he_o the_o observance_n of_o that_o positive_a command_n of_o not_o eat_v of_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n the_o only_a thing_n then_o leave_v be_v whether_o god_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o this_o 6._o charge_n as_o he_o leave_v man_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o may_v be_v ground_v on_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o god_n do_v not_o create_v man_n in_o such_o a_o condition_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o have_v sin_v or_o that_o know_v his_o temptation_n he_o do_v not_o give_v he_o power_n to_o resist_v it_o if_o neither_o of_o these_o will_v lay_v any_o imputation_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a upon_o god_n than_o god_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v whole_o free_a from_o it_o first_o concern_v man_n being_n create_v a_o free_a agent_n if_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o school_n be_v good_a that_o possibility_n of_o â—inning_n be_v employ_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o consequent_o that_o impeccability_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o create_v be_v then_o we_o see_v a_o 9_o necessary_a reason_n why_o man_n be_v create_v in_o a_o state_n of_o liberty_n but_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o natural_a reason_n i_o shall_v rather_o make_v use_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o who_o profess_v to_o be_v follower_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n among_o who_o i_o shall_v make_v choice_n of_o simplicius_n both_o â—or_a the_o reason_n he_o produceâ—h_v and_o because_o he_o be_v far_o from_o any_o suspicion_n of_o partiality_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o know_a opposition_n to_o the_o mosaic_a history_n of_o the_o creation_n he_o then_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o 175._o epictetus_n profess_o dispute_v this_o very_a subject_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a and_o after_o have_v reject_v that_o fond_a opinion_n of_o two_o principle_n one_o of_o good_a and_o the_o other_o of_o evil_n undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n whence_o evil_a come_v into_o the_o world_n which_o because_o it_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o illustrate_v our_o present_a subject_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o god_n say_v he_o who_o be_v the_o â—ountain_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o good_a not_o only_o produce_v thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o good_a nor_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o middle_a nature_n but_o the_o extreme_n too_o which_o be_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v pervert_v from_o that_o which_o be_v according_a to_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o we_o call_v evil_a and_o that_o after_o those_o body_n which_o be_v as_o he_o suppose_v incorruptible_a other_o be_v produce_v which_o be_v subject_a to_o mutation_n and_o corruption_n and_o so_o after_o those_o soul_n which_o be_v immutable_o fix_v in_o good_a other_o be_v produce_v which_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v from_o it_o that_o so_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n goodness_n may_v be_v display_v in_o make_v to_o exist_v all_o being_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o that_o the_o universe_n may_v be_v perfect_a in_o have_v all_o sort_n of_o being_n in_o it_o now_o he_o suppose_v that_o all_o these_o being_n which_o be_v above_o this_o sublunary_a world_n be_v such_o as_o be_v immutable_o good_a and_o that_o the_o low_a sort_n of_o being_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v to_o evil_a be_v such_o which_o be_v here_o below_o therefore_o say_v he_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o immutable_a nature_n while_o it_o be_v by_o its_o self_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o evil_a but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n apt_a to_o be_v join_v with_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o universe_n who_o produce_v such_o soul_n that_o so_o both_o extreme_n may_v be_v join_v by_o the_o bond_n of_o vital_a union_n thereby_o it_o become_v sensible_a of_o those_o evil_n and_o pain_n which_o the_o body_n be_v subject_a to_o but_o thâ—se_a thing_n be_v not_o proper_o evil_n but_o rather_o good_a consider_v our_o terrestrial_a body_n as_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n which_o be_v uphold_v by_o the_o change_n and_o vicissitude_n which_o be_v in_o this_o low_a world_n wâ—â—ch_v he_o large_o discourse_n on_o to_o show_v that_o those_o particular_a alteration_n which_o be_v in_o body_n do_v conduce_v rather_o to_o the_o perfection_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o universe_n then_o be_v any_o real_a evil_n in_o it_o but_o now_o say_v he_o for_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v proper_o evil_n viz._n moral_a evil_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d tâ—e_v lapse_n and_o error_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v soul_n of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o we_o be_v which_o be_v immutal_o good_a â—nd_v the_o soul_n of_o brute_n be_v of_o a_o low_a kind_n than_o we_o be_v and_o yet_o be_v middle_a between_o the_o rational_a and_o vegetative_a have_v something_o in_o they_o parallel_n both_o to_o the_o appetite_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v in_o man_n which_o will_v therefore_o be_v understand_v by_o a_o account_n of_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d salonasii_fw-la the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v nexus_fw-la utriusque_fw-la mundi_fw-la in_o the_o middle_n between_o those_o more_o excellent_a being_n which_o perpetual_o remain_v above_o with_o which_o it_o partake_v in_o the_o sublimity_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o understanding_n and_o those_o inferior_a terrestrical_a being_n with_o which_o it_o communicate_v through_o the_o vital_a union_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o body_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o that_o freedom_n and_o indifferency_n which_o it_o have_v it_o sometime_o be_v assimilate_v to_o the_o one_o sometime_o to_o the_o other_o of_o these_o extreme_n so_o that_o while_o it_o approach_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o superior_a being_n it_o keep_v itself_o free_a from_o evil_n but_o because_o of_o its_o freedom_n it_o may_v sometime_o sink_v down_o into_o these_o low_a thing_n and_o so_o he_o call_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o evil_n in_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d its_o voluntary_a descent_n into_o this_o low_a world_n and_o immerse_v its_o self_n in_o the_o feculency_n of_o terrestrial_a matter_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o though_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o kind_n of_o amphibious_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o force_v either_o upward_o or_o downward_o but_o act_v either_o way_n according_a to_o its_o internal_a liberty_n but_o say_v he_o while_o the_o rational_a soul_n keep_v that_o power_n which_o it_o have_v in_o its_o hand_n over_o the_o body_n and_o make_v use_v of_o it_o only_o as_o a_o instrument_n for_o its_o own_o good_a so_o long_o it_o keep_v pure_a and_o free_a from_o any_o stain_n of_o evil_a but_o when_o it_o once_o forget_v the_o similitude_n it_o have_v with_o the_o morâ—_n excellent_a be_v and_o throw_v away_o the_o sceptre_n of_o its_o power_n and_o drown_v itself_o in_o the_o body_n and_o brutish_a affection_n prefer_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n above_o that_o of_o reason_n when_o it_o so_o far_o degenerate_v below_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o in_o stead_n of_o command_v the_o brutish_a faculty_n it_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o they_o than_o it_o conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o evil_a but_o this_o it_o do_v not_o through_o any_o coaction_n or_o necessity_n but_o through_o the_o abuse_n of_o that_o power_n and_o liberty_n which_o it_o have_v for_o the_o choice_n be_v a_o proper_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n its_o self_n which_o he_o prove_v from_o hence_o because_o god_n and_o the_o law_n and_o all_o good_a man_n do_v not_o measure_v the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o action_n so_o much_o by_o the_o event_n as_o by_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o person_n and_o that_o punishment_n and_o reward_n have_v chief_o a_o respect_n to_o these_o and_o therefore_o man_n be_v pardon_v for_o what_o they_o do_v out_o of_o constraint_n and_o force_n and_o the_o fault_n be_v ascribe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o to_o he_o that_o do_v it_o but_o to_o he_o that_o force_v he_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o and_o so_o from_o hence_o he_o conclude_v that_o because_o of_o the_o freedom_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n nothing_o else_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n proper_o but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o this_o excellent_a speech_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v thus_o find_v out_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a let_v we_o cry_v out_o with_o a_o loud_a voice_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n because_o the_o soul_n free_o do_v that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o not_o god_n for_o if_o
be_v expressive_a of_o the_o several_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v use_v to_o represent_v for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o use_n of_o word_n be_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a vocabulary_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o a_o index_n to_o memory_n and_o of_o no_o further_a use_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o knowledge_n then_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o word_n man_n be_v agree_v to_o call_v thing_n by_o but_o something_o further_a seem_v to_o be_v intend_v in_o their_o first_o imposition_n whence_o the_o jew_n call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o mercer_n tell_v we_o a_o separation_n and_o distinction_n 19_o of_o the_o several_a kind_n of_o thing_n and_o kircher_n thus_o paraphrase_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n and_o whatsoever_o adam_n call_v every_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v the_o name_n thereof_o i_o e._n say_v 1._o he_o fuerunt_fw-la illis_fw-la vera_fw-la &_o germane_a nomina_fw-la &_o rerum_fw-la naturis_fw-la propriè_fw-la accommodata_fw-la but_o however_o this_o be_v we_o have_v this_o further_a evidence_n of_o that_o height_n of_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o first_o man_n that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o first_o in_o his_o kind_n so_o he_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o therefore_o can_v not_o want_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o due_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o as_o the_o shekel_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n be_v if_o not_o double_a to_o other_o as_o man_n ordinary_o mistake_v yet_o of_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a weight_n because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n for_o all_o other_o weight_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o its_o be_v keep_v in_o the_o temple_n so_o if_o the_o first_o man_n have_v not_o double_a the_o proportion_n and_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n which_o his_o posterity_n have_v if_o it_o be_v not_o run_v over_o in_o regard_n of_o abundance_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v press_v down_o and_o shake_v together_o in_o regard_n of_o weight_n else_o he_o will_v be_v a_o very_a unfit_a standard_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v by_o concern_v the_o due_a and_o suitable_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o we_o need_v not_o have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o as_o the_o first_o man_n to_o 4._o evince_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o even_o among_o the_o present_a ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o may_v find_v some_o such_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n that_o discern_v so_o much_o beauty_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n that_o to_o such_o as_o shall_v inquire_v what_o they_o find_v so_o attractive_a in_o it_o their_o answer_n will_v be_v the_o same_o with_o aristotle_n in_o a_o like_a case_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o question_n of_o those_o who_o never_o see_v it_o for_o so_o please_a be_v the_o enquiry_n and_o so_o satisfactory_a the_o find_n of_o truth_n after_o the_o search_n that_o the_o relish_n of_o it_o do_v far_o exceed_v the_o great_a epicurism_n of_o apicius_n or_o the_o most_o costly_a entertainment_n of_o cleopatra_n there_o be_v no_o gust_n so_o exquisite_a as_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n nor_o any_o jewel_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o truth_n nor_o do_v any_o person_n certain_o better_a deserve_v the_o name_n of_o man_n than_o such_o who_o allow_v their_o reason_n a_o full_a employment_n and_o think_v not_o the_o erectness_n of_o man_n stature_n a_o sufficient_a distinction_n of_o he_o from_o brute_n of_o which_o those_o may_v be_v account_v only_o a_o high_a species_n who_o can_v patient_o suffer_v the_o imprisonment_n of_o their_o intellectual_n in_o a_o dungeon_n of_o ignorance_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n only_o by_o those_o character_n by_o which_o alexander_n know_v himself_o not_o to_o be_v a_o god_n by_o their_o proneness_n to_o intemperance_n and_o sleep_n so_o strange_a a_o metempsychosis_n may_v there_o be_v without_o any_o change_n of_o body_n and_o euphorbus_n his_o soul_n may_v become_v a_o brute_n without_o ever_o remove_v its_o lodging_n into_o the_o body_n of_o a_o ass._n so_o much_o will_v the_o soul_n degenerate_a from_o its_o self_n if_o not_o improve_v and_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o sullenness_n scarce_o appear_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o improve_v to_o what_o it_o may_v be_v but_o if_o this_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a so_o natural_a so_o object_n valuable_a a_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n whence_o come_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n whence_o come_v so_o many_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n to_o court_v a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n to_o pretend_v a_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o yet_o to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n error_n if_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sympathy_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n there_o will_v be_v a_o impatient_a desire_n after_o it_o and_o a_o most_o ready_a embrace_v and_o close_v with_o it_o we_o see_v the_o magnet_n do_v not_o draw_v the_o iron_n with_o great_a force_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o run_v with_o impatience_n into_o its_o close_a embrace_n if_o there_o have_v be_v former_o so_o intimate_v a_o acquaintance_n between_o the_o soul_n and_o truth_n as_o socrates_n fancy_v of_o friend_n in_o the_o other_o world_n there_o will_v be_v a_o harmonious_a closure_n upon_o the_o first_o appearance_n and_o no_o divorce_n to_o be_v after_o make_v between_o they_o true_o but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v there_o be_v a_o intermediate_v state_n between_o the_o former_a acquaintance_n and_o the_o renewal_a of_o answ._n it_o wherein_o all_o those_o remain_a character_n of_o mutual_a knowledge_n be_v sink_v so_o deep_a and_o lie_v so_o hide_v that_o there_o need_v a_o new_a fire_n to_o be_v kindle_v to_o bring_v forth_o those_o latent_fw-la figure_n and_o make_v they_o again_o appear_v legible_a and_o when_o once_o those_o token_n be_v produce_v of_o the_o former_a friendship_n there_o be_v not_o more_o impatient_a long_n nor_o more_o close_a embrace_n between_o the_o touch_v needle_n and_o the_o magnet_n then_o there_o be_v between_o the_o understanding_n and_o discover_v truth_n but_o then_o withal_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o soul_n be_v awaken_v out_o of_o that_o lethargy_n they_o be_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n the_o most_o be_v so_o please_v with_o their_o sleep_n that_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o disturb_v their_o rest_n and_o set_v a_o high_a price_n upon_o a_o lazy_a ignorance_n then_o upon_o a_o restless_a knowledge_n and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o soul_n be_v as_o it_o be_v between_o sleep_v and_o wake_v what_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o remain_a confusion_n of_o the_o species_n in_o their_o brain_n what_o by_o the_o present_a dimness_n of_o their_o sight_n and_o the_o hover_v uncertain_a light_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o there_o be_v few_o that_o can_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n and_o a_o real_a truth_n of_o which_o these_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v viz._n why_o so_o few_o pretender_n to_o knowledge_n do_v light_n on_o truth_n first_o want_v of_o a_o impartial_a diligence_n in_o the_o search_n of_o it_o 6._o truth_n now_o must_v be_v seek_v and_o that_o with_o care_n and_o dilgence_n before_o we_o find_v it_o jewel_n do_v not_o use_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n highway_n be_v seldom_o pave_v with_o gold_n what_o be_v most_o worth_a our_o find_v call_v for_o the_o great_a search_n if_o one_o that_o walk_v the_o street_n shall_v find_v some_o inestimable_a jewel_n or_o one_o that_o travel_v the_o road_n meet_v with_o a_o bag_n of_o gold_n it_o will_v be_v but_o a_o silly_a design_n of_o any_o to_o walk_v the_o street_n or_o travel_v the_o road_n in_o hope_n to_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o purchase_n to_o make_v they_o rich_a if_o some_o have_v happy_o light_a on_o some_o valuable_a truth_n when_o they_o mind_v nothing_o less_o than_o they_o must_v this_o render_v a_o diligence_n useless_a in_o inquiry_n after_o such_o no_o truth_n though_o she_o be_v so_o fair_a and_o please_a as_o to_o draw_v our_o affection_n be_v yet_o so_o modest_a as_o to_o admit_v of_o be_v court_v and_o it_o may_v be_v deny_v the_o first_o suit_n to_o heighten_v our_o importunity_n and_o certain_o nothing_o have_v often_o forbid_v the_o bane_n between_o the_o understanding_n and_o truth_n inquire_v after_o than_o partiality_n and_o preoccupation_n of_o judgement_n which_o make_v man_n inquire_v more_o diligent_o after_o the_o dowry_n than_o the_o beauty_n of_o truth_n its_o correspondency_n to_o their_o interest_n than_o its_o evidence_n to_o their_o understanding_n a_o useful_a error_n have_v often_o keep_v the_o key_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o free_a admission_n when_o important_a
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o 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rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n 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advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
