they_o manage_v their_o rebuke_n of_o these_o self-condemned_a man_n with_o much_o judgement_n and_o wit_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o fierceness_n or_o scurrility_n they_o show_v they_o the_o immorality_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o its_o contradiction_n and_o antipathy_n to_o the_o genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o urge_v that_o though_o they_o hate_v debauchery_n and_o some_o gross_a carnal_a sin_n as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v the_o publican_n yet_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o many_o other_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n to_o spiritual_a pride_n malice_n envy_n avarice_n stubbornness_n disingenuity_n and_o disobedience_n that_o they_o harbour_v and_o keep_v warm_v these_o under_o their_o pretence_n of_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o their_o specious_a form_n of_o godliness_n that_o though_o they_o be_v always_o confess_v sin_n in_o the_o general_n with_o much_o seem_a remorse_n and_o trouble_v of_o spirit_n yet_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o make_v acknowledgement_n of_o these_o that_o though_o they_o love_v to_o hear_v the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n and_o profaneness_n vehement_o declaim_v against_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o endure_v to_o have_v these_o thorough_o detect_v and_o reprove_v that_o even_o their_o own_o teacher_n dare_v not_o touch_v here_o and_o that_o when_o other_o do_v it_o though_o without_o name_v party_n or_o point_v out_o person_n they_o call_v it_o rail_a and_o persecution_n and_o make_v no_o other_o use_n of_o those_o just_a rebuke_n that_o though_o they_o show_v great_a seem_a tenderness_n of_o conscience_n in_o other_o small_a matter_n of_o mint_n annise_v and_o cummin_n yet_o they_o seldom_o appear_v sensible_a or_o trouble_v at_o their_o transgression_n in_o those_o great_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n and_o because_o these_o people_n be_v always_o make_v complaint_n and_o sad_a moâ—…ns_n of_o their_o sin_n without_o endeavour_v to_o amend_v those_o divine_n represent_v to_o they_o that_o such_o complaint_n be_v but_o form_n and_o a_o fashion_n that_o they_o follow_v that_o sad_a look_n and_o whining_n be_v but_o a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o repentance_n that_o if_o they_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o sin_n indeed_o they_o will_v use_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o overcome_v they_o till_o at_o last_o they_o arrive_v at_o victory_n and_o not_o still_o continue_v in_o a_o state_n of_o whimper_a and_o complain_v that_o these_o man_n cozen_v themselves_o into_o a_o false_a opinion_n of_o their_o penitence_n and_o be_v persuade_v that_o this_o be_v enough_o without_o conquest_n and_o true_a reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n that_o their_o remain_a sin_n be_v but_o infirmity_n and_o the_o spot_n of_o god_n child_n which_o be_v cover_v with_o christ_n righteousness_n and_o not_o see_v in_o the_o elect_a by_o which_o they_o delude_v themselves_o into_o dangerous_a presumption_n and_o security_n these_o our_o divine_n endeavour_v to_o destroy_v and_o to_o pluck_v away_o the_o figleaf_n of_o all_o their_o 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that_o god_n from_o this_o free_a grace_n as_o they_o call_v it_o change_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o elect_a by_o a_o immediate_a irresistible_a power_n and_o create_v faith_n and_o other_o grace_n in_o they_o in_o the_o same_o way_n of_o omnipotent_a operation_n against_o these_o dangerous_a conceit_n they_o teach_v that_o god_n love_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o be_v no_o fond_a respecter_n of_o person_n that_o those_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o his_o special_a kindness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a grace_n which_o have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n in_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n the_o law_n write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o common_a aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o its_o freedom_n consist_v in_o its_o universal_a diffusion_n through_o the_o world_n without_o let_v or_o impediment_n and_o in_o the_o spontaneity_n of_o it_o this_o say_v he_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o a_o hard_a word_n but_o i_o have_v no_o plain_o to_o express_v the_o fullness_n of_o my_o sense_n by_o and_o i_o never_o use_v a_o difficult_a term_n when_o the_o thing_n can_v be_v speak_v as_o well_o in_o one_o that_o be_v more_o easy_a and_o familiar_a i_o answer_v that_o i_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o and_o that_o he_o mean_v that_o god_n grace_n be_v willing_a and_o unforced_a flow_v from_o the_o benignity_n of_o his_o nature_n still_o communicate_v itself_o to_o all_o subject_n that_o be_v capable_a you_o apprehend_v i_o right_n continue_v the_o governor_n and_o thus_o he_o have_v impart_v himself_o to_o all_o mankind_n but_o than_o add_v he_o there_o be_v a_o grace_n more_o special_a that_o concern_v christian_n only_o without_o we_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o within_o we_o those_o divine_a virtue_n that_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o call_v grace_n he_o say_v the_o gospel_n persuade_v without_o force_n and_o god_n work_v upon_o we_o by_o it_o in_o a_o way_n proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o reasonable_a creature_n by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n by_o our_o hope_n and_o our_o fear_n assist_v all_o good_a desire_n and_o endeavour_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n this_o say_v he_o act_n as_o a_o general_n cause_n according_a to_o the_o dissposition_n of_o the_o subject_a our_o endeavour_n will_v be_v weak_a and_o fruitless_a without_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o never_o work_v alone_o by_o mere_a omnipotence_n without_o our_o endeavour_n they_o operate_v in_o conjunction_n as_o the_o sun_n and_o moisture_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o seminal_a principle_n do_v in_o the_o production_n of_o plant_n and_o flower_n each_o cause_n do_v what_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o spirit_n enlighten_v and_o teach_v by_o that_o and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n here_o he_o call_v to_o my_o mind_n
