perfect_o just_a and_o perfect_o merciful_a and_o be_v just_o he_o must_v condemn_v all_o mankind_n because_o sinful_a but_o this_o will_v be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o mercy_n which_o must_v also_o be_v perfect_a with_o effect_n now_o see_v the_o perfection_n of_o these_o two_o attribute_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n may_v consist_v in_o god_n together_o and_o since_o this_o can_v be_v unless_o god_n do_v satisfy_v and_o man_n do_v suffer_v therefore_o reason_n dictate_v such_o a_o mediator_n as_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man._n but_o this_o be_v a_o post-nate_a way_n of_o argue_v find_v out_o since_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n in_o this_o matter_n for_o where_o do_v ever_o appear_v any_o such_o way_n of_o reason_v among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n or_o any_o other_o before_o god_n declaration_n of_o it_o so_o that_o all_o that_o can_v follow_v hence_o be_v only_o a_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o divine_a method_n of_o salvation_n here_o make_v use_v of_o to_o reason_n not_o any_o ability_n in_o reason_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o antecedent_n to_o the_o revelation_n 2._o this_o argument_n do_v suppose_v or_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o it_o be_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o conceivable_a how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v even_o now_o when_o it_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o instance_n in_o nature_n which_o seem_v to_o facilitate_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o incarnation_n thus_o what_o be_v man_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o previous_a essay_n to_o the_o incarnation_n be_v compound_v of_o principle_n as_o far_o distant_a as_o heaven_n and_o earth_n of_o soul_n and_o body_n but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o a_o illustration_n of_o a_o truth_n already_o reveal_v not_o any_o antecedent_n argument_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o may_v easy_o enlarge_v further_o on_o this_o subject_n but_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o i_o have_v already_o transgress_v the_o due_a limit_n of_o a_o preface_n the_o ensue_a treatise_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o other_o particular_a viz._n that_o divine_a revelation_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n it_o be_v that_o which_o god_n have_v promise_v in_o general_a and_o particular_o by_o this_o way_n of_o dream_n and_o vision_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n b_o page_n 7._o for_o might_n or_o might_n read_v may_v or_o may_v c_o p._n 3_o line_n 10_o after_o particular_a insert_v action_n d_o p._n 6._o l._n 15._o read_v consistent_a pag._n 7._o for_o biles_n r._n boil_v p._n 3._o l._n 13._o for_o seem_v r._n be_v errata_fw-la in_o the_o book_n page_n 17._o l._n 5._o for_o leave_n r._n bear_v p._n 17._o l._n 16._o for_o your_o r._n the._n p._n 20._o l._n 19_o for_o that_o r._n the._n p._n 25._o l._n 3._o for_o that_o r._n their_o p._n 41._o l._n 17._o insert_v the._n p._n 44._o l._n 23._o for_o it_o and_o it_o r._n their_o p._n 58._o l._n 10._o insert_v and._n p._n 118._o l._n 11._o r._n frenzy_n a_o discourse_n concern_v divine_a dream_n the_o introduction_n doubt_v not_o but_o you_o remember_v the_o conference_n we_o have_v as_o we_o go_v to_o councillor_n amproux_n his_o lodging_n one_o of_o our_o discourse_n be_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o dream_n which_o god_n sometime_o send_v unto_o his_o servant_n and_o particular_o concern_v the_o mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v know_v they_o to_o be_v true_o divine_a for_o as_o much_o as_o you_o find_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difficulty_n in_o that_o matter_n i_o shall_v have_v be_v glad_a if_o we_o have_v discourse_v further_o upon_o it_o but_o the_o night_n come_v on_o and_o oblige_v you_o to_o retire_v to_o your_o lodging_n and_o mademoiselle_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr suze_fw-fr who_o stay_v for_o i_o in_o another_o place_n and_o i_o go_v also_o to_o we_o we_o have_v some_o discourse_n in_o our_o return_n concern_v it_o and_o she_o desire_v i_o according_a to_o my_o ability_n to_o illustrate_v and_o explain_v what_o do_v seem_v more_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a in_o that_o subject_n which_o she_o think_v worthy_a of_o a_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n i_o bestow_v some_o thought_n upon_o it_o in_o my_o journey_n and_o if_o other_o affair_n have_v not_o prevent_v i_o i_o have_v ever_o this_o commit_v they_o to_o paper_n but_o if_o my_o occasion_n which_o be_v at_o present_a so_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a do_v permit_v i_o will_v do_v it_o and_o i_o here_o begin_v this_o little_a work_n in_o midst_n of_o their_o disturbance_n on_o purpose_n to_o engage_v myself_o to_o a_o necessity_n of_o finish_v it_o that_o so_o i_o may_v send_v it_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o that_o respect_n which_o i_o bear_v you_o and_o of_o that_o singular_a esteem_n which_o i_o have_v of_o your_o rare_a quality_n and_o of_o the_o honour_n of_o your_o friendship_n chap._n i._n of_o natural_a dream_n and_o their_o several_a cause_n there_o be_v three_o kind_n of_o faculty_n in_o man_n which_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o both_o in_o acquire_v and_o preserve_v knowledge_n viz._n the_o external_n sense_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o one_o extreme_a the_o understanding_n at_o the_o other_o and_o the_o internal_a sense_n in_o the_o middle_n betwixt_o these_o two_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n make_v upon_o the_o corporeal_a sense_n be_v not_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o dream_n see_v it_o be_v make_v upon_o we_o wake_v neither_o be_v the_o ratiocination_n of_o the_o understanding_n call_v dream_n because_o dream_n be_v form_v in_o some_o of_o those_o faculty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o we_o with_o beast_n to_o who_o also_o as_o to_o dog_n and_o horse_n belong_v the_o power_n of_o dream_v so_o that_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o that_o impression_n wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o dream_n do_v consist_v must_v be_v make_v in_o the_o internal_a sense_n now_o these_o be_v common_o account_v three_o the_o common_a sense_n the_o fantasy_n and_o the_o memory_n all_o which_o three_o some_o do_v think_v to_o be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o faculty_n but_o diverse_o consider_v according_a to_o its_o divers_a mode_n of_o act_n upon_o its_o respective_a object_n other_o do_v distinguish_v they_o as_o different_a faculty_n in_o themselves_o and_o not_o only_o in_o their_o operation_n i_o i_o shall_v here_o follow_v this_o latter_a opinion_n both_o as_o more_o universal_o receive_v and_o more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o explication_n of_o that_o which_o i_o here_o undertake_v and_o shall_v assert_v that_o dream_n be_v not_o make_v in_o the_o common_a sense_n or_o sensus_fw-la communis_fw-la because_o that_o do_v not_o act_n but_o when_o the_o external_a sense_n be_v awake_a nor_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v they_o make_v in_o the_o memory_n because_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v only_o in_o potentiâ_fw-la and_o when_o they_o be_v reduce_v into_o act_n do_v then_o pass_v into_o the_o imagination_n or_o fancy_n but_o the_o image_n whereof_o dream_n be_v form_v be_v in_o act_n as_o we_o say_v and_o therefore_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o that_o part_n which_o we_o call_v the_o fancy_n to_o which_o all_o the_o world_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v that_o impression_n then_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o dream_n must_v be_v refer_v to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o cause_n nature_n angel_n or_o god_n and_o according_o there_o can_v be_v but_o three_o kind_n of_o dream_n natural_a and_o supernatural_a and_o these_o such_o as_o proceed_v either_o from_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n or_o such_o as_o be_v more_o pure_o divine_a as_o for_o natural_a dream_n they_o may_v be_v divide_v into_o four_o class_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o which_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o mere_a temperament_n of_o the_o body_n or_o to_o the_o constitution_n wherein_o the_o person_n that_o dream_n chance_v to_o be_v when_o he_o have_v such_o or_o such_o vision_n for_o example_n those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o hot_a or_o choleric_a constitution_n or_o at_o that_o time_n have_v their_o stomach_n overcharge_v with_o choler_n they_o common_o dream_v of_o fire_n those_o who_o be_v natural_o phlegmatic_a or_o who_o then_o chance_n to_o abound_v with_o phlegm_n do_v dream_n of_o pond_n and_o river_n and_o inundation_n of_o water_n and_o it_o be_v proportionable_o the_o same_o with_o other_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o although_o experience_n show_v this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o physician_n do_v take_v indication_n from_o dream_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o temperature_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o do_v not_o so_o easy_o appear_v i_o shall_v brief_o