of_o reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v subsist_v after_o death_n without_o the_o boay_n from_o what_o philosophy_n be_v this_o derive_v certain_o from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o any_o one_o who_o strict_o observe_v the_o close_a coherence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n will_v find_v very_o little_a room_n leave_v for_o a_o eternal_a be_v to_o interpose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v shrewd_o observe_v that_o aristotle_n speak_v more_o favourable_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o his_o exoteric_o then_o in_o his_o acroamaticks_n which_o all_o that_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n will_v guess_v at_o the_o reason_n of_o i_o demand_v then_o must_v the_o receive_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o those_o short_a imperfect_a theory_n which_o be_v form_v more_o from_o tradition_n then_o experience_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_n be_v take_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n or_o no_o if_o they_o must_v we_o may_v soon_o forsake_v not_o only_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v soon_o shake_v hand_n with_o creation_n providence_n if_o not_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v disow_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o know_v what_o will_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o and_o what_o law_n our_o faith_n must_v be_v try_v by_o be_v they_o only_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o the_o undoubted_a common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o whosoever_o understand_v assent_n to_o they_o let_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a mystery_n be_v make_v appear_v to_o contradict_v these_o and_o we_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o captive_n to_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o jejune_n unprove_v hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n be_v set_v as_o judge_n over_o matter_n of_o faith_n who_o only_a warrant_n for_o that_o office_n must_v be_v stat_n pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la voluntas_fw-la let_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v by_o be_v first_o manifest_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o universal_a inspection_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n let_v the_o manner_n of_o process_n be_v show_v how_o they_o be_v collect_v lest_o they_o labour_v with_o the_o common_a fault_n of_o the_o chemist_n of_o establish_v hypostatical_a principle_n from_o the_o experiment_n of_o some_o particular_a body_n which_o other_o do_v as_o evident_o refute_v and_o last_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o these_o principle_n thus_o collect_v will_v serve_v indifferent_o for_o all_o being_n spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o material_a infinite_a as_o well_o as_o finite_a and_o when_o this_o task_n be_v exact_o perform_v we_o will_v make_v room_n for_o reason_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n and_o bring_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o prisoner_n to_o its_o bar._n four_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n what_o certainty_n can_v 4._o we_o have_v at_o all_o of_o anything_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v who_o have_v fix_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o man_n call_v reason_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o will_v come_v and_o no_o further_o if_o no_o bank_n be_v raise_v against_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o its_o due_a channel_n we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o fear_v it_o may_v in_o time_n overthrow_v not_o only_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n too_o what_o prescription_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o reason_n more_o than_o for_o another_o one_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o why_o not_o another_o reject_v another_o article_n on_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o whatever_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n be_v if_o it_o be_v but_o baptize_v by_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v by_o this_o principle_n pass_v uncontrolled_a if_o a_o sullen_a philosopher_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n contradict_v his_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o the_o trinity_n do_v they_o and_o that_o the_o universe_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o body_n by_o what_o artifice_n will_v our_o master_n of_o reason_n purge_v away_o all_o that_o black_a choler_n that_o so_o cloud_n his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v see_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n through_o it_o and_o such_o one_o will_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n but_o he_o will_v reconcile_v his_o opinion_n with_o scripture_n too_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v he_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o man_n explication_n of_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o he_o can_v see_v of_o understand_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n then_o his_o own_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v be_v all_o anthropomorphites_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intelligible_a shall_v not_o this_o man_n put_v in_o for_o reason_n too_o nay_o last_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o device_n of_o subtle_a man_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v through_o chance_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n and_o that_o all_o be_v fool_n which_o be_v not_o atheist_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o apprehend_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o reject_v some_o mystery_n of_o religion_n he_o reject_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o because_o a_o infinite_a be_v be_v incomprehensible_a whither_o now_o have_v our_o reason_n carry_v we_o while_o we_o pretend_v to_o reject_v any_o thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v mere_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v on_o what_o account_n then_o do_v we_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v reason_n judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o reject_v these_o opinion_n not_o only_o as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o as_o insufficient_o prove_v from_o scripture_n whereas_o we_o here_o suppose_v it_o not_o be_v our_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o body_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o reject_v on_o that_o account_n that_o though_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v fair_a for_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v otherwise_o to_o be_v interpret_v because_o suppose_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o those_o doctrine_n before_o mention_v be_v eminent_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n oâ—_n it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n but_o these_o we_o now_o mention_n be_v no_o way_n conducible_a to_o that_o end_n but_o seem_v to_o thwart_v and_o overthrow_v it_o and_o transubstantiation_n establish_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n 3._o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v lay_v upon_o ambiguous_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o trope_n and_o figure_n in_o they_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o contain_v in_o plain_a scripture_n but_o be_v evidence_v by_o visible_a appearance_n as_o particular_o at_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o there_o be_v far_o great_a ground_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v the_o trinity_n on_o this_o account_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o reject_v those_o opinion_n be_v fetch_v from_o those_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o body_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o opinion_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o which_o case_n god_n himself_o sometime_o appeal_v to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o case_n when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o pronounce_v with_o confidence_n that_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o god_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o which_o give_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v as_o undoubted_o true_a though_o our_o reason_n can_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o all_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o to_o these_o sublime_a
venture_v their_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o write_v concern_v he_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v concern_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n 2._o the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v evident_a in_o their_o manner_n of_o 16._o report_v the_o thing_n which_o they_o deliver_v for_o if_o ever_o there_o may_v be_v any_o thing_n gather_v from_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d concern_v the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o person_n from_o who_o it_o come_v we_o may_v certain_o read_v the_o great_a fidelity_n in_o the_o apostle_n from_o the_o peculiar_a manner_n of_o their_o express_a themselves_o to_o the_o world_n which_o they_o do_v 1._o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n not_o declare_v only_o what_o be_v glorious_a and_o admirable_a to_o the_o world_n but_o what_o they_o know_v will_v be_v account_v foolishness_n by_o it_o they_o who_o have_v seek_v only_o to_o have_v be_v admire_v for_o the_o rare_a discovery_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o the_o world_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o conceal_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v account_v ridiculous_a but_o the_o apostle_n fix_v themselves_o most_o on_o what_o be_v most_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v most_o mock_v and_o deride_v for_o that_o they_o delight_v most_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o which_o be_v the_o cross_n of_o christ._n paul_n be_v so_o much_o in_o love_n with_o this_o which_o be_v a_o stumble_a block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o foolishness_n to_o the_o greek_n that_o he_o value_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nothing_o else_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v nay_o 14._o he_o elsewhere_o say_v god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v glory_n save_v in_o the_o cross_n of_o christ._n what_o now_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v rejoice_v in_o that_o most_o which_o be_v most_o despicable_a to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o they_o see_v far_o â—reater_a truth_n and_o excellency_n in_o it_o then_o in_o the_o most_o sublime_a speculation_n concern_v god_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a philosopher_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v be_v bind_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n to_o believe_v in_o one_o who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n be_v a_o strange_a doctrine_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a world_n but_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v but_o endeavour_v to_o have_v suit_v their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n what_o rare_a person_n may_v they_o have_v be_v account_v among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n have_v they_o only_o in_o general_a term_n discourse_v of_o the_o benignity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o manifestation_n of_o divine_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o bring_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o a_o near_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o perfect_a idea_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o the_o person_n of_o god_n and_o the_o resplendency_n of_o his_o glory_n have_v veil_v himself_o in_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v everywhere_o scatter_v such_o beam_n of_o light_n and_o goodness_n as_o warm_v and_o invigorate_v the_o freeze_a spirit_n of_o man_n with_o high_a sentiment_n of_o god_n and_o themselves_o and_o raise_v they_o up_o above_o the_o feculency_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a matter_n to_o breath_n in_o a_o free_a air_n and_o converse_v with_o more_o noble_a object_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o fit_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o those_o more_o pure_a illapse_n of_o real_a goodness_n which_o may_v always_o satisfy_v the_o soul_n desire_n and_o yet_o always_o keep_v they_o up_o till_o the_o soul_n shall_v be_v sun_v its_o self_n to_o all_o eternity_n under_o the_o immediate_a beam_n of_o light_n and_o love_n and_o that_o after_o this_o incarnate_a deity_n have_v spread_v abroad_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o love_n for_o a_o while_n upon_o this_o low_a world_n till_o by_o his_o gentle_a heat_n and_o incubation_n he_o have_v quicken_v the_o more_o pliable_a world_n to_o some_o degree_n of_o a_o divine_a life_n he_o then_o retreat_v himself_o back_o again_o into_o the_o superior_a world_n and_o put_v off_o that_o vail_n by_o which_o he_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o those_o who_o be_v here_o confine_v to_o the_o prison_n of_o their_o body_n thus_o i_o say_v have_v the_o apostle_n mind_v applause_n among_o the_o admire_a philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o to_o have_v make_v some_o considerable_a addition_n to_o their_o high_a speculation_n and_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a as_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o this_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o the_o main_a thing_n which_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v the_o vanity_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n without_o christ_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n believe_v in_o that_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v at_o jerusalem_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o discover_v very_o much_o infinite_o more_o than_o ever_o the_o most_o lofty_a pl_z tonist_n can_v do_v concern_v the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o that_o wherein_o they_o manifest_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n be_v that_o he_o give_v his_o 16._o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o herein_o be_v the_o love_n 8._o of_o god_n manifest_v that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o 15._o acceptation_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n they_o never_o dream_v of_o any_o divine_a goodness_n which_o shall_v make_v man_n happy_a without_o christ_n no_o it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o communication_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o shall_v think_v otherwise_o unless_o plato_n know_v more_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n than_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o plotinus_n then_o saint_n paul_n can_v we_o think_v now_o that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n so_o much_o as_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n and_o be_v account_v babbler_n and_o fool_n and_o madman_n for_o preach_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o person_n crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n at_o jerusalem_n have_v they_o not_o be_v convince_v not_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n but_o importance_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o concern_v man_n as_o much_o to_o believe_v it_o as_o it_o do_v to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n do_v saint_n paul_n preach_v ever_o the_o less_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n and_o soberness_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v to_o his_o face_n that_o his_o learning_n have_v make_v he_o mad_a but_o if_o he_o be_v beside_o himself_o it_o be_v for_o christ_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v he_o willing_a to_o lose_v his_o reputation_n for_o he_o see_v christ_n make_v himself_o of_o no_o reputation_n that_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o do_v we_o good_a we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o neither_o in_o their_o preach_n or_o their_o write_n will_v they_o omit_v any_o of_o those_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n death_n which_o may_v be_v account_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a to_o his_o person_n which_o be_v certain_o as_o great_a a_o evidence_n of_o their_o sidelity_n as_o can_v be_v expect_v which_o make_v origen_n say_v that_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n write_v all_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o candour_n and_o cels._n love_n of_o truth_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n those_o passage_n of_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v be_v account_v most_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a 2._o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o speech_n such_o who_o design_n be_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n with_o some_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n love_v as_o much_o ambiguity_n as_o ever_o apollo_n do_v in_o his_o most_o wind_a oracle_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v ambage_n nexâ_fw-la delphico_n mos_fw-la est_fw-la dco_o arcana_fw-la tegere_fw-la servius_n tell_v we_o that_o jupiter_n ammon_n be_v therefore_o picture_v id_fw-la with_o rams-horn_n because_o his_o answer_n
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o 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as_o a_o matter_n trivial_a and_o impertinent_a which_o can_v arise_v but_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o ground_n that_o either_o they_o think_v it_o no_o great_a wisdom_n to_o let_v go_v their_o present_a hold_n as_o to_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o that_o which_o they_o secret_o question_v whether_o they_o shall_v ever_o live_v to_o see_v or_o no_o or_o else_o that_o their_o mind_n be_v in_o suspense_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o send_v on_o a_o guiana_n voyage_n to_o heaven_n whâ—ther_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o be_v yet_o full_o discover_v or_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v be_v such_o as_o may_v infallible_o conduct_v they_o thâ—her_o the_o first_o though_o it_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o sense_n fruition_n delight_n and_o further_a expectation_n yet_o to_o a_o rational_a person_n who_o serious_o reflect_v on_o himself_o and_o sum_n up_o what_o after_o all_o his_o trouble_n and_o disquietment_n in_o the_o procure_n his_o care_n in_o keep_v 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condition_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v partaker_n of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n by_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o that_o god_n our_o nature_n be_v now_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n from_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o important_a enquiry_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o we_o continual_o see_v how_o successless_a and_o unsatisfactory_a the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o have_v be_v to_o themselves_o at_o last_o who_o have_v seek_v for_o this_o happiness_n in_o a_o way_n of_o their_o own_o find_v out_o the_o large_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n wherein_o god_n have_v describe_v so_o much_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v yet_o too_o dark_a and_o obscure_a too_o short_a and_o imperfect_a to_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o eternal_a happiness_n unless_o then_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v man_n soul_n at_o first_o do_v show_v they_o the_o way_n for_o their_o recovery_n as_o they_o be_v in_o a_o degenerate_a so_o they_o will_v be_v in_o a_o desperate_a 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3._o as_o contain_v that_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o relate_v to_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n general_o as_o contain_v in_o it_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v in_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v 2._o the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v 1._o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v these_o three_o way_n 1._o as_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n 2._o as_o mâ—tters_n of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n 3._o as_o matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o they_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v most_o know_v by_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v and_o therefore_o that_o wherein_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v can_v contain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v mean_a and_o trivial_a they_o must_v be_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a importance_n which_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n of_o the_o world_n vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v to_o man_n concern_v and_o such_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o his_o word_n to_o be_v which_o either_o concern_v the_o rectify_v our_o apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o make_v know_v to_o man_n their_o state_n and_o condition_n or_o discover_v the_o way_n whereby_o to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n now_o which_o be_v there_o of_o these_o three_o which_o suppose_v god_n to_o discover_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o high_o become_v he_o to_o speak_v to_o man_n of_o 1._o what_o be_v there_o which_o it_o do_v more_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o know_v then_o god_n himself_o or_o what_o more_o glorious_a and_o excellent_a 4._o object_n can_v he_o discover_v then_o himself_o to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_o which_o shall_v more_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o then_o that_o thereby_o we_o may_v grow_v more_o acquaint_v with_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v more_o of_o his_o nature_n and_o all_o his_o perfection_n and_o many_o of_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o his_o act_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v by_o they_o understand_v with_o safety_n what_o the_o eternal_a purpose_n of_o god_n be_v as_o to_o the_o wâ—y_n of_o man_n recovery_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n we_o may_v there_o see_v and_o understand_v the_o great_a wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n and_o order_v of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o gradual_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o his_o people_n by_o what_o step_n he_o train_v up_o his_o church_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n be_v come_v what_o his_o aim_n be_v in_o lay_v such_o a_o load_n of_o ceremony_n on_o his_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o what_o step_n &_o degrce_v he_o make_v way_n for_o the_o full_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o speak_v in_o these_o last_o day_n by_o his_o son_n after_o he_o have_v speak_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o divers_a manner_n by_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n unto_o the_o father_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o read_v the_o most_o rich_a and_o admirable_a discovery_n of_o divine_a goodness_n and_o all_o the_o way_n and_o method_n he_o use_v in_o allure_a sinner_n to_o himself_o with_o what_o majesty_n he_o command_v with_o what_o condiscension_n he_o entreat_v with_o what_o importunity_n he_o woo_v man_n soul_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o with_o what_o favour_n he_o embrace_v with_o what_o tenderness_n he_o chastise_v with_o what_o bowel_n he_o pity_v those_o who_o have_v choose_v he_o to_o be_v their_o god_n with_o what_o power_n he_o support_v with_o what_o wisdom_n he_o directâ—th_v with_o what_o cordial_n he_o
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
