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
tacit_n act_n of_o his_o will_n etc._n etc._n 2._o where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o mean_n use_v but_o those_o such_o as_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n proper_a or_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n as_o the_o clay_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o person_n bear_v blind_a the_o hospital_n wherewith_o he_o loose_v the_o tongue_n of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v dumb_a etc._n etc._n these_o effect_n may_v be_v just_o affirm_v to_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n as_o miracle_n not_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o scripture_n refer_v they_o immediate_o to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o any_o train_n of_o natural_a cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o their_o production_n it_o appear_v we_o have_v some_o sure_a ground_n whereupon_o to_o proceed_v in_o examine_v what_o effect_n in_o scripture_n be_v relate_v as_o miracle_n though_o that_o which_o he_o will_v possess_v his_o reader_n with_o the_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v the_o only_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v not_o only_o false_a but_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o may_v rational_o draw_v these_o two_o consequence_n 1._o that_o for_o the_o scripture_n to_o refer_v any_o effect_n immediate_o to_o god_n 1._o be_v not_o for_o it_o to_o relate_v the_o effect_n as_o miraculous_a and_o therefore_o from_o its_o refer_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n immediate_o to_o god_n we_o can_v infer_v as_o he_o do_v that_o the_o scripture_n relate_v many_o memorable_a thing_n as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwithstanding_o proceed_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n â—_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v yet_o many_o effect_n plain_o relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miracle_n by_o it_o be_v express_a declaration_n and_o it_o be_v relate_v of_o they_o in_o such_o term_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v by_o undeniable_a consequence_n gather_v as_o much_o and_o so_o suppose_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o true_a history_n for_o which_o we_o have_v infinite_o more_o evidence_n than_o for_o any_o other_o history_n in_o the_o world_n it_o follow_v evident_o against_o his_o main_a assertion_n from_o the_o relation_n of_o these_o miraculous_a effect_n in_o scripture_n that_o there_o real_o have_v be_v miracle_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o he_o deny_v they_o i._n e._n work_v beside_o above_o and_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o this_o corollary_n though_o very_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n be_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la all_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o conclusion_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o the_o principle_n he_o take_v out_o of_o mr._n burnett_n be_v false_a and_o illogical_a since_o therefore_o mr._n burnett_n assert_n positive_o that_o there_o be_v miracle_n as_o be_v show_v above_o and_o nothing_o here_o produce_v out_o of_o he_o can_v infer_v or_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a we_o may_v just_o demand_v both_o in_o his_o name_n and_o in_o behalf_n both_o of_o religion_n reason_n and_o good_a logic_n that_o this_o part_n of_o the_o premonition_n be_v return_v into_o the_o place_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v where_o it_o may_v stand_v with_o more_o truth_n and_o coherence_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o translator_n leave_v to_o stand_v apart_o by_o itself_o as_o a_o bold_a and_o i_o may_v say_v impious_a assertion_n without_o any_o proof_n consider_v but_o not_o to_o wrong_v he_o he_o have_v some_o succedaneous_a argument_n in_o the_o close_a of_o the_o premonition_n but_o these_o '_o as_o i_o before_o hint_v be_v only_o some_o brief_n touch_v of_o what_o we_o have_v after_o more_o at_o large_a out_o of_o spinoza_n viz._n that_o for_o god_n to_o work_v by_o a_o power_n immediate_a or_o supernatural_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o point-blank_a repugnant_a the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constistution_n of_o nature_n it_o sound_v somewhat_o like_a to_o the_o king_n prerogative_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o property_n and_o privilege_n that_o these_o law_n be_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n &_o extend_v themselves_o to_o whatever_o event_n he_o have_v will_v and_o decree_v that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n he_o have_v one_o thing_n which_o he_o assert_v beside_o that_o among_o all_o the_o miracle_n relate_v to_o be_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n now_o here_o i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o for_o his_o sake_n for_o two_o reason_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v a_o negative_a 2._o because_o his_o main_a ground_n or_o spinoza_n rather_o why_o he_o deny_v all_o supernatural_a effect_n be_v not_o