good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n which_o socrates_n observe_v upon_o the_o rub_n of_o his_o thigh_n where_o the_o fetter_n make_v it_o itch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d pbaed_n what_o a_o strange_a thing_n be_v that_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v pleasure_n how_o near_o of_o kin_n be_v it_o to_o that_o which_o seem_v so_o contrary_a to_o it_o pain_n now_o the_o observe_v the_o strange_a and_o sudden_a vicissitude_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o what_o near_o neighbour_n pain_n and_o pleasure_n 9_o be_v to_o each_o other_o so_o that_o there_o be_v frequent_o a_o passage_n out_o of_o one_o into_o the_o other_o do_v yet_o more_o entangle_v they_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o both_o these_o those_o who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n and_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o do_v easy_o attribute_v whatever_o be_v good_a in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n but_o that_o any_o evil_n shall_v come_v from_o he_o they_o think_v it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o they_o be_v so_o far_o right_a in_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o evil_a of_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v already_o show_v god_n can_v not_o be_v the_o author_n of_o but_o therein_o they_o show_v their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o evil_a that_o they_o do_v noâ—_n look_v upon_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n as_o effect_n of_o god_n justice_n upon_o the_o world_n for_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o may_v set_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a far_o enough_o off_o from_o god_n they_o make_v two_o different_a principle_n of_o thing_n the_o one_o of_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o evil_n this_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o universal_a account_n which_o he_o can_v meet_v with_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o good_a and_o evil_n to_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v this_o ample_a testimony_n of_o he_o in_o his_o learned_a discourse_n de_fw-fr iside_n &_o osiride_n fr._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o word_n i_o have_v the_o more_o large_o cite_v because_o they_o give_v we_o the_o most_o full_a account_n of_o the_o antiquity_n universality_n and_o reason_n of_o that_o opinion_n which_o assert_n two_o different_a principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n it_o be_v a_o tradition_n say_v he_o of_o great_a antiquity_n derive_v down_o from_o the_o ancient_a master_n of_o dâ—vine_a knowledge_n and_o former_n of_o commonwealth_n to_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n who_o first_o author_n can_v be_v find_v and_o yet_o have_v meet_v with_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n not_o only_o in_o ordinary_a discourse_n and_o report_n but_o be_v spread_v into_o the_o mystery_n and_o sacrifice_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o other_o that_o the_o universe_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o chance_n and_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o mind_n and_o reason_n to_o govern_v it_o neither_o be_v there_o one_o only_a reason_n which_o sit_v at_o the_o stern_a or_o hold_v the_o reins_o whereby_o he_o do_v order_n and_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o confusion_n and_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n that_o nature_n do_v not_o produce_v any_o pure_a untainted_a good_a there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o who_o like_o a_o drawer_n take_v the_o liquor_n out_o of_o two_o several_a vessel_n and_o mix_v they_o together_o and_o after_o distribute_v they_o but_o there_o be_v two_o principle_n and_o power_n contrary_a to_o each_o other_o whereof_o one_o draoe_v we_o to_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o direct_v we_o straight_o forward_o the_o other_o pull_v we_o back_o and_o turn_v we_o the_o other_o way_n since_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o mix_v as_o it_o be_v and_o not_o only_o that_o but_o the_o world_n too_o at_o least_o so_o much_o as_o be_v sublunary_a and_o terrestrial_a which_o be_v subject_a to_o many_o variety_n irregularity_n and_o change_n for_o if_o nothing_o he_o without_o a_o cause_n and_o good_a can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o principle_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a so_o there_o must_v be_v another_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a but_o lest_o we_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v only_o a_o sect_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o heathen_a manichee_n which_o hold_v this_o opinion_n he_o tell_v we_o to_o prevent_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o and_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a now_o these_o two_o principle_n some_o say_v he_o call_v two_o opposite_a god_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o evil_n he_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o this_o one_o will_v imagine_v that_o this_o very_a ancient_a tradition_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a a_o little_a disguise_v for_o the_o scripture_n make_v the_o devil_n the_o first_o author_n of_o evil_n himself_o and_o the_o first_o solicitor_n and_o tempter_n of_o man_n to_o it_o who_o when_o god_n direct_v he_o straight_o forward_o pull_v man_n back_o and_o put_v he_o quite_o out_o of_o his_o way_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o the_o misery_n of_o the_o world_n come_v into_o it_o for_o while_o man_n keep_v close_o to_o his_o maker_n his_o integrity_n and_o obedience_n be_v to_o he_o what_o the_o vasa_fw-la umbilicalia_fw-la be_v to_o the_o child_n in_o the_o womb_n by_o they_o he_o receive_v what_o ever_o tend_v to_o his_o subsistence_n and_o comfort_n but_o sin_n cut_v those_o vessel_n asunder_o and_o prove_v the_o midwife_n of_o misery_n bring_v man_n forth_o into_o a_o world_n of_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n now_o i_o say_v the_o scripture_n take_v such_o especial_a notice_n of_o one_o as_o the_o chief_a of_o devil_n through_o who_o mean_n evil_a come_v into_o the_o world_n this_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o heathen_n when_o length_n of_o time_n have_v make_v the_o original_a tradition_n more_o obscure_a to_o make_v these_o two_o god_n and_o the_o daemon_n as_o two_o anti-god_n and_o so_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o one_o of_o all_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o all_o evil_a which_o at_o last_o come_v to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o devil_n great_a design_n in_o thus_o corrupt_v the_o tradition_n that_o both_o these_o anti-god_n shall_v have_v solemn_a worship_n by_o sacrifice_n the_o one_o by_o way_n of_o impetration_n for_o bestow_v of_o good_a the_o other_o by_o way_n of_o deprecation_n for_o avert_v of_o evil_a such_o plutarch_n there_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o oromasdes_n and_o arimanius_n of_o zoroastres_n which_o be_v worship_v by_o the_o persian_n the_o one_o for_o do_v good_a and_o the_o other_o for_o avoid_v evil_n the_o one_o they_o resemble_v to_o light_v or_o fire_n the_o other_o to_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n what_o animal_n be_v good_a and_o useful_a they_o ascribe_v to_o oromasdes_n and_o all_o venomous_a and_o noxious_a one_o to_o arimanius_n who_o plutarch_n elsewhere_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o evil_a daemon_n of_o the_o persian_n the_o same_o diogenes_n laertius_n relate_v of_o the_o magi_n the_o philosopher_n of_o persia_n that_o they_o make_v two_o distinct_a principle_n philosoph_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a and_o bad_a daemon_n for_o which_o he_o quote_v dinon_n aristotle_n hermippus_n eudoxus_n and_o other_o the_o same_o plutarch_n make_v to_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_n who_o attribute_v the_o good_a to_o jupiter_n olympius_n the_o bad_a to_o hades_n the_o chaldeans_n say_v he_o make_v the_o planet_n their_o god_n of_o which_o two_o they_o suppose_v the_o cause_n of_o good_a two_o more_o of_o only_a a_o malignant_a influence_n and_o other_o three_o to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o the_o same_o he_o affirm_v of_o the_o egyptian_n that_o whatever_o be_v evil_a and_o irregular_a they_o ascribe_v to_o typho_n what_o be_v good_a comely_a and_o useful_a they_o attribute_v to_o isis_n and_o osiris_n to_o isis_n as_o the_o passive_a osiris_n as_o the_o active_a principle_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o large_a a_o spread_v this_o opinion_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a have_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n neither_o do_v it_o expire_v with_o 10._o heathenism_n but_o manes_n retain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o his_o country_n be_v a_o persian_a that_o he_o make_v a_o strange_a medley_n of_o the_o persian_a and_o christian_a doctrine_n together_o for_o that_o be_v his_o famous_a opinion_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o isâ—e_fw-la duo_fw-la principia_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la diversa_fw-la at_o que_fw-la adversa_fw-la cadeâ—que_fw-la aeterna_fw-la &_o eterna_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la
opposition_n who_o power_n be_v so_o great_a that_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v it_o by_o which_o power_n he_o produce_v the_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n either_o of_o its_o beginning_n or_o of_o its_o be_v or_o continuance_n but_o only_o his_o will._n who_o sully_v answer_n in_o a_o philosophical_a manner_n the_o particular_a allegation_n out_o of_o aristotle_n concern_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n his_o design_n be_v as_o he_o say_v to_o show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o creation_n be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v as_o good_a as_o their_o word_n to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o demonstration_n but_o instead_o of_o they_o proceed_v only_o upon_o opinion_n and_o conjecture_n and_o as_o to_o this_o particular_a of_o the_o possibility_n of_o another_o way_n of_o production_n beside_o that_o of_o generation_n he_o prove_v it_o from_o aristotle_n own_o opinion_n from_o the_o equal_a necessity_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n as_o of_o god_n for_o say_v he_o if_o god_n can_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o matter_n which_o be_v as_o necessary_o existent_a as_o himself_o he_o may_v produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o for_o the_o same_o repugnancy_n that_o there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_o nothing_o to_o be_v produce_v 123._o the_o same_o must_v there_o be_v in_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_o existent_a how_o then_o can_v god_n produce_v something_o out_o of_o matter_n which_o necessary_o exist_v &_o not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o for_o if_o matter_n have_v its_o original_n from_o its_o self_n how_o can_v it_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o another_o and_o beside_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o have_v his_o be_v from_o himself_o and_o on_o that_o account_n attribute_v infinite_a power_n to_o he_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v attribute_v it_o to_o matter_n but_o whatever_o have_v infinite_a power_n in_o its_o self_n have_v a_o power_n upon_o something_o beyond_o its_o self_n but_o if_o god_n and_o matter_n have_v it_o both_o they_o can_v never_o have_v power_n upon_o each_o other_o or_o without_o themselves_o which_o be_v a_o far_o great_a absurdity_n than_o the_o mere_a assert_v a_o power_n to_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o infinite_a power_n for_o if_o it_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o matter_n the_o power_n be_v not_o infinite_a because_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o for_o it_o extend_v no_o further_a than_o matter_n do_v so_o that_o a_o power_n of_o creation_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a sophism_n to_o argue_v because_o the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v generate_v therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v produce_v unless_o any_o other_o way_n of_o production_n but_o by_o generation_n be_v prove_v impossible_a a_o three_o false_a hypothesis_n they_o proceed_v on_o be_v this_o that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o effect_n of_o god_n will_n but_o of_o the_o 3._o necessity_n of_o nature_n for_o although_o the_o philosopher_n we_o now_o speak_v of_o did-assert_a a_o deity_n which_o in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v call_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o world_n yet_o they_o withal_o assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v coaeval_n with_o god_n himself_o and_o so_o though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o priority_n in_o order_n of_o cause_n between_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o order_n of_o time_n or_o duration_n as_o we_o see_v the_o light_n though_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o sun_n yet_o the_o sun_n be_v never_o without_o light_n this_o aristotle_n he_o prove_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o motion_n and_o time_n for_o say_v he_o what_o ever_o be_v move_v must_v be_v move_v by_o something_o else_o and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o run_v in_o infinitum_fw-la but_o this_o run_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o continual_a physical_a motion_n in_o thing_n which_o we_o deny_v since_o god_n by_o his_o infinite_a power_n may_v give_v motion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v it_o not_o before_o and_o so_o all_o that_o can_v be_v prove_v be_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o first_o cause_n which_o we_o assert_v but_o no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o his_o continual_a act_n since_o he_o may_v cause_v motion_n when_o he_o please_v and_o for_o time_n continual_o exist_v it_o denote_v nothing_o real_a in_o its_o self_n exist_v but_o only_o our_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v conceive_v to_o belong_v to_o motion_n and_o so_o can_v argue_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o thing_n from_o all_o eternity_n but_o the_o late_a