upon_o he_o for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o good_a nor_o ill_a in_o they_o it_o be_v then_o indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o lawmaker_n or_o any_o law_n make_v authority_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o that_o be_v itself_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o intrinsical_a good_a nor_o evil_a in_o it_o my_o obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a too_o for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o civil_a authority_n or_o no_o and_o civil_a authority_n have_v no_o real_a internal_a good_a or_o ill_o annex_v to_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o inward_a conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o no._n if_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o positive_a law_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o because_o the_o power_n by_o which_o those_o positive_a law_n be_v make_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n indifferent_a too_o and_o have_v neither_o essential_a good_a nor_o ill_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o power_n command_v be_v itself_o indifferent_a as_o to_o its_o own_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v so_o command_v or_o no_o for_o although_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o circumstance_n whole_o indifferent_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o to_o i_o when_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n because_o of_o the_o conscience_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n command_v or_o forbid_v as_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o be_o positive_o oblige_v and_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n obligatory_a to_o i_o yet_o be_v that_o authority_n whole_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o in_o its_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o no_o and_o have_v no_o essential_a good_a or_o ill_a in_o its_o constitution_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o not_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o good_a or_o ill_a in_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n in_o the_o be_v of_o that_o power_n that_o require_v it_o second_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o mankind_n in_o themselves_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o original_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n make_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o frame_v any_o amiable_a or_o excellent_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whatever_o we_o think_v of_o he_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v he_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a as_o merciful_a and_o just_a for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n but_o from_o that_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o make_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n when_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n what_o excellency_n be_v it_o we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o derive_v the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o and_o there_o be_v no_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n this_o maxim_n of_o the_o epicurean_o do_v in_o truth_n put_v a_o total_a end_n to_o all_o well-doing_n and_o to_o all_o well-thinking_a and_o do_v utter_o extinguish_v all_o religion_n among_o mankind_n the_o noble_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o a_o amiable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o be_v make_v but_o upon_o gross_a delusion_n and_o mistake_n if_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o man_n better_a than_o another_o but_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o their_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o themselves_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a it_o be_v that_o distinction_n found_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o a_o ability_n arise_v from_o thence_o to_o frame_v to_o itself_o a_o idea_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o by_o find_v thing_n distinguish_v in_o our_o own_o rational_a nature_n we_o come_v to_o know_v they_o be_v eternal_o distinguish_v in_o god_n nature_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conceive_v he_o shall_v create_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o we_o know_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reason_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n why_o some_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o some_o thing_n be_v evil_a but_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n why_o they_o be_v so_o what_o i_o think_v good_a i_o must_v necessary_o think_v agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o what_o i_o think_v evil_a i_o must_v needs_o judge_v contrary_a to_o he_o or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o original_a notion_n my_o reason_n give_v i_o of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o by_o the_o distinction_n i_o sin_v make_v of_o thing_n in_o my_o own_o rational_a nature_n i_o come_v to_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o eternal_a distinstinction_n in_o god_n nature_n and_o so_o a_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o thence_o because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n nature_n must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o i_o think_v most_o excellent_a by_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o faculty_n god_n have_v make_v i_o withal_o and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o as_o well_o assure_v as_o i_o be_o of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o same_o faculty_n that_o tell_v i_o god_n be_v tell_v i_o also_o his_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o whatever_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o evil._n three_o be_v it_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n that_o do_v only_o constitute_v the_o difference_n of_o action_n and_o thing_n that_o difference_n must_v needs_o be_v regulate_v thereby_o and_o it_o will_v then_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n may_v possible_o invert_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o universal_a opinion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o world_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o that_o be_v honesty_n truth_n and_o virtue_n may_v come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o wickedness_n falsehood_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o we_o now_o think_v the_o best_a action_n reckon_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o worst_a adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a the_o very_a mention_n whereof_o will_v be_v as_o nauseous_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v ruinous_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o every_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o in_o his_o own_o reason_n such_o a_o innate_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o as_o render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a upon_o any_o term_n ever_o to_o be_v it_o will_v be_v also_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a to_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n how_o the_o world_n without_o a_o divine_a disposal_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o that_o orderly_a frame_n we_o see_v it_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o some_o contrary_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a tendency_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o subservient_fw-fr as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o rational_a eye_n to_o view_v over_o the_o general_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n arise_v from_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o each_o particular_a and_o exclude_v the_o influence_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n from_o it_o if_o we_o look_v up_o of_o how_o admirable_a consideration_n be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o suitable_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o the_o good_a of_o thing_n here_o below_o though_o the_o motion_n by_o the_o equator_fw-la only_o have_v be_v more_o simple_a and_o direct_a yet_o we_o see_v they_o have_v also_o a_o oblique_a motion_n whereby_o with_o more_o variety_n they_o dispense_v their_o favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n eccentrick_a and_o epiciclike_a as_o the_o best_a observer_n of_o they_o find_v not_o only_o declare_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o material_n but_o plain_o point_v to_o we_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o superior_a agent_n which_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o
all_o the_o certain_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o another_o and_o a_o far_a world_n and_o the_o great_a account_n of_o all_o invisible_a thing_n and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o high_a motive_n we_o have_v to_o all_o good_a live_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o engage_v against_o all_o the_o corrupt_a prastise_n of_o humane_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o difficulty_n we_o attain_v in_o the_o first_o case_n to_o a_o fix_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o see_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o decline_v from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n nothing_o can_v seem_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o rational_a insurance_n about_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o both_o that_o with_o a_o perfect_a security_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a welfare_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o this_o book_n as_o that_o great_a and_o only_a revelation_n by_o which_o god_n will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n i_o have_v hereby_o attempt_v to_o make_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o its_o own_o excellent_a nature_n and_o composure_n and_o such_o visible_a and_o open_a effect_n of_o a_o supreme_a and_o almighty_a power_n as_o accompany_v its_o first_o publication_n and_o last_v till_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o build_v that_o the_o scaffold_n may_v be_v safe_o take_v down_o but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o consideration_n from_o whence_o a_o abundant_a testimony_n to_o its_o divinity_n will_v appear_v to_o result_v and_o this_o task_n if_o sufficient_o perform_v as_o it_o will_v give_v answer_n to_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o cast_v a_o just_a contempt_n upon_o all_o profane_a reproach_n so_o it_o will_v also_o reflect_v much_o upon_o those_o who_o though_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o book_n to_o come_v from_o god_n yet_o not_o acquiess_v single_o in_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o declare_v it_o thereby_o insufficient_a to_o those_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v intend_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o who_o by_o a_o twofold_a superfoetation_n that_o of_o endless_a tradition_n and_o that_o of_o new_a and_o continue_a revelation_n have_v render_v the_o whole_a scripture_n if_o not_o useless_a yet_o as_o to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n