to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v the_o first_o argument_n levy_v from_o scripture_n for_o this_o warfare_n be_v draw_v from_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o their_o contest_v with_o moses_n in_o egypt_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o account_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o most_o yea_o all_o save_v one_o or_o two_o interpreter_n deny_v any_o thing_n do_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v true_o miracle_n 2._o the_o way_n manner_n and_o rite_n they_o use_v in_o effect_v what_o they_o attempt_v do_v plain_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o agency_n about_o their_o work_n further_o than_o the_o permit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o by_o their_o enchantment_n exod._n 7.11_o and_o 8.7_o i_o dare_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v at_o the_o magician_n beck_n or_o that_o he_o will_v conciliate_v credit_n to_o their_o hellish_a art_n by_o subserve_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v exert_v his_o sacred_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o honour_n of_o satan_n institution_n and_o ceremony_n 3._o the_o magician_n find_v themselves_o outdo_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exod._n 8.19_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v do_v before_o they_o have_v do_v it_o by_o magic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o influence_n and_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o their_o rod_n have_v be_v turn_v into_o serpent_n and_o that_o frog_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o land_n 4_o lie_n though_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o two_o first_o instance_n wherein_o they_o confront_v moses_n seem_v to_o bear_v such_o a_o resemblance_n to_o true_a miracle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o effect_v be_v not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o daemon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o power_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v be_v different_a from_o that_o by_o which_o they_o act_v god_n therefore_o wise_o order_v it_o that_o his_o rod_n shall_v devour_v they_o thereby_o leave_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d singular_a peculiarity_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n to_o witness_v their_o divine_a original_a the_o second_o argument_n muster_v from_o scripture_n to_o fight_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v bring_v from_o mat._n 24.24_o 2_o thes._n 2.9_o apoc._n 13.13_o to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o grant_v that_o the_o expression_n be_v lofty_a wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n predict_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o work_v yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v real_a miracle_n but_o that_o god_n will_v intimate_v to_o we_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v so_o huge_o resemble_v true_a miracle_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o detect_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v thereby_o awaken_v we_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v then_o give_v out_o and_o establish_v rather_o than_o implicit_o to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o wonder-monger_n 2._o the_o best_a key_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n there_o foretell_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o not_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o pretend_a jewish_a messiah_n and_o the_o apostatical_a roman_a church_n one_o or_o both_o of_o who_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o object_v place_n and_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o method_n of_o trial_n i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sign_n or_o wonder_v true_o record_v concern_v they_o which_o may_v not_o be_v solve_v either_o by_o a_o co-incidence_a of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o the_o hide_a power_n of_o daemon_n 3._o they_o be_v express_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o respectu_fw-la finis_fw-la because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n as_o respectu_fw-la materiae_fw-la because_o they_o only_o ape_v true_a miracle_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o such_o yea_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agency_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o three_o and_o last_o argument_n bring_v in_o relief_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v that_o god_n may_v exert_v a_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n be_v take_v from_o deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o place_n do_v more_o especial_o relate_v to_o the_o foretell_v of_o event_n than_o to_o the_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n never_o lend_v his_o omniscience_n to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o impostor_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o and_o if_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o indeed_o they_o may_v i_o suppose_v their_o wonder_n may_v be_v also_o salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o god_n infinite_a power_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o prophet_n after_o the_o promulgation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v give_v out_o as_o the_o test_n of_o after-revelation_n at_o least_o during_o that_o oeconomy_n god_n tell_v his_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o try_v the_o mission_n of_o prophet_n only_o by_o miracle_n but_o especial_o by_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o that_o of_o moses_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o other_o penman_n of_o old-testament_n scripture_n be_v honour_v with_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n i_o know_v indeed_o that_o some_o prophet_n be_v entrust_v with_o miraculous_a power_n but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v there_o be_v not_o one_o beside_o moses_n who_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o give_v forth_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n to_o the_o old-testament-church_n that_o have_v this_o privilege_n confer_v on_o he_o have_v thus_o make_v appear_v that_o all_o miracle_n be_v effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o that_o wheresoever_o god_n exert_v his_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v it_o to_o be_v of_o and_o from_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v on_o the_o prove_v that_o the_o bible_n be_v justify_v by_o innumerable_a great_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n that_o be_v large_o