Selected quad for the lemma: law_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
law_n	word_n	work_n	wrought_v	468	4	8.0589	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A29780	Miracles, work's above and contrary to nature, or, An answer to a late translation out of Spinoza's Tractatus theologico-politicus, Mr. Hobbs's Leviathan, &c. published to undermine the truth and authority of miracles, Scripture, and religion, in a treatise entituled, Miracles no violation of the laws of nature.	Browne, Thomas, 1654?-1741.	1683 (1683)	Wing B5062; ESTC R1298	42,132	76

it_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n supernatural_a or_o not_o and_o when_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o second_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a or_o groundless_a than_o that_o assertion_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o a_o finite_a effect_n can_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o infinite_a cause_n that_o every_o finite_a effect_n be_v so_o either_o immediate_o as_o when_o the_o effect_n though_o finite_a exceed_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v in_o the_o order_n and_o sphere_n wherein_o it_o act_n or_o mediate_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o a_o train_n of_o finite_a cause_n which_o yet_o must_v have_v have_v their_o own_o be_v and_o their_o first_o motion_n or_o power_n to_o act_v from_o a_o infinite_a agent_n the_o argument_n for_o a_o infinite_a from_o the_o existence_n of_o finite_a being_n proceed_v thus_o every_o finite_a be_v be_v contingent_a and_o so_o may_v not_o have_v be_v therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v must_v not_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o in_o something_o else_o viz._n the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o again_o every_o finite_a be_v have_v limit_n of_o perfection_n these_o can_v be_v set_v by_o itself_o but_o by_o something_o else_o which_o give_v it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o no_o great_a and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o if_o this_o cause_n be_v finite_a too_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o another_o and_o the_o question_n will_v recur_v till_o we_o stop_v at_o last_o in_o a_o cause_n self-existent_a and_o infinite_a so_o much_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o what_o he_o say_v for_o the_o other_o part_n viz._n that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v short_a his_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o in_o some_o measure_n indicate_v to_o we_o the_o infinity_n eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v he_o speak_v more_o plain_o out_o of_o his_o opera_fw-la posthuma_n because_o god_n and_o nature_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o more_o i_o know_v of_o nature_n the_o more_o i_o understand_v of_o the_o modification_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n lead_v we_o to_o scepticism_n we_o may_v reply_v that_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o make_v from_o nature_n will_v rather_o carry_v we_o either_o to_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n i_o proceed_v to_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o he_o argue_v from_o deut_n 13._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o because_o a_o miracle_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o place_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n 2._o he_o argue_v from_o the_o corrupt_a notion_n the_o israelite_n have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o they_o the_o word_n in_o deut._n 13._o v_o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v these_o 13._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n from_o hence_o he_o argue_v a_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o one_o that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n ergo_fw-la by_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n as_o of_o the_o true_a e._n god_n can_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o miracle_n prophet_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n common_o propound_v for_o these_o word_n in_o deut._n viz._n how_o miracle_n can_v be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n viz._n a_o preacher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v urge_v from_o this_o place_n the_o israelite_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v have_v already_o a_o law_n give_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o attest_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n the_o same_o law_n repeat_v again_o in_o this_o book_n of_o deut._n with_o a_o repetition_n likewise_o of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n their_o religion_n therefore_o be_v thus_o settle_v to_o fortify_v they_o against_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o they_o be_v forewarn_v in_o this_o place_n not_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n may_v possible_o permit_v such_o a_o person_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o adherence_n to_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o those_o word_n deut._n 13._o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o draw_v from_o they_o that_o god_n may_v permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v therefore_o whether_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a miracle_n can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n the_o argument_n be_v in_o form_n this_o if_o god_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o may_v permit_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n then_o miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o god_n may_v in_o this_o case_n permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n ergo._fw-la if_o the_o consequence_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o any_o case_n which_o must_v be_v the_o conclusion_n if_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o denial_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o notwithstanding_o a_o impostor_n may_v work_v a_o miracle_n in_o this_o case_n and_o so_o the_o miracle_n he_o work_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n yet_o in_o any_o other_o case_n notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n it_o may_v be_v and_o i_o may_v positive_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o true_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o all_o other_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o reducible_a to_o this_o case_n may_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n for_o instance_n two_o sort_n of_o miracle_n be_v except_v from_o this_o case_n 1._o those_o miracle_n suppose_v that_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n after_o this_o warning_n give_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o person_n that_o will_v seduce_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n by_o person_n that_o do_v not_o attempt_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n 2._o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o

