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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n believe_v faith_n grace_n 2,759 5 6.0361 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A27004 The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural evidence the being of God ... : the second part, of Christianity, proving by evidence supernatural and natural, the certain truth of the Christian belief ... / by Richard Baxter ... ; also an appendix defending the soul's immortality against the Somatists or Epicureans and other pseudo-philosophers. Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691. 1667 (1667) Wing B1367; ESTC R5892 599,557 672

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title_n to_o their_o crown_n and_o all_o man_n their_o estate_n by_o the_o record_n or_o testimony_n of_o other_o 9_o it_o be_v impudent_a arrogancy_n for_o every_o infidel_n to_o tie_v god_n to_o be_v at_o his_o beck_n to_o work_v miracle_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o require_v it_o to_o say_v i_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o a_o miracle_n and_o if_o thou_o work_v never_o so_o many_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o other_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o i_o may_v see_v they_o myself_o §_o 12._o there_o need_v not_o be_v new_a revelation_n and_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a and_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v more_o revelation_n and_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o former_a and_o oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v those_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o god_n can_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o a_o settle_a law_n by_o revelation_n once_o make_v which_o be_v absurd_a §_o 13._o therefore_o the_o only_a natural_a 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do_v any_o more_o than_o honourable_o to_o esteem_v and_o praise_v they_o as_o they_o be_v and_o use_v they_o to_o the_o end_n which_o our_o creator_n have_v appoint_v 2._o and_o for_o the_o martyr_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n we_o do_v no_o otherwise_o by_o they_o we_o honour_v they_o by_o estimation_n love_n and_o praise_n agreeable_a to_o all_o the_o worth_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o and_o the_o holiness_n of_o humane_a soul_n which_o be_v his_o image_n be_v more_o intelligible_a to_o we_o and_o so_o more_o distinct_o amiable_a than_o the_o form_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o planet_n be_v but_o we_o pray_v not_o to_o they_o because_o we_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o hear_v we_o or_o know_v when_o we_o be_v sincere_a or_o hypocritical_a nor_o have_v we_o any_o such_o precept_n from_o our_o common_a lord_n it_o be_v but_o some_o ignorant_a mistake_a christian_n who_o pray_v to_o the_o dead_a or_o give_v more_o than_o due_a veneration_n to_o their_o memory_n and_o it_o be_v christ_n and_o not_o every_o ignorant_a christian_a or_o mistake_v sect_n that_o i_o be_o justify_v against_o the_o cavil_n of_o unbelief_n object_n viii_o you_o make_v the_o holiness_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o your_o faith_n here_o and_o yet_o papist_n and_o protestant_n maintain_v each_o other_o doctrine_n to_o be_v wicked_a and_o such_o especial_o against_o king_n and_o government_n as_o seneca_n or_o cicero_n or_o plutarch_n will_v have_v abhor_v the_o protestant_n tell_v the_o papist_n of_o the_o general_n council_n at_o the_o lateran_n sub_fw-la innoc._n 3._o where_o can._n 3._o it_o be_v make_v a_o very_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o temporal_a lord_n who_o exterminate_v not_o heretic_n may_v be_v admonish_v and_o excommunicate_v and_o their_o dominion_n give_v by_o the_o pope_n to_o other_o and_o subject_n disoblige_v from_o their_o allegiance_n
esse_fw-la which_o be_v dependent_a in_o fieri_fw-la which_o be_v contradiction_n 2._o the_o effect_n in_o the_o admirable_a frame_n and_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o creation_n declare_v that_o the_o creator_n be_v infinite_o wise_a the_o small_a insect_n be_v so_o curious_o make_v and_o so_o admirable_o fit_v and_o instruct_v to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n the_o small_a plant_n in_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o shape_n and_o colour_n and_o smell_n and_o quality_n use_n and_o operation_n and_o beautiful_a flower_n so_o marvellous_o constitute_v and_o animate_v by_o a_o unseen_a form_n and_o propagate_v by_o unsearchable_a seminal_a virtue_n the_o small_a bird_n and_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n so_o adorn_v in_o their_o kind_n and_o so_o admirable_o furnish_v for_o their_o proper_a end_n especial_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o species_n in_o love_n and_o sagacity_n and_o diligence_n to_o their_o young_a by_o instinct_n equal_v in_o those_o particular_n the_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o admirable_a composure_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o man_n and_o of_o the_o vile_a beast_n and_o vermin_n the_o quality_n and_o operation_n of_o all_o the_o organ_n humour_n and_o spirit_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o the_o constitution_n of_o society_n and_o overrule_a all_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n with_o innumerable_a instance_n in_o the_o creature_n do_v all_o concur_v to_o proclaim_v that_o man_n as_o mad_a as_o madness_n can_v possible_o make_v he_o in_o that_o particular_a who_o think_v that_o any_o low_a cause_n than_o incomprehensible_a wisdom_n do_v principal_o produce_v all_o this_o and_o that_o by_o any_o brutish_a or_o natural_a motion_n or_o confluence_n of_o atom_n or_o any_o other_o matter_n it_o can_v be_v thus_o order_v continue_a and_o maintain_v without_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n superior_a to_o mere_a natural_a matter_n and_o motion_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v if_o we_o have_v a_o sight_n into_o the_o inward_o of_o all_o the_o earth_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o mineral_n and_o of_o the_o form_n of_o all_o thing_n if_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o other_o appearance_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v now_o beyond_o our_o reach_n yea_o ibid._n if_o we_o have_v a_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o orb_n both_o fix_a star_n and_o planet_n and_o of_o their_o matter_n and_o form_n and_o order_n and_o relation_n to_o each_o other_o and_o their_o communication_n and_o influence_n on_o each_o other_o and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o their_o wondrous_a motion_n if_o we_o see_v not_o only_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o element_n especial_o the_o active_a element_n fire_n but_o also_o the_o constitution_n magnitude_n and_o use_v of_o all_o those_o thousand_o sun_n and_o lesser_a world_n which_o constitute_v the_o universal_a world_n and_o if_o they_o be_v inhabit_v if_o we_o know_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o each_o do_v we_o know_v all_o the_o intelligence_n bless_a angel_n and_o holy_a spirit_n which_o possess_v the_o noble_a part_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o unhappy_a degenerate_a spirit_n that_o have_v depart_v from_o light_n and_o joy_n into_o darkness_n and_o horror_n by_o depart_v from_o god_n yea_o if_o we_o can_v see_v all_o these_o comprehensive_o at_o one_o view_n what_o thought_n shall_v we_o have_v of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o atheist_n that_o deny_v it_o we_o shall_v think_v bedlam_n too_o honourable_a a_o place_n for_o that_o man_n that_o can_v believe_v or_o dare_v say_v that_o any_o accidental_a motion_n of_o subtle_a matter_n or_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n or_o any_o thing_n below_o a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n infinite_o transcend_v all_o that_o with_o man_n be_v call_v by_o that_o name_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n 76._o and_o be_v the_o chief_a continuer_n of_o such_o a_o incomprehensible_a frame_n §_o 18._o the_o first_o cause_n must_v needs_o be_v infinite_o good_n by_o goodness_n i_o mean_v all_o essential_a excellency_n which_o be_v know_v to_o we_o by_o its_o fruit_n and_o appearance_n in_o the_o creature_n which_o as_o it_o have_v a_o goodness_n natural_a and_o moral_a so_o be_v it_o the_o index_n of_o that_o transcendent_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o both_o this_o goodness_n be_v incomparable_o beyond_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o usefulness_n to_o the_o creature_n good_a or_o goodness_n of_o benignity_n as_o relative_a to_o man._n and_o it_o be_v know_v better_o by_o the_o mere_a name_n as_o express_v that_o which_o nature_n have_v a_o intrinsic_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o than_o by_o definition_n as_o sensible_a quality_n light_n colour_n sound_n odour_n sweet_a bitter_a etc._n etc._n be_v know_v by_o the_o name_n best_a which_o lead_v to_o the_o sensitive_a memory_n which_o inform_v the_o intellect_n what_o they_o be_v as_o the_o mention_n of_o thing_n sensible_a enter_v the_o definition_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o mention_n of_o sense_n do_v enter_v the_o definition_n of_o thing_n sensible_a and_o yet_o the_o object_n be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o the_o act_n and_o as_o truth_n must_v enter_v the_o definition_n of_o intellection_n and_o intellection_n the_o definition_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o truth_n be_v in_o order_n before_o intellection_n and_o contemporary_a with_o the_o intellect_n so_o be_v it_o between_o goodness_n and_o the_o will._n but_o if_o we_o speak_v of_o uncreated_a good_a and_o of_o a_o create_a will_n then_o good_a be_v infinite_o antecedent_n to_o that_o will._n but_o the_o will_n which_o be_v create_v have_v a_o nature_n suit_v to_o it_o and_o so_o the_o notion_n of_o excellency_n and_o goodness_n be_v natural_o in_o our_o estimative_a faculty_n and_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o or_o complacency_n in_o it_o be_v natural_o in_o the_o will_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v not_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_a as_o if_o i_o know_v a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n of_o a_o angel_n my_o estimation_n call_v he_o excellent_a and_o good_a and_o my_o will_n do_v complacential_o cleave_v to_o he_o though_o i_o shall_v never_o look_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o he_o myself_o or_o if_o i_o only_o hear_v of_o he_o and_o never_o see_v he_o or_o be_v personal_o behold_v to_o he_o 6._o that_o god_n be_v thus_o infinite_o excellent_a and_o good_a the_o goodness_n of_o his_o creature_n prove_v for_o all_o the_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o man_n and_o angel_n earth_n and_o heaven_n proceed_v from_o he_o if_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a goodness_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n there_o must_v be_v more_o in_o the_o creator_n if_o there_o