any_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v thus_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o how_o disagreeable_a his_o conclusion_n from_o mr._n burnett_n principle_n be_v to_o that_o which_o mr._n burnett_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o and_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o show_v how_o unnatural_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o such_o premise_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v any_o tedious_a reflection_n upon_o each_o particular_a in_o the_o summary_n account_v which_o i_o have_v give_v above_o of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n true_a but_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o whereupon_o he_o seem_v whole_o to_o build_v his_o conclusion_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o touch_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v there_o suggest_v and_o that_o in_o subordination_n to_o that_o design_n they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o explain_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a i._n e._n to_o speak_v their_o sense_n and_o dialect_n about_o natural_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v occasional_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o to_o comply_v therein_o with_o their_o common_a prejudices_fw-la as_o moses_n seem_v to_o do_v gen._n 1.16_o where_o he_o rank_n the_o moon_n with_o the_o sun_n as_o the_o other_o great_a light_n i._n e._n the_o next_o or_o only_a one_o beside_o of_o considerable_a magnitude_n speak_v there_o agreeable_o to_o the_o appearance_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a ground_v thereupon_o yet_o not_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o for_o this_o be_v one_o that_o every_o considerable_a effect_n in_o nature_n be_v miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o to_o relate_v every_o effect_n for_o miraculous_a which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o excite_v piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o we_o the_o utmost_a therefore_o that_o design_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v to_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n which_o effectual_o answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o design_n and_o to_o ascribe_v all_o effect_n to_o god_n as_o their_o author_n which_o as_o full_o answer_v the_o second_o and_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o a_o relation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n for_o miracle_n as_o will_v appear_v immediate_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n that_o they_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n i_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v the_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o god_n for_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n than_o he_o create_v they_o for_o all_o the_o scripture_n do_v be_v that_o it_o mention_n only_o those_o end_n of_o nature_n out_o of_o many_o for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o end_n only_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n 15._o that_o they_o be_v for_o light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o sign_n and_o for_o season_n and_o for_o day_n and_o for_o year_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o which_o to_o consider_v be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o its_o purpose_n conclusion_n but_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n be_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o and_o compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n their_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n not_o that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v these_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v spernatural_a and_o such_o than_o they_o be_v unquestionable_o but_o that_o it_o ascribe_v they_o only_o to_o god_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n for_o instance_n the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o god_n himself_o in_o those_o place_n of_o the_o 147th_o psalm_n where_o it_o say_v 18._o he_o giveth_z snow_n like_o wool_n he_o scatter_v the_o hoar-frost_n like_o ash_n he_o cast_v forth_o his_o ice_n like_o morsel_n he_o send_v out_o his_o word_n and_o melt_v they_o he_o blow_v with_o his_o wind_n and_o the_o water_n flow_v so_o when_o god_n say_v to_o noah_n i_o do_v set_v my_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n 9.16_o and_o to_o samuel_n to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n i_o will_v send_v thou_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o benjamin_n these_o instance_n be_v he_o and_o spinoza_n as_o appear_v p._n 17_o and_o 18_o below_o in_o his_o treatise_n and_o the_o scripture_n refer_v these_o effect_n immediate_o to_o god_n as_o it_o mention_n he_o only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o no_o other_o mediate_a cause_n not_o that_o it_o say_v that_o he_o alone_o act_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o relate_v they_o for_o miracle_n it_o this_o therefore_o be_v state_v his_o way_n of_o argue_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la they_o relate_v many_o thing_n as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o relate_v those_o effect_n as_o miracle_n which_o they_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n the_o falsehood_n whereof_o i_o shall_v evident_o discover_v 1._o by_o instance_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 4._o by_o show_v in_o some_o instance_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n instance_n 1._o by_o instance_n infinite_a will_v be_v the_o number_n of_o miracle_n record_v in_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o we_o be_v to_o know_v what_o effect_n be_v relate_v therein_o as_o such_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n immediate_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o raiment_n for_o the_o