christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o church_n sully_v settle_v in_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n universal_o we_o find_v god_n do_v continue_v this_o power_n among_o they_o but_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o embrace_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n that_o they_o reject_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o plead_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o do_v now_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o we_o see_v then_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o miracle_n to_o be_v continue_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v as_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o case_n then_o wherein_o miracle_n may_v just_o and_o with_o reason_n be_v expect_v first_o when_o any_o person_n 4._o come_v as_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n either_o to_o deliver_v some_o peculiar_a message_n or_o to_o do_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a service_n second_o when_o something_o that_o have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o some_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o first_o when_o any_o come_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o by_o commission_n from_o god_n than_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n to_o require_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n because_o of_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o a_o person_n and_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o reject_v that_o divine_a authority_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v require_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a argument_n for_o faith_n nor_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v person_n for_o such_o a_o fault_n which_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o indeed_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o necessitate_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o he_o do_v so_o clear_o propound_v the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o all_o argument_n induce_v to_o it_o as_o may_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o believer_n choice_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o may_v leave_v all_o unbeliever_n without_o excuse_n i_o can_v see_v what_o account_n a_o man_n can_v give_v to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n much_o less_o what_o apology_n he_o can_v make_v to_o other_o for_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v in_o point_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o conviction_n there_o must_v be_v some_o clear_a evidence_n give_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o now_o what_o conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n â—bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieuâ—_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v
god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o god_n shall_v when_o it_o please_v he_o single_a out_o some_o instrument_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o enquiry_n then_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v proper_a note_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v on_o so_o high_a a_o embassy_n and_o those_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o if_o his_o action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n he_o reveal_v be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o create_a understanding_n first_o then_o for_o his_o action_n thief_z striking_z most_o upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n when_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a do_v transmit_v along_o with_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o the_o understanding_n a_o high_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o whereas_o the_o mere_a height_n of_o knowledge_n or_o profoundness_n of_o thing_n discover_v can_v have_v no_o such_o present_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o more_o raise_v and_o inquisitive_a mind_n and_o the_o world_n be_v general_o more_o apt_a to_o suspect_v its_o self_n deceive_v with_o word_n than_o it_o can_v be_v with_o action_n and_o hence_o miracle_n or_o the_o do_n of_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v always_o embrace_v as_o the_o great_a testimony_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o revelation_n for_o which_o there_o be_v this_o evident_a reason_n that_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v settle_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o every_o thing_n act_v there_o by_o the_o force_n of_o that_o power_n it_o receive_v at_o first_o it_o seem_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v real_o alter_v the_o series_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o same_o power_n which_o at_o first_o produce_v they_o this_o than_o we_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o where_o ever_o such_o a_o power_n appear_v there_o be_v a_o certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n go_v along_o with_o such_o a_o person_n who_o enjoy_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o action_n of_o moses_n both_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v both_o in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n and_o his_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n this_o latter_a be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o mere_o civil_a power_n as_o the_o other_o above_o natural_a we_o therefore_o come_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o that_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o moses_n act_v which_o may_v be_v gather_v 3_o from_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a weight_n and_o importance_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a base_n whereon_o the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o we_o do_v stand_v and_o withal_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n cause_v through_o the_o prefer_v some_o party_n in_o religion_n above_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o it_o it_o will_v require_v more_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o search_v what_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n have_v upon_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a commission_n of_o those_o who_o do_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v such_o undoubted_a credential_n that_o where_o ever_o they_o be_v produce_v we_o be_v present_o to_o receive_v the_o person_n who_o bring_v they_o as_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n from_o heaven_n employ_v on_o