nothing_o in_o the_o world_n happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n before_o i_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o argument_n i_o shall_v 1._o state_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o in_o this_o controversy_n 2._o lay_v down_o the_o main_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n depend_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nature_n it_o and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o in_o this_o controversy_n a_o miracle_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o spinoza_n oppose_v be_v take_v for_o a_o work_n beside_o above_z or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n beside_o the_o order_n above_o the_o force_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o it_o now_o the_o word_n nature_n may_v be_v take_v in_o many_o signification_n eeither_o 1._o for_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o but_o proper_o of_o material_a and_o corruptible_a being_n or_o 2._o for_o the_o aggregate_v of_o they_o the_o material_a world_n or_o 3_o for_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n god_n himself_o call_v thence_o natura_fw-la naturans_fw-la or_o last_o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o several_a body_n as_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o innate_a power_n and_o disposition_n now_o the_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n here_o be_v for_o the_o aggregate_v of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o and_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v such_o as_o determine_v the_o manner_n wherein_o natural_a body_n act_v among_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o general_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o determine_v how_o each_o part_n of_o matter_n must_v be_v move_v upon_o the_o occurrence_n of_o other_o body_n or_o particular_a law_n impress_v upon_o their_o several_a nature_n determine_v each_o to_o act_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n the_o question_n therefore_o about_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n must_v be_v this_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o effect_n in_o the_o material_a world_n as_o be_v beside_o above_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n wherein_o natural_a body_n be_v determine_v to_o act_v among_o themselves_o i_o e._n such_o effect_n as_o transcend_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o deviate_v from_o or_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o general_a or_o particular_a law_n of_o motion_n determine_v they_o to_o act_v miracle_n 2._o the_o question_n therefore_o thus_o state_v i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n depend_v and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v rational_o deduce_v from_o these_o principle_n god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o do_v 1._o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o 2._o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n omnipotence_n be_v proper_o a_o power_n to_o bring_v any_o thing_n to_o effect_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o the_o contradiction_n must_v lie_v in_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o i_o be_o to_o show_v therefore_o that_o a_o miracle_n or_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n be_v not_o impossible_a upon_o either_o account_n 1._o a_o miracle_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n thing_n every_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v either_o a_o production_n of_o something_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n or_o a_o suspension_n or_o utter_a abolition_n of_o its_o be_v the_o thing_n produce_v or_o destroy_v by_o miracle_n be_v either_o matter_n itself_o or_o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n of_o it_o 1._o matter_n as_o suppose_v a_o new_a portion_n of_o it_o create_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n or_o any_o determinate_a portion_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n of_o matter_n as_o suppose_v 1._o god_n shall_v endue_v any_o part_n of_o matter_n with_o a_o form_n quality_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o what_o it_o other_o wise_a might_n or_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n shall_v divest_v any_o part_n of_o matter_n of_o any_o form_n quality_n motion_n etc._n etc._n which_o otherwise_o it_o must_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n two_o kind_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o have_v here_o 1._o when_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n be_v create_v anew_o or_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o when_o a_o form_n quality_n or_o motion_n or_o any_a other_o accident_n of_o matter_n be_v produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n and_o to_o these_o two_o be_v reducible_a all_o effect_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v make_v up_o of_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n quality_n motion_n and_o other_o accident_n thereof_o now_o neither_o of_o these_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 〈…〉_z 1._o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v create_v anew_o or_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o matter_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o be_v possible_a and_o contingent_a possible_a because_o its_o idea_n or_o conception_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n and_o a_o notion_n that_o destroy_v itself_o contingent_a because_o it_o be_v idea_n or_o conception_n do_v not_o include_v necessity_n of_o existence_n if_o matter_n therefore_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o thing_n possible_a then_o unless_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a world_n be_v extend_v in_o infinitum_fw-la which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n there_o be_v still_o room_n and_o possibility_n for_o more_o to_o be_v create_v but_o this_o must_v be_v by_o miracle_n quia_fw-la ex_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a naturaliter_fw-la again_o if_o matter_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o contingent_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o determinate_a portion_n