annual_a increase_n of_o our_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n for_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o their_o season_n it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o nature_n itself_o supply_v we_o with_o these_o necessary_n how_o our_o corn_n grow_v in_o our_o field_n how_o the_o vine_n send_v forth_o her_o grape_n how_o the_o cloud_n drop_v fatness_n 11._o but_o in_o a_o word_n refer_v all_o to_o god_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n he_o it_o say_v visit_v the_o earth_n and_o bless_v it_o he_o make_v it_o very_o plenteous_a he_o crown_v the_o year_n with_o his_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n 145.16_o he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o all_o this_o as_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o conceive_v not_o the_o flood_n only_o but_o even_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n to_o come_v down_o by_o miracle_n that_o it_o prompt_v we_o to_o expect_v as_o supernatural_a a_o
as_o a_o abettor_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n 138._o certissimum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o à _fw-la divinâ_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la pendere_fw-la res_fw-la omnes_fw-la cujuscunque_fw-la ordinis_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la eâdem_fw-la vera_fw-la miracula_fw-la edita_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o sufficient_a prejudice_n against_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o produce_v these_o author_n to_o insinuate_v and_o patronize_v or_o at_o least_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o author_n that_o two_o out_o of_o three_o declare_v flat_o against_o he_o in_o that_o point_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o as_o he_o produce_v they_o here_o they_o may_v both_o better_o consist_v with_o he_o and_o spinoza_n than_o with_o themselves_o this_o therefore_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o will_v lead_v we_o gradual_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o each_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n we_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n he_o there_o with_o mr._n burnett_n what_o he_o take_v from_o mr._n burnett_n burnett_n be_v out_o of_o the_o eleven_o and_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o theory_n mr._n burnett_n word_n be_v these_o in_o eâ_fw-la sum_fw-la equidem_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la authores_fw-la sacros_fw-la cum_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la naturalibus_fw-la sermon_n habent_fw-la etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o the_o translator_n thus_o vary_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o his_o premonition_n it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a theologue_n of_o the_o modern_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o page_n which_o he_o translate_v more_o faithful_o what_o he_o design_v in_o this_o amplification_n whether_o to_o amuse_n his_o reader_n oblige_v mr._n burnet_n or_o to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o his_o own_o great_a read_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n be_v this_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n design_v only_o to_o excite_v piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o we_o not_o to_o improve_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n that_o agreeable_o to_o this_o design_n they_o explain_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a they_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n they_o do_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o and_o compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n there_o all_o mr._n burnett_n design_n in_o this_o be_v to_o excuse_v himself_o for_o give_v a_o philosophical_a and_o mechanical_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o other_o grand_a effect_n in_o the_o sublunary_a world_n as_o the_o original_a of_o the_o mountain_n rock_n island_n ocean_n rivers_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o terraqueous_a globe_n the_o production_n of_o all_o these_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n and_o divine_v ordinary_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o effect_n supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a viz._n that_o god_n by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n whereby_o he_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n cast_v up_o the_o mountain_n and_o cut_v out_o the_o channel_n for_o the_o river_n and_o that_o vast_a cavity_n for_o the_o immense_a ocean_n command_v the_o water_n into_o one_o place_n 9_o and_o make_v the_o dry_a land_n appear_v and_o by_o the_o like_a command_n 1â—_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o flesh_n be_v come_v before_o he_o open_v the_o cataract_n of_o heaven_n 11._o and_o break_v up_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a and_o destroy_v all_o mankind_n except_o eight_o person_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n to_o this_o mr._n burnett_n answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a necessary_a that_o these_o effect_n shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o miracle_n for_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v record_v for_o miracle_n there_o because_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v effect_n pure_o natural_a to_o god_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n in_o their_o production_n the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n by_o give_v we_o a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o their_o mediate_a cause_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o piety_n and_o devotion_n by_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_n this_o be_v the_o intent_n scope_n principle_n and_o drift_n of_o mr._n burnett_n word_n as_o they_o stand_v at_o home_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o