great_a zeal_n for_o religion_n shall_v not_o just_o render_v it_o suspect_v to_o unbeliever_n p._n 131._o chap._n 3._o that_o the_o incredulous_a be_v in_o the_o wrong_n for_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o interest_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o many_o people_n devotion_n p._n 143._o chap._n 4._o that_o the_o division_n which_o reign_v among_o christian_n be_v no_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a p._n 165._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o incredulous_a object_n in_o vain_a that_o christianity_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o so_o ill_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v can_v be_v so_o useful_a to_o mankind_n as_o a_o religion_n reveal_v from_o heaven_n for_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v p._n 180._o chap._n 6._o that_o unbeliever_n can_v conclude_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o acquaintance_n make_v bad_a answer_n to_o their_o objection_n against_o it_o or_o because_o they_o maintain_v some_o false_a tenet_n as_o true_a and_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n p._n 199._o chap._n 7._o that_o the_o difficulty_n which_o may_v occur_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o bring_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o into_o doubt_n p._n 234._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o second_o part._n p._n 277._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 282._o letter_n 1._o wherein_o be_v prove_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o christ_n resurrection_n p._n 283._o letter_n 2._o show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o prove_v that_o from_o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o person_n true_o send_v of_o god_n p._n 307._o errata_fw-la page_n 18._o line_n 23._o read_v angusta_fw-la p._n 23._o l._n 8._o deal_n and._n of_o incredulity_n the_o preface_n contain_v the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n i_o can_v determine_v whether_o during_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n more_o book_n be_v write_v by_o the_o christian_n to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n than_o there_o may_v have_v be_v for_o these_o two_o hundred_o year_n past_a but_o that_o we_o have_v few_o remain_v of_o the_o precedent_a age_n than_o of_o the_o last_o two_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o teacher_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o their_o follower_n whilst_o paganism_n be_v still_o considerable_a in_o the_o world_n labour_v more_o in_o confute_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n than_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o think_v if_o they_o can_v once_o convince_v the_o heathen_n of_o the_o falsity_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n then_o to_o make_v they_o christian_n and_o this_o i_o can_v most_o easy_o show_v be_v it_o at_o all_o useful_a to_o my_o design_n on_o the_o contrary_a when_o paganism_n be_v abolish_v in_o europe_n and_o christianity_n become_v the_o govern_n religion_n the_o teacher_n of_o it_o then_o left_a paganism_n to_o attack_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o the_o mahometans_n both_o which_o be_v yet_o in_o be_v among_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o three_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o mahometan_a and_o rabbinic_n doctrine_n doubt_v notwithstanding_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o peremptory_o judge_v it_o not_o true_a without_o set_v up_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o its_o place_n now_o to_o reduce_v these_o a_o new_a method_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v agree_v therefore_o to_o prove_v direct_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n without_o insist_v upon_o the_o confutation_n of_o other_o persuasion_n and_o it_o may_v true_o be_v say_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o of_o that_o immediate_o precede_v it_o that_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o manage_v with_o better_a success_n the_o heathen_n the_o jew_n and_o the_o mahometans_n be_v not_o ill_o confute_v before_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v far_o from_o be_v ever_o so_o well_o prove_v i_o be_o of_o opinion_n nevertheless_o that_o there_o be_v still_o one_o thing_n behind_o which_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a have_v either_o not_o touch_v at_o all_o or_o but_o very_o slight_o i_o mean_v the_o secret_a motive_n and_o general_a reason_n which_o the_o incredulous_a have_v of_o not_o believe_v christianity_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v their_o internal_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n do_v so_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o reason_n offer_v they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a themselves_o of_o the_o motive_n by_o which_o they_o do_v this_o that_o all_o speak_n to_o they_o be_v in_o vain_a before_o the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o this_o disposition_n be_v make_v evident_a just_o as_o if_o any_o shall_v plead_v a_o good_a cause_n before_o prepossess_v judge_n without_o endeavour_v to_o cure_v they_o first_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la which_o must_v needs_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o that_o thing_n as_o false_a whereupon_o all_o the_o reason_n allege_v be_v ground_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o pleader_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n though_o never_o so_o just_a will_v expose_v themselves_o to_o be_v cast_v or_o condemn_v this_o have_v be_v notwithstanding_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o champion_n of_o christianity_n they_o have_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o well_o enough_o but_o their_o reason_n appear_v weak_a to_o the_o incredulous_a consider_v the_o disposition_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o