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than_o positive_a law_n make_v they_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v practice_v any_o thing_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o thing_n suppose_v positive_a law_n not_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o religious_a venerator_fw-la of_o the_o deity_n the_o admission_n of_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n and_o yet_o to_o annex_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o punishment_n to_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a by_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_o this_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o divinity_n so_o circumstantiate_v seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a a_o attempt_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o 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in_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n accuse_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o about_o matter_n no_o way_n connizable_a and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n but_o mere_o guide_v herein_o by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n give_v in_o concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n this_o truth_n have_v be_v establish_v for_o as_o cicero_n say_v true_o time_n wear_v out_o error_n of_o opinion_n but_o confirm_v all_o natural_a truth_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n carry_v a_o innate_a condemnation_n in_o it_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o evil_n and_o a_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o good_a and_o this_o no_o way_n found_v in_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o time_n or_o place_n but_o in_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o and_o be_v neither_o create_v nor_o can_v be_v abrogate_a by_o any_o thing_n humane_a for_o as_o philo_n say_v well_o lex_fw-la mentiri_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la recta_fw-la 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interest_n prevail_v
particular_a answer_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n have_v leave_v we_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v leave_v we_o without_o a_o answer_n to_o many_o question_n man_n may_v ask_v about_o it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o sinite_fw-la capacity_n not_o full_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n so_o in_o his_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n we_o have_v undeniable_o evidence_n that_o he_o do_v rule_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v it_o we_o see_v many_o passage_n that_o far_o outgo_v our_o comprehension_n if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o in_o god_n first_o make_v of_o the_o world_n we_o acquiesce_v single_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n nor_o need_v we_o go_v far_o therein_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o his_o will_n but_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o 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of_o the_o stoic_n think_v shall_v be_v burn_v to_o ash_n and_o then_o will_v follow_v a_o immediate_a restoration_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o these_o be_v but_o wild_a and_o move_a guess_n in_o general_a no_o certain_a determination_n be_v mankind_n able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n in_o particular_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o great_a use_n be_v the_o assurance_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o sovereign_a a_o remedy_n be_v it_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n which_o aristotle_n call_v the_o terrible_a of_o all_o terror_n to_o be_v assure_v upon_o safe_a ground_n our_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o all_o the_o friend_n we_o part_v with_o here_o shall_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n reunited_n exist_v for_o ever_o but_o wave_a the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o themselves_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o 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this_o point_n his_o word_n be_v these_o man_n say_v he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o motion_n incline_v to_o follow_v the_o evil_a and_o leave_v the_o good_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a strife_n breed_v in_o his_o affection_n he_o have_v a_o free_a will_n which_o he_o abuse_v bindang_v himself_o whole_o to_o encounter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o freedom_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o willingness_n to_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v not_o good_a rather_o than_o otherwise_o that_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o we_o call_v evil_a and_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a as_o he_o ought_v without_o it_o be_v easy_o prove_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_o so_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o how_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v god_n justice_n in_o punish_v mankind_n and_o without_o repine_v submit_v to_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v unless_o we_o know_v whence_o this_o evil_a first_o come_v what_o author_n it_o have_v and_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n man_n come_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v punish_v second_o how_o can_v we_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o god_n general_a or_o particular_a favour_n and_o adore_v his_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v we_o and_o provide_v for_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o our_o own_o demerit_n and_o rebellion_n again_o he_o and_o that_o mankind_n have_v deserve_v a_o total_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o