nothing_o in_o the_o world_n happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n before_o i_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o argument_n i_o shall_v 1._o state_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o nature_n and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o in_o this_o controversy_n 2._o lay_v down_o the_o main_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n depend_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nature_n it_o and_o the_o law_n of_o it_o in_o this_o controversy_n a_o miracle_n in_o the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n which_o spinoza_n oppose_v be_v take_v for_o a_o work_n beside_o above_z or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n beside_o the_o order_n above_o the_o force_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o it_o now_o the_o word_n nature_n may_v be_v take_v in_o many_o signification_n eeither_o 1._o for_o the_o essence_n of_o any_o but_o proper_o of_o material_a and_o corruptible_a being_n or_o 2._o for_o the_o aggregate_v of_o they_o the_o material_a world_n or_o 3_o for_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n god_n himself_o call_v thence_o natura_fw-la naturans_fw-la or_o last_o for_o the_o order_n of_o the_o several_a body_n as_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o innate_a power_n and_o disposition_n now_o the_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n here_o be_v for_o the_o aggregate_v of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o and_o so_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v such_o as_o determine_v the_o manner_n wherein_o natural_a body_n act_v among_o themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v the_o general_a law_n of_o motion_n which_o determine_v how_o each_o part_n of_o matter_n must_v be_v move_v upon_o the_o occurrence_n of_o other_o body_n or_o particular_a law_n impress_v upon_o their_o several_a nature_n determine_v each_o to_o act_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n the_o question_n therefore_o about_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n must_v be_v this_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o effect_n in_o the_o material_a world_n as_o be_v beside_o above_o or_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n wherein_o natural_a body_n be_v determine_v to_o act_v among_o themselves_o i_o e._n such_o effect_n as_o transcend_v their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n and_o deviate_v from_o or_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o general_a or_o particular_a law_n of_o motion_n determine_v they_o to_o act_v miracle_n 2._o the_o question_n therefore_o thus_o state_v i_o be_o to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o main_a ground_n whereupon_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n depend_v and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v rational_o deduce_v from_o these_o principle_n god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n which_o neither_o do_v 1._o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o 2._o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n omnipotence_n be_v proper_o a_o power_n to_o bring_v any_o thing_n to_o effect_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o the_o contradiction_n must_v lie_v in_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o two_o i_o be_o to_o show_v therefore_o that_o a_o miracle_n or_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n be_v not_o impossible_a upon_o either_o account_n 1._o a_o miracle_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n thing_n every_o miraculous_a effect_n be_v either_o a_o production_n of_o something_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n or_o a_o suspension_n or_o utter_a abolition_n of_o its_o be_v the_o thing_n produce_v or_o destroy_v by_o miracle_n be_v either_o matter_n itself_o or_o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n of_o it_o 1._o matter_n as_o suppose_v a_o new_a portion_n of_o it_o create_v beyond_o the_o extent_n of_o this_o world_n or_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o world_n or_o any_o determinate_a portion_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n of_o matter_n as_o suppose_v 1._o god_n shall_v endue_v any_o part_n of_o matter_n with_o a_o form_n quality_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o what_o it_o other_o wise_a might_n or_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n 2._o god_n shall_v divest_v any_o part_n of_o matter_n of_o any_o form_n quality_n motion_n etc._n etc._n which_o otherwise_o it_o must_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n two_o kind_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o have_v here_o 1._o when_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n be_v create_v anew_o or_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o when_o a_o form_n quality_n or_o motion_n or_o any_a other_o accident_n of_o matter_n be_v produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n and_o to_o these_o two_o be_v reducible_a all_o effect_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v make_v up_o of_o matter_n and_o the_o form_n quality_n motion_n and_o other_o accident_n thereof_o now_o neither_o of_o these_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 〈…〉_z 1._o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v create_v anew_o or_o to_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o matter_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v a_o be_v possible_a and_o contingent_a possible_a because_o its_o idea_n or_o conception_n be_v not_o a_o mere_a chimaera_n and_o a_o notion_n that_o destroy_v itself_o contingent_a because_o it_o be_v idea_n or_o conception_n do_v not_o include_v necessity_n of_o existence_n if_o matter_n therefore_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o thing_n possible_a then_o unless_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o present_a world_n be_v extend_v in_o infinitum_fw-la which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n there_o be_v still_o room_n and_o possibility_n for_o more_o to_o be_v create_v but_o this_o must_v be_v by_o miracle_n quia_fw-la ex_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a naturaliter_fw-la again_o if_o matter_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n a_o contingent_a be_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n or_o any_o determinate_a portion_n of_o it_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v or_o be_v reduce_v to_o nothing_o but_o this_o too_o must_v be_v by_o miracle_n quia_fw-la in_o nihilum_fw-la nihil_fw-la revertitur_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la possibile_fw-la therefore_o it_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o a_o portion_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v create_v anew_o or_o reduce_v to_o nothing_o 2._o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o a_o form_n quality_n 2._o motion_n or_o other_o accident_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n for_o instance_n the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n to_o be_v produce_v and_o again_o destroy_v in_o aaron_n rod_n the_o form_n and_o quality_n of_o blood_n in_o the_o water_n of_o the_o nile_n of_o louse_n in_o the_o dust_n of_o the_o earth_n of_o wine_n in_o the_o water_n at_o the_o marriage_n feast_n at_o cana_n of_o galilee_n the_o quality_n and_o power_n of_o sight_n in_o the_o blind_a hear_v in_o the_o deaf_a speech_n in_o the_o dumb_a strength_n in_o the_o lame_a health_n in_o the_o sick_a life_n in_o the_o dead_a last_o the_o form_n of_o bread_n or_o the_o very_a humane_a nature_n itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o stone_n the_o motion_n of_o ten_o degree_n backward_o in_o the_o sun_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o hezekiah_n 11_o and_o the_o suspension_n of_o his_o natural_a motion_n for_o a_o considerable_a time_n at_o the_o request_n of_o joshua_n 13._o the_o production_n or_o determination_n of_o fire_n from_o heaven_n at_o the_o word_n and_o prayer_n of_o elijah_n upon_o his_o sacrifice_n 18.38_o and_o the_o captain_n etc._n etc._n send_v to_o apprehend_v he_o and_o the_o suspension_n of_o the_o action_n of_o fire_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n furnace_n 3.27_o the_o production_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o bring_v the_o locust_n and_o drive_v they_o back_o and_o to_o force_v back_o the_o water_n of_o the_o red-sea_n 14.21_o at_o the_o stretch_v forth_o of_o moses_n rod_n and_o the_o cease_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o storm_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n in_o all_o these_o instance_n there_o be_v nothing_o do_v but_o only_o a_o form_n quality_n motion_n or_o the_o like_a produce_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v in_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n and_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v matter_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v indifferent_o susceptible_a of_o any_o form_n or_o quality_n imaginable_a and_o therefore_o be_v in_o itself_o capable_a at_o any_o time_n of_o be_v without_o those_o form_n and_o quality_n which_o it_o have_v or_o of_o have_v any_o other_o instead_o thereof_o capable_a it_o be_v
of_o be_v without_o any_o particular_a form_n &_o quality_n which_o it_o have_v because_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o contingent_a &_o accidental_a to_o matter_n consider_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n for_o instance_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v such_o magnitude_n figure_n texture_n order_n and_o situation_n motion_n or_o rest_n of_o its_o sensible_a or_o insensible_a part_n and_o constitute_v a_o body_n of_o such_o a_o particular_a nature_n endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o quality_n peculiar_a to_o it_o capable_a likewise_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n of_o have_v any_o form_n or_o quality_n indifferent_o because_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n consider_v it_o be_v susceptible_a of_o any_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n consider_v not_o determine_v to_o receive_v any_o one_o more_o than_o another_o now_o if_o this_o be_v so_o it_o be_v then_o possible_a for_o any_o form_n or_o quality_n to_o be_v produce_v in_o any_o part_n of_o matter_n at_o any_o time_n or_o to_o be_v suspend_v or_o destroy_v utter_o in_o that_o body_n which_o be_v endue_v with_o it_o and_o consequent_o for_o any_o part_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v endue_v with_o such_o a_o form_n or_o quality_n which_o otherwise_o it_o can_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v devest_v of_o that_o form_n or_o quality_n which_o otherwise_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n it_o must_v have_v have_v and_o keep_v for_o instance_n the_o water_n at_o the_o marriage_n feast_n in_o cana_n of_o galilee_n can_v not_o at_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o will_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v its_o form_n change_v into_o the_o form_n of_o wine_n and_o yet_o the_o matter_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v the_o form_n of_o wine_n and_o capable_a too_o of_o be_v without_o the_o form_n of_o water_n though_o leave_v to_o