platonist_n look_v upon_o these_o as_o insufficient_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o therefore_o argue_v from_o those_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o they_o conceive_v most_o necessary_a and_o agreeable_a to_o god_n nature_n and_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v if_o at_o all_o so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o god_n they_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v well_o and_o true_o say_v of_o plato_n in_o his_o timaeus_n that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n from_o which_o speech_n the_o more_o modern_a platonist_n gather_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n eternity_n for_o from_o hence_o they_o infer_v that_o since_o god_n be_v always_o good_a he_o must_v always_o have_v a_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n upon_o as_o the_o sun_n disperse_v his_o light_n assoon_o as_o he_o be_v himself_o true_o be_v god_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n it_o will_v be_v so_o with_o he_o or_o be_v the_o sun_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o with_o it_o but_o there_o be_v this_o vast_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o though_o god_n be_v essential_o and_o necessary_o good_a yet_o the_o communication_n of_o this_o goodness_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o not_o mere_o of_o his_o nature_n for_o be_v not_o the_o act_n of_o beneficence_n and_o goodness_n in_o god_n the_o free_a act_n of_o his_o will_n man_n must_v be_v make_v as_o happy_a as_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v not_o only_o upon_o his_o first_o existence_n in_o the_o world_n but_o as_o long_o as_o it_o shall_v continue_v by_o mere_a necessity_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o intervention_n of_o the_o will_n or_o action_n of_o man_n and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o difference_n as_o that_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o let_n forth_o of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v so_o necessary_a all_o man_n must_v become_v necessary_o good_a if_o god_n goodness_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o make_v man_n so_o which_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v question_v by_o this_o than_o we_o see_v that_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v free_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v a_o depth_n too_o great_a for_o we_o to_o approach_v or_o look_v into_o by_o what_o necessity_n then_o if_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o of_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n must_v we_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o fear_v to_o deprive_v god_n of_o his_o essential_a goodness_n whereas_o to_o make_v the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n add_v extra_fw-la necessary_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v the_o world_n from_o eternity_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o object_n to_o exercise_v his_o goodness_n on_o be_v to_o take_v as_o much_o off_o from_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o self_n sufficiency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o it_o will_v seem_v to_o flatter_v his_o goodness_n for_o god_n can_v be_v himself_o without_o his_o goodness_n and_o if_o his_o goodness_n can_v be_v without_o some_o creature_n to_o show_v or_o display_v it_o upon_o god_n can_v be_v perfect_a nor_o happy_a without_o his_o creature_n because_o these_o be_v necessary_a issue_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o consequent_o we_o make_v the_o be_v of_o the_o creature_n necessary_a to_o his_o be_v god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a derogation_n from_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n we_o assert_v then_o so_o much_o goodness_n in_o god_n as_o none_o can_v be_v imagine_v great_a we_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v the_o communication_n of_o this_o divine_a goodness_n which_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n but_o withal_o we_o acknowledge_v god_n to_o be_v a_o agent_n infinite_o
thè_z soul_n be_v force_v to_o do_v what_o it_o do_v one_o may_v just_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o god_n who_o permit_v such_o a_o force_n to_o be_v offer_v it_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v proper_o evil_a which_o the_o soul_n be_v constrain_v to_o but_o since_o it_o act_v free_o and_o out_o of_o choice_n the_o soul_n must_v alone_o be_v account_v the_o author_n and_o cause_n of_o evil_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n can_v with_o any_o shadow_n of_o reason_n be_v account_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n because_o he_o give_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o principle_n of_o internal_a freedom_n when_o the_o very_a freedom_n of_o act_v which_o the_o soul_n have_v put_v it_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o stand_v as_o well_o as_o fall_v and_o certain_o he_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o break_n of_o a_o person_n who_o give_v he_o a_o stock_n to_o set_v up_o with_o and_o suppose_v he_o able_a to_o manage_v it_o when_o he_o give_v it_o he_o indeed_o have_v not_o man_n have_v this_o freedom_n of_o will_n he_o can_v not_o have_v fall_v but_o then_o neither_o have_v he_o be_v a_o rational_a agent_n which_o suppose_v no_o corruption_n do_v speak_v freedom_n of_o action_n so_o that_o while_o we_o inquire_v after_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n to_o assign_v it_o to_o but_o man_n abuse_n of_o that_o free_a power_n of_o act_v which_o he_o have_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o curious_a as_o to_o inquire_v further_o why_o god_n do_v create_v man_n with_o such_o a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o not_o rather_o fix_v his_o soul_n immutable_o on_o good_a if_o the_o order_n of_o being_n be_v no_o satisfactory_a reason_n for_o it_o we_o can_v give_v no_o other_o than_o that_o why_o he_o make_v man_n or_o the_o world_n at_o all_o which_o be_v the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will._n but_o second_o suppose_v god_n give_v man_n this_o freedom_n of_o will_n do_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n do_v not_o 7._o his_o leave_v man_n to_o this_o liberty_n of_o he_o in_o the_o temptation_n make_v he_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n i_o answer_v no_o and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o because_o man_n stand_v then_o upon_o such_o term_n that_o he_o can_v not_o fall_v but_o by_o his_o own_o free_a and_o voluntary_a act_n he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o stand_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n at_o all_o in_o his_o faculty_n but_o he_o have_v a_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a soul_n which_o can_v not_o be_v pollute_v without_o its_o own_o consent_n now_o it_o have_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o term_n on_o which_o man_n stand_v which_o be_v the_o trial_n of_o his_o obedience_n to_o his_o creator_n have_v he_o be_v irresistible_o determine_v any_o way_n simplicius_n put_v this_o question_n after_o the_o former_a discourse_n whether_o god_n may_v not_o be_v call_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n because_o he_o permit_v the_o soul_n to_o use_v her_o liberty_n but_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v god_n shall_v not_o have_v permit_v this_o use_n of_o its_o freedom_n to_o the_o soul_n must_v say_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n â—ither_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v indifferent_a to_o good_a or_o evil_n it_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o keep_v from_o the_o choose_n evil_a or_o else_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v be_v make_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o have_v have_v a_o power_n of_o choose_v evil_a the_o first_o be_v irrational_a and_o absurd_a for_o what_o freedom_n and_o liberty_n have_v that_o be_v where_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n and_o what_o choice_n can_v there_o have_v be_v where_o the_o mind_n be_v necessitate_v only_o to_o one_o part_n for_o the_o second_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v say_v he_o that_o no_o evil_n be_v in_o its_o self_n desirable_a or_o to_o be_v choose_v but_o withal_o if_o this_o power_n of_o determine_v its_o self_n â—ither_o way_n must_v be_v take_v away_o it_o must_v be_v either_o as_o something_o not_o good_a or_o as_o some_o great_a evil_n and_o whoever_o say_v so_o do_v not_o consider_v how_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v which_o be_v account_v good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n yet_o be_v no_o way_n comparable_a with_o this_o freedom_n of_o will._n for_o it_o excel_v all_o sublunary_a being_n and_o there_o be_v none_o will_v rather_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o brute_n or_o plant_n then_o man_n if_o god_n then_o show_v his_o goodness_n in_o give_v to_o inferior_a being_n such_o perfectiou_n which_o be_v far_o below_o this_o be_v it_o any_o way_n incongruous_a to_o god_n nature_n and_o goodness_n to_o give_v man_n the_o freedom_n of_o his_o action_n and_o a_o self_n determine_v power_n though_o he_o permit_v he_o the_o free_a use_n of_o it_o beside_o as_o that_o author_n reason_n have_v god_n to_o prevent_v man_n sin_n take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n he_o have_v likewise_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n for_o virtue_n will_v not_o have_v be_v such_o have_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o act_v contrary_n and_o man_n nature_n will_v have_v be_v divine_a because_o impeccable_a therefore_o say_v â—e_n though_o we_o attribute_v this_o self-determining_a power_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o necessary_a in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o that_o evil_n to_o god_n which_o come_v by_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o liberty_n for_o as_o he_o further_o add_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o cause_n that_o aversion_n from_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o sin_n but_o only_o give_v such_o a_o power_n to_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o may_v turn_v its_o self_n to_o evil_a out_o of_o which_o god_n may_v afterward_o produce_v so_o much_o good_a which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o have_v be_v without_o it_o so_o consonant_o 187â—_n to_o the_o scripture_n do_v that_o philosopher_n speak_v on_o this_o subject_n 2._o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n though_o he_o do_v not_o prevent_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n because_o he_o do_v not_o withdraw_v before_o his_o fall_n any_o grace_n or_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o stand_n have_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o necessity_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n to_o be_v communicate_v to_o man_n for_o every_o moment_n to_o continue_v he_o in_o his_o innocency_n and_o have_v god_n before_o man_n fall_n withdraw_v such_o assistance_n from_o he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o â—ave_n stand_v it_o will_v be_v very_o difficult_a free_a god_n from_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o put_v to_o such_o difficulty_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o there_o appear_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o for_o assert_v any_o distinction_n of_o sufficient_a and_o efficacious_a grace_n in_o man_n before_o his_o fall_n that_o the_o one_o shall_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o radical_a power_n of_o stand_v the_o other_o to_o every_o act_n of_o good_a which_o adam_n do_v for_o if_o god_n make_v man_n upright_o he_o certain_o give_v he_o such_o a_o power_n as_o may_v be_v bring_v into_o act_n without_o the_o necessity_n of_o any_o supervenient_a act_n of_o grace_n to_o elicit_v that_o habitual_a power_n into_o particular_a action_n if_o the_o other_o be_v sufficient_a it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n if_o notwithstanding_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o stand_v unless_o efficacious_a help_n be_v superad_v to_o it_o god_n will_v not_o certain_o require_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o creature_n in_o his_o integrity_n but_o what_o he_o have_v a_o power_n to_o obey_v and_o if_o there_o be_v necessary_a further_a grace_n to_o bring_v the_o power_n into_o act_n than_o the_o substract_n of_o this_o grace_n must_v be_v by_o way_n of_o punishment_n to_o man_n which_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v for_o what_o it_o shall_v be_v before_o man_n have_v sin_v or_o eâ—se_n god_n must_v subtract_v this_o grace_n on_o purpose_n that_o man_n may_v â—all_n which_o will_v necessary_o follow_v on_o this_o supposition_n in_o which_o case_n man_n will_v be_v necessitate_v to_o fall_v veluti_fw-la cum_fw-la subductis_fw-la columnis_fw-la dom_n we_o necessario_fw-la corruit_fw-la as_o one_o express_v it_o as_o a_o house_n must_v needs_o fall_v when_o the_o pillar_n on_o which_o it_o stand_v be_v take_v away_o from_o it_o but_o now_o if_o god_n withdraw_v not_o any_o effectual_a grace_n from_o man_n whereby_o he_o must_v necessary_o fall_v then_o
