miracle_n no_o uiolation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n quid_fw-la non_fw-la miraculo_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la primum_fw-la in_o notitiam_fw-la venit_fw-la plinius_n histor._n nat._n lib._n 7._o cap._n 1._o london_n print_v for_o robert_n sollers_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n and_o bible_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1683._o premonition_n to_o the_o candid_a reader_n it_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o most_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a theologue_n among_o the_o modern_n that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n when_o they_o speak_v of_o natural_a thing_n do_v not_o design_n to_o instruct_v man_n in_o physical_a speculation_n and_o the_o science_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o aim_v only_o to_o excite_v pious_a affection_n in_o their_o breast_n and_o to_o induce_v they_o to_o the_o worship_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o they_o celebrate_v in_o their_o write_n who_o power_n and_o goodness_n they_o therefore_o take_v all_o fair_a occasion_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o they_o may_v from_o as_o well_o the_o natural_a as_o civil_a order_n of_o thing_n establish_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n a_o right_a and_o firm_a belief_n thereof_o this_o then_o be_v the_o only_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o they_o find_v themselves_o oblige_v so_o to_o explicate_v the_o visible_a work_n of_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o relate_v as_o that_o they_o may_v not_o by_o novity_n and_o insolency_n appear_v too_o remote_a and_o abhorrent_n from_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o preconceived_a opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a to_o who_o narrow_a capacity_n and_o grovel_a wit_n they_o be_v always_o to_o condescend_v yea_o even_o to_o wrest_v the_o general_a cause_n and_o end_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o people_n prejudices_fw-la as_o if_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n be_v ordain_v only_o for_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n nor_o can_v it_o conduce_v to_o this_o their_o principal_a purpose_n to_o insist_v upon_o second_o cause_n or_o defer_v much_o to_o their_o efficacy_n but_o rather_o in_o all_o contingent_n or_o event_n to_o recur_v immediate_o to_o god_n himself_o the_o first_o cause_n author_n and_o precedent_n of_o nature_n omit_v to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o that_o apparatus_fw-la and_o long_a series_n of_o cause_n which_o philosopher_n use_v to_o remark_n in_o explicate_v the_o phenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o which_o nature_n herself_o use_v in_o their_o production_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o these_o pious_a writer_n compendious_o refer_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n and_o to_o his_o irresistible_a will_n and_o command_n leave_v man_n to_o learn_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o teach_v it_o that_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o and_o that_o all_o her_o law_n be_v his_o eternal_a decree_n for_o their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o treat_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n as_o i_o say_v before_o but_o to_o convince_v the_o unthinking_a multitude_n that_o god_n be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n that_o universal_a nature_n be_v obedient_a to_o his_o will_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n preside_v over_o and_o govern_v all_o thing_n as_o well_o natural_a as_o bumane_a which_o he_o so_o dispose_v and_o accommodate_n as_o to_o make_v they_o conspire_v to_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o impious_a and_o vicious_a and_o the_o multitude_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v not_o by_o lead_v their_o reason_n with_o a_o long_a chain_n of_o premise_n and_o conclusion_n theological_a but_o by_o surprise_v their_o imagination_n and_o accommodate_v event_n to_o their_o common_a opinion_n however_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o this_o well_o consider_v as_o we_o be_v not_o to_o admire_v if_o we_o find_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n many_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v as_o miracle_n which_o yet_o notwith_o stand_v proceed_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n and_o necessary_o flow_v from_o a_o series_n of_o cause_n ordain_v according_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n that_o be_v from_o god_n decree_n so_o ought_v we_o not_o rash_o to_o accuse_v any_o man_n of_o infidelity_n only_o because_o he_o refuse_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o miracle_n be_v effect_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n such_o as_o be_v not_o only_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o point_v blank_a repugnant_a to_o the_o fundamental_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n have_v make_v and_o make_v so_o ample_a and_o fertile_a as_o to_o extend_v to_o the_o certain_a production_n of_o whatever_o event_n he_o have_v will_v and_o decree_v for_o first_o among_o the_o many_o miracle_n relate_v to_o be_v do_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o israelite_n there_o be_v i_o think_v no_o one_o that_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o establish_a order_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o the_o power_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a that_o of_o nature_n must_v be_v so_o too_o because_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o humane_a understanding_n be_v finite_a and_o consequent_o incapable_a to_o know_v how_o far_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n extend_v themselves_o in_o a_o word_n therefore_o if_o by_o a_o miracle_n in_o the_o general_n you_o understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a work_n or_o effect_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o can_v be_v explicate_v by_o man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n i_o acknowledge_v many_o such_o miracle_n to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o all_o age_n and_o among_o all_o nation_n nay_o more_o if_o by_o a_o miracle_n you_o mean_v that_o the_o cause_n whereof_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n even_o of_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o profound_a philosopher_n i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o many_o thing_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o miracle_n some_o be_v find_v that_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o may_v deserve_v that_o name_n because_o i_o do_v not_o measure_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n by_o the_o unequal_a line_n of_o humane_a wit._n but_o if_o you_o will_v have_v a_o miracle_n to_o be_v such_o a_o rare_a effect_n which_o be_v absolute_o above_o or_o which_o real_o be_v all_o one_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o can_v possible_o follow_v from_o she_o fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n then_o i_o dare_v not_o believe_v that_o any_o such_o miracle_n have_v ever_o happen_v in_o nature_n lest_o i_o oppose_v god_n to_o god_n that_o be_v admit_v that_o god_n change_v his_o own_o decree_n which_o from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o know_v to_o be_v impossible_a if_o you_o candid_a reader_n know_v so_o too_o i_o have_v already_o say_v more_o than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o innocent_a discourse_n and_o therefore_o acquiesce_v in_o hope_n of_o be_v right_o understand_v of_o miracle_n by_o miracle_n be_v understand_v the_o admirable_a or_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o because_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o natural_a reason_n be_v wont_a to_o doubt_v whether_o what_o be_v by_o a_o prophet_n deliver_v for_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v true_o the_o command_n of_o god_n or_o not_o miracle_n in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n be_v call_v sign_n as_o signify_v the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o also_o in_o ethnic_a writer_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v ostenta_fw-la and_o portenta_fw-la as_o show_v or_o portend_v the_o divine_a will_n concern_v thing_n to_o come_v that_o we_o may_v therefore_o understand_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v we_o must_v observe_v what_o work_v those_o be_v which_o man_n general_o admire_v or_o wonder_v at_o the_o thing_n than_o that_o cause_n man_n to_o admire_v any_o work_n or_o remarkable_a effect_n be_v only_o two_o one_o be_v if_o that_o work_n be_v rare_a the_o like_a whereof_o they_o have_v seldom_o or_o never_o see_v do_v before_o the_o other_o if_o after_o thè_z work_n be_v do_v they_o can_v conceive_v it_o to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o natural_a cause_n but_o only_o by_o the_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o fact_n however_o rare_a it_o be_v or_o if_o we_o have_v often_o see_v the_o like_a do_v before_o though_o we_o do_v not_o conceive_v the_o natural_a cause_n thereof_o we_o no_o long_o admire_v it_o nor_o call_v it_o a_o miracle_n quae_fw-la usu_fw-la quotidiano_fw-la novimus_fw-la &_o frequenti_fw-la experientia_fw-la ea_fw-la neque_fw-la admiramur_fw-la neque_fw-la ad_fw-la eorum_fw-la causas_fw-la investigandas_fw-la multum_fw-la excitari_fw-la solemus_fw-la