upon_o account_n of_o his_o own_o great_a reach_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n whereby_o he_o can_v undertake_v to_o solve_v mechanical_o all_o the_o effect_n relate_v in_o scripture_n for_o miraculous_a but_o from_o argument_n pure_o metaphysical_a prove_v in_o his_o opinion_n the_o impossibility_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n for_o to_o this_o he_o hold_v and_o not_o the_o other_o as_o appear_v from_o p._n 21._o of_o the_o treatise_n where_o he_o conclude_v absolute_o from_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n that_o all_o the_o event_n that_o be_v true_o relate_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v proceed_v necessary_o according_a to_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v find_v which_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o law_n or_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v from_o they_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o pious_o believe_v the_o same_o not_o to_o have_v be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o impious_o add_v to_o the_o sacred_a volume_n by_o sacrilegious_a men._n so_o that_o unless_o the_o scripture_n miracle_n will_v submit_v to_o his_o touchstone_n unless_o they_o will_v come_v and_o lay_v open_a their_o occult_a quality_n and_o the_o whole_a plot_n and_o confederacy_n of_o those_o natural_a cause_n that_o combine_v to_o effect_v they_o he_o have_v a_o index_n expurgatorius_fw-la to_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o a_o court_n of_o inquisition_n for_o those_o that_o relate_v they_o to_o arraign_v they_o for_o sacrilege_n and_o impiety_n but_o i_o pass_v on_o to_o consider_v each_o part_n of_o the_o treatise_n in_o order_n treatise_n the_o treatise_n be_v divide_v between_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o spinoza_n mr._n hobbs_n speak_v as_o far_o as_o to_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o three_o page_n out_o of_o the_o chapter_n about_o miracle_n in_o the_o three_o part_n of_o his_o leviathan_n he_o first_o explain_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n from_o its_o etymology_n and_o other_o word_n in_o sacred_a and_o profane_a writer_n of_o like_a import_n with_o it_o from_o its_o etymology_n he_o deduce_v that_o it_o signify_v a_o work_n of_o god_n which_o man_n admire_v or_o wonder_v at_o then_o propose_v to_o inquire_v what_o work_n be_v such_o and_o reduce_v they_o to_o two_o kind_n 1._o such_o as_o be_v rare_a and_o the_o like_a thereof_o seldom_o or_o never_o see_v 2._o such_o as_o we_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o by_o god_n immediate_a hand_n he_o give_v some_o instance_n of_o both_o a_o ox_n or_o a_o horse_n speak_v 2._o preternatural_a birth_n the_o conversion_n of_o a_o man_n into_o stone_n and_o the_o first_o rainbow_n that_o appear_v that_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o seem_v miraculous_a because_o rare_a or_o no_o natural_a cause_n of_o they_o conceivable_a on_o the_o contrary_a the_o work_n of_o art_n however_o wonderful_a not_o repute_v to_o be_v miracle_n because_o their_o cause_n know_v upon_o the_o same_o ground_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n to_o one_o man_n and_o not_o to_o another_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o different_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n so_o eclipse_n miracle_n to_o the_o vulgar_a not_o to_o philosopher_n simple_a man_n make_v to_o believe_v that_o other_o can_v know_v their_o most_o secret_a action_n by_o inspiration_n when_o the_o more_o wary_a and_o prudent_a perceive_v the_o juggle_n so_o far_o mr._n hobbs_n here_o in_o his_o leviathan_n he_o proceed_v to_o assign_v another_o property_n of_o a_o miracle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o some_o prophet_n or_o other_o and_o then_o to_o give_v a_o definition_n of_o it_o but_o there_o his_o translator_n leave_v he_o and_o pass_v on_o to_o spinoza_n before_o we_o follow_v he_o thither_o say_v we_o may_v reflect_v a_o little_a 1._o upon_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
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
provision_n of_o our_o daily_a bread_n as_o the_o israelite_n have_v in_o the_o wilderness_n elijah_n in_o horeb_n when_o the_o raven_n be_v his_o purveyor_n the_o widow_n with_o who_o he_o lodge_v who_o barrel_n of_o meal_n be_v preserve_v from_o waste_v or_o last_o the_o four_o or_o five_o thousand_o feed_v by_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o suppose_v be_v a_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o relate_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o miracle_n because_o it_o mention_n not_o how_o the_o corn_n grow_v in_o the_o hand_n and_o mouth_n of_o they_o that_o do_v eat_v it_o 2._o the_o natural_a import_n of_o the_o word_n disprove_v this_o conceit_n to_o be_v relate_v as_o a_o miracle_n word_n be_v to_o be_v record_v for_o a_o effect_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a hand_n and_o supernatural_a power_n to_o be_v immediate_o refer_v or_o ascribe_v to_o god_n without_o mention_n of_o a_o train_n of_o mediate_a cause_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n there_o it_o be_v express_o or_o