can_v conceive_v a_o spirit_n or_o any_o be_v without_o extension_n whereas_o other_o say_v they_o can_v conceive_v but_o that_o whatever_o be_v extend_v be_v impenetrable_a and_o consequent_o corporeal_a which_o diversity_n i_o think_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o ascribe_v to_o some_o difference_n in_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o mind_n 2._o but_o another_o very_a fatal_a occasion_n of_o our_o mistake_n be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o custom_n and_o education_n which_o be_v so_o unhappy_o prevalent_a that_o though_o the_o soul_n be_v never_o so_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o philosopher_n call_v it_o a_o unwritten_a table_n in_o itself_o yet_o this_o do_v very_o often_o so_o scribble_v on_o it_o as_o to_o render_v it_o incapable_a of_o other_o impression_n we_o judge_v all_o thing_n by_o those_o anticipation_n and_o condemn_v or_o applaud_v they_o as_o they_o differ_v or_o agree_v with_o our_o first_o opinion_n it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n that_o 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our_o cell_n and_o that_o truth_n and_o certainty_n be_v confine_v within_o that_o belief_n in_o which_o we_o be_v first_o instruct_v from_o whence_o we_o contract_v a_o obstinate_a adherence_n to_o the_o conceit_n in_o which_o we_o be_v breed_v and_o a_o resolve_v contempt_n of_o all_o other_o doctrine_n so_o that_o what_o astrologer_n say_v of_o our_o fortune_n and_o the_o event_n of_o common_a life_n may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o most_o that_o they_o be_v write_v in_o their_o star_n have_v as_o little_a freedom_n in_o they_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o destiny_n and_o since_o the_o infusion_n of_o education_n have_v such_o interest_n in_o we_o be_v so_o often_o appeal_v to_o as_o the_o dictate_v of_o truth_n and_o impartial_a reason_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n we_o be_v so_o frequent_o deceive_v and_o be_v so_o imperfect_a in_o our_o knowledge_n another_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v 3._o the_o power_n that_o interest_n have_v over_o our_o affection_n and_o by_o they_o over_o our_o judgement_n when_o man_n be_v engage_v by_o this_o they_o can_v find_v truth_n any_o where_o and_o what_o be_v think_v convenient_a to_o be_v true_a will_v at_o last_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v so_o facilè_fw-la credimus_fw-la quod_fw-la volumus_fw-la so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o learned_a assertor_n of_o vain_a and_o false_a religion_n and_o opinion_n do_v always_o profess_v against_o their_o conscience_n rather_o their_o interest_n bring_v their_o conscience_n to_o their_o profession_n for_o this_o do_v not_o only_o corrupt_v man_n practice_n but_o very_o often_o pervert_v their_o mind_n also_o and_o insensible_o mislead_v they_o into_o error_n 4._o but_o our_o affection_n misguide_v we_o by_o the_o respect_n we_o have_v to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o by_o that_o we_o bear_v to_o ourselves_o i_o mention_v the_o instance_n of_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n we_o look_v with_o a_o superstitious_a reverence_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o past_a age_n and_o with_o a_o supercilious_a severity_n on_o the_o more_o deserve_a product_n of_o our_o own_o a_o vanity_n that_o have_v possess_v all_o time_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o the_o golden_a age_n be_v never_o present_a for_o as_o a_o inconsiderable_a weight_n by_o virtue_n of_o its_o distance_n from_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o balance_n will_v outweigh_v much_o heavy_a body_n that_o be_v near_o to_o it_o so_o the_o most_o light_a and_o vain_a thing_n that_o be_v far_o off_o from_o the_o present_a age_n have_v more_o esteem_n and_o veneration_n than_o the_o most_o considerable_a and_o substantial_a that_o bear_v a_o modern_a date_n and_o we_o account_v that_o nothing_o worth_a that_o be_v not_o fetch_v from_o a_o far_o off_o in_o which_o we_o very_o often_o deceive_v ourselves_o as_o that_o mariner_n do_v that_o bring_v home_o his_o ship_n fraught_v with_o common_a pebble_n from_o the_o indies_n we_o adhere_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o father_n as_o if_o their_o opinion_n be_v entail_v on_o we_o and_o our_o conception_n be_v ex-traduce_a and_o thus_o while_o every_o age_n be_v but_o a_o other_o show_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o humane_a science_n be_v no_o more_o advance_v above_o its_o ancient_a stature_n for_o while_o we_o look_v on_o some_o admire_a author_n as_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o knowledge_n and_o spend_v that_o time_n and_o those_o pain_n in_o the_o study_n and_o defence_n of_o their_o doctrine_n which_o shall_v have_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o nature_n we_o must_v needs_o stint_v our_o own_o improvement_n and_o hinder_v the_o advancement_n of_o science_n since_o while_o we_o be_v slave_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o before_o we_o our_o discovery_n like_o water_n will_v not_o rise_v high_o than_o their_o fountain_n and_o while_o we_o think_v it_o such_o presumption_n to_o endeavour_v beyond_o the_o ancient_n we_o fall_v short_a of_o genuine_a antiquity_n truth_n unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o have_v reach_v perfection_n of_o knowledge_n in_o spite_n of_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n of_o ignorance_n and_o now_o whereas_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o mathematics_n and_o mechanic_n art_n have_v considerable_o advance_v and_o get_v the_o