miracle_n no_o uiolation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n quid_fw-la non_fw-la miraculo_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la primum_fw-la in_o notitiam_fw-la venit_fw-la plinius_n histor._n nat._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 1._o london_n print_v for_o robert_n sollers_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n and_o bible_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o premonition_n to_o the_o candid_a reader_n it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a theologue_n among_o the_o modern_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n do_v not_o design_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o physical_a speculation_n and_o the_o science_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o aim_v only_o to_o excite_v pious_a affection_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o to_o induce_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o they_o celebrate_v in_o their_o write_n who_o power_n and_o goodness_n they_o therefore_o take_v all_o fair_a occasion_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o may_v from_o as_o well_o the_o natural_a as_o civil_a order_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n a_o right_a and_o firm_a belief_n thereof_o this_o then_o be_v the_o only_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v so_o to_o explicate_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o relate_v as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o novity_n and_o insolency_n appear_v too_o remote_a and_o abhorrent_n from_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o narrow_a capacity_n and_o grovel_a wit_n they_o be_v always_o to_o condescend_v yea_o even_o to_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v it_o conduce_v to_o this_o their_o principal_a purpose_n to_o insist_v upon_o second_o cause_n or_o defer_v much_o to_o their_o efficacy_n but_o rather_o in_o all_o contingent_n or_o event_n to_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o nature_n omit_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o that_o apparatus_fw-la and_o long_a series_n of_o cause_n which_o philosopher_n use_v to_o remark_n in_o explicate_v the_o phenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o nature_n herself_o use_v in_o their_o production_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o pious_a writer_n compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n leave_v man_n to_o learn_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o her_o law_n be_v his_o eternal_a decree_n for_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o to_o convince_v the_o unthinking_a multitude_n that_o god_n be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n that_o universal_a nature_n be_v obedient_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n preside_v over_o and_o govern_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o bumane_a which_o he_o so_o dispose_v and_o accommodate_n as_o to_o make_v they_o conspire_v to_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o impious_a and_o vicious_a and_o the_o multitude_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v not_o by_o lead_v their_o reason_n with_o a_o long_a chain_n of_o premise_n and_o conclusion_n theological_a but_o by_o surprise_v their_o imagination_n and_o accommodate_v event_n to_o their_o common_a opinion_n however_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o this_o well_o consider_v as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o admire_v if_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n many_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwith_o stand_v proceed_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n and_o necessary_o flow_v from_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n ordain_v according_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n that_o be_v from_o god_n decree_n so_o ought_v we_o not_o rash_o to_o accuse_v any_o man_n of_o infidelity_n only_o because_o he_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o point_v blank_a repugnant_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v make_v and_o make_v so_o ample_a and_o fertile_a as_o to_o extend_v to_o the_o certain_a production_n of_o whatever_o event_n he_o have_v will_v and_o decree_v for_o first_o among_o the_o many_o miracle_n relate_v to_o be_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v i_o think_v no_o one_o that_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a that_o of_o nature_n must_v be_v so_o too_o because_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o humane_a understanding_n be_v finite_a and_o consequent_o incapable_a to_o know_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n extend_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o if_o by_o a_o miracle_n in_o the_o general_n you_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a work_n or_o effect_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o can_v be_v explicate_v by_o man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n i_o acknowledge_v many_o such_o miracle_n to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o all_o nation_n nay_o more_o if_o by_o a_o miracle_n you_o mean_v that_o the_o cause_n whereof_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n even_o of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a philosopher_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o many_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o miracle_n some_o be_v find_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o may_v deserve_v that_o name_n because_o i_o do_v not_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o unequal_a line_n of_o humane_a wit._n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rare_a effect_n which_o be_v absolute_o above_o or_o which_o real_o be_v all_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o can_v possible_o follow_v from_o she_o fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n then_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o such_o miracle_n have_v ever_o happen_v in_o nature_n lest_o i_o oppose_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v admit_v that_o god_n change_v his_o own_o decree_n which_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o know_v to_o be_v impossible_a if_o you_o candid_a reader_n know_v so_o too_o i_o have_v already_o say_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o innocent_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o