and_o nevertheless_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n that_o he_o do_v not_o at_o all_o hesitate_n upon_o it_o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o powerful_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o dream_n now_o though_o we_o can_v at_o present_v certain_o know_v wherein_o this_o full_a persuasion_n do_v consist_v and_o upon_o what_o it_o do_v depend_v yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o ought_v not_o at_o all_o to_o question_v but_o that_o this_o and_o the_o like_a persuasion_n be_v found_v on_o something_o that_o be_v both_o in_o itself_o sufficient_a and_o to_o they_o a_o sufficient_o evident_a ground_n of_o their_o assent_n but_o we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o be_v and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o this_o meditation_n since_o there_o be_v but_o three_o sort_n of_o dream_n those_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n and_o those_o which_o i_o call_v divine_a the_o ready_a way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v to_o show_v that_o these_o can_v neither_o belong_v to_o the_o first_o nor_o the_o second_o rank_n and_o thence_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v belong_v to_o the_o three_o as_o for_o natural_a dream_n i_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o distinguish_v those_o from_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a impression_n these_o natural_a dream_n i_o say_v be_v of_o four_o sort_n the_o first_o depend_v upon_o the_o temperament_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n other_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o cause_n than_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o brain_n by_o the_o natural_a heat_n in_o the_o time_n of_o sleep_n the_o other_o come_v from_o a_o very_a attentive_a application_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o some_o thing_n when_o we_o be_v awake_a and_o the_o last_o from_o the_o passion_n of_o the_o sensitive_a soul_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v awaken_v and_o act_n more_o vigorous_o during_o the_o repose_n of_o our_o sense_n but_o now_o for_o example_n to_o which_o of_o these_o cause_n can_v we_o refer_v the_o dream_n of_o joseph_n or_o pharaoh_n what_o mark_n do_v they_o bear_v of_o the_o temperament_n of_o their_o body_n or_o the_o constitution_n of_o their_o humour_n what_o idea_n of_o thing_n can_v remain_v in_o their_o memory_n which_o can_v be_v able_a so_o regular_o to_o proportion_v these_o dream_n as_o to_o see_v in_o the_o one_o the_o number_n of_o the_o sheaf_n and_o of_o the_o star_n the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n and_o their_o prostration_n before_o he_o in_o the_o other_o the_o number_n of_o the_o ear_n of_o corn_n both_o the_o empty_a and_o the_o full_a one_o of_o the_o cow_n the_o fat_a and_o the_o lean_a one_o and_o their_o action_n in_o devour_a one_o another_o what_o so_o great_a attention_n of_o mind_n can_v be_v upon_o any_o worldly_a care_n or_o employment_n as_o to_o cause_v any_o such_o representation_n in_o their_o sleep_n what_o passion_n can_v move_v either_o their_o concupiscible_a or_o their_o irascible_a appetite_n as_o thereby_o to_o form_v such_o phantasm_n and_o further_o the_o dream_n that_o come_v from_o any_o of_o these_o cause_n be_v always_o irregular_a and_o compose_v of_o part_n not_o consistent_a with_o one_o another_o so_o that_o nothing_o be_v common_o more_o fantastic_a and_o extravagant_a than_o they_o but_o those_o of_o joseph_n and_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o image_n of_o nabuchodonosor_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n mention_v in_o scripture_n they_o be_v so_o admirable_o well_o compose_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o a_o very_a intelligent_a cause_n the_o dream_n which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n be_v obscure_a and_o always_o present_v to_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o confusion_n so_o that_o we_o observe_v nothing_o distinct_a in_o they_o or_o if_o one_o part_n have_v something_o of_o clearness_n and_o perspicuity_n in_o it_o the_o other_o be_v common_o perplex_v and_o intricate_a whereas_o those_o dream_n relate_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o only_o clear_a but_o full_a of_o light_n whether_o we_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o whole_a or_o in_o their_o part_n natural_a dream_n do_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n we_o do_v not_o remember_v they_o when_o we_o be_v awake_a whereas_o the_o divine_a be_v firm_o fix_v in_o our_o memory_n for_o as_o for_o what_o be_v report_v of_o nabuchodonosor_n that_o he_o have_v forget_v his_o dream_n and_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o daniel_n to_o recall_v it_o again_o into_o his_o mind_n this_o happen_v by_o the_o particular_a dispensation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o providence_n which_o remove_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n the_o idea_n of_o his_o vision_n thereby_o to_o render_v the_o wisdom_n of_o daniel_n more_o remarkable_a beside_o this_o prince_n very_o well_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v dream_v and_o the_o perplexity_n which_o his_o dream_n cause_v in_o he_o the_o passionate_a desire_n he_o have_v to_o recall_v it_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o behaviour_n to_o the_o soothsayer_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o pass_v upon_o this_o occasion_n full_o show_v that_o this_o vision_n do_v very_o near_o concern_v he_o and_o that_o also_o in_o his_o dream_n he_o have_v observe_v something_o that_o be_v singular_a and_o extraordinary_a in_o it_o if_o in_o the_o morning_n we_o remember_v our_o natural_a dream_n yet_o we_o disregard_n they_o and_o count_v they_o but_o mere_a trifle_n whereas_o those_o to_o who_o god_n send_v those_o divine_a dream_n do_v not_o only_o distinct_o remember_v they_o but_o have_v they_o still_o firm_o represent_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v awake_a and_o do_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o divine_a advertisement_n and_o be_v very_o solicitous_a about_o the_o interpretation_n or_o the_o event_n of_o they_o when_o dream_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n have_v make_v any_o impression_n upon_o our_o spirit_n so_o that_o they_o hold_v we_o in_o some_o suspense_n in_o the_o morning_n as_o it_o sometime_o happen_v we_o common_o do_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o we_o make_v a_o attentive_a reflection_n thereupon_o and_o careful_o examine_v and_o consider_v they_o in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o at_o last_o find_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a vanity_n and_o produce_v by_o some_o of_o those_o natural_a cause_n before_o mention_v and_o so_o we_o free_v ourselves_o from_o that_o disquietness_n they_o have_v before_o cause_v in_o we_o second_o if_o we_o can_v thus_o whole_o free_v ourselves_o than_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a operation_n which_o our_o sense_n produce_v in_o we_o wake_v and_o by_o thus_o compare_v they_o all_o those_o impression_n which_o these_o dream_n have_v make_v upon_o our_o spirit_n do_v altogether_o vanish_v for_o it_o be_v here_o almost_o as_o in_o the_o comparison_n of_o thing_n represent_v upon_o a_o theatre_n with_o those_o that_o be_v real_o do_v whilst_o we_o see_v a_o tragedy_n act_v we_o feel_v a_o concernment_n and_o passion_n in_o we_o sometime_o even_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o tear_n but_o this_o only_a touch_n as_o it_o be_v the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v not_o of_o any_o long_a continuance_n or_o if_o this_o emotion_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v continue_v long_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o which_o the_o real_a view_n of_o these_o action_n and_o passion_n and_o murder_n actual_o commit_v in_o our_o sight_n do_v cause_n in_o we_o but_o in_o divine_a dream_n it_o be_v direct_o contrary_a for_o if_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v send_v do_v in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o do_v set_v themselves_o serious_o to_o examine_v they_o the_o more_o they_o consider_v they_o the_o less_o reason_n they_o find_v to_o doubt_v of_o they_o and_o when_o they_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o find_v to_o their_o great_a astonishment_n and_o admiration_n that_o even_o those_o of_o sense_n be_v less_o true_a and_o real_a than_o they_o these_o divine_a dream_n i_o say_v make_v a_o more_o strong_a and_o firm_a impression_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o that_o receive_v they_o and_o they_o be_v more_o full_o persuade_v of_o their_o divinity_n than_o we_o be_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o sense_n when_o wake_v they_o exercise_v themselves_o upon_o their_o respective_a object_n and_o it_o be_v no_o difficult_a thing_n to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o which_o cause_v sensation_n and_o make_v we_o believe_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o action_n of_o sense_n be_v that_o those_o sensible_a species_n which_o affect_v the_o outward_a sense_n do_v also_o pass_v into_o the_o