undertake_v to_o write_v of_o and_o so_o be_v deceive_v himself_o second_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o design_n in_o deceive_v other_o in_o report_v it_o three_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o all_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v not_o deceive_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o history_n be_v undoubted_o true_a first_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v deceive_v himself_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v of_o two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o prevent_v a_o man_n be_v deceive_v himself_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a judgement_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n second_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a information_n concern_v the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v to_o write_v of_o if_o either_o of_o these_o two_o be_v want_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n of_o integrity_n to_o be_v deceive_v for_o a_o honest_a heart_n have_v not_o always_o a_o urim_fw-la and_o thummim_n upon_o it_o nor_o be_v fidelity_n always_o furnish_v with_o the_o acute_a intellectual_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v its_o self_n as_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n be_v to_o deceive_v other_o but_o where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n be_v to_o prevent_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o dove_n innocency_n in_o not_o deceive_a other_o there_o be_v all_o the_o qualification_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o any_o one_o who_o undertake_v only_o to_o tell_v the_o truth_n first_o then_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o great_a understanding_n and_o sufficient_o qualify_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n will_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o education_n second_o from_o the_o ripeness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o experience_n when_o he_o pen_v these_o thing_n first_o we_o begin_v with_o his_o education_n and_o here_o we_o require_v at_o present_a no_o further_o assent_v to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o be_v report_v concern_v moses_n in_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o give_v to_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o relation_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o person_n who_o live_v in_o former_a age_n two_o thing_n then_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n concern_v moses_n his_o education_n 22._o that_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o these_o two_o will_v abundant_o prove_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o hiâ—_n education_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n both_o conversant_a in_o civil_a affair_n and_o acquaint_v with_o the_o abstruser_n part_n of_o all_o the_o egyptian_a wisdom_n and_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o which_o do_v advance_v 2._o so_o much_o the_o repute_n of_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a learning_n as_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o set_v forth_o a_o person_n otherwise_o renown_v for_o great_a accomplishment_n by_o his_o skill_n in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o ordinary_a person_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o person_n by_o that_o which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o commendation_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o imagine_v it_o of_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o inspire_v stephen_n in_o that_o apology_n which_o he_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o the_o libertine_n who_o charge_v he_o with_o contempt_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o be_v some_o very_a observable_a thing_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o singular_a commendation_n of_o moses_n by_o that_o person_n who_o design_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o high_a a_o esteem_n he_o have_v of_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o learning_n be_v not_o only_o in_o its_o self_n a_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o veneration_n even_o in_o those_o who_o have_v excellency_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n to_o commend_v they_o if_o a_o pearl_n retain_v its_o excellency_n when_o it_o lie_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o can_v certain_o lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o lustre_n by_o be_v set_v in_o a_o crown_n of_o gold_n if_o learning_n be_v commendable_a in_o a_o egyptian_a it_o be_v no_o less_o in_o moses_n where_o it_o be_v enamel_v with_o more_o noble_a perfection_n then_o of_o itself_o it_o can_v reach_v unto_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o ancient_a learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o improve_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o overflow_a nilus_n as_o will_v enrich_v the_o understanding_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v its_o stream_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o want_v not_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o elevation_n which_o the_o present_a distance_n of_o our_o age_n make_v we_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v and_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v in_o a_o set_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o great_a defect_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o 12._o neither_o can_v it_o i_o think_v be_v deny_v but_o according_a to_o the_o report_v we_o have_v now_o concern_v it_o some_o part_n of_o their_o learning_n be_v frivolous_a other_o obscure_a a_o great_a deal_n magical_a and_o the_o rest_n short_a of_o that_o improvement_n which_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o part_n and_o industry_n of_o after_o age_n give_v unto_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v again_o as_o evident_a that_o some_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o egyptian_n other_o much_o improve_v and_o that_o the_o greek_n do_v at_o first_o set_v up_o with_o the_o stock_n they_o borrow_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o learning_n chief_o flourish_v there_o when_o there_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o greece_n as_o well_o as_o other_o nation_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o consideration_n the_o great_a antiquity_n 3_o of_o their_o repute_n for_o learning_n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o have_v for_o promote_a it_o and_o the_o part_n of_o learning_n most_o in_o use_n among_o they_o this_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n here_o will_v yet_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o design_n by_o show_v thereby_o how_o qualify_v and_o accomplish_a moses_n be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n a_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n if_o we_o believe_v macrobius_n there_o be_v no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v â—ye_z for_o learn_v with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o make_v egypt_n in_o one_o place_n the_o mother_n 19_o of_o all_o art_n and_o in_o another_o the_o egyptian_n omnium_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la disciplinarum_fw-la parent_n the_o father_n of_o the_o philosophic_a science_n he_o derive_v elsewhere_o the_o original_n of_o all_o astronomy_n from_o they_o quos_fw-la constat_fw-la primos_fw-la omnium_fw-la coelum_fw-la metiri_fw-la &_o scrutari_fw-la ausos_fw-la though_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o nativity_n even_o of_o astronomy_n itself_o be_v first_o calculate_v by_o the_o chaldeans_n from_o who_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o egyptian_n he_o 21._o likewise_o appropriate_v all_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o they_o where_o he_o say_v they_o be_v soli_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la conscii_fw-la and_o after_o call_v egypt_n divinarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la disciplinarum_fw-la compotem_fw-la it_o be_v 13._o sufficient_o notorious_a what_o great_a repute_n the_o egyptian_a learning_n have_v be_v in_o with_o some_o in_o our_o latter_a time_n in_o that_o our_o chemist_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o think_v they_o can_v claim_v kindred_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n and_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o their_o chemistry_n from_o the_o old_a egyptian_a hermes_n but_o that_o vain_a pretence_n be_v sufficient_o refute_v by_o the_o forementioned_a learned_a man_n conringius_n in_o his_o tract_n on_o this_o subject_n de_fw-fr hermeticâ_fw-la medicinâ_fw-la franciscus_n patricius_n profess_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o bad_a exchange_n if_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n be_v extrude_v and_o the_o old_a egyptian_a receive_v instead_o of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n be_v now_o grow_v wise_a then_o to_o receive_v his_o hermes_n trismegistus_n for_o the_o author_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a philosophy_n the_o credit_n of_o his_o author_n be_v for_o ever_o blast_v and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n manifest_v to_o be_v a_o
to_o be_v understand_v in_o those_o word_n concern_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n will_v appear_v by_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o be_v bring_v in_o for_o verse_n 14._o god_n prohibit_v they_o to_o hearken_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o neighbour-nation_n to_o observer_n of_o time_n and_o diviner_n and_o then_o bring_v in_o the_o follow_a word_n v_o 15._o as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o prohibiteon_n that_o god_n will_v raise_v up_o a_o prophet_n among_o themselves_o like_a unto_o moses_n and_o to_o he_o shall_v they_o hearken_v now_o let_v any_o rational_a man_n judge_v whether_o 1._o it_o be_v so_o probable_a a_o argument_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o harken_v to_o diviner_n of_o other_o nation_n that_o there_o shall_v a_o prophet_n arise_v 2000_o year_n after_o like_a unto_o moses_n as_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v up_o a_o continue_a succession_n of_o prophet_n among_o themselves_o to_o who_o they_o shall_v hearken_v thus_o origen_n in_o his_o excellent_a book_n against_o celsus_n show_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n among_o the_o jew_n from_o hence_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v write_v in_o their_o law_n that_o the_o gentile_n hearkend_v unto_o oracle_n and_o divination_n but_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v 14._o it_o to_o be_v so_o among_o they_o it_o present_o follow_v a_o prophet_n will_v the_o lord_n god_n raise_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o thou_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o say_v he_o when_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o have_v their_o oracle_n and_o several_a way_n of_o divination_n all_o which_o be_v strict_o prohibit_v among_o the_o jew_n if_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o way_n of_o foreknow_v thing_n to_o come_v it_o have_v be_v almost_o impossible_a consider_v the_o great_a curiosity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o have_v keep_v they_o from_o despise_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o apostatise_v to_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o set_v up_o something_o like_o they_o among_o themselves_o which_o interpretation_n of_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n not_o only_o from_o the_o coherence_n of_o the_o word_n here_o but_o from_o the_o analogy_n of_o many_o other_o precept_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a have_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o idolatrous_a nation_n round_o about_o they_o another_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o by_o this_o be_v understand_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n be_v the_o change_n which_o follow_v against_o false_a prophet_n and_o the_o rule_n to_o discover_v they_o v_o 20_o 21_o 22._o which_o have_v not_o be_v so_o pertinent_a and_o coherent_a if_o the_o opposition_n do_v not_o lie_v between_o the_o order_n of_o true_a prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n which_o shall_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o that_o which_o yet_o further_o justify_v this_o interpretation_n be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o place_n in_o the_o whole_a pentateuch_n which_o do_v express_o speak_v of_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n if_o this_o be_v not_o understand_v of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o any_o way_n probabe_n a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n shall_v be_v whole_o pretermit_v especial_o when_o we_o find_v it_o so_o exact_o perform_v in_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a commonwealth_n their_o immediate_a ruler_n like_o dictator_n at_o rome_n after_o moses_n death_n be_v most_o raise_v up_o by_o immediate_a incitation_n and_o impulse_n from_o god_n and_o many_o of_o they_o inspire_v with_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n how_o shall_v the_o jew_n have_v expect_v these_o or_o obey_v they_o when_o they_o appear_v have_v not_o god_n foretell_v it_o to_o they_o and_o provide_v they_o for_o it_o by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n neither_o do_v these_o prophet_n arise_v single_o among_o they_o like_o blaze_a star_n one_o in_o a_o age_n to_o portend_v future_a event_n but_o whole_a constellation_n of_o they_o sometime_o appear_v together_o yea_o so_o many_o small_a prophet_n be_v sometime_o unite_v together_o as_o make_v up_o a_o perfect_a galaxy_n when_o they_o be_v enter_v into_o society_n and_o become_v school_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o such_o we_o frequent_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n the_o original_a and_o institution_n of_o which_o may_v cast_v a_o further_a light_n into_o our_o present_a design_n and_o show_v we_o the_o little_a reason_n the_o jew_n can_v have_v to_o expect_v miracle_n from_o they_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o law_n and_o be_v call_v out_o from_o their_o several_a society_n into_o the_o prophetical_a office_n by_o the_o immediate_a incitation_n of_o god_n himself_o which_o be_v so_o common_o know_v among_o they_o there_o need_v no_o such_o extraordinary_a proof_n to_o manifest_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o they_o be_v employ_v two_o thing_n then_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o clear_v first_o the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o erdinary_a course_n for_o the_o prophet_n by_o employment_n to_o be_v take_v forth_o of_o these_o society_n wherein_o they_o be_v educate_v first_o for_o the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o first_o seminary_n or_o place_n of_o institution_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o several_a tribe_n of_o israel_n god_n thereby_o turn_v that_o into_o a_o blessing_n which_o be_v pronounce_v as_o a_o curse_n upon_o levi_n by_o his_o father_n jacob_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v be_v divide_v in_o jacob_n and_o scatter_v in_o israel_n but_o though_o the_o fulfil_n of_o that_o 7._o prophecy_n may_v be_v the_o primary_n ground_n oâ—_n that_o scatter_v yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n aim_v at_o some_o further_a good_a in_o it_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o levite_n and_o the_o israelite_n lyra_n undertake_v to_o assign_v four_o reason_n of_o this_o distribution_n of_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n among_o the_o tribe_n 1_o because_o if_o they_o 21._o have_v live_v but_o in_o one_o tribe_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n will_v have_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v confine_v to_o that_o tribe_n 2_o because_o they_o will_v have_v be_v a_o burden_n to_o that_o tribe_n they_o have_v their_o habitation_n in_o 3_o from_o the_o equity_n of_o be_v maintain_v by_o all_o who_o serve_v for_o all_o 4_o because_o it_o be_v their_o office_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a they_o shall_v live_v among_o they_o these_o reason_n be_v most_o of_o they_o oppose_v by_o 14._o abulensis_n but_o defend_v by_o other_o the_o last_o be_v that_o which_o most_o insist_v on_o it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a office_n of_o the_o levite_n to_o teach_v the_o people_n so_o 2_o chron._n 35._o 4._o and_o say_v unto_o the_o levite_n qui_fw-la erudiebant_fw-la omnem_fw-la israelem_fw-la as_o vatablus_n render_v it_o who_o teach_v all_o israel_n and_o masius_n insist_o on_o that_o as_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o their_o dispersion_n to_o be_v ready_a to_o teach_v the_o law_n among_o the_o israelite_n but_o yet_o all_o those_o who_o be_v agree_v that_o teach_v the_o law_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o levite_n be_v not_o yet_o agree_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o teach_n for_o there_o be_v two_o part_n of_o their_o law_n the_o one_o ceremonial_a and_o judicial_a and_o the_o other_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a the_o question_n be_v whether_o of_o these_o two_o do_v belong_v to_o or_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n there_o be_v many_o who_o understand_v all_o that_o office_n of_o teach_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n to_o be_v mere_o concern_v the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n i._n e._n decide_v all_o case_n of_o controversy_n which_o shall_v arise_v concern_v their_o ceremonial_a worship_n which_o in_o levit._n 10._o 10._o be_v call_v put_v a_o difference_n between_o holy_a and_o unholy_a and_o between_o clean_a and_o unclean_a but_o it_o seem_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v take_v so_o great_a care_n about_o the_o shell_n and_o outside_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o none_o at_o all_o for_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o when_o he_o have_v set_v apart_o a_o whole_a tribe_n mere_o for_o his_o own_o service_n and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o other_o employment_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o great_a liberty_n to_o attend_v upon_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o service_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n 10._o to_o teach_v all_o the_o statute_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o
the_o necessary_a obligation_n to_o punishment_n but_o therein_o god_n do_v not_o bind_v up_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v in_o absolute_a promise_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o commination_n confer_v no_o right_n to_o any_o which_o absolute_a promise_n do_v and_o therefore_o god_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o necessary_a performance_n of_o what_o he_o threaten_v indeed_o the_o guilt_n or_o obligation_n to_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a where_o the_o offence_n hâ—â—_n be_v commit_v to_o which_o the_o threaten_a be_v annex_v but_o the_o execution_n of_o that_o punishment_n do_v still_o depend_v upon_o god_n arbitrarious_fw-la will_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v suspend_v or_o remove_v it_o upon_o serious_a address_n make_v to_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o since_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o take_v the_o present_a forfeiture_n of_o the_o first_o grand_a transgression_n but_o make_v such_o a_o relaxation_n of_o that_o penal_a law_n that_o condition_n of_o pardon_n be_v admittable_a notwithstanding_o sentence_v pass_v upon_o the_o malefactor_n there_o be_v a_o strong_a ground_n of_o presumption_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o god_n forbearance_n of_o mankind_n notwithstanding_o sin_n do_v suppose_v his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o therefore_o that_o all_o particular_a threaten_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v do_v suppose_v incorrigibleness_n in_o those_o they_o be_v pronounce_v against_o upon_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o hope_n be_v build_v that_o if_o timely_a repentance_n do_v intervene_v god_n will_v remove_v those_o judgement_n which_o be_v threaten_v against_o they_o and_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n upon_o jonas_n his_o preach_v among_o they_o for_o when_o the_o threaten_a 11._o be_v so_o peremptory_a yet_o forty_o day_n and_o ninive_n shall_v be_v destroy_v all_o the_o hope_n they_o can_v have_v of_o pardon_n must_v be_v from_o 4._o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o man_n soul_n of_o god_n readiness_n to_o remove_v judgement_n upon_o repentance_n for_o otherwise_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o despair_n and_o not_o the_o least_o encouragement_n to_o supplicate_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n after_o they_o be_v convince_v these_o commination_n come_v from_o god_n himself_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o prophet_n some_o think_v that_o jonas_n together_o with_o the_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n do_v intermix_v exhortation_n to_o repentance_n but_o we_o can_v find_v no_o probability_n at_o all_o for_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o jonas_n then_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o have_v undertake_v this_o message_n for_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v see_v the_o harshness_n of_o it_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n he_o seek_v to_o have_v avoid_v it_o by_o fly_v to_o tarshish_n second_o jonas_n will_v have_v have_v no_o pretence_n at_o all_o for_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n at_o god_n pardon_v ninive_n which_o be_v most_o probable_o conceive_v to_o have_v be_v because_o the_o ninivites_n may_v now_o suspect_v he_o to_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n because_o the_o event_n answer_v not_o his_o prediction_n now_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o this_o if_o he_o have_v mix_v promise_n together_o with_o his_o threaten_n for_o than_o nothing_o will_v have_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v evident_a that_o the_o message_n jonas_n be_v send_v with_o be_v only_o the_o commination_n of_o their_o speedy_a ruin_n which_o god_n do_v on_o purpose_n to_o awaken_v they_o the_o soon_o an_o with_o the_o great_a earnestness_n to_o repentance_n when_o the_o judgement_n be_v denounce_v in_o so_o peremptory_a a_o manner_n although_o it_o seem_v jonas_n have_v before_o such_o apprehension_n of_o the_o merciful_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v that_o he_o may_v suppose_v god_n intention_n by_o this_o 2._o severe_a denunciation_n of_o judgement_n may_v be_v only_o to_o take_v occasion_n upon_o their_o repentance_n to_o show_v his_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o they_o but_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o instruction_n which_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v beyond_o in_o his_o preach_v what_o ever_o his_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o utter_v no_o more_o in_o their_o preach_a or_o particular_a message_n than_o be_v in_o their_o commission_n and_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v their_o own_o word_n with_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v further_o understand_v the_o denunciation_n of_o death_n to_o hezekiah_n by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n set_v thy_o house_n in_o 1._o order_n for_o thou_o shall_v die_v and_o not_o live_v i_o question_v not_o but_o the_o prophet_n reveal_v to_o hezekiah_n as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o he_o for_o to_o say_v as_o molinaeus_n do_v that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v 6._o these_o word_n of_o his_o own_o head_n before_o he_o full_o understand_v god_n