though_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v any_o way_n the_o author_n of_o evil_n because_o man_n have_v still_o a_o posse_fw-la si_fw-la vellet_fw-la a_o power_n of_o stand_v if_o he_o have_v make_v right_a use_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o god_n never_o take_v from_o man_n his_o adjutorium_fw-la quo_fw-la potuit_fw-la stare_n &_o sine_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la as_o divine_n call_v it_o man_n enjoy_v still_o his_o power_n though_o by_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o liberty_n he_o fall_v into_o sin_n so_o that_o grant_v godâ—o_o â—o_z leave_v man_n to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n can_v in_o the_o lest_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o compare_v that_o account_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o scripture_n with_o that_o which_o 8._o be_v embrace_v by_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n there_o be_v no_o one_o inquiry_n whatsoever_o in_o which_o those_o who_o have_v nothing_o but_o natural_a light_n to_o guide_v they_o be_v more_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o than_o this_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a they_o see_v by_o continual_a experience_n how_o great_a a_o torrent_n of_o both_o sort_n of_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n do_v over_o flow_v the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v like_o the_o egyptian_n who_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o overflow_a their_o bank_n by_o the_o river_n nile_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o spring_n or_o the_o head_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o corruption_n increase_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o as_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la grow_v great_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v less_o understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n through_o which_o they_o can_v alone_o come_v to_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o evil_a insensible_o decay_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n insomuch_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o that_o history_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o uncertain_a conjecture_n to_o go_v by_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o obscure_a tradition_n which_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o which_o while_o they_o seek_v to_o rectify_v by_o their_o interpretation_n they_o make_v they_o more_o obscure_a and_o false_a then_o they_o find_v they_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o that_o mankind_n be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o subject_a to_o continual_a misery_n and_o calamity_n they_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o most_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o self-determining_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o certain_o but_o strange_o wonder_n that_o a_o principle_n indifferent_a to_o be_v carry_v either_o way_n shall_v be_v so_o almost_o fatal_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o since_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o command_n of_o passion_n by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n the_o brutish_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v so_o master_v and_o enslave_v the_o rational_a and_o the_o beast_n shall_v still_o cast_v the_o rider_n in_o man_n the_o sensitive_a appetite_n shall_v throw_v off_o the_o power_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o slave_n they_o be_v themselves_o to_o this_o terrestrial_a hyle_n how_o easy_o their_o most_o mettalsom_a soul_n be_v mire_v in_o the_o dirt_n how_o deep_o they_o be_v sink_v into_o corporeal_a pleasure_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v the_o power_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o help_v they_o out_o nay_o when_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v fledge_v again_o after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o moult_a at_o her_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n which_o plato_n speak_v of_o and_o strive_v to_o raise_v herself_o above_o his_o low_a world_n she_o than_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o plummet_n hang_v at_o her_o foot_n that_o they_o bring_v she_o down_o again_o to_o her_o former_a flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o her_o cage_n of_o earth_n so_o hierocles_n complain_v that_o when_o reason_n begin_v to_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a object_n the_o soul_n with_o a_o generous_a flight_n 77._o will_v soar_v above_o this_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o horn_n down_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o the_o force_n of_o passion_n which_o hang_v like_o lead_n upon_o the_o soul_n foot_n what_o a_o strange_a unaccountable_a thing_n must_v this_o need_v be_v to_o those_o who_o behold_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o effect_n but_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v clear_a to_o they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v wont_a to_o extol_v so_o high_a be_v in_o the_o state_n man_n be_v now_o in_o but_o a_o more_o noble_a name_n for_o slavery_n when_o themselves_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o inclination_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o strong_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o can_v that_o be_v a_o even_a balance_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o down-weight_n in_o one_o of_o the_o scale_n unless_o they_o make_v as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v the_o voluntary_a inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o evil_n a_o evidence_n of_o her_o liberty_n in_o this_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n as_o though_o it_o be_v any_o argument_n that_o the_o prisoner_n be_v the_o free_a because_o he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o shackle_n neither_o be_v this_o disorder_n alone_o at_o home_n in_o the_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v still_o a_o xantippe_n scold_v with_o socrates_n passion_n strive_v with_o reason_n but_o when_o they_o look_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v some_o strange_a irregularity_n in_o the_o converse_n among_o man_n what_o debauchery_n contention_n rapine_n fight_n and_o destroy_v each_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o that_o frequent_o among_o countryman_n friend_n nay_o relation_n and_o kindred_n and_o can_v this_o hostility_n between_o those_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o under_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n of_o union_n be_v the_o result_n of_o nature_n when_o even_a beast_n of_o prey_n be_v not_o such_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o kind_n beside_o all_o this_o when_o they_o sum_v up_o the_o life_n of_o man_n together_o and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o childhood_n the_o heat_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n the_o passion_n disquietment_n and_o disappointment_n of_o man_n in_o their_o strength_n and_o height_n of_o business_n the_o inquietude_n ache_n and_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n beside_o the_o misery_n which_o through_o every_o one_o of_o these_o all_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o few_o escape_n into_o how_o small_a a_o sum_n will_v the_o solid_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v reduce_v nay_o if_o we_o take_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n please_v themselves_o the_o most_o in_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o consider_v but_o with_o what_o care_n they_o be_v get_v with_o what_o fear_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o with_o what_o certainty_n they_o must_v be_v lose_v and_o how_o much_o the_o possession_n of_o any_o thing_n fail_v of_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o near_a man_n be_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o tenariff_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n how_o often_o they_o be_v precipitate_v from_o the_o height_n of_o prosperity_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o adversity_n we_o shall_v find_v yet_o much_o less_o that_o by_o the_o great_a chemistry_n can_v be_v extract_v of_o real_a satisfaction_n out_o of_o these_o thing_n whence_o then_o shall_v it_o come_v that_o man_n soul_n shall_v so_o delight_v to_o seed_n on_o these_o husk_n and_o to_o embrace_v these_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n instead_o of_o that_o real_a good_a which_o be_v the_o true_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n desire_v they_o can_v easy_o see_v there_o be_v no_o pure_a unmixed_a good_a in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v a_o contemperation_n of_o both_o together_o according_a to_o that_o of_o euripides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o continual_a mixture_n of_o
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o church_n sully_v settle_v in_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n universal_o we_o find_v god_n do_v continue_v this_o power_n among_o they_o but_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o embrace_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n that_o they_o reject_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o plead_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o do_v now_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o we_o see_v then_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o miracle_n to_o be_v continue_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v as_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o case_n then_o wherein_o miracle_n may_v just_o and_o with_o reason_n be_v expect_v first_o when_o any_o person_n 4._o come_v as_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n either_o to_o deliver_v some_o peculiar_a message_n or_o to_o do_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a service_n second_o when_o something_o that_o have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o some_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o first_o when_o any_o come_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o by_o commission_n from_o god_n than_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n to_o require_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n because_o of_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o a_o person_n and_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o reject_v that_o divine_a authority_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v require_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a argument_n for_o faith_n nor_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v person_n for_o such_o a_o fault_n which_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o indeed_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o necessitate_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o he_o do_v so_o clear_o propound_v the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o all_o argument_n induce_v to_o it_o as_o may_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o believer_n choice_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o may_v leave_v all_o unbeliever_n without_o excuse_n i_o can_v see_v what_o account_n a_o man_n can_v give_v to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n much_o less_o what_o apology_n he_o can_v make_v to_o other_o for_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v in_o point_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o conviction_n there_o must_v be_v some_o clear_a evidence_n give_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o now_o what_o conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o from_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n so_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v punish_v with_o so_o great_a severity_n the_o jew_n tell_v we_o of_o three_o sort_n of_o prophet_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o man_n and_o three_o other_o sort_n who_o 2._o be_v reserve_v to_o divine_a punishment_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o prophesy_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v 3._o and_o for_o this_o they_o instance_n in_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n who_o make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o lie_a prophet_n 2._o he_o that_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o and_o for_o this_o they_o 11._o instance_n in_o hananiah_n the_o son_n of_o azure_a but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v the_o plagiary_n prophet_n 3._o he_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n do_v this_o be_v the_o idol_n prophet_n these_o three_o when_o once_o full_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o rank_n of_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n hand_n consist_v of_o these_o 1._o he_o that_o stisle_n and_o smother_v his_o own_o prophecy_n as_o ionas_n do_v by_o which_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v overshadow_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o offer_v no_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n for_o at_o sometime_o their_o prophecy_n be_v as_o fire_v in_o their_o bone_n that_o they_o 9_o be_v never_o at_o any_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o office_n but_o withal_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jonas_n we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n like_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n can_v only_o be_v kindle_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v destroy_v when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v with_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o or_o when_o it_o meet_v not_o with_o suitable_a entertainment_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o it_o fall_v upon_o it_o may_v retreat_v back_o again_o to_o heaven_n or_o at_o least_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ember_n till_o a_o new_a blast_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d retrieve_v it_o into_o its_o former_a heat_n and_o activity_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonas_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o such_o god_n say_v deut._n 18._o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o which_o maimonides_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o cer_v that_o he_o make_v the_o death_n per_fw-la 18._o manus_fw-la coeli_fw-la to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o cer_v because_o this_o latter_a continue_v in_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o the_o other_o be_v expiate_v by_o death_n but_o general_o they_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o person_n 3._o the_o last_o be_v he_o who_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o prophecy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v to_o bethel_n who_o tertullian_n call_v sameas_n the_o jew_n hedua_n who_o god_n destroy_v in_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o command_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n at_o bethel_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o way_n he_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n to_o this_o prophet_n that_o the_o old_a prophet_n at_o bethel_n tell_v he_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v turn_v back_o for_o 1._o those_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o give_v they_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o prophet_n can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o