morality_n seem_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o this_o but_o also_o include_v in_o it_o all_o the_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n that_o attend_v christianity_n whether_o be_v the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v yet_o however_o those_o who_o take_v it_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n can_v be_v think_v to_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o they_o include_v more_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n so_o take_v then_o perhaps_o can_v proper_o belong_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o add_v one_o consideration_n which_o refer_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o digression_n it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o no_o way_n reflect_v dishonourable_o upon_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o power_n to_o convince_v a_o sceptic_a scepticus_fw-la nec_fw-la potest_fw-la alium_fw-la redarguere_fw-la nec_fw-la ipse_fw-la redargui_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v because_o he_o neither_o assert_n nor_o grant_v any_o principle_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o prevail_v upon_o other_o or_o he_o himself_o be_v confute_v scepticism_n be_v a_o capricious_a frenzy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o tend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o can_v cure_v it_o than_o it_o do_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o do_v not_o always_o captivate_v the_o perverse_a will_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o this_o sceptical_a humour_n and_o we_o then_o seem_v to_o retain_v some_o tincture_n of_o it_o when_o we_o unreasonable_o and_o immoderate_o undervalue_v and_o enervate_v those_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o natural_a religion_n viz._n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n revelation_n indeed_o have_v advance_v these_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n then_o before_o they_o have_v but_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o too_o rigid_a if_o not_o sceptical_a denial_n to_o invalidate_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o reason_n may_v suggest_v in_o proof_n or_o confirmation_n hereof_o reason_n methinks_v here_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o enemy_n but_o rather_o help_v and_o encourage_v then_o discountenance_v in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n we_o shall_v rather_o procure_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a rational_a tenderness_n and_o modesty_n of_o mind_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a either_o to_o assert_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n upon_o unjust_a ground_n and_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v equal_o distant_a from_o a_o vain_a credulity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o unreasonable_a demand_v of_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n uncapable_a of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o it_o assent_v not_o to_o thing_n on_o weak_a ground_n than_o reason_n may_v just_o require_v nor_o do_v it_o require_v more_o evidence_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o i_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o write_v a_o preface_n not_o a_o treatise_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o premise_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a revelation_n in_o general_n and_o so_o refer_v thou_o to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n an_fw-mi operose_fw-la attempt_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n ever_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v will_v rather_o weaken_v then_o add_v any_o strength_n to_o the_o thing_n design_v yet_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o either_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n or_o a_o more_o pernicious_a design_n of_o some_o in_o this_o present_a age_n have_v not_o render_v the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o will_v ascribe_v all_o pprophecy_n to_o some_o low_a principle_n not_o altogether_o unnecessary_a it_o be_v indeed_o both_o unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o suggest_v unreasonable_a surmise_n of_o the_o possible_a intention_n of_o a_o author_n contrary_a to_o his_o express_a word_n only_o here_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v be_v suspect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a notwithstanding_o what_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o it_o yet_o may_v indeed_o assert_v no_o other_o prophecy_n or_o revelation_n than_o what_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o perform_v 1._o in_o his_o six_o chapter_n he_o absolute_o deny_v all_o miracle_n in_o general_a &_o then_o it_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o natural_o consequent_a upon_o this_o his_o principle_n to_o deny_v this_o of_o pprophecy_n in_o particular_a the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v found_v in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o natural_a cause_n since_o nature_n never_o go_v out_o of_o her_o fix_a order_n and_o settle_a course_n whatever_o we_o may_v weak_o or_o ignorant_o conceive_v of_o it_o now_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v pprophecy_n may_v as_o well_o be_v the_o result_n either_o of_o blind_a chance_n or_o natural_a cause_n though_o such_o as_o be_v not_o common_o know_v as_o other_o miracle_n now_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o miracle_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v to_o the_o certain_a prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o declare_v and_o reveal_v thing_n natural_o unknowable_a as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o leave_v more_o immediate_a and_o sensible_a effect_n behind_o they_o and_o if_o god_n by_o such_o a_o eternal_a decree_n have_v so_o fix_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n now_o be_v alter_v than_o pprophecy_n must_v run_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o miracle_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v one_o if_o he_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o must_v deny_v both_o 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n may_v reveal_v by_o way_n of_o prophesy_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o already_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o which_o i_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v not_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o assertion_n but_o only_o that_o he_o do_v no_o where_o plain_o and_o clear_o tell_v we_o whether_o the_o prophecy_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o natural_o follow_v from_o such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o suppose_v 3._o he_o himself_o do_v sufficient_o explain_v his_o own_o opinion_n herein_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o chapter_n denique_fw-la prophetae_fw-la dei_fw-la spiritum_fw-la habere_fw-la dicebantur_fw-la quia_fw-la homines_fw-la causas_fw-la propheticae_fw-la cognitionis_fw-la ignorabant_fw-la eandemque_fw-la admirabantur_fw-la &_o propterea_fw-la ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la portenta_fw-la ipsam_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la refer_v deique_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la vocare_fw-la solebant_fw-la wherein_o he_o positive_o resolve_v prophesy_v as_o well_o as_o other_o miracle_n into_o natural_a cause_n though_o such_o as_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o my_o design_n here_o will_v not_o give_v i_o leave_v full_o to_o examine_v his_o opinion_n either_o concern_v miracle_n or_o pprophecy_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a weak_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o he_o there_o use_v viz._n that_o because_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o the_o accidental_a ministry_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n in_o work_v of_o miracle_n therefore_o to_o ascribe_v the_o whole_a causality_n or_o efficiency_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n for_o other_o reason_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v on_o those_o occasion_n thus_o he_o assert_v moses_n his_o throw_a ash_n into_o the_o air_n to_o be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o biles_n that_o thereupon_o befall_v the_o egyptian_n thus_o also_o because_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o fancy_n in_o the_o convey_n of_o prophesy_n therefore_o must_v it_o whole_o be_v subject_v here_o and_o reach_v no_o far_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o various_a temperament_n and_o complexion_n of_o their_o body_n and_o some_o prophet_n be_v more_o obscure_a in_o their_o prophecy_n then_o other_o because_o their_o fancy_n be_v not_o so_o good_a nor_o their_o imagination_n so_o strong_a as_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v seem_v much_o what_o like_o that_o of_o the_o man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n feed_n five_o thousand_o with_o five_o barly-loave_n and_o two_o fish_n joh._n 6._o 10._o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o that_o what_o they_o want_v in_o meat_n they_o make_v up_o with_o grass_n because_o it_o be_v there_o occasional_o say_v that_o there_o be_v much_o grass_n in_o the_o place_n prophesy_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v include_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n a_o foretell_v not_o only_o
heathen_n and_o other_o who_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o humane_a reason_n do_v absolute_o despise_v as_o seem_a foolishness_n unto_o they_o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n afford_v therein_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n derive_v therefrom_o but_o then_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o include_v reason_n for_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o super_fw-la addition_n of_o a_o new_a faculty_n but_o a_o new_a power_n and_o principle_n to_o the_o old_a now_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n and_o give_v all_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o their_o power_n why_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o not_o also_o from_o that_o of_o a_o true_o divine_a and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n save_v grace_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o some_o few_o man_n who_o be_v high_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o and_o censorious_a of_o other_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o monopoly_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o all_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o only_o because_o these_o man_n be_v please_v to_o vote_n whosoever_o they_o will_v formal_a moral_a and_o mere_a rational_a men._n but_o indeed_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o particular_a in_o describe_v how_o far_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n may_v go_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o sin_n he_o may_v avoid_v and_o what_o duty_n he_o may_v perform_v and_o yet_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o save_v grace_n these_o man_n however_o they_o may_v pretend_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o pelagianism_n