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may_v if_o it_o have_v please_v he_o but_o then_o i_o do_v believe_v very_o few_o will_v have_v give_v they_o credit_n l._n will_v you_o have_v miracle_n wrought_v every_o day_n s._n i_o shall_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v a_o miracle_n or_o two_o for_o my_o own_o satisfaction_n but_o i_o must_v confess_v if_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_a they_o will_v not_o in_o a_o short_a time_n be_v distinguishable_a from_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n l._n then_o i_o perceive_v you_o sceptist_n desire_v something_o but_o you_o know_v not_o what_o for_o give_v your_o thought_n the_o utmost_a liberty_n of_o range_v yet_o you_o will_v never_o find_v a_o more_o commodious_a way_n of_o god_n speak_v to_o mankind_n than_o that_o which_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v fuit_v to_o all_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o be_v apt_a consequent_o to_o force_v the_o assent_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o reveal_v to_o man_n all_o those_o necessary_a truth_n which_o be_v no_o way_n deducible_a from_o reason_n alone_o and_o second_o it_o give_v light_a perspicuity_n and_o lustre_n to_o all_o those_o moral_a duty_n which_o be_v indeed_o deducible_a by_o operose_fw-la deduction_n from_o reason_n but_o have_v not_o be_v thence_o actual_o deduce_v by_o the_o less_o think_v part_n of_o mankind_n s._n i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o scripture_n if_o you_o can_v give_v i_o some_o rule_n of_o interpret_n those_o ancient_a write_n for_o i_o have_v rather_o go_v to_o no_o oracle_n than_o to_o a_o oracle_n that_o have_v a_o double_a meaning_n l._n the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o much_o insist_v upon_o by_o the_o romanist_n to_o make_v room_n for_o a_o infallible_a guide_n and_o interpreter_n and_o from_o
this_o absurd_a and_o erroneous_a manner_n s._n perhaps_o he_o only_o mean_v it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n as_o he_o please_v l._n so_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v erroneous_a and_o to_o act_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o have_v he_o therefore_o a_o right_a to_o murder_n steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n but_o he_o do_v not_o only_o say_v summum_fw-la jus_o libere_fw-la sentiendi_fw-la de_fw-la religione_fw-la penes_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la esse_fw-la but_o summam_fw-la authoritatem_fw-la scripturam_fw-la 103._o p._n 103._o interpretandi_fw-la apud_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la esse_fw-la s._n methinks_v the_o right_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n ought_v rather_o to_o be_v give_v to_o some_o body_n of_o man_n who_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o preserve_v it_o l._n i_o have_v already_o show_v you_o that_o contradiction_n be_v no_o interpretation_n and_o that_o no_o humane_a power_n can_v have_v authority_n to_o oppose_v divine_a revelation_n unless_o you_o can_v prove_v that_o man_n be_v more_o omniscient_a than_o god_n s._n god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v attempt_v that_o for_o now_o i_o begin_v to_o hate_v the_o very_a name_n of_o deism_n as_o it_o stand_v oppose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o reveal_v religion_n l._n and_o you_o will_v hate_v it_o more_o if_o you_o consider_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o how_o many_o sect_n and_o faction_n this_o poison_n be_v extract_v and_o how_o much_o it_o tend_v to_o destroy_v all_o morality_n and_o use_v of_o right_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o papist_n it_o take_v the_o doctrine_n deficiency_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o live_a interpreter_n from_o the_o quaker_n it_o take_v the_o doctrine_n of_o 145_o see_v chap._n 12._o p._n 144_o 145_o of_o the_o light_n within_o as_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o they_o term_v the_o spirit_n and_o of_o villify_a the_o scripture_n as_o mere_a paper_n and_o ink_n as_o he_o express_o call_v they_o chap._n 12._o pag._n 145._o vereor_fw-la ne_fw-la nimis_fw-la sancti_fw-la etc._n etc._n simulachra_fw-la et_fw-la imagine_v hoc_fw-la est_fw-la chartam_fw-la et_fw-la atramentum_fw-la pro_fw-la scriptura_fw-la adorent_fw-la in_o which_o word_n he_o make_v reverence_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o idolatry_n from_o the_o independent_a it_o take_v the_o renunciation_n of_o catholic_n communion_n and_o make_v every_o man_n as_o they_o do_v every_o congregation_n to_o be_v a_o church_n as_o it_o be_v to_o himself_o and_o it_o borrow_v something_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o fatal_a necessity_n from_o the_o rigid_a preshyterian_a then_o as_o to_o its_o tendency_n to_o immorality_n it_o take_v from_o we_o all_o certainty_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o grace_n and_o hope_v of_o glory_n through_o the_o mediation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o leave_v we_o nothing_o to_o adore_v but_o a_o careless_a deceitful_a and_o inflexible_a deity_n and_o whilst_o it_o pretend_v to_o leave_v we_o piety_n it_o real_o