here_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o far_o different_a purpose_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o conclusion_n the_o translator_n draw_v from_o they_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v himself_o viz._n that_o these_o thing_n consider_v 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o admire_v if_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n many_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v as_o miracle_n which_o notwithstanding_o proceed_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 2._o which_o be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a we_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o accuse_v any_o man_n of_o infidelity_n only_o because_o he_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o conclusion_n of_o his_o 1._o be_v just_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o mr._n burnett_n 2._o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o disbelieve_v any_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o for_o such_o burnett_n 1._o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o mr_n burnett'_v mr._n burnett_n way_n of_o argue_v be_v this_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n thing_n which_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n ergo_fw-la we_o can_v just_o conclude_v that_o what_o effect_n the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n those_o it_o record_v for_o miracle_n yes_o say_v the_o translator_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o record_v they_o for_o miracle_n and_o this_o too_o we_o may_v conclude_v over_o and_o above_o that_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o effect_n for_o miracle_n which_o real_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n miracle_n 2._o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o disbelieve_v any_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o for_o such_o for_o first_o it_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n guilty_a of_o imposture_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o small_a matter_n but_o such_o whereupon_o depend_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o by_o god_n to_o mankind_n for_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o relation_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o reveal_v two_o it_o take_v away_o the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o have_v to_o discern_v whether_o the_o effect_n it_o relate_v be_v a_o miracle_n or_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n whereby_o we_o can_v know_v it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n manner_n of_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o relate_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o all_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o so_o farewell_n both_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o presume_v that_o he_o do_v not_o play_v with_o we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i._n e._n that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a by_o the_o scripture_n relate_v such_o thing_n as_o miracle_n only_o that_o it_o relate_v the_o production_n of_o they_o in_o such_o term_n as_o idiot_n and_o illiterate_a person_n may_v from_o thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v supernatural_a effect_n for_o then_o all_o he_o say_v will_v be_v very_o true_a but_o withal_o very_o impertinent_a but_o that_o it_o set_v they_o down_o for_o effect_n miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a as_o much_o as_o
reward_n or_o punish_v they_o here_o in_o this_o life_n yet_o the_o demonstration_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o primary_n end_v of_o supernatural_a effect_n but_o 4._o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o intend_v to_o prove_v 1._o immediate_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n act_v himself_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o god_n immediate_a extraordinary_a presence_n the_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n of_o that_o person_n who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o instrument_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o at_o who_o word_n or_o request_n the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v suspend_v which_o we_o can_v suppose_v god_n will_v permit_v either_o for_o no_o end_n at_o all_o or_o for_o one_o so_o repugnant_a to_o his_o sanctity_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o assist_v a_o imposture_n thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v by_o miracle_n not_o what_o god_n be_v in_o his_o nature_n nor_o his_o existence_n any_o better_a than_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o any_o effect_n of_o nature_n but_o his_o providence_n his_o extraordinary_a presence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o person_n who_o divine_a mission_n it_o atte_v we_o be_v next_o to_o inquire_v whether_o his_o argument_n be_v more_o sufficient_a to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n in_o this_o regard_n scripture_n his_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n be_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o reason_n he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o way_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o miracle_n do_v virtual_o introduce_v mere_a scepticism_n and_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n both_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o 2._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o understand_v not_o itself_o can_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o 3._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o agent_n of_o infinite_a power_n 1._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o miracle_n virtual_o introduce_v mere_a scepticism_n reason_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o this_o argument_n strike_v as_o much_o