acquiesce_v in_o hope_n of_o be_v right_o understand_v of_o miracle_n by_o miracle_n be_v understand_v the_o admirable_a or_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o because_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o natural_a reason_n be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v whether_o what_o be_v by_o a_o prophet_n deliver_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o not_o miracle_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v call_v sign_n as_o signify_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o also_o in_o ethnic_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v ostenta_fw-la and_o portenta_fw-la as_o show_v or_o portend_v the_o divine_a will_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o understand_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v we_o must_v observe_v what_o work_v those_o be_v which_o man_n general_o admire_v or_o wonder_v at_o the_o thing_n than_o that_o cause_n man_n to_o admire_v any_o work_n or_o remarkable_a effect_n be_v only_o two_o one_o be_v if_o that_o work_n be_v rare_a the_o like_a whereof_o they_o have_v seldom_o or_o never_o see_v do_v before_o the_o other_o if_o after_o thè_z work_n be_v do_v they_o can_v conceive_v it_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o fact_n however_o rare_a it_o be_v or_o if_o we_o have_v often_o see_v the_o like_a do_v before_o though_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v the_o natural_a cause_n thereof_o we_o no_o long_o admire_v it_o nor_o call_v it_o a_o miracle_n quae_fw-la usu_fw-la quotidiano_fw-la novimus_fw-la &_o frequenti_fw-la experientia_fw-la ea_fw-la neque_fw-la admiramur_fw-la neque_fw-la ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la causas_fw-la investigandas_fw-la multum_fw-la excitari_fw-la solemus_fw-la
quanquam_fw-la saepe_fw-la occultiores_fw-la sint_fw-la inventuque_fw-la difficiliores_fw-la aliis_fw-la quae_fw-la ob_fw-la raritatem_fw-la hominum_fw-la studia_fw-la &_o animos_fw-la maximè_fw-la occupant_fw-la thus_o for_o example_n if_o we_o shall_v hear_v a_o ox_n or_o horse_n speak_v we_o shall_v call_v it_o a_o miracle_n because_o rare_a and_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o imagine_v a_o natural_a cause_n thus_o also_o in_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n every_o unusual_a error_n or_o deviation_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o miracle_n but_o if_o a_o man_n or_o any_o other_o animal_n generate_v his_o like_a in_o specie_fw-la though_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a how_o this_o and_o that_o be_v perform_v we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o miracle_n also_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o stone_n it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n because_o rare_a but_o if_o wood_n shall_v be_v convert_v into_o a_o stone_n because_o such_o conversion_n be_v often_o see_v it_o be_v no_o miracle_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v as_o ignorant_a how_o god_n effect_n that_o conversion_n in_o wood_n as_o how_o he_o effect_n it_o in_o a_o man._n the_o rainbow_n that_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o sky_n be_v a_o miracle_n because_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v see_v before_o and_o because_o it_o be_v show_v by_o god_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o again_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o deluge_n but_o at_o this_o day_n because_o rain-bow_n be_v often_o see_v no_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o miracle_n again_o many_o wonderful_a work_n be_v produce_v by_o humane_a art_n yet_o because_o after_o they_o be_v effect_v we_o come_v to_o understand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n we_o therefore_o not_o account_v they_o for_o miracle_n for_o admiration_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o man_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n so_o that_o what_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n to_o one_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o another_o and_o unskilful_a and_o superstitious_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v for_o great_a miracle_n those_o thing_n which_o the_o learned_a and_o well_o experience_v do_v not_o at_o all_o admire_v eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n have_v in_o time_n past_o be_v mistake_v for_o supernatural_a effect_n and_o prodigy_n by_o the_o vulgar_a while_o learned_a astronomer_n understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v certain_o predict_v they_o also_o cunning_a man_n confederate_a among_o themselves_o close_o inquire_v into_o and_o discover_v some_o secret_a action_n of_o a_o unwary_a and_o simple_a man_n and_o afterward_o relate_v they_o to_o he_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o great_a admiration_n as_o if_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o secret_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o divine_a revelation_n at_o least_o when_o the_o same_o confederate_n have_v not_o be_v able_a so_o easy_o to_o impose_v upon_o wary_a and_o prudent_a person_n admiration_n then_o we_o see_v be_v general_o great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o various_a degree_n of_o science_n and_o observation_n among_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a be_v most_o prone_a to_o wonder_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o admiration_n which_o many_o time_n make_v a_o miracle_n of_o what_o be_v pure_o natural_a we_o have_v find_v to_o be_v rarity_n and_o ignorance_n ii_o if_o this_o disquisition_n be_v yet_o a_o little_a far_o pursue_v it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o superstition_n also_o contribute_v large_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o prone_a to_o be_v agitate_a betwixt_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a the_o two_o grand_a passion_n that_o govern_v humane_a life_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o very_o often_o fancy_v a_o certain_a extraordinary_a divine_a power_n in_o all_o contingent_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v as_o if_o those_o contingent_n certain_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o a_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n transcend_v or_o change_v that_o order_n and_o that_o they_o presignify_v some_o good_a or_o evil_a fortune_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o