be_v any_o moral_a goodness_n in_o man_n and_o angel_n there_o must_v be_v more_o in_o eminency_n in_o he_o for_o he_o can_v make_v nothing_o better_a than_o himself_o nor_o give_v to_o creature_n what_o he_o have_v not_o §_o 19_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o first_o be_v consist_v in_o this_o infinite_a perfection_n or_o excellency_n contain_v his_o happiness_n his_o holiness_n and_o his_o love_n or_o benignity_n §_o 20._o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o first_o be_v consist_v 1._o in_o his_o be_v himself_o 2._o in_o his_o know_a himself_o 3._o in_o his_o love_n and_o enjoy_v himself_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a and_o that_o in_o be_v what_o he_o be_v his_o own_o perfection_n be_v his_o happiness_n and_o as_o knowledge_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v both_o his_o perfection_n and_o delight_n so_o the_o transcendent_a omniscience_n of_o the_o creator_n must_v needs_o be_v both_o part_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o distinguish_v by_o our_o narrow_a mind_n and_o such_o felicity_n as_o may_v be_v call_v eminent_o his_o delight_n metaphys_n though_o what_o god_n delight_n be_v we_o know_v not_o formal_o and_o as_o love_n or_o complacency_n be_v the_o perfective_a operation_n of_o the_o will_n and_o so_o of_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o man_n and_o be_v his_o high_a final_a and_o enjoy_v act_n of_o which_o all_o goodness_n be_v the_o object_n so_o there_o must_v be_v something_o in_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o same_o with_o love_n in_o man_n yet_o eminent_o so_o call_v as_o knowable_a to_o we_o by_o no_o other_o name_n and_o this_o complacency_n must_v needs_o be_v principal_o in_o himself_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o infinite_a and_o only_a primitive_a good_a and_o as_o there_o be_v primitive_o no_o good_a but_o himself_o to_o love_n so_o now_o there_o be_v no_o good_a but_o derive_v from_o he_o and_o dependent_a on_o he_o and_o as_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o anon_o be_v oblige_v to_o love_v he_o most_o so_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v most_o amiable_a to_o himself_o self-love_n and_o self-esteem_a in_o
to_o consider_v the_o innumerable_a number_n of_o the_o orb_n the_o multitude_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n which_o may_v be_v call_v so_o many_o sun_n and_o to_o think_v of_o their_o distance_n magnitude_n power_n order_n influence_n communication_n effect_n etc._n etc._n and_o how_o many_o million_o of_o these_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o may_v be_v beside_o those_o which_o be_v within_o our_o sight_n even_o though_o help_v by_o the_o most_o perfect_a telescope_n it_o strike_v the_o soul_n with_o unspeakable_a admiration_n at_o the_o power_n that_o create_v and_o maintain_v all_o this_o when_o we_o think_v of_o the_o unconceivable_a rapid_a orderly_a perfect_a constant_a motion_n of_o all_o these_o orb_n or_o at_o least_o of_o the_o planet_n and_o circumjacent_a body_n in_o every_o vortex_n all_o these_o thought_n do_v make_v the_o deity_n or_o first_o be_v to_o be_v just_a to_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n the_o most_o intelligible_a of_o being_n but_o so_o incomprehensible_a that_o we_o can_v endure_v to_o gaze_v too_o much_o or_o near_a upon_o his_o glory_n §_o 27._o whether_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v animate_v or_o inanimate_a whether_o the_o whole_a have_v one_o constitutive_a soul_n or_o not_o whether_o each_o orb_n have_v its_o particular_a soul_n or_o not_o be_v thing_n unrevealed_a and_o beyond_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o natural_a mind_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o be_v be_v not_o the_o proper_a constitutive_a form_n or_o soul_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o that_o he_o be_v much_o more_o to_o it_o than_o such_o a_o form_n or_o soul_n even_o the_o total_a perfect_a first_o cause_n of_o all_o that_o it_o be_v and_o have_v and_o do_v he_o be_v not_o the_o constitutive_a form_n or_o soul_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o it_o seem_v cicero_n with_o the_o academic_n and_o stoic_n think_v because_o then_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o or_o else_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o dead_a passive_a matter_n and_o then_o man_n himself_o who_o know_v that_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n will_v either_o be_v god_n which_o his_o experience_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o his_o frailty_n forbid_v he_o to_o imagine_v or_o else_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o creature_n more_o noble_a than_o the_o universe_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o small_a a_o part_n which_o his_o reason_n forbid_v he_o also_o to_o believe_v but_o yet_o that_o god_n be_v much_o more_o to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o constitutive_a soul_n be_v undeniable_a because_o he_o be_v the_o create_a cause_n 269._o which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o constitutive_a cause_n and_o his_o continue_a causation_n in_o its_o preservation_n be_v as_o a_o continue_a creation_n as_o in_o man_n the_o soul_n be_v a_o dependent_a cause_n which_o can_v give_v nothing_o to_o the_o body_n but_o what_o it_o have_v receive_v nor_o act_n but_o as_o it_o be_v act_v or_o impower_v by_o the_o first_o efficient_a and_o therefore_o though_o we_o call_v not_o god_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n because_o we_o will_v not_o so_o dishonour_v he_o nor_o confound_v the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n yet_o we_o all_o know_v that_o he_o be_v to_o we_o much_o more_o than_o the_o soul_n of_o soul_n for_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v so_o also_o it_o be_v as_o to_o god_n causation_n of_o the_o be_v motion_n and_o order_n of_o all_o the_o world_n god_n be_v incomparable_o more_o to_o it_o than_o its_o form_n as_o be_v the_o total_a first_o cause_n of_o form_n and_o matter_n to_o be_v the_o creator_n be_v more_o than_o to_o be_v the_o soul_n §_o 28._o the_o glory_n of_o all_o be_v action_n and_o order_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v no_o less_o due_a to_o god_n when_o he_o work_v by_o mean_n than_o when_o he_o work_v by_o none_o at_o all_o for_o when_o no_o mean_n be_v a_o mean_n nor_o have_v be_v aptitude_n son_n force_n or_o efficacy_n but_o from_o himself_o he_o only_o communicate_v praise_n to_o his_o creature_n when_o he_o thus_o use_v they_o but_o give_v not_o away_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o honour_n for_o the_o creature_n be_v nothing_o have_v nothing_o and_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o he_o it_o use_v no_o strength_n or_o skill_n or_o bounty_n but_o what_o it_o first_o receive_v from_o he_o therefore_o to_o use_v such_o mean_n can_v be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o dishonour_n to_o be_v a_o communicative_a good_n as_o it_o be_v no_o dishonour_n to_o a_o watchmaker_n to_o make_v that_o engine_n which_o show_v his_o skill_n instead_o of_o perform_v all_o the_o motion_n without_o that_o little_a frame_n of_o mean_n but_o yet_o no_o similitude_n will_v reach_v the_o case_n because_o all_o creature_n themselves_o be_v but_o the_o continue_a production_n of_o the_o creator_n will_n and_o the_o virtue_n which_o they_o put_v forth_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o god_n put_v into_o they_o and_o he_o be_v as_o near_o to_o the_o effect_n when_o he_o work_v by_o mean_n as_o when_o without_o macrob._n §_o 29._o those_o that_o call_v these_o three_o faculty_n or_o principle_n in_o the_o divine_a essence_n by_o the_o name_n of_o three_o hypostasis_n or_o person_n do_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o speak_v less_o unapt_o than_o the_o school_n who_o call_v deum_fw-la seipsum_fw-la intelligentem_fw-la the_o father_n and_o deum_fw-la ut_fw-la a_o se_fw-la intellectum_fw-la the_o son_n and_o deum_fw-la a_o se_fw-la amatum_fw-la the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o that_o in_o god_n which_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v of_o we_o by_o analogy_n to_o our_o essential_a faculty_n be_v with_o less_o impropriety_n call_v a_fw-fr hypostasis_fw-la or_o person_n than_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v conceive_v by_o we_o in_o analogy_n to_o our_o actus_fw-la secundi_fw-la or_o reception_n §_o 30._o and_o those_o that_o say_v the_o first_o faculty_n omnipotency_n as_o eminent_o appear_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o nature_n may_v therefore_o be_v say_v to_o be_v special_o therein_o personate_v or_o denominate_v the_o create_a person_n speak_v nothing_o which_o derogate_v from_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o deity_n §_o 31._o though_o we_o can_v trace_v the_o vestigia_fw-la the_o adumbration_n or_o appearance_n of_o this_o trinity_n in_o unity_n through_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o nature_n and_o morality_n because_o of_o the_o great_a debility_n and_o narrowness_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o be_v it_o so_o apparent_a on_o the_o first_o and_o most_o notable_a part_n of_o both_o as_o may_v make_v it_o exceed_v probable_a that_o it_o run_v in_o perfect_a method_n through_o they_o all_o if_o our_o understanding_n be_v but_o able_a to_o follow_v and_o comprehend_v that_o wonderful_a method_n in_o the_o numerous_a minute_n and_o less_o discernible_a particular_n leg_n i_o shall_v now_o give_v no_o other_o instance_n than_o in_o two_o of_o the_o most_o noble_a creature_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v make_v after_o god_n image_n from_o whence_o we_o fetch_v our_o first_o knowledge_n of_o he_o have_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o live_a spirit_n the_o three_o foresay_a faculty_n of_o vital_a and_o executive_a power_n understanding_n and_o will_n which_o be_v neither_o three_o species_n nor_o three_o part_n nor_o three_o accident_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o three_o faculty_n certain_o so_o far_o distinct_a as_o that_o the_o act_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v denominate_v real_o differ_v and_o therefore_o the_o faculty_n differ_v at_o least_o in_o their_o virtual_a relation_n to_o those_o act_n and_o so_o in_o a_o well-grounded_n denomination_n deor._n to_o understand_v be_v not_o to_o will_v for_o i_o understand_v that_o which_o i_o have_v no_o will_n to_o even_o against_o my_o will_n for_o the_o intellect_n may_v be_v force_v therefore_o the_o same_o soul_n have_v in_o it_o the_o virtue_n or_o power_n both_o of_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o so_o of_o execute_v 16._o which_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o different_a act_n which_o they_o relate_v to_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n in_o the_o power_n virtue_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o real_a difference_n in_o the_o act_n so_o in_o the_o sun_n and_o all_o the_o superior_a luminary_n there_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o their_o essence_n a_o trinity_n of_o faculty_n or_o power_n 1._o motiva_fw-la 2_o illuminativa_n 3._o calefactiva_fw-la cause_v motion_n light_n and_o heat_n the_o doctrine_n of_o motion_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o our_o late_a philosopher_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n and_o heat_n be_v so_o also_o and_o vindicate_v from_o the_o rank_n of_o common_a accident_n and_o quality_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o luminary_n and_o of_o fire_n will_v be_v also_o better_o clear_v the_o sun_n be_v not_o to_o these_o power_n or_o act_n either_o a_o genus_fw-la a_o totum_fw-la or_o a_o subjectum_fw
