force_n of_o this_o argument_n the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o first_o that_o no_o true_a miracle_n or_o supernatural_a work_n have_v be_v ever_o wrought_v 2._o and_o second_o that_o the_o wonder_n we_o read_v of_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n existence_n than_o they_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o idolatry_n because_o idolater_n themselves_o have_v pretend_v to_o miracle_n these_o two_o subterfuge_n and_o shift_n must_v be_v now_o consider_v in_o their_o order_n 1._o first_o they_o will_v allow_v of_o no_o high_a miracle_n than_o what_o have_v be_v find_v here_o in_o nature_n when_o some_o unusual_a thing_n have_v happen_v the_o natural_a cause_n whereof_o can_v not_o be_v well_o assign_v as_o for_o supernatural_a effect_n they_o be_v fable_n in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o man_n because_o they_o can_v admit_v of_o such_o effect_n without_o admit_v of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n to_o produce_v they_o that_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v most_o afraid_a to_o own_o now_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o weighty_a matter_n i_o will_v first_o ask_v these_o great_a pretender_n to_o reason_n this_o general_a question_n whether_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o deny_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n as_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v not_o see_v with_o our_o own_o eye_n if_o this_o be_v rational_a then_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o faith_n among_o mankind_n and_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o our_o own_o sense_n bear_v witness_n to_o and_o so_o no_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o any_o history_n or_o relation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o rational_a then_o have_v we_o as_o good_a ground_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o supernatural_a effect_n or_o miracle_n as_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v expect_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v go_v and_o pass_v and_o this_o shall_v be_v my_o next_o business_n to_o show_v that_o the_o account_v we_o have_v of_o such_o and_o such_o miracle_n do_v carry_v with_o it_o as_o strong_a evidence_n at_o least_o as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o find_v in_o any_o history_n of_o former_a age_n so_o that_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n man_n may_v reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o nay_o of_o all_o account_n as_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o i_o do_v not_o here_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_v to_o support_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o those_o appearance_n which_o have_v go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n especial_o in_o latter_a age_n we_o read_v of_o multitude_n which_o have_v be_v either_o downwright_n forgery_n and_o fiction_n purposely_o invent_v to_o carry_v on_o lucrative_n and_o superstitious_a design_n or_o else_o have_v be_v no_o better_o than_o illusion_n of_o man_n sense_n whereby_o the_o credulity_n of_o weak_a people_n have_v be_v impose_v upon_o and_o abuse_v nay_o many_o of_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a nature_n that_o some_o have_v be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o story_n though_o they_o have_v make_v money_n by_o the_o invention_n to_o talk_v of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o great_a disadvantage_n and_o prejudice_n to_o christ_n religion_n however_o it_o may_v serve_v man_n private_a interest_n the_o miracle_n i_o urge_v as_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v those_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o moses_n chief_o and_o in_o the_o new_a by_o the_o evangelist_n and_o how_o slight_a soever_o sceptic_n make_v of_o they_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o as_o there_o can_v be_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o we_o will_v be_v so_o just_a to_o those_o writer_n as_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o common_a reputation_n of_o have_v be_v fair_a historian_n though_o at_o present_a we_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v now_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v give_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v former_o do_v depend_v upon_o these_o four_o ground_n 1._o that_o the_o person_n say_v to_o have_v do_v it_o do_v real_o exist_v or_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o person_n 2._o that_o the_o relator_n of_o the_o action_n be_v sufficient_o credible_a 3._o that_o other_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o 4._o that_o thing_n of_o great_a and_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o consequent_n of_o it_o where_o there_o be_v all_o these_o ground_n of_o evidence_n no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v question_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n though_o it_o be_v do_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o they_o and_o from_o all_o these_o it_o appear_v that_o such_o true_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v as_o argue_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a agent_n 1._o for_o first_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n be_v as_o evident_a even_o from_o humane_a testimony_n as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n as_o alexander_n caesar_n and_o cato_n josephus_n show_v out_o of_o those_o ancient_a writer_n manetho_n and_o 1._o cont._n appion_n l._n 1._o chaeremon_n what_o a_o great_a esteem_n the_o old_a egyptian_n have_v of_o moses_n and_o what_o a_o admirable_a divine_a person_n he_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o that_o nation_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o the_o greek_a writer_n what_o a_o honour_n the_o old_a philosopher_n 1._o stromat_n l._n 1._o among_o they_o have_v for_o moses_n memory_n and_o that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o his_o time_n and_o give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o a_o prince_n a_o lawgiver_n a_o general_n a_o just_a and_o holy_a person_n belove_v of_o god_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o egyptian_a mystae_fw-la believe_v that_o moses_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n and_o that_o eupolenius_n give_v he_o the_o character_n of_o the_o first_o wise_a man_n and_o that_o the_o mystae_fw-la relate_v the_o story_n of_o his_o kill_v the_o egyptian_a say_v that_o he_o do_v it_o by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o that_o artapanus_n own_a the_o story_n of_o his_o imprisonment_n add_v some_o fabulous_a stuff_n concern_v his_o deliverance_n numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n say_v 5._o â—irom_fw-la 5._o that_o moses_n be_v a_o divine_a and_o a_o prophet_n and_o that_o his_o write_n be_v worthy_a of_o belief_n 28._o id._n 28._o and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o powerful_a man_n with_o god_n by_o his_o prayer_n trogus_n pompeius_n mention_n abraham_n 8._o euseb_n de_fw-fr prepar_fw-la l._n 9_o c._n 8._o moses_n and_o israel_n as_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o many_o son_n of_o israel_n though_o he_o mistake_v the_o number_n he_o speak_v particular_o and_o by_o name_n of_o those_o two_o son_n of_o israel_n juda_n and_o joseph_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o relate_v the_o story_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o lead_v the_o jew_n out_o of_o egypt_n though_o he_o sophisticate_v the_o story_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n as_o also_o cornelius_n tacitus_n hist._n justin_n l._n 36._o tac._n l._n 5._o hist._n do_v in_o his_o account_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o conduct_n both_o which_o ancient_a historian_n follow_v the_o narration_n which_o be_v give_v of_o this_o matter_n by_o the_o egyptian_n themselves_o who_o mortal_o hate_v the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o tell_v a_o great_a many_o lie_v touch_v the_o reason_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o departure_n from_o they_o as_o josephus_n show_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n justin_n martyr_n upbraid_v the_o greek_n in_o his_o time_n for_o be_v enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n prove_v to_o they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o author_n that_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o foundation_n graec._n exhortat_fw-la ad_fw-la graec._n of_o christianity_n be_v acknowledge_v much_o more_o ancient_a than_o any_o of_o their_o poet_n '_o historian_n philosopher_n or_o legislator_n '_o and_o out_o of_o that_o noble_a historian_n diodorus_n he_o tell_v they_o that_o moses_n be_v reckon_v a_o god_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o divine_a and_o excellent_a wisdom_n and_o for_o teach_v people_n to_o use_v good_a law_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o which_o account_n diodorus_n who_o have_v spend_v thirty_o year_n in_o travel_n say_v he_o have_v from_o the_o priest_n in_o egypt_n to_o these_o observation_n divers_a more_o may_v be_v add_v out_o of_o grotius_n and_o other_o modern_a writer_n be_v it_o needful_a but_o the_o learned_a know_v that_o
