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 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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 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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
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 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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
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
subject_n they_o treat_v of_o and_o some_o fragment_n 3._o those_o that_o be_v extant_a either_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n of_o elder_a time_n or_o plain_o discover_v it_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v thucydides_n and_o plutarch_n several_a evidence_n of_o the_o grecian_n ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a original_n of_o nation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o his_o mistake_n the_o greek_n ignorance_n in_o geography_n discover_v and_o thence_o their_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a history_n page_n 56_o chap._n v._o the_o general_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n further_o prove_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n in_o their_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n that_o discover_v by_o the_o uncertain_a form_n of_o their_o year_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o different_a form_n of_o the_o egyptian_a year_n the_o first_o of_o thirty_o day_n the_o second_o of_o four_o month_n of_o both_o instance_n give_v in_o the_o egyptian_a history_n of_o the_o chaldaean_a account_n and_o the_o first_o dynastye_n mention_v by_o berosus_n how_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o probability_n of_o the_o egyptian_a dynastye_n of_o manetho_n reason_n of_o account_v they_o fabulous_a because_o not_o attest_v by_o any_o credible_a authority_n and_o reject_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n the_o opinion_n of_o scaliger_n and_o vossius_fw-la concern_v their_o be_v cotemporary_a propound_v and_o reject_v with_o reason_n against_o it_o of_o the_o ancient_a division_n of_o egypt_n into_o nomi_n or_o province_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o against_o vossius_fw-la and_o kircher_n page_n 73_o chap._n vi_o the_o uncertain_a epocha_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o defect_n of_o chronology_n in_o the_o â—ldest_a time_n of_o the_o solar_a year_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o original_n of_o the_o epact_n the_o antiquity_n of_o intercalation_n among_o they_o of_o the_o several_a canicular_a year_n the_o difference_n between_o scaliger_n and_o petavius_n consider_v the_o certain_a epocha_n of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n no_o elder_a than_o nabonasser_n of_o the_o grecian_a account_n the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o heroical_a age_n of_o greece_n of_o the_o ancient_a grecian_a kingdom_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o olympiad_n the_o uncertain_a origines_fw-la of_o the_o western_a nation_n of_o the_o latin_a dynastye_n the_o different_a palilia_n of_o rome_n the_o uncertain_a reckon_a ab._n v._o c._n of_o imposture_n as_o to_o ancient_a history_n of_o annius_n inghiramius_n and_o other_o of_o the_o character_n use_v by_o heathen_a priest_n no_o sacred_a character_n among_o the_o fews_n the_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o heathen_a bistory_n with_o each_o other_o from_o all_o which_o the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v clear_o demonstrate_v page_n 89_o book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v page_n 107_o chap._n ii_o moses_n his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o three_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n that_o gradual_o prove_v first_o moses_n his_o knowledge_n clear_v by_o his_o education_n and_o experience_n and_o certain_a information_n his_o education_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n what_o that_o be_v the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n inquire_v into_o the_o convenience_n for_o it_o of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n moses_n reckon_v among_o they_o for_o his_o knowledge_n the_o mathematical_a natural_a divine_a and_o moral_a learning_n of_o egypt_n their_o political_a wisdom_n most_o considerable_a the_o advantage_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o to_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n moses_n himself_o a_o eye_n witness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o history_n the_o certain_a uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o other_o part_n among_o the_o fews_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n p._n 119_o chap._n iii_o moses_n his_o fidelity_n and_o integrity_n prove_v moses_n consider_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n his_o fidelity_n in_o both_o prove_v clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n freedom_n from_o private_a interest_n impartiality_n in_o his_o relation_n plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o stile_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n be_v come_v arm_v with_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n be_v fix_v on_o to_o be_v full_o prove_v from_o his_o action_n and_o write_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n two_o grand_a question_n propound_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o how_o know_v to_o be_v true_a no_o necessity_n of_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o a_o church_n two_o case_n alone_o wherein_o they_o may_v be_v expect_v when_o any_o thing_n come_v as_o a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o when_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v the_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o those_o case_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n assert_v objection_n answer_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v settle_v and_o own_a by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o revelation_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n in_o reformation_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iu_o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n in_o order_n of_o prophet_n to_o succeed_v moses_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n the_o place_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o to_o a_o prophetical_a office_n of_o the_o music_n use_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o roman_a assamâ—nta_n and_o the_o greek_a hymn_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n lieger_n and_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a prophet_n take_v out_o of_o the_o school_n prove_v by_o amos_n and_o saul_n pag._n 149_o chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretell_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n pag._n 165_o chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_n hypothese_v premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o
reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o america_n pag._n 533_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n preserve_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o decay_n of_o knowledge_n increase_n of_o idolatry_n confusion_n of_o language_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o difficulty_n against_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o language_n be_v confound_v at_o babel_n those_o difficulty_n clear_v of_o the_o fabulousness_n of_o poet_n the_o particular_a way_n whereby_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n arise_v attribute_v the_o general_a history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o their_o own_o nation_n the_o corruption_n of_o hebraism_n alteration_n of_o name_n ambiguity_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o oriental_a language_n attribute_v the_o action_n of_o many_o to_o one_o person_n as_o in_o jupiter_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n the_o remainder_n of_o scripture_n history_n among_o the_o heathen_n the_o name_n of_o god_n chaos_n formation_n of_o man_n among_o the_o phaenician_o of_o adam_n among_o the_o german_n egyptian_n cilician_o adam_n under_o saturn_n cain_n among_o the_o phaenician_o tubalcain_n and_o jubal_n under_o vulcan_n and_o apollo_n naamah_n under_o minerva_n noah_n under_o saturn_n janus_n prometheus_n and_o bacchus_n noah_n three_o son_n under_o jupiter_n neptune_n and_o pluto_n canaan_n under_o mercury_n nimrod_n under_o bacchus_n magog_n under_o prometheus_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n among_o the_o phaenician_o jacob_n service_n under_o apollo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o bethel_n joseph_n under_o apis._n moses_n under_o bacchus_n joshua_n under_o hercules_n balaam_n under_o the_o old_a silenus_n pag._n 577_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n pag._n 599_o errata_fw-la page_n 11._o l._n 15._o r._n existence_n p._n 17._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 21._o l._n 19_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 22._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 27._o l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 31._o l._n 2._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o l._n 16._o r._n anebo_fw-la p._n 36._o l._n 1._o r._n sebennyta_n p._n 37._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 52._o l._n 28._o r._n accederent_fw-la and_o causaubon_n p._n 57_o l._n 26._o r._n other_o p._n 61._o l._n 14._o r._n pisistratidae_n p._n 63._o l._n 35._o r._n hierocles_n apollonius_n p._n 64._o l._n 11._o r._n acusilaus_n p_o 83._o l._n 29_o 30._o r._n the_o patriarch_n tarasius_n p._n 91._o l._n 3._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 94_o l._n 23._o for_o but_o r._n by_o p._n 96._o l._n 26._o for_o to_o r._n and._n p._n 104._o l._n 22._o r._n hecataeus_n p._n 105._o l._n 33._o r._n panchotis_n p._n 112._o l._n 15._o r._n as_o to_o p._n 120._o l._n 14_o r._n he_o for_o we_o p._n 125._o l._n 4._o r._n provide_v l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 126._o l._n 15._o r._n peteseph_n p._n 132._o r._n deceive_v p._n 140._o l._n 19_o r._n continue_v p._n 150._o l._n 16._o r._n deut._n 18._o p._n 149._o l._n 12._o r._n a_o order_n p._n 156._o l_o 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 167._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 171._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 180_o l._n 11._o r._n be_v p_o 182._o l._n 3â—_n r._n ordinat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 184._o l._n 39_o before_o those_o insert_v though_o p._n 201._o l_o 18._o r._n employ_v l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 202._o l_o 14._o r._n vorstius_n p._n 209._o l._n 9_o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 226._o l_o 5._o r._n meanness_n p._n 254._o l._n 26._o r._n table_n p._n 267._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 293._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 302._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 323._o l._n 19_o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 328._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 334_o l._n 11._o r._n barchochebas_n p._n 346._o between_o we_o and_o in_o insert_v a._n p_o 348._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 349._o l._n 29._o r._n incredibilia_fw-la p._n 364._o l._n 17._o blot_n out_o the_o comma_n between_o euhemerus_n and_o messenius_n l_o 29_o and_o elsewhere_o r._n salve_n for_o solve_v p._n 365._o l._n 20._o r._n elastical_a p._n 395._o l._n 3._o r._n toupinamboult_n p._n 409._o l._n 21._o r._n peristaltic_n p._n 424._o l._n 15._o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 425._o l._n 7._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 427._o l._n r._n insert_v â—â—_o between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o r_o fluidane_a p._n 443._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o for_o col_n r._n l._n nomine_fw-la appellasse_n p._n 464._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o surface_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 488._o l._n 36._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 493._o l._n 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 28._o r._n coaeterna_fw-la p._n 502._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 518._o l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 520._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n assert_v book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n assert_v and_o prove_v by_o
