Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n great_a hand_n see_v 2,615 5 3.0652 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A39359 An answer to a book intitled Tractatus theologico politicus Earbery, Matthias. 1697 (1697) Wing E68; ESTC R41104 85,540 210

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

much_o less_o since_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o know_a breach_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n can_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n since_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a goodness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v by_o any_o necessary_a rule_n of_o action_n a_o deist_n therefore_o expect_v pardon_n from_o god_n just_a so_o as_o a_o condemn_a criminal_a hope_n forgiveness_n from_o a_o mild_a and_o gracious_a prince_n he_o have_v some_o general_a notion_n of_o the_o good-nature_n of_o his_o sovereign_n and_o therefore_o have_v some_o hope_n it_o may_v be_v extend_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o to_o other_o but_o a_o christian_n have_v the_o same_o assurance_n of_o a_o conditional_a forgiveness_n of_o sin_n as_o a_o malefactor_n have_v that_o see_v and_o read_v a_o proclamation_n of_o pardon_n under_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o his_o offend_a prince_n though_o miracle_n therefore_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o support_v material_a being_n yet_o they_o be_v to_o assure_v mankind_n of_o its_o happiness_n and_o which_o do_v you_o think_v be_v of_o great_a moment_n the_o stateliness_n of_o the_o habitation_n or_o the_o felicity_n of_o those_o rational_a creature_n that_o inhabit_v in_o it_o s._n if_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a to_o promote_v the_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n why_o be_v not_o all_o man_n make_v partaker_n of_o their_o beneficial_a influence_n why_o must_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n too_o of_o only_o one_o nation_n not_o very_o famous_a for_o war_n or_o learning_n why_o must_v all_o the_o gentile_n perish_v because_o they_o know_v not_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o never_o be_v make_v know_v unto_o they_o these_o be_v prejudices_fw-la against_o your_o reveal_v religion_n which_o i_o can_v never_o conquer_v and_o be_o therefore_o force_v to_o fly_v from_o that_o confine_a light_n to_o the_o more_o diffusive_a light_n of_o nature_n l._n whilst_o man_n keep_v that_o integrity_n wherein_o he_o be_v at_o first_o create_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o miracle_n to_o make_v he_o happy_a who_o be_v happy_a enough_o before_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o innocence_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o great_a need_n of_o miracle_n whilst_o a_o traditionary_a knowledge_n of_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n to_o save_v mankind_n be_v keep_v alive_a in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o ante-diluvian_a patriarch_n but_o when_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v their_o way_n before_o god_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o supreme_a deity_n which_o some_o will_v have_v to_o be_v a_o connate_a notion_n be_v almost_o total_o erace_v out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o mankind_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a historian_n than_o it_o be_v very_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o far_a revelation_n of_o himself_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n without_o which_o it_o can_v not_o have_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o rational_a evidence_n to_o save_v mankind_n from_o utter_a perdition_n and_o therefore_o god_n first_o call_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o noah_n the_o 8_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n and_o then_o call_v abraham_n out_o of_o his_o father_n idolatrous_a house_n and_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o he_o that_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n shall_v serve_v he_o and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n require_v that_o a_o manner_n of_o adore_v god_n shall_v be_v settle_v in_o it_o though_o not_o absolute_o best_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n yet_o most_o suitable_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o posture_n of_o affair_n which_o be_v then_o predominant_a in_o the_o world_n the_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n in_o abuse_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n render_v it_o necessary_a that_o moses_n shall_v be_v send_v to_o the_o israelite_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n with_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o show_v they_o after_o what_o manner_n god_n will_v then_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a first_o when_o a_o new_a manner_n of_o worship_n be_v to_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o moses_n be_v endue_v with_o the_o power_n of_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v the_o israelite_n that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v divine_a though_o additional_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o second_o when_o the_o true_a manner_n of_o worship_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o elijah_n and_o elisha_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ahab_n when_o idolatry_n make_v its_o great_a encroachment_n upon_o the_o true_a religion_n by_o divers_a sign_n and_o wonder_n from_o heaven_n call_v back_o the_o israelite_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o only_a god_n or_o three_o when_o a_o manner_n of_o worship_n that_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n be_v to_o be_v alter_v or_o disannul_v as_o be_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n