whereof_o they_o know_v nothing_o themselves_o what_o be_v unreasonable_a therefore_o in_o this_o disposition_n must_v be_v discover_v and_o lay_v so_o clear_o before_o they_o that_o they_o may_v perceive_v how_o it_o impose_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n this_o be_v what_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o when_o he_o say_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n 3.20_o joh._n 3.20_o neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v which_o signify_v that_o unbeliever_n can_v look_v upon_o that_o as_o true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o maxim_n by_o which_o they_o have_v long_o govern_v themselves_o and_o to_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o many_o year_n on_o the_o contrary_n he_o say_v that_o he_o that_o do_v truth_n come_v to_o the_o light_n 21._o ver._n 21._o that_o his_o deed_n may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o prescription_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v easy_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o say_v elsewhere_o that_o if_o any_o will_v do_v his_o will_n 7.17_o joh._n 7.17_o he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n or_o whether_o of_o himself_o beside_o the_o disposition_n wherein_o those_o may_v be_v who_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n and_o which_o deceive_v they_o without_o their_o perceive_v of_o it_o there_o be_v likewise_o certain_a general_a reason_n draw_v from_o without_o that_o help_n to_o lead_v they_o into_o error_n these_o reason_n must_v by_o all_o mean_n be_v explode_v because_o they_o be_v to_o they_o so_o many_o prejudices_fw-la whereby_o they_o determine_v the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n of_o all_o that_o be_v say_v to_o they_o whilst_o they_o think_v they_o good_a all_o the_o proof_n imaginable_a can_v make_v no_o impression_n upon_o they_o because_o they_o never_o fail_v of_o oppose_v to_o they_o these_o reason_n which_o conclude_v to_o be_v solid_a they_o can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n embrace_v christianity_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n for_o example_n who_o discover_v several_a of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v false_a judge_v of_o the_o rest_n by_o these_o and_o reject_v the_o good_a with_o the_o bad_a they_o be_v tell_v of_o a_o thousand_o lie_a miracle_n to_o who_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v join_v but_o find_v the_o modern_a miracle_n to_o be_v imposture_n they_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o those_o upon_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v as_o long_o as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o these_o miracle_n be_v not_o more_o certain_a one_o than_o another_o all_o the_o consequence_n draw_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n appear_v to_o they_o as_o build_v upon_o a_o rot_a foundation_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n therefore_o but_o as_o a_o totter_a fabric_n it_o must_v be_v show_v the_o incredulous_a then_o that_o those_o reason_n draw_v from_o without_o which_o
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n wherein_o be_v examine_v the_o general_a motive_n and_o occasion_n which_o dispose_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o two_o letter_n contain_v a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n translate_v fròm_v the_o french_a of_o mounseur_fw-fr le_z clerc_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n mdcxcvii_o the_o translator_n preface_n mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v less_o arrogant_a than_o superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o give_v any_o character_n of_o his_o capacity_n or_o his_o write_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o transgress_v either_o way_n in_o recommend_v the_o follow_a treatise_n for_o setting_z aside_o all_o personal_a consideration_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v my_o undertake_n the_o study_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o some_o will_v make_v this_o inclination_n to_o pass_v for_o the_o only_a essential_a distinction_n of_o our_o species_n from_o all_o other_o animal_n but_o the_o study_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n since_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o sect_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n enjoy_v that_o happiness_n be_v find_v to_o be_v different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n this_o diversity_n join_v to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o party_n that_o lay_v their_o claim_n to_o genuine_a christianity_n exclusive_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v to_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a and_o indeed_o thousand_o of_o well-meaning_a people_n have_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o scepticism_n and_o indifference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a be_v content_a to_o be_v implicit_o lead_v by_o their_o teacher_n now_o that_o person_n deserve_v best_a of_o the_o world_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o truth_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a separate_v it_o from_o all_o the_o false_a notion_n with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o mix_v and_o overrun_v sometime_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o entire_a ruin_n thereof_o but_o who_o likewise_o establish_v such_o a_o excellent_a method_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v most_o certain_a he_o be_v on_o the_o right_a side_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o endless_a labour_n of_o examine_v every_o religion_n successive_o how_o far_o our_o author_n have_v contribute_v to_o do_v mankind_n this_o desirable_a piece_n of_o service_n the_o reader_n must_v determine_v for_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o lead_v his_o judgement_n and_o though_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o