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o and_o those_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v the_o great_a maintainer_n of_o these_o sublime_a notion_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v either_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o advance_v that_o horrid_a superstition_n among_o they_o as_o orpheus_n &_o apollonius_n or_o very_o forward_a complyer_n with_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v although_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o wonderful_a discovery_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o these_o general_a notion_n to_o keep_v wake_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v appear_v when_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o they_o that_o it_o bring_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o do_v only_o rectify_v the_o depravation_n of_o it_o and_o clear_o show_v man_n that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v long_o be_v ignorant_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v the_o excellent_a advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
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
put_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o boundless_a 9_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o sometime_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n upon_o extraordinary_a message_n and_o then_o furnish_v they_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a commission_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o beside_o these_o god_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o leiger-prophet_n among_o his_o people_n such_o be_v the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v no_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n such_o in_o david_n time_n we_o may_v conceive_v gad_n and_o nathan_n and_o afterward_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o prophet_n and_o seer_n among_o they_o to_o who_o the_o people_n make_v their_o resort_n now_o these_o in_o probability_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o prophetic_a school_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v but_o in_o a_o more_o fix_v and_o settle_a way_n then_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n who_o god_n do_v call_v out_o on_o some_o more_o signal_n occasion_n such_o as_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n be_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a foundation_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n of_o prophet_n in_o those_o word_n of_o amos_n to_o amaziah_n amos_n 7._o 14_o 15._o i_o be_v no_o prophet_n neither_o be_v i_o a_o prophet_n son_n but_o i_o be_v a_o herdman_n and_o a_o gatherer_n of_o sycamore_n fruit_n and_o the_o lord_n take_v i_o as_o i_o follow_v the_o stock_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o go_v prophecy_n to_o my_o people_n israel_n some_o understand_v the_o first_o word_n i_o be_v not_o a_o prophet_n that_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v a_o prophet_n as_o jeremiah_n be_v not_o design_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o it_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n but_o i_o rather_o think_v by_o his_o not_o be_v a_o prophet_n he_o mean_v he_o be_v none_o of_o those_o resident_a prophet_n in_o the_o college_n or_o school_n of_o they_o not_o any_o of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o prophetic_a life_n and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v i_o say_v he_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n i._n e._n not_o bring_v up_o in_o discipleship_n under_o those_o prophet_n and_o thereby_o train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prophetic_a function_n non_fw-la didici_fw-la inter_fw-la discipulos_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la as_o pelican_n render_v it_o nec_fw-la institutione_n qua_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la donum_fw-la prâ—phetiae_n à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la praeparabantur_fw-la say_v estius_n non_fw-fr à _fw-fr pvero_fw-la educatus_fw-la in_o schol_n be_v propheticis_fw-la so_o calvin_n and_o most_o other_o modern_a interpreter_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o abarbinel_n and_o the_o jewish_a writer_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o take_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n although_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v up_o hmself_n to_o this_o method_n but_o sometime_o call_v one_o from_o the_o court_n as_o he_o do_v isaiah_n sometime_o one_o from_o the_o herd_n as_o here_o he_o do_v amos_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v prophecy_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v then_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o israelite_n who_o shine_v as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o more_o planetary_a motion_n and_o withal_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o resplendent_a illumination_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o prophetic_a light_n and_o further_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o ordinary_o seize_v on_o any_o but_o such_o who_o institution_n be_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n by_o the_o great_a admiration_n which_o be_v cause_v among_o the_o people_n at_o saul_n so_o sudden_a prophesy_v 24._o that_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n be_v saul_n also_o among_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v not_o give_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o adage_n for_o a_o strange_a and_o unwonted_a thing_n unless_o the_o most_o common_a appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o it_o thus_o i_o suppose_v we_o have_v full_o clear_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o ordinary_a prophet_n who_o chief_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o prove_v their_o commission_n by_o miracle_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o these_o be_v bring_v up_o ordinary_o to_o that_o end_n among_o they_o so_o that_o all_o prejudices_fw-la be_v sufficient_o remove_v from_o their_o person_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o that_o of_o miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretel_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o those_o prophet_n who_o main_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n or_o mere_o foretell_v future_a 1_o event_n need_v not_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o mirale_n be_v because_o they_o have_v certain_a rule_n of_o trial_n by_o their_o law_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o true_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o it_o be_v their_o own_o oscitancy_n and_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o god_n in_o that_o law_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a have_v establish_v a_o court_n of_o