and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reply_n do_v by_o other_o hand_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o even_o those_o who_o suppose_v that_o god_n may_v sometime_o put_v forth_o his_o wonder-working_a power_n in_o attestation_n of_o a_o error_n do_v not_o hereby_o design_n to_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o script_n for_o as_o none_o have_v go_v beyond_o they_o in_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o general_n so_o no_o one_o have_v improve_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o miracle_n to_o better_a purpose_n as_o they_o have_v show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v attest_v by_o a_o great_a number_n of_o miracle_n and_o those_o both_o more_o eminent_a more_o conspicuous_a long_o continue_v and_o often_o repeat_v than_o ever_o any_o error_n either_o be_v or_o ever_o can_v be_v so_o they_o not_o only_o prove_v that_o god_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n for_o trial_n till_o he_o have_v first_o incontestable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n but_o they_o also_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o it_o be_v not_o then_o upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o have_v disserve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v assume_v the_o freedom_n of_o discourse_v these_o thing_n but_o that_o a_o opportunity_n of_o more_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v afford_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o the_o main_a on_o what_o side_n soever_o this_o controversy_n issue_v and_o as_o i_o know_v myself_o in_o more_o need_n of_o be_v instruct_v than_o of_o capacity_n to_o offer_v information_n to_o any_o so_o it_o
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o have_v foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o the_o two_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o nature_n do_v excellent_o harmonise_v this_o be_v premise_v among_o other_o truth_n which_o beside_o their_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v also_o evidence_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o quality_n viz._n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o wave_v these_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a brevity_n consider_v what_o media_fw-la there_o be_v in_o nature_n by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v nâ—t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
to_o evince_v it_o though_o obstinate_a person_n and_o such_o as_o maintain_v tenet_n in_o despite_n of_o evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o it_o be_v the_o church_n in_o its_o full_a latitude_n and_o extent_n that_o be_v eminent_o christ_n body_n and_o his_o spouse_n and_o it_o be_v his_o body_n and_o spouse_n that_o he_o be_v conjoin_v and_o marry_v to_o now_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vincula_fw-la that_o be_v between_o he_o and_o individual_a believer_n be_v to_o run_v himself_o into_o the_o absurdity_n which_o we_o common_o call_v a_o circle_n for_o if_o the_o copula_fw-la of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v their_o society_n and_o fellowship_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o the_o vinculum_fw-la between_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n be_v through_o the_o cohesion_n of_o particular_a believer_n to_o christ_n there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o that_o our_o author_n must_v be_v entangle_v in_o a_o circle_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o circular_a define_n and_o discourse_v and_o to_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o church_n by_o the_o church_n belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n be_v but_o instead_o of_o lose_v the_o knot_n to_o tie_v it_o fast_o for_o the_o church_n be_v a_o aggregate_v body_n of_o believer_n she_o can_v no_o other_o way_n embrace_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o yield_v obedience_n to_o its_o command_n but_o in_o the_o virtue_n of_o what_o her_o particular_a constituent_a member_n do_v 2._o that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n even_o suppose_v it_o a_o mere_a political_a relation_n shall_v be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v repugnant_a to_o that_o conception_n and_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o church_n catholick-visible_a and_o much_o more_o particular_a institute_v church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o collective_a body_n of_o christian_n it_o natural_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v christian_n before_o they_o can_v any_o way_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n now_o to_o suppose_v they_o christian_n i_o speak_v of_o adult_n person_n without_o their_o previous_a own_v the_o authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n through_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o a_o profess_a subjection_n to_o his_o law_n be_v a_o absurd_a and_o self-contradictious_a imagination_n 3._o if_o the_o apostle_n be_v immediate_o unite_v to_o christ_n without_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o every_o individual_a christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hold_v unite_v to_o he_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v unite_v to_o christ_n under_o the_o formal_a consideration_n of_o their_o be_v christian_n and_o not_o under_o the_o reduplication_n of_o their_o be_v apostle_n it_o follow_v by_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a train_n of_o ratiocination_n that_o all_o who_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o denomination_n of_o christian_n be_v unite_v by_o the_o same_o bond_n and_o stand_v in_o the_o same_o immediateness_n of_o conjunction_n with_o christ_n that_o they_o be_v yea_o paul_n have_v say_v enough_o to_o set_v this_o beyond_o all_o suspect_n in_o that_o speak_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n he_o reckon_v the_o apostle_n in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o member_n with_o other_o believer_n 1_o cor._n 12.27_o 28._o now_o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o that_o their_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o he_o be_v immediate_a there_o be_v unanswerable_a argument_n at_o hand_n to_o demonstrate_v but_o i_o shall_v only_o mention_v one_o namely_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a church_n pre-existent_a to_o they_o into_o who_o society_n and_o fellowship_n they_o can_v be_v admit_v i_o have_v thus_o far_o discourse_v these_o thing_n with_o mr._n sherlock_n take_v the_o church_n for_o the_o universal_a catholic_n visible_a church_n which_o be_v the_o most_o favourable_a acceptation_n to_o befriend_v the_o notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o