vulgar_a think_v that_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v then_o most_o apparent_a when_o they_o observe_v any_o event_n unusual_a in_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v from_o custom_n conceive_v of_o nature_n chief_o if_o the_o event_n seem_v to_o promise_v any_o thing_n of_o commodity_n or_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o imagine_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v can_v be_v by_o no_o way_n better_o prove_v than_o by_o the_o inversion_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o happen_v in_o all_o unusual_a event_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o common_a head_n always_o accuse_v those_o philosopher_n of_o atheism_n and_o design_n to_o extirpate_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n at_o least_o of_o his_o providence_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explicate_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o natural_a cause_n and_o study_v to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o erroneous_o conceive_v that_o god_n forsooth_o remain_v idle_a while_o nature_n act_n in_o her_o usual_a order_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v suspend_v and_o the_o action_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n arrest_v or_o frustrate_v while_o god_n act_n thus_o they_o form_n in_o their_o brain_n confuse_v notion_n of_o two_o distinct_a power_n one_o of_o god_n other_o of_o nature_n which_o yet_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o god_n but_o what_o to_o understand_v by_o either_o of_o these_o power_n and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n they_o suppose_v consist_v they_o know_v not_o only_o this_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o unusual_a work_n of_o nature_n be_v miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o blind_a devotion_n i._n e._n superstition_n partly_o from_o a_o itch_n of_o oppose_v wise_a man_n that_o study_v nature_n law_n and_o constitution_n they_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o think_v they_o please_v god_n too_o with_o their_o affect_a admiration_n not_o consider_v how_o much_o they_o derogate_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n while_o they_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o he_o make_v and_o establish_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v all_o thing_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o end_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o ordain_v they_o without_o variation_n iii_o this_o popular_a error_n seem_v to_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o primitive_a jew_n who_o that_o they_o may_v convince_v the_o ethnic_n of_o their_o time_n who_o adore_v visible_a god_n the_o sun_n moon_n earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n and_o show_v they_o that_o those_o god_n be_v weak_a and_o inconstant_a or_o mutable_a and_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o themselves_o worship_v recount_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o cogent_a argument_n that_o all_o nature_n be_v by_o his_o superintendency_n and_o command_n direct_v only_o to_o their_o commodity_n and_o advantage_n other_o nation_n the_o while_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o his_o providence_n a_o persuasion_n so_o agreeable_a and_o grateful_a to_o man_n that_o to_o this_o day_n they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o feign_v miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o that_o other_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v more_o belove_v by_o god_n and_o dear_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yea_o more_o the_o final_a cause_n for_o which_o he_o at_o first_o create_v and_o continual_o direct_v all_o thing_n what_o do_v not_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o vulgar_a arrogate_v to_o itself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sound_a conception_n or_o thought_n concern_v either_o god_n or_o nature_n confound_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n with_o the_o mutable_a placit_n of_o man_n and_o feign_a nature_n to_o be_v so_o narrow_a and_o limit_v as_o that_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n iv._o have_v from_o this_o brief_a enquiry_n learned_a what_o be_v general_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n miracle_n what_o be_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o vulgar_a concern_v miracle_n and_o whence_o those_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la have_v proceed_v urge_v as_o well_o by_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v never_o propagate_v by_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n power_n wisdom_n and_o providence_n as_o by_o charity_n for_o the_o unlearned_a part_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v always_o by_o ignorance_n seduce_v into_o superstition_n i_o resolve_v to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o few_o plain_a reason_n to_o show_v the_o unsoundness_n yea_o the_o
which_o they_o can_v be_v change_v to_o we_o at_o least_o from_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o conclude_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v such_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o conclusion_n from_o all_o possible_a doubt_n for_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v by_o any_o power_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v then_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o verity_n and_o consequent_o of_o that_o of_o our_o conclusion_n also_o namely_o of_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o other_o thing_n whatever_o beside_o this_o we_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n to_o be_v according_a to_o nature_n or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v evince_v the_o same_o to_o be_v convenient_a or_o repugnant_a to_o those_o fundamental_a notion_n or_o principle_n wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n possible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o power_n whatever_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o nature_n that_o thing_n will_v be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a or_o else_o as_o be_v just_a now_o intimate_v we_o must_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o by_o consequence_n also_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o and_o howsoever_o perceive_v