s._n but_o what_o must_v become_v of_o those_o who_o never_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o these_o miraculous_a revelation_n l._n they_o have_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n let_v they_o use_v that_o well_o and_o leave_v themselves_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n no_o where_n say_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v nor_o hear_v of_o a_o miracle_n shall_v be_v damn_a though_o it_o teach_v that_o if_o they_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o therefore_o the_o strength_n of_o your_o argument_n be_v quite_o lose_v unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o wild_a assertion_n beside_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v religion_n be_v not_o put_v up_o in_o so_o narrow_a a_o corner_n of_o the_o world_n as_o man_n of_o your_o persuasion_n do_v seem_v to_o imagine_v for_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o what_o may_v embrace_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o please_v to_o listen_v to_o its_o rational_a evidence_n and_o i_o will_v feign_v know_v what_o injustice_n it_o be_v in_o god_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o perish_v who_o either_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o miraculous_a demonstration_n of_o the_o gospel_n make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o those_o who_o hear_v its_o rational_a evidence_n abuse_v their_o reason_n in_o not_o consent_v to_o it_o s._n but_o still_o you_o do_v not_o clear_v the_o main_a difficulty_n object_v by_o my_o author_n that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o very_a power_n of_o god_n how_o then_o can_v a_o miracle_n be_v do_v by_o natural_a power_n s._n your_o author_n first_o beg_v his_o question_n and_o then_o very_o bold_o triumph_n in_o the_o victory_n as_o if_o extort_a by_o force_n of_o reason_n he_o presume_v it_o grant_v as_o a_o first_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n but_o nature_n and_o that_o this_o nature_n be_v fix_v and_o immutable_a not_o a_o free_a agent_n but_o a_o perpetual_a slave_n to_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o thence_o strong_o conclude_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o that_o of_o nature_n than_o there_o can_v be_v oh_o wonderful_a demonstration_n no_o supernatural_a power_n but_o we_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n proceed_v by_o a_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n of_o reason_v we_o suppose_v that_o since_o matter_n be_v a_o dull_a unactive_a principle_n it_o can_v not_o make_v itself_o nor_o reduce_v itself_o into_o that_o decent_a and_o useful_a order_n in_o which_o now_o we_o see_v it_o 2d_o that_o it_o be_v create_v by_o a_o superior_a be_v that_o that_o superior_a be_v must_v be_v endue_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n as_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n 3._o that_o wisdom_n understanding_n and_o liberty_n be_v perfection_n and_o therefore_o consequent_o must_v be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o he_o who_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o last_o that_o his_o wisdom_n be_v see_v in_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n if_o therefore_o your_o author_n will_v argue_v fair_o against_o we_o let_v he_o attack_v bold_o any_o one_o of_o these_o proposition_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o if_o we_o can_v defend_v they_o we_o will_v become_v worshipper_n of_o the_o great_a goddess_n nature_n but_o if_o god_n be_v a_o understanding_n be_v he_o must_v be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o powerful_a and_o free_a agent_n what_o shall_v hinder_v his_o stop_n or_o disorder_v the_o regular_a course_n of_o nature_n when_o the_o do_v so_o be_v conducive_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o general_a benefit_n of_o all_o mankind_n unless_o you_o can_v prove_v by_o scripture_n that_o he_o have_v swear_v by_o himself_o he_o will_v never_o do_v it_o s._n do_v not_o my_o author_n tell_v you_o that_o it_o
mankind_n be_v drive_v to_o superstition_n by_o fear_n only_o logic._n not_o so_o neither_o pray_v what_o nation_n show_v less_o fear_n and_o more_o superstition_n than_o the_o ancient_a roman_n and_o what_o nation_n have_v ever_o more_o victory_n and_o more_o altar_n than_o that_o famous_a monarchy_n who_o be_v ever_o more_o punctual_a in_o return_v thanks_o to_o their_o suppose_a deity_n than_o their_o senate_n and_o general_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v not_o much_o fear_n their_o enemy_n when_o they_o return_v thanks_o to_o their_o god_n that_o they_o have_v beat_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n than_o of_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o that_o pompous_a devotion_n scept_v you_o talk_v of_o whole_a nation_n by_o the_o lump_n can_v you_o give_v any_o instance_n to_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o single_a person_n log._n yes_o sir_n that_o i_o can_v without_o tumble_v over_o any_o large_a volume_n of_o history_n nabuchadnezzar_n be_v a_o fortunate_a prince_n and_o great_a conqueror_n nor_o do_v i_o ever_o hear_v that_o he_o be_v very_o much_o a_o coward_n and_o yet_o he_o keep_v see_v dan._n 2._o 2._o several_a nursery_n of_o magician_n astrologer_n and_o sorcerer_n to_o interpret_v dream_n predict_v futurity_n and_o instruct_v his_o court_n and_o people_n in_o the_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o that_o age_n and_o nation_n scept_v but_o though_o he_o be_v secure_a for_o the_o present_a yet_o perhaps_o his_o fear_n of_o future_a evil_n incline_v he_o to_o so_o much_o superstition_n log._n what_o then_o do_v you_o think_v of_o his_o gratitude_n to_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v return_v to_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o throne_n dan._n 