rob_v we_o of_o the_o true_a id_v of_o god_n it_o leave_v justice_n and_o charity_n no_o other_o encouragement_n than_o they_o can_v find_v in_o this_o world_n and_o god_n know_v that_o be_v often_o little_a enough_o and_o it_o give_v the_o full_a reins_o to_o lust_n and_o appetite_n to_o eat_v drink_v and_o be_v merry_a for_o all_o beyond_o the_o grave_a be_v but_o conjecture_n or_o idle_a speculation_n nay_o it_o drive_v the_o mind_n unto_o a_o assent_n to_o so_o many_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n as_o must_v at_o last_o centre_n in_o downright_a atheism_n for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v exert_v his_o own_o power_n to_o abuse_v the_o world_n and_o atheism_n in_o a_o few_o year_n will_v run_v up_o again_o into_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n since_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v long_o without_o religion_n or_o some_o superstition_n of_o if_o possible_a a_o more_o ridiculous_a and_o pernicious_a nature_n s._n sir_n you_o need_v add_v no_o more_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o only_o beg_v your_o prayer_n to_o almighty_a god_n that_o i_o may_v increase_v in_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o walk_v worthy_a of_o so_o heavenly_a a_o vocation_n l._n i_o be_o glad_a if_o any_o weak_a endeavour_n of_o i_o can_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o religion_n into_o which_o i_o be_v at_o first_o baptise_a and_o which_o be_v now_o so_o much_o oppose_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o malice_n both_o of_o man_n and_o deviss_v and_o may_v god_n who_o have_v begin_v this_o conversion_n in_o your_o heart_n assist_v you_o always_o with_o his_o grace_n and_o make_v you_o perfect_a in_o every_o good_a work_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n s._n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o christian_a endeavour_n and_o wish_v you_o a_o hearty_a farewell_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o ch._n brome_n 1697._o the_o snake_n in_o the_o grass_n or_o satan_n transform_v to_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n discover_v the_o deep_a and_o unsuspected_a subtlety_n which_o be_v couch_v under_o the_o pretend_a simplicity_n of_o the_o quaker_n the_o second_o edit_n with_o addition_n price_n 4_o s._n bind_v satan_n disrobed_a from_o his_o disguise_n of_o light_n or_o the_o quaker_n last_o shift_n to_o cover_v their_o monstrous_a heresy_n lay_v full_o open_a in_o a_o reply_n to_o thomas_n ellwood_n answer_n publish_v in_o may_n 1696._o to_o george_n keith_n narrative_a of_o the_o proceed_n at_o turner_n hall_n june_n 11._o 1696._o by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o snake_n in_o the_o grass_n price_n 1._o s._n a_o discourse_n prove_v the_o divine_a instituon_n of_o water_n baptism_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o snake_n in_o the_o grass_n price_n 1_o s._n the_o quaker_n set_v in_o 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poem_n of_o horace_n consist_v of_o ode_n satyr_n and_o epistle_n render_v in_o english_a and_o paraphrase_a by_o alexander_n brome_n gent._n and_o several_a other_o person_n price_n bind_v 4_o s._n song_n and_o other_o poem_n by_o alexander_n brome_n gent._n price_n bind_v 3_o s._n
a_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v tractatus_fw-la theologico_fw-la politicus_fw-la london_n print_v for_o charles_n brome_n at_o the_o gun_n at_o the_o west_n end_v of_o st._n paul_n 1697._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a charles_n earl_n of_o winchelsea_n viscount_n maidstone_n baron_n fitz-herbert_n of_o eastwell_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n this_o treatise_n be_v by_o i_o design_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o reveal_v religion_n against_o those_o deistical_a and_o sceptical_a notion_n which_o be_v too_o frequent_a in_o this_o age_n have_v there_o be_v no_o singular_a obligation_n to_o induce_v i_o yet_o can_v i_o not_o have_v find_v a_o more_o proper_a patron_n than_o your_o lordship_n who_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o favourer_n and_o protector_n of_o religion_n virtue_n and_o whatsoever_o be_v praiseworthy_a among_o man_n i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o my_o small_a station_n in_o the_o church_n may_v very_o well_o have_v excuse_v i_o from_o engage_v in_o a_o argument_n which_o may_v just_o require_v a_o person_n of_o more_o dignity_n learning_n and_o leisure_n but_o i_o be_o at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o your_o lordship_n and_o all_o good_a man_n will_v not_o expect_v much_o where_o but_o little_o be_v give_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o same_o plainness_n and_o sincerity_n wherein_o i_o at_o first_o write_v it_o i_o presume_v to_o dedicate_v it_o to_o your_o lordship_n as_o a_o small_a token_n how_o much_o i_o be_o your_o lordship_n be_v most_o humble_a and_o oblige_a servant_n mathias_n earbery_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n courteous_a reader_n though_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o opinion_n that_o whosoever_o write_v a_o book_n aught_o to_o write_v a_o preface_n for_o some_o be_v so_o good_a