Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n according_a law_n power_n 1,638 5 4.9096 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A46761 The reasonableness and certainty of the Christian religion by Robert Jenkin ... Jenkin, Robert, 1656-1727. 1700 (1700) Wing J571; ESTC R8976 581,258 1,291

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you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o twain_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n matth._n nineteeen_o 4_o 5._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o show_v that_o the_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n prove_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o form_v then_o eve_n 1_o tim._n two_o 13._o and_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o man._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 8._o and_o long_o before_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n have_v argue_v from_o the_o same_o topick_n malach._n two_o 15._o and_o hebr._n four_o 4._o it_o be_v note_v that_o god_n do_v rest_v the_o seven_o day_n from_o all_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n conclude_v that_o he_o that_o be_v enter_v into_o his_o rest_n he_o also_o have_v cease_v from_o his_o own_o work_n as_o god_n do_v from_o his_o verse_n 10._o now_o as_o these_o and_o whatever_o other_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n do_v evident_o suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n so_o they_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v thus_o create_v for_o all_o these_o argument_n have_v be_v lose_v and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o they_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v otherwise_o create_v as_o certain_o therefore_o as_o this_o argue_n from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n be_v good_a so_o certain_a it_o be_v both_o that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o create_v and_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o whatever_o some_o philisopher_n may_v think_v now_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o will_v 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himself_o willing_a to_o give_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o the_o most_o incredulous_a man_n can_v desire_v of_o the_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a steadfastness_n of_o his_o purpose_n and_o the_o immutability_n of_o his_o council_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n heb._n vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o and_o when_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v so_o far_o to_o condescend_v for_o our_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v oblige_v we_o to_o perform_v our_o part_n of_o the_o covenant_n by_o all_o the_o way_n that_o may_v put_v we_o in_o remembrance_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o make_v we_o faithful_a and_o constant_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o this_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o better_a mean_n than_o by_o outward_a act_n and_o visible_a sign_n to_o testify_v and_o profess_v in_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o solemn_a
for_o the_o oath_n which_o secure_v their_o life_n to_o they_o have_v forfeit_v that_o right_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v have_v to_o their_o life_n by_o a_o peace_n fair_o obtain_v and_o they_o lose_v all_o other_o advantage_n of_o the_o league_n but_o only_o the_o secure_v their_o life_n but_o that_o the_o canaanite_n if_o they_o have_v submit_v and_o own_v the_o god_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o have_v be_v destroy_v but_o to_o have_v be_v receive_v to_o mercy_n be_v evident_a from_o josh_n xi_o 19_o 20._o there_o be_v not_o a_o city_n that_o make_v peace_n with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n save_o the_o hivites_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o gibeon_n all_o other_o they_o take_v in_o battle_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o lord_n to_o harden_v their_o heart_n that_o they_o shall_v come_v against_o israel_n in_o battle_n that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o utter_o and_o that_o they_o may_v have_v no_o favour_n but_o that_o he_o may_v destroy_v they_o as_o the_o lord_n command_v moses_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v that_o if_o god_n in_o his_o just_a judgement_n upon_o they_o for_o their_o heinous_a provocation_n have_v not_o harden_v their_o heart_n but_o they_o have_v submit_v themselves_o and_o seek_v peace_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v have_v favour_n show_v they_o it_o do_v therefore_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o the_o canaanite_n themselves_o after_o all_o their_o provocation_n against_o both_o the_o mercy_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v not_o exclude_v from_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o stranger_n and_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o all_o other_o nation_n be_v encourage_v and_o invite_v to_o become_v partaker_n of_o the_o privilege_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o service_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v notorious_a and_o as_o evident_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o after_o the_o canaanite_n have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n god_n manifest_v his_o almighty_a power_n and_o justice_n upon_o they_o and_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v it_o by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rather_o than_o by_o pestilence_n or_o any_o other_o judgement_n both_o to_o raise_v the_o great_a abhorrence_n of_o idolatry_n in_o his_o own_o people_n and_o in_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n and_o because_o those_o rude_a and_o warlike_a nation_n can_v observe_v the_o power_n of_o god_n no_o where_o so_o much_o as_o in_o the_o success_n of_o war_n they_o chief_o implore_v their_o own_o god_n for_o success_n in_o their_o war_n and_o when_o they_o be_v overcome_v by_o any_o people_n they_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v too_o hard_o for_o their_o own_o god_n 1_o king_n xx_o 23._o 2_o king_n viij_o 34._o whereas_o if_o they_o have_v be_v destroy_v by_o famine_n or_o pestilence_n they_o will_v have_v ascribe_v these_o judgement_n no_o more_o to_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n than_o to_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n but_o god_n get_v he_o honour_n upon_o these_o nation_n as_o he_o do_v upon_o pharaoh_n and_o upon_o all_o his_o host_n when_o jethro_n say_v now_o i_o