Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
cause_n	holy_a	scripture_n	word_n	2,805	5	4.1192	3	true

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A29780	Miracles, work's above and contrary to nature, or, An answer to a late translation out of Spinoza's Tractatus theologico-politicus, Mr. Hobbs's Leviathan, &c. published to undermine the truth and authority of miracles, Scripture, and religion, in a treatise entituled, Miracles no violation of the laws of nature.	Browne, Thomas, 1654?-1741.	1683 (1683)	Wing B5062; ESTC R1298	42,132	76

as_o a_o abettor_n of_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n 138._o certissimum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o à_fw-la divinâ_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la pendere_fw-la res_fw-la omnes_fw-la cujuscunque_fw-la ordinis_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la eâdem_fw-la vera_fw-la miracula_fw-la edita_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o be_v i_o think_v a_o sufficient_a prejudice_n against_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o produce_v these_o author_n to_o insinuate_v and_o patronize_v or_o at_o least_o his_o judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o his_o author_n that_o two_o out_o of_o three_o declare_v flat_o against_o he_o in_o that_o point_n yet_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o as_o he_o produce_v they_o here_o they_o may_v both_o better_o consist_v with_o he_o and_o spinoza_n than_o with_o themselves_o this_o therefore_o come_v to_o be_v examine_v and_o will_v lead_v we_o gradual_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o each_o part_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n we_o begin_v therefore_o with_o the_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n he_o there_o with_o mr._n burnett_n what_o he_o take_v from_o mr._n burnett_n burnett_n be_v out_o of_o the_o eleven_o and_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o theory_n mr._n burnett_n word_n be_v these_o in_o eâ_fw-la sum_fw-la equidem_fw-la sententiâ_fw-la authores_fw-la sacros_fw-la cum_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la naturalibus_fw-la sermon_n habent_fw-la etc._n etc._n upon_o these_o the_o translator_n thus_o vary_v in_o the_o first_o word_n of_o his_o premonition_n it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a theologue_n of_o the_o modern_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o so_o go_v on_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o page_n which_o he_o translate_v more_o faithful_o what_o he_o design_v in_o this_o amplification_n whether_o to_o amuse_n his_o reader_n oblige_v mr._n burnet_n or_o to_o make_v a_o fair_a show_n of_o his_o own_o great_a read_n i_o shall_v not_o inquire_v it_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n be_v this_o that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n design_v only_o to_o excite_v piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o we_o not_o to_o improve_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n that_o agreeable_o to_o this_o design_n they_o explain_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a they_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n they_o do_v not_o make_v mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o and_o compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n there_o all_o mr._n burnett_n design_n in_o this_o be_v to_o excuse_v himself_o for_o give_v a_o philosophical_a and_o mechanical_a account_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o other_o grand_a effect_n in_o the_o sublunary_a world_n as_o the_o original_a of_o the_o mountain_n rock_n island_n ocean_n rivers_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o terraqueous_a globe_n the_o production_n of_o all_o these_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n and_o divine_v ordinary_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o effect_n supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a viz._n that_o god_n by_o the_o same_o powerful_a word_n whereby_o he_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n cast_v up_o the_o mountain_n and_o cut_v out_o the_o channel_n for_o the_o river_n and_o that_o vast_a cavity_n for_o the_o immense_a ocean_n command_v the_o water_n into_o one_o place_n 9_o and_o make_v the_o dry_a land_n appear_v and_o by_o the_o like_a command_n 1●_n when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a upon_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o flesh_n be_v come_v before_o he_o open_v the_o cataract_n of_o heaven_n 11._o and_o break_v up_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a and_o destroy_v all_o mankind_n except_o eight_o person_n by_o a_o deluge_n of_o water_n to_o this_o mr._n burnett_n answer_n be_v that_o it_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a necessary_a that_o these_o effect_n shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o miracle_n for_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v record_v for_o miracle_n there_o because_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v effect_n pure_o natural_a to_o god_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o god_n in_o their_o production_n the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n by_o give_v we_o a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o their_o mediate_a cause_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o piety_n and_o devotion_n by_o work_v in_o our_o mind_n a_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n to_o which_o all_o thing_n owe_v their_o original_n this_o be_v the_o intent_n scope_n principle_n and_o drift_n of_o mr._n burnett_n word_n as_o they_o stand_v at_o home_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o here_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o far_o different_a purpose_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o conclusion_n the_o translator_n draw_v from_o they_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v himself_o viz._n that_o these_o thing_n consider_v 1._o we_o be_v not_o to_o admire_v if_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n many_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v as_o miracle_n which_o notwithstanding_o proceed_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n etc._n etc._n 2._o which_o be_v but_o the_o application_n of_o the_o former_a we_o ought_v not_o rash_o to_o accuse_v any_o man_n of_o infidelity_n only_o because_o he_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n which_o conclusion_n of_o his_o 1._o be_v just_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o mr._n burnett_n 2._o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o disbelieve_v any_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o for_o such_o burnett_n 