which_o they_o can_v be_v change_v to_o we_o at_o least_o from_o the_o time_n wherein_o we_o conclude_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o they_o they_o ought_v to_o appear_v such_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o conclusion_n from_o all_o possible_a doubt_n for_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o those_o notion_n may_v be_v change_v by_o any_o power_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v then_o shall_v we_o doubt_v of_o their_o verity_n and_o consequent_o of_o that_o of_o our_o conclusion_n also_o namely_o of_o god_n existence_n nor_o can_v we_o ever_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o other_o thing_n whatever_o beside_o this_o we_o know_v not_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n to_o be_v according_a to_o nature_n or_o repugnant_a to_o it_o unless_o we_o can_v evince_v the_o same_o to_o be_v convenient_a or_o repugnant_a to_o those_o fundamental_a notion_n or_o principle_n wherefore_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n possible_a to_o be_v do_v by_o any_o power_n whatever_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o nature_n that_o thing_n will_v be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o absurd_a or_o else_o as_o be_v just_a now_o intimate_v we_o must_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o first_o notion_n and_o by_o consequence_n also_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n what_o ever_o and_o howsoever_o perceive_v miracle_n then_o if_o understand_v to_o be_v work_v repugnant_a to_o the_o fix_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o evince_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o it_o when_o without_o they_o we_o may_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o same_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n follow_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n but_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o what_o can_v be_v explicate_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v a_o miracle_n which_o may_v be_v understand_v two_o way_n either_o as_o that_o which_o have_v indeed_o natural_a cause_n but_o such_o as_o can_v be_v investigate_v by_o humane_a understanding_n or_o as_o that_o which_o have_v no_o cause_n but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o god_n now_o because_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v by_o natural_a cause_n be_v do_v also_o by_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o will_n of_o god_n we_o be_v under_o a_o plain_a necessity_n of_o come_v to_o this_o conclusion_n that_o a_o miracle_n whether_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n or_o not_o be_v a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n but_o from_o a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o for_o whatever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v must_v come_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o by_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v therefore_o from_o a_o miracle_n or_o work_n that_o transcend_v our_o capacity_n we_o can_v understand_v neither_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n nor_o his_o existence_n nor_o his_o providence_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o concern_v he_o or_o his_o minister_n nature_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a since_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v determine_v and_o decree_v by_o god_n that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n follow_v from_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a decree_n and_o volition_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v absolute_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o so_o much_o the_o better_a know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n by_o how_o much_o the_o better_o we_o know_v natural_a thing_n and_o more_o clear_o understand_v how_o they_o depend_v upon_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o how_o they_o operate_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n wherefore_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o understanding_n those_o work_n that_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v be_v with_o much_o more_o right_a to_o be_v call_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o his_o will_n than_o those_o we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v although_o they_o strong_o exercise_v the_o imagination_n and_o ravish_v man_n into_o admiration_n of_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o only_o those_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o sublime_a and_o most_o clear_o show_v his_o will_n and_o decree_n they_o therefore_o that_o when_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v a_o thing_n have_v recourse_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n talk_v impertinent_o show_v more_o of_o bigotry_n than_o wit_n and_o ridiculous_o profess_v their_o ignorance_n viii_o moreover_o can_v we_o conclude_v any_o thing_n from_o miracle_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o thence_o conclude_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n limit_v and_o never_o imply_v any_o but_o a_o certain_a and_o limit_a power_n most_o certain_a and_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o from_o such_o a_o effect_n we_o can_v right_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v infinite_a but_o at_o most_o of_o a_o cause_n who_o power_n be_v great_a i_o say_v at_o most_o because_o from_o many_o cause_n concur_v there_o may_v follow_v some_o work_n who_o force_n and_o power_n be_v indeed_o less_o than_o the_o power_n of_o all_o its_o cause_n put_v together_o but_o far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o take_v singular_o but_o because_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v extend_v themselves_o to_o infinite_a thing_n and_o be_v conceive_v by_o we_o under_o a_o certain_a semblance_n of_o eternity_n and_o nature_n according_a to_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o immutable_a order_n those_o very_a law_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n indicate_v to_o we_o the_o infinity_o eternity_n and_o immutability_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o by_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v god_n and_o his_o existence_n and_o his_o providence_n but_o that_o these_o may_v be_v far_o better_a conclude_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n in_o this_o conclusion_n i_o speak_v of_o a_o miracle_n as_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o work_n that_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n or_o be_v believe_v to_o do_v so_o for_o if_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o destroy_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o interrupt_v it_o or_o to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o then_o certain_o it_o can_v not_o only_o give_v we_o no_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n will_v take_v from_o we_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o natural_o have_v and_o make_v we_o doubt_v of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o other_o thing_n nor_o do_v i_o here_o acknowledge_v any_o difference_n betwixt_o a_o work_n contrary_a to_o nature_n and_o a_o work_n above_o nature_n that_o be_v as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o speak_v a_o work_v not_o in_o truth_n repugnant_a to_o nature_n but_o which_o can_v be_v produce_v or_o effect_v by_o her_o power_n alone_o for_o since_o a_o miracle_n be_v do_v non_fw-la extra_fw-la naturam_fw-la sed_fw-la in_o ipsa_fw-la natura_fw-la though_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v supra_fw-la naturam_fw-la yet_o still_o must_v it_o interrupt_v the_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v from_o the_o decree_n of_o god_n fix_v and_o immutable_a if_o therefore_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v in_o nature_n that_o shall_v not_o follow_v from_o her_o law_n it_o will_v necessary_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v by_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n establish_v in_o the_o universe_n and_o consequent_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o will_v make_v we_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o lead_v we_o into_o atheism_n and_o thus_o if_o i_o be_v not_o gross_o mistake_v in_o the_o force_n of_o the_o reason_n here_o allege_v i_o have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v what_o in_o the_o second_o place_n i_o intend_v and_o from_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o take_v liberty_n to_o conclude_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la that_o a_o miracle_n against_o nature_n or_o above_o nature_n be_v a_o mere_a absurdity_n and_o therefore_o that_o by_o a_o miracle_n in_o holy_a scripture_n nothing_o else_o can_v right_o be_v understand_v but_o such_o a_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o either_o real_o transcend_v humane_a understanding_n or_o be_v believe_v to_o do_v so_o ix_o nevertheless_o for_o more_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o confirm_v that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o affirm_v that_o from_o miracle_n we_o can_v know_v god_n this_o i_o humble_o conceive_v may_v be_v do_v by_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o for_o though_o they_o no_o where_o ex_fw-la professo_fw-la and_o plain_o teach_v that_o position_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v not_o make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o miracle_n