mind_n be_v very_o harsh_a and_o incongruous_a but_o god_n may_v at_o first_o discover_v to_o isaiah_n not_o his_o internal_a purpose_n but_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o disease_n will_v bring_v he_o to_o unless_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n of_o providence_n interpose_v which_o message_n he_o will_v have_v isaiah_n carry_v to_o hezekiah_n for_o the_o trial_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o exciting_a he_o to_o the_o more_o lively_a act_n of_o grace_n and_o for_o a_o further_a demonstration_n of_o god_n goodness_n to_o he_o in_o prolong_v his_o life_n beyond_o humane_a probability_n and_o the_o course_n of_o second_o cause_n now_o what_o repugnancy_n be_v there_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v from_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o message_n the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o do_v good_a to_o man_n shall_v only_o reveal_v what_o will_v certain_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v unless_o himself_o have_v otherwise_o determine_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o repentance_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v far_o from_o import_v any_o real_a mutation_n in_o the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n a_o rock_n some_o have_v split_v themselves_o upon_o but_o it_o only_o signify_v the_o outward_a change_n of_o the_o scene_n towards_o man_n and_o act_v otherwise_o then_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n do_v seem_v to_o import_v and_o all_o the_o alteration_n be_v in_o the_o outward_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n which_o be_v certain_o far_o from_o be_v any_o collusion_n in_o god_n unless_o we_o must_v suppose_v god_n so_o bind_v up_o that_o he_o have_v no_o liberty_n of_o use_v his_o own_o method_n for_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o for_o trial_n of_o his_o people_n grace_n but_o must_v in_o every_o instance_n of_o his_o word_n declare_v nothing_o but_o his_o own_o internal_a purpose_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o world_n which_o be_v to_o govern_v man_n by_o his_o own_o law_n and_o thereby_o to_o awaken_v they_o to_o duty_n and_o deter_v from_o sin_n by_o his_o annex_v threaten_n without_o reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o his_o internal_a purpose_n concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n at_o all_o which_o threaten_n of_o his_o though_o pronounce_v with_o the_o great_a severity_n do_v not_o speak_v god_n inward_a resolution_n as_o to_o any_o particular_a person_n but_o what_o all_o must_v expect_v if_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a for_o the_o only_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_n being_n repentance_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o where_o that_o be_v want_v these_o hypothetical_a commination_n be_v absolute_a prediction_n of_o what_o shall_v certain_o come_v to_o pass_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o condition_n suppose_v in_o they_o so_o that_o where_o any_o commination_n be_v pronounce_v by_o any_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n concern_v any_o person_n or_o people_n and_o no_o 13._o alteration_n happen_v at_o all_o in_o they_o but_o they_o continue_v impenitent_a and_o incorrigible_a there_o the_o not_o come_v of_o they_o to_o pass_v may_v be_v a_o token_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n for_o in_o this_o case_n the_o only_a tacit_a condition_n employ_v in_o these_o threaten_a prophecy_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v want_v and_o so_o the_o commination_n must_v be_v understand_v as_o absolute_a prediction_n now_o in_o those_o commination_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v absolute_o express_v but_o conditional_o understand_v we_o find_v something_o interpose_v which_o we_o may_v rational_o suppose_v be_v the_o very_a condition_n understand_v as_o abimelech_n restore_v of_o sarah_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n after_o it_o be_v denounce_v be_v
they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n the_o heathen_n as_o appear_v by_o celsus_n and_o other_o think_v it_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a grandeur_n and_o have_v no_o great_a train_n than_o twelve_o such_o obscure_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o say_v celsus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v all_o other_o thing_n dâ—th_v 2._o first_o discover_v himself_o so_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o we_o say_v he_o do_v to_o all_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o blind_v through_o obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a ignorance_n for_o although_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v please_v for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wrap_v up_o himself_o in_o a_o cloud_n yet_o his_o glory_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v within_o it_o but_o do_v break_v through_o that_o dark_a vail_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o do_v discover_v its_o self_n in_o a_o most_o clear_a and_o convince_a manner_n his_o appearance_n indeed_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n because_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o amuse_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o terrify_v they_o from_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n of_o those_o dreadful_a phaenomena_fw-la at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o he_o by_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o afford_v they_o all_o rational_a conviction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v considerable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o world_n off_o from_o its_o sin_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o that_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o great_a subserviency_n to_o the_o give_v full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thereby_o so_o clear_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n which_o can_v withhold_v assent_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v it_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o 1._o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o there_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a several_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o the_o clear_n this_o proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n by_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o understand_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n can_v but_o upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n yield_v a_o certain_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n that_o if_o we_o take_v away_o equal_a thing_n from_o equal_a the_o remainder_n must_v be_v equal_a now_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o all_o these_o common_a notice_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o carry_v such_o evidence_n with_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o these_o do_v not_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no_o as_o whole_a or_o part_n the_o understanding_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o whole_a carry_v more_o in_o its_o representation_n then_o that_o of_o a_o part_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o mathematical_a truth_n not_o as_o some_o imagine_v because_o man_n have_v no_o interest_n or_o design_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o question_v they_o but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o sensible_a but_o abstract_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o other_o be_v for_o that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n no_o man_n question_n but_o whether_o such_o sensible_a part_n of_o matter_n make_v a_o triangle_n may_v be_v very_o questionable_a now_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o being_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o existence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o certain_a as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n appear_v from_o hence_o because_o the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a as_o in_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n abstract_v from_o existent_a matter_n for_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v either_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o proceed_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v cause_v so_o much_o through_o those_o idea_n or_o phantasm_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n through_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n if_o these_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v fallacious_a i_o may_v well_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o suppose_v than_o i_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o a_o uncertain_a way_n to_o my_o mind_n i_o may_v soon_o out-go_v even_o pyrrho_n himself_o in_o real_a scepticism_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n though_o not_o come_v through_o the_o sense_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o only_o imply_v a_o non-repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n any_o long_a than_o it_o exist_v nay_o then_o we_o know_v it_o to_o exist_v for_o existence_n or_o nonexistence_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o understanding_n while_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o either_o and_o it_o be_v withal_o evident_a that_o thing_n imaginary_a may_v clear_o affect_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o real_a for_o i_o may_v have_v as_o real_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o a_o phoenix_n in_o my_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o partridge_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o be_v real_o existent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o assign_v a_o certain_a difference_n between_o imagination_n and_o pure_a intellection_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o actual_o existent_a yet_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n as_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o physical_a certainty_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o 3_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v not_o suffer_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o without_o which_o supposition_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o we_o can_v know_v but_o we_o be_v so_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v then_o most_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v our_o self_n most_o sure_o if_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n then_o from_o it_o i_o infer_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o much_o advantageous_a to_o our_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n lie_v in_o the_o necessary_a existence_n 1._o of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a so_o that_o unless_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o certain_a manner_n and_o if_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o
there_o may_v be_v clear_a perception_n where_o the_o object_n its_o self_n be_v above_o our_o capacity_n now_o whatever_o foundation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o perception_n without_o comprehension_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v there_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n though_o above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n as_o the_o revelation_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v though_o our_o understanding_n lose_v themselves_o in_o strive_v to_o reach_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n second_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o principle_n most_o unreasonable_a in_o its_o self_n that_o we_o be_v 2._o to_o embrace_v nothing_o for_o truth_n though_o divine_o reveal_v but_o what_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n on_o which_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n satisfaction_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v reject_v as_o incredible_a and_o that_o on_o this_o bare_a pretence_n because_o although_o many_o expression_n in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v all_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n because_o this_o be_v incongruous_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o although_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n which_o come_v in_o the_o high_a way_n of_o credibility_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v 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they_o clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o attend_v the_o several_a opinion_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o can_v satisfactory_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v unite_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o material_a being_n till_o they_o have_v resolve_v all_o the_o perplex_v difficulty_n about_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o they_o and_o that_o themselves_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o rational_a soul_n till_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o if_o they_o can_v expedite_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o difficulty_n about_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o frame_v handsome_a and_o consistent_a hypothesis_n then_o to_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o they_o then_o let_v they_o be_v let_v loose_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o which_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v perform_v the_o other_o be_v there_o no_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o undertake_n for_o that_o be_v second_o to_o commensurate_a the_o perfection_n of_o god_n with_o the_o narrow_a capacity_n of_o the_o humane_a intellect_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o 2._o the_o natural_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o take_v up_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v suppose_v incomprehensibility_n to_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o form_n our_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v by_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o self_n from_o the_o conception_n we_o form_n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o by_o add_v infinity_n to_o all_o the_o perfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n now_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n between_o a_o finite_a and_o infinite_a understanding_n and_o 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a_o placet_fw-la for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n three_o it_o must_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o must_v affirm_v the_o rule_n or_o maxim_n which_o they_o go_v by_o 3._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o reason_n else_o they_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o be_v they_o must_v then_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o principle_n affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o absolute_a master_n of_o reason_n now_o reason_n consist_v of_o observation_n make_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o judge_v viz._n as_o a_o systeme_n of_o infallible_a rule_n collect_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o must_v demonstrate_v these_o general_a maxim_n according_a to_o which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o a_o universal_a undoubted_a history_n of_o nature_n which_o lie_v yet_o too_o dark_a and_o obscure_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o and_o will_v be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o high_a arrogance_n after_o so_o many_o successless_a endeavour_n of_o the_o most_o search_a wit_n in_o any_o society_n of_o person_n to_o usurp_v it_o to_o themselves_o especial_o if_o such_o person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o very_o fair_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o all_o philosopher_n and_o that_o in_o such_o principle_n which_o the_o more_o inquisitive_a world_n have_v now_o find_v to_o be_v very_o short_a uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o grand_a principle_n which_o have_v be_v take_v by_o these_o adorer_n of_o reason_n for_o almost_o the_o standard_n of_o it_o have_v be_v some_o theory_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o mere_o from_o observation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o person_n who_o scarce_o own_v any_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v conceive_v but_o that_o these_o theory_n or_o principle_n form_v from_o such_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v make_v strange_a work_n when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o be_v never_o look_v at_o in_o the_o form_n of_o they_o whence_o come_v those_o two_o receive_v principle_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a return_n from_o a_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o those_o philosopher_n who_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o they_o do_v assert_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o suppose_v he_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n whence_o come_v our_o master_n
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o mathematical_a evidence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o way_n find_v out_o for_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n who_o truth_n depend_v on_o testimony_n the_o more_o creditable_a the_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o may_v deceive_v can_v give_v so_o pregnant_a a_o evidence_n as_o that_o which_o can_v for_o then_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n be_v take_v off_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o a_o testimony_n deliver_v be_v infallible_a and_o that_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o 3._o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o believe_v it_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
be_v convert_v from_o plato_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o find_v that_o true_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n that_o after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n into_o philosophy_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v this_o at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a par._n and_o profitable_a philosophy_n and_o when_o trypho_n after_o deride_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o very_o easy_a faith_n who_o will_v leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n for_o that_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o platonist_n then_o christian_n justin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v move_v with_o such_o reproach_n that_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o empty_a fable_n and_o unprovable_a assertion_n but_o to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v full_a of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n and_o flourish_v with_o grace_n the_o prove_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o discourse_n at_o alexandria_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o excellent_a person_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_a embracer_n themselves_o but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o set_v aside_o there_o abilius_n justus_n cerdo_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippinus_n julianus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o who_o flourish_v about_o the_o second_o century_n i_o shall_v only_o fix_v on_o those_o person_n who_o be_v famous_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o note_v for_o excellency_n in_o heathen_a learning_n yet_o these_o person_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n find_v nothing_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o value_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o such_o be_v pantaenus_n who_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o excellent_a stoic_a before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v after_o so_o eminent_a a_o one_o that_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o wenâ—_n into_o india_n to_o convert_v the_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o his_o return_n be_v make_v rector_n of_o the_o school_n at_o alexandria_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v much_o frequent_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o skill_v in_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n how_o excellent_a pantaenus_n be_v in_o 20._o humane_a learning_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o origen_n and_o hierome_n both_o make_v his_o example_n their_o plea_n for_o the_o study_v of_o it_o after_o he_o succeed_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n pantaenus_n his_o scholar_n a_o person_n of_o great_a depth_n of_o learning_n and_o exquisite_o skill_v in_o all_o heathen_a antiquity_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o remain_a write_n the_o learning_n of_o origen_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a reputation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o not_o only_a christian_n 18._o but_o philosopher_n flock_v to_o his_o lecture_n at_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o wherein_o he_o read_v the_o mathematics_n and_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v dedicate_v their_o book_n to_o he_o and_o sometime_o choose_v he_o as_o arbitrator_n between_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o porphyry_n himself_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n vouchsafe_v a_o high_a encomium_fw-la of_o origen_n for_o his_o excellent_a learning_n in_o origen_n time_n heraclas_n a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n for_o five_o year_n together_o frequent_v the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o put_v on_o the_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 20._o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_a learning_n beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o pierius_n and_o achillas_n two_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o as_o nicephorus_n callistus_n speak_v person_n well_o skill_v in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n if_o from_o alexandria_n we_o go_v to_o caesarea_n there_o we_o not_o only_o meet_v with_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o with_o person_n very_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a pamphilus_n and_o eusebius_n