Selected quad for the lemma: nature_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n person_n property_n union_n 3,923 5 9.5652 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A89672 A conference with a theist. Part II. Shewing the defects of natural religion; the necessity of divine inspiration; the rationale of the mosaical laws, and defence of his miracles : together with an account of the deluge, the origin of sacrifices, and the reasonableness of Christ's mediatorship. / By William Nicholls ... Nicholls, William, 1664-1712. 1699 (1699) Wing N1094A; ESTC R181001 142,863 328

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

upon_o account_n of_o our_o sin_n by_o the_o name_n of_o satisfaction_n for_o this_o be_v no_o bloody_a revengeful_a satisfaction_n which_o impotent_a and_o passionate_a mind_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v for_o but_o only_o such_o a_o just_a debt_n as_o aught_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n consider_v as_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o not_o insensible_a that_o some_o calvinistical_a writer_n have_v carry_v this_o matter_n a_o little_a too_o far_o by_o leave_v no_o room_n at_o all_o for_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o exert_v itself_o in_o this_o wonderful_a dispensation_n and_o make_v the_o divine_a justice_n to_o require_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o same_o specific_a infinite_a punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o as_o to_o think_v that_o no_o satisfaction_n can_v be_v unless_o christ_n actual_o suffer_v upon_o the_o cross_a all_o the_o eternal_a torment_n of_o the_o damn_a intensiuè_n as_o they_o speak_v though_o not_o extensiuè_v so_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o agony_n and_o crucifixion_n must_v suffer_v torment_n as_o much_o infinite_o great_a than_o damn_a soul_n as_o their_o eternity_n of_o suffer_v be_v long_a than_o the_o hour_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n but_o this_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v horrid_a to_o christian_a ear_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n dispose_v he_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o temporal_a suffering_n of_o christ_n for_o our_o sin_n in_o lieu_n of_o the_o eternal_a punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o so_o the_o infinite_a dignity_n of_o the_o person_n suffer_v be_v a_o sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o divine_a justice_n offend_v and_o unspeakable_a mercy_n be_v show_v to_o offend_a mankind_n by_o be_v free_a from_o that_o punishment_n which_o otherways_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v themselves_o so_o that_o infidel_n and_o socinian_n scoffer_n do_v very_o ill_a to_o arraign_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o to_o tax_v he_o with_o revenge_n and_o implacability_n in_o demand_v such_o a_o legal_a satisfaction_n for_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o may_v expose_v all_o the_o legislative_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n when_o criminal_n suffer_v by_o their_o sanction_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o maintain_v the_o l●gislatours_n honour_n and_o to_o engage_v man_n to_o observe_v his_o law_n but_o by_o inflict_v a_o exemplary_a punishment_n on_o offender_n for_o otherways_o their_o law_n will_v be_v but_o cobweb_n and_o their_o authority_n the_o may-game_n of_o licentious_a transgressor_n but_o in_o this_o vicarious_a punishment_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o god_n be_v far_o from_o show_v himself_o a_o angry_a or_o implacable_a governor_n but_o do_v rather_o manifest_v the_o great_a tenderness_n and_o compassion_n in_o be_v willing_a that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v escape_v their_o deserve_a punishment_n and_o christ_n only_o suffer_v for_o they_o all_o and_o in_o accept_v the_o temporal_a pain_n of_o his_o cross_n for_o those_o of_o eternal_a death_n which_o they_o have_v deserve_v 21.29_o avicarious_a punishment_n not_o unjust_a gen._n 9.25_o 2_o sam._n 21.8_o 2_o sam._n 24.15_o jos_n 7.14_o 1_o king_n 21.29_o 2._o neither_o be_v it_o unjust_a that_o christ_n shall_v undergo_v a_o vicarious_a punishment_n for_o we_o for_o that_o vicarious_a punishment_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o absolute_o unjust_a may_v be_v prove_v not_o only_o from_o scripture_n instance_n where_o child_n be_v punish_v for_o their_o parent_n and_o subject_n for_o their_o prince_n but_o by_o the_o notion_n which_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n have_v always_o have_v of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o punish_v surety_n for_o the_o party_n they_o be_v engage_v for_o by_o their_o deny_v the_o public_a honour_n to_o the_o child_n of_o notorious_a offender_n by_o decimation_n in_o their_o army_n and_o by_o kill_v the_o innocent_a hostage_n when_o the_o article_n be_v not_o perform_v now_o if_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n who_o of_o all_o other_o nation_n pretend_v to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o the_o aequum_fw-la bonumque_fw-la can_v see_v no_o obliquity_n in_o these_o vicarious_a punishment_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o far_a less_o pretence_n