prevail_v with_o he_o to_o do_v as_o she_o do_v i._n e._n to_o violate_v the_o commandment_n because_o she_o do_v so_o which_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o those_o word_n of_o he_o gen._n 3._o 12._o the_o woman_n who_o thou_o give_v to_o be_v with_o i_o and_o to_o be_v my_o other-self_n she_o give_v i_o of_o the_o tree_n and_o i_o do_v eat_v for_o though_o he_o do_v ill_o in_o lay_v his_o fault_n and_o transfer_v his_o gild_n on_o the_o woman_n thereby_o only_o to_o excuse_v himself_o yet_o thus_o far_o we_o may_v believe_v he_o that_o he_o be_v draw_v into_o this_o transgression_n by_o she_o who_o god_n have_v give_v unto_o he_o his_o passionate_a regard_n to_o she_o betray_v he_o to_o this_o folly_n thus_o this_o desire_n of_o his_o eye_n be_v one_o occasion_n of_o his_o misery_n by_o the_o enchantment_n and_o solicitation_n of_o a_o woman_n man_n be_v first_o ruin_v whilst_o he_o be_v alone_o he_o do_v well_o but_o when_o he_o see_v so_o fair_a and_o image_n he_o be_v tempt_v to_o fall_v down_o to_o it_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o to_o forget_v himself_o and_o his_o duty_n this_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o adam_n prevarication_n the_o sensitive_a part_n be_v too_o powerful_a pleasure_n betray_v he_o and_o ever_o since_o all_o mankind_n the_o animal_n and_o sensual_a life_n get_v the_o better_a of_o the_o divine_a 3._o another_o previous_a sin_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v a_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o their_o condition_n and_o a_o ambitious_a desire_v to_o know_v more_o and_o to_o become_v great_a it_o be_v a_o vile_a compound_n of_o curiosity_n discontent_n and_o pride_n yea_o this_o latter_a seem_v to_o have_v the_o predominancy_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o determination_n of_o matth._n one_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n that_o adam_n and_o eve_n first_o sin_n by_o which_o they_o fall_v be_v pride_n the_o devil_n inveigle_v they_o with_o tell_v they_o that_o their_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v know_v good_a and_o evil_a nay_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n in_o knowledge_n and_o perfection_n gen._n 3._o 5._o this_o be_v no_o mean_a incentive_a to_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a solecism_n and_o absurdity_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a that_o our_o first_o parent_n shall_v not_o observe_v it_o viz._n that_o they_o shall_v be_v like_o god_n by_o break_v his_o law_n this_o be_v a_o arrant_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v swallow_v the_o vehement_a desire_n of_o see_v have_v blind_v they_o their_o inordinate_a longing_n after_o wisdom_n render_v they_o so_o foolish_a and_o sottish_a their_o affection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o vain_a ambition_n ruin_v they_o their_o desire_n to_o arrive_v to_o the_o partner_n with_o god_n almighty_a make_v they_o forget_v they_o be_v his_o creature_n their_o wish_v to_o be_v god_n make_v they_o become_v like_o beast_n which_o perish_v as_o you_o shall_v hear_v afterward_o yea_o their_o desire_n to_o be_v like_o god_n make_v they_o too_o like_a unto_o devil_n the_o 4_o the_o sin_n which_o make_v way_n for_o their_o actual_a violate_v god_n command_n be_v unbelief_n god_n have_v himself_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o day_n they_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n they_o shall_v sure_o die_v gen._n 2._o 17._o but_o satan_n come_v and_o conâ—ronts_v this_o and_o tell_v they_o yâ—_n shall_v not_o sure_o die_v gen._n 3._o 4._o whereupon_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o this_o tempter_n and_o disbelieve_v what_o god_n have_v say_v they_o attend_v not_o to_o the_o divine_a threaten_n but_o listen_v to_o the_o devil_n promise_n of_o impunity_n they_o believe_v the_o father_n of_o lie_n but_o what_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n say_v be_v none_o of_o their_o creed_n this_o be_v the_o curse_a infidelity_n which_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o the_o actual_a break_n of_o the_o divine_a command_n thus_o you_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o though_o the_o eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o small_a matter_n a_o kind_n of_o venial_a fault_n and_o some_o vain_a man_n have_v labour_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o yet_o upon_o a_o particular_a and_o narrow_a view_n of_o it_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o circumstance_n that_o attend_v it_o it_o be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o horrid_a crime_n that_o sin_n which_o be_v usher_v in_o with_o so_o many_o vile_a harbinger_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o capital_a offence_n beside_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o transgression_n must_v be_v esteem_v and_o measure_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n we_o must_v consider_v not_o so_o much_o what_o be_v forbid_v as_o who_o forbid_v it_o god_n their_o creator_n and_o father_n who_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o command_n over_o they_o god_n who_o know_v best_o how_o to_o govern_v they_o and_o what_o be_v most_o for_o their_o real_a good_a and_o advantage_n god_n who_o require_v the_o observance_n but_o of_o a_o small_a and_o easy_a thing_n aught_o to_o have_v be_v obey_v with_o all_o exactness_n adam_n and_o eve_n have_v no_o father_n but_o god_n how_o just_a and_o reasonable_a then_o be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v express_v all_o duty_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v observe_v his_o law_n and_o not_o dare_v to_o break_v the_o â—east_n command_v of_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v nothing_o without_o his_o order_n and_o never_o listen_v to_o any_o that_o will_v attempt_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v continual_o live_v in_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v upon_o he_o trust_v in_o he_o honour_n and_o worship_v he_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v strive_v to_o walk_v worthy_a of_o the_o singular_a favour_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persevere_v in_o their_o innocence_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o continue_v in_o that_o bless_a state_n wherein_o god_n have_v create_v they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o sin_n the_o letter_n and_o light_a it_o be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sinner_n contempt_n of_o god_n this_o inhance_v his_o fault_n that_o he_o prefer_v so_o slight_a a_o thing_n before_o god_n will_n and_o pleasure_n that_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o divine_a anger_n though_o it_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o avoid_v it_o here_o we_o may_v say_v as_o cicero_n do_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o stoic_n paradox_n viz._n that_o all_o sin_n be_v alike_o culpa_fw-la the_o matter_n be_v small_a but_o the_o fault_n be_v great_a yea_o i_o may_v add_v the_o latter_a be_v the_o great_a because_o the_o former_a be_v so_o small_a the_o sin_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n be_v the_o more_o grievous_a and_o inexcusable_a because_o it_o be_v in_o so_o little_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o bare_a taste_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a garden_n of_o fruit_n be_v before_o they_o and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o single_a tree_n only_o forbid_v they_o but_o it_o seem_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v insipid_a without_o this_o no_o tree_n will_v so_o content_v they_o as_o the_o forbid_a one_o there_o be_v no_o fruit_n so_o desirable_a as_o this_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a this_o have_v not_o be_v desire_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v forbid_v this_o argue_v great_a perverseness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o consequent_o aggravate_v their_o sin_n and_o sender_n their_o offence_n very_o heinous_a say_v not_o then_o the_o eat_n of_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v a_o light_n and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n so_o it_o may_v be_v say_v lot_n wise_n do_v only_o look_v back_o to_o see_v the_o miserable_a ruin_n of_o the_o place_n she_o live_v in_o what!