know_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v great_a than_o all_o god_n for_o in_o the_o thing_n wherein_o they_o deal_v proud_o he_o be_v above_o they_o exod._n xviii_o 11._o from_o whence_o he_o be_v so_o often_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o their_o affair_n as_o to_o afford_v other_o nation_n frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v out_o of_o all_o nation_n moses_n dwell_v in_o midian_a and_o there_o marry_v a_o aethiopian_a woman_n exod._n two_o 15._o num._n twelve_o 1._o his_o wife_n father_n jethro_n the_o priest_n of_o midian_a and_o his_o family_n become_v convert_v and_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n out_o of_o egypt_n magnify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n in_o all_o country_n where_o the_o report_n of_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o notorious_a come_v the_o miraculous_a victory_n which_o the_o israelite_n gain_v over_o the_o canaanite_n wherever_o they_o come_v strike_v a_o mighty_a terror_n into_o all_o those_o nation_n as_o we_o see_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o balak_n num._n xxii_o and_o from_o the_o speech_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n josh_n ix_o 9_o 10._o who_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v use_n of_o any_o pretence_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o save_v themselves_o rahab_n with_o her_o family_n and_o kindred_n and_o the_o gibeonite_n be_v early_a accession_n to_o the_o israelite_n and_o rahab_n be_v marry_v to_o a_o man_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o babylonian_a gemara_n 5._o gemara_n lightfoot_n hebr._n and_o talmud_n exercitat_fw-la in_o mat._n i._n 5._o reckon_v up_o eight_o prophet_n who_o be_v likewise_o priest_n descend_v from_o she_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o derive_v his_o genealogy_n from_o she_o the_o various_a success_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n their_o victory_n and_o their_o overthrow_v and_o the_o miraculous_a power_n of_o god_n visible_o appear_v either_o in_o their_o defeat_n and_o punishment_n or_o in_o their_o conquest_n or_o deliverance_n must_v need_v raise_v a_o mighty_a fame_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n in_o all_o those_o country_n for_o they_o proclaim_v a_o religious_a war_n upon_o these_o nation_n they_o destroy_v their_o image_n and_o grove_n and_o altar_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o the_o people_n plain_o perceive_v that_o their_o god_n can_v not_o help_v they_o the_o take_v of_o jericho_n not_o by_o storm_n but_o only_o by_o the_o mere_a sound_n and_o alarm_n of_o war_n the_o lengthen_v of_o the_o day_n to_o favour_v their_o conquest_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o so_o many_o king_n by_o moses_n and_o joshua_n be_v undeniable_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o must_v awaken_v man_n to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o that_o religion_n which_o can_v inspire_v such_o courage_n and_o work_v such_o wonder_n and_o these_o nation_n among_o who_o the_o patriarch_n have_v sojourn_v and_o so_o many_o wonder_n and_o judgement_n have_v be_v wrought_v be_v disperse_v in_o colony_n over_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o bochart_n have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o a_o most_o learned_a and_o elaborate_a work_n some_o they_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v procopius_n erect_v a_o pillar_n in_o africa_n as_o a_o monument_n of_o joshua_n victory_n with_o a_o inscription_n declare_v that_o they_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o their_o own_o country_n by_o he_o and_o s._n augustine_n say_v rom._n say_v aug._n exposit_n epist_n ad_fw-la rom._n that_o in_o his_o time_n the_o country_n people_n about_o hippo_n call_v themselves_o canaanites_n after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n the_o israelite_n be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o king_n of_o mesopotamia_n eight_o year_n to_o the_o king_n of_o moab_n eighteen_o year_n judg._n iii._o 8_o 14._o to_o jabin_n king_n of_o canaan_n chap._n four_o 1._o to_o the_o midianite_n seven_o year_n chap._n vi_fw-la 1._o to_o the_o philistine_n forty_o year_n chap._n xiii_o 1._o and_o still_o it_o be_v because_o they_o have_v do_v evil_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n and_o upon_o their_o repentance_n a_o deliverance_n be_v wrought_v for_o they_o 1_o sam._n twelve_o 10._o and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o often_o and_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n subdue_v by_o their_o enemy_n round_o about_o they_o for_o their_o idolatry_n and_o other_o transgression_n and_o then_o again_o upon_o their_o repentance_n be_v rescue_v from_o their_o oppression_n by_o gideon_n and_o jeptha_n and_o samson_n all_o raise_v up_o for_o that_o purpose_n this_o must_v give_v great_a occasion_n and_o opportunity_n to_o all_o the_o border_a nation_n to_o know_v and_o consider_v that_o religion_n the_o observation_n or_o neglect_n whereof_o have_v such_o visible_a effect_n upon_o its_o professor_n for_o under_o their_o affliction_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o repentance_n the_o israelite_n declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o misery_n and_o make_v know_v the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o god_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o therefore_o their_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o long_a time_n under_o the_o oppression_n of_o their_o several_a enemy_n be_v a_o merciful_a providence_n to_o the_o nation_n who_o have_v they_o in_o subjection_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o punishment_n and_o amendment_n of_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o what_o good_a use_n be_v make_v of_o these_o method_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n do_v not_o appear_v to_o