some_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n for_o the_o full_a state_v of_o this_o important_a question_n two_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_v first_o in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v as_o credential_n to_o confirm_v a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n second_o what_o rational_a evidence_n do_v attend_v those_o miracle_n to_o assure_v we_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v first_o for_o the_o case_n wherein_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v as_o inducement_n to_o or_o confirmation_n of_o our_o faith_n concern_v the_o 1._o divine_a employment_n of_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o as_o a_o certain_a foundation_n that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o constant_o and_o perpetual_o necessary_a in_o all_o those_o who_o manage_n the_o affair_n of_o heaven_n here_o on_o earth_n or_o that_o act_n in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v once_o settle_a in_o sacred_a record_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n sufficient_o attest_v by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o what_o imaginable_a necessity_n or_o pretext_n can_v there_o be_v for_o a_o contrive_a power_n of_o miracle_n especial_o among_o such_o as_o already_o own_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o make_v then_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o be_v constant_o resident_a in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n as_o one_o of_o the_o necessary_a note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n upon_o that_o necessity_n which_o common_a nature_n be_v free_v from_o viz._n of_o multiply_a thing_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o be_v give_v for_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v man_n faith_n at_o a_o stand_n when_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o person_n out_o of_o their_o eagerness_n to_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o party_n have_v be_v fain_o to_o establish_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sufficient_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n do_v apparent_o undermine_v the_o common_a and_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n do_v main_o stand_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n whereby_o we_o may_v rip_v open_a the_o wound_n that_o christianity_n have_v receive_v through_o the_o contention_n of_o the_o several_a party_n of_o it_o but_o this_o imputation_n can_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n be_v fasten_v on_o any_o party_n as_o that_o which_o be_v nail_v to_o a_o pretend_a infallible_a chair_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n than_o this_o before_o we_o for_o while_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o party_n make_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a note_n of_o the_o true_a church_n they_o unavoidable_o run_v man_n upon_o this_o dangerous_a precipice_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n where_o they_o find_v not_o sufficient_a miracle_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o be_v the_o true_a church_n which_o propound_v it_o to_o they_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o their_o acknowledge_a principle_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o they_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v propound_v by_o the_o church_n as_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v this_o infallible_a guide_n but_o by_o the_o note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o and_o one_o of_o those_o note_n be_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n i_o can_v find_v out_o my_o guide_n but_o by_o this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n must_v be_v present_a in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o of_o former_a age_n concern_v faith_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o on_o the_o church_n account_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a conviction_n from_o present_a miracle_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n they_o must_v throw_v off_o all_o faith_n concern_v the_o gospel_n for_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n atheism_n shall_v be_v so_o thrive_v a_o plant_n in_o italy_n nay_o under_o if_o not_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o rome_n itself_o where_o inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o
by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a diffusion_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o bell_n of_o horse_n and_o that_o the_o pot_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v 20._o be_v as_o bowl_n before_o the_o altar_n i._n e._n that_o when_o the_o levitical_a service_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v that_o appropriate_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v discern_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o a_o priesthood_n after_o another_o order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n shall_v be_v establish_v viz._n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedek_n 6._o and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o priest_n after_o this_o order_n shall_v judge_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o wound_v the_o head_n over_o many_o country_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n the_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v fright_v to_o obedience_n with_o thunderclap_n and_o earthquake_n 3._o as_o at_o mount_n sinai_n but_o shall_v come_v and_o yield_v themselves_o as_o a_o freewill_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o yet_o their_o number_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n which_o distil_v in_o the_o morning_n that_o god_n out_o of_o other_o nation_n will_v take_v unto_o himself_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levite_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n 1._o shall_v speedy_o come_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v come_v into_o his_o temple_n nay_o that_o seventy_o week_n be_v determine_v upon_o thy_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n that_o then_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n 27._o and_o oblation_n shall_v be_v cause_v to_o cease_v that_o the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o flood_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v that_o after_o three_o score_n and_o two_o week_n messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o that_o by_o he_o transgression_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o lest_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o