its_o own_o nature_n and_o not_o mere_o by_o their_o abuse_n and_o if_o it_o end_v in_o misery_n by_o the_o designment_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o gift_n than_o be_v it_o as_o you_o say_v no_o mercy_n but_o a_o plague_n but_o it_o be_v mercy_n which_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o by_o the_o donor_n will_v have_v a_o fitness_n and_o tendency_n to_o man_n recovery_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o misery_n and_o they_o be_v command_v and_o entreat_v according_o to_o use_v it_o and_o be_v warn_v of_o the_o danger_n of_o abuse_n obj._n but_o god_n know_v when_o he_o give_v it_o they_o that_o they_o will_v so_o abuse_v it_o answ_n god_n foreknowledge_n or_o omniscience_n be_v his_o perfection_n and_o will_v you_o argue_v from_o thence_o against_o his_o mercy_n his_o foreknowledge_n of_o man_n sin_n and_o misery_n cause_v they_o not_o what_o if_o he_o foreknow_v they_o not_o be_v it_o any_o praise_n to_o he_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o yet_o the_o mercy_n will_v be_v but_o the_o same_o if_o you_o will_v not_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n way_n till_o he_o cease_v to_o be_v omniscient_a or_o till_o he_o prevent_v all_o the_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o he_o foreknow_v you_o will_v perish_v in_o your_o enmity_n and_o he_o will_v easy_o justify_v his_o mercy_n against_o such_o accusation_n obj._n but_o god_n can_v give_v man_n so_o much_o more_o grace_n as_o to_o prevent_v man_n sin_n and_o misery_n if_o he_o will_v answ_n true_a he_o be_v not_o unable_a and_o so_o he_o can_v make_v every_o clod_n a_o tree_n and_o every_o tree_n a_o beast_n and_o every_o beast_n a_o man_n and_o every_o man_n a_o angel_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o must_v he_o therefore_o do_v it_o here_o note_n that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v of_o any_o punishment_n this_n be_v so_o deserve_v that_o god_n may_v inflict_v it_o if_o he_o please_v without_o injustice_n yea_o and_o thereby_o demonstrate_v his_o justice_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o say_v this_n be_v so_o due_a that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v inflict_v it_o if_o he_o will_v be_v just_a unless_o a_o compensation_n be_v make_v to_o justice_n it_o be_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n that_o i_o be_o now_o speak_v for_o god_n may_v have_v variety_n of_o time_n and_o measure_n and_o kind_n of_o punishment_n which_o he_o may_v use_v at_o his_o own_o choice_n and_o yet_o not_o leave_v the_o sin_n unpunished_a final_o but_o whether_o he_o proper_o dispense_v with_o any_o law_n which_o be_v determinate_a as_o to_o the_o penalty_n i_o be_o not_o now_o to_o speak_v it_o be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o this_o place_n and_o subject_n §_o 3._o therefore_o god_n do_v in_o some_o sort_n and_o measure_n pardon_v sin_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n while_o he_o remit_v some_o measure_n of_o the_o deserve_a punishment_n to_o remit_v or_o forgive_v the_o punishment_n be_v so_o far_o to_o forgive_v the_o sin_n for_o forgiveness_n as_o to_o execution_n be_v but_o non_fw-la punire_fw-la proceed_v from_o commiseration_n or_o mercy_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o all_o the_o mercy_n bestow_v on_o they_o that_o god_n remit_v something_o of_o the_o punishment_n which_o in_o law_n and_o justice_n he_o may_v inflict_v though_o this_o be_v not_o a_o total_a pardon_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o none_o at_o all_o §_o 4._o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n nature_n with_o this_o universal_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n possess_v all_o man_n mind_n with_o this_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v gracious_a merciful_a long-suffering_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v a_o capable_a subject_n upon_o term_n consistent_a with_o his_o truth_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o common_a good_a pont._n it_o be_v true_a that_o self-love_n and_o self-flattery_n do_v cause_n man_n to_o think_v of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n as_o indulgent_a to_o their_o lust_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o fleshly_a desire_n and_o therefore_o their_o conceit_n be_v none_o of_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o mercy_n but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v perceive_v that_o this_o foresay_a conception_n of_o god_n as_o merciful_a and_o ready_a to_o forgive_v a_o capable_a subject_n be_v warrant_v by_o the_o sober_a reason_n theb._n and_o be_v not_o breed_v by_o sin_n and_o error_n for_o the_o wise_a and_o better_a and_o less_o sinful_a any_o be_v the_o more_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o of_o a_o part_n of_o his_o perfection_n §_o 5._o this_o apprehension_n be_v increase_v in_o mankind_n by_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o forgive_v one_o another_o for_o though_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o god_n must_v forgive_v all_o that_o which_o he_o bind_v we_o to_o forgive_v for_o the_o reason_n before_o express_v yet_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n proceed_v from_o that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v his_o perfection_n and_o that_o they_o bear_v the_o image_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o obey_n of_o they_o tend_v to_o form_v we_o more_o to_o his_o image_n ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v we_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a and_o therefore_o that_o this_o command_n of_o god_n to_o man_n to_o be_v merciful_a and_o forgive_v do_v intimate_v to_o we_o that_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n be_v agreeable_a and_o please_a unto_o god_n stobaeo_n §_o 6._o god_n can_v cast_v away_o from_o his_o love_n and_o from_o felicity_n any_o soul_n which_o true_o love_v he_o above_o all_o and_o which_o so_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o turn_v to_o god_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n here_o seem_v to_o arise_v before_o we_o a_o considerable_a difficulty_n that_o god_n can_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o damn_v one_o that_o true_o love_v he_o vatin_n and_o be_v sanctify_v be_v incredible_a because_o 1._o then_o god_n own_o image_n shall_v be_v in_o hell_n and_o a_o saint_n be_v damn_v 2._o because_o then_o the_o creature_n shall_v be_v readyer_n to_o love_n god_n than_o god_n to_o love_v he_o 3._o then_o a_o soul_n in_o hell_n shall_v have_v holy_a desire_n prayer_n praise_n and_o other_o act_n of_o love_n 4._o and_o a_o soul_n capable_a of_o the_o glorify_v mercy_n of_o god_n shall_v miss_v of_o it_o this_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o god_n can_v but_o take_v complacency_n in_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o those_o will_v be_v happy_a that_o god_n take_v complacency_n in_o and_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o they_o that_o love_n god_n deserve_v death_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o law_n and_o may_v he_o not_o inflict_v that_o on_o man_n which_o they_o deserve_v do_v not_o justice_n require_v punishment_n on_o they_o 2._o that_o yet_o sin_v not_o away_o the_o love_n of_o god_n nor_o a_o state_n of_o holiness_n to_o this_o some_o answer_n that_o all_o those_o that_o consist_v with_o love_n and_o holiness_n be_v venial_a sin_n which_o deserve_v only_o temporal_a chastisement_n and_o not_o perpetual_a misery_n i_o rather_o answer_v finib_fw-la 1._o that_o all_o sin_n consider_v in_o itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o cause_n which_o counterballance_v it_o and_o procure_v pardon_v mercy_n do_v deserve_v perpetual_a misery_n and_o therefore_o so_o do_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o best_a in_o themselves_o consider_v but_o that_o grace_n which_o cause_v their_o sanctification_n and_o their_o love_n to_o god_n destruction_n do_v conjunct_o cause_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n so_o that_o god_n will_v not_o deal_v with_o such_o as_o in_o rigour_n they_o deserve_v 2._o and_o if_o the_o sin_n of_o any_o that_o love_n god_n shall_v provoke_v he_o to_o cast_v they_o into_o hell_n it_o follow_v not_o that_o one_o that_o love_v god_n in_o sensu_fw-la composito_fw-la shall_v be_v damn_v for_o god_n have_v a_o order_n in_o his_o punishment_n and_o first_o he_o will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n from_o such_o a_o one_o and_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o will_v no_o long_o love_n god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o a_o lover_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v damn_v §_o 7._o the_o sinful_a world_n be_v not_o so_o far_o forsake_v of_o god_n as_o to_o be_v shut_v up_o under_o desperation_n and_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n for_o if_o that_o be_v so_o they_o be_v not_o in_o via_n or_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o use_v any_o mean_n or_o accept_v of_o any_o mercy_n in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n nor_o can_v they_o rational_o do_v it_o or_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o be_v use_v where_o there_o be_v no_o end_n to_o be_v attain_v and_o no_o hope_n of_o success_n §_o 8._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n hor._n and_o the_o foresay_a deal_n of_o god_n with_o man_n continue_v they_o under_o his_o government_n in_o
