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juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la
and_o do_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v whatever_o they_o think_v come_v from_o above_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n not_o besot_v with_o sensuality_n and_o brutish_o degenerate_v a_o earnest_a thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o conviction_n upon_o every_o reasonable_a man_n that_o without_o some_o further_a discovery_n from_o god_n himself_o than_o what_o this_o world_n and_o our_o own_o contemplation_n thereupon_o will_v afford_v we_o no_o satisfy_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v attain_v three_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n design_v by_o his_o own_o faculty_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o natural_a obligation_n tend_v to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o and_o to_o pay_v the_o homage_n due_a from_o we_o in_o such_o away_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o ascertain_v be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o humane_a welfare_n that_o be_v the_o great_a concern_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v about_o divine_a worship_n and_o this_o seem_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o what_o he_o be_v and_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o exist_v the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o debase_v his_o excellency_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o some_o vain_a idea_n and_o phantasm_n of_o our_o own_o imagination_n i_o must_v be_v teach_v from_o above_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o therein_o i_o must_v look_v upward_o and_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a direction_n from_o thence_o mankind_n seem_v una_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n most_o sit_v yea_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v from_o heaven_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o he_o where_o can_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n not_o found_v upon_o some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o admission_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o irrational_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a indignity_n offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n to_o make_v man_n their_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o case_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a determination_n of_o humane_a discretion_n how_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v this_o truth_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o a_o law_n and_o a_o state_v rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o serve_v of_o he_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o entitle_v the_o best_a of_o our_o service_n to_o obedience_n or_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v secure_v of_o acceptance_n not_o aught_o we_o to_o judge_v that_o any_o worship_n ever_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o command_n and_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o some_o way_n or_o other_o appoint_v though_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o any_o real_a conformity_n there_o be_v among_o they_o to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o be_v original_o annex_v to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o great_o displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o upon_o their_o good_a and_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o own_o contrive_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o god_n most_o odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o from_o a_o very_a authentic_a determination_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o worship_n be_v a_o service_n perform_v to_o devil_n nor_o can_v any_o the_o best_a intention_n that_o any_o man_n ever_o yet_o have_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v sufficient_o excuse_v for_o will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o worship_n can_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o law_n natural_a give_v to_o we_o in_o our_o first_o constitution_n or_o by_o some_o reveal_v law_n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o worship_n must_v be_v either_o in_o nature_n or_o institution_n the_o point_n then_o to_o be_v prove_v will_v be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a law_n give_v to_o mankind_n a_o sufficient_a direction_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o that_o intercourse_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o respect_v either_o his_o own_o honour_n or_o man_n happiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o all_o mankind_n natural_o tend_v to_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o expect_v it_o in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n that_o god_n by_o a_o law_n natural_a bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o general_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o some_o general_n innate_a direction_n about_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o grant_v and_o have_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o rational_a nature_n which_o show_v to_o we_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o that_o very_a nature_n which_o become_v obligatory_a to_o itself_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o own_o reason_n be_v our_o law_n and_o according_a to_o that_o law_n man_n without_o revelation_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v and_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o dictate_v of_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v not_o entrust_v with_o such_o a_o plenary_a direction_n about_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v and_o we_o all_o tend_v to_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v a_o sufficient_a law_n to_o himself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o may_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o worship_n must_v either_o be_v confine_v to_o word_n thought_n and_o bodily_a gesture_n and_o simple_o terminate_v there_o or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o some_o further_a expression_n of_o service_n by_o a_o appropriation_n of_o some_o other_o medium_n unto_o it_o first_o no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v no_o otherwise_o serve_v then_o by_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n both_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v in_o all_o time_n declare_v the_o contrary_n nor_o have_v any_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v or_o such_o a_o constitution_n frame_v as_o that_o we_o call_v religion_n without_o some_o other_o expression_n of_o service_n and_o some_o other_o external_n medium_n appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v arisen_a from_o two_o thing_n first_o man_n have_v never_o suppose_v their_o word_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o their_o gesture_n to_o be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a expression_n of_o that_o homage_n they_o be_v natural_o sensible_a they_o owe_v to_o the_o greatness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o being_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o have_v visible_o bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o the_o plenary_a and_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o still_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o a_o further_a expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o subjection_n second_o mankind_n in_o every_o age_n have_v apply_v to_o god_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o gild_n contract_v by_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v still_o adjudge_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o further_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o some_o other_o medium_n then_o bare_a thought_n and_o naked_a expression_n to_o apply_v to_o he_o about_o they_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o imagine_v such_o a_o service_n a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o sin_n but_o have_v still_o attempt_v a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n above_o and_o by_o some_o other_o way_n have_v endeavour_v to_o appease_v divine_a anger_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o issue_v itself_o into_o any_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o do_v about_o thing_n
and_o indeed_o well_o may_v he_o tell_v they_o so_o for_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n and_o isaiah_n be_v contemporary_a with_o the_o first_o olympiad_n which_o begin_v as_o scaliger_n prove_v aut_fw-la of_o eusebius_n and_o other_o but_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o king_n ahaz_n who_o son_n hezekiah_n live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o numa_n in_o rome_n and_o eâ—dras_n himself_o and_o the_o late_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n write_v before_o socrates_n philosophize_v in_o athens_n who_o teach_v not_o there_o till_o some_o time_n after_o the_o captivity_n this_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o write_n and_o their_o precedency_n to_o all_o other_o write_v religion_n or_o learning_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o tolerable_a denial_n and_o as_o scaliger_n say_v in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o eusebius_n the_o proof_n of_o it_o result_v so_o plain_o from_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o heathen_a author_n themselves_o nihil_fw-la superesse_fw-la paganis_fw-la videtâ—r_fw-la nisi_fw-la aut_fw-la ut_fw-la ingeâ—ua_fw-la confessio_fw-la ab_fw-la this_fw-mi exprimcretur_fw-la aut_fw-la silentium_fw-la pertinacâ—ae_fw-la sinem_fw-la faceret_fw-la and_o he_o add_v quod_fw-la certe_fw-la faeliciter_fw-la câ—ssit_fw-la ut_fw-la &_o hac_fw-la in_o parte_fw-la porphrius_n manus_fw-la daret_fw-la it_o be_v not_o make_v out_o from_o any_o nice_a dispute_n between_o chronologer_n come_v not_o within_o any_o near_a compass_n of_o time_n but_o from_o a_o general_a concurrence_n of_o all_o history_n and_o be_v so_o far_o beyond_o the_o â—each_n of_o all_o contradiction_n that_o the_o worst_a enemy_n to_o our_o religion_n have_v agree_v it_o and_o give_v in_o their_o testimony_n to_o it_o of_o this_o eusebius_n in_o the_o ten_o book_n of_o his_o praep._n evan._n chap._n 3._o take_v special_a notice_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o porphrie_n one_o of_o the_o most_o rage_a malicious_a enemy_n that_o ever_o the_o christian_n meet_v with_o have_v in_o his_o four_o book_n which_o he_o write_v against_o they_o give_v this_o testimony_n to_o moses_n and_o his_o antiquity_n that_o he_o have_v write_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n true_o which_o thing_n he_o have_v perceive_v by_o confer_v it_o with_o sanchoniathon_n the_o berutian_a who_o rehearse_v the_o very_a same_o circumstance_n and_o name_n and_o place_n that_o moses_n do_v the_o which_o he_o have_v learn_v out_o of_o the_o register_n of_o one_o hierumbalus_n a_o priest_n of_o the_o god_n of_o levi_n and_o out_o of_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o city_n and_o out_o of_o holy_a book_n dedicate_v to_o temple_n and_o this_o sanchoniathon_n say_v he_o be_v after_o moses_n about_o the_o time_n of_o semiramis_n by_o which_o it_o evident_o appear_v he_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o make_v he_o to_o be_v much_o early_o in_o the_o world_n than_o we_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v but_o it_o be_v agree_v on_o all_o hand_n he_o live_v and_o write_v in_o a_o time_n long_o before_o any_o other_o author_n of_o book_n or_o any_o other_o write_v learning_n be_v know_v and_o this_o clear_a evidence_n we_o have_v so_o clear_a that_o in_o such_o a_o case_n a_o clear_a can_v be_v expect_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o preeminence_n of_o his_o write_n above_o all_o other_o in_o that_o respect_n give_v we_o very_o probable_a ground_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o first_o introducer_n of_o letter_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o writer_n of_o book_n whatever_o other_o nation_n have_v fabulous_o boast_v to_o the_o contrary_a and_o notwithstanding_o pliny_n absurd_a supposition_n that_o letter_n be_v eternal_a because_o he_o imagine_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v so_o for_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v if_o the_o world_n have_v enjoy_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n before_o but_o that_o there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o monument_n of_o it_o before_o his_o time_n remain_v at_o the_o least_o to_o the_o next_o after_o age_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v some_o credible_a account_n from_o they_o and_o therefore_o diodorus_n siculus_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n and_o that_o the_o action_n of_o king_n be_v not_o record_v of_o old_a because_o the_o world_n want_v letter_n impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la say_v he_o primas_fw-la literas_fw-la aeque_fw-la