_o may_v she_o not_o look_v behind_o she_o it_o be_v out_o of_o pity_n that_o she_o do_v this_o do_v this_o deserve_v so_o sore_a a_o punishment_n abraham_n 28._o look_v on_o sodâ—m_n in_o its_o flame_n and_o be_v not_o punish_v it_o be_v not_o criminal_a in_o he_o to_o do_v so_o why_o then_o be_v it_o in_o this_o poor_a woman_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n from_o whence_o action_n be_v denominate_v good_a or_o evil._n they_o be_v sometime_o repute_v so_o by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o intrinsic_a cause_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o sometime_o also_o according_a to_o their_o good_a or_o evil_a adjunct_n but_o at_o all_o time_n according_a to_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n allow_v or_o disallow_v of_o such_o action_n by_o these_o we_o must_v judge_n of_o lot_n wife_n be_v sinâ—_n out_o of_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v be_v the_o place_n of_o her_o abode_n or_o
we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o assign_v a_o particular_a reason_n the_o wisdom_n and_o equity_n of_o god_n dealing_n be_v undeniable_a he_o must_v be_v leâ—t_v to_o dispense_v his_o benefit_n when_o he_o please_v and_o most_o certain_o that_o be_v the_o best_a time_n which_o he_o choose_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v the_o 2._o wife_n man_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n to_o hide_v the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o action_n from_o man_n especial_o of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o time_n which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o concern_v to_o we_o as_o the_o thing_n themselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v very_o inquisitive_a and_o scrupulous_a but_o final_o to_o resolve_v all_o into_o god_n good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n thus_o when_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v ask_v in_o a_o cavil_v way_n by_o the_o pagan_n why_o christ_n come_v so_o late_o they_o ingenuous_o answer_v 2._o we_o deny_v not_o that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o can_v see_v and_o tell_v god_n secret_a will_n and_o how_o he_o order_v his_o affair_n he_o alone_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o how_o and_o at_o what_o time_n and_o again_o thus_o in_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a course_n of_o age_n where_o there_o be_v no_o beginning_n nor_o end_n nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o st._n augustin_n answer_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v why_o christ_n come_v not_o before_o be_v this_o johan_n because_o say_v he_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v according_a to_o the_o appointment_n of_o he_o by_o who_o all_o time_n be_v for_o it_o be_v best_a know_v to_o he_o when_o christ_n ought_v to_o come_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o give_v the_o like_a reason_n why_o christ_n come_v just_a at_o that_o time_n and_o no_o other_o 118._o the_o lord_n say_v he_o who_o dispose_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n number_n and_o weight_n know_v when_o he_o do_v any_o thing_n it_o may_v suffice_v then_o to_o answer_v that_o so_o it_o please_v god_n who_o wisdom_n be_v infinite_a he_o have_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o own_o time_n for_o so_o it_o shall_v be_v render_v tit._n 1._o 3_o when_o these_o come_v he_o set_v such_o and_o such_o a_o dispensation_n on_o foot_n though_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v some_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o pass_v for_o good_a divinity_n with_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a to_o sobriety_n but_o yet_o though_o we_o must_v not_o saucy_o pry_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o heaven_n we_o be_v permit_v with_o modesty_n to_o inquire_v how_o far_o they_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o we_o therefore_o to_o give_v satisfaction_n even_o to_o the_o curious_a i_o will_v offer_v some_o consideration_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o datâ—_n of_o the_o christian_a oeconomy_n why_o christ_n come_v not_o into_o the_o world_n till_o it_o be_v about_o four_o thousand_o year_n old_a and_o why_o he_o come_v at_o that_o time_n rather_o than_o at_o another_o 1._o you_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o though_o christ_n be_v not_o bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n till_o that_o very_a time_n yet_o he_o appear_v long_o before_o to_o some_o of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o saint_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o angel_n that_o appear_v to_o hagar_n be_v the_o messiâ—â—_n the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o mâ—sâ—s_n call_v he_o the_o lâ—rd_n or_o jeâ—ovab_n gen._n 16._o 13._o it_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a alii_fw-la â—_z that_o this_o second_o person_n in_o the_o glorious_a trinity_n appear_v in_o human_a shape_n to_o abraham_n as_o he_o sit_v in_o the_o plain_n of_o mamre_n gen._n 18._o 13_o etc._n etc._n where_o he_o be_v style_v jehovaâ—_n and_o afterward_o the_o god_n of_o bethel_n chap._n 31._o 21._o and_o he_o appear_v to_o jacob_n in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o angel_n and_o wrestle_v with_o he_o he_o be_v call_v a_o 24._o man_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o 28._o god_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n speak_v of_o he_o call_v he_o god_n chap._n 12._o 3._o this_o be_v that_o angel_n of_o the_o covenant_n who_o appear_v num._n 7._o ultireneus_n tertullian_n st._n austin_n and_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_n hold_v that_o it_o be_v christ_n who_o appear_v as_o a_o arm_a man_n and_o captain_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n to_o encourage_v joshua_n when_o he_o be_v to_o take_v jericho_n jos._n 5._o 13_o 14._o and_o many_o of_o the_o father_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o conductor_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n who_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o wilderness_n of_o arabia_n and_o descend_v on_o mount_n sinai_n and_o reside_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o of_o daniel_n chap._n 3._o 25._o the_o form_n of_o the_o four_o person_n who_o be_v see_v in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n be_v like_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v interpret_v by_o some_o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o use_v to_o visit_v the_o patriarch_n and_o now_o visible_o bear_v the_o three_o child_n company_n in_o the_o flame_n and_o from_o several_a other_o place_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o christ_n appear_v to_o the_o holy_a man_n in_o those_o day_n upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n so_o then_o he_o appear_v soon_o than_o be_v imagine_v his_o incarnation_n be_v not_o the_o first_o time_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n he_o actual_o manifest_v and_o show_v himself_o before_o his_o birth_n his_o early_a visit_n of_o the_o patriarch_n and_o prophet_n be_v a_o forerunner_n of_o his_o more_o signal_n appear_v in_o the_o â—ulness_n of_o time_n when_o he_o take_v on_o he_o our_o humane_a nature_n and_o converse_v with_o mankind_n 2._o if_o you_o consider_v that_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o mankind_n by_o a_o saviour_n be_v impart_v even_o before_o christ_n be_v make_v flesh_n you_o will_v not_o think_v