reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v exclude_v so_o that_o the_o epicurean_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o whole_o precarious_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n or_o else_o destructive_a to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v venerate_v for_o its_o excellency_n say_v the_o epicurean_o that_o be_v if_o man_n please_v to_o make_v law_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a determination_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o a_o admission_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v the_o deity_n must_v be_v venerate_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o say_v that_o all_o action_n and_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v plain_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o state_v rule_n for_o this_o veneration_n far_o than_o positive_a law_n make_v they_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v practice_v any_o thing_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o thing_n suppose_v positive_a law_n not_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o religious_a venerator_fw-la of_o the_o deity_n the_o admission_n of_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n and_o yet_o to_o annex_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o punishment_n to_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a by_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_o this_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o divinity_n so_o circumstantiate_v seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a a_o attempt_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o as_o cicero_n do_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_o without_o any_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n at_o all_o for_o so_o say_v he_o of_o he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a verius_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la illud_fw-la nimirum_fw-la quod_fw-la familiaris_fw-la omnium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la posidonius_n disseruit_fw-la in_o libro_fw-la quinto_fw-la de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la epicuro_fw-la videri_fw-la quaeque_fw-la be_v de_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la dixerit_fw-la invidiae_fw-la detestandae_fw-la gratia_fw-la dixisse_fw-la two_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v experience_n do_v evident_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o position_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o alike_o to_o mankind_n till_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n make_v a_o difference_n first_o we_o find_v man_n pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n accuse_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o about_o matter_n no_o way_n connizable_a and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n but_o mere_o guide_v herein_o by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n give_v in_o concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n this_o truth_n have_v be_v establish_v for_o as_o cicero_n say_v true_o time_n wear_v out_o error_n of_o opinion_n but_o confirm_v all_o natural_a truth_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n carry_v a_o innate_a condemnation_n in_o it_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o evil_n and_o a_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o good_a and_o this_o no_o way_n found_v in_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o time_n or_o place_n but_o in_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o and_o be_v neither_o create_v nor_o can_v be_v abrogate_a by_o any_o thing_n humane_a for_o as_o philo_n say_v well_o lex_fw-la mentiri_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la quae_fw-la lex_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la hoc_fw-la aut_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la mortali_fw-la mortalis_fw-la non_fw-la in_o chartis_fw-la aut_fw-la columnis_fw-la exanimis_fw-la exanima_fw-la sed_fw-la corrumpi_fw-la nescia_fw-la quip_n ab_fw-la immortali_fw-la natura_fw-la insculpta_fw-la in_o immortali_fw-la intellectu_fw-la if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o positive_a and_o what_o have_v their_o rise_n among_o man_n be_v man_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o being_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v rational_a creature_n to_o make_v a_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o about_o thing_n no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o such_o positive_a law_n what_o man_n law_n reach_v not_o no_o man_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n about_o if_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a law_n of_o god_n because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o offence_n and_o so_o no_o foundation_n of_o gild_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o custom_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o such_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o of_o that_o different_a judgement_n they_o make_v to_o themselves_o of_o thing_n from_o whence_o that_o conscience_n arise_v because_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o man_n go_v in_o these_o natural_a determination_n be_v general_o the_o same_o and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o and_o it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n shall_v every_v where_o agree_v in_o a_o custom_n of_o judge_a thing_n to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o subject_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o such_o a_o eroneous_a judgement_n and_o that_o the_o constant_a determination_n of_o the_o public_a reason_n of_o the_o world_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o other_o be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a be_v at_o first_o found_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o that_o mistake_v become_v customary_a and_o universal_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o utmost_a of_o improbability_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v mankind_n be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o to_o put_v the_o fool_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o present_a justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o abstract_v from_o all_o bias_n either_o from_o custom_n or_o from_o positive_a law_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o most_o genuine_a judgement_n of_o reason_n itself_o in_o its_o judge_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a but_o that_o our_o best_a judgement_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v ground_v upon_o custom_n &_o so_o mistake_v may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o all_o other_o judgement_n be_v so_o too_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n say_v we_o be_v no_o way_n sure_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o great_a customary_a mistake_n second_o there_o be_v natural_a law_n by_o which_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o difference_v prove_v to_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o positive_a law_n because_o all_o positive_a law_n appear_v plain_o to_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o those_o primary_n law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o suppose_v they_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n law_n have_v be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o positive_a law_n every_o where_n how_o different_a soever_o positive_a law_n have_v be_v among_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o the_o grand_a maxim_n of_o nature_n found_v upon_o that_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v bear_v withal_o have_v be_v universal_o admit_v by_o all_o legislator_n general_a effect_n we_o say_v must_v have_v general_a cause_n and_o that_o general_a consent_n we_o find_v in_o all_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o natural_a maxim_n do_v evident_o declare_v such_o maxim_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o original_a law_n annex_v to_o the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o their_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n by_o which_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v primary_o discriminate_v antecedent_o to_o all_o positive_a law_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o positive_a law_n have_v their_o subsequent_a rise_n shall_v this_o epicurean_a doctrine_n be_v admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n alike_o till_o difference_v by_o positive_a law_n or_o custom_n three_o thing_n will_v evident_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o ruinous_a to_o all_o policy_n the_o second_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o three_o destructive_a to_o both_o first_o no_o man_n that_o think_v all_o thing_n original_o indifferent_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la can_v ever_o be_v oblige_v far_a than_o force_v or_o his_o own_o interest_n prevail_v