when_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n relate_v that_o the_o earth_n become_v barren_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o that_o the_o blind_a recover_v sight_n by_o faith_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v move_v to_o admiration_n than_o when_o it_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a sorrowful_a penitent_a of_o his_o promise_n or_o fact_n mindful_a of_o his_o promise_n upon_o sight_n of_o the_o sign_n preordain_v and_o many_o other_o like_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o deliver_v poetical_o or_o relate_v according_a to_o the_o preconceived_a opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o writer_n wherefore_o we_o here_o absolute_o conclude_v that_o all_o the_o event_n that_o be_v true_o relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v proceed_v necessary_o as_o all_o other_o contingent_n do_v according_a to_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v find_v which_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o law_n or_o not_o to_o have_v follow_v from_o they_o we_o may_v safe_o and_o pious_o believe_v the_o same_o not_o to_o have_v be_v dictate_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o impious_o add_v to_o the_o sacred_a volume_n by_o sacrilegious_a man_n for_o whatever_o be_v against_o nature_n be_v against_o reason_n and_o whatever_o be_v against_o reason_n be_v absurd_a and_o therefore_o also_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o refute_v xii_o but_o lest_o any_o man_n shall_v by_o misinterpret_v any_o miracle_n suspect_v that_o he_o have_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n something_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n it_o concern_v i_o now_o to_o come_v to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o my_o present_a subject_n viz._n the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n of_o this_o therefore_o i_o will_v deliver_v 〈◊〉_d of_o many_o thought_n and_o by_o a_o example_n or_o two_o endeavour_n to_o illustrate_v they_o it_o very_o rare_o happen_v that_o man_n relate_v any_o action_n simple_o and_o as_o it_o be_v real_o do_v without_o mix_v with_o it_o somewhat_o of_o their_o own_o judgement_n nay_o when_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n new_a and_o surprise_v unless_o they_o circumspect_o defend_v themselves_o from_o their_o own_o preconceived_a opinion_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prone_a to_o be_v so_o blind_v and_o prepossessed_a by_o they_o that_o they_o apprehend_v in_o their_o brain_n quite_o another_o thing_n than_o what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v chief_o if_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v the_o capacity_n of_o either_o the_o reporter_n or_o the_o hearer_n and_o when_o the_o same_o be_v likely_a to_o bring_v some_o considerable_a advantage_n or_o emolument_fw-fr to_o the_o reporter_n if_o it_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o such_o or_o such_o a_o manner_n hence_o doubtless_o it_o come_v that_o man_n in_o their_o chronicle_n and_o history_n rather_o relate_v their_o own_o conjecture_n and_o opinion_n than_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v real_o do_v and_o that_o one_o and_o the_o same_o case_n or_o event_n be_v by_o two_o man_n of_o different_a opinion_n and_o judgement_n so_o diverse_o relate_v that_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v not_o of_o one_o case_n but_o two_o and_o in_o fine_a that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o difficult_a to_o a_o man_n that_o read_v with_o attention_n to_o investigate_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o chronographer_n or_o historian_n mere_o from_o his_o narration_n to_o confirm_v this_o i_o may_v bring_v hither_o many_o example_n as_o well_o of_o philosopher_n who_o have_v write_v natural_a history_n as_o of_o chronographer_n if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o superfluous_a so_o to_o do_v i_o will_v therefore_o content_v myself_o with_o one_o pertinent_a and_o remarkable_a example_n take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o then_o leave_v the_o reader_n from_o thence_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n the_o hebrew_n perhaps_o with_o all_o other_o nation_n believe_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v carry_v round_o the_o 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o diurnal_a motion_n and_o the_o earth_n to_o stand_v still_o perpetual_o accommodate_v to_o this_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n the_o miracle_n that_o happen_v to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v fight_v against_o those_o five_o king_n of_o the_o amorites_n for_o they_o have_v not_o simple_o relate_v that_o that_o day_n be_v long_o than_o any_o other_o day_n but_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n then_o stand_v still_o or_o cease_v from_o their_o motion_n and_o this_o can_v not_o but_o serve_v mighty_o to_o their_o advantage_n at_o that_o time_n to_o convince_v their_o ethnic_a enemy_n who_o adore_v the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o to_o prove_v by_o experience_n itself_o that_o those_o celestial_a luminary_n be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o another_o god_n at_o who_o beck_n they_o be_v force_v to_o stop_v their_o course_n and_o change_v their_o natural_a order_n wherefore_o they_o conceive_v partly_o from_o religion_n partly_o from_o their_o preconceived_a opinion_n the_o thing_n to_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v far_o otherwise_o than_o it_o may_v real_o have_v happen_v and_o relate_v the_o same_o according_o to_o interpret_v therefore_o scripture_n miracle_n and_o to_o understand_v from_o the_o narration_n of_o they_o how_o they_o real_o happen_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o know_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o first_o report_v they_o and_o who_o transmit_v they_o down_o to_o after-age_n by_o their_o write_n and_o to_o distinguish_v the_o narration_n from_o that_o which_o their_o author_n sense_n may_v represent_v to_o their_o surprise_a imagination_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v confound_v their_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n with_o the_o miracle_n itself_o as_o it_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v nay_o more_o we_o shall_v confound_v also_o thing_n which_o have_v real_o happen_v with_o thing_n pure_o imaginary_a and_o which_o be_v only_o prophetic_a representation_n for_o in_o scripture_n many_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o real_a and_o which_o be_v also_o believe_v to_o be_v real_a even_o by_o the_o relator_n themselves_o that_o notwithstanding_o be_v only_a representation_n form_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o mere_o imaginary_a as_o that_o god_n the_o supreme_a be_v descend_v from_o heaven_n exod_n 19_o v._n 28._o and_o deuteron_n 5._o v._n 28._o upon_o mount_n sinai_n and_o that_o the_o mountain_n therefore_o smoke_v because_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o it_o surround_v with_o fire_n that_o elias_n ascend_v to_o heaven_n in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n draw_v by_o fiery_a horse_n which_o be_v only_a representation_n accommodate_v to_o their_o opinion_n who_o deliver_v they_o down_o to_o we_o as_o they_o have_v be_v represent_v to_o they_o viz._n as_o thing_n actual_o do_v for_o all_o man_n of_o understanding_n above_o the_o rabble_n know_v that_o god_n have_v no_o right_a nor_o left_a hand_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o move_v nor_o quiet_a uncircumscribed_a by_o place_n but_o absolute_o infinite_a and_o that_o in_o he_o be_v comprehend_v all_o perfection_n all_o these_o propriety_n of_o he_o i_o say_v be_v know_v to_o those_o consider_v man_n which_o judge_v thing_n from_o the_o perception_n of_o a_o pure_a intellect_n and_o not_o as_o the_o imagination_n be_v affect_v by_o the_o outward_a sense_n as_o the_o vulgar_a be_v wont_a which_o therefore_o imagine_v god_n to_o be_v corporeal_a and_o like_o a_o emperor_n sit_v in_o a_o throne_n above_o the_o star_n in_o the_o convexity_n of_o heaven_n the_o distance_n of_o which_o they_o believe_v not_o to_o be_v very_o great_a from_o the_o earth_n from_o these_o gross_a imagination_n