so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o he_o that_o ever_o since_o he_o be_v call_v eusebius_n pamphili_n at_o antioch_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nicephorus_n 35._o speak_v a_o person_n verse_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o ingenuous_a literature_n anatclius_fw-la bishop_n of_o laodicea_n one_o verse_v in_o geometry_n astronomy_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 36._o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n what_o excellent_a person_n many_o of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o concern_v those_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n among_o they_o nun_n aspicimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la auro_fw-la &_o argento_fw-la &_o uâ—ste_fw-la sâ—ffarcinatus_fw-la exierit_fw-la de_fw-fr 40._o aegypto_n cyprian's_n doctor_a suavissimus_fw-la &_o martyr_n beatissimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la lactantius_n quanto_fw-la victorinus_n optatus_n hilarius_n ut_fw-la de_fw-fr vivis_fw-la taceam_fw-la quanto_fw-la innumerabiles_fw-la graeci_fw-la quod_fw-la prio_fw-la ipse_fw-la fidelissimus_fw-la dei_fw-la servus_n moses_n fecerat_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la eruditus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la omni_fw-la sapientia_fw-la aegyptiorum_n to_o who_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a person_n among_o the_o latin_a christian_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o several_a other_o may_v be_v deserve_o add_v but_o as_o st._n austin_n there_o well_o observe_v though_o the_o israclite_n go_v rich_a out_o of_o egypt_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o passover_n which_o save_v they_o from_o destruction_n so_o though_o these_o be_v accomplish_v with_o those_o perfection_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o ornament_n of_o learning_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o true_a passover_n which_o be_v christ_n by_o their_o adhere_n to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o they_o than_o all_o their_o accomplishment_n will_v be_v now_o then_o since_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v not_o only_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o person_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o life_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v curious_a enquirer_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v certain_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v receive_v in_o so_o unanimous_a a_o manner_n by_o person_n as_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o fearful_a of_o be_v deceive_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v 2._o as_o this_o testimony_n be_v receive_v by_o person_n inquisitive_a after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o be_v a_o 19_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o person_n ordinary_o inquisitive_a about_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o then_o ordinary_o so_o about_o this_o because_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o all_o person_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a must_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v person_n very_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v dislodge_v from_o their_o body_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o grant_v this_o can_v we_o in_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o person_n in_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v continue_v venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o a_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o that_o none_o of_o all_o these_o person_n though_o man_n otherwise_o rational_a and_o judicious_a shall_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o go_v upon_o if_o at_o least_o any_o upon_o consideration_n of_o it_o can_v imagine_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o general_a presumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n concern_v divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o suffer_v so_o many_o person_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o way_n which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o such_o a_o continual_a delusion_n and_o never_o have_v it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_o
they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a â—nds_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o piety_n and_o sobriety_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n what_o strange_a person_n be_v the_o corinthian_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v enumerate_v many_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o 11._o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o distemper_n be_v the_o more_o malignant_a its_o nature_n the_o more_o inveterate_a its_o continuance_n the_o great_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o work_v a_o cure_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o see_v in_o conversion_n the_o great_a the_o sin_n have_v be_v before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o remove_v a_o disease_n at_o its_o first_o onset_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v it_o when_o it_o become_v chronical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n wrought_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o person_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o distemper_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o great_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o pregnant_a and_o visible_a instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o they_o themselves_o show_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o manner_n of_o enter_v in_o we_o have_v among_o you_o and_o how_o you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a 10._o god_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n who_o he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o jesus_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v now_o that_o which_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a great_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v man_n from_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v man_n together_o with_o that_o from_o their_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n then_o with_o their_o opinion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a power_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n then_o that_o which_o only_o make_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n or_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o be_v that_o which_o origen_n throughout_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n triumph_v in_o as_o the_o most_o signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n on_o all_o that_o true_o embrace_v it_o that_o of_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o dissolute_a it_o make_v they_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 21._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v convert_v the_o most_o wicked_a person_n who_o embrace_v it_o from_o all_o their_o debauchery_n to_o a_o life_n most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n therefore_o certain_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o want_v that_o commendation_n among_o all_o ingenuous_a moralist_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promote_v real_a goodness_n in_o it_o when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o person_n continual_o so_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o folly_n and_o vain_a conversation_n to_o a_o life_n serious_a sober_a and_o unblameable_a nay_o and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v of_o so_o much_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n that_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n bone_fw-la vir_fw-la cajus_n sejus_n tantum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n a_o very_a good_a man_n only_o a_o christian._n but_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v have_v make_v they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o do_v so_o sudden_o make_v so_o many_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o this_o power_n be_v so_o manifest_a on_o such_o person_n who_o be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o be_v reform_v by_o philosophy_n young_a illiterate_a and_o mean-spirited_n person_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o this_o alteration_n be_v wrought_v within_o they_o but_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o tame_v the_o most_o unruly_a to_o instruct_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o raise_v up_o the_o most_o sordid_a person_n to_o such_o a_o generous_a temper_n as_o to_o slight_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o to_o come_v and_o so_o remarkable_a be_v the_o difference_n of_o life_n then_o between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v still_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o mere_a pretender_n that_o origen_n dare_v celsus_n to_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o morality_n with_o any_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n 128._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o other_o society_n shine_v among_o they_o like_o light_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o even_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n exceed_v the_o best_a of_o the_o popular_a assembly_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a because_o it_o seek_v to_o approve_v its_o sell_v to_o god_n but_o the_o popular_a assemby_n at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seditious_a and_o quarrelsome_a and_o in_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n there_o so_o that_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n will_v exceed_o wonder_v how_o such_o fair_a island_n shall_v appear_v nante_n in_o gurgite_fw-la vasto_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o wickedness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o city_n how_o these_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v plant_v in_o such_o rude_a and_o profane_a place_n so_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n senate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n officer_n with_o they_o and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o that_o even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o office_n do_v yet_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o city_n magistrate_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n from_o whence_o he_o rational_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o can_v it_o but_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o adore_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a thing_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o but_o upon_o such_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v then_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o one_o phoedon_n and_o one_o polemon_n bring_v from_o their_o debauchery_n by_o socrates_n and_o xenocrates_n but_o what_o be_v these_o compare_v with_o those_o who_o be_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 50._o etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o plentiful_a harvest_n of_o convert_n which_o follow_v afterward_o and_o although_o celsus_n like_o a_o epicurean_a seem_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n 150._o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o conversion_n because_o customary_a sin_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n that_o no_o punishment_n can_v reform_v they_o yet_o say_v origen_n herein_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v we_o christian_n but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o own_v any_o generous_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o do_v not_o despair_v of_o recover_a virtue_n as_o a_o thing_n feasible_a by_o humane_a nature_n and_o give_v instance_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a hero_n hercules_n and_o ulysses_n from_o the_o two_o philosopher_n socrates_n and_o musonius_n and_o the_o two_o famous_a convert_n to_o philosophy_n phoedon_n and_o polemon_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o these_o be_v not_o
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
first_o appearance_n of_o atheist_n to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o blind_a and_o superstitious_a age_n of_o greece_n when_o the_o obscene_a poet_n have_v so_o debauch_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o thing_n concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v so_o incongruous_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o goodness_n leave_v can_v not_o but_o loath_a and_o abhor_v such_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v all_o the_o flout_n and_o jeer_n of_o the_o repute_a atheist_n among_o they_o such_o as_o dionysius_n diagoras_n theodorus_n euhemerus_n messenius_n and_o other_o be_v cast_v upon_o their_o venerable_a deity_n which_o they_o so_o solemn_o worship_v who_o have_v be_v before_o as_o euhemerus_n plain_o tell_v they_o poor_a mortal_a man_n and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o best_a reputation_n neither_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o epicurean_a in_o tully_n well_o say_v omnis_fw-la eorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la esset_fw-la 38._o in_o luctu_fw-la the_o most_o suitable_a devotion_n for_o they_o have_v be_v lament_v their_o death_n now_o when_o these_o common_a deity_n be_v so_o much_o deride_v by_o intelligent_a man_n and_o yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v real_o a_o god_n though_o those_o be_v none_o those_o who_o have_v philosophical_a wit_n such_o as_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n set_v themselves_o to_o work_v to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o infinite_a little_a particle_n but_o herein_o they_o befool_v themselves_o and_o their_o greedy_a follower_n who_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o those_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o immortal_a soul_n do_v cause_n within_o they_o and_o although_o lucretius_n in_o a_o bravado_n tell_v we_o of_o his_o máster_n that_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o religion_n humana_fw-la ante_fw-la oculos_fw-la faede_fw-la cum_fw-la vita_fw-la jaceret_fw-la 1._o in_o terris_fw-la oppressa_fw-la gravi_fw-la sub_fw-la religione_fw-la primum_fw-la graius_fw-la homo_fw-la mortalis_fw-la tollere_fw-la contrâ—_n est_fw-la oculos_fw-la ausus_fw-la primusque_fw-la obsistere_fw-la contrà _fw-la that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o true_a giant_n who_o dare_v encounter_v the_o god_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o overthrow_v they_o in_o open_a field_n quare_fw-la religio_fw-la pedibus_fw-la subjecta_fw-la vicissim_fw-la obteritur_fw-la nos_fw-la exaequat_fw-la victoria_fw-la caelum_fw-la yet_o cotta_n in_o tully_n report_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o battle_n quite_o otherwise_o for_o although_o the_o great_a triumph_n in_o this_o victory_n have_v be_v only_o to_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v yet_o if_o we_o believe_v cotta_n epicurus_n be_v so_o far_o from_o gain_v any_o of_o his_o belove_a case_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o sentiment_n that_o never_o be_v schoolboy_n more_o afraid_a of_o a_o rod_n nor_o do_v any_o enemy_n more_o dread_a a_o conqueror_n than_o epicurus_n do_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n and_o death_n nec_fw-la quenquam_fw-la vidi_fw-la qui_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la timenda_fw-la esse_fw-la negaret_fw-la timeret_fw-la mortem_fw-la dico_fw-la &_o deos._n so_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o 86._o a_o epicurean_a even_n after_o he_o have_v prostitute_v his_o conscience_n to_o silence_v it_o but_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o air_n there_o be_v a_o elactical_a power_n in_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v its_o self_n up_o notwithstanding_o the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o epicurus_n he_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o whole_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o admit_v of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a prolepsis_n or_o anticipation_n of_o humane_a nature_n quoth_v in_o omnium_fw-la animus_fw-la deorum_fw-la notionem_fw-la impressisset_fw-la ipsa_fw-la natura_fw-la that_o nature_n its_o self_n have_v stamp_v aâ—_n idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la 44._o non_fw-la instituto_fw-la aliquo_fw-la aut_fw-la more_fw-it aut_fw-la lege_fw-la sit_fw-la opinio_fw-la constituta_fw-la manet_fw-la at_o que_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnium_fw-la firma_fw-la consensio_fw-la intelligi_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la quoniam_fw-la insitas_fw-la eorum_fw-la vel_fw-la potius_fw-la innatas_fw-la cognitiones_fw-la habeamus_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la autem_fw-la omnium_fw-la natura_fw-la consentit_fw-la id_fw-la verum_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a argue_v since_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o 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same_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o for_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v so_o coy_a and_o squeamish_a as_o 3_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o want_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v to_o they_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_v these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v believe_v other_o thing_n on_o far_o less_o reason_n and_o must_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a 3._o that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v consider_v his_o nature_n that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n 1._o of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o
but_o give_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o the_o main_a question_n without_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o several_a place_n they_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o battle_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o force_n than_o they_o can_v advantage_v it_o by_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 3._o another_o great_a pretence_n the_o atheist_n have_v be_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o invention_n of_o politician_n which_o they_o awe_n people_n with_o as_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n as_o mother_n send_v young_a child_n to_o school_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o better_a order_n that_o they_o may_v govern_v they_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o religion_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o well-governing_a the_o world_n nay_o so_o great_a that_o be_v the_o atheist_n opinion_n true_a and_o the_o world_n persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o world_n can_v be_v 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it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o only_o by_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o dissent_n as_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o mankind_n in_o common_a as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n the_o law_n they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o those_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o all_o these_o several_a different_a custom_n be_v build_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n nor_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o principle_n of_o education_n but_o something_o which_o have_v a_o deep_a root_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n