of_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v or_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o but_o this_o too_o must_v be_v by_o miracle_n quia_fw-la in_o nihilum_fw-la nihil_fw-la revertitur_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la possibile_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v create_v anew_o or_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o form_n quality_n 2._o motion_n or_o other_o accident_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n for_o instance_n the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o again_o destroy_v in_o aaron_n rod_n the_o form_n and_o quality_n of_o blood_n in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o nile_n of_o louse_n in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o water_n at_o the_o marriage_n feast_n at_o cana_n of_o galilee_n the_o quality_n and_o power_n of_o sight_n in_o the_o blind_a hear_v in_o the_o deaf_a speech_n in_o the_o dumb_a strength_n in_o the_o lame_a health_n in_o the_o sick_a life_n in_o the_o dead_a last_o the_o form_n of_o bread_n or_o the_o very_a humane_a nature_n itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o stone_n the_o motion_n of_o ten_o degree_n backward_o in_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o hezekiah_n 11_o and_o the_o suspension_n of_o his_o natural_a motion_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n at_o the_o request_n of_o joshua_n 13._o the_o production_n or_o determination_n of_o fire_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n upon_o his_o sacrifice_n 18.38_o and_o the_o captain_n etc._n etc._n send_v to_o apprehend_v he_o and_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o action_n of_o fire_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n furnace_n 3.27_o the_o production_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o bring_v the_o locust_n and_o drive_v they_o back_o and_o to_o force_v back_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n 14.21_o at_o the_o stretch_v forth_o of_o moses_n rod_n and_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v but_o only_o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o the_o like_a produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n and_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v matter_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v indifferent_o susceptible_a of_o any_o form_n or_o quality_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o be_v in_o itself_o capable_a at_o any_o time_n of_o be_v without_o those_o form_n and_o quality_n which_o it_o have_v or_o of_o have_v any_o other_o instead_o thereof_o capable_a it_o be_v

question_n proper_o admit_v 2._o that_o his_o argument_n as_o it_o proceed_v upon_o his_o own_o principle_n terminate_v direct_o in_o flat_a atheism_n or_o idolatry_n 3._o that_o set_v aside_o his_o own_o principle_n his_o argument_n may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o conclusion_n 1._o he_o take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o this_o question_n proper_o admit_v admit_v by_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o be_v mean_v here_o the_o whole_a aggregate_v and_o compage_n of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o spinoza_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n which_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o no_o will_v immediate_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n to_o these_o word_n nihil_fw-la igitur_fw-la in_o naturâ_fw-la contingit_fw-la 100_o quod_fw-la ipsius_fw-la legibus_fw-la universalibus_fw-la repugnat_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o subjoin_v this_o marginal_a note_n n._n b._n i_o hîc_fw-la per_fw-la naturam_fw-la non_fw-la intelligere_fw-la solam_fw-la materiam_fw-la ejusque_fw-la affectiones_fw-la sed_fw-la praeter_fw-la materiam_fw-la alia_fw-la infinita_fw-la the_o translator_n i_o confess_v have_v it_o not_o whether_o omit_v as_o impertinent_a only_o or_o as_o that_o which_o will_v too_o open_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o determine_v but_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v as_o spinoza_n and_o not_o his_o own_o question_n now_o if_o spinoza_n take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o so_o great_a a_o latitude_n as_o to_o understand_v by_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o thing_n beside_o matter_n he_o may_v find_v it_o pretty_a easy_a to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n within_o its_o compass_n and_o if_o he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a extent_n it_o may_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o thing_n not_o to_o fall_v within_o their_o circuit_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o then_o the_o philosopher_n way_n of_o argue_v will_v be_v as_o much_o beside_o the_o question_n as_o a_o miracle_n be_v beside_o nature_n the_o schoolman_n where_o they_o treat_v of_o law_n make_v the_o first_o division_n of_o they_o into_o the_o eternal_a law_n and_o those_o that_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o the_o eternal_a twofold_n 1._o the_o order_n whereby_o god_n eternal_o decree_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n 2._o the_o order_n which_o he_o decree_v to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o latter_a be_v branch_v out_o in_o these_o particular_n the_o law_n of_o natural_a agent_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o this_o either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n divine_a revelation_n or_o humane_a institution_n this_o second_o eternal_a law_n and_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o several_a agent_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v may_v swerve_v from_o and_o not_o act_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o they_o so_o the_o angel_n first_o violate_v their_o law_n then_o mankind_n they_o as_o they_o daily_o do_v all_o law_n natural_a and_o positive_a divine_a and_o humane_a the_o natural_a agent_n indeed_o as_o not_o endue_v with_o freedom_n of_o will_n observe_v one_o constant_a order_n and_o tenor_n if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o yet_o may_v either_o cease_v to_o act_n or_o act_n otherwise_o if_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n think_v fit_a to_o interpose_v who_o can_v then_o either_o suspend_v their_o operation_n or_o determine_v they_o to_o act_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n beside_o their_o usual_a course_n and_o contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n and_o the_o law_n of_o their_o motion_n but_o the_o first_o eternal_a law_n be_v of_o universal_a extent_n and_o hold_v