acceptation_n of_o the_o church_n as_o our_o communion_n with_o it_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la and_o bond_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n find_v himself_o in_o some_o case_n necessitate_v to_o retreat_n to_o if_o say_v he_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a society_n of_o christian_n profess_v the_o faith_n of_o â—hrist_n 165._o and_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o each_o other_o as_o it_o may_v happen_v in_o time_n of_o persecution_n or_o some_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o the_o church_n our_o union_n to_o christ_n then_o consist_v in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o law_n which_o make_v we_o member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n though_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a church_n to_o communicate_v with_o now_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n with_o christ_n by_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o previous_a interest_n in_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n be_v not_o defensible_a much_o less_o be_v it_o maintainable_a on_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o a_o union_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n as_o the_o vinculum_fw-la and_o foundation_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o most_o of_o our_o author_n discourse_n be_v frame_v in_o countenance_n of_o this_o namely_o that_o individual_a christian_n be_v not_o unite_v to_o christ_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o some_o particular_a church_n hence_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o can_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n 164._o that_o be_v can_v own_v his_o authority_n and_o government_n till_o we_o unite_v ourselves_o to_o the_o public_a society_n of_o christian_n and_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a instruction_n authority_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o be_v make_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o live_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n where_o providence_n have_v cast_v we_o so_o long_o as_o she_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n because_o 166._o as_o our_o author_n say_v this_o unite_v we_o to_o christ._n mr._n sherlock_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o conjecture_v be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o think_v what_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n he_o have_v espouse_v or_o what_o be_v most_o disserviceable_a to_o it_o all_o immediate_a union_n of_o particular_a christian_n with_o christ_n save_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o deny_v but_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v take_v by_o communion_n with_o which_o we_o come_v to_o be_v copulate_v with_o jesus_n christ_n he_o dare_v not_o determine_v at_o one_o time_n it_o be_v by_o our_o be_v member_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n at_o another_o it_o be_v by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o such_o a_o church_n as_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n 165._o who_o member_n be_v in_o regular_a subjection_n to_o their_o spiritual_a guide_n and_o ruler_n 163.165_o and_o live_v in_o concord_n and_o unity_n among_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o mutual_a discharge_n of_o all_o christian_a office_n but_o that_o communion_n with_o a_o particular_a church_n can_v be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o a_o christian_n union_n with_o christ_n i_o come_v under_o the_o influence_n and_o command_n of_o these_o reason_n to_o believe_v 1._o there_o may_v be_v some_o individual_a christian_n where_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a institute_v church_n of_o christ_n into_o which_o they_o can_v be_v admit_v nor_o may_v this_o only_o be_v suppose_v but_o there_o be_v divers_a instance_n in_o ecclesiastical_a story_n to_o evince_v it_o yea_o there_o can_v be_v no_o particular_a church_n without_o the_o pre-existence_n of_o individual_a believer_n see_v it_o be_v of_o such_o that_o every_o particular_a church_n be_v constitute_v and_o form_v we_o may_v as_o well_o build_v a_o house_n without_o pre-existent_a material_n as_o erect_v a_o particular_a church_n without_o believer_n to_o constitute_v it_o of_o there_o must_v be_v live_a stone_n of_o which_o this_o temple_n of_o god_n be_v build_v and_o frame_v the_o be_v saint_n through_o the_o effectual_a vocation_n and_o renew_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o first_o ground_n presuppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o their_o adscription_n of_o the_o name_n and_o title_n of_o church_n to_o any_o nor_o be_v the_o duty_n require_v of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o a_o particular_a church_n relation_n possible_a to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v sincere_a christian_n 2._o christian_n in_o the_o very_a
they_o upon_o divine_a testimony_n but_o it_o ought_v further_o to_o inquire_v what_o inducement_n and_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v also_o know_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o reason_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v foundation_n in_o natural_a light_n so_o especial_o in_o and_o about_o such_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_o pre-supposed_n to_o faith_n of_o which_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n build_v upon_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o know_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o bible_n and_o according_o among_o such_o as_o own_o that_o book_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o need_v no_o other_o bottom_n to_o erect_v our_o faith_n upon_o nor_o any_o other_o measure_n to_o regulate_v our_o debate_n and_o 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gassendus_fw-la ezekius_fw-la vogelsangius_fw-la derkennis_fw-la doctor_n parker_n and_o other_o against_o it_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o little_o better_a than_o a_o sophism_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o article_n of_o such_o import_n by_o a_o medium_fw-la either_o weak_a or_o fallacious_a be_v to_o betray_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o idea_n formal_o innate_a what_o we_o common_o call_v so_o be_v the_o result_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v not_o otherwise_o inbred_a then_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n that_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o rational_a power_n she_o be_v infallible_o lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o this_o be_v first_o effect_v by_o she_o