ac_fw-la primos_fw-la reges_fw-la vetuslas_fw-la extitisse_fw-la and_o josephus_n give_v the_o very_a same_o reason_n why_o we_o have_v no_o more_o ancient_a history_n than_o we_o have_v because_o the_o world_n ancient_o want_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n but_o especial_o we_o can_v suppose_v but_o that_o those_o revelation_n god_n make_v before_o of_o himself_o and_o his_o mind_n to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v safe_o preserve_v in_o write_v and_o leave_v upon_o record_n to_o posterity_n long_o before_o moses_n write_v nor_o can_v we_o well_o imagine_v that_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o who_o at_o any_o time_n god_n please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o shall_v not_o use_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v and_o communicate_v so_o inestimable_a a_o treasure_n of_o this_o we_o hear_v not_o the_o least_o upon_o any_o tolerable_a ground_n of_o credit_n nor_o of_o any_o other_o write_n before_o moses_n but_o upon_o report_n that_o appear_v gross_o fictitious_a and_o fabulous_a it_o be_v a_o thing_n great_o probable_a that_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n the_o world_n know_v nothing_o of_o letter_n for_o we_o neither_o find_v any_o law_n of_o god_n or_o of_o man_n write_v before_o and_o it_o be_v likewise_o most_o probable_a that_o we_o owe_v they_o not_o nor_o their_o use_n to_o humane_a invention_n but_o to_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a plato_n have_v learn_v so_o much_o from_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o say_v in_o his_o cratilus_n that_o the_o original_a of_o letter_n be_v from_o the_o god_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n offer_v its_o self_n very_o fair_o to_o our_o belief_n that_o god_n himself_o when_o he_o give_v the_o ten_o commandment_n write_v by_o his_o own_o singer_n to_o moses_n introduce_v the_o first_o alphabet_n and_o that_o letter_n themselves_o and_o those_o divine_a precept_n be_v of_o a_o equal_a date_n i_o insist_v not_o on_o this_o as_o capable_a of_o any_o certain_a and_o positive_a proof_n nor_o if_o it_o be_v be_v it_o to_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o convince_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o circumstance_n of_o very_a considerable_a weight_n and_o have_v very_o good_a probability_n for_o its_o belief_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v find_v if_o we_o consult_v but_o what_o chrysostome_n theophilact_fw-mi and_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v say_v in_o the_o justification_n of_o it_o cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o seven_o book_n against_o julian_n insist_o much_o upon_o it_o vives_z upon_o the_o thirty_o nine_o chapter_n of_o st._n augustine_n 18_o book_n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o common_a opinion_n both_o of_o jew_n and_o christian_n that_o moses_n first_o give_v letter_n to_o the_o hebrew_n language_n which_o doubtless_o have_v the_o priority_n of_o all_o other_o and_o that_o eupolemus_n artapanus_n and_o many_o other_o profane_a author_n affirm_v it_o and_o that_o both_o the_o egyptian_n and_o also_o the_o phaenician_o from_o who_o the_o grecian_n first_o learn_v the_o use_n of_o letter_n have_v their_o letter_n from_o he_o and_o that_o moâ—es_n be_v that_o mercury_n to_o who_o the_o egyptian_n ascribe_v the_o first_o invention_n of_o they_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v usual_o make_v against_o this_o seem_v but_o of_o very_o little_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o certain_a tractate_v of_o enoch_n that_o be_v write_v before_o the_o flood_n second_o of_o two_o pillar_n of_o the_o son_n of_o seth_n with_o observation_n astronomical_a engrave_v upon_o they_o which_o they_o set_v up_o to_o continue_v their_o learning_n and_o that_o it_o may_v remain_v beyond_o the_o flood_n which_o adam_n have_v foretell_v they_o of_o the_o one_o of_o which_o remain_v in_o the_o country_n of_o syria_n till_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n as_o he_o himself_o say_v three_o that_o moses_n in_o the_o 21_o of_o number_n make_v mention_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o book_n extant_a before_o that_o time_n and_o fourthly_a that_o moses_n himself_o be_v say_v to_o be_v learned_a in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n which_o learn_v probable_o be_v write_v for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o enoch_n write_v before_o the_o flood_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o ark_n for_o so_o they_o must_v be_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o story_n whole_o fabulous_a we_o find_v not_o one_o word_n of_o they_o among_o
till_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n when_o there_o be_v again_o a_o floodgate_n of_o divine_a power_n let_v open_a in_o mighty_a and_o miraculous_a operation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o be_v at_o any_o time_n write_v and_o they_o be_v not_o all_o write_a till_o the_o time_n of_o ezra_n after_o who_o and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n god_n make_v no_o further_a addition_n all_o the_o other_o part_n i_o say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v principal_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o establish_v work_v of_o miracle_n after_o his_o time_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a rule_n of_o prophecy_n and_o revelation_n god_n have_v declare_v and_o command_v the_o contrary_a nor_o indeed_o have_v the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v fit_a to_o record_v to_o we_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v in_o that_o kind_n that_o any_o one_o penman_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n wrought_v 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political_a be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o supreme_a magistrate_n over_o the_o whole_a and_o can_v not_o otherwise_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o world_n we_o can_v no_o other_o way_n right_o conceive_v of_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n but_o as_o magistratical_a nor_o look_v upon_o he_o in_o any_o other_o notion_n then_o as_o our_o chief_a and_o supreme_a ruler_n and_o so_o be_v to_o take_v no_o measure_n of_o his_o proceed_n from_o the_o act_n of_o private_a person_n but_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n so_o to_o deal_v with_o the_o world_n as_o the_o supreme_a dispenser_n of_o justice_n and_o place_v in_o the_o high_a seat_n of_o magistratical_a authority_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o most_o demonstrable_o it_o be_v so_o how_o contrary_a be_v epicurus_n his_o doctrine_n to_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o how_o inseparable_o be_v providence_n annex_v to_o all_o true_a 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be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o decline_v the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o any_o be_v first_o the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o his_o own_o be_v it_o be_v as_o essential_a to_o god_n to_o rule_v as_o to_o be._n god_n existence_n we_o say_v be_v a_o necessary_a existence_n he_o can_v but_o be_v which_o imply_v a_o necessary_a superiority_n that_o which_o can_v yet_o be_v can_v but_o be_v above_o all_o for_o whatever_o have_v a_o power_n superior_a to_o it_o have_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o be_v and_o that_o which_o can_v but_o be_v above_o all_o can_v but_o rule_v over_o all_o because_o the_o very_a be_v of_o superiority_n lie_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o dominion_n and_o can_v be_v uphold_v without_o it_o to_o fancy_v the_o existence_n of_o infinite_a power_n without_o exercise_n be_v to_o frame_v a_o idol_n in_o in_o our_o own_o imagination_n and_o to_o fancy_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a to_o be_v 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supreme_a and_o sovereign_a rule_n his_o power_n will_v cease_v to_o be_v infinite_a because_o not_o actual_o above_o all_o which_o it_o can_v never_o be_v unless_o it_o actual_o rule_n over_o all_o beside_o be_v it_o a_o supposition_n capable_a of_o admission_n or_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o possibility_n that_o infinite_a power_n can_v be_v set_v by_o and_o exist_v without_o exercise_n who_o can_v embrace_v so_o gross_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v thus_o determine_v with_o himself_o that_o the_o best_a use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o infinite_a power_n be_v to_o make_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o and_o so_o have_v at_o first_o make_v the_o world_n by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n shall_v leave_v it_o perfect_o to_o its_o own_o chanceable_a revolution_n without_o any_o far_a effect_n or_o communication_n of_o either_o second_o we_o suppose_v god_n in_o decline_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n to_o decline_v the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o any_o be_v we_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o more_o excellent_a than_o rule_n and_o dominion_n to_o employ_v the_o large_a mind_n and_o dispense_v the_o compleat_a virtue_n and_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o divest_v the_o high_a power_n of_o it_o to_o have_v power_n and_o to_o use_v it_o for_o the_o good_a of_o other_o be_v that_o we_o most_o applaud_v among_o man_n those_o best_a faculty_n we_o have_v by_o which_o we_o can_v only_o conceive_v of_o god_n excellent_a nature_n their_o perfection_n lie_v in_o communication_n he_o that_o rule_v well_o do_v the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o and_o therefore_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o most_o excellent_a thing_n we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n cicero_n in_o his_o 2_o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n speak_v full_o to_o this_o nihil_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o praeclarius_fw-la mundi_fw-la administratione_fw-la deorum_fw-la igitur_fw-la consilio_fw-la administratur_fw-la mundus_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la praestantius_fw-la deo_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la igitur_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la mundum_fw-la regi_fw-la those_o of_o the_o best_a endowment_n we_o think_v the_o fit_a for_o empire_n and_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o soul_n be_v the_o more_o enlarge_a and_o vigorous_a in_o action_n it_o be_v and_o shall_v we_o suppose_v god_n not_o to_o rule_v in_o heaven_n shall_v we_o think_v he_o very_o vain_a that_o shall_v tell_v we_o we_o then_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o all_o humane_a ability_n when_o we_o least_o employ_v they_o because_o the_o great_a and_o natural_a end_n of_o all_o ability_n for_o action_n be_v action_n and_o yet_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n lay_v by_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a attribute_n and_o whole_o retire_v himself_o in_o heaven_n who_o be_v able_a without_o assault_v his_o own_o reason_n to_o admit_v such_o conception_n of_o that_o excellent_a be_v we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o father_n that_o upon_o he_o which_o will_v make_v up_o the_o character_n of_o a_o very_a ill_a man_n but_o to_o render_v the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n more_o evident_a to_o every_o impartial_a man_n let_v i_o ask_v the_o epicurean_o this_o question_n if_o god_n do_v not_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o darling_n axiom_n of_o epicurus_n be_v true_a that_o quod_fw-la eternum_fw-la beatumque_fw-la sit_fw-la nec_fw-la habere_fw-la ipsum_fw-la negotii_fw-la quidquam_fw-la nec_fw-la exhibere_fw-la alteri_fw-la how_o come_v god_n to_o give_v law_n to_o the_o world_n to_o admit_v the_o one_o and_o still_o to_o affirm_v the_o other_o be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o be_v inseparable_a relative_n all_o law_n necessary_o relate_v to_o rule_n and_o dominion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o god_n have_v plant_v a_o natural_a law_n in_o every_o man_n be_v relate_v to_o his_o own_o superiority_n and_o man_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 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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
reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v exclude_v so_o that_o the_o epicurean_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o whole_o precarious_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n or_o else_o destructive_a to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v venerate_v for_o its_o excellency_n say_v the_o epicurean_o that_o be_v if_o man_n please_v to_o make_v law_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a determination_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o a_o admission_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v the_o deity_n must_v be_v venerate_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o say_v that_o all_o action_n and_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v plain_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o state_v rule_n for_o this_o veneration_n far_o than_o positive_a law_n make_v they_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v practice_v any_o thing_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o thing_n suppose_v positive_a law_n not_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o religious_a venerator_fw-la of_o the_o deity_n the_o admission_n of_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n and_o yet_o to_o annex_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o punishment_n to_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a by_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_o this_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o divinity_n so_o circumstantiate_v seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a a_o attempt_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o as_o cicero_n do_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_o without_o any_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n at_o all_o for_o so_o say_v he_o of_o he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a verius_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la illud_fw-la nimirum_fw-la quod_fw-la familiaris_fw-la omnium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la posidonius_n disseruit_fw-la in_o libro_fw-la quinto_fw-la de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la epicuro_fw-la videri_fw-la quaeque_fw-la be_v de_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la dixerit_fw-la invidiae_fw-la detestandae_fw-la gratia_fw-la dixisse_fw-la two_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v experience_n do_v evident_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o position_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o alike_o to_o mankind_n till_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n make_v a_o difference_n first_o we_o find_v man_n pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n accuse_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o about_o matter_n no_o way_n connizable_a and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n but_o mere_o guide_v herein_o by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n give_v in_o concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n this_o truth_n have_v be_v establish_v for_o as_o cicero_n say_v true_o time_n wear_v out_o error_n of_o opinion_n but_o confirm_v all_o natural_a truth_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n carry_v a_o innate_a condemnation_n in_o it_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o evil_n and_o a_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o good_a and_o this_o no_o way_n found_v in_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o time_n or_o place_n but_o in_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o and_o be_v neither_o create_v nor_o can_v be_v abrogate_a by_o any_o thing_n humane_a for_o as_o philo_n say_v well_o lex_fw-la mentiri_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la quae_fw-la lex_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la hoc_fw-la aut_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la mortali_fw-la mortalis_fw-la non_fw-la in_o chartis_fw-la aut_fw-la columnis_fw-la exanimis_fw-la exanima_fw-la sed_fw-la corrumpi_fw-la nescia_fw-la quip_n ab_fw-la immortali_fw-la natura_fw-la insculpta_fw-la in_o immortali_fw-la intellectu_fw-la if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o positive_a and_o what_o have_v their_o rise_n among_o man_n be_v man_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o being_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v rational_a creature_n to_o make_v a_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o about_o thing_n no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o such_o positive_a law_n what_o man_n law_n reach_v not_o no_o man_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n about_o if_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a law_n of_o god_n because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o offence_n and_o so_o no_o foundation_n of_o gild_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o custom_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o such_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o of_o that_o different_a judgement_n they_o make_v to_o themselves_o of_o thing_n from_o whence_o that_o conscience_n arise_v because_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o man_n go_v in_o these_o natural_a determination_n be_v general_o the_o same_o and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o and_o it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n shall_v every_v where_o agree_v in_o a_o custom_n of_o judge_a thing_n to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o subject_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o such_o a_o eroneous_a judgement_n and_o that_o the_o constant_a determination_n of_o the_o public_a reason_n of_o the_o world_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o other_o be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a be_v at_o first_o found_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o that_o mistake_v become_v customary_a and_o universal_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o utmost_a of_o improbability_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v mankind_n be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o to_o put_v the_o fool_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o present_a justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o abstract_v from_o all_o bias_n either_o from_o custom_n or_o from_o positive_a law_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o most_o genuine_a judgement_n of_o reason_n itself_o in_o its_o judge_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a but_o that_o our_o best_a judgement_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v ground_v upon_o custom_n &_o so_o mistake_v may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o all_o other_o judgement_n be_v so_o too_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n say_v we_o be_v no_o way_n sure_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o great_a customary_a mistake_n second_o there_o be_v natural_a law_n by_o which_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o difference_v prove_v to_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o positive_a law_n because_o all_o positive_a law_n appear_v plain_o to_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o those_o primary_n law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o suppose_v they_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n law_n have_v be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o positive_a law_n every_o where_n how_o different_a soever_o positive_a law_n have_v be_v among_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o the_o grand_a maxim_n of_o nature_n found_v upon_o that_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v bear_v withal_o have_v be_v universal_o admit_v by_o all_o legislator_n general_a effect_n we_o say_v must_v have_v general_a cause_n and_o that_o general_a consent_n we_o find_v in_o all_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o natural_a maxim_n do_v evident_o declare_v such_o maxim_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o original_a law_n annex_v to_o the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o their_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n by_o which_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v primary_o discriminate_v antecedent_o to_o all_o positive_a law_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o positive_a law_n have_v their_o subsequent_a rise_n shall_v this_o epicurean_a doctrine_n be_v admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n alike_o till_o difference_v by_o positive_a law_n or_o custom_n three_o thing_n will_v evident_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o ruinous_a to_o all_o policy_n the_o second_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o three_o destructive_a to_o both_o first_o no_o man_n that_o think_v all_o thing_n original_o indifferent_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la can_v ever_o be_v oblige_v far_a than_o force_v or_o his_o own_o interest_n prevail_v
particular_a answer_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n have_v leave_v we_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v leave_v we_o without_o a_o answer_n to_o many_o question_n man_n may_v ask_v about_o it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o sinite_fw-la capacity_n not_o full_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n so_o in_o his_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n we_o have_v undeniable_o evidence_n that_o he_o do_v rule_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v it_o we_o see_v many_o passage_n that_o far_o outgo_v our_o comprehension_n if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o in_o god_n first_o make_v of_o the_o world_n we_o acquiesce_v single_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n nor_o need_v we_o go_v far_o therein_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o his_o will_n but_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o we_o expect_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o justice_n suitable_a to_o those_o natural_a law_n he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o and_o that_o capacity_n of_o judge_v between_o just_a and_o unjust_a by_o which_o we_o ascend_v upward_o and_o come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o perfect_a justice_n in_o god_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n will_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n at_o first_o of_o the_o make_v of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o his_o will_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o god_n can_v not_o will_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o be_v wise_o make_v when_o it_o be_v make_v nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o shall_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v god_n make_v of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o can_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n because_o in_o every_o passage_n of_o it_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o i_o all_o the_o philosopher_n heretofore_o agree_v to_o this_o as_o a_o general_a truth_n that_o nature_n produce_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o yet_o never_o any_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o can_v give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o use_v of_o every_o particular_a if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o assure_v i_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o particular_a so_o if_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o establish_v god_n general_a providence_n over_o the_o whole_a his_o justice_n in_o particular_n be_v thereby_o necessary_o imply_v the_o be_v of_o providence_n in_o general_n be_v not_o only_o prove_v upon_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o be_v experimental_o convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o providence_n can_v admit_v but_o of_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v either_o from_o the_o moral_a determination_n of_o man_n and_o their_o act_n thereupon_o or_o else_o from_o some_o pure_o natural_a cause_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o thing_n have_v and_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o visible_a judicial_a way_n which_o have_v not_o their_o rise_n from_o any_o humane_a judgement_n nor_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v derive_v from_o any_o natural_a operation_n and_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o god_n supreme_a judgement_n virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v often_o reward_v and_o wickedness_n bring_v to_o a_o due_a punishment_n before_o man_n eye_n in_o this_o world_n by_o way_n unthought_a of_o and_o undesign_v by_o any_o and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o man_n impartial_o judge_v can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o mere_o casual_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a justice_n therein_o and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o no_o one_o age_n pass_v without_o some_o experience_n of_o it_o this_o objection_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v will_v be_v sufficient_o remove_v in_o every_o candid_a opinion_n if_o two_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n in_o general_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o second_o that_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o present_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o providence_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v together_o and_o this_o latter_a may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o two_o thing_n first_o our_o own_o great_a incapacity_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a of_o providence_n or_o of_o very_a many_o part_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o rational_a supposition_n of_o a_o future_a state_n the_o first_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o cautious_a not_o to_o impeach_v providence_n hasty_o nor_o to_o deny_v it_o when_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o the_o second_o ought_v full_o and_o final_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o all_o such_o case_n where_o we_o see_v god_n providence_n and_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n reconcileable_a for_o the_o first_o how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n shall_v not_o be_v full_o grasp_v by_o our_o comprehension_n when_o he_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o in_o those_o excellent_a attribute_n by_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o providence_n in_o conduct_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o common_a end_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o infinity_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o produce_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o when_o god_n rule_v to_o expect_v a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n no_o humane_a ability_n can_v create_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o very_a many_o particular_a part_n of_o god_n providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o god_n know_v the_o aim_n end_n and_o intention_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o they_o do_v he_o see_v the_o inside_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o compleatness_n and_o entire_a circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n this_o we_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o and_o so_o in_o many_o passage_n of_o his_o providence_n no_o fit_a judge_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
