n to_o judge_v therefore_o what_o it_o be_v we_o must_v not_o conceive_v it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v among_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a nation_n such_o as_o the_o toupinamboult_n be_v at_o present_a and_o the_o people_n of_o suevia_n and_o sarmatia_n be_v of_o old_a for_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o any_o extraordinary_a celestial_a light_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n ever_o illuminate_v those_o nation_n among_o who_o there_o be_v scarce_o see_v any_o trace_n of_o so_o much_o as_o humanity_n it_o be_v true_a there_o have_v be_v some_o people_n in_o our_o time_n that_o have_v write_v so_o high_o in_o commendation_n of_o the_o contentment_n there_o be_v in_o their_o opinion_n in_o live_v under_o the_o simple_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o they_o speak_v that_o they_o seem_v inclinable_a to_o favour_v the_o manner_n and_o condions_a of_o savage_n and_o prefer_v it_o before_o we_o so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o shame_n at_o all_o of_o their_o nakedness_n and_o to_o boast_v that_o they_o do_v not_o cover_v it_o but_o only_o in_o respect_n to_o custom_n but_o as_o for_o these_o person_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a purpose_n to_o dispute_v against_o they_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v the_o genuine_a sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n they_o will_v not_o only_o not_o acknowledge_v any_o particular_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o religion_n but_o will_v moreover_o make_v profession_n of_o not_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o their_o soul_n nor_o any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o after_o have_v render_v themselves_o like_o to_o those_o miserable_a savage_n in_o all_o brutality_n they_o will_v surpass_v they_o in_o this_o point_n that_o they_o will_v cast_v under_o their_o foot_n all_o remembrance_n of_o god_n of_o who_o in_o their_o desert_n and_o forlorn_a barbarism_n the_o margajat_n and_o patagon_n have_v yet_o some_o fear_n and_o reverence_n i_o speak_v now_o to_o such_o as_o make_v some_o esteem_n of_o the_o improve_n elegancy_n of_o learning_n and_o who_o have_v some_o portion_n of_o honesty_n lest_o in_o their_o conversation_n among_o man_n the_o greek_n and_o roman_n therefore_o have_v without_o question_n carry_v the_o pre-eminence_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o politeness_n and_o excellence_n among_o the_o pagan_a nation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v among_o they_o that_o we_o must_v seek_v for_o this_o particular_a revelation_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o either_o of_o those_o people_n it_o be_v true_a the_o egyptian_n be_v much_o celebrate_v for_o their_o mystery_n and_o rare_a wisdom_n and_o divers_a have_v think_v that_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o greece_n be_v transport_v from_o the_o treasury_n of_o egypt_n by_o those_o that_o travel_v thither_o for_o it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o good_a among_o they_o they_o have_v it_o from_o communication_n with_o the_o jew_n who_o beside_o that_o they_o sojourn_v a_o long_a time_n in_o egypt_n before_o the_o greek_a name_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v their_o near_a neighbour_n in_o palestine_n and_o have_v frequent_a and_o free_a commerce_n with_o they_o yet_o have_v they_o so_o vitiate_v corrupt_a and_o obscure_v in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o they_o that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o it_o to_o be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v &_o almost_o all_o the_o book_n in_o which_o they_o have_v expound_v their_o mystery_n be_v lose_v but_o he_o that_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v what_o excellent_a opinion_n they_o have_v what_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v that_o make_v they_o so_o cry_v up_o he_o may_v please_v only_o to_o read_v the_o treatise_n write_v by_o plutark_a of_o isis_n and_o osiris_n and_o he_o will_v see_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o veil_n and_o allegory_n under_o which_o he_o say_v they_o hide_v their_o knowledge_n be_v shameful_a and_o putid_v fable_n such_o idle_a and_o dull_a extravagancy_n and_o impertinence_n in_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v serve_v for_o a_o coverture_n to_o any_o conception_n i_o do_v not_o say_v heavenly_a and_o divine_a but_o worthy_a of_o man_n and_o ordinary_a sober_a sense_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o will_v find_v that_o all_o that_o plutark_o with_o singular_a acuteness_n of_o wit_n can_v uncypher_v of_o they_o be_v so_o dubious_a and_o the_o text_n on_o which_o he_o comment_v so_o pliable_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o fancy_n that_o he_o that_o will_v set_v himself_o about_o it_o may_v invent_v several_a other_o interpretation_n as_o probable_a as_o he_o they_o be_v as_o the_o divers_a impression_n of_o cloud_n to_o which_o the_o fancy_n of_o every_o man_n ascribe_v what_o image_n or_o lineament_n seem_v best_a to_o he_o and_o last_o he_o will_v discover_v that_o though_o the_o exposition_n which_o that_o philosopher_n present_v we_o there_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o a_o oracle_n yet_o they_o all_o terminate_v in_o two_o caitive_a and_o dismal_a demon_n unknown_a even_o to_o they_o that_o adore_v they_o in_o uncouch_v speculation_n concern_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o inundation_n of_o nilus_n in_o platonic_a idea_n and_o the_o riddle_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o in_o that_o ancient_a foppery_n of_o oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n two_o opposite_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o some_o cold_a mystical_a interpretation_n of_o reason_n why_o the_o egyptian_n religious_o worship_v the_o ox_n the_o sheep_n the_o ichneumon_a lark_n stork_n serpent_n dog_n beetle_n and_o weasel_n be_v not_o here_o great_a cause_n to_o boast_v of_o have_v draw_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n itself_o so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o to_o think_v so_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v no_o person_n of_o indifferent_a understanding_n but_o in_o the_o read_n of_o that_o treatise_n will_v pity_v plutark_o that_o bestow_v so_o much_o knowledge_n and_o labour_n in_o comment_v upon_o such_o absurdity_n and_o can_v not_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v of_o the_o greek_n who_o hold_v from_o the_o egyptian_n whatever_o they_o have_v not_o altogether_o bad_a and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v nothing_o but_o from_o imitation_n of_o the_o greek_n both_o in_o humane_a science_n and_o religious_a polity_n but_o put_v the_o case_n they_o have_v borrow_v nothing_o from_o the_o egyptian_n