that_o they_o need_v none_o and_o some_o so_o bad_a that_o they_o do_v deserve_v one_o yet_o i_o think_v myself_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o account_n of_o those_o reason_n 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because_o it_o take_v away_o from_o trade_n the_o freedom_n of_o lie_v and_o cheat_v and_o defraud_v which_o some_o perhaps_o think_v essential_a to_o it_o but_o if_o you_o gentleman_n desire_v a_o commonwealth_n that_o you_o may_v barter_n away_o our_o religion_n for_o a_o free_a trade_n i_o say_v pray_v god_n bless_v the_o monarchy_n of_o england_n scep_v prithee_o do_v think_v we_o desire_v to_o take_v away_o your_o religion_n your_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v your_o only_a religion_n and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o man_n desire_v to_o take_v from_o you_o my_o author_n design_n be_v only_o to_o take_v off_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o vulgar_a entertain_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o despise_v reason_n and_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a oracle_n of_o truth_n in_o order_n to_o this_o my_o author_n promise_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o prophecy_n or_o revelation_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o strength_n of_o fancy_n that_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n be_v 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be_v not_o frequent_o use_v in_o this_o signification_n because_o it_o be_v too_o general_a and_o comprehend_v so_o much_o that_o it_o determine_v too_o little_a or_o 2._o thing_n be_v more_o frequent_o call_v divine_a that_o for_o their_o excellence_n seem_v to_o have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n this_o homer_n style_v his_o hero_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o grace_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o apostle_n and_o indeed_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v not_o be_v improper_o call_v divine_a forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v not_o only_o give_v we_o by_o god_n but_o do_v still_o bear_v his_o image_n and_o inscription_n upon_o they_o but_o 3_o and_o last_o those_o thing_n be_v most_o proper_o style_v divine_a which_o be_v immediate_o produce_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o according_a to_o the_o regular_a law_n of_o nature_n but_o 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rod_n that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a finger_n of_o god_n because_o they_o know_v it_o be_v not_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o those_o inferior_a invisible_a power_n which_o they_o invoke_v and_o the_o prophet_n call_v their_o inspire_a write_n the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n because_o not_o deduce_v from_o the_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n but_o deliver_v to_o they_o immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o in_o respect_n to_o which_o it_o be_v call_v by_o st._n peter_n the_o sure_a word_n of_o prophecy_n a._n what_o do_v you_o infer_v from_o hence_o t._n that_o your_o author_n trifle_n when_o he_o equal_v humane_a reason_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n say_v very_o bold_o that_o aequali_fw-la jure_fw-la ac_fw-la alia_fw-la cognitio_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la illa_fw-la sit_fw-la divina_fw-la vocari_fw-la potest_fw-la when_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o one_o be_v found_v on_o the_o
natural_a order_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o subject_a to_o those_o imperfection_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n the_o other_o come_v immediate_o from_o god_n and_o have_v no_o imperfection_n in_o it_o our_o reason_n though_o first_o give_v we_o by_o god_n yet_o be_v corrupt_v by_o ourselves_o the_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v abundant_o show_v how_o much_o natural_a reason_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v lead_v aside_o into_o error_n by_o sense_n passion_n interest_n and_o example_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v unto_o god_n there_o be_v a_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o glimmer_a light_n which_o discover_v some_o but_o not_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v so_o clear_o and_o distinct_o as_o may_v make_v it_o complete_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n beside_o it_o be_v often_o darken_a by_o inadvertency_n lust_n and_o male-organization_n of_o the_o 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always_o unknown_a there_o word_n who_o signification_n extend_v no_o further_a than_o to_o thing_n that_o be_v already_o know_v can_v never_o explain_v they_o to_o we_o a_o man_n that_o never_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o illumination_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n can_v no_o more_o have_v a_o complete_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v than_o a_o blind_a man_n can_v have_v of_o colour_n he_o may_v be_v teach_v by_o rote_n to_o give_v definition_n but_o all_o the_o definition_n that_o can_v be_v give_v will_v never_o give_v