most_o curious_a inquiry_n in_o so_o many_o philosophical_a and_o learned_a age_n this_o show_v that_o the_o tradition_n be_v ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o nature_n that_o therefore_o it_o be_v common_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o must_v be_v as_o constant_a and_o common_a as_o humane_a nature_n continue_v 2._o to_o which_o i_o add_v second_o that_o though_o truth_n go_v along_o with_o the_o tradition_n yet_o of_o itself_o alone_o and_o without_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v universal_o receive_v in_o all_o place_n and_o age_n for_o every_o one_o be_v not_o ready_a to_o embrace_v truth_n itself_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o probable_a and_o when_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o process_n of_o time_n it_o do_v often_o drop_n nor_o be_v it_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o this_o truth_n can_v have_v go_v so_o current_a as_o it_o have_v go_v in_o all_o part_n and_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n without_o any_o considerable_a opposition_n unless_o it_o have_v have_v the_o help_n of_o strong_a reason_n to_o support_v it_o and_o to_o carry_v it_o on_o still_o no_o doubt_n but_o adam_n teach_v his_o child_n in_o that_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n the_o nine_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n of_o his_o life_n many_o truth_n both_o philosophical_a and_o divine_a which_o yet_o be_v now_o quite_o lose_v especial_o to_o those_o people_n who_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v open_a before_o we_o nay_o though_o we_o be_v able_a by_o the_o help_n of_o discourse_n to_o gather_v divers_a thing_n out_o of_o moses_n write_n which_o the_o old_a pagan_n have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o yet_o be_v there_o several_a matter_n which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o because_o they_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o clear_a cogent_a principle_n of_o nature_n but_o this_o great_a truth_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v propagate_v all_o along_o together_o with_o mankind_n and_o as_o people_n have_v every_o where_o multiply_v successive_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n nay_o the_o high_a we_o go_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n after_o the_o creation_n the_o less_o of_o infidelity_n we_o find_v though_o there_o be_v then_o very_a few_o book_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o god_n be_v believe_v on_o and_o even_o by_o those_o who_o in_o their_o life_n dishonour_v he_o for_o in_o those_o day_n nature_n speak_v with_o simplicity_n and_o much_o plain_a and_o better_o than_o in_o aftertime_n when_o man_n of_o wanton_a wit_n and_o of_o base_a mind_n use_v art_n and_o so_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v their_o natural_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v ground_v upon_o something_o in_o humane_a nature_n which_o have_v still_o preserve_v it_o in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o many_o other_o tradition_n which_o our_o old_a ancestor_n transmit_v to_o their_o posterity_n and_o leave_v with_o they_o this_o have_v escape_v undestroy_v uncontradict_v but_o by_o a_o very_a few_o partial_a conceit_a and_o design_v man_n of_o which_o no_o other_o cause_n can_v be_v rational_o assign_v but_o that_o it_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n a_o natural_a principle_n a_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v as_o it_o be_v imprint_v and_o stamp_v upon_o every_o one_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o time_n itself_o which_o wear_v out_o other_o notion_n that_o be_v not_o fix_v and_o rivet_v as_o this_o be_v into_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o mere_a tradition_n 2._o nor_o second_o can_v it_o be_v impute_v to_o fear_n which_o be_v the_o next_o pretence_n for_o those_o who_o will_v destroy_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n will_v fain_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o thing_n of_o fancy_n a_o fictitious_a frightful_a idea_n put_v into_o people_n head_n by_o design_v man_n or_o form_v in_o their_o brain_n by_o the_o power_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v once_o scare_v be_v easy_o bend_v to_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o terrible_a be_v over_o they_o which_o those_o bold_a hardy_a wretch_n imagine_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o bugbear_n without_o any_o real_a existence_n and_o according_o they_o bottom_n religion_n upon_o groundless_a fear_n believe_v hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v figment_n thing_n invent_v and_o talk_v of_o to_o terrify_v the_o world_n and_o so_o the_o atheistical_a author_n of_o the_o leviathan_n represent_v they_o compare_v they_o as_o he_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o express_v it_o to_o a_o empty_a hat_n upon_o a_o crooked_a stick_n to_o fright_v bird_n from_o the_o corn._n i_o shall_v beg_v every_o good_a christian_n pardon_n for_o but_o mention_v such_o impiety_n do_v not_o the_o looseness_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o constrain_v we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o strange_a notion_n that_o be_v get_v abroad_o the_o meaning_n whereof_o in_o short_a be_v that_o if_o people_n be_v not_o fright_v out_o of_o their_o wit_n they_o will_v hardly_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o they_o ground_n that_o belief_n upon_o fear_n and_o make_v popular_a fear_n to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o think_v that_o this_o belief_n have_v general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n not_o from_o any_o natural_a principle_n in_o the_o understanding_n but_o from_o a_o slavish_a foolish_a passion_n of_o heart_n and_o because_o man_n have_v be_v every_o where_o teach_v to_o be_v fearful_a and_o timorous_a or_o have_v make_v themselves_o so_o now_o to_o every_o considerate_a rational_a man_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o fear_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o belief_n but_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o that_o be_v man_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o they_o be_v afraid_a but_o be_v therefore_o afraid_a because_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o a_o just_a and_o powerful_a be_v over_o all_o and_o therefore_o their_o fear_n proceed_v from_o a_o universal_a common_a and_o natural_a principle_n in_o every_o one_o mind_n touch_v god_n existence_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n fear_n to_o be_v so_o great_a so_o universal_a so_o fix_v in_o humane_a nature_n as_o never_o to_o be_v eradicate_v first_o it_o can_v never_o stand_v with_o common_a reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o fear_n shall_v create_v torment_v apprehension_n of_o a_o be_v who_o all_o mankind_n have_v ever_o adore_v for_o his_o great_a goodness_n and_o