but_o that_o this_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v peculiar_o impart_v to_o they_o i_o will_v be_v tell_v from_o what_o book_n that_o be_v in_o reputation_n among_o they_o we_o ought_v now_o to_o take_v it_o for_o we_o have_v hear_v say_v indeed_o that_o they_o have_v sibyl_n by_o who_o mean_n they_o be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o also_o write_v book_n of_o the_o same_o but_o the_o wind_n and_o time_n have_v carry_v they_o away_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n lest_o of_o their_o oracle_n as_o there_o be_v divers_a excellent_a greek_a verse_n that_o bear_v their_o name_n at_o this_o day_n yet_o be_v with_o very_o just_a reason_n suspect_v by_o the_o learned_a the_o christian_a religion_n be_v clear_o describe_v in_o they_o and_o the_o pagan_a so_o strong_o and_o direct_o confute_v that_o the_o christian_n can_v scarce_o find_v more_o express_a proof_n for_o themselves_o then_o in_o those_o book_n of_o they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o these_o be_v the_o same_o who_o the_o roman_a priest_n go_v to_o consult_v as_o oft_o as_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o avert_v some_o rage_a mortality_n for_o they_o teach_v not_o to_o render_v to_o apollo_n latona_n diana_n hercules_n mercury_n or_o neptune_n those_o honour_n which_o they_o use_v to_o perform_v to_o they_o to_o make_v they_o propitious_a in_o such_o occurrence_n if_o therefore_o this_o revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n it_o be_v perish_v long_o since_o and_o we_o have_v no_o more_o knowledge_n of_o they_o then_o of_o those_o of_o numa_n pompilius_n which_o be_v burn_v at_o rome_n by_o authority_n of_o the_o senate_n because_o they_o tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n and_o annul_v of_o all_o their_o religious_a ceremony_n they_o have_v moreover_o memorial_n of_o the_o right_n of_o the_o pontifices_fw-la augur_n and_o aruspices_fw-la of_o all_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o the_o name_n miserable_a be_v
true_a why_o do_v he_o refer_v all_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o to_o his_o own_o or_o if_o his_o project_n be_v to_o credit_v himself_o only_o by_o misprise_v and_o debase_v his_o own_o worth_n why_o do_v he_o not_o at_o least_o leave_v that_o authority_n to_o his_o child_n rather_o than_o to_o his_o domestic_a servant_n but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o contrary_o to_o what_o natural_a affection_n dictate_v to_o man_n he_o make_v one_o of_o his_o attendant_n heir_n of_o his_o grandeur_n and_o leave_v his_o own_o issue_n to_o fall_v into_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a condition_n in_o comparison_n of_o his_o own_o certain_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n be_v a_o impostor_n in_o forge_v both_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o other_o which_o he_o relate_v or_o if_o any_o credit_n be_v give_v to_o he_o in_o the_o narration_n of_o that_o history_n so_o remote_a from_o his_o own_o time_n than_o much_o rather_o ought_v he_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o his_o recital_n of_o thing_n which_o befall_v himself_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o witness_n either_o to_o confirm_v or_o convince_v they_o of_o falsity_n and_o sure_o they_o be_v abundant_o confirm_v in_o that_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o as_o accuse_v or_o suspect_v beside_o that_o their_o posterity_n have_v receive_v they_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n as_o divine_v irrefragable_a truth_n and_o religious_o maintain_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o many_o age_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v do_v if_o the_o tradition_n of_o those_o ancient_a miracle_n have_v not_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v render_v authentic_a and_o worthy_a of_o perfect_a belief_n by_o extraordinary_a action_n prediction_n judgement_n and_o deliverance_n in_o which_o appear_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v say_v something_o more_o since_o the_o matter_n lead_v i_o to_o it_o namely_o that_o if_o the_o philosopher_n against_o who_o i_o dispute_v at_o present_a have_v vivacity_n and_o quickness_n enough_o of_o understanding_n to_o be_v certain_o perperswade_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o reason_n which_o their_o wit_n be_v able_a to_o suggest_v to_o they_o and_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o observe_v i_o dare_v aver_v that_o will_v they_o take_v pain_n in_o read_v the_o book_n ot_fw-mi moses_n with_o as_o much_o attention_n as_o they_o use_v in_o their_o own_o ratiocination_n they_o will_v there_o more_o certain_o remark_n that_o they_o be_v proceed_v from_o divine_a inspiration_n than_o they_o can_v know_v of_o themselves_o that_o god_n have_v create_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v not_o more_o lively_a and_o evident_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n alone_o to_o induce_v a_o belief_n that_o they_o be_v not_o of_o humane_a invention_n as_o i_o conceive_v if_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o archimedes_n himself_o the_o description_n of_o those_o admirable_a engine_n which_o he_o make_v and_o that_o he_o have_v replenish_v the_o same_o with_o as_o many_o token_n of_o his_o incomparable_a skill_n in_o the_o mathematics_n as_o there_o be_v trace_n of_o the_o deity_n in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n he_o will_v find_v therein_o as_o much_o or_o more_o cause_n to_o admire_v the_o extraordinary_a grandeur_n of_o that_o personage_n wit_n as_o in_o attentive_o consider_v his_o machine_n and_o his_o engine_n chap._n iu._n how_o much_o true_a godliness_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o special_a providence_n and_o that_o the_o same_o be_v no_o otherwise_o attainable_a but_o by_o revelation_n hitherto_o we_o have_v discourse_v large_o of_o the_o providence_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o treat_v with_o the_o philosopher_n of_o our_o time_n as_o with_o person_n that_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v what_o their_o judgement_n be_v real_o concern_v it_o although_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o important_a to_o our_o dispute_n for_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n have_v be_v very_o different_a about_o it_o and_o the_o modern_n hide_v themselves_o and_o do_v not_o willing_o appear_v in_o public_a in_o regard_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v universal_o receive_v in_o europe_n such_o as_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o same_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o monster_n so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o know_v distinct_o what_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o if_o therefore_o they_o be_v of_o that_o persuasion_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o