that_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n be_v late_a he_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o he_o who_o repent_v and_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v be_v make_v immediate_o after_o man_n fall_n the_o merit_n of_o the_o messiâ—â—_n his_o undertake_n be_v valid_a from_o that_o very_a time_n and_o therefore_o the_o promise_n of_o mercy_n in_o christ_n be_v contain_v though_o obscure_o in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v ancient_a the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o all_o age_n tend_v to_o the_o consummate_v of_o this_o which_o may_v take_v off_o our_o marvel_v at_o its_o being_n no_o soon_o it_o be_v in_o be_v long_o before_o as_o to_o the_o grand_a efficacy_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o have_v then_o this_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o true_a date_n of_o christianity_n and_o you_o will_v not_o ask_v why_o christ_n appear_v not_o before_o 3._o persuade_v yourselves_o of_o this_o that_o christ_n will_v have_v actual_o appear_v soon_o and_o that_o in_o our_o flesh_n if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v fit_a to_o receive_v he_o before_o god_n act_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o faculty_n of_o mankind_n according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o frame_n of_o men._n hence_o his_o deal_n with_o they_o be_v different_a and_o various_a his_o administration_n and_o method_n be_v not_o alike_o but_o they_o be_v always_o most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o present_a circumstance_n when_o plutarch_n solon_n be_v ask_v whether_o he_o have_v leâ—t_v the_o athenian_n the_o best_a law_n he_o can_v he_o answer_v he_o have_v give_v they_o the_o best_a they_o be_v capable_a of_o this_o be_v more_o eminent_o true_a of_o the_o law_n and_o institution_n the_o discovery_n and_o administration_n which_o be_v from_o god_n the_o great_a and_o infalliable_a lawgiver_n they_o be_v the_o most_o exact_o fit_v to_o the_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n the_o inclination_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o people_n who_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o he_o prescribe_v law_n not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o do_v but_o according_a to_o our_o ability_n to_o hear_v and_o receive_v they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o true_a religion_n be_v but_o one_o yet_o it_o have_v have_v different_a discovery_n and_o maniâ—estations_n according_a to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n this_o argue_v not_o any_o changeableness_n in_o god_n but_o his_o great_a wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o his_o church_n as_o a_o prudent_a master_n of_o a_o family_n give_v different_a order_n and_o rule_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o
hiâ—_n mâ—nâ—y_n gen._n 12._o 16._o &_o 24._o 35._o so_o have_v jacob_n gen._n 30._o 43._o &_o 32._o 5._o and_o according_a to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n they_o be_v permit_v in_o case_n of_o extreme_a poverty_n to_o get_v money_n by_o the_o sale_n of_o their_o child_n exod._n 21._o 7._o leu._n 39_o but_o when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d arrive_v liberty_n be_v to_o be_v proclaim_v and_o servant_n be_v set_v free_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o be_v considerable_a in_o this_o dispensation_n unless_o it_o be_v the_o longevity_n of_o those_o person_n who_o live_v both_o under_o this_o and_o the_o forego_n oeconomy_n this_o indeed_o be_v very_o remarkable_a and_o because_o it_o be_v peculiar_a to_o this_o period_n of_o time_n for_o we_o find_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o deluge_n the_o age_n of_o man_n be_v abridge_v and_o in_o a_o short_a time_n terminate_v as_o we_o do_v i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v foreign_a to_o our_o present_a design_n to_o give_v the_o 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there_o be_v no_o mark_n of_o eminency_n set_v on_o most_o of_o those_o who_o long_a life_n be_v record_v as_o cainan_n mahalalâ—el_n jare_v mathuselah_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o sum_n total_a of_o their_o life_n that_o they_o liuâ—d_v so_o many_o year_n and_o beget_v sâ—ns_n and_o daughter_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o this_o length_n of_o year_n be_v not_o indulge_v to_o the_o antâ—diluvian_n patriarch_n for_o their_o singular_a virtue_n and_o excellency_n above_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o i._o â—_o to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o person_n of_o those_o time_n as_o they_o be_v people_n of_o that_o peculiar_a dispensation_n wherein_o god_n be_v please_v for_o several_a reason_n which_o i_o shall_v produce_v afterward_o to_o prolong_v their_o day_n after_o this_o manner_n and_o this_o which_o mosâ—s_n say_v be_v back_v and_o confirm_v by_o pagan_a testimony_n as_o 4._o joseph_n the_o 〈◊〉_d take_v notice_n who_o allege_v the_o ancient_a author_n that_o have_v write_v concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o egyptian_n chaldeans_n phoenicians_n grecian_n as_o witness_n to_o this_o part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n they_o all_o â—ver_n that_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o time_n which_o the_o first_o people_n of_o the_o world_n live_v be_v exceed_v large_a and_o even_o amount_v to_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o some_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n therefore_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o mâ—ses_n deliver_v or_o to_o think_v that_o those_o of_o this_o period_n who_o be_v not_o mention_v by_o he_o live_v not_o so_o long_o as_o these_o who_o name_n be_v enumerate_v in_o the_o 5._o chap._n of_o genesis_n for_o the_o mosaic_a relation_n be_v know_v and_o confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v brief_a and_o concise_a and_o be_v wont_a to_o specify_v only_o a_o few_o instance_n when_o the_o generality_n be_v understand_v but_o other_o detract_v from_o the_o mosaic_a verity_n by_o a_o more_o severe_a way_n of_o cavil_v whilst_o they_o insinuate_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o yâ—arâ—_n which_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v of_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a say_v they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o the_o antediluvian_o and_o we_o between_o their_o life_n and_o we_o it_o may_v be_v they_o then_o reckon_v a_o short_a time_n for_o a_o year_n than_o we_o do_v now_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v think_v to_o have_v live_v so_o much_o long_a than_o we_o the_o year_n of_o adam_n life_n be_v lunar_a i._n e._n they_o be_v but_o month_n say_v a_o relig._n confident_a man_n without_o assign_v any_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o say_v the_o like_a be_v allege_v by_o 48._o pliny_n long_v since_o who_o mention_v some_o that_o be_v say_v to_o live_v seven_o or_o eight_o hundred_o year_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n of_o those_o time_n and_o of_o the_o account_n or_o computation_n they_o go_v by_o their_o year_n be_v some_o of_o they_o but_o half_o other_o but_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o year_n and_o it_o be_v true_a i_o grant_v that_o the_o arcadian_a yâ—ar_n be_v but_o three_o month_n yea_o i_o shall_v not_o deny_v that_o the_o egyptian_n yâ—ar_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o moon_n course_n i._n e._n a_o month_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v at_o what_o diodore_n of_o sicily_n say_v that_o some_o egyptian_a people_n live_v in_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o here_o by_o the_o way_n we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o solve_v those_o several_a passage_n in_o this_o author_n and_o herodotus_n and_o pliny_n and_o aelian_a concern_v the_o vast_a antiquity_n