and_o opinion_n of_o common_a head_n it_o be_v that_o the_o writer_n of_o holy_a scripture_n accommodate_v their_o narration_n many_o time_n to_o vulgar_a capacity_n describe_v many_o event_n in_o expression_n familiar_a and_o suitable_a to_o those_o preconceived_a opinion_n which_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o philosopher_n as_o real_a beside_o to_o understand_v how_o miracle_n real_o happen_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o all_o the_o idiom_n phrase_n and_o trope_n of_o the_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o he_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o attend_v to_o all_o these_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o feign_v and_o add_v to_o the_o scripture_n many_o miracle_n which_o the_o writer_n of_o it_o never_o think_v of_o and_o consequent_o remain_v ignorant_a not_o only_a how_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v write_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o even_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o writer_n for_o example_n the_o prophet_n zacharias_n chap._n 14._o v._n 7._o speak_v of_o war_n to_o come_v sai_z and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o that_o day_n that_o the_o light_n shall_v not_o be_v clear_a nor_o dark_a but_o it_o shall_v be_v one_o day_n which_o shall_v be_v know_v to_o the_o lord_n not_o day_n
nor_o night_n but_o at_o evening_n time_n it_o shall_v be_v light_n etc._n etc._n now_o by_o these_o word_n he_o seem_v to_o predict_v a_o mighty_a miracle_n and_o yet_o to_o a_o man_n conversant_a in_o the_o language_n phrase_n and_o style_n of_o the_o prophet_n it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o nothing_o be_v signify_v by_o he_o but_o this_o that_o the_o battle_n shall_v be_v sierce_o fight_v by_o both_o side_n the_o event_n of_o it_o all_o the_o day_n know_v only_o to_o god_n but_o in_o the_o evening_n the_o jew_n shall_v obtain_v the_o victory_n for_o in_o such_o allegory_n and_o phrase_n the_o prophet_n be_v wont_a to_o soretel_v and_o write_v the_o victory_n and_o calamity_n of_o nation_n signify_v those_o by_o light_n and_o day_n these_o by_o darkness_n and_o night_n thus_o we_o find_v esaia_n chap._n 13._o describe_v the_o ruin_n and_o devastation_n of_o babylon_n in_o these_o word_n the_o star_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o constellation_n thereof_o shall_v not_o give_v their_o light_n the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v in_o his_o go_v forth_o and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o emit_v the_o splendour_n of_o her_o light_n which_o prodigy_n no_o man_n of_o understanding_n believe_v to_o have_v happen_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o that_o mighty_a city_n as_o neither_o those_o the_o same_o prophet_n add_v in_o the_o subsequent_a verse_n i_o will_v shake_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n shall_v remove_v out_o of_o her_o place_n thus_o again_o in_o chap._n 48._o vers_fw-la ult_n to_o signify_v to_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o shall_v return_v from_o babylon_n to_o jerusalem_n secure_o and_o suffer_v no_o thirst_n in_o the_o journey_n he_o say_v and_o they_o thirst_v not_o when_o he_o lead_v they_o through_o the_o desert_n he_o cause_v the_o water_n to_o flow_v out_o of_o the_o rock_n for_o they_o by_o which_o word_n i_o say_v esaia_n intend_v only_o this_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v find_v fountain_n in_o the_o desert_n as_o traveller_n common_o do_v with_o which_o they_o shall_v mitigate_v their_o thirst_n for_o when_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o cyrus_n they_o go_v to_o jerusalem_n it_o be_v evident_a even_o from_o the_o history_n of_o their_o return_n thither_o that_o no_o such_o miracle_n happen_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n of_o speak_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n occur_v very_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v only_o old_a mode_n of_o expression_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v interpret_v according_a to_o the_o letter_n chief_o where_o miracle_n be_v rash_o suppose_v to_o be_v intimate_v to_o recite_v all_o these_o be_v after_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v unnecessary_a and_o all_o i_o will_v have_v remark_v in_o the_o general_n be_v only_o this_o that_o the_o hebrew_n be_v accustom_v in_o these_o and_o the_o like_a phrase_n to_o speak_v not_o only_o ornate_o but_o also_o and_o chief_o devote_o for_o which_o very_a reason_n in_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o king_n chap._n 21._o and_o jeb_n 2._o v_o 9_o be_v find_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o to_o curse_v and_o for_o the_o same_o they_o refer_v all_o thing_n immediate_o to_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n seem_v to_o relate_v nothing_o almost_o but_o miracle_n and_o that_o too_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o thing_n most_o plain_o natural_a of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o allege_v some_o example_n when_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o signify_v any_o thing_n but_o this_o that_o pharaoh_n be_v contumacious_a or_o obstinate_a and_o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n open_v the_o window_n of_o heaven_n we_o may_v safe_o interpret_v the_o word_n to_o contain_v no_o other_o sense_n but_o this_o that_o rain_n fall_v down_o from_o the_o cloud_n in_o great_a abundance_n &_o sic_fw-la de_fw-la aliis_fw-la if_o our_o reader_n then_o lay_v aside_o all_o superstitious_a prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v please_v to_o consider_v and_o remark_n these_o instance_n and_o withal_o know_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n many_o thing_n be_v relate_v brief_o without_o any_o circumstance_n and_o imperfect_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v he_o will_v therein_o find_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v apodictical_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a many_o thing_n which_o how_o obscure_a soever_o they_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o he_o will_v be_v able_a upon_o a_o little_a examen_fw-la and_o meditation_n to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v according_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o writer_n and_o thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v with_o sufficient_a clearness_n prove_v what_o i_o intend_v xiii_o but_o yet_o before_o i_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o discourse_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o which_o it_o concern_v i_o to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o method_n here_o propose_v for_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o prophecy_n occur_v frequent_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o of_o these_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v affirm_v but_o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o fundamental_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n whereas_o the_o conclusion_n precedent_n in_o this_o discourse_n have_v be_v infer_v only_o from_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n prophecy_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o transcend_v the_o limit_a capacity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n comprehend_v wherein_o chief_o it_o consist_v unless_o from_o fundament_n reveal_v which_o be_v pure_o theological_a but_o as_o for_o miracle_n because_o what_o i_o here_o principal_o inquire_v viz._n whether_o we_o may_v safe_o admit_v that_o in_o nature_n any_o thing_n can_v possible_o happen_v that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o nature_n or_o that_o may_v not_o follow_v from_o they_o be_v a_o question_n philosophical_a i_o have_v therefore_o think_v it_o as_o more_o proper_a so_o also_o more_o advise_v to_o investigate_v the_o same_o from_o fundament_n or_o principle_n know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n i_o say_v more_o advise_v because_o i_o can_v have_v solve_v this_o question_n from_o only_a position_n and_o fundament_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o manifest_v which_o i_o will_v now_o brief_o show_v the_o possibility_n thereof_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n affirm_v of_o nature_n in_o general_a that_o she_o perpetual_o observe_v a_o fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n as_o in_o psal._n 148._o v_o 6._o he_o have_v establish_v they_o the_o heaven_n and_o all_o the_o celestial_a host_n etc._n etc._n for_o ever_o he_o have_v make_v a_o decree_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v and_o jerem._n 31._o v_o 35_o 36._o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n which_o give_v the_o sun_n for_o a_o light_n by_o day_n and_o the_o ordinance_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o star_n for_o a_o light_n by_o night_n which_o divide_v the_o sea_n when_o the_o wave_n thereof_o roar_v if_o those_o ordinance_n depart_v from_o before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n then_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o