and_o so_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v the_o one_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n because_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n never_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v and_o the_o other_o it_o assure_v i_o can_v be_v do_v the_o bible_n tell_v we_o of_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o high_a supernatural_a discovery_n it_o make_v to_o we_o but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o possible_a to_o be_v nor_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o seem_v to_o our_o reason_n very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o very_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v second_o never_o any_o book_n make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o what_o be_v true_o natural_a and_o so_o far_o revive_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o as_o this_o have_v do_v the_o natural_a law_n of_o our_o own_o being_n all_o impartial_a reason_n be_v judge_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v have_v give_v mankind_n such_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o natural_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o themselves_o as_o the_o ten_o commandment_n have_v do_v or_o compose_v such_o a_o systeme_n of_o law_n natural_a or_o make_v such_o a_o exact_a compendium_n of_o it_o none_o but_o god_n that_o make_v man_n at_o first_o and_o know_v his_o original_a can_v have_v so_o far_o discover_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o retrieve_v to_o his_o knowledge_n so_o much_o of_o his_o primitive_a state_n and_o discover_v to_o he_o what_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n he_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o scripture-religion_n both_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o performance_n of_o relative_n duty_n to_o each_o other_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o high_a perfection_n attainable_a by_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o wherein_o it_o exceed_v it_o be_v the_o most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o most_o justify_v by_o it_o of_o any_o religion_n the_o world_n have_v be_v ever_o yet_o possess_v of_o what_o pure_a and_o admirable_a discovery_n of_o god_n excellent_a nature_n do_v it_o afford_v we_o without_o the_o least_o savour_n of_o what_o be_v earthly_a and_o from_o below_o so_o correspond_v to_o a_o rational_a idea_n of_o he_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o the_o least_o taint_n of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n rule_n of_o holy_a live_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o impurity_n such_o direction_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o every_o man_n own_o breast_n subscribe_v to_o as_o just_o holy_a and_o good_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o so_o perfect_v nature_n and_o whatever_o it_o reveal_v that_o be_v above_o nature_n it_o be_v so_o graff_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o in_o such_o a_o suitable_a way_n superadd_v to_o it_o and_o so_o incorporates_n with_o it_o as_o be_v admittable_a to_o conceive_v and_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o will_v be_v best_o for_o he_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o what_o just_a cause_n be_v there_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v all_o other_o religion_n upon_o this_o single_a account_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o shall_v be_v a_o law_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a that_o prove_v any_o way_n destructive_a to_o what_o be_v true_o natural_a what_o unworthy_a unreasonable_a and_o unnatural_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v do_v the_o heathen_a religion_n stand_v just_o charge_v withal_o how_o contrary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a shame_n inherent_a in_o every_o man_n be_v to_o use_v such_o horrible_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a ceremony_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o of_o their_o god_n how_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a be_v it_o to_o murder_n each_o other_o and_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sacrifice_n how_o may_v vice_n that_o nature_n condemn_v grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o no_o way_n reprove_v yea_o some_o allow_v and_o justify_v by_o it_o the_o bible_n spare_v not_o one_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o all_o natural_a evil_n and_o all_o natural_a good_n the_o koran_n also_o fall_v slat_n before_o the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o perfect_v our_o natural_a light_n or_o correspond_v with_o it_o that_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o direct_o overthrow_v it_o and_o be_v every_o where_o stuff_v with_o such_o absurd_a ridiculous_a and_o incredible_a soppery_n as_o do_v inevitable_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o just_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n four_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n a_o law_n supernatural_a to_o which_o a_o universal_a obedience_n be_v require_v shall_v have_v such_o a_o conveyance_n to_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o author_n and_o that_o great_a concern_v mankind_n have_v in_o it_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a admission_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o not_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v carry_v in_o it_o evidence_n sufficient_a to_o every_o rational_a enquiry_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o god_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o law_n as_o divine_a he_o shall_v afford_v we_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o such_o as_o may_v satisfy_v all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o shame_v all_o wilful_a opposition_n it_o be_v to_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o think_v otherwise_o without_o this_o neither_o god_n end_n nor_o man_n end_n can_v be_v attain_v not_o god_n end_n for_o he_o can_v never_o with_o justice_n proceed_v to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o law_n revea'_v unless_o they_o have_v notice_n sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v so_o not_o man_n end_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v any_o way_n advantage_v by_o a_o revelation_n as_o such_o unless_o i_o be_v first_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v such_o how_o general_a soever_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o man_n belief_n of_o those_o pretence_n yet_o no_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o the_o bible_n alone_o have_v in_o any_o age_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o rational_a justification_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o of_o this_o the_o fact_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a all_o pretension_n that_o way_n have_v be_v either_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n bare_a word_n or_o else_o have_v obtain_v a_o reception_n by_o mean_n visible_o capable_a of_o delusion_n and_o imposture_n what_o reasonable_a assurance_n have_v the_o heathen_a world_n of_o a_o divinity_n in_o their_o oracle_n which_o yet_o make_v the_o most_o probable_a pretention_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o the_o response_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v give_v by_o person_n visible_a and_o see_v when_o they_o do_v it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o by_o young_a virgin_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o strange_a obscene_a way_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o in_o other_o of_o they_o by_o a_o man_n who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o speak_v under_o the_o oracle_n out_o of_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o vapour_n of_o which_o they_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v and_o to_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n that_o those_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n utter_v thing_n doubtful_a and_o un-intelligible_a be_v evident_a and_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o truth_n as_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o thucydides_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o own_o and_o which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v one_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v their_o divinity_n no_o almanac_n maker_n write_v with_o less_o certainty_n of_o the_o wether_n than_o they_o general_o pronounce_v about_o future_a event_n and_o the_o best_a excuse_n their_o great_a adorer_n make_v then_o for_o they_o be_v that_o those_o daemon_n that_o inspire_v the_o prediction_n do_v not_o themselves_o know_v thing_n future_a otherwise_o then_o by_o their_o inspection_n of_o the_o star_n and_o so_o can_v collect_v from_o thence_o but_o uncertain_a conjecture_n plutarch_n after_o all_o the_o pain_n he_o have_v take_v to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o right_a account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o oracle_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o after_o cease_v and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o discourse_v
of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o a_o eaâ—y_a dispatch_n the_o difficulty_n rest_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o that_o which_o can_v have_v no_o second_o cause_n for_o its_o author_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o no_o create_a power_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n can_v effect_v raise_v man_n dead_a cure_v disease_n by_o speak_v a_o word_n be_v able_a in_o a_o moment_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v only_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o suâ—h_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o claim_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expeâ—t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o â—hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o boâ—k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o wâ—â—kâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cyâ—ill's_v six_o book_n against_o juâ—ian_n and_o â—n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