1._o it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o mr_n burnett'_v mr._n burnett_n way_n of_o argue_v be_v this_o the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n thing_n which_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n ergo_fw-la we_o can_v just_o conclude_v that_o what_o effect_n the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n those_o it_o record_v for_o miracle_n yes_o say_v the_o translator_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o record_v they_o for_o miracle_n and_o this_o too_o we_o may_v conclude_v over_o and_o above_o that_o the_o scripture_n record_v such_o effect_n for_o miracle_n which_o real_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n miracle_n 2._o it_o destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o disbelieve_v any_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o for_o such_o for_o first_o it_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n guilty_a of_o imposture_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o small_a matter_n but_o such_o whereupon_o depend_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o revelation_n make_v therein_o by_o god_n to_o mankind_n for_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o relation_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n depend_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o reveal_v two_o it_o take_v away_o the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o have_v to_o discern_v whether_o the_o effect_n it_o relate_v be_v a_o miracle_n or_o not_o the_o only_a thing_n whereby_o we_o can_v know_v it_o be_v from_o the_o scripture_n manner_n of_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o relate_v one_o thing_n for_o a_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o all_o may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o so_o farewell_n both_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o presume_v that_o he_o do_v not_o play_v with_o we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o importance_n i._n e._n that_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a by_o the_o scripture_n relate_v such_o thing_n as_o miracle_n only_o that_o it_o relate_v the_o production_n of_o they_o in_o such_o term_n as_o idiot_n and_o illiterate_a person_n may_v from_o thence_o conceive_v that_o they_o be_v supernatural_a effect_n for_o then_o all_o he_o say_v will_v be_v very_o true_a but_o withal_o very_o impertinent_a but_o that_o it_o set_v they_o down_o for_o effect_n miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a as_o much_o as_o

any_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v thus_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o how_o disagreeable_a his_o conclusion_n from_o mr._n burnett_n principle_n be_v to_o that_o which_o mr._n burnett_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o and_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o show_v how_o unnatural_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o such_o premise_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v any_o tedious_a reflection_n upon_o each_o particular_a in_o the_o summary_n account_v which_o i_o have_v give_v above_o of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n true_a but_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o whereupon_o he_o seem_v whole_o to_o build_v his_o conclusion_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o touch_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v there_o suggest_v and_o that_o in_o subordination_n to_o that_o design_n they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o explain_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a i._n e._n to_o speak_v their_o sense_n and_o dialect_n about_o natural_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v occasional_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o to_o comply_v therein_o with_o their_o common_a prejudices_fw-la as_o moses_n seem_v to_o do_v gen._n 1.16_o where_o he_o rank_n the_o moon_n with_o the_o sun_n as_o the_o other_o great_a light_n i._n e._n the_o next_o or_o only_a one_o beside_o of_o considerable_a magnitude_n speak_v there_o agreeable_o to_o the_o appearance_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a ground_v thereupon_o yet_o not_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o for_o this_o be_v one_o that_o every_o considerable_a effect_n in_o nature_n be_v miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o to_o relate_v every_o effect_n for_o miraculous_a which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o excite_v piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o we_o the_o utmost_a therefore_o that_o design_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v to_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n which_o effectual_o answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o design_n and_o to_o ascribe_v all_o effect_n to_o god_n as_o their_o author_n which_o as_o full_o answer_v the_o second_o and_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o a_o relation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n for_o miracle_n as_o will_v appear_v immediate_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n that_o they_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n i_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v the_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o god_n for_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n than_o he_o create_v they_o for_o all_o the_o scripture_n do_v be_v that_o it_o mention_n only_o those_o end_n of_o nature_n out_o of_o many_o for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o end_n only_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n 15._o that_o they_o be_v for_o light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o sign_n and_o for_o season_n and_o for_o day_n and_o for_o year_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o which_o to_o consider_v be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o its_o purpose_n conclusion_n but_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n be_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o and_o compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n their_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n not_o that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v these_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v spernatural_a and_o such_o than_o they_o be_v unquestionable_o but_o that_o it_o ascribe_v they_o only_o to_o god_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n for_o instance_n the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o god_n himself_o in_o those_o place_n of_o the_o 147th_o psalm_n where_o it_o say_v 18._o he_o giveth_z snow_n like_o wool_n he_o scatter_v the_o hoar-frost_n like_o