philosopher_n in_o his_o ecclesiast_n 1._o v._n 9_o say_v express_o that_o nothing_o new_a happen_v in_o nature_n and_o in_o vers_n 11_o 12._o illustrate_v that_o assertion_n add_v that_o though_o a_o thing_n may_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o seem_v new_a yet_o real_o it_o be_v not_o new_a but_o the_o like_a have_v happen_v in_o age_n so_o long_o since_o past_a that_o no_o memory_n of_o they_o have_v reach_v down_o to_o we_o there_o be_v say_v he_o no_o remembrance_n of_o former_a thing_n neither_o shall_v there_o be_v any_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v with_o those_o that_o shall_v come_v after_o again_o in_o chap._n 3._o v._n 2._o he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o season_n to_o every_o thing_n and_o a_o time_n to_o every_o purpose_n under_o the_o sun_n and_o at_o vers_n 14._o he_o say_v far_a i_o know_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n do_v it_o shall_v be_v for_o ever_o nothing_o can_v be_v put_v to_o it_o nor_o any_o thing_n take_v from_o it_o etc._n etc._n all_o which_o text_n most_o clear_o teach_v that_o nature_n always_o keep_v she_o fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n that_o god_n have_v be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n as_o well_o unknown_a as_o know_v to_o we_o and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v so_o perfect_a and_o fertile_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v unto_o nothing_o detract_v from_o they_o and_o in_o fine_a that_o miracle_n be_v not_o look_v upon_o as_o new_a thing_n unless_o by_o reason_n of_o man_n ignorance_n these_o remarkable_a truth_n therefore_o be_v you_o see_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o sacred_a book_n but_o in_o they_o it_o be_v no_o where_o teach_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v happen_v
absurdity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n who_o teach_v that_o in_o every_o miracle_n god_n act_v by_o a_o power_n distinct_a from_o and_o superior_a to_o that_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o universal_a law_n by_o he_o ordain_v and_o fix_v for_o government_n of_o his_o creature_n v._o to_o effect_v this_o i_o persuade_v myself_o i_o need_v do_v no_o more_o but_o convince_v the_o judicious_a reader_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n 1._o that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n happen_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o that_o nature_n keep_v a_o eternal_a fix_v and_o immutable_a order_n 2._o that_o from_o miracle_n we_o can_v come_v to_o understand_v and_o certain_o know_v either_o the_o essence_n or_o existence_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n but_o that_o all_o these_o may_v far_o better_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n 3._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o volition_n and_o consequent_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n understand_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a same_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o his_o eternal_a law_n 4._o that_o most_o man_n have_v err_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o interpret_n the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v well_o prove_v i_o see_v not_o what_o can_v remain_v to_o frustrate_v my_o present_a design_n vi_o as_o for_o the_o first_o therefore_o viz._n that_o all_o event_n happen_v according_a to_o the_o eternal_a order_n of_o nature_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v infer_v even_o from_o hence_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n will_v or_o determine_v involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n for_o since_o the_o intellect_n of_o god_n be_v not_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v any_o thing_n be_v all_o one_o with_o say_v that_o he_o understand_v that_o very_a thing_n by_o the_o same_o necessity_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o genuine_a and_o inevitable_a consequence_n that_o for_o god_n to_o understand_v any_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v be_v for_o he_o to_o will_n or_o decree_v the_o same_o as_o it_o be_v but_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o true_a but_o only_o from_o the_o divine_a decree_n hence_o it_o most_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o universal_a law_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o mere_a decree_n of_o god_n which_o follow_v from_o the_o necessity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o therefore_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v contingent_a in_o nature_n that_o shall_v be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n the_o same_o will_v be_v repugnant_a also_o to_o the_o divine_a decree_n intellect_n and_o nature_n or_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v affirm_v that_o god_n do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v be_v compel_v to_o grant_v also_o that_o god_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a the_o same_o may_v be_v far_o prove_v also_o by_o this_o that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o power_n and_o virtue_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o god_n no_o other_o but_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o god_n and_o certain_o that_o must_v be_v eternal_o the_o same_o or_o immutable_a nothing_o therefore_o can_v be_v contingent_a in_o nature_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o universal_a law_n nay_o that_o be_v not_o convenient_a or_o agreeable_a to_o they_o or_o follow_v not_o from_o they_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v do_v be_v do_v by_o the_o will_n and_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n i._n e._n be_v do_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o involve_v eternal_a necessity_n and_o truth_n and_o which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o all_o know_v to_o we_o be_v perpetual_o without_o the_o least_o omission_n or_o deviation_n strict_o observe_v by_o nature_n nor_o do_v any_o sound_a reason_n urge_v we_o to_o ascribe_v a_o limit_a power_n and_o virtue_n to_o she_o or_o to_o think_v that_o her_o law_n be_v fit_a only_o for_o some_o certain_a event_n and_o not_o for_o all_o for_o since_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o virtue_n and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o her_o law_n and_o rule_n his_o decree_n as_o be_v just_a now_o prove_v we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v infinite_a and_o her_o law_n so_o make_v as_o to_o extend_v their_o force_n to_o all_o thing_n conceive_v by_o the_o divine_a understanding_n otherwise_o we_o can_v not_o avoid_v run_v into_o that_o dangerous_a error_n of_o the_o multitude_n that_o god_n have_v create_v nature_n so_o impotent_a and_o give_v her_o law_n and_o rule_n so_o barren_a as_o that_o he_o be_v compel_v sometime_o to_o help_v she_o by_o new_a ordinance_n and_o supply_n of_o virtue_n in_o order_n to_o her_o support_n and_o conservation_n and_o that_o thing_n may_v succeed_v according_a to_o his_o intention_n and_o design_n a_o error_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o alien_a from_o reason_n nothing_o more_o unworthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n now_o from_o these_o position_n that_o in_o nature_n nothing_o can_v happen_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o her_o law_n and_o that_o her_o law_n extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o thing_n conceive_v by_o the_o divine_a understanding_n and_o in_o fine_a that_o nature_n keep_v a_o fix_a and_o immutable_a order_n from_o these_o undeniable_a truth_n i_o say_v it_o most_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o miracle_n can_v be_v otherwise_o understand_v than_o respective_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n and_o that_o a_o miracle_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o work_n the_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explicate_v by_o the_o example_n of_o another_o usual_o observe_v by_o we_o at_o least_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explicate_v who_o write_v or_o relate_v the_o miracle_n i_o may_v say_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v that_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n to_o explain_v the_o cause_n from_o the_o principle_n we_o understand_v of_o natural_a thing_n but_o because_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v ad_fw-la capio_fw-la vulgi_fw-la to_o convince_v the_o vulgar_a which_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n certain_a it_o be_v the_o ancient_n take_v that_o for_o a_o miracle_n which_o they_o can_v not_o explain_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o which_o the_o vulgar_a be_v wont_a to_o explain_v natural_a thing_n namely_o by_o recur_v to_o memory_n so_o as_o to_o recall_v to_o mind_v another_o like_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o imagine_v without_o admiration_n for_o the_o vulgar_a always_o think_v they_o then_o sufficient_o understand_v any_o thing_n when_o they_o do_v not_o admire_v it_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o