first_o entrance_n of_o evil_n and_o the_o original_a cause_n of_o it_o three_o how_o can_v we_o proper_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o repair_v our_o ruin_n unless_o we_o perfect_o know_v how_o the_o first_o breach_n come_v to_o be_v make_v last_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a upon_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o restrain_v mankind_n from_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o primary_n cause_v of_o all_o the_o disorder_n we_o see_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o springhead_n of_o evil_n and_o sin_n with_o what_o impatience_n do_v man_n use_v to_o reproach_n god_n and_o nature_n about_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o malevolens_n and_o ill_a will_n in_o the_o deity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n one_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o well_o blame_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o contemplate_v the_o present_a posture_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o satisfy_a account_n to_o themselves_o how_o thing_n come_v at_o first_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o a_o certain_a account_n of_o evil_n in_o its_o original_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v without_o revelation_n will_v appear_v very_o evident_a how_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o come_v to_o discover_v whence_o that_o internal_a conflict_n first_o arise_v between_o the_o will_n and_o the_o judgement_n how_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v first_o so_o divide_v against_o himself_o one_o condemn_v the_o other_o no_o man_n natural_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o causality_n nor_o more_o of_o it_o then_o that_o it_o be_v so_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o find_v out_o from_o whence_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o unrn_o lust_n and_o passion_n those_o evil_a and_o crooked_a inclination_n that_o natural_o infest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o themselves_o that_o create_v a_o guilt_n in_o man_n own_o breast_n and_o prove_v so_o ruinous_a to_o other_o come_v first_o to_o exist_v what_o footstep_n be_v there_o in_o nature_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o something_o indeed_o we_o may_v say_v negative_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a but_o we_o can_v affirm_v positive_o the_o least_o thing_n about_o it_o we_o can_v much_o less_o tell_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v wicked_a than_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o they_o come_v first_o to_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o but_o by_o revelation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o derive_v the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o general_a from_o some_o supreme_a maker_n though_o we_o can_v never_o find_v out_o the_o time_n when_o nor_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o come_v first_o to_o be_v make_v but_o we_o can_v no_o way_n at_o all_o imagine_v from_o whence_o to_o derive_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o being_n or_o upon_o what_o to_o father_n the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o what_o date_n to_o give_v it_o from_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o good_a evil_a itself_o can_v not_o original_o come_v that_o be_v man_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o be_v make_v so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o the_o negative_a to_o assert_v man_n apostasy_n however_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n may_v dream_v otherwise_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o man_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o degenerate_v from_o his_o primitive_a state_n from_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o which_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v it_o result_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a evil_a itself_o shall_v be_v concreated_n with_o he_o and_o be_v original_o appertinent_a to_o he_o as_o part_v of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o demonstrable_a if_o man_n have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v as_o now_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o evil_a and_o
vice_n have_v his_o inclination_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v create_v with_o he_o his_o reason_n will_v never_o have_v approve_v the_o one_o and_o condemn_v the_o other_o because_o both_o natural_a and_o upon_o equal_a term_n in_o our_o constitution_n to_o condemn_v any_o one_o part_n of_o our_o original_a constitution_n by_o another_o have_v be_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o it_o have_v be_v direct_o to_o reproach_n our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o which_o nothing_o create_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o create_v as_o natural_o to_o do_v nature_n as_o it_o be_v first_o frame_v can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v against_o itself_o a_o man_n can_v never_o have_v have_v any_o conscience_n of_o evil_n nor_o any_o remorse_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o guilt_n have_v be_v contract_v by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v as_o now_o it_o be_v part_v of_o himself_o and_o at_o first_o create_v with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v judge_v in_o himself_o that_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o repent_v of_o it_o as_o such_o which_o he_o act_v in_o prosecution_n of_o his_o first_o make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o act_v suitable_o to_o our_o original_a frame_n and_o composure_n nor_o any_o punishment_n due_a for_o so_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v better_o all_o conscience_n of_o evil_n and_o sin_n must_v necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o inward_a conviction_n that_o we_o be_v not_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v if_o we_o be_v as_o we_o be_v first_o make_v whenever_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o i_o do_v that_o which_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o i_o be_o degenerate_v and_o do_v not_o what_o i_o be_v first_o make_v to_o do_v beside_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v original_o make_v with_o opposite_a inclination_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a conflict_n within_o himself_o one_o part_n condemn_v another_o by_o a_o be_v that_o be_v unity_n itself_o in_o all_o goodness_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o infinite_a identity_n in_o all_o perfection_n we_o can_v never_o with_o any_o common_a sense_n father_n division_n upon_o unity_n or_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o evil_a upon_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_o good_a or_o primary_o derive_v such_o a_o composition_n as_o man_n now_o be_v from_o what_o we_o know_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o inherent_a shame_n we_o now_o find_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n relate_v to_o much_o of_o themselves_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o their_o first_o constitution_n or_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o first_o so_o create_v as_o to_o be_v natural_o ashamed_a of_o any_o part_n of_o himself_o or_o anything_o relative_a to_o his_o own_o be_v it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v must_v needs_o make_v he_o turn_v aside_o and_o hide_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o eye_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o gild_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o shame_n so_o far_o we_o may_v go_v in_o the_o negative_a what_o we_o now_o be_v be_v not_o what_o we_o first_o be_v but_o how_o come_v the_o change_n have_v any_o ill_a genius_n since_o take_v up_o its_o abode_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o impose_v upon_o it_o act_v it_o to_o all_o this_o evil_n we_o see_v be_v the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n or_o be_v mankind_n degenerate_v by_o any_o necessary_a decay_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v man_n own_n will_v the_o great_a root_n of_o evil_n come_v it_o from_o a_o create_a freedom_n have_v man_n wilful_o deface_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v when_o be_v it_o do_v what_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o do_v it_o be_v it_o do_v all_o at_o once_o and_o have_v it_o ever_o since_o come_v by_o descent_n and_o be_v entail_v by_o a_o certain_a propagation_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o have_v its_o entrance_n be_v gradual_a be_v some_o only_a the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o or_o have_v every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n have_v his_o share_n in_o the_o conspiracy_n in_o short_a if_o we_o suppose_v which_o we_o ought_v that_o man_n be_v not_o at_o first_o create_v with_o a_o actual_a principle_n of_o evil_a in_o his_o breast_n whence_o can_v it_o primary_o arise_v and_o whence_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o call_v it_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o reason_n determine_v against_o it_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o man_n relation_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n all_o conscience_n of_o evil_a and_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v still_o with_o a_o reference_n to_o god_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o his_o will_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n then_o as_o evil_a and_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v conjoin_v by_o the_o rational_a nature_n must_v needs_o arise_v from_o man_n relative_n subjection_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o oppose_v and_o disobey_v his_o will_n reveal_v by_o some_o law_n and_o that_o law_n must_v be_v either_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a if_o natural_a and_o create_v with_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o man_n while_o he_o be_v entire_a and_o untainted_a in_o the_o complete_a furniture_n of_o his_o first_o make_n shall_v without_o some_o very_a violent_a impression_n or_o some_o very_a strange_a concurrence_n of_o accident_n go_v astray_o from_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o transgress_v such_o a_o law_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a rule_v part_n of_o himself_o nor_o be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v to_o ourselves_o the_o least_o satissy_a account_n of_o it_o if_o a_o law_n supernatural_a what_o that_o law_n be_v or_o how_o or_o when_o or_o by_o who_o transgress_v we_o can_v never_o discover_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o make_v one_o probable_a guest_n towards_o it_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o many_o other_o endless_a inquiry_n that_o search_v by_o the_o candle-light_n of_o nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o waymark_a set_v up_o to_o direct_v we_o no_o one_o thing_n have_v so_o pointblank_o silence_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n as_o this_o have_v do_v how_o miserable_o involve_v in_o their_o own_o confuse_a notion_n be_v the_o philosopher_n about_o this_o matter_n never_o arrive_v at_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o case_n sometime_o derive_v evil_a from_o the_o perverseness_n and_o malignity_n of_o matter_n sometime_o from_o i_o know_v not_o what_o fancy_v principle_n of_o discord_n nor_o can_v they_o issue_v their_o doubt_n at_o last_o into_o any_o better_a resolve_v then_o that_o there_o be_v two_o supreme_a being_n one_o infinite_o good_a and_o the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a