think_v his_o own_o performance_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o grotius_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a i_o must_v affirm_v and_o that_o with_o all_o imaginable_a impartiality_n that_o in_o my_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o for_o be_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n reason_n be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n whereas_o most_o of_o the_o other_o book_n be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o to_o profound_a scholar_n as_o if_o these_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v more_o notwithstanding_o the_o extraordinary_a talent_n of_o grotius_n he_o be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o the_o oriental_a language_n nor_o so_o acute_a and_o solid_a a_o philosopher_n nor_o yet_o superior_a in_o philology_n or_o history_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o writing_n after_o he_o but_o let_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n book_n speak_v for_o its_o author_n as_o for_o my_o version_n i_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o apology_n because_o it_o be_v not_o more_o correct_v or_o polite_a if_o it_o be_v faithful_a and_o intelligible_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o sincere_o study_v for_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o satisfy_v they_o i_o care_v not_o much_o for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o other_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v some_o year_n since_o i_o first_o form_v a_o design_n of_o write_v upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o small_a piece_n which_o i_o publish_v at_o present_a and_o have_v my_o other_o occupation_n pure_o depend_v upon_o my_o own_o choice_n this_o have_v be_v perform_v long_o ago_o but_o be_v necessary_o engage_v in_o some_o other_o thing_n i_o be_v force_v to_o put_v it_o off_o till_o now_o at_o length_n have_v finish_v my_o latin_a write_n upon_o the_o pentateuch_n i_o happy_o become_v master_n of_o time_n enough_o to_o turn_v my_o application_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o can_v free_o say_v that_o i_o never_o think_v of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o extreme_a satisfaction_n for_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o i_o can_v consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o always_o appear_v to_o i_o ground_v upon_o the_o firm_a proof_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o perfect_o conformable_a to_o sound_v reason_n or_o to_o say_v all_o in_o one_o word_n worthy_a the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o do_v i_o in_o my_o whole_a life_n labour_n with_o more_o ardour_n and_o delight_n than_o i_o do_v in_o compose_v this_o work_n wherein_o i_o have_v i_o think_v evident_o make_v out_o that_o unbeliever_n act_v against_o all_o good_a sense_n in_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v they_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o i_o be_o mistake_v or_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v judge_n if_o this_o book_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o meet_v with_o that_o reception_n in_o french_a which_z several_z other_o of_o this_o kind_n have_v have_v i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o put_v it_o into_o latin_a and_o in_o my_o annotation_n upon_o it_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a apologist_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o too_o of_o the_o most_o consider_v heathen_n as_o the_o incomparable_a grotius_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o far_o indeed_o from_o equal_v my_o work_n to_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o with_o the_o same_o success_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a but_o if_o man_n have_v regard_v only_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o write_v i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n have_v better_a than_o i_o nor_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o defend_v john_n le_fw-fr clerc_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o preface_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n pag._n 1._o part_n i._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o p._n 9_o chap._n 2._o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v refuse_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 27._o chap._n 3._o that_o what_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a p._n 45._o chap._n 4._o that_o many_o be_v unbeliever_n only_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reason_v well_o p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n p._n 75._o chap._n 6._o that_o laziness_n keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o infidelity_n p._n 93._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n p._n 107._o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n because_o several_a embrace_v it_o more_o out_o of_o credulity_n than_o upon_o good_a reason_n p._n 110._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o express_v the_o