high_a advance_n of_o the_o levitical_a worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o external_a ceremony_n god_n express_o say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v 32._o with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n can_v any_o one_o that_o now_o consider_v serious_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o describe_v as_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o levitical_a service_n be_v ever_o calculate_v for_o this_o state_n be_v god_n worship_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v come_v to_o serve_v he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n there_o when_o a_o order_n of_o priesthood_n different_a from_o the_o aaronical_a shall_v be_v set_v up_o must_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n only_o attend_v at_o the_o temple_n when_o god_n will_v take_v priest_n and_o levite_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n that_o serve_v he_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n when_o both_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o must_v be_v within_o few_o prophetical_a week_n after_o the_o messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o must_v the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n continue_v for_o ever_o when_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a one_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o then_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a then_o as_o nothing_o can_v well_o be_v more_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v describe_v and_o promise_v with_o which_o the_o levitical_a worship_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o at_o first_o establish_v upon_o a_o immutable_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowladge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n have_v now_o clear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o repeal_n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o 1_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v give_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o repeal_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o to_o prevent_v too_o large_a a_o excursion_n insist_v on_o any_o other_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o promise_a mâ—ssias_n but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a debate_n concern_v the_o evidence_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o great_a stumbling-block_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n among_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o learned_a heathen_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n not_o come_v attend_v with_o that_o state_n and_o magnificence_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o so_o great_a a_o person_n the_o jew_n have_v their_o sense_n so_o possess_v with_o the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n on_o mount_n sinai_n that_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o structure_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n can_v be_v take_v down_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o terror_n than_o it_o be_v erect_v with_o and_o withal_o collect_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o foretell_v such_o glorious_a thing_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o â—ither_o refer_v to_o his_o second_o come_v or_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o have_v their_o mind_n oppress_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o present_a calamity_n apply_v they_o whole_o to_o a_o external_a greatness_n whereby_o
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o mathematical_a evidence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o way_n find_v out_o for_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n who_o truth_n depend_v on_o testimony_n the_o more_o creditable_a the_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o may_v deceive_v can_v give_v so_o pregnant_a a_o evidence_n as_o that_o which_o can_v for_o then_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n be_v take_v off_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o a_o testimony_n deliver_v be_v infallible_a and_o that_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o 3._o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o believe_v it_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
else_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a though_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o a_o immediate_a way_n by_o 3._o be_v know_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la rei_fw-la to_o convince_v man_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i._n e._n that_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n in_o any_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o defect_n of_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o their_o own_o perverseness_n and_o prejudice_n in_o not_o discern_v they_o now_o that_o god_n may_v reveal_v and_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n not_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n but_o by_o some_o instrument_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o end_n be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a suitableness_n of_o such_o a_o way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o but_o from_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o inspiration_n the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o we_o god_n discover_v the_o most_o of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n or_o by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o divination_n in_o the_o world_n do_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o carry_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o natural_a light_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o some_o particular_a person_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o which_o purpose_n the_o testimony_n of_o tully_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o book_n the_o divinatione_n be_v very_o considerable_a vetus_fw-la opinio_fw-la est_fw-la jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eáque_fw-la diu._n &_o populi_fw-la romani_fw-la &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la versari_fw-la quandam_fw-la inter_fw-la homines_fw-la divinationem_fw-la quam_fw-la graeci_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n i._n e._n praesensionem_fw-la &_o scientiam_fw-la rerum_fw-la futurarum_fw-la and_o soon_o after_o add_v gentem_fw-la quidem_fw-la nullam_fw-la video_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la humanam_fw-la at_o que_fw-la doctam_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la