of_o injustice_n to_o be_v lay_v to_o god_n charge_n in_o order_v christ_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n now_o it_o be_v impossible_a here_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o injustice_n or_o injury_n here_o be_v no_o injustice_n do_v to_o christ_n for_o he_o be_v please_v voluntary_o to_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o injustice_n do_v to_o god_n for_o god_n authorize_v he_o to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o mutual_a stipulation_n betwixt_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n and_o our_o saviour_n say_v express_o joh._n 10.18_o i_o have_v power_n or_o authority_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o lay_v down_o my_o life_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o injustice_n commit_v in_o our_o saviour_n lay_v down_o his_o life_n in_o a_o voluntary_a suffer_v for_o we_o than_o there_o be_v in_o his_o lay_n it_o down_o according_a to_o socinus_n his_o notion_n for_o a_o testimony_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o can_v prove_v it_o as_o equal_o unjust_a for_o god_n to_o put_v he_o upon_o preach_v a_o doctrine_n that_o will_v cost_v he_o his_o life_n as_o to_o let_v he_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n to_o save_v a_o world_n 3._o suffer_v christ_n though_o god_n may_v suffer_v and_o as_o for_o your_o tragical_a exclamation_n against_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n which_o make_v the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v himself_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v incarnate_a and_o to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n render_v the_o deity_n passable_a a_o notion_n which_o all_o christian_n abhor_v but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o flesh_n or_o humanity_n which_o be_v patible_a christ_n be_v then_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o suffering_n and_o those_o suffering_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o one_o nature_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o whole_a person_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o intimate_a union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n nay_o the_o scripture_n itself_o attribute_n the_o property_n of_o the_o inferior_a nature_n viz._n the_o humanity_n to_o the_o divinity_n the_o superior_a one_o as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v redeem_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o think_v as_o if_o god_n can_v bleed_v or_o die_v but_o that_o that_o person_n who_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n who_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o humanity_n be_v capable_a of_o suffer_v lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o now_o here_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o of_o absurdity_n but_o only_o adorable_a mystery_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n can_v never_o have_v reach_v to_o and_o no_o human_a counsel_n can_v ever_o have_v contrive_v to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o way_n to_o save_v the_o soul_n of_o lose_a mankind_n and_o to_o secure_v god_n honour_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n phil._n i_o have_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o object_n to_o you_o upon_o this_o head_n and_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o you_o teach_v about_o christ_n intercession_n and_o that_o be_v so_o odd_a and_o gross_a a_o notion_n as_o no_o rational_a man_n can_v assent_v to_o for_o you_o make_v christ_n continual_o at_o his_o prayer_n in_o heaven_n to_o god_n the_o father_n to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n upon_o their_o repentance_n and_o to_o bestow_v his_o benefit_n upon_o they_o which_o god_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v without_o this_o bustle_n of_o intercession_n beside_o it_o look_v like_o a_o piece_n of_o pageantry_n as_o your_o doctor_n explain_v it_o to_o have_v christ_n continual_o exhibit_v the_o wound_n of_o his_o crucify_a body_n to_o the_o father_n to_o move_v he_o to_o compassion_n and_o to_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o be_v make_v for_o man_n sin_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o omnipotent_a knowledge_n can_v be_v unmindful_a of_o methinks_v this_o look_n like_o a_o piece_n of_o homerick_n divinity_n when_o the_o poet_n describe_v heaven_n according_a to_o all_o the_o formality_n and_o silliness_n which_o be_v see_v in_o human_a nature_n cred._n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n of_o intercession_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n intercession_n no_o incongruity_n in_o the_o dostrine_n of_o christ_n intercession_n and_o all_o expression_n which_o do_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o such_o grossness_n in_o they_o as_o you_o imagine_v must_v only_o be_v understand_v figurative_o to_o what_o state_n of_o bliss_n the_o glorify_a body_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v exalt_v whilst_o we_o poor_a christian_n live_v in_o this_o vale_n of_o misery_n and_o tear_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o imagine_v or_o with_o what_o divine_a action_n his_o humanity_n be_v employ_v all_o