aristotle_n though_o some_o undertake_v to_o excuse_v he_o from_o it_o their_o piety_n towards_o the_o deity_n must_v consequent_o be_v whole_o cold_a and_o languid_a for_o aristotle_n be_v account_v to_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v from_o eternity_n by_o emanation_n from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n proceed_v from_o the_o sun_n thing_n be_v so_o necessary_o dispose_v that_o god_n be_v the_o first_o mover_n of_o the_o heaven_n whether_o immediate_o or_o by_o the_o intervention_n of_o what_o he_o call_v intelligence_n he_o be_v also_o by_o consequence_n the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n because_o the_o other_o less_o universal_a motion_n depend_v on_o the_o heaven_n and_o from_o those_o other_o less_o universal_a motion_n proceed_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o the_o world_n every_o cause_n act_v suitable_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o the_o water_n move_v the_o wheel_n of_o a_o mill_n and_o the_o wheel_n the_o axletree_n and_o that_o another_o less_o wheel_n and_o this_o also_o another_o till_o at_o length_n the_o motion_n arrive_v at_o the_o stone_n which_o bruise_n the_o corn_n and_o reduce_v the_o same_o into_o flower_n so_o that_o god_n be_v indeed_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o as_o a_o universal_a cause_n which_o have_v under_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o subalternate_a and_o subordinate_a which_o be_v the_o proximate_a cause_n of_o effect_n which_o come_v into_o be_v and_o which_o receive_v their_o power_n of_o act_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o first_o and_o most_o universal_a of_o all_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o motion_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o thing_n which_o be_v term_v fortuitous_a and_o contingent_a do_v not_o depend_v on_o certain_a determine_a cause_n which_o be_v lign_v by_o a_o sort_n of_o train_n to_o that_o superior_a &_o universal_a one_o and_o consequent_o if_o they_o be_v administer_v by_o god_n they_o be_v administer_v by_o a_o especial_a providence_n they_o which_o discourse_n at_o that_o rate_n take_v no_o notice_n at_o all_o of_o they_o no_o more_o then_o of_o a_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o principle_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o grand_a philosopher_n seem_v very_o frequent_o to_o lay_v down_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o divinity_n although_o sometime_o excellent_a sentence_n escape_v from_o he_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o a_o particular_a providence_n which_o be_v extend_v even_o to_o casual_a thing_n or_o such_o as_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o concatenation_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o they_o be_v word_n speak_v out_o of_o design_n to_o avoid_v the_o reproach_n which_o will_v have_v lie_v upon_o he_o of_o be_v too_o little_a religious_a or_o at_o most_o the_o eruption_n and_o flash_n of_o nature_n which_o oftentimes_o surmount_v the_o most_o deep_o imprint_v perverse_a opinion_n and_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o forget_v his_o own_o maxim_n when_o they_o be_v contrary_a unto_o it_o how_o constant_a and_o resolve_v soever_o he_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o same_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la dedicate_v to_o alexander_n seem_v to_o go_v a_o little_a high_o and_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n in_o more_o magnificent_a term_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o stile_n evident_o show_v that_o aristotle_n never_o write_v it_o and_o i_o shall_v ready_o incline_v to_o their_o opinion_n who_o father_n it_o on_o philo_n judaeus_n who_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n have_v imbue_v with_o many_o better_a and_o sound_a opinion_n in_o relation_n to_o piety_n than_o all_o that_o ever_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o greece_n but_o he_o disguise_v himself_o on_o purpose_n and_o accommodate_v that_o elegant_a treatise_n after_o the_o greek_a mode_n second_o in_o case_n it_o have_v proceed_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o aristotle_n yet_o it_o always_o terminate_v in_o this_o that_o god_n keep_v himself_o in_o the_o heaven_n only_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o his_o glorious_a nature_n to_o be_v among_o frail_a and_o visible_a thing_n and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o mean_n of_o subordinate_a cause_n in_o nature_n as_o the_o great_a king_n of_o persia_n do_v his_o providence_n
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cymbal_n their_o manner_n of_o celebration_n be_v dishonest_a and_o unbecoming_a for_o how_o can_v they_o but_o be_v ashamed_a both_o of_o those_o dance_n of_o naked_a man_n about_o tomb_n and_o of_o the_o raze_n of_o naked_a man_n in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o the_o city_n yea_o at_o the_o meeting_n of_o woman_n in_o the_o lupercalia_n their_o propitiation_n purification_n and_o oblation_n be_v unprofitable_a and_o inefficacious_a for_o what_o can_v the_o death_n of_o poor_a beast_n do_v in_o order_n to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o god_n it_o be_v not_o they_o which_o have_v offend_v nor_o do_v it_o belong_v to_o they_o to_o bear_v the_o punishment_n if_o their_o blood_n have_v have_v the_o virtue_n of_o make_v propitiation_n for_o sin_n the_o rich_a however_o otherwise_o wicked_a be_v happy_a that_o be_v able_a to_o offer_v hecatomb_n and_o what_o efficacy_n be_v there_o in_o the_o aspersion_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o cleanse_v the_o conscience_n of_o man_n from_o his_o crime_n certain_o with_o good_a reason_n do_v one_o among_o they_o write_v ah_o nimium_fw-la faciles_fw-la qui_fw-la tristia_fw-la funera_fw-la caedis_fw-la tolli_fw-la fluminea_fw-la posse_fw-la putatis_fw-la aqua_fw-la fond_a man_n that_o think_v by_o water_n crystal_n flood_n to_o cleanse_v away_o the_o horrid_a guilt_n of_o blood_n their_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n illusion_n of_o daemon_n as_o the_o serpent_n adore_v for_o aesculapius_n in_o the_o city_n of_o epidaurus_n and_o afterward_o carry_v to_o rome_n to_o assuage_v the_o pestilence_n and_o the_o apparition_n of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n relate_v the_o tiding_n of_o the_o defeat_n of_o perseus_n king_n of_o macedonia_n and_o all_o the_o speaking_n and_o sweating_n of_o image_n in_o their_o temple_n or_o else_o they_o be_v trick_n of_o magic_n as_o that_o of_o appius_n navius_n who_o to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o augury_n cut_v a_o whetstone_n in_o two_o with_o a_o razor_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o romulus_n and_o also_o that_o manner_n of_o appease_v a_o rage_a plague_n in_o the_o city_n of_o ephesus_n practise_v by_o apollonius_n