yet_o they_o seem_v herein_o to_o be_v too_o great_a exalter_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n too_o uncharitable_a censurer_n of_o divine_a grace_n whilst_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o good_a work_n perform_v by_o those_o mere_a rational_a man_n either_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o common_a grace_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n and_o explication_n of_o it_o be_v little_o better_a see_v it_o be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a nor_o by_o god_n appointment_n intend_v to_o bring_v any_o one_o to_o salvation_n that_o distinction_n therefore_o betwixt_o common_a and_o save_v grace_n as_o grace_n do_v signify_v those_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v aright_o according_a to_o this_o acceptation_n it_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o such_o grace_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a and_o by_o god_n appointment_n design_v to_o bring_v salvation_n if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o event_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o also_o may_v differ_v in_o degree_n among_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mistake_n this_o seem_v not_o the_o least_o that_o they_o entertain_v too_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o child_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n before_o a_o certain_a critical_a moment_n of_o conversion_n as_o they_o suppose_v it_o little_o better_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o that_o all_o the_o good_a work_n that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v perform_v before_o it_o stand_v they_o in_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o that_o after_o this_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o they_o do_v or_o can_v commit_v shall_v do_v they_o no_o prejudice_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o salvation_n which_o opinion_n be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n but_o here_o we_o must_v also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o sanctification_n throughout_o our_o whole_a life_n both_o to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o holiness_n first_o begin_v in_o we_o and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o which_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v from_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o as_o this_o opposition_n betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o be_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o at_o all_o possible_a to_o assign_v the_o exact_a limit_n betwixt_o grace_n and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o much_o more_o in_o other_o 1._o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o action_n of_o our_o reason_n only_o that_o a_o act_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n joh._n 3.8_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whether_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v anew_o be_v discernable_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n than_o he_o be_v before_o thus_o his_o new_a birth_n be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n though_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o procedure_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v this_o to_o he_o be_v undiscernible_a mark_v 4._o 26._o 27._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v feed_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o these_o be_v the_o more_o ordinary_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o then_o when_o god_n call_v out_o some_o particular_a person_n on_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a employment_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o his_o service_n he_o frequent_o confer_v more_o sensible_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n on_o such_o neither_o be_v this_o speak_v in_o the_o least_o to_o oppose_v the_o joy_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o sober_a and_o well-grounded_n experience_n of_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o in_o ourselves_o much_o less_o can_v we_o do_v it_o in_o other_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v outward_o pious_a and_o give_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o suspect_v his_o real_a honesty_n and_o sincerity_n whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v best_a know_v to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n yet_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o judge_v the_o best_a but_o if_o such_o a_o one_o under_o all_o this_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v that_o which_o a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v under_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o event_n that_o must_v determine_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n profession_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o provide_v we_o become_v new_a man_n if_o we_o cease_v to_o sin_n and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o wickedness_n and_o perform_v real_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n indeed_o be_v so_o must_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o change_n in_o we_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o here_o trouble_v ourselves_o too_o nice_o to_o determine_v the_o exact_a limit_n how_o far_o our_o reason_n as_o a_o less_o principal_a cause_n either_o might_n or_o may_v not_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o but_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o just_a extent_n of_o reason_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o consider_v its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o come_v under_o humane_a cognisance_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v either_o our_o perfection_n to_o know_v or_o our_o duty_n to_o practice_v so_o that_o nothing_o but_o either_o the_o impossibility_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o
enquiry_n must_v limit_v the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n thus_o must_v we_o not_o indulge_v either_o a_o extravagant_a curiosity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n nor_o a_o idle_a supine_n negligence_n on_o the_o other_o for_o it_o will_v argue_v presumption_n in_o we_o to_o pry_v into_o those_o hide_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v reserve_v to_o himself_o as_o it_o will_v sloth_n and_o ingratitude_n not_o make_v use_n of_o our_o faculty_n for_o those_o purpose_n that_o god_n design_v they_o for_o and_o there_o have_v not_o be_v want_v those_o who_o have_v err_v in_o both_o extreme_n first_o the_o pelagian_n and_o socinian_o who_o make_v reason_n the_o great_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n who_o scarce_o acknowledge_v any_o other_o authority_n or_o ground_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o high_a principle_n of_o action_n other_o there_o have_v be_v who_o too_o much_o undervalue_v it_o and_o ascribe_v not_o only_o too_o little_a to_o it_o but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o dangerous_a and_o pernicious_a thing_n as_o if_o it_o be_v the_o devil_n instrument_n to_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o true_a religion_n some_o indeed_o have_v set_v it_o in_o the_o throne_n and_o then_o fall_v down_o in_o adoration_n to_o it_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_n have_v unjust_o vilify_v that_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o ray_n of_o divinity_n and_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o have_v be_v more_o to_o blame_v or_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o religion_n those_o who_o have_v adore_v it_o as_o a_o god_n or_o those_o who_o have_v reject_v it_o as_o a_o devil_n i_o shall_v therefore_o brief_o show_v the_o power_n of_o reason_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o its_o weakness_n and_o inability_n in_o other_o and_o give_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o both_o 1._o reason_n be_v a_o guide_n to_o a_o man_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o religion_n in_o general_n that_o be_v suppose_v a_o heathen_a in_o doubt_n of_o his_o own_o and_o desirous_a to_o fix_v upon_o the_o true_a religion_n here_o right_o to_o determine_v his_o choice_n he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o bring_v the_o several_a pretender_n to_o the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o examine_v they_o by_o those_o rule_n that_o reason_n dictate_v to_o be_v the_o character_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v by_o the_o agreeableness_n and_o correspondence_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o those_o inward_a impression_n they_o have_v of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n imprint_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o according_a as_o they_o come_v confirm_v with_o the_o outward_a attestation_n of_o true_a and_o unfeigned_a miracle_n and_o here_o authority_n as_o such_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v of_o any_o force_n in_o this_o consideration_n though_o it_o must_v be_v also_o grant_v that_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o different_a party_n be_v very_o considerable_a herein_o as_o when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o religion_n be_v not_o only_o grant_v but_o attest_v by_o all_o party_n not_o only_o friend_n but_o enemy_n when_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n do_v grant_v his_o miracle_n whereas_o those_o that_o other_o religion_n pretend_v unto_o be_v both_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n more_o sleight_n and_o frivolous_a more_o fantastic_a and_o aâ—ry_a then_o solid_a and_o substantial_a and_o real_o serviceable_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v less_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o less_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o also_o want_v the_o universality_n of_o attestation_n they_o be_v more_o liable_a