trial_n for_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o give_v such_o certain_a rule_n of_o procedure_v in_o it_o that_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o trial_n among_o they_o because_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v so_o common_a there_o will_v be_v very_o many_o pretender_n to_o it_o who_o may_v much_o endanger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o deter_v man_n either_o from_o counterfeit_v a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o from_o harken_v to_o such_o as_o do_v god_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n for_o every_o such_o pretender_n viz._n upon_o legal_a conviction_n that_o he_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n deut._n 18._o 20._o but_o the_o prophet_n which_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o my_o name_n which_o i_o have_v not_o command_v he_o to_o speak_v or_o that_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n shall_v sure_o die_v the_o jew_n general_o understand_v this_o of_o strangle_v as_o they_o do_v always_o in_o the_o law_n when_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o death_n be_v not_o express_v and_o therein_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o a_o seducer_n be_v distinguish_v each_o from_o other_o that_o a_o mere_a seducer_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n under_o sufficient_a testimony_n deut._n 13._o 6_o 10._o but_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v there_o say_v in_o general_a only_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n vâ—ssium_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 5._o the_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v that_o the_o seducer_n seek_v by_o cunning_a persuasion_n and_o plausible_a argument_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n always_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o whether_o he_o give_v out_o that_o he_o have_v that_o revelation_n
from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o from_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n so_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v punish_v with_o so_o great_a severity_n the_o jew_n tell_v we_o of_o three_o sort_n of_o prophet_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o man_n and_o three_o other_o sort_n who_o 2._o be_v reserve_v to_o divine_a punishment_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o prophesy_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v 3._o and_o for_o this_o they_o instance_n in_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n who_o make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o lie_a prophet_n 2._o he_o that_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o and_o for_o this_o they_o 11._o instance_n in_o hananiah_n the_o son_n of_o azure_a but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v the_o plagiary_n prophet_n 3._o he_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n do_v this_o be_v the_o idol_n prophet_n these_o three_o when_o once_o full_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o rank_n of_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n hand_n consist_v of_o these_o 1._o he_o that_o stisle_n and_o smother_v his_o own_o prophecy_n as_o ionas_n do_v by_o which_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v overshadow_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o offer_v no_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n for_o at_o sometime_o their_o prophecy_n be_v as_o fire_v in_o their_o bone_n that_o they_o 9_o be_v never_o at_o any_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o office_n but_o withal_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jonas_n we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n like_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n can_v only_o be_v kindle_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v destroy_v when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v with_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o or_o when_o it_o meet_v not_o with_o suitable_a entertainment_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o it_o fall_v upon_o it_o may_v retreat_v back_o again_o to_o heaven_n or_o at_o least_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ember_n till_o a_o new_a blast_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d retrieve_v it_o into_o its_o former_a heat_n and_o activity_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonas_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o such_o god_n say_v deut._n 18._o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o which_o maimonides_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o cer_v that_o he_o make_v the_o death_n per_fw-la 18._o manus_fw-la coeli_fw-la to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o cer_v because_o this_o latter_a continue_v in_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o the_o other_o be_v expiate_v by_o death_n but_o general_o they_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o person_n 3._o the_o last_o be_v he_o who_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o prophecy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v to_o bethel_n who_o tertullian_n call_v sameas_n the_o jew_n hedua_n who_o god_n destroy_v in_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o command_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n at_o bethel_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o way_n he_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n to_o this_o prophet_n that_o the_o old_a prophet_n at_o bethel_n tell_v he_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v turn_v back_o for_o 1._o those_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o give_v they_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o prophet_n can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o another_o especial_o when_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o contradict_v that_o which_o be_v so_o special_o enjoin_v he_o 2._o where_o god_n command_v a_o prophet_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o message_n there_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n shall_v countermand_v it_o or_o no_o by_o another_o prophet_n because_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o message_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o action_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n intend_v his_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n to_o testify_v how_o