method_n by_o which_o mankind_n come_v since_o to_o be_v save_v thing_n beyond_o all_o natural_a kenn_n and_o which_o only_o serve_v to_o reproach_n the_o wise_a thought_n and_o to_o tell_v man_n how_o little_a they_o can_v discover_v of_o what_o they_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v moses_n have_v tell_v we_o more_o in_o two_o page_n then_o the_o whole_a world_n ever_o discover_v by_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o humane_a search_n nor_o have_v the_o world_n any_o way_n improve_v itself_o in_o this_o kind_n of_o sience_n to_o this_o day_n however_o man_n by_o experience_n and_o industry_n have_v meliorate_v the_o condition_n of_o humane_a affair_n in_o other_o thing_n whatever_o advance_v they_o have_v make_v in_o natural_a theory_n or_o in_o any_o mechanic_n contrivance_n whatever_o rust_n of_o error_n or_o ignorance_n that_o stick_v to_o former_a age_n may_v be_v wear_v off_o by_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a speculation_n in_o this_o yet_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o reject_v they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o loss_n in_o point_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o ever_o and_o the_o result_n of_o all_o natural_a theology_n without_o the_o help_n of_o some_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o that_o while_o man_n have_v be_v most_o busy_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o contrive_v way_n to_o gain_v acceptance_n with_o he_o they_o have_v lose_v themselves_o in_o the_o crowd_n of_o their_o own_o vain_a imagination_n second_o such_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n that_o it_o evident_o appear_v the_o world_n man_n themselves_o have_v general_o find_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n and_o out_o of_o a_o experimental_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o impotency_n without_o it_o have_v still_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o somewhat_o supernatural_a to_o be_v reveal_v from_o 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they_o be_v ready_a to_o father_n it_o still_o upon_o revelation_n scarce_o be_v there_o a_o mechanic_n invention_n but_o they_o ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o discovery_n make_v by_o the_o go_n pythagoras_n when_o he_o have_v find_v out_o a_o excellent_a demonstration_n in_o geometry_n sacrifice_v a_o hundred_o ox_n in_o gratitude_n to_o the_o god_n who_o have_v favour_v he_o with_o such_o a_o discovery_n whatever_o be_v in_o itself_o difficult_a or_o excellent_a they_o impute_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o it_o to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n homer_n the_o great_a oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n not_o only_o ascribe_v to_o the_o god_n the_o invention_n of_o all_o abstruse_a matter_n and_o all_o the_o heroical_a motion_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o refer_v our_o ordinary_a cogitation_n to_o divine_a impulse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d talis_fw-la nempe_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la terram_fw-la incolentium_fw-la hominum_fw-la qualem_fw-la in_o dies_fw-la indit_fw-la pater_fw-la hominumque_fw-la deumque_fw-la and_o his_o book_n be_v fill_v throughout_o with_o enthusiastic_a advertisement_n direct_v to_o man_n from_o the_o go_n cicero_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 2._o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n be_v large_a in_o his_o expression_n this_o way_n nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la magnus_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la never_o be_v there_o any_o great_a man_n say_v he_o without_o some_o inspiration_n not_o only_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o mystery_n all_o inspire_a man_n but_o not_o a_o eminent_a physician_n or_o a_o soldier_n be_v there_o among_o they_o nor_o a_o man_n any_o way_n excellent_a but_o they_o derive_v his_o ability_n from_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o think_v his_o quality_n from_o above_o socrates_n that_o excellent_a person_n often_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v as_o art_n and_o science_n be_v but_o to_o be_v have_v by_o inspiration_n be_v divine_a and_o heavenly_a gift_n he_o avow_v himself_o raise_v up_o by_o god_n to_o philosophize_v and_o by_o his_o precept_n to_o reform_v the_o athenian_a manner_n and_o when_o condemn_v to_o die_v and_o sentence_v to_o the_o poisonous_a cup_n resolute_o protest_v though_o the_o prison-dore_n shall_v be_v open_v to_o he_o with_o a_o injunction_n never_o more_o to_o philosophize_v he_o will_v whole_o refuse_v his_o liberty_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o will_v choose_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o then_o men._n we_o read_v not_o of_o a_o eminent_a legislator_n in_o a_o commonwealth_n but_o pretend_v he_o receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o god_n solon_n law_n be_v say_v to_o come_v from_o minerva_n lycurgus_n derive_v his_o law_n from_o jupiter_n and_o much_o more_o be_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o rite_n thereof_o still_o father_v upon_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o and_o hand_v down_o to_o the_o world_n with_o a_o supernatural_a stamp_n numa_n pompilius_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a ceremony_n declare_v he_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o goddess_n egeria_n no_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o have_v make_v some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n that_o absurd_a imposter_n mahomet_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o father_n his_o medley_n divinity_n and_o all_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o his_o koran_n upon_o revelation_n nothing_o else_o can_v have_v cheat_v so_o many_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o that_o mahomet_n have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o revelation_n in_o religious_a affair_n that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o divine_a law_n give_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v their_o religious_a obedience_n whether_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v any_o particular_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la nimis_fw-la magnifico_n &_o superbo_fw-la titulo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ducem_fw-la vocant_fw-la requiri_fw-la coelestem_fw-la quandam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la inde_fw-la nata_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la ritus_fw-la cerimoniae_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la se_fw-la commendant_fw-la praelect_v de_fw-fr verb._n dei_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n well_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o direct_v he_o beside_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v from_o this_o general_a apprehension_n that_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o by_o delude_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n and_o the_o many_o gross_a cheat_n of_o enthusiasm_n the_o great_a impostor_n still_o set_v up_o for_o enthusiast_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enslave_v to_o their_o oracle_n
in_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o moral_o evil._n no_o man_n reason_n determine_v about_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o any_o such_o outward_a medium_n of_o worship_n nor_o can_v assure_v i_o of_o god_n distinguish_a acceptance_n in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v upon_o certain_a ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o our_o worship_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o clear_a and_o certain_a law_n to_o himself_o about_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v because_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_o religious_a good_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o goodness_n result_v pure_o from_o institution_n god_n have_v not_o sanctify_v any_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o his_o service_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o any_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rational_a nature_n no_o such_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n be_v found_v in_o reason_n but_o all_o in_o institution_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v i_o to_o that_o behaviour_n of_o myself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o i_o think_v most_o decent_a and_o reverent_a but_o for_o any_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a direction_n at_o all_o if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o worship_n as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v necessary_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v then_o both_o for_o the_o choice_n and_o the_o use_v of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o guide_v and_o steer_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v impregnate_v with_o obligation_n to_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o worship_n and_o divine_a homage_n than_o reason_n itself_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o and_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n which_o we_o want_v revelation_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o perform_v which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n make_v the_o world_n so_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o show_v we_o how_o rational_o we_o tend_v upward_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o how_o great_o our_o own_o nature_n prepare_v we_o to_o expect_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o above_o second_o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v that_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v confine_v simple_o to_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n yet_o will_v not_o our_o natural_a light_n enable_v we_o to_o acquit_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o matter_n nor_o well_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o without_o supernatural_a help_n there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o though_o inseparable_a in_o their_o attainment_n be_v yet_o distinct_a in_o their_o application_n and_o if_o not_o attain_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n attempt_n that_o way_n 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prodigious_a absurdity_n a_o câ—nlused_v inconsistent_a composure_n principle_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o general_o corrupt_v and_o so_o wild_o patch_v up_o together_o that_o mahomet_n may_v very_o well_o declare_v what_o he_o do_v that_o he_o think_v no_o body_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a too_o under_v and_o his_o law_n whatever_o we_o sin_v in_o it_o that_o carry_v the_o least_o resemblance_n of_o truth_n be_v apparent_o steal_v out_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n though_o for_o the_o most_o part_n visible_o falsify_v and_o invert_v it_o tell_v we_o that_o jesus_n be_v secret_o convey_v inâ—o_o heaven_n and_o that_o somewhat_o in_o his_o likeness_n which_o be_v not_o himself_o be_v nail_v to_o the_o cross_n that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o crucify_a but_o that_o the_o jew_n