particular_a answer_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n have_v leave_v we_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v leave_v we_o without_o a_o answer_n to_o many_o question_n man_n may_v ask_v about_o it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o sinite_fw-la capacity_n not_o full_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n so_o in_o his_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n we_o have_v undeniable_o evidence_n that_o he_o do_v rule_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v it_o we_o see_v many_o passage_n that_o far_o outgo_v our_o comprehension_n if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o in_o god_n first_o make_v of_o the_o world_n we_o acquiesce_v single_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n nor_o need_v we_o go_v far_o therein_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o his_o will_n but_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o we_o expect_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o justice_n suitable_a to_o those_o natural_a law_n he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o and_o that_o capacity_n of_o judge_v between_o just_a and_o unjust_a by_o which_o we_o ascend_v upward_o and_o come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o perfect_a justice_n in_o god_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n will_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n at_o first_o of_o the_o make_v of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o his_o will_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o god_n can_v not_o will_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o be_v wise_o make_v when_o it_o be_v make_v nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o shall_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v god_n make_v of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o can_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n because_o in_o every_o passage_n of_o it_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o i_o all_o the_o philosopher_n heretofore_o agree_v to_o this_o as_o a_o general_a truth_n that_o nature_n produce_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o yet_o never_o any_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o can_v give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o use_v of_o every_o particular_a if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o assure_v i_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o particular_a so_o if_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o establish_v god_n general_a providence_n over_o the_o whole_a his_o justice_n in_o particular_n be_v thereby_o necessary_o imply_v the_o be_v of_o providence_n in_o general_n be_v not_o only_o prove_v upon_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o be_v experimental_o convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o providence_n can_v admit_v but_o of_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v either_o from_o the_o moral_a determination_n of_o man_n and_o their_o act_n thereupon_o or_o else_o from_o some_o pure_o natural_a cause_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o thing_n have_v and_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o visible_a judicial_a way_n which_o have_v not_o their_o rise_n from_o any_o humane_a judgement_n nor_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v derive_v from_o any_o natural_a operation_n and_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o god_n supreme_a judgement_n virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v often_o reward_v and_o wickedness_n bring_v to_o a_o due_a punishment_n before_o man_n eye_n in_o this_o world_n by_o way_n unthought_a of_o and_o undesign_v by_o any_o and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o man_n impartial_o judge_v can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o mere_o casual_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a justice_n therein_o and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o no_o one_o age_n pass_v without_o some_o experience_n of_o it_o this_o objection_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v will_v be_v sufficient_o remove_v in_o every_o candid_a opinion_n if_o two_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n in_o general_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o second_o that_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o present_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o providence_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v together_o and_o this_o latter_a may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o two_o thing_n first_o our_o own_o great_a incapacity_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a of_o providence_n or_o of_o very_a many_o part_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o rational_a supposition_n of_o a_o future_a state_n the_o first_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o cautious_a not_o to_o impeach_v providence_n hasty_o nor_o to_o deny_v it_o when_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o the_o second_o ought_v full_o and_o final_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o all_o such_o case_n where_o we_o see_v god_n providence_n and_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n reconcileable_a for_o the_o first_o how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n shall_v not_o be_v full_o grasp_v by_o our_o comprehension_n when_o he_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o in_o those_o excellent_a attribute_n by_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o providence_n in_o conduct_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o common_a end_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o infinity_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o produce_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o when_o god_n rule_v to_o expect_v a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n no_o humane_a ability_n can_v create_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o very_a many_o particular_a part_n of_o god_n providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o god_n know_v the_o aim_n end_n and_o intention_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o they_o do_v he_o see_v the_o inside_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o compleatness_n and_o entire_a circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n this_o we_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o and_o so_o in_o many_o passage_n of_o his_o providence_n no_o fit_a judge_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n to_o judge_n of_o conclusion_n when_o we_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n god_n determination_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o second_o god_n have_v design_n to_o accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o we_o be_v total_o ignorant_a and_o it_o be_v very_o unwise_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o what_o god_n do_v and_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o when_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o those_o end_v it_o be_v design_v to_o it_o be_v weak_o do_v of_o cato_n and_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o his_o discretion_n to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o providence_n because_o he_o can_v not_o find_v out_o a_o reason_n why_o caesar_n have_v the_o conquest_n of_o pompey_n when_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o future_a monarchy_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o god_n design_v to_o set_v up_o in_o rome_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o success_n we_o see_v often_o by_o a_o subsequent_a course_n of_o providence_n great_a reason_n for_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n at_o first_o the_o future_a event_n of_o good_a man_n suffering_n often_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o reconcile_v man_n opinion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n the_o impunity_n of_o ill_a man_n in_o the_o worst_a action_n become_v sometime_o very_o intelligible_a to_o we_o even_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o after_o disposal_n of_o thing_n this_o we_o have_v excellent_o discourse_v of_o in_o plutarch_n incomparable_a treatise_n de_fw-fr sera_fw-fr numinis_fw-la vindicte_fw-la have_v the_o famous_a constantine_n suffer_v what_o be_v due_a to_o the_o eminent_a sin_n of_o his_o youth_n what_o a_o loss_n have_v the_o world_n have_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o
his_o deal_n with_o a_o apostate_n creature_n second_o such_o a_o strange_a prodigious_a excellency_n appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o redemption_n such_o a_o floodgate_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v let_v open_a by_o it_o that_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a man_n but_o the_o angel_n themselves_o look_v with_o the_o high_a admiration_n upon_o it_o indeed_o all_o the_o end_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v so_o attain_v by_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o boundless_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v it_o in_o what_o a_o stupendous_a and_o unthought-of_a way_n be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o attribute_n manifest_v exalt_v and_o glorify_v after_o how_o excellent_a a_o manner_n be_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o obliterated_a and_o expunge_v to_o how_o astonish_v a_o degree_n be_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o mankind_n provide_v for_o and_o to_o how_o great_a a_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o be_v the_o world_n recover_v and_o this_o in_o a_o way_n and_o by_o mean_n far_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o wise_a thought_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n of_o singular_a remark_n first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v thereby_o to_o as_o near_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n as_o our_o nature_n will_v bear_v and_o as_o can_v be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o present_a composure_n second_o the_o great_a present_n and_o future_a happiness_n be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n upon_o such_o qualify_a term_n and_o with_o such_o regard_n to_o the_o impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o make_v ultimate_o to_o depend_v upon_o perfection_n of_o action_n but_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n three_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a homage_n that_o mankind_n can_v pay_v unto_o god_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o do_v the_o most_o he_o can_v in_o a_o way_n most_o suitable_a to_o his_o be_v as_o a_o free_a and_o rational_a agent_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o high_a self-resignation_n and_o god_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o act_n never_o such_o sanctity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n never_o such_o willing_a and_o choose_a obedience_n never_o such_o inward_a integrity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n nor_o such_o self-denial_n for_o god_n as_o the_o gospel_n produce_v and_o yet_o man_n still_o depend_v upon_o divine_a assistance_n for_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o whole_a redound_v to_o god_n his_o goodness_n alone_o be_v magnify_v man_n be_v so_o debase_v and_o god_n so_o exalt_v man_n become_v so_o happy_a in_o that_o debasement_n and_o god_n so_o glorious_a and_o both_o in_o a_o way_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o creature_n indeed_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n be_v introduce_v in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o high_a admiration_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o human_a projection_n