at_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n themselves_o as_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o upon_o their_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o to_o believe_v oblige_v i_o to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v certain_o know_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n lead_v we_o to_o scepticism_n be_v because_o it_o take_v away_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o those_o notion_n from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o know_v and_o that_o this_o it_o do_v in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o suppose_v a_o power_n in_o god_n able_a to_o alter_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o notion_n for_o this_o too_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o able_a to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o these_o notion_n may_v be_v understand_v two_o thing_n scepticism_n 1._o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n where_o upon_o we_o build_v all_o our_o knowledge_n 2._o our_o own_o idea_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n the_o former_a be_v either_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n viz._n axiom_n evident_a upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n as_o that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n etc._n etc._n or_o 2._o the_o definition_n of_o thing_n and_o proposition_n ascribe_v to_o they_o their_o nature_n and_o property_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rationale_fw-la triangulum_fw-la habet_fw-la tres_fw-la angulos_fw-la aequales_fw-la duobus_fw-la rectis_fw-la etc._n etc._n or_o 3_o proposition_n contain_v the_o mutual_a respect_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n theft_n and_o murder_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sociable_a creature_n etc._n etc._n now_o these_o principle_n of_o truth_n be_v all_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o be_v or_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o possibility_n therefore_o of_o change_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o by_o the_o same_o power_n the_o truth_n of_o these_o notion_n may_v be_v alter_v they_o be_v first_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o they_o to_o be_v false_a v_o c._n for_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v no_o great_a than_o any_o part_n man_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n god_n to_o be_v cruel_a or_o unjust_a etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o be_v true_a independent_o upon_o the_o be_v or_o order_n of_o nature_n if_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v big_a than_o any_o part_n if_o he_o shall_v reduce_v mankind_n into_o nothing_o it_o be_v still_o true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o a_o body_n endue_v with_o life_n and_o sense_n god_n may_v turn_v one_o thing_n into_o another_o and_o make_v the_o same_o matter_n appear_v under_o a_o form_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o what_o it_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o he_o can_v make_v it_o be_v and_o not_o be_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o another_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o can_v suspend_v the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o yet_o can_v make_v they_o act_n and_o not_o act_n both_o together_o in_o short_a however_o god_n by_o his_o power_n may_v alter_v or_o suspend_v the_o order_n of_o generation_n in_o nature_n yet_o this_o principle_n will_v hold_v true_a that_o in_o a_o order_n of_o successive_a generation_n of_o man_n there_o must_v be_v some_o first_o man_n and_o this_o first_o man_n must_v have_v a_o cause_n that_o be_v not_o man_n and_o this_o cause_n must_v either_o be_v itself_o or_o lead_v we_o at_o last_o to_o a_o infinite_a supreme_a be_v so_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o certain_a and_o necessary_a principle_n though_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v change_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n the_o alter_v therefore_o of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n but_o do_v it_o not_o infer_v a_o power_n in_o god_n to_o change_v our_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o a_o physical_a power_n indeed_o it_o do_v as_o it_o prove_v he_o omnipotent_a but_o this_o will_v not_o drive_v we_o to_o scepticism_n while_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o repugnant_a to_o his_o veracity_n and_o goodness_n as_o compatible_a to_o his_o power_n bare_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a shall_v impose_v upon_o his_o creature_n and_o implant_v such_o notion_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o will_v necessary_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n or_o so_o alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n by_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o do_v not_o lead_v we_o unto_o scepticism_n and_o so_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v either_o his_o existence_n or_o his_o providence_n or_o to_o declare_v bis_fw-la nature_n to_o we_o 10._o and_o this_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o understand_v not_o itself_o can_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o 11._o 2._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o agent_n of_o infinite_a power_n to_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o i._n e._n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n to_o deduce_v it_o from_o natural_a cause_n and_o good_a reason_n because_o