which_o the_o egyptian_n so_o much_o boast_v of_o we_o find_v in_o these_o writer_n that_o the_o egyptian_a calculation_n run_v extravagant_o high_a some_o make_v their_o kingdom_n to_o be_v above_o ten_o thousand_o some_o above_o twenty_o thousand_o year_n stand_v thus_o far_o then_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o grant_v that_o the_o vulgar_a year_n among_o the_o egyptian_n of_o old_a be_v but_o a_o month_n though_o if_o we_o may_v credit_v 28._o vossiâ—s_n they_o have_v other_o year_n that_o be_v long_o and_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o much_o ancient_a 24._o author_n that_o they_o have_v a_o different_a computation_n and_o that_o their_o year_n be_v not_o always_o alike_o but_o it_o be_v groundless_a and_o ridiculous_a to_o conclude_v hence_o that_o the_o year_n which_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o people_n reckon_v by_o be_v of_o this_o small_a dimension_n and_o particular_o that_o these_o year_n be_v mean_v by_o moses_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o patriarch_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o that_o have_v take_v up_o this_o conceit_n and_o hold_v that_o these_o year_n be_v but_o menstruous_a i._o â—_o they_o be_v of_o no_o long_a duration_n than_o the_o space_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v pass_v through_o the_o twelve_o sign_n which_o be_v do_v in_o 28_o or_o 29_o day_n and_o hereby_o they_o think_v they_o give_v a_o fair_a account_n of_o the_o repute_a longevity_n of_o those_o person_n but_o this_o opinion_n be_v soon_o baffle_v by_o consider_v these_o follow_a thing_n 1._o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o computation_n of_o year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o hebrews_n and_o those_o from_o who_o they_o descend_v the_o learnede_a and_o skilful_a antiquary_n and_o those_o who_o be_v most_o conversant_a in_o that_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n will_v assure_v you_o of_o this_o 2._o moses_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o person_n that_o give_v we_o the_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n make_v express_v mention_n of_o month_n as_o distinct_a from_o year_n gâ—n_n 7._o 11._o &_o 8._o 13._o and_o if_o they_o be_v real_o distinct_a who_o can_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v they_o be_v the_o same_o 3._o if_o you_o careful_o peruse_v the_o history_n of_o the_o
be_v forbid_v because_o they_o be_v rapacious_a or_o because_o they_o be_v night-bird_n or_o because_o they_o â—ed_v upon_o impure_a and_o filthy_a thing_n on_o which_o consideration_n they_o be_v to_o teach_v some_o useful_a matter_n to_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v agree_v to_o not_o only_o by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a julian_n writer_n of_o the_o church_n but_o by_o thomas_n aqâ—inas_n and_o other_o among_o the_o modern_n and_o by_o mounseur_fw-fr 33._o bochart_n of_o late_a but_o none_o have_v assign_v the_o moral_a account_n of_o the_o law_n concern_v difference_n of_o meat_n among_o the_o jew_n more_o satisfactory_o than_o that_o worthy_a and_o ingenious_a writer_n of_o this_o age_n i._o wagenseil_n on_o sota_n 2._o this_o jewish_a institution_n be_v think_v by_o other_o so_o have_v be_v design_v to_o teach_v they_o temperance_n and_o self-denial_n to_o curb_v luxury_n to_o check_v a_o immoderate_a appetite_n therefore_o some_o meat_n be_v deny_v they_o so_o tertulliâ—n_n 3._o josephus_n render_v this_o reason_n because_o some_o be_v gross_a meat_n and_o will_v with_o their_o feculent_a vapour_n pollute_v the_o mind_n and_o cloud_v the_o soul_n 4._o grotius_n assign_v this_o as_o another_o reason_n why_o god_n forbid_v the_o jew_n some_o sort_n of_o food_n because_o they_o be_v not_o good_a nutriment_n for_o the_o body_n to_o this_o it_o be_v likely_a may_v be_v refer_v that_o mosaic_a command_n thou_o shall_v not_o seethe_v a_o kid_n in_o his_o mother_n milk_n exod._n 23._o 19_o for_o whilst_o some_o of_o the_o hebrew_n doctor_n imagine_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o prohibition_n no_o flesh_n which_o be_v to_o be_v eat_v aught_o to_o be_v boil_v with_o milk_n whilst_o another_o think_v that_o it_o be_v cruel_a and_o unnatural_a to_o take_v away_o the_o young_a one_o from_o its_o dam_n before_o it_o be_v wean_a and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v good_a morality_n contain_v in_o these_o word_n whilst_o other_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o not_o cruelty_n but_o affectation_n of_o curiosity_n and_o please_v the_o taste_n be_v check_v here_o whilst_o some_o very_o strange_o and_o unaccountable_o understand_v this_o place_n of_o sacrifice_v the_o paschal_n lamb_n or_o kid_n whilst_o other_o think_v this_o to_o be_v a_o prohibition_n of_o a_o gentile_a custom_n that_o have_v a_o smack_n of_o idolatry_n and_o whilst_o other_o odd_a fancy_n have_v be_v propound_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o which_o you_o will_v find_v rehearse_v by_o several_a commentator_n on_o the_o text_n and_o by_o bochart_n in_o his_o hierozâ—icon_n part_n 1._o book_n 2._o chap._n 52._o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v the_o easy_a and_o plain_a interpretation_n that_o the_o jew_n be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v lamb_n or_o kid_n or_o calf_n before_o the_o due_a time_n to_o bâ—il_v a_o kid_n in_o its_o mother_n milk_n be_v to_o dress_v and_o eat_v it_o whilst_o it_o suck_v the_o milk_n of_o its_o dam_n i._n e._n at_o its_o very_a first_o suck_v before_o the_o flesh_n be_v come_v to_o any_o consistency_n and_o maturity_n and_o consequent_o before_o it_o be_v wholesome_a aliment_n i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o prâ—câ—pâ—_n of_o health_n and_o so_o it_o be_v probable_a many_o of_o those_o be_v that_o make_v a_o distinction_n as_o to_o animal_n and_o forbid_v the_o eat_n of_o some_o rather_o than_o other_o viz._n because_o the_o flesh_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o good_a and_o laudable_a food_n as_o that_o of_o other_o creature_n the_o great_a maimonides_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o positive_o affert_v that_o they_o be_v unwholefom_a meat_n and_o therefore_o forbid_v mâ—r._n nâ—uâ—â—h_n pag._n 3._o cap._n 48._o there_o be_v this_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o prohibition_n god_n consult_v their_o health_n i_o do_v not_o see_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o affirm_v that_o any_o of_o these_o much_o less_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v false_a account_n of_o the_o prohibition_n as_o a_o late_a 1._o learned_a writer_n confident_o assert_n they_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a reason_n but_o i_o can_v aver_v with_o he_o that_o they_o be_v no_o reason_n but_o 5._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a and_o main_a reason_n of_o god_n appoint_v the_o difference_n of_o meat_n to_o the_o jew_n be_v because_o he_o intend_v this_o shall_v be_v a_o distinction_n between_o they_o and_o other_o people_n this_o be_v the_o positive_a reason_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o in_o deut._n 14._o 2_o 3._o levit._fw-la 20._o 24_o 25._o the_o jew_n be_v a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o therefore_o have_v this_o as_o a_o peculiar_a law_n 6._o with_o this_o reason_n another_o be_v inseparable_o join_v viz._n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o be_v keep_v from_o occasion_n of_o idolatry_n for_o hereby_o a_o familiar_a converse_n with_o the_o gentile_n be_v hinder_v they_o can_v not_o eat_v together_o because_o some_o meat_n be_v unclean_a to_o the_o jew_n therefore_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o mix_v with_o they_o but_o be_v force_v to_o separate_v from_o they_o which_o be_v a_o good_a expedient_a to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n last_o this_o law_n be_v give_v the_o jew_n to_o prevent_v all_o idolatry_n on_o