miracle_n then_o if_o understand_v to_o be_v work_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fix_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o evince_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o it_o when_o without_o they_o we_o may_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o same_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n follow_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n but_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o what_o can_v be_v explicate_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v a_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n either_o as_o that_o which_o have_v indeed_o natural_a cause_n but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v investigate_v by_o humane_a understanding_n or_o as_o that_o which_o have_v no_o cause_n but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v do_v also_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v under_o a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o a_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n or_o not_o be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n but_o from_o a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o for_o whatever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v must_v come_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v therefore_o from_o a_o miracle_n or_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n we_o can_v understand_v neither_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o existence_n nor_o his_o providence_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o concern_v he_o or_o his_o minister_n nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a since_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v and_o decree_v by_o god_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n follow_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v absolute_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o so_o much_o the_o better_a know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n and_o more_o clear_o understand_v how_o they_o depend_v upon_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o how_o they_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n wherefore_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o understanding_n those_o work_n that_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v be_v with_o much_o more_o right_a to_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o his_o will_n than_o those_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v although_o they_o strong_o exercise_v the_o imagination_n and_o ravish_v man_n into_o admiration_n of_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o only_o those_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o sublime_a and_o most_o clear_o show_v his_o will_n and_o decree_n they_o therefore_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o thing_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n talk_v impertinent_o show_v more_o of_o bigotry_n than_o wit_n and_o ridiculous_o profess_v their_o ignorance_n viii_o moreover_o can_v we_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o miracle_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o thence_o conclude_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n limit_v and_o never_o imply_v any_o but_o a_o certain_a and_o limit_a power_n most_o certain_a and_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o from_o such_o a_o effect_n we_o can_v right_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a but_o at_o most_o of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v great_a i_o say_v at_o most_o because_o from_o many_o cause_n concur_v there_o may_v follow_v some_o work_n who_o force_n and_o power_n be_v indeed_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o cause_n put_v together_o but_o far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o take_v singular_o but_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v extend_v themselves_o to_o infinite_a thing_n and_o be_v conceive_v by_o we_o under_o a_o certain_a semblance_n of_o eternity_n and_o nature_n according_a to_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o immutable_a order_n those_o very_a law_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n indicate_v to_o we_o the_o infinity_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v god_n and_o his_o existence_n and_o his_o providence_n but_o that_o these_o may_v be_v far_o better_a conclude_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o conclusion_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o miracle_n as_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n or_o be_v believe_v to_o do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o destroy_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o interrupt_v it_o or_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v not_o only_o give_v we_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n will_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o natural_o have_v and_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o do_v i_o here_o acknowledge_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o work_n contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v a_o work_v not_o in_o truth_n repugnant_a to_o nature_n but_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v or_o effect_v by_o her_o power_n alone_o for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v do_v non_fw-la extra_fw-la naturam_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la natura_fw-la though_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v supra_fw-la naturam_fw-la yet_o still_o must_v it_o interrupt_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n fix_v and_o immutable_a if_o therefore_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o nature_n that_o shall_v not_o follow_v from_o her_o law_n it_o will_v necessary_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n establish_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o consequent_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o atheism_n and_o thus_o if_o i_o be_v not_o gross_o mistake_v in_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v what_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o intend_v and_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o take_v liberty_n to_o conclude_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la that_o a_o miracle_n against_o nature_n or_o above_o nature_n be_v a_o mere_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o that_o by_o a_o miracle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n nothing_o else_o can_v right_o be_v understand_v but_o such_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o either_o real_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n or_o be_v believe_v to_o do_v so_o ix_o nevertheless_o for_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o confirm_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o affirm_v that_o from_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v god_n this_o i_o humble_o conceive_v may_v be_v do_v by_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o though_o they_o no_o where_o ex_fw-la professo_fw-la and_o plain_o teach_v that_o position_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o miracle_n
