Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n ability_n able_a author_n 15 3 5.8904 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66875 The reasonablenes of scripture-beleif a discourse giving some account of those rational grounds upon which the Bible is received as the word of God / written by Sir Charles Wolseley ... Wolseley, Charles, Sir, 1630?-1714. 1672 (1672) Wing W3313; ESTC R235829 198,284 556

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o a_o ea●y_a dispatch_n the_o difficulty_n rest_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o that_o which_o can_v have_v no_o second_o cause_n for_o its_o author_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o no_o create_a power_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n can_v effect_v raise_v man_n dead_a cure_v disease_n by_o speak_v a_o word_n be_v able_a in_o a_o moment_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v only_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o su●h_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o claim_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expe●t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o ●hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o bo●k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o w●●k●_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cy●ill's_v six_o book_n against_o ju●ian_n and_o ●n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v b●●ug●t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a no●●ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v b●ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o mira●itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n a●tr●butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
be_v the_o reasonable_a bound_n of_o all_o such_o future_a debate_n as_o be_v bottom_v upon_o they_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v when_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v in_o question_n nor_o upon_o such_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_v when_o two_o mabumetan_o be_v in_o dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v to_o they_o a_o proper_a umpirage_n because_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o both_o but_o when_o a_o mahometan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o koran_n itself_o must_v precede_v any_o proof_n he_o can_v make_v of_o religion_n from_o thence_o because_o whatever_o be_v itself_o under_o question_n and_o doubt_n can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o determine_v other_o controversy_n by_o nor_o ought_v this_o the_o fact_n whereof_o be_v so_o verify_v to_o we_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v often_o mistake_v and_o general_o differ_v and_o divide_v upon_o all_o such_o acquire_v principle_n as_o they_o do_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n wherein_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v able_a universal_o to_o take_v one_o step_v together_o beyond_o those_o first_o and_o irrisistible_a institute_n of_o knowledge_n and_o those_o primary_n element_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v it_o be_v no_o way_n strange_a to_o see_v what_o be_v lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n by_o one_o shall_v seem_v a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o another_o what_o one_o man_n resign_v up_o himself_o to_o as_o his_o guide_n another_o shall_v reject_v with_o contempt_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o all_o acquire_v knowledge_n be_v attain_v and_o the_o various_a path_n man_n tread_v towards_o it_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o reduce_v thing_n to_o a_o harmony_n with_o the_o rational_a nature_n with_o what_o labour_n and_o sweat_v of_o the_o mind_n we_o come_v to_o measure_v out_o thing_n by_o the_o line_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o find_v out_o those_o proper_a medium_n of_o demonstration_n that_o lie_v in_o a_o direct_a line_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n and_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o doubt_v and_o object_n to_o the_o utmost_a in_o all_o rational_a progression_n second_o with_o what_o various_a ability_n the_o world_n be_v capacitate_v for_o all_o intellectual_a attainment_n and_o how_o different_o man_n do_v improve_v their_o know_a faculty_n first_o principle_n arise_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o naked_a existence_n but_o all_o second_o principle_n from_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o travel_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o reason_n will_v guide_v they_o or_o suffer_v that_o noble_a faculty_n to_o do_v what_o it_o will_v do_v what_o unequal_a concern_v have_v mankind_n about_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o jewel_n and_o delight_n of_o some_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a drug_n to_o other_o some_o man_n make_v the_o talon_n of_o their_o reason_n ten_o talent_n oother_n fold_v up_o their_o know_a faculty_n in_o the_o slumber_n of_o a_o drowsy_a