itself_o and_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n it_o must_v have_v keep_v it_o if_o capable_a of_o lose_v the_o one_o and_o receive_v the_o other_o than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o it_o to_o be_v turn_v from_o the_o one_o into_o the_o other_o if_o possible_a then_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o omnipotence_n to_o effect_v it_o by_o a_o miracle_n though_o quia_fw-la quid_fw-la lilibet_fw-la non_fw-la fit_a ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la naturaliter_fw-la destroy_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o motion_n in_o matter_n it_o be_v whole_o contingent_a and_o accidential_a to_o it_o it_o may_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n consider_v have_v for_o ever_o be_v without_o it_o and_o so_o have_v continue_v one_o great_a unwieldy_a mass_n now_o it_o have_v so_o great_a a_o quantity_n of_o motion_n impress_v yet_o all_o its_o part_n may_v be_v again_o reduce_v to_o rest_n not_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n indeed_o but_o yet_o by_o a_o power_n work_v above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n to_o press_v this_o further_a home_n the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n ever_o since_o the_o production_n of_o it_o have_v depend_v upon_o the_o motion_n first_o impress_v upon_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n and_o the_o power_n give_v they_o to_o transfer_v their_o motion_n from_o one_o to_o another_o for_o hereupon_o depend_v all_o the_o variety_n of_o form_n and_o quality_n all_o the_o various_a production_n in_o the_o world_n wherein_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n consist_v now_o this_o motion_n and_o this_o power_n of_o transfer_v and_o communicate_v it_o be_v at_o first_o contingent_a and_o so_o may_v not_o have_v be_v impress_v upon_o matter_n be_v contingent_a still_o and_o so_o may_v be_v now_o destroy_v and_o then_o what_o bâ—â—omes_v of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n there_o be_v therefore_o thing_n possible_a which_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o effect_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o matter_n etc._n etc._n other_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o its_o establish_a order_n as_o the_o annihilation_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o suspension_n of_o that_o motion_n in_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n whereupon_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n depend_v the_o production_n of_o any_o form_n or_o quality_n in_o matter_n howsoever_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n unqualify_v to_o receive_v they_o etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n the_o matter_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o every_o form_n quality_n and_o motion_n of_o body_n therein_o be_v thing_n contingent_a and_o so_o capable_a either_o not_o to_o be_v or_o to_o be_v otherwise_o and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v suspend_v or_o reduce_v into_o nothing_o a_o miracle_n therefore_o which_o be_v some_o of_o these_o effect_n do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 2._o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n not_o to_o his_o power_n because_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o not_o of_o a_o principle_n oppose_v itself_o to_o he_o not_o to_o his_o justice_n because_o all_o nature_n be_v his_o own_o nor_o his_o goodness_n because_o never_o make_v use_n of_o but_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n but_o rather_o high_o serviceable_a to_o both_o as_o it_o please_v he_o to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o either_o to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o notorious_a sinner_n in_o a_o exemplary_a manner_n or_o to_o defend_v and_o protect_v the_o innocent_a and_o pious_a man_n by_o the_o most_o signal_n instance_n of_o providence_n and_o mercy_n not_o to_o his_o wisdom_n because_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o the_o end_n of_o it_o but_o miracle_n be_v ordain_v for_o high_a purpose_n and_o special_a and_o emergent_a occasion_n for_o instance_n if_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o we_o and_o to_o propound_v to_o we_o new_a term_n of_o favour_n and_o reconciliation_n to_o authorise_v some_o holy_a and_o inspire_a person_n to_o be_v his_o messenger_n and_o ambassador_n from_o heaven_n and_o to_o attest_v their_o commission_n by_o his_o letter_n of_o credence_n nay_o to_o cloth_n himself_o with_o humane_a nature_n and_o yet_o to_o dart_v forth_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o divinity_n through_o the_o vail_n of_o flesh_n upon_o these_o grand_a and_o important_a occasion_n what_o sure_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n can_v we_o have_v that_o god_n himself_o speak_v to_o we_o either_o by_o his_o prophet_n or_o his_o son_n but_o by_o a_o miracle_n but_o by_o nature_n sit_v down_o and_o be_v suspend_v a_o while_n to_o show_v that_o one_o great_a than_o nature_n be_v there_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v then_o present_a by_o his_o immediate_a extraordinary_a power_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o as_o spinoza_n below_o profane_o suggest_v that_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n so_o impotent_a 7_o and_o give_v her_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o barren_a as_o that_o he_o be_v compel_v sometime_o to_o help_v she_o by_o new_a ordinance_n and_o supply_n of_o virtue_n in_o order_n to_o her_o support_n and_o conservation_n and_o that_o thing_n may_v succeed_v according_a to_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n it_o be_v not_o i_o say_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o god_n have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v a_o miracle_n upon_o special_a occasion_n but_o because_o nature_n be_v only_o fit_v to_o the_o end_n of_o nature_n and_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a mean_n provide_v for_o end_n extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a nor_o last_o be_v the_o work_v of_o a_o miracle_n in_o any_o wise_a repugnant_a to_o the_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o counsel_n as_o if_o he_o act_v therein_o de_fw-mi novo_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la and_o upon_o the_o sudden_a because_o he_o have_v by_o one_o eternal_a immutable_a act_n of_o his_o will_n settle_v the_o order_n of_o all_o event_n natural_a or_o above_o nature_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_o in_o the_o answer_n i_o shall_v give_v to_o his_o argument_n to_o which_o i_o now_o come_v his_o proposition_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v that_o nothing_o happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n his_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v two_o 6._o 1._o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n proposition_n and_o therefore_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n 2._o because_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o infinite_a as_o god_n himself_o 1._o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n 1._o it_o will_v appear_v 1._o that_o he_o take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o this_o
same_o universal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n may_v settle_v the_o order_n of_o the_o sun_n motion_n and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o true_a ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la that_o the_o sun_n shall_v move_v in_o this_o order_n and_o yet_o withal_o ordain_v that_o at_o such_o time_n notwithstanding_o the_o sun_n shall_v stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o and_o thereupon_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a and_o true_a ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la that_o at_o those_o point_n of_o time_n the_o sun_n shall_v go_v back_o or_o stand_v still_o the_o law_n therefore_o of_o natural_a agent_n may_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v possible_a for_o some_o certain_a effect_n to_o fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o they_o viz._n without_o that_o compass_n within_o which_o they_o be_v limit_v to_o take_v effect_n and_o no_o far_o but_o if_o spinoza_n will_v have_v it_o that_o whatever_o god_n will_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o such_o a_o time_n must_v therefore_o be_v always_o or_o that_o whatever_o order_n god_n settle_v for_o such_o a_o determinate_a compass_n must_v because_o he_o will_v and_o settle_v it_o hold_v eternal_o i_o deny_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n every_o law_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n it_o be_v eternal_o necessary_a and_o true_a that_o whatever_o god_n decree_v to_o be_v shall_v be_v if_o he_o decree_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o endure_v to_o perpetuity_n it_o be_v eternal_o true_a and_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o if_o he_o decree_v it_o to_o such_o a_o compass_n it_o be_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la necessary_a and_o true_a that_o it_o shall_v hold_v so_o long_o and_o his_o decree_n or_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o the_o effect_n consequent_a thereupon_o be_v not_o violate_v if_o it_o hold_v no_o long_o so_o much_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o first_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n etc._n etc._n the_o sum_n be_v that_o he_o mistake_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n that_o he_o make_v nature_n the_o same_o with_o god_n and_o so_o beside_o his_o take_v the_o word_n in_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o he_o in_o effect_n reject_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o overthrow_v the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n last_o that_o in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o i_o have_v consider_v his_o argument_n it_o may_v be_v true_a and_o yet_o his_o conclusion_n not_o follow_v from_o it_o his_o second_o argument_n be_v 7._o because_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o as_o infinite_a as_o himself_o e._n nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o without_o its_o compass_n or_o contrary_a to_o it_o his_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o proceed_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v to_o be_v sure_o the_o very_a same_o conception_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n that_o nature_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a variety_n of_o modification_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o the_o power_n of_o it_o consequent_o nothing_o but_o the_o infinite_a fecundity_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n determine_v it_o necessary_o to_o exert_v itself_o in_o all_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o its_o be_v i_o shall_v therefore_o only_o give_v this_o argument_n so_o much_o consideration_n as_o it_o may_v require_v set_v aside_o his_o principle_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o force_n that_o natural_a cause_n have_v to_o act_v each_o in_o their_o several_a manner_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o whole_a arise_v from_o the_o joint_a concurrence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n