by_o scaliger_n out_o of_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n this_o abibalus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o occur_v and_o be_v co-temporary_a with_o david_n sanchoniathon_n then_o be_v of_o no_o 2_o great_a antiquity_n if_o this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o but_o bochartus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o tyre_n but_o of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o berytus_n who_o we_o may_v allow_v to_o be_v somewhat_o near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n then_o the_o other_o abibalus_n as_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n make_v it_o appear_v as_o porphyry_n tell_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o find_v his_o antiquity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o contest_v with_o moses_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v although_o we_o may_v free_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v far_o old_a than_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a historian_n which_o be_v all_o vossius_fw-la contend_v for_o and_o sufficient_o prove_v but_o we_o be_v 1._o far_o from_o yield_v he_o 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and_o he_o wish_v and_o so_o do_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v then_o vir_fw-la svi_fw-la nominis_fw-la and_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o writing_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n philo_n say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n but_o either_o he_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a to_o inquire_v after_o or_o not_o so_o happy_a to_o light_v on_o any_o certain_a record_n or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o overmuch_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n in_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world_n how_o faithful_a he_o be_v in_o transcribe_v his_o history_n from_o his_o record_n we_o can_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n of_o unless_o we_o have_v those_o book_n of_o taautus_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n and_o the_o record_n of_o city_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v his_o history_n from_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o his_o history_n which_o be_v only_o the_o first_o book_n concern_v the_o phoenician_n theology_n extant_a in_o eusebius_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o elder_a time_n without_o further_a proof_n than_o he_o give_v of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o obscurity_n and_o confusion_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v a_o chaos_n to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n to_o come_v after_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o chryser_n or_o vulcan_n and_o again_o the_o man_n bear_v of_o earth_n to_o be_v several_a generation_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o first_o mortal_a man_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o two_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v two_o god_n whereof_o one_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o latter_a be_v worship_v with_o as_o much_o veneration_n as_o any_o of_o their_o go_n yet_o from_o these_o thing_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o gnostic_n and_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o they_o may_v take_v the_o rise_n of_o their_o several_a aeones_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o here_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v two_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o name_n they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a sect_n take_v a_o liberty_n of_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o several_a fancy_n this_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o either_o hesiod_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o late_a german_a divine_a who_o conceive_v that_o philo_n byblius_n do_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o gnostic_n form_n this_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o phoenician_n theology_n for_o although_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v what_o kircher_n somewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v once_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o sanchoniathons_n original_a history_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o yet_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n of_o so_o much_o peevishness_n as_o because_o this_o history_n pretend_v to_o so_o much_o antiquity_n we_o shall_v therefore_o present_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o figment_n of_o the_o translator_n of_o it_o for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o the_o antagonist_n of_o porphyry_n methodius_n apollinaris_n but_o especial_o eusebius_n so_o well_o verse_v in_o antiquity_n will_v have_v find_v out_o so_o great_a a_o cheat_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v with_o piae_fw-la fraud_n but_o than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n and_o not_o against_o they_o as_o this_o do_v but_o beside_o a_o fabulous_a confusion_n of_o thing_n together_o we_o have_v some_o thing_n deliver_v concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o all_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o to_o those_o very_a common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v as_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o saturn_n suspect_v his_o son_n sadidus_fw-la destroy_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o war_v against_o his_o father_n uranus_n and_o after_o destroy_v he_o likewise_o &_o bury_v his_o brother_n atlas_n alive_a in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v take_v as_o philo_n byblius_n contend_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v such_o incongruity_n to_o all_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o that_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n and_o believe_v these_o be_v god_n together_o but_o although_o there_o be_v so_o many_o gross_a fable_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v 7._o belief_n in_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a forfeiture_n of_o reason_n to_o say_v they_o be_v credible_a yet_o when_o we_o have_v a_o great_a light_n in_o our_o hand_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v in_o this_o dungeon_n find_v out_o many_o