sensuality_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o do_v know_v not_o what_o they_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v a_o lazy_a enjoyment_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n rather_o than_o a_o inquisitive_a possession_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v of_o several_a stature_n in_o the_o know_a part_n but_o they_o continual_o render_v themselves_o so_o by_o the_o various_a and_o different_a improvement_n of_o those_o ability_n they_o possess_v three_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n itself_o render_v all_o thing_n capable_a of_o dispute_n and_o debate_n that_o be_v not_o bound_v with_o visible_a contradiction_n to_o its_o own_o be_v and_o be_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o those_o primary_n law_n it_o necessary_o give_v to_o itself_o and_o make_v various_a determination_n about_o all_o such_o disputable_a matter_n and_o very_o often_o where_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v a_o equal_a ability_n on_o both_o side_n man_n differ_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o cause_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o innate_a defect_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v we_o with_o a_o lame_a faculty_n for_o whoever_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o must_v needs_o retort_v the_o lie_n to_o himself_o because_o he_o have_v no_o other_o faculty_n to_o judge_v by_o but_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o lie_v collateral_o either_o first_o from_o the_o difficulty_n relative_a to_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o from_o whence_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o arise_v various_a and_o different_a sentiment_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o positive_a determination_n we_o meet_v with_o few_o thing_n without_o some_o difficulty_n but_o with_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o great_o pose_v we_o with_o some_o thing_n so_o much_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o comprehension_n be_v beyond_o the_o verge_n of_o problem_n and_o serve_v only_a to_o show_v we_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n or_o second_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o perfect_a information_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o ground_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n upon_o there_o be_v not_o a_o little_a share_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_v mingle_v with_o most_o of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o nothing_o but_o experience_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o or_o three_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o man_n fall_n from_o the_o bias_n of_o some_o interest_n or_o concern_v whereby_o man_n be_v engage_v or_o some_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o oppose_v and_o undiscerned_o prevail_v over_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n enslave_v they_o to_o appetite_n and_o sway_v the_o judgement_n another_o way_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o prudent_a observation_n that_o one_o make_v heretofore_o upon_o those_o various_a sect_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o philosopher_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o qui_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la severo_fw-la rigido_fw-la &_o moroso_fw-la querulo_fw-la &_o aroganti_fw-la ij_o stoicismum_n sun_n amplecti_fw-la qui_fw-la vero_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la molli_fw-la &_o stadiosi_fw-la tranquillitatis_fw-la &_o atij_fw-la ij_o fuerunt_fw-la epicurei_n qui_fw-la denique_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la civili_fw-la modestoque_fw-la &_o liberali_fw-la ij_o peripateticorum_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la sunt_fw-la secuti_fw-la and_o aristotle_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la say_v vnumquemque_fw-la prout_fw-la animo_fw-la affectus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la de_fw-fr summ●_n rono_fw-it judicare_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la oriri_fw-la quod_fw-la alij_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la collecant_v in_fw-la divitiis_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o honoribus_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o voluptate_fw-la it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o those_o many_o other_o circumstantial_a impediment_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o all_o our_o rational_a determination_n and_o not_o from_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o have_v be_v derive_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o have_v be_v divide_v of_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v and_o accidental_a principle_n be_v man_n assent_n to_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o book_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a mission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o those_o first_o bear_v principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o we_o can_v dissent_v without_o a_o apparent_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o first_o praerequisites_n to_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o stand_a boundary_n of_o all_o ratiocination_n but_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o admit_v man_n doubt_n query_n and_o debate_n about_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a positive_a belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o all_o man_n reason_v and_o discourse_v into_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o man_n satisfaction_n about_o it_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o man_n and_o be_v connate_a with_o their_o being_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v but_o all_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v discourse_v into_o man_n and_o make_v its_o entrance_n that_o way_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o all_o science_n there_o must_v be_v some_o principle_n grant_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v than_o such_o as_o be_v general_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o such_o as_o lie_v adequate_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v only_o the_o property_n of_o one_o party_n and_o be_v peculiar_a
moses_n can_v not_o humane_o foresee_v that_o so_o many_o prophet_n will_v ari●●●n_v so_o many_o after_o age_n to_o justify_v explain_v and_o carry_v on_o what_o he_o at_o the_o first_o write_v nor_o can_v moses_n or_o those_o prophet_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n so_o exact_o to_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a and_o yet_o all_o this_o and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o bible_n have_v come_v as_o punctual_o to_o pass_v as_o if_o all_o those_o person_n that_o write_v the_o bible_n have_v live_v at_o one_o time_n have_v all_o talk_v together_o and_o perfect_o agree_v the_o whole_a business_n before_o one_o word_n of_o it_o be_v write_v nay_o moses_n be_v so_o explain_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o both_o in_o such_o a_o way_n explain_v and_o fulfil_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n make_v good_a fulfil_v and_o interpret_v as_o seem_v utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a skill_n and_o contrivement_n suppose_v all_o the_o writer_n have_v live_v at_o one_o time_n have_v all_o consult_v together_o and_o with_o their_o utmost_a ability_n labour_v to_o bring_v it_o so_o to_o pass_v what_o humane_a skill_n can_v we_o reasonable_o conceive_v can_v have_v contrive_v such_o a_o gradual_a fulfil_n throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n as_o now_o we_o see_v of_o that_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n what_o humane_a artifice_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v contrive_v such_o a_o prophetical_a prayer_n as_o god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem_fw-mi with_o such_o a_o fulfil_n of_o it_o as_o that_o after_o the_o world_n have_v be_v canton_v in_o age_n then_o to_o come_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n from_o their_o posterity_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o be_v in_o the_o high_a enmity_n each_o to_o other_o shall_v incorporate_v into_o one_o faith_n and_o become_v one_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o unite_a subjection_n to_o one_o common_a head_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v that_o any_o company_n of_o impostor_n can_v have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o projection_n as_o the_o save_a man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n or_o can_v have_v contrive_v such_o remote_a obscure_a promise_n of_o it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o gradual_a and_o stupendous_a fulfilling_n of_o those_o promise_n after_o it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v only_o high_o improbable_a that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n live_v in_o such_o distant_a age_n shall_v agree_v to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n but_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o admit_v they_o have_v so_o agree_v yet_o that_o they_o can_v have_v produce_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n or_o that_o a_o book_n so_o consist_v with_o itself_o can_v have_v be_v at_o such_o remote_a distance_n of_o time_n contrive_v by_o the_o cunning_a head_n of_o any_o wicked_a impostor_n whatsoever_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a wisdom_n can_v have_v guide_v so_o many_o hand_n as_o writ_v the_o bible_n in_o so_o many_o age_n into_o such_o a_o admirable_a agreement_n and_o punctual_a correspondency_n with_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o agreement_n between_o man_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o opinion_n in_o any_o one_o age_n or_o to_o find_v any_o one_o man_n in_o his_o own_o writing_n if_o he_o write_v much_o exact_o agree_v with_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v so_o many_o man_n