equal_o the_o cause_n of_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o so_o be_v fain_o to_o canton_n the_o deity_n and_o to_o put_v both_o the_o principle_n upon_o even_a term_n which_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o dictate_v of_o all_o right_a reason_n to_o make_v room_n for_o a_o solution_n of_o this_o problem_n and_o shall_v we_o admit_v such_o a_o cunning_a contrivance_n of_o nonsense_n as_o two_o contrary_a supremes_n it_o will_v but_o still_o further_o involve_v we_o if_o a_o man_n be_v so_o make_v as_o he_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o both_o the_o deity_n agree_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o be_v yet_o perfect_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a each_o to_o other_o do_v one_o make_v the_o good_a part_n and_o the_o other_o the_o ill_a part_n or_o do_v the_o good_a deity_n make_v man_n alone_o and_o the_o other_o debauch_v he_o and_o un-make_a he_o after_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n to_o share_v he_o between_o they_o and_o if_o that_o we_o natural_o call_v evil_n come_v original_o as_o well_o as_o that_o we_o call_v good_a from_o a_o be_v eternal_a and_o equal_o supreme_a why_o shall_v the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o man_n be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o one_o and_o direct_o against_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o one_o be_v no_o whit_n mean_a nor_o base_a than_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o possible_a to_o annex_v that_o we_o mean_v by_o evil_n or_o imperfection_n from_o whence_o it_o natural_o result_v to_o what_o be_v eternal_a because_o eternity_n necessary_o include_v perfection_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v without_o it_o in_o such_o a_o dismal_a wilderness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n have_v mankind_n wander_v about_o
can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o 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the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expeâ—t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o â—hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o boâ—k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o wâ—â—kâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cyâ—ill's_v six_o book_n against_o juâ—ian_n and_o â—n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
such_o a_o way_n that_o to_o the_o best_a exercise_n of_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o seem_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o to_o my_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o prevalency_n with_o a_o miracle_n itself_o nor_o have_v i_o the_o least_o way_n to_o help_v myself_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v simple_o to_o subscribe_v to_o whatever_o be_v attest_v to_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o look_v no_o further_o for_o that_o must_v needs_o go_v for_o a_o miracle_n with_o i_o which_o to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v so_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o who_o make_v those_o distinction_n do_v themselves_o thereby_o subject_a the_o witness_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v for_o if_o those_o they_o call_v miranda_n and_o mirabâ—lia_n be_v in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n as_o true_a miracle_n as_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v they_o will_v then_o have_v be_v so_o call_v and_o that_o distinction_n have_v never_o be_v make_v have_v not_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v several_o bring_v to_o confirm_v be_v â—â—judged_v a_o ground_n â—uâ—licient_a to_o create_v the_o distinction_n he_o that_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o suppose_v as_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o in_o a_o way_n supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a any_o wâ—â—ness_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o a_o docâ—â—â—â—â—_n saâ—se_v anâ—_n corrupt_v and_o yet_o tell_v i_o the_o devil_n and_o â—â—_o man_n be_v often_o permit_v with_o nâ—_n any_o mâ—ans_n leave_v of_o conviction_n by_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a to_o â—â—ect_v such_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o that_o to_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o reasonâ—â—_n mankâ—nâ—_n be_v not_o discoverable_a fiâ—st_o must_v neeâ—â—_n bare_o suppose_v the_o counteâ—cit_a and_o next_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o salve_v the_o justice_n oâ—_n god_n about_o that_o matter_n second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o and_o undeniable_o miraculous_a turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v forth_o multitude_n of_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o water_n by_o stretch_v out_o the_o band_n with_o a_o rod_n in_o it_o can_v beâ—eckoned_v otherwise_v and_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptiaus_n be_v satisfy_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o those_o kind_n that_o moses_n do_v have_v the_o same_o exercise_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n about_o both_o and_o be_v harden_v thereupon_o and_o that_o what_o moses_n do_v in_o those_o particular_n be_v miraculous_a be_v plain_a for_o god_n say_v to_o he_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o exodus_fw-la when_o he_o first_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n when_o pharaoh_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v show_v a_o miracle_n for_o you_o than_o thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o aaron_n take_v thy_o rod_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 105_o psalm_n those_o thing_n do_v by_o moses_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o miraculous_a and_o in_o the_o 27_o verse_n