the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v appoint_v to_o be_v lay_v which_o ark_n before_o the_o say_a testament_n be_v complete_a ever_o since_o the_o babylonian_a captivity_n have_v be_v want_v petavius_n himself_o a_o learned_a jesuit_n that_o have_v set_v out_o epiphanius_n except_o he_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o expunge_v those_o word_n as_o spurious_a the_o last_o refuge_n of_o venturous_a critic_n when_o they_o be_v plunge_v and_o can_v get_v out_o do_v plain_o profess_v to_o suspect_v this_o to_o have_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o epiphanius_n whereas_o we_o have_v more_o occasion_n to_o suspect_v of_o he_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v he_o or_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o those_o passage_n of_o tertullian_n and_o augustine_n which_o will_v have_v make_v epiphanius_n his_o meaning_n clear_a enough_o and_o as_o we_o conceive_v unquestionable_a i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o those_o ground_n of_o common_a notion_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v proper_a and_o pertinent_a to_o the_o subject_n we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o a_o subject_n of_o itself_o so_o sublime_a and_o so_o far_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n that_o whoever_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o meddle_v with_o it_o have_v need_n to_o lay_v well_o his_o ground_n beforehand_o and_o careful_o to_o circumscribe_v himself_o lest_o he_o fall_v into_o extravagance_n before_o he_o be_v aware_a qui_fw-la scrutatur_fw-la majestatem_fw-la opprimetur_fw-la à _fw-la gloriâ_fw-la whether_o that_o be_v solomon_n meaning_n prov._n 25.27_o or_o no_o may_v be_v controvert_v but_o a_o true_a sentence_n it_o be_v however_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o find_v it_o true_a that_o proceed_v not_o in_o such_o argument_n with_o much_o wariness_n this_o method_n of_o proceed_v by_o certain_a hypothesis_n lay_v for_o a_o foundation_n though_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a to_o mathematician_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o unusual_a to_o other_o artist_n and_o writer_n it_o be_v the_o very_a method_n use_v by_o plato_n in_o his_o timeus_n the_o subject_n whereof_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o man_n particular_o our_o subject_n be_v the_o restauration_n or_o regeneration_n of_o mankind_n in_o christ_n which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v general_o account_v the_o great_a work_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n ancient_a philosopher_n that_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o universe_n observe_v this_o as_o a_o great_a mystery_n of_o nature_n and_o a_o singular_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o whatsoever_o be_v common_o say_v to_o die_v or_o to_o perish_v be_v by_o this_o death_n or_o corruption_n which_o they_o more_o proper_o call_v alteration_n the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n and_o generation_n of_o something_o else_o whereby_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n generation_n in_o general_a be_v continue_v and_o maintain_v it_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o some_o kind_n to_o this_o sacred_a subject_n and_o mystery_n of_o christ_n his_o incarnation_n the_o fall_n and_o miscarry_v of_o the_o first_o adam_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n at_o the_o least_o of_o the_o second_o adam_n have_v not_o the_o first_o adam_n the_o first_o fruit_n of_o mankind_n in_o who_o the_o whole_a lump_n be_v either_o to_o be_v sanctify_v or_o pollute_a sin_v and_o by_o his_o sin_n undo_v all_o that_o shall_v come_v from_o he_o the_o second_o adam_n christ_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o he_o for_o as_o for_o the_o conceit_n of_o some_o either_o ancient_a heretic_n or_o late_a schoolman_n who_o have_v maintain_v a_o contrary_a opinion_n as_o neither_o ground_a upon_o scripture_n nor_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n and_o general_o reject_v by_o the_o more_o sober_a of_o all_o side_n i_o willing_o pass_v by_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n though_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v eminent_o the_o preeminence_n yet_o we_o may_v not_o say_v or_o think_v that_o therefore_o the_o first_o man_n sin_v or_o be_v ordain_v to_o sin_n that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n may_v be_v incarnate_v for_o so_o we_o shall_v make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n than_o which_o nothing_o either_o in_o itself_o can_v be_v more_o detestable_a or_o more_o contrary_a to_o true_a piety_n god_n indeed_o to_o