by_o 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from_o the_o very_a reason_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o scripture_n may_v just_o ascribe_v to_o god_n all_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n without_o mention_v any_o train_n of_o suborbordinate_a cause_n and_o yet_o can_v thereupon_o be_v just_o conclude_v to_o relate_v these_o thing_n as_o miracle_n and_o this_o because_o first_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n by_o his_o power_n and_o the_o governor_n and_o precedent_n of_o it_o by_o his_o superintend_a providence_n therefore_o every_o effect_n in_o nature_n may_v be_v just_o ascribe_v to_o he_o as_o its_o author_n two_o the_o scripture_n design_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n only_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n therefore_o it_o may_v just_o ascribe_v they_o to_o he_o without_o mention_n of_o the_o train_n of_o natural_a cause_n whereby_o he_o mediate_o produce_v they_o if_o then_o any_o effect_n may_v be_v in_o this_o manner_n ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o yet_o he_o be_v no_o far_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o than_o as_o he_o be_v the_o author_n and_o governor_n of_o nature_n by_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n if_o so_o than_o it_o be_v no_o just_a conclusion_n that_o the_o sacred_a writer_n relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n because_o they_o immediate_o refer_v it_o to_o god_n without_o meniion_n of_o the_o train_n of_o natural_a cause_n subservient_fw-fr to_o he_o in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o miracle_n 4._o but_o to_o give_v as_o full_a satisfaction_n as_o may_v be_v in_o this_o point_n and_o withal_o to_o show_v that_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v some_o effect_n so_o relate_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v just_o conceive_v to_o have_v record_v they_o for_o miracle_n i_o shall_v state_n what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o scripture_n to_o relate_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o it_o ascribe_v the_o effect_n to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n nor_o that_o it_o immediate_o ascribe_v it_o to_o he_o without_o mention_n that_o it_o be_v produce_v by_o the_o mediation_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o every_o thing_n proceed_v from_o he_o whether_o it_o be_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o work_n of_o his_o supernatural_a power_n and_o therefore_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o and_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v of_o it_o to_o god_n without_o mention_n any_o other_o cause_n do_v not_o necessary_o imply_v that_o no_o other_o cause_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o but_o to_o relate_v a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n be_v to_o relate_v it_o for_o a_o effect_n of_o god_n own_o immediate_a hand_n or_o a_o effect_v above_o beside_o or_o contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n 1._o by_o express_v declaration_n 2._o by_o relate_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v the_o effect_n to_o be_v miraculous_a for_o the_o first_o there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v very_o few_o instance_n if_o any_o wherein_o we_o can_v certain_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n declare_v any_o effect_n to_o be_v a_o work_n above_o nature_n for_o though_o it_o may_v and_o often_o do_v use_v the_o word_n miracle_n yet_o that_o be_v ambiguous_a it_o may_v still_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v for_o any_o thing_n more_o than_o a_o effect_n wonderful_n and_o surprise_v indeed_o yet_o pure_o natural_a all_o which_o notwithstanding_o in_o some_o place_n we_o may_v true_o vouch_v the_o express_a declaration_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o such_o and_o such_o effect_n be_v miraculous_a joh._n 2.11_o after_o the_o relation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o wine_n the_o text_n say_v this_o beginning_n of_o miracle_n do_v jesus_n so_o also_o john_n 4.54_o after_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o nobleman_n son_n this_o be_v again_o the_o second_o miracle_n that_o jesus_n do_v in_o these_o two_o place_n the_o scripture_n do_v in_o a_o manner_n reflect_v upon_o the_o work_v it_o have_v relate_v and_o declare_v they_o to_o be_v supernatural_a but_o by_o the_o word_n miracle_n may_v possible_o be_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o a_o effect_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a not_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v some_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o contrary_n and_o i_o think_v this_o one_o consideration_n may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v it_o the_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o relate_v these_o work_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v to_o propound_v they_o to_o we_o as_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n now_o evidence_n of_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o they_o be_v work_n above_o nature_n because_o