altogether_o deficient_a and_o imperfect_a my_o lord_n i_o seek_v not_o by_o this_o dedication_n to_o countenance_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o any_o way_n to_o secure_v myself_o against_o the_o just_a reproach_n of_o a_o ill_a performance_n the_o first_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o a_o christian_a state_n and_o the_o other_o oblige_v i_o to_o be_v too_o injurious_a to_o you_o and_o that_o candour_n and_o love_n to_o truth_n you_o possess_v it_o be_v alone_a that_o great_a honour_n and_o that_o entire_a affection_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n that_o interest_n your_o name_n in_o this_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o need_v by_o you_o than_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o due_a from_o i_o than_o a_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n that_o myself_o and_o what_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v devote_v to_o your_o service_n i_o know_v my_o lord_n into_o what_o hand_n i_o commit_v these_o paper_n when_o i_o present_v they_o to_o you_o that_o great_a hazard_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v by_o your_o first_o view_n will_v sufficient_o inure_v they_o to_o all_o future_a danger_n i_o consider_v that_o judgement_n with_o which_o they_o be_v put_v to_o encounter_v and_o want_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n what_o the_o success_n must_v needs_o be_v i_o know_v also_o your_o remedying_a kindness_n and_o be_o enough_o secure_v thereby_o be_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o relief_n that_o he_o be_v that_o discourse_v before_o caesar_n who_o thus_o address_v to_o he_o qui_fw-la apud_fw-la te_fw-la caesar_n audent_fw-la dicere_fw-la magnitudinem_fw-la tuam_fw-la ignorant_a qui_fw-la non_fw-la audent_fw-la humanitatem_fw-la my_o lord_n as_o you_o be_v please_v before_o to_o allow_v that_o method_n i_o use_v in_o discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n so_o i_o promise_v myself_o some_o acceptance_n in_o the_o account_n i_o now_o give_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n as_o i_o know_v no_o better_a property_n can_v be_v convey_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o rational_a possession_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n so_o i_o be_o also_o much_o please_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o do_v what_o you_o require_v to_o who_o i_o owe_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o most_o last_a friendship_n and_o shall_v ever_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v be_v which_o be_v but_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o true_a friend_n and_o most_o humble_a &_o faithful_a servant_n charles_n wolseley_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-belief_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n there_o needs_o little_a to_o be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o instance_n be_v as_o hard_o to_o find_v as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n reject_v the_o bible_n as_o fictitious_a and_o yet_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o true_a for_o it_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v no_o law_n any_o where_o extant_a that_o do_v formal_o constitute_v this_o religion_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v admit_v here_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o jew_n and_o renounce_v the_o olâ—_n testament_n nor_o he_o a_o mahometan_a that_o disclaim_v the_o koran_n because_o to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n be_v visible_o to_o raze_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o two_o religion_n although_o the_o fact_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v attest_v to_o by_o other_o writing_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o a_o religion_n establish_v upon_o that_o foundation_n and_o which_o alone_o contain_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o such_o religion_n no_o considerable_a attempt_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o set_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o any_o other_o bottom_n then_o the_o bible_n to_o promulge_v any_o other_o edition_n of_o christian_a law_n to_o write_v any_o counter-story_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n or_o be_v there_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n any_o different_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v deduce_v a_o contrary_a or_o other_o system_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o this_o book_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o foundation_n lay_v whereon_o to_o erect_v christianity_n where_o the_o bible_n be_v exclude_v for_o whatsoever_o have_v otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o bible_n by_o write_v or_o tradition_n descend_v down_o to_o the_o world_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v either_o by_o its_o friend_n or_o its_o enemy_n for_o the_o latter_a no_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o any_o heathen_a writer_n of_o any_o christian_a law_n nor_o indeed_o of_o any_o considerable_a matter_n at_o all_o relate_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n far_o than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n itself_o and_o so_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o cumulative_a help_n to_o its_o credibility_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o of_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n oppose_v the_o christian_a profession_n and_o dispute_v most_o against_o it_o have_v oppose_v it_o as_o contain_v there_o that_o book_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o comprise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v the_o state_v rule_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o the_o former_a whatever_o have_v be_v by_o the_o writing_n or_o tradition_n of_o such_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o can_v never_o induce_v any_o other_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o bible_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o such_o collateral_a tradition_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n relative_a to_o the_o bible_n dependent_a upon_o it_o and_o such_o as_o must_v necessary_o stand_v and_o fall_v together_o with_o it_o they_o have_v also_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n
subjection_n be_v in_o truth_n past_o all_o rational_a denial_n whence_o come_v that_o inherent_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o and_o which_o nothing_o humane_a can_v either_o alter_v or_o abrogate_v but_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n authority_n over_o he_o what_o be_v that_o we_o call_v conscience_n in_o every_o man_n but_o god_n vicegerent_n here_o below_o and_o the_o vicar-general_a of_o his_o supreme_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n epicurus_n perceive_v that_o if_o he_o once_o admit_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o inherent_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n providence_n from_o thence_o will_v necessary_o be_v imply_v positive_o deny_v it_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o maintain_v this_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o thing_n that_o discriminate_v they_o but_o that_o all_o difference_n of_o thing_n come_v from_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n first_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o epicurus_n by_o this_o doctrine_n render_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n because_o he_o deny_v common_a experience_n and_o what_o every_o man_n may_v know_v to_o be_v true_a from_o his_o own_o breast_n without_o far_a information_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o a_o appeal_n to_o all_o impartial_a reason_n in_o the_o case_n aristotle_n say_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n that_o no_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v against_o experience_n because_o if_o i_o once_o bring_v that_o into_o question_n i_o disclaim_v all_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o therefore_o among_o all_o wise_a man_n thing_n of_o common_a experience_n be_v still_o exclude_v and_o set_v aside_o from_o all_o debate_n and_o dispute_v how_o great_a stress_n soever_o the_o epicurean_o lay_v upon_o this_o principle_n and_o they_o lie_v very_o great_a upon_o it_o both_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v and_o from_o common_a experience_n it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v equal_o false_a and_o pernicious_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o call_v the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n show_v good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n by_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o definition_n will_v appear_v very_o evident_a for_o first_o a_o natural_a law_n must_v needs_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o be_v the_o superior_a part_n of_o man_n nothing_o can_v true_o or_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n or_o a_o law_n to_o a_o rational_a be_v arise_v from_o itself_o but_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o reason_n second_o whatsoever_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a by_o its_o agreement_n to_o that_o judgement_n my_o reason_n make_v of_o what_o be_v so_o i_o must_v needs_o think_v that_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o must_v needs_o think_v myself_o under_o obligation_n to_o it_o from_o god_n under_o obligation_n to_o it_o i_o must_v be_v because_o of_o my_o own_o judgement_n about_o it_o and_o that_o judgement_n must_v needs_o oblige_v i_o as_o a_o law_n give_v to_o i_o from_o god_n because_o it_o be_v he_o make_v i_o with_o a_o faculty_n so_o judge_v and_o be_v in_o truth_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o this_o judgement_n by_o create_v the_o faculty_n that_o necessary_o make_v it_o whatever_o judgement_n god_n make_v a_o man_n with_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o law_n from_o god_n give_v to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o without_o offend_v he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o place_v it_o within_o he_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o his_o be_v whatever_o judgement_n god_n make_v i_o with_o concern_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v his_o judgement_n and_o what_o be_v god_n judgement_n be_v a_o law_n to_o i_o and_o i_o can_v never_o oppose_v it_o without_o sin_n be_v in_o my_o own_o existence_n make_v with_o a_o necessary_a subjection_n unto_o he_o now_o i_o say_v that_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n mankind_n necessary_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o determine_v some_o action_n and_o some_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o intrinsical_o good_a and_o other_o intrinsical_o evil_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o rational_a judgement_n abstract_v from_o all_o collateral_a consideration_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o more_o than_o of_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o that_o man_n be_v create_v by_o god_n with_o a_o faculty_n so_o judge_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o this_o natural_a law_n must_v