inviolable_o nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o beside_o above_o or_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o direct_v to_o its_o own_o grand_a purpose_n whatever_o stray_v from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o its_o creation_n draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v all_o event_n conspire_v to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o ordain_v the_o sin_n of_o lapse_v angel_n and_o man_n to_o the_o irrevokable_a damnation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o most_o surprise_v and_o mysterious_a method_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n it_o provide_v for_o a_o supplement_n to_o the_o lose_a or_o decay_a light_n of_o nature_n the_o revelation_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o attest_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n ordain_v nature_n to_o act_v above_o or_o contrary_n to_o herself_o by_o a_o obediential_a power_n the_o same_o eternal_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n decree_a the_o production_n of_o miraculous_a effect_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n which_o first_o determine_v into_o act_n the_o whole_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v here_o a_o universal_a law_n from_o whence_o all_o thing_n follow_v and_o contrary_a to_o which_o nothing_o do_v or_o can_v fall_v out_o a_o order_n eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a set_v down_o with_o himself_o by_o that_o supreme_a be_v 11._o who_o work_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o this_o he_o have_v appoint_v time_n for_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a effect_n as_o well_o as_o this_o last_a period_n for_o the_o constant_a and_o settle_a operation_n of_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v spinoza_n law_n of_o nature_n where_o he_o extend_v the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o material_a world_n and_o the_o order_n whereby_o natural_a body_n act_v therein_o his_o proposition_n may_v be_v true_a that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n but_o then_o 1._o he_o take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o 2._o whole_o leave_v the_o question_n about_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o proposition_n if_o take_v in_o that_o sense_n idolatry_n and_o i_o wish_v his_o sense_n be_v so_o orthodox_n as_o this_o i_o have_v hint_v and_o that_o all_o his_o fault_n be_v only_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v far_o otherwise_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v upon_o what_o principle_n his_o argument_n proceed_v his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n ergo_fw-la nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o spinoza_n refer_v we_o to_o his_o four_o chapter_n 70._o the_o argument_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o it_o there_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o identity_n 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a will_n and_o understanding_n and_o it_o proceed_v thus_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v he_o say_v only_o in_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o conceive_v god_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n when_o we_o regard_v only_o this_o that_o the_o nature_n v._n c._n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v contain_v eternal_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n we_o conceive_v god_n to_o will_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o regard_v this_o far_o that_o the_o nature_n v._n c._n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v so_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n itself_o but_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n and_o its_o property_n as_o they_o be_v conceive_v as_o eternal_a truth_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o the_o divine_a so_o that_o for_o god_n to_o will_n or_o decree_v any_o thing_n be_v for_o the_o same_o to_o be_v contain_v necessary_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a truth_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v his_o principle_n which_o he_o borrow_v from_o his_o four_o chapter_n and_o we_o see_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o particular_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v

be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v of_o solomon_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o 73_o psalm_n their_o doubt_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n wherein_o miracle_n be_v not_o proper_a mean_n to_o inform_v they_o viz._n why_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v in_o this_o life_n what_o he_o have_v beside_o under_o this_o head_n be_v 1._o a_o profane_a abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n 15._o instead_o of_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o plain_a expression_n therein_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o power_n to_o be_v know_v 10.2_o and_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n this_o he_o say_v be_v not_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n mean_v that_o miracle_n be_v in_o themselves_o convince_a argument_n but_o only_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la that_o be_v for_o want_n of_o better_a evidence_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v of_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n however_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a and_o make_v these_o his_o topic_n as_o most_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v or_o convince_v they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o interpret_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o greek_n as_o a_o oreek_a that_o be_v argue_v with_o both_o not_o from_o any_o true_a and_o rational_a principle_n but_o by_o make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o his_o side_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o true_a philosophy_n 16._o that_o god_n in_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o one_o person_n or_o nation_n than_o another_o viz._n he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o all_o whatsoever_o mean_n be_v necessary_a for_o their_o happiness_n but_o also_o oblige_v not_o to_o give_v any_o one_o man_n over_o and_o above_o any_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o do_v not_o equal_o impart_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o answer_v these_o two_o position_n full_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v spinoza_n second_n and_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-polit_a whereto_o he_o refer_v