a_o effect_n of_o nature_n can_v prove_v god_n immediate_a power_n and_o presence_n nor_o consequent_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o prophet_n commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v his_o doctrine_n for_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o to_o relate_v these_o work_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a mission_n will_v argue_v that_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o style_v these_o work_n miracle_n sign_n and_o wonder_n must_v mean_v strict_o such_o as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n otherwise_o it_o will_v impose_v upon_o our_o belief_n and_o oblige_v we_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n as_o divine_a upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a sufficient_a to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n that_o reveal_v it_o and_o upon_o this_o ground_n we_o may_v discover_v many_o more_o instance_n of_o effect_n express_o declare_v in_o scripture_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n immediate_a extraordinary_a power_n for_o it_o hold_v as_o well_o in_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o in_o moses_n too_o the_o scripture_n relate_v they_o as_o wrought_v to_o evidence_n his_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o institute_v the_o law_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o evidence_n their_o authority_n to_o preach_v and_o plant_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o express_a declaration_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v yet_o 2._o many_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n couch_v in_o such_o term_n as_o that_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o effect_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v relate_v as_o miraculous_a and_o supernatural_a as_o 1._o where_o the_o effect_n be_v relate_v as_o do_v without_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n so_o in_o our_o saviour_n cure_v disease_n and_o indeed_o work_v most_o of_o his_o miracle_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n turn_v the_o water_n into_o wine_n by_o the_o internal_a
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 use_n whereto_o mr._n hobbs_n doctrine_n be_v apply_v by_o his_o translator_n his_o design_n be_v before_o he_o come_v to_o spinoza_n argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n to_o make_v a_o discovery_n of_o the_o cause_n that_o introduce_v this_o grand_a mistake_n into_o the_o world_n 3._o and_o the_o first_o as_o a_o corollary_n from_o mr._n hobb_n doctrine_n he_o make_v to_o be_v admiration_n and_o that_o proceed_n from_o these_o two_o cause_n rarity_n and_o ignorance_n that_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n which_o the_o delude_a world_n have_v mistake_v for_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v only_o rare_a and_o unusual_a and_o inexplicrable_a and_o the_o cause_n which_o make_v mankind_n so_o prone_a to_o admit_v they_o for_o miraculous_a be_v our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n hand_n the_o second_o cause_n which_o he_o assign_v of_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n be_v superstition_n viz._n 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
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
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
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
it_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o effect_v it_o but_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n supernatural_a or_o not_o and_o when_o it_o be_v know_v to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o second_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a or_o groundless_a than_o that_o assertion_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o a_o finite_a effect_n can_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o a_o infinite_a cause_n that_o every_o finite_a effect_n be_v so_o either_o immediate_o as_o when_o the_o effect_n though_o finite_a exceed_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v in_o the_o order_n and_o sphere_n wherein_o it_o act_n or_o mediate_o when_o the_o effect_n be_v produce_v by_o a_o train_n of_o finite_a cause_n which_o yet_o must_v have_v have_v their_o own_o be_v and_o their_o first_o motion_n or_o power_n to_o act_v from_o a_o infinite_a agent_n the_o argument_n for_o a_o infinite_a from_o the_o existence_n of_o finite_a being_n proceed_v thus_o every_o finite_a be_v be_v contingent_a and_o so_o may_v not_o have_v be_v therefore_o the_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v must_v not_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o in_o something_o else_o viz._n the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o again_o every_o finite_a be_v have_v limit_n of_o perfection_n these_o can_v be_v set_v by_o itself_o but_o by_o something_o else_o which_o give_v it_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o no_o great_a and_o this_o must_v be_v the_o cause_n that_o produce_v it_o if_o this_o cause_n be_v finite_a too_o it_o must_v proceed_v from_o another_o and_o the_o question_n will_v recur_v till_o we_o stop_v at_o last_o in_o a_o