who_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o have_v discover_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v for_o his_o divine_a perfection_n the_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a be_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n what_o reverence_n soever_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o greatness_n may_v call_v for_o disquiet_v terror_n of_o a_o be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a can_v spring_v but_o from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n and_o then_o i_o appeal_v to_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n whether_o that_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v hear_v against_o god_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o have_v none_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o fear_n where_o there_o be_v not_o suppose_v a_o object_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o that_o object_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v not_o only_o to_o be_v but_o to_o be_v angry_a and_o threaten_v otherwise_o our_o faculty_n will_v be_v both_o vain_a and_o delusory_a constrain_v to_o fear_v where_o no_o ground_n of_o fear_n be_v which_o be_v to_o reproach_n nature_n itself_o that_o be_v so_o adore_v by_o some_o insidel_n and_o to_o impeach_v it_o for_o a_o common_a cheat._n second_o though_o we_o shall_v think_v some_o particular_a person_n impose_v upon_o by_o their_o fear_n yet_o how_o can_v all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n fall_v under_o the_o same_o imposture_n at_o once_o how_o can_v they_o be_v seize_v with_o one_o agony_n universal_o but_o from_o a_o epidemical_a principle_n in_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o can_v they_o all_o jump_v together_o in_o one_o principle_n without_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o god_n who_o make_v they_o all_o and_o intend_v by_o this_o mean_n to_o hold_v they_o all_o fast_o to_o himself_o three_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o suppose_v mankind_n to_o have_v be_v fright_v all_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n no_o body_n know_v by_o who_o or_o when_o or_o how_o and_o by_o that_o fright_n to_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v we_o suppose_v too_o that_o they_o have_v no_o time_n in_o so_o many_o age_n to_o recover_v themselves_o out_o of_o that_o panic_n distemper_n fear_n be_v a_o cruciate_a and_o torment_a passion_n which_o every_o man_n be_v desirous_a to_o rid_v himself_o
of_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v and_o will_v all_o mankind_n be_v plague_v with_o it_o perpetual_o and_o without_o ground_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o some_o philosopher_n have_v find_v out_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n have_v discard_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o those_o philosopher_n themselves_o can_v not_o void_a their_o own_o mind_n of_o that_o fear_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v observe_v before_o out_o of_o cicero_n that_o epicurus_n as_o great_a a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v can_v not_o rid_v himself_o of_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o death_n and_o if_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o follower_n be_v thorough_o search_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o none_o be_v more_o fearful_a than_o they_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a sign_n that_o there_o be_v briar_n and_o thorn_n in_o their_o conscience_n that_o can_v never_o be_v pluck_v up_o by_o the_o root_n that_o there_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o god_n within_o they_o and_o that_o how_o slight_o and_o contumelious_o soever_o they_o may_v talk_v of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o sit_n there_o be_v a_o abide_a conviction_n upon_o their_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n and_o will_v one_o day_n render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o fear_n when_o once_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o if_o democritus_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o do_v very_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o make_v they_o still_o afraid_a this_o fear_n can_v not_o raise_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o they_o because_o they_o dispute_v against_o the_o notion_n no_o it_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o their_o conscience_n can_v not_o part_v with_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v this_o that_o keep_v they_o in_o fear_n for_o nature_n will_v not_o lie_v however_o man_n tongue_n may_v and_o the_o terrible_a apprehension_n which_o those_o very_a man_n labour_v under_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o man_n reason_n a_o principle_n never_o to_o be_v pull_v or_o tear_v out_o of_o humane_a nature_n because_o radicate_v in_o it_o by_o the_o maker_n of_o mankind_n 3._o it_o be_v suggest_v also_o that_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v introduce_v by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o politic_a prince_n who_o take_v advantage_n by_o the_o panic_n fear_v of_o people_n to_o confirm_v their_o apprehension_n and_o to_o fill_v their_o mind_n with_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o thereby_o they_o may_v the_o better_o keep_v their_o subject_n in_o peace_n and_o obedience_n to_o their_o command_n and_o in_o continual_a awe_n of_o a_o invisible_a omnipotent_a be_v that_o will_v punish_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o another_o all_o sedition_n contumacy_n and_o disorder_n though_o never_o so_o secret_o act_v and_o so_o they_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o state_n policy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o imposture_n and_o artificial_a engine_n of_o civil_a government_n form_v by_o the_o wit_n and_o cunning_a of_o design_v legislator_n one_o of_o the_o thirty_o tyrant_n at_o athens_n critias_n by_o name_n be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o suggest_v this_o and_o fancy_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v a_o invention_n and_o trick_n of_o state_n and_o from_o he_o that_o fancy_n be_v come_v down_o to_o we_o and_o have_v possess_v the_o brain_n of_o some_o in_o this_o age_n who_o be_v much_o of_o the_o principle_n and_o temper_v of_o critias_n i_o call_v it_o a_o fancy_n because_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a imagination_n upon_o these_o four_o account_n 1._o first_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o any_o pagan_a though_o never_o so_o great_a a_o statesman_n or_o philosopher_n can_v at_o first_o without_o any_o preconception_n or_o disposition_n towards_o a_o deity_n devise_n and_o create_v in_o his_o mind_n a_o bright_a idea_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o be_v and_o of_o those_o divine_a property_n which_o essential_o belong_v to_o a_o nature_n that_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v eminent_o and_o absolute_o perfect_a if_o it_o be_v say_v this_o idea_n be_v first_o form_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o point_n be_v gain_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v ground_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o humane_a nature_n a_o rational_a natural_a principle_n and_o for_o that_o cause_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n have_v be_v universal_o profess_v all_o over_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o reason_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o phantasm_n that_o fall_v by_o mere_a chance_n into_o the_o man_n imagination_n a_o casual_a and_o contingent_a idea_n that_o one_o will_v think_v might_n as_o well_o have_v drop_v into_o the_o fancy_n of_o a_o common_a animal_n without_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o such_o a_o glorious_a idea_n as_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v can_v be_v first_o frame_v in_o any_o man_n imagination_n by_o chance_n the_o idea_n of_o a_o be_v of_o all_o the_o most_o glitter_a perfection_n the_o idea_n of_o a_o most_o wife_n righteous_a and_o gracious_a