4._o 27._o and_z no_o passion_n but_o joy_n can_v find_v room_n in_o his_o breast_n be_v that_o also_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n scept_v i_o be_o not_o in_o love_n with_o scripture-example_n let_v we_o have_v one_o out_o of_o some_o honest_a pagan_a author_n log._n then_o your_o own_o admire_a curtius_n shall_v be_v my_o next_o witness_n even_o in_o that_o very_a alexander_n who_o with_o equal_a front_n and_o ignorance_n cite_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o more_o superstitious_a than_o that_o grecian_a conqueror_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o triumph_n and_o as_o far_o from_o fear_n as_o from_o adversity_n it_o be_v then_o that_o he_o fancy_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n a_o enthusiasm_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v parallel_v and_o impossible_a to_o be_v exceed_v by_o any_o and_o the_o joy_n of_o this_o join_v with_o his_o other_o good_a fortune_n so_o far_o transport_v he_o that_o it_o quite_o exclude_v all_o that_o superstitious_a fear_n which_o his_o soothsayer_n endeavour_v to_o raise_v by_o forbid_v his_o entrance_n into_o the_o fatal_a city_n of_o babylon_n scept_v alexander_n though_o a_o great_a man_n yet_o be_v but_o one_o man_n you_o can_v deny_v that_o fear_v by_o its_o natural_a energy_n be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o superstition_n nor_o can_v you_o assign_v any_o other_o log._n yes_o hope_n and_o love_n be_v as_o certain_a motive_n to_o what_o you_o call_v superstition_n as_o fear_n or_o sorrow_n for_o have_v not_o man_n worship_v a_o wrong_a deity_n or_o the_o true_a god_n the_o wrong_a way_n which_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o superstition_n out_o of_o hope_n of_o be_v make_v more_o happy_a else_o how_o come_v the_o most_o ancient_a pagan_n to_o deify_v the_o most_o benign_a of_o their_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n scept_v i_o hope_v you_o will_v at_o least_o grant_v that_o superstition_n arise_v from_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n as_o may_v sufficient_o be_v see_v by_o its_o mutable_a nature_n and_o not_o from_o any_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n that_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o men._n log._n all_o religion_n which_o your_o a_o call_v superstition_n do_v not_o take_v its_o original_a from_o the_o passion_n but_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o mad_a will_v love_n or_o fear_v or_o worship_n a_o god_n or_o any_o invisible_a power_n unless_o he_o be_v first_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v or_o being_n that_o can_v hurt_v or_o else_o relieve_v he_o for_o the_o passion_n though_o never_o so_o violent_a can_v never_o hurry_v on_o a_o man_n to_o worship_n a_o what_o he_o think_v to_o be_v a_o non-ens_a that_o have_v no_o existence_n but_o in_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o beast_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o love_n or_o at_o lest_o something_o very_o like_o those_o passion_n be_v yet_o stranger_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o religion_n viz._n because_o they_o have_v no_o praevious_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o stir_v up_o those_o passion_n in_o they_o otherwise_o a_o hare_n that_o fly_v from_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v as_o superstitious_a as_o the_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o make_v all_o to_o fly_v before_o he_o scept_v my_o notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o fear_n of_o mankind_n work_v violent_o upon_o the_o understanding_n that_o create_v all_o notion_n of_o invisible_a power_n log._n and_o my_o notion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n that_o can_v not_o solve_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o original_a of_o man_n but_o by_o have_v recourse_n to_o some_o first_o cause_n which_o excite_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n to_o adore_v their_o c●●●tor_n and_o those_o other_o invisible_a power_n which_o they_o presume_v do_v govern_v the_o world_n under_o he_o scept_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o natural_a but_o that_o which_o you_o divine_v do_v call_v reveal_v religion_n this_o be_v that_o grand_a cheat_n that_o the_o priest_n in_o all_o age_n have_v dress_v up_o in_o various_a habit_n to_o please_v the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v always_o of_o a_o mutable_a temper_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o those_o monarch_n who_o want_v a_o bridle_n to_o restrain_v unruly_a subject_n but_o nothing_o be_v more_o fatal_a to_o a_o commonwealth_n than_o too_o much_o of_o what_o you_o call_v reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o sedition_n and_o tumult_n and_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o a_o free_a trade_n and_o true_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o speak_v to_o a_o friend_n make_v i_o very_o much_o wish_v we_o can_v see_v a_o commonwealth_n in_o england_n that_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o liberty_n of_o think_v and_o speak_v of_o religion_n as_o we_o please_v which_o now_o be_v too_o much_o restrain_v and_o my_o author_n tell_v you_o that_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o his_o book_n be_v to_o plead_v for_o such_o a_o liberty_n log._n i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n why_o religion_n shall_v not_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o support_v a_o commonwealth_n as_o a_o monarchy_n for_o do_v not_o commonwealth_n call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o oath_n to_o bind_v their_o subject_n to_o allegiance_n as_o well_o as_o monarch_n and_o may_v not_o division_n about_o religion_n that_o cause_n sedition_n as_o well_o arise_v where_o this_o liberty_n be_v as_o where_o there_o be_v none_o