cause_n self-existent_a and_o infinite_a so_o much_o therefore_o may_v be_v say_v in_o answer_n to_o his_o argument_n from_o reason_n for_o the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o second_o proposition_n viz._n that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v the_o essence_n existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o what_o he_o say_v for_o the_o other_o part_n viz._n that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o know_v by_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n the_o answer_n may_v be_v short_a his_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o in_o some_o measure_n indicate_v to_o we_o the_o infinity_n eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o to_o make_v he_o speak_v more_o plain_o out_o of_o his_o opera_fw-la posthuma_n because_o god_n and_o nature_n be_v all_o one_o and_o the_o more_o i_o know_v of_o nature_n the_o more_o i_o understand_v of_o the_o modification_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n but_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n lead_v we_o to_o scepticism_n we_o may_v reply_v that_o this_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o make_v from_o nature_n will_v rather_o carry_v we_o either_o to_o atheism_n or_o idolatry_n i_o proceed_v to_o his_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o be_v two_o 1._o he_o argue_v from_o deut_n 13._o v._n 1_o 2_o 3._o because_o a_o miracle_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o that_o place_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o person_n that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n 2._o he_o argue_v from_o the_o corrupt_a notion_n the_o israelite_n have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n notwithstanding_o so_o many_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o they_o the_o word_n in_o deut._n 13._o v_o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v these_o 13._o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul_n and_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n from_o hence_o he_o argue_v a_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o one_o that_o design_n to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n ergo_fw-la by_o miracle_n we_o may_v be_v as_o easy_o induce_v to_o embrace_v the_o worship_n of_o a_o false_a god_n as_o of_o the_o true_a e._n god_n can_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o miracle_n prophet_n this_o be_v a_o difficulty_n common_o propound_v for_o these_o word_n in_o deut._n viz._n how_o miracle_n can_v be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n &_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n viz._n a_o preacher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o will_v be_v to_o consider_v the_o utmost_a force_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v urge_v from_o this_o place_n the_o israelite_n to_o who_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v have_v already_o a_o law_n give_v they_o and_o the_o authority_n of_o it_o attest_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n the_o same_o law_n repeat_v again_o in_o this_o book_n of_o deut._n with_o a_o repetition_n likewise_o of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o its_o confirmation_n their_o religion_n therefore_o be_v thus_o settle_v to_o fortify_v they_o against_o all_o temptation_n that_o may_v draw_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o god_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o they_o be_v forewarn_v in_o this_o place_n not_o to_o give_v ear_n to_o any_o person_n that_o shall_v entice_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o false_a doctrine_n for_o that_o god_n may_v possible_o permit_v such_o a_o person_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n mere_o to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o adherence_n to_o his_o worship_n this_o be_v the_o case_n wherein_o those_o word_n deut._n 13._o must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v speak_v and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v rational_o draw_v from_o they_o that_o god_n may_v permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v therefore_o whether_o if_o this_o be_v possible_a miracle_n can_v be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n the_o argument_n be_v in_o form_n this_o if_o god_n after_o he_o have_v establish_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o forewarn_v his_o people_n not_o to_o believe_v a_o miracle_n against_o it_o may_v permit_v a_o false_a prophet_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n to_o try_v the_o steadfastness_n of_o their_o faith_n then_o miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o god_n may_v in_o this_o case_n permit_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o false_a prophet_n ergo._fw-la if_o the_o consequence_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o sufficient_a evidence_n or_o not_o in_o this_o particular_a case_n i_o ready_o grant_v it_o if_o that_o they_o never_o be_v in_o any_o case_n which_o must_v be_v the_o conclusion_n if_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o deny_v it_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o