excellent_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v as_o concern_v the_o creation_n the_o original_a of_o idolatry_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o foundation_n of_o city_n the_o story_n of_o abraham_n of_o which_o in_o their_o due_a place_n that_o which_o of_o all_o seem_v the_o clear_a in_o this_o theology_n be_v the_o open_a own_v the_o original_n of_o idolatry_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o consecration_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n after_o their_o death_n who_o have_v find_v out_o some_o useful_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n while_o they_o be_v live_v which_o the_o subtle_a greek_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o person_n they_o worship_v be_v once_o man_n which_o make_v they_o turn_v all_o into_o allegory_n and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o blind_v that_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o better_a among_o the_o ignorant_a which_o make_v philo_n byblius_n so_o very_o angry_a with_o the_o neoterick_n grecian_n as_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o with_o 23._o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o strain_v they_o turn_v all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n into_o allegory_n and_o physical_a discourse_n which_o be_v all_o the_o ingenuity_n that_o i_o know_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o therein_o we_o find_v a_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o sanchoniathon_n be_v as_o far_o from_o advance_v porphyry_n religion_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o least_o from_o overthrow_v the_o credibility_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o we_o come_v
in_o town_n and_o city_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o spread_v into_o province_n and_o to_o settle_v the_o bound_n and_o extent_n of_o their_o territory_n the_o first_o age_n after_o the_o plantation_n of_o a_o country_n be_v thus_o spend_v the_o next_o see_v it_o necessary_a to_o fall_v close_o to_o the_o work_n of_o husbandry_n not_o only_o to_o get_v something_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n for_o their_o subsistence_n but_o when_o by_o their_o diligence_n they_o have_v so_o far_o improve_v the_o ground_n that_o they_o have_v noâ—_n only_o enough_o for_o themselves_o but_o â—o_o spare_v to_o other_o they_o then_o find_v out_o a_o way_n for_o commerce_n one_o with_o ano_fw-la her_z by_o exchange_n this_o way_n of_o traffic_n make_v they_o begin_v to_o raise_v their_o hope_n high_a of_o enrich_v themselves_o which_o when_o some_o of_o they_o have_v do_v they_o bring_v the_o poor_a under_o their_o power_n and_o reign_v as_o lord_n over_o they_o these_o rich_a with_o their_o dependent_n strive_v to_o outvie_v each_o other_o whence_o come_v war_n &_o mutual_a contention_n till_o they_o who_o get_v the_o better_a over_o their_o adversary_n take_v still_o great_a authority_n into_o their_o hand_n thence_o at_o first_o every_o city_n almost_o and_o adjacent_a territory_n have_v a_o king_n over_o it_o which_o by_o conflict_v with_o each_o other_o at_o last_o bring_v several_a city_n and_o territory_n under_o the_o power_n of_o one_o particular_a person_n who_o thereby_o come_v to_o reign_v as_o sole_a monarch_n over_o all_o within_o his_o dominion_n for_o although_o there_o be_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o leader_n of_o several_a colony_n have_v at_o first_o superiority_n over_o all_o that_o 17._o go_v with_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o few_o nation_n of_o any_o continue_a succession_n of_o monarch_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n and_o so_o great_a evidence_n of_o so_o many_o petty_a royalty_n almost_o in_o every_o city_n as_o we_o read_v of_o such_o multitude_n of_o king_n in_o the_o small_a territory_n of_o canaan_n when_o joshua_n conquer_v it_o this_o make_v it_o at_o least_o probable_a to_o i_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o the_o first_o leader_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o poverty_n and_o dispersedness_n of_o habitation_n they_o do_v not_o incorporate_v general_o into_o any_o civil_a government_n under_o one_o head_n but_o do_v rise_v by_o degree_n in_o the_o manner_n before_o set_v down_o but_o yet_o so_o that_o in_o the_o petty_a division_n some_o prerogative_n may_v be_v give_v to_o he_o who_o derive_v his_o pedigree_n the_o near_a from_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o that_o plantation_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o meaning_n of_o thucydides_n who_o tell_v we_o when_o the_o riches_n of_o greece_n begin_v to_o increase_v and_o port._n their_o power_n improve_v tyranny_n be_v erect_v in_o most_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o before_o that_o time_n kingdom_n with_o honour_n limit_v be_v hereditary_a for_o so_o the_o scholiast_n explain_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o then_o be_v the_o state_n and_o case_n of_o most_o nation_n in_o the_o first_o age_n after_o their_o plantation_n there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n at_o all_o of_o any_o great_a improvement_n in_o knowledge_n among_o they_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o for_o the_o first_o age_n wherein_o they_o conflict_v with_o poverty_n &_o necessity_n there_o be_v a_o necessary_a decay_n among_o they_o of_o what_o knowledge_n have_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o because_o their_o necessity_n keep_v they_o in_o continual_a employment_n and_o after_o that_o they_o conquer_v they_o they_o begin_v to_o conquer_v each_o other_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o they_o be_v settle_v in_o peace_n under_o establish_a commonwealth_n there_o be_v no_o leisure_n nor_o opportunity_n for_o any_o art_n and_o science_n to_o flourish_v without_o which_o all_o certain_a history_n of_o their_o own_o former_a state_n must_v vanish_v and_o dwindle_v into_o some_o fabulous_a story_n and_o so_o we_o find_v they_o do_v in_o most_o nation_n which_o thence_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o other_o account_n of_o themselves_o but_o that_o they_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n where_o they_o live_v from_o which_o opinion_n the_o athenian_n use_v to_o wear_v of_o old_a their_o golden_a grasshopper_n as_o thucydides_n relate_v what_o account_n can_v we_o then_o expect_v of_o ancient_a time_n from_o such_o nation_n which_o be_v so_o defective_a in_o