who_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a &_o future_a be_v equal_o present_a as_o he_o foresee_v from_o all_o eternity_n the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o in_o he_o of_o all_o mankind_n so_o do_v he_o from_o all_o eternity_n decree_v the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o restauration_n of_o man_n whence_o be_v those_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n that_o christ_n as_o a_o redeemer_n 1.20_o redeemer_n 1_o pet._n 1.20_o be_v fore-ordained_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v 1.4_o be_v ephes_n 1.4_o choose_v or_o 1.9_o or_o 2_o tim._n 1.9_o save_v in_o christ_n before_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n or_o before_o the_o world_n begin_v and_o again_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o 13.8_o the_o apoc._n 13.8_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n though_o as_o for_o this_o last_o passage_n i_o rather_o embrace_v their_o interpretation_n such_o hyperbaton_n as_o they_o call_v they_o be_v very_o frequent_a in_o the_o scripture_n who_o refer_v this_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o book_n of_o life_n as_o apocal._n 17.18_o rather_o then_o to_o the_o lamb_n slay_v though_o i_o must_v profess_v against_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v give_v by_o some_o as_o ribera_n the_o jesuit_n upon_o the_o place_n as_o though_o there_o be_v any_o absurdity_n or_o incongruity_n in_o the_o speech_n be_v so_o justifiable_a by_o other_o parallel_a place_n of_o scripture_n but_o this_o foresight_n of_o god_n do_v no_o way_n occasion_n much_o less_o necessitate_v the_o disobedience_n of_o adam_n who_o as_o he_o be_v create_v with_o perfect_a freedom_n of_o will_n so_o he_o may_v have_v not_o he_o be_v want_v to_o himself_o have_v resist_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v continue_v in_o that_o innocency_n to_o which_o his_o happiness_n and_o immortality_n be_v annex_v but_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o adam_n use_v his_o freewill_n to_o his_o own_o and_o all_o that_o shall_v be_v after_o he_o be_v descend_v from_o he_o their_o ruin_n and_o eternal_a confusion_n better_o it_o have_v be_v for_o he_o certain_o and_o better_a for_o all_o that_o have_v any_o dependence_n of_o he_o never_o to_o have_v be_v for_o i_o be_o not_o of_o their_o opinion_n that_o think_v any_o be_v better_a than_o no_o be_v then_o to_o see_v himself_o at_o once_o strip_v of_o his_o happiness_n and_o innocency_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n become_v the_o slave_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o beside_o his_o own_o personal_a misery_n the_o occasion_n of_o so_o much_o evil_n unto_o other_o 1._o seneca_n de_fw-fr clem._n l._n 1._o quanto_fw-la autem_fw-la non_fw-la nasci_fw-la melius_fw-la quà m_fw-la numerari_fw-la inter_fw-la publico_fw-la malo_fw-la natos_fw-la how_o much_o more_o than_o quà m_fw-la unum_fw-la omnis_fw-la omnibus_fw-la mali_fw-la causam_fw-la extitisse_fw-la here_o a_o question_n offer_v itself_o though_o we_o will_v be_v very_o cautelous_a of_o move_a question_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v silent_a too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o sundry_a blasphemy_n and_o heresy_n yet_o because_o there_o be_v some_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v not_o altogether_o pass_v it_o by_o the_o question_n be_v why_o god_n will_v permit_v adam_n to_o sin_n which_o he_o may_v many_o way_n have_v prevent_v if_o he_o have_v think_v fit_a the_o first_o answer_n be_v because_o it_o become_v god_n well_o if_o this_o be_v not_o too_o bold_a a_o speech_n to_o make_v good_a his_o own_o order_n and_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o work_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o endow_v adam_n with_o a_o perfect_a freewill_n he_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a grace_n to_o continue_v innocent_a and_o to_o withstand_v sin_n but_o that_o grace_n be_v conditional_a as_o be_v use_v it_o as_o he_o like_v it_o he_o may_v either_o improve_v it_o or_o lose_v it_o if_o therefore_o we_o must_v make_v a_o question_n of_o it_o it_o be_v more_o proper_a to_o ask_v why_o god_n create_v adam_n with_o freewill_n then_o why_o god_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o sin_n of_o adam_n be_v so_o create_v this_o very_a question_n much_o trouble_v ancient_a philosopher_n who_o have_v the_o bare_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n for_o their_o guide_n why_o god_n be_v so_o perfect_o good_a as_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v he_o will_v suffer_v sin_n