prove_v must_v be_v by_o consequence_n deduce_v from_o some_o history_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v casual_o relate_v prolixly_a and_o with_o many_o circumstance_n of_o which_o i_o will_v produce_v a_o few_o as_o example_n of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o samuel_n chap._n 9_o and_o vers_n 15_o &_o 16._o it_o be_v relate_v that_o god_n reveal_v to_o samuel_n that_o he_o will_v send_v saul_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o god_n send_v he_o not_o express_o as_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o send_v messenger_n on_o purpose_n to_o other_o but_o this_o mission_n of_o saul_n by_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o very_a order_n of_o nature_n for_o saul_n be_v in_o quest_n of_o ass_n which_o he_o have_v lose_v as_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o same_o chapter_n and_o now_o deliberate_v to_o return_v home_o without_o they_o by_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o servant_n he_o divert_v his_o journey_n to_o the_o prophet_n samuel_n to_o know_v from_o he_o where_o he_o may_v find_v his_o ass_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o whole_a narration_n that_o he_o have_v any_o other_o mandate_n from_o god_n beside_o this_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o address_v himself_o to_o samuel_n in_o psalm_n 105._o v_o 24._o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n change_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o egyptian_n so_o that_o they_o hate_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o mutation_n also_o be_v whole_o natural_a appear_v from_o exod._n chap._n 1._o where_o a_o account_n be_v give_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o that_o no_o light_a one_o neither_o why_o the_o egyptian_n reduce_v the_o israelite_n to_o servitude_n viz._n lest_o the_o israelite_n be_v grow_v too_o numerous_a and_o mighty_a shall_v in_o case_n of_o war_n join_v with_o their_o enemy_n and_o overpower_v they_o in_o genes_n 9_o v._n 13._o god_n say_v to_o noah_n that_o he_o will_v give_v the_o rainbow_n in_o the_o cloud_n for_o a_o sign_n which_o action_n of_o god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o a_o certain_a refraction_n and_o reflection_n of_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o they_o suffer_v in_o the_o small_a drop_n of_o water_n whereof_o the_o cloud_n consist_v so_o that_o the_o phenomenon_n itself_o be_v then_o as_o now_o a_o natural_a meteor_n only_o the_o signality_n be_v new_a in_o psalm_n 147._o v_o 18._o the_o natural_a action_n and_o warmth_n of_o the_o wind_n by_o which_o the_o hoar-frost_n and_o snow_n be_v thaw_v and_o melt_v be_v call_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v the_o wind_n and_o cold_a also_o in_o vers_n 15._o in_o like_a manner_n wind_n and_o fire_n be_v call_v in_o psal._n 104._o vers_fw-la 4._o god_n angel_n and_o minister_n all_o which_o place_n with_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a importance_n frequent_o occur_v in_o sacred_a writ_n most_o clear_o show_v that_o the_o decree_n command_v say_v and_o word_n of_o god_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o action_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n recount_v in_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o pass_v natural_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v due_o refer_v to_o god_n because_o his_o power_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o explain_v event_n by_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o to_o relate_v those_o which_o surprise_n the_o imagination_n and_o that_o also_o in_o such_o a_o method_n and_o style_n which_o serve_v more_o familiar_o and_o easy_o to_o excite_v admiration_n and_o consequent_o devotion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o vulgar_a if_o therefore_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v find_v some_o thing_n or_o fact_n who_o cause_n we_o understand_v not_o and_o which_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v do_v beside_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o amuse_v we_o nor_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o believe_v that_o what_o have_v real_o happen_v happen_v natural_o which_o be_v yet_o far_o confirm_v by_o this_o that_o in_o miracle_n be_v find_v many_o circumstance_n though_o not_o always_o note_v in_o the_o narration_n chief_o when_o they_o be_v describe_v in_o a_o poetic_a style_n the_o circumstance_n i_o say_v of_o miracle_n show_v clear_o that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n for_o instance_n to_o infest_v the_o egyptian_n with_o scab_n it_o be_v requisite_a moses_n shall_v sprinkle_v ash_n of_o the_o furnace_n upward_o into_o the_o air_n exod._n 9_o v_o 8._o locust_n also_o at_o the_o natural_a command_n of_o god_n namely_o by_o a_o east-wind_n blow_v strong_o a_o whole_a day_n and_o a_o night_n come_v up_o and_o cover_v the_o land_n of_o egypt_n and_o leave_v it_o again_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o as_o mighty_a a_o west-wind_n exod._n 10._o v_o 14_o 19_o by_o the_o same_o command_n of_o god_n namely_o a_o east-wind_n that_o blow_v most_o strong_o the_o whole_a night_n the_o red_a sea_n give_v way_n to_o the_o israelite_n exod_n 14._o v._n 21._o the_o same_o may_v be_v infer_v also_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o prophet_n elisha_n raise_v up_o the_o shunamite_n son_n that_o perhaps_o only_o seem_v to_o be_v dead_a for_o elisha_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o lay_v his_o body_n upon_o the_o child_n body_n to_o put_v his_o mouth_n upon_o his_o mouth_n his_o eye_n