that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o be_v what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a 1_o joh._n 2.1_o that_o he_o be_v say_v to_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n rom._n 8.34_o that_o he_o be_v enter_v into_o heaven_n itself_o now_o to_o appear_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o we_o heb._n 9.24_o that_o he_o be_v a_o priest_n continual_o and_o his_o blood_n speak_v better_a thing_n than_o that_o of_o abel_n that_o he_o offer_v his_o own_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n for_o ever_o heb._n 9.25_o and_o the_o like_a now_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o assert_v that_o all_o these_o expression_n be_v take_v literal_o when_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o levitical_a law_n from_o the_o piacular_a sacrifice_n from_o the_o intercession_n of_o the_o highpriest_n fo●_n the_o people_n from_o his_o enter_v into_o the_o sanctum_fw-la sanctorum_fw-la etc._n etc._n now_o st._n pa●_n make_v use_v of_o these_o ritual_a phrase_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v to_o the_o jewish_a convert_v th●_n nature_n and_o efficacy_n of_o christ_n death_n from_o those_o outward_a ceremony_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o they_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o unbeliever_n themselves_o do_v think_v these_o expression_n be_v metaphorical_a but_o only_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v pick_v up_o something_o to_o be_v fling_v at_o religion_n though_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n sure_a 〈◊〉_d will_v do_v no_o harm_n phil._n pardon_v i_o sir_n for_o t●is_n and_o i_o will_v not_o at_o present_a trouble_n you_o with_o any_o more_o infidel_n objection_n and_o f●●_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o time_n that_o you_o will_v honour_v i_o with_o your_o company_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o entertain_v you_o with_o more_o inoffensive_a discourse_n though_o i_o ca●_n not_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o wish_v i_o wa●_n full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o you●_n religion_n which_o seem_v indeed_o upon_o further_a consideration_n to_o be_v a_o rational_a institution_n and_o well_o lay_v together_o which_o lay_v down_o the_o law_n of_o morality_n more_o exact_o and_o full_o than_o the_o ordinary_a reason_n of_o mankind_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o grand_a period_n and_o revolution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n providential_a dispensation_n beyond_o common_a philosophy_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o 〈◊〉_d i_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o some_o other_o doubt_n which_o i_o beg_v you_o will_v at_o your_o leisure_n satisfy_v then_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v make_v a_o thorough_a convert_n of_o i_o the_o end_n nota_fw-la bene_fw-la that_o the_o internal_a solid_a which_o be_v engrave_v in_o the_o plate_n fig._n 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v suppose_v to_o move_v round_o the_o northern_a part_n of_o the_o globe_n in_o a_o circum-polar_a line_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o present_a hypothesis_n but_o be_v a_o supposition_n ●hereby_o in_o time_n may_v possible_o be_v ●ade_v out_o two_o great_a difficulty_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n viz._n the_o cause_n of_o the_o direction_n and_o alteration_n of_o the_o magnet_n ●nd_v the_o constant_a parallelism_n of_o the_o earth_n axis_n to_o the_o pole_n of_o the_o world_n
may_v guess_v they_o to_o be_v of_o jewish_a original_a for_o probable_o when_o the_o first_o jew_n see_v the_o neighbour_a gentile_n worship_v the_o natural_a god_n as_o sun_n moon_n earth_n water_n etc._n etc._n they_o to_o show_v these_o constant_a mutable_a and_o visible_a god_n to_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o their_o jehovah_n or_o invisible_a one_o begin_v to_o brag_v of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o pretend_v jevovah_n have_v do_v by_o triumph_v over_o poor_a nature_n for_o their_o dear_a sake_n for_o who_o they_o be_v fond_a to_o believe_v all_o thing_n be_v make_v thus_o this_o notion_n get_v from_o the_o jew_n to_o other_o nation_n and_o so_o they_o have_v be_v coin_v miracle_n ever_o since_o but_o real_o sir_n a_o miracle_n in_o your_o sense_n be_v nonsense_n for_o you_o suppose_v something_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o high_a power_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n nature_n be_v one_o eternal_a fix_v immutable_a chain_n which_o be_v infinite_o draw_v out_o and_o expanding_n itself_o and_o not_o capable_a of_o the_o least_o alteration_n now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a as_o you_o suppose_v by_o a_o miracle_n that_o one_o link_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v disturb_v or_o break_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o nature_n will_v be_v confound_v and_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o future_a being_n will_v be_v infinite_o irregular_a nature_n be_v the_o eternal_a will_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n execute_v itself_o and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v his_o very_a essence_n however_o