in_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n so_o harmonize_a together_o as_o there_o they_o do_v be_v of_o singular_a consideration_n throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n we_o find_v these_o writer_n still_o proceed_v and_o build_v forward_o till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v without_o reject_v any_o thing_n all_o thing_n complete_v and_o fulfil_v never_o any_o thing_n deny_v contradict_v or_o destroy_v but_o we_o still_o see_v a_o rare_a use_n of_o every_o part_n relative_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o a_o fabric_n entire_o rear_v without_o the_o least_o part_n misplaced_n or_o any_o cause_n see_v to_o entertain_v a_o second_o thought_n or_o to_o alter_v of_o which_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o humane_a science_n whatsoever_o the_o harmony_n we_o find_v in_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v of_o great_a remark_n upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o it_o be_v a_o harmony_n that_o result_v from_o exceed_v different_a style_n and_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o so_o many_o man_n bare_a agreement_n together_o upon_o any_o few_o plain_a point_n but_o it_o be_v so_o many_o man_n agree_v together_o who_o have_v write_v historical_o prophetical_o doctrinal_o with_o wonderful_a variation_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o sublimest_n notion_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n in_o hell_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o second_o it_o be_v a_o harmony_n result_v from_o a_o involve_a correspondency_n of_o the_o part_v one_o with_o another_o and_o of_o every_o part_n with_o the_o whole_a now_o we_o see_v it_o conjoin_v d_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v or_o contrive_v by_o any_o humane_a wisdom_n in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o one_o distinct_a part_n there_o be_v in_o the_o to●um_fw-la compositum_fw-la of_o the_o bible_n such_o a_o peculiar_a oeconomy_n relate_v to_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o likewise_o such_o a_o unite_a consent_n in_o all_o the_o part_n when_o together_o relate_v to_o their_o conjunction_n in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n prophecy_n promise_n type_n history_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o such_o a_o dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o in_o order_n to_o it_o the_o whole_a in_o its_o connexion_n be_v so_o issue_v into_o one_o great_a and_o common_a end_n as_o must_v needs_o argue_v a_o further_a and_o great_a design_n in_o produce_v the_o whole_a than_o what_o any_o individual_a man_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o several_a distant_a time_n in_o write_v the_o particular_a part_n three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o harmony_n as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o discoverable_a to_o we_o by_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o the_o product_n of_o age_n and_o generation_n have_v show_v we_o much_o of_o it_o that_o lie_v hide_v and_o we_o know_v not_o of_o before_o the_o more_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o this_o book_n the_o more_o we_o find_v it_o at_o unity_n with_o itself_o and_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o it_o the_o deep_a harmony_n still_o we_o discover_v every_o age_n prove_v a_o fresh_a interpreter_n and_o the_o successive_a revolution_n of_o this_o whole_a world_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o of_o its_o rare_a and_o admirable_a concord_n and_o we_o come_v to_o find_v thing_n that_o seem_o most_o differ_v in_o the_o high_a and_o safe_a agreement_n which_o when_o we_o consider_v by_o how_o many_o several_a pen_n and_o at_o how_o many_o several_a and_o distant_a time_n this_o book_n be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o humane_a artifice_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n that_o any_o writer_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n can_v possible_o in_o their_o own_o time_n design_n or_o provide_v for_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v it_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n and_o foresight_n and_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o book_n be_v in_o all_o time_n guide_v in_o what_o they_o write_v by_o the_o supreme_a wisdom_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o penman_n god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n and_o those_o humane_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o ground_n to_o believe_v this_o book_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n as_o there_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o other_o humane_a author_n we_o be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o indeed_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o credit_v those_o man_n that_o write_v the_o bible_n consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o write_v it_o and_o how_o and_o when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o write_v it_o as_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o author_n we_o least_o doubt_v