obliterate_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o every_o man_n become_v a_o necessary_a and_o unrepealable_a law_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v effect_n to_o deny_v a_o man_n to_o be_v rational_a to_o make_v all_o thing_n alike_o to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o they_o because_o the_o faculty_n we_o call_v reason_n exist_v in_o every_o man_n with_o such_o a_o innate_a distinction_n no_o man_n use_v his_o reason_n can_v think_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o our_o being_n and_o can_v never_o be_v equal_a competitor_n to_o a_o rational_a approbation_n a_o man_n may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o determination_n that_o man_n make_v upon_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o intrinsic_a certainty_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o to_o say_v their_o determination_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o so_o for_o the_o one_o lie_n every_o jot_n as_o connate_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o the_o other_o a_o corrupt_a vicious_a man_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unblass_v reason_n against_o he_o as_o much_o as_o a_o false_a conclusion_n in_o mathematics_n and_o a_o virtuous_a man_n for_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o evident_a demonstrable_a truth_n no_o man_n of_o untainted_a intellectual_n can_v equal_o esteem_v a_o religious_a socrates_n and_o a_o profane_a caligula_n and_o a_o sensual_a sardanapalus_n and_o a_o virtuous_a cato_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o in_o themselves_o intrinsical_o good_a and_o so_o oblige_v we_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o those_o primary_n statute_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v alter_v or_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n that_o child_n shall_v obey_v their_o parent_n and_o not_o parent_n the_o child_n have_v no_o indifferency_n in_o it_o nor_o can_v the_o obligation_n be_v remove_v or_o invert_v by_o any_o custom_n or_o positive_a law_n that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v venerate_v be_v a_o statute_n of_o nature_n epicurus_n himself_o confess_v we_o be_v to_o venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n but_o upon_o what_o ground_n i_o will_v know_v if_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o a_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o innate_a dictate_v of_o reason_n he_o must_v then_o admit_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o destroy_v his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o providence_n if_o bare_o upon_o positive_a law_n he_o fall_v under_o this_o horrible_a absurdity_n to_o make_v it_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n for_o so_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o positive_a law_n whether_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v so_o venerate_v or_o no._n if_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v establish_v by_o natural_a light_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o veneration_n of_o he_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o establish_v but_o make_v to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o believe_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o be_v or_o no_o man_n may_v then_o by_o their_o own_o pleasure_n make_v and_o unmake_v their_o god_n as_o they_o do_v their_o picture_n and_o statue_n when_o we_o be_v tell_v we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o which_o be_v true_a but_o as_o epicurus_n do_v circumstantiate_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o produce_v much_o religion_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o all_o natural_a law_n and_o make_v all_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o also_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o any_o future_a estate_n after_o this_o lâ—fe_n by_o which_o all_o
the_o whole_a and_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o his_o rule_n no_o way_n destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n nor_o be_v the_o world_n subject_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o stoical_a fate_n from_o any_o necessary_a connection_n of_o cause_n but_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n proceed_v from_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n every_o man_n own_o will_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o his_o own_o do_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_n and_o shame_v all_o the_o ignorant_a doubt_n and_o profane_a denial_n of_o providence_n to_o assure_v man_n there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o rule_n be_v in_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o justify_v the_o exercise_n of_o a_o supreme_a '_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o validity_n of_o all_o divine_a law_n must_v necessary_o depend_v such_o who_o in_o the_o three_o place_n admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n of_o providence_n and_o religion_n but_o reject_v the_o christian-religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o bible_n as_o not_o true_a and_o close_o with_o some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o against_o those_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o discourse_n will_v chief_o tend_v if_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v sufficient_o make_v good_a and_o the_o scripture_n prove_v in_o truth_n to_o be_v what_o themselves_o tell_v we_o they_o be_v law_n send_v we_o from_o god_n by_o which_o he_o will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n two_o thing_n will_v result_v from_o it_o first_o all_z other_z religion_n but_o the_o christian_a will_v thereby_o appear_v to_o be_v false_a and_o fictitious_a second_o such_o who_o have_v embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n will_v be_v abundant_o confirm_v in_o the_o verity_n thereof_o free_v from_o all_o such_o doubt_n as_o may_v arise_v about_o it_o and_o be_v ascertain_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o deal_v with_o antiscriptural_a man_n such_o as_o pay_v no_o homage_n at_o all_o to_o the_o bible_n nor_o yield_v any_o obedience_n to_o its_o authority_n two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o in_o order_n to_o their_o confutation_n first_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a step_n towards_o it_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o principle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v build_v and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o because_o in_o every_o particular_a science_n some_o principle_n must_v be_v grant_v as_o the_o substratum_fw-la without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v uphold_v and_o by_o a_o denial_n of_o which_o the_o be_v of_o it_o be_v subvert_v this_o unwary_a demand_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o six_o every_o man_n in_o his_o own_o profession_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o to_o prevent_v the_o most_o important_a discourse_n of_o religion_n among_o all_o such_o who_o have_v already_o embrace_v any_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o some_o prime_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v erect_v and_o by_o the_o grant_n of_o which_o it_o will_v be_v establish_v and_o as_o we_o be_v sure_o it_o will_v be_v equal_o expect_v so_o there_o be_v no_o better_a ground_n upon_o which_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v nor_o no_o less_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v admit_v the_o principle_n of_o other_o man_n religion_n than_o they_o grant_v we_o and_o if_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o come_v to_o a_o full_a point_n in_o all_o our_o debate_n about_o different_a religion_n to_o such_o who_o have_v already_o close_v with_o the_o christian-profession_n this_o hold_v good_a and_o he_o that_o admit_v not_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o discourse_n upon_o any_o internal_a point_n of_o the_o christian-religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v dispute_v with_o because_o in_o disow_v that_o principle_n he_o destroy_v the_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n he_o be_v contend_v about_o and_o subvert_v the_o whole_a by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o dispute_v about_o a_o part_n but_o when_o we_o deal_v with_o man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o enemy_n to_o it_o and_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o scripture_n itself_o we_o can_v otherwise_o defend_v it_o then_o by_o admit_v it_o a_o matter_n debateable_a and_o endeavour_v its_o justification_n upon_o principle_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o carry_v in_o they_o the_o great_a aptness_n to_o convince_v such_o opponent_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o in_o all_o rational_a inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o all_o humane-debate_n there_o must_v be_v some_o common_a maxim_n and_o principle_n acknowledge_v on_o all_o side_n without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o due_a measure_n of_o any_o discourse_n nor_o any_o standard_n by_o which_o a_o man_n can_v proceed_v either_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o or_o convince_v another_o and_o it_o will_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a end_n of_o any_o debate_n whatever_o for_o if_o one_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v as_o it_o must_v be_v where_o thing_n be_v in_o controversy_n by_o another_o and_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v still_o deny_v we_o must_v prove_v in_o infinitum_fw-la he_o that_o oppose_v needs_o nothing_o to_o help_v he_o but_o a_o bare_a negative_a and_o he_o that_o be_v to_o prove_v will_v be_v lose_v in_o a_o endless_a circle_n some_o principle_n therefore_o there_o be_v which_o govern_v all_o man_n thought_n and_o discourse_n as_o thing_n grant_v by_o they_o and_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o rational_a conduct_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o obvious_o true_a to_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o they_o gain_v a_o universal_a assent_n and_o be_v approve_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n of_o mankind_n these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o deny_v if_o he_o will_v no_o more_o than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o to_o be_v reasonable_a and_o do_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o natural_a emanation_n of_o which_o we_o fix_v upon_o many_o position_n as_o undoubted_o true_a and_o beyond_o all_o question_n or_o dispute_v and_o from_o thence_o measure_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n therefore_o aristotle_n say_v that_o in_o all_o acquisition_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o proceed_n from_o premise_n know_v and_o agree_v to_o conclusion_n that_o before_o be_v not_o know_v nor_o agree_v these_o first_o principle_n be_v secure_v by_o the_o innate_a rectitude_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n these_o prove_v themselves_o by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o can_v be_v otherwise_o prove_v because_o they_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o proof_n and_o of_o these_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o school_n