call_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n show_v in_o the_o land_n of_o ham_n of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o exodus_fw-la the_o magician_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o deut._n we_o find_v there_o by_o god_n direction_n a_o caution_n give_v if_o a_o prophet_n arise_v or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n that_o be_v one_o pretend_v to_o see_v vision_n or_o one_o that_o speak_v only_o from_o dream_n which_o be_v a_o inseriour_a sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o see_v thing_n more_o obsemâ—ly_o of_o which_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n any_o miraculous_a or_o supernatural_a thing_n the_o word_n signify_v and_o the_o sigâ—_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o say_v let_v we_o follow_v strange_a god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o matthew_n of_o false_a prophet_n that_o shall_v arise_v and_o show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o read_v of_o another_o beast_n rise_v up_o that_o do_v great_a wonder_n so_o that_o he_o make_v firâ—_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o sigh_n of_o man_n and_o deceive_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n â—y_a reason_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n â—f_o the_o beast_n and_o in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n we_o be_v tolâ—_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o work_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n we_o read_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o dâ—vils_n work_a miracle_n thirdâ—y_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n for_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o world_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o delude_v with_o pretension_n this_o way_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o superior_a power_n to_o what_o be_v among_o man_n the_o devil_n have_v by_o their_o angelical_a nature_n and_o what_o sâ—â—ange_a and_o secret_a operation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n itself_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v yet_o no_o better_a account_n in_o many_o thing_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v than_o arislotle_n do_v long_o since_o when_o he_o derive_v they_o from_o invisible_a cause_n that_o he_o call_v occult_a quality_n and_o also_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o woâ—ld_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o dote_v upon_o the_o art_n and_o practice_n of_o magic_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o pliny_n say_v be_v not_o only_o because_o such_o strange_a thing_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o it_o but_o because_o there_o be_v also_o a_o concurrence_n in_o it_o of_o three_o such_o eminent_a science_n as_o physic_n mathematics_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o reject_v all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o story_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o history_n than_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a resistance_n of_o historical_a evidence_n to_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o real_a of_o that_o kind_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o all_o the_o business_n of_o esculapius_n of_o jarchas_n so_o famous_a among_o indian_n brachmanâ—s_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n tespesion_n among_o the_o gymnosophist_n of_o ethiopia_n simon_n magus_n of_o who_o we_o have_v such_o strange_a story_n and_o most_o especial_o apollonius_n tyenaeus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n though_o leasy_o grant_v much_o of_o what_o they_o all_o pretend_a to_o be_v visible_o but_o a_o counterfâ—it_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o whole_o disbelieve_v what_o i_o find_v in_o the_o roman_a story_n about_o clauda_n vestalis_fw-la tucia_n and_o other_o of_o the_o vestal_a virginâ—_n nor_o many_o other_o report_v i_o find_v in_o credible_a author_n about_o such_o thing_n especial_o that_o story_n of_o vespasian_n cure_v a_o lame_a and_o wither_a i_o high_a by_o tread_v upon_o it_o and_o a_o blind_a man_n in_o egypt_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n of_o which_o latter_a cure_n tacitas_fw-la and_o suetonius_n historian_n of_o great_a credit_n both_o give_v we_o a_o very_a full_a and_o perfect_a account_n and_o very_o exact_o agree_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o dr._n jackson_n say_v in_o his_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n both_o those_o cure_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a roman_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o constant_o avouch_v by_o they_o as_o can_v leave_v no_o place_n say_v he_o for_o suspicion_n in_o age_n follow_v four_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destinctive_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n attribute_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n because_o god_n never_o put_v man_n under_o any_o rational_a necessity_n by_o it_o to_o credit_v a_o falsehood_n he_o never_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o such_o trial_n but_o when_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a accompany_v it_o to_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o trial_n of_o our_o stability_n and_o so_o intend_v it_o be_v no_o way_n unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o above_o we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o his_o supreme_a rule_n shall_v for_o holy_a and_o excellent_a end_n we_o can_v
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