or_o infidel_n from_o give_v they_o the_o hear_n when_o they_o exhort_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v that_o all_o christian_n notwithstanding_o their_o division_n be_v agree_v about_o certain_a article_n by_o the_o examination_n whereof_o unbeliever_n must_v necessary_o begin_v and_o not_o by_o those_o particular_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n all_o christian_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n about_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o moral_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o they_o agree_v likewise_o about_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o resurrection_n and_o last_o judgement_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o undertake_v to_o prove_v first_o when_o they_o deal_v with_o infidel_n or_o unbeliever_n and_o this_o be_v what_o with_o common_a consent_n they_o call_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n which_o they_o prove_v all_o with_o like_a reason_n it_o be_v just_a with_o religion_n as_o with_o several_a other_o science_n in_o which_o the_o learned_a be_v not_o less_o divide_v there_o be_v very_o great_a dispute_n for_o example_n among_o the_o physician_n about_o the_o cause_n of_o disease_n the_o virtue_n of_o remedy_n and_o the_o way_n of_o apply_v they_o but_o maugre_o all_o their_o contest_v there_o be_v certain_a thing_n wherein_o in_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o anatomy_n in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o symptom_n of_o disease_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o simple_n and_o in_o chemistry_n there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n whereof_o no_o body_n doubt_n and_o which_o be_v the_o most_o important_a part_n of_o physic_n with_o which_o a_o learner_n of_o this_o science_n must_v first_o begin_v and_o it_o be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v with_o the_o different_a sect_n of_o christianity_n as_o the_o diversity_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o physician_n keep_v none_o that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o from_o examine_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o art_n so_o the_o difference_n of_o sentiment_n in_o religion_n can_v discourage_v the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o indeed_o as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n they_o be_v other_o sort_n of_o motive_n which_o take_v off_o the_o incredulous_a from_o examine_v it_o what_o i_o have_v call_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o what_o we_o may_v name_v christianity_n in_o general_n although_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a society_n that_o comprehend_v all_o its_o belief_n within_o those_o idea_n only_o about_o which_o all_o christian_n be_v agree_v yet_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o that_o those_o idea_n may_v include_v the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v determine_v about_o these_o before_o we_o examine_v any_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o those_o society_n which_o profess_v our_o religion_n this_o be_v also_o what_o i_o undertake_v to_o defend_v in_o this_o work_n and_o from_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n whereof_o depend_v all_o the_o rest_n if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v for_o instance_n that_o these_o general_a doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o must_v then_o examine_v in_o what_o society_n they_o be_v most_o pure_o teach_v but_o be_v they_o find_v to_o be_v false_a than_o we_o need_v not_o examine_v any_o particular_a sect_n see_v that_o all_o defend_v the_o same_o general_a principle_n if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a than_o all_o the_o sect_n will_v be_v all_o equal_o false_a it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o the_o division_n of_o christian_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n against_o christianity_n in_o general_n nor_o hinder_v the_o incredulous_a from_o examine_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o less_o certain_a that_o they_o can_v take_v any_o person_n off_o from_o this_o examen_fw-la that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o embrace_v any_o one_o sect._n the_o division_n indeed_o render_v this_o disquisition_n somewhat_o difficult_a but_o by_o no_o mean_n impossible_a i_o shall_v be_v tell_v no_o doubt_n that_o this_o be_v true_a with_o respect_n to_o man_n of_o letter_n or_o understand_a person_n but_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o ignorant_a populace_n must_v do_v in_o these_o division_n as_o they_o be_v common_o judge_v incapable_a of_o this_o disquisition_n so_o the_o sure_a way_n for_o they_o some_o think_v be_v to_o engage_v with_o the_o first_o party_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o to_o pass_v for_o a_o good_a christian_a one_o must_v know_v at_o least_o those_o general_a principle_n we_o speak_v of_o if_o there_o be_v people_n so_o stupid_a as_o to_o comprehend_v nothing_o of_o they_o though_o otherwise_o man_n of_o good_a moral_n we_o leave_v the_o disposal_n of_o they_o to_o god_n but_o as_o i_o say_v in_o another_o place_n they_o differ_v very_o little_a from_o the_o savage_n of_o america_n or_o africa_n second_o if_o such_o as_o have_v part_n enough_o to_o comprehend_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o frame_v their_o moral_n according_a to_o this_o model_n be_v not_o able_a however_o to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o those_o difference_n which_o divide_v christian_n it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o determine_v what_o they_o must_v do_v both_o in_o equity_n and_o prudence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o ought_v neither_o to_o approve_v or_o condemn_v any_o party_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n in_o dispute_n he_o that_o require_v more_o of_o they_o make_v they_o pass_v the_o limit_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o form_v a_o unjust_a and_o hasty_a judgement_n while_o they_o find_v themselves_o uncapable_a to_o receive_v true_a information_n of_o the_o reason_n on_o all_o side_n or_o to_o distinguish_v certain_o which_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o ought_v to_o suspend_v their_o judgement_n about_o controversy_n it_o be_v a_o rule_n authorise_a by_o common_a sense_n not_o to_o judge_n of_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o believe_v without_o renounce_v common_a sense_n that_o god_n will_v have_v any_o body_n acquiesce_v without_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 14.23_o rom._n 14.23_o that_o whatever_o be_v not_o of_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n be_v sin_n that_o be_v that_o before_o we_o resolve_v to_o act_v in_o point_n of_o religion_n for_o this_o be_v what_o he_o there_o treat_v of_o we_o must_v