another_o especial_o when_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o contradict_v that_o which_o be_v so_o special_o enjoin_v he_o 2._o where_o god_n command_v a_o prophet_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o message_n there_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n shall_v countermand_v it_o or_o no_o by_o another_o prophet_n because_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o message_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o action_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n intend_v his_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n to_o testify_v how_o much_o he_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v that_o place_n since_o its_o be_v pollute_v with_o idolatry_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n both_o because_o of_o his_o live_n in_o bethel_n and_o not_o open_o according_a to_o his_o office_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v he_o out_o of_o judea_n upon_o that_o very_a errand_n which_o will_v not_o have_v seem_v so_o probable_a if_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophet_n resident_a upon_o the_o place_n 4._o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o importance_n on_o which_o god_n use_v to_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o prophet_n much_o less_o by_o one_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v by_o another_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v of_o he_o poenam_fw-la deserti_fw-la jejunii_fw-la luit_fw-la god_n punish_v he_o for_o break_v his_o 16._o fast_n at_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o that_o message_n of_o this_o prophet_n seem_v to_o gratify_v more_o man_n carnal_a appetite_n then_o usual_o the_o action_n of_o prophet_n do_v which_o be_v most_o time_n matter_n of_o hardship_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o however_o all_o these_o be_v yet_o he_o yield_v too_o soon_o especial_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o have_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o see_v some_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o countermand_n before_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n upon_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v stagger_v his_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v his_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a temptation_n but_o so_o easy_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o lie_a prophet_n which_o contradict_v his_o own_o message_n argue_v either_o great_a unbelief_n as_o to_o his_o own_o commission_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n and_o inadvertency_n in_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o the_o old_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n make_v that_o old_a prophet_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o entertainment_n as_o with_o a_o hand_n write_v against_o the_o wall_n to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v too_o light_a and_o therefore_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v either_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jewish_a 3_o doctor_n that_o the_o cognizance_n and_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n so_o maimonides_n after_o he_o have_v 11._o large_o discourse_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o seducer_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o in_o the_o court_n of_o seventy_o one_o which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n look_v very_o like_o this_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n for_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o â—_o and_o immediate_o
writer_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o viz._n of_o dream_n and_o vision_n the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o gradus_fw-la mosaicus_n the_o external_a voice_n etc._n etc._n now_o in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o degree_n the_o prophet_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o his_o present_a revelation_n extend_v and_o therefore_o aquinas_n determine_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v instrumenta_fw-la deficientia_fw-la respectu_fw-la principalis_fw-la agentis_fw-la i._n e._n that_o in_o prophetical_a 3._o illumination_n the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v so_o move_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n as_o a_o instrument_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o artificer_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n with_o the_o skill_n of_o the_o workman_n and_o therefore_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v move_v sometime_o only_o to_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n represent_v which_o they_o call_v instinctus_fw-la divinus_fw-la of_o which_o they_o say_v a_o prophet_n may_v have_v no_o certainty_n whether_o it_o come_v from_o god_n or_o no_o sometime_o it_o be_v move_v so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v certain_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v from_o god_n this_o they_o call_v lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la sometime_o a_o prophet_n may_v be_v move_v to_o speak_v those_o thing_n which_o he_o full_o understand_v so_o it_o be_v with_o most_o of_o the_o true_a psophet_n but_o sometime_o man_n may_v be_v move_v to_o speak_v that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o as_o be_v plain_a in_o caiaphas_n and_o probable_a in_o balaam_n sometime_o a_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o the_o fancy_n of_o one_o without_o any_o possibility_n of_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o imaginary_a species_n as_o in_o pharaoh_n and_o nebnchadnezzar_n dream_n and_o to_o another_o may_v be_v give_v the_o true_a judgement_n of_o those_o motion_n of_o fancy_n without_o the_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o they_o as_o in_o joseph_n and_o daniel_n now_o in_o these_o and_o many_o other_o different_a impression_n of_o this_o prophetical_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n to_o who_o the_o thing_n be_v reveal_v can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o do_v extend_v god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n the_o internal_a counsel_n and_o decree_n of_o his_o own_o will_n but_o often_o only_a the_o method_n and_o 〈◊〉_d series_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o that_o threefold_a distinction_n of_o prophecy_n in_o the_o school_n into_o prophetia_fw-la praedestinationis_fw-la prophetia_fw-la praescientiae_fw-la and_o prophetia_fw-la comminationis_fw-la which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o ordinary_a gloss_n upon_o matth._n 1._o where_o they_o be_v thus_o explain_v the_o prophecy_n of_o predestination_n be_v when_o the_o event_n depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n will_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o we_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o prophecy_n of_o prescience_n be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o man_n will_n and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o commination_n only_o denote_v god_n denunciation_n of_o heavy_a judgement_n against_o a_o people_n but_o aquinas_n do_v better_a reduce_v the_o two_o former_a to_o one_o and_o so_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o different_a way_n whereby_o god_n know_v thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v either_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o so_o they_o note_v the_o order_n and_o series_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o mutual_a respect_n and_o dependency_n they_o have_v one_o upon_o another_o and_o this_o refer_v to_o god_n administration_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o god_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o or_o according_a to_o his_o own_o positive_a determination_n of_o they_o and_o now_o in_o this_o sense_n they_o be_v unalterable_a but_o in_o the_o other_o they_o be_v not_o but_o god_n may_v alter_v those_o respect_n of_o thing_n when_o he_o please_v now_o though_o this_o different_a manner_n of_o knowledge_n can_v never_o be_v conceive_v separate_a from_o one_o another_o in_o the_o divine_a understanding_n yet_o in_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o prophet_n they_o may_v be_v disjoin_v from_o each_o other_o because_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v thing_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o the_o prophet_n for_o no_o free_a agent_n do_v always_o act_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v and_o therefore_o prophetical_a revelation_n be_v sometime_o a_o representation_n of_o god_n internal_a decree_n and_o then_o they_o always_o take_v effect_n and_o sometime_o only_a the_o order_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o they_o may_v admit_v of_o a_o alteration_n and_o the_o prophecy_n nevertheless_o be_v true_a because_o than_o it_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o which_o the_o event_n will_v follow_v if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o interpose_v these_o thing_n be_v thus_o premise_v we_o come_v to_o particular_a resolution_n which_o must_v arise_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v give_v when_o prophetical_a prediction_n do_v express_v god_n internal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o these_o latter_a it_o be_v apparent_a that_o event_n may_v not_o answer_v prediction_n and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a difficulty_n viz._n to_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a difference_n of_o these_o two_o till_o the_o event_n have_v make_v it_o apparent_a which_o come_v from_o god_n unalterable_a purpose_n and_o which_o not_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o subject_n little_o speak_v to_o either_o by_o jewish_a or_o christian_a writer_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o hope_n there_o may_v be_v some_o such_o clear_a note_n of_o distinction_n discover_v between_o they_o even_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la which_o may_v sufficient_o clear_v god_n faithfulness_n and_o the_o prophet_n truth_n though_o the_o event_n be_v not_o always_o correspondent_a to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o prediction_n i_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v give_v when_o 5._o prediction_n do_v flow_v from_o internal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n every_o prediction_n confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n do_v not_o express_v mere_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n but_o the_o determination_n of_o 1._o god_n will_v because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n give_v why_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v alter_v to_o express_v the_o dependence_n of_o thing_n on_o each_o other_o for_o herein_o a_o miracle_n will_v rather_o ten_o d_o to_o weaken_v then_o strengthen_v faith_n because_o the_o end_n of_o the_o miracle_n will_v be_v to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n as_o to_o event_n follow_v upon_o their_o cause_n but_o now_o the_o medium_n use_v for_o that_o end_n seem_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a viz._n that_o god_n can_v alter_v the_o series_n of_o cause_n when_o he_o please_v himself_o by_o work_v miracle_n and_o therein_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o a_o miracle_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a incongruous_a argument_n in_o this_o because_o its_o self_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o may_v be_v which_o it_o come_v to_o prove_v shall_v not_o be_v but_o when_o prophet_n come_v to_o declare_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n concern_v future_a contingency_n no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v then_o the_o work_n of_o a_o present_a miracle_n for_o this_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n that_o however_o unlikely_a the_o event_n may_v be_v to_o they_o which_o be_v foretell_v yet_o with_o god_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a god_n will_v send_v such_o a_o messenger_n to_o declare_v a_o falsehood_n who_o he_o entrust_v so_o great_a a_o power_n with_o as_o that_o of_o work_a miracle_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o remarkable_a prophecy_n concern_v josias_n by_o the_o man_n of_o god_n at_o bethel_n 260_o year_n before_o his_o birth_n which_o though_o it_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o long_o after_o god_n confirm_v it_o by_o a_o sign_n which_o 3._o be_v the_o rent_v of_o the_o altar_n and_o the_o pour_v out_o of_o the_o ash_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o wither_a of_o jeroboam_n hand_n we_o can_v therefore_o in_o reason_n think_v that_o god_n will_v set_v so_o clear_a a_o seal_n to_o any_o deed_n which_o he_o do_v intend_v himself_o to_o cancel_v afterward_o prediction_n express_v god_n inward_a purpose_n when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v do_v exceed_v all_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o which_o 2._o case_n those_o word_n of_o tertullian_n seem_v very_o harsh_a credo_fw-la quia_fw-la