the_o manner_n also_o by_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v introduce_v the_o full_a and_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v such_o the_o design_n of_o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v lay_v as_o evident_o point_v we_o to_o god_n the_o whole_a scripture_n even_o the_o difficult_a part_n of_o they_o seem_v in_o a_o wonderful_a way_n to_o issue_n and_o unravel_v themselves_o into_o christ_n as_o their_o great_a and_o common_a end_n if_o we_o dissect_v the_o bible_n and_o rip_v up_o the_o entrail_n of_o both_o testament_n after_o how_o excellent_a a_o manner_n do_v christ_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a soul_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a a_o vein_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v we_o perceive_v run_v throughout_o all_o the_o part_n relate_v to_o he_o what_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o divine_a skill_n to_o any_o consider_a mind_n be_v the_o scripture-method_n of_o reveal_v our_o saviour_n in_o what_o peculiar_a unthought-of_a yet_o strange_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a expression_n be_v he_o promise_v in_o what_o deep_o mysterious_a yet_o full_o significant_a type_n and_o shadow_n represent_v what_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yet_o lively_a and_o complete_a image_n be_v draw_v of_o he_o under_o the_o law_n with_o what_o un-imaginable_a variety_n of_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n be_v he_o foretell_v and_o with_o what_o a_o strange_a concurrence_n of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o a_o counterpart_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o old_a such_o a_o justification_n of_o the_o new_a and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v such_o a_o harmony_n result_v from_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n about_o this_o matter_n as_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v ever_o have_v tune_v they_o into_o and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o business_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n appear_v a_o eminent_a effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n second_o we_o find_v the_o law_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o reach_v the_o inside_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outside_o of_o all_o mankind_n pierce_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n govern_v a_o man_n be_v most_o retire_v thought_n speak_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o all_o man_n action_n and_o this_o seem_v much_o to_o evidence_n their_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v exercise_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o mind_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o first_o and_o invisible_a rise_n of_o disobedience_n there_o two_o thing_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v very_o considerable_a from_o what_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n first_o that_o it_o be_v throughout_o equal_o direct_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a act_n forbid_v inward_a covet_v and_o lust_a upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n that_o it_o do_v the_o gross_a practice_n of_o evil_n this_o as_o it_o be_v never_o do_v in_o any_o heathen_a law_n so_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o any_o humane_a authority_n to_o attempt_v it_o because_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v only_o connizable_a by_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n second_o this_o book_n do_v not_o only_o pretend_v to_o a_o invisible_a dominion_n in_o that_o kind_n but_o it_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o world_n speak_v so_o exact_o to_o what_o we_o find_v within_o ourselves_o do_v so_o effectual_o command_v we_o have_v such_o a_o justification_n from_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n that_o we_o can_v but_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o but_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n can_v have_v encompass_v he_o round_o with_o such_o a_o law_n a_o law_n that_o divide_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n who_o but_o he_o can_v have_v give_v such_o a_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o manifold_a thought_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v not_o a_o private_a closet_n in_o any_o man_n soul_n into_o which_o the_o force_n of_o this_o law_n do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o extend_v itself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mental_a case_n can_v happen_v that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a but_o fall_v under_o some_o regulation_n or_o other_o from_o this_o book_n in_o short_a here_o be_v a_o book_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o our_o thought_n become_v a_o perfect_a law_n to_o our_o inward_a part_n punctual_o speak_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n nay_o tell_v we_o more_o than_o we_o before_o know_v of_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n none_o but_o he_o that_o make_v we_o that_o see_v within_o we_o and_o from_o a_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o judge_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o belong_v to_o we_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v promulge_v such_o a_o law_n three_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o humane_a life_n do_v great_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n the_o evident_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o
of_o imposture_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o who_o design_v to_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v a_o book_n shall_v choose_v to_o compose_v it_o in_o such_o a_o prophetic_a way_n and_o so_o positive_o and_o plain_o deliver_v themselves_o about_o so_o many_o future_a event_n indeed_o about_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v among_o mankind_n for_o the_o first_o miscarriage_n in_o that_o kind_n a_o palpable_a mistake_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a must_v needs_o ruin_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o that_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v ever_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o what_o be_v to_o come_v he_o therefore_o that_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o miss_v or_o else_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o own_o imposture_n that_o in_o the_o heathen-world_n there_o have_v be_v great_a pretension_n to_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o upon_o very_o different_a term_n to_o what_o we_o find_v of_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o bible_n first_o many_o thing_n pretend_v to_o therein_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n be_v such_o as_o may_v humane_o be_v fore-seen_a and_o be_v only_o the_o regular_a consequent_n of_o some_o natural_a and_o then_o extant_a though_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o visible_a cause_n the_o first_o discoverer_n of_o many_o secret_a working_n in_o nature_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n have_v soon_o arrive_v to_o a_o great_a prophetical_a credit_n thales_n who_o first_o among_o the_o heathen_n foresee_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v for_o a_o eminent_a prophet_n before_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o natural_a cause_n grow_v common_a two_o the_o heathen_a prediction_n be_v general_o clothe_v with_o expression_n so_o enigmatical_a and_o so_o unintelligible_a as_o in_o truth_n render_v they_o problem_n rather_o than_o prophecy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v frame_v more_o to_o confound_v and_o amuse_v than_o to_o inform_v or_o satisfy_v and_o to_o be_v chief_o calculate_v to_o abuse_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o adore_v what_o they_o least_o understand_v and_o to_o suppose_v some_o extraordinary_a matter_n to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o all_o such_o cloud_a expression_n according_a to_o that_o of_o lucretius_n omnia_fw-la enim_fw-la stolidi_fw-la magis_fw-la admirantut_o amantque_fw-la inversis_fw-la quae_fw-la sub_fw-la verbis_fw-la latitantia_fw-la cernunt_fw-la three_o their_o oraculous_a divination_n of_o future_a thing_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o deliver_v that_o they_o have_v divers_a aspect_n carry_v in_o they_o divers_a intricate_a sense_n manifold_a ambiguity_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o credit_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o divers_a and_o those_o contrary_n interpretation_n which_o make_v the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v their_o great_a oracle_n at_o delphos_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thwarter_n or_o crooked-speaker_n four_o many_o of_o their_o plain_a and_o most_o intelligible_a prediction_n have_v be_v consequent_o find_v to_o be_v false_a and_o mistake_v and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o a_o perfect_a subversion_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v by_o porphiry_n declare_v that_o all_z other_z god_n be_v but_o airy_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o direction_n have_v it_o be_v follow_v have_v put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o all_o their_o own_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o sibyl_n prophesy_v so_o full_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v out_o of_o their_o work_n in_o the_o four_o eglogue_n of_o virgil._n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o for_o some_o secret_a and_o to_o we_o unknown_a end_n god_n who_o as_o the_o heathen_n general_o acknowledge_v can_v only_o do_v it_o for_o they_o still_o ascribe_v it_o even_o porphiry_n himself_o unto_o their_o god_n might_n and_o do_v sometime_o reveal_v some_o future_a event_n which_o no_o other_o way_n can_v be_v know_v as_o he_o do_v the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n at_o endor_n to_o the_o devil_n or_o to_o other_o which_o they_o may_v communicate_v but_o nothing_o that_o ever_o be_v extant_a in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v any_o way_n put_v in_o balance_n with_o that_o prophetic_a spirit_n we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v much_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o miracle_n the_o heathen-world_n