but_o either_o not_o so_o pertinent_a or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o even_o of_o these_o that_o we_o have_v set_v down_o if_o a_o man_n be_v dispose_v to_o multiply_v question_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whether_o by_o some_o other_o cause_n or_o way_n such_o end_n and_o such_o effect_n may_v not_o have_v be_v contrive_v and_o compass_v there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o such_o curiosity_n but_o as_o no_o end_n so_o as_o little_a fruit_n there_o be_v nothing_o among_o man_n so_o general_o receive_v or_o approve_v in_o the_o way_n and_o work_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o be_v bold_a and_o self-conceited_a may_v easy_o except_v against_o and_o think_v they_o may_v have_v mend_v it_o if_o they_o have_v have_v the_o order_n of_o it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o conclusion_n we_o must_v either_o sink_v ourselves_o into_o atheism_n than_o which_o in_o other_o respect_n and_o consideration_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n or_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n to_o discredit_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n because_o we_o see_v not_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o his_o will_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a resolution_n of_o socrates_n who_o when_o he_o have_v learn_v from_o anaxagoras_n who_o therefore_o be_v surname_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v reason_n or_o understanding_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n phaedone_n plato_n in_o phaedone_n resolve_v he_o will_v trouble_v himself_o no_o long_o to_o seek_v the_o natural_a cause_n or_o reason_n of_o every_o thing_n but_o rest_n in_o this_o full_o satisfy_v that_o since_o reason_n be_v the_o supreme_a cause_n all_o thing_n must_v of_o necessity_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o general_a and_o of_o every_o particular_a thing_n be_v for_o the_o best_a he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a certain_o and_o till_o we_o come_v to_o that_o our_o scruple_n will_v never_o be_v at_o a_o end_n yet_o one_o reason_n or_o consideration_n more_o i_o find_v express_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o must_v not_o be_v omit_v which_o be_v that_o by_o this_o mystery_n so_o contrive_v and_o bring_v to_o pass_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n may_v be_v make_v know_v both_o to_o angel_n and_o to_o man_n unto_o i_o say_v saint_n paul_n 11._o ephes_n 3.8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o his_o word_n be_v full_a of_o weight_n and_o holy_a vigour_n who_o be_o less_o than_o the_o least_o of_o all_o saint_n be_v this_o grace_n give_v that_o i_o shall_v preach_v among_o the_o gentile_n the_o unsearchable_a riches_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o make_v all_o man_n see_v what_o be_v the_o fellowship_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v hide_v in_o god_n who_o create_v all_o thing_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o now_o unto_o the_o principality_n and_o power_n in_o heavenly_a place_n may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o church_n the_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n this_o manifold_a wisdom_n of_o god_n though_o it_o be_v observable_a in_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n from_o the_o first_o conception_n to_o the_o ascension_n yet_o it_o be_v most_o eminent_o discernible_a in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o passion_n as_o the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o story_n shall_v a_o man_n collect_v into_o one_o the_o several_a observation_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o other_o writer_n in_o this_o kind_n it_o will_v arise_v to_o a_o considerable_a bulk_n and_o though_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o in_o so_o many_o some_o may_v be_v find_v which_o may_v savour_v more_o of_o wit_n than_o weight_n yet_o those_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o solidity_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o which_o kind_n there_o will_v be_v enough_o find_v to_o fill_v the_o most_o stupid_a if_o not_o extreme_o dull_v with_o profaneness_n and_o infidelity_n both_o with_o delight_n and_o with_o admiration_n i_o have_v not_o propose_v to_o myself_o so_o large_a a_o scope_n neither_o be_o i_o at_o this_o time_n furnish_v for_o that_o purpose_n somewhat_o of_o this_o kind_n to_o the_o incarnation_n more_o particular_o or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o mystery_n in_o general_a relate_v we_o have_v here_o collect_v and_o set_v down_o first_o that_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o first_o create_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o word_n call_v in_o the_o greek_a logos_fw-la so_o by_o the_o fame_n word_n the_o