when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o shall_v all_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o every_o one_o that_o live_v in_o the_o gospel_n state_n shall_v be_v thus_o effectual_o teach_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v so_o far_o exceed_v those_o under_o the_o law_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o apprehend_v the_o disproportion_n between_o they_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v set_v forth_o in_o so_o large_a a_o expression_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o next_o rule_n thing_n foretold_v as_o universal_o or_o indefinite_o to_o come_v to_o 3._o pass_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o but_o as_o to_o the_o event_n only_o of_o god_n choose_v people_n thus_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a peace_n prophesy_v to_o be_v in_o gospel_n time_n that_o then_o man_n shall_v beat_v their_o sword_n into_o plow-shear_n and_o spear_n 4._o into_o pruning-hook_n that_o the_o wolf_n shall_v lie_v down_o with_o the_o lamb_n and_o leopard_n with_o the_o kid_n that_o nation_n shall_v not_o lift_v 7._o up_o sword_n against_o nation_n nor_o learn_v war_n any_o more_o with_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n all_o these_o speech_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o what_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n tend_v to_o and_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o what_o will_v effectual_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n hearty_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o it_o and_o so_o far_o as_o the_o gospel_n do_v prevail_v upon_o any_o it_o so_o far_o cicurate_v their_o wild_a and_o unruly_a nature_n that_o of_o furious_a wolf_n they_o become_v innocent_a lamb_n and_o of_o rage_a lion_n tender_a kid_n so_o far_o from_o hurt_v and_o injure_v other_o that_o they_o dare_v not_o entertain_v any_o thought_n of_o ill_a will_n or_o revenge_n towards_o their_o great_a enemy_n and_o thus_o we_o may_v see_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a repugnancy_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o the_o new_a with_o the_o event_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o it_o yet_o that_o all_o those_o prediction_n which_o concern_v the_o bestow_n of_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o concern_v the_o gospel_n state_n have_v have_v their_o punctual_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o be_v intend_v prediction_n concern_v future_a event_n where_o not_o only_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n be_v foretell_v but_o the_o several_a circumstance_n of_o person_n 5._o time_n and_o place_n enumerate_v be_v to_o have_v their_o due_a accomplishment_n and_o consequent_o express_v god_n inward_a purpose_n for_o those_o promise_n or_o commination_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o alteration_n by_o some_o tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o run_v in_o general_a term_n or_o else_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a address_n to_o the_o person_n concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o stir_v they_o up_o the_o more_o to_o the_o duty_n god_n aim_v at_o by_o those_o commination_n as_o when_o jonas_n limit_v the_o ninivites_n destruction_n to_o forty_o day_n but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v record_v not_o by_o way_n of_o commination_n but_o mere_a prediction_n and_o particular_a circumstance_n set_v down_o it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o such_o prophecy_n must_v have_v their_o certain_a accomplishment_n and_o that_o first_o because_o god_n by_o set_v down_o the_o circumstance_n will_v give_v they_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o prediction_n come_v from_o himself_o as_o when_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n not_o only_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o the_o altar_n there_o but_o particular_o name_v the_o man_n that_o shall_v do_v it_o viz._n josias_n so_o when_o god_n by_o isaiah_n call_v cyrus_n by_o name_n it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o they_o that_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v by_o that_o person_n second_o because_o these_o circumstance_n be_v intend_v for_o landmark_n to_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o prophecy_n for_o when_o they_o find_v the_o circumstance_n fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o prediction_n they_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o grand_a prophecy_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o particular_a circumstance_n be_v so_o long_o before_o foretell_v the_o first_o dawn_n of_o his_o day_n be_v to_o adam_n after_o his_o fall_n when_o the_o nature_n he_o shall_v be_v bear_v of_o be_v foretell_v viz._n not_o angelical_a but_o humane_a of_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n to_o abraham_n it_o be_v further_o reveal_v of_o what_o nation_n of_o mankind_n viz._n from_o his_o posterity_n to_o jacob_n at_o what_o time_n when_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v be_v depart_v from_o judah_n and_o from_o what_o tribe_n viz._n judah_n to_o david_n of_o what_o family_n in_o that_o tribe_n viz._n his_o own_o to_o isaiah_n of_o what_o person_n in_o that_o family_n a_o virgin_n to_o micah_n in_o what_o place_n viz._n bethlehem_n and_o to_o daniel_n at_o what_o precise_a time_n towards_o the_o expire_n of_o his_o seventy_o week_n which_o according_a to_o to_o the_o most_o probable_a computation_n of_o they_o do_v commence_v from_o the_o seven_o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n longimanus_fw-la and_o so_o the_o 490._o year_n expire_v near_o upon_o our_o saviour_n passion_n now_o certain_o the_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o all_o these_o circumstance_n speak_v of_o so_o long_o before_o and_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o they_o can_v not_o but_o give_v the_o great_a conviction_n and_o evidence_n that_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v that_o person_n so_o much_o speak_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o all_o these_o several_a line_n do_v meet_v as_o in_o their_o centre_n last_o prediction_n than_o express_v divine_a purpose_n when_o many_o 6._o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n because_o it_o be_v hardly_o see_v but_o all_o those_o tacit_a condition_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o general_a promise_n or_o commination_n may_v be_v alter_v in_o different_a age_n but_o when_o the_o condition_n alter_v and_o the_o continueâ—he_v â—he_z same_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n it_o be_v some_o immutable_a counsel_n of_o god_n which_o be_v express_v in_o those_o prediction_n and_o in_o this_o case_n one_o prediction_n confirm_v the_o forego_n as_o the_o jew_n say_v of_o prophet_n one_o prophet_n that_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o another_o prophet_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v true_a but_o it_o must_v be_v with_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o other_o prophet_n be_v before_o approve_v to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n now_o both_o these_o meet_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v our_o saviour_n for_o to_o he_o bear_v all_o the_o prophet_n witness_n and_o in_o their_o several_a age_n they_o have_v several_a thing_n reveal_v to_o they_o concern_v he_o and_o the_o uniformity_n and_o perfect_a harmony_n of_o all_o these_o several_a prophecy_n by_o person_n at_o so_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o and_o be_v of_o several_a interest_n and_o employment_n and_o in_o several_a place_n yet_o all_o give_a light_n to_o each_o other_o and_o exact_o meet_v at_o last_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n do_v give_v we_o yet_o a_o further_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o all_o those_o several_a beam_n come_v from_o the_o same_o sun_n when_o all_o those_o scatter_a ray_n be_v at_o last_o gather_v into_o one_o body_n again_o at_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o have_v we_o now_o clear_v when_o prediction_n be_v expressive_a 10._o of_o god_n internal_a purpose_n by_o observation_n of_o which_o rule_v we_o may_v easy_o resolve_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disficulty_n when_o they_o only_o express_v the_o series_n and_o dependency_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v have_v their_o issue_n and_o accomplishment_n if_o god_n by_o his_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o the_o entail_n of_o effect_n upon_o their_o natural_a cause_n now_o as_o to_o these_o prophecy_n which_o concern_v thing_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o not_o precise_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v these_o rule_n 1._o commination_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v not_o in_o themselves_o speak_v the_o absolute_a futurity_n of_o the_o event_n but_o do_v only_o declare_v what_o the_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v be_v to_o expect_v and_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v unless_o god_n by_o his_o mercy_n interpose_v between_o the_o threaten_a and_o the_o event_n so_o that_o commination_n do_v speak_v only_o the_o debitum_fw-la poenae_fw-la and_o
the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n but_o therein_o god_n do_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o absolute_a promise_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o commination_n confer_v no_o right_n to_o any_o which_o absolute_a promise_n do_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o necessary_a performance_n of_o what_o he_o threaten_v indeed_o the_o guilt_n or_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a where_o the_o offence_n hâ—â—_n be_v commit_v to_o which_o the_o threaten_a be_v annex_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o punishment_n do_v still_o depend_v upon_o god_n arbitrarious_fw-la will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v suspend_v or_o remove_v it_o upon_o serious_a address_n make_v to_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o take_v the_o present_a forfeiture_n of_o the_o first_o grand_a transgression_n but_o make_v such_o a_o relaxation_n of_o that_o penal_a law_n that_o condition_n of_o pardon_n be_v admittable_a notwithstanding_o sentence_v pass_v upon_o the_o malefactor_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o presumption_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o god_n forbearance_n of_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o sin_n do_v suppose_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o particular_a threaten_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v suppose_v incorrigibleness_n in_o those_o they_o be_v pronounce_v against_o upon_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o hope_n be_v build_v that_o if_o timely_a repentance_n do_v intervene_v god_n will_v remove_v those_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n upon_o jonas_n his_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o when_o the_o threaten_a 11._o be_v so_o peremptory_a yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v of_o pardon_n must_v be_v from_o 4._o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o man_n soul_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o remove_v judgement_n upon_o repentance_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o despair_n and_o not_o the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o supplicate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n after_o they_o be_v convince_v these_o commination_n come_v from_o god_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n some_o think_v that_o jonas_n together_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n do_v intermix_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o probability_n at_o all_o for_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o jonas_n then_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o have_v undertake_v this_o message_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v the_o harshness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n he_o seek_v to_o have_v avoid_v it_o by_o fly_v to_o tarshish_n second_o jonas_n will_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n at_o all_o for_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n at_o god_n pardon_v ninive_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v because_o the_o ninivites_n may_v now_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o the_o event_n answer_v not_o his_o prediction_n now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o this_o if_o he_o have_v mix_v promise_n together_o with_o his_o threaten_n for_o than_o nothing_o will_v have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o message_n jonas_n be_v send_v with_o be_v only_o the_o commination_n of_o their_o speedy_a ruin_n which_o god_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v they_o the_o soon_o an_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n to_o repentance_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v in_o so_o peremptory_a a_o manner_n although_o it_o seem_v jonas_n have_v before_o such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v that_o he_o may_v suppose_v god_n intention_n by_o this_o 2._o severe_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v only_o to_o take_v occasion_n upon_o their_o repentance_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o in_o his_o preach_v what_o ever_o his_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o utter_v no_o more_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o particular_a message_n than_o be_v in_o their_o commission_n and_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v their_o own_o word_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v further_o understand_v the_o denunciation_n of_o death_n to_o hezekiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o 1._o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o prophet_n reveal_v to_o hezekiah_n as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o for_o to_o say_v as_o molinaeus_n do_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v 6._o these_o word_n of_o his_o own_o head_n before_o he_o full_o understand_v god_n mind_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o incongruous_a but_o god_n may_v at_o first_o discover_v to_o isaiah_n not_o his_o internal_a purpose_n but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o unless_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n interpose_v which_o message_n he_o will_v have_v isaiah_n carry_v to_o hezekiah_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o exciting_a he_o to_o the_o more_o lively_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o he_o in_o prolong_v his_o life_n beyond_o humane_a probability_n and_o the_o course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o what_o repugnancy_n be_v there_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v from_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o message_n the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v good_a to_o man_n shall_v only_o reveal_v what_o will_v certain_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v unless_o himself_o have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o repentance_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v far_o from_o import_v any_o real_a mutation_n in_o the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n a_o rock_n some_o have_v split_v themselves_o upon_o but_o it_o only_o signify_v the_o outward_a change_n of_o the_o scene_n towards_o man_n and_o act_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v seem_v to_o import_v and_o all_o the_o alteration_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v