either_o the_o ancient_n in_o their_o time_n or_o any_o of_o their_o successor_n since_o even_o down_o to_o we_o have_v have_v any_o other_o criterion_n or_o rule_n whereby_o to_o discern_v miracle_n from_o other_o contingent_n i._n e._n insolite_fw-la or_o rare_a event_n from_o usual_a beside_o this_o here_o mention_v viz_o that_o these_o seem_v capable_a of_o explication_n from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a thing_n but_o those_o not_o according_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o forbid_v to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n themselves_o many_o thing_n be_v relate_v as_o miracle_n of_o which_o sufficient_a cause_n may_v be_v give_v from_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o that_o too_o without_o any_o the_o least_o derogation_n from_o either_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o writer_n or_o from_o the_o scope_n or_o end_n for_o which_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o write_v as_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v when_o i_o shall_v have_v conduct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o 4_o the_o and_o last_o head_n of_o this_o brief_a discourse_n which_o concern_v the_o interpretation_n of_o miracle_n for_o now_o the_o clew_n of_o my_o method_n bring_v we_o to_o the_o vii_o second_o position_n viz._n that_o from_o miracle_n neither_o the_o essence_n nor_o the_o existence_n nor_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n can_v be_v understand_v by_o we_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o all_o these_o may_v be_v better_o perceive_v from_o the_o fix_a and_o invariable_a order_n of_o nature_n which_o to_o demonstrate_v i_o thus_o proceed_v forasmuch_o as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o per_fw-la se_fw-la know_v to_o we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v necessary_o conclude_v from_o notion_n who_o verity_n be_v so_o evident_a firm_a and_o impregnable_a that_o no_o power_n can_v be_v give_v or_o conceive_v by_o
in_o nature_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o her_o eternal_a law_n or_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o follow_v from_o they_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o impute_v such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o scripture_n to_o these_o argument_n be_v please_v to_o subjoin_v some_o of_o our_o precedent_a reason_n viz._n that_o miracle_n require_v cause_n and_o circumstance_n that_o they_o necessary_o proceed_v from_o the_o divine_a decree_n that_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v even_o from_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o her_o establish_a order_n and_o in_o fine_a that_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v also_o by_o seducer_n and_o impostor_n as_o be_v plain_a from_o deut._n 13._o and_o mat._n 24._o v._n 24._o and_o then_o i_o presume_v you_o will_v perceive_v it_o to_o be_v genuine_o consequent_a from_o all_o these_o premise_n that_o miracle_n have_v be_v natural_a thing_n and_o aught_o so_o to_o be_v explicate_v as_o to_o seem_v neither_o new_a that_o i_o may_v use_v solomon_n word_n nor_o repugnant_a to_o nature_n and_o that_o you_o may_v the_o more_o easy_o so_o explicate_v they_o i_o have_v set_v down_o some_o certain_a rule_n take_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o though_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n teach_v these_o thing_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o it_o teach_v they_o as_o precept_n or_o document_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n but_o only_o that_o the_o prophet_n embrace_v they_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v free_a for_o every_o man_n to_o think_v of_o they_o according_a as_o he_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o conducive_a to_o his_o devote_v himself_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n with_o his_o whole_a mind_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o the_o sentiment_n of_o that_o wise_a and_o grave_a author_n josephus_n express_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o 2_o d._n book_n of_o antiquity_n in_o these_o word_n nullus_fw-la verò_fw-la discredat_fw-la verbo_fw-la miraculi_fw-la si_fw-la antiquis_fw-la hominibus_fw-la &_o malitia_fw-la privatis_fw-la via_fw-la salut_fw-la be_v liquet_fw-la per_fw-la mare_fw-la fact_n a_o sive_fw-la voluntate_fw-la dei_fw-la sive_fw-la sponte_fw-la revelata_fw-la dum_fw-la &_o eye_n qui_fw-la cum_fw-la alexandro_n rege_fw-la macedoniae_n fuerunt_fw-la olim_fw-la &_o antiquit_n we_o à _fw-la resistentibus_fw-la pamphilicum_fw-la mare_fw-la divisum_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o cum_fw-la aliud_fw-la iter_fw-la non_fw-la esset_fw-la transitum_fw-la praebuit_fw-la iis_fw-la volente_fw-la deo_fw-la per_fw-la eum_fw-la persarum_fw-la destruere_fw-la imperium_fw-la &_o hoc_fw-la confitentur_fw-la omnes_fw-la qui_fw-la act_n we_o alexandri_fw-la scripserunt_fw-la de_fw-fr his_fw-la itaque_fw-la sicut_fw-la placuerit_fw-la unicuique_fw-la existimet_fw-la in_o which_o josephus_n modest_o declare_v his_o judgement_n of_o miracle_n i_o add_v also_o that_o of_o valesius_fw-la a_o pious_a man_n and_o profound_a philosopher_n who_o in_o sacrae_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la cap._n 57_o in_o psal._n 77._o have_v assert_v that_o the_o manna_n wherewith_o god_n feed_v the_o israelite_n in_o the_o desert_n though_o different_a in_o some_o quality_n from_o other_o sort_n of_o manna_n describe_v by_o physician_n be_v yet_o produce_v secundum_fw-la leges_fw-la naturae_fw-la wise_o subjoin_v this_o defence_n of_o himself_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la elevo_fw-la dei_fw-la concuâ—sum_fw-la cum_fw-la naturales_fw-la rerum_fw-la causas_fw-la investigo_n sed_fw-la laudo_fw-la insinitam_fw-la ej_fw-la we_o sapientiam_fw-la qui_fw-la it_o a_o omne_fw-la disponit_fw-la ut_fw-la etiam_fw-la quae_fw-la portentosissima_fw-la sunt_fw-la vide_fw-la antur_fw-la bona_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la secundum_fw-la naturalem_fw-la rerum_fw-la ordinem_fw-la evenisse_fw-la sanctus_n augustinus_n in_o epistola_fw-la 7._o quae_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la marcellinum_n si_fw-mi ratio_fw-la contra_fw-la divinarum_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la autoritatem_fw-la redditur_fw-la quamvis_fw-la acuta_fw-la sit_fw-la fallit_fw-la verisimilitudine_fw-la nam_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la rursum_fw-la si_fw-la manifestissimae_fw-la certaeque_fw-la rationi_fw-la velut_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la sanctarum_fw-la objicitur_fw-la autoritas_fw-la non_fw-la intelligit_fw-la qui_fw-la hoc_fw-la facit_fw-la &_o non_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la illarum_fw-la sensum_fw-la ad_fw-la quem_fw-la penetrare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la sed_fw-la suum_fw-la potius_fw-la objicit_fw-la veritati_fw-la nec_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o eye_n sed_fw-la quod_fw-la in_o seipso_fw-la velut_fw-la pro_fw-la iis_fw-la invenit_fw-la opponit_fw-la burnetius_n in_o telluris_fw-la theoria_fw-la sacra_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n ult_n ut_fw-mi in_o deducendis_fw-la rerum_fw-la originibus_fw-la non_fw-la temerè_fw-la recurrendum_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la primam_fw-la causam_fw-la ita_fw-la nec_fw-la in_o explicandis_fw-la effect_n be_v singularibus_fw-la ad_fw-la miracula_fw-la hoc_fw-la omnes_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la atque_fw-la etiam_fw-la frustrà _fw-la ac_fw-la temerè_fw-la eo_fw-la recurri_fw-la cum_fw-la res_fw-la aliundè_fw-la per_fw-la causas_fw-la naturales_fw-la satis_fw-la explicari_fw-la potest_fw-la satis_fw-la autem_fw-la explicatur_fw-la aliquod_fw-la phaenomenon_n eujus_fw-la rationes_fw-la redduntur_fw-la adaequatae_fw-la idque_fw-la juxta_fw-la analogiam_fw-la naturae_fw-la ita_fw-la scilicet_fw-la ut_fw-la cetera_fw-la natura_fw-la eidem_fw-la explicationi_fw-la consentiat_fw-la &_o suffragetur_fw-la dr._n sprat_n in_o his_o hist._n of_o the_o royal_a society_n pag._n 360._o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a mistake_n into_o which_o many_o good_a man_n fall_v that_o we_o neglect_v the_o dominion_n of_o god_n over_o the_o world_n if_o we_o do_v not_o discover_v in_o every_o turn_v of_o humane_a action_n many_o supernatural_a providence_n and_o miraculous_a event_n whereas_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o government_n that_o he_o guide_v the_o whole_a creation_n in_o its_o wont_a course_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n as_o it_o make_v as_o much_o to_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o prince_n wisdom_n that_o he_o can_v rule_v his_o subject_n peaceable_o by_o his_o know_a and_o stand_a law_n as_o that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o extraordinary_a justice_n to_o punish_v or_o reward_n finis_fw-la
