as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o at_o last_o the_o positive_a and_o absolute_a proof_n to_o one_o that_o deny_v it_o must_v needs_o depend_v upon_o somewhat_o collateral_a to_o the_o book_n itself_o second_o no_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o any_o reasonable_a enquiry_n be_v there_o not_o likewise_o a_o internal_a evidence_n result_v from_o it_o to_o its_o divinity_n that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o urge_v any_o argument_n from_o external_n evidence_n be_v they_o miracle_n or_o what_o they_o will_v to_o prove_v a_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o send_v we_o from_o god_n do_v not_o the_o book_n approve_v itself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n likely_a so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a man_n upon_o any_o collateral_a consideration_n submit_v to_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o law_n divine_a do_v not_o the_o bible_n upon_o a_o due_a search_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o appear_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o denomination_n i_o much_o applaud_v that_o say_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o profess_v if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o appear_v as_o good_a and_o as_o sit_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n as_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v be_v great_a i_o shall_v want_v one_o main_a pillar_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v much_o stagger_v nay_o it_o be_v that_o innate_a and_o satisfactory_a testimony_n the_o scripture_n give_v at_o last_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o divinity_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o final_o determin_n all_o rational_a assent_n establish_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o other_o testimony_n and_o upon_o which_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a be_v ultimate_o found_v and_o establish_v so_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n as_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n exclusive_o to_o the_o external_n justification_n god_n have_v encircle_v they_o withal_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o full_a and_o absolute_a proof_n of_o divers_a part_n must_v necessary_o depend_v and_o also_o because_o it_o be_v upon_o all_o the_o reason_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n that_o be_v require_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v not_o deny_v a_o internal_a evidence_n to_o result_v from_o the_o innate_a worth_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o our_o reason_n at_o last_o to_o be_v what_o other_o external_n argument_n persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v when_o we_o taste_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o when_o we_o perceive_v how_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v justify_v to_o we_o a_o divinity_n appear_v in_o the_o whole_a we_o find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v a_o rare_a composure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v convince_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v from_o above_n and_o bow_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n who_o we_o evident_o perceive_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o herein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v that_o this_o book_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v complete_o judge_v of_o by_o what_o arise_v from_o itself_o without_o any_o collateral_a supplement_n so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n reason_n become_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o in_o its_o bare_a proposal_n appear_v to_o a_o reasonable_a enquiery_a most_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o by_o that_o internal_a evidence_n arise_v from_o its_o own_o excellent_a nature_n reflect_v back_o also_o a_o justification_n to_o all_o those_o external_n argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v it_o second_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o wherein_o a_o external_n justification_n be_v necessary_a to_o ascertain_v we_o full_o about_o it_o we_o find_v this_o book_n so_o witness_v unto_o so_o environ_v with_o a_o concurrence_n of_o humane_a testimony_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o reasonable_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v about_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o first_o that_o this_o book_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v competent_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o itself_o appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o internal_a reason_n of_o great_a force_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n itself_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o special_a command_n will_v be_v sufficient_o manifest_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o we_o find_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n some_o thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n ever_o to_o have_v find_v out_o such_o as_o can_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a invention_n not_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n do_v think_v of_o before_o for_o that_o every_o book_n contain_v that_o give_v birth_n to_o a_o new_a notion_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v know_v among_o mankind_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o though_o write_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v reveal_v from_o above_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v these_o two_o first_o this_o book_n tell_v we_o such_o thing_n of_o god_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o existence_n as_o be_v utter_o beyond_o the_o confine_n of_o all_o natural_a discovery_n and_o can_v not_o be_v mint_v in_o any_o humane_a brain_n no_o fimie_a intellect_n can_v ever_o have_v travel_v into_o such_o depth_n and_o height_n as_o by_o this_o book_n we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o glorify_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v imagine_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o deity_n or_o such_o a_o existence_n of_o one_o simple_a essence_n as_o this_o book_n acquaint_v we_o withal_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v never_o be_v hammer_v out_o in_o any_o humane_a shop_n such_o as_o without_o revelation_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o any_o create_a mind_n to_o conceive_v of_o second_o that_o contrivement_n we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n of_o save_v the_o world_n and_o rebuild_v the_o fall_v tabernacle_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v evident_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o best_a ability_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o only_a what_o be_v unthought_a of_o before_o but_o what_o lay_v infinite_o distant_a and_o wide_a from_o what_o can_v be_v think_v either_o by_o angel_n or_o man_n and_o direct_o father_n itself_o upon_o that_o supreme_a wisdom_n that_o be_v above_o and_o that_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o consider_v and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o account_n the_o height_n of_o stupendiousness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o transcendent_a degree_n of_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o