and_o contrivance_n in_o his_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n that_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v with_o that_o wisdom_n set_v to_o work_v that_o they_o can_v perform_v all_o without_o any_o more_o than_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a artist_n who_o can_v contrive_v a_o engine_n that_o shall_v need_v the_o least_o meddle_v with_o after_o it_o be_v make_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o engine_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o be_v and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v frame_v without_o sometime_o a_o assist_a hand_n it_o will_v be_v no_o point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o artificer_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o contrivance_n to_o lose_v the_o most_o useful_a end_n design_v by_o it_o as_o if_o among_o other_o use_n this_o curious_a engine_n be_v design_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v bad_a man_n to_o remove_v the_o punishment_n upon_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v it_o upon_o a_o relapse_n since_o brute_n matter_n be_v uncapable_a of_o vary_v its_o motion_n and_o suit_v itself_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o change_n of_o free_a agent_n he_o must_v assist_v it_o unless_o he_o will_v lose_v the_o chief_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v it_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o matter_n and_o motion_n have_v not_o free_a will_n as_o man_n have_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o his_o wisdom_n not_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o of_o themselves_o to_o apply_v and_o suit_v themselves_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o free_a agent_n the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v all_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creator_n without_o his_o interposition_n and_o therefore_o he_o constant_o do_v interpose_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a tenor_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o tenor_n and_o course_n be_v alter_v upon_o some_o important_a occasion_n in_o a_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a way_n he_o cure_v disease_n send_v rain_n or_o dry_a wether_n or_o else_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o will_v be_v insignificant_a upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o his_o inflict_v these_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o feed_v the_o hungry_a that_o cry_n to_o he_o and_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v by_o famine_n or_o drought_n or_o pestilence_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o sometime_o he_o alter_v these_o ordinary_a method_n and_o act_n above_o they_o or_o contrary_n to_o they_o to_o signalise_v his_o mercy_n or_o his_o judgement_n and_o thus_o christ_n feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o god_n rain_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o a_o particular_a and_o miraculous_a dispensation_n miracle_n be_v the_o particular_a appointment_n of_o god_n in_o peculiar_a case_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v his_o general_n and_o perpetual_a appointment_n at_o all_o other_o time_n god_n at_o no_o time_n leave_v nature_n to_o itself_o but_o ever_o concur_v with_o it_o by_o assist_v its_o power_n and_o direct_v its_o course_n he_o ordinary_o interpose_v in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o establish_a law_n but_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n when_o he_o interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o alter_v that_o method_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n god_n do_v not_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v the_o irregular_a or_o unusual_a production_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o mostrous_a birth_n etc._n etc._n for_o how_o irregular_a soever_o these_o may_v seem_v yet_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o stand_a rule_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o happen_v in_o certain_a case_n and_o they_o rare_o happen_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o contrive_v nature_n so_o that_o in_o its_o general_a course_n all_o its_o operation_n shall_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v not_o extraordinary_o interpose_v to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o for_o great_a end_n superior_a to_o those_o which_o concern_v only_o the_o material_a world_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v at_o much_o regard_n to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o moral_a as_o of_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v add_v supplemental_a law_n to_o enforce_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o these_o additional_a law_n have_v be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n require_v why_o then_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a world_n be_v so_o much_o more_o sacred_a as_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o intermeddle_v with_o they_o he_o assist_v moral_a agent_n with_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o natural_a agent_n with_o that_o help_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n god_n may_v hasten_v and_o assist_v natural_a cause_n upon_o our_o prayer_n he_o may_v quicken_v the_o motion_n and_o enforce_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o remove_v secret_a impediment_n to_o help_v and_o make_v way_n for_o natural_a operation_n or_o he_o may_v slacken_v or_o retard_v natural_a cause_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o man_n prayer_n to_o he_o to_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o foresight_n that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v to_o withhold_v from_o they_o what_o they_o want_v by_o mechanical_a law_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n satisfactory_a for_o there_o be_v neither_o proof_n nor_o possibility_n of_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o supposition_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o mechanical_a notion_n can_v otherwise_o be_v maintain_v but_o i_o will_v suppose_v with_o much_o more_o reason_n that_o two_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o disease_n be_v all_o the_o same_o and_z all_o outward_a accident_n likewise_o the_o same_o till_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o difference_n for_o one_o of_o these_o man_n upon_o his_o prayer_n recover_v the_o other_o neglect_v to_o pray_v die_n the_o natural_a cause_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o same_o except_v only_o so_o far_o as_o prayer_n move_v god_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o case_n to_o say_v that_o this_o never_o happen_v be_v whole_o precarious_a and_o hard_o to_o believe_v since_o it_o probable_o may_v often_o happen_v in_o epidemical_a distemper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o can_v never_o happen_v and_o if_o this_o either_o have_v or_o can_v happen_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o foresight_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o mechanical_a law_n in_o their_o first_o establishment_n but_o by_o a_o immediate_a act_n that_o god_n assist_v man_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o strange_a