any_o account_n of_o in_o story_n we_o shall_v find_v they_o lose_v in_o a_o strange_a mist_n of_o ignorance_n about_o all_o point_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v idolatry_n to_o be_v a_o early_a as_o well_o as_o a_o epidemical_a disease_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o su●_n beginning_n probable_o not_o long_a after_o the_o babylonian_a dispersion_n and_o the_o caldaans_n who_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o first_o people_n that_o associate_v themselves_o into_o a_o national_a government_n after_o the_o stand_v haste_v apace_o into_o all_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n bell_n or_o bel●_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o name_n the_o next_o successor_n of_o nimred_a and_o first_o king_n of_o babel_n after_o he_o be_v canonize_v for_o a_o daemon_n and_o deify_v b●_n they_o after_o his_o death_n it_o have_v fill_v some_o volume_n with_o tedious_a and_o nauseous_a vanity_n the_o narrative_a of_o the_o divinity_n and_o mythology_n o●_n those_o and_o other_o nation_n the_o name_n and_o derivation_n of_o their_o god_n the_o most_o rational_a of_o which_o be_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n wit●_n all_o their_o wild_a and_o fabulous_a theological_a invention_n and_o fancy_n about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o they_o this_o we_o find_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v also_o a_o large_a account_n thereof_o in_o diodorus_n siculus_n the_o firs●_o that_o make_v a_o collection_n of_o general_a history_n and_o as_o eusebius_n say_v of_o he_o be_v ʋir_a ap●●_n graco_n clarissimus_fw-la quip_n qui_fw-la universam_fw-la historiam_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la commodissime_fw-la corpus_fw-la collegit_fw-la nor_o be_v this_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n wherewith_o the_o world_n in_o its_o more_o barbarous_a condition_n be_v benight_a any_o way_n cure_a by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o propogation_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o idolatry_n grow_v up_o with_o philosophy_n the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n increase_v with_o their_o philosopher_n the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o god_n they_o worship_v the_o more_o man_n improve_v towards_o the_o utmost_a strength_n of_o humane_a ability_n the_o more_o visible_a be_v their_o impotency_n about_o divine_a thing_n and_o the_o more_o do_v principle_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n expatiate_v themselves_o among_o mankind_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o be_v unable_a by_o their_o natural_a inquiry_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o a_o certainty_n in_o divine_a thing_n their_o contemplation_n do_v but_o multiply_v their_o mistake_n and_o man_n great_a ability_n prove_v but_o a_o prolisick_n nursery_n of_o error_n yea_o the_o more_o devotion_n they_o have_v from_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o general_n and_o the_o far_a discovery_n they_o make_v of_o a_o state_n of_o mankind_n after_o this_o life_n the_o more_o propense_a they_o be_v to_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n to_o all_o the_o ill_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n by_o represent_v false_a image_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o themselves_o and_o dilate_v those_o apprehension_n into_o multiply_a object_n both_o of_o fancy_n and_o sense_n have_v no_o clear_a and_o fix_a notion_n whereby_o to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o their_o own_o fluctuation_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o we_o call_v learning_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o acquire_v knowledge_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o rise_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o have_v their_o first_o preduction_n from_o the_o nation_n the_o grecian_n call_v barbarous_a and_o be_v begin_v among_o they_o as_o the_o position_n of_o each_o country_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o each_o people_n various_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o progress_n learning_n have_v take_v it_o come_v from_o all_o other_o part_n and_o first_o concenter_v in_o graece_fw-la remove_v thence_o to_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o empire_n diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o european_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v the_o grecian_n the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o as_o some_o do_v and_o to_o derive_v it_o original_o from_o they_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o false_a and_o fictitious_a pretention_n as_o if_o all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o a_o lethargy_n but_o themselves_o and_o all_o man_n intellectual_n have_v lie_v in_o a_o trance_n and_o be_v first_o awaken_v in_o graece_fw-la it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o