it_o be_v firm_a and_o immutable_a nay_o impossible_a to_o be_v change_v by_o the_o contrary_a will_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v interrupt_v by_o the_o hocus_n pocus_fw-la of_o every_o capricious_a prophet_n and_o indeed_o miracle_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o blockheaded_a brain_n or_o a_o ready_a solution_n of_o what_o the_o uneducated_a mob_n be_v wont_a to_o gape_v at_o and_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o so_o that_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o a_o common_a almanac-maker_n that_o can_v calculate_v a_o eclipse_n or_o write_v it_o out_o of_o a_o ephemeris_fw-la will_v be_v a_o most_o wonderful_a prophet_n among_o the_o indian_n but_o when_o these_o people_n by_o liberal_a education_n come_v to_o understand_v the_o exact_a motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n the_o miracle_n will_v be_v at_o a_o end_n nay_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unusual_a be_v by_o the_o vulgar_a repute_v a_o miracle_n because_o forsooth_o they_o admire_v it_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o natural_a but_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o miracle_n when_o their_o admiration_n be_v wrought_v of_o thus_o a_o comet_n be_v to_o they_o a_o most_o wonderful_a miracle_n because_o it_o appear_v but_o now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o great_a many_o year_n but_o the_o sun_n be_v no_o miracle_n at_o all_o because_o they_o see_v it_o every_o day_n not_o that_o they_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n better_o than_o that_o of_o a_o comet_n but_o by_o continual_o behold_v it_o it_o do_v not_o make_v so_o great_a impression_n upon_o their_o fancy_n and_o therefore_o they_o cease_v to_o admire_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o most_o of_o the_o repute_a miracle_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v but_o the_o unusual_a work_n of_o nature_n which_o will_v necessary_o have_v be_v for_o all_o any_o inspire_a person_n but_o only_o they_o be_v uncommon_a work_n of_o nature_n the_o vulgar_a wonder_v at_o they_o and_o deem_v they_o miracle_n o_o but_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o explode_v miracle_n because_o they_o do_v demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o very_o lame_o too_o for_o the_o necessary_a law_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o demonstrative_a of_o it_o for_o miracle_n or_o interruption_n in_o nature_n make_v wise_a man_n rather_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o seem_v rather_o fortuitous_a blunder_n than_o the_o wise_a work_n or_o efflux_n of_o the_o deity_n nay_o what_o proof_n be_v there_o by_o miracle_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o or_o that_o any_o doctrine_n come_v from_o god_n for_o the_o jewish_a law_n allow_v that_o miracle_n may_v be_v do_v by_o false_a prophet_n as_o appear_v by_o deut._n 13.1_o if_o there_o arise_v among_o you_o a_o prophet_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o wonder_v 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 etc._n etc._n you_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o nay_o what_o be_v the_o jew_n the_o better_a for_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o have_v among_o they_o suppose_v they_o be_v true_a moses_n with_o all_o his_o miracle_n be_v not_o go_v from_o they_o but_o a_o few_o day_n but_o they_o be_v turn_v as_o arrant_a heathen_n as_o any_o in_o the_o world_n and_o fancy_v the_o image_n of_o god_n into_o the_o figure_n of_o a_o calf_n nay_o for_o all_o miracle_n and_o inspiration_n the_o great_a solomon_n himself_o be_v a_o downright_a epicurean_a and_o imagine_v all_o thing_n to_o come_v by_o chance_n eccl._n 3.19_o 20._o cred._n by_o your_o leave_n good_a philologus_n you_o have_v heap_v here_o together_o so_o many_o falsity_n or_o mistake_v that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o interrupt_v you_o before_o you_o go_v any_o further_o jew_n first_o notion_n of_o miracle_n not_o from_o the_o jew_n 1._o i_o pray_v what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o think_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o miracle_n have_v its_o origin_n from_o among_o the_o jew_n have_v not_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n in_o the_o early_a time_n before_o they_o ever_o consort_v with_o the_o jew_n the_o same_o notion_n what_o more_o common_a in_o homer_n and_o virgil_n than_o strange_a prodigy_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o amaze_v whole_a army_n till_o they_o be_v unridle_v and_o render_v favourable_a by_o some_o augur_n what_o more_o usual_a in_o greek_a and_o latin_a author_n than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ostenta_fw-la portenta_fw-la miracula_fw-la and_o you_o may_v see_v a_o whole_a chapter_n of_o several_a of_o these_o miracle_n collect_v together_o in_o valerius_n maximus_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o same_o in_o plutarch_n inquire_v of_o any_o barbarous_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o miracle_n though_o they_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o jew_n for_o our_o notion_n of_o miracle_n that_o it_o be_v the_o extraordinary_a power_n of_o god_n or_o a_o power_n above_o nature_n