immanem_fw-la atque_fw-la barbaram_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la significari_fw-la futura_fw-la et_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la intelligi_fw-la praedicique_fw-la posse_fw-la censeat_fw-la he_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instance_v particular_o in_o the_o assyrian_n egyptian_n cilician_o pisidian_n pamphilian_o grecian_n roman_n etrurian_o and_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o after_o mention_n some_o philosopher_n who_o deny_v it_o but_o they_o be_v most_o part_v the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n who_o deny_v any_o providence_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o take_v away_o divination_n but_o if_o xenophanes_n colophonius_n have_v any_o follower_n who_o assert_v the_o one_o and_o deny_v the_o other_o as_o tully_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o he_o be_v alone_o in_o that_o persuasion_n yet_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v the_o imposture_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divination_n among_o they_o which_o be_v excellent_o discover_v by_o that_o prince_n of_o roman_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o orator_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o same_o author_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o philosopher_n consent_v with_o the_o people_n in_o this_o persuasion_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o those_o three_o great_a sect_n of_o socrates_n pythagoras_n and_o aristotle_n be_v all_o approver_n of_o it_o but_o of_o all_o person_n the_o stoic_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a contender_n for_o it_o especial_o chrysippus_n diogenes_n babylonius_n antipater_n and_o possidonius_fw-la some_o indeed_o reject_v some_o way_n of_o divination_n yet_o embrace_v other_o as_o dicaearchus_n and_o cratippus_n who_o reject_v all_o but_o dream_n and_o ecstasy_n but_o in_o the_o general_n we_o find_v these_o two_o principle_n go_v together_o among_o they_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divination_n so_o that_o from_o divination_n they_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o from_o a_o deity_n divination_n si_fw-mi sunt_fw-la genera_fw-la divinandi_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la divinent_fw-la as_o quintus_z cicero_z there_o speak_v and_o at_o last_o thus_o triumph_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o witness_n a_o dum_fw-la bestiae_fw-la loquantur_fw-la expectamus_fw-la hominum_fw-la consentiâ—nte_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la contenti_fw-la non_fw-la simus_fw-la it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v the_o chief_a argument_n on_o which_o the_o stoic_n insist_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o divination_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n if_o there_o be_v god_n say_v they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o reveal_v to_o man_n thing_n to_o come_v it_o either_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v or_o they_o think_v it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o or_o that_o they_o can_v reveal_v they_o to_o man_n if_o they_o will_v but_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o they_o do_v not_o love_v man_n for_o the_o god_n be_v of_o a_o bountiful_a nature_n and_o friend_n to_o mankind_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o future_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o decree_v by_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n for_o that_o make_v they_o more_o cautious_a if_o they_o know_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o bounty_n and_o do_v good_a and_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o they_o may_v make_v they_o know_v to_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v make_v they_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o they_o do_v so_o or_o else_o they_o signify_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o now_o instead_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n they_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n by_o the_o true_a god_n of_o those_o way_n which_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o argument_n have_v be_v strong_a and_o convince_a which_o as_o it_o stand_v be_v sophistical_a and_o fallacious_a so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o not_o only_o a_o possibility_n of_o divination_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o want_v divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o this_o divination_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o mere_a natural_a cause_n but_o from_o a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la and_o a_o concitatio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la animi_fw-la as_o they_o there_o speak_v which_o import_v nothing_o short_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n nay_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o that_o they_o think_v any_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v something_o of_o divine_a enthusiasm_n in_o they_o as_o tully_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la deorum_n magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la although_o then_o these_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o take_v for_o a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la and_o divination_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v so_o general_a a_o sense_n shall_v be_v imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o that_o be_v be_v it_o not_o a_o thing_n high_o consonant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o some_o person_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o cicero_n and_o his_o brother_n quintus_n who_o manage_v that_o excellent_a dispute_n of_o divination_n between_o they_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o too_o for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n quintus_n evident_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o consequence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o own_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n tully_n himself_o excellent_o lay_v open_v the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o uncertainty_n not_o only_o of_o the_o common_a way_n of_o divination_n but_o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o heathen_n and_o although_o tully_n do_v so_o sharp_o and_o