lie_v scatter_v in_o several_a hand_n be_v their_o first_o eminent_o unite_v and_o great_o improve_v by_o the_o singular_a ability_n and_o industry_n of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v they_o indebt_v for_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o their_o knowledge_n ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la fere_n barbaris_fw-la art_fw-la &_o utilia_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la documenta_fw-la graecos_n didicisse_fw-la say_v eusebius_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o after_o their_o astronomy_n they_o have_v from_o the_o chaldean_n their_o geometry_n from_o the_o egyptian_n without_o doubt_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n their_o letter_n from_o the_o phaenician_o and_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n from_o the_o hebrew_n clemens_n alex._n say_v vita_fw-la i_o deficiet_fw-la si_fw-la velim_fw-la sigillatim_fw-la graecorum_n furta_fw-la persequi_fw-la stromat_n pag._n 149._o two_o famous_a benefactor_n they_o have_v that_o all_o story_n make_v visible_a cadmus_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o letter_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o phaenician_a religion_n and_o learning_n and_o orpheus_n who_o instruct_v they_o in_o all_o the_o egyptian_a knowledge_n some_o of_o themselves_o as_o democritus_n heraclitus_n pythagoras_n and_o other_o who_o travel_v much_o into_o remote_a part_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a foreign_a help_n they_o receive_v but_o especial_o plato_n of_o who_o clemens_n alex._n say_v clarum_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la semper_fw-la inveniri_fw-la platonem_fw-la magni_fw-la facere_fw-la barbaros_fw-la utqui_fw-la meminisset_fw-la se_fw-la &_o pythagoram_fw-la plurima_fw-la eaque_fw-la praestantissima_fw-la &_o nobilissima_fw-la dogmata_fw-la didicisse_fw-la apud_fw-la barbaros_fw-la stromat_n lib._n 1._o lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n and_o after_o he_o plato_n be_v so_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n that_o they_o travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o persia_n and_o other_o country_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o learning_n and_o wonder_n they_o never_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o if_o you_o believe_v strabo_n pythagoras_n do_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n go_v into_o jewry_n and_o dwell_v a_o long_a time_n at_o mount_n carmel_n aristotle_n plain_o own_v the_o rise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o be_v foreign_a to_o graece_fw-la and_o say_v persis_n magos_n babylonijs_fw-la &_o assyriss_n caldaos_n indis_n gymnosophistas_n celtis_fw-la seu_fw-la gallis_fw-la druidas_n &_o qui_fw-fr semnothei_n appellabantar_n ejus_fw-la rei_fw-la fuisse_fw-la authores_fw-la many_o of_o the_o grecian_n we_o know_v boast_v much_o to_o the_o contrary_a diogenes_n laertius_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o work_n seem_v more_o positive_a against_o it_o then_o any_o for_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o who_o think_v other_o nation_n before_o the_o grecian_n begin_v to_o philosophise_v per_fw-la imprudentiam_fw-la graecorum_n recte_fw-la facta_fw-la inventaque_fw-la barbaris_fw-la applicant_n ab_fw-la ijs_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la philosophia_fw-la verum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la quoque_fw-la humanum_fw-la genus_fw-la initio_fw-la manavit_fw-la two_o thing_n well_o join_v and_o of_o equal_a credibility_n the_o latter_a as_o probable_a as_o that_o fabulous_a tradition_n among_o the_o egyptian_n that_o mankind_n come_v first_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v there_o original_o produce_v by_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o the_o former_a against_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a history_n and_o positive_o disprove_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a grecian_a philosopher_n themselves_o nor_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o give_v after_o for_o it_o so_o considerable_a that_o they_o deserve_v either_o to_o be_v confute_v or_o name_v whatever_o can_v be_v do_v without_o supernatural_a help_n by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v attain_v to_o between_o that_o time_n wherein_o learning_n flourish_v in_o graece_fw-la and_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o most_o famous_a man_n that_o the_o world_n have_v have_v for_o all_o natural_a acquirement_n flourish_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n in_o graece_fw-la and_o in_o rome_n and_o yet_o there_o need_v no_o great_a or_o other_o evidence_n of_o man_n defect_n without_o revelation_n than_o the_o record_n of_o those_o very_a time_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o mean_a confused_z and_o uncertain_a a_o account_n they_o give_v of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o