for_o suppose_v one_o numerous_a party_n not_o content_v with_o liberty_n will_v aim_v at_o dominion_n over_o the_o other_o may_v not_o civil_a war_n on_o this_o account_n as_o well_o rise_v up_o in_o a_o commonwealth_n as_o in_o a_o monarchy_n in_o all_o the_o species_n of_o government_n there_o be_v some_o supreme_a power_n either_o in_o one_o or_o in_o a_o few_o or_o in_o a_o great_a many_o which_o as_o the_o apostle_n teach_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o conscience-sake_n and_o if_o you_o take_v away_o conscience_n from_o the_o subject_a and_o leave_v nothing_o but_o wrath_n to_o restrain_v his_o rebellion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o one_o form_n of_o government_n in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v be_v much_o more_o secure_a than_o another_o from_o private_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n of_o revolt_a subject_n beside_o your_o author_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v very_o ignorant_a in_o history_n when_o he_o will_v confine_v religion_n to_o monarchy_n as_o stork_n be_v say_v by_o nature_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o commonwealth_n for_o never_o do_v superstition_n flourish_v more_o than_o in_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n and_o other_o whilst_o they_o be_v under_o a_o republican_n government_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o s._n paul_n reproof_n to_o the_o athenian_n i_o perceive_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o be_v too_o superstitious_a and_o yet_o the_o subject_n of_o both_o be_v as_o glorious_a for_o arm_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a republic_n i_o must_v confess_v as_o for_o what_o you_o say_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o free_a trade_n be_v partly_o true_a
obedience_n arise_v from_o the_o good_a that_o may_v be_v gain_v by_o that_o obedience_n or_o by_o the_o evil_a that_o may_v be_v avoid_v by_o it_o if_o a_o superior_a by_o which_o i_o understand_v one_o that_o have_v power_n and_o right_n over_o i_o command_v i_o to_o do_v a_o thing_n it_o follow_v that_o my_o disobedience_n must_v needs_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o dire_a effect_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a sanction_n to_o constitute_v a_o law_n without_o any_o express_a threaten_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a punishment_n the_o power_n of_o inflict_v which_o be_v suppose_v as_o essential_o inherent_a in_o the_o superior_a person_n and_o the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o promise_n s._n i_o think_v my_o author_n show_v very_o well_o that_o cunning_a lawgiver_n allure_v the_o vulgar_a to_o obedience_n to_o wholesome_a law_n by_o propound_v to_o they_o a_o quite_o different_a end_n from_o that_o which_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o law_n its_o self_n for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o be_v virtuous_a for_o the_o reward_n that_o by_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v needs_o spring_n from_o virtue_n its_o self_n but_o i_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o other_o allurement_n by_o which_o you_o divine_v will_v entice_v man_n to_o follow_v your_o own_o direction_n l._n i_o easy_o grant_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o all_o act_n of_o genuine_a virtue_n as_o there_o be_v a_o regret_n and_o torment_n that_o attend_v upon_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o certain_a pain_n or_o pleasure_n which_o accompany_v these_o with_o the_o addition_n of_o what_o probable_o may_v be_v far_o expect_v from_o god_n be_v the_o very_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n that_o follow_v any_o action_n either_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o free_a will_n of_o god_n i_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n for_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o law_n when_o the_o transgression_n bring_v no_o inconvenience_n nor_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n to_o the_o subject_a s._n how_o many_o law_n be_v daily_o transgress_v and_o yet_o no_o punishment_n inflict_v on_o the_o offender_n do_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v law_n l._n no._n because_o though_o punishment_n be_v not_o actual_o inflict_v upon_o all_o that_o offend_v yet_o it_o be_v threaten_v to_o all_o and_o the_o very_a danger_n of_o incur_v the_o penalty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sanction_n but_o in_o a_o penal_a law_n if_o all_o possibility_n of_o offend_a god_n or_o man_n or_o ourselves_o be_v take_v away_o it_o will_v then_o lose_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o law_n and_o revolt_v again_o into_o its_o first_o state_n of_o indifferency_n to_o gain_v therefore_o good_a and_o to_o avoid_v evil_a be_v the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o law_n and_o your_o author_n very_o much_o mistake_v the_o point_n when_o he_o represent_v reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o adapt_v only_o to_o govern_v the_o vulgar_a who_o know_v not_o the_o true_a end_n of_o law_n and_o have_v not_o learned_a the_o great_a art_n of_o be_v virtuous_a for_o virtue_n sake_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v adapt_v to_o work_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o all_o mankind_n even_o the_o author_n himself_o who_o will_v not_o have_v venture_v to_o write_v such_o a_o book_n if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o a_o country_n where_o he_o have_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v be_v punish_v as_o he_o deserve_v for_o it_o he_o that_o love_v virtue_n or_o hate_v vice_n must_v do_v it_o either_o for_o some_o good_a or_o evil_a essential_o inherent_a or_o accidental_o annex_v to_o they_o and_o if_o god_n by_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v