we_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o both_o i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n he_o propose_v to_o make_v out_o 16._o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o decree_n and_o command_n and_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n this_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o instance_n 2._o because_o the_o scriptute_fw-la relate_v several_a circumstance_n in_o the_o production_n of_o those_o effect_n that_o be_v common_o hold_v to_o be_v supernatural_a 1._o his_o instance_n be_v some_o that_o i_o mention_v above_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o premonition_n 16._o viz._n god_n tell_v samuel_n he_o will_v send_v he_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o benjamin_n which_o be_v only_a saul_n come_v to_o he_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o ass_n 1._o god_n be_v say_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n so_o that_o they_o hate_v the_o israelite_n who_o yet_o it_o appear_v be_v move_v to_o hate_v they_o upon_o politic_a account_n god_n saying_n he_o will_v set_v his_o bow_n in_o the_o sky_n 18._o and_o yet_o the_o rainbow_n and_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o nature_n so_o also_o the_o melt_a of_o the_o snow_n call_v god_n word_n 104.4_o and_o the_o wind_n and_o fire_n his_o minister_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o instance_n by_o god_n decree_n or_o command_v mean_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o his_o argument_n ought_v to_o conclude_v universal_o for_o which_o a_o few_o instance_n in_o such_o particular_n wherein_o it_o hold_v be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o name_v some_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o can_v never_o take_v effect_n by_o the_o mere_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n 3._o that_o three_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o nebuchadnezzar_n furnace_n and_o the_o same_o fire_n kill_v those_o person_n that_o come_v so_o near_o to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o furnace_n as_o to_o throw_v they_o in_o and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o singe_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n though_o throw_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v stand_v still_o at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n 10._o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n at_o the_o command_n of_o another_o the_o sea_n be_v still_v the_o dead_a raise_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o at_o the_o word_n touch_n and_o shadow_n of_o other_o all_o these_o effect_n the_o scripture_n set_v down_o as_o wrought_v by_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o not_o i_o presume_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o word_n the_o answer_n have_v be_v give_v before_o that_o the_o scripture_n a_o scribe_n all_o effect_n to_o god_n natural_a or_o above_o nature_n and_o as_o from_o its_o ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v how_o he_o produce_v they_o we_o can_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o record_v they_o for_o miraculous_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o its_o speak_n of_o supernatural_a effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o infer_v that_o it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o they_o but_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n his_o second_o reason_n be_v 19_o because_o the_o scripture_n relate_v several_a circumstance_n in_o the_o production_n of_o miracle_n which_o circumstance_n he_o say_v do_v show_v that_o these_o miracle_n require_v natural_a cause_n so_o the_o sprinkle_v of_o ash_n require_v to_o produce_v the_o plague_n of_o scab_n 8.10.14.14.21_o a_o east_n wind_n to_o bring_v the_o locust_n and_o a_o west_n wind_n to_o drive_v they_o away_o a_o east_n wind_v likewise_o to_o drive_v back_o the_o red_a sea_n elijah_n lay_v his_o body_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o shunamite_n child_n 4.34_o in_o order_n to_o raise_v it_o to_o life_n again_o if_o he_o argue_v to_o the_o purpose_n he_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o circumstance_n which_o he_o make_v requisite_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n be_v also_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n and_o indeed_o the_o wind_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a proper_a instrument_n to_o bring_v and_o carry_v away_o the_o locust_n and_o to_o drive_v back_o the_o sea_n but_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o determination_n of_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o another_o circumstance_n not_o very_o proper_a to_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o stretch_v out_o of_o moses_n hand_n and_o his_o rod._n and_o this_o common_o be_v the_o first_o circumstance_n in_o every_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v those_o effect_n immediate_o and_o by_o itself_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v proper_a to_o set_v all_o the_o other_o subordinate_a cause_n on_o motion_n for_o their_o require_v natural_a cause_n because_o relate_v with_o some_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o their_o production_n must_v imply_v that_o these_o circumstance_n be_v the_o natural_a cause_n requisite_a and_o if_o so_o than_o moses_n rod_n have_v many_o great_a many_o occult_a yet_o natural_a quality_n very-hard_a indeed_o to_o explain_v or_o conceive_v and_o very_o admirable_a though_o not_o miraculous_a as_o of_o raise_v and_o lay_v wind_n and_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o hail_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o blood_n bring_v frog_n out_o of_o the_o river_n produce_v lace_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v short_a the_o circumstance_n common_o mention_v as_o concurrent_a to_o the_o production_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v natural_a cause_n that_o they_o prove_v the_o contrary_n for_o if_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a cause_n these_o circumstance_n must_v be_v all_o or_o part_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a qualify_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n ascribe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n therefore_o must_v be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o can_v produce_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o make_v any_o thing_n instrumental_a to_o what_o purpose_v and_o effect_n it_o please_v for_o instance_n the_o clay_n and_o the_o hospital_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n apply_v by_o our_o