start_n of_o other_o science_n this_o may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o chief_a cause_n of_o it_o that_o their_o progress_n have_v not_o be_v retard_v by_o this_o reverential_a awe_n of_o former_a discovery_n it_o be_v never_o a_o heresy_n to_o out-limn_a apelles_n or_o to_o out-work_n the_o obelisk_n galilaeuâ—…_n without_o a_o crime_n out-saw_a all_o antiquity_n and_o be_v not_o afraid_a to_o believe_v his_o eye_n in_o reverence_n to_o aristotle_n and_o ptolemy_n it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o those_o famous_a optic_a glass_n that_o the_o ancient_n never_o use_v they_o nor_o be_v we_o shy_a of_o their_o information_n because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o age_n we_o believe_v the_o polar_n virtue_n of_o the_o loadstone_n without_o a_o certificate_n from_o the_o day_n of_o old_a and_o do_v not_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o the_o sole_a conduct_n of_o the_o star_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v wise_a than_o our_o father_n have_v authority_n prevail_v here_o the_o four_o part_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v yet_o unknown_a and_o hercules_n pillar_n have_v still_o be_v the_o world_n ne_fw-fr ultra_fw-la senecd's_o prophecy_n have_v be_v a_o unfulfilled_a prediction_n and_o one_o moiety_n of_o our_o globe_n a_o empty_a hemisphere_n it_o be_v true_a we_o owe_v much_o reverence_n to_o the_o ancient_n and_o many_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o their_o help_n and_o discovery_n but_o implicit_o and_o servile_o to_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o all_o opinion_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o respect_n that_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o have_v to_o the_o freedom_n of_o our_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o as_o the_o great_a lord_n bacon_n have_v observe_v we_o have_v a_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o antiquity_n which_o in_o the_o common_a acception_n be_v but_o the_o nonage_n of_o the_o world_n antiquitas_fw-la seculi_fw-la est_fw-la juventus_fw-la mâ—…di_fw-la so_o that_o in_o those_o appeal_n we_o fetch_v our_o knowledge_n from_o the_o cradle_n and_o the_o comparative_a infancy_n of_o day_n upon_o a_o true_a account_n the_o present_a age_n be_v the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o if_o that_o must_v govern_v and_o sway_v our_o judgement_n let_v multitude_n of_o day_n speak_v if_o we_o will_v reverence_v the_o ancient_n as_o we_o ought_v we_o shall_v dâ—…_n it_o by_o imitate_v their_o example_n which_o be_v not_o supiâ—…ly_o and_o superstitions_o to_o sit_v down_o in_o fond_a admiration_n of_o the_o learning_n of_o those_o that_o be_v before_o they_o but_o to_o examine_v their_o write_n to_o avoid_v their_o mistake_v and_o to_o use_v their_o discovery_n in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a improvement_n of_o knowledge_n
deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o hereby_o heresy_n be_v say_v to_o be_v confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o that_o the_o disable_n and_o suppress_n of_o dispute_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o weaken_n rather_o than_o any_o advantage_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o by_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o contend_v for_o i_o conceive_v the_o essential_o and_o certain_a article_n be_v mean_v these_o we_o may_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o endeavour_v to_o defend_v and_o promote_v as_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o we_o have_v see_v how_o the_o real_a philosophy_n will_v help_v our_o reason_n in_o that_o service_n but_o pious_a contention_n for_o these_o be_v not_o the_o dispute_n of_o which_o i_o be_o now_o discourse_v those_o be_v stiff_o contest_v about_o uncertain_a opinion_n and_o such_o i_o dare_v very_o bold_o say_v be_v no_o contention_n for_o the_o faith_n but_o the_o instrument_n of_o the_o great_a mischief_n to_o it_o as_o for_o those_o other_o dispute_n that_o be_v use_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o great_a article_n thereof_o and_o for_o the_o disprove_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n they_o be_v necessary_a and_o philosophy_n be_v a_o excellent_a help_n in_o such_o contest_v so_o that_o those_o other_o objection_n pleadable_a from_o the_o necessity_n of_o prove_v and_o try_v our_o faith_n and_o convince_a heretic_n from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o the_o sadducee_n and_o of_o st._n paul_n at_o athens_n with_o the_o jew_n these_o and_o such_o other_o little_a cavil_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v in_o matter_n of_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a opinion_n against_o which_o the_o real_a philosophy_n be_v a_o antidote_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v under_o five_o material_a head_n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o god_n promote_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o the_o three_o last_o it_o appear_v how_o fundamental_o opposite_a it_o be_v to_o all_o schism_n and_o fanaticism_n which_o be_v make_v up_o and_o occasion_v by_o superstition_n enthusiasm_n and_o ignorant_a perverse_a dispute_n so_o that_o for_o atheist_n and_o sadducee_n and_o fanatic_n to_o detest_v and_o inveigh_v against_o philosophy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o man_n of_o that_o sort_n philosophy_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o disparage_v and_o reproach_v it_o but_o for_o the_o sober_a and_o religious_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o unadvised_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n be_v wonderful_a and_o deplorable_a to_o set_v these_o right_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o philosophical_a inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a promote_a of_o it_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o discourse_n propose_v viz._n iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o follow_v evident_o upon_o it_o and_o