be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o mankind_n but_o that_o a_o miracle_n shall_v be_v the_o necessary_a power_n of_o unwonted_a nature_n be_v only_o a_o dream_n of_o the_o hobbian_a philosophy_n that_o few_o people_n who_o be_v awake_a think_v of_o 2._o nature_n no_o immutable_a chain_n of_o nature_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o good_a argument_n against_o miracle_n that_o they_o will_v break_v your_o fix_a and_o immutable_a chain_n of_o nature_n which_o you_o contend_v for_o for_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o fix_a immutable_a chain_n for_o if_o there_o be_v there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o freedom_n either_o in_o god_n or_o man_n but_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v bind_v up_o by_o a_o rigid_a fate_n of_o which_o every_o word_n we_o speak_v or_o action_n which_o we_o do_v be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n now_o either_o this_o fix_a immutable_a chain_n of_o cause_n be_v god_n himself_o or_o the_o creature_n or_o work_v of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v not_o god_n himself_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o evince_v i._n conference_n with_o a_o theist_n part_n i._n in_o a_o former_a discourse_n with_o you_o from_o the_o absurdity_n which_o will_v follow_v by_o allow_v in_o god_n all_o the_o imbecillity_n vice_n and_o irregularity_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o the_o freedom_n of_o man_n the_o spontaneous_a action_n of_o brute_n and_o the_o alteration_n and_o change_n in_o the_o inanimate_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n against_o the_o latter_a now_o if_o the_o world_n be_v the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v than_o it_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n for_o god_n creation_n suppose_v it_o subject_a to_o his_o power_n for_o what_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n must_v have_v a_o great_a power_n of_o its_o own_o to_o resist_v his_o power_n but_o this_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o world_n or_o nature_n to_o have_v because_o all_o the_o
power_n which_o they_o can_v possible_o have_v they_o have_v from_o god_n in_o their_o creation_n therefore_o god_n still_o keep_v the_o power_n over_o they_o either_o to_o annihilate_v they_o to_o continue_v they_o in_o their_o be_v or_o to_o alter_v they_o to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v alienate_v this_o power_n or_o give_v they_o a_o great_a be_v more_o absurd_a for_o this_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v god_n have_v divest_v himself_o of_o his_o deity_n and_o make_v the_o world_n god_n instead_o of_o himself_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o probability_n be_v say_v be_v that_o god_n by_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v it_o immutable_a and_o therefore_o this_o power_n be_v pass_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n he_o can_v recall_v it_o without_o violation_n to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o a_o perfect_a confusion_n to_o the_o present_a scheme_n of_o being_n but_o to_o consider_v this_o a_o little_a as_o god_n by_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n create_v all_o thing_n so_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o govern_v they_o and_z takes_z care_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n shall_v not_o be_v govern_v by_o infinite_a providence_n as_o to_o assert_v any_o thing_n may_v be_v create_v without_o omnipotent_a power_n both_o these_o be_v god_n attribute_n and_o to_o do_v violence_n to_o either_o of_o these_o be_v injurious_a to_o god_n now_o how_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n when_o he_o have_v make_v such_o a_o fatal_a unalterable_a world_n that_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o take_v care_n of_o for_o whatsoever_o be_v governable_a or_o the_o subject_n of_o government_n must_v be_v in_o one_o power_n and_o alterable_a but_o god_n can_v no_o more_o govern_v a_o fatal_a world_n than_o a_o man_n can_v govern_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n but_o to_o govern_v and_o take_v care_n of_o his_o creature_n be_v the_o necessary_a attribute_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o a_o good_a god_n and_o therefore_o the_o world_n which_o he_o take_v care_n of_o must_v be_v governable_a and_o consequent_o not_o fatal_a phil._n but_o by_o the_o way_n sir_n be_v it_o not_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n to_o create_v a_o world_n fix_v and_o immutable_a than_o such_o a_o one_o who_o law_n shall_v be_v weak_a and_o shatter_v that_o they_o must_v need_v his_o assistance_n every_o moment_n to_o preserve_v they_o and_o make_v they_o go_v according_a to_o his_o will_n cred._n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v in_o themselves_o sufficient_o firm_a and_o immutable_a fatality_n god_n providence_n bet●er_o than_o fatality_n and_o that_o they_o will_v unchangeable_o preserve_v their_o course_n when_o it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n they_o shall_v be_v interrupt_v by_o his_o superior_a power_n but_o it_o be_v no_o reflection_n upon_o god_n wisdom_n that_o he_o do_v not_o make_v the_o world_n so_o immutable_a that_o his_o