look_v inward_o upon_o herself_o and_o she_o own_o act_n and_o we_o be_v with_o facility_n and_o by_o a_o short_a way_n of_o argumentation_n conduct_v thence_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o 1_o st_z we_o perceive_v that_o the_o faculty_n resident_a in_o we_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o not_o self-existent_a nor_o indebt_v to_o itself_o for_o those_o it_o have_v otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v clothe_v itself_o with_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n it_o can_v imagine_v and_o by_o consequence_n find_v its_o own_o exility_n and_o imperfection_n it_o natural_o and_o with_o ease_n arrive_v at_o a_o persuasion_n of_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o some_o first_o supreme_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o have_v make_v it_o what_o it_o be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n two_o d_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o faculty_n that_o apprehend_v judge_v reason_v but_o what_o it_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o perform_v those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v give_v we_o this_o faculty_n and_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o know_v which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o 3_o dly_a our_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o assoon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o thing_n good_a and_o other_o thing_n evil._n there_o be_v a_o unalterable_a congruity_n betwixt_o some_o act_n and_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o a_o unchangeable_a incongruity_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o now_o this_o plain_o sway_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n for_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n relate_v to_o a_o law_n under_o the_o sanction_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o all_o law_n suppose_v a_o superior_a who_o have_v right_o to_o command_v we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o universal_a independent_a supreme_a but_o god_n 4_o lie_n we_o find_v ourselves_o possess_v of_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o reflect_v on_o its_o own_o act_n and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o itself_o in_o all_o it_o do_v which_o be_v a_o further_a conviction_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a 5_o lie_n we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n of_o vast_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o crave_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a good_a adequate_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o long_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n this_o be_v his_o mean_v who_o say_v of_o the_o heathen_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o nod_v after_o a_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o slur_n upon_o nature_n to_o suppose_v that_o she_o have_v put_v those_o propension_n and_o inclination_n into_o we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o 6_o lie_n we_o find_v the_o
of_o the_o bible_n the_o ancient_a heathen_n reproach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o ground_v all_o their_o doctrine_n upon_o mere_a belief_n that_o their_o religion_n consist_v in_o sola_fw-la ratione_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o that_o their_o simple_a faith_n be_v all_o they_o have_v to_o trust_v to_o the_o christian_n complain_v of_o the_o charge_n as_o a_o gross_a and_o impudent_a calumny_n appeal_v to_o reason_n for_o proof_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o title_n and_o as_o they_o that_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o report_n principle_n of_o education_n or_o the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v the_o alcoran_n so_o if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1_o st_z the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherwise_o than_o by_o 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manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_a they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o i_o know_v the_o papist_n to_o be_v even_o with_o the_o protestant_n for_o the_o circle_n we_o charge_v on_o they_o in_o their_o prove_v the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n do_v pretend_v to_o fasten_v the_o same_o way_n of_o circular_a argumentation_n upon_o we_o in_o that_o we_o prove_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o even_o those_o protestant_n who_o contend_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o scripture_n do_v mutual_o prove_v one_o another_o may_v easy_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o a_o circle_n see_v whatever_o proof_n the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n mutual_o minister_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v in_o diverso_fw-la genere_fw-la the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o spirit_n either_o in_o way_n of_o witness_n by_o plain_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o objective_o and_o by_o way_n of_o argument_n bring_v into_o light_n such_o truth_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o proceed_v from_o none_o other_o save_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o then_o the_o spirit_n prove_v the_o scripture_n not_o in_o way_n of_o a_o naked_a witness_n nor_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o efficient_a cause_n elevate_a and_o prepare_v our_o understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o lineament_n character_n and_o signature_n of_o divinity_n which_o god_n have_v impress_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o through_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v upon_o our_o mind_n we_o many_o time_n do_v not_o at_o all_o discern_v much_o less_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n discern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o it_o or_o else_o by_o give_v efficacy_n to_o scripture_n truth_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o word_n arrive_v with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n 2.4_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o effectual_a work_v of_o his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o this_o spiritual_a gust_n that_o i_o may_v use_v origen_n phrase_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a thing_n and_o more_o convince_v than_o any_o demonstration_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v best_a know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o intellectual_a touch_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v plotin_n but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o this_o be_v no_o convince_a