say_v a_o posteriori_fw-la possunt_fw-la manifestari_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la aliquid_fw-la prius_fw-la probari_fw-la whatever_o knowledge_n we_o find_v attain_v to_o among_o mankind_n it_o be_v deduce_v from_o these_o first_o principle_n and_o be_v a_o science_n subalternate_v to_o they_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o all_o thought_n and_o debate_n be_v steer_v to_o some_o end_n and_o guide_v to_o some_o conclusion_n these_o principle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o enumeration_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o rational_a capacity_n itself_o and_o be_v occasional_o produce_v by_o our_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o various_a object_n it_o be_v conversant_a about_o nor_o can_v any_o other_o character_n be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v such_o genuine_a issue_n of_o reason_n as_o become_v self-evident_a maxim_n to_o the_o universal_a reason_n second_o there_o be_v acquire_v principle_n among_o mankind_n which_o be_v take_v as_o grant_v truth_n and_o proceed_v upon_o as_o such_o that_o be_v not_o of_o this_o first_o nature_n these_o secondary_a principle_n lie_v more_o remote_a from_o the_o first_o view_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o chain_n of_o induction_n and_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o industrious_a exercise_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n as_o agree_v to_o that_o idaa_n of_o truth_n we_o find_v seat_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o correspond_v to_o those_o primary_n dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o equal_o true_a with_o they_o these_o thing_n man_n accidental_o make_v principle_n to_o themselves_o and_o lay_v they_o aside_o from_o debate_n as_o thing_n grant_v and_o agree_v to_o proceed_v to_o superstruct_v other_o notion_n and_o principle_n upon_o they_o such_o principle_n as_o these_o in_o the_o pursuit_n whereof_o mankind_n do_v great_o differ_v and_o often_o mistake_v
can_v now_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o will_v come_v under_o any_o sensible_a demonstration_n the_o proposal_n of_o this_o book_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o law_n divine_a be_v not_o so_o make_v as_o by_o mathematical_a evidence_n or_o gross_a visible_a absurdity_n in_o its_o denial_n to_o introduce_v itself_o irresistable_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o this_o book_n be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n as_o that_o all_o man_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o a_o due_a enquity_n into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n attend_v it_o may_v have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o divine_a and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o itself_o claim_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v high_o reasonable_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n intend_v this_o book_n as_o the_o great_a shibbole_v by_o which_o he_o will_v try_v the_o world_n that_o from_o the_o believe_a or_o not_o believe_v of_o it_o shall_v arise_v the_o great_a discrimination_n between_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n and_o such_o who_o free_a from_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o corrupt_a and_o sensual_a interest_n pursue_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o improve_v those_o notion_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o other_o who_o either_o choose_v to_o be_v sottish_o ignorant_a or_o else_o wilful_o to_o oppose_v what_o god_n have_v make_v in_o itself_o most_o suitable_a and_o correspond_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o unprejudiced_a man._n the_o truth_n be_v our_o assent_n or_o not_o to_o the_o bible_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o both_o the_o way_n to_o this_o discourse_n in_o hand_n be_v thus_o far_o clear_v i_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o it_o in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o supernatural_a law_n reveal_v from_o god_n and_o give_v to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n as_o the_o great_a guide_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o action_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o the_o world_n in_o the_o posture_n we_o find_v it_o shall_v be_v leave_v single_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n second_o that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_o credible_a upon_o all_o such_o ground_n by_o which_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v that_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v this_o reveal_v law_n superad_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o that_o complete_a systeme_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o which_o god_n will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o proof_n of_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n itself_o and_o from_o such_o external_a concomitant_n of_o it_o as_o high_o concur_v to_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o last_o propose_v all_o such_o considerable_a doubt_n query_n and_o difficulty_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v usual_o busy_v withal_o about_o this_o matter_n and_o attempt_v their_o satisfaction_n therein_o to_o make_v the_o first_o thing_n propose_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o some_o further_a direction_n than_o what_o our_o natural_a light_n will_v afford_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v promulge_v some_o supernatural_a law_n to_o the_o world_n let_v these_o several_a thing_n follow_v be_v due_o consider_v first_o what_o wretched_a and_o dismal_a ignorance_n have_v the_o world_n be_v in_o yea_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n of_o it_o and_o in_o what_o disagreement_n with_o itself_o about_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n where_o this_o supernatural_a law_n have_v be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o receive_v how_o sad_o have_v that_o inbred_a principle_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v where_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o supernatural_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v it_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v corrupt_v into_o all_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o at_o last_o nauseous_a to_o themselves_o devotion_n man_n still_o have_v to_o somewhat_o above_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o express_v it_o the_o wise_a saw_n reason_n enough_o to_o scorn_v their_o own_o religion_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o compose_v a_o better_a some_o go_v far_o in_o the_o negative_a in_o say_v what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v that_o then_o be_v among_o themselves_o but_o none_o ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a directory_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v when_o we_o view_v over_o the_o utmost_a product_n of_o all_o humane_a ability_n and_o the_o great_a discovery_n at_o any_o time_n make_v by_o natural_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o divinity_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o their_o worship_n of_o he_o second_o in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o world_n first_o production_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n three_o in_o their_o morality_n and_o in_o their_o ethical_a institutes_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o converse_n of_o mankind_n together_o first_o in_o their_o divinity_n varro_z rank_n all_o the_o heathen_a theology_n under_o three_o head_n their_o fabulous_a and_o historical_a theology_n their_o natural_a and_o mystical_a theology_n their_o civil_a and_o political_a theology_n which_o he_o also_o call_v mythical_a physical_a and_o civil_a the_o first_o come_v from_o their_o poet_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n as_o the_o like_a to_o it_o have_v not_o upon_o any_o occasion_n nor_o upon_o any_o subject_n be_v collect_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o one_o god_n be_v bear_v from_o a_o man_n head_n another_z from_o a_o man_n thigh_n a_o three_o from_o some_o drop_n of_o blood_n that_o some_o god_n be_v thief_n other_o adulterer_n other_o servant_n to_o man_n with_o multitude_n of_o such_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a fiction_n the_o second_o sort_n come_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o from_o their_o philosopher_n they_o dispute_v what_o the_o god_n be_v where_o they_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o be_v and_o among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o endless_a diversity_n and_o most_o stupendous_a folly_n some_o make_v the_o god_n to_o consist_v of_o fire_n some_o of_o number_n other_o of_o atom_n and_o by_o their_o mystical_a divinity_n interpret_n jupiter_n to_o fire_n juno_n to_o earth_n pluto_n to_o air_n nestis_fw-la to_o water_n and_o other_o of_o their_o god_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o many_o other_o so_o gross_a and_o notorious_a absurdity_n that_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v the_o grecian_n that_o the_o divinity_n of_o their_o philosopher_n multo_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la poctarum_fw-la theologia_n atque_fw-la de_fw-la diis_fw-la doctrina_fw-la ridiculosior_fw-la be_v much_o more_o absurd_a than_o that_o of_o their_o poet._n the_o three_o sort_n relate_v itself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o particular_a city_n and_o country_n by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o priest_n what_o god_n they_o shall_v worship_v at_o what_o time_n and_o season_n and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n what_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n both_o upon_o the_o stage_n in_o their_o theatre_n and_o also_o in_o their_o temple_n for_o in_o the_o one_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o have_v play_n act_v in_o honour_n to_o they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o other_o they_o worship_v they_o in_o all_o which_o we_o find_v they_o shed_v the_o blood_n one_o of_o another_o and_o offer_v most_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n not_o only_o of_o childish_a and_o foolish_a but_o profane_a and_o impious_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n if_o we_o look_v back_o as_o far_o as_o any_o heathen_a record_n will_v carry_v we_o and_o view_v over_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o the_o grecian_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o but_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o varro_n barbarae_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la nationes_fw-la praeter_fw-la graecos_n the_o phaenician_o the_o caldaean_o the_o egyptian_n and_o such_o other_o as_o we_o have_v
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o iâ—_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n poâ—ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