of_o knock_v down_o a_o daemon_n with_o stone_n and_o his_o vanish_v before_o domitian_n and_o all_o those_o juggle_a sleight_n that_o be_v do_v before_o he_o when_o he_o be_v at_o a_o feast_n with_o the_o brahmin_n of_o india_n or_o they_o be_v simple_a gullery_n as_o that_o of_o the_o inundation_n of_o the_o lake_n of_o alba._n the_o inventor_n of_o their_o devotion_n be_v crafty_a man_n who_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n to_o render_v they_o pliable_a to_o their_o law_n and_o more_o respectful_a to_o their_o person_n as_o themselves_o confess_v of_o numa_n pompilius_n at_o rome_n and_o minos_n at_o crete_n and_o some_o other_o the_o most_o seem_o devout_a sectator_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v very_o frequent_o contemner_n of_o they_o in_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n though_o outward_o they_o put_v on_o a_o grave_a countenance_n to_o 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of_o the_o plague_n of_o egypt_n and_o pharaoh_n of_o the_o call_v of_o moses_n and_o his_o miracle_n be_v so_o villanous_o corrupt_v and_o contaminate_v with_o fable_n both_o contrary_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v excellent_a elegant_a genuine_a pathetical_a and_o divine_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n become_v cold_a and_o impertinent_a absurd_a and_o devest_v of_o all_o verisimilitude_n when_o this_o busy_a sciolist_n have_v the_o management_n of_o it_o if_o moses_n and_o mahomet_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o same_o spirit_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v together_o how_o do_v the_o write_n of_o the_o former_a ravish_v attentive_a and_o sober_a mind_n with_o admiration_n while_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o the_o latter_a deter_n ingenuous_a spirit_n from_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o history_n in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v in_o the_o evangelist_n a_o clear_a and_o coherent_a narration_n 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maintain_v or_o advance_v it_o otherwise_o then_o by_o suffering_n and_o though_o in_o other_o thing_n it_o condemn_v not_o war_n just_o engage_v in_o by_o prince_n for_o conservation_n of_o their_o right_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o their_o dominion_n yet_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o recommend_v only_a constancy_n in_o suffer_v of_o the_o cross_n and_o will_v have_v we_o be_v content_v with_o that_o promise_n that_o all_o shall_v be_v so_o well_o order_v by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o none_o shall_v have_v cause_n to_o complain_v that_o he_o leave_v his_o own_o in_o oblivion_n but_o what_o do_v mahomet_n in_o this_o cast_n there_o be_v not_o a_o chapter_n in_o all_o his_o book_n wherein_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v fire_n and_o sword_n war_n and_o massacre_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o law_n he_o promise_v reward_n in_o paradise_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v acquit_v themselves_o valiant_o therein_o and_o denounce_v eternal_a pain_n to_o coward_n and_o although_o as_o he_o contradict_v himself_o very_o frequent_o he_o say_v sometime_o that_o no_o person_n ought_v to_o be_v constrain_v by_o force_n to_o receive_v his_o law_n yet_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o that_o begin_v so_o to_o make_v it_o be_v believe_v and_o give_v special_a commandment_n for_o it_o which_o also_o have_v hitherto_o be_v practise_v by_o his_o successor_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o the_o gospel_n christ_n reduce_v marriage_n to_o its_o ancient_a and_o natural_a purity_n prohibit_v polygamy_n and_o divorce_n save_v in_o case_n of_o adultery_n only_o by_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o have_v four_o or_o five_o wife_n if_o a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o keep_v they_o and_o to_o add_v to_o they_o moreover_o if_o he_o please_v a_o number_n of_o concubine_n how_o then_o be_v it_o that_o christ_n have_v teach_v that_o the_o permission_n of_o divorce_n be_v a_o induligence_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n that_o at_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o have_v by_o degree_n abolish_v polygamy_n which_o have_v be_v in_o custom_n among_o they_o how_o be_v it_o i_o say_v that_o this_o prophet_n who_o revelation_n be_v if_o you_o will_v believe_v himself_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o law_n establish_v the_o same_o again_o with_o so_o boundless_a licentiousness_n certain_o christ_n do_v in_o this_o correct_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o polity_n of_o moses_n and_o put_v thing_n into_o a_o estate_n convenient_a to_o the_o excellence_n of_o time_n under_o the_o gospel_n to_o urge_v the_o same_o further_o have_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v amend_v mahomet_n ought_v to_o have_v cause_v as_o much_o purity_n of_o holy_a marriage_n to_o have_v shine_v in_o his_o law_n above_o that_o of_o christ_n as_o christ_n have_v make_v to_o appear_v in_o his_o above_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o notwithstanding_o clean_o contrary_a he_o dishonour_v and_o pollute_v it_o more_o than_o it_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o even_o among_o idolatrous_a nation_n that_o have_v have_v any_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a honesty_n add_v hereunto_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o holy_a liberty_n and_o which_o have_v favour_v we_o with_o the_o grant_n of_o well-using_a such_o thing_n as_o be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o have_v abrogate_a the_o constitution_n which_o oblige_v to_o abstain_v from_o they_o and_o likewise_o recommend_v the_o use_n of_o they_o in_o time_n of_o necessity_n which_o appear_v express_o in_o wine_n which_o the_o apostle_n advise_v timothy_n to_o use_v for_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o stomach_n and_o so_o far_o be_v christ_n from_o intend_v that_o his_o disciple_n and_o believer_n shall_v abhor_v that_o sort_n of_o liquor_n that_o he_o have_v