form_v in_o his_o brain_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o understanding_n this_o conceit_n he_o do_v not_o far_o explain_v or_o make_v out_o in_o his_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a and_o therefore_o to_o run_v up_o his_o argument_n to_o the_o head_n i_o shall_v consult_v his_o opera_fw-la posthuma_n for_o a_o scheme_n of_o his_o principle_n from_o whence_o to_o deduce_v it_o there_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o ethic_n which_o treat_v de_fw-fr deo_fw-la 16._o he_o have_v this_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v god_n that_o god_n be_v a_o substance_n absolute_o infinite_a i._n e._n a_o substance_n endue_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o attribute_n each_o infinite_a each_o display_v his_o infinite_a essence_n two_o whereof_o be_v know_v to_o we_o cogitation_n and_o extension_n that_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v as_o property_n from_o a_o emanative_a cause_n infinite_a modes_n wherein_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n do_v subsist_v and_o act_v that_o nature_n and_o all_o create_a being_n be_v only_o these_o various_a modes_n wherein_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n do_v necessary_o display_v themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o all_o body_n and_o finite_a spirit_n be_v only_o various_a modes_n of_o those_o two_o infinite_a attribute_n in_o god_n extension_n and_o cogitation_n and_o from_o these_o principle_n we_o may_v indeed_o deduce_v not_o only_o his_o conception_n of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o god_n to_o understand_v and_o to_o will_v but_o many_o other_o consequence_n admirable_o agreeable_a to_o religion_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v a_o extend_a substance_n and_o extension_n infinite_a 2._o that_o god_n be_v the_o emanative_a cause_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o they_o therefore_o real_o and_o identical_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o with_o he_o 3._o that_o god_n subsist_v in_o all_o body_n and_o finite_a spirit_n as_o a_o substance_n under_o its_o necessary_a modes_n flow_v from_o its_o essence_n and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o material_a and_o bodily_a as_o be_v extend_v and_o every_o body_n in_o nature_n a_o part_n of_o he_o so_o that_o now_o we_o clear_o see_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o spinoza_n assert_n that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n viz._n because_o god_n and_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n nature_n subsistent_a and_o nature_n god_n modify_v and_o why_o he_o say_v that_o for_o god_n to_o will_n or_o decree_v any_o thing_n be_v for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o his_o will_n be_v only_o that_o of_o a_o emanative_a cause_n and_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v produce_v by_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o only_o in_o regard_n that_o it_o flow_v necessary_o from_o his_o essence_n as_o light_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o heat_n in_o the_o fire_n from_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o so_o likewise_o his_o understanding_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v only_o that_o he_o see_v its_o necessary_a existence_n proceed_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n here_o we_o have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o scope_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o plain_o terminate_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n for_o to_o make_v god_n and_o nature_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v either_o to_o advance_v a_o creature_n into_o the_o place_n of_o god_n or_o what_o tully_n say_v of_o epicurus_n oratione_fw-la relinquere_fw-la deum_fw-la re_fw-la tollere_fw-la 1._o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o prosecute_v his_o argument_n so_o far_o as_o to_o confute_v he_o through_o the_o whole_a set_a of_o his_o principle_n nor_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n to_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o prove_v first_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n above_o it_o conclusion_n but_o his_o argument_n may_v deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n set_v aside_o his_o principle_n and_o that_o only_a in_o order_n to_o state_n how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o thereupon_o they_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n his_o argument_n therefore_o be_v in_o form_n this_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n e._n they_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n e._n nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o they_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o nature_n itself_o or_o as_o in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o in_o nature_n itself_o they_o signify_v the_o determination_n of_o body_n to_o act_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o signify_v those_o decree_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v establish_v and_o particular_a body_n determine_v to_o act_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o be_v so_o and_o how_o far_o thereupon_o they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o these_o consideration_n truth_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v one_o grand_a universal_a law_n decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n whereby_o he_o eternal_o set_v down_o with_o himself_o the_o order_n wherein_o to_o work_v all_o thing_n this_o conception_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o his_o simplicity_n that_o as_o his_o nature_n so_o the_o act_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v perfect_o one_o and_o not_o multiply_v in_o infinitum_fw-la in_o proportion_n to_o the_o variety_n of_o effect_n ordain_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o to_o his_o immutability_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v daily_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o decree_n but_o that_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o decree_n coeternal_a to_o himself_o and_o this_o conception_n be_v clear_v by_o our_o parallel_a apprehension_n about_o the_o divine_a understanding_n the_o object_n thereof_o