be_v persuade_v that_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o this_o we_o can_v be_v unless_o we_o evident_o know_v why_o it_o will_v be_v say_v perhaps_o that_o god_n may_v be_v please_v with_o this_o cautiousness_n and_o moderation_n but_o that_o man_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o since_o they_o common_o oblige_v those_o that_o live_v in_o the_o same_o society_n with_o they_o to_o declare_v for_o all_o their_o doctrine_n notwithstanding_o whatever_n be_v require_v of_o man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o keep_v to_o this_o wariness_n whereof_o i_o speak_v because_o they_o be_v lucky_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v such_o controversy_n as_o divide_v christian_n although_o they_o easy_o comprehend_v the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v suit_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o capacity_n that_o be_v not_o quite_o destitute_a of_o their_o reason_a faculty_n about_o what_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n those_o people_n give_v little_a attention_n to_o what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v apply_v themselves_o whole_o to_o what_o they_o comprehend_v thus_o they_o leave_v their_o controversy_n to_o divine_n whilst_o they_o mind_v only_o the_o essential_o of_o christianity_n such_o as_o be_v not_o more_o know_v and_o yet_o venture_v further_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o act_v according_o do_v judge_n and_o act_v manifest_o against_o common_a prudence_n and_o natural_a equity_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v have_v any_o regard_v to_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o conduct_n be_v to_o extinguish_v the_o most_o certain_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o religion_n in_o the_o three_o place_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o as_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o controversy_n have_v nevertheless_o a_o little_a more_o knowledge_n than_o those_o i_o have_v describe_v than_o they_o may_v easy_o determine_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n without_o run_v any_o risk_a at_o all_o by_o read_v confession_n of_o faith_n they_o may_v learn_v wherein_o all_o party_n in_o christendom_n agree_v and_o take_v that_o for_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o many_o different_a party_n who_o dispute_v so_o eager_o against_o one_o another_o shall_v agree_v in_o acknowledge_v certain_a head_n as_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o be_v not_o such_o in_o effect_n by_o the_o different_a party_n of_o christendom_n i_o understand_v
how_o he_o do_v it_o this_o be_v undeniable_a i_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o though_o i_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o god_n may_v have_v produce_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o yet_o i_o can_v deny_v it_o especial_o if_o we_o observe_v in_o matter_n no_o character_n of_o eternity_n it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n even_o to_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v eternal_a and_o much_o more_o absurd_a still_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o christian_a divine_n who_o say_v that_o it_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o though_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o ground_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o that_o foundation_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v institute_v for_o illiterate_a man_n as_o well_o as_o for_o scholar_n do_v not_o necessary_o suppose_v these_o sort_n of_o thing_n which_o require_v a_o great_a meditation_n than_o the_o vulgar_a be_v capable_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o apprehend_v that_o god_n impart_v to_o matter_n the_o form_n it_o now_o have_v to_o pay_v to_o he_o all_o the_o duty_n which_o he_o require_v from_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o without_o suppose_v what_o i_o have_v prove_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n we_o must_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o form_n they_o have_v be_v eternal_a there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o form_n no_o more_o than_o in_o matter_n which_o can_v make_v we_o suspect_v that_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v now_o never_o have_v a_o beginning_n though_o we_o have_v not_o see_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o great_a body_n that_o surround_v we_o and_o not_o one_o eye-witness_n have_v leave_v a_o relation_n of_o it_o though_o it_o seem_v that_o little_a or_o no_o sensible_a alteration_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o general_a yet_o no_o body_n can_v say_v for_o all_o that_o that_o it_o have_v be_v the_o same_o from_o all_o eternity_n because_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v frame_v before_o there_o be_v any_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o beside_o we_o can_v say_v that_o the_o form_n of_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o that_o man_n and_o other_o animal_n which_o make_v a_o part_n of_o it_o have_v always_o be_v upon_o earth_n the_o perpetual_a succession_n which_o we_o see_v in_o their_o kind_n do_v plain_o teach_v we_o that_o they_o have_v a_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o animal_n who_o live_v at_o present_a be_v bear_v of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o these_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la so_o as_o never_o to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v because_o being_n that_n have_v a_o limit_a duration_n as_o that_o of_o every_o generation_n be_v can_v equal_v eternity_n by_o such_o a_o duration_n as_o a_o number_n of_o limit_a measure_n though_o never_o so_o great_a can_v be_v equal_a to_o a_o infinite_a extension_n every_o generation_n single_o take_v have_v have_v a_o beginning_n we_o must_v necessary_o come_v to_o the_o beginning_n of_o those_o