preserve_v their_o own_o original_n now_o this_o defectiveness_n of_o give_v testimony_n of_o ancient_a time_n 18._o by_o these_o nation_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o these_o two_o consideration_n first_o what_o way_n there_o be_v for_o communicate_v knowledge_n to_o posterity_n second_o how_o long_o it_o be_v ere_o these_o nation_n come_v to_o be_v master_n of_o any_o way_n of_o certain_a communicate_v their_o conception_n to_o their_o successor_n three_o general_a way_n there_o be_v whereby_o knowledge_n may_v be_v propagate_v from_o one_o to_o another_o by_o representative_a symbol_n by_o speech_n and_o by_o letter_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v most_o common_a in_o those_o elder_a time_n for_o which_o purpose_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o 5._o a_o ancient_a grammarian_n dionysius_n thrax_fw-la in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o wheel_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o some_o person_n make_v a_o representation_n of_o their_o action_n to_o other_o not_o only_o by_o speech_n but_o by_o symbol_n too_o which_o any_o one_o who_o be_v any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o learning_n of_o those_o ancient_a time_n will_v find_v to_o have_v be_v the_o chief_a way_n of_o propagate_a it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v from_o one_o to_o another_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o hieroglyphic_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o symbol_n from_o thence_o derive_v among_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n especial_o the_o pythagorean_n it_o be_v the_o solemn_a custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o wrap_v up_o all_o the_o little_a knowledge_n they_o have_v under_o such_o mystical_a representation_n which_o be_v unavoidable_o clog_v with_o two_o inconvenience_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v obscurity_n and_o ambiguity_n for_o it_o not_o only_o cost_v they_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n to_o gather_v up_o such_o symbolical_a thing_n which_o may_v represent_v their_o conception_n but_o when_o they_o have_v pitch_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o great_a variety_n of_o interpretation_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o those_o remainder_n of_o they_o preserve_v by_o the_o industry_n of_o some_o ancient_a writer_n as_o in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o golden_a image_n of_o their_o god_n they_o have_v ingrave_v two_o dog_n a_o hawk_n and_o a_o ibis_n by_o the_o dog_n some_o understand_v the_o two_o hemisphaere_n other_o the_o two_o tropic_n by_o the_o hawk_n some_o understand_v the_o sun_n other_o the_o aequinoctial_a by_o the_o ibis_n some_o the_o moon_n other_o the_o zodiac_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o clemens_n who_o report_v it_o this_o way_n than_o be_v a_o most_o unfit_a way_n to_o convey_v any_o ancient_a tradition_n by_o be_v both_o obscure_a ambiguous_a and_o unable_a to_o express_v so_o much_o as_o to_o give_v any_o certain_a light_n to_o future_a age_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o precedent_n the_o other_o way_n of_o convey_v knowledge_n be_v either_o by_o speech_n or_o by_o letter_n the_o first_o must_v be_v by_o some_o vocal_a cabala_n 19_o deliver_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n but_o word_n be_v of_o so_o perish_v a_o nature_n and_o man_n memory_n so_o weak_a and_o frail_a in_o retain_v they_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o certain_a communication_n of_o knowledge_n that_o some_o way_n shall_v be_v find_v out_o more_o last_a than_o word_n more_o firm_a than_o memory_n more_o faithful_a than_o tradition_n which_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v imagine_v then_o that_o the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o conception_n shall_v himself_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o posterity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o some_o way_n must_v be_v contrive_v whereby_o man_n voice_n may_v be_v see_v and_o man_n finger_n speak_v but_o how_o to_o express_v all_o kind_n of_o sound_n with_o the_o several_a draught_n of_o a_o pen_n and_o to_o confine_v they_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o 24_o letter_n be_v deserve_o call_v by_o galileo_n admirandarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la inventionum_fw-la humanarum_fw-la signaculum_fw-la the_o choice_a of_o all_o humane_a invention_n and_o have_v we_o no_o other_o evidence_n of_o the_o great_a obscurity_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o great_a difference_n as_o to_o the_o first_o inventor_n of_o letter_n will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o it_o for_o almost_o every_o nation_n have_v have_v a_o several_a author_n of_o they_o
the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o out_o of_o this_o eater_n come_v forth_o meat_n and_o out_o of_o that_o lion_n honey_n that_o the_o most_o considerable_a testimony_n by_o he_o produce_v against_o our_o religion_n be_v of_o the_o great_a strength_n to_o refute_v his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v of_o too_o great_a learning_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o the_o grecian_n he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o search_v after_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n to_o find_v out_o somewhat_o in_o they_o to_o confront_v with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o upon_o his_o search_n can_v find_v none_o of_o great_a veneration_n than_o the_o phoenician_n history_n nor_o any_o author_n contend_v for_o age_n with_o this_o sanchoniathon_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o yield_v he_o young_a than_o mosesâ—_n though_o he_o suppose_v he_o elder_a than_o the_o trojan_a war_n and_o yet_o herein_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o most_o gross_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o much_o exceed_v the_o grecian_n in_o his_o skill_n in_o chronology_n when_o he_o make_v semiramis_n coexistent_a with_o the_o siege_n of_o troy_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o his_o testimony_n produce_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n out_o of_o his_o four_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n nay_o 285._o he_o go_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o sanchoniathons_n history_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o