another_o account_n as_o thus_o god_n appoint_v some_o animal_n clen_v and_o other_o unclean_a that_o these_o people_n eat_v the_o former_a and_o abhor_v the_o latter_a may_v worship_v neither_o for_o â—en_n it_o be_v the_o high_a madness_n imaginable_a to_o adore_v what_o we_o eat_v and_o there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n of_o deify_v what_o we_o abominate_a thus_o theodoret_n and_o some_o other_o father_n say_v the_o difference_n of_o clean_n and_o unclean_a animal_n be_v set_v by_o god_n because_o he_o foresee_v the_o jew_n inclinable_a to_o idolatry_n he_o order_v some_o to_o be_v clean_o as_o sheep_n and_o ox_n and_o goat_n and_o dove_n these_o be_v abstain_v from_o and_o count_v as_o god_n by_o the_o egyptian_n therefore_o the_o israelite_n be_v command_v to_o eat_v these_o they_o must_v now_o not_o only_o sacrifice_v but_o feed_v upon_o that_o which_o some_o of_o they_o before_o worship_v in_o egypt_n but_o what_o the_o egyptian_n eat_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o abstain_v from_o thus_o god_n enjoin_v they_o to_o eat_v no_o swine_n flesh_n because_o the_o egyptiansâ—ed_n â—ed_z on_o no_o flesh_n of_o fourfooted_a animal_n but_o this_o reckon_v other_o creature_n as_o sacred_a as_o herodotus_n diodâ—re_v of_o sicily_n and_o several_a other_o good_a author_n testify_v and_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o gen._n 43._o 32._o &_o 46._o 34._o which_o place_v not_o only_o the_o famous_a onkelâ—s_n and_o jonathan_n but_o the_o chief_a expositor_n ancient_a and_o modern_a interpret_v this_o way_n but_o do_v not_o the_o murmur_a israelite_n call_v to_o mind_v the_o fleshpot_n they_o sit_v by_o when_o they_o be_v in_o egypt_n exod._n 16._o 3._o which_o seem_v to_o argue_v that_o the_o egyptian_n from_o who_o they_o have_v these_o fleshpot_n do_v not_o abstain_v from_o the_o flesh_n of_o animal_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o this_o may_v be_v understand_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o sheep_n ox_n and_o goat_n which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o the_o israelite_n to_o eat_v and_o which_o they_o do_v eat_v in_o egypt_n as_o often_o as_o they_o can_v get_v it_o so_o that_o this_o refer_v not_o to_o the_o egyptian_n but_o the_o israelite_n only_o or_o 2._o suppose_v it_o have_v reference_n to_o the_o former_a it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o flesh_n of_o fish_n and_o fowl_n which_o the_o egyptian_n feed_v upon_o and_o of_o which_o there_o be_v very_o great_a plenty_n in_o that_o country_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o of_o the_o pot_n and_o vessel_n wherein_o the_o egyptian_n boil_v and_o keep_v hogs-flesh_n which_o be_v a_o â—ood_a permit_v to_o they_o and_o indeed_o general_o the_o people_n of_o other_o heathen_a country_n though_o they_o abstain_v from_o some_o other_o animal_n out_o of_o a_o certain_a reverence_n to_o they_o feed_v free_o on_o swines-flesh_n whence_o i_o remember_v dr._n lightfoot_n gather_v that_o the_o gadarens_n be_v heathen_n viz._n because_o we_o read_v there_o be_v swine_n among_o they_o luke_n 8._o 32_o etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v object_v the_o egyptian_o have_v cattle_n gen._n 47._o 6._o and_o flock_n and_o hâ—rds_n ver_fw-la 17._o therefore_o they_o eat_v of_o their_o flesh_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v no_o good_a consequence_n for_o they_o breed_v up_o these_o cattle_n not_o for_o food_n but_o to_o use_v in_o sacrifice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o they_o in_o the_o former_a manner_n i_o prove_v from_o that_o forecited_a place_n gen._n 47._o 17._o where_o it_o be_v say_v the_o egyptian_n bring_v their_o cattle_n their_o flock_n and_o herd_n to_o joseph_n and_o exchange_v they_o for_o bread_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v in_o the_o time_n of_o famine_n if_o they_o have_v
such_o a_o act_n as_o be_v above_o natural_a force_n and_o ability_n and_o be_v do_v whole_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a power_n there_o be_v a_o physical_a virtue_n and_o agency_n give_v to_o all_o creature_n at_o their_o first_o creation_n their_o natural_a property_n and_o affection_n be_v settle_v in_o they_o by_o god_n at_o first_o and_o according_a to_o these_o they_o constant_o act_v except_o he_o who_o create_v they_o change_n their_o course_n immediate_o influence_v on_o they_o when_o the_o creator_n thus_o alter_v their_o natural_a course_n and_o agency_n and_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a power_n there_o be_v a_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o miracle_n be_v action_n that_o be_v against_o natural_a efficiency_n this_o be_v oppose_v by_o mr._n hobbs_n who_o hold_v that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a miracle_n because_o all_o be_v by_o natural_a cause_n only_o they_o seem_v to_o the_o vulgar_a to_o proceed_v from_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n on_o this_o ground_n he_o endeavour_v to_o vilify_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ._n and_o spinosa_n will_v fain_o thrust_v upon_o we_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatsoever_o the_o scripture_n affirm_v to_o have_v be_v do_v do_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o consequent_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n have_v only_o natural_a cause_n though_o unknown_a to_o we_o and_o he_o conject_v this_o to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v viz._n 6._o that_o god_n and_o his_o decree_n be_v unchangeable_a and_o therefore_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v alter_v and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o miracle_n because_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v interruption_n or_o viâ—lations_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o the_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o divine_a decree_n as_o most_o sure_a it_o be_v then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o his_o argument_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a fallacy_n and_o contradict_v several_a discovery_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o do_n in_o the_o sacred_a writ_n where_o we_o find_v that_o there_o be_v such_o action_n as_o can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n and_o energy_n of_o man_n or_o angel_n either_o good_a or_o bad_a or_o of_o any_o create_a being_n it_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o exceed_v all_o natural_a power_n a_o miracle_n always_o suppose_v the_o virtue_n by_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v to_o be_v divine_a 2._o this_o be_v another_o property_n of_o a_o miracle_n which_o follow_v necessary_o on_o the_o former_a that_o it_o be_v vnaccountable_a we_o can_v solve_v it_o we_o can_v show_v any_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n above_o natural_a power_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o natural_a reason_n shall_v tell_v how_o it_o be_v do_v a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o work_n of_o which_o no_o physical_a cause_n can_v be_v assign_v therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o be_v beyond_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v how_o it_o be_v perform_v 3._o it_o be_v also_o something_o do_v rare_o and_o unusual_o it_o be_v a_o say_n of_o the_o rabbin_n and_o a_o true_a one_o megilla_n a_o miracle_n do_v not_o happen_v every_o hour_n it_o be_v a_o uncommon_a thing_n and_o rarity_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o for_o the_o design_n of_o a_o miracle_n be_v to_o beget_v faith_n by_o its_o be_v rare_a and_o therefore_o if_o you_o can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v perpetual_a the_o end_n of_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v which_o be_v to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o the_o uncommonness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v divine_a work_n that_o be_v do_v