such_o attempt_n have_v still_o be_v discover_v and_o open_o shame_v how_o many_o heretic_n have_v carry_v about_o their_o own_o confutation_n while_o they_o possess_v this_o book_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o change_v or_o alter_v such_o passage_n as_o have_v be_v most_o cogent_n against_o themselves_o the_o bible_n pass_v through_o the_o arian-world_n with_o all_o those_o plain_a evidence_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o emperor_n council_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o whole_a christian-world_n wâ—â—etainted_v with_o that_o heresy_n the_o bible_n escape_v the_o infection_n when_o the_o alteration_n of_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a text_n will_v have_v do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o all_o the_o volume_n they_o write_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o great_a design_n be_v on_o foot_n that_o way_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o disappoint_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o st._n ambrose_n the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n need_v no_o other_o confutation_n than_o their_o own_o bible_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v be_v theiâ—_n great_a accuser_n all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o this_o day_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o uriaâ—_n be_v of_o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n which_o contain_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o as_o goliaâ—_n be_v of_o hiâ—_n sword_n which_o serve_v at_o last_o to_o cut_v off_o his_o own_o head_n second_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o book_n since_o its_o conveyance_n give_v in_o a_o signal_n and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o its_o divinity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v gain_v that_o reception_n we_o find_v it_o have_v have_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o a_o religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o call_v man_n to_o the_o high_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o invisible_a world_n to_o come_v naked_o propose_v by_o man_n upon_o a_o worldly_a account_n always_o inconsiderable_a without_o any_o the_o least_o earthly_a support_n a_o religion_n period_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o total_o subvert_v all_o other_o religion_n a_o religion_n oppose_v &_o disow_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o though_o it_o derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o they_o and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a completion_n of_o all_o they_o believe_v and_o expect_v a_o religion_n in_o oppostion_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v agree_v and_o indeed_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n perfect_o concur_v i_o say_v it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o such_o a_o religion_n so_o circumstance_v against_o all_o the_o religion_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o first_o make_v its_o entrance_n and_o be_v embrace_v by_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o after_o its_o first_o publication_n for_o so_o it_o be_v be_v spread_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a heathen_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v own_o innate_a worth_n and_o the_o divine_a evidence_n from_o heaven_n attend_v it_o can_v it_o with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v the_o zeal_n man_n have_v for_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v sufficient_o prompt_v they_o to_o hate_v abhor_v and_o persecute_v it_o the_o learning_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v employ_v to_o render_v it_o despicable_a and_o to_o bring_v it_o under_o contempt_n and_o all_o the_o force_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v every_o where_o violent_o at_o work_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o extirpation_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o these_o seem_a invincible_a opposition_n do_v the_o bible_n prevail_v the_o power_n of_o that_o great_a empire_n can_v not_o withstand_v the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o a_o simple_a truth_n and_o both_o judaisme_n in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o as_o a_o national_a establismment_n and_o heathenism_n final_o fall_v before_o it_o this_o book_n and_o the_o religion_n it_o contain_v as_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v sole_o from_o god_n and_o come_v to_o we_o with_o a_o command_a voice_n from_o heaven_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o god_n own_o name_n and_o upon_o that_o single_a account_n require_v our_o obedience_n and_o those_o that_o write_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o other_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o so_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o by_o mean_n suitable_a thereunto_o never_o be_v there_o at_o first_o any_o force_n use_v to_o compel_v man_n nor_o any_o art_n practise_v to_o deceive_v man_n about_o this_o matter_n no_o man_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o any_o story_n that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a professor_n of_o this_o religion_n raise_v arm_n to_o introduce_v or_o promote_v it_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v countenance_n or_o assist_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o above_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v to_o debtor_n to_o the_o sword_n either_o in_o a_o civil_a or_o military_a way_n neither_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o as_o a_o product_n of_o they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n â—ad_v embrace_v it_o and_o be_v become_v criâ—tians_n before_o constantine_n public_o own_v it_o it_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o violent_a course_n for_o its_o primitive_a reception_n nor_o indeed_o to_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n neither_o the_o subtlety_n of_o philosopher_n nor_o 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