denial_n of_o it_o be_v this_o because_o notwithstanding_o a_o impostor_n may_v work_v a_o miracle_n in_o this_o case_n and_o so_o the_o miracle_n he_o work_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n yet_o in_o any_o other_o case_n notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o these_o word_n it_o may_v be_v and_o i_o may_v positive_o say_v be_v impossible_a for_o a_o true_a miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v by_o a_o impostor_n and_o therefore_o all_o other_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o reducible_a to_o this_o case_n may_v be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n for_o instance_n two_o sort_n of_o miracle_n be_v except_v from_o this_o case_n 1._o those_o miracle_n suppose_v that_o be_v wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n after_o this_o warning_n give_v they_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o person_n that_o will_v seduce_v they_o to_o idolatry_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n by_o person_n that_o do_v not_o attempt_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n 2._o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o any_o time_n by_o any_o
saviour_n to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb-man_n the_o mention_n whereof_o in_o the_o account_n of_o these_o miracle_n if_o it_o prove_v that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n than_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n requisite_a these_o they_o have_v and_o these_o immediate_o produce_v the_o effect_n this_o they_o can_v not_o by_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n therefore_o by_o miracle_n and_o so_o his_o argument_n destroy_v itself_o but_o far_o what_o if_o many_o be_v produce_v without_o any_o circumstance_n at_o all_o but_o pure_o at_o the_o word_n and_o will_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o this_o he_o say_v we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o from_o the_o scripture_n because_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o though_o not_o mention_v there_o he_o refer_v to_o exod._n 14.27_o compare_v with_o ex._n 15.10_o but_o what_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o only_o not_o make_v mention_n of_o any_o but_o in_o a_o manner_n declare_v there_o be_v none_o so_o in_o our_o saviour_n still_v the_o storm_n 25._o the_o very_a reflection_n that_o his_o disciple_n make_v upon_o that_o miracle_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o bare_a word_n and_o not_o by_o the_o application_n of_o any_o mean_n much_o less_o natural_a 2_o before_o he_o draw_v his_o conclusion_n from_o these_o argument_n he_o answer_v a_o objection_n from_o scripture_n viz._n that_o famine_n be_v say_v to_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o the_o like_a and_o rain_n and_o plenty_n restore_v by_o their_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v here_o speak_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o with_o the_o same_o propriety_n as_o when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a repent_v or_o the_o like_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o any_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o effect_n ascribe_v to_o they_o here_o 1._o methinks_v he_o be_v wary_a in_o his_o answer_n he_o may_v have_v grant_v that_o famine_n be_v send_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n for_o a_o return_n to_o their_o prayer_n and_o repentance_n and_o yet_o have_v deny_v that_o either_o of_o these_o be_v wrought_v by_o miracle_n for_o nature_n be_v order_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n as_o well_o as_o preserve_v and_o uphold_v by_o his_o power_n and_o therefore_o his_o wisdom_n may_v so_o direct_v it_o as_o often_o even_o by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o execute_v his_o divine_a purpose_n whether_o of_o judgement_n or_o mercy_n he_o see_v our_o action_n and_o hear_v our_o prayer_n from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o may_v as_o he_o have_v the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n before_o his_o eye_n direct_a and_o determine_v the_o certain_a and_o necessary_a event_n of_o it_o to_o their_o proper_a season_n and_o make_v they_o instrumental_a to_o the_o accomplish_n of_o his_o purpose_n whether_o of_o show_v favour_n or_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o the_o son_n of_o men._n thus_o therefore_o he_o need_v not_o be_v so_o strict_a as_o to_o deny_v any_o possibility_n of_o god_n punish_v we_o for_o our_o sin_n in_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n for_o fear_v lest_o it_o shall_v betray_v he_o unaware_o to_o the_o concession_n of_o a_o miracle_n natural_a cause_n indeed_o our_o sin_n or_o pâ—ayers_n be_v not_o of_o these_o effect_n nor_o yet_o supernatural_a neither_o but_o moral_a only_a and_o meritorious_a as_o god_n upon_o view_n of_o either_o determine_v to_o punish_v or_o reward_v we_o but_o suppose_v it_o be_v not_o so_o 2._o he_o give_v but_o a_o very_a mean_a solution_n of_o the_o difficulty_n that_o the_o scripture_n speak_v improper_o here_o and_o in_o condescension_n to_o the_o capacity_n and_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a