restauration_n of_o mankind_n also_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o logical_a creature_n as_o philosopher_n call_v they_o shall_v be_v second_o that_o as_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o one_o man_n all_o be_v make_v guilty_a so_o by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o one_o all_o may_v be_v acquit_v three_o that_o as_o pride_n and_o infidelity_n be_v the_o two_o principal_a cause_n of_o adam_n sin_n and_o by_o it_o of_o the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n so_o faith_n and_o humility_n shall_v be_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o restauration_n once_o man_n in_o the_o pride_n of_o his_o heart_n attempt_v to_o be_v like_a unto_o god_n and_o god_n by_o a_o mystery_n of_o humility_n become_v like_a unto_o man_n that_o he_o may_v exalt_v man_n to_o a_o near_a degree_n of_o likeness_n unto_o god_n four_o a_o woman_n be_v the_o devil_n unhappy_a instrument_n to_o draw_v adam_n to_o sin_n and_o of_o a_o woman_n come_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n eve_n believe_v a_o wicked_a angel_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o transgress_v marry_o that_o bless_a virgin_n believe_v a_o bless_a angel_n and_o conceive_v five_o that_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v 1.21_o 1_o cor._n 1.21_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o sight_n and_o contemplation_n of_o this_o universe_n which_o do_v so_o manifest_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n but_o one_o and_o only_o to_o be_v worship_v it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v not_o ground_v upon_o humane_a ratiocination_n philosophy_n or_o eloquency_n of_o word_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a ver_fw-la 27._o and_o to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v which_o by_o the_o gentile_n be_v general_o much_o scorn_v and_o deride_v who_o account_v belief_n the_o character_n and_o property_n of_o a_o idiot_n we_o meddle_v not_o here_o with_o his_o nativity_n the_o circumstance_n and_o consideration_n whereof_o be_v many_o and_o distinct_a from_o those_o of_o his_o incarnation_n and_o from_o the_o general_a consideration_n of_o this_o mystery_n in_o which_o kind_n beside_o those_o we_o have_v insist_v upon_o many_o more_o may_v be_v collect_v that_o have_v already_o by_o divers_a be_v make_v and_o some_o make_v perchance_o that_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v observe_v maximus_n a_o ancient_a learned_a writer_n &_o martyr_n in_o his_o meditation_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v very_o well_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o divine_a incarnation_n still_o continue_v a_o mystery_n not_o only_o for_o that_o be_v proportionable_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o they_o that_o be_v save_v by_o it_o manifest_v that_o which_o be_v not_o manifest_v of_o it_o be_v much_o more_o than_o that_o which_o be_v but_o also_o because_o even_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_v may_v be_v say_v still_o hide_v or_o conceal_v as_o not_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o utterable_a by_o any_o word_n or_o not_o comprehensible_a to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n so_o he_o and_o he_o go_v on_o and_o insist_o in_o this_o and_o the_o next_o chapter_n in_o sundry_a particular_n which_o i_o forbear_v to_o translate_v neither_o his_o language_n nor_o his_o conception_n be_v ordinary_a they_o that_o can_v read_v he_o in_o his_o own_o language_n may_v understand_v he_o not_o they_o i_o doubt_v that_o shall_v read_v he_o translate_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v plato_n in_o phaed._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plato_n observation_n that_o in_o belief_n there_o may_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o unbeleef_n when_o a_o man_n by_o satisfactory_a proof_n or_o evidence_n be_v full_o convict_v in_o his_o understanding_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o indeed_o be_v nevertheless_o not_o only_o by_o the_o greatness_n &_o sublimity_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v propose_v but_o also_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o vileness_n of_o man_n so_o confound_v and_o amaze_v as_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o neither_o know_v how_o to_o believe_v nor_o yet_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o contradict_v in_o joy_n also_o if_o excessive_a there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o unbeleef_n whereof_o we_o read_v luke_n 24.41_o and_o while_o they_o yet_o believe_v not_o for_o joy_n magis_fw-la ita_fw-la