be_v abuse_v and_o delude_v it_o tell_v we_o also_o that_o in_o the_o 14_o of_o st._n john_n gospel_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o send_v the_o comforter_n that_o there_o be_v much_o sard_n of_o mahomet_n which_o the_o christian_n have_v since_o raze_v out_o which_o be_v to_o father_n a_o ridiculous_a and_o impossible_a falsehood_n upon_o they_o for_o that_o gospel_n be_v extant_a long_o before_o mahomet_n be_v bear_v or_o think_v of_o for_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v till_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 571_o and_o publish_v most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n over_o not_o only_o in_o the_o greek_a copy_n of_o it_o but_o in_o divers_a translation_n in_o the_o syriac_a arabic_a ethiopick_n and_o latin_a tongue_n and_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o universal_a alteration_n that_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o christian_n in_o mahomet_n time_n that_o which_o the_o koran_n tell_v we_o in_o general_a of_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n direct_o overthrow_v itself_o and_o mahomet_n thereby_o have_v utter_o subvert_v his_o whole_a fabric_n for_o he_o say_v that_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v both_o send_v from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v divine_a book_n that_o god_n impart_v the_o law_n to_o moses_n the_o psalm_n to_o david_n and_o the_o gospel_n to_o christ_n but_o pretend_v that_o as_o the_o gospel_n succeed_v the_o law_n so_o the_o koran_n do_v the_o gospel_n now_o if_o the_o first_o be_v true_a i_o be_o sure_a the_o latter_a be_v false_a unless_o god_n can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a for_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n have_v deliver_v very_o many_o doctrine_n direct_o contrary_a to_o his._n the_o bible_n and_o the_o koran_n be_v sufficient_o inconsistent_a and_o therefore_o wherever_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v book_n divine_a and_o from_o god_n the_o koran_n ought_v reasonable_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a delusion_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v as_o usual_o it_o be_v how_o that_o religion_n come_v to_o spread_v so_o far_o and_o the_o disciple_n thereof_o to_o be_v so_o numerous_a if_o it_o be_v so_o vile_a and_o also_o so_o absurd_a a_o cozenage_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o question_n will_v be_v easy_o answer_v if_o these_o three_o thing_n be_v consider_v first_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n owe_v its_o original_n to_o the_o sword_n more_o than_o to_o all_o its_o pretence_n beside_o it_o be_v mahomet_n being_n a_o general_n that_o make_v he_o pass_v for_o a_o prophet_n nor_o be_v his_o koran_n at_o first_o receive_v in_o any_o nation_n where_o his_o sword_n do_v not_o make_v way_n for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v at_o first_o introduce_v and_o have_v be_v since_o propagate_v and_o uphold_v pure_o by_o force_n not_o discourse_v into_o man_n but_o impose_v upon_o they_o mahomet_n himself_o often_o declare_v that_o god_n do_v not_o send_v he_o to_o convert_v the_o world_n by_o miracle_n but_o by_o the_o sword_n and_o by_o instrument_n of_o war._n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v not_o a_o chapter_n in_o his_o koran_n where_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v fire_n and_o sword_n war_n and_o massacre_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o law_n second_o wherever_o that_o religion_n be_v introduce_v all_o inquirie_n into_o it_o be_v absolute_o forbid_v and_o man_n be_v make_v without_o the_o least_o taste_v or_o chew_v to_o swallow_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o mahomet_n divinity_n at_o once_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n ignorance_n be_v grow_v so_o natural_a a_o appertinent_a to_o that_o religion_n that_o wherever_o it_o be_v settle_v it_o do_v not_o only_o silence_v all_o discourse_n of_o divinity_n but_o total_o ruin_v all_o learning_n and_o bring_v man_n into_o perfect_a enmity_n with_o all_o liberal_a science_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o spread_v the_o base_a metal_n as_o well_o as_o the_o pure_a if_o we_o can_v prevent_v its_o trial._n falshood_n and_o truth_n be_v upon_o even_o term_n
to_o he_o as_o his_o rational_a be_v call_v for_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n without_o revelation_n natural_a divinity_n if_o due_o pursue_v point_v man_n direct_o to_o supernatural_a from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o deficiency_n and_o our_o natural_a light_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n from_o its_o own_o imperfect_a discovery_n and_o by_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o daty_n in_o general_a which_o without_o revelation_n we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o perform_v my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o of_o a_o sapreme_a and_o perfect_a be_v that_o make_v i_o but_o give_v i_o no_o distinct_a or_o satisfy_a information_n about_o he_o my_o natural_a light_n enjoin_v i_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o can_v sufficien_o direct_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o upon_o ill_a term_n with_o god_n and_o bid_v i_o be_v my_o near_a concern_v endeavour_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o assure_v i_o of_o the_o possiâ—ilit_fw-la of_o it_o from_o the_o general_a notion_n i_o have_v of_o his_o goodness_n but_o can_v give_v i_o no_o sure_a and_o certain_a direction_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o in_o short_a my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n make_v for_o supernatural_a enjoyment_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o god_n superior_a to_o this_o world_n but_o discover_v not_o unto_o i_o sufficient_a and_o infallible_a mean_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o my_o welfare_n for_o the_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o avoid_v the_o other_o but_o bid_v i_o look_v upward_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v further_o teach_v from_o above_o so_o that_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o revelation_n at_o all_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v mankind_n whole_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n be_v plain_o to_o say_v god_n have_v leave_v man_n under_o that_o unhappiness_n which_o no_o creature_n be_v 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any_o where_o extant_a a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n let_v it_o be_v produce_v let_v the_o best_a â—ival_n to_o the_o bible_n upon_o that_o account_n or_o all_o its_o competitor_n together_o be_v bring_v foâ—th_n and_o let_v but_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a and_o impartial_a reason_n of_o reason_n as_o much_o itself_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v it_o as_o abstract_v from_o all_o prejudice_n all_o bias_n of_o custom_n education_n or_o any_o collateral_a interest_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o pat_o a_o end_n to_o the_o contest_v let_v man_n be_v but_o true_a to_o that_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o to_o the_o gennine_a issue_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n which_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v predominant_a and_o prevail_v against_o all_o competition_n and_o that_o will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v there_o be_v something_n which_o by_o 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a_o counterfeit_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n need_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n though_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o bible_n have_v out_o go_v all_o the_o possible_a contrivance_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o word_n so_o become_v his_o own_o greatness_n and_o so_o suitable_a to_o those_o conception_n right_a reason_n will_v give_v we_o of_o he_o because_o though_o many_o book_n and_o write_n have_v make_v a_o claim_n to_o revelation_n beside_o the_o bible_n yet_o in_o fact_n no_o book_n nor_o write_n have_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o command_v the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n nor_o indeed_o in_o any_o way_n become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o bible_n have_v a_o peculiarity_n in_o this_o respect_n above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o have_v be_v extant_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v we_o find_v not_o a_o instance_n where_o any_o have_v so_o far_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o with_o such_o a_o absolute_a superintendency_n to_o dictate_v to_o the_o world_n all_o pretend_a revelation_n have_v in_o this_o visible_o discover_v their_o own_o nakedness_n and_o betray_v their_o own_o mean_a descent_n not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v clothe_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a &_o majestic_a authority_n as_o become_v a_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o most_o of_o they_o no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o common_a prudence_n of_o man_n the_o ancient_a heathen_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o trifle_a part_n of_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o that_o koran_n which_o in_o late_a time_n mabomet_n have_v father_v upon_o revelation_n be_v a_o systeme_n of_o law_n so_o prodigious_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v much_o of_o it_o no_o way_n reconcileable_a to_o common_a discretion_n or_o any_o way_n worthy_a a_o edition_n from_o wise_a or_o or_o good_a man_n second_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o to_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o compleatness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o mankind_n relate_v to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o future_a it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o revelation_n to_o the_o world_n and_o not_o make_v it_o proportionate_a and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o supply_v the_o desiciency_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o nature_n be_v in_o itself_o perfect_a and_o without_o defect_n there_o need_v then_o no_o revelation_n and_o to_o
furnish_v mankind_n with_o all_o those_o necessary_a requisite_n to_o their_o own_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n they_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v otherwise_o obtain_v adaquate_a therefore_o to_o our_o natural_a defect_n ought_v our_o expectance_n to_o be_v in_o this_o matter_n when_o a_o book_n propose_v itself_o to_o we_o as_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o conta_v god_n mind_n reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o most_o reasonable_a way_n of_o trial_n to_o examine_v whether_o this_o book_n contain_v all_o those_o thing_n i_o may_v just_o expect_v from_o such_o a_o revelation_n and_o be_v rational_o accommodate_v to_o all_o those_o want_v i_o expect_v a_o revelation_n shall_v supply_v and_o for_o which_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o own_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v design_v now_o the_o bible_n stand_v single_a in_o this_o respect_n likewise_o no_o one_o book_n nor_o all_o the_o book_n that_o now_o do_v or_o 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whether_o the_o daemon_n that_o first_o cause_v they_o be_v not_o mortal_a and_o perishable_a or_o whether_o they_o remove_v not_o their_o place_n and_o change_v their_o abode_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o some_o place_n be_v endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o at_o last_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n be_v spend_v and_o evaporate_n and_o so_o the_o oracular_a spirit_n cease_v what_o ground_n have_v the_o heathen_a for_o all_o that_o religion_n they_o take_v from_o their_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v what_o other_o evidence_n have_v the_o roman_n at_o first_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o numa_n pompilius_n tell_v they_o hâ—_n converse_v with_o a_o goddess_n and_o receive_v it_o from_o she_o what_o have_v the_o turk_n to_o this_o day_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o the_o anâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o beside_o his_o own_o bare_a â—ord_n he_o 〈…〉_o claim_v work_v of_o mâ—â—acles_n anâ—_n aâ—â—â—â—_n hâ—mself_n send_v from_o heâ—â—â—â—_n to_o conveâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o with_o his_o sword_n a_o reâ—â—â—â—tion_n from_o 〈…〉_o to_o be_v accompany_v and_o â—â—nnot_v 〈…〉_o to_o be_v otherwâ—â—eâ—_n with_o such_o plan_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evidence_n as_o be_v â—â—ed_v to_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n though_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v nâ—t_v to_o a_o universal_a conviction_n such_o as_o will_v abundant_o jusâ—â—fie_v it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n or_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n however_o it_o be_v