he_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o light_n or_o colour_n a._n then_o prophetical_a light_n be_v something_o but_o you_o do_v know_v wat_fw-mi t._n yes_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o he_o that_o inquire_v after_o more_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v gratify_v in_o his_o needless_a curiosity_n we_o know_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o constitutiou_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o communicate_v his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n to_o whosoever_o he_o please_v for_o it_o will_v be_v strange_a indeed_o if_o god_n who_o make_v the_o soul_n capable_a of_o understand_v every_o thing_n else_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o capable_a of_o understand_v himself_o whenever_o he_o shall_v vouchsase_v to_o speak_v to_o it_o for_o why_o shall_v not_o man_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o know_v when_o god_n speak_v to_o he_o in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n as_o when_o his_o neighbour_n speak_v to_o he_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o custom_n and_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n or_o be_v not_o direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o essential_a purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o contradiction_n though_o more_o unusual_a for_o god_n to_o speak_v to_o man_n than_o it_o be_v for_o one_o man_n to_o speak_v to_o another_o nor_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a purity_n to_o teach_v man_n his_o will_n to_o obey_v which_o be_v man_n utmost_a perfection_n we_o also_o know_v from_o as_o authentic_a record_n of_o antiquity_n as_o any_o be_v now_o extant_a that_o some_o man_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n learning_n and_o virtue_n have_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o and_o we_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o because_o they_o expose_v their_o life_n and_o fortune_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n in_o compliance_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o receive_v from_o god_n and_o that_o no_o room_n may_v be_v leave_v for_o doubt_n the_o same_o god_n that_o thus_o speak_v to_o they_o give_v they_o power_n to_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o quite_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o foretell_v such_o event_n as_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v guess_v at_o by_o any_o humane_a understanding_n if_o therefore_o we_o who_o by_o faith_n believe_v the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o these_o inspire_a author_n be_v deceive_v we_o be_v deceive_v by_o god_n himself_o who_o alone_o can_v give_v such_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o if_o our_o faith_n be_v deceive_v by_o god_n we_o know_v not_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v deceive_v too_o for_o if_o god_n can_v deceive_v in_o one_o why_o may_v we_o not_o think_v he_o may_v do_v it_o in_o the_o other_o and_o then_o our_o a_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v certain_a to_o get_v the_o victory_n by_o such_o dispute_n over_o reveal_v religion_n that_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o he_o dispute_v at_o all_o a._n what_o mathematical_a certainty_n have_v you_o that_o the_o record_n of_o these_o man_n prophecy_n be_v true_a t._n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a for_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o julius_n caesar_n come_v into_o england_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v equal_a to_o all_o its_o part_n though_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o come_n hither_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o any_o problem_n in_o euclid_n a._n i_o have_v hear_v with_o great_a patience_n your_o long_a discourse_n of_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n and_o the_o wonderful_a and_o unintelligible_a certainty_n from_o thence_o arise_v but_o what_o as_o our_o author_n tell_v you_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o god_n speak_v unto_o man_n prove_v a_o mere_a fancy_n proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_a hebraism_n i_o hope_v you_o will_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o t._n yes_o upon_o these_o condition_n 1._o that_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n may_v be_v as_o well_o urge_v for_o as_o against_o themselves_o 2._o that_o every_o difficulty_n in_o those_o sacred_a write_n