be_v fill_v with_o pretension_n both_o way_n some_o of_o they_o real_a and_o true_a but_o most_o general_o fictitious_a and_o false_a and_o when_o true_a both_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o we_o derive_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o different_o circumstance_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o superior_a eminency_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o one_o as_o render_v the_o other_o no_o objection_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n here_o we_o have_v clear_a plain_a and_o positive_a prediction_n of_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v prediction_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o natural_a cause_n then_o extant_a when_o they_o be_v make_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o unbounded_a will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o such_o prediction_n with_o marvalous_a variety_n and_o great_a exactness_n and_o particularity_n concern_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o all_o age_n and_o throughout_o a_o constant_a and_o un-erring_a success_n without_o a_o failure_n in_o a_o tittle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o record_v in_o the_o general_a story_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v we_o suppose_v can_v pronounce_v with_o such_o a_o positive_a certainty_n upon_o all_o future_a event_n not_o to_o foretell_v once_o or_o a_o second_o time_n what_o shall_v be_v here_o or_o there_o but_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o positive_a prophetic_a determination_n about_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o write_v of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o world_n as_o man_n write_v history_n of_o age_n past_a and_o to_o have_v thing_n always_o right_o come_v to_o pass_v never_o to_o mistake_v constant_o to_o give_v right_a divination_n this_o be_v single_o the_o property_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v reasonable_o though_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o prophetical_a book_n but_o he_o that_o grasp_v all_o age_n with_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n span_n all_o time_n and_o season_n from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o who_o with_o the_o sane_a infinite_a eye_n equal_o behold_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o the_o supposition_n of_o some_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v whole_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v be_v large_o make_v to_o appear_v if_o then_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a contain_v the_o most_o primitive_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o which_o the_o early_a author_n as_o from_o the_o great_a fountain_n and_o spring-head_n of_o all_o divine_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n appear_v to_o have_v draw_v out_o much_o of_o what_o they_o have_v write_v that_o give_v we_o the_o most_o punctual_a account_n of_o the_o world_n original_a with_o a_o exact_a historical_a narrative_n of_o all_o the_o great_a successive_a revolution_n of_o it_o long_o before_o any_o other_o writer_n be_v extant_a with_o such_o a_o adjustment_n of_o time_n all_o along_o that_o without_o it_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v attain_v in_o chronology_n and_o the_o study_n of_o it_o will_v become_v more_o intricate_a than_o a_o labyrinth_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v by_o several_a man_n of_o several_a quality_n condition_n and_o interest_n in_o several_a distant_a age_n with_o wonderful_a variety_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n promote_a by_o a_o unparalleled_a agreement_n with_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n and_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n that_o can_v descend_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v embrace_v by_o man_n terminate_a all_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n utmost_a happiness_n a_o book_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o far_a confine_n of_o all_o natural_a truth_n our_o own_o reason_n comprehend_v and_o approve_v and_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o
errata_n page_n 8._o line_n 1._o deal_n â—_o p._n 13._o l._n 14._o for_o their_o r._n the._n p._n 20._o l._n 10._o for_o he_o r._n it_o be_v p._n 22._o l._n 26._o for_o or_o r._n and_o p._n 47._o l._n 18._o for_o product_n r._n conduct_n p._n 47._o l._n 27_o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o word_n when_o p._n 56._o l._n 2._o for_o whole_a r._n uphold_v p_o 66._o l._n 14._o deal_n common_a sentiment_n p._n 144._o l._n 14._o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o world_n p._n 170_o l._n 11._o for_o when_o r._n where_o p._n 174_o l._n 11._o after_o expectance_n add_v off_o p._n 189._o l._n 19_o for_o may_v r._n many_o p._n 205._o l._n 10._o after_o thirty_o add_v year_n p._n 206._o l._n 1â—_n for_o elysian_a r_o elisiniaâ—_n p_o 207._o l._n 12._o for_o mend_v sius_fw-la r._n man_n disius_a p._n 224._o l._n 16._o for_o afford_v r._n afford_v p._n 258._o l._n 12._o for_o word_n r_o word_n p._n 259._o l._n 6._o r._n a_o after_z in_o p._n 390._o l._n 24._o for_o saniores_fw-la r._n seniores_fw-la p._n 419._o l._n 26._o for_o a_o r_o aâ—_n p._n 494._o l._n 21._o for_o providential_a r._n prudential_a p._n 407._o it_o 6._o for_o by_o r._n be_v s._n scrÃpturam_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la esse_fw-la revelatam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exploratò_fw-la firmat_n iste_fw-la elenchus_n prodeat_fw-la è_fw-la typographiâ_fw-la humph._n london_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-beleif_a a_o discourse_n give_v some_o account_n of_o those_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god._n write_a by_o sir_n charles_n wolseley_n bar_n t._n london_n print_v by_o t.r._n &_o n.t._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_v at_o the_o peacock_n in_o chancery_n lane_n near_o fleetstreet_n 1672._o to_o the_o earl_n of_o anglesey_n my_o lord_n beside_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o these_o paperadventure_n those_o who_o suppose_v they_o can_v do_v much_o better_o and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o please_v they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o well_o from_o a_o twofold_a sort_n of_o man_n i_o expect_v a_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o this_o undertake_n chief_o from_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o reject_v all_o religion_n in_o gross_a as_o a_o thing_n no_o where_o exist_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o sequacious_a and_o fearful_a man_n and_o deride_v all_o attempt_n make_v towards_o its_o rational_a justification_n and_o also_o from_o they_o who_o suppose_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n privilege_v from_o all_o dispute_n or_o debate_n thing_n not_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o admit_v that_o all_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o open_a arraignment_n of_o such_o fundamental_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v question_v a_o disservice_n do_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n thereby_o and_o at_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a the_o follow_a discourse_n my_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n no_o way_n condit_v to_o the_o gust_n of_o any_o such_o man_n on_o either_o hand_n so_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v best_a please_v with_o whatever_o be_v least_o so_o the_o first_o be_v a_o absurd_a generation_n that_o by_o a_o empty_a profane_a sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o themselves_o call_v wit_n will_v fain_o hector_z we_o out_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o world_n make_v that_o the_o scorn_n of_o this_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o value_v and_o most_o revereneed_a in_o all_o other_o and_o whenever_o reduce_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o rational_a contest_v have_v no_o other_o relief_n from_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n than_o what_o they_o find_v in_o those_o naked_a shelter_n of_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n irreligion_n it_o be_v true_a in_o its_o practice_n have_v be_v still_o the_o companion_n of_o every_o age_n but_o its_o open_a and_o public_a defence_n seem_v the_o peculiar_a of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o man_n come_v to_o defend_v ill_a live_n and_o secure_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o guilt_n by_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o the_o great_a maxim_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a the_o world_n have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o where_n in_o force_n as_o a_o law_n divine_a but_o where_o by_o law_n civil_a and_o municipal_a it_o be_v make_v so_o to_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n feign_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o fancy_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v these_o and_o most_o of_o the_o bad_a principle_n of_o this_o age_n be_v of_o no_o early_o a_o date_n than_o one_o very_o ill_a book_n be_v indeed_o but_o the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n the_o other_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o easy_a and_o credulous_a man_n that_o derive_v their_o religion_n no_o high_o than_o education_n &_o custom_n have_v take_v up_o their_o great_a concern_v upon_o trust_n and_o whensoever_o encounter_v but_o by_o any_o small_a artificer_n in_o the_o sceptic_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v sufficient_o baffle_v themselves_o and_o religion_n expose_v to_o the_o utmost_a contempt_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o attack_n they_o either_o go_v off_o wound_v with_o a_o secret_a dislike_n of_o their_o own_o profession_n or_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o stubborn_a and_o brutish_a sort_n of_o drudgery_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o which_o they_o find_v they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o good_a reason_n will_v such_o dull_a man_n once_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o do_v nothing_o will_v they_o once_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v but_o a_o sally_n into_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o nothing_o