much_o he_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v that_o place_n since_o its_o be_v pollute_v with_o idolatry_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n both_o because_o of_o his_o live_n in_o bethel_n and_o not_o open_o according_a to_o his_o office_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v he_o out_o of_o judea_n upon_o that_o very_a errand_n which_o will_v not_o have_v seem_v so_o probable_a if_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophet_n resident_a upon_o the_o place_n 4._o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o importance_n on_o which_o god_n use_v to_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o prophet_n much_o less_o by_o one_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v by_o another_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v of_o he_o poenam_fw-la deserti_fw-la jejunii_fw-la luit_fw-la god_n punish_v he_o for_o break_v his_o 16._o fast_n at_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o that_o message_n of_o this_o prophet_n seem_v to_o gratify_v more_o man_n carnal_a appetite_n then_o usual_o the_o action_n of_o prophet_n do_v which_o be_v most_o time_n matter_n of_o hardship_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o however_o all_o these_o be_v yet_o he_o yield_v too_o soon_o especial_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o have_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o see_v some_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o countermand_n before_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n upon_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v stagger_v his_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v his_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a temptation_n but_o so_o easy_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o lie_a prophet_n which_o contradict_v his_o own_o message_n argue_v either_o great_a unbelief_n as_o to_o his_o own_o commission_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n and_o inadvertency_n in_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o the_o old_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n make_v that_o old_a prophet_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o entertainment_n as_o with_o a_o hand_n write_v against_o the_o wall_n to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v too_o light_a and_o therefore_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v either_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jewish_a 3_o doctor_n that_o the_o cognizance_n and_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n so_o maimonides_n after_o he_o have_v 11._o large_o discourse_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o seducer_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o in_o the_o court_n of_o seventy_o one_o which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n look_v very_o like_o this_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n for_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o â—_o and_o immediate_o
great_a irregularity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n have_v not_o cleanse_v themselves_o yet_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o passeover_n otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v write_v 18._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v upon_o hezekiah_n prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n hearken_v to_o hezekiah_n and_o heal_v every_o one_o so_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o do_v dispense_v with_o the_o strict_a ceremonial_a precept_n 20._o of_o the_o law_n where_o man_n do_v look_v after_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n god_n require_v from_o they_o nay_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o declare_v his_o own_o will_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n where_o it_o comee_n to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o internal_a goodness_n in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v he_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burnt-offering_n thus_o 6._o we_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n however_o positive_a it_o be_v do_v yield_v as_o to_o its_o obligation_n when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v moral_a stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o so_o the_o jew_n themselves_o suppose_v a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hang_n up_o of_o saul_n son_n a_o long_a time_n together_o direct_o contrary_a to_o deut._n 21._o 23._o which_o they_o conceive_v 10._o to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o 16._o of_o nisan_fw-la to_o the_o 17._o of_o marchesvan_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o from_o our_o march_n to_o september_n whereas_o the_o law_n say_v express_o that_o the_o body_n of_o one_o that_o be_v hang_v shall_v not_o remain_v all_o night_n upon_o the_o tree_n but_o thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a bury_v he_o that_o day_n one_o of_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n as_o g._n vorstius_n tell_v we_o be_v so_o trouble_v at_o this_o that_o he_o 13._o wish_v that_o place_n in_o samuel_n expunge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v sanctify_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o oracle_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o only_o by_o a_o general_a permission_n we_o see_v it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o upon_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n famine_n be_v remove_v and_o god_n be_v entreat_v for_o the_o land_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o immutable_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o second_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 4._o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o law_n when_o once_o establish_v the_o main_a argument_n of_o that_o learned_a r._n abravanel_n whereby_o he_o will_v establish_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v fetch_v from_o 13._o hence_o that_o this_o law_n be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o suitableness_n of_o thing_n he_o appoint_v to_o the_o end_n he_o appoint_v they_o for_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v bread_n to_o be_v the_o food_n of_o man_n body_n now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v appoint_v bread_n and_o no_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o food_n of_o man_n no_o more_o say_v he_o be_v we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o