at_o least_o because_o i_o know_v what_o may_v be_v object_v between_o a_o man_n and_o a_o child_n the_o same_o man_n when_o he_o be_v come_v to_o maturity_n of_o year_n and_o discretion_n and_o when_o he_o be_v but_o a_o child_n or_o a_o boy_n or_o as_o much_o as_o be_v between_o a_o extraordinary_a wise_a learned_a and_o experience_a man_n &_o a_o ordinary_a plain_a rustic_a capacity_n how_o many_o thing_n seem_v strange_a unreasonable_a incredible_a impossible_a to_o the_o one_o which_o to_o the_o other_o be_v well_o know_v to_o be_v nothing_o so_o of_o heraclitus_n the_o philosopher_n his_o writing_n somebody_o once_o say_v as_o i_o remember_v what_o he_o understand_v he_o like_v very_o well_o what_o he_o do_v not_o he_o very_o believe_v be_v as_o good_a and_o can_v it_o be_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v owe_v less_o civility_n to_o god_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n plotinus_n the_o philosopher_n if_o my_o memory_n deceive_v i_o not_o have_v a_o pregnant_a passage_n the_o testimony_n also_o of_o divers_a heathen_n philosopher_n and_o other_o concern_v the_o weakness_n and_o imbecility_n of_o man_n understanding_n to_o comprehend_v thing_n divine_a we_o can_v produce_v but_o because_o aristotle_n be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v as_o a_o favourite_n so_o a_o great_a patron_n of_o nature_n we_o will_v content_v ourselves_o here_o with_o his_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n in_o his_o metaphysic_n by_o he_o call_v sometime_o theology_n speak_v in_o a_o place_n of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o that_o science_n he_o have_v these_o word_n 856._o arist_n metaph._n l._n 2._o c._n 1._o ed._n in_o fol._n p._n 856._o it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o in_o we_o for_o as_o the_o eye_n of_o bat_n be_v to_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n when_o it_o be_v day_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o be_v the_o intellect_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o of_o themselves_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o way_n or_o work_n of_o god_n by_o humane_a either_o faculty_n or_o affection_n by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v may_v appear_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v though_o that_o also_o in_o part_n have_v appear_v yet_o because_o it_o be_v a_o point_n that_o i_o will_v have_v well_o clear_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o one_o particular_a more_o we_o say_v common_o one_o good_a turn_n deserve_v another_o and_o so_o indeed_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o goodness_n be_v not_o in_o some_o respect_n or_o other_o if_o not_o mere_o mercenary_a yet_o mix_v with_o a_o by-respect_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o interest_n among_o man_n it_o be_v so_o whereupon_o epicurus_n infer_v that_o it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o god_n too_o and_o because_o he_o can_v not_o conceive_v right_o enough_o in_o that_o according_a to_o the_o psalmist_n 16.2_o psal_n 16.2_o my_o goodness_n extend_v not_o to_o thou_o but_o to_o the_o saint_n that_o be_v in_o the_o earth_n how_o man_n can_v merit_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n another_o gross_a conceit_n of_o he_o and_o that_o too_o ground_v upon_o the_o similitude_n of_o man_n weakness_n concur_v that_o god_n can_v not_o take_v care_n of_o man_n or_o of_o the_o world_n in_o general_a without_o much_o trouble_n and_o distraction_n to_o himself_o it_o make_v he_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n of_o this_o latter_a the_o writing_n of_o the_o epicurean_o be_v full_a it_o be_v their_o chief_a theme_n as_o for_o the_o former_a i_o appeal_v to_o lucretius_n one_o of_o epicurus_n his_o great_a champion_n quid_fw-la enim_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la atque_fw-la beatis_fw-la gratia_n nostra_fw-la queat_fw-la largirier_n emolumenti_fw-la ut_fw-la tantum_fw-la nostrâ_fw-la causâ_fw-la gerere_fw-la aggrediantur_fw-la i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o say_v more_o concern_v this_o second_o principle_n i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o much_o of_o it_o but_o that_o i_o conceive_v it_o of_o great_a importance_n to_o we_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o progress_n of_o this_o discourse_n the_o three_o be_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v reveal_v iii_o iii_o etc._n etc._n the_o matter_n be_v thus_o state_v by_o gregory_n nazianz._n in_o his_o invective_n against_o julian_n who_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n for_o their_o usual_a motto_n believe_v say_v that_o all_o their_o wit_n &_o wisdom_n be_v include_v in_o that_o one_o word_n after_o divers_a other_o thing_n by_o he_o allege_v and_o retort_v