it_o first_o the_o stupendiousness_n of_o it_o what_o a_o hide_a and_o amaze_a mystery_n how_o far_o remove_v from_o any_o mortal_a view_n or_o imagination_n be_v this_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o assume_v humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o divine_a and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n become_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o sin_n and_o gild_n of_o mankind_n die_v for_o the_o world_n make_v thereby_o a_o satisfaction_n proportionate_a to_o infinite_a justice_n and_o prepare_v a_o way_n for_o god_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o the_o utmost_a act_n of_o mercy_n in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o justice_n no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v have_v shape_v such_o a_o design_n or_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o projection_n nor_o can_v any_o but_o god_n himself_o with_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v in_o themselves_o possible_a have_v find_v out_o a_o expedient_a to_o have_v reconcile_v those_o two_o infinite_a attribute_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 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upon_o he_o for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o good_a nor_o ill_a in_o they_o it_o be_v then_o indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o lawmaker_n or_o any_o law_n make_v authority_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o that_o be_v itself_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o intrinsical_a good_a nor_o evil_a in_o it_o my_o obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a too_o for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o civil_a authority_n or_o no_o and_o civil_a authority_n have_v no_o real_a internal_a good_a or_o ill_o annex_v to_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o inward_a conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o no._n if_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o positive_a law_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o because_o the_o power_n by_o which_o those_o positive_a law_n be_v make_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n indifferent_a too_o and_o have_v neither_o essential_a good_a nor_o ill_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o power_n command_v be_v itself_o indifferent_a as_o to_o its_o own_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v so_o command_v or_o no_o for_o although_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o circumstance_n whole_o indifferent_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o to_o i_o when_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n because_o of_o the_o conscience_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n command_v or_o forbid_v as_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o be_o positive_o oblige_v and_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n obligatory_a to_o i_o yet_o be_v that_o authority_n whole_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o in_o its_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o no_o and_o have_v no_o essential_a good_a or_o ill_a in_o its_o constitution_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o not_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o good_a or_o ill_a in_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n in_o the_o be_v of_o that_o power_n that_o require_v it_o second_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o mankind_n in_o themselves_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o original_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n make_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o frame_v any_o amiable_a or_o excellent_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whatever_o we_o think_v of_o he_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v he_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a as_o merciful_a and_o just_a for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n but_o from_o that_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o make_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n when_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n what_o excellency_n be_v it_o we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o derive_v the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o and_o there_o be_v no_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n this_o maxim_n of_o the_o epicurean_o do_v in_o truth_n put_v a_o total_a end_n to_o all_o well-doing_n and_o to_o all_o well-thinking_a and_o do_v utter_o extinguish_v all_o religion_n among_o mankind_n the_o noble_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o a_o amiable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o be_v make_v but_o upon_o gross_a delusion_n and_o mistake_n if_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o man_n better_a than_o another_o but_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o their_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o themselves_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a it_o be_v that_o distinction_n found_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o a_o ability_n arise_v from_o thence_o to_o frame_v to_o itself_o a_o idea_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o by_o find_v thing_n distinguish_v in_o our_o own_o rational_a nature_n we_o come_v to_o know_v they_o be_v eternal_o distinguish_v in_o god_n nature_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conceive_v he_o shall_v create_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o we_o know_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reason_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n why_o some_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o some_o thing_n be_v evil_a but_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n why_o they_o be_v so_o what_o i_o think_v good_a i_o must_v necessary_o think_v agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o what_o i_o think_v evil_a i_o must_v needs_o judge_v contrary_a to_o he_o or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o original_a notion_n my_o reason_n give_v i_o of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o by_o the_o distinction_n i_o sin_v make_v of_o thing_n in_o my_o own_o rational_a nature_n i_o come_v to_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o eternal_a distinstinction_n in_o god_n nature_n and_o so_o a_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o thence_o because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n nature_n must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o i_o think_v most_o excellent_a by_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o faculty_n god_n have_v make_v i_o withal_o and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o as_o well_o assure_v as_o i_o be_o of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o same_o faculty_n that_o tell_v i_o god_n be_v tell_v i_o also_o his_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o whatever_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o evil._n three_o be_v it_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n that_o do_v only_o constitute_v the_o difference_n of_o action_n and_o thing_n that_o difference_n must_v needs_o be_v regulate_v thereby_o and_o it_o will_v then_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n may_v