judge_v or_o by_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a man_n the_o biâ—le_n be_v not_o only_o sâ—â—h_v for_o the_o matter_n out_o as_o that_o we_o make_v appeal_v to_o the_o most_o genuine_a issue_n of_o every_o â—â—ns_n reason_n whether_o the_o justice_n helmess_n and_o gâ—oâ—â—s_n of_o god_n be_v not_o very_o transparent_a in_o it_o but_o in_o its_o gradual_a conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n at_o â—â—veâ—â—al_a time_n and_o in_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n have_v be_v visible_o accompany_v with_o open_a and_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a as_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o itself_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o such_o as_o the_o fact_n of_o they_o its_o worst_a enemy_n not_o a_o celsus_n nor_o a_o julian_n do_v ever_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v and_o indeed_o be_v eminent_o and_o singular_o justify_v to_o we_o as_o in_o particular_n shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o whence_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a aught_o final_o to_o result_v five_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o must_v be_v without_o any_o visible_a defect_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o father_n that_o upon_o god_n which_o we_o ourselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v able_a to_o charge_n with_o fail_v and_o imperfection_n whatever_o claim_v from_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n must_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlike_o he_o or_o unworthy_a of_o he_o a_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n must_v be_v above_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n or_o it_o natural_o become_v its_o own_o executioner_n if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reâ—son_n it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o any_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n to_o st._n jerome_n si_fw-mi mendacium_fw-la aliquod_fw-la in_o scripture_n vel_fw-la levissimum_fw-la admittatur_fw-la scripturâ—â—_n authoritatem_fw-la omnem_fw-la moâ—_n labefactari_fw-la ac_fw-la convelli_fw-la if_o we_o admit_v the_o least_o falshhod_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o ruin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o revelation_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n visible_o betray_v themselves_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o their_o own_o original_n no_o one_o but_o the_o bible_n can_v the_o world_n produce_v that_o will_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o disclose_v its_o own_o shame_n and_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o some_o nay_o many_a just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n it_o be_v this_o book_n alone_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v only_o this_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a the_o bible_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o doctrinal_a the_o historical_a and_o the_o prophetical_a let_v the_o most_o acute_a anti_n scripturist_n live_a produce_v any_o one_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n seem_v corrupt_a and_o unsound_a let_v he_o show_v any_o one_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o thing_n past_a not_o due_o fulfil_v let_v he_o upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a historical_a authority_n palpable_o disprove_v any_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o we_o i_o yield_v he_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o fact_n it_o never_o have_v be_v and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v never_o can_v be_v if_o a_o book_n contain_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o history_n far_o beyond_o any_o other_o book_n extant_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n it_o a_o book_n pronounce_v with_o that_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o future_a event_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n and_o relate_v to_o so_o many_o several_a person_n and_o place_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o whoâ—â—_n business_n of_o â—ens_n duty_n â—o_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o iâ—_n this_o book_n have_v not_o a_o â—â—â—un_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o exception_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o it_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n what_o more_o invincible_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v give_v to_o its_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v indict_v in_o hâ—a_n â—ock_n 〈◊〉_d who_o but_o a_o man_n wilful_a and_o absurd_a can_v withstand_v such_o a_o conviction_n it_o be_v the_o bâ—â—le_a and_o it_o be_v that_o book_n alone_o upon_o every_o page_n of_o which_o that_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n be_v engraven_v truâ—_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o â—oâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o â—niverâ—â—â—_n triumph_n over_o all_o 〈◊〉_d where_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n to_o be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d of_o any_o considerable_a subject_n much_o 〈…〉_o a_o â—auâ—â—â—â—_n this_o â—â—â—t_a câ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—tonâ—â—_n judgement_n of_o mankind_n 〈…〉_o worst_a enemy_n to_o find_v 〈…〉_o pâ—oâ—ucts_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o 〈…〉_o fail_v and_o imperfect_a nâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o the_o wise_a or_o mâ—n_z 〈…〉_o bind_v of_o this_o we_o be_v experimental_o â—â—â—â—ed_v by_o all_o history_n philosophy_n and_o all_o 〈…〉_o this_o holy_a 〈…〉_o legitimate_a off_o spring_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—t_v which_o only_o contain_v his_o mind_n authoritative_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n so_o it_o have_v single_o appertinent_a to_o it_o all_o those_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v find_v he_o be_v avoidable_o obâ—â—â—ed_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n aâ—_n all_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v some_o good_a answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o reasonable_a supposal_n of_o it_o and_o some_o tolleâ—â—â—â—â—_n account_v hâ—w_o mankind_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n goodness_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v leave_v without_o it_o or_o else_o to_o proâ—â—â—ce_v somewhat_o that_o with_o more_o justâ—â—â—_n and_o better_a evidence_n can_v put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v mâ—â—â—l_o more_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o more_o suitable_a and_o use_v â—l_a to_o man_n the_o first_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v be_v find_v a_o task_n utter_o impracticable_a if_o unprejudiced_a reason_n may_v be_v judge_n and_o with_o what_o success_n the_o latter_a iâ—_n like_o 〈◊〉_d procee_v and_o how_o visible_o absurd_a it_o will_v renâ—eâ—_n its_o undertaker_n will_v soon_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o plain_o appâ—â—â—s_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v all_o necessary_o accompany_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o it_o
can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
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at_o large_a in_o the_o 12_o book_n of_o his_o jewish_a antiquity_n some_o will_v needs_o imagine_v that_o antiochus_n so_o far_o prevail_v in_o this_o undertake_n that_o the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a be_v whole_o destroy_v but_o the_o contrary_n be_v most_o evident_a and_o a_o special_a providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n sufficient_o visible_a for_o no_o soon_o be_v that_o storm_n over_o but_o the_o bible_n be_v every_o where_o public_o extant_a have_v be_v particular_o preserve_v by_o mathias_n the_o son_n of_o asmonaeus_fw-la and_o his_o son_n who_o as_o josephus_n say_v resolute_o venture_v their_o life_n in_o the_o do_v it_o and_o also_o by_o other_o good_a man_n and_o be_v universal_o know_v in_o that_o age_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o be_v so_o calvin_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o his_o institutes_n observe_v that_o though_o the_o jew_n have_v undergo_v the_o malice_n of_o manifold_a enemy_n on_o all_o hand_n yet_o neither_o the_o loss_n nor_o the_o change_n nor_o 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this_o book_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n disappoint_v his_o fury_n and_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o quench_v the_o light_n of_o these_o divine_a law_n the_o christian_n at_o that_o time_n tire_v out_o the_o invention_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o find_v out_o way_n to_o torment_v they_o and_o by_o their_o constant_a and_o patient_a suffer_v the_o utmost_a of_o humane_a misery_n even_o weary_v out_o their_o executioner_n one_o remarkable_a passage_n we_o have_v in_o euseblus_fw-la that_o happen_v upon_o this_o occasion_n a_o noble_a man_n in_o nicomedia_n of_o eminent_a quality_n hear_v this_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o bible_n publish_v at_o nicemedâ—a_n after_o it_o be_v read_v and_o open_o fix_v to_o a_o public_a pillar_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o dioclesian_n himself_o maximinius_n galerius_n constantius_n and_o other_o the_o chief_a person_n in_o the_o empire_n for_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o emperor_n to_o come_v themselves_o in_o person_n with_o their_o 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extant_a when_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v carry_v into_o babylon_n periâ—â—ed_v in_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n and_o that_o esdras_n write_v it_o himself_o all_o over_o again_o upon_o their_o return_n and_o that_o we_o have_v now_o so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n only_o from_o he_o and_o as_o he_o re-pâ—â—ned_n it_o in_o this_o mr._n hobbs_n in_o the_o 33_o chapter_n of_o his_o leviathan_n where_o he_o have_v not_o fail_v to_o insinuate_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v gratify_v man_n of_o sceptical_a notion_n about_o the_o bible_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o tell_v we_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o no_o other_o time_n then_o that_o of_o esdras_n and_o be_v retrive_v by_o he_o when_o they_o be_v lose_v and_o second_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o many_o particular_a book_n and_o write_n pen_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o once_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v since_o consume_v by_o time_n and_o be_v now_o whole_o lose_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o that_o so_o much_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v then_o extant_a which_o be_v the_o whole_a as_o we_o have_v it_o save_o some_o part_n of_o the_o psalm_n the_o prophecy_n of_o ezeâ—iel_n daniel_n haggai_n zachary_n and_o masachai_n and_o the_o book_n of_o esther_n ezra_n and_o nehemiah_n be_v total_o lose_v and_o all_o the_o copy_n destroy_v in_o the_o ruin_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v a_o assertion_n very_o weak_o ground_v and_o there_o be_v very_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n first_o weak_o ground_v for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o that_o in_o a_o apocryphal_a book_n that_o go_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o esdras_n a_o book_n every_o where_o stuff_v with_o childish_a and_o fabulous_a stoties_fw-la there_o we_o find_v this_o absurd_a fiction_n that_o esdras_n shall_v speak_v unto_o god_n and_o tell_v he_o thy_o law_n be_v burn_v and_o no_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n that_o thou_o have_v do_v and_o therefore_o desire_v to_o be_v inspire_v to_o write_v it_o all_o over_o again_o and_o to_o wrire_fw-fr all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o after_o he_o have_v be_v forty_o day_n and_o night_n with_o god_n in_o a_o apish_a foolish_a imitation_n of_o moses_n and_o have_v take_v a_o potion_n god_n have_v prepare_v for_o he_o he_o dictate_v all_o the_o bible_n over_o again_o to_o five_o man_n now_o of_o how_o little_a credit_n this_o relation_n be_v no_o where_n find_v but_o in_o this_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v with_o any_o consider_a man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o book_n be_v not_o only_o constant_o reject_v as_o apocryphal_a by_o the_o jewish_a church_n as_o a_o counterfeit_n under_o esdras_n his_o name_n and_o none_o of_o he_o but_o have_v be_v so_o by_o all_o