the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o truth_n which_o any_o philosopher_n teach_v be_v god_n truth_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o a_o god_n of_o so_o much_o goodness_n do_v bless_v his_o own_o truth_n according_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o proportion_n who_o ever_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o it_o whether_o the_o success_n of_o philosophy_n be_v ever_o the_o true_a sanctification_n and_o salvation_n of_o any_o soul_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o gospel_n that_o all_o that_o part_n of_o practical_a doctrine_n which_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o part_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o therefore_o the_o impress_n and_o effect_n be_v more_o full_a and_o perfect_a as_o the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o impress_n and_o effect_n of_o the_o philosopher_n doctrine_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o the_o cause_n which_o be_v partial_a and_o defective_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o corruption_n and_o untruth_n all_o that_o be_v good_a in_o the_o philosopher_n be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o they_o have_v abundance_n of_o false_a opinion_n and_o idolatry_n to_o corrupt_v it_o when_o christianity_n have_v nothing_o but_o clean_a and_o pure_a so_o that_o as_o no_o philosopher_n affirm_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n so_o his_o doctrine_n be_v not_o attest_v by_o the_o plenary_a and_o common_a effect_n of_o regeneration_n as_o christ_n be_v but_o as_o they_o be_v but_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n so_o they_o have_v but_o a_o answerable_a help_n from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o be_v suppose_v however_o have_v they_o wrought_v miracle_n to_o have_v attest_v more_o than_o themselves_o assert_v or_o lay_v claim_n to_o object_n but_o mahomet_n venture_v on_o a_o high_a arrogation_n and_o pretence_n and_o yet_o if_o his_o doctrine_n sanctify_v man_n it_o will_v not_o justify_v his_o pretence_n answ_n 1._o it_o be_v not_o prove_v that_o his_o doctrine_n do_v true_o sanctify_v any_o 2._o the_o effect_n which_o it_o have_v can_v be_v but_o lame_a defective_a and_o mix_v with_o much_o vanity_n and_o error_n as_o his_o doctrine_n be_v for_o the_o effect_n can_v excel_v the_o cause_n 3._o that_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n which_o be_v good_a and_o do_v good_a be_v not_o his_o own_o but_o part_n of_o christ_n from_o who_o he_o borrow_v it_o and_o to_o who_o the_o good_a effect_n be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v 4._o mahomet_n never_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n but_o only_o to_o be_v a_o prophet_n therefore_o his_o cause_n be_v much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n foremention_v save_v that_o he_o give_v a_o full_a testimony_n to_o christ_n 5._o if_o mahomet_n have_v prove_v his_o word_n by_o antecedent_n prophecy_n promise_n and_o type_n through_o many_o age_n and_o by_o inherent_a purity_n and_o by_o concomitant_a miracle_n and_o by_o such_o wonderful_a subsequent_a communication_n of_o renew_v sanctify_a grace_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o ordinary_a in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v all_o have_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o word_n but_o if_o he_o pretend_v only_a to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o give_v we_o none_o of_o all_o these_o proof_n but_o a_o foppish_a ridiculous_a bundle_n of_o nonsense_n full_a of_o carnal_a doctrine_n mix_v with_o holy_a truth_n which_o he_o have_v from_o christ_n we_o must_v judge_v according_o of_o his_o authority_n and_o word_n notwithstanding_o god_n may_v make_v use_n of_o that_o common_a truth_n to_o produce_v a_o answerable_a degree_n of_o goodness_n among_o those_o that_o hear_v and_o know_v no_o better_o these_o objection_n may_v be_v further_o answer_v anon_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o thus_o much_o shall_v here_o suffice_v of_o the_o great_a and_o cogent_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n chap._n vii_o of_o the_o subservient_fw-fr proof_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o forementioned_a evidence_n be_v bring_v to_o our_o certain_a knowledge_n the_o witness_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o four_o way_n of_o evidence_n already_o open_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v sure_a and_o cogent_a if_o first_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a that_o indeed_o such_o a_o witness_n to_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o world_n the_o argument_n be_v undeniable_a when_o the_o minor_a be_v prove_v he_o who_o word_n be_v attest_v by_o god_n by_o many_o thousand_o year_n prediction_n by_o the_o inherent_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o multitude_n of_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n and_o by_o the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o true_a regeneration_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o such_o be_v jesus_n christ_n ergo_fw-la i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v the_o major_a proposition_n and_o now_o come_v to_o the_o minor_a as_o to_o the_o several_a branch_n §_o 1._o i._o the_o prophetical_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v yet_o legible_a in_o the_o promise_n prophecy_n and_o type_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n §_o 2._o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n where_o all_o these_o be_v sound_a be_v certain_a uncorrupted_a record_n thereof_o preserve_v by_o the_o unquestioned_a tradition_n and_o care_n and_o to_o this_o day_n attest_v by_o the_o general_a confession_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v the_o bitter_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o that_o deny_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o psalm_n and_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v indeed_o those_o that_o go_v under_o those_o title_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o considerable_a corruption_n in_o they_o which_o may_v much_o concern_v their_o testimony_n to_o christ_n the_o compare_v of_o all_o the_o copy_n and_o the_o version_n yet_o extant_a will_v evince_v together_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o the_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o their_o corruption_n but_o i_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o sober_a adversary_n do_v deny_v to_o these_o book_n the_o christian_n do_v appeal_v and_o to_o these_o the_o jew_n profess_v to_o stand_v §_o 3._o ii_o the_o constitutive_a inherent_a image_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v also_o still_o visible_a in_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o a_o capable_a reader_n as_o afore_o describe_v §_o 4._o the_o preach_v and_o write_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n do_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v this_o and_o help_v man_n to_o discern_v it_o but_o add_v nothing_o to_o the_o inherent_a perfection_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o matter_n or_o for_o method_n §_o 5._o iii_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o age_n of_o miracle_n fore-described_n can_v be_v know_v natural_o no_o way_n but_o by_o sight_n or_o other_o sense_n to_o those_o present_a and_o by_o report_n or_o history_n to_o those_o absent_a 22._o §_o 6._o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o thousand_o other_o see_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o they_o than_o their_o sense_n the_o many_o thousand_o who_o at_o twice_o be_v feed_v by_o miracle_n be_v witness_n of_o that_o the_o multitude_n be_v witness_n of_o his_o heal_n the_o blind_a the_o lame_a the_o paralytic_a the_o demoniac_n etc._n etc._n the_o pharisee_n themselves_o make_v the_o strict_a search_n into_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n bear_v blind_a joh._n 9_o and_o the_o raise_n of_o lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o many_o more_o his_o miracle_n be_v few_o of_o they_o hide_v but_o open_o do_v before_o the_o world_n §_o 7._o the_o apostle_n and_o many_o hundred_o more_o be_v witness_n of_o christ_n own_o resurrection_n and_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o their_o sense_n at_o divers_a time_n he_o appear_v to_o they_o together_z and_o apart_z and_o yield_v to_o thomas_n his_o unbelief_n so_o far_o as_o to_o call_v he_o to_o put_v his_o finger_n into_o his_o side_n and_o see_v the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n he_o instruct_v they_o concern_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n for_o forty_o day_n act._n 1._o he_o give_v they_o their_o commission_n mar._n 16._o mat._n 28._o joh._n 21._o he_o expostulate_v with_o peter_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o feed_v his_o lamb_n he_o be_v see_v of_o more_o than_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o and_o last_o appear_v after_o his_o ascension_n to_o paul_n and_o to_o john_n that_o write_v the_o revelation_n §_o 8._o the_o apostle_n also_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o ascension_n act._n 1._o what_o he_o have_v foretell_v
they_o they_o see_v he_o fulfil_v §_o 9_o all_o these_o eye-witness_n be_v not_o themselves_o delude_v in_o think_v they_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o indeed_o they_o do_v not_o see_v for_o 1._o they_o be_v person_n of_o competent_a understanding_n as_o their_o write_n show_v and_o therefore_o not_o like_a child_n that_o may_v be_v cheat_v with_o palpable_a deceit_n 2._o they_o be_v many_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70_o disciple_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n beside_o the_o many_o thousand_o of_o the_o common_a people_n that_o only_o wonder_v at_o he_o but_o follow_v he_o not_o one_o or_o two_o may_v be_v easily_o deceive_v than_o such_o multitude_n 3._o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v do_v near_o they_o where_o they_o be_v present_a and_o not_o far_o off_o 4._o they_o be_v do_v in_o the_o open_a light_n and_o not_o in_o a_o corner_n or_o in_o the_o dark_a 5._o they_o be_v do_v many_o time_n over_o and_o not_o once_o or_o twice_o only_o 6._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o a_o juggle_a delude_a of_o the_o sense_n can_v not_o serve_v for_o so_o common_a a_o deceit_n as_o when_o the_o person_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o lame_a the_o paralytic_a etc._n etc._n be_v see_v to_o be_v perfect_o heal_v and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n 7._o they_o be_v person_n who_o follow_v christ_n and_o be_v still_o with_o he_o or_o very_o oft_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o have_v be_v once_o deceive_v they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o always_o 8._o and_o vigilant_a subtle_a enemy_n be_v about_o they_o that_o will_v have_v help_v they_o to_o have_v detect_v a_o deceit_n 9_o yea_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n and_o 70_o disciple_n be_v employ_v themselves_o in_o work_v miracle_n heal_v the_o sick_a and_o demoniac_n in_o christ_n own_o life-time_n and_o rejoice_v in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v for_o divers_a year_n together_o in_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o feel_v and_o also_o in_o that_o which_o they_o do_v themselves_o beside_o that_o all_o their_o own_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v after_o christ_n ascension_n prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v 10_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v then_o but_o one_o to_o deceive_v they_o and_o that_o be_v if_o god_n himself_o shall_v alter_v and_o delude_v all_o their_o sense_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o do_v not_o do_v for_o than_o he_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o delusion_n and_o all_o the_o consequent_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n he_o that_o have_v give_v man_n sight_n and_o hear_v