providence_n can_v not_o interpose_v in_o it_o nay_o it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a reflection_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n to_o have_v make_v such_o a_o world_n which_o it_o be_v out_o of_o his_o power_n to_o control_v let_v any_o one_o judge_n if_o a_o prince_n do_v not_o act_n more_o prudent_o by_o grant_v a_o limit_a commission_n to_o a_o general_n and_o deputy_n to_o be_v supersede_v at_o his_o pleasure_n than_o by_o grant_v a_o absolute_a and_o unlimited_a one_o which_o it_o be_v our_o of_o his_o power_n to_o restrain_v phil._n this_o be_v true_a among_o prince_n because_o they_o have_v a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o future_n and_o so_o may_v undo_v themselves_o by_o not_o reserve_v a_o power_n to_o themselves_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a emergency_n but_o god_n almighty_n know_v all_o thing_n because_o he_o eternal_o decree_v they_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v happen_v afterward_o unexpected_a or_o contrary_a to_o his_o foresight_n and_o therefore_o he_o may_v very_o well_o compose_v a_o fix_v and_o immutable_a world_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o himself_o or_o reflection_n upon_o his_o wisdom_n cred._n though_o we_o must_v not_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o finite_a prince_n law_n god_n a_o wise_a governor_n without_o fatal_a law_n yet_o must_v consider_v he_o as_o a_o wise_a governor_n and_o he_o can_v be_v a_o wise_a governor_n by_o fatal_a law_n for_o the_o law_n of_o virtue_n which_o be_v certain_o god_n law_n suppose_v liberty_n but_o to_o command_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v free_o do_v which_o can_v but_o be_v do_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v do_v argue_v a_o foolish_a governor_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v do_v so_o god_n must_v therefore_o reserve_v to_o himself_o the_o continual_a management_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o nature_n to_o maintain_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n and_o to_o adjust_a matter_n so_o as_o become_v a_o good_a governor_n but_o to_o go_v on_o where_o we_o leave_v of_o 3._o understand_v miracle_n not_o occurrence_n which_o the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o understand_v it_o be_v another_o of_o your_o great_a mistake_n to_o assert_v that_o miracle_n be_v only_o such_o occurrence_n in_o nature_n as_o the_o vulgar_a do_v not_o understand_v for_o general_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o the_o vulgar_a be_v as_o proper_a judge_n of_o as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n indeed_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v only_o some_o extraordinary_a performance_n in_o recondit_fw-la art_n and_o science_n than_o they_o will_v afford_v some_o reason_n for_o learned_a man_n to_o question_v their_o sincerity_n if_o they_o be_v the_o resolution_n of_o some_o very_a difficult_a question_n in_o algebra_n some_o curious_a table_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n for_o many_o year_n some_o wonderful_a performance_n by_o mechanic_n philosophy_n which_o have_v amuze_v the_o common_a people_n into_o the_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v miracle_n then_o something_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v pretend_v but_o when_o all_o the_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n be_v such_o as_o the_o mean_a man_n may_v be_v judge_n of_o and_o which_o they_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a any_o ordinary_a man_n may_v be_v judge_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n that_o bitter_a water_n by_o a_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v make_v sweet_a that_o a_o iron_n hatchet_n be_v make_v to_o swim_v that_o a_o dead_a child_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n every_o ordinary_a man_n be_v as_o good_a a_o judge_n of_o taste_n of_o the_o heaviness_n of_o iron_n and_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v depart_v from_o the_o body_n as_o the_o great_a philosopher_n when_o our_o saviour_n by_o a_o word_n speak_v turn_v water_n into_o wine_n cure_a the_o blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o raise_v man_n from_o the_o dead_a in_o these_o case_n the_o relieve_v person_n and_o every_o beholder_n can_v tell_v that_o this_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o have_v continual_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o need_n for_o a_o insight_n in_o philosophy_n or_o the_o mathematics_n for_o man_n to_o know_v when_o they_o be_v sick_a or_o when_o they_o be_v well_o to_o know_v that_o though_o physic_n do_v often_o cure_v disease_a man_n yet_o word_n natural_o do_v not_o that_o medicinal_a operation_n be_v slow_a and_o gradual_a and_o therefore_o when_o they_o see_v man_n instantaneous_o cure_v of_o a_o disease_n which_o for_o a_o long_a while_n have_v baffle_v the_o power_n of_o medicine_n that_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v by_o a_o supernatural_a power_n when_o they_o see_v all_o natural_a mean_n have_v fail_v 4._o and_o your_o assertion_n be_v equal_o false_a god_n miracle_n not_o make_v man_n doubt_v of_o a_o god_n wherein_o you_o lay_v down_o that_o miracle_n do_v rather_o