upon_o julian_n he_o thus_o proceed_v by_o that_o word_n say_v he_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o we_o to_o distrust_v or_o discredit_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v aver_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o that_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o with_o we_o be_v such_o that_o we_o account_v their_o bare_a word_n a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n far_o beyond_o all_o argument_n and_o evidence_n of_o humane_a ratiocination_n so_o he_o there_o and_o so_o other_o who_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o name_n now_o this_o principle_n of_o belief_n ground_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n as_o in_o one_o respect_n i_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v account_v the_o proper_a principle_n of_o christianity_n because_o no_o religion_n or_o science_n can_v just_o pretend_v to_o such_o a_o foundation_n but_o christianity_n so_o general_o consider_v why_o it_o shall_v as_o by_o many_o it_o be_v make_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o christian_n then_o to_o other_o man_n i_o see_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o any_o man_n or_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o real_o believe_v a_o deity_n or_o divine_a nature_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o issue_n from_o such_o a_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v be_v so_o simple_a or_o so_o frantic_a rather_o say_v theodoret._n but_o if_o any_o man_n apprehend_v it_o otherwise_o yet_o approve_a experience_n will_v convince_v he_o in_o what_o esteem_n oracle_n be_v ancient_o among_o all_o nation_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v not_o a_o stranger_n to_o all_o history_n whence_o proceed_v the_o proverb_n tanquam_fw-la ex_fw-la tripod_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o unquestionable_a credit_n or_o certainty_n from_o the_o same_o origine_fw-la as_o the_o oracle_n issue_v also_o their_o aruspicina_fw-la auspicia_fw-la omina_fw-la and_o other_o such_o superstition_n in_o some_o sort_n or_o other_o receive_v and_o practise_v among_o all_o nation_n profess_v by_o that_o how_o desirous_a and_o ready_a they_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v and_o direct_v in_o their_o way_n at_o least_o in_o their_o most_o important_a affair_n by_o they_o who_o can_v see_v into_o thing_n future_a with_o better_a than_o mortal_a eye_n upon_o this_o ground_n politic_a wise_a man_n as_o numa_n pompilius_n lycurgus_n and_o divers_a other_o mention_v in_o ancient_a history_n to_o make_v the_o people_n the_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o law_n and_o institution_n devise_v mean_n how_o to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o opinion_n that_o they_o entertain_v some_o commerce_n with_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prompt_v to_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n whether_o the_o roman_n do_v not_o make_v such_o a_o use_n of_o their_o sibylle_n verse_n or_o whether_o they_o real_o believe_v of_o they_o themselves_o what_o they_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v i_o will_v not_o inquire_v because_o either_o way_n it_o show_v how_o ready_a man_n have_v be_v general_o to_o yield_v assent_n and_o obedience_n to_o divine_a revelation_n hence_o be_v that_o observation_n of_o historian_n 74._o quiat_fw-la curt._n l._n 4._o ed._n paris_n p._n 74._o which_o many_o more_o large_o insist_v upon_o by_o quint._n curtius_n thus_o brief_o contract_v nullares_fw-la efficatiùs_fw-la multitudinem_fw-la regit_fw-la quà m_fw-la superstitio_fw-la alioquin_fw-la impotens_fw-la java_n murabilis_fw-la ubi_fw-la vanâ_fw-la religione_fw-la eapta_fw-la est_fw-la meliùs_fw-la vatibus_fw-la quà m_fw-la ducibus_fw-la suis_fw-la parent_n that_o be_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n more_o powerful_a to_o rule_v the_o people_n than_o superstition_n or_o a_o opinion_n of_o religion_n which_o otherwise_o of_o itself_o be_v unruly_a wild_a and_o mutable_a when_o it_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o opinion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v soon_o be_v command_v by_o their_o prophet_n then_o by_o their_o captain_n this_o may_v be_v further_o confirm_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a master_n of_o rhetoric_n who_o where_o they_o treat_v of_o authority_n as_o they_o call_v they_o that_o be_v bring_v by_o orator_n and_o advocate_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o cause_n give_v the_o first_o place_n to_o those_o testimony_n which_o they_o call_v