be_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o omnipotent_a benign_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o short_a the_o idea_n of_o a_o be_v that_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a beautiful_a and_o charm_a object_n for_o the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o be_v fix_v on_o and_o to_o contemplate_v and_o for_o one_o heart_n to_o desire_n how_o can_v such_o a_o idea_n fall_v into_o any_o one_o fancy_n by_o mere_a chance_n and_o without_o the_o operation_n of_o reason_n 2._o or_o second_o how_o can_v such_o a_o imaginary_a figment_n of_o the_o brain_n be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o the_o politicans_n in_o the_o world_n at_o once_o and_o that_o by_o chance_n too_o how_o can_v they_o all_o entertain_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o god_n at_o the_o same_o time_n if_o they_o be_v fictitious_a thing_n or_o if_o there_o be_v not_o great_a reason_n for_o they_o in_o nature_n how_o can_v man_n of_o so_o many_o different_a language_n and_o in_o so_o many_o distant_a place_n and_o country_n conspire_v all_o at_o once_o to_o devise_v a_o notion_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n ground_n or_o truth_n 3._o or_o three_o if_o all_o prince_n can_v have_v join_v together_o to_o cozen_v the_o world_n how_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o they_o will_v or_o can_v have_v put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o themselves_o and_o have_v deceive_v their_o own_o mind_n for_o prince_n and_o statesman_n lie_v under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n and_o the_o most_o hardy_a crafty_a politician_n be_v some_o time_n or_o other_o afraid_a of_o he_o as_o caligula_n be_v when_o he_o hear_v it_o thunder_n god_n have_v be_v the_o hope_n of_o good_a prince_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o bad_a one_o and_o what_o ground_n can_v they_o themselves_o have_v for_o their_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v be_v a_o invention_n of_o their_o own_o and_o if_o their_o secret_a design_n hereby_o be_v to_o keep_v not_o themselves_o but_o their_o people_n in_o awe_n 4._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v suppose_v possible_a yet_o how_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o the_o most_o subtle_a statesman_n can_v deceive_v the_o mind_n of_o all_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o such_o a_o long_a tract_n and_o succession_n of_o age_n with_o a_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a opinion_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o propagate_a a_o fiction_n viz._n violence_n and_o fraud_n and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o sense_n be_v pretend_v in_o this_o case_n first_o for_o violence_n no_o history_n can_v show_v that_o ever_o it_o be_v use_v to_o make_v people_n believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n whatever_o force_n have_v be_v use_v be_v intend_v to_o establish_v some_o particular_a form_n of_o religion_n and_o manner_n of_o worship_n which_o man_n in_o power_n think_v most_o agreeable_a and_o in_o their_o severe_a proceed_n they_o intend_v not_o to_o create_v in_o people_n mind_n the_o faith_n of_o god_n existence_n but_o do_v suppose_v that_o and_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o take_v advantage_n by_o it_o to_o carry_v on_o their_o great_a end_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v people_n to_o a_o particular_a mode_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o themselves_o be_v best_a please_v with_o beside_o violence_n if_o it_o have_v be_v use_v in_o this_o case_n can_v not_o have_v do_v their_o work_n because_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v never_o to_o be_v force_v especial_o into_o a_o
people_n from_o who_o alone_o those_o advantage_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v if_o any_o advantage_n at_o all_o have_v be_v seek_v for_o nay_o when_o he_o let_v those_o advantage_n go_v which_o he_o have_v already_o in_o his_o hand_n whereas_o man_n in_o power_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v their_o authority_n up_o and_o to_o transmit_v it_o to_o their_o posterity_n moses_n be_v content_a to_o let_v all_o that_o power_n die_v with_o he_o wherewith_o he_o be_v vest_v when_o he_o govern_v the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n he_o appoint_v joshua_n to_o succeed_v he_o in_o his_o civil_a authority_n the_o great_a dignity_n and_o advantage_n of_o the_o priesthood_n he_o dispose_v of_o to_o his_o brother_n aaron_n and_o his_o son_n as_o for_o his_o own_o child_n he_o leave_v they_o in_o subjection_n to_o the_o priest_n to_o officiate_v under_o they_o in_o the_o ordinary_a and_o mean_a ministration_n of_o the_o tabernacle_n not_o allot_v they_o one_o foot_n of_o land_n among_o all_o their_o kindred_n all_o which_o show_v that_o from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n moses_n design_v nothing_o but_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a good_a of_o his_o people_n and_o that_o no_o honour_n or_o interest_n of_o his_o own_o can_v possible_o sway_v or_o tempt_v he_o to_o violate_v his_o integrity_n and_o what_o can_v the_o four_o evangelist_n propose_v to_o themselves_o that_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o make_v their_o relation_n incredible_a or_o suspect_v honour_n they_o can_v not_o aim_v at_o unless_o man_n think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o be_v dishonest_a nor_o can_v interest_n tempt_v they_o to_o impose_v fiction_n on_o man_n belief_n when_o they_o be_v sure_a beforehand_o to_o receive_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n but_o hardship_n persecution_n and_o death_n for_o their_o reward_n very_o poor_a encouragement_n for_o man_n to_o invent_v and_o spread_v abroad_o idle_a story_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o credit_n and_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v think_v the_o odd_a man_n in_o nature_n that_o will_v coin_v fiction_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o religion_n they_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o they_o can_v not_o have_v believe_v otherwise_o of_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o know_v it_o to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n for_o they_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v give_v evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n beyond_o all_o contradiction_n 3._o this_o i_o have_v say_v to_o show_v that_o however_o some_o irreligious_a man_n have_v the_o confidence_n to_o despise_v the_o scripture-account_n of_o divine_a miracle_n to_o common_a human_a reason_n it_o appear_v sufficient_o credible_a from_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o manifest_a probity_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o have_v as_o fair_a evidence_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o miracle_n in_o that_o respect_n as_o can_v be_v have_v of_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o former_a age_n to_o which_o let_v we_o add_v in_o the_o next_o place_n this_o three_o ground_n of_o credibility_n viz._n that_o other_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o here_o again_o we_o must_v return_v to_o moses_n and_o first_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o have_v continual_o pass_v through_o a_o long_a succession_n of_o age_n uncontradict_v which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o inquisitive_a and_o know_v man_n in_o most_o nation_n be_v well_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o matter_n for_o as_o the_o mosaic_a write_n contain_v the_o most_o ancient_a record_n that_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v peruse_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n and_o historian_n because_o the_o thing_n relate_v in_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o own_a general_o by_o the_o whole_a heathen_a world_n though_o sometime_o not_o without_o a_o mixture_n of_o poetical_a fable_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o story_n of_o the_o deluge_n and_o of_o the_o ark_n the_o right_n of_o circumcision_n and_o the_o like_a