it_o with_o that_o of_o moses_n concern_v the_o jew_n both_o as_o to_o their_o name_n and_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o he_o do_v evident_o assert_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n when_o he_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o sanchoniathons_n from_o his_o consonancy_n with_o that_o two_o thing_n more_o porphyry_n insist_o on_o to_o manifest_v his_o credibility_n 3_o the_o one_o i_o suppose_v relate_v to_o what_o he_o report_v concern_v the_o jew_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o phoenician_n themselves_o for_o the_o first_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o record_n of_o jerombaal_n the_o priest_n of_o the_o god_n jevo_n or_o rather_o jao_n for_o the_o other_o that_o he_o use_v all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n in_o the_o temple_n who_o that_o jerombaal_n be_v be_v much_o discuss_v among_o learned_a man_n the_o find_v out_o of_o which_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o determine_v the_o age_n of_o sanchoniathon_n the_o learned_a bochartus_n conceive_v he_o to_o be_v gideon_n who_o in_o scripture_n 17._o be_v call_v jerub-baal_a which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n only_o after_o their_o custom_n change_v one_o b_o into_o m_o as_o in_o ambubajae_fw-la sambuca_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o admit_v the_o conjecture_n of_o this_o learned_a person_n concern_v jerub-baal_a yet_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o make_v sanchoniathon_n and_o he_o co-temporary_a for_o i_o no_o where_o find_v any_o thing_n mention_v in_o porphyry_n imply_v that_o but_o only_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o record_n of_o jerub-baal_a which_o he_o may_v very_o probable_o do_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o he_o whether_o by_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o mean_v the_o annal_n write_v by_o he_o or_o the_o record_n concern_v his_o action_n either_o of_o which_o may_v give_v sanchoniathon_n considerable_a light_n into_o the_o history_n either_o of_o the_o isralite_n or_o phoenician_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o probable_a because_o present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o gideon_n the_o israelite_n worship_v baal-berith_a by_o which_o most_o probable_o be_v mean_v 33._o the_o idol_n of_o berith_n or_o berytus_n the_o place_n where_o sanchoniathen_a live_v by_o which_o mean_v the_o berytian_o may_v come_v easy_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o jerubbaal_n but_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o sanchoniathon_n can_v be_v cotemporary_a 4._o with_o gideon_n which_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v he_o fall_v 182_o year_n short_a of_o moses_n especial_o because_o the_o build_n of_o tyre_n which_o that_o author_n mention_n as_o a_o ancient_a thing_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o scaliger_n be_v by_o our_o best_a chronologer_n place_v about_o the_o time_n of_o gideon_n and_o about_o 65_o year_n before_o 40._o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n i_o know_v bochartus_n to_o avoid_v this_o argument_n have_v bring_v some_o evidence_n of_o several_a place_n call_v tyrus_n in_o phoenicia_n from_o scylax_n his_o periplus_n but_o none_o that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o tyrus_n of_o any_o great_a repute_n for_o antiquity_n now_o this_o tyrus_n josephus_n make_v but_o 240_o year_n elder_a than_o solomon_n temple_n and_o justin_n but_o one_o year_n elder_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n neither_o can_v any_o 8._o account_n be_v give_v why_o sidon_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o celebrate_v by_o ancient_a poet_n as_o strabo_n tell_v we_o when_o tyre_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o homer_n if_o the_o famous_a tyre_n be_v of_o so_o 16._o great_a antiquity_n and_o repute_n as_o be_v pretend_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v mention_n in_o scripture_n of_o a_o tire_n elder_a than_o this_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 19_o 29._o which_o some_o think_v to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v palaetyrus_n which_o strabo_n make_v to_o be_v 30_o furlong_n distant_a from_o the_o great_a tyre_n but_o pliny_n include_v palaetyrus_n within_o the_o circumference_n of_o tyre_n and_o so_o make_v the_o whole_a circuit_n of_o the_o city_n to_o be_v 19_o 19_o mile_n it_o be_v not_o to_o i_o so_o certain_a to_o what_o place_n the_o name_n of_o palaetyrus_n refer_v whether_o to_o any_o tyrus_n before_o the_o first_o building_n of_o the_o great_a tyre_n or_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a tire_n after_o its_o destruction_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n compare_v with_o the_o new_a tyre_n which_o be_v build_v more_o inward_a to_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v after_o besiege_v by_o alexander_n the_o great_a it_o may_v seem_v probable_a that_o palaetyrus_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a tyre_n in_o that_o it_o be_v after_o include_v in_o its_o circuit_n and_o chief_o because_o of_o the_o prediction_n in_o ezekiel_n 26._o 4._o thou_o shall_v be_v build_v no_o more_o for_o the_o tyre_n erect_v after_o be_v build_v not_o on_o the_o continent_n but_o almost_o in_o the_o sea_n if_o so_o then_o palaetyrus_n or_o the_o old_a famous_a tyrus_n may_v stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n upon_o the_o brink-of_a the_o continent_n and_o so_o the_o great_a argument_n of_o bochartus_a be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v that_o after_o it_o be_v mention_v in_o sanchoniathons_n history_n that_o hypsouranius_fw-la dwell_v in_o tyre_n upon_o the_o fall_n out_o between_o he_o and_o his_o brother_n usous_n usous_n first_o adventure_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o go_v to_o sea_n which_o say_v he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o the_o tire_n mention_v by_o sanchoniathon_n be_v not_o the_o famous_a insular_n tyrus_n but_o some_o other_o tire_n this_o argument_n i_o say_v be_v now_o easy_o answer_v if_o the_o famous_a tire_n before_o its_o destruction_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o continent_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o old_a famous_a tyre_n still_o notwithstanding_o what_o sanchoniathon_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o venture_v to_o sea_n after_o