law_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n though_o we_o understand_v not_o that_o reason_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o he_o more_o large_o deduce_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o his_o argument_n hold_v good_a for_o obedience_n to_o all_o god_n positive_a precept_n of_o what_o kind_n or_o nature_n soever_o they_o be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o know_v their_o obligation_n to_o continue_v but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o every_o positive_a precept_n must_v always_o continue_v to_o oblige_v and_o thus_o far_o his_o similitude_n will_v hold_v good_a that_o whatever_o god_n do_v command_v we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o soul_n as_o bread_n to_o our_o body_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v always_o hold_v to_o the_o same_o positive_a precept_n any_o more_o than_o our_o body_n to_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o food_n nay_o as_o in_o our_o body_n we_o find_v some_o kind_n of_o food_n always_o necessary_a but_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o to_o alter_v according_a to_o age_n health_n and_o constitution_n so_o we_o say_v some_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v always_o necessary_a but_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o temper_v it_o according_a to_o the_o age_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o people_n so_o he_o feed_v they_o as_o with_o milk_n in_o their_o nonage_n with_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n under_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o prophet_n till_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o age_n and_o then_o god_n feed_v it_o with_o the_o strong_a meat_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o be_v abundant_o see_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o variegated_a wisdom_n that_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o excellent_a and_o proportionable_a way_n to_o his_o people_n capacity_n to_o prepare_v they_o gradual_o for_o that_o full_a and_o complete_a revelation_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n in_o the_o world_n for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o gradual_a progress_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o fair_a resemblance_n and_o portraiture_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o will_n upon_o his_o word_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o have_v its_o ground_n work_v lay_v upon_o man_n first_o apostasy_n in_o the_o promise_n make_v gen._n 3._o 15._o whereon_o some_o further_a line_n be_v draw_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n but_o it_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shadow_v out_o the_o most_o in_o the_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o be_v never_o fill_v up_o to_o the_o life_n nor_o have_v its_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o appear_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o then_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n why_o not_o to_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o adam_n or_o the_o patriarch_n or_o especial_o to_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noah_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v give_v to_o all_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o superadd_a ritual_n and_o ceremonial_n to_o moral_n and_o natural_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v to_o take_v down_o the_o scaffold_n of_o ceremony_n when_o god_n spiritual_a temple_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o its_o full_a height_n be_v there_o not_o more_o reason_n that_o ritual_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o substantial_o then_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v superinduce_v to_o moral_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o 5._o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n then_o to_o any_o former_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o revelation_n above_o other_o and_o that_o god_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o do_v express_v that_o he_o will_v never_o alter_v it_o but_o both_o these_o be_v manifest_o defective_a and_o insufficient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v for_o first_o what_o evidence_n be_v there_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n contain_v so_o great_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o have_v any_o addition_n make_v to_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o we_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o it_o be_v grant_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o positive_a precept_n for_o this_o we_o never_o contend_v 10._o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o but_o the_o ritual_a law_n be_v that_o we_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v this_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o what_o god_n can_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n let_v any_o indifferent_a rational_a person_n take_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n with_o those_o of_o the_o
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
aut_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la corum_fw-la tantas_fw-la animorum_fw-la ficri_fw-la conversiones_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la carnisices_fw-la unci_fw-la aliique_fw-la innumeri_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la diximus_fw-la impendeant_fw-la credituris_fw-la uâ—luti_fw-la quadam_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la atque_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la amore_fw-la correpti_fw-la cognitas_fw-la accipiant_fw-la rationes_fw-la atque_fw-la mundi_fw-la omnibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la praeponant_fw-la amicitias_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o no_o fear_n penalty_n or_o torment_n be_v able_a to_o mâ—ke_v a_o christian_a alter_v his_o profession_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o life_n then_o to_o his_o saviour_n this_o origen_n likewise_o frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o celsus_n 110._o have_v object_v the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n the_o more_o wonderful_a it_o be_v say_v origen_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o shall_v so_o large_o spread_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o divine_a