possible_o invert_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o universal_a opinion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o world_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o that_o be_v honesty_n truth_n and_o virtue_n may_v come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o wickedness_n falsehood_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o we_o now_o think_v the_o best_a action_n reckon_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o worst_a adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a the_o very_a mention_n whereof_o will_v be_v as_o nauseous_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v ruinous_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o every_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o in_o his_o own_o reason_n such_o a_o innate_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o as_o render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a upon_o any_o term_n ever_o to_o be_v it_o will_v be_v also_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a to_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n how_o the_o world_n without_o a_o divine_a disposal_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o that_o orderly_a frame_n we_o see_v it_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o some_o contrary_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a tendency_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o subservient_fw-fr as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o rational_a eye_n to_o view_v over_o the_o general_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n arise_v from_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o each_o particular_a and_o exclude_v the_o influence_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n from_o it_o if_o we_o look_v up_o of_o how_o admirable_a consideration_n be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o suitable_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o the_o good_a of_o thing_n here_o below_o though_o the_o motion_n by_o the_o equator_fw-la only_o have_v be_v more_o simple_a and_o direct_a yet_o we_o see_v they_o have_v also_o a_o oblique_a motion_n whereby_o with_o more_o variety_n they_o dispense_v their_o favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n eccentrick_a and_o epiciclike_a as_o the_o best_a observer_n of_o they_o find_v not_o only_o declare_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o material_n but_o plain_o point_v to_o we_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o superior_a agent_n which_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o
to_o man_n of_o one_o persuasion_n whenever_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o any_o science_n lay_v down_o position_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v if_o such_o principle_n be_v beyond_o the_o first_o and_o common_a rudiment_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o true_a yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o debate_v and_o admit_v questionable_a in_o all_o reason_n about_o that_o very_a science_n not_o to_o admit_v some_o universal_a maxim_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v mankind_n certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o to_o admit_v any_o particular_a man_n opinion_n as_o indisputable_a principle_n be_v the_o way_n to_o enslave_v the_o world_n to_o every_o party_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o of_o all_o science_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v their_o proof_n against_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n from_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o every_o man_n religion_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o induce_v a_o assent_n to_o their_o divine_a and_o sacred_a authority_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n have_v make_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o a_o rational_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n second_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o that_o way_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o of_o give_v man_n a_o unquestionable_a satisfaction_n about_o that_o and_o all_o other_o divine_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o its_o profess_a adversary_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o bless_a spirit_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o common_a demonstrable_a principle_n among_o mankind_n and_o so_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o those_o that_o know_v no_o such_o testimony_n nor_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o principle_n nothing_o but_o what_o a_o man_n do_v assent_v to_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v urge_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o any_o evidence_n arise_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_o absurd_a because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o so_o that_o what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o prove_v must_v first_o be_v admit_v before_o i_o can_v make_v good_a the_o existence_n of_o that_o medium_fw-la i_o take_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o second_o whatever_o evidence_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o any_o man_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n that_o evidence_n as_o such_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o breast_n nor_o can_v i_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n because_o such_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n communicable_a to_o another_o but_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n nothing_o be_v visible_a to_o another_o in_o such_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n i_o can_v produce_v the_o divine_a illumination_n i_o have_v within_o myself_o to_o convince_v i_o that_o such_o reason_n be_v cogent_n and_o prevail_a can_v never_o be_v so_o demonstrate_v as_o to_o convince_v another_o that_o have_v no_o such_o illumination_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v conceive_v of_o then_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o propose_v the_o right_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o conclusion_n by_o assertain_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v heterodox_n and_o false_a and_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o enthusiasm_n to_o say_v that_o divine_a illumination_n be_v not_o always_o accompany_v with_o rational_a evidence_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v most_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a be_v and_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n all_o the_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whoever_o rest_v assure_v from_o a_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o come_v from_o god_n may_v deal_v with_o a_o antiscripturist_n by_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o such_o testimony_n be_v build_v but_o will_v vain_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n urge_v that_o satisfaction_n he_o receive_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o such_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o such_o a_o testimony_n when_o that_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o further_o make_v evident_a then_o by_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o it_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o