proof_n to_o a_o adversary_n nor_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o party_n immediate_o concern_v and_o therefore_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v to_o argument_n of_o another_o nature_n in_o brief_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionated_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n and_o here_o reason_n be_v just_o magnify_v as_o huge_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v not_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o reason_n can_v acquit_v itself_o in_o this_o undertake_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o i_o know_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v they_o many_o great_a man_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o abroad_o have_v already_o labour_v and_o to_o good_a purpose_n in_o this_o theme_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v much_o add_v by_o any_o to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v much_o less_o be_o i_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o my_o intention_n to_o treat_v this_o subject_a at_o large_a but_o rather_o to_o touch_v at_o the_o head_n of_o argument_n than_o handle_v they_o and_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v sufficient_o answer_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o aspersion_n late_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v defamer_n of_o reason_n disclaim_v it_o from_o all_o concern_v in_o religion_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o reproach_n which_o julian_n slanderous_o fasten_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o method_n i_o shall_v here_o confine_v myself_o to_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o
sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a that_o they_o do_v both_o together_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a complete_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o proposition_n which_o admit_v a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a sense_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o explicite_fw-la enunciation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o implicit_o and_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a they_o may_v for_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o quarrel_v with_o they_o but_o to_o assign_v a_o plurality_n of_o coordinate_a or_o ambiguous_a sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o text_n i._n be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n invent_v only_o to_o reproach_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o expound_v of_o it_o mare_n and_o be_v indeed_o repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o disparate_a sense_n we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o asseâ—t_v its_o be_v intelligible_a we_o always_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a actual_o to_o understand_v it_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o our_o disposedness_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n be_v thing_n vast_o distant_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o facile_a and_o plain_a though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o remain_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o those_o who_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n or_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n defile_v tinctured_a and_o darken_v by_o fuliginous_a vapour_n the_o bible_n be_v only_o plain_a to_o such_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o without_o prepossession_n prejudice_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n &_o be_v withal_o humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o though_o the_o ethereal_a region_n be_v replenish_v with_o ray_n of_o light_n emit_v from_o the_o great_a luminary_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a that_o man_n have_v eye_n and_o that_o they_o open_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o discover_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o if_o our_o understanding_n either_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o they_o be_v envelop_v and_o muffle_v with_o through_o the_o fall_n or_o from_o malignant_a habit_n occasion_v either_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o its_o perspicuity_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o weakness_n corruption_n and_o folly_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o its_o easiness_n to_o be_v understand_v we_o always_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n text_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o of_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a the_o doctrine_n they_o refer_v to_o have_v no_o indispensable_a connexion_n with_o salvation_n the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o such_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n as_o shall_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v understand_v though_o god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n have_v in_o many_o thing_n who_o simple_a ignorance_n do_v not_o interpose_v with_o salvation_n leave_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a text_n partly_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n partly_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n unto_o diligence_n partly_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o implore_v divine_a instruction_n and_o to_o make_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o partly_o to_o exercise_v our_o soul_n unto_o reverence_n but_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o end_n give_v measure_n and_o fix_v bound_n unto_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o nor_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v that_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o upon_o no_o less_o peril_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v require_v the_o indispensable_a knowledge_n of_o as_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n need_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v self-evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o term_n so_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n carry_v a_o evidence_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o their_o revelation_n that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v the_o bible_n without_o prejudice_n and_o a_o perverse_a mind_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v there_o propose_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o such_o article_n be_v reveal_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o perverseness_n have_v wrest_v they_o to_o a_o corrupt_a sense_n see_v god_n do_v not_o indite_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o