tyre_n be_v build_v so_o then_o i_o conceive_v these_o several_a age_n agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o tire_n the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v a_o high_a strong_a rock_n on_o the_o seaside_n without_o many_o inhabitant_n so_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v when_o mention_v by_o joshua_n as_o the_o bind_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o asher_n the_o second_o age_n be_v when_o it_o be_v build_v a_o great_a city_n by_o the_o sidonian_n upon_o the_o former_a place_n and_o grow_v very_o populous_a and_o famous_a which_o last_v till_o nebuchadnezar_n time_n after_o this_o though_o it_o be_v never_o build_v up_o in_o the_o continent_n again_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o into_o the_o sea_n a_o new_a and_o goodly_a city_n be_v erect_v which_o be_v call_v new_a tyre_n and_o the_o remain_v on_o the_o continent_n side_n palaetyrus_n thus_o far_o then_o we_o have_v make_v good_a scaliger_n opinion_n against_o bochartus_n that_o the_o famous_a sanchoniathon_n be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o he_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v which_o will_v be_v further_o manifest_v if_o that_o abibalus_n to_o who_o sanchoniathon_n be_v suppose_v to_o dedicate_v his_o history_n be_v the_o 5._o father_n to_o hiram_n co-temporary_a with_o solomon_n as_o jos._n scaliger_n suppose_v who_o be_v 154_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n 1â—_n in_o the_o tyrian_a dynasty_n produce_v
which_o account_n we_o may_v just_o reject_v all_o those_o pretend_a succession_n of_o king_n hâ—re_v in_o britain_n from_o gomer_n to_o brute_n as_o fabulous_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o less_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o those_o then_o account_v barbarous_a nation_n when_o even_o among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o planter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o civility_n among_o other_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n be_v so_o dark_a confuse_a and_o uncertain_a as_o it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o two_o first_o dynastye_n among_o the_o latin_n the_o first_o before_o aeneas_n his_o come_n into_o italy_n and_o the_o second_o of_o the_o aeneadae_n after_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v the_o account_n of_o time_n before_o if_o in_o the_o three_o dynasty_a when_o the_o succession_n seem_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o certain_a a_o epocha_n as_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n to_o deduce_v their_o account_n from_o their_o chronology_n be_v uncertain_a which_o i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o for_o although_o porcius_n cato_n have_v in_o dionysius_n the_o honour_n of_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o feast_n observe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n pales_n in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o rome_n be_v lay_v yet_o there_o appear_v no_o great_a certainty_n in_o his_o undertake_n for_o therein_o he_o be_v after_o contradict_v by_o the_o learned_a roman_a varro_n dionysius_n tell_v we_o that_o cato_n find_v by_o the_o censor_n table_n the_o exact_a time_n from_o the_o expulsion_n of_o the_o king_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o city_n be_v take_v by_o the_o gaul_n from_o which_o time_n to_o his_o own_o he_o can_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o from_o the_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o cato_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o time_n from_o the_o regifugium_fw-la to_o the_o time_n he_o write_v his_o origines_fw-la but_o what_o certainty_n cato_n can_v have_v from_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o expulsion_n of_o tarquin_n we_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o succession_n of_o king_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uncertain_a unless_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o some_o public_a monument_n or_o certain_a record_n or_o some_o public_a action_n certain_o know_v to_o have_v fall_v out_o precise_o in_o such_o a_o year_n of_o their_o several_a reign_n now_o none_o of_o these_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o roman_a history_n in_o all_o that_o interval_n from_o the_o palilia_n to_o the_o regifugium_fw-la so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a interval_n but_o the_o time_n of_o every_o particular_a king_n reign_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o therefore_o varro_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o demonstration_n of_o that_o time_n have_v recourse_n to_o l._n tarrutius_fw-la firmanus_n to_o see_v if_o by_o his_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n he_o can_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o rome_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o find_v that_o the_o city_n be_v build_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o six_o olympiad_n according_a to_o which_o account_n varro_n proceed_v and_o thence_o arise_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o palilia_n catoniana_n and_o varroniana_n the_o latter_a fall_v out_o in_o the_o 23_o of_o iphitus_n the_o other_o in_o the_o 24._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v joseph_n scaliger_n there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o the_o time_n affirm_v by_o tarrutius_fw-la but_o yet_o 388._o grant_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n then_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o several_a king_n afterward_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a computation_n ab_fw-la urbe_fw-la condita_fw-la if_o then_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v so_o great_a advantage_n of_o know_v time_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o build_n of_o their_o city_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o very_o remote_a distacne_n can_v attain_v to_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n without_o it_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o expect_v as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o far_o ancient_a time_n either_o from_o they_o or_o other_o when_o they_o have_v no_o censor_n table_n nor_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la to_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n as_o to_o the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o only_o