make_v know_v unto_o you_o if_o all_o these_o place_n be_v put_v together_o contain_v not_o a_o pprophecy_n concern_v christ_n the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v make_v flesh_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n as_o to_o redeem_v the_o world_n by_o the_o oblation_n of_o his_o own_o body_n so_o also_o to_o reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n unto_o man_n if_o all_o these_o place_n i_o say_v be_v put_v together_o do_v not_o amount_v to_o a_o pprophecy_n i_o know_v not_o we_o may_v call_v a_o pprophecy_n sure_o we_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o forge_v or_o supposititious_a in_o all_o this_o which_o of_o the_o sibyl_n that_o collection_n of_o verse_n i_o mean_v which_o now_o go_v under_o that_o name_n and_o of_o mercurius_n trismegistus_n have_v be_v prove_v for_o a_o close_a of_o this_o three_o point_n or_o principle_n i_o shall_v add_v a_o passage_n of_o dio_n chrysostomus_n a_o famous_a orator_n and_o philosopher_n who_o live_v in_o trajanus_n the_o emperor_n his_o day_n and_o be_v in_o great_a account_n with_o he_o who_o word_n also_o because_o he_o be_v a_o great_a platonist_n may_v be_v some_o light_n to_o those_o of_o plato_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o all_o the_o device_n of_o man_n be_v nothing_o to_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o revelation_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o tradition_n or_o doctrine_n soever_o concern_v the_o god_n and_o this_o universe_n that_o be_v not_o void_a of_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n have_v be_v among_o man_n all_o such_o be_v beget_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o divine_a will_n and_o by_o a_o special_a lot_n or_o luck_n gr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o may_v be_v know_v by_o they_o that_o be_v the_o first_o prophet_n and_o professor_n of_o divinity_n such_o as_o orpheus_n son_n to_o one_o of_o the_o muse_n be_v report_v to_o have_v be_v in_o thracia_n and_o another_o certain_a shepherd_n in_o boecria_n teach_v by_o the_o muse_n and_o whosoever_o they_o be_v that_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o vent_v any_o doctrine_n of_o their_o own_o abroad_o for_o true_a without_o divine_a rapture_n or_o inspiration_n their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o both_o absurd_a and_o wicked_a the_o four_o be_v iv_o iv_o that_o those_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n etc._n etc._n i_o say_v before_o i_o presuppose_v i_o have_v to_o do_v here_o with_o christian_n who_o be_v already_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o book_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o such_o have_v be_v of_o old_a and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n too_o many_o who_o though_o they_o profess_v to_o admit_v and_o allow_v for_o divine_a the_o same_o scripture_n that_o we_o do_v and_o pretend_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v as_o much_o as_o we_o yet_o do_v not_o believe_v of_o christ_n as_o we_o do_v i_o have_v no_o direct_a aim_n at_o they_o in_o this_o discourse_n intend_v only_o for_o the_o further_a satisfaction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o orthodox_n christian_n in_o this_o main_a point_n no_o direct_a aim_n i_o say_v but_o as_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o argument_n upon_o scripture_n ground_n may_v prove_v a_o conviction_n of_o their_o impiety_n and_o infidelity_n as_o for_o they_o that_o profess_v against_o this_o ground_n of_o either_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o build_v upon_o they_o will_v not_o neither_o direct_o or_o indirect_o come_v within_o our_o reach_n but_o how_o then_o may_n some_o object_n perchance_o can_v we_o as_o we_o first_o maintain_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n if_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n upon_o common_a ground_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o ratiocination_n to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o although_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v those_o ground_n so_o evident_a and_o so_o uncontrollable_a as_o to_o oblige_v every_o rational_a man_n to_o a_o present_a and_o ready_a assent_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o those_o common_a notion_n though_o reducible_a to_o they_o and_o principle_n we_o have_v speak_v of_o yet_o that_o the_o scripture_n by_o they_o that_o be_v learned_a may_v be_v maintain_v upon_o ground_n of_o reason_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v and_o to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n who_o with_o simplicity_n of_o heart_n without_o strong_a prejudice_n or_o worldly_a engagement_n to_o the_o contrary_a do_v seek_v the_o truth_n we_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v and_o shall_v be_v sorry_a