in_o their_o distinct_a operation_n this_o to_o speak_v proper_o be_v all_o resolve_v into_o a_o vismotrix_n impress_v upon_o matter_n enable_v to_o act_n by_o god_n power_n and_o determine_v to_o do_v it_o by_o his_o will._n this_o therefore_o certain_o must_v be_v different_a from_o the_o power_n of_o its_o author_n in_o as_o much_o as_o the_o power_n must_v be_v different_a if_o the_o subject_n differ_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v virtual_o and_o origional_o though_o not_o formal_o the_o divine_a power_n exert_v itself_o in_o nature_n as_o its_o instrument_n yet_o it_o no_o more_o follow_v thereupon_o that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v infinite_a than_o it_o follow_v that_o because_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v the_o motion_n of_o nature_n therefore_o it_o be_v of_o as_o great_a extent_n as_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n beside_o or_o because_o the_o power_n that_o move_v the_o hand_n be_v the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o therefore_o the_o whole_a sphere_n of_o the_o soul_n power_n in_o the_o body_n be_v no_o large_a than_o the_o hand_n the_o argument_n be_v from_o a_o particular_a to_o a_o universal_a god_n power_n though_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a be_v yet_o unlimited_a it_o may_v act_v far_o beyond_o that_o compass_n wherein_o it_o do_v and_o therefore_o infinite_o beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o nature_n it_o exert_v itself_o both_o in_o a_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a way_n and_o both_o kind_n of_o effect_n proceed_v from_o one_o and_o the_o same_o indivisible_a omnipotence_n which_o be_v no_o more_o multiply_v by_o the_o variety_n of_o effect_n that_o flow_v from_o it_o than_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o move_v the_o hand_n and_o the_o foot_n the_o eye_n and_o the_o tongue_n these_o be_v all_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o first_o proposition_n 8_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o conclusion_n he_o draw_v from_o the_o whole_a viz._n what_o a_o miracle_n be_v that_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o all_o supernatural_a effect_n be_v impossible_a a_o miracle_n can_v be_v only_o a_o effect_n inexplicable_a by_o our_o own_o observation_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n know_v to_o we_o have_v therefore_o prove_v that_o supernatural_a effect_n be_v not_o impossible_a and_o answer_v his_o argument_n for_o the_o contrary_a i_o may_v take_v leave_n to_o draw_v a_o conclusion_n contradictory_n to_o he_o that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o only_o what_o he_o say_v but_o a_o effect_v beside_o above_z or_o contrary_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n 2._o the_o second_o thing_n he_o undertake_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n design_v his_o design_n in_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o authority_n and_o credit_n of_o miracle_n by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v not_o proof_n sufficient_a of_o what_o they_o be_v design_v for_o but_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o proposition_n he_o mistake_v the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v for_o 1._o the_o design_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o make_v a_o discovevery_n at_o least_o immediate_o and_o by_o themselves_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n they_o be_v proper_a and_o meet_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n and_o if_o in_o that_o revelation_n it_o please_v god_n to_o make_v any_o supernatural_a display_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o miracle_n may_v be_v say_v mediate_o to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n otherways_o they_o demonstrate_v no_o other_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o his_o power_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v able_a to_o suspend_v the_o operation_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o act_v above_o it_o 2._o neither_o do_v they_o tend_v in_o any_o peculiar_a manner_n to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o rather_o suppose_v it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a be_v who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o give_v it_o such_o a_o power_n and_o set_v it_o such_o law_n whereby_o to_o act_v which_o power_n and_o which_o law_n a_o miracle_n be_v either_o above_o or_o contrary_n to_o prove_v thereupon_o not_o that_o god_n be_v but_o that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o then_o act_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n and_o not_o nature_n but_o for_o any_o proof_n it_o give_v we_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n it_o be_v only_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o every_o natural_a effect_n demonstrate_v it_o by_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o first_o cause_n 3._o miracle_n be_v indeed_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n that_o god_n do_v take_v upon_o he_o and_o actual_o exercise_v the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v not_o leave_v nature_n to_o herself_o but_o sometime_o interpose_n and_o set_v she_o aside_o that_o he_o do_v not_o sit_v a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n but_o sometime_o in_o a_o most_o signal_n manner_n
reward_n or_o punish_v they_o here_o in_o this_o life_n yet_o the_o demonstration_n of_o god_n providence_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a and_o primary_n end_v of_o supernatural_a effect_n but_o 4._o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o intend_v to_o prove_v 1._o immediate_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n act_v himself_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n in_o the_o work_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o god_n immediate_a extraordinary_a presence_n the_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n of_o that_o person_n who_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v his_o instrument_n in_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o at_o who_o word_n or_o request_n the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v suspend_v which_o we_o can_v suppose_v god_n will_v permit_v either_o for_o no_o end_n at_o all_o or_o for_o one_o so_o repugnant_a to_o his_o sanctity_n and_o goodness_n as_o to_o assist_v a_o imposture_n thus_o much_o therefore_o we_o may_v know_v by_o miracle_n not_o what_o god_n be_v in_o his_o nature_n nor_o his_o existence_n any_o better_a than_o we_o may_v know_v it_o by_o any_o effect_n of_o nature_n but_o his_o providence_n his_o extraordinary_a presence_n and_o power_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o person_n who_o divine_a mission_n it_o atte_v we_o be_v next_o to_o inquire_v whether_o his_o argument_n be_v more_o sufficient_a to_o disprove_v the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n in_o this_o regard_n scripture_n his_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n be_v from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o reason_n he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o three_o way_n 1._o because_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o miracle_n do_v virtual_o introduce_v mere_a scepticism_n and_o consequent_o be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n that_o it_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n both_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o 2._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o understand_v not_o itself_o can_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o 3._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o agent_n of_o infinite_a power_n 1._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o miracle_n virtual_o introduce_v mere_a scepticism_n reason_n and_o so_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n both_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o this_o argument_n strike_v as_o much_o at_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n themselves_o as_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o upon_o their_o credit_n and_o authority_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o to_o believe_v oblige_v i_o to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n else_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v certain_o know_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o he_o assert_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n lead_v we_o to_o scepticism_n be_v because_o it_o take_v away_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o those_o notion_n from_o whence_o we_o conclude_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o we_o know_v and_o that_o this_o it_o do_v in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o suppose_v a_o power_n in_o god_n able_a to_o alter_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o notion_n for_o this_o too_o he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o do_v if_o able_a to_o change_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o these_o notion_n may_v be_v understand_v two_o thing_n scepticism_n 1._o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n where_o upon_o we_o build_v all_o our_o knowledge_n 2._o our_o own_o idea_n and_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n the_o former_a be_v either_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o natural_a light_n viz._n axiom_n evident_a upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n as_o that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n etc._n etc._n or_o 2._o the_o definition_n of_o thing_n and_o proposition_n ascribe_v to_o they_o their_o nature_n and_o property_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rationale_fw-la triangulum_fw-la habet_fw-la tres_fw-la angulos_fw-la aequales_fw-la duobus_fw-la rectis_fw-la etc._n etc._n or_o 3_o proposition_n contain_v the_o mutual_a respect_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o cruelty_n and_o injustice_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n theft_n and_o murder_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o sociable_a creature_n etc._n etc._n now_o these_o principle_n of_o truth_n be_v all_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o be_v or_o order_n of_o nature_n a_o possibility_n therefore_o of_o change_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o by_o the_o same_o power_n the_o truth_n of_o these_o notion_n may_v be_v alter_v they_o be_v first_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a because_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o they_o to_o be_v false_a v_o c._n for_o the_o whole_a to_o be_v no_o great_a than_o any_o part_n man_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n god_n to_o be_v cruel_a or_o unjust_a etc._n etc._n 2._o they_o be_v true_a independent_o upon_o the_o be_v or_o order_n of_o nature_n if_o god_n shall_v destroy_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n yet_o it_o be_v true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v big_a than_o any_o part_n if_o he_o shall_v reduce_v mankind_n into_o nothing_o it_o be_v still_o true_a notwithstanding_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consist_v in_o the_o union_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o