mouth_n of_o most_o man_n concern_v those_o passage_n there_o express_v paulus_n fagius_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o right_a account_n of_o it_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o this_o of_o junius_n only_o read_v it_o in_o the_o futuretense_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o intend_v a_o future_a relation_n his_o word_n be_v ideo_fw-la dicetur_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la hebraicum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d futuri_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o commemoratione_n bellorum_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la bella_fw-la deicommemorabuntur_fw-la recensebuntur_fw-la a_o posteris_fw-la quae_fw-la bella_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n in_o mari_fw-fr rubro_fw-la gesscrit_fw-fr &_o quae_fw-la ad_fw-la hos_fw-la torrentes_fw-la quasi_fw-la dicat_fw-la hi_o avo_fw-la locitanquam_fw-la memorabiles_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la posteritate_fw-la repetentur_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la deus_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n dimicavit_fw-la ubi_fw-la prodigia_fw-la coeleslia_n ostâ—nsa_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o famous_a mention_n among_o all_o posterity_n of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o israel_n in_o those_o two_o place_n wheresoever_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o those_o two_o place_n shall_v have_v a_o eminent_a mention_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sepher_n signify_v proper_o any_o rehearsal_n or_o enarration_n recensionem_fw-la aut_fw-la enarrationem_fw-la quamcunâ—_n recensionem_fw-la scriptam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la if_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o relate_v to_o any_o book_n but_o only_o to_o a_o relation_n verbal_a as_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_o to_o do_v because_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o a_o rehearsal_n in_o general_n but_o not_o direct_o of_o a_o write_a rehearsal_n it_o reach_v not_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o by_o that_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v mean_v either_o some_o succeed_a book_n part_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o else_o that_o very_a book_n of_o number_n itself_o but_o second_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o text_n be_v take_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_o urge_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v letter_n or_o book_n before_o moses_n because_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o book_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o own_o time_n for_o those_o war_n call_v the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n commence_v but_o at_o the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n under_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o write_a story_n of_o they_o before_o moses_n himself_o be_v extant_a to_o the_o last_o objection_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o egyptian_n be_v a_o learned_a people_n probable_o the_o most_o learned_a the_o world_n than_o have_v the_o continue_a clearness_n of_o their_o sky_n and_o the_o constant_a overslow_v of_o nile_n natural_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o learned_a in_o those_o two_o noble_a science_n of_o astrology_n and_o geometry_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v any_o use_n of_o alphabetical_a letter_n before_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o any_o other_o way_n to_o express_v or_o communicate_v their_o learning_n but_o what_o be_v symbolical_a and_o hycroglyphycal_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o record_n any_o where_o extant_a to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n aristotle_n say_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o the_o egyptian_n write_v be_v per_fw-la hiâ—roglyphycas_n literas_fw-la saxis_fw-la incisas_fw-la and_o he_o add_v conceptus_fw-la aâ—imalium_fw-la scrâ—bunt_fw-la uti_fw-la occulata_fw-la side_n legimus_fw-la in_o lapidibus_fw-la per_fw-la figuras_fw-la idem_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scientijs_fw-la artibusque_n sacientes_n quos_fw-la locabant_fw-la in_o templis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la paginas_fw-la perlegendas_fw-la talesque_fw-la illis_fw-la pro_fw-la libris_fw-la extant_a tacitus_n tell_v we_o primi_fw-la per_fw-la siguras_fw-la animaâ—ium_fw-la egypti_n sensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la efsingebant_fw-la &_o antiqâ—â—ssima_fw-la monumenta_fw-la memoriae_fw-la humanae_fw-la impressa_fw-la saxis_fw-la cernuntur_fw-la diodorus_n sicalus_fw-la long_v before_o in_o the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o history_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o this_o symbolical_a way_n of_o write_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o ethiopian_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n imitativa_n tropica_fw-la &_o enigmatica_fw-la nor_o do_v we_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o any_o other_o write_v among_o they_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n first_o discover_v to_o they_o that_o way_n of_o transfer_v their_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o by_o alphabetical_a letter_n and_o this_o artapanus_n a_o most_o ancient_a historian_n tell_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o moses_n say_v ut_fw-la quasi_fw-la deas_fw-la ab_fw-la egyptijs_fw-la coleretur_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la literarum_n inventionem_fw-la mercurium_fw-la appellatum_fw-la that_o he_o be_v reverence_v by_o the_o egyptian_n as_o a_o god_n and_o for_o his_o first_o invent_v of_o letter_n call_v mercury_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o testimony_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v in_o truth_n result_v from_o thence_o and_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o very_o remarkble_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o other_o first_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o a_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v universal_a all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n seem_v to_o have_v rise_v up_o and_o pay_v respect_n to_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o what_o be_v most_o ancient_a have_v undergo_v the_o great_a trial_n every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o venerate_v what_o have_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o last_v through_o most_o age_n because_o nothing_o correct_v mistake_n like_o experience_n not_o distinguish_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n like_o time_n time_n we_o say_v and_o true_o say_v be_v index_n as_o well_o as_o edax_fw-la rerum_fw-la second_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o all_o secundary_a truth_n must_v needs_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n and_o so_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n error_n of_o every_o kind_n be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n than_o truth_n a_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o prime_a principle_n though_o error_n and_o falsehood_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o truth_n be_v still_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o have_v this_o still_a to_o say_v to_o all_o its_o opposer_n non_fw-la fuit_fw-la sic_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o far_a we_o wade_v into_o antiquity_n the_o near_a still_o we_o come_v to_o truth_n in_o religion_n most_o especial_o that_o maxim_n prevail_v antiquitate_fw-la nihil_fw-la verius_fw-la veritate_fw-la nihil_fw-la antiquus_fw-la in_o the_o present_a case_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n carry_v in_o it_o a_o very_a signal_n proof_n of_o its_o divinity_n that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a religion_n be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o true_a great_a antiquity_n in_o religion_n be_v a_o eminent_a mark_n of_o great_a truth_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o very_a forcable_a consideration_n first_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n since_o the_o beginning_n and_o a_o supernatural_a inter_fw-la course_n since_o man_n first_o defection_n that_o god_n revelation_n be_v as_o early_o as_o man_n necessity_n that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n wherein_o man_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o supernatural_a instruction_n and_o help_n but_o that_o god_n afford_v it_o to_o he_o if_o the_o supposal_n of_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v reasonable_a as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a it_o be_v the_o other_o will_v follow_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n since_o there_o be_v first_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o such_o a_o constitution_n as_o supernatural_a religion_n in_o order_n to_o man_n happiness_n and_o recovery_n that_o bear_v a_o equal_a date_n with_o his_o first_o apostasy_n to_o think_v otherwise_o be_v to_o deny_v what_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n goodness_n very_o open_o affirm_v to_o we_o and_o this_o be_v so_o no_o religion_n can_v be_v true_a that_o be_v not_o clothe_v with_o great_a antiquity_n and_o that_o religion_n that_o be_v most_o ancient_a and_o can_v derive_v itself_o from_o the_o beginning_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o true_a the_o bible_n therefore_o give_v we_o historical_o a_o account_n of_o god_n first_o intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o of_o the_o constant_a continuation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v itself_o the_o first_o account_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o write_a way_n upon_o all_o account_v the_o most_o ancient_a the_o world_n