providential_a deliverance_n of_o some_o certain_a person_n be_v observable_a in_o every_o age_n and_o all_o history_n mention_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v particular_a man_n amid_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a interpose_v providence_n be_v these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o remarkable_o preserve_v all_o of_o one_o constitution_n or_o do_v soldier_n slay_v mechanical_o though_o the_o plague_n and_o famine_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v so_o i_o wonder_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v less_o agreeable_a to_o philosophy_n for_o god_n to_o interpose_v in_o direct_v natural_a cause_n than_o in_o overrule_a moral_a agent_n where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o providence_n equal_o require_v it_o the_o same_o providence_n deliver_v both_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o from_o the_o noisome_a pestilence_n a_o thousand_o shall_v fall_v beside_o thou_o and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o thou_o psal_n xci_o 3.7_o 4._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o be_v concern_v immediate_o in_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v we_o may_v as_o well_o imagine_v it_o below_o he_o to_o know_v every_o thing_n as_o to_o suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o
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the_o dead_a but_o have_v reserve_v this_o as_o his_o own_o prerogative_n and_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n power_n god_n who_o form_v adam_n of_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o ground_n may_v have_v form_v all_o mankind_n so_o if_o he_o have_v please_v and_o he_o can_v as_o easy_o raise_v all_o mankind_n to_o life_n again_o out_o of_o the_o dust_n as_o he_o make_v the_o first_o man_n out_o of_o it_o and_o the_o atheist_n one_o will_v think_v have_v of_o all_o man_n the_o least_o pretence_n to_o scruple_n the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a who_o must_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n at_o first_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n as_o plant_n do_v by_o a_o spontaneous_a production_n and_o for_o he_o to_o pretend_v that_o the_o body_n of_o man_n can_v be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o by_o a_o almighty_a power_n be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o atheism_n itself_o can_v be_v when_o at_o certain_a season_n every_o year_n we_o see_v thing_n receive_v a_o new_a life_n as_o 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they_o about_o a_o resurrection_n but_o when_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v great_a presumption_n to_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o when_o alas_o what_o be_v there_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v will_v we_o presume_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v when_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v may_v inform_v we_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o indeed_o if_o we_o understand_v every_o thing_n else_o there_o may_v be_v some_o pretence_n to_o scruple_n the_o resurrection_n because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o when_o our_o ignorance_n be_v so_o notorious_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o perverseness_n to_o think_v ourselves_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o a_o mystery_n as_o this_o so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v able_a to_o make_v any_o estimate_n of_o god_n power_n and_o so_o far_o be_v the_o resurrection_n from_o be_v incredible_a because_o there_o may_v be_v objection_n make_v about_o it_o which_o may_v seem_v unanswerable_a that_o if_o no_o other_o answer_n can_v be_v give_v this_o will_v be_v sufficient_a that_o god_n can_v do_v more_o than_o we_o can_v have_v the_o least_o thought_n or_o conception_n of_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o he_o can_v do_v what_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n in_o it_o nor_o which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n the_o
he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n he_o be_v not_o snatch_v away_o from_o they_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o violent_a motion_n like_o elijah_n and_o carry_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n which_o may_v dazzle_v their_o sight_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v he_o in_o his_o ascent_n but_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o remove_v from_o they_o leisurely_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o look_v steadfast_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o easy_a motion_n and_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o he_o till_o at_o last_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_n i_o 15._o be_v present_a to_o behold_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o saviour_n ult_n saviour_n apud_fw-la euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n the_o apostle_n st._n thaddeus_n declare_v though_o this_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n go_v up_o with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o two_o angel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o acquaint_v the_o disciple_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v thus_o evident_o see_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n and_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o power_n 2_o thes_n i._o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o account_n of_o st._n thaddeus_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n visible_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o ascension_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o much_o surprise_v at_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o stand_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o till_o they_o be_v certify_v not_o only_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o thence_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o full_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o interval_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o as_o very_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v of_o his_o former_a life_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o distinct_o see_v and_o behold_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o angel_n beside_o inform_v they_o that_o he_o be_v to_o return_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v i._o all_z the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o may_v just_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o