explain_v confirm_v and_o enlarge_v these_o sanction_n or_o adapt_v they_o in_o some_o case_n to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n be_v servile_a but_o rather_o that_o it_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n s._n be_v he_o a_o just_a man_n that_o forbear_v to_o steal_v for_o fear_n of_o hang_v l._n no_o but_o yet_o he_o may_v be_v a_o just_a man_n who_o forbear_v to_o steal_v for_o fear_v of_o run_v into_o that_o evil_a which_o reason_n show_v be_v intrinsical_o inherent_a in_o it_o or_o which_o god_n by_o his_o prophet_n have_v threaten_v as_o consequential_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o dissuade_v man_n from_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o reward_n or_o punishment_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o dissuade_v they_o from_o act_v like_o man_n or_o choose_v what_o be_v best_a like_v unto_o rational_a creature_n s._n notwithstanding_o your_o pulpit-cant_n my_o author_n give_v you_o a_o more_o noble_a scheme_n of_o virtue_n he_o show_v you_o that_o our_o understanding_n be_v our_o best_a part_n our_o chief_a happiness_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o that_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n that_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o can_v have_v depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n because_o nothing_o can_v exist_v or_o be_v conceive_v without_o god_n as_o also_o because_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n whilst_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a conception_n of_o god_n hence_o he_o tell_v you_o it_o follow_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o nature_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o perfection_n do_v involve_v or_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o by_o how_o much_o the_o more_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n so_o much_o the_o more_o we_o acquire_v a_o more_o perfect_a conception_n of_o god_n or_o may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n and_o he_o be_v most_o happy_a who_o love_v the_o intellectual_a knowledge_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o be_v most_o delight_v with_o it_o and_o these_o medium_n of_o this_o knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o conducive_v to_o this_o end_n may_v be_v call_v the_o law_n of_o god_n l._n perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n can_v render_v a_o man_n complete_o happy_a unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o that_o of_o understand_v only_o for_o suppose_v a_o man_n have_v a_o good_a understanding_n but_o a_o irregular_a will_n and_o affection_n that_o man_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v complete_o happy_a for_o happiness_n be_v a_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o good_a thing_n it_o must_v be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a happiness_n our_o saviour_n speak_v more_o emphatical_o to_o the_o purpose_n you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o his_o reason_n why_o all_o the_o certainty_n can_v be_v have_v by_o man_n depend_v upon_o his_o right_a knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v very_o false_a and_o deceitful_a viz._n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v or_o be_v conceive_v without_o god_n by_o which_o obscure_a circumlocution_n he_o mean_v no_o more_o in_o plain_a term_n than_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o god_n than_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o nature_n as_o he_o say_v do_v involve_v a_o conception_n of_o god_n and_o that_o by_o know_v natural_a thing_n we_o know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n for_o if_o god_n himself_o be_v not_o matter_n a_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o matter_n can_v give_v we_o entrance_n into_o a_o more_o accurate_a knowledge_n of_o god_n the_o 20._o rom._n 1._o 20._o invisible_a thing_n of_o god_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n say_v the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n that_o be_v our_o knowledge_n that_o some_o visible_a thing_n be_v make_v which_o can_v not_o make_v themselves_o lead_v man_n to_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v make_v by_o the_o eternal_a invisible_a power_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o this_o knowledge_n arise_v not_o from_o a_o accurate_a discussion_n of_o all_o the_o property_n of_o matter_n since_o it_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o bare_a existence_n for_o the_o very_a creation_n of_o matter_n show_v the_o invisible_a power_n of_o god_n though_o his_o wisdom_n be_v more_o visible_o see_v in_o the_o various_a modification_n of_o it_o but_o still_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o who_o best_o know_v natural_a thing_n do_v best_a know_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n unless_o god_n himself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o universe_n suppose_v a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o great_a virtuoso_fw-la and_o very_o ingenious_a in_o render_v a_o account_n of_o the_o concatenation_n of_o secondary_a cause_n