apostle_n be_v man_n illiterate_a and_o of_o part_n and_o education_n so_o mean_a that_o they_o seem_v no_o way_n capable_a to_o write_v so_o profound_o to_o lay_v so_o deep_a a_o contrivement_n of_o mischief_n or_o by_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o their_o own_o ability_n to_o bid_v so_o fair_a to_o delude_v the_o world_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v man_n of_o such_o distant_a quality_n and_o different_a ability_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o imposture_n and_o so_o harmonise_v as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v in_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o three_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o interest_n of_o these_o writer_n as_o they_o be_v reasonable_a man_n for_o so_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v they_o and_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o same_o inducement_n that_o mankind_n do_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v reap_v any_o advantage_n by_o counterfeit_v this_o book_n nor_o can_v the_o composer_n thereof_o design_v any_o earthly_a or_o heavenly_a good_a to_o themselves_o as_o a_o recompense_n for_o such_o a_o undertake_n not_o heavenly_a for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a offence_n against_o god_n and_o merit_v the_o high_a punishment_n nor_o earthly_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o because_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o book_n throughout_o be_v to_o mortify_v man_n earthly_a ambition_n and_o appetite_n and_o to_o propose_v a_o happiness_n of_o another_o nature_n as_o man_n great_a interest_n and_o relate_v to_o another_o world_n and_o no_o man_n of_o common_a discretion_n that_o design_v to_o greaten_v himself_o here_o will_v choose_v to_o become_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o it_o because_o every_o step_n he_o advance_v that_o way_n will_v visible_o betray_v a_o apostasy_n from_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o render_v he_o a_o open_a impostor_n merit_v the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o mankind_n second_o the_o most_o of_o those_o that_o god_n employ_v in_o that_o work_n actual_o expose_v themselves_o by_o the_o do_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o persecution_n hazard_n and_o contempt_n imaginable_a and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o among_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n jeremiah_n amos_n and_o ezekiel_n and_o all_o the_o apostle_n according_a to_o what_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v they_o as_o history_n assure_v we_o save_v only_o the_o apostle_n john_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o own_o life_n publish_v their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o ridiculous_a to_o imagine_v so_o many_o man_n in_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v agree_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n to_o no_o other_o end_n but_o their_o own_o certain_a ruin_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o what_o end_n can_v many_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v in_o those_o unwelcome_a message_n they_o bring_v to_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o for_o which_o they_o know_v beforehand_o they_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o much_o ill_a usage_n no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o sottish_a to_o think_v jeremiah_n design_v to_o himself_o any_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n when_o he_o prophesy_v himself_o into_o the_o dungeon_n and_o at_o last_o into_o his_o grave_n or_o that_o the_o apostle_n design_v greatness_n or_o happiness_n here_o when_o they_o know_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o rage_n that_o be_v then_o upon_o earth_n and_o endure_v the_o shock_n of_o all_o that_o fury_n which_o either_o jew_n or_o gentile_n or_o the_o whole_a world_n together_o can_v execute_v upon_o they_o he_o that_o read_v the_o story_n of_o st._n paul_n must_v needs_o suppose_v he_o to_o act_v beyond_o the_o bound_n of_o all_o folly_n and_o madness_n and_o not_o like_o a_o man_n either_o capable_a of_o instruct_v or_o abuse_v mankind_n if_o he_o intend_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n as_o his_o end_n the_o motive_n of_o those_o holy_a writer_n in_o what_o they_o do_v can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v other_o then_o pure_a obedience_n to_o god_n love_v to_o truth_n and_o prefer_v a_o reward_n hereafter_o above_o their_o own_o life_n and_o all_o enjoyment_n here_o how_o high_o do_v they_o preach_v up_o obedience_n and_o submission_n to_o magistrate_n when_o all_o the_o ruler_n upon_o earth_n be_v their_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n and_o that_o doctrine_n can_v have_v no_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o bring_v their_o own_o head_n to_o the_o block_n the_o author_n of_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a genius_n and_o as_o one_o say_v well_o of_o they_o cute_fw-la authores_fw-la superstitionis_fw-la inter_fw-la gentes_fw-la omnes_fw-la sibi_fw-la &_o suis_fw-la semper_fw-la conciliarunt_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n write_v by_o any_o of_o they_o with_o any_o the_o least_o show_n of_o intention_n to_o greaten_v or_o advance_v themselves_o thereby_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a of_o they_o have_v themselves_o record_v their_o own_o great_a fatling_n and_o imperfection_n as_o well_o secret_a as_o open_v they_o all_o appear_v to_o be_v themselves_o under_o a_o subjection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v which_o plain_o declare_v they_o be_v inspire_v from_o above_o and_z no_o way_n master_n of_o it_o as_o a_o creature_n of_o their_o own_o throughout_o the_o whole_a book_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a antipathy_n to_o all_o self-seeking_a flattery_n or_o compliance_n god_n alone_o be_v exalt_v and_o all_o man_n person_n action_n and_o reputation_n be_v open_o postpone_v to_o his_o honour_n and_o put_v in_o subjection_n to_o those_o holy_a and_o excellent_a truth_n there_o deliver_v moses_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v the_o gâ—etâ—st_a gainer_n in_o this_o world_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a at_o that_o time_n god_n shall_v raise_v up_o a_o leader_n to_o his_o people_n yet_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v no_o design_n for_o himself_o for_o he_o pronounce_v a_o grievous_a curse_n and_o a_o sore_a judgement_n upon_o his_o own_o tribe_n the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n reject_v his_o own_o posterity_n leave_v they_o to_o the_o condition_n of_o common_a levite_n set_v up_o joshuah_n to_o succeed_v he_o and_o place_n the_o kingly_a superiority_n over_o that_o people_n in_o another_o tribe_n from_o his_o own_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o himself_o while_o he_o live_v attain_v to_o no_o more_o but_o to_o spend_v his_o day_n with_o great_a trouble_n among_o a_o murmur_a mutinous_a people_n in_o a_o wearisome_a wilderness_n fouruthly_a the_o number_n of_o those_o writer_n and_o the_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n may_v of_o they_o live_v in_o from_o the_o other_o do_v as_o probable_o secure_v we_o against_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n in_o the_o composure_n of_o this_o book_n as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v the_o world_n afford_v not_o a_o instance_n that_o ever_o so_o many_o man_n that_o live_v in_o so_o many_o several_a and_o distinct_a age_n so_o exact_o agree_v about_o any_o one_o thing_n much_o less_o to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o carry_v it_o on_o in_o such_o a_o continue_v write_v way_n never_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o any_o kind_n nor_o be_v it_o supposable_a upon_o the_o ground_n of_o common_a reason_n that_o ever_o any_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v it_o be_v strange_a it_o shall_v be_v do_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o high_a concernment_n wherein_o god_n honour_n &_o man_n welfare_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a engage_v that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o impostor_n shall_v be_v at_o several_a distant_a time_n for_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n together_o in_o contrive_v and_o compose_v such_o a_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n be_v to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o all_o that_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o palpable_a discovery_n make_v of_o they_o nor_o they_o themselves_o shall_v so_o trip_v in_o the_o do_v it_o as_o visible_o to_o shame_v their_o own_o undertake_n and_o betray_v those_o corrupt_a and_o rot_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v as_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o such_o a_o number_n of_o man_n live_v at_o such_o distance_n of_o time_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o design_n and_o the_o same_o way_n of_o promote_a it_o and_o agree_v they_o must_v for_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v it_o can_v happen_v so_o to_o be_v by_o chance_n because_o most_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v still_o write_v with_o a_o reference_n to_o thing_n future_a and_o no_o man_n that_o write_v any_o one_o part_n can_v at_o that_o time_n know_v that_o other_o in_o future_a age_n will_v justify_v what_o he_o say_v and_o take_v up_o the_o design_n in_o a_o right_a nick_n of_o time_n just_o where_o he_o leave_v it_o and_o so_o still_o carry_v it_o on_o and_o yet_o this_o must_v still_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v by_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n
of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o a_o eaâ—y_a dispatch_n the_o difficulty_n rest_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o that_o which_o can_v have_v no_o second_o cause_n for_o its_o author_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o no_o create_a power_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n can_v effect_v raise_v man_n dead_a cure_v disease_n by_o speak_v a_o word_n be_v able_a in_o a_o moment_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v only_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o suâ—h_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o claim_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expeâ—t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o â—hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o boâ—k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o wâ—â—kâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cyâ—ill's_v six_o book_n against_o juâ—ian_n and_o â—n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
they_o foretell_v thing_n that_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v they_o be_v no_o way_n to_o credit_v they_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o deuteronomy_n when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o the_o certain_a predict_v of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o this_o way_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v justify_v in_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o particular_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n who_o with_o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v send_v to_o the_o ten_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o isaiah_n and_o micah_n be_v to_o judah_n and_o in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n to_o which_o time_n it_o appear_v hosea_n himself_o survive_v his_o prophecy_n long_o before_o against_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v actual_o fulfil_v and_o the_o destruction_n he_o prophesy_v of_o come_v actual_o and_o visible_o upon_o the_o ten_o tribe_n at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyâ—â—a_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v the_o like_a justification_n though_o sometime_o it_o fall_v out_o to_o be_v late_a and_o the_o event_n of_o their_o prophecy_n can_v not_o be_v know_v till_o after-age_n nor_o do_v any_o one_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o prophet_n of_o god_n ever_o mistake_v in_o a_o tittle_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o although_o sometime_o the_o judgement_n they_o prophetical_o threaten_v be_v not_o actual_o inflict_v at_o those_o time_n they_o be_v threaten_v so_o to_o be_v yet_o that_o can_v not_o be_v the_o least_o derogation_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n because_o god_n still_o reserve_v a_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n to_o himself_o in_o such_o case_n and_o all_o such_o prophetical_a threaten_n be_v still_o denounce_v with_o a_o reserve_n in_o case_n of_o repentance_n and_o god_n himself_o to_o justify_v his_o own_o prophet_n do_v public_o declare_v thus_o much_o at_o what_o instant_a i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n