be_v temporary_a yet_o the_o act_n of_o his_o knowledge_n whereby_o he_o see_v they_o eternal_a they_o be_v manifold_a and_o various_a yet_o that_o simple_a and_o uniform_a therefore_o as_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n he_o see_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la all_o thing_n future_a in_o their_o several_a time_n so_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o ordain_v they_o all_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o universal_a law_n be_v include_v secundum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la concipiendi_fw-la modum_fw-la many_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n establish_v the_o order_n of_o particular_a event_n necessary_a and_o contingent_a natural_a and_o above_o nature_n in_o their_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n 3._o that_o these_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n have_v each_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o universal_a a_o limit_a and_o determinate_a compass_n of_o time_n place_n and_o event_n wherein_o they_o take_v effect_n 4._o that_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o do_v certain_o take_v effect_n within_o that_o determinate_a compass_n to_o which_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o therefore_o 5._o that_o a_o proposition_n declare_v that_o such_o a_o law_n and_o decree_n will_v certain_o take_v effect_n be_v true_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n and_o decree_n 6._o that_o yet_o as_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o decree_n be_v so_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n viz._n it_o be_v necessary_a and_o true_a ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la that_o this_o law_n and_o decree_n shall_v take_v effect_n within_o that_o determinate_a compass_n of_o time_n place_n and_o event_n whereto_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o no_o further_o now_o the_o law_n and_o decree_n by_o which_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v establish_v be_v such_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n and_o such_o be_v their_o eternal_a truth_n and_o necessity_n for_o instance_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o ordinance_n in_o nature_n proceed_v from_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n yet_o so_o limit_v in_o subordination_n to_o his_o universal_a law_n and_o purpose_n to_o a_o determinate_a compass_n as_o not_o to_o take_v effect_n at_o some_o point_n of_o time_n within_o that_o period_n for_o which_o nature_n be_v establish_v i_o mean_v at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o at_o joshua_n word_n and_o when_o it_o go_v back_o so_o many_o degree_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o king_n hezekiah_n so_o that_o the_o
it_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n supernatural_a or_o not_o and_o when_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o second_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a or_o groundless_a than_o that_o assertion_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o a_o finite_a effect_n can_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o infinite_a cause_n that_o every_o finite_a effect_n be_v so_o either_o immediate_o as_o when_o the_o effect_n though_o finite_a exceed_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v in_o the_o order_n and_o sphere_n wherein_o it_o act_n or_o mediate_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o a_o train_n of_o finite_a cause_n which_o yet_o must_v have_v have_v their_o own_o be_v and_o their_o first_o motion_n or_o power_n to_o act_v from_o a_o infinite_a agent_n the_o argument_n for_o a_o infinite_a from_o the_o existence_n of_o finite_a being_n proceed_v thus_o every_o finite_a be_v be_v contingent_a and_o so_o may_v not_o have_v be_v therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v must_v not_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o in_o something_o else_o viz._n the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o again_o every_o finite_a be_v have_v limit_n of_o perfection_n these_o can_v be_v set_v by_o itself_o but_o by_o something_o else_o which_o give_v it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o no_o great_a and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o if_o this_o cause_n be_v finite_a too_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o another_o and_o the_o question_n will_v recur_v till_o we_o stop_v at_o last_o in_o a_o cause_n self-existent_a and_o infinite_a so_o much_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o what_o he_o say_v for_o the_o other_o part_n viz._n that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v short_a his_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o in_o some_o measure_n indicate_v to_o we_o the_o infinity_n eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v he_o speak_v more_o plain_o out_o of_o his_o opera_fw-la posthuma_n because_o god_n and_o nature_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o more_o i_o know_v of_o nature_n the_o more_o i_o understand_v of_o the_o modification_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n lead_v we_o to_o scepticism_n we_o may_v reply_v that_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o make_v from_o nature_n will_v rather_o carry_v we_o either_o to_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n i_o proceed_v to_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o he_o argue_v from_o deut_n 13._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o because_o a_o miracle_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o place_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n 2._o he_o argue_v from_o the_o corrupt_a notion_n the_o israelite_n have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o they_o the_o word_n in_o deut._n 13._o v_o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v these_o 13._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n