and_o feeling_n will_v not_o delude_v they_o all_o by_o unresistable_a alteration_n and_o deceit_n and_o then_o forbid_v they_o to_o believe_v those_o lie_n and_o propagate_v they_o to_o other_o man_n have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v thing_n sensible_a but_o by_o sense_n he_o that_o have_v his_o sense_n sound_v and_o the_o object_n proportionate_a and_o at_o a_o just_a distance_n and_o the_o medium_n fit_a and_o his_o understand_a sound_n may_v well_o trust_v his_o sense_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o photion_n and_o if_o sense_n in_o those_o case_n shall_v be_v deceive_v we_o shall_v be_v bind_v to_o be_v deceive_v as_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o know_v or_o of_o detect_v the_o deceit_n §_o 10._o those_o that_o see_v not_o christ_n miracle_n nor_o see_v he_o rise_v receive_v all_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n truc_fw-la from_o the_o testimony_n of_o they_o that_o say_v they_o see_v they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n by_o which_o they_o can_v receive_v they_o §_o 11._o suppose_v now_o christ_n resurrection_n and_o miracle_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o their_o use_n and_o obligation_n must_v extend_v to_o more_o than_o those_o that_o see_v they_o even_o to_o person_n absent_a and_o of_o other_o generation_n this_o i_o have_v full_o and_o undeniable_o prove_v in_o a_o disputation_n in_o my_o book_n against_o infidelity_n by_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o 1._o the_o use_n and_o obligation_n of_o such_o miracle_n do_v extend_v to_o all_o that_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n but_o the_o nation_n and_o generation_n which_o never_o see_v they_o may_v have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n that_o they_o be_v do_v ergo_fw-la the_o use_n and_o obligation_n do_v extend_v to_o such_o the_o major_n be_v pass_v all_o contradiction_n he_o that_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o the_o minor_a be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o follow_a section_n 2._o the_o contrary_a doctrine_n make_v it_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o oblige_v the_o world_n by_o miracle_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a therefore_o that_o doctrine_n be_v false_a here_o note_n that_o the_o use_n and_o force_v of_o miracle_n lie_v in_o their_o be_v extraordinary_a rather_o than_o in_o the_o power_n which_o they_o manifest_v for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o effect_n of_o omnipotency_n to_o have_v the_o sun_n move_v as_o to_o stand_v still_o now_o if_o miracle_n oblige_v none_o to_o believe_v but_o those_o that_o see_v they_o than_o every_o man_n in_o every_o city_n country_n town_n family_n and_o in_o all_o generation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n must_v see_v christ_n rise_v or_o not_o believe_v it_o and_o must_v see_v lazarus_n rise_v or_o not_o believe_v it_o and_o must_v see_v all_o the_o miracle_n himself_o which_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v a_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n make_v miracle_n god_n ordinary_a work_n and_o so_o as_o no_o miracle_n other_o 3._o they_o that_o teach_v man_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v no_o miracle_n but_o what_o they_o see_v do_v deprive_v all_o after-age_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o all_o the_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n both_o mercy_n and_o judgement_n which_o their_o forefather_n see_v but_o god_n wrought_v they_o not_o only_o for_o they_o that_o see_v they_o but_o also_o for_o the_o absent_a all_o and_o aftertime_n 4._o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o will_v disoblige_v man_n from_o believe_v any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o they_o never_o see_v themselves_o and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v they_o like_o new_a comer_n into_o the_o world_n yea_o like_a child_n and_o fool_n and_o to_o be_v uncapable_a of_o humane_a society_n 5._o this_o reason_n will_v rob_v god_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o all_o his_o most_o wondrous_a work_n as_o from_o any_o but_o those_o that_o see_v they_o so_o that_o no_o absent_a person_n nor_o follow_a age_n shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o mention_v they_o believe_v they_o or_o honour_v he_o for_o they_o which_o be_v absurd_a and_o impious_a 6._o the_o world_n will_v be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v to_o begin_v anew_o and_o no_o age_n must_v be_v the_o wise_a for_o all_o the_o experience_n of_o those_o that_o have_v go_v before_o if_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v what_o we_o never_o see_v and_o if_o man_n must_v not_o learn_v thus_o much_o of_o their_o ancestor_n why_o shall_v they_o be_v oblige_v to_o learn_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o child_n be_v leave_v to_o learn_v only_o by_o their_o own_o eyesight_n 7._o if_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v god_n wondrous_a work_n which_o have_v be_v before_o our_o day_n than_o our_o ancestor_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o tell_v they_o we_o nor_o we_o to_o be_v thankful_a for_o they_o the_o israelite_n shall_v not_o have_v tell_v their_o posterity_n how_o they_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n nor_o england_n keep_v a_o day_n of_o thanksgiving_n for_o its_o deliverance_n from_o the_o powder-plot_n but_o the_o consequent_a be_v absurd_a ergo_fw-la so_o be_v the_o antecedent_n what_o have_v we_o our_o tongue_n for_o but_o to_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o other_o the_o love_n that_o parent_n have_v to_o their_o child_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o all_o thing_n useful_a which_o they_o know_v the_o love_n which_o man_n have_v natural_o to_o truth_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o divulge_v it_o who_o that_o have_v but_o see_v a_o angel_n or_o receive_v instruction_n by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o see_v the_o dead_a raise_v will_v not_o tell_v other_o what_o he_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v he_o tell_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o 8._o government_n and_o justice_n and_o all_o humane_a converse_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o other_o and_o the_o report_n and_o record_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o see_v not_o few_o of_o the_o subject_n see_v their_o king_n witness_n carry_v it_o in_o every_o cause_n of_o justice_n thus_o prince_n prove_v their_o succession_n and_o
hear_v and_o do_v thing_n which_o be_v nothing_o so_o for_o so_o long_o together_o nor_o yet_o so_o subtle_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o lay_v such_o a_o deceive_a plot_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o so_o close_o to_o the_o end_n and_o they_o that_o suspect_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o disciple_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o plot_n will_v not_o suspect_v all_o the_o church_n too_o for_o if_o there_o be_v deceiver_n there_o must_v be_v some_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o if_o christ_n deceive_v the_o disciple_n than_o the_o disciple_n can_v not_o be_v wilful_a deceiver_n themselves_o for_o if_o they_o be_v themselves_o deceive_v they_o can_v not_o therein_o be_v wilful_a deceiver_n and_o then_o how_o come_v they_o to_o confirm_v their_o testimony_n by_o miracle_n if_o the_o apostle_n only_o be_v deceiver_n than_o all_o the_o disciple_n and_o evangelist_n who_o assist_v they_o must_v be_v deceive_v and_o not_o wilful_a deceiver_n and_o then_o how_o come_v they_o also_o to_o do_v miracle_n if_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n of_o the_o first_o edition_n be_v wilful_a deceiver_n than_o all_o the_o church_n through_o the_o world_n which_o be_v gather_v by_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o and_o then_o they_o be_v not_o wilsul_n deceiver_n themselves_o which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o be_o now_o prove_v have_v prove_v before_o that_o they_o be_v not_o deceive_v §_o 47._o 2._o if_o they_o have_v be_v cunning_a enough_o it_o be_v most_o inprobable_a that_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o so_o many_o nation_n shall_v be_v so_o bad_a as_o to_o desire_v and_o endeavour_v at_o such_o a_o rate_n as_o their_o own_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a ruin_n to_o deceive_v all_o the_o world_n into_o a_o blasphemy_n without_o any_o benefit_n to_o themselves_o which_o may_v be_v rational_o sufficient_a to_o seem_v a_o tempt_a compensation_n to_o they_o 20._o §_o 48._o for_o all_o these_o church_n which_o witness_v the_o apostle_n miracle_n 1._o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v lie_v and_o deceive_v to_o be_v a_o heinous_a sin_n 2._o and_o to_o believe_v a_o everlasting_a punishment_n for_o liar_n 3._o they_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o religion_n to_o expect_v calamity_n in_o this_o world_n 4._o they_o have_v experience_n enough_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o that_o expectation_n therefore_o they_o have_v no_o motive_n which_o can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v they_o guilty_a of_o so_o costly_a a_o deceit_n for_o 1._o operari_fw-la sequitur_fw-la esse_fw-la a_o man_n will_v do_v ill_a but_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n that_o he_o be_v ill_a and_o as_o bad_a as_o humane_a nature_n be_v it_o be_v not_o yet_o so_o much_o deprave_v as_o that_o thousand_o through_o the_o world_n can_v agree_v without_o any_o commodity_n to_o move_v they_o to_o it_o to_o ruin_v their_o own_o estate_n and_o life_n and_o soul_n for_o ever_o mere_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o other_o man_n do_v miracle_n and_o to_o draw_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o know_a untruth_n and_o 2._o as_o free_a as_o the_o will_n be_v it_o be_v yet_o a_o thing_n that_o have_v its_o nature_n and_o inclination_n and_o can_v act_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o object_n which_o must_v be_v some_o apparent_a good_a therefore_o when_o there_o be_v no_o good-appearing_a but_o wickedness_n and_o misery_n it_o can_v will_v it_o so_o that_o this_o seem_v inconsistent_a with_o humane_a nature_n 46._o §_o 49._o and_o the_o certain_a history_n of_o their_o life_n do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v person_n extraordinary_a good_a and_o conscionable_a be_v holy_a heavenly_a and_o contemner_n of_o this_o world_n and_o ready_a to_o suffer_v for_o their_o religion_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v so_o extreme_o bad_a as_o to_o ruin_v themselves_o only_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o the_o world_n and_o their_o posterity_n §_o 50._o and_o their_o enemy_n bear_v they_o witness_v that_o they_o do_v and_o suffer_v all_o this_o in_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n in_o heaven_n which_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o wilful_a liar_n and_o deceiver_n for_o no_o man_n can_v look_v