ash_n he_o cast_v forth_o his_o ice_n like_o morsel_n he_o send_v out_o his_o word_n and_o melt_v they_o he_o blow_v with_o his_o wind_n and_o the_o water_n flow_v so_o when_o god_n say_v to_o noah_n i_o do_v set_v my_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n 9.16_o and_o to_o samuel_n to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n i_o will_v send_v thou_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o benjamin_n these_o instance_n be_v he_o and_o spinoza_n as_o appear_v p._n 17_o and_o 18_o below_o in_o his_o treatise_n and_o the_o scripture_n refer_v these_o effect_n immediate_o to_o god_n as_o it_o mention_n he_o only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o no_o other_o mediate_a cause_n not_o that_o it_o say_v that_o he_o alone_o act_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o relate_v they_o for_o miracle_n it_o this_o therefore_o be_v state_v his_o way_n of_o argue_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la they_o relate_v many_o thing_n as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o relate_v those_o effect_n as_o miracle_n which_o they_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n the_o falsehood_n whereof_o i_o shall_v evident_o discover_v 1._o by_o instance_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 4._o by_o show_v in_o some_o instance_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n instance_n 1._o by_o instance_n infinite_a will_v be_v the_o number_n of_o miracle_n record_v in_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o we_o be_v to_o know_v what_o effect_n be_v relate_v therein_o as_o such_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n immediate_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o raiment_n for_o the_o annual_a increase_n of_o our_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n for_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o their_o season_n it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o nature_n itself_o supply_v we_o with_o these_o necessary_n how_o our_o corn_n grow_v in_o our_o field_n how_o the_o vine_n send_v forth_o her_o grape_n how_o the_o cloud_n drop_v fatness_n 11._o but_o in_o a_o word_n refer_v all_o to_o god_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n he_o it_o say_v visit_v the_o earth_n and_o bless_v it_o he_o make_v it_o very_o plenteous_a he_o crown_v the_o year_n with_o his_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n 145.16_o he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o all_o this_o as_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o conceive_v not_o the_o flood_n only_o but_o even_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n to_o come_v down_o by_o miracle_n that_o it_o prompt_v we_o to_o expect_v as_o supernatural_a a_o

provision_n of_o our_o daily_a bread_n as_o the_o israelite_n have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n elijah_n in_o horeb_n when_o the_o raven_n be_v his_o purveyor_n the_o widow_n with_o who_o he_o lodge_v who_o barrel_n of_o meal_n be_v preserve_v from_o waste_v or_o last_o the_o four_o or_o five_o thousand_o feed_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o relate_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o miracle_n because_o it_o mention_n not_o how_o the_o corn_n grow_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n of_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v it_o 2._o the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n disprove_v this_o conceit_n to_o be_v relate_v as_o a_o miracle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v record_v for_o a_o effect_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a hand_n and_o supernatural_a power_n to_o be_v immediate_o refer_v or_o ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o a_o train_n of_o mediate_a cause_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n there_o it_o be_v express_o or_o by_o consequence_n declare_v that_o the_o work_n be_v above_o nature_n here_o it_o be_v leave_v in_o medio_fw-la without_o any_o determination_n from_o the_o manner_n wherein_o it_o be_v relate_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n for_o instance_n the_o scripture_n say_v in_o one_o place_n thou_o make_v darkness_n and_o it_o be_v night_n in_o another_o 28._o he_o send_v darkness_n and_o make_v it_o dark_a in_o the_o former_a it_o speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a in_o the_o latter_a of_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o both_o it_o immediate_o refer_v to_o god_n mention_v no_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o both_o of_o they_o it_o may_v thus_o ascribe_v to_o god_n though_o the_o one_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o other_o a_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o to_o ascribe_v any_o effect_n immediate_o to_o god_n be_v not_o to_o relate_v it_o as_o a_o miracle_n thing_n 3._o this_o will_v far_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o scripture_n may_v just_o ascribe_v to_o god_n all_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n without_o mention_v any_o train_n of_o suborbordinate_a cause_n and_o yet_o can_v thereupon_o be_v just_o conclude_v to_o relate_v these_o thing_n as_o miracle_n and_o this_o because_o first_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n by_o his_o power_n and_o the_o governor_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o by_o his_o superintend_a providence_n therefore_o every_o effect_n in_o nature_n may_v be_v just_o ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o its_o author_n two_o the_o scripture_n design_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n only_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n therefore_o it_o may_v just_o ascribe_v they_o to_o he_o without_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o natural_a cause_n whereby_o he_o mediate_o produce_v they_o if_o then_o any_o effect_n may_v be_v in_o this_o manner_n ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o than_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o governor_n of_o nature_n by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o just_a conclusion_n that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n because_o they_o immediate_o refer_v it_o to_o god_n without_o meniion_n of_o the_o train_n of_o natural_a cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o miracle_n 4._o but_o to_o give_v as_o full_a satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v in_o this_o point_n and_o withal_o to_o show_v that_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o effect_n so_o relate_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v just_o conceive_v to_o have_v record_v they_o for_o miracle_n i_o shall_v state_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o