daily_o and_o ordinary_o be_v not_o miracle_n thus_o to_o justify_v sinner_n to_o convert_v they_o to_o save_v they_o etc._n etc._n be_v not_o call_v miracle_n so_o god_n preserve_v and_o uphold_v the_o world_n be_v the_o work_n of_o divine_a power_n only_o but_o it_o be_v not_o call_v a_o miracle_n because_o it_o be_v every_o moment_n 107._o pliny_n declare_v that_o it_o exceed_v all_o miracle_n that_o any_o one_o day_n pass_v and_o all_o the_o world_n be_v not_o set_v on_o fire_n because_o of_o the_o innumerable_a subterraneous_a fire_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o infinite_a number_n of_o star_n and_o the_o vast_a heat_n in_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o inbred_a fire_n in_o cloud_n etc._n etc._n but_o this_o be_v no_o rarâ—_n and_o strange_a thing_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o miracle_n the_o gravity_n of_o body_n the_o strange_a operation_n of_o the_o loadstone_n the_o reciprocal_a motion_n of_o the_o sea_n be_v phaenomenâ—_n that_o depend_v as_o i_o apprehend_v on_o the_o particular_a and_o immediate_a influence_n of_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n and_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v common_a be_v not_o miracle_n god_n the_o alwise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v his_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a way_n but_o these_o oftentimes_o be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v because_o they_o be_v common_a wherefore_o he_o think_v good_a to_o use_v another_o method_n he_o exertâ—_n other_o act_n and_o these_o be_v unusual_a and_o extraordinary_a and_o excite_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n in_o man_n and_o have_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n 4._o it_o be_v the_o qualification_n of_o a_o miracle_n not_o only_o to_o be_v supernatural_a unaccountable_a and_o rare_a but_o also_o to_o be_v something_o visible_a at_o least_o very_a evident_a and_o discernible_a the_o egyptian_n see_v moses_n miracle_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n see_v what_o elijah_n do_v and_o whatever_o miracle_n be_v real_o do_v be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o people_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v plain_o see_v the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o be_v exhibit_v to_o the_o world_n on_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v be_v observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o wherefore_o a_o miracle_n be_v such_o a_o divine_a work_n as_o be_v evident_a and_o apparent_a and_o thence_o this_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v frequent_o call_v sign_n i._n e._n outward_a and_o open_a representation_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n 5._o and_o last_o they_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o miracle_n because_o they_o stir_v up_o man_n mind_n to_o admire_v they_o they_o cause_v amazement_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v such_o work_n of_o god_n as_o create_v astonishment_n in_o all_o that_o serious_o consider_v they_o and_o this_o prove_v what_o i_o say_v before_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v constant_a and_o last_a and_o always_o continue_v for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o then_o it_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n these_o be_v the_o inseparable_a property_n and_o qualification_n of_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n but_o the_o first_o be_v the_o main_a and_o the_o only_a essential_a one_o for_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v unaccountable_a we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o unusual_a and_o wonderful_a but_o they_o be_v not_o against_o and_o above_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n therefore_o they_o be_v not_o proper_o miracle_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a strength_n consequent_o a_o miracle_n can_v be_v do_v by_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o of_o his_o minister_n and_o agent_n these_o indeed_o can_v do_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v real_o so_o but_o then_o they_o rise_v only_o from_o occult_a natural_a cause_n and_o mean_n or_o such_o that_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o they_o appear_v only_o and_o be_v not_o and_o then_o they_o be_v mere_a juggle_n and_o trick_n of_o art_n thus_o far_o evil_a spirit_n and_o their_o agent_n be_v able_a to_o go_v and_o no_o further_o they_o can_v counterfeit_v miracle_n but_o they_o can_v work_v one_o true_a miracle_n thus_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n do_v wonderful_a thing_n they_o do_v not_o only_o make_v their_o rod_n to_o appear_v like_o that_o of_o mercury_n with_o serpent_n twine_v about_o they_o but_o which_o be_v great_a they_o by_o their_o enchantment_n turn_v their_o rod_n into_o serpent_n or_o seem_v to_o do_v so_o that_o the_o worst_a man_n may_v have_v power_n to_o work_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v plain_a from_o deut._n 13._o 1_o 2._o and_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n suffer_v false_a prophet_n to_o work_v those_o seem_a miracle_n be_v suggest_v in_o v_o 3._o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v to_o try_v man_n
new_a whether_o they_o be_v fig_n of_o the_o last_o year_n growth_n or_o of_o the_o present_a one_o why_o then_o do_v our_o saviour_n curse_v it_o some_o interpret_v the_o word_n of_o the_o time_n of_o gather_v of_o fig_n but_o this_o make_v the_o bear_n of_o fig_n and_o the_o gather_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o the_o word_n a_o learned_a critic_n read_v the_o text_n thus_o loc_n where_o be_v the_o time_n of_o fig_n i._o e._n say_v he_o there_o be_v the_o time_n in_o that_o place_n where_o christ_n then_o be_v viz._n near_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v the_o season_n of_o fig_n and_o because_o this_o one_o particular_a tree_n bear_v no_o fruit_n when_o the_o rest_n do_v christ_n deserve_o curse_v it_o this_o interpretation_n amount_v to_o the_o same_o with_o what_o i_o before_o propound_v but_o i_o can_v approve_v of_o the_o alteration_n make_v in_o the_o original_a loc_n a_o other_o late_a critic_n come_v somewhat_o near_o to_o this_o and_o by_o change_v the_o accent_n and_o double_v the_o verb_n read_v it_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d where_o he_o be_v be_v the_o time_n of_o figs._n but_o i_o conceive_v this_o learned_a gentleman_n be_v a_o little_a too_o bold_a here_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o place_n in_o his_o change_v the_o greek_a text_n where_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o keep_v to_o the_o receive_v read_v which_o according_a to_o the_o greek_a be_v exact_o thus_o for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n yet_o be_v redundant_fw-la in_o our_o english_a translation_n i._n e._n it_o be_v not_o the_o time_n of_o fig_n with_o this_o tree_n though_o according_a to_o the_o time_n of_o year_n other_o figtree_n bear_v fruit_n yet_o this_o degenerate_v from_o they_o and_o have_v no_o fruit_n at_o all_o on_o it_o only_o leave_v whence_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o curse_v it_o and_o this_o he_o do_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o may_v look_v on_o the_o tree_n and_o be_v admonish_v that_o they_o may_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o danger_n of_o their_o vnfruitfulness_n at_o such_o a_o season_n when_o the_o great_a furitfulness_n be_v require_v of_o they_o or_o according_a to_o a_o godliness_n worthy_a person_n the_o meaning_n of_o christ_n curse_v the_o figtree_n be_v that_o the_o acceptable_a fruit_n of_o everlasting_a righteousness_n be_v not_o then_o find_v in_o the_o judaical_a dispensation_n this_o tree_n do_v not_o bring_v forth_o such_o excellent_a fruit_n but_o only_o the_o fair_a figleaves_a of_o a_o external_a and_o ceremonial_a righteousness_n and_o legal_a