a_o body_n endue_v with_o life_n and_o sense_n god_n may_v turn_v one_o thing_n into_o another_o and_o make_v the_o same_o matter_n appear_v under_o a_o form_n above_o or_o contrary_n to_o what_o it_o shall_v have_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o he_o can_v make_v it_o be_v and_o not_o be_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n and_o of_o another_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o can_v suspend_v the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o yet_o can_v make_v they_o act_n and_o not_o act_n both_o together_o in_o short_a however_o god_n by_o his_o power_n may_v alter_v or_o suspend_v the_o order_n of_o generation_n in_o nature_n yet_o this_o principle_n will_v hold_v true_a that_o in_o a_o order_n of_o successive_a generation_n of_o man_n there_o must_v be_v some_o first_o man_n and_o this_o first_o man_n must_v have_v a_o cause_n that_o be_v not_o man_n and_o this_o cause_n must_v either_o be_v itself_o or_o lead_v we_o at_o last_o to_o a_o infinite_a supreme_a be_v so_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o certain_a and_o necessary_a principle_n though_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v change_v by_o his_o almighty_a power_n the_o alter_v therefore_o of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n but_o do_v it_o not_o infer_v a_o power_n in_o god_n to_o change_v our_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o of_o every_o thing_n else_o a_o physical_a power_n indeed_o it_o do_v as_o it_o prove_v he_o omnipotent_a but_o this_o will_v not_o drive_v we_o to_o scepticism_n while_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v as_o much_o repugnant_a to_o his_o veracity_n and_o goodness_n as_o compatible_a to_o his_o power_n bare_o consider_v for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a shall_v impose_v upon_o his_o creature_n and_o implant_v such_o notion_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o will_v necessary_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v a_o lie_n or_o so_o alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n by_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o do_v not_o lead_v we_o unto_o scepticism_n and_o so_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v either_o his_o existence_n or_o his_o providence_n or_o to_o declare_v bis_fw-la nature_n to_o we_o 10._o and_o this_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o understand_v not_o itself_o can_v lead_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o 11._o 2._o because_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o thing_n finite_a and_o therefore_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o agent_n of_o infinite_a power_n to_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n to_o understand_v it_o i._n e._n it_o be_v beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n to_o deduce_v it_o from_o natural_a cause_n and_o good_a reason_n because_o
form_v in_o his_o brain_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o understanding_n this_o conceit_n he_o do_v not_o far_o explain_v or_o make_v out_o in_o his_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a and_o therefore_o to_o run_v up_o his_o argument_n to_o the_o head_n i_o shall_v consult_v his_o opera_fw-la posthuma_n for_o a_o scheme_n of_o his_o principle_n from_o whence_o to_o deduce_v it_o there_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o his_o ethic_n which_o treat_v de_fw-fr deo_fw-la 16._o he_o have_v this_o doctrine_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v god_n that_o god_n be_v a_o substance_n absolute_o infinite_a i._n e._n a_o substance_n endue_v with_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o attribute_n each_o infinite_a each_o display_v his_o infinite_a essence_n two_o whereof_o be_v know_v to_o we_o cogitation_n and_o extension_n that_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o infinite_a essence_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n do_v proceed_v as_o property_n from_o a_o emanative_a cause_n infinite_a modes_n wherein_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n do_v subsist_v and_o act_v that_o nature_n and_o all_o create_a being_n be_v only_o these_o various_a modes_n wherein_o the_o divine_a essence_n and_o attribute_n do_v necessary_o display_v themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o all_o body_n and_o finite_a spirit_n be_v only_o various_a modes_n of_o those_o two_o infinite_a attribute_n in_o god_n extension_n and_o cogitation_n and_o from_o these_o principle_n we_o may_v indeed_o deduce_v not_o only_o his_o conception_n of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o god_n to_o understand_v and_o to_o will_v but_o many_o other_o consequence_n admirable_o agreeable_a to_o religion_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o 1._o that_o god_n be_v a_o extend_a substance_n and_o extension_n infinite_a 2._o that_o god_n be_v the_o emanative_a cause_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o they_o therefore_o real_o and_o identical_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o same_o with_o he_o 3._o that_o god_n subsist_v in_o all_o body_n and_o finite_a spirit_n as_o a_o substance_n under_o its_o necessary_a modes_n flow_v from_o its_o essence_n and_o therefore_o both_o he_o himself_o material_a and_o bodily_a as_o be_v extend_v and_o every_o body_n in_o nature_n a_o part_n of_o he_o so_o that_o now_o we_o clear_o see_v the_o ground_n whereupon_o spinoza_n assert_n that_o nothing_o can_v happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n viz._n because_o god_n and_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o god_n nature_n subsistent_a and_o nature_n god_n modify_v and_o why_o he_o say_v that_o for_o god_n to_o will_n or_o decree_v any_o thing_n be_v for_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n flow_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o his_o will_n be_v only_o that_o of_o a_o emanative_a cause_n and_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o conceive_v produce_v by_o the_o divine_a will_n be_v so_o only_o in_o regard_n that_o it_o flow_v necessary_o from_o his_o essence_n as_o light_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o heat_n in_o the_o fire_n from_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o so_o likewise_o his_o understanding_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v only_o that_o he_o see_v its_o necessary_a existence_n proceed_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n here_o we_o have_v a_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o sense_n and_o scope_n in_o this_o argument_n and_o it_o plain_o terminate_v in_o one_o of_o these_o two_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n for_o to_o make_v god_n and_o nature_n the_o same_o thing_n be_v either_o to_o advance_v a_o creature_n into_o the_o place_n of_o god_n or_o what_o tully_n say_v of_o epicurus_n oratione_fw-la relinquere_fw-la deum_fw-la re_fw-la tollere_fw-la 1._o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o prosecute_v his_o argument_n so_o far_o as_o to_o confute_v he_o through_o the_o whole_a set_a of_o his_o principle_n nor_o take_v myself_o to_o be_v oblige_v in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n to_o go_v so_o far_o about_o as_o to_o prove_v first_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n above_o it_o conclusion_n but_o his_o argument_n may_v deserve_v a_o little_a consideration_n set_v aside_o his_o principle_n and_o that_o only_a in_o order_n to_o state_n how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v grant_v to_o be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n and_o whether_o and_o how_o far_o thereupon_o they_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n his_o argument_n therefore_o be_v in_o form_n this_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n e._n they_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n e._n nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o they_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o in_o nature_n itself_o or_o as_o in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o in_o nature_n itself_o they_o signify_v the_o determination_n of_o body_n to_o act_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n in_o the_o author_n of_o it_o they_o signify_v those_o decree_n whereby_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v establish_v and_o particular_a body_n determine_v to_o act_n in_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n in_o this_o sense_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n and_o how_o they_o be_v so_o and_o how_o far_o thereupon_o they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n may_v appear_v from_o these_o consideration_n truth_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v one_o grand_a universal_a law_n decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n whereby_o he_o eternal_o set_v down_o with_o himself_o the_o order_n wherein_o to_o work_v all_o thing_n this_o conception_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o immutability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o his_o simplicity_n that_o as_o his_o nature_n so_o the_o act_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v perfect_o one_o and_o not_o multiply_v in_o infinitum_fw-la in_o proportion_n to_o the_o variety_n of_o effect_n ordain_v and_o regulate_v by_o it_o to_o his_o immutability_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v daily_o enact_v new_a law_n and_o decree_n but_o that_o he_o work_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o decree_n coeternal_a to_o himself_o and_o this_o conception_n be_v clear_v by_o our_o parallel_a apprehension_n about_o the_o divine_a understanding_n the_o object_n thereof_o be_v temporary_a yet_o the_o act_n of_o his_o knowledge_n whereby_o he_o see_v they_o eternal_a they_o be_v manifold_a and_o various_a yet_o that_o simple_a and_o uniform_a therefore_o as_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o understanding_n he_o see_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la all_o thing_n future_a in_o their_o several_a time_n so_o by_o one_o act_n of_o his_o will_n he_o ordain_v they_o all_o 2._o that_o in_o this_o universal_a law_n be_v include_v secundum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la concipiendi_fw-la modum_fw-la many_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n establish_v the_o order_n of_o particular_a event_n necessary_a and_o contingent_a natural_a and_o above_o nature_n in_o their_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n 3._o that_o these_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n have_v each_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o universal_a a_o limit_a and_o determinate_a compass_n of_o time_n place_n and_o event_n wherein_o they_o take_v effect_n 4._o that_o yet_o each_o of_o they_o do_v certain_o take_v effect_n within_o that_o determinate_a compass_n to_o which_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o therefore_o 5._o that_o a_o proposition_n declare_v that_o such_o a_o law_n and_o decree_n will_v certain_o take_v effect_n be_v true_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o necessary_a and_o ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la by_o virtue_n of_o that_o law_n and_o decree_n 6._o that_o yet_o as_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o the_o decree_n be_v so_o be_v the_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n viz._n it_o be_v necessary_a and_o true_a ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la that_o this_o law_n and_o decree_n shall_v take_v effect_n within_o that_o determinate_a compass_n of_o time_n place_n and_o event_n whereto_o it_o be_v limit_v and_o no_o further_o now_o the_o law_n and_o decree_n by_o which_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v establish_v be_v such_o particular_a law_n and_o decree_n and_o such_o be_v their_o eternal_a truth_n and_o necessity_n for_o instance_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o ordinance_n in_o nature_n proceed_v from_o god_n will_v and_o decree_n yet_o so_o limit_v in_o subordination_n to_o his_o universal_a law_n and_o purpose_n to_o a_o determinate_a compass_n as_o not_o to_o take_v effect_n at_o some_o point_n of_o time_n within_o that_o period_n for_o which_o nature_n be_v establish_v i_o mean_v at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o at_o joshua_n word_n and_o when_o it_o go_v back_o so_o many_o degree_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o king_n hezekiah_n so_o that_o the_o