scripture_n to_o relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o it_o ascribe_v the_o effect_n to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n nor_o that_o it_o immediate_o ascribe_v it_o to_o he_o without_o mention_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o every_o thing_n proceed_v from_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o work_n of_o his_o supernatural_a power_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o and_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v of_o it_o to_o god_n without_o mention_n any_o other_o cause_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o no_o other_o cause_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o but_o to_o relate_v a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n be_v to_o relate_v it_o for_o a_o effect_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a hand_n or_o a_o effect_v above_o beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o express_v declaration_n 2._o by_o relate_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v the_o effect_n to_o be_v miraculous_a for_o the_o first_o there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o few_o instance_n if_o any_o wherein_o we_o can_v certain_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v any_o effect_n to_o be_v a_o work_n above_o nature_n for_o though_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v use_v the_o word_n miracle_n yet_o that_o be_v ambiguous_a it_o may_v still_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o effect_n wonderful_n and_o surprise_v indeed_o yet_o pure_o natural_a all_o which_o notwithstanding_o in_o some_o place_n we_o may_v true_o vouch_v the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o and_o such_o effect_n be_v miraculous_a joh._n 2.11_o after_o the_o relation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o wine_n the_o text_n say_v this_o beginning_n of_o miracle_n do_v jesus_n so_o also_o john_n 4.54_o after_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o nobleman_n son_n this_o be_v again_o the_o second_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v in_o these_o two_o place_n the_o scripture_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n reflect_v upon_o the_o work_v it_o have_v relate_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v supernatural_a but_o by_o the_o word_n miracle_n may_v possible_o be_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o a_o effect_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a not_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v some_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o think_v this_o one_o consideration_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o relate_v these_o work_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v to_o propound_v they_o to_o we_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n now_o evidence_n of_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v work_n above_o nature_n because_o a_o effect_n of_o nature_n can_v prove_v god_n immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n nor_o consequent_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o to_o relate_v these_o work_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n will_v argue_v that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o style_v these_o work_n miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n must_v mean_v strict_o such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n otherwise_o it_o will_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n and_o oblige_v we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n as_o divine_a upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n that_o reveal_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n we_o may_v discover_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o effect_n express_o declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n immediate_a extraordinary_a power_n for_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o moses_n too_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o as_o wrought_v to_o evidence_n his_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o institute_v the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o evidence_n their_o authority_n to_o preach_v and_o plant_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o express_a declaration_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v yet_o 2._o many_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n couch_v in_o such_o term_n as_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o effect_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v relate_v as_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a as_o 1._o where_o the_o effect_n be_v relate_v as_o do_v without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n so_o in_o our_o saviour_n cure_v disease_n and_o indeed_o work_v most_o of_o his_o miracle_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o wine_n by_o the_o internal_a

saviour_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb-man_n the_o mention_n whereof_o in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o miracle_n if_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n than_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n requisite_a these_o they_o have_v and_o these_o immediate_o produce_v the_o effect_n this_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n therefore_o by_o miracle_n and_o so_o his_o argument_n destroy_v itself_o but_o far_o what_o if_o many_o be_v produce_v without_o any_o circumstance_n at_o all_o but_o pure_o at_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o this_o he_o say_v we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o scripture_n because_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o though_o not_o mention_v there_o he_o refer_v to_o exod._n 14.27_o compare_v with_o ex._n 15.10_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o not_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n declare_v there_o be_v none_o so_o in_o our_o saviour_n still_v the_o storm_n 25._o the_o very_a reflection_n that_o his_o disciple_n make_v upon_o that_o miracle_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o not_o by_o the_o application_n of_o any_o mean_n much_o less_o natural_a 2_o before_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n from_o these_o argument_n he_o answer_v a_o objection_n from_o scripture_n viz._n that_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a and_o rain_n and_o plenty_n restore_v by_o their_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v here_o speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o with_o the_o same_o propriety_n as_o when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a repent_v or_o the_o