though_o it_o will_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n deep_a search_n into_o nature_n yet_o this_o it_o will_v that_o no_o friend_n or_o servant_n of_o religion_n shall_v hinder_v or_o discountenance_v such_o inquiry_n and_o though_o most_o private_a christian_n and_o some_o public_a minister_n have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o ability_n to_o look_v into_o matter_n of_o natural_a research_n and_o inquisition_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v candid_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o folly_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o censure_v or_o discourage_v those_o worthy_a undertake_n so_o that_o i_o can_v without_o trouble_v observe_v how_o apt_a some_o be_v that_o pretend_v much_o to_o religion_n and_o some_o that_o minister_v in_o it_o to_o load_v those_o that_o be_v studious_a of_o god_n work_n with_o all_o the_o studious_a name_n that_o contempt_n and_o spite_n can_v suggest_v the_o irreligion_n of_o which_o injurious_a carriage_n nothing_o can_v excuse_v but_o their_o ignorance_n and_o i_o will_v rather_o hope_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o what_o they_o do_v than_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o direct_a design_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o against_o any_o laudable_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o i_o know_v well_o what_o mischief_n prejudice_n will_v do_v even_o upon_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o intelligent_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v many_o common_a slander_n and_o some_o plausible_a objection_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o zealous_a against_o philosophy_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o have_v never_o examine_v thing_n with_o any_o depth_n of_o inquiry_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o most_o considerable_a allegation_n of_o both_o sort_n and_o i_o hope_v make_v such_o return_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o bar_v by_o obstinacy_n or_o ignorance_n i_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o broad_a slander_n among_o which_o that_o i._o of_o atbeism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unjust_a accusation_n that_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n can_v have_v invent_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v industrious_a to_o prove_v here_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n to_o defend_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o this_o envious_a and_o foolish_a charge_n concern_v it_o i_o take_v notice_n that_o philosophical_a man_n be_v usual_o deal_v with_o by_o the_o zealous_a as_o the_o great_a patron_n of_o the_o protestant_a cause_n be_v by_o the_o sect_n for_o as_o the_o bishop_n and_o other_o learned_a person_n who_o have_v most_o strong_o oppugn_v the_o romish_a faith_n have_v have_v the_o ill_a luck_n to_o be_v accuse_v of_o popery_n themselves_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o happen_v to_o the_o humble_a and_o deep_a inquisitor_n into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o most_o and_o full_a argument_n of_o his_o existence_n have_v raise_v impregnable_a rampart_n with_o much_o industry_n and_o pious_a pain_n against_o the_o atheist_n and_o be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o can_v with_o success_n serve_v religion_n against_o the_o godless_a rout_n these_o superstitious_a ignorance_n have_v always_o make_v the_o loud_a outcry_n against_o as_o if_o themselves_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o they_o have_v most_o happy_o oppugn_v and_o defeat_v and_o the_o certain_a way_n to_o be_v esteem_v a_o atheist_n by_o the_o fierce_a and_o ignorant_a devoto_n be_v to_o study_v to_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n sure_a and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v ground_o and_o to_o purpose_v against_o the_o desperate_a cause_n of_o the_o black_a conspirator_n against_o heaven_n and_o the_o great_a man_n that_o have_v employ_v their_o time_n and_o thought_n this_o way_n have_v be_v pelt_v with_o this_o dirt_n while_o they_o have_v be_v labour_v in_o the_o trench_n and_o endeavour_v to_o secure_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o holy_a fabric_n but_o beside_o i_o observe_v that_o narrow_a angry_a people_n take_v occasion_n to_o charge_v the_o free_a spirit_n with_o atheism_n because_o they_o move_v in_o a_o large_a circle_n and_o have_v no_o such_o fond_a adherence_n to_o some_o opinion_n which_o they_o adore_v and_o count_v sacred_a and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o confess_v i_o have_v not_o superstition_n enough_o in_o my_o spirit_n or_o nature_n to_o incline_v i_o to_o dote_v upon_o all_o the_o principle_n i_o judge_v true_a or_o to_o speak_v so_o dogmatical_o about_o they_o as_o i_o perceive_v confident_a and_o dispute_a man_n be_v wont_a but_o content_v myself_o with_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o few_o practical_a fundamental_o of_o faith_n and_o have_v fix_v that_o end_n of_o the_o compass_n i_o desire_v to_o preserve_v my_o liberty_n as_o to_o the_o rest_n hold_v the_o other_o in_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o may_v be_v ready_a to_o draw_v those_o line_n my_o judgement_n inform_v by_o the_o holy_a oracle_n the_o article_n of_o our_o church_n the_o apprehension_n of_o wise_a antiquity_n and_o my_o particular_a reason_n shall_v direct_v i_o to_o describe_v and_o when_o i_o do_v that_o it_o be_v for_o myself_o and_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n but_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o impose_v my_o sentiment_n