obscurity_n and_o indeed_o what_o a_o furious_a love_n of_o the_o alcoran_n be_v it_o that_o cause_v a_o man_n to_o observe_v such_o thing_n in_o it_o of_o which_o its_o author_n will_v not_o have_v we_o believe_v he_o ever_o think_v and_o such_o as_o his_o interpreter_n reject_v and_o his_o follower_n detest_v and_o abominate_a for_o why_o be_v they_o so_o affect_v to_o the_o law_n of_o mahomet_n unless_o because_o it_o promise_v they_o all_o sort_n of_o corporeal_a contentment_n and_o shall_v any_o expound_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o in_o a_o mystical_a way_n who_o doubt_v but_o that_o they_o will_v think_v his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o cause_v all_o the_o hope_n of_o their_o beatitude_n to_o vanish_v into_o smoke_n moreover_o though_o for_o the_o word_n and_o the_o rhyme_n that_o book_n be_v write_v in_o a_o arabic_a style_n good_a enough_o yet_o it_o be_v compose_v of_o part_n so_o loose_a and_o incoherent_a among_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o they_o that_o read_v it_o with_o so_o much_o admiration_n do_v not_o advert_v its_o impertinence_n for_o it_o be_v a_o hodgepodge_n of_o several_a confuse_a matter_n huddle_v together_o without_o any_o other_o connection_n than_o they_o have_v by_o chance_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v build_v at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o divers_a hand_n and_o not_o follow_v according_a to_o one_o uniform_a and_o continue_a design_n for_o he_o mingle_v therein_o the_o history_n before_o the_o law_n with_o those_o after_o it_o those_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o war_n of_o his_o own_o time_n and_o sometime_o divide_v one_o into_o two_o or_o three_o piece_n and_o contrary_o sometime_o inept_o mould_n two_o or_o three_o into_o one_o prayer_n promise_n exhortation_n admonition_n commandment_n and_o law_n privilege_n and_o history_n description_n of_o paradise_n and_o hell_n philosophy_n and_o divinity_n after_o his_o manner_n fable_n of_o time_n past_a and_o future_a the_o number_n of_o the_o celestial_a orb_n and_o the_o death_n of_o a_o cow_n be_v to_o be_v find_v jumble_v together_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o you_o will_v say_v sometime_o that_o they_o be_v very_o the_o rave_n of_o a_o man_n in_o a_o fever_n or_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o a_o drunkard_n ut_fw-la nec_fw-la pes_fw-la nec_fw-la caput_fw-la uni_fw-la reddatur_fw-la formae_fw-la and_o if_o the_o order_n thereof_o be_v so_o pervert_v the_o matter_n be_v little_o better_a he_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v a_o portion_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o god_n which_o he_o breathe_v into_o he_o at_o his_o first_o creation_n and_o that_o under_o the_o shadow_n which_o the_o tree_n make_v they_o adore_v the_o deity_n he_o swear_v by_o the_o alcoran_n in_o one_o place_n and_o in_o another_o by_o his_o pen_n that_o that_o book_n be_v send_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n that_o the_o heaven_n will_v fall_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o angel_n that_o pray_v for_o we_o that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n that_o many_o desert_a christ_n because_o he_o be_v too_o eloquent_a and_o dispute_v against_o the_o christian_n he_o prove_v that_o jesus_n be_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o god_n can_v have_v no_o son_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o he_o say_v man_n be_v create_v of_o shadow_n and_o devil_n of_o flame_n of_o fire_n and_o as_o for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o universe_n he_o relate_v it_o in_o this_o manner_n god_n create_v the_o earth_n in_o two_o day_n and_o fasten_v it_o to_o the_o mountain_n as_o it_o be_v by_o anchor_n and_o cable_n in_o the_o two_o next_o day_n he_o cause_v all_o sort_n of_o herb_n to_o spring_v up_o for_o the_o nutriment_n of_o animal_n after_o which_o the_o earth_n be_v thus_o frame_v begin_v to_o emit_v exhalation_n and_o steam_n of_o which_o he_o form_v the_o heaven_n in_o two_o other_o day_n in_o which_o he_o place_v the_o star_n and_o give_v they_o principal_o in_o charge_n to_o chase_v away_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o splendour_n of_o their_o light_n when_o they_o go_v to_o spy_v what_o be_v do_v in_o heaven_n do_v he_o reason_n or_o rage_n when_o he_o write_v all_o these_o excellent_a piece_n of_o divinity_n but_o then_o he_o interweave_v the_o same_o here_o and_o there_o with_o i_o know_v not_o what_o putid_v fable_n he_o repeat_v a_o hundred_o and_o a_o hundred_o time_n so_o distrustful_a be_v he_o it_o will_v not_o be_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o rare_a book_n &_o profess_v that_o all_o mankind_n together_o can_v not_o have_v make_v the_o least_o syllable_n of_o it_o he_o sprinkle_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n with_o shameful_a and_o unprofitable_a fable_n sometime_o he_o go_v about_o to_o discourse_v of_o matter_n treat_v on_o by_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o present_o discover_v that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o they_o as_o where_o he_o make_v a_o comparison_n of_o christ_n with_o adam_n then_o in_o another_o place_n he_o trifle_n incongruous_o about_o the_o table_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o boast_v of_o have_v cement_v the_o moon_n together_o again_o which_o himself_o have_v cut_v in_o sunder_o he_o speak_v of_o predestination_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n as_o a_o fatal_a destiny_n and_o some_o say_v it_o be_v by_o this_o mean_n that_o he_o render_v his_o follower_n so_o adventurous_a in_o war_n because_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o destiny_n be_v inevitable_a they_o cast_v themselves_o without_o heed_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o danger_n presume_v they_o shall_v not_o die_v in_o case_n it_o be_v not_o predestinate_v though_o their_o heart_n be_v pierce_v with_o a_o hundred_o javelin_n last_o he_o contradict_v himself_o at_o every_o turn_n but_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o most_o frequent_o defend_v himself_o be_v his_o not_o do_v of_o miracle_n and_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v anyone_o to_o require_v they_o from_o he_o though_o indeed_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o undertake_v unless_o he_o can_v prove_v his_o vocation_n by_o authentic_a miracle_n for_o he_o abolish_v the_o constitution_n which_o himself_o acknowledge_v be_v authorize_v by_o god_n as_o those_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n he_o introduce_v a_o new_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o invade_v the_o dignity_n of_o sovereign_a magistrate_n levy_v arm_n against_o prince_n though_o he_o be_v but_o a_o private_a person_n give_v liberty_n to_o slave_n in_o spite_n of_o their_o master_n with_o a_o absolute_a authority_n and_o maikng_v invasion_n and_o war_n the_o most_o violent_a and_o bloody_a that_o ever_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n but_o ought_v not_o he_o to_o have_v authorize_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o show_v the_o right_n he_o have_v to_o do_v all_o this_o who_o ever_o attempt_v any_o of_o those_o thing_n as_o moses_n or_o elias_n or_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o at_o sometime_o or_o other_o give_v testimony_n of_o their_o celestial_a call_n by_o miracle_n certain_o when_o i_o consider_v on_o the_o one_o side_n the_o absurdity_n and_o grosseness_n of_o almost_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v i_o can_v but_o think_v he_o have_v great_a need_n of_o miracle_n to_o persuade_v the_o