upon_o his_o eye_n his_o hand_n upon_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o stretch_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o posture_n and_o all_o this_o to_o excite_v heat_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o vital_a part_n of_o the_o child_n and_o sternutation_n in_o his_o brain_n until_o the_o child_n open_v his_o eye_n first_o and_o then_o neeze_v seven_o time_n more_o example_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v easy_o be_v bring_v hither_o out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v not_o these_o already_o allege_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v that_o various_a circumstance_n and_o natural_a action_n be_v require_v to_o the_o production_n of_o miracle_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v all_o effect_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n not_o by_o interrupt_v or_o pervert_v it_o i_o see_v not_o therefore_o why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v that_o though_o the_o circumstance_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o deliver_v in_o the_o narration_n of_o they_o nor_o their_o natural_a cause_n assign_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o effect_v without_o they_o the_o same_o be_v constant_a also_o from_o exod._n 14._o v_o 27._o where_o it_o be_v only_o relate_v in_o short_a that_o at_o the_o bare_a beck_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o stretch_v forth_o of_o his_o hand_n the_o sea_n flow_v back_o upon_o the_o egyptian_a host_n without_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o any_o wind_n that_o may_v impel_v the_o water_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o canticle_n or_o song_n of_o moses_n chap._n 15._o v._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v express_o this_o miracle_n be_v perform_v by_o god_n blow_v with_o a_o most_o violent_a wind_n upon_o the_o sea_n xi_o here_o some_o perhaps_o will_v object_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n very_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v absolute_o incapable_a of_o solution_n by_o any_o natural_a cause_n whatsoever_o as_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n can_v cause_v famine_n and_o their_o prayer_n bring_v down_o rain_n and_o cause_n fertility_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o faith_n can_v restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o other_o equal_o strange_a but_o this_o objection_n i_o have_v i_o think_v prevent_v where_o i_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o design_n or_o scope_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o teach_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o next_o cause_n but_o only_o to_o relate_v they_o in_o that_o order_n or_o method_n and_o in_o those_o phrase_n by_o which_o it_o may_v most_o efficacious_o move_v man_n and_o chief_o the_o vulgar_a to_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n towards_o god_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o many_o time_n speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n yea_o even_o of_o god_n himself_o very_o improper_o as_o aim_v to_o affect_v and_o occupy_v the_o imagination_n of_o man_n not_o to_o convince_v their_o reason_n for_o shall_v the_o scripture_n relate_v the_o fall_n and_o devastation_n of_o any_o empire_n kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n as_o politic_a historian_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v assign_v all_o the_o remote_a concurrent_a and_o proxime_fw-la cause_n thereof_o the_o narration_n will_v not_o at_o all_o affect_v and_o commove_v the_o common_a people_n who_o yet_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v strong_o surprise_v and_o as_o it_o be_v charm_v into_o admiration_n and_o devotion_n when_o the_o whole_a revolution_n be_v describe_v in_o strain_n and_o figure_n of_o poesy_n and_o refer_v only_o to_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n
absurdity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n who_o teach_v that_o in_o every_o miracle_n god_n act_v by_o a_o power_n distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o that_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a law_n by_o he_o ordain_v and_o fix_v for_o government_n of_o his_o creature_n v._o to_o effect_v this_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o need_v do_v no_o more_o but_o convince_v the_o judicious_a reader_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n happen_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n 2._o that_o from_o miracle_n we_o can_v come_v to_o understand_v and_o certain_o know_v either_o the_o essence_n or_o existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o these_o may_v far_o better_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n 3._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o volition_n and_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a same_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o eternal_a law_n 4._o that_o most_o man_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o prove_v i_o see_v not_o what_o can_v remain_v to_o frustrate_v my_o present_a design_n vi_o as_o for_o the_o first_o therefore_o viz._n that_o all_o event_n happen_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a order_n of_o nature_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v infer_v even_o from_o hence_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v or_o determine_v involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n for_o since_o the_o intellect_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v any_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o with_o say_v that_o he_o understand_v that_o very_a thing_n by_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o inevitable_a consequence_n that_o for_o god_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v be_v for_o he_o to_o will_n or_o decree_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o only_o from_o the_o divine_a decree_n hence_o it_o most_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o mere_a decree_n of_o god_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o therefore_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v contingent_a in_o nature_n that_o shall_v be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n the_o same_o will_v be_v repugnant_a also_o to_o the_o divine_a decree_n intellect_n and_o nature_n or_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v