deduce_v some_o corollary_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a this_o follow_v from_o the_o state_n i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o consist_v in_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o they_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n now_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o for_o every_o possible_a conclusion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o help_n and_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v they_o and_o for_o the_o proposition_n that_o arise_v from_o those_o certain_a principle_n they_o be_v certain_a likewise_o for_o nothing_o can_v follow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n in_o the_o long_a series_n of_o deduction_n if_o error_n creep_v in_o there_o be_v ill_a consequence_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o sort_n of_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n if_o the_o sense_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v and_o the_o inference_n right_o make_v be_v certain_a also_o for_o if_o our_o sense_n in_o all_o their_o due_a circumstance_n deceive_v we_o all_o be_v a_o delusion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o but_o we_o know_v that_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a and_o that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o because_o god_n that_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o due_o conclude_v from_o either_o of_o they_o be_v certain_a because_o whatever_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o principle_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o 2._o i_o infer_v that_o reason_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o which_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n and_o his_o peculiar_a people_n reason_n be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 20._o 27._o that_o light_n whereby_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 9_o and_o that_o law_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o hierocles_n speak_v well_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o luther_n call_v philosophy_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n the_o former_a part_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o last_o particular_a and_o we_o believe_v our_o reason_n because_o we_o have_v they_o from_o god_n who_o can_v mistake_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v so_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o thing_n clear_o perceive_v be_v trust_v in_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n thus_o luke_n 12._o the_o not_o belief_n of_o reason_n that_o suggest_v from_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n a_o defect_n of_o faith_n vers._n 28._o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v evident_a also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n reveal_v 4._o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n contradict_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o whole_a faith_n befriend_v reason_n and_o reason_n serve_v religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v clash_v they_o be_v both_o certain_a both_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n agree_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o contradict_v faith_n be_v opposite_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o that_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o sometime_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o then_o either_o something_o be_v take_v for_o faith_n that_o be_v but_o fancy_n or_o something_o for_o reason_n that_o be_v but_o sophistry_n or_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n be_v a_o error_n and_o mistake_n 5._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v from_o reason_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n by_o deny_v reason_n but_o endeavour_v to_o unite_v it_o by_o answer_v the_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v fair_o answer_v for_o all_o heretic_n argue_v either_o from_o false_a principle_n or_o fallacious_o conclude_v from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v not_o by_o declaim_v against_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o strengthen_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n allow_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o he_o call_v proof_n 6._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v we_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n propound_v if_o it_o be_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o the_o former_a aphorism_n that_o the_o contradiction_n be_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o the_o contradiction_n be_v real_a this_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o revelation_n have_v not_o this_o sense_n for_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d faith_n aristotle_n truth_n be_v throughout_o contrary_a to_o falsehood_n and_o what_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n can_v be_v false_a in_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o the_o talmud_n if_o two_o rabbin_n differ_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v their_o opinion_n from_o moses_n and_o from_o god_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o irrational_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o it_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o palpable_o contradict_v reason_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o sense_n that_o contradict_v the_o direct_a scripture_n faith_n and_o reason_n accord_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v also_o because_o even_o that_o be_v divine_a and_o sacred_a 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o tell_v i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o revealer_n of_o what_o be_v so_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o except_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o vain_a credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v ourselves_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o sense_n put_v upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o that_o sense_n be_v his_o mind_n i_o say_v we_o must_v have_v ground_n either_o from_o our_o particular_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a credulity_n and_o not_o faith_n in_o god_n 8._o a_o man_n may_v hold_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n from_o a_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deny_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v in_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o or_o that_o as_o to_o give_v we_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sense_n while_o i_o believe_v