be_v to_o be_v worship_v i_o pass_v by_o what_o he_o say_v of_o solomon_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o 73_o psalm_n their_o doubt_n be_v about_o such_o thing_n wherein_o miracle_n be_v not_o proper_a mean_n to_o inform_v they_o viz._n why_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v in_o this_o life_n what_o he_o have_v beside_o under_o this_o head_n be_v 1._o a_o profane_a abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n 15._o instead_o of_o a_o answer_n to_o those_o plain_a expression_n therein_o where_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v wrought_v his_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v make_v his_o power_n to_o be_v know_v 10.2_o and_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v know_v that_o he_o be_v god_n this_o he_o say_v be_v not_o as_o if_o the_o scripture_n mean_v that_o miracle_n be_v in_o themselves_o convince_a argument_n but_o only_o that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n make_v use_v of_o they_o as_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la that_o be_v for_o want_n of_o better_a evidence_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o take_v all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v of_o their_o preconceived_n opinion_n however_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a and_o make_v these_o his_o topic_n as_o most_o effectual_a to_o persuade_v or_o convince_v they_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n he_o interpret_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o to_o the_o jew_n he_o become_v as_o a_o jew_n to_o the_o greek_n as_o a_o oreek_a that_o be_v argue_v with_o both_o not_o from_o any_o true_a and_o rational_a principle_n but_o by_o make_v the_o best_a use_n he_o can_v of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n to_o gain_v they_o to_o his_o side_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o true_a philosophy_n 16._o that_o god_n in_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o his_o providence_n shall_v be_v conceive_v to_o take_v great_a care_n of_o one_o person_n or_o nation_n than_o another_o viz._n he_o be_v not_o only_o bind_v to_o provide_v for_o all_o whatsoever_o mean_n be_v necessary_a for_o their_o happiness_n but_o also_o oblige_v not_o to_o give_v any_o one_o man_n over_o and_o above_o any_o degree_n of_o grace_n which_o he_o do_v not_o equal_o impart_v to_o all_o the_o world_n to_o answer_v these_o two_o position_n full_o we_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o examine_v spinoza_n second_n and_o three_o chapter_n of_o his_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-polit_a whereto_o he_o refer_v we_o for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o both_o i_o pass_v on_o therefore_o to_o the_o three_o thing_n he_o propose_v to_o make_v out_o 16._o viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o decree_n and_o command_n and_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n this_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o instance_n 2._o because_o the_o scriptute_fw-la relate_v several_a circumstance_n in_o the_o production_n of_o those_o effect_n that_o be_v common_o hold_v to_o be_v supernatural_a 1._o his_o instance_n be_v some_o that_o i_o mention_v above_o in_o my_o answer_n to_o the_o premonition_n 16._o viz._n god_n tell_v samuel_n he_o will_v send_v he_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o benjamin_n which_o be_v only_a saul_n come_v to_o he_o to_o inquire_v about_o the_o ass_n 1._o god_n be_v say_v to_o turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n so_o that_o they_o hate_v the_o israelite_n who_o yet_o it_o appear_v be_v move_v to_o hate_v they_o upon_o politic_a account_n god_n saying_n he_o will_v set_v his_o bow_n in_o the_o sky_n 18._o and_o yet_o the_o rainbow_n and_o undoubted_a effect_n of_o nature_n so_o also_o the_o melt_a of_o the_o snow_n call_v god_n word_n 104.4_o and_o the_o wind_n and_o fire_n his_o minister_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n in_o these_o instance_n by_o god_n decree_n or_o command_v mean_n no_o more_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o his_o argument_n ought_v to_o conclude_v universal_o for_o which_o a_o few_o instance_n in_o such_o particular_n wherein_o it_o hold_v be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o to_o name_v some_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n relate_v as_o the_o decree_n and_o purpose_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o can_v never_o take_v effect_n by_o the_o mere_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o instance_n that_o a_o virgin_n shall_v conceive_v and_o bear_v a_o child_n 3._o that_o three_o man_n shall_v be_v cast_v into_o nebuchadnezzar_n furnace_n and_o the_o same_o fire_n kill_v those_o person_n that_o come_v so_o near_o to_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o furnace_n as_o to_o throw_v they_o in_o and_o yet_o not_o so_o much_o as_o singe_v a_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n though_o throw_v into_o the_o midst_n of_o it_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v stand_v still_o at_o the_o word_n of_o a_o man_n 10._o fire_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n at_o the_o command_n of_o another_o the_o sea_n be_v still_v the_o dead_a raise_v the_o devil_n cast_v out_o at_o the_o word_n touch_n and_o shadow_n of_o other_o all_o these_o effect_n the_o scripture_n set_v down_o as_o wrought_v by_o the_o decree_n and_o order_n of_o almighty_a god_n but_o not_o i_o presume_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o word_n the_o answer_n have_v be_v give_v before_o that_o the_o scripture_n a_o scribe_n all_o effect_n to_o god_n natural_a or_o above_o nature_n and_o as_o from_o its_o ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o god_n without_o mention_v how_o he_o produce_v they_o we_o can_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o record_v they_o for_o miraculous_a so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n from_o its_o speak_n of_o supernatural_a effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o infer_v that_o it_o mean_v nothing_o by_o they_o but_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n his_o second_o reason_n be_v 19_o because_o the_o scripture_n relate_v several_a circumstance_n in_o the_o production_n of_o miracle_n which_o circumstance_n he_o say_v do_v show_v that_o these_o miracle_n require_v natural_a cause_n so_o the_o sprinkle_v of_o ash_n require_v to_o produce_v the_o plague_n of_o scab_n 8.10.14.14.21_o a_o east_n wind_n to_o bring_v the_o locust_n and_o a_o west_n wind_n to_o drive_v they_o away_o a_o east_n wind_v likewise_o to_o drive_v back_o the_o red_a sea_n elijah_n lay_v his_o body_n upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o shunamite_n child_n 4.34_o in_o order_n to_o raise_v it_o to_o life_n again_o if_o he_o argue_v to_o the_o purpose_n he_o must_v grant_v that_o these_o circumstance_n which_o he_o make_v requisite_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v these_o effect_n be_v also_o proper_a and_o sufficient_a in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n to_o produce_v they_o either_o whole_o or_o in_o part_n and_o indeed_o the_o wind_n may_v seem_v a_o very_a proper_a instrument_n to_o bring_v and_o carry_v away_o the_o locust_n and_o to_o drive_v back_o the_o sea_n but_o the_o raise_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o determination_n of_o it_o be_v ascribe_v to_o another_o circumstance_n not_o very_o proper_a to_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o it_o viz._n the_o stretch_v out_o of_o moses_n hand_n and_o his_o rod._n and_o this_o common_o be_v the_o first_o circumstance_n in_o every_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v those_o effect_n immediate_o and_o by_o itself_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v suppose_v proper_a to_o set_v all_o the_o other_o subordinate_a cause_n on_o motion_n for_o their_o require_v natural_a cause_n because_o relate_v with_o some_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o their_o production_n must_v imply_v that_o these_o circumstance_n be_v the_o natural_a cause_n requisite_a and_o if_o so_o than_o moses_n rod_n have_v many_o great_a many_o occult_a yet_o natural_a quality_n very-hard_a indeed_o to_o explain_v or_o conceive_v and_o very_o admirable_a though_o not_o miraculous_a as_o of_o raise_v and_o lay_v wind_n and_o storm_n of_o thunder_n and_o hail_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o blood_n bring_v frog_n out_o of_o the_o river_n produce_v lace_n out_o of_o the_o dust_n water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n etc._n etc._n to_o be_v short_a the_o circumstance_n common_o mention_v as_o concurrent_a to_o the_o production_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o far_o from_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v natural_a cause_n that_o they_o prove_v the_o contrary_n for_o if_o they_o have_v any_o natural_a cause_n these_o circumstance_n must_v be_v all_o or_o part_n of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a qualify_v to_o produce_v the_o effect_n ascribe_v to_o they_o in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n therefore_o must_v be_v qualify_v for_o it_o by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n which_o can_v produce_v quidlibet_fw-la ex_fw-la quolibet_fw-la and_o make_v any_o thing_n instrumental_a to_o what_o purpose_v and_o effect_n it_o please_v for_o instance_n the_o clay_n and_o the_o hospital_n be_v the_o immediate_a instrument_n apply_v by_o our_o