its_o self_n a_o common_a and_o universal_a effect_n must_v flow_v from_o some_o common_a and_o universal_a cause_n so_o the_o stoic_a argue_v in_o tully_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n 2._o non_fw-la tam_fw-la stabilis_fw-la opinio_fw-la permaneret_fw-la nec_fw-la confirmaretur_fw-la diuturnitate_fw-la remporis_fw-la nec_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la seculis_fw-la aetatibusque_fw-la hominum_fw-la inveterare_fw-la potuisset_fw-la it_o be_v strange_a to_o think_v that_o mankind_n in_o so_o many_o age_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o grow_v wise_a enough_o to_o rid_v its_o self_n of_o so_o troublesome_a a_o opinion_n as_o that_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n have_v it_o not_o be_v true_a we_o see_v in_o all_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o world_n other_o vain_a opinion_n have_v be_v detect_v refute_v and_o shake_v off_o if_o this_o have_v be_v such_o how_o come_v it_o to_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n opinionum_fw-la commenta_fw-la delet_fw-la dies_fw-la naturae_fw-la judicia_fw-la confirmat_fw-la it_o be_v a_o great_a discredit_n to_o time_n to_o make_v it_o like_o a_o river_n in_o that_o sense_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o only_o light_a thing_n when_o matter_n of_o great_a weight_n be_v sink_v to_o the_o bottom_n and_o past_a recovery_n this_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_a allusion_n as_o to_o the_o opinion_n and_o write_n of_o particular_a person_n but_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n for_o these_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n that_o they_o pass_v down_o the_o strong_a current_n of_o time_n with_o the_o same_o facility_n that_o a_o well_o build_v ship_n though_o of_o good_a burden_n do_v furrow_v the_o ocean_n so_o that_o if_o we_o must_v adhere_v to_o the_o allegory_n it_o be_v easy_o reply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o weight_n of_o thing_n which_o make_v they_o sink_v but_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o their_o superficies_n to_o that_o of_o the_o water_n so_o we_o see_v a_o small_a piece_n of_o wood_n will_v sink_v when_o a_o stately_a ship_n be_v bear_v up_o so_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v not_o that_o agreeableness_n in_o they_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n may_v soon_o be_v lose_v but_o such_o as_o lie_v so_o even_o upon_o the_o superficies_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v still_o float_v above_o the_o water_n and_o never_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o swift_a current_n of_o time_n thus_o we_o assert_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n that_o as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v continue_v but_o now_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n how_o mankind_n shall_v universal_o agree_v in_o 11._o some_o common_a sentiment_n much_o less_o how_o it_o shall_v have_v such_o a_o anticipation_n as_o himself_o grant_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n for_o if_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a particle_n of_o matter_n as_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o that_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o most_o smooth_a and_o round_a atom_n if_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o apprehend_v how_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o anticipation_n or_o commction_n can_v be_v lodge_v in_o the_o soul_n for_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o small_a spherical_a corpuscle_n which_o move_v up_o and_o down_o the_o body_n as_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n suppose_v than_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o perception_n must_v depend_v on_o motion_n which_o motion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o impression_n of_o external_a object_n which_o lucretius_n acknowledge_v and_o contend_v for_o inuenies_fw-la primis_fw-la à _fw-la sensibus_fw-la esse_fw-la creatam_fw-la notitiam_fw-la very_fw-la 4._o if_o then_o our_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n come_v in_o by_o our_o sense_n and_o sensation_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o impression_n of_o outward_a object_n what_o become_v of_o all_o common_a notion_n and_o of_o the_o prolepsis_n of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n come_v in_o by_o sense_n which_o epicurus_n himself_o deny_v when_o he_o attribute_n to_o the_o deity_n not_o corpus_fw-la but_o quasi_fw-la corpus_fw-la as_o 1._o tully_n tell_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v not_o a_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o natural_a notion_n which_o may_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o universal_a consent_n among_o man_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o epicurus_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o all_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n that_o if_o our_o sense_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o truth_n man_n shall_v differ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v try_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n such_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o where_o shall_v man_n be_v more_o uncertain_a in_o their_o judgement_n then_o in_o such_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o to_o go_v by_o in_o the_o judge_n of_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o find_v it_o so_o that_o man_n be_v nothing_o so_o much_o agree_v about_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o they_o be_v about_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n concern_v a_o god_n can_v be_v salve_v by_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o deny_v it_o according_a to_o which_o no_o account_n at_o all_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o universal_a or_o common_a notion_n neither_o can_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n be_v enervate_v 12._o with_o any_o great_a probability_n by_o those_o atheist_n who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o resolve_v this_o consent_n whole_o into_o mere_a tradition_n such_o as_o the_o fable_n of_o poet_n be_v convey_v in_o from_o one_o to_o another_o for_o i_o demand_v concern_v this_o tradition_n whether_o ever_o it_o have_v any_o beginning_n or_o no_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o can_v be_v no_o tradition_n for_o that_o must_v run_v up_o to_o some_o person_n from_o who_o it_o first_o come_v again_o if_o it_o have_v no_o beginning_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v always_o be_v on_o the_o same_o account_n on_o which_o they_o make_v the_o world_n eternal_a and_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a it_o must_v be_v antecedent_n to_o any_o free_a act_n of_o man_n will_n which_o tradition_n suppose_v and_o so_o some_o false_a opinion_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v as_o necessary_a as_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o by_o consequence_n the_o world_n be_v eternal_a may_v be_v a_o necessary_a false_a opinion_n but_o if_o any_o false_a opinion_n be_v once_o grant_v necessary_a it_o than_o follow_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o true_a and_o that_o nature_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o some_o notorious_a falsity_n which_o be_v the_o high_a impeachment_n the_o atheist_n can_v have_v lay_v upon_o his_o only_a adore_a nature_n which_o must_v then_o have_v do_v that_o which_o aristotle_n be_v ashamed_a to_o think_v ever_o nature_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o which_o be_v something_o in_o vain_a for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v man_n have_v rational_a faculty_n if_o he_o be_v under_o a_o unavoidable_a necessity_n of_o be_v deceive_v if_o then_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o tradition_n have_v once_o a_o beginning_n either_o it_o begin_v with_o humane_a nature_n or_o humane_a nature_n do_v exist_v long_o before_o it_o if_o it_o begin_v with_o mankind_n than_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o so_o the_o world_n be_v not_o eternal_a if_o mankind_n do_v exist_v before_o this_o tradition_n i_o then_o inquire_v in_o what_o time_n and_o by_o what_o mean_n come_v this_o tradition_n first_o to_o be_v embrace_v if_o it_o do_v not_o supppse_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v any_o age_n be_v mention_v in_o history_n wherein_o this_o tradition_n be_v not_o universal_o receive_v and_o which_o be_v most_o to_o our_o purpose_n the_o further_o we_o go_v back_o in_o history_n the_o full_a the_o world_n be_v of_o deity_n if_o we_o believe_v the_o heathen_a history_n but_o however_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_o this_o tradition_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o can_v trace_v the_o poetic_a fable_n to_o their_o true_a original_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o we_o know_v the_o particular_a author_n of_o they_o and_o what_o course_n they_o take_v in_o divulge_v of_o they_o we_o find_v great_a
our_o sense_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o the_o snow_n be_v white_a yet_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o opinion_n be_v this_o then_o sufficient_a reason_n on_o which_o to_o deny_v a_o universal_a consent_n because_o some_o philosopher_n oppose_v it_o when_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a which_o tully_n sharp_o speak_v of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la absurdum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dixerit_fw-la aliquis_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o great_a but_o it_o find_v a_o 3._o philosopher_n to_o vouch_v it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n those_o philosopher_n who_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v not_o for_o number_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v it_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o inexcusable_a therein_o as_o our_o modern_a atheist_n because_o they_o then_o know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v join_v with_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o to_o any_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o serve_a god_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n most_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n most_o effectual_a for_o advance_v true_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o although_o this_o most_o excellent_a religion_n viz._n the_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o scandal_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v it_o yet_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n be_v clear_a and_o untainted_a be_v with_o great_a integrity_n preserve_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o it_o so_o that_o now_o athcism_n have_v far_o less_o to_o plead_v for_o its_o self_n than_o it_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o athcist_n more_o than_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o number_n of_o such_o who_o deny_v a_o deity_n have_v be_v great_a in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o probable_a they_o shall_v speak_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n who_o opinion_n if_o it_o be_v embrace_v will_v dissolve_v all_o tie_n and_o obligation_n whatsoever_o will_v let_v the_o world_n loose_v to_o the_o high_a licentiousness_n without_o check_n or_o control_v and_o will_v in_o time_n overturn_v all_o civil_a society_n for_o as_o tully_n have_v 2._o large_o show_v take_v away_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o there_o follow_v nothing_o but_o perturbation_n and_o confusion_n in_o it_o not_o only_o all_o sanctity_n piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v destroy_v but_o all_o faith_n virtue_n and_o humane_a society_n too_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v uphold_v without_o religion_n as_o not_o only_o he_o but_o plato_n aristotle_n and_o plutarch_n have_v full_o demonstrate_v shall_v such_o person_n then_o who_o hold_v a_o opinion_n so_o contrary_a to_o all_o other_o dictate_v of_o nature_n rather_o speak_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n than_o they_o who_o have_v assert_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o advance_v nature_n to_o regulate_v the_o world_n and_o to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n certain_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o constant_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o he_o when_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o breed_v so_o many_o anxicty_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o withal_o since_o god_n be_v neither_o obvious_a to_o sense_n nor_o his_o nature_n comprehensible_a by_o humane_a reason_n which_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n it_o be_v a_o character_n of_o himself_o which_o god_n have_v imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o make_v they_o so_o unanimous_o agree_v that_o he_o be_v when_o they_o can_v neither_o see_v he_o nor_o yet_o full_o comprehend_v he_o for_o any_o whole_a nation_n which_o have_v consent_v in_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o have_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o some_o suspicion_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v at_o first_o concern_v some_o very_a barbarous_a people_n in_o america_n but_o it_o be_v since_o evident_a though_o they_o be_v gross_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o worship_v something_o in_o stead_n of_o he_o such_o as_o the_o toupinambor_n caribe_n patagon_n tapuiae_fw-la and_o other_o of_o the_o last_o of_o which_o vossius_fw-la from_o one_o christophorus_n arcissewski_n a_o polonian_a 2._o gentleman_n who_o be_v among_o they_o have_v give_v a_o large_a account_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o worship_v of_o their_o god_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o that_o which_o among_o these_o indian_n much_o confirm_v our_o present_a argument_n be_v that_o only_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o barbarous_a and_o savage_a nation_n have_v be_v suspect_v of_o irreligion_n but_o the_o more_o civilise_a they_o have_v be_v the_o more_o evident_a their_o sense_n of_o religion_n the_o peruvian_o worship_n one_o chief_a god_n who_o they_o call_v viracocha_n and_o pachacamak_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o creator_n politic._n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mexican_n lipsius_n and_o other_o speak_v so_o that_o the_o near_a any_o have_v approach_v to_o civility_n and_o knowledge_n the_o more_o ready_a they_o have_v be_v to_o own_o a_o deity_n and_o none_o have_v have_v so_o little_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o they_o who_o be_v almost_o degenerate_v to_o brute_n and_o whether_o of_o these_o two_o now_o come_v near_o to_o reason_n let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v it_o judge_n another_o great_a evidence_n that_o god_n have_v imprint_v a_o character_n or_o idea_n of_o himself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v because_o such_o 2._o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o do_v necessary_o imply_v his_o existence_n the_o main_a force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o that_o which_o we_o do_v clear_o &_o distinct_o perceive_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o essence_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v with_o truth_n affirm_v of_o the_o thing_n not_o that_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v with_o truth_n to_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o be_v a_o empty_a tautology_n but_o it_o may_v be_v affirm_v with_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n as_o if_o i_o clear_o perceive_v upon_o exact_a enquiry_n that_o to_o be_v a_o animal_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n i_o may_v with_o truth_n affirm_v that_o man_n be_v a_o live_a creature_n if_o i_o find_v it_o demonstrable_o true_a that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o than_o i_o may_v true_o affirm_v it_o of_o any_o triangle_n but_o now_o we_o assume_v that_o upon_o the_o most_o exact_a search_n and_o enquiry_n i_o clear_o perceive_v that_o necessary_a existence_n do_v immutable_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n therefore_o i_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n affirm_v that_o god_n exist_v as_o that_o man_n be_v a_o live_a creature_n or_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o but_o because_o many_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o suspect_v some_o kind_n of_o sophism_n in_o this_o argument_n when_o it_o be_v manage_v from_o the_o idea_n in_o man_n mind_n because_o that_o seem_v to_o imply_v only_o a_o objective_a reality_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v thence_o inter_v as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o idea_n it_o be_v i_o therefore_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o manifest_v more_o clear_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o prove_v several_o the_o supposition_n which_o it_o stand_v upon_o which_o be_v these_o three_o 1._o that_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o great_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n 2._o that_o we_o have_v this_o clear_a perception_n that_o necessary_a existence_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o if_o necessary_a existence_n do_v belong_v to_o god_n nature_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o he_o do_v exist_v nothing_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o plain_a or_o full_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n then_o by_o prove_v every_o one_o of_o these_o 1._o that_o the_o great_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n for_o otherwise_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n will_v be_v whole_o useless_a as_o be_v not_o fit_v for_o any_o end_n at_o all_o if_o upon_o a_o right_a use_n of_o they_o man_n be_v still_o liable_a
off_o on_o which_o their_o adversary_n may_v have_v a_o advantage_n of_o justle_a upon_o they_o and_o then_o their_o opinion_n be_v account_v most_o pure_a when_o they_o be_v so_o spherical_a as_o to_o pass_v up_o and_o down_o without_o interruption_n from_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n of_o philosophy_n as_o this_o we_o have_v now_o mention_v arise_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o certain_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n be_v now_o lose_v in_o a_o crowd_n of_o philosopher_n who_o main_a aim_n be_v to_o set_v up_o for_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o trade_v with_o the_o common_a bank_n so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a and_o convictive_a evidence_n give_v to_o a_o shuffle_a philosopher_n that_o thing_n be_v ever_o otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v they_o find_v it_o most_o defensible_a to_o assert_v that_o the_o world_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n nor_o will_v have_v a_o end_n but_o always_o do_v and_o will_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o this_o opinion_n though_o aristotle_n seem_v to_o make_v all_o before_o he_o to_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n yet_o be_v hatch_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v at_o first_o under_o pythagoras_n his_o successor_n by_o ocellus_n luâ—anus_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o book_n still_o extant_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o universe_n to_o who_o aristotle_n have_v not_o be_v a_o little_a behold_v as_o ludou._n nogarola_n have_v in_o part_n manifest_v in_o his_o note_n on_o ocellus_n although_o aristotle_n have_v not_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o pliny_n agnoscere_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la profecerit_fw-la from_o aristotle_n this_o opinion_n together_o with_o his_o name_n spread_v its_o self_n much_o far_o and_o become_v the_o opinion_n most_o in_o vogue_n among_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n especial_o after_o the_o rise_n of_o christianity_n for_o then_o not_o only_o the_o peripatetic_n but_o the_o modern_a platonist_n plotinus_n apuleius_n taurus_n jamblichus_n alcinous_n proclus_n and_o other_o be_v all_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n think_v thereby_o the_o better_a to_o overthrow_v christianity_n hence_o come_v the_o hot_a and_o eager_a contest_v between_o proclus_n simplicius_n and_o philoponus_n who_o undertake_v to_o answer_v proclus_n his_o eighteen_o argument_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o charge_n aristotle_n with_o self-contradiction_n in_o reference_n to_o it_o but_o nothing_o be_v they_o more_o trouble_v about_o then_o to_o reconcile_v the_o timaeus_n of_o plato_n with_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a hypothesis_n and_o a_o kind_n of_o diagramme_n to_o salve_v providence_n withal_o although_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o plâ—to_n not_o only_o there_o but_o elsewhere_o do_v express_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v judge_v by_o his_o way_n of_o writing_n his_o real_a judgement_n to_o have_v be_v for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n by_o god_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o have_v this_o observable_a testimony_n in_o his_o sophista_fw-la where_o he_o fie_o divide_v all_o manner_n of_o production_n of_o thing_n into_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o oppose_v the_o opinion_n that_o conceive_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o eternal_a power_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a which_o say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v by_o a_o blind_a force_n of_o nature_n without_o any_o reason_n or_o counsel_n to_o which_o he_o oppose_v the_o other_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v make_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o divine_a power_n with_o infinite_a reason_n and_o wisdom_n and_o when_o theaetetus_n express_v himself_o in_o a_o academical_a way_n as_o to_o either_o of_o these_o opinion_n the_o hospes_fw-la eleatensis_fw-la who_o there_o act_v the_o part_n of_o the_o philosopher_n tell_v he_o if_o he_o think_v he_o be_v inclinable_a to_o the_o other_o opinion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o will_v undertake_v to_o make_v he_o confess_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n which_o he_o will_v bring_v and_o we_o shall_v see_v what_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o this_o opinion_n when_o we_o consider_v what_o weak_a and_o infirm_a foundation_n the_o contrary_a be_v build_v upon_o for_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o either_o ocellus_n or_o aristotle_n or_o the_o modern_a platonist_n make_v use_n of_o be_v build_v on_o these_o follow_a supposition_n which_o be_v all_o false_a 1._o that_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a that_o thing_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v in_o any_o other_o state_n than_o they_o be_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o production_n but_o by_o generation_n 3._o that_o god_n be_v no_o free_a agent_n but_o produce_v the_o world_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a that_o thing_n shall_v ever_o have_v be_v any_o otherwise_o then_o they_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o supposition_n 5._o be_v this_o that_o the_o general_a conclusion_n of_o reason_n which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o in_o philosophy_n be_v take_v up_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o ground_n of_o aristotle_n condemn_v the_o opinion_n of_o empedocles_n who_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o the_o incorruptibility_n of_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o account_v impossible_a and_o give_v this_o as_o his_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o for_o say_v he_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v rational_o assert_v but_o what_o we_o find_v to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n or_o at_o least_o in_o most_o now_o because_o there_o can_v nothing_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v produce_v i._o e._n by_o generation_n and_o yet_o be_v incorruptible_a therefore_o he_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o with_o the_o universe_n by_o which_o we_o evident_o see_v what_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o reason_n among_o the_o philosopher_n be_v viz._n such_o observation_n as_o they_o have_v make_v from_o the_o present_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o the_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n from_o hence_o arise_v that_o strong_a presumption_n among_o they_o which_o have_v be_v so_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o it_o have_v be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o bumane_a nature_n viz._n exnihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a which_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n use_v by_o they_o to_o democriti_n prove_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o other_o to_o prove_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n so_o ocellus_n argue_v against_o both_o the_o dissolution_n and_o production_n of_o the_o world_n from_o this_o principle_n if_o the_o world_n be_v dissolve_v say_v he_o it_o must_v either_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d either_o into_o that_o which_o be_v or_o into_o that_o which_o be_v not_o it_o can_v be_v dissolve_v into_o that_o which_o be_v because_o then_o the_o universe_n can_v be_v destroy_v for_o that_o which_o be_v be_v either_o the_o universe_n or_o a_o part_n of_o it_o neither_o can_v it_o be_v dissolve_v into_o that_o which_o be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o commel_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o or_o be_v dissolve_v into_o nothing_o and_o aristotle_n somewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v agree_v in_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o come_v out_o of_o nothing_o but_o now_o when_o we_o observe_v upon_o what_o ground_n this_o principle_n be_v take_v up_o by_o these_o philosopher_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o admit_v of_o it_o as_o a_o universal_a standard_n of_o nature_n for_o we_o find_v by_o these_o naturalist_n who_o thus_o assert_v this_o principle_n that_o when_o they_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o course_n of_o generation_n in_o the_o world_n or_o from_o the_o work_n of_o art_n both_o which_o suppose_v matter_n preaexistent_a and_o from_o these_o short_a collection_n they_o form_v this_o universal_a maxim_n and_o from_o hence_o when_o they_o discourse_v of_o the_o manner_n whereby_o god_n do_v 1._o produce_v the_o world_n their_o imagination_n run_v present_o upon_o that_o which_o the_o epicurean_a in_o tully_n inquire_v after_o quae_fw-la molitio_fw-la quaeferramenta_fw-la qui_fw-fr vecte_n quae_fw-la machinae_fw-la qui_fw-fr ministri_fw-la tanti_fw-la op_n be_v fuërunt_fw-la they_o apprehend_v god_n only_o as_o a_o artificer_n that_o contrive_v the_o world_n first_o into_o a_o platform_n and_o then_o use_v instrument_n to_o erect_v it_o and_o consequent_o still_o suppose_v the_o matter_n ready_a for_o