morality_n christ_n therefore_o come_v to_o exprobrate_v to_o they_o the_o want_n of_o more_o perfect_a fruit_n and_o to_o put_v a_o period_n to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v quite_o wither_v away_o and_o be_v null_v thus_o you_o see_v there_o be_v ground_n for_o what_o our_o lord_n do_v which_o make_v i_o a_o little_a wonder_n why_o that_o learned_a critic_n who_o i_o name_v last_o and_o some_o other_o expositor_n be_v so_o much_o concern_v at_o christ_n curse_v the_o innocent_a tree_n as_o they_o call_v it_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o cause_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o can_v assign_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o of_o this_o action_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o it_o because_o he_o be_v arbitrary_a as_o to_o this_o and_o all_o other_o action_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o sovereign_a power_n he_o can_v in_o these_o matter_n do_v as_o he_o please_v but_o we_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o this_o because_o i_o have_v offer_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o think_v good_a to_o show_v a_o miracle_n on_o a_o fruitless_a tree_n which_o have_v nothing_o but_o leaf_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o his_o curse_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a instance_n viz._n christ_n suffering_n the_o gadarens_n swine_n to_o be_v drive_v by_o the_o devil_n into_o the_o sea_n i_o answer_v 1._o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o saviour_n act_n as_o his_o permission_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o import_v 2._o it_o be_v not_o do_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n but_o upon_o the_o importunate_a outcry_n of_o the_o disturb_a friend_n who_o christ_n see_v it_o be_v best_a to_o lodge_v in_o the_o deep_a 3._o the_o person_n who_o sustain_v this_o loss_n deserve_v it_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a lord_n here_o then_o be_v no_o unjust_a thing_n do_v by_o this_o miraculous_a power_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o hurtful_a thing_n to_o punish_v offender_n according_a to_o their_o desert_n but_o further_a it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o christ_n design_v to_o benefit_n people_n by_o his_o miracle_n why_o do_v he_o not_o do_v they_o when_o they_o most_o desire_v they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o herod_n and_o when_o there_o be_v the_o great_a need_n of_o they_o as_o when_o our_o saviour_n hang_v on_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o first_o we_o read_v indeed_o that_o herod_n be_v desirous_a to_o see_v christ_n of_o a_o long_a season_n because_o he_o have_v hear_v many_o thing_n of_o he_o and_o he_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o luk._n 23._o 8._o yet_o when_o christ_n come_v before_o he_o and_o be_v question_v by_o he_o he_o answer_v he_o nothing_o ver_fw-la 9_o he_o speak_v not_o one_o word_n he_o do_v not_o one_o miracle_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o herod_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n before_o of_o hear_v christ_n sermon_n and_o see_v his_o sign_n but_o he_o be_v negligent_a and_o careless_a yea_o he_o slight_v and_o despise_v those_o thing_n this_o be_v evident_a because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v have_v go_v to_o our_o saviour_n or_o send_v for_o he_o and_o treat_v he_o with_o respect_n and_o reverence_n this_o great_a man_n have_v thus_o neglect_v the_o season_n of_o grace_n he_o be_v just_o debar_v for_o the_o future_a by_o christ_n himself_o miracle_n be_v deny_v he_o after_o a_o wilful_a refuse_v both_o of_o they_o and_o other_o mean_n as_o for_o what_o we_o read_v in_o mat._n 27._o 42._o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n if_o he_o will_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n will_v not_o gratify_v they_o by_o his_o miraculous_a descend_v thence_o here_o i_o have_v these_o three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o we_o may_v gather_v hence_o that_o miracle_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a argument_n all_o man_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v conclude_v by_o this_o the_o priest_n and_o scribe_n declare_v that_o on_o these_o term_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o christ_n and_o take_v he_o for_o the_o messiah_n they_o desire_v no_o better_a proof_n than_o a_o miracle_n 2._o i_o say_v this_o miracle_n the_o mighty_a and_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n be_v not_o lavish_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o the_o person_n have_v miracle_n enough_o before_o but_o they_o disregard_v they_o and_o the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o must_v not_o therefore_o now_o when_o they_o think_v sit_v call_v for_o those_o divine_a testimony_n from_o heaven_n it_o be_v not_o meet_v that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v thus_o at_o their_o beck_n and_o that_o miracle_n must_v be_v do_v when_o they_o please_v 3._o the_o main_a thing_n i_o offer_v be_v this_o that_o a_o great_a miracle_n than_o this_o which_o they_o now_o call_v for_o be_v show_v within_o a_o little_a time_n afterward_o for_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a be_v more_o than_o come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o so_o that_o if_o our_o saviour_n have_v come_v down_o from_o the_o cross_n they_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v which_o he_o who_o know_v all_o thing_n know_v full_a well_o and_o therefore_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o unreasonable_a desire_n we_o may_v then_o notwithstanding_o these_o instance_n allege_v assert_v that_o our_o saviour_n intend_v the_o good_a and_o welfare_n of_o man_n by_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v and_o that_o all_o the_o exertment_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v one_o difference_n between_o true_a and_o false_a miracle_n moreover_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o person_n who_o general_o wrought_v these_o miracle_n we_o shall_v be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v true_a not_o to_o speak_v now_o ofour_n saviour_n the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o mediate_a author_n of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a simplicity_n they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o secular_a and_o 〈◊〉_d design_n much_o more_o of_o
prove_v that_o several_a great_a professor_n of_o the_o imperial_a law_n be_v well-willer_n to_o the_o christian_a institution_n and_o some_o of_o those_o juris_fw-la sacerdotes_fw-la as_o the_o râ—man_n law_n style_v they_o become_v christian_a priest_n i_o have_v already_o mention_v a_o early_a instance_n of_o a_o convert_n of_o this_o rank_n i_o mean_v zenas_n to_o who_o we_o may_v now_o add_v minutius_n fâ—lix_fw-la a_o eminent_a roman_a lawyer_n who_o afterward_o turn_v christian._n and_o to_o he_o may_v be_v join_v arnobius_n and_o laâ—tantius_n his_o scholar_n notable_a rhetorician_n all_o three_o witty_a and_o solid_a defender_n of_o christianity_n against_o paganism_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o who_o may_v be_v add_v julius_n firmicus_n a_o pagan_a first_o and_o then_o give_v his_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o error_n of_o profane_a religion_n afterward_o in_o the_o four_o century_n we_o may_v reckon_v gregory_n bishop_n of_o neocaesarea_n common_o call_v thaumaturgus_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a pagan_n convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o also_o nemesius_n a_o philosopher_n in_o gregory_n nazianzen_n time_n hilary_n bishop_n of_o poitiers_n be_v a_o heathen_a at_o first_o so_o be_v victorinus_n a_o 2._o learned_a rhetorician_n of_o rome_n though_o a_o african_a by_o birth_n but_o in_o his_o old_a age_n he_o renounce_v the_o pagan_a religion_n and_o become_v a_o zealous_a