miracle_n work_n be_v above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o late_a translation_n out_o of_o spinoza_n tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a mr._n hobb'_v leviathan_n etc._n etc._n publish_a to_o undermine_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o miracle_n scripture_n and_o religion_n in_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v miracle_n no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la fuit_fw-la impossibile_fw-it deo_fw-la quas_fw-la voluit_fw-la instituere_fw-la sit_fw-la ei_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la impossibile_fw-it in_fw-it quicquid_fw-la voluerit_fw-la quas_fw-la instituit_fw-la mutare_fw-la naturas_fw-la d._n august_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 21._o cap._n 8._o london_n print_v for_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o miracle_n work_v above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o a_o translation_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v miracle_n no_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o compiler_n of_o this_o treatise_n we_o be_v engage_v for_o two_o thing_n author_n 1._o the_o collection_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o his_o work_n out_o of_o several_a author_n and_o the_o tack_n of_o they_o together_o 2._o the_o translation_n of_o each_o part_n out_o of_o the_o latin_a a_o method_n much_o in_o use_n of_o late_a to_o copy_n out_o the_o pernicious_a author_n as_o well_o as_o practice_n of_o former_a time_n and_o instead_o of_o sit_v down_o and_o put_v their_o own_o invention_n upon_o the_o rack_n to_o take_v a_o more_o easy_a and_o compendious_a way_n of_o do_v mischief_n by_o transcribe_v or_o translate_n for_o the_o greedy_a reception_n of_o the_o present_a age_n whatever_o have_v be_v former_o write_v tend_v to_o the_o subversion_n either_o of_o religion_n or_o civil_a authority_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v unquestionable_o the_o design_n of_o this_o treatise_n since_o the_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n i._n e._n a_o work_n above_o nature_n undermine_v the_o foundation_n of_o both_o law_n and_o gospel_n overthrow_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o remit_v we_o either_o to_o a_o bare_a religion_n of_o nature_n and_o morality_n or_o to_o none_o at_o all_o burnett_n the_o book_n to_o assign_v to_o each_o author_n his_o share_n in_o it_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o latter_a which_o be_v the_o main_a from_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o page_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o book_n be_v whole_o except_o two_o or_o three_o authority_n in_o the_o last_o page_n a_o bare_a translation_n of_o the_o six_o chapter_n of_o the_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a write_v by_o spinoza_n which_o chapter_n he_o seem_v to_o have_v make_v choice_n of_o out_o of_o that_o author_n as_o effectual_a by_o itself_o to_o compass_v the_o design_n of_o his_o whole_a treatise_n viz._n to_o instill_v the_o principle_n of_o deism_n or_o atheism_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o reader_n the_o other_o part_n which_o take_v up_o the_o two_o first_o page_n and_o half_a of_o the_o three_o be_v a_o translation_n likewise_o of_o part_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n chapter_n about_o miracle_n in_o his_o leviathan_n 37._o from_o whence_o he_o have_v take_v as_o much_o as_o he_o think_v will_v make_v for_o his_o purpose_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o a_o piece_n with_o the_o other_o translation_n out_o of_o spinoza_n to_o which_o he_o have_v prefix_v it_o introductory_n to_o the_o book_n there_o be_v a_o premonition_n to_o the_o reader_n and_o here_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v from_o he_o to_o speak_v himself_o and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a account_n of_o his_o author_n his_o translation_n and_o the_o design_n of_o it_o but_o the_o great_a part_n of_o this_o too_o be_v borrow_v or_o translate_v whether_o you_o please_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n telluris_fw-la theoria_fw-la sacra_fw-la 114._o and_o the_o rest_n only_o some_o brief_n touch_v of_o what_o he_o have_v after_o more_o at_o large_a out_o of_o spinoza_n of_o his_o three_o author_n the_o last_o i_o believe_v produce_v be_v not_o very_o proud_a of_o the_o company_n of_o the_o other_o two_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o much_o oblige_v to_o his_o translator_n for_o clap_v he_o and_o they_o together_o as_o confederate_n and_o brethren_n in_o opinion_n but_o it_o be_v more_o pertinent_a to_o observe_v that_o two_o of_o the_o three_o be_v clear_o against_o he_o in_o their_o sense_n about_o the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n spinoza_n indeed_o be_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o his_o assertion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n if_o we_o take_v the_o word_n to_o signify_v a_o work_n above_o or_o beside_o nature_n but_o mr._n burnett_n and_o mr._n hobbs_n be_v point_n blank_a of_o the_o contrary_a mind_n and_o therefore_o either_o they_o must_v speak_v very_o inconsistent_o nay_o in_o effect_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o what_o he_o here_o produce_v out_o of_o they_o can_v be_v draw_v to_o favour_v his_o and_o spinoza_n opinion_n and_o so_o the_o coherence_a of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o collection_n will_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v very_o great_a nor_o the_o harmony_n very_o agreeable_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v first_o consider_v each_o as_o they_o stand_v apart_o in_o the_o distinct_a author_n before_o he_o examine_v they_o as_o they_o be_v here_o associate_v in_o the_o rhapsody_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o begin_v with_o mr._n hobbs_n who_o we_o have_v least_o reason_n to_o suspect_v to_o have_v any_o wrong_n do_v he_o we_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o read_v the_o rest_n of_o that_o chapter_n where_o the_o translator_n leave_v he_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o he_o admit_v and_o suppose_v miracle_n in_o that_o very_a sense_n wherein_o he_o be_v produce_v to_o deny_v they_o here_o for_o first_o he_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n which_o be_v flat_o contradictory_n to_o that_o assertion_n that_o nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o but_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n 2._o he_o infer_v from_o that_o definition_n that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o virtue_n in_o the_o prophet_n who_o doctrine_n it_o confirm_v but_o of_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o no_o devil_n angel_n or_o create_v spirit_n can_v work_v a_o miracle_n which_o position_n however_o questionable_a if_o understand_v of_o a_o delegated_a power_n in_o man_n or_o angel_n be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v his_o sense_n that_o there_o be_v miracle_n or_o work_n above_o nature_n for_o if_o there_o be_v work_v wrought_v which_o no_o finite_a spirit_n nothing_o but_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n can_v effect_v these_o certain_o must_v surpass_v the_o force_n of_o nature_n she_o work_v by_o second_o cause_n in_o all_o her_o operation_n miracle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v confess_v that_o mr._n hobbs_n do_v in_o his_o own_o way_n as_o well_o as_o spinoza_n destroy_v the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n by_o his_o doctrine_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v not_o admit_v they_o for_o sufficient_a credential_n of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o any_o prophet_n when_o the_o doctrine_n he_o reveal_v do_v not_o square_a with_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n so_o that_o all_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v of_o no_o force_n because_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v contradict_v the_o establish_a tenet_n of_o the_o superstitious_a jew_n and_o the_o idolatrous_a gentile_n yet_o though_o these_o two_o author_n equal_o to_o be_v honour_v for_o the_o good_a service_n they_o have_v do_v the_o christian_a religion_n agree_v very_o well_o in_o the_o main_a design_n they_o differ_v notwithstanding_o very_o wide_o in_o the_o way_n of_o compass_v it_o as_o far_o as_o the_o opposite_a part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v set_v they_o at_o odds_o the_o one_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v work_n above_o nature_n the_o other_o deny_v it_o so_o that_o the_o author_n of_o this_o collection_n be_v not_o very_o well_o advise_v to_o think_v they_o will_v cotton_n so_o well_o together_o and_o ought_v rather_o to_o have_v try_v first_o how_o far_o the_o work_n may_v be_v do_v by_o one_o of_o they_o single_o and_o to_o have_v reserve_v the_o other_o for_o a_o new_a expedient_a if_o the_o former_a have_v fail_v mr._n hobbs_n then_o we_o see_v assert_n there_o be_v miracle_n and_o so_o do_v mr._n burnett_n in_o word_n most_o express_a and_o in_o the_o very_a same_o paragraph_n part_v whereof_o he_o have_v quote_v out_o of_o he_o in_o the_o latin_a in_o his_o last_o page_n and_o at_o very_o little_a distance_n from_o the_o very_a word_n there_o quote_v to_o represent_v he_o
any_o in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o if_o he_o mean_v thus_o i_o have_v already_o hint_v the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n principle_n and_o how_o disagreeable_a his_o conclusion_n from_o mr._n burnett_n principle_n be_v to_o that_o which_o mr._n burnett_n himself_o draw_v from_o they_o and_o shall_v proceed_v now_o to_o show_v how_o unnatural_o it_o be_v draw_v from_o such_o premise_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o make_v any_o tedious_a reflection_n upon_o each_o particular_a in_o the_o summary_n account_v which_o i_o have_v give_v above_o of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n true_a but_o i_o shall_v apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o whereupon_o he_o seem_v whole_o to_o build_v his_o conclusion_n all_o that_o i_o shall_v say_v to_o the_o rest_n be_v this_o touch_v the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v there_o suggest_v and_o that_o in_o subordination_n to_o that_o design_n they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o explain_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a i._n e._n to_o speak_v their_o sense_n and_o dialect_n about_o natural_a thing_n when_o they_o do_v occasional_o speak_v of_o they_o and_o to_o comply_v therein_o with_o their_o common_a prejudices_fw-la as_o moses_n seem_v to_o do_v gen._n 1.16_o where_o he_o rank_n the_o moon_n with_o the_o sun_n as_o the_o other_o great_a light_n i._n e._n the_o next_o or_o only_a one_o beside_o of_o considerable_a magnitude_n speak_v there_o agreeable_o to_o the_o appearance_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a ground_v thereupon_o yet_o not_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o comply_v with_o all_o their_o prejudices_fw-la neither_o for_o this_o be_v one_o that_o every_o considerable_a effect_n in_o nature_n be_v miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a and_o the_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v not_o oblige_v they_o to_o condescend_v so_o far_o to_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o to_o relate_v every_o effect_n for_o miraculous_a which_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v so_o their_o design_n be_v not_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n but_o to_o excite_v piety_n and_o devotion_n in_o we_o the_o utmost_a therefore_o that_o design_n will_v oblige_v they_o to_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v to_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n which_o effectual_o answer_v the_o