dependence_n upon_o it_o though_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o represent_v god_n as_o walk_v in_o the_o garden_n etc._n etc._n yet_o this_o may_v well_o be_v understand_v of_o some_o angel_n send_v by_o god_n upon_o that_o message_n it_o be_v familiar_a with_o the_o scripture_n to_o ascribe_v some_o thing_n to_o god_n which_o be_v apparent_o do_v by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o holy_a angel_n nor_n do_v it_o follow_v that_o adam_n think_v god_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o humane_a affair_n because_o he_o endeavour_v to_o hide_v himself_o from_o he_o for_o all_o fear_n and_o especial_o that_o which_o have_v gild_n for_o its_o parent_n be_v apt_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o disorder_v man_n reason_n and_o to_o make_v they_o do_v absurd_a thing_n for_o which_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v if_o a_o man_n for_o fear_n whether_o real_a or_o imaginary_a shall_v to_o avoid_v the_o sword_n of_o his_o enemy_n throw_v himself_o down_o a_o precipitate_v rock_n into_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o run_v into_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o devour_a fire_n it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o this_o man_n think_v that_o the_o water_n can_v not_o drown_v nor_o the_o fire_n burn_v nor_o the_o rock_n dash_v he_o to_o piece_n but_o we_o may_v rather_o conclude_v that_o the_o imagination_n of_o some_o impend_a danger_n make_v such_o violent_a impression_n upon_o his_o brain_n as_o for_o the_o present_a drove_n thence_o the_o use_n of_o clear_a and_o impartial_a reason_n adam_n be_v sensible_a of_o gild_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n throw_v he_o into_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a measure_n to_o escape_v it_o but_o we_o must_v not_o ascribe_v that_o to_o his_o reason_n which_o be_v manifest_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o fear_n and_o terror_n beside_o whatever_o your_o author_n observe_v of_o the_o ignorance_n of_o adam_n or_o cain_n etc._n etc._n reflect_v nor_o diminution_n upon_o reveal_v light_n but_o rather_o upon_o his_o adore_a light_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o adam_n think_v god_n be_v not_o omniscient_a or_o omnipresent_v it_o be_v because_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n give_v he_o no_o true_a a_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n your_o author_n indeed_o will_v insinuate_v that_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o as_o ignorant_a of_o humane_a affair_n but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o bible_n that_o lie_v under_o the_o author_n be_v sole_a possession_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v mention_v in_o any_o of_o those_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o see_v in_o the_o world_n s._n but_o be_v not_o god_n reveal_v as_o ignorant_a of_o humane_a affair_n to_o cain_n when_o he_o ask_v he_o gen._n 10._o 8._o where_o be_v abel_n thy_o brother_n l._n no_o the_o direct_a contrary_n be_v more_o apparent_a for_o when_o cain_n deny_v the_o murder_n in_o a_o very_a surly_a dialect_n viz._n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n he_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v that_o though_o his_o murder_n be_v hide_v perhaps_o from_o man_n it_o be_v open_a to_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n s._n but_o do_v not_o his_o question_n suppose_v he_o think_v otherwise_o l._n wicked_a man_n may_v think_v as_o they_o please_v but_o their_o thought_n throw_v less_o aspersion_n upon_o reveal_v light_n than_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n cain_n commit_v murder_n upon_o abel_n will_v your_o author_n therefore_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o cain_n as_o approve_v murder_n or_o that_o murder_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o cain_n speak_v against_o natural_a light_n in_o seem_v to_o disow_v the_o omniscience_n of_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o think_v god_n not_o to_o be_v omniscient_a than_o the_o kill_a his_o brother_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o he_o think_v god_n to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o injustice_n or_o a_o approver_n of_o the_o shed_n of_o innocent_a blood_n wicked_a man_n will_v corrupt_v their_o natural_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n as_o well_o as_o the_o more_o speculative_a idea_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n but_o all_o that_o we_o can_v conclude_v from_o thence_o be_v the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o prevent_v atheism_n deism_n and_o idolatry_n or_o polytheism_n and_o to_o ensure_v the_o most_o bind_a sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n upon_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n s._n some_o man_n will_v deny_v motion_n when_o their_o tongue_n be_v run_v so_o fast_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v hear_v but_o themselves_o be_v not_o abraham_n ignorant_a that_o god_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o omniscient_a when_o he_o beg_v of_o he_o not_o to_o execute_v his_o sentence_n of_o vengeance_n till_o he_o know_v whether_o all_o be_v worthy_a of_o that_o punishment_n or_o no_o and_o do_v not_o god_n himself_o speak_v thus_o at_o least_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o abraham_n gen._n 18._o 20._o because_o the_o cry_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v great_a and_o because_o their_o sin_n be_v very_o grievous_a i_o will_v go_v down_o and_o see_v whether_o they_o have_v do_v altogether_o according_a to_o the_o cry_n of_o it_o which_o be_v come_v unto_o i_o and_o if_o not_o i_o shall_v know_v l._n abraham_n word_n to_o god_n viz._n peradventure_o there_o be_v fifty_o righteous_a in_o the_o city_n contain_v no_o more_o than_o