every_o other_o man_n reason_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o judge_n to_o this_o present_a undertake_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v this_o praeliminary_a consideration_n that_o as_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n of_o divers_a nature_n true_a so_o there_o be_v various_a way_n of_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o evident_a and_o medium_n of_o proof_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o this_o be_v visible_a in_o aethick_n in_o physics_n in_o mathematics_n and_o in_o all_o other_o science_n when_o we_o discourse_n of_o the_o bible_n divers_a thing_n will_v come_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o by_o various_a medium_n of_o proof_n must_v be_v establish_v first_o in_o the_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o supernatural_a law_n as_o this_o send_v from_o heaven_n or_o no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o such_o natural_a religion_n as_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o second_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o it_o be_v now_o propose_v to_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v that_o law_n by_o which_o the_o supreme_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o must_v also_o be_v clear_v from_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o lodge_v in_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o those_o primary_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n assent_v to_o and_o which_o be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o discourse_n of_o revelation_n and_o whatever_o be_v supernatural_a three_o whether_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v write_v whether_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v such_o prediction_n fulfil_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v ascertain_v we_o about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a he_o that_o demand_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o since_o past_a and_o yet_o deny_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o historical_a evidence_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o propose_v a_o doubt_n and_o resolve_v against_o all_o way_n of_o answer_n four_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o now_o we_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o write_v and_o have_v not_o be_v since_o corrupt_v or_o change_v the_o proof_n 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wise_a people_n laugh_v at_o those_o mystery_n never_o any_o man_n scorn_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o caesar_n himself_o do_v his_o own_o god_n and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v please_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o god_n feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n what_o a_o childish_a folly_n it_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o roman_a consul_n lose_v his_o whole_a army_n because_o he_o slight_v the_o feed_n of_o some_o young_a chicken_n or_o that_o marcus_n crassus_n be_v therefore_o slay_v by_o the_o parthian_n because_o he_o despise_v some_o foppery_n of_o atteius_n if_o we_o look_v off_o from_o their_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a thought_n what_o a_o poor_a product_n be_v all_o their_o notion_n compare_v with_o the_o bible_n what_o a_o midnight_n be_v man_n in_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o 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first_o have_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v yet_o attend_v with_o marvellous_a vanity_n and_o intolerable_a error_n '_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o forbear_v smile_v in_o read_v over_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o fabulous_a conceit_n he_o have_v about_o that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o will_v tire_v out_o any_o ordinary_a patience_n to_o read_v a_o great_a promoter_n he_o be_v of_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o damon-worship_n for_o he_o say_v that_o when_o man_n die_v their_o soul_n become_v daemon_n and_o if_o their_o merit_n be_v good_a they_o be_v lar_n if_o evil_a lemures_n if_o different_a manes_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n give_v a_o large_a account_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 9_o ch._n 11._o though_o he_o speak_v much_o of_o one_o god_n yet_o himself_o then_o as_o all_o the_o platonist_n since_o hold_v that_o many_o god_n be_v 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all_o the_o theorem_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o mushrom-divinity_n have_v he_o leave_v behind_o he_o with_o what_o obscurity_n uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n with_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n since_o have_v avow_v that_o he_o deny_v the_o latter_a if_o out_o of_o aristotle_n book_n we_o shall_v but_o extract_v a_o model_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o monument_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o giant_n in_o all_o natural_a knowleage_n shall_v die_v such_o a_o child_n in_o divinity_n cicero_n who_o carry_v the_o topsail_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v to_o who_o the_o elder_a pliny_n give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o only_o have_v a_o wit_n equal_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n why_o do_v not_o he_o compose_v a_o right_a systeme_n of_o divinity_n and_o leave_v a_o good_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o posterity_n behind_o he_o from_o who_o may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n have_v expect_v it_o he_o design_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n and_o divinity_n for_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a sentiment_n man_n have_v debate_v those_o matter_n some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n as_o protagoras_n some_o positive_o affirm_v there_o be_v none_o as_o diagoras_n and_o theodorus_n cyrenaicus_n â—â—â—i_fw-la vero_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la tanta_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o varietate_fw-la ac_fw-la dissentione_fw-la constituti_fw-la ut_fw-la corum_fw-la molestum_fw-la sit_fw-la annumerare_fw-la sententias_fw-la no_o &_o de_fw-la siguris_fw-la deorum_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr locis_fw-la atque_fw-la sedibus_fw-la &_o actione_n aquavitae_fw-la multadicuntur_fw-la deque_fw-la