say_v if_o such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o shall_v prove_v a_o diabolical_a impostor_n and_o providence_n shall_v permit_v he_o to_o be_v so_o credit_v and_o acknowledge_v what_o possibility_n be_v there_o then_o for_o we_o to_o be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o deceive_v yea_o that_o our_o very_a faculty_n be_v not_o give_v we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o and_o if_o so_o the_o next_o conclusion_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o likely_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v that_o the_o world_n be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n that_o supervise_v we_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a doubtless_o it_o will_v never_o suffer_v poor_a helpless_a creature_n to_o be_v inevitable_o deceive_v by_o the_o craft_n and_o subtlety_n of_o their_o mischievous_a enemy_n to_o their_o undo_n but_o will_v without_o question_n take_v such_o care_n that_o the_o work_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o divine_a truth_n shall_v have_v such_o visible_a mark_n and_o signature_n if_o not_o in_o their_o nature_n yet_o in_o their_o circumstance_n end_n and_o design_n as_o shall_v discover_v whence_o they_o be_v and_o sufficient_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n and_o though_o wicked_a spirit_n may_v perform_v some_o strange_a thing_n that_o may_v excite_v wonder_n for_o a_o while_n yet_o he_o have_v and_o will_v so_o provide_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v basfle_v and_o discredit_v as_o we_o know_v it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o egyptian_a magician_n these_o thing_n i_o count_v sufficient_a to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o last_o and_o shrewd_a objection_n though_o some_o i_o understand_v except_o that_o i_o have_v make_v it_o strong_a than_o the_o answer_v i_o have_v apply_v that_o i_o have_v urge_v the_o argument_n of_o unbeliever_n home_o and_o represent_v it_o in_o its_o full_a strength_n i_o suppose_v can_v be_v no_o matter_n of_o just_a reproof_n for_o to_o triumph_v over_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o cause_n and_o to_o overlook_a its_o strength_n be_v the_o trick_n of_o shallow_a and_o interest_v disputer_n and_o the_o worst_a way_n to_o defend_v a_o good_a cause_n or_o confute_v a_o bad_a one._n i_o have_v therefore_o all_o along_o urge_v the_o most_o cogent_a thing_n i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o objector_n because_o i_o will_v not_o impose_v upon_o my_o reader_n or_o myself_o and_o the_o strong_a i_o make_v their_o premise_n the_o more_o shall_v i_o weaken_v their_o conclusion_n if_o i_o answer_v they_o which_o whether_o i_o have_v do_v or_o not_o i_o refer_v myself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ingenious_a and_o considerate_a from_o who_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o be_v inform_v in_o what_o particular_a point_v my_o discourse_n be_v defective_a general_a charge_n be_v no_o proof_n nor_o be_v they_o easy_o capable_a of_o a_o answer_n yet_o to_o the_o mention_a exception_n i_o say_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o my_o fault_n for_o the_o reason_n allege_v and_o for_o the_o suppose_a incompetency_n of_o my_o return_n i_o propose_v that_o if_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n end_n and_o issue_n be_v the_o best_a note_n of_o distinction_n between_o true_a miracle_n and_o forgery_n divine_a and_o diabolical_a one_o i_o have_v then_o say_v enough_o to_o secure_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o holy_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n but_o if_o these_o objector_n think_v they_o can_v give_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o infallible_a criteria_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o weigh_v what_o i_o have_v offer_v about_o miracle_n in_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a leave_n before_o they_o enter_v that_o thought_n among_o their_o certainty_n and_o if_o their_o other_o mark_n of_o difference_n will_v hold_v notwithstanding_o those_o allegation_n i_o suppose_v the_o inquisitive_a believe_a world_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v they_o and_o i_o shall_v have_v particular_a obligation_n to_o the_o discoverer_n for_o the_o strength_n with_o which_o he_o will_v thereby_o assist_v my_o answer_n but_o till_o i_o see_v that_o i_o can_v say_v nothing_o strong_a or_o if_o i_o see_v it_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o haste_n expect_v i_o shall_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o difference_n which_o i_o have_v note_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o disarm_v the_o objection_n and_o to_o show_v that_o though_o apparition_n witchcraft_n and_o diabolical_a wonder_n be_v admit_v yet_o none_o of_o these_o can_v fasten_v any_o sluâ—…_n or_o ground_n of_o dangerous_a doubt_n upon_o the_o miraculous_a performance_n of_o the_o h._n jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o the_o dissatisfied_a can_v show_v it_o i_o shall_v yield_v myself_o a_o humble_a proselyte_n to_o their_o reason_n but_o till_o i_o know_v they_o the_o general_n suggestion_n will_v not_o convince_v i_o now_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v direct_o say_v to_o the_o main_a objection_n i_o have_v this_o to_o add_v to_o the_o objector_n that_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o will_v take_v care_n of_o such_o suggestion_n which_o if_o they_o overthrow_v not_o the_o opinion_n they_o oppose_v will_v dangerous_o affront_v the_o religion_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o acknowledge_v for_o he_o that_o say_v that_o if_o there_o be_v witch_n there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o christ_n jesus_n be_v not_o a_o magician_n