from_o hence_o he_o argue_v a_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o one_o that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n ergo_fw-la by_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n as_o of_o the_o true_a e._n god_n can_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o miracle_n prophet_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n common_o propound_v for_o these_o word_n in_o deut._n viz._n how_o miracle_n can_v be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n viz._n a_o preacher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v urge_v from_o this_o place_n the_o israelite_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v have_v already_o a_o law_n give_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o attest_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n the_o same_o law_n repeat_v again_o in_o this_o book_n of_o deut._n with_o a_o repetition_n likewise_o of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n their_o religion_n therefore_o be_v thus_o settle_v to_o fortify_v they_o against_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o they_o be_v forewarn_v in_o this_o place_n not_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n may_v possible_o permit_v such_o a_o person_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o adherence_n to_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o those_o word_n deut._n 13._o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o draw_v from_o they_o that_o god_n may_v permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v therefore_o whether_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a miracle_n can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n the_o argument_n be_v in_o form_n this_o if_o god_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o may_v permit_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n then_o miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o god_n may_v in_o this_o case_n permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n ergo._fw-la if_o the_o consequence_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o any_o case_n which_o must_v be_v the_o conclusion_n if_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o denial_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o notwithstanding_o a_o impostor_n may_v work_v a_o miracle_n in_o this_o case_n and_o so_o the_o miracle_n he_o work_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n yet_o in_o any_o other_o case_n notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n it_o may_v be_v and_o i_o may_v positive_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o true_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o all_o other_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o reducible_a to_o this_o case_n may_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n for_o instance_n two_o sort_n of_o miracle_n be_v except_v from_o this_o case_n 1._o those_o miracle_n suppose_v that_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n after_o this_o warning_n give_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o person_n that_o will_v seduce_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n by_o person_n that_o do_v not_o attempt_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n 2._o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o
saviour_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb-man_n the_o mention_n whereof_o in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o miracle_n if_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n than_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n requisite_a these_o they_o have_v and_o these_o immediate_o produce_v the_o effect_n this_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n therefore_o by_o miracle_n and_o so_o his_o argument_n destroy_v itself_o but_o far_o what_o if_o many_o be_v produce_v without_o any_o circumstance_n at_o all_o but_o pure_o at_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o this_o he_o say_v we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o scripture_n because_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o though_o not_o mention_v there_o he_o refer_v to_o exod._n 14.27_o compare_v with_o ex._n 15.10_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o not_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n declare_v there_o be_v none_o so_o in_o our_o saviour_n still_v the_o storm_n 25._o the_o very_a reflection_n that_o his_o disciple_n make_v upon_o that_o miracle_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o not_o by_o the_o application_n of_o any_o mean_n much_o less_o natural_a 2_o before_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n from_o these_o argument_n he_o answer_v a_o objection_n from_o scripture_n viz._n that_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a and_o rain_n and_o plenty_n restore_v by_o their_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v here_o speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o with_o the_o same_o propriety_n as_o when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a repent_v or_o the_o like_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o effect_n ascribe_v to_o they_o here_o 1._o methinks_v he_o be_v wary_a in_o his_o answer_n he_o may_v have_v grant_v that_o famine_n be_v send_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n for_o a_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o have_v deny_v that_o either_o of_o these_o be_v wrought_v by_o miracle_n for_o nature_n be_v order_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o well_o as_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o power_n and_o therefore_o his_o wisdom_n may_v so_o direct_v it_o as_o often_o even_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o execute_v his_o divine_a purpose_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n he_o see_v our_o action_n and_o hear_v our_o prayer_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o