same_o to_o people_n of_o understanding_n and_o i_o shall_v reckon_v it_o a_o miracle_n if_o any_o honest_a man_n can_v believe_v he_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o persuade_v it_o i_o conceive_v it_o no_o great_a miracle_n to_o have_v allure_v and_o draw_v carnal_a mind_n by_o the_o gaudy_a bait_n of_o a_o carnal_a paradise_n in_o a_o word_n it_o need_v not_o to_o be_v much_o verse_v in_o that_o work_n to_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v a_o medley_n of_o all_o impertinent_a and_o bad_a thing_n among_o which_o there_o be_v sometime_o find_v some_o little_a good_a as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o drug_n of_o egypt_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o what_o good_a there_o be_v there_o be_v overwhelm_v in_o a_o abyss_n of_o falsity_n impiety_n fable_n and_o impertinence_n and_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v from_o what_o fountain_n he_o derive_v it_o all_o the_o good_a doctrine_n and_o sentence_n which_o be_v sometime_o meet_v with_o by_o the_o way_n be_v take_v from_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n the_o hatred_n which_o be_v perpetual_o testify_v against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n he_o receive_v by_o contagion_n from_o the_o arian_n and_o other_o heretic_n that_o be_v in_o high_a repute_n in_o his_o time_n that_o vile_a pollution_n of_o marriage_n by_o the_o licentious_a multiplicity_n
decree_n the_o lord_n have_v say_v unto_o i_o thou_o be_v my_o son_n this_o day_n have_v i_o beget_v thou_o and_o vers_fw-la 12._o kiss_v the_o son_n lest_o he_o be_v angry_a for_o whatever_o cloud_n they_o endeavour_v to_o obscure_v this_o place_n with_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o noon-sun_n that_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o david_n or_o any_o other_o beside_o the_o messiah_n no_o other_o can_v inherit_v so_o glorious_a a_o name_n as_o to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n nor_o have_v the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o his_o possession_n and_o the_o heathen_a for_o his_o inheritance_n so_o likewise_o that_o that_o promise_v make_v unto_o david_n when_o thy_o day_n be_v fulfil_v and_o thou_o shall_v sleep_v with_o thy_o father_n i_o will_v set_v up_o thy_o seed_n after_o thou_o which_o shall_v proceed_v out_o of_o thy_o bowel_n and_o i_o will_v establish_v his_o kingdom_n he_o shall_v build_v a_o house_n for_o my_o name_n and_o i_o will_v establish_v the_o throne_n of_o his_o kingdom_n for_o ever_o i_o will_v be_v his_o father_n and_o he_o shall_v be_v my_o son_n be_v applicable_a to_o solomon_n though_o that_o which_o follow_v agree_v to_o he_o but_o if_o he_o commit_v iniquity_n etc._n etc._n the_o too_o great_a magnificence_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o event_n of_o thing_n can_v allow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o solomon_n have_v be_v first_o of_o all_o rent_n in_o two_o in_o the_o time_n of_o rehoboam_n and_o afterward_o his_o throne_n for_o so_o many_o age_n so_o shatter_v to_o piece_n that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o relic_n of_o it_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o another_o place_n unto_o we_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v unto_o we_o a_o son_n be_v give_v etc._n etc._n of_o who_o without_o question_n solomon_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v where_o he_o introduce_v wisdom_n speak_v thus_o by_o i_o king_n reign_n and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n by_o i_o prince_n rule_v and_o noble_n even_o all_o the_o judge_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o lord_n possess_v i_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o way_n before_o his_o work_n of_o old_a i_o be_v set_v up_o from_o everlasting_a from_o the_o beginning_n or_o ever_o the_o earth_n be_v make_v when_o there_o be_v no_o depth_n i_o be_v bring_v forth_o when_o there_o be_v no_o fountain_n abound_v with_o water_n before_o the_o mountain_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o hill_n be_v i_o bring_v forth_o when_o he_o prepare_v the_o heaven_n i_o be_v there_o when_o he_o set_v a_o compass_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o depth_n then_o be_v i_o by_o he_o as_o one_o bring_v up_o with_o he_o and_o i_o be_v daily_o his_o delight_n rejoice_v always_o before_o he_o for_o what_o a_o strange_a manner_n of_o speak_v will_v this_o be_v if_o the_o intent_n be_v only_o to_o express_v that_o god_n be_v wise_a to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o give_v we_o notice_n so_o diligent_o that_o he_o be_v wise_a from_o the_o beginning_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mystery_n in_o it_o see_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v ever_o be_v without_o wisdom_n as_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n what_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v it_o of_o god_n be_v wise_a from_o all_o time_n for_o wisdom_n herself_o to_o cry_v out_o the_o lord_n beget_v she_o can_v any_o poetical_a fury_n excuse_v such_o extraordinary_a and_o uncouth_a fetch_n and_o especial_o in_o a_o book_n who_o style_n otherwise_o throughout_o though_o it_o seem_v write_v in_o verse_n be_v as_o remote_a from_o enthusiasm_n as_o the_o heaven_n be_v from_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o son_n be_v without_o question_n a_o person_n distinct_a from_o the_o father_n the_o wisdom_n beget_v from_o he_o which_o beget_v it_o the_o branch_n shout_v forth_o from_o he_o that_o emit_v it_o he_o that_o cause_v to_o sit_v from_o he_o that_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o reason_n consequent_o prove_v the_o same_o evident_o for_o since_o it_o be_v requisite_a satisfaction_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o that_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a justice_n and_o it_o behove_v he_o to_o be_v god_n that_o shall_v make_v it_o to_o who_o can_v he_o satisfy_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o other_o person_n likewise_o god_n in_o who_o this_o justice_n be_v consider_v for_o we_o have_v assert_v and_o repeat_v many_o time_n that_o this_o justice_n be_v a_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o hatred_n of_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n by_o punish_v exercise_n the_o office_n of_o universal_a magistrate_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o person_n who_o exercise_v this_o inexorable_a justice_n to_o be_v distinct_a from_o he_o upon_o who_o it_o be_v exercise_v the_o punisher_n from_o the_o sufferer_n for_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o matter_n and_o the_o same_o respect_n none_o can_v be_v magistrate_n and_o criminal_a both_o together_o well_o will_n some_o say_v let_v christian_n religion_n stop_v there_o the_o scripture_n and_o reason_n hold_v forth_o these_o two_o distinct_a person_n but_o christianity_n