and_o diabolical_a impostor_n put_v a_o deadly_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o be_v himself_o next_o door_n to_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o which_o in_o order_n to_o the_o persuade_v great_a tenderness_n and_o caution_n in_o such_o matter_n i_o give_v this_o short_a account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v say_v to_o be_v unpardonable_a by_o which_o sad_a attribute_n and_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 12._o from_o the_o 22_o to_o the_o 33_o verse_n we_o may_v understand_v its_o nature_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o consider_v that_o since_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o son_n be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v make_v a_o sin_n unpardonable_a but_o what_o make_v it_o incurable_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sin_n but_o what_o be_v curable_a by_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o a_o vigorous_a endeavour_n for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v so_o that_o that_o which_o make_v a_o sin_n incurable_a must_v be_v somewhat_o that_o make_v faith_n impossible_a and_o obstruct_v all_o mean_n of_o conviction_n in_o order_n to_o the_o find_v which_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o way_n and_o method_n the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v take_v for_o the_o beget_n faith_n and_o cure_v of_o infidelity_n which_o it_o attempt_v first_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n who_o by_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o doctrine_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o miracle_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n endeavour_v the_o conviction_n and_o reformation_n of_o a_o stubborn_a and_o unbelieving_a world_n but_o though_o few_o believe_v their_o report_n and_o man_n will_v not_o be_v prevail_v on_o by_o what_o they_o do_v or_o what_o they_o say_v yet_o their_o infidelity_n be_v not_o hitherto_o incurable_a because_o further_a mean_n be_v provide_v in_o the_o ministry_n of_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o life_n be_v more_o severe_a who_o doctrine_n be_v more_o plain_a press_v and_o particular_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v have_v succeed_v yea_o and_o where_o he_o fail_v and_o can_v not_o open_a man_n heart_n and_o eye_n the_o effect_n be_v still_o in_o possibility_n and_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o he_o that_o come_v after_o to_o who_o the_o prophet_n and_o john_n be_v but_o the_o twilight_n and_o the_o dawn_n and_o though_o his_o miraculous_a birth_n the_o song_n of_o angel_n the_o journey_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o east_n and_o the_o correspondence_n of_o prophecy_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o first_o appearance_n of_o the_o wonderful_a infant_n i_o say_v though_o these_o have_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o yet_o be_v there_o a_o further_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o cure_n of_o infidelity_n in_o his_o astonish_a wisdom_n and_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n for_o he_o speak_v as_o never_o man_n do_v and_o when_o these_o be_v despise_v and_o neglect_v yet_o there_o be_v other_o mean_n towards_o conviction_n and_o cure_n of_o unbelief_n in_o those_o mighty_a work_n that_o bear_v testimony_n of_o he_o and_o wear_v the_o evident_a mark_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o their_o forehead_n but_o when_o after_o all_o these_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o
and_o illusion_n to_o make_v a_o due_a return_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a problem_n which_o be_v what_o be_v a_o real_a miracle_n and_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o weighty_a question_n i_o think_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strangeness_n or_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n for_o than_o we_o be_v so_o to_o account_v of_o all_o the_o magnalia_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o those_o honest_a art_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o 2._o be_v this_o the_o criterion_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o action_n or_o event_n beyond_o all_o natural_a power_n for_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o possibility_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o character_n and_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v not_o know_v what_o be_v so_o except_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o extent_n of_o natural_a causality_n and_o fix_v their_o bound_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o nature_n hitherto_o can_v thou_o go_v and_o no_o further_o and_o he_o that_o make_v this_o his_o measure_n whereby_o to_o judge_v a_o miracle_n be_v himself_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o knowledge_n or_o immodesty_n beside_o though_o a_o effect_n may_v transcend_v real_o all_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o spirit_n that_o must_v be_v take_v into_o our_o account_n and_o as_o to_o they_o also_o i_o say_v 3._o every_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v make_v wonderful_a combination_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o perhaps_o perform_v many_o thing_n immediate_o which_o be_v prodigious_a and_o beyond_o the_o long_a line_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v call_v miracle_n for_o they_o be_v saecred_a wonder_n and_o suppose_v the_o power_n to_o be_v divine_a but_o how_o shall_v the_o power_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o so_o little_o understand_v the_o capacity_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o low_a agent_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n will_v discover_v the_o criterion_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v all_o the_o former_a particular_n viz._n they_o be_v unaccountable_a beyond_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n and_o do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a