a_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o chronology_n we_o may_v better_o bear_v with_o it_o for_o the_o mistake_n mere_o in_o 5._o computation_n of_o time_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a any_o further_a than_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n depend_v on_o the_o computation_n as_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n if_o we_o be_v but_o certain_a that_o the_o person_n and_o action_n relate_v of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v but_o that_o which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o confusion_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a history_n be_v the_o frequency_n of_o imposture_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v discover_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o authentic_a history_n of_o those_o time_n extant_a which_o have_v both_o give_v occasion_n to_o variety_n of_o imposture_n and_o much_o hinder_v their_o discovery_n for_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n lead_v they_o back_o into_o a_o search_n after_o ancient_a time_n it_o make_v they_o exceed_o credulous_a in_o embrace_v whatever_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o any_o conduct_n through_o those_o dark_a and_o obscure_a path_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v want_v of_o such_o as_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v the_o simple_a credulity_n of_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o wary_a man_n but_o those_o age_n have_v be_v most_o feracious_a in_o the_o production_n of_o such_o person_n which_o have_v pretend_v to_o more_o learning_n than_o they_o have_v the_o pretence_n of_o learning_n make_v such_o person_n appear_v and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o make_v they_o not_o be_v discover_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o old_a among_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n and_o the_o grecian_a poet_n and_o historian_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o but_o even_o among_o those_o who_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o truth_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v then_o to_o think_v it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o lie_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n offer_v to_o truth_n then_o to_o defend_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o itself_o nothing_o lay_v truth_n so_o open_a to_o suspicion_n as_o when_o falsehood_n come_v to_o be_v its_o advocate_n and_o a_o false_a testimony_n discover_v do_v more_o prejudice_n to_o a_o good_a cause_n than_o it_o can_v any_o way_n advantage_v it_o be_v it_o not_o discover_v and_o therefore_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v discover_v impostor_n as_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o maintain_v truth_n against_o its_o open_a opposer_n those_o be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o disguise_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v with_o more_o difficulty_n discover_v such_o a_o one_o be_v that_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o appear_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o twilight_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n between_o the_o former_a darkness_n of_o barbarism_n and_o the_o approach_a light_n of_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v annius_n viterbiensis_n who_o like_o hannibal_n in_o pass_v the_o alps_o not_o find_v a_o way_n ready_a to_o his_o mind_n set_v himself_o to_o burn_v the_o wood_n and_o fire_v the_o rock_n and_o dissolve_v they_o with_o vinegar_n to_o make_v a_o passage_n through_o they_o so_o annius_n be_v beset_v in_o those_o snowy_a and_o gray-headed_a alps_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o find_v no_o way_n clear_a for_o he_o according_a to_o his_o fancy_n he_o labour_v to_o burn_v down_o all_o certain_a record_n to_o eat_v through_o the_o credit_n of_o undoubted_a author_n to_o make_v a_o more_o free_a passage_n for_o his_o own_o history_n which_o he_o deduce_v suitable_o to_o scripture_n from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o elder_a historian_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o new_a berosus_n manetho_n philo_n metasthenes_n as_o he_o mistake_v for_o megasthenes_n and_o xenophon_n must_v put_v on_o a_o grave_a disguise_n and_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o antiquity_n about_o their_o shoulder_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o airy_a phantasm_n cover_v over_o with_o the_o cowl_n of_o the_o monk_n of_o viterbo_n for_o be_v himself_o somewhat_o more_o verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n then_o general_o person_n be_v
they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a â—nds_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o piety_n and_o sobriety_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n what_o strange_a person_n be_v the_o corinthian_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v enumerate_v many_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o 11._o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o distemper_n be_v the_o more_o malignant_a its_o nature_n the_o more_o inveterate_a its_o continuance_n the_o great_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o work_v a_o cure_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o see_v in_o conversion_n the_o great_a the_o sin_n have_v be_v before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o remove_v a_o disease_n at_o its_o first_o onset_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v it_o when_o it_o become_v chronical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n wrought_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o person_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o distemper_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o great_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o pregnant_a and_o visible_a instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o they_o themselves_o show_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o manner_n of_o enter_v in_o we_o have_v among_o you_o and_o how_o you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a 10._o god_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n who_o he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o jesus_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v now_o that_o which_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a