for_o a_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o the_o great_a known-villany_n on_o earth_n even_o for_o suffer_v to_o cheat_v all_o the_o world_n into_o a_o blasphemy_n even_o lucian_n scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n for_o run_v into_o suffering_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v reward_v for_o it_o with_o a_o life_n everlasting_a §_o 51._o 3._o if_o they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o cunning_a and_o so_o bad_a yet_o be_v it_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v able_a for_o the_o successful_a execution_n of_o such_o a_o deceit_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o all_o these_o follow_a evidence_n §_o 52._o 1._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o so_o many_o thousand_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n who_o never_o see_v each_o other_o face_n can_v lay_v the_o plot_n in_o a_o way_n of_o concord_n but_o one_o will_v have_v be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o another_o of_o another_o §_o 53._o 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v agree_v in_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o keep_v it_o secret_a through_o all_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v accord_v in_o the_o first_o contrivance_n and_o attempt_n §_o 54._o 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o all_o the_o thousand_o of_o adversary_n among_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o ear-witness_n as_o well_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o discover_v the_o deceit_n all_o those_o parthian_n mede_n elamites_n and_o other_o countryman_n mention_v act._n 2._o be_v not_o christian_n and_o the_o christian_n though_o many_o be_v but_o a_o small_a part_n of_o the_o city_n and_o country_n where_o they_o dwell_v and_o paul_n say_v that_o tongue_n and_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o unbeliever_n be_v ordinary_o admit_v into_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o the_o christian_n go_v among_o they_o to_o preach_v and_o most_o of_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o hear_n §_o 55._o 4._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o fall_v out_o of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o among_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o several_a nation_n shall_v never_o have_v detect_v the_o deceit_n if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o such_o deceiver_n §_o 56._o 5._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o pervert_v exasperate_v separate_v or_o excommunicate_a heretic_n which_o be_v then_o in_o most_o country_n where_o there_o be_v christian_n and_o oppose_v the_o orthodox_n and_o be_v oppose_v by_o they_o shall_v have_v detect_v this_o deceit_n if_o it_o have_v be_v such_o §_o 57_o 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o some_o of_o the_o apostate_n of_o those_o time_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v join_v in_o the_o deceit_n will_v have_v detect_v it_o to_o the_o world_n when_o they_o fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n §_o 58._o 7._o it_o be_v scarce_o possible_a among_o so_o many_o thousand_o in_o several_a land_n that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o conscience_n live_v or_o die_v shall_v be_v constrain_v in_o remorse_n and_o terror_n to_o detect_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a to_o the_o world_n §_o 59_o 8._o much_o more_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o under_o the_o conscience_n of_o such_o a_o villainy_n they_o shall_v live_v and_o suffer_v and_o die_v rejoice_o and_o think_v it_o a_o happy_a exchange_n to_o forsake_v life_n and_o all_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n in_o heaven_n for_o this_o very_a thing_n §_o 60._o 9_o last_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o these_o thousand_o of_o christian_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deceive_v many_o more_o than_o themselves_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o same_o untruth_n in_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n where_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v and_o where_o the_o detection_n of_o the_o deceit_n have_v be_v easy_a yea_o unavoidable_a christianity_n be_v then_o upon_o the_o increase_n they_o that_o be_v convert_v do_v convert_v more_o than_o themselves_o suppose_v in_o jerusalem_n ephesus_n corinth_n rome_n etc._n etc._n some_o thousand_o believe_v by_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o a_o few_o year_n at_o the_o first_o in_o a_o few_o year_n more_o there_o be_v as_o many_o more_o add_v now_o suppose_v all_o this_o have_v be_v but_o a_o cheat_n if_o the_o christian_n have_v tell_v their_o neighbour_n among_o we_o unlearned_a man_n speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o all_o country_n they_o cast_v out_o devil_n they_o cure_v all_o disease_n with_o prayer_n and_o anoint_v they_o prophesy_v and_o interpret_v tongue_n they_o do_v many_o other_o miracle_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v give_v to_o other_o by_o their_o imposition_n of_o hand_n and_o all_o this_o in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o jesus_n will_v not_o their_o neighbour_n easy_o know_v whether_o this_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v false_a will_v they_o not_o
these_o who_o can_v say_v that_o god_n be_v unable_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a who_o see_v so_o much_o great_a thing_n perform_v by_o he_o in_o the_o daily_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o earth_n and_o in_o the_o support_n and_o course_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n he_o that_o can_v every_o spring_n give_v a_o kind_n of_o resurrection_n to_o plant_n and_o flower_n and_o fruit_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v easy_o raise_v our_o body_n from_o the_o dust_n and_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n or_o yet_o his_o will_n be_v against_o our_o resurrection_n but_o that_o both_o be_v for_o it_o resurrection_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o his_o promise_n shall_v that_o which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o man_n be_v therefore_o object_v as_o a_o difficulty_n to_o god_n 2._o yea_o it_o be_v congruous_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o govern_v justice_n of_o god_n that_o the_o same_o body_n which_o be_v partaker_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o sin_n and_o duty_n shall_v be_v partaker_n with_o it_o in_o suffering_n or_o felicity_n resurrection_n 3._o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n do_v purposely_o die_v and_o rise_v again_o in_o his_o humane_a body_n to_o put_v the_o resurrection_n out_o of_o doubt_n by_o undeniable_a ocular_a demonstration_n and_o by_o the_o certainty_n of_o belief_n 4._o there_o be_v some_o natural_a reason_n for_o the_o resurrection_n in_o the_o soul_n inclination_n to_o its_o body_n as_o it_o be_v unwilling_a to_o lay_v it_o down_o it_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o reassume_v it_o when_o god_n shall_v say_v the_o time_n be_v come_v as_o we_o may_v conclude_v at_o night_n when_o they_o be_v go_v to_o bed_n that_o the_o people_n of_o city_n and_o country_n will_v rise_v the_o next_o morning_n and_o put_v on_o their_o clothes_n and_o not_o go_v naked_a about_o the_o street_n because_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o natural_a inclination_n to_o rise_v and_o to_o clothes_n and_o a_o natural_a averseness_n to_o lie_v still_o or_o to_o go_v unclothe_v so_o may_v we_o conclude_v from_o the_o soul_n natural_a inclination_n to_o its_o body_n that_o it_o will_v reassume_v it_o as_o soon_o as_o god_n consent_v 5._o and_o all_o our_o objection_n which_o reason_n from_o suppose_a contradiction_n vanish_v because_o none_o of_o we_o all_o have_v so_o much_o skill_n in_o physics_n as_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o individuate_v this_o numerical_a body_n and_o so_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v but_o we_o all_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a mass_n of_o flesh_n and_o humour_n which_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a flux_n be_v not_o the_o same_o this_o year_n which_o it_o be_v the_o last_o and_o may_v vanish_v long_o before_o we_o die_v obj._n x._o if_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n why_o come_v he_o not_o into_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v 4000_o year_n old_a and_o why_o be_v he_o before_o reveal_v to_o so_o few_o and_o to_o they_o so_o dark_o do_v god_n care_n for_o none_o on_o earth_n but_o a_o few_o jew_n or_o do_v he_o not_o care_n for_o the_o world_n recovery_n till_o the_o late_a age_n when_o it_o draw_v towards_o its_o end_n answ_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n by_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o satisfy_v all_o self-conceited_a person_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o his_o deal_n but_o 1._o it_o belong_v not_o to_o we_o but_o to_o our_o free_a benefactor_n to_o determine_v of_o the_o measure_n and_o season_n of_o his_o benefit_n may_v he_o not_o do_v with_o his_o own_o as_o he_o list_v and_o shall_v we_o deny_v or_o question_v a_o prove_a truth_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n be_v unrevealed_a to_o we_o if_o our_o physician_n come_v to_o cure_v we_o of_o a_o mortal_a disease_n will_v we_o reject_v he_o because_o he_o come_v not_o soon_o and_o because_o he_o cure_v not_o all_o other_o that_o be_v sick_a as_o well_o as_o we_o 2._o the_o eternal_a wisdom_n and_o word_n of_o god_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o trinity_n be_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n before_o he_o be_v incarnate_a he_o do_v not_o only_o by_o his_o undertake_n make_v his_o future_a performance_n valid_a as_o to_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n necessary_a to_o our_o deliverance_n answer_v but_o he_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o rule_v they_o upon_o term_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o redeemer_n or_o mediator_n even_o as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n before_o his_o incarnation_n he_o enact_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o whoever_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o give_v man_n a_o conditional_a pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n 3._o and_o though_o repentance_n and_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o all_o that_o will_v be_v save_v even_o as_o a_o constitutive_a cause_n of_o their_o salvation_n yet_o that_o faith_n in_o the_o mediator_n which_o be_v but_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o to_o sanctification_n 2._o be_v not_o always_o nor_o in_o all_o place_n in_o the_o same_o particular_a article_n necessary_a as_o it_o be_v now_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v before_o christ_n come_n a_o more_o general_a belief_n may_v serve_v the_o turn_n for_o man_n salvation_n without_o believe_v that_o this_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n suffer_v