make_v man_n doubt_v of_o a_o god_n than_o prove_v his_o be_v to_o they_o now_o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o miracle_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n for_o the_o most_o excellent_a frame_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o world_n be_v the_o most_o obvious_a proof_n of_o it_o but_o miracle_n be_v far_o from_o make_v any_o wise_a man_n doubt_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n for_o the_o wise_a and_o constant_a end_n and_o regularity_n in_o nature_n be_v so_o forcible_a a_o proof_n upon_o man_n of_o his_o be_v that_o every_o little_a disorder_n can_v make_v a_o wise_a man_n doubt_n of_o it_o for_o if_o i_o behold_v in_o any_o work_n a_o thousand_o wise_a end_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o discover_v i_o may_v very_o well_o conclude_v that_o a_o few_o other_o thing_n be_v as_o wise_o design_v who_o end_n i_o
of_o the_o world_n esteem_v they_o to_o be_v but_o corrupt_v stream_n of_o the_o ancient_a revelation_n afford_v to_o our_o first_o father_n and_o as_o for_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o you_o allege_v they_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n undervalue_v or_o cast_v any_o reflection_n upon_o god_n ritual_a law_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o the_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o show_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o place_v their_o obedience_n only_o in_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o religion_n whilst_o they_o neglect_v the_o more_o substantial_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o every_o honest_a christian_a as_o well_o as_o you_o deist_n think_v himself_o bind_v to_o believe_v phil._n i_o confess_v what_o you_o say_v do_v not_o altogether_o want_v some_o probability_n but_o still_o methinks_v these_o vicarious_a punishment_n seem_v but_o insignificant_a trifle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o do_v not_o make_v man_n the_o better_a or_o the_o more_o innocent_a indeed_o if_o these_o expiation_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v perfect_o take_v away_o sin_n than_o there_o be_v something_o in_o what_o you_o say_v but_o they_o only_o leave_v the_o man_n as_o they_o find_v he_o unless_o true_a repentance_n do_v make_v he_o better_o so_o that_o the_o mediatorship_n without_o repentance_n signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o repentance_n where_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o mediatorship_n must_v by_o all_o charitable_a man_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v valid_a and_o therefore_o what_o need_v of_o the_o mediatorship_n or_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o repentance_n after_o sin_v be_v all_o that_o man_n can_v do_v or_o god_n can_v require_v it_o be_v true_a the_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n almighty_a by_o sin_v be_v infinite_a and_o what_o then_o 207._o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 207._o if_o i_o owe_v a_o million_o and_o can_v pay_v but_o a_o thousand_o pound_n my_o creditor_n can_v have_v but_o all_o it_o be_v true_a my_o body_n be_v then_o subject_a to_o imprisonment_n that_o be_v to_o the_o further_a extent_n of_o the_o law_n but_o then_o that_o law_n be_v void_a of_o mercy_n so_o that_o when_o i_o have_v do_v my_o all_o that_o be_v repent_v what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o expiation_n when_o god_n mercy_n will_v acquit_v i_o as_o have_v pay_v what_o i_o be_v able_a cred._n mediatorship_n god_n honour_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o mediatorship_n it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n mercy_n be_v that_o bless_a attribute_n to_o which_o the_o pardon_n of_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v owe_v and_o upon_o which_o the_o mediatorship_n be_v found_v this_o be_v that_o which_o give_v life_n to_o the_o stipulation_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o father_n that_o he_o shall_v die_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o which_o all_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n all_o other_o expiation_n receive_v their_o force_n and_o energy_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o true_a that_o after_o sin_n commit_v repentance_n and_o amendment_n be_v all_o we_o can_v do_v on_o our_o part_n but_o then_o further_o we_o christian_n say_v that_o the_o mediatorship_n must_v do_v something_o likewise_o on_o god_n part_n as_o well_o as_o we_o by_o sin_n god_n honour_n be_v violate_v and_o our_o life_n be_v forfeit_v now_o both_o these_o be_v to_o be_v remedy_v by_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o mediator_n indeed_o mercy_n for_o god_n to_o pardon_n and_o repentance_n for_o we_o to_o amend_v be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o security_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n why_o must_v there_o be_v no_o satisfaction_n give_v for_o the_o injure_a honour_n of_o god_n god_n may_v be_v as_o merciful_a to_o the_o world_n as_o he_o please_v but_o still_o he_o must_v be_v just_a to_o his_o own_o dignity_n for_o otherways_o he_o will_v divest_v himself_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o leave_v impudent_a sinner_n to_o sin_n without_o