to_o cheat_v and_o imposture_n and_o here_o the_o certain_a evidence_n of_o humane_a testimony_n be_v of_o more_o force_n to_o convince_v a_o man_n than_o the_o pretence_n of_o divine_a authority_n i_o say_v than_o the_o pretence_n for_o in_o many_o it_o be_v only_o so_o and_o that_o which_o be_v real_a be_v to_o he_o no_o more_o for_o as_o yet_o be_v do_v not_o believe_v any_o of_o they_o to_o be_v divine_a but_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o respective_a reason_n and_o argument_n must_v conclude_v they_o so_o and_o here_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o particular_o necessary_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a miracle_n now_o a_o miracle_n be_v something_o above_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n to_o perform_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a right_o to_o assign_v the_o just_a limit_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v thus_o far_o can_v it_o extend_v and_o no_o further_o and_o that_o which_o still_o augment_v the_o difficulty_n be_v right_o to_o know_v how_o far_o the_o devil_n power_n may_v extend_v in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n whether_o first_o he_o can_v by_o his_o own_o native_a power_n work_v miracle_n which_o seem_v not_o so_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o can_v for_o then_o mankind_n will_v almost_o have_v lay_v under_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o his_o power_n and_o malice_n miracle_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o heaven_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n but_o then_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o devil_n may_v by_o his_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n either_o so_o fit_o apply_v natural_a agent_n to_o the_o produce_v of_o such_o effect_n as_o may_v require_v a_o good_a degree_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o real_a miracle_n or_o may_v by_o god_n for_o reason_n best_o know_v to_o himself_o be_v permit_v sometime_o to_o work_v true_a one_o yet_o not_o so_o but_o that_o upon_o a_o strict_a and_o due_a consideration_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n or_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o will_v something_o appear_v whereby_o to_o distinguish_v such_o a_o miracle_n from_o those_o which_o be_v the_o more_o genuine_a and_o immediate_a result_v of_o the_o divine_a power_n to_o this_o we_o may_v further_o add_v that_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v particular_o concern_v where_o there_o seem_v as_o it_o be_v a_o competition_n betwixt_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n and_o in_o other_o proportionable_o there_o some_o way_n to_o appear_v in_o confirmation_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o one_o and_o in_o discover_v either_o the_o absolute_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n or_o the_o comparative_a weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o other_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o by_o use_v our_o reason_n and_o the_o rule_n thereby_o afford_v we_o we_o may_v distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o divine_a miracle_n but_o without_o this_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o do_v it_o 2._o we_o shall_v continue_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n that_o other_o first_o become_v such_o that_o be_v upon_o a_o due_a consider_v and_o understand_v of_o our_o religion_n so_o that_o we_o may_v both_o be_v the_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o ourselves_o and_o may_v be_v the_o better_o enable_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o thus_o shall_v we_o be_v christian_n upon_o choice_n and_o consideration_n and_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o our_o country_n it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o mere_o to_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o we_o must_v ourselves_o understand_v and_o undertake_v what_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o birth_n and_o education_n first_o entitle_v we_o to_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o christian_n be_v sceptical_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o religion_n or_o so_o far_o to_o indulge_v the_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o inquiry_n as_o for_o the_o present_a to_o suspend_v the_o belief_n of_o their_o own_o and_o to_o be_v in_o a_o equal_a indifferency_n to_o all_o religion_n yet_o may_v they_o pious_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v warrant_v herein_o both_o from_o precept_n and_o example_n in_o scripture_n and_o as_o in_o the_o other_o particular_a reason_n be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o true_a and_o false_a miracle_n so_o be_v it_o here_o to_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n that_o so_o we_o may_v preserve_v that_o faith_n once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n free_a from_o error_n or_o corruption_n either_o in_o principle_n or_o practice_n and_o indeed_o when_o once_o we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o reason_n we_o then_o open_a a_o gate_n to_o all_o those_o error_n and_o fanaticism_n which_o either_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o imposture_n of_o man_n or_o our_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v suggest_v
the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o such_o thing_n the_o event_n whereof_o depend_v upon_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o cause_n but_o such_o as_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o man_n will_n and_o though_o the_o proper_a nature_n of_o prophesy_n do_v not_o consist_v herein_o yet_o be_v it_o a_o certain_a character_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n where_o it_o do_v occur_v for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o low_a principle_n certain_o to_o foretell_v such_o thing_n 2._o prophesy_v more_o proper_o imply_v the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o man_n and_o that_o with_o this_o particular_a design_n to_o instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n in_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n for_o there_o may_v be_v private_a notice_n and_o personal_a command_n convey_v from_o god_n to_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o denominate_v they_o prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n do_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n to_o a_o christian_a and_o prove_v it_o to_o a_o heathen_a for_o there_o may_v as_o strong_a a_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o punctual_a prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n in_o all_o the_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v a_o divine_a be_v as_o there_o may_v from_o the_o regular_a order_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o universe_n for_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a certain_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v in_o that_o very_a way_n and_o method_n wherein_o they_o happen_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o world_n to_o have_v reduce_v itself_o into_o this_o stately_a frame_n by_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n and_o as_o prophesy_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n so_o the_o be_v of_o god_n prove_v at_o least_o the_o possibility_n of_o prophesy_n si_fw-la dentur_fw-la dii_o datur_fw-la divinatio_fw-la say_v cicero_n and_o the_o consequence_n be_v good_a and_o valid_a unless_o with_o the_o epicurean_o that_o grant_v a_o god_n we_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o he_o prophesy_v and_o divine_a revelation_n be_v one_o great_a instrument_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o herein_o and_o indeed_o it_o will_v have_v seem_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o providence_n to_o have_v create_v such_o a_o noble_a creature_n as_o man_n without_o a_o way_n of_o communicate_v suitable_a notice_n to_o he_o as_o the_o conveniency_n or_o necessity_n of_o thing_n may_v require_v thus_o the_o stoic_n argue_v in_o this_o case_n if_o say_v they_o there_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o declare_v to_o man_n future_a event_n then_o either_o they_o do_v not_o love_v man_n or_o they_o know_v not_o themselves_o what_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v hereafter_o or_o they_o think_v it_o nothing_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v or_o they_o think_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o their_o majesty_n to_o do_v it_o or_o last_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o communicate_v this_o their_o knowledge_n to_o other_o but_o all_o these_o consequence_n be_v false_a therefore_o the_o be_v of_o god_n prove_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o prophesy_n or_o divination_n this_o argumentation_n of_o they_o refer_v to_o prophesy_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n but_o it_o will_v be_v more_o strong_a and_o undeniable_a if_o from_o thence_o we_o infer_v the_o be_v of_o prophesy_n in_o the_o latter_a that_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n much_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n for_o he_o that_o deny_v prophesy_v in_o this_o sense_n must_v either_o grant_v all_o those_o false_a and_o unworthy_a consequence_n before_o mention_v or_o some_o of_o these_o which_o be_v as_o false_a as_o the_o other_o either_o first_o that_o god_n have_v declare_v his_o whole_a will_n by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o nothing_o more_o remain_v further_a to_o be_v reveal_v or_o second_o that_o nature_n have_v declare_v enough_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o more_o or_o three_o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n to_o make_v any_o further_a revelation_n than_o what_o nature_n have_v already_o discover_v but_o now_o this_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n or_o divine_a revelation_n be_v both_o