christian_a faith_n all_o the_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a mob_n in_o respect_n to_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o upstart_n philosopher_n who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o opposition_n they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v against_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n of_o all_o mankind_n s._n you_o begin_v to_o be_v too_o warm_a pray_v let_v we_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o reason_n and_o less_o passion_n my_o author_n rerefer_v you_o to_o his_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n where_o he_o have_v large_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n determine_v do_v involve_v 68_o p._n 68_o a_o eternal_a necessity_n because_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v not_o real_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will._n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o do_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a decree_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o only_a decree_n of_o god_n if_o therefore_o any_o thing_n shall_v happen_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o universal_a law_n the_o same_o thing_n will_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n decree_n and_o understanding_n l._n your_o author_n affect_a obscurity_n in_o this_o paragraph_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o want_n of_o judgement_n or_o else_o want_v of_o courage_n to_o speak_v what_o he_o real_o think_v he_o that_o will_v destroy_v the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n must_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n who_o have_v the_o same_o liberty_n of_o will_n which_o we_o experience_n to_o be_v in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v clear_o follow_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o free_a invisible_a agent_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n perform_v in_o the_o world_n but_o pray_v how_o do_v your_o author_n prove_v this_o grand_a assertion_n s._n oh_o sir_n very_o mathematical_o he_o 49._o see_v p._n 49._o do_v it_o by_o the_o property_n of_o a_o triangle_n for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n understand_v that_o the_o 3_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o 2_o right_a one_o as_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o he_o will_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n but_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o god_n in_o who_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n l._n that_o a_o triangle_n must_v needs_o have_v 3_o angles_n equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o depend_v upon_o that_o eternal_a truth_n in_o thing_n which_o be_v antecedent_n even_o to_o the_o divine_a volition_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a term_n to_o deny_v the_o same_o and_o it_o be_v no_o limitation_n of_o the_o power_n or_o will_v of_o god_n to_o say_v he_o can_v will_v or_o do_v these_o thing_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a term_n god_n understanding_n or_o will_v no_o more_o alter_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o triangle_n than_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o man_n because_o they_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o be_v there_o the_o same_o necessity_n that_o matter_n shall_v be_v always_o tie_v to_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o motion_n as_o there_o be_v that_o the_o 3_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n shall_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o do_v it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a term_n that_o matter_n shall_v be_v create_v by_o a_o spiritual_a be_v or_o receive_v its_o law_n of_o motion_n from_o he_o or_o have_v those_o law_n control_v or_o suspend_v by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o make_v they_o if_o nature_n be_v nothing_o indeed_o but_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o god_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o nature_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o miracle_n not_o because_o the_o understanding_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o but_o because_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o will_n or_o understanding_n in_o god_n your_o author_n in_o his_o annotation_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o nature_n he_o understand_v not_o only_a matter_n but_o alia_fw-la infinita_fw-la but_o pray_v what_o alia_fw-la infinita_fw-la be_v these_o that_o be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o word_n nature_n if_o a_o spiritual_a and_o intelligent_a be_v let_v he_o show_v reason_n why_o he_o can_v as_o well_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o can_v at_o first_o create_v it_o s._n because_o it_o will_v argue_v mutability_n in_o god_n which_o all_o sound_a philosopher_n do_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o imperfection_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o divine_a nature_n l._n this_o can_v be_v own_v by_o those_o philosopher_n who_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la but_o create_v by_o god_n for_o there_o be_v more_o of_o mutability_n in_o creation_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n than_o in_o the_o additional_a creation_n of_o some_o part_n of_o it_o only_o which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o can_v understand_v by_o the_o word_n miracle_n i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o the_o universe_n be_v sufficient_a to_o preserve_v the_o world_n in_o that_o beauty_n and_o order_n wherein_o we_o now_o both_o see_v and_o enjoy_v it_o and_o that_o we_o may_v from_o thence_o learn_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o our_o heavenly_a father_n who_o can_v settle_v such_o a_o course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n by_o chain_v each_o effect_n to_o its_o most_o immediate_a cause_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o support_v the_o world_n to_o all_o age_n without_o the_o frequent_a interposition_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n to_o alter_v or_o to_o amend_v as_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n for_o if_o this_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n do_v not_o give_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n goodness_n power_n and_o other_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n the_o love_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v