affirm_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v be_v compel_v to_o grant_v also_o that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a the_o same_o may_v be_v far_o prove_v also_o by_o this_o that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n no_o other_o but_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o must_v be_v eternal_o the_o same_o or_o immutable_a nothing_o therefore_o can_v be_v contingent_a in_o nature_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o universal_a law_n nay_o that_o be_v not_o convenient_a or_o agreeable_a to_o they_o or_o follow_v not_o from_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n i._n e._n be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o know_v to_o we_o be_v perpetual_o without_o the_o least_o omission_n or_o deviation_n strict_o observe_v by_o nature_n nor_o do_v any_o sound_a reason_n urge_v we_o to_o ascribe_v a_o limit_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o she_o or_o to_o think_v that_o her_o law_n be_v fit_a only_o for_o some_o certain_a event_n and_o not_o for_o all_o for_o since_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o her_o law_n and_o rule_n his_o decree_n as_o be_v just_a now_o prove_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a and_o her_o law_n so_o make_v as_o to_o extend_v their_o force_n to_o all_o thing_n conceive_v by_o the_o divine_a understanding_n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o avoid_v run_v into_o that_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n so_o impotent_a and_o give_v her_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o barren_a as_o that_o he_o be_v compel_v sometime_o to_o help_v she_o by_o new_a ordinance_n and_o supply_n of_o virtue_n in_o order_n to_o her_o support_n and_o conservation_n and_o that_o thing_n may_v succeed_v according_a to_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n a_o error_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o alien_a from_o reason_n nothing_o more_o unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o from_o these_o position_n that_o in_o nature_n nothing_o can_v happen_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o her_o law_n and_o that_o her_o law_n extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n conceive_v by_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o in_o fine_a that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n from_o these_o undeniable_a truth_n i_o say_v it_o most_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o miracle_n can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v than_o respective_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o work_n the_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explicate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o another_o usual_o observe_v by_o we_o at_o least_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explicate_v who_o write_v or_o relate_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v say_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v that_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o explain_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o principle_n we_o understand_v of_o natural_a thing_n but_o because_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v ad_fw-la capio_fw-la vulgi_fw-la to_o convince_v the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n certain_a it_o be_v the_o ancient_n take_v that_o for_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o which_o the_o vulgar_a be_v wont_a to_o explain_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o memory_n so_o as_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_v another_o like_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o imagine_v without_o admiration_n for_o the_o vulgar_a always_o think_v they_o then_o sufficient_o understand_v any_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o either_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o time_n or_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n since_o even_o down_o to_o we_o have_v have_v any_o other_o criterion_n or_o rule_n whereby_o to_o discern_v miracle_n from_o other_o contingent_n i._n e._n insolite_fw-la or_o rare_a event_n from_o usual_a beside_o this_o here_o mention_v viz_o that_o these_o seem_v capable_a of_o explication_n from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n but_o those_o not_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n themselves_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o miracle_n of_o which_o sufficient_a cause_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o that_o too_o without_o any_o the_o least_o derogation_n from_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o writer_n or_o from_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n for_o which_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o write_v as_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v when_o i_o shall_v have_v conduct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o last_o head_n of_o this_o brief_a discourse_n which_o concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n for_o now_o the_o clew_n of_o my_o method_n bring_v we_o to_o the_o vii_o second_o position_n viz._n that_o from_o miracle_n neither_o the_o essence_n nor_o the_o existence_n nor_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v be_v understand_v by_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o perceive_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o invariable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o to_o demonstrate_v i_o thus_o proceed_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o per_fw-la se_fw-la know_v to_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v necessary_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o evident_a firm_a and_o impregnable_a that_o no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v by_o