under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v crucify_v dead_a and_o bury_v and_o descend_v to_o hades_n and_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o as_o more_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v since_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o resurrection_n than_o before_o so_o more_o be_v before_o necessary_a to_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o have_v more_o reveal_v to_o they_o than_o to_o other_o nation_n who_o have_v less_o reveal_v and_o now_o more_o be_v necessary_a where_o the_o gospel_n come_v than_o where_o it_o do_v not_o 4._o so_o that_o the_o gentile_n have_v a_o saviour_n before_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o not_o only_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v reprieve_v from_o legal_a justice_n and_o not_o deal_v with_o by_o god_n upon_o the_o proper_a term_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n or_o mere_a nature_n they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o much_o of_o that_o mercy_n which_o they_o have_v forfeit_v ib._n which_o come_v to_o they_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o redeemer_n they_o have_v time_n and_o help_n to_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o a_o course_n of_o mean_n appoint_v they_o to_o use_v in_o order_n to_o their_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v they_o be_v not_o with_o the_o devil_n leave_v remediless_a and_o shut_v out_o of_o all_o hope_n under_o final_a desperation_n no_o one_o ever_o perish_v in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n who_o by_o believe_v in_o a_o merciful_a pardon_v holy_a god_n be_v recover_v to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o this_o they_o be_v all_o without_o a_o just_a excuse_n 5._o the_o course_n of_o grace_n as_o that_o of_o nature_n do_v wise_o proceed_v from_o low_a degree_n to_o high_a and_o bring_v not_o thing_n to_o perfection_n at_o the_o first_o the_o sun_n be_v not_o make_v the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o creation_n nor_o be_v man_n make_v till_o all_o thing_n be_v prepare_v for_o he_o the_o church_n infancy_n be_v to_o go_v before_o its_o maturity_n we_o have_v some_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n before_o it_o rise_v much_o more_o before_o it_o come_v to_o the_o height_n as_o christ_n now_o teach_v his_o church_n more_o plain_o when_o he_o be_v himself_o go_v into_o glory_n even_o by_o his_o pastor_n who_o he_o fit_v for_o that_o work_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n so_o do_v he_o though_o more_o obscure_o yet_o sufficient_o teach_v it_o before_o he_o come_v in_o the_o flesh_n by_o prophet_n and_o priest_n his_o work_n of_o salvation_n consist_v in_o bring_v man_n to_o live_v in_o love_n and_o obedience_n and_o his_o way_n of_o teach_v they_o his_o save_a doctrine_n be_v by_o his_o minister_n without_o 24._o and_o by_o his_o spirit_n within_o and_o thus_o he_o do_v before_o his_o come_n in_o flesh_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v since_o we_o that_o be_v bear_v since_o his_o come_n see_v not_o his_o person_n any_o more_o than_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v before_o but_o we_o have_v his_o word_n minister_n and_o spirit_n and_o so_o have_v they_o his_o reconcile_a sacrifice_n be_v effectual_a moral_o in_o esse_fw-la cognito_fw-la &_o volito_fw-la before_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_n of_o reconcile_a our_o mind_n to_o god_n
be_v once_o as_o improbable_a as_o the_o call_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v do_v 3._o and_o many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fulfil_v it_o be_v not_o a_o worldly_a kingdom_n as_o the_o carnal_a jew_n imagine_v which_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n but_o the_o spiritual_a kingdom_n of_o a_o saviour_n when_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n in_o its_o great_a height_n do_v submit_v and_o resign_v itself_o to_o christ_n with_o many_o other_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v more_o of_o those_o prophecy_n then_o fulfil_v than_o selfishness_n will_v suffer_v the_o jew_n to_o understand_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v all_o be_v fulfil_v in_o their_o season_n but_o as_o in_o all_o science_n it_o be_v but_o a_o few_o of_o the_o extraordinary_o wise_a who_o reach_v the_o most_o subtle_a and_o difficult_a point_n so_o it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o very_a few_o christian_n who_o will_v understand_v the_o most_o difficult_a prophecy_n till_o the_o accomplishment_n interpret_v they_o obj._n xxiii_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v as_o great_a in_o the_o doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o prophecy_n who_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v god_n decree_n foreknowledge_n and_o efficacious_a special_a grace_n with_o man_n freewill_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n judgement_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o his_o precept_n promise_n and_o threat_n how_o god_n decree_n be_v all_o fulfil_v and_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v they_o and_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o a_o good_a thought_n of_o ourselves_o but_o to_o believe_v to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v be_v give_v we_o and_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o it_o be_v not_o of_o he_o that_o will_v nor_o of_o he_o that_o run_v but_o of_o god_n that_o show_v mercy_n and_o yet_o that_o he_o will_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o repent_v and_o live_v and_o that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o lay_v all_o the_o blame_n of_o their_o misery_n on_o themselves_o ans_fw-fr first_o consider_v these_o thing_n apart_o and_o in_o themselves_o ed●t_fw-la and_o then_o comparative_o as_o they_o respect_v each_o other_o 1._o be_v it_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o all_o be_v shall_v be_v from_o the_o first_o be_v and_o all_o goodness_n from_o the_o infinite_a eternal_a good_a and_o that_o nothing_o shall_v be_v unknown_a to_o the_o infinite_a omniscient_a wisdom_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v overcome_v the_o power_n of_o the_o omnipotent_a metaphysic_n or_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o able_a to_o procure_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o his_o own_o will_n and_o that_o none_o shall_v disappoint_v his_o purpose_n nor_o make_v he_o fall_v short_a of_o any_o of_o his_o council_n or_o decree_n go_v no_o further_o now_o and_o do_v not_o by_o false_a or_o uncertain_a doctrine_n make_v difficulty_n to_o yourselves_o which_o god_n never_o make_v and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o any_o of_o this_o be_v doubtful_a 2._o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v it_o incredible_a that_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a free_a agent_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o creature_n governable_a by_o law_n and_o that_o god_n be_v his_o ruler_n lawgiver_n and_o judge_v and_o that_o his_o law_n must_v command_v and_o prohibit_v and_o the_o sanction_n contain_v reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v judge_v righteous_o according_a to_o their_o work_n or_o that_o the_o messenger_n of_o christ_n shall_v entreat_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o obey_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v move_v as_o man_n by_o motive_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o themselves_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o that_o be_v incredible_a or_o uncertain_a i_o think_v there_o be_v not_o and_o these_o difficulty_n will_v concern_v you_o nevertheless_o whether_o you_o be_v christian_n or_o not_o they_o be_v hard_a point_n to_o philosopher_n than_o to_o we_o and_o they_o have_v be_v their_o controversy_n before_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v point_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o natural_a part_n of_o theology_n and_o not_o that_o which_o rest_v only_o on_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v nothing_o against_o christ_n 2._o but_o yet_o i_o will_v answer_v your_o question_n who_o can_v reconcile_v these_o thing_n 1._o they_o can_v do_v much_o to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o they_o who_o can_v distinguish_v a_o mere_a volition_n or_o purpose_n or_o decree_n from_o a_o efficacious_a predetermining_a influx_n event_n 2._o and_o can_v distinguish_v between_o those_o effect_n which_o need_v a_o positive_a cause_n and_o purpose_n or_o decree_n and_o those_o nullity_n which_o have_v no_o cause_n but_o defective_a do_v need_v no_o positive_a purpose_n or_o decree_n 3._o and_o can_v distinguish_v between_o the_o need_n we_o have_v of_o medicinal_a grace_n for_o holy_a action_n and_o the_o need_v we_o have_v of_o common_a help_n for_o every_o action_n natural_a and_o free_a 4._o and_o can_v distinguish_v between_o a_o absolute_a volition_n and_o a_o limit_a volition_n in_o tantum_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la and_o no_o further_o 5._o they_o that_o can_v distinguish_v between_o man_n natural_a liberty_n of_o self-determination_n and_o his_o civil_a liberty_n from_o restraint_n of_o law_n and_o his_o moral_a liberty_n from_o vicious_a habit_n 6._o they_o that_o can_v well_o difference_n man_n natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n from_o his_o moral_a power_n of_o good_a and_o holy_a disposition_n 7._o they_o that_o know_v what_o a_o free_a power_n be_v and_o how_o far_o the_o causer_n of_o that_o power_n be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o act_n or_o its_o omission_n 8._o they_o that_o can_v distinguish_v between_o those_o act_n which_o god_n do_v as_o our_o owner_n or_o as_o our_o free_a benefactor_n and_o those_o which_o he_o do_v as_o rector_n 9_o and_o between_o those_o which_o he_o do_v as_o rector_n by_o his_o legislative_a will_n antecedent_n to_o man_n keep_n or_o break_v of_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o judicial_a and_o executive_a will_n as_o consequent_a to_o these_o act_n of_o man_n 10._o he_o that_o can_v distinguish_v between_o god_n method_n in_o give_v both_o the_o first_o call_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o first_o internal_a grace_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o of_o his_o give_v the_o grace_n of_o further_a sanctification_n justification_n and_o glory_n 11._o and_o between_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o procure_v our_o first_o faith_n and_o the_o procure_v our_o follow_a sanctification_n 12._o and_o he_o that_o know_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v with_o god_n to_o attain_v what_o he_o will_v without_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n as_o a_o miller_n can_v make_v the_o stream_n of_o water_n turn_v his_o mill_n and_o grind_v his_o corn_n without_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o water_n 13._o and_o withal_o how_o incomprehensible_a the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n operation_n be_v