for_o he_o work_v as_o true_o by_o second_o cause_n as_o by_o his_o own_o direct_a and_o immediate_a power_n in_o produce_v any_o effect_n the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v original_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o by_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v uphold_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o these_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o his_o support_n and_o influence_n and_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o effect_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o one_o constant_a tenor_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v for_o in_o those_o thing_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v employ_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concourse_n to_o sustain_v and_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sail_v in_o such_o case_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n according_a to_o their_o usual_a and_o settle_a course_n ii_o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n for_o though_o sometime_o outward_a mean_n be_v use_v in_o the_o miraculous_a cure_v of_o disease_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o the_o cure_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o when_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a recover_v his_o sight_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloam_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n after_o his_o eye_n have_v be_v anoint_v with_o clay_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n the_o ointment_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o effect_n towards_o the_o cure_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v see_v and_o the_o wash_n afterward_o can_v only_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o best_a sight_n as_o many_o miraculous_a cure_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o more_o than_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o even_o without_o so_o much_o as_o that_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o mean_n so_o when_o any_o mean_n be_v use_v they_o be_v such_o as_o apparent_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o use_v as_o remedy_n but_o as_o circumstance_n in_o the_o work_n his_o miracle_n to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o beholder_n to_o imprint_v what_o be_v do_v the_o deep_a upon_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a credibility_n to_o the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o disprove_v by_o circumstance_n and_o the_o more_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o any_o action_n the_o less_o liable_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o be_v please_v that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o kind_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o the_o better_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o whatever_o outward_a mean_n be_v at_o any_o time_n use_v by_o he_o it_o can_v have_v the_o nature_n only_o of_o a_o circumstance_n and_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o produce_v the_o miracle_n than_o any_o other_o may_v have_v be_v some_o he_o touch_v some_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o and_o other_o he_o send_v to_o the_o highpriest_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o cure_n now_o the_o touch_n the_o speak_n or_o the_o send_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n as_o outward_a mean_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a and_o divine_a efficacy_n but_o all_o these_o be_v considerable_a circumstance_n to_o excite_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o these_o cure_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n iii_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n at_o all_o time_n and_o before_o all_o person_n whensoever_o he_o please_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o sometime_o refuse_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o though_o he_o can_v always_o do_v his_o marvellous_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v but_o then_o only_o when_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o 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than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a 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frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
cause_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o press_v earnest_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o their_o cause_n beseech_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o themselves_o as_o to_o despise_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o be_v desirous_a to_o undergo_v any_o trial_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v hear_v 6._o yet_o many_o who_o do_v not_o actual_o become_v christian_n have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n severo_fw-la religion_n ael_n lamprid._n in_o alex._n severo_fw-la alexander_n severus_n have_v the_o effigy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o chapel_n and_o have_v design_v to_o erect_v a_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o to_o insert_v his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a go_n as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o adrian_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o intention_n have_v command_v temple_n to_o be_v build_v without_o image_n in_o all_o city_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o some_o who_o consult_v the_o oracle_n about_o it_o which_o give_v out_o that_o all_o man_n will_v then_o become_v christian_n and_o the_o other_o temple_n will_v soon_o be_v forsake_v this_o which_o be_v relate_v concern_v adrian_n have_v be_v by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n because_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o ael_n lampridius_n or_o rather_o spartianus_n who_o mention_n it_o be_v a_o heathen_a may_v perhaps_o have_v it_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o adrian_n intention_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v unknown_a by_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n the_o design_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o consult_v the_o oracle_n it_o be_v certain_o report_v in_o the_o historian_n time_n as_o he_o declare_v and_o yet_o this_o objection_n lie_v as_o well_o against_o the_o report_n as_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o report_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v mention_v by_o no_o christian_a writer_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o 