quanquam_fw-la saepe_fw-la occultiores_fw-la sint_fw-la inventuque_fw-la difficiliores_fw-la aliis_fw-la quae_fw-la ob_fw-la raritatem_fw-la hominum_fw-la studia_fw-la &_o animos_fw-la maximè_fw-la occupant_fw-la thus_o for_o example_n if_o we_o shall_v hear_v a_o ox_n or_o horse_n speak_v we_o shall_v call_v it_o a_o miracle_n because_o rare_a and_o of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o imagine_v a_o natural_a cause_n thus_o also_o in_o the_o generation_n of_o animal_n every_o unusual_a error_n or_o deviation_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v hold_v for_o a_o miracle_n but_o if_o a_o man_n or_o any_o other_o animal_n generate_v his_o like_a in_o specie_fw-la though_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a how_o this_o and_o that_o be_v perform_v we_o do_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o miracle_n also_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v transform_v into_o a_o stone_n it_o will_v be_v a_o miracle_n because_o rare_a but_o if_o wood_n shall_v be_v convert_v into_o a_o stone_n because_o such_o conversion_n be_v often_o see_v it_o be_v no_o miracle_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v as_o ignorant_a how_o god_n effect_n that_o conversion_n in_o wood_n as_o how_o he_o effect_n it_o in_o a_o man._n the_o rainbow_n that_o first_o appear_v in_o the_o sky_n be_v a_o miracle_n because_o the_o first_o that_o be_v the_o like_a have_v never_o be_v see_v before_o and_o because_o it_o be_v show_v by_o god_n for_o a_o sign_n to_o signify_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o again_o be_v destroy_v by_o a_o deluge_n but_o at_o this_o day_n because_o rain-bow_n be_v often_o see_v no_o man_n look_v upon_o they_o as_o miracle_n again_o many_o wonderful_a work_n be_v produce_v by_o humane_a art_n yet_o because_o after_o they_o be_v effect_v we_o come_v to_o understand_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_n we_o therefore_o not_o account_v they_o for_o miracle_n for_o admiration_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o man_n knowledge_n and_o experience_n so_o that_o what_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n to_o one_o man_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v so_o to_o another_o and_o unskilful_a and_o superstitious_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v for_o great_a miracle_n those_o thing_n which_o the_o learned_a and_o well_o experience_v do_v not_o at_o all_o admire_v eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n have_v in_o time_n past_o be_v mistake_v for_o supernatural_a effect_n and_o prodigy_n by_o the_o vulgar_a while_o learned_a astronomer_n understand_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o they_o have_v certain_o predict_v they_o also_o cunning_a man_n confederate_a among_o themselves_o close_o inquire_v into_o and_o discover_v some_o secret_a action_n of_o a_o unwary_a and_o simple_a man_n and_o afterward_o relate_v they_o to_o he_o have_v be_v hold_v in_o great_a admiration_n as_o if_o they_o have_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o secret_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n by_o divine_a revelation_n at_o least_o when_o the_o same_o confederate_n have_v not_o be_v able_a so_o easy_o to_o impose_v upon_o wary_a and_o prudent_a person_n admiration_n then_o we_o see_v be_v general_o great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o various_a degree_n of_o science_n and_o observation_n among_o man_n the_o most_o ignorant_a be_v most_o prone_a to_o wonder_v and_o the_o cause_n of_o admiration_n which_o many_o time_n make_v a_o miracle_n of_o what_o be_v pure_o natural_a we_o have_v find_v to_o be_v rarity_n and_o ignorance_n ii_o if_o this_o disquisition_n be_v yet_o a_o little_a far_o pursue_v it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o superstition_n also_o contribute_v large_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v natural_o prone_a to_o be_v agitate_a betwixt_o fear_n and_o hope_n of_o the_o future_a the_o two_o grand_a passion_n that_o govern_v humane_a life_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o very_o often_o fancy_v a_o certain_a extraordinary_a divine_a power_n in_o all_o contingent_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o the_o natural_a cause_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v as_o if_o those_o contingent_n certain_o proceed_v not_o from_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o a_o immediate_a operation_n of_o god_n transcend_v or_o change_v that_o order_n and_o that_o they_o presignify_v some_o good_a or_o evil_a fortune_n to_o themselves_o for_o the_o vulgar_a think_v that_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v then_o most_o apparent_a when_o they_o observe_v any_o event_n unusual_a in_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v from_o custom_n conceive_v of_o nature_n chief_o if_o the_o event_n seem_v to_o promise_v any_o thing_n of_o commodity_n or_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o imagine_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o supreme_a be_v can_v be_v by_o no_o way_n better_o prove_v than_o by_o the_o inversion_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o happen_v in_o all_o unusual_a event_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o common_a head_n always_o accuse_v those_o philosopher_n of_o atheism_n and_o design_n to_o extirpate_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n at_o least_o of_o his_o providence_n who_o endeavour_n to_o explicate_v what_o they_o call_v miracle_n by_o natural_a cause_n and_o study_v to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o they_o erroneous_o conceive_v that_o god_n forsooth_o remain_v idle_a while_o nature_n act_n in_o her_o usual_a order_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v suspend_v and_o the_o action_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n arrest_v or_o frustrate_v while_o god_n act_n thus_o they_o form_n in_o their_o brain_n confuse_v notion_n of_o two_o distinct_a power_n one_o of_o god_n other_o of_o nature_n which_o yet_o they_o allow_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o god_n but_o what_o to_o understand_v by_o either_o of_o these_o power_n and_o wherein_o the_o difference_n they_o suppose_v consist_v they_o know_v not_o only_o this_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o unusual_a work_n of_o nature_n be_v miracle_n or_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o blind_a devotion_n i._n e._n superstition_n partly_o from_o a_o itch_n of_o oppose_v wise_a man_n that_o study_v nature_n law_n and_o constitution_n they_o please_v themselves_o in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o think_v they_o please_v god_n too_o with_o their_o affect_a admiration_n not_o consider_v how_o much_o they_o derogate_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n while_o they_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n by_o he_o make_v and_o establish_v insufficient_a to_o effect_v all_o thing_n he_o have_v decree_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o end_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o ordain_v they_o without_o variation_n iii_o this_o popular_a error_n seem_v to_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o the_o primitive_a jew_n who_o that_o they_o may_v convince_v the_o ethnic_n of_o their_o time_n who_o adore_v visible_a god_n the_o sun_n moon_n earth_n water_n air_n etc._n etc._n and_o show_v they_o that_o those_o god_n be_v weak_a and_o inconstant_a or_o mutable_a and_o under_o the_o command_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n who_o themselves_o worship_v recount_v to_o they_o the_o miracle_n he_o have_v wrought_v for_o their_o sake_n as_o cogent_a argument_n that_o all_o nature_n be_v by_o his_o superintendency_n and_o command_n direct_v only_o to_o their_o commodity_n and_o advantage_n other_o nation_n the_o while_n have_v not_o a_o equal_a share_n of_o his_o providence_n a_o persuasion_n so_o agreeable_a and_o grateful_a to_o man_n that_o to_o this_o day_n they_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o feign_v miracle_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o that_o other_o may_v believe_v they_o to_o be_v more_o belove_v by_o god_n and_o dear_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o his_o providence_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n yea_o more_o the_o final_a cause_n for_o which_o he_o at_o first_o create_v and_o continual_o direct_v all_o thing_n what_o do_v not_o the_o folly_n of_o the_o vulgar_a arrogate_v to_o itself_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sound_a conception_n or_o thought_n concern_v either_o god_n or_o nature_n confound_v the_o eternal_a decree_n of_o god_n with_o the_o mutable_a placit_n of_o man_n and_o feign_a nature_n to_o be_v so_o narrow_a and_o limit_v as_o that_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o whole_a creation_n iv._o have_v from_o this_o brief_a enquiry_n learned_a what_o be_v general_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n miracle_n what_o be_v the_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o vulgar_a concern_v miracle_n and_o whence_o those_o opinion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la have_v proceed_v urge_v as_o well_o by_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o be_v never_o propagate_v by_o erroneous_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n power_n wisdom_n and_o providence_n as_o by_o charity_n for_o the_o unlearned_a part_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v always_o by_o ignorance_n seduce_v into_o superstition_n i_o resolve_v to_o endeavour_v by_o a_o few_o plain_a reason_n to_o show_v the_o unsoundness_n yea_o the_o