his_fw-la summa_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la dissentione_fw-la certatur_fw-la and_o those_o say_v he_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n have_v such_o various_a and_o different_a opinion_n about_o they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a trouble_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o for_o about_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o god_n their_o employment_n and_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v there_o be_v endless_a dissension_n among_o the_o philosopher_n now_o why_o do_v not_o he_o out_o of_o all_o the_o several_a sentiment_n of_o the_o philosopher_n compose_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o own_o unite_v their_o difference_n and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n by_o one_o common_a truth_n instead_o whereof_o we_o find_v he_o do_v little_a else_o but_o repeat_v their_o various_a opinion_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o in_o number_n then_o four_o or_o five_o and_o twenty_o and_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n there_o be_v good_a store_n more_o and_o general_o condemn_v they_o all_o as_o false_a and_o extravagant_a unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n otherwise_o famous_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o at_o last_o sit_v down_o find_v his_o own_o inability_n for_o so_o impracticable_a a_o task_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n not_o much_o more_o inform_v than_o they_o be_v before_o in_o that_o point_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o three_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o perfect_a condemnation_n of_o the_o whole_a pagan_a religion_n for_o he_o say_v direct_o all_o their_o god_n be_v but_o man_n and_o reckon_v up_o their_o age_n their_o garment_n their_o child_n their_o ancestor_n their_o alliance_n and_o plain_o confess_v their_o temple_n be_v their_o tomb_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n representation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o religion_n superstition_n and_o vanity_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o heathen_a god_n themselves_o he_o open_o declare_v his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o say_v he_o can_v soon_o admire_v then_o utter_a any_o thing_n and_o better_o declare_v what_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v and_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a utinam_fw-la tam_fw-la facile_fw-la veram_fw-la religionem_fw-la invenire_fw-la possim_fw-la quam_fw-la falsam_fw-la convincere_fw-la i_o will_v i_o can_v as_o easy_o find_v out_o true_a religion_n as_o discover_v that_o which_o be_v false_a himself_o socrates_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o see_v far_o into_o the_o impotency_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v that_o any_o of_o they_o arrive_v at_o any_o ability_n to_o compose_v a_o better_a nor_o can_v any_o man_n in_o any_o age_n be_v produce_v that_o without_o revelation_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o world_n aright_o or_o satisfy_a information_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o 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the_o christian_a religion_n especial_o the_o three_o grand_a fundamental_o of_o it_o the_o be_v of_o god_n his_o providence_n and_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v be_v even_o through_o these_o heathen_a age_n two_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o justify_v first_o implicitely_n and_o more_o remote_o by_o the_o general_a and_o most_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o ethnick-religion_n what_o great_a proof_n can_v there_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o world_n still_o think_v there_o be_v something_o above_o they_o than_o their_o gross_a idolatry_n all_o idolatry_n apparent_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n natural_a notion_n of_o the_o true_a god_n what_o mean_v their_o imaginary_a deity_n for_o every_o business_n and_o for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o application_n to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o seek_v their_o favour_n and_o appease_v their_o anger_n but_o that_o they_o suppose_v a_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o world_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o what_o signify_v all_o their_o fiction_n about_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o their_o adoration_n of_o daemon_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o dead_a man_n soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v mediator_n to_o the_o god_n and_o various_o call_v they_o lemures_n lar_n manes_n larvae_n some_o of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o friend_n they_o fancy_v stay_v about_o their_o house_n and_o dwelling_n for_o their_o protection_n other_o be_v more_o at_o large_a some_o be_v good_a daemon_n and_o above_o other_o infernal_a and_o below_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o of_o the_o poet._n vos_fw-fr o_fw-fr mihi_fw-la manes_fw-la este_fw-la boni_fw-la quoniam_fw-la superis_fw-la aversa_n voluntas_fw-la whence_o come_v all_o this_o but_o from_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o man_n existence_n after_o this_o life_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n in_o the_o second_o place_n more_o express_o and_o explicit_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o who_o have_v utter_v here_o and_o there_o some_o fragment_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v sometime_o speak_v in_o justification_n of_o these_o main_a point_n so_o plato_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o one_o god_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o be_v of_o one_o god_n be_v never_o general_o and_o distinct_o acknowledge_v in_o any_o heathen_a country_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n make_v in_o any_o heathen_a state_n to_o establish_v the_o be_v and_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n nay_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o no_o particular_a person_n do_v ever_o pure_o by_o natural_a light_n determine_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o have_v it_o from_o a_o tradition_n originate_v in_o revelation_n so_o say_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o reproach_n of_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a learning_n that_o set_v aside_o what_o they_o learn_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v never_o by_o themselves_o determine_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o god_n or_o but_o one_o cicero_n plutarch_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v full_o about_o providence_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v say_v much_o to_o justify_v the_o soul_n immortality_n so_o much_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o spark_n of_o divine_a truth_n though_o under_o much_o rubbish_n have_v be_v there_o secret_o keep_v alive_a and_o so_o much_o as_o do_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n do_v only_o rectify_v its_o depravation_n and_o have_v be_v some_o way_n witness_v unto_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o often_o make_v use_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o world_n without_o any_o further_a discovery_n of_o himself_o their_o chief_a good_a or_o any_o further_a direction_n towards_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v man_n chief_a end_n than_o what_o we_o find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n have_v attain_v to_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o revelation_n than_o the_o condition_n the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o without_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n have_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o taint_v and_o be_v reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n either_o erroneous_a uncertain_a or_o imperfect_a most_o of_o it_o erroneous_a much_o of_o it_o uncertain_a but_o all_o of_o it_o imperfect_a if_o we_o inquire_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v benight_a as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o these_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n how_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n come_v to_o overslow_v the_o gentile-world_n two_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v