11_o it_o euseb_n hist_o lib_n vii_o c._n 11_o aemilianus_n the_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n ask_v dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o he_o why_o if_o he_o who_o the_o christian_n worship_v be_v god_n they_o can_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o other_o god_n many_o admire_v the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n they_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o take_v in_o among_o other_o but_o can_v not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o relinquish_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n for_o it_o the_o calumny_n raise_v against_o the_o christian_n have_v cause_v the_o popular_a odium_n and_o rage_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v vindicated_n by_o 13._o by_o plin._n lib._n x._o epist_n 97._o just_a mar._n apol._n 2._o eus_n hist_o lib._n iu._n c._n 8_o 9_o 13._o pliny_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n by_o serenius_fw-la granianu●_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o adrian_n by_z adrian_z himself_z in_o his_o rescript_n by_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o common_a council_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o asia_n though_o some_o ascribe_v this_o epistle_n to_o m._n antoninus_n not_o to_o mention_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n dial._n rome_n just_a martyr_n dial._n trypho_n the_o jew_n likewise_o free_v they_o from_o the_o crime_n common_o lay_v against_o they_o and_o own_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o crime_n which_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o christian_n by_o their_o former_a adversary_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o julian_n in_o discourse_n write_v to_o oppose_v they_o who_o 305._o who_o epist_n 49._o &_o fragm_n epist_n p._n 305._o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o so_o much_o to_o their_o commendation_n as_o show_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v extort_v it_o from_o he_o but_o the_o fear_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n hinder_v divers_a from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o approve_v of_o their_o own_o 11._o own_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_o c._n 11._o seneca_n expose_v the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o express_v himself_o with_o bitterness_n against_o the_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v able_a to_o find_v nothing_o to_o blame_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o dare_v to_o commend_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o heathen_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o at_o all_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o the_o notion_n and_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o lycurg_n how_o senec._n de_fw-fr ira._n lib._n i._o c._n 25._o plut._n in_o lycurg_n seneca_n and_o plutarch_n shall_v allow_v of_o the_o murder_v or_o starve_v of_o poor_a infant_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o why_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n no_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o cause_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o differ_v according_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o capacity_n and_o circumstance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o probable_a solution_n and_o have_v several_a to_o offer_v which_o may_v take_v place_n according_a to_o several_a case_n but_o the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o slight_a and_o frivolous_a contain_v a_o confession_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o raise_v only_o some_o weak_a cavil_n which_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a cause_n or_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v establish_v and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o reason_n they_o can_v have_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o indeed_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o all_o manner_n of_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o humane_a mean_n show_v that_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o have_v little_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o they_o must_v be_v but_o poor_a argument_n which_o can_v not_o dissuade_v man_n from_o become_a christian_n when_o they_o must_v incur_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o heathen_a writer_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o cite_v by_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o time_n as_o common_o know_v and_o probable_o they_o be_v extant_a long_o after_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n be_v baffle_v and_o destroy_v long_o before_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o they_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n enough_o to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o their_o write_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o lose_v but_o that_o we_o still_o know_v their_o principal_a argument_n which_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v not_o conceal_v but_o have_v give_v they_o their_o full_a force_n and_o common_o in_o their_o own_o word_n origen_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o omit_v nothing_o considerable_a which_o celsus_n have_v allege_v that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v apology_n for_o mention_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v which_o be_v material_a that_o his_o adversary_n have_v say_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o 43._o it_o ambr._n lib._n 2._o epist_n 11._o aug._n epist_n 43._o and_o some_o piece_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o the_o petition_n of_o symmachus_n among_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n ambrose_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o maximus_n madaurensis_fw-la among_o those_o of_o st._n austin_n the_o argument_n of_o julian_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o st._n cyril_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o praefat_fw-la from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n spanhem_n in_o julian_n oper_n praefat_fw-la st._n chrisostom_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v by_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o and_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o the_o christian_n before_o the_o edict_n of_o theodosius_n junior_n to_o prohibit_v they_o there_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o g●uter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a