any_o branch_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o yet_o in_o word_n at_o least_o be_v more_o than_o once_o acknowledge_v by_o your_o own_o author_n miracle_n therefore_o as_o your_o author_n well_o enough_o observe_v be_v not_o at_o all_o necessary_a to_o sustain_v or_o preserve_v the_o universe_n since_o that_o may_v be_v and_o be_v do_v by_o the_o settle_a and_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o reason_n which_o render_v miracle_n high_o necessary_a to_o mankind_n at_o some_o time_n and_o upon_o some_o signal_n occasion_n so_o that_o without_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o miserable_a creature_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n s._n i_o will_v glad_o hear_v what_o those_o reason_n be_v l._n when_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a to_o show_v man_n the_o way_n to_o happiness_n than_o miracle_n be_v equal_o necessary_a to_o show_v man_n that_o such_o beneficial_a revelation_n do_v come_v from_o god_n all_o man_n desire_v happiness_n and_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o own_o power_n but_o in_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n but_o they_o never_o can_v come_v to_o a_o certainty_n either_o what_o degree_n of_o happiness_n god_n will_v bestow_v nor_o upon_o what_o condition_n nor_o what_o atonement_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o sin_n without_o the_o benefit_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o such_o revelation_n can_v be_v make_v evident_a without_o the_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n for_o either_o god_n must_v make_v this_o revelation_n to_o all_o mankind_n which_o will_v disorder_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n by_o change_v the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o the_o mind_n into_o supernatural_a endowment_n or_o he_o must_v bestow_v a_o divine_a power_n upon_o those_o few_o to_o who_o he_o immediate_o reveal_v his_o will_n whereby_o they_o may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v send_v by_o god_n s._n will_v you_o pretend_v then_o that_o god_n readiness_n to_o confer_v happiness_n and_o to_o forgive_v sin_n be_v not_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n l._n i_o grant_v that_o the_o great_a benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v easy_o deducible_a from_o all_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o unerring_a reason_n and_o if_o we_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o no_o sin_n we_o may_v be_v certain_a that_o we_o shall_v receive_v no_o evil_a from_o he_o but_o suppose_v ourselves_o innocent_a which_o yet_o be_v a_o very_a wild_a supposition_n we_o can_v from_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o divine_a bounty_n in_o this_o life_n absolute_o conclude_v what_o good_a thing_n we_o shall_v enjoy_v in_o a_o futute_n state_n and_o
notion_n of_o the_o usual_a effect_n of_o good_a and_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o jew_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o one_o evil_a spirit_n may_v by_o collusion_n give_v place_n or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o give_v place_n to_o another_o and_o thence_o malicious_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n if_o satan_n be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v 4._o mat._n 4._o his_o kingdom_n stand_v because_o you_o say_v that_o i_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n i._o e._n if_o i_o who_o teach_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o satan_n than_o satan_n be_v his_o own_o enemy_n and_o industrious_o destroy_v his_o own_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n which_o with_o so_o much_o pain_n he_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n s._n if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o force_n in_o miracle_n 73._o p._n 73._o as_o you_o do_v pretend_v methinks_v the_o miraculous_a age_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v be_v most_o religious_a of_o all_o other_o but_o your_o own_o bible_n show_n that_o the_o israelite_n fall_v immediate_o into_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o moses_n '_o s_z pretend_v miracle_n l._n the_o jew_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o idolatrous_a nation_n and_o new_o emancipate_v from_o egyptian_a slavery_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n in_o compliance_n to_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o those_o who_o live_v round_o about_o they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o thereby_o they_o think_v to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o rather_o to_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o be_v quick_o recall_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o your_o author_n to_o be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n be_v not_o the_o legal_a religion_n of_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o s._n i_o still_o fear_v that_o the_o scripture_n by_o god_n do_v a_o thing_n do_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o his_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o sam._n 1._o 9_o chap._n 15._o 16._o verse_n god_n be_v say_v to_o tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n that_o he_o will_v send_v saul_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o appear_v that_o saul_n come_v to_o he_o as_o led_z by_o natural_a motive_n viz._n to_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n in_o the_o 105_o ps_n 24_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n in_o the_o first_o of_o exodus_fw-la a_o natural_a cause_n be_v render_v of_o that_o aversion_n 75._o p._n 75._o l._n suppose_v you_o shall_v hear_v a_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o alm_n of_o a_o stranger_n say_v to_o himself_o god_n have_v send_v i_o relief_n can_v