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 will_v prove_v altogether_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a first_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o give_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a from_o we_o to_o he_o and_o second_o to_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o our_o own_o welfare_n by_o a_o acceptance_n with_o he_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v we_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o his_o be_v as_o may_v full_o inform_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n about_o he_o which_o we_o never_o can_v have_v nor_o to_o this_o day_n the_o world_n never_o have_v without_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o honour_n god_n as_o we_o ought_v unless_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n we_o know_v he_o as_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o capacitate_v i_o for_o a_o due_a address_n to_o the_o deity_n to_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o power_n above_o i_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o exist_v which_o be_v all_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o direct_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o all_o those_o attribute_n do_v exist_v upon_o which_o as_o the_o object_n of_o my_o worship_n my_o mind_n may_v terminate_v and_o without_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o form_v a_o idol_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o be_v and_o then_o apply_v those_o attribute_n to_o it._n to_o which_o fatal_a mistake_n and_o idolatrous_a delusion_n the_o world_n have_v by_o nature_n no_o certain_a account_n what_o god_n be_v not_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o deity_n do_v exist_v in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v too_o apparent_o subject_a second_o how_o can_v we_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o welfare_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v safe_o assure_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o natural_a guilt_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o assure_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a satisfy_a account_n give_v we_o by_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v find_v out_o until_o they_o be_v tell_v we_o from_o above_o man_n must_v needs_o make_v strange_a prayer_n and_o have_v very_o wild_a and_o uncertain_a meditation_n about_o god_n and_o their_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v benight_a with_o ignorance_n in_o such_o thing_n prayer_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n will_v be_v very_o lame_o perform_v without_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v it_o the_o pagan_a devotion_n be_v a_o medley_n of_o strange_a sentiment_n found_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o the_o way_n of_o man_n restoration_n have_v plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o but_o leave_v we_o a_o liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n it_o will_v with_o great_a effect_n have_v convince_v we_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v even_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o all_o divine_a address_n two_o thing_n about_o worship_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v teach_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n first_o that_o mankind_n have_v general_o acknowledge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o supernatural_a direction_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o that_o intercourse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v subscribe_v to_o the_o shortness_n and_o defficiency_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n about_o it_o and_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o certain_a complete_a systeme_n of_o worship_n that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n do_v uniform_o agree_v in_o the_o one_o result_v from_o their_o constant_a recourse_n to_o supernatural_a inquiry_n and_o the_o many_o enthusiastic_a pretension_n thereupon_o the_o other_o from_o their_o great_a and_o eminent_a disagreement_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o be_v only_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o naturallight_n and_o have_v in_o truth_n no_o revelation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v still_o abuse_v with_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o fall_v by_o that_o guidance_n into_o endless_a diversity_n in_o practice_n and_o into_o a_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o approach_v the_o deity_n and_o be_v universal_o engage_v in_o multiply_v medium_n and_o method_n of_o worship_n no_o way_n prescribe_v by_o any_o natural_a law_n connate_a with_o man_n being_n or_o any_o general_a uniform_a issue_n of_o right_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o under_o any_o direction_n at_o all_o either_o for_o their_o choice_n or_o their_o use_n further_o than_o what_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o best_a guess_n or_o some_o enthusiastic_a impostor_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o which_o plain_o declare_v there_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n in_o nature_n sufficient_o to_o guide_v man_n in_o divine_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o devotion_n do_v natural_o steer_v they_o and_o we_o that_o indeed_o have_v revelation_n be_v instruct_v by_o that_o revelation_n itself_o sufficient_o to_o know_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o revelation_n for_o we_o find_v that_o god_n by_o his_o reveal_v law_n do_v not_o only_o revive_v in_o general_a the_o whole_a of_o nature_n law_n about_o worship_n and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n thereof_o which_o he_o do_v and_o much_o inlighten_v our_o natural_a knowledge_n therein_o which_o we_o find_v be_v great_o defective_a even_o about_o natural_a duty_n and_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a view_n of_o our_o natural_a obligation_n
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v 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the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
be_v in_o itself_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corporation_n of_o debauch_a and_o evil_a man_n destructive_a to_o all_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whatever_o and_o perfect_o ruinous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a mind_a man_n never_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n bring_v to_o light_n so_o holy_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v visible_o the_o high_a tendency_n to_o those_o two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n present_a and_o future_a happiness_n no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o particular_a duty_n enjoin_v destructive_a to_o man_n true_a happiness_n but_o all_o perfective_a of_o it_o the_o strict_a self-denial_n have_v a_o recompense_n propose_v to_o we_o of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o most_o suitable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o a_o rational_a choice_n the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o whenever_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o we_o can_v be_v