conjoine_v also_o a_o three_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o multiply_v thus_o the_o person_n of_o the_o deity_n indeed_o that_o which_o make_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n seem_v strange_a in_o this_o point_n be_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o easy_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o divers_a person_n real_o and_o distinct_o subsistent_a can_v reside_v in_o one_o single_a and_o simple_a essence_n the_o union_n of_o essence_n be_v according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n repugnant_a thereunto_o but_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v upon_o inducement_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n of_o these_o truth_n so_o excellent_o coherent_a together_o that_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a person_n in_o one_o single_a essence_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o three_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v scrupule_v for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n will_v be_v as_o little_a repugnant_a to_o the_o distinct_a subsistence_n of_o three_o person_n as_o of_o two_n it_o behoove_v we_o therefore_o to_o inquire_v in_o brief_a whether_o the_o jew_n may_v find_v this_o three_o person_n in_o their_o book_n now_o mention_n be_v so_o frequent_o make_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n that_o it_o be_v some_o trouble_n to_o make_v choice_n in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n these_o be_v apparent_a among_o other_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n say_v isaiah_n chap._n 48._o and_o now_o the_o lord_n god_n and_o his_o spirit_n have_v send_v i_o be_v not_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o spirit_n distinct_a and_o yet_o to_o who_o appertain_v it_o to_o send_v prophet_n but_o to_o the_o lord_n himself_o if_o the_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v god_n will_v isaiah_n have_v call_v himself_o his_o prophet_n and_o that_o it_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o second_o person_n who_o be_v call_v the_o spirit_n he_o elsewhere_o put_v all_o three_o distinct_o in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o passage_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v rest_v upon_o he_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o counsel_n and_o may_v etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v clear_a than_o the_o day_n that_o the_o branch_n grow_v out_o of_o the_o root_n of_o jesse_n be_v the_o messiah_n upon_o who_o see_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n ought_v to_o rest_v and_o that_o he_o also_o as_o we_o have_v show_v be_v the_o lord_n behold_v here_o be_v one_o only_a lord_n distinguish_v into_o three_o person_n and_o in_o another_o place_n in_o the_o same_o term_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o i_o what_o i_o the_o prophet_n no._n for_o it_o follow_v because_o the_o lord_n have_v anoint_v i_o to_o preach_v good_a tiding_n unto_o the_o meek_a he_o have_v send_v i_o to_o bind_v up_o the_o break_a heart_a to_o proclaim_v liberty_n to_o the_o captive_n and_o the_o open_n of_o the_o prison_n to_o they_o that_o be_v bind_v to_o proclaim_v the_o acceptable_a year_n of_o the_o lord_n effect_n which_o transcend_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o prophet_n time_n and_o to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o another_o place_n behold_v my_o servant_n to_o wit_n the_o messiah_n so_o style_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o because_o as_o he_o be_v mediator_n he_o be_v employ_v by_o his_o father_n for_o redemption_n of_o the_o church_n who_o i_o will_v uphold_v my_o elect_n in_o who_o my_o soul_n delight_v i_o have_v put_v my_o spirit_n upon_o he_o and_o that_o passage_n in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o genesis_n be_v very_o remarkable_a though_o they_o except_v against_o it_o and_o the_o earth_n be_v without_o form_n and_o void_a and_o the_o spirit_n of_o
and_o nevertheless_o what_o remain_v of_o the_o empire_n of_o alexander_n that_o may_v give_v we_o assurance_n of_o its_o quondam_a existence_n be_v there_o any_o trace_n of_o it_o either_o in_o asia_n or_o europe_n certain_o no_o statue_n which_o be_v erect_v to_o he_o no_o medal_n no_o pillar_n erect_v for_o his_o monument_n no_o memorial_n engrave_v in_o a_o rock_n or_o mountain_n no_o person_n of_o his_o lineage_n nor_o shadow_n of_o his_o empire_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certainty_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o book_n of_o the_o ancient_n for_o it_o of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v in_o like_a manner_n demand_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o supposititious_a and_o whether_o the_o author_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v ever_o in_o the_o world_n only_o it_o have_v continue_v constant_o in_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v sometime_o a_o alexander_n surname_v the_o great_a by_o reason_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o grandeur_n and_o what_o have_v we_o of_o caesar_n his_o commentary_n which_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n be_v call_v in_o doubt_n as_o the_o epistle_n of_o saint_n paul_n for_o what_o more_o lively_a character_n do_v those_o bear_v of_o that_o great_a emperor_n then_o these_o do_v of_o this_o great_a apostle_n more_o than_o this_o what_o evidence_n can_v be_v produce_v but_o i_o know_v not_o what_o vain_a pretend_a inscription_n some_o mutilous_a monument_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o some_o old_a castle_n without_o any_o other_o title_n of_o its_o author_n then_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n that_o the_o roman_n wage_v great_a war_n with_o our_o gaul_n under_o his_o conduct_n the_o most_o eminent_a token_n remain_v of_o he_o be_v a_o vain_a shadow_n of_o his_o empire_n transfer_v from_o rome_n to_o germany_n and_o his_o name_n which_o be_v perpetuate_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o those_o prince_n now_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o all_o this_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o immarcessible_a evidence_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v of_o themselves_o in_o the_o whole_a earth_n and_o if_o the_o name_n of_o caesar_n retain_v by_o the_o german_a emperor_n and_o that_o carcase_n of_o his_o empire_n be_v sufficient_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a prince_n of_o that_o name_n be_v not_o the_o name_n of_o saint_n peter_n preserve_v by_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o place_n and_o their_o authority_n to_o which_o those_o caesar_n have_v subject_v themselves_o a_o authentic_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v a_o saint_n peter_n the_o roman_a name_n be_v indeed_o perish_v and_o the_o nation_n have_v shake_v off_o