a_o petition_n that_o god_n will_v spare_v a_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a person_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o righteous_a therein_o he_o do_v not_o presume_v that_o god_n do_v not_o know_v how_o many_o righteous_a there_o be_v there_o but_o he_o pray_v that_o if_o fifty_o be_v find_v all_o the_o wicked_a might_n for_o their_o sake_n escape_v their_o intend_a destruction_n in_o v._o 20._o we_o have_v a_o assertion_n that_o god_n have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o sodom_n for_o the_o cry_n be_v great_a before_o he_o and_o what_o we_o read_v v._o 20._o of_o god_n descend_v to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v but_o the_o continuation_n of_o a_o metaphor_n draw_v from_o the_o like_a action_n in_o man_n a_o figure_n use_v in_o most_o author_n and_o not_o unfrequent_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n where_o we_o often_o read_v of_o his_o hand_n his_o arm_n or_o his_o eye_n and_o yet_o the_o jew_n be_v never_o so_o stupid_a as_o to_o worship_n god_n under_o the_o sculpture_n of_o any_o such_o corporeal_a representation_n s._n if_o you_o will_v read_v the_o 3d_o and_o four_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la impartial_o you_o will_v find_v that_o moses_n himself_o have_v no_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n for_o god_n be_v reveal_v to_o he_o as_o ignorant_a of_o humane_a action_n for_o though_o god_n tell_v he_o chap._n 3._o v._n 28._o that_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n will_v hearken_v to_o his_o voice_n moses_n chap._n 4._o v._n 1._o answer_v behold_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v i_o nor_o hearken_v to_o my_o voice_n for_o they_o will_v say_v the_o lord_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o thou_o l._n believe_v be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o 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any_o he_o have_v hitherto_o cite_v in_o the_o four_o ver_fw-la of_o the_o four_o chap._n of_o the_o 2d_o to_o the_o corinthian_n satan_n be_v style_v the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n how_o plain_o may_v he_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o satan_n be_v reveal_v to_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n s._n but_o what_o say_v you_o to_o moses_n opinion_n that_o god_n live_v in_o heaven_n be_v not_o that_o a_o error_n unworthy_a of_o a_o philosopher_n and_o altogether_o pagan_a l._n if_o moses_n have_v teach_v that_o god_n be_v so_o confine_v to_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o earth_n or_o from_o any_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n or_o from_o the_o knowledge_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a affair_n it_o may_v have_v give_v this_o a_o some_o very_a specious_a pretence_n to_o
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if_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v true_a which_o i_o do_v very_o much_o question_n his_o lordship_n solution_n of_o it_o will_v be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v but_o suppose_v it_o true_a yet_o such_o weak_a effluvia_n as_o be_v engender_v by_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n whatever_o impression_n they_o can_v make_v on_o the_o tender_a part_n of_o humane_a body_n yet_o you_o can_v without_o madness_n suppose_v they_o able_a to_o turn_v aaron_n rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n or_o to_o make_v it_o more_o like_o a_o live_a creature_n or_o turn_v a_o whole_a river_n into_o blood_n to_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n slay_v all_o the_o first_o bear_v of_o egypt_n and_o do_v work_n of_o the_o like_a stupendous_a nature_n s._n do_v not_o pharaoh_n magician_n do_v something_o very_o like_o it_o l._n all_o you_o can_v infer_v from_o thence_o be_v only_o this_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v assist_v by_o some_o invisible_a power_n which_o be_v more_o than_o man_n of_o your_o principle_n 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contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o he_o do_v eat_v of_o it_o l._n do_v not_o your_o author_n in_o some_o place_n say_v that_o to_o know_v and_o to_o love_n god_n be_v the_o divine_a law_n s._n yet_o i_o think_v he_o do_v l._n then_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o argue_v all_o man_n even_o the_o author_n himself_o do_v know_v and_o love_n god_n and_o must_v do_v so_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o both_o be_v do_v according_a to_o god_n will_n according_a to_o your_o author_n sentiment_n for_o both_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o eternal_a necessity_n of_o cause_n link_v together_o the_o apostle_n say_v this_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n even_o your_o sanctification_n therefore_o all_o man_n be_v actual_o sanctify_v god_n bid_v abraham_n sacrifice_v his_o son_n therefore_o he_o be_v sacrifice_v be_v not_o this_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o argue_v to_o make_v sport_n 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meeting_n for_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o tire_v you_o with_o too_o long_a