as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v particular_o show_v in_o his_o first_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o these_o thing_n spring_v from_o the_o general_a persuasion_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n of_o those_o sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o moses_n have_v show_v that_o make_v he_o so_o great_a a_o person_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v thousand_o ready_a to_o have_v disprove_v the_o relation_n if_o the_o work_n have_v not_o be_v do_v nor_o be_v it_o in_o the_o least_o likely_a that_o of_o so_o many_o neighbour_a nation_n round_o about_o the_o jew_n which_o mortal_o hate_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n none_o will_v have_v discover_v the_o imposture_n have_v they_o not_o be_v satisfy_v that_o what_o moses_n have_v write_v be_v true_a the_o honour_n of_o have_v such_o great_a thing_n do_v for_o they_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v think_v too_o much_o for_o a_o despise_a hate_a people_n to_o have_v go_v away_o with_o 2._o but_o second_o instead_o of_o contradict_v moses_n history_n the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o greek_n do_v own_o his_o greatness_n insomuch_o that_o the_o old_a egyptian_n will_v have_v appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o pretend_v that_o he_o be_v of_o egyptian_a parentage_n and_o a_o priest_n of_o heliopolis_n by_o name_n ozarsiph_n change_v his_o name_n afterward_o to_o moses_n some_o indeed_o of_o the_o other_o heathen_n as_o apuleius_n and_o numenius_n the_o pythagorean_n reckon_v he_o among_o the_o old_a magician_n and_o in_o particular_a among_o janne_n and_o jambres_n the_o famous_a magician_n of_o pharaoh_n but_o all_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o very_a wonderful_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o plague_n he_o bring_v upon_o egypt_n 3._o and_o then_o three_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o their_o whole_a nation_n have_v all_o along_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n for_o their_o whole_a constitution_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n and_o that_o depend_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o have_v any_o of_o they_o be_v unsatisfied_a in_o that_o point_n those_o rebel_n who_o rise_v up_o against_o moses_n and_o aaron_n allege_v that_o they_o take_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o will_v have_v allege_v that_o they_o pretend_v too_o much_o also_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o what_o be_v true_a nor_o can_v those_o people_n who_o time_n after_o time_n revolt_a from_o moses_n law_n have_v have_v such_o another_o plea_n for_o their_o apostasy_n as_o this_o will_v have_v be_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n giver_n be_v not_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o it_o be_v believe_v i_o have_v say_v thus_o much_o of_o moses_n to_o confront_v some_o in_o our_o day_n who_o have_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o deride_v the_o write_n which_o go_v under_o moses_n name_n and_o the_o miracle_n say_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v with_o the_o great_a boldness_n deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n though_o if_o man_n will_v take_v the_o evidence_n give_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v better_a evidence_n of_o any_o matter_n than_o there_o be_v of_o these_o of_o the_o certainty_n whereof_o those_o who_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v and_o be_v able_a to_o know_v be_v full_o satisfy_v i_o go_v on_o now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n from_o the_o same_o consideration_n to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o the_o evangelist_n ascribe_v to_o jesus_n christ_n and_o who_o can_v think_v themselves_o more_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o than_o those_o great_a man_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v his_o religion_n and_o yet_o that_o many_o notable_a miracle_n have_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o by_o his_o apostle_n after_o he_o be_v manifest_a to_o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v it_o all_o that_o they_o have_v to_o say_v for_o their_o infidelity_n be_v that_o christ_n do_v those_o wonderful_a work_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o own_a hence_o it_o be_v that_o soon_o after_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n divers_a pretend_a to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n such_o as_o simon_n magus_n
the_o gnostic_n and_o especial_o appollonius_n tyanaeus_n that_o they_o may_v draw_v people_n off_o from_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o same_o motive_n which_o have_v induce_v they_o to_o embrace_v it_o those_o time_n abound_v with_o magician_n and_o sorceress_n who_o though_o they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o work_n which_o jesus_n christ_n have_v do_v yet_o use_v all_o their_o art_n to_o lessen_v and_o disparage_v they_o by_o pretend_v to_o do_v the_o like_a our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v his_o disciple_n that_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n will_v arise_v and_o will_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a matth._n 24._o 24._o according_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o that_o set_v of_o seducer_n in_o the_o singular_a number_n as_o the_o man_n of_o sin_n say_v that_o his_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_v wonder_n that_o be_v with_o wonder_n that_o serve_v to_o confirm_v and_o give_v testimony_n to_o false_a doctrine_n 2_o thess_n 2._o 9_o all_o these_o appearance_n be_v so_o many_o imitation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o jesus_n intend_v by_o those_o man_n to_o deceive_v who_o try_v to_o counterfeit_v thing_n which_o they_o dare_v not_o contradict_v for_o fear_v of_o be_v contradict_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o world_n nor_o do_v those_o bitter_a adversary_n to_o christianity_n in_o aftertime_n celsus_n and_o julian_n presume_v to_o disow_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n for_o they_o acknowledge_v as_o other_o heathen_n do_v that_o he_o cure_v the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a but_o to_o keep_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n from_o work_v upon_o man_n mind_n they_o revile_v his_o action_n as_o though_o they_o be_v do_v not_o by_o any_o divine_a power_n but_o by_o art_n of_o magic_n after_o his_o return_n out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o pretend_v he_o have_v learn_v his_o skill_n brief_o 30._o orig._n cont_n cell_n lib._n 1._o p._n 30._o in_o the_o age_n which_o be_v near_a to_o our_o saviour_n all_o sort_n of_o know_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o have_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n and_o have_v some_o sceptic_n of_o our_o day_n live_v then_o even_o jew_n and_o pagan_n will_v in_o that_o point_n have_v accuse_v their_o infidelity_n from_o notoriety_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v unquestionable_a 4._o and_o yet_o there_o be_v one_o consideration_n more_o that_o give_v further_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o moses_n and_o jesus_n christ_n do_v viz._n that_o thing_n of_o great_a and_o public_a concernment_n be_v the_o consequent_n of_o they_o than_o which_o no_o strong_a evidence_n can_v be_v give_v or_o desire_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o better_a proof_n that_o there_o be_v former_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n in_o england_n than_o the_o government_n they_o establish_v and_o the_o law_n they_o have_v leave_v we_o our_o whole_a constitution_n be_v found_v upon_o their_o action_n and_o the_o polity_n we_o be_v under_o show_v what_o king_n and_o parliament_n they_o be_v and_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o the_o man_n be_v long_o ago_o dead_a so_o do_v the_o state_n of_o judaisme_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o christianity_n show_v what_o moses_n and_o what_o christ_n do_v all_o on_o each_o