the_o world_n thales_n miletius_n the_o founder_n of_o the_o jonick_a school_n who_o be_v antiquissimus_fw-la sapientum_fw-la in_o graece_fw-la and_o the_o first_o author_n among_o they_o of_o that_o science_n they_o afterward_o call_v natural_a philosophy_n and_o come_v near_a to_o the_o story_n of_o moses_n he_o derive_v all_o thing_n from_o water_n rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la principium_fw-la dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la aquam_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la namque_fw-la omne_fw-la existere_fw-la &_o in_o aquam_fw-la resolvi_fw-la omne_fw-la follow_v therein_o homer_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o graece_fw-la who_o book_n be_v indeed_o the_o great_a pagan-bible_n and_o from_o who_o not_o only_o most_o of_o the_o gracian_a religion_n but_o most_o of_o all_o the_o heethen_a theology_n be_v after_o derive_v for_o he_o make_v the_o sea_n the_o common_a parent_n of_o all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d occanum_fw-la rerum_fw-la genuit_fw-la qui_fw-la cuncta_fw-la parentem_fw-la year_n of_o the_o god_n themselves_o for_o he_o derive_v their_o pedigree_n no_o high_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d oceanumque_fw-la deumm_n patrem_fw-la tethymque_fw-la parentem_fw-la anaximander_n his_o successor_n he_o think_v the_o world_n come_v from_o no_o one_o particular_a thing_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n have_v their_o proper_a and_o singular_a beginning_n which_o he_o hold_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o infinite_a world_n be_v thereby_o beget_v all_o which_o have_v their_o successive_a original_a continuance_n and_o end_n anaximenes_n he_o think_v all_o thing_n come_v from_o air_n exit_fw-la aere_fw-la omne_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o in_o hunc_fw-la desinere_fw-la omne_fw-la heraclitus_n ascribe_v all_o to_o fire_n think_v all_o thing_n come_v first_o from_o fire_n and_o will_v revert_v to_o fire_n again_o pythagoras_n the_o author_n of_o the_o italic_a philosophy_n and_o the_o first_o introducer_n of_o the_o name_n of_o philosophy_n according_a to_o laertius_n and_o as_o clemens_n alex._n tell_v we_o the_o first_o that_o take_v the_o name_n of_o a_o philosopher_n upon_o himself_o which_o st._n austin_n say_v he_o do_v out_o of_o modesty_n refuse_v to_o be_v call_v a_o wise_a man_n which_o every_o philosopher_n be_v before_o but_o choose_v rather_o to_o style_v himself_o a_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n he_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o number_n it_o be_v endless_a to_o mention_v all_o the_o absurd_a and_o contradictory_n speculation_n the_o philosopher_n have_v about_o this_o matter_n the_o three_o best_a of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o successive_o instruct_v each_o other_o and_o attain_v to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o grecian_a literature_n socrates_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n what_o a_o cloud_n do_v those_o elevate_a understanding_n set_v in_o about_o these_o matter_n socrates_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_n of_o he_o by_o what_o his_o scholar_n have_v collect_v of_o his_o for_o he_o write_v nothing_o himself_n see_v so_o great_a vanity_n in_o the_o sentiment_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n about_o these_o thing_n &_o withal_o be_v so_o convince_v of_o his_o own_o inability_n to_o come_v to_o a_o right_a comprehension_n of_o they_o that_o he_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o morality_n wave_v all_o dispute_n about_o they_o as_o uncertain_a and_o no_o way_n satisfy_v and_o make_v his_o business_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a live_n and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o such_o speculation_n wherein_o he_o find_v they_o have_v be_v ever_o benight_a and_o lose_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o wise_a resolve_n by_o far_o that_o any_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v to_o it_o be_v a_o singular_a part_n of_o prudence_n to_o be_v silent_a in_o that_o about_o which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a and_o in_o this_o particular_a happy_o he_o make_v good_a what_o the_o oracle_n say_v of_o he_o mortalium_fw-la unus_fw-la socrates_n veer_fw-la sapit_fw-la plato_n assert_n three_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n deum_fw-la materiam_fw-la &_o idaeam_n deum_fw-la conditorem_fw-la omnium_fw-la materiam_fw-la autem_fw-la primariae_fw-la rerum_fw-la genitarum_fw-la generationi_fw-la subjacentem_fw-la &_o causam_fw-la occasionemque_fw-la deo_fw-la creationis_fw-la praebentem_fw-la ideam_fw-la porro_fw-la creaturae_fw-la cujusque_fw-la exemplar_n and_o sometime_o add_v a_o four_o animam_fw-la universalem_fw-la aristotle_n make_v but_o two_o principle_n deum_n &_o materiam_fw-la and_o indeed_o so_o contradict_v the_o former_a hypothesis_n of_o plato_n and_o so_o little_a agreement_n be_v there_o in_o those_o thing_n between_o they_o though_o he_o have_v be_v his_o scholar_n from_o fifteen_o that_o plato_n complain_v he_o kick_v