prove_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a good_a of_o religion_n than_o this_o stupid_a sort_n of_o credulity_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o that_o weak_a impotent_a defence_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a truth_n that_o result_v natural_o from_o it_o that_o man_n profane_a triumph_n have_v be_v chief_o erect_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o so_o many_o so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o seduce_v and_o it_o be_v those_o age_n when_o man_n fall_v off_o and_o retire_v from_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o religion_n and_o sink_v into_o implicit_a belief_n and_o ignorant_a devotion_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v date_n most_o of_o the_o great_a ill_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o those_o devout_a foolery_n which_o have_v since_o so_o cumber_v the_o world_n have_v their_o chief_a and_o first_o rise_v as_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o so_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v so_o be_v must_v upon_o rational_a ground_n necessary_o be_v establish_v what_o ever_o belief_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o revelation_n aught_o to_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a proof_n of_o that_o revelation_n as_o such_o and_o what_o ever_o appear_v to_o we_o upon_o those_o term_n so_o to_o be_v whatever_o can_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o god_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o its_o author_n put_v in_o but_o a_o reasonable_a claim_n to_o our_o assent_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o thing_n exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o humane_a capacity_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v the_o socinian_o who_o have_v they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o a_o rational_a proof_n that_o all_o we_o believe_v be_v reveal_v have_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o the_o church_n have_v great_o miscarry_v and_o when_o they_o will_v need_v subject_a all_o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n to_o a_o rational_a comprehension_n fall_v much_o short_a of_o that_o credit_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o god_n reveal_v fall_v foul_a upon_o those_o two_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o indeed_o have_v come_v much_o short_a of_o that_o reverence_n all_o nation_n have_v pay_v to_o their_o god_n who_o by_o all_o their_o mystery_n still_o have_v profess_v to_o believe_v some_o thing_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o divine_a credit_n which_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o can_v not_o full_o comprehend_v be_v not_o the_o loose_a principle_n my_o lord_n of_o this_o degenerate_a age_n about_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o whatever_o be_v do_v this_o way_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o inculcate_v too_o much_o even_o unto_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o because_o it_o be_v from_o this_o book_n we_o derive_v
be_v the_o reasonable_a bound_n of_o all_o such_o future_a debate_n as_o be_v bottom_v upon_o they_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v when_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v in_o question_n nor_o upon_o such_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_v when_o two_o mabumetan_o be_v in_o dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v to_o they_o a_o proper_a umpirage_n because_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o both_o but_o when_o a_o mahometan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o koran_n itself_o must_v precede_v any_o proof_n he_o can_v make_v of_o religion_n from_o thence_o because_o whatever_o be_v itself_o under_o question_n and_o doubt_n can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o determine_v other_o controversy_n by_o nor_o ought_v this_o the_o fact_n whereof_o be_v so_o verify_v to_o we_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v often_o mistake_v and_o general_o differ_v and_o divide_v upon_o all_o such_o acquire_v principle_n as_o they_o do_v that_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o find_v a_o instance_n wherein_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v be_v able_a universal_o to_o take_v one_o step_v together_o beyond_o those_o first_o and_o irrisistible_a institute_n of_o knowledge_n and_o those_o primary_n element_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v it_o be_v no_o way_n strange_a to_o see_v what_o be_v lay_v as_o a_o foundation_n by_o one_o shall_v seem_v a_o absolute_a nullity_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o another_o what_o one_o man_n resign_v up_o himself_o to_o as_o his_o guide_n another_o shall_v reject_v with_o contempt_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o difficulty_n wherewith_o all_o acquire_v knowledge_n be_v attain_v and_o the_o various_a path_n man_n tread_v towards_o it_o how_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o reduce_v thing_n to_o a_o harmony_n with_o the_o rational_a nature_n with_o what_o labour_n and_o sweat_v of_o the_o mind_n we_o come_v to_o measure_v out_o thing_n by_o the_o line_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o to_o find_v out_o those_o proper_a medium_n of_o demonstration_n that_o lie_v in_o a_o direct_a line_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n and_o how_o natural_a be_v it_o to_o doubt_v and_o object_n to_o the_o utmost_a in_o all_o rational_a progression_n second_o with_o what_o various_a ability_n the_o world_n be_v capacitate_v for_o all_o intellectual_a attainment_n and_o how_o different_o man_n do_v improve_v their_o know_a faculty_n first_o principle_n arise_v from_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o its_o naked_a existence_n but_o all_o second_o principle_n from_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o it_o how_o few_o be_v there_o that_o travel_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o reason_n will_v guide_v they_o or_o suffer_v that_o noble_a faculty_n to_o do_v what_o it_o will_v do_v what_o unequal_a concern_v have_v mankind_n about_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o jewel_n and_o delight_n of_o some_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a drug_n to_o other_o some_o man_n make_v the_o talon_n of_o their_o reason_n ten_o talent_n oother_n fold_v up_o their_o know_a faculty_n in_o the_o slumber_n of_o a_o drowsy_a sensuality_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n sit_v down_o satisfy_v with_o what_o they_o do_v know_v not_o what_o they_o may_v know_v and_o choose_v a_o lazy_a enjoyment_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n rather_o than_o a_o inquisitive_a possession_n of_o truth_n man_n be_v not_o only_o bear_v of_o several_a stature_n in_o the_o know_a part_n but_o they_o continual_o render_v themselves_o so_o by_o the_o various_a and_o different_a improvement_n of_o those_o ability_n they_o possess_v three_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n itself_o render_v all_o thing_n capable_a of_o dispute_n and_o debate_n that_o be_v not_o bound_v with_o visible_a contradiction_n to_o its_o own_o be_v and_o be_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o those_o primary_n law_n it_o necessary_o give_v to_o itself_o and_o make_v various_a determination_n about_o all_o such_o disputable_a matter_n and_o very_o often_o where_o we_o may_v well_o suppose_v a_o equal_a ability_n on_o both_o side_n man_n differ_v about_o the_o same_o thing_n the_o cause_n whereof_o must_v not_o be_v impute_v to_o any_o innate_a defect_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n as_o if_o god_n have_v make_v we_o with_o a_o lame_a faculty_n for_o whoever_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o must_v needs_o retort_v the_o lie_n to_o himself_o because_o he_o have_v no_o other_o faculty_n to_o judge_v by_o but_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o lie_v collateral_o either_o first_o from_o the_o difficulty_n relative_a to_o our_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o from_o whence_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v to_o arise_v various_a and_o different_a sentiment_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n capable_a of_o positive_a determination_n we_o meet_v with_o few_o thing_n without_o some_o difficulty_n but_o with_o very_a many_o thing_n that_o great_o pose_v we_o with_o some_o thing_n so_o much_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n that_o they_o exceed_v all_o bound_n of_o comprehension_n be_v beyond_o the_o verge_n of_o problem_n and_o serve_v only_a to_o show_v we_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o finite_a understanding_n or_o second_o from_o the_o want_n of_o such_o perfect_a information_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o ground_v a_o complete_a and_o perfect_a judgement_n upon_o there_o be_v not_o a_o little_a share_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_v mingle_v with_o most_o of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o nothing_o but_o experience_n can_v deliver_v we_o from_o or_o three_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o man_n fall_n from_o the_o bias_n of_o some_o interest_n or_o concern_v whereby_o man_n be_v engage_v or_o some_o natural_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o oppose_v and_o undiscerned_o prevail_v over_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n enslave_v they_o to_o appetite_n and_o sway_v the_o judgement_n another_o way_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o prudent_a observation_n that_o one_o make_v heretofore_o upon_o those_o various_a sect_n that_o arise_v among_o the_o philosopher_n in_o graece_fw-la that_o qui_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la severo_fw-la rigido_fw-la &_o moroso_fw-la querulo_fw-la &_o aroganti_fw-la ij_o stoicismum_n sun_n amplecti_fw-la qui_fw-la vero_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la molli_fw-la &_o stadiosi_fw-la tranquillitatis_fw-la &_o atij_fw-la ij_o fuerunt_fw-la epicurei_n qui_fw-la denique_fw-la fuerunt_fw-la ingenio_fw-la civili_fw-la modestoque_fw-la &_o liberali_fw-la ij_o peripateticorum_fw-la doctrinam_fw-la sunt_fw-la secuti_fw-la and_o aristotle_n in_o his_o discourse_n of_o the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la say_v