great_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v man_n from_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v man_n together_o with_o that_o from_o their_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n then_o with_o their_o opinion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a power_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n then_o that_o which_o only_o make_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n or_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o be_v that_o which_o origen_n throughout_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n triumph_v in_o as_o the_o most_o signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n on_o all_o that_o true_o embrace_v it_o that_o of_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o dissolute_a it_o make_v they_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 21._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v convert_v the_o most_o wicked_a person_n who_o embrace_v it_o from_o all_o their_o debauchery_n to_o a_o life_n most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n therefore_o certain_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o want_v that_o commendation_n among_o all_o ingenuous_a moralist_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promote_v real_a goodness_n in_o it_o when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o person_n continual_o so_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o folly_n and_o vain_a conversation_n to_o a_o life_n serious_a sober_a and_o unblameable_a nay_o and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v of_o so_o much_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n that_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n bone_fw-la vir_fw-la cajus_n sejus_n tantum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n a_o very_a good_a man_n only_o a_o christian._n but_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v have_v make_v they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o do_v so_o sudden_o make_v so_o many_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o this_o power_n be_v so_o manifest_a on_o such_o person_n who_o be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o be_v reform_v by_o philosophy_n young_a illiterate_a and_o mean-spirited_n person_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o this_o alteration_n be_v wrought_v within_o they_o but_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o tame_v the_o most_o unruly_a to_o instruct_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o raise_v up_o the_o most_o sordid_a person_n to_o such_o a_o generous_a temper_n as_o to_o slight_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o to_o come_v and_o so_o remarkable_a be_v the_o difference_n of_o life_n then_o between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v still_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o mere_a pretender_n that_o origen_n dare_v celsus_n to_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o morality_n with_o any_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n 128._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o other_o society_n shine_v among_o they_o like_o light_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o even_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n exceed_v the_o best_a of_o the_o popular_a assembly_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a because_o it_o seek_v to_o approve_v its_o sell_v to_o god_n but_o the_o popular_a assemby_n at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seditious_a and_o quarrelsome_a and_o in_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n there_o so_o that_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n will_v exceed_o wonder_v how_o such_o fair_a island_n shall_v appear_v nante_n in_o gurgite_fw-la vasto_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o wickedness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o city_n how_o these_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v plant_v in_o such_o rude_a and_o profane_a place_n so_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n senate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n officer_n with_o they_o and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o that_o even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o office_n do_v yet_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o city_n magistrate_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n from_o whence_o he_o rational_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o can_v it_o but_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o adore_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a thing_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o but_o upon_o such_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v then_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o one_o phoedon_n and_o one_o polemon_n bring_v from_o their_o debauchery_n by_o socrates_n and_o xenocrates_n but_o what_o be_v these_o compare_v with_o those_o who_o be_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 50._o etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o plentiful_a harvest_n of_o convert_n which_o follow_v afterward_o and_o although_o celsus_n like_o a_o epicurean_a seem_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n 150._o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o conversion_n because_o customary_a sin_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n that_o no_o punishment_n can_v reform_v they_o yet_o say_v origen_n herein_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v we_o christian_n but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o own_v any_o generous_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o do_v not_o despair_v of_o recover_a virtue_n as_o a_o thing_n feasible_a by_o humane_a nature_n and_o give_v instance_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a hero_n hercules_n and_o ulysses_n from_o the_o two_o philosopher_n socrates_n and_o musonius_n and_o the_o two_o famous_a convert_n to_o philosophy_n phoedon_n and_o polemon_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o these_o be_v not_o