generation_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a that_o man_n and_o beast_n begin_v to_o exist_v upon_o earth_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o some_o cause_n epicurus_n who_o say_v that_o they_o be_v form_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n make_v more_o ridiculous_a supposition_n and_o more_o absurd_a conjecture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o ancient_a fable_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o no_o body_n maintain_v his_o hypothesis_n now_o but_o other_o say_v that_o whatever_o exist_v be_v proper_o but_o one_o be_v that_o modify_v itself_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o its_o nature_n if_o any_o body_n know_v what_o they_o mean_v or_o if_o they_o know_v it_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v confute_v but_o a_o opinion_n that_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o nonsensical_a though_o it_o have_v the_o outward_a appearance_n of_o a_o geometrical_a order_n can_v deceive_v no_o body_n but_o those_o who_o will_v be_v deceive_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o it_o from_o some_o other_o reason_n wherefore_o see_v nothing_o can_v give_v a_o beginning_n to_o itself_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v more_o excellent_a than_o all_o animal_n who_o form_v they_o upon_o this_o earth_n and_o this_o be_v that_o be_v which_o christian_n call_v god_n thus_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n acknowledge_v a_o god_n who_o have_v create_v we_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o create_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o planet_n because_o limit_a period_n as_o those_o of_o the_o planet_n be_v can_v never_o exhaust_v eternity_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o much_o multiply_v so_o that_o we_o may_v very_o well_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o maker_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o objection_n can_v force_v we_o to_o renounce_v that_o proposition_n see_v we_o direct_o prove_v it_o by_o undeniable_a argument_n and_o the_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v oppose_v to_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v they_o and_o be_v but_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n they_o object_n for_o example_n that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v immaterial_a can_v create_v body_n out_o of_o nothing_o none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o say_v they_o so_o that_o god_n be_v incorporeal_a can_v not_o give_v to_o body_n the_o propriety_n which_o they_o have_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o this_o very_a argument_n will_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o motion_n in_o nature_n for_o one_o may_v say_v matter_n have_v no_o motion_n of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v immaterial_a have_v less_o still_a none_o can_v give_v what_o he_o have_v not_o wherefore_o matter_n have_v no_o motion_n let_v they_o try_v to_o answer_v this_o argument_n and_o the_o answer_n if_o it_o be_v good_a will_v resolve_v the_o propose_a objection_n against_o the_o creation_n of_o matter_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n contain_v the_o real_a propriety_n of_o all_o being_n but_o without_o have_v the_o imperfection_n and_o defect_n of_o they_o see_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v create_v they_o and_o he_o be_v infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o all_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o give_v a_o beginning_n by_o this_o argument_n we_o ascend_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n but_o we_o do_v learn_v by_o it_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o argument_n how_o the_o real_a propriety_n of_o creature_n be_v in_o god_n nor_o how_o he_o make_v they_o to_o exist_v the_o fact_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v above_o human_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o the_o origin_n of_o motion_n though_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o its_o existence_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n which_o the_o incredulous_a will_v not_o believe_v viz._n the_o revelation_n which_o we_o say_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n whatever_o they_o say_v concern_v revelation_n in_o general_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o prejudice_n viz._n that_o they_o themselves_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o a_o revelation_n they_o can_v be_v persuade_v that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v weak_a than_o argument_n ground_v only_o upon_o our_o ignorance_n and_o which_o suppose_v that_o what_o we_o know_v not_o be_v not_o true_a as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v those_o who_o deny_v revelation_n shall_v either_o manifest_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o to_o his_o creature_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n which_o no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v or_o find_v out_o in_o that_o revelation_n some_o manifest_a character_n of_o falsity_n which_o no_o body_n can_v show_v in_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a scripture_n this_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o unbeliever_n but_o their_o repugnancy_n to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n arise_v partly_o from_o their_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n thereof_o and_o not_o perceive_v how_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o it_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o that_o history_n in_o a_o few_o word_n man_n know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n and_o reflection_n and_o experience_n be_v slow_a and_o reflection_n oftentime_o difficult_a god_n show_v they_o by_o some_o revelation_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n what_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v concern_v his_o nature_n and_o the_o worship_n he_o require_v from_o they_o though_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o but_o a_o short_a abridgement_n of_o the_o history_n of_o what_o pass_v during_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n before_o he_o receive_v the_o law_n of_o god_n yet_o he_o mention_n etc._n mention_n gen._n 3.3.9_o etc._n etc._n &_o 6.13_o &_o 7.1_o &_o 8.15_o &_o 9.1_o &_o 12.1_o etc._n etc._n
prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o 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thing_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o miraculous_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n such_o as_o be_v the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o for_o example_n great_a weight_n which_o will_v present_o sink_v if_o they_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o water_n will_v lie_v upon_o it_o without_o sink_v if_o a_o body_n much_o light_a than_o water_n as_o wood_n be_v put_v between_o the_o water_n and_o those_o weight_n there_o be_v nothing_o miraculous_a in_o that_o because_o it_o be_v do_v by_o a_o corporeal_a and_o know_a cause_n but_o it_o can_v not_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o miraculous_a thing_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v walk_v upon_o the_o water_n as_o i_o have_v say_v when_o a_o learned_a physician_n cure_v a_o sick_a person_n with_o some_o remedy_n after_o he_o have_v spend_v a_o long_a time_n in_o study_v the_o nature_n of_o disease_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o remedy_n that_o cure_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o have_v be_v well_o apply_v but_o if_o we_o shall_v see_v a_o man_n who_o only_o by_o touch_v all_o sort_n of_o sick_a person_n or_o by_o speak_v to_o they_o without_o use_v any_o sensible_a remedy_n cure_v they_o upon_o the_o spot_n that_o effect_n can_v be_v ascribe_v only_o to_o some_o supernatural_a cause_n some_o 6._o some_o spinosa_n in_o tract_n theologico-polit_a cap._n 6._o unbeliever_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v that_o character_n of_o miracle_n uncertain_a by_o say_v that_o we_o know_v not_o so_o perfect_o natural_a cause_n and_o their_o effect_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v what_o they_o can_v produce_v from_o what_o be_v above_o their_o strength_n nay_o they_o pretend_v that_o what_o be_v call_v miraculous_a shall_v only_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o extraordinary_a or_o rare_a accident_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n which_o be_v not_o well_o know_v but_o though_o it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o 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hear_v as_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o contradictory_n but_o be_v not_o the_o less_o false_a for_o that_o as_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n teach_v we_o indeed_o those_o who_o use_v that_o argument_n to_o make_v miracle_n doubtful_a do_v it_o only_o to_o perplex_v simple_a man_n who_o hear_v they_o they_o know_v very_o well_o that_o we_o be_v perfect_o sure_a of_o some_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v make_v doubtful_a by_o say_v only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contradictory_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v true_a if_o they_o dare_v deny_v the_o miraculous_a effect_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v ground_v they_o will_v roundly_o do_v it_o and_o not_o have_v recourse_n to_o objection_n so_o little_o judicious_a but_o not_o dare_v to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v the_o contrary_a of_o what_o we_o believe_v look_v probable_a they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o some_o such_o objection_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v now_o to_o confute_v all_o their_o particular_a objection_n because_o the_o principle_n i_o lay_v down_o destroy_v they_o 5._o it_o be_v therefore_o certain_a that_o we_o may_v know_v some_o thing_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n and_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o other_o natural_a or_o corporeal_a cause_n and_o that_o if_o we_o see_v some_o happen_v or_o learn_v from_o faithful_a witness_n that_o there_o happen_v some_o we_o may_v say_v without_o be_v mistake_v that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a thing_n such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o action_n of_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n and_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n without_o remedy_n however_o to_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o a_o miraculous_a fact_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o any_o body_n he_o ought_v to_o know_v beforehand_o that_o that_o miracle_n will_v happen_v or_o at_o least_o it_o must_v happen_v just_a when_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o when_o no_o body_n think_v of_o it_o there_o happen_v a_o thing_n wherein_o neither_o man_n nor_o other_o natural_a cause_n have_v a_o hand_n and_o no_o body_n know_v of_o what_o use_v it_o will_v be_v nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o it_o and_o he_o who_o shall_v say_v that_o it_o happen_v in_o his_o behalf_n aught_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o fraud_n some_o idumaei_n some_o see_v my_o dissertation_n de_fw-fr trajectu_fw-la maris_fw-la idumaei_n historian_n for_o instance_n tell_v we_o that_o alexander_n go_v to_o meet_v darius_n lead_v part_n of_o his_o troop_n to_o pass_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o mount_n climax_n where_o there_o be_v no_o passage_n when_o the_o south_n wind_v blue_a because_o the_o sea_n cover_v that_o way_n and_o that_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o come_v thither_o the_o north_n blow_v so_o that_o they_o go_v through_o it_o not_o to_o say_v the_o change_n of_o wind_n at_o that_o time_n may_v be_v natural_a i_o affirm_v that_o alexander_n have_v not_o know_v