at_o he_o as_o foal_v use_v to_o do_v at_o their_o dame_n that_o have_v breed_v they_o up_o some_o think_v the_o world_n eternal_a without_o a_o deity_n aristotle_n he_o think_v it_o eternal_a with_o a_o deity_n and_o that_o the_o world_n flow_v natural_o from_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o light_n do_v from_o the_o sun_n nor_o indeed_o be_v there_o any_o one_o philosopher_n among_o they_o all_o but_o hold_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o posture_n or_o other_o about_o which_o they_o much_o differ_v be_v eternal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o deity_n itself_o and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v omnes_fw-la philosophi_fw-la in_o his_o consenserunt_fw-la semper_fw-la prater_fw-la deum_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la eater_n nitate_fw-la aliquid_fw-la fuisse_fw-la in_o this_o all_o philosopher_n have_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v somewhat_o else_o beside_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n they_o never_o admit_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n can_v possible_o come_v original_o from_o divine_a potentiality_n and_o so_o from_o nothing_o if_o you_o respect_v matter_n that_o maxim_n fieri_fw-la é_fw-fr nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la in_fw-la nihilum_fw-la nil_fw-la posse_fw-la reverti_fw-la be_v universal_a among_o they_o and_o still_o confine_v by_o they_o all_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o matter_n for_o divinity_n no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n before_o or_o since_o ever_o produce_v a_o far_a corruption_n therein_o then_o greece_n and_o rome_n in_o their_o great_a splendour_n they_o make_v god_n of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o themselves_o living_n and_o dead_a idolatry_n be_v then_o in_o its_o meridian_n that_o natural_a notion_n man_n have_v of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v in_o no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n more_o notorious_o debauch_v to_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o all_o false_a worship_n then_o in_o those_o know_a time_n whatever_o they_o general_o love_v or_o fear_v fancy_a and_o not_o understand_v that_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o adore_v their_o back_n be_v bow_v down_o with_o a_o ignorant_a implicit_a reverence_n to_o what_o they_o know_v not_o and_o so_o their_o devotion_n prove_v as_o ruinous_a to_o they_o as_o their_o vice_n it_o be_v their_o religion_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o make_v man_n turn_v atheist_n and_o make_v that_o learned_a country_n the_o first_o soil_n that_o ever_o atheism_n grow_v in_o it_o be_v so_o gross_o absurd_a and_o their_o poet_n have_v make_v it_o so_o ridiculous_a that_o it_o become_v loathsome_a to_o the_o most_o intelligent_a part_n of_o themselves_o at_o athens_n so_o blind_a be_v they_o in_o their_o devotion_n and_o withal_o so_o confuse_v with_o the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o own_o deity_n not_o sometime_o know_v which_o to_o apply_v to_o that_o they_o inscribe_v altar_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n by_o which_o they_o fall_v accidental_o into_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n before_o they_o be_v aware_a for_o the_o unknown_a god_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d indeed_o the_o true_a god_n the_o occasion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ●uch_o we_o find_v in_o laertius_n in_o the_o life_n of_o epimenides_n who_o he_o say_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o great_a plague_n that_o be_v at_o athens_n oves_fw-la alas_o &_o nigras_fw-la in_o areopagum_fw-la adduxit_fw-la ac_fw-la dimissis_fw-la deinde_fw-la quo_fw-la ire_n vellent_fw-la auctor_fw-la suis_fw-la ut_fw-la ubi_fw-la illi_fw-la recubuissent_fw-la ibi_fw-la sacrificarent_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o altar_n be_v likewise_o mention_v by_o pausanias_n lib._n 1._o and_o by_o phylostratus_n lib._n 6._o such_o altar_n so_o inscribe_v also_o they_o have_v in_o rome_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o earthquake_n there_o when_o they_o know_v not_o which_o of_o their_o god_n to_o apply_v to_o as_o appear_v by_o agelli_fw-la lib._n 11._o chap._n 28._o in_o rome_n their_o religion_n be_v grow_v to_o that_o height_n of_o absurdity_n that_o one_o tell_v we_o in_o cicero_n the_o roman_a priest_n themselves_o do_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n contemn_v their_o own_o devotion_n and_o ceremony_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v smile_v at_o each_o other_o when_o they_o meet_v in_o the_o street_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o believe_v god_n shall_v be_v please_v with_o what_o man_n mock_v at_o themselves_o cotta_n in_o cicero_n book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n say_v plain_o religion_n must_v be_v continue_v as_o they_o be_v first_o institute_v for_o the_o safety_n of_o commonwealth_n but_o that_o otherwise_o all_o