or_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o plâ—ck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o the_o evil_a i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_a that_o i_o think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o etc._n etc._n but_o the_o total_a and_o final_a decision_n of_o all_o question_n that_o can_v arise_v among_o the_o jew_n touch_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n and_o that_o famous_a synagogue_n that_o after_o so_o long_a and_o sad_a a_o captivity_n assemble_v to_o reform_v what_o be_v amiss_o and_o to_o revive_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o decay_a church_n and_o state_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o restore_v and_o continue_v among_o those_o two_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n until_o the_o messiah_n shall_v come_v several_a of_o the_o last_o prophet_n be_v personal_o present_a they_o by_o a_o divine_a direction_n collect_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n together_o some_o of_o which_o as_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o amos_n and_o other_o prophecy_n send_v from_o god_n and_o which_o come_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v whole_o reject_v by_o the_o corrupt_a roll_a part_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n in_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o be_v first_o utter_v make_v a_o perfect_a separation_n not_o only_o between_o the_o work_v of_o true_a prophet_n and_o false_a and_o such_o write_n as_o come_n by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o such_o as_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a extraction_n but_o between_o such_o as_o be_v to_o be_v of_o a_o perpetual_a continuance_n and_o a_o stand_a rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o such_o as_o relate_v only_o to_o particular_a case_n and_o be_v not_o so_o they_o by_o god_n direction_n punctual_o settle_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n put_v a_o perfect_a period_n to_o all_o doubt_n in_o those_o time_n about_o this_o whole_a business_n and_o in_o that_o settlement_n of_o the_o scripture_n then_o make_v the_o jewish_a church_n full_o acquiesce_v and_o to_o it_o firm_o adhere_v till_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n from_o who_o divine_a authority_n we_o have_v aâ—_n re-establishment_n of_o all_o that_o be_v then_o do_v for_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o god_n be_v please_v to_o establish_v the_o first_o foundation_n of_o all_o write_a revelation_n in_o moses_n his_o time_n upon_o evidence_n from_o heaven_n beyond_o all_o compass_n of_o question_n so_o the_o complete_n and_o finish_v what_o god_n intend_v that_o way_n the_o lay_v the_o top-stone_n of_o that_o fabric_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o manifest_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n can_v make_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n about_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n in_o point_n of_o revelation_n the_o miracle_n be_v then_o apparent_a and_o visible_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o that_o in_o itself_o simple_o consider_v it_o introduce_v a_o religion_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a attain_v and_o wherein_o all_o that_o the_o world_n have_v in_o that_o kind_n at_o any_o time_n before_o arrive_v at_o be_v far_o outdo_v and_o exceed_v and_o second_o in_o a_o relative_a way_n in_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o some_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o reasonable_o suppose_v to_o write_v a_o determination_n of_o that_o grand_a question_n then_o on_o foot_n about_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a judaical_a policy_n as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o say_v if_o we_o admit_v this_o epistle_n to_o come_v from_o a_o apostolical_a hand_n every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v then_o write_v by_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n man_n not_o only_o perfect_o know_v in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a endowment_n in_o office_n under_o he_o and_o with_o the_o high_a delegation_n of_o his_o own_o power_n entrust_v by_o he_o and_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n end_v with_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a have_v its_o period_n in_o the_o apostle_n second_o all_o the_o several_a part_n at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a hand_n write_v appear_v so_o to_o promote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v so_o much_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n do_v so_o harmonise_v in_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o end_n and_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n each_o to_o other_o that_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o the_o general_a to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o those_o time_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o resolve_v all_o such_o doubt_n as_o can_v be_v make_v about_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o write_v second_o how_o can_v we_o now_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v
in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o dispatch_v all_o false_a god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o have_v heretic_n do_v it_o for_o it_o be_v this_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o write_a word_n of_o god_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n mortal_o wound_v they_o the_o scripture_n have_v slay_v their_o thousand_o and_o their_o ten_o thousand_o in_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o assert_v the_o orthodox_n truth_n of_o religion_n that_o have_v in_o all_o age_n keep_v up_o the_o christian_a verity_n and_o still_o bring_v all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o a_o open_a shame_n it_o have_v be_v the_o wrest_v or_o pervert_v not_o the_o corrupt_v of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o all_o heresy_n have_v chief_o arisen_a and_o the_o native_a and_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o prove_v their_o ruin_n nor_o be_v there_o upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n any_o tolerable_a reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o as_o god_n be_v please_v by_o his_o special_a providence_n to_o secure_v the_o old_a testament_n which_o we_o be_v sure_o he_o do_v and_o preserve_v it_o entire_a till_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o by_o the_o same_o providence_n he_o have_v secure_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a since_o and_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o the_o church_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n without_o any_o considerable_a variation_n from_o what_o they_o be_v when_o they_o be_v first_o write_v and_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v due_o consider_v as_o a_o eminent_a help_n towards_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n that_o the_o very_a same_o objection_n which_o some_o man_n now_o please_v themselves_o with_o against_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o old_a testament_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n for_o after_o esdras_n time_n the_o old_a testament_n come_v into_o no_o infallible_a band_n till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v convey_v by_o fallible_a mean_n through_o many_o age_n down_o to_o those_o time_n have_v the_o same_o possibility_n of_o alteration_n then_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o various_a lection_n also_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v then_o extant_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v then_o pure_a and_o entire_a nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n or_o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o least_o defect_n that_o be_v then_o in_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o in_o those_o eminent_a time_n of_o reformation_n the_o least_o question_n or_o doubt_v ever_o raise_v upon_o any_o such_o account_n one_o grand_a objection_n be_v usual_o make_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o frame_v all_o these_o argument_n bring_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o bible_n in_o general_n or_o to_o answer_v such_o particolar_n doubt_v as_o arise_v about_o it_o be_v build_v say_v some_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o huâ—anâ—_n and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a ground_n and_o if_o so_o we_o still_o embrace_v our_o religion_n but_o upon_o uncertain_a term_n can_v never_o from_o chance_n arrive_v at_o any_o positive_a and_o absolute_a assurance_n nor_o come_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n in_o answer_v to_o this_o objection_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o although_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o future_a age_n have_v be_v by_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a mean_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o disposal_n of_o god_n though_o we_o can_v pretend_v full_o to_o reach_v yet_o we_o be_v thus_o far_o inform_v first_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v by_o mean_n in_o themselves_o absolute_o infallible_a hand_v down_o to_o all_o place_n and_o age_n without_o the_o visible_a continuance_n and_o constant_a exertion_n of_o such_o a_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o will_v have_v whole_o invert_v that_o course_n we_o find_v god_n most_o general_o take_v in_o his_o rule_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o world_n second_o it_o will_v have_v prevent_v all_o that_o case_n and_o industry_n god_n intend_v to_o exercise_v his_o church_n withal_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a preservation_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n three_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o belief_n of_o not_o occasion_n for_o a_o dependence_n upon_o that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n god_n have_v express_v and_o wherein_o he_o have_v great_o honour_v himself_o in_o a_o overrule_a disposal_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o such_o extraordinary_a end_n who_o have_v providential_o secure_v this_o book_n through_o all_o the_o several_a channel_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o urge_v first_o by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o profession_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o and_o second_o by_o man_n of_o sceptical_a principle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o to_o fright_v or_o persuade_v we_o or_o both_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a or_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o how_o serviceable_a this_o objection_n though_o it_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n as_o it_o have_v be_v press_v both_o way_n will_v prove_v to_o either_o of_o these_o design_n and_o indeed_o with_o how_o great_a absurdity_n it_o be_v manage_v in_o order_n to_o both_o will_v be_v soon_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o belief_n of_o thing_n divine_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o divine_a illumination_n as_o god_n may_v particular_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o â—ust_z of_o