necessary_a in_o respect_n of_o man_n and_o no_o way_n contrary_a to_o any_o resolution_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n 1._o it_o be_v necessary_a because_o all_o the_o several_a religion_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n either_o real_o have_v or_o at_o least_o pretend_a to_o divine_a revelation_n now_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o posture_n at_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o his_o religion_n shall_v have_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o many_o of_o the_o other_o only_o pretend_v to_o both_o to_o free_a christian_n from_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o the_o false_a pretence_n of_o other_o and_o also_o full_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n not_o though_o as_o if_o the_o false_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n do_v first_o occasion_n that_o revelation_n that_o be_v true_o divine_a for_o this_o have_v always_o a_o precedency_n in_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o counterfeit_a thus_o god_n first_o give_v the_o command_n to_o adam_n not_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n before_o the_o devil_n ever_o tempt_v he_o thereunto_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o resemblance_n which_o we_o sometime_o find_v betwixt_o sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n be_v not_o that_o god_n take_v occasion_n from_o they_o to_o institute_v the_o like_a among_o his_o own_o people_n but_o because_o the_o devil_n be_v god_n ape_n do_v many_o time_n either_o pervert_v divine_a institution_n to_o superstitious_a or_o idolatrous_a purpose_n or_o erect_v something_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n of_o his_o own_o to_o keep_v some_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o seduce_v other_o from_o the_o true_a one_o so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o subtlety_n or_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o rather_o high_o promotive_a of_o both_o to_o borrow_v some_o divine_a rite_n and_o sacred_a institution_n and_o insert_v they_o into_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o egyptian_n here_o borrow_v from_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o egyptian_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a hatred_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o jew_n yet_o they_o may_v imitate_v they_o in_o some_o part_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o that_o not_o out_o of_o any_o love_n they_o have_v either_o to_o they_o or_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v some_o of_o their_o own_o people_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n who_o perhaps_o have_v entertain_v too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o some_o of_o the_o jewish_a ceremony_n or_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v some_o other_o way_n more_o effectual_o manage_v their_o malice_n against_o they_o but_o what_o ever_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n or_o original_n of_o the_o devil_n oracle_n yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o at_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v very_o much_o prevail_v in_o the_o heathen_a nation_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o christ_n shall_v both_o silence_n these_o and_o institute_v a_o more_o certain_a method_n of_o divine_a revelation_n of_o his_o own_o 1._o revelation_n be_v necessary_a to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o god_n reconciliation_n to_o mankind_n and_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o by_o what_o method_n we_o may_v attain_v salvation_n for_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v as_o knowable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o easy_o apparent_a in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o any_o other_o of_o its_o 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in_o sleep_n nor_o do_v it_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n for_o in_o sleep_v this_o cessation_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n from_o whence_o it_o usual_o come_v but_o in_o a_o ecstasy_n it_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o draw_v a_o way_n the_o soul_n of_o his_o servant_n from_o the_o organ_n of_o their_o external_n sense_n and_o hinder_v it_o from_o display_v its_o power_n and_o efficacy_n as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o case_n act_v in_o these_o two_o way_n upon_o it_o 1._o that_o whereas_o ordinary_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v in_o the_o understanding_n enter_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o sense_n which_o convey_v the_o image_n of_o sensible_a thing_n and_o by_o these_o sensible_a object_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o occasion_n of_o ratiocination_n yet_o here_o god_n do_v immediate_o imprint_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o prophet_n the_o 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madianite_n at_o one_o blow_n such_o that_o of_o david_n when_o he_o resolve_v to_o fight_v goliath_n with_o a_o sling_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n which_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o to_o reveal_v himself_o by_o under_o the_o legal_a dispensation_n as_o the_o voice_n that_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o light_n of_o urim_n and_o thummim_n they_o may_v be_v refer_v some_o way_n to_o that_o which_o i_o now_o come_v brief_o to_o speak_v unto_o and_o my_o design_n do_v not_o oblige_v i_o to_o enlarge_v my_o discourse_n further_o upon_o this_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o show_v in_o general_n why_o god_n make_v use_v of_o all_o these_o divers_a way_n and_o particular_o why_o this_o of_o dream_n for_o the_o first_o we_o must_v know_v that_o the_o church_n as_o s._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v then_o in_o its_o infancy_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o way_n whereby_o we_o instruct_v infant_n and_o that_o by_o which_o we_o teach_v art_n and_o science_n to_o those_o who_o be_v of_o ripe_a year_n to_o these_o we_o only_o make_v use_v of_o word_n or_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o make_v demonstration_n to_o the_o eye_n we_o only_o make_v they_o in_o line_n and_o mathematical_a figure_n or_o at_o the_o most_o content_a ourselves_o to_o propose_v to_o view_v the_o object_n and_o the_o experiment_n of_o sensible_a thing_n as_o those_o of_o the_o vacuum_n or_o the_o loadstone_n and_o all_o this_o do_v only_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o understanding_n to_o form_v its_o own_o reason_n but_o as_o for_o infant_n for_o as_o much_o as_o their_o faculty_n of_o reason_n be_v yet_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a we_o make_v use_v of_o medal_n emblem_n representation_n hieroglyphic_n and_o other_o such_o like_o artifices_fw-la so_o that_o we_o have_v of_o late_a year_n see_v paint_v chard_n full_a of_o emblematical_a figure_n whereby_o to_o imprint_v the_o rule_n of_o logic_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o 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way_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o instruct_v it_o by_o have_v contribute_v something_o to_o the_o easy_a understanding_n of_o that_o which_o he_o design_v it_o shall_v know_v and_o have_v more_o power_n to_o prevail_v upon_o their_o mind_n by_o afford_v matter_n of_o admiration_n by_o rare_a and_o miraculous_a event_n then_o if_o the_o thing_n have_v be_v deliver_v more_o plain_a and_o naked_a i_o say_v express_o that_o which_o god_n design_v they_o shall_v know_v because_o sometime_o the_o same_o thing_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o different_a purpose_n for_o the_o institution_n of_o type_n symbolical_a representation_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o those_o admirable_a prophetical_a vision_n have_v be_v often_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o veil_n to_o cover_v and_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o ought_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v interpret_v then_o by_o the_o event_n 2._o for_o the_o second_o since_o it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o to_o other_o also_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v have_v exclude_v that_o of_o dream_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v yet_o this_o further_a reason_n in_o particular_a for_o they_o above_o other_o that_o although_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n in_o ordinary_a dream_n and_o that_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o angel_n have_v very_o often_o much_o of_o uncertainty_n and_o ambiguity_n and_o that_o some_o philosopher_n as_o aristotle_n among_o other_o do_v suppose_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o regard_n have_v to_o that_o way_n of_o divination_n yet_o it_o have_v always_o be_v almost_o the_o universal_a opinion_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o the_o divinity_n do_v principal_o communicate_v itself_o to_o man_n by_o dream_n homer_n have_v attribute_v some_o to_o his_o jupiter_n the_o stoic_n hold_v that_o there_o be_v some_o altogether_o divine_a plato_n say_v the_o same_o in_o some_o respect_n and_o general_o in_o the_o eastern_a nation_n this_o opinion_n have_v a_o very_a great_a reputation_n so_o that_o it_o be_v principal_o in_o those_o nation_n that_o they_o have_v reduce_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n into_o a_o art_n and_o have_v lay_v down_o rule_n concern_v it_o and_o now_o because_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v also_o of_o the_o same_o opinion_n god_n therefore_o choose_v to_o send_v they_o such_o dream_n as_o be_v true_o divine_a thus_o firm_o to_o fix_v they_o to_o these_o and_o to_o divert_v they_o from_o that_o vanity_n to_o which_o other_o nation_n suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o those_o other_o and_o further_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o natural_a way_n of_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n whatever_o even_o of_o the_o deity_n itself_o to_o man_n be_v either_o by_o the_o presentation_n of_o some_o visible_a thing_n which_o furnish_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n and_o occasion_n of_o reason_v and_o thus_o to_o rise_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o cause_n as_o be_v do_v in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o way_n of_o speech_n and_o to_o make_v know_v truth_n to_o they_o by_o vocal_a instruction_n as_o under_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n thus_o s._n paul_n join_v these_o two_o dispensation_n together_o when_o he_o say_v that_o since_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v those_o that_o believe_v but_o to_o be_v thus_o instruct_v there_o be_v need_n of_o more_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o understanding_n than_o we_o ordinary_o have_v in_o our_o infancy_n so_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o in_o that_o estate_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v some_o