and_o to_o these_o must_v be_v superad_v 4._o that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a circumstance_n that_o speak_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a their_o mediate_a author_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o they_o be_v always_o person_n of_o simplicity_n truth_n and_o holiness_n void_a of_o ambition_n and_o all_o secular_a design_n they_o seldom_o use_v ceremony_n or_o natural_a application_n and_o yet_o surmount_v all_o the_o activity_n of_o know_a nature_n they_o work_v those_o wonder_n not_o to_o raise_v admiration_n or_o out_o of_o the_o vanity_n to_o be_v talk_v of_o but_o to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v some_o divine_a doctrine_n or_o commission_n in_o which_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v concern_v i_o say_v by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o wonderful_a action_n be_v know_v to_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a cause_n and_o that_o make_v and_o distinguish_v a_o miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o prepare_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o i_o make_v this_o brief_a return_n that_o though_o witch_n by_o their_o confederate_a spirit_n do_v those_o odd_a and_o astonish_a thing_n we_o believe_v of_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o no_o miracle_n there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o from_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o performance_n from_o their_o malice_n and_o mischievous_a design_n that_o the_o power_n that_o work_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v be_v not_o divine_a but_o diabolical_a and_o by_o singular_a providence_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o permit_v as_o much_o as_o to_o pretend_v to_o any_o new_a sacred_a discovery_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n for_o confirmation_n of_o doctrinal_a imposture_n so_o that_o whether_o miracle_n be_v cease_v or_o not_o these_o be_v none_o and_o that_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v only_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a performance_n above_o the_o common_a method_n of_o art_n or_o nature_n be_v not_o cease_v we_o have_v a_o late_a great_a evidence_n in_o the_o famous_a greatrex_n concern_v who_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o add_v the_o follow_a account_n which_o i_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n from_o dr._n g._n r._n lord_n bishop_n of_o d._n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n a_o person_n of_o singular_a piery_a and_o virtue_n and_o a_o great-philosopher_n he_o be_v please_v thus_o to_o write_v the_o great_a discourse_n now_o at_o the_o coffeehouse_n and_o everywhere_o be_v about_o m.g._n the_o famous_a irish_a stroker_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v like_o you_o expect_v a_o account_n from_o i_o he_o undergo_v various_a censure_n here_o some_o take_v he_o to_o be_v a_o conjurer_n and_o some_o a_o impostor_n but_o other_o again_o adore_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n i_o confess_v i_o think_v the_o man_n be_v free_a from_o all_o design_n of_o a_o very_a agreeable_a conversation_n not_o addict_v to_o any_o vice_n nor_o to_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n but_o be_v i_o believe_v a_o sincere_a protestant_n i_o be_v three_o week_n together_o with_o he_o at_o my_o lord_n conwayes_o and_o see_v he_o i_o think_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o thousand_o person_n and_o real_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o more_o than_o ordinary_a but_o i_o be_o convince_v it_o be_v not_o miraculous_a i_o have_v see_v pain_n strange_o fly_v before_o his_o hand_n till_o he_o have_v chase_v they_o out_o of_o the_o body_n dimness_n clear_v and_o deafness_n cure_v by_o his_o touch_n twenty_o person_n at_o several_a time_n in_o fit_n of_o the_o falling-sickness_n be_v in_o two_o or_o three_o minute_n bring_v to_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o tell_v where_o their_o pain_n be_v and_o then_o he_o have_v pursue_v it_o till_o he_o have_v drive_v it_o out_o at_o some_o extreme_a part_n run_v sore_n of_o the_o kings-evil_a dry_v up_o and_o kernel_n bring_v to_o a_o suppuration_n by_o his_o hand_n grievous_a sore_n of_o many_o month_n date_n in_o few_o day_n heal_v obstruction_n and_o stop_n remove_v cancerous_a knot_n in_o the_o breast_n dissolve_v etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o i_o have_v many_o reason_n to_o persuade_v i_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v miraculous_a he_o pretend_v not_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o any_o doctrine_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n speak_v it_o to_o be_v natural_a the_o cure_n seldom_o succeed_v without_o reiterated_a touch_v his_o patient_n often_o relapse_n he_o fail_v frequent_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o where_o there_o be_v any_o decay_n in_o nature_n and_o many_o distemper_n be_v not_o at_o all_o obedient_a to_o his_o touch._n so_o that_o i_o confess_v i_o refer_v all_o his_o virtue_n to_o his_o particular_a temper_n and_o complexion_n and_o i_o take_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o elixir_n and_o universal_a ferment_n and_o that_o he_o cure_v as_o dr._n m._n express_v it_o by_o a_o sanative_a contagion_n this_o sir_n be_v the_o first_o account_n of_o the_o healer_n i_o have_v from_o that_o reverend_a person_n which_o with_o i_o signify_v more_o than_o the_o attestation_n of_o multitude_n of_o ordinary_a reporter_n and_o no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v do_v so_o likewise_o with_o all_o that_o know_v that_o excellent_a bishop_n singular_a integrity_n and_o judgement_n but_o beside_o this_o upon_o my_o inquiry_n into_o some_o other_o particular_n about_o this_o matter_n i_o receive_v these_o further_a information_n from_o the_o same_o learned_a hand_n as_o for_o m.g._n what_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o 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