captious_a but_o for_o such_o who_o will_v read_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o who_o have_v find_v and_o undepraved_a understanding_n topic._n 6._o cap._n 4._o so_o it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n defile_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n infect_v with_o evil_a opinion_n and_o fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n while_o all_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o while_o we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a and_o possible_o not_o safe_a now_o as_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v so_o so_o be_v understand_v they_o be_v as_o well_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o dark_a and_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o 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that_o i_o be_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v though_o not_o so_o much_o as_o i_o ought_v sir_n your_o most_o faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n robert_n ferguson_n to_o the_o reader_n he_o that_o have_v enroll_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o truth_n need_v not_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o his_o come_n into_o the_o field_n when_o the_o cause_n in_o who_o defence_n and_o service_n he_o be_v list_v call_v for_o his_o appearance_n whosoever_o consuâ—ts_v either_o his_o name_n or_o his_o ease_n when_o a_o assault_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o christian_a faith_n deserve_v the_o punishment_n either_o of_o a_o coward_n in_o his_o profession_n or_o of_o a_o traitor_n to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a provocation_n nor_o any_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o controversy_n but_o mere_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o undertake_n if_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n to_o be_v encounter_v in_o the_o oppositiou_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o there_o be_v petulancy_n &_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v rebuke_v though_o i_o can_v bring_v myself_o to_o believe_v that_o mr._n sherlock_n deserve_v a_o reply_n yet_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o undermine_v deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v &_o confirm_v and_o as_o i_o have_v make_v this_o my_o principal_a task_n so_o i_o have_v only_o employ_v myself_o about_o those_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v some_o further_a irradiation_n of_o light_n than_o be_v every_o where_o reflect_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o no_o man_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o by_o defend_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o christian_n i_o have_v vindicate_v those_o who_o chief_a crime_n be_v their_o adherence_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o in_o
word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a and_o as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o regulate_v all_o my_o conception_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n so_o whatever_o proposition_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o repugnancy_n to_o these_o i_o be_o ready_a open_o to_o retract_v it_o if_o any_o shall_v attaque_fw-la these_o discourse_n with_o revile_v &_o reproachful_a language_n i_o do_v declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o reckon_v myself_o supersede_v from_o reply_v i_o will_v combat_v no_o man_n at_o these_o weapon_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o a_o reputation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o rail_v how_o much_o in_o fashion_n soever_o it_o be_v though_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o in_o fine_a language_n how_o often_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v contradict_v himself_o and_o by_o what_o falsification_n he_o have_v impose_v principle_n on_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o they_o never_o hold_v how_o he_o treat_v the_o sacred_a writer_n with_o as_o much_o contempt_n as_o he_o do_v t._n w._n and_o burlesques_n the_o scripture_n no_o less_o than_o other_o have_v do_v virgil_n poem_n how_o he_o have_v renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o borrow_v his_o gloss_n on_o the_o bible_n as_o well_o as_o his_o dogmatical_a notion_n from_o the_o socinian_o how_o illogical_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o deduction_n and_o slander_v his_o adversary_n by_o undue_a inference_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o theme_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o according_o i_o have_v digest_v material_n for_o it_o but_o the_o book_n be_v swell_v to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n already_o and_o there_o be_v other_o engage_v against_o the_o same_o author_n within_o who_o province_n these_o thing_n must_v needs_o lie_v as_o have_v undertake_v the_o arraignment_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n i_o do_v wave_n the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o all_o at_o this_o time_n and_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n no_o long_o than_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o since_o the_o print_n off_o the_o first_o chapter_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o ill_a thing_n though_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v they_o be_v well_o say_v i_o know_v not_o a_o opinion_n more_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequence_n than_o that_o man_n may_v be_v as_o safe_a in_o the_o event_n by_o embrace_v turcism_n as_o christianity_n and_o as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o their_o error_n as_o other_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v espouse_v shall_v person_n conspire_v to_o overthrow_v all_o revelation_n they_o can_v not_o fall_v upon_o a_o method_n more_o likely_a to_o effect_v it_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n equal_o as_o strange_a in_o the_o bible_n as_o in_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o our_o reason_n may_v serve_v we_o if_o due_o attend_v to_o and_o pursue_v to_o discern_v that_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n be_v false_a nor_o be_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v judge_v innocent_a because_o we_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o make_v the_o discovery_n no_o man_n can_v embrace_v a_o false_a religion_n but_o by_o a_o criminal_a deviation_n from_o reason_n and_o who_o will_v admit_v one_o transgression_n to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o another_o that_o whole_a treatise_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a hypothesis_n namely_o that_o as_o man_n belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n so_o they_o may_v disbelieve_v it_o by_o the_o same_o guidance_n corrupt_a ratiocination_n be_v recommend_v by_o the_o name_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o be_v once_o clothe_v with_o this_o livery_n every_o foolery_n as_o well_o as_o abomination_n appeal_v to_o they_o if_o not_o for_o its_o justification_n at_o least_o for_o its_o be_v but_o a_o venial_a offence_n no_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o offender_n in_o moral_n nor_o do_v he_o therefore_o deserve_v pardon_n because_o he_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o what_o he_o do_v though_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v or_o prosecute_v what_o his_o understanding_n continue_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o as_o evil_a yet_o its_o failâ—ur_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n neither_o alter_v the_o essential_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o make_v his_o condition_n more_o safe_a for_o act_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o it_o some_o man_n will_v have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o understand_n because_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o none_o in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o will_v have_v their_o corrupt_a ratiocination_n in_o doctrinal_n as_o venial_a as_o they_o seem_v in_o reference_n to_o manner_n to_o presume_v the_o gratify_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o for_o the_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o imbue_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o prevent_n other_o from_o be_v â—ainâ—ed_v and_o inveigle_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v bring_v the_o whole_a under_o a_o examen_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o weak_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o occur_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v pernicious_a in_o its_o tendency_n farewell_n the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n introduction_n 1._o motive_n influence_v to_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o subject_n 2._o the_o import_n of_o reason_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o religion_n 4._o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o topic_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v 5._o it_o be_v usefulness_n in_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o several_a media_n which_o it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o this_o purpose_n 6.7_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o emerge_v from_o its_o divine_a original_a 8._o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n divine_a and_o infallible_a see_v build_v upon_o media_n that_o be_v so_o 9_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o our_o attain_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o measure_n which_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o 10._o of_o scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o reason_n in_o make_v the_o deduction_n 11._o what_o appertain_v to_o reason_n in_o reference_n to_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n 12._o the_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o defend_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n from_o the_o clamour_n and_o objection_n of_o gainsayer_n 13._o nothing_o contradictious_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o mystery_n of_o faith_n many_o thing_n obtrude_v for_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o prejudice_n do_v religion_n by_o mistake_a philosophy_n pursue_v and_o declare_v in_o various_a instance_n 14._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture_n metaphor_n the_o inducement_n upon_o which_o some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o quarrel_v at_o metaphor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o discourse_v this_o theme_n 1._o no_o form_n of_o speech_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o bible_n adorn_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o figurative_a expression_n some_o fancy_n more_o trope_n in_o the_o bible_n than_o there_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n among_o other_o guilty_a of_o this_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o metaphor_n what_o trope_n it_o have_v affinity_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o line_n by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o 3._o the_o reason_n why_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o infinite_a sapience_n have_v so_o often_o adopt_v metaphorical_a term_n to_o declare_v himself_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o and_o by_o 4._o when_o a_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v account_v metaphorical_a 5._o how_o to_o attain_v the_o true_a conception_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o under_o metaphor_n 6._o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o use_n of_o other_o common_a metaphor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o their_o usefulness_n and_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o usurpation_n of_o they_o 7._o the_o nonconformist_n injurious_o charge_v for_o their_o usage_n of_o metaphor_n the_o contempt_n throw_v upon_o they_o fall_v often_o with_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n none_o so_o guilty_a of_o turn_v religion_n into_o
may_v immediate_o work_v miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o follow_v error_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o as_o precede_v i_o know_v no_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o latter_a case_n but_o what_o will_v equal_o conclude_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o the_o last_o circumstance_n the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n in_o god_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o judge_n so_o of_o he_o in_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o have_v the_o like_a thought_n of_o he_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v three_o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture-testimony_n that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v either_o the_o mission_n or_o the_o error_n of_o a_o false_a pretender_n see_v joh._n 9.16.29_o 30_o 31._o christ_n have_v restore_v sight_n to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n do_v notwithstanding_o question_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o ambassador_n from_o god_n yea_o express_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v now_o let_v we_o observe_v after_o what_o manner_n that_o miraculous_a work_n be_v urge_v in_o justification_n that_o christ_n can_v be_v no_o deceiver_n p._n 