vnumquemque_fw-la prout_fw-la animo_fw-la affectus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la de_fw-fr summâ—_n rono_fw-it judicare_fw-la atque_fw-la inde_fw-la oriri_fw-la quod_fw-la alij_fw-la summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la collecant_v in_fw-la divitiis_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o honoribus_fw-la alij_fw-la in_o voluptate_fw-la it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o those_o many_o other_o circumstantial_a impediment_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o all_o our_o rational_a determination_n and_o not_o from_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o itself_o consider_v that_o have_v be_v derive_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o judgement_n and_o opinion_n whereby_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o age_n of_o it_o have_v be_v divide_v of_o this_o second_o sort_n of_o acquire_v and_o accidental_a principle_n be_v man_n assent_n to_o and_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o book_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o be_v of_o extraordinary_a mission_n from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o of_o those_o first_o bear_v principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o we_o can_v dissent_v without_o a_o apparent_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o those_o first_o praerequisites_n to_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n and_o the_o stand_a boundary_n of_o all_o ratiocination_n but_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o admit_v man_n doubt_n query_n and_o debate_n about_o it_o and_o the_o absolute_a positive_a belief_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o any_o man_n but_o all_o man_n reason_v and_o discourse_v into_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o subject_n and_o man_n satisfaction_n about_o it_o natural_a religion_n be_v bear_v with_o man_n and_o be_v connate_a with_o their_o being_n and_o must_v be_v suppose_v but_o all_o supernatural_a religion_n be_v discourse_v into_o man_n and_o make_v its_o entrance_n that_o way_n though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o in_o all_o science_n there_o must_v be_v some_o principle_n grant_v yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o other_o nor_o need_v to_o be_v than_o such_o as_o be_v general_a and_o common_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o such_o as_o lie_v adequate_a to_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v only_o the_o property_n of_o one_o party_n and_o be_v peculiar_a
moses_n can_v not_o humane_o foresee_v that_o so_o many_o prophet_n will_v ariâ—â—â—n_v so_o many_o after_o age_n to_o justify_v explain_v and_o carry_v on_o what_o he_o at_o the_o first_o write_v nor_o can_v moses_n or_o those_o prophet_n know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n so_o exact_o to_o fulfil_v the_o whole_a and_o yet_o all_o this_o and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o bible_n have_v come_v as_o punctual_o to_o pass_v as_o if_o all_o those_o person_n that_o write_v the_o bible_n have_v live_v at_o one_o time_n have_v all_o talk_v together_o and_o perfect_o agree_v the_o whole_a business_n before_o one_o word_n of_o it_o be_v write_v nay_o moses_n be_v so_o explain_v and_o justify_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o both_o in_o such_o a_o way_n explain_v and_o fulfil_v by_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n promise_n and_o prophecy_n be_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n make_v good_a fulfil_v and_o interpret_v as_o seem_v utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a skill_n and_o contrivement_n suppose_v all_o the_o writer_n have_v live_v at_o one_o time_n have_v all_o consult_v together_o and_o with_o their_o utmost_a ability_n labour_v to_o bring_v it_o so_o to_o pass_v what_o humane_a skill_n can_v we_o reasonable_o conceive_v can_v have_v contrive_v such_o a_o gradual_a fulfil_n throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n as_o now_o we_o see_v of_o that_o promise_n that_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n what_o humane_a artifice_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v contrive_v such_o a_o prophetical_a prayer_n as_o god_n persuade_v japhet_n to_o dwell_v in_o the_o tent_n of_o sem_fw-mi with_o such_o a_o fulfil_n of_o it_o as_o that_o after_o the_o world_n have_v be_v canton_v in_o age_n then_o to_o come_v into_o jew_n and_o gentile_n from_o their_o posterity_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n who_o be_v in_o the_o high_a enmity_n each_o to_o other_o shall_v incorporate_v into_o one_o faith_n and_o become_v one_o under_o the_o gospel_n by_o a_o unite_a subjection_n to_o one_o common_a head_n and_o so_o in_o many_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n and_o indeed_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o bereave_v of_o his_o wit_n can_v imagine_v that_o any_o company_n of_o impostor_n can_v have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o projection_n as_o the_o save_a man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n or_o can_v have_v contrive_v such_o remote_a obscure_a promise_n of_o it_o at_o first_o and_o such_o gradual_a and_o stupendous_a fulfilling_n of_o those_o promise_n after_o it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v only_o high_o improbable_a that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n live_v in_o such_o distant_a age_n shall_v agree_v to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n but_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o admit_v they_o have_v so_o agree_v yet_o that_o they_o can_v have_v produce_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n or_o that_o a_o book_n so_o consist_v with_o itself_o can_v have_v be_v at_o such_o remote_a distance_n of_o time_n contrive_v by_o the_o cunning_a head_n of_o any_o wicked_a impostor_n whatsoever_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a wisdom_n can_v have_v guide_v so_o many_o hand_n as_o writ_v the_o bible_n in_o so_o many_o age_n into_o such_o a_o admirable_a agreement_n and_o punctual_a correspondency_n with_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o find_v a_o agreement_n between_o man_n of_o the_o same_o sect_n and_o opinion_n in_o any_o one_o age_n or_o to_o find_v any_o one_o man_n in_o his_o own_o writing_n if_o he_o write_v much_o exact_o agree_v with_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v so_o many_o man_n in_o write_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n so_o harmonize_a together_o as_o there_o they_o do_v be_v of_o singular_a consideration_n throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n we_o find_v these_o writer_n still_o proceed_v and_o build_v forward_o till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v without_o reject_v any_o thing_n all_o thing_n complete_v and_o fulfil_v never_o any_o thing_n deny_v contradict_v or_o destroy_v but_o we_o still_o see_v a_o rare_a use_n of_o every_o part_n relative_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o a_o fabric_n entire_o rear_v without_o the_o least_o part_n misplaced_n or_o any_o cause_n see_v to_o entertain_v a_o second_o thought_n or_o to_o alter_v of_o which_o no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v in_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o humane_a science_n whatsoever_o the_o harmony_n we_o find_v in_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v of_o great_a remark_n upon_o these_o three_o account_n first_o it_o be_v a_o harmony_n that_o result_v from_o exceed_v different_a style_n and_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o matter_n it_o be_v not_o so_o many_o man_n bare_a agreement_n together_o upon_o any_o few_o plain_a point_n but_o it_o be_v so_o many_o man_n agree_v together_o who_o have_v write_v historical_o prophetical_o doctrinal_o with_o wonderful_a variation_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n of_o all_o the_o sublimest_n notion_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n of_o thing_n in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n in_o hell_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o second_o it_o be_v a_o harmony_n result_v from_o a_o involve_a correspondency_n of_o the_o part_v one_o with_o another_o and_o of_o every_o part_n with_o the_o whole_a now_o we_o see_v it_o conjoin_v d_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v or_o contrive_v by_o any_o humane_a wisdom_n in_o the_o write_n of_o any_o one_o distinct_a part_n there_o be_v in_o the_o toâ—um_fw-la compositum_fw-la of_o the_o bible_n such_o a_o peculiar_a oeconomy_n relate_v to_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o conjunction_n of_o all_o the_o part_n and_o likewise_o such_o a_o unite_a consent_n in_o all_o the_o part_n when_o together_o relate_v to_o their_o conjunction_n in_o all_o the_o doctrine_n prophecy_n promise_n type_n history_n to_o promote_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o such_o a_o dependency_n each_o upon_o other_o in_o order_n to_o it_o the_o whole_a in_o its_o connexion_n be_v so_o issue_v into_o one_o great_a and_o common_a end_n as_o must_v needs_o argue_v a_o further_a and_o great_a design_n in_o produce_v the_o whole_a than_o what_o any_o individual_a man_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o several_a distant_a time_n in_o write_v the_o particular_a part_n three_o it_o be_v such_o a_o harmony_n as_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v daily_o more_o and_o more_o discoverable_a to_o we_o by_o the_o accident_n of_o time_n and_o the_o product_n of_o age_n and_o generation_n have_v show_v we_o much_o of_o it_o that_o lie_v hide_v and_o we_o know_v not_o of_o before_o the_o more_o experience_n we_o have_v of_o this_o book_n the_o more_o we_o find_v it_o at_o unity_n with_o itself_o and_o the_o more_o we_o search_v into_o it_o the_o deep_a harmony_n still_o we_o discover_v every_o age_n prove_v a_o fresh_a interpreter_n and_o the_o successive_a revolution_n of_o this_o whole_a world_n reveal_v to_o we_o more_o and_o more_o of_o its_o rare_a and_o admirable_a concord_n and_o we_o come_v to_o find_v thing_n that_o seem_o most_o differ_v in_o the_o high_a and_o safe_a agreement_n which_o when_o we_o consider_v by_o how_o many_o several_a pen_n and_o at_o how_o many_o several_a and_o distant_a time_n this_o book_n be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o can_v not_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o humane_a artifice_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n that_o any_o writer_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n can_v possible_o in_o their_o own_o time_n design_n or_o provide_v for_o nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v it_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o infinite_a comprehension_n and_o foresight_n and_o that_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o book_n be_v in_o all_o time_n guide_v in_o what_o they_o write_v by_o the_o supreme_a wisdom_n of_o that_o one_o god_n who_o be_v constant_a to_o himself_o and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o penman_n god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o write_n of_o this_o book_n and_o those_o humane_a circumstance_n that_o attend_v their_o do_v it_o go_v thus_o far_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o ground_n to_o believe_v this_o book_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n as_o there_o be_v to_o receive_v any_o other_o humane_a author_n we_o be_v most_o satisfy_v in_o indeed_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o credit_v those_o man_n that_o write_v the_o bible_n consider_v who_o they_o be_v that_o write_v it_o and_o how_o and_o when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n they_o write_v it_o as_o to_o credit_v any_o other_o author_n we_o least_o doubt_v