necessity_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o we_o call_v rational_a and_o moral_a assurance_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v most_o proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n we_o mean_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n not_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o nor_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v less_o proper_a but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o now_o divine_a faith_n in_o that_o best_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v reduce_v into_o no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a a_o ssurance_n at_o last_o for_o if_o i_o say_v my_o faith_n be_v divine_a because_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o if_o i_o be_o ask_v by_o what_o mean_v i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o question_n must_v needs_o bring_v i_o back_o to_o a_o moral_a assurance_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o my_o previous_a belief_n about_o that_o divine_a testimony_n itself_o that_o it_o real_o be_v so_o whatsoever_o revelation_n god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o i_o i_o must_v needs_o without_o divine_a assistance_n receive_v it_o upon_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a term_n and_o so_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o i_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v receive_v my_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a inspiration_n in_o both_o case_n and_o god_n make_v man_n as_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o revelation_n when_o propose_v as_o he_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o plain_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v how_o i_o come_v to_o receive_v all_o other_o thing_n into_o my_o belief_n that_o be_v object_n of_o belief_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a credibility_n and_o moral_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o
errata_n page_n 8._o line_n 1._o deal_n â—_o p._n 13._o l._n 14._o for_o their_o r._n the._n p._n 20._o l._n 10._o for_o he_o r._n it_o be_v p._n 22._o l._n 26._o for_o or_o r._n and_o p._n 47._o l._n 18._o for_o product_n r._n conduct_n p._n 47._o l._n 27_o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o word_n when_o p._n 56._o l._n 2._o for_o whole_a r._n uphold_v p_o 66._o l._n 14._o deal_n common_a sentiment_n p._n 144._o l._n 14._o in_o the_o beginning_n add_v the_o world_n p._n 170_o l._n 11._o for_o when_o r._n where_o p._n 174_o l._n 11._o after_o expectance_n add_v off_o p._n 189._o l._n 19_o for_o may_v r._n many_o p._n 205._o l._n 10._o after_o thirty_o add_v year_n p._n 206._o l._n 1â—_n for_o elysian_a r_o elisiniaâ—_n p_o 207._o l._n 12._o for_o mend_v sius_fw-la r._n man_n disius_a p._n 224._o l._n 16._o for_o afford_v r._n afford_v p._n 258._o l._n 12._o for_o word_n r_o word_n p._n 259._o l._n 6._o r._n a_o after_z in_o p._n 390._o l._n 24._o for_o saniores_fw-la r._n seniores_fw-la p._n 419._o l._n 26._o for_o a_o r_o aâ—_n p._n 494._o l._n 21._o for_o providential_a r._n prudential_a p._n 407._o it_o 6._o for_o by_o r._n be_v s._n scrÃpturam_fw-la divinitùs_fw-la esse_fw-la revelatam_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exploratò_fw-la firmat_n iste_fw-la elenchus_n prodeat_fw-la è_fw-la typographiâ_fw-la humph._n london_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-beleif_a a_o discourse_n give_v some_o account_n of_o those_o rational_a ground_n upon_o which_o the_o bible_n be_v receive_v as_o the_o word_n of_o god._n write_a by_o sir_n charles_n wolseley_n bar_n t._n london_n print_v by_o t.r._n &_o n.t._n for_o nathaniel_n ponder_v at_o the_o peacock_n in_o chancery_n lane_n near_o fleetstreet_n 1672._o to_o the_o earl_n of_o anglesey_n my_o lord_n beside_o the_o common_a enemy_n to_o all_o these_o paperadventure_n those_o who_o suppose_v they_o can_v do_v much_o better_o and_o such_o who_o be_v not_o please_v they_o have_v not_o do_v so_o well_o from_o a_o twofold_a sort_n of_o man_n i_o expect_v a_o severe_a reflection_n upon_o this_o undertake_n chief_o from_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o reject_v all_o religion_n in_o gross_a as_o a_o thing_n no_o where_o exist_v but_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o sequacious_a and_o fearful_a man_n and_o deride_v all_o attempt_n make_v towards_o its_o rational_a justification_n and_o also_o from_o they_o who_o suppose_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n privilege_v from_o all_o dispute_n or_o debate_n thing_n not_o to_o be_v prove_v but_o admit_v that_o all_o endeavour_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v but_o a_o open_a arraignment_n of_o such_o fundamental_o as_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v question_v a_o disservice_n do_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n thereby_o and_o at_o best_a in_o themselves_o but_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a the_o follow_a discourse_n my_o lord_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o nature_n no_o way_n condit_v to_o the_o gust_n of_o any_o such_o man_n on_o either_o hand_n so_o i_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v myself_o to_o be_v best_a please_v with_o whatever_o be_v least_o so_o the_o first_o be_v a_o absurd_a generation_n that_o by_o a_o empty_a profane_a sort_n of_o discourse_n which_o themselves_o call_v wit_n will_v fain_o hector_z we_o out_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n of_o the_o world_n make_v that_o the_o scorn_n of_o this_o age_n which_o have_v be_v the_o most_o value_v and_o most_o revereneed_a in_o all_o other_o and_o whenever_o reduce_v to_o any_o sober_a and_o rational_a contest_v have_v no_o other_o relief_n from_o the_o shame_n of_o their_o own_o folly_n than_o what_o they_o find_v in_o those_o naked_a shelter_n of_o ignorance_n and_o confidence_n irreligion_n it_o be_v true_a in_o its_o practice_n have_v be_v still_o the_o companion_n of_o every_o age_n but_o its_o open_a and_o public_a defence_n seem_v the_o peculiar_a of_o this_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o man_n come_v to_o defend_v ill_a live_n and_o secure_v themselves_o against_o their_o own_o guilt_n by_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o the_o great_a maxim_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a the_o world_n have_v be_v tell_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v no_o where_n in_o force_n as_o a_o law_n divine_a but_o where_o by_o law_n civil_a and_o municipal_a it_o be_v make_v so_o to_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n feign_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o fancy_v from_o tale_n public_o allow_v these_o and_o most_o of_o the_o bad_a principle_n of_o this_o age_n be_v of_o no_o early_o a_o date_n than_o one_o very_o ill_a book_n be_v indeed_o but_o the_o spawn_n of_o the_o leviathan_n the_o other_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o easy_a and_o credulous_a man_n that_o derive_v their_o religion_n no_o high_o than_o education_n &_o custom_n have_v take_v up_o their_o great_a concern_v upon_o trust_n and_o whensoever_o encounter_v but_o by_o any_o small_a artificer_n in_o the_o sceptic_n be_v sure_a to_o be_v sufficient_o baffle_v themselves_o and_o religion_n expose_v to_o the_o utmost_a contempt_n and_o upon_o all_o such_o attack_n they_o either_o go_v off_o wound_v with_o a_o secret_a dislike_n of_o their_o own_o profession_n or_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o a_o stubborn_a and_o brutish_a sort_n of_o drudgery_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o which_o they_o find_v they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o good_a reason_n will_v such_o dull_a man_n once_o be_v at_o leisure_n from_o do_v nothing_o will_v they_o once_o be_v persuade_v to_o make_v but_o a_o sally_n into_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n it_o be_v no_o hard_a task_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o nothing_o prove_v more_o fatal_a to_o the_o public_a good_a of_o religion_n than_o this_o stupid_a sort_n of_o credulity_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o and_o from_o that_o weak_a impotent_a defence_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a truth_n that_o result_v natural_o from_o it_o that_o man_n profane_a triumph_n have_v be_v chief_o erect_v it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o we_o hear_v of_o so_o many_o so_o easy_o and_o so_o often_o seduce_v and_o it_o be_v those_o age_n when_o man_n fall_v off_o and_o retire_v from_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o religion_n and_o sink_v into_o implicit_a belief_n and_o ignorant_a devotion_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v date_n most_o of_o the_o great_a ill_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o those_o devout_a foolery_n which_o have_v since_o so_o cumber_v the_o world_n have_v their_o chief_a and_o first_o rise_v as_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v declare_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o so_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v so_o be_v must_v upon_o rational_a ground_n necessary_o be_v establish_v what_o ever_o belief_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o revelation_n aught_o to_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o a_o rational_a proof_n of_o that_o revelation_n as_o such_o and_o what_o ever_o appear_v to_o we_o upon_o those_o term_n so_o to_o be_v whatever_o can_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o god_n from_o the_o sovereign_a power_n of_o its_o author_n put_v in_o but_o a_o reasonable_a claim_n to_o our_o assent_n though_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o in_o some_o thing_n exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o a_o humane_a capacity_n and_o herein_o it_o be_v the_o socinian_o who_o have_v they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o a_o rational_a proof_n that_o all_o we_o believe_v be_v reveal_v have_v be_v of_o very_o good_a use_n to_o the_o church_n have_v great_o miscarry_v and_o when_o they_o will_v need_v subject_a all_o the_o matter_n of_o revelation_n to_o a_o rational_a comprehension_n fall_v much_o short_a of_o that_o credit_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o all_o that_o god_n reveal_v fall_v foul_a upon_o those_o two_o fundamental_o of_o our_o religion_n the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n and_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o indeed_o have_v come_v much_o short_a of_o that_o reverence_n all_o nation_n have_v pay_v to_o their_o god_n who_o by_o all_o their_o mystery_n still_o have_v profess_v to_o believe_v some_o thing_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o divine_a credit_n which_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n they_o can_v not_o full_o comprehend_v be_v not_o the_o loose_a principle_n my_o lord_n of_o this_o degenerate_a age_n about_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n somewhat_o more_o than_o a_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o whatever_o be_v do_v this_o way_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o can_v never_o inculcate_v too_o much_o even_o unto_o the_o best_a man_n upon_o this_o subject_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o because_o it_o be_v from_o this_o book_n we_o derive_v