16._o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n one_o that_o false_o avouch_v himself_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n do_v such_o miracle_n and_o 30_o 31_o the_o man_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o e._n do_v not_o by_o miraculous_a work_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o that_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n i_o know_v that_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o say_v and_o what_o be_v only_o â—aid_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v true_a though_o there_o be_v many_o false_a say_n historical_o recite_v in_o it_o because_o though_o the_o expression_n themselves_o be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o these_o untruth_n which_o it_o report_v be_v speak_v but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o the_o chapter_n will_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o only_a register_n these_o say_n but_o adopt_v they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o affirm_v that_o such_o plea_n be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o plea_n themselves_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a the_o exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o a_o incontestable_a evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o may_v easy_o i_o think_v be_v take_v off_o the_o 1_o st_z be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o heretic_n pagan_n and_o other_o who_o person_n be_v neither_o authorize_v by_o god_n nor_o their_o doctrine_n true_a and_o here_o the_o wonder_v report_v in_o history_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o aesculapius_n vespasian_n and_o especial_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o hierocles_n dare_v in_o point_n of_o miraculous_a work_n compare_v with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v allege_v to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o we_o may_v just_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v the_o reporter_n such_o as_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v they_o a_o implicit_a faith_n piaefraude_n have_v find_v entertainment_n not_o only_o among_o heathen_n but_o christian_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o most_o of_o the_o ethnic_a and_o popish_a miracle_n be_v mere_o romantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o they_o by_o put_v the_o patron_n of_o they_o on_o the_o proof_n that_o ever_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v wrought_v 2._o many_o of_o these_o seem_a miracle_n may_v be_v salve_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o use_v to_o baptise_v the_o extraordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o name_n of_o wonder_n because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o natural_a agent_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o pagan_a world_n as_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n that_o we_o can_v now_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o 3._o many_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o tell_v one_o next_o to_o oracle_n satan_n have_v serve_v his_o end_n on_o the_o world_n by_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o in_o both_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o detect_v the_o imposture_n yet_o in_o most_o of_o they_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o 4._o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o such_o as_o descend_v to_o we_o with_o the_o great_a certainty_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v to_o prepare_v the_o world_n for_o some_o strange_a and_o new_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n or_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o some_o person_n that_o god_n design_v for_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o confirm_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o false_a religion_n and_o as_o to_o such_o miraculous_a work_n i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n thus_o will_v i_o resolve_v the_o cure_n wrought_v by_o vespasian_n on_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a man_n to_o have_v be_v do_v for_o the_o better_a introduce_v and_o establish_v he_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n god_n have_v intend_v he_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o that_o from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enemy_n not_o easy_o discover_v or_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a for_o i_o find_v the_o infirm_a person_n allege_v their_o be_v advise_v by_o serapis_n to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o vespasian_n for_o relief_n against_o their_o malady_n now_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n shall_v employ_v the_o daemon_n for_o the_o herald_n of_o what_o himself_o will_v accomplish_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v encourage_v idolatry_n by_o communion_n with_o votary_n at_o the_o devil_n temple_n 2_o dly_a the_o method_n of_o restore_v the_o blind_a man_n to_o his_o sight_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n seem_v plain_o to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o satan_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o the_o whole_a locum_fw-la intend_v hereby_o either_o to_o disparage_v some_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v erect_v he_o 5._o some_o of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n urge_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o we_o be_v contend_v against_o might_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o justify_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o work_n i_o know_v no_o danger_n in_o entitle_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v mark_v 9.38_o where_o the_o person_n cast_v out_o devil_n be_v neither_o commissioned_n by_o christ_n nor_o do_v so_o much_o as_o direct_o own_o and_o embrace_v he_o and_o yet_o god_n lend_v he_o his_o power_n to_o accomplish_v these_o effect_n and_o suppose_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o report_v of_o the_o romish_a missionary_n in_o the_o indies_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o key_n sufficient_a to_o unlock_v they_o the_o second_o and_o great_a exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v wrought_v be_v fetch_v it_o from_o scripture_n and_o true_o if_o the_o text_n press_v in_o this_o service_n be_v not_o find_v either_o mistake_v or_o urge_v beyond_o their_o true_a intendment_n we_o will_v ready_o resign_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n we_o have_v be_v plead_v nor_o shall_v any_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o weigh_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o great_a as_o