providence_n how_o much_o less_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o once_o to_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o pour_v of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o the_o first_o engage_v to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o become_v master_n over_o all_o its_o enemy_n and_o not_o only_o spread_v its_o self_n quite_o through_o greece_n but_o through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o convert_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n what_o evidence_n there_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v of_o it_o and_o how_o useful_a the_o first_o miracle_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_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 away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochelas_n david_n el-david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v 1_o just_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v by_o way_n of_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o discourse_n manifest_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o only_a remain_a question_n concern_v this_o subject_n be_v how_o we_o may_v certain_o distinguish_v true_a and_o real_a miracle_n from_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o there_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o real_a miracle_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o seek_v when_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o those_o person_n who_o do_v they_o unless_o a_o way_n be_v find_v out_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o unless_o man_n through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o incogitancy_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n than_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o which_o have_v make_v man_n of_o better_a affection_n than_o understanding_n so_o ready_a to_o suspect_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n concern_v divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n but_o may_v we_o not_o therefore_o safe_o rely_v on_o such_o miracle_n which_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n can_v not_o be_v wrought_v but_o by_o divine_a power_n because_o forsooth_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o abuse_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o be_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v such_o as_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o or_o because_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o ground_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o his_o doctrine_n true_a be_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v now_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o a_o sufficient_a account_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o the_o only_a rational_a pretence_n of_o any_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v a_o suppose_a uncertainty_n in_o our_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o note_n of_o difference_n whereby_o to_o know_v divine_a miracle_n from_o delusion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apparent_a insufficiency_n in_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o blame_v nothing_o but_o our_o incredulity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o they_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n find_v out_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a and_o second_o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a note_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la râ—i_fw-la between_o miracle_n and_o those_o call_v wonder_n as_o that_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a agent_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o for_o this_o leave_v the_o enquir_a as_o far_o to_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
of_o heathen_a fable_n insist_o on_o this_o very_a story_n of_o ophioneus_n as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o relation_n in_o genesis_n concern_v the_o fall_n but_o origen_n well_o answer_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o see_v therefore_o if_o this_o rare_a antiquary_n who_o charge_v we_o with_o impiety_n in_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v the_o heathen_a fable_n be_v not_o himself_o â—erâ—_n just_o chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o fault_n not_o understand_v the_o far_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moâ—es_n then_o either_o of_o heraclitus_n or_o pherecydes_n or_o homer_n himself_o which_o report_v the_o story_n of_o that_o evil_a one_o which_o fall_v from_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o serpent_n from_o which_o o_o hioneus_a in_o pherecydes_n derive_v his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v cast_v forth_o of_o paradise_n do_v intimate_v some_o such_o thing_n while_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o divinity_n and_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d condition_n 〈◊〉_d fi_fw-la st_z deceive_v the_o woman_n and_o by_o her_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d man_n câ—lius_n rhodiginus_fw-la câ—lls_v this_o ophioneus_n daemonicum_n serpentem_fw-la qui_fw-la antesignanus_fw-la fuâ—rit_fw-la 10._o agminis_fw-la à _fw-la divinae_fw-la mentis_fw-la placito_fw-la deficientis_fw-la this_o pherecydes_n as_o appear_v by_o eusebius_n have_v much_o converse_n with_o the_o phaenician_o where_o he_o purposely_o speak_v concern_v this_o ophioneus_n now_o the_o phaenician_o as_o eusebius_n likewise_o tell_v we_o worship_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o devil_n ambition_n and_o tyranny_n over_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v among_o they_o in_o that_o very_a form_n wherein_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n do_v begin_v to_o adore_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o serpent_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o taautus_n by_o eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v this_o only_a among_o the_o phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n but_o wherever_o the_o devil_n reign_v the_o serpent_n be_v have_v in_o some_o peculiar_a veneration_n thence_o justin_n martyr_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o serpent_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o 2._o adoration_n among_o they_o and_o be_v the_o proper_a indicium_fw-la or_o note_n of_o a_o consecrate_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o of_o persius_n pinge_fw-la