certain_o far_o from_o be_v any_o collusion_n in_o god_n unless_o we_o must_v suppose_v god_n so_o bind_v up_o that_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n of_o use_v his_o own_o method_n for_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n grace_n but_o must_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o word_n declare_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o internal_a purpose_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o awaken_v they_o to_o duty_n and_o deter_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o annex_v threaten_n without_o reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o internal_a purpose_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n at_o all_o which_o threaten_n of_o his_o though_o pronounce_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n do_v not_o speak_v god_n inward_a resolution_n as_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o what_o all_o must_v expect_v if_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a for_o the_o only_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n being_n repentance_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o where_o that_o be_v want_v these_o hypothetical_a commination_n be_v absolute_a prediction_n of_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o any_o commination_n be_v pronounce_v by_o any_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o people_n and_o no_o 13._o alteration_n happen_v at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a there_o the_o not_o come_v of_o they_o to_o pass_v may_v be_v a_o token_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o only_a tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_a prophecy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v want_v and_o so_o the_o commination_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o absolute_a prediction_n now_o in_o those_o commination_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absolute_o express_v but_o conditional_o understand_v we_o find_v something_o interpose_v which_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v be_v the_o very_a condition_n understand_v as_o abimelech_n restore_v of_o sarah_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n after_o it_o be_v denounce_v be_v
its_o self_n a_o common_a and_o universal_a effect_n must_v flow_v from_o some_o common_a and_o universal_a cause_n so_o the_o stoic_a argue_v in_o tully_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 2._o non_fw-la tam_fw-la stabilis_fw-la opinio_fw-la permaneret_fw-la nec_fw-la confirmaretur_fw-la diuturnitate_fw-la remporis_fw-la nec_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la seculis_fw-la aetatibusque_fw-la hominum_fw-la inveterare_fw-la potuisset_fw-la it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o mankind_n in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o grow_v wise_a enough_o to_o rid_v its_o self_n of_o so_o troublesome_a a_o opinion_n as_o that_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a we_o see_v in_o all_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o world_n other_o vain_a opinion_n have_v be_v detect_v refute_v and_o shake_v off_o if_o this_o have_v be_v such_o how_o come_v it_o to_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n opinionum_fw-la commenta_fw-la delet_fw-la dies_fw-la naturae_fw-la judicia_fw-la confirmat_fw-la it_o be_v a_o great_a discredit_n to_o time_n to_o make_v it_o like_o a_o river_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o only_o light_a thing_n when_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n be_v sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o past_a recovery_n this_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_a allusion_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o write_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n for_o these_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o pass_v down_o the_o strong_a current_n of_o time_n with_o the_o same_o facility_n that_o a_o well_o build_v ship_n though_o of_o good_a burden_n do_v furrow_v the_o ocean_n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o the_o allegory_n it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o sink_v but_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o their_o superficies_n to_o that_o of_o the_o water_n so_o we_o see_v a_o small_a piece_n of_o wood_n will_v sink_v when_o a_o stately_a ship_n be_v bear_v up_o so_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o that_o agreeableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n may_v soon_o be_v lose_v but_o such_o as_o lie_v so_o even_o upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v still_o float_v above_o the_o water_n and_o never_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o swift_a current_n of_o time_n thus_o we_o assert_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v continue_v but_o now_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n how_o mankind_n shall_v universal_o agree_v in_o 11._o some_o common_a sentiment_n much_o less_o how_o it_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o anticipation_n as_o himself_o grant_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a particle_n of_o matter_n as_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o most_o smooth_a and_o round_a atom_n if_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o apprehend_v how_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o anticipation_n or_o commction_n can_v be_v lodge_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o small_a spherical_a corpuscle_n which_o move_v up_o and_o down_o the_o body_n as_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n suppose_v than_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n must_v depend_v on_o motion_n which_o motion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n which_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o inuenies_fw-la primis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la esse_fw-la creatam_fw-la notitiam_fw-la very_fw-la 4._o if_o then_o our_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n come_v in_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o sensation_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n what_o become_v of_o all_o common_a notion_n and_o of_o the_o prolepsis_n of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n come_v in_o by_o sense_n which_o epicurus_n himself_o deny_v when_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o deity_n not_o corpus_fw-la but_o quasi_fw-la corpus_fw-la as_o 1._o tully_n tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a notion_n which_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a consent_n among_o man_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o our_o sense_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o truth_n man_n shall_v differ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v try_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n such_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o where_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o uncertain_a in_o their_o judgement_n then_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o to_o go_v by_o in_o the_o judge_n of_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v it_o so_o that_o man_n be_v nothing_o so_o much_o agree_v about_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o they_o be_v about_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v a_o god_n can_v be_v salve_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o according_a to_o which_o no_o account_n at_o all_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o universal_a or_o common_a notion_n neither_o can_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v enervate_v 12._o with_o any_o great_a probability_n by_o those_o atheist_n who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o resolve_v this_o consent_n whole_o into_o mere_a tradition_n such_o as_o the_o fable_n of_o poet_n be_v convey_v in_o from_o one_o to_o another_o for_o i_o demand_v concern_v this_o tradition_n whether_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o beginning_n or_o no_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v no_o tradition_n for_o that_o must_v run_v up_o to_o some_o person_n from_o who_o it_o first_o come_v again_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v on_o the_o same_o account_n on_o which_o they_o make_v the_o world_n eternal_a and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o free_a act_n of_o man_n will_n which_o tradition_n suppose_v and_o so_o some_o false_a opinion_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o by_o consequence_n the_o world_n be_v eternal_a may_v be_v a_o necessary_a false_a opinion_n but_o if_o any_o false_a opinion_n be_v once_o grant_v necessary_a it_o than_o follow_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o nature_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o some_o notorious_a falsity_n which_o be_v the_o high_a impeachment_n the_o atheist_n can_v have_v lay_v upon_o his_o only_a adore_a nature_n which_o must_v then_o have_v do_v that_o which_o aristotle_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v ever_o nature_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o which_o be_v something_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n have_v rational_a faculty_n if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o be_v deceive_v if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o tradition_n have_v once_o a_o beginning_n either_o it_o begin_v with_o humane_a nature_n or_o humane_a nature_n do_v exist_v long_o before_o it_o if_o it_o begin_v with_o mankind_n than_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o so_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a if_o mankind_n do_v exist_v before_o this_o tradition_n i_o then_o inquire_v in_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n come_v this_o tradition_n first_o to_o be_v embrace_v if_o it_o do_v not_o supppse_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v any_o age_n be_v mention_v in_o history_n wherein_o this_o tradition_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v and_o which_o be_v most_o to_o our_o purpose_n the_o further_o we_o go_v back_o in_o history_n the_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o deity_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o heathen_a history_n but_o however_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_o this_o tradition_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v trace_v the_o poetic_a fable_n to_o their_o true_a original_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o we_o know_v the_o particular_a author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o course_n they_o take_v in_o divulge_v of_o they_o we_o find_v great_a
he_o likewise_o assert_v although_o one_o will_v think_v if_o gravity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o motion_n than_o the_o more_o gravity_n the_o swister_n the_o motion_n will_v be_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o atom_n shall_v embrace_v each_o other_o in_o a_o parallel_n line_n if_o they_o fall_v down_o as_o lucretius_n express_v it_o like_o drop_n of_o rain_n and_o therefore_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o motion_n decline_v a_o little_a that_o so_o they_o may_v justle_v and_o hit_v one_o upon_o another_o but_o this_o oblique_a motion_n of_o the_o atom_n though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a refuge_n leave_v to_o salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n by_o a_o concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v yet_o as_o precarious_a and_o without_o reason_n as_o any_o other_o supposition_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o tully_n charge_v this_o motion_n of_o declination_n with_o two_o great_a fault_n futility_n and_o inefficacy_n quae_fw-la cum_fw-la res_fw-la tota_fw-la ficta_fw-la sit_fw-la pueriliter_fw-la tum_fw-la ne_fw-la efficit_fw-la 1._o quidem_fw-la quod_fw-la vult_fw-la it_o be_v a_o childish_a fancy_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o first_o it_o be_v assert_v without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o give_v for_o it_o which_o be_v unworthy_a a_o philosopher_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o if_o all_o atom_n say_v he_o decline_v in_o their_o motion_n than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v stick_v together_o if_o some_o decline_n and_o other_o do_v not_o thâ—s_o be_v as_o precarious_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o assign_v a_o diversity_n of_o motion_n in_o indivisible_a particle_n which_o yet_o have_v all_o the_o same_o velocity_n of_o motion_n and_o as_o tully_n say_v hoc_fw-la erit_fw-la quasi_fw-la provincias_fw-la atomis_fw-la dare_v quae_fw-la recte_fw-la quae_fw-la oblique_a fâ—rantur_fw-la as_o though_o epicurus_n be_v the_o general_n at_o this_o rendezvous_n of_o atom_n who_o stand_v ready_a to_o appoint_v every_o one_o his_o task_n and_o motion_n this_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a charge_n against_o epicurus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o introduce_v such_o a_o motion_n of_o declination_n out_o of_o nothing_o fato_fw-la upon_o no_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o turnebus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o desire_v so_o small_a a_o declination_n be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o ground_n of_o reason_n et_fw-la epicurei_n sibi_fw-la conscii_fw-la culpae_fw-la timide_fw-la eam_fw-la ponebant_fw-la &_o minimam_fw-la sibi_fw-la post_fw-la ulabant_fw-la to_o which_o purpose_n turnebus_n cite_v those_o verse_n of_o lucretius_n quare_fw-la etiam_fw-la at_o que_fw-la etiam_fw-la paulum_fw-la inclinare_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la corpora_fw-la nec_fw-la plusquam_fw-la minimum_fw-la ne_fw-la fingere_fw-la motus_fw-la 2._o obliquos_fw-la videamur_fw-la &_o id_fw-la res_fw-la vera_fw-la refutet_fw-la namque_fw-la hoc_fw-la in_o promptu_fw-la manifest_a unique_fw-la esse_fw-la videmus_fw-la pondera_fw-la quantum_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la obliqua_fw-la more_fw-mi esupero_fw-la cum_fw-la praecipitant_fw-la quod_fw-la cernere_fw-la possis_fw-la sed_fw-la nihil_fw-la omnino_fw-la recta_fw-la region_fw-la viai_fw-la declinare_fw-la quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la possit_fw-la cernere_fw-la sese_fw-la but_o this_o argument_n of_o lucretius_n will_v hold_v if_o at_o all_o further_o than_o this_o