be_v it_o our_o aim_n or_o argument_n if_o we_o can_v not_o make_v it_o good_a one_o argument_n only_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o here_o which_o by_o ancient_a christian_n as_o be_v both_o popular_a proper_a i_o mean_v for_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o solid_a be_v much_o press_v and_o whereof_o they_o find_v good_a use_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o know_a profess_a enemy_n or_o adversary_n have_v always_o among_o all_o man_n be_v account_v a_o very_a pregnant_a evidence_n and_o what_o relation_n there_o be_v between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o christian_n and_o may_v soon_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o they_o that_o be_v not_o now_o than_o what_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n can_v any_o man_n require_v than_o the_o jew_n our_o great_a and_o most_o malicious_a adversary_n then_o the_o jew_n i_o say_v who_o by_o a_o special_a providence_n though_o scatter_v and_o disperse_v through_o the_o whole_a world_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n a_o distinct_a nation_n from_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o this_o day_n so_o zealous_a for_o moses_n and_o all_o other_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o in_o all_o place_n for_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o scripture_n they_o be_v ready_a if_o they_o be_v put_v to_o it_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n and_o to_o forgo_v whatsoever_o be_v dear_a unto_o they_o who_o predecessor_n also_o that_o too_o by_o a_o special_a admirable_a providence_n have_v be_v of_o old_a so_o curious_a and_o so_o provident_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o those_o scripture_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o devise_v a_o art_n of_o which_o be_v either_o for_o invention_n or_o accuratnesse_n there_o be_v no_o parallel_n in_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n of_o the_o heathen_n how_o to_o prevent_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o only_o but_o the_o corruption_n also_o by_o any_o either_o addition_n or_o diminution_n or_o alteration_n in_o word_n or_o syllable_n yea_o letter_n and_o tittle_n how_o much_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o jew_n testimony_n be_v make_v of_o by_o the_o ancient_n and_o of_o what_o consequence_n it_o then_o prove_v may_v appear_v by_o saint_n augustine_n who_o speak_v of_o it_o in_o sundry_a place_n of_o his_o work_n in_o the_o twelve_o of_o his_o book_n against_o the_o manichean_o he_o say_v quid_fw-la enim_fw-la est_fw-la aliud_fw-la hodieque_fw-la gens_fw-la ipsa_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la nisi_fw-la quaedam_fw-la scriniaria_fw-la christianorum_fw-la basulans_fw-la leges_fw-la &_o prophetas_fw-la ad_fw-la testimonium_fw-la assertionis_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la that_o be_v for_o what_o to_o this_o day_n be_v the_o jew_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o register_n or_o record-keeper_n of_o the_o christian_n bear_v up_o &_o down_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o they_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o church_n saint_n augustine_n in_o these_o word_n do_v allude_v to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o then_o in_o every_o synagogue_n be_v wont_a and_o use_v it_o in_o most_o place_n i_o believe_v to_o this_o day_n to_o have_v sacred_a chest_n or_o desk_n wherein_o to_o keep_v their_o holy_a bible_n not_o only_o for_o its_o safety_n but_o in_o reverence_n to_o it_o also_o what_o saint_n augustine_n call_v scrinium_fw-la tertullian_n indit_v armarium_fw-la in_o his_o de_fw-fr habitumuliebri_fw-la ch_n 3._o and_o epiphanius_n in_o his_o treatise_n de_fw-fr ponderibus_fw-la &_o mensuris_fw-la where_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o difference_n of_o canonicalll_n book_n from_o other_o he_o use_v the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d such_o book_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v wisdom_n and_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v account_v by_o they_o useful_a and_o profitable_a but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o canonical_a for_o which_o cause_n also_o they_o be_v not_o lay_v up_o with_o the_o canonical_a in_o the_o aron_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o chest_n or_o capse_n of_o the_o testament_n phiolog_fw-la lamp_n alardi_n epiphyll_n phiolog_fw-la i_o wonder_v that_o any_o man_n can_v so_o mistake_v epiphanius_n as_o though_o he_o have_v believe_v that_o the_o whole_a jew_n bible_n or_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v keep_v in_o the_o ark_n where_o the_o two_o table_n contain_v