like_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o effect_n ascribe_v to_o they_o here_o 1._o methinks_v he_o be_v wary_a in_o his_o answer_n he_o may_v have_v grant_v that_o famine_n be_v send_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n for_o a_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o have_v deny_v that_o either_o of_o these_o be_v wrought_v by_o miracle_n for_o nature_n be_v order_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o well_o as_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o power_n and_o therefore_o his_o wisdom_n may_v so_o direct_v it_o as_o often_o even_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o execute_v his_o divine_a purpose_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n he_o see_v our_o action_n and_o hear_v our_o prayer_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o may_v as_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n direct_a and_o determine_v the_o certain_a and_o necessary_a event_n of_o it_o to_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o make_v they_o instrumental_a to_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o purpose_n whether_o of_o show_v favour_n or_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o men._n thus_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o be_v so_o strict_a as_o to_o deny_v any_o possibility_n of_o god_n punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o fear_v lest_o it_o shall_v betray_v he_o unaware_o to_o the_o concession_n of_o a_o miracle_n natural_a cause_n indeed_o our_o sin_n or_o p●ayers_n be_v not_o of_o these_o effect_n nor_o yet_o supernatural_a neither_o but_o moral_a only_a and_o meritorious_a as_o god_n upon_o view_n of_o either_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o reward_v we_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o so_o 2._o he_o give_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v improper_o here_o and_o in_o condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o it_o do_v when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a or_o repent_v we_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n concern_v the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o such_o of_o his_o perfection_n the_o mode_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v explain_v to_o we_o how_o they_o be_v and_o act_n in_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v speak_v of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o it_o say_v shall_v be_v shuffle_v off_o by_o this_o or_o the_o like_a suggestion_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v than_o that_o god_n do_v punish_v or_o reward_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n and_o that_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o as_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o the_o vulgar_a to_o conceive_v how_o he_o do_v it_o without_o anger_n or_o displeasure_n and_o the_o contrary_a affection_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o one_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n though_o yet_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v presume_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n 21._o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o four_o and_o last_o undertake_n viz._n to_o treat_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n miracle_n and_o what_o thing_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o relation_n about_o they_o or_o as_o the_o translator_n to_o show_v that_o most_o man_n have_v err_v in_o their_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o set_v we_o right_n he_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture-narration_n about_o miracle_n to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o particular_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o relator_n 2._o the_o idiom_n phrase_n and_o trope_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o first_o because_o general_o all_o historian_n relate_v the_o event_n they_o speak_v of_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o conjecture_n opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la the_o other_o because_o otherwise_o we_o may_v from_o the_o scripture-style_n conceive_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v relate_v for_o miracle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o for_o the_o first_o he_o instance_n in_o joshua_n 10._o v_o 12_o 13._o where_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a length_n of_o that_o day_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n motion_n for_o the_o second_o in_o some_o allegorical_a place_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n zachariah_n 14._o v_o 7._o isa_n 13._o v._n 10.48_o v_o ult_n by_o these_o two_o insinuation_n he_o will_v elude_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_a narration_n about_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n to_o the_o first_o and_o the_o instance_n he_o bring_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o joshua_n relate_v be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o earth_n move_v and_o not_o the_o sun_n for_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v stop_v whether_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o therein_o consist_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a either_o that_o joshua_n shall_v himself_o be_v so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n or_o so_o far_o instruct_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o to_o put_v up_o his_o request_n to_o god_n that_o the_o earth_n shall_v stand_v still_o and_o not_o the_o sun_n or_o that_o the_o account_n of_o it_o which_o he_o give_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a ground_v thereupon_o to_o the_o second_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-miracle_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o allegorical_a expression_n in_o the_o prophet_n but_o upon_o the_o naked_a relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o historical_a writer_n so_o that_o though_o in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v to_o proceed_v with_o some_o caution_n and_o not_o to_o take_v every_o thing_n for_o miraculous_a which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o expression_n yet_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v no_o such_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o trope_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o main_a of_o spinoza_n chapter_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o four_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o 26._o what_o be_v behind_o be_v 1._o a_o account_n of_o his_o different_a method_n in_o this_o chapter_n from_o that_o which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n about_o prophecy_n and_o