little_a declination_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o they_o desire_v then_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v imagine_v quo_fw-la nihil_fw-la possit_fw-la fieri_fw-la minus_fw-la tully_n express_v it_o but_o if_o they_o may_v decline_v a_o little_a why_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v but_o a_o little_a oblique_a motion_n at_o first_o will_n in_o a_o infinite_a space_n grow_v to_o be_v very_o oblique_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v the_o motion_n which_o way_n it_o bend_v now_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o little_a motion_n of_o declination_n the_o atom_n will_v be_v incline_v that_o way_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o obliquity_n in_o a_o motion_n through_o a_o great_a space_n shall_v at_o last_o come_v to_o be_v very_o great_a there_o be_v no_o centre_n at_o all_o to_o guide_v the_o motion_n towards_o and_o the_o gravity_n not_o hinder_v this_o little_a declination_n therefore_o tully_n ask_v that_o question_n cur_n declinet_fw-la uno_fw-la minimus_fw-la non_fw-la declinet_fw-la duobus_fw-la aut_fw-la tribus_fw-la why_o only_o it_o decline_v one_o minime_fw-la and_o not_o two_o or_o fato_fw-la three_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o impulsion_n from_o any_o other_o atom_n which_o make_v it_o decline_v that_o one_o minime_fw-la neither_o be_v there_o any_o impediment_n in_o the_o space_n to_o hinder_v it_o from_o decline_a more_o so_o that_o as_o he_o well_o say_v optare_fw-la hoc_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la disputare_fw-la this_o be_v to_o beg_v hypothesis_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v they_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v prove_v epicurus_n to_o do_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v viz._n that_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o epicurus_n be_v very_o precarious_a and_o be_v build_v on_o no_o foundation_n of_o reason_n 2._o it_o be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o insufficient_a as_o well_o as_o precarious_a for_o shall_v we_o grant_v his_o two_o main_a principle_n atom_n and_o his_o 17._o infinite_a empty_a space_n yet_o we_o deny_v that_o ever_o his_o atom_n with_o all_o their_o occursion_n will_v ever_o produce_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n to_o run_v through_o the_o note_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o to_o show_v how_o insufficient_a a_o account_n the_o epicurean_o be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o they_o from_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v a_o task_n too_o large_a to_o be_v here_o undertake_v there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o suggest_v then_o insist_v upon_o to_o see_v what_o miserable_a shift_n the_o epicurean_o be_v drive_v to_o for_o the_o salve_v of_o they_o and_o shall_v then_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v what_o unmeasurable_a confidence_n it_o be_v in_o any_o to_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o credulity_n as_o well_o as_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v the_o world_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 1._o the_o great_a varieiy_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o particle_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o the_o alteration_n of_o size_n shape_n and_o motion_n that_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v of_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v tolerable_a but_o rational_a as_o in_o the_o object_n and_o operation_n on_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n those_o affection_n which_o be_v mistake_v for_o real_a quality_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o all_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o nature_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o different_a configuration_n and_o motion_n of_o atom_n be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o man_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o sensation_n memory_n intellection_n volition_n etc._n etc._n mere_o because_o of_o a_o different_a shape_n size_n and_o motion_n from_o what_o they_o have_v in_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o require_v a_o new_a configuration_n of_o atom_n in_o we_o to_o make_v we_o understand_v may_v it_o not_o be_v hope_v that_o at_o least_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o this_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n the_o particle_n may_v light_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n in_o stone_n as_o to_o make_v they_o flic_a in_o plant_n to_o make_v they_o all_o sensitive_a and_o in_o beast_n to_o make_v they_o reason_n and_o discourse_v what_o may_v hinder_v such_o a_o configuration_n or_o motion_n of_o particle_n if_o all_o these_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o no_o high_a principle_n we_o see_v in_o other_o body_n what_o different_a appearance_n be_v cause_v by_o a_o sudden_a alteration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v compound_v why_o may_v it_o not_o fall_v out_o so_o in_o the_o thing_n mention_v neither_o can_v this_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v 1._o because_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v casual_a still_o according_a to_o they_o and_o who_o know_v what_o chance_n may_v do_v for_o the_o seminal_a principle_n themselves_o be_v i_o suppose_v according_a to_o they_o of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v liable_a to_o different_a motion_n and_o configuration_n 2._o because_o all_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o continual_a motion_n because_o of_o that_o
possibility_n of_o existence_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o give_v actual_a existence_n to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v its_o self_n for_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_o existent_a if_o another_o than_o give_v existence_n this_o existence_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o who_o give_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v continue_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n but_o what_o may_v give_v it_o to_o its_o self_n for_o it_o give_v it_o for_o the_o moment_n it_o continue_v it_o and_o what_o give_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n must_v necessary_o exist_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o create_v be_v so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o nonexistence_n or_o annihilation_n in_o a_o creature_n which_o follow_v upon_o necessity_n of_o existence_n or_o else_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o the_o duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o be_v do_v immediate_o depend_v on_o divine_a providence_n and_o conservation_n which_o be_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o frequency_n say_v to_o be_v a_o continue_a creation_n but_o yet_o further_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n necessary_a to_o put_v thing_n into_o that_o order_n they_o be_v in_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessary_a for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n when_o set_v in_o motion_n shall_v either_o bring_v thing_n into_o that_o exquisite_a order_n and_o dependence_n which_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v upon_o each_o other_o much_o less_o that_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o that_o first_o motion_n all_o thing_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n be_v yet_o one_o of_o the_o desiderata_fw-la of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o exquisite_a mechanism_n can_v put_v a_o engine_n beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v look_v after_o can_v we_o then_o think_v this_o dull_a unactive_a matter_n mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o first_o motion_n shall_v be_v able_a still_o to_o produce_v the_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o tumble_v at_o least_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o pristine_a chaos_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n i_o grant_v which_o give_v that_o first_o moâ—ion_n but_o that_o it_o give_v power_n to_o continue_v that_o motion_n till_o the_o constagration_n of_o the_o world_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v prove_v some_o therefore_o find_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n matter_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o all_o the_o note_a and_o common_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o the_o world_n have_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o man-midwife_n to_o matter_n to_o help_v she_o in_o her_o production_n of_o thing_n or_o as_o though_o god_n have_v a_o plurality_n of_o world_n to_o look_v after_o they_o have_v take_v care_n to_o substitute_v he_o a_o vicar_n in_o this_o which_o be_v this_o spirit_n of_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v rather_o believe_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v perpetual_o resident_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o power_n which_o give_v life_n and_o be_v and_o motion_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o own_o providence_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v 28_o thus_o than_o we_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o assert_v divine_a providence_n 4._o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a objection_n behind_o which_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o inquisitive_a man_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o concern_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o other_o concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n fare_v so_o hard_o in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o bad_a triumph_n and_o flourish_v if_o these_o two_o can_v be_v clear_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o such_o clear_a light_n and_o direction_n in_o these_o profound_a speculation_n which_o the_o dim_a reason_n of_o man_n be_v so_o much_o to_o seek_v in_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hand_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v evil_a then_o into_o it_o without_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o speculation_n of_o as_o great_a depth_n as_o necessity_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o entertain_v the_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n so_o to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o easy_o then_o assent_v to_o what_o origen_n say_v on_o this_o 207._o subject_n when_o celsus_n upon_o some_o mistake_a place_n of_o scripture_n have_v charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o lay_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a upon_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o thing_n which_o call_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v of_o difficult_a investigation_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o simplicius_n well_o begin_v his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 34._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o be_v well_o state_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a impiety_n towards_o god_n and_o pervert_v the_o principle_n of_o good_a life_n anâ—_n involve_v they_o in_o innumerable_a perplexity_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o so_o much_o then_o be_v it_o our_o great_a concernment_n to_o fix_v on_o sure_a ground_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o important_a question_n in_o which_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o depth_n and_o intricacye_n of_o it_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o any_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n will_v which_o be_v beyond_o our_o present_a scope_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v that_o account_n of_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o give_v in_o relate_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v not_o charge_v it_o upon_o god_n 3._o that_o no_o account_n give_v by_o philosopher_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a be_v so_o clear_a and_o rational_a as_o this_o be_v 4._o that_o the_o most_o material_a circumstance_n of_o this_o account_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a we_o be_v bind_v without_o hesitation_n to_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o their_o plain_a and_o direct_a affirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o suspending_a assent_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n but_o the_o want_n of_o certain_a evidence_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o no._n no_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o numerous_a controversy_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n especial_o to_o those_o bold_a dispute_n concern_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o god_n decree_n if_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a and_o can_v man_n but_o rest_n content_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o which_o on_o that_o account_n be_v write_v with_o all_o imaginable_a perspicuity_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o moment_n of_o all_o other_o controversy_n be_v judge_v by_o their_o reference_n to_o these_o there_o will_v be_v few_o controversy_n and_o more_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n now_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a principle_n which_o concern_v man_n eternal_a condition_n of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a certainty_n from_o scripture_n and_o on_o which_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n rely_v without_o perplex_v our_o mind_n about_o those_o more_o nice_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n