commonsense_n which_o be_v a_o faculty_n superior_a to_o they_o so_o that_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o their_o action_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n imprint_v thereupon_o it_o can_v also_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o one_o sense_n with_o the_o operation_n of_o another_o and_o lay_v they_o together_o confer_v their_o respective_a property_n and_o quality_n and_o the_o judgement_n that_o result_v from_o hence_o depend_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o impression_n which_o the_o object_n make_v upon_o the_o external_a organ_n according_a as_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o intense_a as_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o commonsense_n which_o be_v a_o corporeal_a faculty_n and_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o sensitive_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o which_o dog_n and_o horse_n and_o other_o animal_n do_v also_o partake_v as_o for_o divine_a dream_n the_o impression_n be_v indeed_o make_v in_o the_o fancy_n which_o be_v also_o a_o corporeal_a faculty_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o internal_a sense_n but_o the_o reflection_n which_o the_o servant_n of_o god_n make_v thereupon_o when_o wake_v be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o exact_a in_o its_o operation_n and_o which_o in_o the_o prophet_n and_o those_o other_o faithful_a man_n to_o who_o these_o dream_n be_v convey_v be_v further_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o judge_v aright_o of_o the_o object_n which_o it_o have_v so_o attentive_o consider_v the_o impression_n then_o of_o these_o dream_n be_v more_o profound_o imprint_v upon_o the_o fancy_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o come_v from_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n then_o that_o which_o the_o sensible_a object_n make_v upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n and_o the_o faculty_n which_o do_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o they_o both_o as_o to_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o part_n and_o the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v they_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o more_o exact_a in_o its_o judgement_n then_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o common_a sense_n to_o be_v consequent_o the_o result_n thereof_o aught_o to_o be_v proportionable_o more_o perfect_a and_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o these_o dream_n more_o certain_a and_o more_o undoubted_a as_o for_o the_o dream_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o operation_n of_o angel_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v more_o difficult_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v divine_a for_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o regular_a formation_n than_o those_o that_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n they_o may_v be_v more_o strong_o imprint_v upon_o the_o imagination_n and_o so_o may_v be_v of_o long_a continuance_n so_o that_o we_o may_v more_o easy_o remember_v they_o when_o we_o do_v awake_a in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v of_o great_a force_n to_o persuade_v we_o that_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o divine_a principle_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n do_v manifest_o show_v itself_o as_o well_o in_o the_o methodical_a place_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o dream_n from_o whence_o it_o draw_v its_o symmetry_n and_o proportion_n as_o in_o the_o resemblance_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o represent_v as_o we_o have_v see_v before_o in_o the_o dream_n of_o the_o egg_n and_o the_o treasure_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a sort_n yet_o here_o we_o must_v call_v to_o mind_n what_o be_v before_o say_v of_o this_o matter_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o dream_n which_o may_v have_v be_v cause_v by_o angel_n only_o for_o as_o much_o as_o that_o which_o they_o contain_v and_o whereof_o they_o do_v consist_v be_v not_o above_o either_o the_o understanding_n or_o the_o activity_n of_o angel_n and_o betwixt_o those_o of_o which_o they_o be_v only_o the_o instrument_n to_o form_v the_o image_n in_o the_o fancy_n of_o god_n servant_n according_a to_o the_o command_n and_o according_a to_o the_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o of_o his_o will_n as_o for_o the_o first_o the_o compare_v the_o action_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a angel_n will_v easy_o show_v the_o difference_n and_o it_o may_v more_o especial_o be_v make_v in_o this_o double_a respect_n 1._o the_o image_n that_o good_a angel_n do_v imprint_v upon_o the_o fancy_n do_v never_o contain_v any_o thing_n of_o idolatry_n or_o pagan_a superstition_n whereas_o those_o which_o proceed_v from_o evil_a one_o be_v common_o full_a of_o it_o for_o in_o these_o there_o be_v always_o either_o some_o representation_n of_o false_a god_n or_o something_o which_o concern_v their_o worship_n or_o some_o other_o vision_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o denote_v the_o author_n of_o the_o dream_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o authorise_v idolatry_n or_o superstition_n from_o which_o the_o inclination_n of_o good_a angel_n be_v always_o very_o distant_a 2._o the_o dream_n cause_v by_o evil_a angel_n do_v always_o or_o at_o least_o for_o the_o most_o part_n induce_v to_o some_o evil_a action_n which_o the_o good_a one_o never_o do_v who_o as_o they_o be_v free_a from_o temptation_n to_o evil_n themselves_o so_o do_v they_o never_o tempt_v other_o to_o it_o that_o which_o may_v render_v the_o discern_a betwixt_o these_o two_o more_o doubtful_a or_o more_o difficult_a be_v that_o upon_o this_o as_o upon_o other_o occasion_n these_o angel_n of_o darkness_n may_v transform_v themselves_o into_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o cause_v they_o to_o have_v such_o dream_n which_o shall_v not_o seem_v to_o contain_v any_o thing_n of_o that_o vice_n we_o before_o mention_v and_o which_o shall_v tend_v to_o action_n indifferent_a in_o themselves_o or_o such_o as_o perhaps_o may_v have_v the_o appearance_n of_o good_a but_o yet_o such_o as_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o for_o some_o evil_a design_n and_o the_o dream_n send_v to_o joseph_n to_o command_v he_o to_o carry_v christ_n into_o egypt_n may_v serve_v for_o a_o example_n for_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v joseph_n may_v perhaps_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o mere_a illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o design_v hereby_o to_o lie_v in_o wait_n for_o he_o to_o destroy_v he_o here_o we_o may_v lay_v down_o these_o several_a consideration_n first_o that_o how_o great_a a_o cheat_n soever_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o he_o can_v never_o counterfeit_v so_o well_o but_o something_o will_v happen_v whereby_o he_o may_v be_v discover_v they_o say_v that_o when_o he_o visible_o appear_v in_o humane_a shape_n what_o ever_o care_v he_o take_v to_o disguise_v himself_o yet_o there_o be_v always_o something_o in_o the_o apparition_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v know_v either_o by_o the_o horror_n of_o his_o claw_n or_o some_o stink_a smell_n or_o some_o such_o like_a thing_n which_o present_o appear_v and_o render_v the_o vision_n terrible_a and_o frightful_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o i_o will_v not_o affirm_v it_o though_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o appearance_n of_o reason_n but_o as_o for_o what_o concern_v his_o action_n and_o the_o mean_n he_o make_v use_v of_o whereby_o to_o deceive_v man_n whether_o by_o dream_n or_o by_o voice_n or_o any_o other_o illusion_n neither_o be_v his_o own_o malice_n able_a nor_o will_v the_o divine_a providence_n suffer_v he_o so_o perfect_o to_o resemble_v the_o action_n of_o good_a angel_n but_o there_o will_v be_v some_o mark_n by_o which_o to_o discern_v they_o and_o what_o i_o say_v before_o upon_o occasion_n of_o the_o dream_n of_o the_o arcadian_a be_v found_v only_o upon_o the_o relation_n that_o cicero_n make_v of_o it_o if_o we_o have_v have_v a_o perfect_a and_o entire_a account_n thereof_o with_o all_o its_o circumstance_n one_o may_v certain_o have_v find_v something_o in_o it_o whereby_o we_o may_v easy_o have_v know_v whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n hence_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o if_o the_o dream_n send_v to_o joseph_n have_v come_v from_o a_o evil_a spirit_n there_o will_v have_v be_v something_o more_o in_o it_o than_o what_o be_v relate_v of_o it_o whereby_o this_o holy_a man_n will_v easy_o have_v know_v that_o it_o be_v not_o of_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n second_o not_o only_o dream_n proceed_v from_o the_o devil_n have_v some_o character_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v their_o original_n but_o also_o those_o that_o come_v from_o good_a angel_n have_v something_o on_o the_o contrary_a whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v their_o author_n true_o good_a for_o natural_o every_o effect_n retain_v some_o mark_n of_o its_o cause_n fire_n leave_v something_o of_o itself_o where_o it_o exercise_v its_o power_n and_o water_n where_o it_o pass_v beast_n do_v imprint_v something_o upon_o their_o proper_a operation_n and_o man_n