hand_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v by_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o to_o say_v at_o last_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n be_v to_o accuse_v all_o their_o disciple_n of_o the_o high_a madness_n for_o follow_v their_o institution_n without_o ground_n or_o reason_n a_o censure_n that_o be_v too_o hard_a to_o be_v give_v of_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o think_v they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o their_o profession_n moses_n his_o business_n be_v to_o form_v the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n into_o a_o commonwealth_n distinct_a from_o all_o other_o society_n of_o man_n to_o give_v they_o peculiar_a law_n to_o prescribe_v they_o a_o peculiar_a form_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v their_o neck_n under_o a_o heavy_a yoke_n under_o a_o sort_n of_o discipline_n that_o be_v the_o most_o strict_a the_o most_o cumbersome_a and_o laborious_a and_o how_o can_v we_o think_v that_o a_o froward_a people_n just_o deliver_v out_o of_o one_o bondage_n will_v present_o have_v submit_v to_o another_o nay_o a_o bondage_n which_o they_o think_v be_v to_o last_o for_o ever_o have_v they_o not_o see_v such_o sign_n and_o wonder_v do_v before_o their_o eye_n as_o plain_o argue_v that_o their_o lawgiver_n come_v to_o they_o by_o immediate_a commission_n from_o god_n or_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o their_o posterity_n who_o groan_v so_o often_o under_o the_o curse_n which_o moses_n have_v leave_v they_o will_v have_v endure_v the_o severity_n of_o such_o a_o taskmaster_n have_v they_o not_o well_o know_v that_o his_o authority_n over_o they_o be_v attest_v from_o heaven_n nay_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o the_o jew_n at_o this_o day_n shall_v not_o yet_o depart_v from_o moses_n but_o stick_v to_o he_o to_o death_n and_o will_v undergo_v any_o suffering_n rather_o than_o leave_v he_o though_o their_o religion_n as_o distinct_a from_o christianity_n have_v no_o inward_a natural_a goodness_n to_o commend_v it_o no_o human_a power_n without_o to_o support_v it_o and_o though_o they_o themselves_o be_v the_o most_o ignominious_a hate_a people_n in_o the_o world_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o this_o must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o strong_a assurance_n the_o jew_n have_v always_o have_v that_o to_o erect_v their_o polity_n and_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n moses_n do_v such_o work_n as_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o all_o art_n and_o nature_n and_o plain_a token_n that_o he_o act_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a institution_n it_o have_v be_v long_o ago_o receive_v and_o profess_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o meet_v with_o and_o indeed_o carry_v in_o its_o nature_n such_o vast_a and_o manifest_a discouragement_n as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v conquer_v have_v not_o christ_n show_v the_o necessity_n and_o divinity_n thereof_o by_o miracle_n a_o religion_n who_o author_n die_v a_o most_o reproachful_a death_n a_o religion_n that_o lay_v hard_a restraint_n upon_o man_n natural_a desire_n and_o bind_v they_o to_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n a_o religion_n that_o make_v people_n prefer_v future_a expectation_n before_o all_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o wait_v till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o their_o full_a reward_n a_o religion_n that_o be_v attend_v with_o sorrow_n and_o suffering_n and_o expose_v its_o professor_n to_o death_n it_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n in_o short_a a_o religion_n that_o bring_v with_o it_o all_o the_o seem_a disadvantage_n and_o discouragement_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o inconvenience_n this_o religion_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v preach_v have_v continual_o prevail_v over_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o teachable_a man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o no_o other_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v but_o this_o that_o the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n prove_v his_o authority_n and_o confirm_v all_o his_o law_n and_o doctrine_n by_o work_a miracle_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n the_o work_n that_o he_o do_v in_o his_o father_n name_n they_o bear_v witness_v of_o he_o joh._n 10._o 25._o for_o all_o people_n know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n because_o no_o man_n can_v have_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o he_o do_v except_o god_n have_v be_v with_o he_o joh._n 2._o 3._o so_o that_o miracle_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o every_o man_n faith_n and_o obedience_n the_o great_a reason_n which_o congregat_v all_o people_n into_o that_o body_n which_o we_o call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o still_o hold_v they_o firm_a together_o against_o all_o the_o hardship_n and_o storm_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v upon_o they_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o stand_v visible_a monument_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n as_o the_o jewish_a state_n be_v of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o both_o of_o they_o be_v monument_n of_o such_o vast_a and_o public_a consequence_n as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v erect_v without_o they_o much_o less_o can_v they_o have_v stand_v against_o all_o wind_n and_o weather_n and_o after_o all_o to_o imagine_v as_o some_o do_v that_o no_o such_o divine_a supernatural_a effect_n be_v ever_o do_v be_v
say_v to_o be_v proportionable_a and_o the_o now_o receive_a opinion_n be_v that_o how_o numberless_a soever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v the_o principal_a one_o especial_o so_o many_o lesser_a sun_n or_o sunlike_a body_n but_o wave_v all_o pretence_n to_o exactness_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o they_o be_v of_o vast_a magnitude_n how_o small_a soever_o they_o seem_v to_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a height_n and_o distance_n from_o we_o which_o thing_n be_v due_o consider_v what_o but_o a_o omnipotent_a and_o most_o intelligent_a be_v can_v be_v think_v to_o have_v form_v such_o world_n as_o it_o be_v of_o immense_a glorious_a creature_n wherewith_o the_o firmament_n be_v adorn_v can_v it_o be_v reasonble_a to_o conceive_v that_o such_o a_o vast_a orderly_a host_n be_v raise_v by_o the_o chance-motion_n of_o senseless_a atom_n or_o that_o chance_n which_o never_o yet_o build_v a_o cottage_n or_o draw_v a_o picture_n or_o pave_v a_o house_n can_v first_o make_v and_o then_o furnish_v the_o heaven_n after_o that_o magnificent_a and_o wonderful_a 2._o cic_fw-la de_fw-la nat._n dcor_fw-la lib._n 2._o manner_n cicero_n consider_v those_o glitter_a body_n in_o the_o sky_n their_o multitude_n greatness_n motion_n order_n and_o commodious_a situation_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o annoy_v the_o earth_n they_o be_v serviceable_a and_o beneficial_a to_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o can_v not_o but_o admire_v how_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o any_o man_n heart_n to_o think_v that_o such_o a_o goodly_a beautiful_a structure_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a particle_n of_o matter_n that_o can_v never_o build_v a_o city_n or_o a_o temple_n or_o a_o portico_n after_o that_o rate_n say_v he_o they_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o by_o throw_v multitude_n of_o letter_n upon_o the_o ground_n ennius_n his_o annal_n may_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n so_o as_o to_o become_v a_o fair_a legible_a and_o intelligible_a book_n whereas_o no_o one_o verse_n be_v ever_o so_o compose_v and_o be_v not_o such_o a_o little_a thing_n more_o easy_a to_o be_v form_v by_o chance_n than_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o the_o world_n and_o hence_o that_o excellent_a author_n proceed_v to_o a_o discourse_n of_o aristotle_n to_o this_o purpose_n suppose_v some_o