it_o before_o and_o be_v able_a to_o go_v another_o way_n it_o can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o miracle_n which_o providence_n wrought_v in_o his_o behalf_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v conclude_v from_o it_o that_o heaven_n approve_v his_o design_n to_o give_v another_o example_n fetch_v from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o same_o prince_n 10._o prince_n vid._n q._n curt._n lib._n 10._o c._n 10._o it_o be_v say_v that_o his_o corpse_n remain_v seven_o day_n at_o babylon_n before_o it_o be_v embalm_v without_o smell_v ill_o in_o the_o least_o nor_o have_v his_o face_n a_o different_a colour_n than_o what_o it_o have_v whilst_o he_o be_v alive_a though_o it_o be_v extreme_o hot_a in_o that_o climate_n wherein_o babylon_n be_v situate_v let_v we_o suppose_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o fact_n but_o also_o that_o natural_a cause_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o such_o a_o thing_n either_o for_o or_o against_o alexander_n for_o indeed_o what_o can_v the_o invisible_a power_n mean_v by_o preserve_v the_o body_n of_o alexander_n from_o corruption_n during_o seven_o day_n none_o but_o that_o power_n can_v teach_v it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o have_v undertake_v to_o make_v his_o advantage_n of_o it_o he_o have_v be_v just_o laugh_v at_o that_o character_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n altogether_o destroy_v the_o objection_n i_o have_v confute_v already_o for_o if_o miraculous_a fact_n be_v extraordinary_a effect_n of_o natural_a but_o unknown_a cause_n it_o be_v manifest_a they_o can_v not_o be_v foresee_v no_o man_n can_v foresee_v a_o thing_n which_o scarce_o ever_o happen_v and_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o cause_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o he_o unless_o that_o man_n be_v warn_v of_o it_o by_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o cause_n which_o be_v to_o suppose_v without_o reason_n a_o thing_n altogether_o incomprehensible_a 6._o wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v show_v that_o there_o happen_v some_o thing_n that_o neither_o man_n nor_o other_o natural_a cause_n can_v do_v which_o notwithstanding_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v do_v it_o must_v be_v grant_v we_o that_o they_o be_v miraculous_a fact_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o those_o who_o foretell_v they_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o the_o like_a miracle_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o pitch_v upon_o one_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o it_o it_o be_v of_o of_o great_a moment_n that_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v true_a the_o rest_n can_v be_v deny_v i_o mean_v the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n wherein_o we_o see_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o true_a miracle_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n that_o no_o man_n or_o any_o other_o natural_a cause_n can_v restore_v a_o dead_a man_n to_o life_n though_o the_o humane_a body_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o no_o more_o than_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v affirm_v without_o rashness_n that_o no_o body_n raise_v himself_o nor_o by_o his_o own_o virtue_n or_o that_o of_o any_o other_o thing_n one_o can_v affirm_v the_o contrary_a without_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mad_a man_n among_o all_o the_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n second_o jesus_n christ_n 27.63_o christ_n mat._n 16.21_o &_o 17.23_o &_o 26.61_o &_o 27.63_o often_o foretell_v his_o resurrection_n and_o say_v it_o shall_v happen_v on_o the_o three_o day_n he_o conclude_v from_o thence_o beforehand_o that_o man_n will_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v send_v by_o god_n his_o resurrection_n be_v the_o great_a sign_n of_o it_o that_o can_v be_v ask_v 40._o ask_v mat._n 12.39_o 40._o a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n say_v he_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n for_o as_o ionas_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n so_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o be_v not_o deceive_v that_o fact_n be_v undeniable_a and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o who_o raise_v jesus_n christ_n bear_v he_o a_o testimony_n which_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n letter_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v sincere_a man_n and_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v on_o that_o occasion_n their_o master_n be_v not_o hide_v in_o a_o chamber_n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o be_v dead_a it_o be_v upon_o a_o cross_n and_o in_o a_o public_a place_n surround_v with_o roman_a soldier_n he_o have_v be_v bury_v his_o enemy_n seal_v his_o sepulchre_n they_o set_v a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n about_o it_o and_o he_o be_v above_o four_o and_o twenty_o hour_n in_o it_o therefore_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o his_o be_v true_o dead_a and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o question_v it_o afterward_o they_o see_v he_o several_a time_n touch_v he_o speak_v with_o he_o and_z ate_z with_o he_o so_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o wherefore_o if_o the_o thing_n have_v not_o happen_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v their_o sincerity_n and_o if_o they_o be_v sincere_a man_n which_o they_o certain_o be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o fact_n can_v be_v doubt_v of_o 7._o the_o more_o we_o examine_v their_o testimony_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o without_o insist_v long_o upon_o that_o i_o have_v rather_o observe_v against_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n that_o what_o may_v be_v say_v of_o feign_a miracle_n can_v be_v object_v against_o that_o miracle_n and_o other_o miracle_n of_o