aesculapius_n at_o rome_n of_o several_a disease_a person_n that_o be_v cure_v there_o a_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o time_n of_o antoninus_n be_v cure_v by_o this_o oracle_n he_o must_v come_v to_o the_o altar_n and_o kneel_v there_o from_o the_o right_a side_n he_o must_v turn_v to_o the_o left_a and_o put_v five_o finger_n upon_o the_o altar_n and_o then_o lift_v up_o his_o hand_n and_o touch_v his_o eye_n and_o so_o be_v cure_v another_o call_v lucius_n cure_v of_o the_o pain_n of_o his_o side_n by_o mix_v the_o ash_n of_o the_o altar_n with_o the_o wine_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o side_n another_o cure_v of_o spit_v of_o blood_n by_o the_o kernel_n of_o a_o pine_n apple_n and_o honey_n use_v three_o day_n a_o four_o cure_v of_o 7._o blindness_n by_o the_o blood_n of_o a_o white_a cock_n and_o honey_n use_v three_o day_n upon_o his_o eye_n these_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a of_o all_o the_o pretend_a mirâ—â—les_n do_v about_o that_o time_n when_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o christian_a miracle_n be_v spread_v so_o far_o and_o do_v so_o frequent_o that_o they_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n again_o and_o again_o to_o bring_v forth_o any_o person_n possess_v with_o a_o devil_n if_o he_o do_v not_o confess_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v a_o devil_n though_o he_o make_v the_o heathen_n believe_v that_o he_o be_v a_o god_n they_o be_v content_v to_o leave_v their_o blood_n in_o the_o place_n for_o thus_o tertullian_n speak_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o they_o edat_fw-la 23._o ur_fw-la hic_fw-la aliquis_fw-la sub_fw-la tribunalibus_fw-la vestris_fw-la quem_fw-la daemone_n agi_fw-la constet_fw-la jussus_fw-la à _fw-la quolibet_fw-la christiano_n loqui_fw-la spiritus_fw-la ille_fw-la tam_fw-la se_fw-la daemonem_fw-la confitebitur_fw-la de_fw-la vero_fw-la quam_fw-la alibi_fw-la deum_fw-la de_fw-la falso_fw-la aeque_fw-la producatur_fw-la aliquis_fw-la ex_fw-la iis_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la pati_fw-la ex_fw-la stimantur_fw-la qui_fw-la aris_fw-la inhalante_n 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permiserint_fw-la vobis_fw-la in_o these_o very_a dare_a word_n we_o see_v how_o the_o christian_n appeal_v to_o their_o sense_n even_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o life_n that_o they_o will_v make_v even_o aesculapius_n himself_o confess_v what_o he_o be_v and_o by_o who_o power_n all_o the_o cure_n be_v wrought_v upon_o the_o dreamer_n in_o his_o temple_n and_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o devil_n cure_n the_o same_o author_n explain_v it_o thus_o laedunt_fw-la primò_fw-la dehinc_fw-la remedia_fw-la praecipiunt_fw-la ad_fw-la miraculum_fw-la nova_fw-la sive_fw-la contraria_fw-la post_fw-la quae_fw-la definunt_fw-la laedere_fw-la &_o 23â—_n curassecreduntur_fw-la they_o first_o possess_v the_o body_n themselves_o as_o daemoniack_n be_v common_a in_o those_o time_n and_o affect_v it_o with_o various_a distemper_n afterward_o upon_o use_v the_o strange_a remedy_n prescribe_v by_o aesculapius_n they_o forsake_v their_o station_n and_o the_o person_n be_v cure_v and_o for_o the_o cure_v perform_v by_o the_o emperor_n those_o who_o consider_v what_o various_a artifices_fw-la be_v about_o that_o time_n use_v to_o procure_v a_o opinion_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o emperor_n will_v not_o much_o wonder_n that_o such_o report_n shall_v be_v spread_v of_o they_o or_o that_o any_o person_n shall_v fain_o these_o distemper_n to_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v cure_v by_o themâ—_n but_o grant_v somewhat_o wonderful_a in_o these_o what_o be_v they_o compare_v with_o those_o do_v by_o christian_n and_o whoever_o will_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o attest_v any_o of_o they_o so_o that_o though_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o impose_v upon_o spectator_n eye_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o by_o any_o power_n of_o his_o own_o to_o alter_v the_o course_n oâ—_n nature_n or_o produce_v any_o real_a miracle_n for_o every_o true_a miracle_n be_v a_o production_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o which_o can_v be_v do_v by_o less_o than_o a_o omnipotent_a arm_n and_o that_o either_o in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o produce_v it_o in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n when_o it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o any_o sâ—cond_o cause_n as_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o when_o though_o the_o thing_n lie_v within_o the_o possibility_n of_o second_o cause_n yet_o it_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n without_o any_o use_n of_o mean_n by_o a_o word_n speak_v the_o touch_n of_o a_o garment_n etc._n etc._n now_o that_o all_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v such_o true_a and_o proper_a miracle_n will_v be_v discover_v afterward_o god_n never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o for_o some_o very_a 2._o considerable_a end_n for_o otherwise_o when_o he_o do_v it_o it_o will_v not_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o nor_o think_v to_o be_v a_o alteration_n of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o only_o some_o rare_a contingency_n which_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o order_n of_o cause_n but_o only_o break_v out_o at_o some_o time_n of_o which_o sort_n be_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o ignorant_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v as_o prodigy_n of_o all_o which_o rare_a contingency_n in_o nature_n i_o say_v as_o the_o roman_a orator_n do_v si_fw-la quod_fw-la raro_fw-la fit_a id_fw-la portentum_fw-la putandum_fw-la est_fw-la sapientem_fw-la esse_fw-la 2._o portentum_fw-la est_fw-la saepius_fw-la enim_fw-la mulum_fw-la peperisse_fw-la arbitror_fw-la quam_fw-la sapientem_fw-la fuisse_fw-la if_o all_o rare_a contingency_n be_v account_v prodigy_n a_o wise_a man_n be_v certain_o the_o great_a prodigy_n but_o these_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n from_o true_a miracle_n which_o be_v immediate_o produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o intend_v for_o a_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 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wrought_v by_o he_o which_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o that_o design_n of_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n than_o all_o the_o thunderclap_n on_o mount_n sinai_n be_v neither_o be_v the_o
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a 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of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n 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simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o