in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n or_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o impute_v such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o these_o argument_n be_v please_v to_o subjoin_v some_o of_o our_o precedent_a reason_n viz._n that_o miracle_n require_v cause_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o necessary_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a decree_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v even_o from_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o her_o establish_a order_n and_o in_o fine_a that_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v also_o by_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o deut._n 13._o and_o mat._n 24._o v._n 24._o and_o then_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v perceive_v it_o to_o be_v genuine_o consequent_a from_o all_o these_o premise_n that_o miracle_n have_v be_v natural_a thing_n and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v explicate_v as_o to_o seem_v neither_o new_a that_o i_o may_v use_v solomon_n word_n nor_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o so_o explicate_v they_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o certain_a rule_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v these_o thing_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o teach_v they_o as_o precept_n or_o document_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n embrace_v they_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v free_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v of_o they_o according_a as_o he_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o conducive_a to_o his_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o his_o whole_a mind_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o sentiment_n of_o that_o wise_a and_o grave_a author_n josephus_n express_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o antiquity_n in_o these_o word_n nullus_fw-la verò_fw-la discredat_fw-la verbo_fw-la miraculi_fw-la si_fw-la antiquis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la &_o malitia_fw-la privatis_fw-la via_fw-la salut_fw-la be_v liquet_fw-la per_fw-la mare_fw-la fact_n a_o sive_fw-la voluntate_fw-la dei_fw-la sive_fw-la sponte_fw-la revelata_fw-la dum_fw-la &_o eye_n qui_fw-la cum_fw-la alexandro_n rege_fw-la macedoniae_n fuerunt_fw-la olim_fw-la &_o antiquit_n we_o à _fw-la resistentibus_fw-la pamphilicum_fw-la mare_fw-la divisum_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la aliud_fw-la iter_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la transitum_fw-la praebuit_fw-la iis_fw-la volente_fw-la deo_fw-la per_fw-la eum_fw-la persarum_fw-la destruere_fw-la imperium_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la confitentur_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la act_n we_o alexandri_fw-la scripserunt_fw-la de_fw-fr his_fw-la itaque_fw-la sicut_fw-la placuerit_fw-la unicuique_fw-la existimet_fw-la in_o which_o josephus_n modest_o declare_v his_o judgement_n of_o miracle_n i_o add_v also_o that_o of_o valesius_fw-la a_o pious_a man_n and_o profound_a philosopher_n who_o in_o sacrae_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la cap._n 57_o in_o psal._n 77._o have_v assert_v that_o the_o manna_n wherewith_o god_n feed_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o desert_n though_o different_a in_o some_o quality_n from_o other_o sort_n of_o manna_n describe_v by_o physician_n be_v yet_o produce_v secundum_fw-la leges_fw-la naturae_fw-la wise_o subjoin_v this_o defence_n of_o himself_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la elevo_fw-la dei_fw-la concuâ—sum_fw-la cum_fw-la naturales_fw-la rerum_fw-la causas_fw-la investigo_n sed_fw-la laudo_fw-la insinitam_fw-la ej_fw-la we_o sapientiam_fw-la qui_fw-la it_o a_o omne_fw-la disponit_fw-la ut_fw-la etiam_fw-la quae_fw-la portentosissima_fw-la sunt_fw-la vide_fw-la antur_fw-la bona_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la secundum_fw-la naturalem_fw-la rerum_fw-la ordinem_fw-la evenisse_fw-la sanctus_n augustinus_n in_o epistola_fw-la 7._o quae_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellinum_n si_fw-mi ratio_fw-la contra_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la autoritatem_fw-la redditur_fw-la quamvis_fw-la acuta_fw-la sit_fw-la fallit_fw-la verisimilitudine_fw-la nam_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la rursum_fw-la si_fw-la manifestissimae_fw-la certaeque_fw-la rationi_fw-la velut_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la sanctarum_fw-la objicitur_fw-la autoritas_fw-la non_fw-la intelligit_fw-la qui_fw-la hoc_fw-la facit_fw-la &_o non_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la illarum_fw-la sensum_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la penetrare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la sed_fw-la suum_fw-la potius_fw-la objicit_fw-la veritati_fw-la nec_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o eye_n sed_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o seipso_fw-la velut_fw-la pro_fw-la iis_fw-la invenit_fw-la opponit_fw-la burnetius_n in_o telluris_fw-la theoria_fw-la sacra_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n ult_n ut_fw-mi in_o deducendis_fw-la rerum_fw-la originibus_fw-la non_fw-la temerè_fw-la recurrendum_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la primam_fw-la causam_fw-la ita_fw-la nec_fw-la in_o explicandis_fw-la effect_n be_v singularibus_fw-la ad_fw-la miracula_fw-la hoc_fw-la omnes_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la atque_fw-la etiam_fw-la frustrà _fw-la ac_fw-la temerè_fw-la eo_fw-la recurri_fw-la cum_fw-la res_fw-la aliundè_fw-la per_fw-la causas_fw-la naturales_fw-la satis_fw-la explicari_fw-la potest_fw-la satis_fw-la autem_fw-la explicatur_fw-la aliquod_fw-la phaenomenon_n eujus_fw-la rationes_fw-la redduntur_fw-la adaequatae_fw-la idque_fw-la juxta_fw-la analogiam_fw-la naturae_fw-la ita_fw-la scilicet_fw-la ut_fw-la cetera_fw-la natura_fw-la eidem_fw-la explicationi_fw-la consentiat_fw-la &_o suffragetur_fw-la dr._n sprat_n in_o his_o hist._n of_o the_o royal_a society_n pag._n 360._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n into_o which_o many_o good_a man_n fall_v that_o we_o neglect_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n over_o the_o world_n if_o we_o do_v not_o discover_v in_o every_o turn_v of_o humane_a action_n many_o supernatural_a providence_n and_o miraculous_a event_n whereas_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o government_n that_o he_o guide_v the_o whole_a creation_n in_o its_o wont_a course_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n as_o it_o make_v as_o much_o to_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o prince_n wisdom_n that_o he_o can_v rule_v his_o subject_n peaceable_o by_o his_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n as_o that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o extraordinary_a justice_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_n finis_fw-la