this_o god_n may_v do_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o mean_n faith_n whether_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o true_a doctrine_n confirm_v by_o great_a miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o and_o be_v confirm_v by_o false_a prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n now_o in_o this_o case_n our_o rule_n of_o trial_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o whether_o real_a or_o no_o as_o the_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o which_o these_o wonder_n tend_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o therefore_o god_n people_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n whatever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v they_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v then_o the_o standard_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o work_v miracle_n so_o that_o let_v the_o miracle_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o they_o contradict_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o only_a trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n or_o no._n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o examine_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o lipsius_n his_o relation_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o diva_n virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n for_o if_o i_o see_v that_o their_o intention_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n or_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o deity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v ignorant_a of_o on_o that_o very_a account_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o reject_v they_o all_o although_o i_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n between_o true_a miracle_n and_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o this_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o curiosity_n so_o of_o less_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n infinite_o above_o these_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o and_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v it_o much_o less_o although_o some_o popish_a priest_n may_v boast_v much_o of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n may_v in_o judgement_n give_v those_o image_n power_n to_o work_v or_o other_o faith_n to_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v now_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n which_o the_o scripture_n forewarn_v 9_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v viz._n such_o as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n or_o of_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a there_o the_o effect_n which_o 3._o follow_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a i._n e._n the_o effect_n of_o believe_v of_o they_o be_v the_o drawing_z of_o man_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v much_o upon_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o draw_v a_o people_n off_o from_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o purge_a man_n soul_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o make_v they_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o exactness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o cels._n thereby_o origen_n discover_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o antichrist_n wonder_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n whereby_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o deceive_a but_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v with_o any_o probability_n say_v that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o daily_a progress_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a deceit_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v because_o by_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n the_o eye_n of_o blind_a soul_n be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o goodness_n be_v open_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o be_v lame_a in_o their_o inward_a man_n be_v so_o heal_v as_o to_o delight_n to_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o imposture_n and_o pretend_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o diabolical_a power_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o god_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a obligation_n to_o duty_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o early_a ape_n of_o the_o apostle_n simon_n magus_n who_o far_o outgo_v apollonius_n tyaneus_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a in_o his_o pretend_a miracle_n according_a to_o the_o report_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o we_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o miracle_n be_v to_o raise_v opusc_n a_o admiration_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n by_o affert_v among_o other_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n what_o man_n do_v but_o only_o what_o they_o believe_v wherein_o the_o gnostic_n be_v his_o follower_n now_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v easy_o know_v from_o who_o they_o come_v those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n this_o 4._o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v out_o of_o man_n power_n to_o effect_v must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n divine_a or_o diabolical_a for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v every_o kingdom_n 26._o divide_v against_o its_o self_n be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o its_o self_n can_v stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v now_o christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n too_o as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o and_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n for_o 1._o the_o devil_n design_n be_v to_o conceal_v himself_o among_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o discover_v he_o who_o the_o gentile_n worship_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o their_o ruin_n now_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o gentilism_n the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o state_n which_o the_o devil_n use_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v â—â—en_o and_o worship_v for_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o belieuâ—_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—â—ns_n be_v very_o good_a and_o benign_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canonist_n and_o other_o philosopherâ—â—o_v â—o_z much_o 〈◊〉_d against_o the_o primitiâ—â—_n christian_n when_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d their_o daemon_n to_o be_v nothing_o â—he_v but_o inâ—â—â—al_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o seek_v the_o