person_n shall_v have_v dwell_v all_o their_o day_n under_o ground_n in_o stately_a domicil_n adorn_v with_o imagery_n and_o picture_n and_o furnish_v with_o all_o necessary_n to_o make_v their_o life_n happy_a and_o there_o shall_v have_v hear_v some_o rumour_n of_o a_o numen_fw-la and_o power_n divine_a and_o suppose_v that_o after_o a_o while_n by_o the_o sudden_a open_n of_o some_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n those_o person_n shall_v step_v out_o into_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o behold_v the_o earth_n sun_n and_o heaven_n and_o observe_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o cloud_n the_o violence_n of_o the_o wind_n the_o bigness_n beauty_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o that_o the_o day_n depend_v upon_o his_o presence_n and_o suppose_v when_o night_n come_v they_o shall_v behold_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heaven_n so_o adorn_v the_o various_a aspect_n of_o the_o moon_n the_o order_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n their_o rise_n and_o set_v and_o their_o state_v and_o perpetual_a course_n when_o they_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n they_o can_v not_o but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n by_o these_o wise_a meditation_n of_o intelligent_a pagan_n we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o heaven_n such_o evidence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o shine_v bright_a upon_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o plain_a honest_a nature_n bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o psal_n 19_o 1._o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n 2._o if_o now_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o lower_v our_o contemplation_n by_o take_v our_o eye_n off_o from_o the_o magnificence_n by_o god_n throne_n to_o behold_v a_o little_a what_o may_v be_v see_v about_o his_o footstool_n with_o what_o pleasure_n and_o ravish_n may_v we_o find_v astonish_a object_n for_o number_n and_o variety_n in_o both_o respect_v they_o be_v next_o to_o infinite_a which_o show_v that_o nothing_o but_o a_o understanding_n infinite_o perfect_a a_o will_v infinite_o essication_n and_o a_o power_n infinite_o extensive_a can_v give_v they_o a_o be_v or_o preserve_v they_o in_o it_o because_o more_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o agent_n especial_o in_o a_o voluntary_a and_o divine_a agent_n than_o be_v in_o its_o effect_n first_o then_o as_o to_o the_o number_n of_o they_o the_o most_o assume_v seepticks_n will_v not_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o all_o mankind_n to_o give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o individual_n for_o who_o can_v be_v answerable_a for_o the_o catalogue_n of_o man_n only_o indeed_o great_a pain_n have_v be_v take_v by_o some_o critical_a naturalist_n and_o particular_o by_o that_o learned_a author_n of_o our_o own_o beforementioned_a to_o discover_v the_o tale_n of_o species_n or_o the_o several_a sort_n and_o kind_n of_o thing_n with_o life_n and_o because_o book_n be_v not_o ready_a at_o every_o one_o hand_n let_v i_o give_v you_o the_o sum_n in_o short_a which_o seem_v to_o be_v this_o the_o species_n of_o beast_n certain_o know_v and_o discover_v about_o 150._o the_o species_n of_o bird_n about_o 500_o the_o species_n of_o fish_n above_o 3000._o the_o species_n of_o infect_v 20000._o and_o the_o species_n of_o plant_n above_o that_o number_n but_o how_o well_o soever_o these_o worthy_a observer_n and_o secretary_n of_o nature_n have_v deserve_v of_o the_o world_n for_o their_o curious_a and_o elaborate_a inquiry_n still_o they_o speak_v but_o like_a man_n who_o knowledge_n be_v and_o unavoidable_o must_v be_v of_o a_o short_a reach_n in_o comparison_n for_o what_o man_n can_v be_v accountable_a for_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o especial_o for_o those_o part_n which_o be_v as_o yet_o undiscovered_a however_o the_o estimate_n be_v the_o more_o laudable_a because_o it_o be_v modest_a there_o be_v second_o great_a variety_n as_o well_o as_o number_n of_o thing_n on_o earth_n that_o be_v include_v and_o comprehend_v under_o one_o and_o the_o same_o species_n which_o still_o show_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o more_o as_o the_o lily_n for_o example_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o allow_v a_o specisick_n difference_n to_o make_v they_o every_o one_o a_o distinct_a sort_n or_o kind_n of_o flower_n yet_o a_o numerical_a difference_n must_v be_v allow_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o plain_a difference_n as_o to_o growth_n colour_n shape_v and_o smell_v i_o use_v this_o instance_n the_o rather_o because_o the_o lord_n jesus_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o send_v we_o to_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n for_o our_o instruction_n math._n 5._o but_o the_o observation_n extend_v to_o many_o other_o production_n wherein_o we_o find_v great_a diversity_n in_o one_o respect_n or_o other_o though_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_a and_o this_o variety_n of_o thing_n which_o still_o operate_v conformable_o to_o their_o own_o power_n and_o faculty_n carry_v with_o it_o a_o plain_a stamp_n of_o a_o hand_n act_v with_o secundity_n of_o power_n direct_v and_o govern_v by_o abundant_a wisdom_n for_o though_o a_o infinite_a power_n may_v form_v thing_n without_o number_n or_o end_v yet_o the_o beauty_n of_o that_o power_n be_v best_a see_v by_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o stroke_n which_o make_v up_o one_o comely_a and_o fair_a composure_n as_o variety_n of_o agreeable_a feature_n and_o lineament_n make_v up_o a_o beautiful_a face_n such_o be_v the_o admirable_a decorum_n that_o be_v in_o this_o spacious_a universe_n in_o that_o it_o be_v not_o stock_v with_o numerous_a generation_n of_o one_o kind_a only_a which_o yet_o a_o boundless_a and_o uncontrollable_a power_n can_v have_v make_v but_o be_v chequered_a as_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o wisdom_n with_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o species_n that_o the_o fecundity_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v more_o wonderful_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v be_v more_o visible_o extend_v round_o about_o the_o world_n and_o that_o all_o rational_a creature_n may_v be_v more_o easy_o and_o thorough_o teach_v to_o admire_v and_o adore_v that_o munificent_a be_v which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n maintain_v so_o many_o abundant_a sort_n of_o creature_n at_o the_o constant_a charge_n of_o his_o providence_n we_o see_v how_o one_o creature_n be_v ministerial_a and_o serviceable_a to_o another_o as_o grass_n be_v for_o the_o cattle_n fruit_n for_o beast_n fowl_n and_o
of_o its_o operation_n or_o intend_v and_o design_n the_o end_n or_o consult_v and_o deliberate_v concern_v the_o manner_n of_o bring_v those_o end_v about_o for_o these_o be_v mental_a act_n proper_a to_o creature_n rational_a endn_v with_o rational_a faculty_n and_o power_n 3._o and_o therefore_o three_o instead_o of_o destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o plastic_a nature_n in_o animal_n and_o plant_n do_v infer_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o intelligent_a direct_a agent_n under_o which_o and_o in_o subserviency_n to_o which_o it_o act_v so_o methodical_o like_o a_o labourer_n that_o do_v the_o drudgery_n to_o act_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o wise_a master-workman_n and_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o that_o excellent_a author_n speak_v of_o that_o though_o plastic_a nature_n do_v act_v artificial_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o end_n yet_o itself_o do_v neither_o intend_v those_o end_n nor_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o it_o do_v nature_n be_v not_o master_n of_o that_o consummate_a art_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o only_o a_o servant_n and_o a_o drudge_a executioner_n of_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o it_o act_v not_o by_o choice_n or_o knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o