may_v as_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n direct_a and_o determine_v the_o certain_a and_o necessary_a event_n of_o it_o to_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o make_v they_o instrumental_a to_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o purpose_n whether_o of_o show_v favour_n or_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o men._n thus_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o be_v so_o strict_a as_o to_o deny_v any_o possibility_n of_o god_n punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o fear_v lest_o it_o shall_v betray_v he_o unaware_o to_o the_o concession_n of_o a_o miracle_n natural_a cause_n indeed_o our_o sin_n or_o pâ—ayers_n be_v not_o of_o these_o effect_n nor_o yet_o supernatural_a neither_o but_o moral_a only_a and_o meritorious_a as_o god_n upon_o view_n of_o either_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o reward_v we_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o so_o 2._o he_o give_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v improper_o here_o and_o in_o condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o it_o do_v when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a or_o repent_v we_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n concern_v the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o such_o of_o his_o perfection_n the_o mode_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v explain_v to_o we_o how_o they_o be_v and_o act_n in_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v speak_v of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o it_o say_v shall_v be_v shuffle_v off_o by_o this_o or_o the_o like_a suggestion_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v than_o that_o god_n do_v punish_v or_o reward_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n and_o that_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o as_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o the_o vulgar_a to_o conceive_v how_o he_o do_v it_o without_o anger_n or_o displeasure_n and_o the_o contrary_a affection_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o one_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n though_o yet_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v presume_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n 21._o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o four_o and_o last_o undertake_n viz._n to_o treat_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n miracle_n and_o what_o thing_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o relation_n about_o they_o or_o as_o the_o translator_n to_o show_v that_o most_o man_n have_v err_v in_o their_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o set_v we_o right_n he_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture-narration_n about_o miracle_n to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o particular_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o relator_n 2._o the_o idiom_n phrase_n and_o trope_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o first_o because_o general_o all_o historian_n relate_v the_o event_n they_o speak_v of_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o conjecture_n opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la the_o other_o because_o otherwise_o we_o may_v from_o the_o scripture-style_n conceive_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v relate_v for_o miracle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o for_o the_o first_o he_o instance_n in_o joshua_n 10._o v_o 12_o 13._o where_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a length_n of_o that_o day_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n motion_n for_o the_o second_o in_o some_o allegorical_a place_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n zachariah_n 14._o v_o 7._o isa_n 13._o v._n 10.48_o v_o ult_n by_o these_o two_o insinuation_n he_o will_v elude_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_a narration_n about_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n to_o the_o first_o and_o the_o instance_n he_o bring_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o joshua_n relate_v be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o earth_n move_v and_o not_o the_o sun_n for_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v stop_v whether_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o therein_o consist_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a either_o that_o joshua_n shall_v himself_o be_v so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n or_o so_o far_o instruct_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o to_o put_v up_o his_o request_n to_o god_n that_o the_o earth_n shall_v stand_v still_o and_o not_o the_o sun_n or_o that_o the_o account_n of_o it_o which_o he_o give_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a ground_v thereupon_o to_o the_o second_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-miracle_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o allegorical_a expression_n in_o the_o prophet_n but_o upon_o the_o naked_a relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o historical_a writer_n so_o that_o though_o in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v to_o proceed_v with_o some_o caution_n and_o not_o to_o take_v every_o thing_n for_o miraculous_a which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o expression_n yet_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v no_o such_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o trope_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o main_a of_o spinoza_n chapter_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o four_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o 26._o what_o be_v behind_o be_v 1._o a_o account_n of_o his_o different_a method_n in_o this_o chapter_n from_o that_o which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n about_o prophecy_n and_o