as_o it_o do_v when_o it_o say_v that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a or_o repent_v we_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o speak_v in_o this_o manner_n concern_v the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o such_o of_o his_o perfection_n the_o mode_n whereof_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v explain_v to_o we_o how_o they_o be_v and_o act_n in_o he_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v speak_v of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n or_o that_o every_o thing_n that_o it_o say_v shall_v be_v shuffle_v off_o by_o this_o or_o the_o like_a suggestion_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v than_o that_o god_n do_v punish_v or_o reward_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a action_n and_o that_o in_o this_o life_n and_o that_o his_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n will_v oblige_v he_o to_o do_v it_o as_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a for_o the_o vulgar_a to_o conceive_v how_o he_o do_v it_o without_o anger_n or_o displeasure_n and_o the_o contrary_a affection_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o one_o in_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n though_o yet_o no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v presume_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o other_o in_o like_a manner_n 21._o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o four_o and_o last_o undertake_n viz._n to_o treat_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n miracle_n and_o what_o thing_n 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 their_o way_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o set_v we_o right_n he_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture-narration_n about_o miracle_n to_o inquire_v into_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o particular_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o relator_n 2._o the_o idiom_n phrase_n and_o trope_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o first_o because_o general_o all_o historian_n relate_v the_o event_n they_o speak_v of_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o conjecture_n opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la the_o other_o because_o otherwise_o we_o may_v from_o the_o scripture-style_n conceive_v some_o thing_n to_o be_v relate_v for_o miracle_n which_o real_o be_v not_o for_o the_o first_o he_o instance_n in_o joshua_n 10._o v_o 12_o 13._o where_o the_o account_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a length_n of_o that_o day_n be_v give_v according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v and_o not_o the_o earth_n motion_n for_o the_o second_o in_o some_o allegorical_a place_n out_o of_o the_o prophet_n zachariah_n 14._o v_o 7._o isa_n 13._o v._n 10.48_o v_o ult_n by_o these_o two_o insinuation_n he_o will_v elude_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_a narration_n about_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n to_o the_o first_o and_o the_o instance_n he_o bring_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o joshua_n relate_v be_v not_o at_o all_o prejudice_v though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o earth_n move_v and_o not_o the_o sun_n for_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v stop_v whether_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n and_o therein_o consist_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n as_o to_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a either_o that_o joshua_n shall_v himself_o be_v so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n or_o so_o far_o instruct_v by_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n as_o to_o put_v up_o his_o request_n to_o god_n that_o the_o earth_n shall_v stand_v still_o and_o not_o the_o sun_n or_o that_o the_o account_n of_o it_o which_o he_o give_v shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o according_a 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 to_o the_o second_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture-miracle_n depend_v not_o upon_o any_o allegorical_a expression_n in_o the_o prophet_n but_o upon_o the_o naked_a relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o historical_a writer_n so_o that_o though_o in_o the_o former_a we_o be_v to_o proceed_v with_o some_o caution_n and_o not_o to_o take_v every_o thing_n for_o miraculous_a which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o expression_n yet_o in_o the_o latter_a we_o find_v no_o such_o danger_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o trope_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n all_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o scripture_n with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n i_o have_v run_v through_o the_o main_a of_o spinoza_n chapter_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o his_o four_o proposition_n at_o first_o lay_v down_o 26._o what_o be_v behind_o be_v 1._o a_o account_n of_o his_o different_a method_n in_o this_o chapter_n from_o that_o which_o he_o take_v in_o his_o first_o and_o second_o chapter_n about_o prophecy_n and_o