first_o part_n of_o their_o design_n and_o to_o ascribe_v all_o effect_n to_o god_n as_o their_o author_n which_o as_o full_o answer_v the_o second_o and_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o amount_n to_o a_o relation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n for_o miracle_n as_o will_v appear_v immediate_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n that_o they_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n i_o deny_v that_o the_o scripture_n wrest_v the_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v create_v by_o god_n for_o other_o end_n and_o purpose_n than_o he_o create_v they_o for_o all_o the_o scripture_n do_v be_v that_o it_o mention_n only_o those_o end_n of_o nature_n out_o of_o many_o for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o relate_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o end_n only_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n 15._o that_o they_o be_v for_o light_n in_o the_o firmament_n of_o heaven_n and_o for_o sign_n and_o for_o season_n and_o for_o day_n and_o for_o year_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o which_o to_o consider_v be_v not_o pertinent_a to_o its_o purpose_n conclusion_n but_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n be_v in_o the_o last_o word_n of_o what_o he_o have_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n viz._n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o and_o compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n their_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o and_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o his_o immediate_a power_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v in_o this_o sense_n not_o that_o the_o scripture_n declare_v these_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v to_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v spernatural_a and_o such_o than_o they_o be_v unquestionable_o but_o that_o it_o ascribe_v they_o only_o to_o god_n and_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o any_o train_n of_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n for_o instance_n the_o scripture_n immediate_o refer_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n to_o god_n himself_o in_o those_o place_n of_o the_o 147th_o psalm_n where_o it_o say_v 18._o he_o giveth_z snow_n like_o wool_n he_o scatter_v the_o hoar-frost_n like_o ash_n he_o cast_v forth_o his_o ice_n like_o morsel_n he_o send_v out_o his_o word_n and_o melt_v they_o he_o blow_v with_o his_o wind_n and_o the_o water_n flow_v so_o when_o god_n say_v to_o noah_n i_o do_v set_v my_o bow_n in_o the_o cloud_n 9.16_o and_o to_o samuel_n to_o morrow_n about_o this_o time_n i_o will_v send_v thou_o a_o man_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o benjamin_n these_o instance_n be_v he_o and_o spinoza_n as_o appear_v p._n 17_o and_o 18_o below_o in_o his_o treatise_n and_o the_o scripture_n refer_v these_o effect_n immediate_o to_o god_n as_o it_o mention_n he_o only_o as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o no_o other_o mediate_a cause_n not_o that_o it_o say_v that_o he_o alone_o act_n in_o the_o production_n of_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o relate_v they_o for_o miracle_n it_o this_o therefore_o be_v state_v his_o way_n of_o argue_v will_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o the_o ordinary_a train_n of_o second_o cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o nature_n but_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o etc._n etc._n ergo_fw-la they_o relate_v many_o thing_n as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n the_o connexion_n of_o this_o antecedent_n and_o consequent_a be_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v be_v conceive_v to_o relate_v those_o effect_n as_o miracle_n which_o they_o immediate_o ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o second_o cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n the_o falsehood_n whereof_o i_o shall_v evident_o discover_v 1._o by_o instance_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n 3._o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o 4._o by_o show_v in_o some_o instance_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n instance_n 1._o by_o instance_n infinite_a will_v be_v the_o number_n of_o miracle_n record_v in_o scripture_n if_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o we_o be_v to_o know_v what_o effect_n be_v relate_v therein_o as_o such_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n immediate_o for_o our_o daily_a bread_n for_o our_o food_n and_o raiment_n for_o the_o annual_a increase_n of_o our_o corn_n wine_n and_o oil_n for_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n in_o their_o season_n it_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o ordinary_a way_n whereby_o nature_n itself_o supply_v we_o with_o these_o necessary_n how_o our_o corn_n grow_v in_o our_o field_n how_o the_o vine_n send_v forth_o her_o grape_n how_o the_o cloud_n drop_v fatness_n 11._o but_o in_o a_o word_n refer_v all_o to_o god_n without_o any_o more_o ado_n he_o it_o say_v visit_v the_o earth_n and_o bless_v it_o he_o make_v it_o very_o plenteous_a he_o crown_v the_o year_n with_o his_o goodness_n in_o a_o word_n 145.16_o he_o open_v his_o hand_n and_o fill_v all_o thing_n live_v with_o plenteousness_n yet_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o infer_v that_o the_o scripture_n set_v down_o all_o this_o as_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a that_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o conceive_v not_o the_o flood_n only_o but_o even_o the_o former_a and_o latter_a rain_n to_o come_v down_o by_o miracle_n that_o it_o prompt_v we_o to_o expect_v as_o supernatural_a a_o
mr._n hobbs_n doctrine_n 2._o upon_o the_o use_n whereto_o he_o apply_v it_o mr._n hobbs_n inform_v we_o what_o work_n be_v by_o man_n wonder_v at_o and_o repute_v miraculous_a he_o show_v by_o instance_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v rare_a and_o unusual_a or_o such_o as_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o this_o be_v all_o that_o go_v to_o the_o make_n of_o a_o miracle_n nor_o that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n we_o have_v whereby_o to_o discern_v what_o effect_n be_v such_o but_o that_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v thing_n seem_v to_o man_n to_o be_v miraculous_a and_o that_o a_o true_a miracle_n be_v indeed_o a_o effect_n rare_a and_o inexplicable_a and_o somewhat_o more_o if_o he_o mean_v otherwise_o he_o contradict_v himself_o soon_o after_o when_o he_o define_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v a_o work_n of_o god_n not_o conceive_v only_o but_o real_o beside_o his_o operation_n by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n ordain_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n yet_o to_o clear_v all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v conceive_v such_o a_o effect_n to_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n may_v bear_v a_o double_a sense_n 1._o that_o he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o assign_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o it_o or_o far_o of_o apprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v effect_v by_o any_o 2._o that_o he_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o grant_v that_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o assure_v a_o man_n that_o it_o be_v a_o miracle_n but_o if_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o other_o case_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o presumption_n in_o measure_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o narrow_a reach_n of_o his_o own_o knowledge_n or_o capacity_n hobb_n this_o may_v prepare_v we_o to_o consider_v the_o 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that_o it_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o make_v we_o conceive_v every_o unusual_a event_n in_o nature_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a divine_a power_n fore-bodding_a to_o we_o some_o good_a or_o evil_n and_o here_o he_o take_v spinoza_n in_o hand_n and_o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o the_o main_a part_n of_o his_o work_n to_o which_o the_o rest_n be_v only_a preliminary_n and_o with_o what_o coherence_n and_o how_o much_o to_o his_o purpose_n have_v already_o be_v show_v before_o i_o join_v issue_n with_o he_o about_o the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n i_o shall_v premise_v only_o this_o short_a observation_n in_o regard_n to_o what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n it_o may_v very_o well_o be_v grant_v he_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v the_o ignorant_a and_o unthinking_a sort_n be_v very_o prone_a to_o admire_v and_o wonder_v at_o every_o considerable_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o proceed_n from_o a_o extraordinary_a power_n and_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o may_v be_v their_o want_n of_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n and_o their_o superstitious_a hope_n and_o fear_n but_o to_o insinuate_v thereupon_o the_o same_o to_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n be_v very_o presumptuous_a as_o well_o as_o irrational_a unless_o it_o can_v be_v evident_o make_v out_o that_o all_o miracle_n be_v impossible_a and_o to_o see_v how_o effectual_o that_o may_v be_v do_v be_v our_o next_o work_n viz._n to_o examine_v the_o method_n wherein_o spinoza_n and_o from_o he_o the_o author_n of_o this_o collection_n attempt_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o spinoza_n begin_v with_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o chief_a head_n of_o this_o as_o he_o call_v it_o popular_a mistake_n 5._o and_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o these_o he_o make_v to_o be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o to_o magnify_v their_o own_o nation_n as_o under_o a_o more_o peculiar_a care_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n than_o any_o other_o and_o to_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o god_n they_o adore_v above_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_a recount_v to_o they_o what_o mighty_a work_v he_o have_v do_v for_o they_o and_o how_o all_o the_o part_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o heathen_n worship_v be_v under_o his_o command_n and_o control_v the_o particular_n of_o this_o error_n which_o he_o recount_v be_v these_o that_o the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o man_n think_v that_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n do_v then_o most_o eminent_o appear_v when_o any_o thing_n happen_v contrary_a to_o what_o they_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o think_v nature_n swerve_v from_o her_o own_o law_n to_o be_v the_o best_a argument_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o they_o take_v those_o person_n for_o atheist_n who_o attempt_n to_o deduce_v a_o miracle_n from_o natural_a cause_n that_o they_o think_v god_n sit_v idle_a when_o nature_n act_v in_o her_o usual_a way_n and_o nature_n be_v suspend_v whenever_o god_n please_v to_o interpose_v that_o they_o form_n in_o their_o brain_n a_o notion_n of_o two_o power_n numerical_o distinct_a the_o one_o of_o god_n the_o other_o of_o nature_n understand_v