whenever_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o high_a trial_n but_o still_o god_n be_v please_v to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o we_o have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o will_v sâ—â—nd_v it_o and_o â—â—â—kon_v in_o only_a as_o such_o whâ—â—â—ver_o consult_v thâ—_n writing_n of_o the_o primiâ—iâ—e_n châ—â—sâ—â—â—â—_n will_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n upon_o which_o they_o â—hâ—â—â—lâ—_n inâ—â—â—â—d_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v its_o sâ—â—st_a enâ—â—aâ—ce_n and_o ravel_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v â—o_o confirm_v it_o and_o these_o two_o conjoin_v give_v â—s_a the_o mâ—st_o inâ—aâ—â—ible_a assurance_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n the_o miraâ—â—es_v justify_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o doctrine_n reflect_v a_o testimony_n back_o to_o the_o miracle_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n the_o proof_n be_v invincible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o find_v here_o the_o best_a doctrine_n with_o the_o high_a attestation_n whoever_o wary_o consider_v our_o saviour_n reason_v with_o the_o jew_n shall_v find_v he_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n for_o as_o he_o frequent_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n from_o his_o miracle_n so_o he_o likewise_o often_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o divine_a corresponding_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n unquestionable_a thereby_o for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n accompany_v with_o such_o miraculous_a evidence_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o rational_a opposition_n and_o therefore_o in_o discourse_v this_o matter_n in_o hand_n neither_o aught_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o miracle_n distinct_o and_z separately_z from_o the_o other_o but_o both_o urge_v in_o that_o excellent_a conjunction_n in_o which_o they_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o three_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o book_n in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conneyance_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o still_o further_o evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o more_o rational_a persuasion_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o god_n as_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_v and_o about_o which_o he_o have_v exercise_v a_o peculiar_a care_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o that_o this_o book_n though_o write_v at_o several_a time_n all_o so_o long_o since_o past_a and_o some_o of_o it_o before_o any_o other_o book_n be_v extant_a have_v yet_o in_o its_o passage_n through_o so_o many_o age_n escape_v all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v expose_v and_o be_v preserve_v entire_a to_o we_o to_o this_o day_n second_o that_o this_o rock_n and_o the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v make_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o gain_v a_o acceptance_n among_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o when_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v seem_v absord_n and_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o common_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o wicked_a sergeant_n and_o the_o stande_v piece_n of_o imposture_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o indeed_o that_o any_o book_n of_o religion_n shall_v upon_o such_o perme_n arrive_v at_o such_o a_o reception_n but_o one_o that_o contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o have_v the_o great_a god_n for_o its_o author_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o book_n very_o ancient_a and_o write_v long_o ago_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v have_v descend_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a age._n but_o herein_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o write_n not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v some_o of_o it_o much_o elder_a than_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n more_o liable_a to_o loss_n and_o decay_n but_o that_o no_o book_n or_o write_n the_o world_n be_v ever_o possess_v of_o have_v have_v that_o violent_a opposition_n make_v against_o it_o nor_o such_o design_n form_v for_o its_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n as_o this_o have_v have_v other_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a passage_n this_o have_v be_v often_o beset_v with_o most_o keen_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n beside_o that_o great_a hazard_n so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o as_o than_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n when_o for_o aught_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n there_o be_v but_o one_o copy_n and_o that_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o sixty_o eight_o or_o sixty_o nine_o year_n and_o be_v hide_v either_o in_o the_o rubbish_n or_o else_o in_o some_o secret_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o it_o be_v find_v when_o the_o temple_n come_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v there_o hide_v during_o the_o wicked_a reign_n of_o manasseh_n by_o some_o malicious_a idolater_n with_o a_o intention_n utter_o to_o extinguish_v it_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v do_v in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v make_v it_o irrecoverable_a have_v not_o a_o divine_a hand_n over_o rule_v and_o secure_v it_o beside_o this_o and_o some_o other_o hazard_n the_o bible_n have_v escape_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n we_o read_v of_o two_o famous_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n furnish_v with_o all_o humane_a power_n that_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o skill_n have_v beset_v it_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o empâ—rour_n dioclesian_n under_o the_o nâ—w_n this_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n call_v likewise_o and_o much_o moâ—â—_n true_o epiâ—â—aâ—â—â—_n the_o mad_a and_o the_o furious_a be_v prophefy_v of_o and_o plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o the_o eight_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n he_o there_o call_v he_o a_o king_n of_o fierce_a countâ—â—â—â—ce_n and_o say_v his_o heart_n shall_v be_v against_o the_o hâ—ly_a covenant_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v indignation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a this_o antiochus_n come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o most_o cruel_o destroy_v and_o waste_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v it_o his_o grand_a business_n to_o ruin_v the_o jew_n and_o utter_o extinguish_v their_o whole_a religion_n and_o worship_n dedicate_v their_o temple_n to_o jupiter_n olympius_n erect_v a_o altar_n therein_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o â—â—â—l_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n cause_v many_o swine_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o in_o sacâ—â—fiâ—e_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o pat_o a_o perfect_a â—â—nd_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o place_n and_o people_n with_o utmost_a diligence_n make_v search_v after_o their_o law_n and_o wheresoever_o he_o sound_v it_o iâ—â—â—_n dirty_o burn_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o threatened_a â—â—st_n exquisite_a torment_n and_o death_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o conceal_v or_o retain_v it_o of_o which_o josephas_n give_v we_o the_o relation_n