duos_fw-la angues_fw-la pveri_fw-la sacer_fw-la est_fw-la locus_fw-la 1._o thence_o the_o scholiast_n on_o aristophanes_n on_o that_o place_n in_o plutus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o where_o ever_o any_o god_n or_o hero_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v there_o be_v serpent_n paint_v to_o denote_v so_o much_o so_o orus_n apollo_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v wont_a to_o 1627._o put_v the_o form_n of_o a_o golden_a basilisk_n to_o their_o go_n heinsius_n conceive_v that_o the_o first_o worship_n of_o apollo_n at_o delphi_n be_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n whether_o nonnus_n tell_v we_o that_o cadmus_n the_o phaenician_n go_v upon_o his_o first_o come_v into_o boeotia_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o derive_v the_o name_n pytho_n from_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o serpent_n ut_fw-la non_fw-la dubitandum_fw-la sit_fw-la say_v he_o quin_fw-la pythius_n apollo_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la spurcus_fw-la ille_fw-la spiritus_fw-la quem_fw-la hebraei_n ob_fw-la &_o abaddon_n hellenistâ—â—_n ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caeteri_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dixerunt_fw-la sub_fw-la hac_fw-la 〈◊〉_d qua_fw-la miseriam_fw-la humano_fw-la generi_fw-la invexit_fw-la primo_fw-la cultus_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o graecia_n and_o which_o be_v further_a observable_a the_o devil_n be_v always_o ambitious_a to_o have_v the_o world_n think_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v to_o come_v by_o the_o serpent_n still_o thence_o the_o famous_a oracle_n of_o apollo_n here_o at_o delphi_n thence_o come_v the_o use_n of_o serpent_n so_o much_o in_o divination_n thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o divine_a from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n and_o so_o among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n so_o that_o excellent_a glossographer_n hesychius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o serpent_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o pedestria_fw-la auspicia_fw-la by_o the_o roman_n and_o homer_n tell_v in_o that_o solemn_a divination_n concern_v the_o greek_n success_n at_o troy_n there_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d b._n which_o say_v heinsius_n be_v a_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o nachas_n who_o they_o will_v have_v so_o call_v from_o the_o mark_n on_o hâ—s_n back_o which_o they_o accurate_o observe_v in_o divination_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o careful_a the_o devil_n be_v to_o advance_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n under_o that_o form_n wherein_o he_o have_v deceive_v mankind_n into_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o misery_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o remainder_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n upon_o his_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n origen_n 3._o think_v that_o plato_n by_o his_o converse_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n 189._o do_v understand_v the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o he_o after_o his_o way_n enigmatical_o describe_v in_o his_o symposiack_n where_o he_o bring_v in_o porus_n the_o god_n of_o plenty_n feast_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o god_n after_o supper_n penia_n come_v a_o beg_n to_o the_o door_n porus_n be_v drink_v with_o nectar_n go_v into_o jupiter_n garden_n and_o there_o fall_v asleep_a penia_n observe_v it_o steal_v to_o he_o and_o by_o this_o deceit_n conceive_v by_o he_o in_o this_o fable_n of_o plato_n origen_n take_v notice_n what_o a_o near_a resemblance_n the_o garden_n of_o jupiter_n have_v to_o paradise_n penia_n to_o the_o serpent_n which_o circumvent_v adam_n and_o porus_n to_o man_n who_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o serpent_n which_o he_o conceive_v more_o probable_a because_o of_o plato_n his_o custom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o wrap_v up_o thoâ—e_o excellent_a thing_n he_o know_v under_o some_o fable_n because_o of_o the_o ungar_n for_o which_o he_o after_o speak_v of_o his_o custom_n in_o alter_v and_o disguise_v what_o he_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n lest_o he_o shall_v too_o much_o displease_v the_o fabulous_a greek_n if_o he_o shall_v adhere_v too_o close_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o some_o have_v think_v the_o story_n of_o paradise_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o garden_n of_o adonis_n which_o come_v near_o that_o of_o eden_n but_o what_o footstep_n may_v be_v gather_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n in_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n will_v appear_v afterward_o thus_o much_o here_o then_o may_v serve_v to_o have_v manifest_v the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n to_o be_v in_o its_o self_n rational_a and_o attest_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o partiality_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o other_o grand_a difficulty_n which_o 20._o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a providence_n together_o which_o be_v that_o if_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n and_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n do_v so_o frequent_o escape_v suffering_n and_o the_o best_a do_v so_o common_o undergo_v they_o this_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n where_o man_n have_v be_v philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a one_o of_o the_o great_a inquiry_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v be_v perplex_v about_o the_o true_a and_o full_a resolution_n of_o which_o question_n depend_v much_o upon_o those_o ground_n and_o principle_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o god_n patience_n towards_o wicked_a man_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o suffering_n which_o good_a man_n be_v exercise_v with_o and_o certain_o this_o shall_v very_o much_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o all_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n that_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v otherwise_o so_o irresolved_a but_o of_o that_o afterward_o our_o present_a business_n be_v
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
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
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o