you_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o this_o poor_a man_n believe_v that_o god_n never_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o miracle_n but_o always_o wrought_v by_o natural_a cause_n s._n i_o must_v confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n l._n no_o more_o ought_v your_o author_n ridiculous_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o natural_a thing_n as_o do_v by_o god_n therefore_o god_n never_o work_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n for_o though_o saul_n seem_v to_o be_v lead_v to_o samuel_n by_o natural_a cause_n yet_o the_o prediction_n to_o samuel_n that_o saul_n shall_v certain_o come_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v king_n of_o israel_n must_v needs_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o they_o fear_v their_o number_n but_o 1._o exod._n 1._o what_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o all_o those_o other_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v reckon_v up_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n s._n i_o must_v confess_v ingenuous_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o exact_a manner_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o solution_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a cause_n especial_o if_o natural_a cause_n do_v always_o work_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o unmoveable_a order_n but_o my_o author_n very_o judicious_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n in_o a_o miracle_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v omit_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v sing_v in_o a_o poetic_a style_n which_o if_o they_o be_v express_v will_v plain_o show_v that_o what_o we_o now_o admire_v as_o supernatural_a be_v only_o a_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v do_v show_v that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n see_v exod._n 9_o v._o 10._o moses_n can_v not_o bring_v boil_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n without_o first_o throw_v up_o ash_n in_o the_o air._n and_o exod._n 14._o 21._o we_o read_v that_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o strong_a east_n wind._n elisha_n lay_v upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o so_o revive_v he_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o body_n in_o short_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v report_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o can_v follow_v from_o they_o my_o author_n opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o sacrilegious_a person_n who_o design_v to_o impose_v a_o fable_n upon_o the_o world_n l._n a_o tedious_a relation_n of_o impertinent_a circumstance_n be_v avoid_v by_o all_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a historian_n but_o to_o omit_v circumstance_n that_o be_v material_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o alter_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o denomination_n of_o a_o action_n be_v a_o trick_n only_o of_o knave_n and_o impostor_n if_o therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o evangelist_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v plain_o historical_a do_v design_o omit_v those_o circumstance_n of_o action_n which_o will_v have_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o those_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v be_v the_o very_a immediate_a work_n of_o god_n whatever_o credit_n their_o write_n may_v have_v meet_v with_o in_o after-age_n they_o can_v have_v find_v none_o in_o their_o own_o for_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v what_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n will_v have_v know_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n that_o be_v design_o omit_v that_o whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o how_o then_o can_v he_o have_v persuade_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o own_o age_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n or_o how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o false_a revelation_n public_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o erect_v a_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o a_o foundation_n which_o they_o of_o that_o age_n must_v needs_o have_v know_v to_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o support_v it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o age_n that_o his_o work_n testify_v of_o he_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o miraculous_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o to_o appear_v by_o the_o partial_a and_o the_o unfaithful_a relation_n of_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o disciple_n it_o be_v a_o false_a insinuation_n of_o your_o author_n that_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n sing_v in_o a_o poetic_a manner_n for_o they_o be_v historical_o relate_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o credibility_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v recite_v in_o the_o psalm_n yet_o the_o very_a poetic_a style_n of_o david_n do_v not_o render_v they_o more_o wonderful_a than_o the_o plain_a historical_a account_n of_o moses_n but_o with_o what_o impudence_n if_o not_o affect_v ignorance_n do_v your_o author_n affirm_v that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o action_n record_v as_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n when_o moses_n bring_v a_o boyl_n upon_o the_o egyptian_n by_o throw_v up_o ash_n into_o the_o air_n the_o action_n be_v as_o miraculous_a as_o if_o without_o throw_v up_o the_o ash_n he_o have_v only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n command_v the_o boyl_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o egyptian_n v._n exod._n 9_o 10._o v._n unless_o your_o author_n can_v philosophical_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o