disseminated_a vacuity_n which_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o a_o coacervate_a vacuity_n be_v not_o only_o assert_v as_o possible_a but_o as_o probable_o existent_a i_o assume_v only_o then_o that_o which_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o probable_a viz._n that_o that_o space_n which_o lie_v between_o our_o atmosphere_n and_o the_o star_n be_v empty_a of_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o star_n which_o pass_v through_o it_o i_o then_o suppose_v it_o a_o vacuity_n whether_o will_v not_o the_o particle_n of_o those_o body_n which_o lie_v contiguous_a to_o that_o space_n present_o dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o begin_v a_o new_a rendezvous_n of_o atom_n there_o for_o all_o atom_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o the_o cause_n assign_v why_o in_o solid_a body_n they_o do_v not_o fly_v away_o be_v because_o of_o the_o repercussion_n of_o other_o atom_n that_o when_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o stir_v they_o receive_v such_o knock_n as_o make_v they_o quiet_a in_o their_o place_n now_o this_o can_v hold_v in_o the_o body_n contiguous_a to_o this_o space_n for_o both_o those_o body_n be_v more_o fluid_a and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o knock_n of_o particle_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o rest_n but_o which_o be_v more_o those_o which_o be_v contiguous_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o motion_n and_o so_o those_o particle_n will_v necessary_o remove_v into_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n of_o their_o motion_n and_o so_o the_o next_o atom_n to_o those_o must_v remove_v because_o that_o space_n wherein_o the_o other_o be_v be_v make_v empty_a by_o their_o removal_n and_o so_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o till_o not_o only_o the_o air_n but_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o earth_n wâ—ll_n on_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o vacuity_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o first_o particle_n which_o will_v all_o mutiny_n in_o the_o several_a body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o never_o rest_n till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o they_o may_v again_o rendezvous_n together_o so_o dangerous_a be_v the_o news_n of_o liberty_n or_o of_o a_o empty_a space_n to_o these_o democratical_a particle_n of_o the_o universe_n neither_o can_v i_o see_v how_o a_o disseminated_a vacuity_n can_v salve_v the_o difficulty_n for_o those_o particle_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a body_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o union_n be_v repercussion_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o towards_o that_o part_n where_o the_o disseminated_a vacuum_n be_v the_o particle_n meet_v with_o no_o such_o stroke_n may_v sair_o take_v their_o leaf_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v in_o and_o so_o one_o succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o till_o the_o configuration_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v alter_v and_o consequent_o different_a appearance_n and_o effect_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o the_o same_o body_n though_o it_o result_v from_o seminal_a principle_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o atomical_a principle_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o nature_n this_o dionysius_n in_o eusebius_n urge_v against_o the_o atomist_n that_o 24._o from_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o evident_a reason_n give_v for_o it_o they_o make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n some_o thing_n conspicuous_a to_o sense_n other_o not_o some_o short-lived_a other_o extreme_o long-lived_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o size_n and_o shape_n say_v that_o excellent_a person_n who_o there_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o eloquence_n lay_v open_a â—he_n folly_n of_o the_o atomical_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o rare_a democraty_n of_o atom_n say_v he_o where_o the_o friendly_a atom_n meet_v and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o from_o thenceforward_o live_v in_o the_o close_a society_n together_o 2._o not_o only_o the_o variety_n but_o the_o exact_a order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n unaccountable_a by_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n still_o a_o hesiod_n chaos_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o epicurus_n 10._o begin_v to_o philosophize_v we_o may_v probable_o believe_v a_o agitation_n of_o particle_n suppose_v matter_n create_v may_v settle_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confuse_a manner_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o blind_a impetus_fw-la of_o atom_n to_o produce_v those_o vast_a and_o most_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o order_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o so_o great_a conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o alternate_a succession_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n which_o shall_v cut_v such_o channel_n for_o the_o ocean_n and_o keep_v that_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o water_n who_o surface_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n from_o overflow_a it_o which_o shall_v furnish_v the_o earth_n with_o such_o seminal_a and_o prolific_a principle_n as_o to_o provide_v food_n and_o nourishment_n for_o those_o animal_n which_o live_v upon_o it_o and_o furnish_v out_o every_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n life_n to_o believe_v i_o say_v that_o all_o thâ—se_a thing_n come_v only_o from_o a_o blind_a and_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v the_o most_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o credulity_n and_o folly_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o but_o this_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o argument_n thence_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o blind_a fortuitous_a principle_n but_o a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o 2._o judicious_o handle_v by_o a_o learned_a person_n already_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o discourse_n then_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o it_o 3._o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o atomist_n be_v most_o shameful_o puzzle_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o man_n body_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n it_o will_v pity_v one_o to_o see_v what_o lamentable_a shift_n the_o atomist_n be_v put_v to_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n for_o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n viz._n that_o our_o teem_a mother_n the_o earth_n at_o last_o cast_v forth_o some_o kind_n of_o bag_n like_o womb_n upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o these_o by_o degree_n break_v at_o last_o come_v out_o child_n which_o be_v nourish_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o juice_n of_o the_o earth_n like_o milk_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n oh_o what_o will_v not_o atheist_n believe_v rather_o than_o a_o deity_n and_o providence_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o atomist_n hear_v what_o censorinus_n say_v of_o epicurus_n be_v enim_fw-la credidit_fw-la limo_fw-la calefactos_fw-la uteros_fw-la nescio_fw-la quos_fw-la radicihus_fw-la terrae_fw-la cohaerentes_fw-la primum_fw-la increvisse_fw-la â—_o &_o infantibus_fw-la ex_fw-la seeditis_fw-la ingenitum_fw-la lactis_fw-la humorem_fw-la natura_fw-la ministrante_fw-la praebuisse_fw-la quos_fw-la it_o a_o educatos_fw-la &_o adultos_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la propagasse_n but_o because_o lucretius_n may_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v more_o impartial_o in_o the_o case_n how_o rare_o do_v he_o describe_v it_o crescebant_fw-la uteri_fw-la terrae_fw-la radicibus_fw-la apti_fw-la quos_fw-la ubi_fw-la tempore_fw-la maturo_fw-la patefecerit_fw-la aetas_fw-la infantum_fw-la fugiens_fw-la humorem_fw-la aurasque_fw-la petissens_fw-la convertebat_fw-la ibi_fw-la natura_fw-la foramina_fw-la terrae_fw-la et_fw-la succum_fw-la venis_fw-la cogebat_fw-la fundere_fw-la apertis_fw-la consimilem_fw-la lactis_fw-la sicut_fw-la nunc_fw-la foemina_fw-la quaeque_fw-la quum_fw-la peperit_fw-la dulci_fw-la repletur_fw-la lacte_fw-la quodomnis_fw-la impetus_fw-la in_o mamma_n convert_v itur_fw-la ille_fw-la alimenti_fw-la terracibum_fw-la pveris_fw-la vestem_fw-la vapour_n herbacubile_n praebebat_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o molli_fw-la lanugine_fw-la abundans_fw-la have_v lucretius_n be_v only_o a_o poet_n this_o may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_o describe_v fable_n but_o to_o deliver_v it_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o philosophy_n make_v it_o the_o great_a mythology_n that_o man_n body_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n we_o believe_v because_o we_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v but_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v cast_v forth_o such_o folliculi_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o describe_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o most_o incredible_a of_o poetic_a fable_n but_o if_o poet_n
which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v uncapable_a of_o full_a and_o particular_a resolution_n and_o those_o be_v that_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o man_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o if_o then_o man_n ruin_n and_o misery_n be_v from_o himself_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o much_o inculcate_v on_o all_o occasion_n then_o without_o controversy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o too_o which_o be_v sin_n so_o that_o if_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o by_o which_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_v misery_n unavoidable_o fall_v upon_o he_o for_o with_o what_o authority_n and_o majesty_n do_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n with_o what_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n do_v he_o woo_v the_o sinner_n to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n with_o what_o loathe_n and_o detestation_n do_v he_o mention_v sin_n with_o what_o justice_n and_o severity_n do_v he_o punish_v sin_n with_o what_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n do_v he_o threaten_v contumacious_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o solemn_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o the_o least_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o god_n or_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a will_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a justice_n purity_n and_o holiness_n punish_v the_o sinner_n for_o that_o which_o himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o far_o be_v such_o unworthy_a thought_n from_o our_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n much_o more_o of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v declare_v his_o mind_n so_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a together_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n we_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o account_n 2._o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v any_o way_n charge_v it_o upon_o god_n there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n which_o according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n record_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n either_o first_o by_o the_o give_v he_o that_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n or_o second_o by_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n first_o the_o giving_z of_o that_o positive_a law_n can_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o lay_v man_n fault_n on_o god_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o maker_n for_o consider_v man_n as_o a_o free_a agent_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n imagine_v so_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o this_o be_v because_o thereby_o he_o may_v declare_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o act_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o must_v be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n according_a to_o which_o man_n may_v expect_v either_o his_o reward_n or_o punishment_n if_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o promise_v life_n to_o man_n upon_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o to_o expect_v obedience_n to_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n consider_v the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n which_o god_n have_v over_o man_n as_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v whatever_o his_o mâ—ker_n do_v command_v he_o so_o that_o god_n have_v full_a and_o absolute_a right_n to_o require_v from_o man_n what_o he_o do_v as_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o hâ—s_n creator_n without_o some_o declaration_n of_o his_o creator_n will._n second_o god_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n but_o to_o determine_v man_n general_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o particular_a positive_a precept_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o man_n fall_v if_o god_n power_n over_o man_n be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o shall_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o a_o positive_a law_n be_v it_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o law_n seem_v too_o low_a for_o god_n to_o command_v his_o creature_n but_o whatever_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o man_n have_v testify_v as_o much_o in_o that_o instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o disobedience_n for_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o contemn_v his_o goodness_n slight_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n question_v his_o name_n dishonour_v his_o majesty_n affront_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o it_o have_v be_v if_o the_o law_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o its_o self_n yet_o god_n authority_n add_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o be_v it_o then_o because_o god_n conceal_v from_o man_n his_o counsel_n in_o give_v of_o that_o positive_a precept_n have_v not_o then_o a_o legislator_n power_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o satisfy_v every_o one_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o command_v it_o if_o so_o what_o become_v of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o probative_a precept_n on_o this_o account_n and_o the_o legislator_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v which_o as_o it_o concern_v humane_a legislator_n who_o have_v not_o that_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o all_o law_n of_o policy_n and_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n this_o plutarch_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o numine_fw-la when_o he_o discourse_v â—o_o rational_o of_o the_o sobriety_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o say_v he_o physician_n will_v give_v prescription_n without_o give_v the_o patient_a a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o circumstance_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o have_v humane_a law_n always_o apparent_a reason_n for_o they_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o appearance_n ridiculous_a for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o that_o law_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a ephori_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v annex_v but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o command_v every_o magistrate_n at_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o office_n to_o â—have_v himself_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o obey_v law_n themselves_o he_o further_o instance_v in_o the_o roman_a custom_n of_o manumission_n their_o law_n about_o testament_n solon_n law_n against_o neutrality_n in_o sedition_n and_o conclude_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o one_o will_v easy_o find_v many_o absurdity_n in_o law_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o what_o he_o require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v so_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o those_o of_o the_o deity_n this_o can_v be_v then_o any_o ground_n on_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o man_n disobedience_n upon_o god_n because_o he_o require_v from_o
though_o god_n permit_v man_n to_o use_v his_o liberty_n yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v any_o way_n the_o author_n of_o evil_n because_o man_n have_v still_o a_o posse_fw-la si_fw-la vellet_fw-la a_o power_n of_o stand_v if_o he_o have_v make_v right_a use_n of_o his_o liberty_n and_o god_n never_o take_v from_o man_n his_o adjutorium_fw-la quo_fw-la potuit_fw-la stare_n &_o sine_fw-la quo_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la as_o divine_n call_v it_o man_n enjoy_v still_o his_o power_n though_o by_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o liberty_n he_o fall_v into_o sin_n so_o that_o grant_v godâ—o_o â—o_z leave_v man_n to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o liberty_n yet_o we_o see_v god_n can_v in_o the_o lest_o be_v charge_v with_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n or_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v clear_v we_o come_v now_o in_o the_o three_o place_n to_o compare_v that_o account_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o scripture_n with_o that_o which_o 8._o be_v embrace_v by_o heathen_a philosopher_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n there_o be_v no_o one_o inquiry_n whatsoever_o in_o which_o those_o who_o have_v nothing_o but_o natural_a light_n to_o guide_v they_o be_v more_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n in_o than_o this_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a they_o see_v by_o continual_a experience_n how_o great_a a_o torrent_n of_o both_o sort_n of_o evil_n of_o sin_n and_o punishment_n do_v over_o flow_v the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v like_o the_o egyptian_n who_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o overflow_a their_o bank_n by_o the_o river_n nile_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o spring_n or_o the_o head_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n be_v as_o corruption_n increase_v in_o the_o world_n so_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o knowledge_n decay_v and_o so_o as_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la grow_v great_a the_o reason_n of_o they_o be_v less_o understand_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n through_o which_o they_o can_v alone_o come_v to_o the_o full_a understanding_n of_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o evil_a insensible_o decay_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n insomuch_o that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o acquaint_v with_o that_o history_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o sacred_a record_n among_o the_o jew_n have_v nothing_o but_o their_o own_o uncertain_a conjecture_n to_o go_v by_o and_o some_o kind_n of_o obscure_a tradition_n which_o be_v preserve_v among_o they_o which_o while_o they_o seek_v to_o rectify_v by_o their_o interpretation_n they_o make_v they_o more_o obscure_a and_o false_a then_o they_o find_v they_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o nothing_o but_o that_o mankind_n be_v in_o a_o low_a and_o degenerate_a condition_n and_o subject_a to_o continual_a misery_n and_o calamity_n they_o who_o cry_v up_o the_o most_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o self-determining_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v not_o certain_o but_o strange_o wonder_n that_o a_o principle_n indifferent_a to_o be_v carry_v either_o way_n shall_v be_v so_o almost_o fatal_o incline_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o since_o reason_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o command_n of_o passion_n by_o their_o own_o acknowledgement_n the_o brutish_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n shall_v so_o master_v and_o enslave_v the_o rational_a and_o the_o beast_n shall_v still_o cast_v the_o rider_n in_o man_n the_o sensitive_a appetite_n shall_v throw_v off_o the_o power_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o