not_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o either_o and_o that_o all_o this_o they_o do_v partly_o out_o of_o superstition_n partly_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o oppose_v themselves_o to_o man_n of_o more_o wise_a and_o philosophical_a head_n i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o account_n it_o appear_v to_o be_v pure_o declamatory_n and_o not_o which_o may_v have_v be_v more_o just_o expect_v a_o fair_a open_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o a_o declaration_n what_o those_o of_o his_o adversary_n hold_v concern_v it_o who_o take_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n upon_o better_a ground_n than_o vulgar_a prejudice_n and_o superstition_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o do_v that_o for_o he_o in_o what_o follow_v 6._o he_o proceed_v therefore_o and_o propose_v to_o do_v four_o thing_n spinoza_n 1._o to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n 2._o to_o prove_v that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n nor_o the_o existence_n nor_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n 3._o to_o show_v by_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n that_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o volition_n and_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n it_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o eternal_a law_n 4._o to_o treat_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n miracle_n and_o what_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o relation_n about_o they_o or_o as_o the_o translator_n to_o show_v that_o most_o man_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o these_o four_o the_o first_o only_o tend_v direct_o to_o prove_v his_o assertion_n the_o second_o oblique_o strike_v at_o the_o be_v of_o miracle_n as_o it_o make_v they_o no_o evidence_n of_o the_o immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o so_o whole_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a as_o no_o proof_n of_o what_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o other_o two_o tend_v only_o either_o to_o draw_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o side_n or_o to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o thence_o against_o he_o 1._o he_o be_v to_o prove_v proposition_n that_o
question_n proper_o admit_v 2._o that_o his_o argument_n as_o it_o proceed_v upon_o his_o own_o principle_n terminate_v direct_o in_o flat_a atheism_n or_o idolatry_n 3._o that_o set_v aside_o his_o own_o principle_n his_o argument_n may_v in_o some_o sense_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o not_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o conclusion_n 1._o he_o take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o another_o sense_n than_o this_o question_n proper_o admit_v admit_v by_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o be_v mean_v here_o the_o whole_a aggregate_v and_o compage_n of_o body_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n wherein_o they_o act_n among_o one_o another_o in_o this_o sense_n therefore_o spinoza_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o happen_v contrary_a to_o nature_n which_o whether_o he_o do_v or_o no_o will_v immediate_o appear_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o first_o argument_n to_o these_o word_n nihil_fw-la igitur_fw-la in_o naturâ_fw-la contingit_fw-la 100_o quod_fw-la ipsius_fw-la legibus_fw-la universalibus_fw-la repugnat_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o subjoin_v this_o marginal_a note_n n._n b._n i_o hîc_fw-la per_fw-la naturam_fw-la non_fw-la intelligere_fw-la solam_fw-la materiam_fw-la ejusque_fw-la affectiones_fw-la sed_fw-la praeter_fw-la materiam_fw-la alia_fw-la infinita_fw-la the_o translator_n i_o confess_v have_v it_o not_o whether_o omit_v as_o impertinent_a only_o or_o as_o that_o which_o will_v too_o open_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o determine_v but_o i_o shall_v take_v leave_n to_o consider_v what_o he_o have_v as_o spinoza_n and_o not_o his_o own_o question_n now_o if_o spinoza_n take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o so_o great_a a_o latitude_n as_o to_o understand_v by_o it_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o thing_n beside_o matter_n he_o may_v find_v it_o pretty_a easy_a to_o reduce_v all_o thing_n within_o its_o compass_n and_o if_o he_o make_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o his_o sense_n of_o so_o great_a extent_n it_o may_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o thing_n not_o to_o fall_v within_o their_o circuit_n and_o jurisdiction_n but_o then_o the_o philosopher_n way_n of_o argue_v will_v be_v as_o much_o beside_o the_o question_n as_o a_o miracle_n be_v beside_o nature_n the_o schoolman_n where_o they_o treat_v of_o law_n make_v the_o first_o division_n of_o they_o into_o the_o eternal_a law_n and_o those_o that_o be_v derive_v from_o it_o the_o eternal_a twofold_n 1._o the_o order_n whereby_o god_n eternal_o decree_v to_o do_v all_o thing_n 2._o the_o order_n which_o he_o decree_v to_o prescribe_v to_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n and_o condition_n the_o latter_a be_v branch_v out_o in_o these_o particular_n the_o law_n of_o natural_a agent_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o this_o either_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n divine_a revelation_n or_o humane_a institution_n this_o second_o eternal_a law_n and_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o several_a agent_n to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v may_v swerve_v from_o and_o not_o act_n in_o a_o constant_a and_o uniform_a obedience_n to_o they_o so_o the_o angel_n first_o violate_v their_o law_n then_o mankind_n they_o as_o they_o daily_o do_v all_o law_n natural_a and_o positive_a divine_a and_o humane_a the_o natural_a agent_n indeed_o as_o not_o endue_v with_o freedom_n of_o will_n observe_v one_o constant_a order_n and_o tenor_n if_o leave_v to_o themselves_o yet_o may_v either_o cease_v to_o act_n or_o act_n otherwise_o if_o god_n in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n think_v fit_a to_o interpose_v who_o can_v then_o either_o suspend_v their_o operation_n or_o determine_v they_o to_o act_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n beside_o their_o usual_a course_n and_o contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n and_o the_o law_n of_o their_o motion_n but_o the_o first_o eternal_a law_n be_v of_o universal_a extent_n and_o hold_v inviolable_o nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o beside_o above_o or_o contrary_a to_o it_o it_o direct_v to_o its_o own_o grand_a purpose_n whatever_o stray_v from_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o its_o creation_n draw_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o make_v all_o event_n conspire_v to_o the_o set_v forth_o of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n it_o ordain_v the_o sin_n of_o lapse_v angel_n and_o man_n to_o the_o irrevokable_a damnation_n of_o the_o first_o and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o latter_a by_o the_o most_o surprise_v and_o mysterious_a method_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n it_o provide_v for_o a_o supplement_n to_o the_o lose_a or_o decay_a light_n of_o nature_n the_o revelation_n of_o law_n and_o gospel_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o to_o attest_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n ordain_v nature_n to_o act_v above_o or_o contrary_n to_o herself_o by_o a_o obediential_a power_n the_o same_o eternal_a act_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n decree_a the_o production_n of_o miraculous_a effect_n upon_o emergent_a occasion_n which_o first_o determine_v into_o act_n the_o whole_a frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n we_o see_v here_o a_o universal_a law_n from_o whence_o all_o thing_n follow_v and_o contrary_a to_o which_o nothing_o do_v or_o can_v fall_v out_o a_o order_n eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a set_v down_o with_o himself_o by_o that_o supreme_a be_v 11._o who_o work_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o this_o he_o have_v appoint_v time_n for_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a effect_n as_o well_o as_o this_o last_a period_n for_o the_o constant_a and_o settle_a operation_n of_o nature_n if_o this_o be_v spinoza_n law_n of_o nature_n where_o he_o extend_v the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n infinite_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o material_a world_n and_o the_o order_n whereby_o natural_a body_n act_v therein_o his_o proposition_n may_v be_v true_a that_o nothing_o fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n but_o then_o 1._o he_o take_v the_o word_n nature_n in_o a_o different_a sense_n from_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o 2._o whole_o leave_v the_o question_n about_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n that_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o proposition_n if_o take_v in_o that_o sense_n idolatry_n and_o i_o wish_v his_o sense_n be_v so_o orthodox_n as_o this_o i_o have_v hint_v and_o that_o all_o his_o fault_n be_v only_o that_o he_o have_v mistake_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v appear_v far_o otherwise_o when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v upon_o what_o principle_n his_o argument_n proceed_v his_o argument_n be_v this_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o decree_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n ergo_fw-la nothing_o can_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o spinoza_n refer_v we_o to_o his_o four_o chapter_n 70._o the_o argument_n which_o he_o bring_v for_o it_o there_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o identity_n 〈◊〉_d the_o divine_a will_n and_o understanding_n and_o it_o proceed_v thus_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v he_o say_v only_o in_o our_o conception_n and_o that_o in_o this_o manner_n we_o conceive_v god_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n when_o we_o regard_v only_o this_o that_o the_o nature_n v._n c._n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v contain_v eternal_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n we_o conceive_v god_n to_o will_v the_o same_o thing_n when_o we_o regard_v this_o far_o that_o the_o nature_n v._n c._n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v so_o contain_v in_o the_o divine_a not_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n itself_o but_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o triangle_n and_o its_o property_n as_o they_o be_v conceive_v as_o eternal_a truth_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o the_o divine_a so_o that_o for_o god_n to_o will_n or_o decree_v any_o thing_n be_v for_o the_o same_o to_o be_v contain_v necessary_o in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o a_o eternal_a truth_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o god_n will_v or_o decree_n involve_v eternal_a truth_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v his_o principle_n which_o he_o borrow_v from_o his_o four_o chapter_n and_o we_o see_v it_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o particular_a notion_n which_o he_o have_v