control_n and_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o therein_o lie_v the_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o the_o mediatorship_n that_o both_o party_n be_v thereby_o satisfy_v god_n have_v the_o security_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o man_n of_o his_o salvation_n phil._n but_o credentius_n this_o satisfaction_n as_o you_o call_v it_o in_o the_o mediatorship_n be_v a_o business_n which_o lie_v so_o cross_a in_o my_o brain_n and_o be_v pregnant_a with_o such_o a_o number_n of_o absurdity_n that_o i_o can_v never_o away_o with_o it_o and_o therefore_o you_o see_v that_o not_o only_o we_o but_o your_o brother_n christian_n the_o socinian_o be_v so_o aware_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o this_o doctrine_n that_o they_o be_v unanimous_o agree_v upon_o it_o to_o explode_v it_o as_o give_v man_n such_o a_o barbarous_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o satisfaction_n do_v suppose_v a_o angry_a revengeful_a temper_n which_o desire_v to_o be_v glut_v with_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o offend_a party_n which_o when_o that_o be_v bring_v about_o become_v tame_a good-natured_a and_o reconcileable_a but_o this_o be_v such_o a_o pitiful_a imbecility_n even_o in_o humane_a nature_n as_o wise_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o therefore_o to_o attribute_v this_o to_o the_o infinite_a purity_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v no_o less_o i_o think_v than_o the_o most_o dare_a blasphemy_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v such_o a_o angry_a vindictive_a nature_n in_o the_o deity_n yet_o methinks_v even_o then_o he_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o take_v revenge_n upon_o every_o one_o for_o their_o own_o demerit_n which_o will_v be_v agreeable_a to_o justice_n and_o not_o make_v one_o innocent_a person_n viz._n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v no_o sin_n as_o you_o suppose_v to_o suffer_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o other_o wicked_a man_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o deserve_a suffering_n of_o so_o many_o outrageous_a offender_n upon_o the_o back_n of_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o spotless_a man_n that_o by_o your_o account_n ever_o come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o when_o we_o far_o consider_v that_o this_o innocent_a person_n be_v own_v by_o you_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o only_a son_n too_o and_o must_v nevertheless_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o appease_v this_o vindictive_a nature_n of_o god_n before_o he_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v such_o a_o horrid_a representation_n of_o the_o best_a of_o being_n as_o shock_n human_a nature_n to_o consider_v and_o far_o outdo_v all_o the_o story_n of_o scythian_a sacrifice_n and_o busiris_n his_o altar_n and_o yet_o great_a monster_n of_o absurdity_n do_v appear_v when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o suffer_a person_n be_v the_o supreme_a god_n himself_o who_o by_o this_o scheme_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v take_v upon_o he_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o a_o human_a body_n be_v hungry_a and_o thirsty_a and_o at_o last_o be_v crucify_v and_o die_v now_o this_o do_v imply_v a_o sort_n of_o a_o passibility_n in_o the_o deity_n which_o of_o all_o heterodoxy_n be_v the_o most_o gross_a and_o absurd_a cred._n i_o have_v not_o time_n now_o to_o enter_v with_o you_o into_o the_o nice_a dispute_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n upon_o this_o subject_a satisfaction_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o satisfaction_n but_o however_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n which_o do_v reflect_v at_o all_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n indeed_o the_o word_n satisfaction_n be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o what_o the_o word_n import_v be_v and_o this_o and_o all_o other_o word_n which_o be_v use_v to_o express_v any_o of_o the_o divine_a action_n or_o nature_n must_v be_v use_v metaphorical_o and_o not_o be_v take_v in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n as_o when_o they_o be_v use_v proper_o and_o according_a to_o their_o original_a application_n now_o the_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v here_o mean_v be_v not_o such_o a_o satisfaction_n as_o a_o angry_a man_n require_v but_o a_o judicial_a or_o forensical_a satisfaction_n which_o a_o governor_n require_v of_o a_o offender_n upon_o the_o violation_n of_o his_o law_n now_o whereas_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n in_o forensical_a term_n as_o when_o god_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o judge_n man_n as_o a_o offender_n or_o criminal_a god_n word_n as_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v death_n as_o the_o punishment_n christ_n as_o a_o mediator_n and_o surety_n his_o death_n as_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o price_n of_o redemption_n now_o i_o think_v it_o not_o at_o all_o improper_a to_o call_v that_o which_o christ_n do_v to_o free_v we_o from_o the_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o to_o the_o divine_a justice_n