government_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a what_o slave_n they_o be_v themselves_o to_o this_o terrestrial_a hyle_n how_o easy_o their_o most_o mettalsom_a soul_n be_v mire_v in_o the_o dirt_n how_o deep_o they_o be_v sink_v into_o corporeal_a pleasure_n that_o it_o be_v pass_v the_o power_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o help_v they_o out_o nay_o when_o the_o soul_n begin_v to_o be_v fledge_v again_o after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o moult_a at_o her_o entrance_n into_o the_o body_n which_o plato_n speak_v of_o and_o strive_v to_o raise_v herself_o above_o his_o low_a world_n she_o than_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o such_o plummet_n hang_v at_o her_o foot_n that_o they_o bring_v she_o down_o again_o to_o her_o former_a flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o her_o cage_n of_o earth_n so_o hierocles_n complain_v that_o when_o reason_n begin_v to_o carry_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a object_n the_o soul_n with_o a_o generous_a flight_n 77._o will_v soar_v above_o this_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o horn_n down_o to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a by_o the_o force_n of_o passion_n which_o hang_v like_o lead_n upon_o the_o soul_n foot_n what_o a_o strange_a unaccountable_a thing_n must_v this_o need_v be_v to_o those_o who_o behold_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o effect_n but_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v clear_a to_o they_o that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v wont_a to_o extol_v so_o high_a be_v in_o the_o state_n man_n be_v now_o in_o but_o a_o more_o noble_a name_n for_o slavery_n when_o themselves_o can_v not_o but_o confess_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o inclination_n in_o the_o soul_n be_v so_o strong_a to_o the_o evil_a and_o can_v that_o be_v a_o even_a balance_n where_o there_o be_v so_o much_o down-weight_n in_o one_o of_o the_o scale_n unless_o they_o make_v as_o some_o of_o they_o do_v the_o voluntary_a inclination_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o evil_n a_o evidence_n of_o her_o liberty_n in_o this_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n as_o though_o it_o be_v any_o argument_n that_o the_o prisoner_n be_v the_o free_a because_o he_o delight_v himself_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o his_o shackle_n neither_o be_v this_o disorder_n alone_o at_o home_n in_o the_o soul_n where_o there_o be_v still_o a_o xantippe_n scold_v with_o socrates_n passion_n strive_v with_o reason_n but_o when_o they_o look_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v not_o but_o observe_v some_o strange_a irregularity_n in_o the_o converse_n among_o man_n what_o debauchery_n contention_n rapine_n fight_n and_o destroy_v each_o other_o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a cruelty_n and_o that_o frequent_o among_o countryman_n friend_n nay_o relation_n and_o kindred_n and_o can_v this_o hostility_n between_o those_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o under_o the_o most_o sacred_a bond_n of_o union_n be_v the_o result_n of_o nature_n when_o even_a beast_n of_o prey_n be_v not_o such_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o kind_n beside_o all_o this_o when_o they_o sum_v up_o the_o life_n of_o man_n together_o and_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o childhood_n the_o heat_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o youth_n the_o passion_n disquietment_n and_o disappointment_n of_o man_n in_o their_o strength_n and_o height_n of_o business_n the_o inquietude_n ache_n and_o infirmity_n of_o old_a age_n beside_o the_o misery_n which_o through_o every_o one_o of_o these_o all_o man_n be_v subject_a to_o and_o few_o escape_n into_o how_o small_a a_o sum_n will_v the_o solid_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v reduce_v nay_o if_o we_o take_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n please_v themselves_o the_o most_o in_o enjoyment_n of_o and_o consider_v but_o with_o what_o care_n they_o be_v get_v with_o what_o fear_n they_o be_v keep_v and_o with_o what_o certainty_n they_o must_v be_v lose_v and_o how_o much_o the_o possession_n of_o any_o thing_n fail_v of_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o how_o near_a man_n be_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o tenariff_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o sea_n how_o often_o they_o be_v precipitate_v from_o the_o height_n of_o prosperity_n into_o the_o depth_n of_o adversity_n we_o shall_v find_v yet_o much_o less_o that_o by_o the_o great_a chemistry_n can_v be_v extract_v of_o real_a satisfaction_n out_o of_o these_o thing_n whence_o then_o shall_v it_o come_v that_o man_n soul_n shall_v so_o delight_v to_o seed_n on_o these_o husk_n and_o to_o embrace_v these_o cloud_n and_o shadow_n instead_o of_o that_o real_a good_a which_o be_v the_o true_a object_n of_o the_o soul_n desire_v they_o can_v easy_o see_v there_o be_v no_o pure_a unmixed_a good_a in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v a_o contemperation_n of_o both_o together_o according_a to_o that_o of_o euripides_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o continual_a mixture_n of_o
the_o jew_n in_o gen._n 2._o we_o may_v likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o that_o chapter_n distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a again_o further_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n before_o adam_n no_o doubt_n adam_n himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n not_o of_o all_o live_a thing_n for_o that_o 20._o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a description_n of_o a_o ceres_n or_o magna_fw-la mater_fw-la or_o diana_n multimammia_n of_o our_o grandmother_n the_o earth_n but_o certain_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o kind_n that_o all_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n come_v from_o she_o so_o the_o chaldeâ—_n paraphra_v understand_v it_o she_o be_v call_v hava_n because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o arabic_a version_n quia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fuit_fw-la mater_fw-la omnis_fw-la viventis_fw-la rationalis_fw-la to_o which_o 65_o purpose_n our_o learned_a selden_n cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o mauritanian_a jew_n and_o the_o persic_a of_o tawasius_fw-la but_o what_o ever_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o these_o version_n be_v this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o adam_n have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o have_v give_v this_o name_n to_o his_o wife_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o of_o mankind_n exist_v in_o the_o world_n from_o other_o mother_n which_o have_v be_v long_o before_o eve_n be_v form_v so_o that_o we_o find_v it_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o if_o the_o report_n give_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeadamite_n be_v undoubted_o false_a and_o certain_o who_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o fiction_n and_o his_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o may_v easy_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o that_o author_n be_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o opinion_n from_o those_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v show_v of_o which_o be_v pitiful_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o argument_n make_v his_o opinion_n more_o plausible_a his_o hope_n be_v that_o his_o opinion_n will_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o account_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unsatisfactory_a since_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n which_o the_o scripture_n to_o please_v the_o jewish_a nation_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o so_o that_o after_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o prostitute_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o opinion_n his_o next_o work_n have_v be_v to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n as_o not_o of_o credit_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o any_o when_o they_o be_v so_o common_a to_o every_o opinion_n but_o how_o impious_a absurd_a and_o rude_a that_o attempt_n be_v upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o full_o discover_v by_o his_o very_o many_o not_o unlearned_a adversary_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o weak_o ground_v and_o infirm_o prove_v a_o opinion_n have_v it_o not_o thus_o far_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o fabulous_a opinion_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptian_n and_o other_o have_v be_v full_o take_v away_o in_o our_o first_o bsok_n where_o our_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o those_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o heathen_a nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o flood_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o that_o figment_n but_o only_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a conciseness_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o report_v that_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o flood_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o conciseness_n such_o thing_n be_v report_v as_o speedy_o do_v because_o immediate_o succeed_v in_o the_o story_n which_o ask_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o they_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o beside_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o the_o flood_n be_v all_o quite_o obliterated_a by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o numerous_a posterity_n of_o adam_n be_v then_o destroy_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o family_n except_v to_o what_o purpose_n have_v it_o be_v any_o further_a to_o have_v report_v the_o passage_n before_o the_o flood_n otherwise_o then_o thereby_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n and_o such_o action_n in_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o man_n wickedness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v most_o apparent_a at_o first_o in_o cain_n and_o his_o posteriry_n do_v by_o degree_n so_o spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a world_n that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o send_v a_o deluge_n among_o they_o to_o sweep_v away_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o generation_n to_o succeed_v they_o this_o therefore_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n after_o the_o flood_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n as_o to_o which_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o from_o such_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v questionable_a to_o reason_n concern_v the_o flood_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o preserve_v all_o kind_n of_o animal_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o flood_n as_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o have_v suppose_v it_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o water_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o air_n suppose_v it_o to_o fall_v down_o shall_v raise_v the_o surface_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o balf_a in_o height_n so_o that_o either_o new_a water_n must_v be_v create_v to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n or_o else_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v a_o rarefaction_n of_o the_o water_n contain_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o river_n so_o that_o it_o must_v take_v up_o at_o least_o fifteen_o time_n the_o space_n that_o now_o it_o do_v but_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o water_n have_v be_v thus_o rarify_v it_o can_v neither_o have_v destroy_v man_n nor_o beast_n neither_o can_v noabs_n ark_n have_v be_v bear_v up_o by_o it_o any_o more_o than_o by_o liquid_a air_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o can_v see_v any_o urgent_a necessity_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o flood_n do_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o all_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o mankind_n those_o in_o the_o ark_n except_v be_v destroy_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v thus_o express_v and_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a â—_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v destroy_v man_n who_o i_o have_v create_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o particular_a deluge_n of_o so_o small_a a_o country_n as_o palestine_n which_o be_v here_o express_v as_o some_o have_v ridiculous_o imagine_v for_o we_o find_v a_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o earth_n mention_v as_o the_o cause_n a_o universal_a threaten_a upon_o
refesh_v the_o soul_n of_o such_o who_o be_v deject_v under_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o yet_o their_o love_n be_v sincere_a towards_o he_o with_o what_o profound_a humility_n what_o holy_a boldness_n what_o become_v distance_n and_o yet_o what_o restless_a importunity_n do_v we_o therein_o find_v the_o soul_n of_o god_n people_n address_v themselves_o to_o he_o in_o prayer_n with_o what_o cheerfulness_n do_v they_o serve_v he_o with_o what_o confidence_n do_v they_o trust_v he_o with_o what_o resolution_n do_v they_o adhere_v to_o he_o in_o all_o straits_n and_o difficulty_n with_o what_o patience_n do_v they_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n in_o their_o great_a extremity_n how_o fearful_a be_v they_o of_o sin_v against_o god_n how_o careful_a to_o please_v he_o how_o regardless_o of_o suffer_v when_o they_o must_v choose_v either_o that_o or_o sin_v how_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o man_n displeasure_n while_o they_o enjoy_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n now_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o pathetical_o express_v in_o scripture_n do_v abundant_o set_v forth_o to_o we_o the_o exuberancy_n and_o pleonasm_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o goodness_n towards_o his_o people_n which_o make_v they_o delight_v so_o much_o in_o he_o and_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o his_o displeasure_n but_o above_o all_o other_o discovery_n of_o god_n goodness_n his_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o sinner_n be_v that_o which_o the_o scripture_n set_v forth_o with_o the_o great_a life_n and_o eloquence_n by_o eloquence_n i_o mean_v not_o a_o artificial_a composure_n of_o word_n but_o the_o gravity_n weight_n and_o perswasiveness_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o melt_v our_o freeze_a heart_n into_o a_o current_n of_o thankful_a obedience_n to_o god_n than_o the_o vigorous_a reflection_n of_o the_o beam_n of_o god_n love_n through_o jesus_n christ_n upon_o we_o be_v there_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o expression_n of_o love_n hear_v of_o nay_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v imagine_v that_o that_o god_n who_o perfect_o hate_v sin_n shall_v himself_o offer_v the_o pardon_n of_o it_o and_o send_v his_o son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v it_o to_o the_o sinner_n who_o do_v so_o hearty_o repent_v of_o his_o sin_n as_o to_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n well_o may_v the_o apostle_n say_v this_o be_v a_o faithful_a say_n and_o worthy_a of_o all_o acceptation_n 15._o that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n how_o dry_a and_o sapless_a be_v all_o the_o voluminous_a discourse_n of_o philosopher_n compare_v with_o this_o sentence_n how_o jejune_n and_o unsatisfactory_a be_v all_o the_o discovery_n they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o goodness_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o have_v by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n well_o might_n paul_n then_o say_v that_o he_o determine_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v christ_n crucify_v be_v the_o 2._o library_n which_o triumphant_a soul_n will_v be_v study_v in_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o be_v the_o only_a library_n which_o be_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o cure_v the_o soul_n of_o all_o its_o malady_n and_o distemper_n other_o knowledge_n make_v man_n mind_n giddy_a and_o flatulent_a this_o settle_v and_o compose_v they_o other_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o swell_v man_n into_o high_a conceit_n and_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o this_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o true_a view_n of_o themselves_o and_o thereby_o to_o humility_n and_o sobriety_n other_o knowledge_n leave_v man_n heart_n as_o it_o find_v they_o this_o alter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o better_o so_o transcendent_a a_o excellency_n be_v there_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n crucify_v above_o the_o sublimest_n speculation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a benefit_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o 5._o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o can_v read_v and_o converse_v with_o all_o these_o expression_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n shall_v we_o admire_v and_o praise_v what_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o heathen_a philosopher_n which_o be_v generous_a and_o handsome_a and_o shall_v we_o not_o adore_v the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o run_v over_o with_o continue_a expression_n of_o that_o and_o a_o high_a nature_n what_o folly_n be_v it_o to_o magnify_v those_o lean_a cow_n the_o notion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o to_o contemn_v the_o fat_a the_o plenty_n and_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o valuable_a and_o excellent_a discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n if_o there_o be_v not_o far_o more_o excellent_a direction_n and_o rule_n of_o practice_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n then_o in_o the_o sublimest_n of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n then_o let_v we_o leave_v our_o full_a ear_n and_o feed_v upon_o the_o thin_a but_o certain_o no_o sober_a &_o rational_a spirit_n that_o put_v any_o value_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o same_o account_n that_o he_o do_v prize_v the_o discourse_n of_o any_o philosopher_n concern_v god_n he_o can_v but_o set_v a_o value_n of_o a_o far_o high_a on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v thus_o discover_v in_o scripture_n so_o be_v his_o justice_n and_o holiness_n we_o have_v therein_o record_v the_o most_o remarkable_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o contumacious_a sinner_n the_o severe_a denunciation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v against_o all_o that_o live_v in_o sin_n the_o exact_a precept_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o can_v be_v desire_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n concern_v he_o if_o therefore_o acquaintance_n with_o the_o nature_n perfection_n design_n of_o so_o excellent_a a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v be_v a_o thing_n desirable_a to_o humane_a nature_n we_o have_v the_o great_a cause_n to_o admire_v the_o excellency_n and_o adore_v the_o fullness_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o so_o large_a rational_a and_o complete_a account_n of_o the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o which_o tend_v yet_o more_o to_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o we_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o full_o discover_v concern_v god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o contradict_v those_o prime_n &_o common_a notion_n which_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n concern_v he_o but_o do_v exceed_o advance_v and_o improve_v they_o and_o tend_v the_o most_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v not_o miscarry_v therein_o as_o otherwise_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o do_v for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n so_o far_o to_o love_v themselves_o as_o to_o set_v the_o great_a value_n upon_o those_o excellency_n which_o they_o think_v themselves_o most_o master_v oâ—_n thence_o man_n come_v to_o be_v exceed_o mistake_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o attribute_v one_o thing_n as_o a_o perfection_n another_o a_o different_a thing_n according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o inclination_n thus_o imperious_a self-willed_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o cry_v up_o god_n absolute_a power_n and_o dominion_n as_o his_o great_a perfection_n easy_a and_o soft-spirited_n man_n his_o patience_n and_o goodness_n severe_a and_o rigid_a man_n his_o justice_n and_o severity_n every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o humour_n and_o temper_n make_v his_o god_n of_o his_o own_o complexion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o in_o thing_n remote_a enough_o from_o be_v perfection_n at_o all_o yet_o because_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o they_o prize_v and_o value_n they_o suppose_v of_o necessity_n they_o must_v be_v in_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o eicureans_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o exclude_v providence_n as_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v and_o withal_o consider_v how_o very_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o one_o who_o real_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o pure_a just_a and_o holy_a nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v grievous_o offend_v he_o by_o his_o sin_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o god_n will_v pardon_v he_o upon_o true_a repentance_n it_o be_v thence_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v know_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n to_o prevent_v our_o misconception_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o assure_v a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n how_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o pardon_v iniquity_n transgession_n and_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o unfeigned_o repent_v of_o their_o folly_n and_o return_v unto_o himself_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v dictate_v much_o to_o we_o of_o the_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n yet_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o that_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n