whether_o the_o daemon_n that_o first_o cause_v they_o be_v not_o mortal_a and_o perishable_a or_o whether_o they_o remove_v not_o their_o place_n and_o change_v their_o abode_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o some_o place_n be_v endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o at_o last_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n be_v spend_v and_o evaporate_n and_o so_o the_o oracular_a spirit_n cease_v what_o ground_n have_v the_o heathen_a for_o all_o that_o religion_n they_o take_v from_o their_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v what_o other_o evidence_n have_v the_o roman_n at_o first_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o numa_n pompilius_n tell_v they_o hâ—_n converse_v with_o a_o goddess_n and_o receive_v it_o from_o she_o what_o have_v the_o turk_n to_o this_o day_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o the_o anâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o beside_o his_o own_o bare_a â—ord_n he_o 〈…〉_o claim_v work_v of_o mâ—â—acles_n anâ—_n aâ—â—â—â—_n hâ—mself_n send_v from_o heâ—â—â—â—_n to_o conveâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o with_o his_o sword_n a_o reâ—â—â—â—tion_n from_o 〈…〉_o to_o be_v accompany_v and_o â—â—nnot_v 〈…〉_o to_o be_v otherwâ—â—eâ—_n with_o such_o plan_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evidence_n as_o be_v â—â—ed_v to_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n though_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v nâ—t_v to_o a_o universal_a conviction_n such_o as_o will_v abundant_o jusâ—â—fie_v it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n or_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n however_o it_o be_v judge_v or_o by_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a man_n the_o biâ—le_n be_v not_o only_o sâ—â—h_v for_o the_o matter_n out_o as_o that_o we_o make_v appeal_v to_o the_o most_o genuine_a issue_n of_o every_o â—â—ns_n reason_n whether_o the_o justice_n helmess_n and_o gâ—oâ—â—s_n of_o god_n be_v not_o very_o transparent_a in_o it_o but_o in_o its_o gradual_a conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n at_o â—â—veâ—â—al_a time_n and_o in_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n have_v be_v visible_o accompany_v with_o open_a and_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a as_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o itself_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o such_o as_o the_o fact_n of_o they_o its_o worst_a enemy_n not_o a_o celsus_n nor_o a_o julian_n do_v ever_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v and_o indeed_o be_v eminent_o and_o singular_o justify_v to_o we_o as_o in_o particular_n shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o whence_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a aught_o final_o to_o result_v five_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o must_v be_v without_o any_o visible_a defect_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o father_n that_o upon_o god_n which_o we_o ourselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v able_a to_o charge_n with_o fail_v and_o imperfection_n whatever_o claim_v from_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n must_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlike_o he_o or_o unworthy_a of_o he_o a_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n must_v be_v above_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n or_o it_o natural_o become_v its_o own_o executioner_n if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reâ—son_n it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o any_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n to_o st._n jerome_n si_fw-mi mendacium_fw-la aliquod_fw-la in_o scripture_n vel_fw-la levissimum_fw-la admittatur_fw-la scripturâ—â—_n authoritatem_fw-la omnem_fw-la moâ—_n labefactari_fw-la ac_fw-la convelli_fw-la if_o we_o admit_v the_o least_o falshhod_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o ruin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o revelation_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n visible_o betray_v themselves_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o their_o own_o original_n no_o one_o but_o the_o bible_n can_v the_o world_n produce_v that_o will_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o disclose_v its_o own_o shame_n and_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o some_o nay_o many_a just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n it_o be_v this_o book_n alone_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v only_o this_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a the_o bible_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o doctrinal_a the_o historical_a and_o the_o prophetical_a let_v the_o most_o acute_a anti_n scripturist_n live_a produce_v any_o one_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n seem_v corrupt_a and_o unsound_a let_v he_o show_v any_o one_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o thing_n past_a not_o due_o fulfil_v let_v he_o upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a historical_a authority_n palpable_o disprove_v any_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o we_o i_o yield_v he_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o fact_n it_o never_o have_v be_v and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v never_o can_v be_v if_o a_o book_n contain_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o history_n far_o beyond_o any_o other_o book_n extant_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n it_o a_o book_n pronounce_v with_o that_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o future_a event_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n and_o relate_v to_o so_o many_o several_a person_n and_o place_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o whoâ—â—_n business_n of_o â—ens_n duty_n â—o_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o iâ—_n this_o book_n have_v not_o a_o â—â—â—un_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o exception_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o it_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n what_o more_o invincible_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v give_v to_o its_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v indict_v in_o hâ—a_n â—ock_n 〈◊〉_d who_o but_o a_o man_n wilful_a and_o absurd_a can_v withstand_v such_o a_o conviction_n it_o be_v the_o bâ—â—le_a and_o it_o be_v that_o book_n alone_o upon_o every_o page_n of_o which_o that_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n be_v engraven_v truâ—_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o â—oâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o â—niverâ—â—â—_n triumph_n over_o all_o 〈◊〉_d where_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n to_o be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d of_o any_o considerable_a subject_n much_o 〈…〉_o a_o â—auâ—â—â—â—_n this_o â—â—â—t_a câ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—tonâ—â—_n judgement_n of_o mankind_n 〈…〉_o worst_a enemy_n to_o find_v 〈…〉_o pâ—oâ—ucts_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o 〈…〉_o fail_v and_o imperfect_a nâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o the_o wise_a or_o mâ—n_z 〈…〉_o bind_v of_o this_o we_o be_v experimental_o â—â—â—â—ed_v by_o all_o history_n philosophy_n and_o all_o 〈…〉_o this_o holy_a 〈…〉_o legitimate_a off_o spring_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—t_v which_o only_o contain_v his_o mind_n authoritative_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n so_o it_o have_v single_o appertinent_a to_o it_o all_o those_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v find_v he_o be_v avoidable_o obâ—â—â—ed_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n aâ—_n all_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v some_o good_a answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o reasonable_a supposal_n of_o it_o and_o some_o tolleâ—â—â—â—â—_n account_v hâ—w_o mankind_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n goodness_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v leave_v without_o it_o or_o else_o to_o proâ—â—â—ce_v somewhat_o that_o with_o more_o justâ—â—â—_n and_o better_a evidence_n can_v put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v mâ—â—â—l_o more_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o more_o suitable_a and_o use_v â—l_a to_o man_n the_o first_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v be_v find_v a_o task_n utter_o impracticable_a if_o unprejudiced_a reason_n may_v be_v judge_n and_o with_o what_o success_n the_o latter_a iâ—_n like_o 〈◊〉_d procee_v and_o how_o visible_o absurd_a it_o will_v renâ—eâ—_n its_o undertaker_n will_v soon_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o plain_o appâ—â—â—s_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v all_o necessary_o accompany_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o it_o