work_v regular_o and_o uniform_o for_o end_n and_o which_o may_v be_v also_o call_v the_o divine_a art_n and_o fate_n of_o the_o corporeal_a world_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o it_o be_v a_o low_a and_o imperfect_a creature_n foras_fw-la much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o master_n of_o that_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n nor_o do_v it_o proper_o intend_v those_o end_n which_o it_o act_v for_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o express_o conscious_a of_o what_o it_o do_v it_o not_o know_v but_o only_o do_v according_a to_o command_n and_o law_n impress_v upon_o it_o neither_o of_o which_o thing_n ought_v to_o seem_v strange_a or_o incredible_a since_o nature_n may_v as_o well_o act_v regular_o and_o artificial_o without_o any_o knowledge_n and_o consciousness_n of_o its_o own_o as_o form_n of_o letter_n compound_v together_o may_v print_v coherent_a philosophic_a sense_n though_o they_o understand_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o it_o may_v also_o act_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o end_n that_o be_v not_o intend_v by_o itself_o but_o a_o high_o be_v as_o well_o as_o the_o saw_n or_o hatchet_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o architect_n do_v this_o show_v that_o whatever_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v they_o be_v all_o in_o obedience_n and_o subserviency_n to_o a_o supreme_a wise_a be_v that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v all_o along_o since_o preserve_v its_o faculty_n and_o be_v still_o the_o principal_a superintend_v cause_n of_o all_o that_o decence_n and_o beauty_n which_o give_v such_o a_o dazzle_a lustre_n to_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o be_v from_o year_n to_o year_n from_o age_n to_o age_n maintain_v in_o a_o constant_a uniform_a and_o undistrube_v state_n to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o comely_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v such_o from_o eternity_n be_v very_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v they_o make_v themselves_o such_o out_o of_o nothing_o be_v nonsense_n to_o conceive_v they_o be_v fortuitous_o form_v such_o by_o the_o accidental_a jumbling_n and_o sport_n and_o coalition_n of_o undesigning_a matter_n be_v equal_o as_o unreasonable_a and_o to_o fancy_v they_o constitute_v such_o by_o the_o like_a accidental_a cohesion_n of_o those_o blind_a particle_n of_o matter_n be_v a_o conceit_n as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a as_o the_o rest_n can_v chance_n form_v a_o flower_n especial_o such_o variety_n of_o flower_n the_o contexture_n whereof_o no_o art_n can_v express_v can_v chance_n propagate_v so_o many_o beautiful_a species_n of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o steady_a constant_a regular_a manner_n can_v chance_n do_v this_o that_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v orderly_o uniform_a and_o uninterrupted_o graceful_a since_o the_o world_n stand_v can_v chance_n make_v so_o many_o minute_n seeds_n so_o mysterious_o with_o such_o germen_n fibres_n and_o ramification_n that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o microscope_n you_o will_v believe_v you_o see_v the_o plant_n in_o a_o epitome_n can_v chance_n then_o teach_v the_o seed_n to_o sprout_v so_o methodical_o first_o to_o cast_v out_o a_o complication_n of_o root_n downward_o to_o establish_v its_o hopeful_a offspring_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o to_o receive_v for_o it_o a_o constant_a supplement_n of_o vitality_n and_o then_o to_o shoot_v upward_o into_o a_o proportionable_a body_n with_o variety_n of_o vessel_n to_o entertain_v its_o nutriment_n can_v chance_n then_o direct_v the_o plant_n to_o clothe_v itself_o with_o proper_a integument_n to_o extend_v itself_o into_o divers_a branch_n and_o divarication_n to_o cover_v its_o head_n with_o leave_n to_o adorn_v those_o leave_n with_o flower_n to_o which_o solomon_n glory_n be_v not_o comparable_a and_o to_o digest_v and_o disperse_v the_o vital_a juice_n into_o great_a variety_n of_o odoriferous_a shape_v streak_n and_o colour_n such_o as_o be_v inimitable_a by_o human_a art_n and_o when_o these_o curious_a work_n be_v do_v do_v chance_n instruct_v the_o florid_n creature_n to_o reflect_v upon_o its_o mean_a and_o poor_a beginning_n and_o as_o a_o grateful_a return_n to_o form_v more_o seed_n of_o the_o same_o species_n for_o another_o new_a generation_n do_v all_o these_o orderly_a and_o artificial_a operation_n look_v as_o if_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a motion_n of_o irrational_a rude_a and_o stupid_a atom_n be_v they_o not_o rather_o clear_a argument_n of_o the_o wonderful_a skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o a_o intelligent_a be_v that_o sustain_v the_o faculty_n and_o guide_v the_o operation_n of_o plastic_a nature_n by_o a_o perpetual_a law_n that_o be_v by_o a_o energetic_n effective_a principle_n give_v it_o by_o its_o maker_n whereby_o nature_n work_v uniform_o and_o steady_o in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o great_a creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v the_o only_a intelligible_a and_o rational_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o beauty_n of_o the_o creation_n chap._n viii_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o a_o plain_a argument_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n be_v the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o aptitude_n of_o they_o to_o answer_v their_o respective_a uses_n which_o i_o once_o intend_v to_o have_v make_v two_o distinct_a head_n but_o upon_o second_o thought_n conceive_v it_o better_a to_o cast_v they_o together_o into_o one_o and_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o the_o world_n be_v so_o artful_o frame_v that_o the_o part_n of_o it_o tend_v and_o be_v adapt_v to_o such_o beneficial_a purpose_n as_o they_o will_v and_o shall_v have_v be_v make_v for_o suppose_v divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v have_v the_o frame_n of_o they_o what_o can_v any_o reasonable_a man_n conclude_v but_o that_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o sit_v for_o those_o excellent_a purpose_n by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o a_o direct_n beneficent_a be_v over_o all_o and_o not_o jumble_v together_o by_o the_o mere_a lucky_a composition_n of_o unthinking_a undeliberate_v atom_n this_o than_o must_v be_v our_o present_a business_n to_o look_v into_o distinction_n and_o because_o the_o subject_n be_v copious_a and_o important_a as_o well_o as_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o cast_v our_o eye_n again_o over_o this_o goodly_a fabric_n and_o observe_v the_o admirable_a usefulness_n as_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o its_o structure_n 1._o to_o begin_v then_o with_o the_o heavenly_a body_n who_o principal_a end_n as_o i_o conceive_v be_v by_o their_o lustre_n and_o magnificence_n to_o set_v forth_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o infinite_a greatness_n and_o splendour_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n be_v themselves_o so_o many_o faint_a ray_n or_o rather_o as_o in_o this_o case_n if_o i_o may_v without_o absurdity_n speak_v so_o many_o shadow_n of_o his_o glory_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o this_o inferior_a world_n they_o be_v the_o great_a mean_n of_o vitality_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o live_a creature_n to_o be_v maintain_v in_o their_o be_v nor_o will_v the_o whole_a terraqueous_a globe_n be_v any_o thing_n but_o dead_a rock_n and_o ice_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o which_o havoc_n they_o be_v in_o their_o nature_n so_o many_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o fire_n that_o give_v light_a to_o all_o sensible_a creature_n warmth_n and_o vegetation_n to_o all_o animal_n substance_n this_o be_v to_o be_v say_v more_o especial_o of_o that_o great_a luminary_n the_o sun_n which_o heathen_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o worship_n for_o the_o universal_a good_a it_o do_v by_o its_o enliven_a beam_n for_o as_o it_o