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 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bring_v we_o to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o guide_v we_o to_o what_o we_o ourselves_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a that_o it_o be_v extreme_a unreasonable_a to_o judge_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a sort_n of_o imposture_n never_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v so_o dutiful_o to_o god_n so_o comfortable_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o useful_o one_o to_o another_o so_o tuneable_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n be_v most_o transparent_a beam_n of_o divine_a perfection_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n give_v according_a to_o what_o be_v eternal_o 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truth_n be_v visible_o concenter_v in_o it_o here_o be_v indeed_o a_o perfect_a rendesvouz_n of_o all_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v any_o where_o scatter_v and_o the_o world_n imperfect_o have_v have_v and_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v in_o need_n to_o have_v all_o such_o natural_a truth_n both_o of_o a_o moral_a and_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n natural_o pursue_v and_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n or_o upon_o the_o work_n that_o god_n have_v make_v be_v here_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n transscribe_v justify_v and_o improve_v and_o many_o defect_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n supernatural_o supply_v by_o a_o most_o suitable_a revelation_n so_o that_o if_o â—_z judge_v of_o this_o book_n either_o by_o what_o we_o certain_o do_v know_v or_o by_o what_o we_o need_v and_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o 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pythogorean-philosopher_n who_o we_o find_v quote_v in_o origens_n four_o book_n against_o celsus_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v read_v the_o life_n of_o moses_n in_o many_o good_a history_n and_o relate_v many_o particular_n of_o he_o as_o his_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o water_n his_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o court_n that_o he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o that_o certain_a magician_n call_v janne_n and_o jambres_n attempt_v to_o do_v the_o like_a no_o one_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a of_o any_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o witness_v unto_o by_o writer_n foreign_a to_o that_o nation_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v who_o from_o their_o great_a enemy_n have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o he_o write_v and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o great_a and_o eminent_a a_o commonwealth_n be_v at_o first_o first_o establish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o a_o notorious_a and_o visible_a conâ—mâ—â—nce_n and_o succession_n there_o be_v of_o it_o '_o tiâ—_n moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o business_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o write_n in_o those_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v fictitious_a and_o false_a of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o history_n write_v by_o moses_n as_o relate_v to_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o flood_n we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v any_o exact_a and_o punctual_a account_n in_o a_o traditional_a way_n because_o of_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n especial_o by_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o some_o considerable_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a story_n of_o the_o first_o world_n about_o the_o creation_n the_o long_a life_n of_o man_n in_o those_o first_o time_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n at_o babel_n and_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o in_o hermes_n orpheus_n homer_n hesiond_v and_o the_o most_o primitive_a writer_n of_o which_o vossius_fw-la bochartus_fw-la and_o many_o other_o have_v give_v a_o very_a satisfy_a account_n concern_v the_o flood_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o deluge_n nothing_o have_v be_v more_o universal_o credit_v and_o because_o the_o tradition_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o befall_v in_o the_o prime_a time_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n be_v general_o ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a account_n of_o time_n therefore_o they_o apply_v it_o still_o to_o that_o time_n they_o think_v most_o ancient_a so_o the_o theban_n to_o the_o time_n of_o ogyges_n and_o the_o thessalian_n to_o the_o time_n of_o deucalion_n which_o flood_n of_o ogyges_n and_o deucalion_n be_v not_o two_o other_o distinct_a flood_n as_o some_o have_v suppose_v but_o the_o same_o flood_n of_o noah_n apply_v to_o those_o time_n and_o call_v by_o those_o name_n which_o they_o think_v of_o great_a antiquity_n one_o say_v well_o what_o nation_n have_v not_o believe_v it_o even_o among_o the_o remote_a indian_n we_o find_v the_o tradition_n of_o it_o have_v remain_v and_o what_o author_n have_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o among_o the_o egyptian_n phoenicians_n grecian_n and_o roman_n nothing_o more_o common_a and_o well_o may_v we_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o those_o who_o attempt_v the_o rear_n of_o that_o structure_n at_o babel_n have_v probable_o a_o particular_a respect_n in_o what_o they_o do_v to_o the_o flood_n that_o be_v past_a resolve_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o another_o which_o spring_v from_o their_o own_o infidelity_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n to_o noah_n have_v secure_v they_o against_o all_o fear_n of_o that_o kind_a and_o therefore_o have_v sufficient_a occasion_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o berosus_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n after_o
and_o by_o which_o be_v we_o possess_v of_o they_o they_o will_v much_o more_o easy_o have_v be_v reconcile_v and_o understand_v the_o jew_n be_v very_o curious_a and_o exact_a in_o the_o preservation_n of_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o good_a reason_n they_o have_v so_o to_o be_v for_o among_o the_o heathen_n want_v of_o posterity_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o adoption_n but_o the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a succession_n in_o alliance_n and_o kindred_n the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o judicious_o discourse_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o annotatious_a upon_o these_o two_o evangelist_n to_o which_o the_o exact_a disquisition_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v too_o large_a a_o task_n for_o this_o undertake_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o refer_v any_o impartial_a reader_n for_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o object_v against_o the_o bible_n from_o hence_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o either_o of_o 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