christian_a the_o manner_n of_o who_o conversion_n be_v set_v down_o by_o st._n augustin_n and_o in_o the_o five_o century_n there_o be_v synesius_n original_o of_o cyrene_n in_o egypt_n first_o a_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o afterward_o a_o christian_a and_o bishop_n of_o ptolemais_n in_o africa_n know_v by_o his_o excellent_a write_n sulpitius_n severus_n a_o learned_a frenchman_n of_o a_o noble_a extraction_n and_o famous_a at_o the_o bar_n forsake_v his_o pagan_a principle_n and_o practice_n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o christianity_n and_o be_v a_o zealous_a defender_n of_o it_o and_o in_o part_n vindicate_v it_o with_o his_o eloquent_a pen._n all_o these_o great_a scholar_n these_o master_n of_o art_n and_o reason_n with_o many_o more_o beside_o in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n fall_v down_o before_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v captivate_v by_o it_o these_o person_n of_o great_a endowment_n and_o acquirement_n and_o the_o most_o zealous_a admirer_n and_o follower_n of_o paganism_n become_v greedy_a proselyte_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o certain_o be_v no_o small_a demonstration_n of_o its_o wondrous_a power_n and_o energy_n questionless_a it_o be_v one_o great_a and_o notable_a miracle_n that_o christianity_n be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v entertain_v by_o the_o person_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o who_o have_v by_o their_o principle_n and_o education_n the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la against_o it_o 5._o râ—finus_n and_o 7._o sozomen_n report_v that_o alexander_n archbishop_n of_o constantinople_n be_v present_a at_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a with_o a_o word_n strike_v philosopher_n dumb_a but_o that_o be_v a_o more_o notable_a instance_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o foresay_a 17._o sozomen_n and_o in_o 5._o socrates_n viz._n that_o one_o spyridion_n a_o old_a disciple_n of_o christ_n who_o have_v suffer_v under_o dioclesian_n for_o his_o constant_a maintain_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v grow_v lame_a and_o blind_a with_o his_o suffering_n and_o with_o his_o age_n this_o weather-beaten_a champion_n live_v so_o long_o i_o can_v say_v as_o to_o see_v the_o great_a convention_n at_o nice_a but_o as_o to_o be_v present_a at_o it_o and_o particular_o interest_v in_o the_o debate_n of_o it_o more_o especial_o it_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o how_o this_o totter_a confessor_n this_o almost_o emerit_fw-la and_o disable_v soldier_n of_o christ_n rally_v his_o force_n afresh_o and_o with_o a_o new_a and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_o inspire_v vigour_n engage_v the_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o be_v some_o captious_a philosopher_n who_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o show_v their_o part_n and_o wit_n at_o that_o great_a assembly_n but_o this_o ancient_a worthy_a grapple_v with_o they_o with_o a_o marvellous_a and_o almost_o incredible_a vivacity_n he_o beat_v back_o their_o cavil_n he_o baffle_v their_o sophistries_n he_o defend_v the_o christian_a cause_n and_o gain_v upon_o some_o of_o its_o very_a adversary_n to_o own_o the_o same_o and_o particular_o when_o a_o famous_a philosopher_n disturb_v the_o whole_a council_n with_o his_o dispute_n he_o only_o stand_v up_o and_o bare_o propound_v the_o main_a christian_a truth_n to_o he_o and_o bid_v he_o in_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n attend_v to_o they_o make_v he_o become_v mute_a and_o leave_v off_o his_o logic_n and_o wrangle_a and_o confess_v before_o they_o that_o he_o believe_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o there_o come_v force_n and_o virtue_n out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o this_o age_a saint_n and_o confessor_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o resist_v here_o be_v see_v the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n by_o its_o own_o native_a strength_n and_o efficacy_n it_o gain_v these_o mighty_a conquest_n it_o pretend_v not_o to_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o boast_v not_o of_o skill_n in_o art_n and_o science_n and_o yet_o it_o baffle_v all_o these_o and_o confound_v the_o wise_a philosopher_n and_o prevail_v upon_o the_o man_n who_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o the_o most_o excellent_a attainment_n this_o be_v wonderful_a indeed_o and_o therefore_o you_o read_v that_o when_o the_o jewish_a sanhedrim_n 13._o perceive_v that_o the_o apostle_n be_v unlearned_a and_o ignorant_a man_n they_o marvel_v and_o well_o they_o may_v when_o they_o see_v what_o be_v do_v by_o these_o silly_a illiterate_a folk_n void_a of_o all_o art_n and_o embellishment_n these_o sorry_a creature_n as_o they_o be_v then_o deem_v by_o the_o wise_a man_n prevail_v upon_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v most_o learned_a and_o improve_v as_o all_o history_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v at_o that_o time_n not_o only_o some_o of_o the_o rabbi_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o the_o philosopher_n of_o rome_n and_o athens_n sit_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o despise_a apostle_n who_o be_v person_n of_o mean_a education_n the_o most_o know_a and_o cultivated_a spirit_n submit_v to_o the_o sermon_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o artless_a which_o undoubted_o be_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o eminency_n of_o christianity_n above_o all_o philosophy_n which_o make_v the_o apostle_n not_o only_o start_v this_o interrogatory_n etc._n where_o be_v the_o scribe_n i._o e._n the_o man_n verse_v in_o the_o jewish_a law_n but_o demand_v likewise_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a i._o e._n where_o be_v the_o professor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n especial_o the_o moral_a philosopher_n the_o dictator_n of_o ethic_n who_o be_v signal_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wise_a men._n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n the_o natural_a philosopher_n the_o man_n of_o physics_n that_o acquaint_v himself_o with_o the_o fabric_n of_o this_o world_n where_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o questionist_n the_o busy_a diver_n into_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o nature_n or_o where_o be_v the_o politician_n that_o great_a searcher_n into_o the_o intrigue_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v all_o these_o what_o have_v they_o do_v by_o all_o their_o lecture_n have_v they_o reform_v man_n life_n as_o the_o christian_n have_v do_v do_v their_o principle_n make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o man_n manner_n as_o the_o other_o have_v do_v have_v not_o the_o gospel_n effect_v far_o great_a thing_n than_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o philosophy_n ever_o do_v have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n yea_o it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v i._n e._n by_o that_o ordinance_n of_o preach_v which_o by_o so_o many_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n be_v reckon_v as_o foolishness_n by_o this_o method_n and_o mean_v it_o please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v it_o be_v true_a the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n as_o the_o apostle_n add_v i._n e._n the_o philosopher_n will_v have_v all_o prove_v by_o natural_a cause_n they_o judge_v all_o by_o the_o verdict_n of_o reason_n and_o run_v all_o thing_n up_o to_o the_o strict_a law_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o these_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o behalf_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n preach_v christ_n crucify_v to_o the_o jew_n indeed_o a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v call_v both_o jew_n and_o