shall_v discover_v further_o than_o god_n general_a goodness_n to_o such_o as_o please_v he_o but_o no_o foundation_n can_v be_v gather_v thence_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v alone_o be_v discover_v by_o his_o will._n i_o can_v think_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v such_o itinerant_a preacher_n as_o to_o unfold_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n acceptance_n with_o god_n upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o every_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n can_v do_v that_o which_o the_o star_n once_o do_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n lead_v they_o unto_o christ._n the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o parhelius_fw-la to_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o best_a astronomer_n will_v never_o find_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o number_n what_o st._n austin_n say_v oâ—_n tully_n work_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v admirable_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o legible_a there_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v not_o engrave_v on_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n if_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v on_o a_o needless_a errand_n which_o the_o world_n have_v understand_v without_o their_o preach_v viz_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v to_o man_n their_o trespass_n and_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 19_o how_o be_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o apostle_n quaere_fw-la elsewhere_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o answer_v how_o can_v man_n hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n for_o than_o they_o may_v have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n without_o 14._o any_o special_a messenger_n send_v to_o deliver_v it_o to_o they_o i_o grant_v that_o god_n long_o suffer_v and_o patience_n be_v intend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o that_o some_o general_a collection_n may_v be_v make_v from_o providence_n of_o the_o placability_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o that_o god_n never_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n be_v king_n to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o do_v good_a in_o give_v rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n but_o though_o 36._o these_o thing_n may_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o such_o who_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o his_o great_a severity_n and_o thereby_o do_v give_v man_n encouragement_n to_o hearken_v out_o &_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n yet_o all_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v suppose_v god_n himself_o publish_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o indemnity_n to_o the_o world_n wherein_o he_o assure_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o true_o repent_v and_o unfeigned_o believe_v his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o understand_v what_o god_n himself_o have_v discover_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v sin_n upon_o those_o gracious_a term_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o these_o two_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o most_o faithful_a representation_n of_o â—_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o world_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o divine_a revelation_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v brrught_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o discover_v in_o a_o uncertain_a platonical_a way_n but_o with_o the_o great_a light_n and_o evidence_n from_o that_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o best_o know_v and_o understand_v they_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n when_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o god_n will_v call_v man_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n here_o of_o all_o the_o receipt_n they_o have_v have_v from_o he_o and_o the_o expense_n they_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o improvement_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o talent_n he_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o full_a instrument_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o condition_n which_o abide_v it_o upon_o its_o be_v dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n discover_v as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o prospective-glass_n reach_v to_o its_o future_a state_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a looking-glass_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o spot_n and_o deformity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o only_o show_v where_o they_o be_v but_o whence_o they_o come_v what_o their_o nature_n be_v and_o whether_o they_o tend_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o that_o disorder_n and_o discomposure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v only_o full_o and_o satisfactory_o give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o this_o corruption_n in_o man_n have_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v have_v not_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o glass_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o secret_a work_n of_o those_o bee_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o folly_n of_o our_o imagination_n the_o unruliness_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o distemper_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o abundant_a deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o most_o elephantine_n sinner_n one_o of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n so_o to_o trouble_v these_o water_n as_o not_o therein_o to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o deformity_n but_o that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a senseless_a spirit_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v most_o full_o describe_v the_o tendency_n of_o corruption_n that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o continuance_n in_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a misery_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o perpetual_a separation_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o undergo_a the_o lash_n and_o severity_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o eternity_n what_o a_o great_a discovery_n be_v this_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o man_n to_o undo_v themselves_o without_o let_v they_o know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o god_n seek_v not_o to_o entrap_v man_n soul_n nor_o do_v he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o full_o declare_v to_o they_o what_o the_o consequence_n and_o issue_n of_o their_o sinful_a practice_n will_v be_v assure_v they_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v declare_v his_o own_o future_a severity_n against_o contumacious_a sinner_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v themselves_o surprise_v and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a danger_n in_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v such_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o run_v into_o eternal_a misery_n now_o god_n to_o prevent_v this_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v show_v man_n the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o ask_v they_o before_o hand_n what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v his_o wrath_n and_o wrestle_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n if_o not_o he_o bid_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v already_o and_o repent_v &_o amend_v their_o life_n lest_o iniquity_n prove_v their_o ruin_n &_o destruction_n overtake_v they_o and_o that_o without_o remedy_n now_o if_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o prize_n and_o value_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n one_o that_o tender_v their_o good_a and_o will_v prevent_v their_o ruin_n we_o have_v cause_n exceed_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o the_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o
but_o give_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o the_o main_a question_n without_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o several_a place_n they_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o battle_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o force_n than_o they_o can_v advantage_v it_o by_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 3._o another_o great_a pretence_n the_o atheist_n have_v be_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o invention_n of_o politician_n which_o they_o awe_n people_n with_o as_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n as_o mother_n send_v young_a child_n to_o school_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o better_a order_n that_o they_o may_v govern_v they_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o religion_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o well-governing_a the_o world_n nay_o so_o great_a that_o be_v the_o atheist_n opinion_n true_a and_o the_o world_n persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o world_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o civil_a society_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o on_o force_n as_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n which_o hold_v a_o nation_n that_o own_v religion_n as_o true_a in_o far_o sure_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n then_o ever_o violence_n can_v do_v for_o in_o this_o case_n only_o a_o opportunity_n be_v watch_v for_o to_o shake_v off_o that_o which_o they_o account_v a_o yoke_n upon_o their_o neck_n whereas_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n out_o of_o conscience_n the_o rain_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o great_a ease_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n be_v better_o manage_v by_o they_o then_o by_o such_o as_o only_a gall_n and_o enrage_v they_o so_o that_o i_o grant_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o most_o serviceable_a principle_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a religion_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o real_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o do_v not_o man_n love_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n their_o estate_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o law_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v because_o magistrate_n persuade_v people_n to_o obedience_n by_o suit_v law_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o man_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n first_o make_v they_o love_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o propensity_n to_o religion_n in_o man_n for_o civil_a end_n but_o his_o make_n use_v of_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o and_o not_o instill_v it_o for_o be_v religion_n nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o design_n only_o of_o politician_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v that_o design_n from_o be_v discover_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o when_o once_o it_o come_v to_o be_v know_v it_o will_v hurry_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o confusion_n and_o the_o people_n will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o obligation_n but_o every_o one_o will_v seek_v to_o do_v other_o what_o mischief_n he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o obey_v no_o further_o than_o fear_n and_o force_v constrain_v he_o therefore_o no_o principle_n can_v be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o a_o state_n as_o atheism_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o promote_v its_o peace_n then_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v the_o better_a subject_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a in_o civil_a society_n as_o well_o then_o may_v a_o atheist_n say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n because_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v nor_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v because_o that_o may_v be_v cheat_v as_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o design_n because_o man_n may_v make_v it_o stalk_v to_o their_o private_a end_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v other_o thing_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v apparent_o true_a so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v 3._o as_o certain_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v his_o nature_n when_o we_o demand_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o thing_n our_o first_o eye_n must_v be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v prove_v for_o thing_n equal_o true_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o equal_a evidence_n nor_o have_v like_o manner_n of_o probation_n there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n will_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n we_o can_v prove_v the_o earth_n be_v round_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n nor_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a by_o corporeal_a phantasm_n every_o distinct_a kind_n of_o be_v have_v its_o peculiar_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o wonder_v at_o if_o the_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a be_v have_v his_o peculiar_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n if_o then_o we_o have_v as_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o have_v these_o follow_v for_o 1._o if_o god_n have_v stamp_v a_o universal_a character_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n 3._o if_o 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have_v find_v out_o as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n he_o be_v no_o such_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o have_v retain_v it_o as_o a_o anticipation_n or_o prolepsis_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n among_o the_o philosopher_n who_o go_v by_o nothing_o but_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o discover_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o those_o which_o all_o mankind_n do_v unanimous_o consent_v in_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o by_o 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o the_o dissent_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o control_v so_o universal_a a_o agreement_n 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o only_o by_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o dissent_n as_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o mankind_n in_o common_a as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n the_o law_n they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o those_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o all_o these_o several_a different_a custom_n be_v build_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n nor_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o principle_n of_o education_n but_o something_o which_o have_v a_o deep_a root_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n