yet_o notwithstanding_o there_o be_v find_v in_o they_o many_o place_n from_o which_o right_o understand_v the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v easy_o and_o genuine_o among_o these_o chief_o from_o that_o of_o deuteronomy_n 13._o where_o moses_n command_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o put_v to_o death_n a_o false_a and_o seduce_a prophet_n though_o he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n be_v these_o in_o our_o most_o correct_a translation_n if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n and_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o death_n etc._n etc._n from_o which_o it_o clear_o follow_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v even_o by_o false_a prophet_n and_o that_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v well_o guard_v by_o the_o true_a knowledge_n and_o cordial_a love_n of_o god_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v induce_v by_o miracle_n to_o embrace_v and_o serve_v false_a god_n as_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n for_o he_o add_v because_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v he_o etc._n etc._n second_o the_o israelite_n can_v not_o from_o so_o many_o miracle_n form_n in_o their_o mind_n any_o sound_a conception_n or_o notion_n of_o god_n or_o his_o providence_n as_o experience_n itself_o testify_v for_o when_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o moses_n be_v go_v from_o they_o present_o they_o importune_v aaron_n to_o furnish_v they_o with_o visible_a deity_n and_o to_o the_o indelible_a shame_n of_o their_o nation_n embrace_v the_o image_n of_o a_o calf_n for_o a_o idea_n or_o representation_n of_o their_o god_n which_o they_o at_o length_n from_o so_o many_o miracle_n form_v to_o themselves_o asaph_z also_o though_o he_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o and_o believe_v all_o the_o miracle_n do_v among_o his_o ancestor_n yet_o doubt_v of_o god_n providence_n and_o have_v deflect_v from_o the_o right_a way_n of_o absolute_a dependence_n thereupon_o have_v he_o not_o at_o last_o understand_v true_a happiness_n to_o consist_v only_o therein_o and_o religion_n in_o justice_n and_o charity_n as_o we_o read_v in_o psalm_n 73._o nor_o be_v solomon_n himself_o though_o excellent_a in_o wisdom_n and_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n too_o even_o when_o the_o affair_n of_o that_o nation_n be_v at_o the_o high_a point_n of_o prosperity_n able_a to_o form_v to_o himself_o any_o competent_a notion_n of_o god_n after_o all_o he_o have_v read_v concern_v the_o miracle_n record_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n for_o he_o more_o than_o once_o eccles._n 3._o v_o 19_o 20_o 21._o and_o chap._n 9_o v._n 2_o 3_o etc._n etc._n confess_v he_o suspect_v all_o thing_n to_o happen_v by_o chance_n so_o far_o seem_v he_o to_o have_v be_v from_o conclude_v a_o divine_a providence_n from_o belief_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o prophet_n it_o may_v be_v without_o much_o labour_n collect_v from_o their_o write_n that_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o well_o understand_v how_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o event_n of_o man_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o consist_v with_o the_o conception_n or_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v in_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v always_o very_o clear_a to_o philosopher_n who_o endeavour_n from_o clear_a conception_n right_o to_o understand_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v those_o i_o mean_v who_o constitute_v true_a felicity_n in_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n not_o study_v to_o bring_v nature_n to_o obey_v they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o obey_v nature_n as_o certain_o know_v that_o god_n direct_v nature_n as_o the_o universal_a law_n thereof_o not_o as_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o humane_a nature_n require_v and_o so_o that_o he_o take_v care_v not_o only_o of_o mankind_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a universe_n constant_a it_o be_v therefore_o and_o that_o too_o even_o from_o sacred_a writ_n that_o miracle_n do_v not_o give_v a_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n nor_o clear_o teach_v his_o providence_n which_o be_v what_o i_o design_v to_o prove_v and_o as_o for_o what_o be_v find_v in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o to_o some_o unattentive_a reader_n may_v seem_v perhaps_o irreconcilable_a to_o this_o my_o doctrine_n as_o in_o exod._n 10._o v_o 2._o that_o god_n harden_v the_o heart_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o heart_n of_o his_o servant_n and_o show_v wonderful_a sign_n before_o they_o that_o the_o israelite_n may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v god_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o miracle_n do_v in_o truth_n teach_v we_o to_o know_v and_o acknowledge_v god_n but_o only_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v such_o opinion_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v easy_o convince_v by_o those_o miracle_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o prophetic_a reason_n mention_v in_o scripture_n or_o such_o as_o be_v form_v from_o revelation_n be_v draw_v not_o from_o universal_a and_o common_a notion_n but_o from_o the_o grant_v however_o absurd_a opinion_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o thing_n be_v reveal_v or_o who_o the_o holy_a spirit_n intend_v to_o convince_v which_o may_v here_o if_o i_o have_v not_o firm_o resolve_v not_o to_o prolong_v this_o discourse_n by_o digression_n be_v prove_v from_o many_o example_n and_o also_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o with_o the_o greek_n make_v himself_o a_o greek_a and_o with_o the_o jew_n a_o jew_n that_o be_v conform_v his_o doctrine_n sometime_o to_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o grecian_n sometime_o to_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n but_o though_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o egyptian_n may_v convince_v they_o and_o the_o jew_n also_o from_o their_o common_a opinion_n yet_o can_v they_o not_o give_v a_o true_a idea_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o only_o bring_v both_o nation_n to_o concede_fw-la that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a numen_fw-la more_o powerful_a than_o all_o thing_n know_v to_o they_o and_o that_o this_o divine_a numen_fw-la take_v more_o care_n of_o the_o hebrew_n all_o who_o affair_n at_o that_o time_n succeed_v most_o happy_o even_o above_o their_o hope_n than_o of_o the_o egyptian_n or_o any_o other_o people_n whatever_o but_o not_o that_o god_n take_v equal_a care_n of_o all_o man_n which_o philosophy_n alone_o can_v teach_v and_o therefore_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o unless_o from_o the_o disparile_a state_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o the_o unequal_a fortune_n of_o man_n know_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o jew_n nation_n be_v more_o belove_v by_o god_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n though_o the_o jew_n exceed_v not_o the_o rest_n in_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o in_o their_o inclination_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n as_o may_v be_v soon_o collect_v from_o their_o history_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o miracle_n teach_v not_o man_n the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o find_v myself_o at_o liberty_n to_o proceed_v to_o my_o x._o three_o position_n which_o you_o may_v remember_v to_o be_v this_o that_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n themselves_o by_o the_o decree_n and_o command_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n nothing_o else_o be_v signify_v but_o the_o six_o and_o immutable_a order_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o god_n or_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n it_o do_v real_o mean_a no_o other_o but_o this_o that_o the_o fact_n be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n not_o as_o the_o vulgar_a think_v that_o nature_n cease_v to_o proceed_v in_o her_o due_a course_n whilst_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o do_v or_o that_o her_o order_n be_v for_o some_o time_n interrupt_v the_o scripture_n indeed_o do_v not_o direct_o teach_v such_o thing_n which_o belong_v not_o to_o the_o doctrine_n thereof_o because_o it_o design_n not_o to_o show_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o thing_n nor_o to_o teach_v thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o therefore_o what_o i_o here_o propose_v to_o myself_o to_o