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o silence_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o it_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o above_o then_o when_o we_o see_v it_o have_v venture_v itself_o upon_o its_o own_o divine_a evidence_n against_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o single_o by_o that_o prevail_v and_o spread_v itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o neither_o arm_n nor_o council_n neither_o the_o policy_n of_o julian_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o dioclesian_n can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n have_v god_n disow_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o nay_o have_v he_o not_o eminent_o and_o visible_o witness_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v take_v one_o step_n forward_o it_o have_v doubtless_o as_o it_o be_v then_o circumstance_v be_v stifle_v in_o its_o first_o birth_n and_o bury_v in_o perpetual_a silence_n we_o find_v all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n have_v still_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o have_v still_o decay_v when_o humane_a prop_n have_v be_v remove_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o humane_a help_n and_o that_o ever_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o persecution_n all_o other_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v only_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n found_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o have_v weather_v out_o all_o attempt_n for_o its_o eradication_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a evidence_n of_o that_o solemn_a and_o divine_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v suffer_v and_o their_o very_a be_v in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o their_o national_a worship_n in_o which_o their_o religion_n chief_o consist_v be_v utter_o extinguish_v yet_o still_o they_o retain_v their_o profession_n submit_v to_o a_o yoke_n of_o most_o burdensome_a ceremony_n &_o remain_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n a_o monument_n of_o scripture-verity_n and_o so_o many_o stand_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o eminent_a prediction_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o success_n of_o this_o book_n also_o since_o its_o first_o conveyance_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o since_o its_o first_o publication_n have_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v well_o expect_v that_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o other_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o present_a we_o find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v separately_z and_o abstract_o upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o to_o take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a and_o all_o other_o collateral_a proof_n it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o warrantable_a to_o disjoin_v the_o proof_n god_n have_v afford_v we_o of_o his_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o justification_n upon_o any_o one_o single_a evidence_n for_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v this_o book_n as_o his_o word_n and_o impose_v the_o high_a penalty_n upon_o our_o not_o do_v it_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o command_n or_o the_o penalty_n nor_o ought_v we_o upon_o any_o one_o particular_a sort_n of_o evidence_n external_n or_o internal_a but_o upon_o the_o whole_a entire_a proof_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v afford_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o bible_n itself_o as_o single_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o enter_v into_o any_o debate_n whether_o it_o real_o be_v so_o or_o no_o because_o we_o have_v all_o the_o cumulative_a advantage_n of_o a_o external_n justification_n and_o if_o all_o together_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v what_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o with_o what_o ever_o evidence_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abstract_o insist_v on_o from_o other_o collateral_a proof_n nor_o that_o any_o collateral_a proof_n will_v prevail_v in_o this_o case_n without_o there_o be_v also_o a_o innate_a evidence_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o so_o that_o a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o evidence_n in_o both_o kind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o general_a proof_n will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v the_o bible_n as_o have_v be_v say_v consist_v of_o three_o part_n doctrinal_a prophetical_a and_o historical_a whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o prove_v its_o own_o divinity_n must_v needs_o chief_o arise_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n because_o the_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a part_n can_v never_o be_v full_o justify_v without_o foreign_a proof_n we_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v certain_o true_a from_o the_o bible_n itself_o nor_o can_v we_o sufficient_o prove_v any_o prophecy_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o have_v be_v actual_o fâ—llfilled_v because_o they_o be_v say_v in_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n so_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o admit_v the_o book_n to_o be_v true_a when_o we_o be_v debate_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o this_o we_o may_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a part_n from_o that_o divine_a evidence_n that_o come_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a that_o we_o find_v such_o history_n and_o such_o prophecy_n in_o a_o admirable_a conjunction_n with_o such_o a_o doctrine_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o and_o environ_v with_o all_o probable_a circumstance_n of_o be_v true_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o also_o from_o the_o excellent_a manner_n of_o their_o fulfil_n and_o from_o the_o rare_a method_n of_o the_o history_n in_o
mind_n of_o man_n no_o man_n can_v well_o judge_v this_o a_o effect_n of_o any_o humane_a design_n nor_o can_v reasonable_o think_v that_o the_o private_a observation_n or_o experience_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n can_v have_v reach_v so_o far_o providential_a occurrence_n will_v soon_o have_v confute_v any_o counterfeit_a pretence_n to_o such_o a_o universal_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v any_o but_o god_n himself_o be_v secure_a not_o to_o mistake_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v this_o world_n in_o its_o various_a motion_n the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o intricacy_n and_o change_n of_o it_o the_o more_o be_v the_o bible_n still_o justify_v to_o we_o because_o we_o perceive_v the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v there_o strange_o epitomise_v we_o be_v not_o only_o tell_v in_o the_o general_n what_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o bad_a man_n shall_v often_o prosper_v and_o good_a man_n suffer_v that_o there_o be_v one_o even_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v by_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o point_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o justify_v providence_n to_o we_o and_o great_o inform_v we_o about_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o supreme_a rule_n here_o in_o order_n to_o his_o future_a judgement_n hereafter_o nothing_o can_v befall_v a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o ill_a man_n or_o happen_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o some_o general_a and_o satisfy_a account_n it_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o any_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o especial_o not_o the_o worst_a deceiver_n can_v have_v make_v such_o a_o complete_a model_n of_o his_o own_o government_n and_o it_o be_v no_o little_a justification_n of_o this_o book_n that_o god_n visible_o govern_v the_o world_n according_a to_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o those_o law_n must_v needs_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a probability_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n above_o suitable_o to_o which_o all_o thing_n evident_o come_v about_o here_o below_o and_o to_o which_o the_o whole_a revolution_n of_o this_o world_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n appear_v exact_o correspond_v five_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n a_o full_a and_o ample_a provision_n for_o all_o the_o ill_n that_o have_v accompany_v man_n first_o apostasy_n and_o adequate_a and_o proper_a cure_n for_o all_o the_o malady_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o divine_a preseription_n send_v from_o above_o to_o heal_v and_o relieve_v the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v safe_o to_o disengage_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o their_o lapse_v and_o apostate_n condition_n i_o appeal_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o general_a storehouse_n a_o divine_a treasury_n far_o beyond_o what_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v afford_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o want_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o only_o more_o clear_o and_o full_o than_o be_v ever_o before_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o great_a good_a point_v we_o to_o that_o true_a summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la of_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o disagreement_n with_o themselves_o have_v be_v grope_v after_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a happiness_n but_o apply_v suitable_a remedy_n to_o every_o distemper_n where_o can_v any_o man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n or_o under_o any_o other_o dejection_n of_o mind_n poverty_n or_o disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n sickness_n of_o body_n loss_n of_o friend_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o affliction_n comfort_n himself_o as_o he_o may_v here_o what_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o here_o tell_v of_o for_o sin_n we_o find_v all_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n have_v still_o harp_v upon_o a_o sacrifice_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a man_n be_v most_o inhuman_a detest_a by_o the_o best_a of_o heathen_n the_o sacrifice_v of_o beast_n though_o general_o practise_v the_o wise_a know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o and_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v atone_v by_o the_o fat_a of_o a_o bruit_n how_o infinite_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o by_o the_o gospel_n exceed_v all_o the_o world_n have_v think_v of_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o how_o amaze_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o satisfy_v a_o nature_n be_v it_o what_o divine_a antidote_n be_v there_o provide_v in_o this_o book_n from_o suitable_a example_n comfort_v promise_n wise_a direction_n heavenly_a counsel_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o sink_a mind_n it_o be_v like_o that_o wood_n where_o jonathan_n come_v in_o his_o extremity_n and_o find_v honey_n every_o where_o drop_v and_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o revive_v his_o spirit_n and_o renew_v his_o vigour_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n the_o reality_n the_o excellent_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o that_o relief_n and_o those_o satisfaction_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o we_o they_o be_v no_o such_o delude_a trifle_n as_o man_n be_v cheat_v into_o by_o education_n and_o acquiess_n in_o only_a because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o this_o book_n but_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o intrinsic_a value_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o real_a &_o most_o suitable_a to_o a_o rational_a be_v in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o innate_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v if_o thou_o do_v well_o they_o own_o conscience_n be_v judge_n thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v if_o not_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n we_o find_v no_o resemblance_n here_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n nor_o of_o those_o vanity_n wherewith_o other_o religion_n through_o man_n ignorance_n and_o the_o tract_n of_o education_n have_v besot_v the_o world_n the_o term_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v such_o and_o so_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o there_o be_v a_o self-evident_a satisfaction_n result_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o prevail_v much_o upon_o i_o this_o general_a provision_n i_o find_v here_o make_v to_o suit_n all_o man_n condition_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a account_n 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channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n providential_o secure_v and_o unmaimed_a and_o entire_o deliver_v over_o to_o we_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o evident_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o right_a reason_n improve_v mankind_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o all_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a attainment_n boâ—h_v moral_a and_o divine_a bring_v the_o world_n into_o the_o best_a posture_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v man_n wise_a better_a and_o happy_a than_o