the_o yoke_n of_o its_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o the_o shiver_n of_o that_o great_a body_n be_v rise_v up_o divers_a kingdom_n who_o own_o it_o no_o long_o how_o ever_o renown_v emperor_n and_o formidable_a army_n it_o have_v heretofore_o but_o the_o christian_a name_n be_v live_v and_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o who_o found_v it_o though_o we_o be_v now_o far_o remove_v from_o their_o generation_n so_o fresh_a and_o deep_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o a_o self-oblivion_n will_v soon_o arrive_v to_o all_o mankind_n than_o they_o will_v forget_v they_o they_o be_v continual_o speak_v of_o in_o life_n they_o be_v seek_v to_o for_o consolation_n in_o death_n the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o be_v instil_v into_o the_o soul_n of_o little_a child_n with_o their_o milk_n who_o do_v not_o so_o soon_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v man_n as_o they_o do_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n and_o disciple_n of_o the_o apostle_n if_o therefore_o a_o much_o less_o certain_a tradition_n be_v not_o question_v why_o shall_v that_o which_o be_v so_o constant_a be_v call_v into_o doubt_n if_o belief_n be_v give_v to_o some_o fragment_n of_o statue_n and_o some_o old_a triumphant_a arch_n deface_v by_o time_n shall_v we_o not_o give_v credit_n to_o so_o many_o temple_n and_o infinite_a other_o authentic_a monument_n wherefore_o it_o remain_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a thing_n which_o though_o not_o otherwise_o know_v then_o by_o tradition_n and_o common_a report_n nevertheless_o can_v be_v contradict_v but_o by_o contentious_a spirit_n and_o such_o as_o be_v insupportable_a in_o their_o impudence_n for_o when_o a_o thing_n contain_v nothing_o incredible_a in_o itself_o and_o be_v moreover_o universal_o receive_v when_o all_o memorial_n that_o can_v be_v require_v of_o it_o be_v find_v both_o in_o book_n &_o monument_n when_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o which_o affirm_v it_o be_v innumerable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o which_o deny_v it_o when_o it_o be_v embrace_v by_o all_o sort_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o all_o condition_n high_a and_o low_a learned_a and_o ignorant_a rich_a and_o poor_a when_o it_o have_v get_v foot_v in_o several_a nation_n pass_v over_o sea_n and_o mountain_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o most_o remote_a region_n when_o it_o have_v take_v such_o root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o million_o may_v be_v find_v all_o absolute_o dispose_v to_o suffer_v death_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o it_o behove_v to_o have_v lose_v common_a sense_n or_o to_o be_v immense_o brainsick_a to_o be_v capable_a still_o to_o distrust_v it_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o book_n attribute_v to_o they_o be_v they_o or_o not_o perhaps_o may_v seem_v of_o somewhat_o more_o difficulty_n to_o be_v resolve_v and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v mind_v to_o use_v the_o same_o argument_n the_o christian_n have_v have_v so_o constant_a a_o opinion_n from_o all_o time_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o unanimous_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o render_v they_o so_o uniform_a a_o testimony_n that_o if_o we_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o book_n bear_v the_o name_n of_o aristotle_n and_o cicero_n be_v true_o they_o much_o more_o ought_v we_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o these_o to_o which_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n of_o all_o quality_n and_o in_o all_o time_n have_v give_v most_o peremptory_a and_o convince_a evidence_n but_o let_v we_o close_o with_o they_o a_o little_a near_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o a_o writing_n be_v the_o matter_n whether_o it_o be_v both_o excellent_a of_o itself_o and_o consentaneous_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n who_o propound_v it_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o marshal_n de_fw-fr strossy_a who_o be_v a_o assiduous_a reader_n of_o caesar_n commentary_n be_v not_o so_o much_o assure_v by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n that_o they_o have_v that_o incomparable_a captain_n for_o author_n as_o by_o the_o trace_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a military_a sufficiency_n he_o discern_v in_o they_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v or_o write_v but_o only_o by_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a master_n in_o the_o art_n of_o war_n now_o who_o do_v the_o apostle_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v minister_n send_v to_o proclaim_v the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o dispenser_n of_o his_o heavenly_a mystery_n let_v it_o examine_v what_o consonance_n there_o be_v between_o their_o writing_n and_o this_o profession_n and_o a_o most_o perfect_a correspondence_n will_v be_v find_v between_o they_o for_o in_o that_o which_o they_o have_v write_v of_o his_o history_n they_o paint_v he_o out_o to_o we_o so_o much_o to_o the_o life_n and_o with_o so_o natural_a a_o pencil_n that_o he_o that_o read_v they_o attentive_o can_v but_o seem_v to_o himself_o to_o see_v understand_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o among_o his_o disciple_n in_o judea_n moreover_o all_o their_o doctrine_n and_o narration_n have_v that_o aim_n without_o ever_o intermix_v any_o thing_n of_o humane_a science_n or_o affair_n and_o extraneous_a matter_n little_o conduce_v to_o their_o purpose_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o that_o which_o they_o teach_v they_o discover_v such_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n so_o unknown_a to_o all_o those_o that_o ever_o profess_a learning_n and_o nevertheless_o so_o conformable_a to_o the_o humane_a understanding_n when_o once_o it_o have_v comprehend_v the_o same_o that_o it_o be_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o they_o in_o truth_n derive_v from_o the_o fountain_n of_o those_o mystery_n what_o they_o dispense_v to_o we_o and_o that_o they_o portray_v jesus_n so_o lively_a by_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o he_o deep_o imprint_v in_o their_o soul_n since_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o writing_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v make_v but_o by_o those_o who_o be_v either_o apostle_n or_o alike_o qualify_v what_o be_v more_o rational_a then_o to_o attribute_v the_o same_o to_o they_o see_v they_o bear_v their_o name_n inscribe_v in_o the_o front_n and_o the_o air_n as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v and_o genius_n of_o they_o in_o their_o aspect_n in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o style_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v which_o ought_v to_o be_v agreeable_a both_o