to_o man_n and_o how_o transcendent_o it_o be_v above_o all_o physical_a agency_n by_o corporeal_a contact_n or_o motion_n i_o say_v he_o that_o understand_v and_o can_v apply_v these_o distinction_n can_v reconcile_v the_o decree_n and_o concourse_n of_o god_n with_o his_o government_n and_o man_n freewill_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o quiet_v of_o our_o understanding_n obj._n xxiv_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n do_v seem_v to_o be_v but_o humane_a and_o not_o divine_a in_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n even_o of_o those_o man_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o see_v christ_n miracle_n and_o see_v he_o rise_v and_o ascend_v and_o of_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o church_n witness_n that_o they_o see_v such_o thing_n the_o certainty_n can_v exceed_v the_o weak_a of_o the_o premise_n and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n be_v of_o god_n but_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n prove_v the_o spectator_n aver_v it_o to_o other_o who_o have_v transmit_v the_o testimony_n down_o to_o we_o so_o that_o you_o be_v no_o sure_a of_o the_o doctrine_n than_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o no_o sure_a of_o the_o miracle_n than_o of_o the_o humane_a testimony_n which_o have_v deliver_v it_o to_o you_o ans_fw-fr if_o you_o will_v be_v at_o the_o labour_n to_o read_v over_o what_o i_o have_v write_v before_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o threefold_a testimony_n to_o christ_n beside_o this_o of_o miracle_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v the_o apostle_n testimony_n of_o christ_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n attest_v by_o more_o than_o a_o
duration_n yet_o it_o be_v after_o god_n in_o order_n of_o be_v as_o cause_v by_o he_o as_o the_o shadow_n be_v after_o the_o substance_n and_o as_o the_o beam_n and_o light_n be_v after_o the_o sun_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o leaf_n will_v be_v after_o the_o life_n of_o the_o tree_n if_o they_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v both_o eternal_a one_o will_v be_v a_o eternal_a cause_n and_o the_o other_o but_o a_o eternal_a effect_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o present_a world_n contain_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n which_o be_v mention_v genes_n 1._o be_v not_o from_o eternity_n and_o indeed_o reason_n itself_o do_v make_v that_o at_o least_o very_a probable_a as_o revelation_n make_v it_o certain_a which_o will_v appear_v when_o i_o have_v open_v the_o philosopher_n opinion_n on_o the_o other_o side_n 2._o among_o yourselves_o there_o be_v all_o these_o difference_n and_o so_o we_o have_v several_a case_n to_o state_n with_o you_o 1._o some_o think_v that_o this_o present_a systeme_n of_o compound_a being_n be_v from_o eternity_n 2._o other_o think_v that_o only_o the_o element_n and_o heaven_n and_o all_o simple_a being_n be_v from_o eternity_n 3._o other_o think_v that_o fire_n or_o aether_n only_o as_o the_o active_a element_n be_v from_o eternity_n or_o the_o incorruptible_a matter_n of_o the_o heaven_n 4._o other_o think_v that_o matter_n and_o motion_n only_o be_v from_o eternity_n 5._o other_o think_v that_o only_o spiritual_a pure_a being_n intelligence_n or_o mind_n be_v from_o eternity_n and_o other_o thing_n produce_v immediate_o by_o they_o 6._o and_o there_o have_v be_v those_o heathen_a philosopher_n who_o hold_v that_o only_a god_n be_v from_o eternity_n among_o all_o this_o variety_n of_o opinion_n why_o shall_v any_o one_o think_v the_o more_o doubtful_o of_o christianity_n for_o deny_v some_o of_o they_o which_o all_o the_o other_o deny_v themselves_o be_v it_o a_o likely_a thing_n that_o any_o individual_a mix_a body_n shall_v be_v eternal_a when_o we_o know_v that_o mix_v body_n incline_v to_o dissolution_n and_o when_o we_o see_v many_o of_o they_o oriri_fw-la &_o interire_fw-la daily_o before_o our_o eye_n and_o if_o man_n and_o beast_n as_o to_o each_o individual_a have_v a_o beginning_n and_o end_n it_o must_v be_v so_o as_o to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o species_n for_o the_o species_n exi_v not_o out_o of_o the_o individual_n and_o some_o individual_a must_v be_v first_o and_o as_o bp._n ward_n argue_v against_o mr._n hobbs_n if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a there_o have_v infinite_a day_n go_v before_o e._n g._n the_o birth_n of_o christ_n and_o then_o the_o whole_a be_v no_o great_a than_o the_o part_n or_o infinity_n must_v consist_v of_o finite_a part_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n therefore_o which_o be_v compound_v being_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v liable_a to_o dissolution_n eternity_n as_o man_n be_v and_o therefore_o have_v a_o beginning_n so_o that_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v no_o rational_a probability_n in_o any_o of_o your_o own_o opinion_n but_o those_o which_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o some_o simple_a being_n as_o matter_n or_o intelligence_n or_o a_o anima_fw-la vniversalis_fw-la now_o consider_v further_o that_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o moment_n when_o there_o be_v no_o individual_n or_o mix_v being_n etc._n but_o only_o some_o universal_a soul_n or_o matter_n then_o there_o be_v a_o eternity_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o for_o eternity_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o then_o will_v it_o not_o be_v as_o strange_a to_o yourselves_o to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v from_o all_o eternity_n delight_v himself_o in_o matter_n unformed_a if_o that_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n or_o in_o a_o anima_fw-la simplex_fw-la &_o unica_fw-la without_o any_o of_o all_o the_o variegated_a matter_n and_o being_n which_o we_o now_o find_v beside_o in_o nature_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v eternal_o content_v himself_o with_o himself_o alone_o if_o all_o individual_n of_o compound_a being_n be_v not_o from_o eternity_n what_o be_v either_o the_o egg_n or_o the_o hen_n must_v be_v first_o as_o the_o old_a instance_n be_v if_o you_o will_v come_v to_o it_o that_o either_o anima_fw-la unica_fw-la or_o atom_n unformed_a be_v eternal_a why_o shall_v not_o god_n as_o well_o be_v without_o these_o as_o be_v without_o the_o form_a world_n what_o shall_v a_o presumptuous_a mind_n now_o say_v to_o all_o these_o difficulty_n why_o return_n to_o modesty_n remember_v that_o as_o the_o bird_n have_v wit_n give_v she_o to_o build_v her_o nest_n and_o breed_v her_o young_a as_o well_o as_o man_n can_v do_v it_o and_o better_o but_o have_v no_o wit_n for_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v she_o so_o man_n have_v reason_n for_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o not_o for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o profitable_a to_o he_o and_o that_o such_o look_n into_o eternity_n about_o thing_n unrevealed_a do_v but_o over-whelm_a we_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o be_v unrevealed_a and_o that_o we_o have_v not_o one_o reason_n for_o such_o employment_n and_o what_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v why_o to_o tell_v you_o that_o our_o religion_n do_v not_o only_o say_v nothing_o of_o former_a world_n but_o 2._o that_o it_o also_o forbid_v we_o to_o say_v yea_o or_o nay_o to_o such_o question_n and_o to_o corrupt_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o presumptuous_a search_n of_o unrevealed_a thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v against_o the_o scripture_n on_o this_o account_n for_o it_o do_v not_o determine_v any_o thing_n against_o your_o own_o opinion_n if_o you_o assert_v not_o the_o eternity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n or_o system_v but_o it_o determine_v against_o your_o presumption_n in_o meddle_v with_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o your_o reach_n and_o withal_o it_o give_v we_o a_o certainty_n that_o as_o in_o one_o sun_n there_o be_v the_o lux_fw-la radii_fw-la &_o lumen_fw-la so_o in_o one_o god_n there_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a spirit_n eternal_o existent_a and_o self-sufficient_a which_o quiet_v the_o mind_n more_o than_o to_o think_v of_o a_o eternity_n of_o a_o anima_fw-la or_o materia_fw-la which_o be_v not_o god_n all_o this_o i_o have_v here_o annex_v because_o these_o philosophical_a self-deceiver_n be_v to_o be_v pity_v and_o to_o have_v their_o proper_a help_n and_o i_o think_v it_o unmeet_a to_o interrupt_v the_o discourse_n with_o such_o debate_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o more_o sober_a reader_n but_o only_o for_o they_o who_o labour_n of_o this_o disease_n and_o i_o know_v that_o when_o they_o read_v the_o first_o leaf_n of_o the_o book_n which_o prove_v that_o man_n have_v a_o soul_n or_o mind_n they_o will_v rise_v up_o against_o it_o with_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o gassendus_fw-la mr._n hobbs_n etc._n etc._n assault_n the_o like_a in_o cartesius_n with_o and_o say_v you_o prove_v not_o this_o mind_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o subtle_a part_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o whole_a to_o who_o i_o now_o answer_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o that_o place_n incumbent_a on_o i_o nor_o seasonable_a to_o prove_v any_o more_o than_o i_o there_o assert_v 2._o but_o i_o have_v here_o do_v it_o for_o their_o sake_n more_o seasonable_o though_o my_o discourse_n be_v entire_a and_o firm_a without_o it_o and_o i_o desire_v the_o unbelieving_a reader_n to_o observe_v that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o a_o unnecessary_a encroach_a upon_o his_o liberty_n and_o make_v he_o believe_v that_o christianity_n condemn_v all_o those_o conjecture_n of_o philosopher_n which_o it_o assert_v not_o itself_o that_o i_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n of_o free_a conjecture_v in_o such_o case_n myself_o gnostic_n not_o go_v beyond_o the_o evidence_n of_o probability_n or_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o that_o i_o think_v they_o betrayer_n of_o the_o christian_a cause_n or_o very_o injurious_a to_o it_o who_o will_v interess_n it_o in_o matter_n with_o what_o it_o meddle_v not_o and_o corrupt_v it_o by_o pretend_v that_o it_o condemn_v all_o the_o opinion_n in_o philosophy_n which_o themselves_o be_v against_o nor_o be_o i_o one_o that_o believe_v that_o christianity_n will_v allow_v i_o that_o zeal_n which_o too_o hasty_o and_o peremptory_o condemn_v all_o that_o in_o such_o point_n do_v hold_v what_o i_o dislike_v i_o do_v not_o anathematise_v as_o heretic_n all_o those_o who_o hold_v those_o opinion_n which_o either_o stephanus_n or_o guilielm_n episc_n parisienses_n condemn_v in_o their_o articul_n contra_fw-la varios_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la errores_fw-la though_o i_o think_v many_o of_o they_o dangerous_a and_o most_o very_a audacious_a e._n g._n quod_fw-la intelligentia_fw-la motrix_fw-la coeli_fw-la fluit_fw-la in_o animas_fw-la rationales_fw-la sicut_fw-la