they_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v themselves_o find_v out_o how_o to_o be_v if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o by_o mean_n utter_o unthought_a of_o and_o far_o out_o of_o all_o humane-reach_a and_o yet_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a nature_n sweet_o and_o safe_o even_o to_o our_o great_a admiration_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n fill_v up_o that_o vast_a gulf_n that_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o free_a and_o perpetual_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o a_o beatitude_n infinite_o transcend_v whatever_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v or_o invent_v which_o the_o rational_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o it_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o in_o which_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v in_o short_a if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n if_o we_o respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o appertinent_a to_o it_o that_o we_o can_v rational_o expect_v shall_v accompany_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o supernatural_a law_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v enlighten_v and_o rule_v the_o world_n a_o book_n that_o every_o way_n answer_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n propose_v most_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o all_o our_o natural_a defect_n leave_v not_o a_o disease_n in_o humane_a nature_n 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sacred_a instrument_n wherein_o god_n have_v record_v his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n this_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v so_o much_o expect_v and_o to_o which_o so_o many_o false_a pretension_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v make_v here_o be_v indeed_o contain_v that_o system_n of_o law_n supernatural_a by_o the_o publication_n whereof_o god_n have_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o even_o outdo_v the_o further_a conception_n the_o world_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o his_o goodness_n how_o strange_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o derive_v such_o a_o book_n from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o imposture_n how_o heterodox_n be_v it_o to_o all_o good_a sense_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a delusion_n by_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ever_o abuse_v which_o we_o must_v needs_o reckon_v this_o book_n to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n shall_v have_v in_o point_n of_o time_n the_o precedency_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o ancient_a date_n than_o any_o divine_a truth_n the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o who_o that_o believe_v the_o supreme_a existence_n of_o god_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o best_a document_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n that_o ever_o mankind_n be_v discipline_v by_o shall_v have_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n for_o their_o author_n that_o such_o shall_v contrive_v and_o publish_v a_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o best_a method_n of_o live_v that_o such_o shall_v reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o happy_a and_o best_a condition_n and_o out_o do_v the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o that_o particular_a who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n in_o promote_a the_o high_a treason_n against_o god_n counterfeit_n his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o
the_o great_a ruin_n to_o mankind_n delude_v they_o with_o false_a information_n about_o their_o chief_a concern_v shall_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v in_o their_o justification_n the_o most_o eminent_a miracle_n and_o all_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o rational_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n in_o the_o publication_n of_o the_o high_a supernatural_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n who_o can_v believe_v a_o book_n so_o circumstance_v as_o we_o find_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v shall_v be_v compose_v by_o the_o worst_a instrument_n and_o with_o the_o worst_a of_o design_n no_o such_o thing_n can_v ever_o be_v credit_v while_o we_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n rule_v above_o and_o man_n live_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o reason_n below_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v that_o any_o book_n false_o pretend_v to_o god_n name_n and_o authority_n design_v his_o dishonour_n and_o man_n destruction_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o yet_o so_o must_v the_o table_n be_v turn_v the_o whole_a proof_n must_v so_o be_v invert_v of_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v a_o contrary_a application_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v if_o this_o book_n come_v not_o from_o god_n and_o be_v not_o in_o truth_n what_o itself_o open_o claim_v to_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v thus_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n establish_v i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o a_o consideration_n of_o such_o doubt_n and_o objection_n as_o be_v usual_o make_v about_o it_o all_o the_o material_a difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v will_v be_v reduceable_a to_o these_o four_o question_n i._n first_o how_o can_v man_n come_v to_o be_v assure_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v first_o write_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o upon_o sure_a ground_n distinguish_v they_o 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it_o divers_a contradiction_n several_a strange_a and_o incredible_a story_n and_o other_o thing_n great_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o answer_v the_o first_o question_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v previous_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v advantage_n peculiar_a to_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o who_o first_o receive_v the_o bible_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o live_v in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v that_o we_o have_v not_o and_o we_o have_v likewise_o some_o advantage_n and_o those_o very_a considerable_a to_o our_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v not_o they_o converse_v with_o the_o penman_n themselves_o the_o name_n of_o many_o of_o who_o be_v to_o we_o whole_o unknown_a the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o judge_v it_o necessary_a to_o record_v they_o foresee_v the_o scripture_n will_v descend_v to_o we_o upon_o other_o sufficient_a evidence_n they_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o personal_a integrity_n and_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n see_v the_o original_a write_n and_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n many_o know_v some_o of_o their_o hand_n these_o we_o have_v not_o but_o we_o see_v the_o progress_n and_o success_n of_o this_o book_n which_o they_o see_v not_o we_o see_v this_o book_n translate_v into_o all_o language_n whole_a nation_n convert_v by_o it_o the_o gospel_n spread_v all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o many_o prediction_n since_o which_o they_o can_v not_o then_o be_v witness_n of_o with_o many_o other_o great_a effect_n of_o it_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a conjoin_v and_o the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n each_o part_n have_v to_o complete_a the_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v in_o divers_a respect_n upon_o different_a term_n of_o judge_v now_o upon_o the_o whole_a from_o what_o man_n be_v in_o judge_v at_o first_o upon_o any_o particular_a part_n but_o to_o come_v to_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o this_o question_n there_o can_v be_v but_o two_o way_n to_o ascertain_v man_n in_o their_o reception_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n when_o it_o first_o become_v public_a first_o by_o some_o outward_a visible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o that_o service_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v send_v and_o commissionated_a from_o god_n or_o second_o from_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o write_n themselves_o and_o herein_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o those_o time_n and_o season_n in_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v and_o the_o then_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o write_v it_o will_v much_o inform_v we_o moses_n who_o lay_v the_o first_o and_o great_a foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a fabric_n in_o the_o five_o book_n that_o he_o write_v he_o have_v a_o justification_n personal_n beyond_o all_o question_n his_o commission_n and_o authority_n to_o do_v what_o he_o do_v be_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o he_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v to_o assure_v those_o that_o then_o live_v that_o god_n have_v employ_v he_o for_o god_n admit_v he_o open_o to_o a_o personal_a converse_n with_o himself_o we_o read_v in_o the_o nineteenth_o of_o exodus_fw-la that_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o moses_n loe_o i_o come_v to_o thou_o in_o a_o thick_a cloud_n that_o the_o people_n may_v bear_v when_o i_o speak_v with_o thou_o and_o believe_v thou_o for_o ever_o etc._n etc._n he_o impower_v he_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o work_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o since_o the_o world_n have_v a_o be_v have_v ever_o be_v wrought_v and_o open_o to_o shame_n and_o outdo_v all_o his_o opposer_n and_o all_o pretender_n that_o way_n and_o whensoever_o there_o be_v a_o doubt_n make_v about_o this_o divine_a authority_n or_o any_o contest_v with_o he_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o korah_n and_o at_o other_o time_n god_n plain_o and_o open_o from_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o all_o the_o people_n decide_v the_o matter_n to_o assure_v they_o and_o all_o generation_n to_o come_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o impostor_n but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a commission_n in_o what_o he_o then_o do_v and_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o first_o time_n that_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n in_o a_o write_a way_n and_o publish_v those_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o standard_n to_o all_o that_o succeed_v and_o the_o great_a cornerstone_n of_o all_o that_o revelation_n that_o he_o will_v at_o any_o time_n after_o make_v to_o mankind_n it_o be_v but_o necessary_a it_o shall_v be_v fix_v and_o establish_v upon_o certain_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n so_o that_o such_o who_o live_v in_o moses_n his_o time_n can_v have_v no_o good_a reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v in_o the_o least_o of_o his_o sincerity_n for_o all_o be_v do_v that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o put_v that_o matter_n out_o of_o question_n and_o god_n visible_o show_v himself_o as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o of_o exodus_fw-la and_o his_o own_o glory_n among_o they_o for_o it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n and_o there_o be_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o it_o be_v a_o pave_a work_n of_o a_o saphire-stone_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o heaven_n in_o its_o clearness_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o doubt_n raise_v whether_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o moses_n be_v right_o record_v and_o as_o he_o intend_v they_o shall_v for_o before_o his_o death_n he_o himself_o by_o god_n special_a command_n in_o a_o public_a assembly_n deliver_v over_o his_o five_o book_n to_o the_o levite_n to_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark._n after_o moses_n his_o time_n
we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o matter_n first_o how_o we_o come_v to_o reject_v out_o of_o our_o canon_n those_o book_n common_o call_v apocryphal_a which_o be_v write_v at_o least_o all_o but_o one_o of_o they_o during_o the_o time_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o second_o upon_o what_o ground_n we_o now_o receive_v some_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v sometime_o lie_v under_o question_n if_o we_o mistake_v in_o the_o first_o we_o have_v less_o in_o our_o bibles_n than_o we_o ought_v if_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v much_o more_o than_o we_o shall_v about_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n there_o be_v among_o christian_n themselves_o a_o present_a disagreement_n but_o concern_v the_o other_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n of_o the_o same_o opinion_n for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o reject_v those_o book_n common_o call_v the_o apocrypha_fw-la that_o they_o be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o