and_o other_o intelligent_a agent_n on_o they_o and_o general_o all_o manner_n of_o production_n bear_v some_o indication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o the_o more_o excellent_a the_o cause_n be_v the_o more_o knowable_a they_o be_v in_o their_o effect_n unless_o on_o set_v purpose_n they_o corrupt_v their_o action_n and_o design_o disguise_v it_o as_o when_o david_n counterfeit_v the_o fool_n which_o yet_o angel_n never_o do_v from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o since_o it_o be_v a_o good_a angel_n which_o by_o the_o command_n of_o god_n convey_v this_o dream_n to_o joseph_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v open_o attest_v it_o it_o be_v without_o doubt_n accompany_v with_o very_o evident_a argument_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o cause_n first_o it_o be_v absolute_o say_v that_o a_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n appear_v to_o joseph_n in_o a_o dream_n and_o afterward_o that_o he_o speak_v to_o he_o say_v rise_v and_o take_v the_o little_a infant_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o fly_v into_o egypt_n and_o stay_v there_o until_o i_o bring_v thou_o word_n for_o herod_n seek_v the_o infant_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n where_o we_o have_v the_o apparition_n after_o that_o the_o command_n last_o the_o reason_n which_o he_o there_o allege_v as_o for_o the_o apparition_n that_o can_v not_o be_v but_o in_o some_o image_n which_o must_v appear_v visible_a which_o may_v symbolical_o represent_v the_o angelical_a nature_n for_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v represent_v to_o this_o holy_a man_n for_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o image_n have_v something_o so_o splendid_a and_o glorious_a that_o joseph_n see_v it_o in_o his_o sleep_n and_o after_o remember_v it_o when_o awake_a be_v in_o both_o equal_o strike_v with_o admiration_n of_o its_o magnificence_n and_o what_o essay_n make_v by_o a_o angel_n of_o darkness_n to_o imitate_v the_o splendour_n of_o such_o a_o vision_n can_v come_v near_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o a_o divine_a messenger_n who_o bring_v the_o command_v of_o god_n to_o man_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n be_v adorn_v with_o a_o ray_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n as_o for_o the_o command_n that_o can_v not_o be_v give_v but_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o a_o voice_n which_o joseph_n in_o his_o sleep_n imagine_v to_o hear_v as_o he_o apprehend_v he_o see_v the_o angel_n encompass_v with_o light_n i_o do_v not_o here_o say_v that_o man_n voice_n have_v such_o different_a mark_n of_o distinction_n one_o from_o another_o as_o that_o blind_a man_n as_o historian_n do_v testify_v have_v distinguish_v they_o in_o a_o multitude_n by_o the_o mere_a character_n of_o their_o voice_n although_o they_o have_v but_o once_o hear_v they_o speak_v since_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o blind_a man_n have_v often_o hear_v other_o man_n speak_v be_v thus_o better_o enable_v to_o make_v the_o distinction_n whereas_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o joseph_n never_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o any_o either_o good_a or_o bad_a angel_n before_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n can_v not_o compare_v they_o together_o to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o natural_a voice_n of_o man_n be_v of_o one_o kind_n and_o that_o which_o angel_n form_n only_o by_o representation_n in_o the_o imagination_n of_o a_o man_n asleep_a of_o another_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o return_v that_o as_o the_o image_n or_o apparition_n of_o the_o angel_n have_v something_o particular_a in_o its_o lustre_n and_o majesty_n so_o the_o voice_n have_v something_o in_o the_o tone_n and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o articulation_n extraordinary_o majestic_a so_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v a_o apparition_n of_o himself_o which_o may_v come_v in_o competition_n with_o the_o magnificence_n of_o that_o vision_n so_o neither_o can_v he_o counterfeit_v a_o voice_n which_o may_v equal_v the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o of_o a_o good_a angel_n last_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o command_n be_v very_o remarkable_a for_o it_o will_v have_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o the_o devil_n shall_v have_v be_v careful_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o life_n of_o a_o infant_n from_o who_o birth_n if_o we_o do_v consider_v the_o miracle_n that_o do_v accompany_v it_o he_o can_v expect_v nothing_o but_o the_o ruin_n of_o his_o empire_n he_o be_v a_o murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n will_v destroy_v all_o the_o infant_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n from_o the_o very_a cradle_n but_o that_o he_o foresee_v some_o who_o come_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o mankind_n as_o nero_n and_o caligula_n and_o since_o if_o this_o infant_n be_v in_o any_o danger_n it_o be_v certain_o under_o the_o dominion_n of_o herod_n who_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v cruel_a who_o have_v more_o reason_n of_o fear_n from_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n than_o any_o other_o potentate_n whatever_o and_o who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n in_o those_o country_n if_o the_o devil_n have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o joseph_n by_o his_o delusion_n will_v he_o ever_o have_v induce_v he_o to_o have_v leave_v the_o place_n where_o he_o be_v to_o have_v go_v to_o another_o where_o can_v he_o have_v lay_v his_o design_n against_o christ_n with_o great_a hope_n of_o success_n then_o where_o he_o be_v be_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o paw_n of_o a_o lion_n or_o in_o the_o den_n of_o a_o wild_a beast_n three_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o joseph_n be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o vision_n see_v that_o without_o any_o deliberation_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o awake_v he_o arise_v and_o take_v the_o infant_n and_o flee_v into_o egypt_n now_o the_o dream_n which_o come_v from_o natural_a cause_n do_v not_o carry_v we_o to_o any_o action_n and_o we_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o fool_n if_o we_o undertake_v any_o thing_n though_o of_o never_o so_o little_a importance_n upon_o the_o mere_a solicitation_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o those_o very_a dream_n which_o yet_o have_v something_o more_o of_o life_n and_o vigour_n in_o they_o then_o natural_a one_o have_v and_o upon_o this_o account_n may_v be_v attribute_v to_o some_o spirit_n these_o indeed_o may_v cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o disquiet_n of_o hope_n or_o apprehension_n but_o they_o do_v not_o induce_v we_o to_o undertake_v any_o resolution_n in_o thing_n of_o consequence_n unless_o it_o be_v those_o of_o melancholy_a temper_n or_o unsound_a brain_n since_o than_o joseph_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n betake_v himself_o so_o ready_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o command_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o since_o jesus_n be_v his_o son_n we_o can_v think_v that_o he_o will_v have_v rash_o take_v up_o such_o a_o resolution_n much_o less_o certain_o will_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o question_n be_v then_o of_o he_o of_o who_o he_o have_v the_o honour_n to_o be_v appoint_v guardian_n now_o this_o persuasion_n must_v necessary_o come_v from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o he_o either_o find_v in_o the_o object_n itself_o such_o irrefragable_a argument_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o there_o remain_v no_o place_n for_o deliberation_n but_o his_o understanding_n immediate_o determine_v itself_o or_o second_o if_o the_o argument_n be_v not_o altogether_o so_o strong_a and_o evident_a as_o to_o force_v his_o judgement_n to_o embrace_v the_o object_n than_o god_n by_o the_o incomprehensible_a power_n of_o his_o spirit_n do_v so_o effectual_o determine_v it_o on_o this_o side_n that_o it_o can_v not_o possible_o resist_v this_o latter_a be_v the_o less_o usual_a method_n of_o god_n proceed_n but_o when_o it_o do_v so_o come_v to_o pass_v than_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a proof_n that_o the_o object_n be_v true_o divine_a for_o it_o be_v only_a god_n who_o do_v so_o rule_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o who_o so_o powerful_o incline_v it_o to_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o resolution_n although_o it_o do_v not_o see_v in_o the_o object_n reason_n altogether_o proportionable_a to_o the_o effect_n it_o feel_v in_o the_o soul_n so_o that_o if_o joseph_n be_v thus_o persuade_v to_o the_o execution_n of_o the_o command_n he_o then_o have_v in_o his_o own_o private_a sentiment_n and_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a determination_n of_o his_o understanding_n a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o dream_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v without_o doubt_v the_o more_o common_a and_o natural_a for_o what_o the_o loadstone_n be_v to_o iron_n that_o be_v truth_n to_o the_o understanding_n which_o do_v greedy_o embrace_v it_o and_o inseparable_o join_v itself_o to_o it_o when_o once_o by_o