a_o discourse_n s._n with_o all_o my_o heart_n for_o if_o i_o be_v well_o satisfy_v in_o that_o point_n i_o shall_v be_v better_o affect_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n conference_n iv_o of_o miracle_n s._n sir_n you_o be_v well_o meet_v i_o remember_v at_o our_o last_o conference_n you_o often_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n as_o the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o reveal_v religion_n but_o i_o have_v since_o that_o time_n careful_o peruse_v the_o six_o chapter_n of_o my_o very_a ingenious_a author_n wherein_o i_o find_v such_o argument_n against_o miracle_n as_o make_v i_o very_o much_o doubt_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n l._n i_o desire_v not_o to_o hear_v your_o opinion_n but_o will_v glad_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o your_o reason_n s._n my_o author_n very_o judicious_o observe_v 67._o p._n 67._o that_o it_o be_v and_o always_o be_v the_o 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christian_a faith_n all_o the_o bishop_n priest_n and_o deacon_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a mob_n in_o respect_n to_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o upstart_n philosopher_n who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o opposition_n they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v against_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n of_o all_o mankind_n s._n you_o begin_v to_o be_v too_o warm_a pray_v let_v we_o debate_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o reason_n and_o less_o passion_n my_o author_n rerefer_v you_o to_o his_o four_o chapter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n where_o he_o have_v large_o prove_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n determine_v do_v involve_v 68_o p._n 68_o a_o eternal_a necessity_n because_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v not_o real_o distinguish_v from_o his_o will._n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v necessary_o do_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o divine_a decree_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o the_o 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god_n providence_n nor_o at_o all_o prove_v that_o he_o take_v any_o care_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o part_n of_o the_o riddle_n which_o i_o humble_o beg_v you_o will_v be_v please_v to_o unfold_v to_o i_o s._n that_o i_o will_v and_o very_o brief_o too_o we_o gather_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o know_v and_o receive_v notion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o superior_a power_n that_o can_v alter_v these_o notion_n it_o must_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n or_o at_o least_o compel_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o his_o existence_n l._n it_o be_v not_o by_o miracle_n but_o by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o we_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v superior_a to_o our_o faculty_n who_o can_v alter_v they_o for_o the_o better_a or_o the_o worse_a according_a as_o he_o please_v but_o then_o the_o same_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o truth_n be_v one_o of_o his_o most_o adorable_a perfection_n and_o from_o thence_o we_o 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that_o can_v annihilate_v the_o world_n s._n i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o l._n if_o then_o alteration_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v less_o than_o annihilation_n you_o must_v grant_v it_o possible_a and_o what_o then_o be_v there_o in_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o and_o most_o obvious_a principle_n of_o reason_n s._n but_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o whether_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o work_n either_o which_o proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v explain_v or_o have_v no_o other_o cause_n than_o the_o immediate_a will_n of_o god_n yet_o still_o it_o exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o we_o can_v understand_v nothing_o from_o that_o which_o exceed_v the_o very_a standard_n of_o our_o faculty_n l._n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o a_o miracle_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o humane_a understanding_n but_o only_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o divine_a operation_n in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o our_o 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of_o all_o thing_n and_o bring_v we_o at_o last_o to_o atheism_n l._n and_o pray_v why_o so_o what_o do_v you_o understand_v by_o nature_n but_o those_o law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o god_n do_v preserve_v the_o universe_n in_o that_o beauty_n and_o order_n wherein_o we_o now_o enjoy_v it_o these_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n which_o will_v be_v know_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o punish_v ill_a man_n or_o to_o reward_v the_o good_a god_n can_v do_v that_o by_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o settle_a course_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n and_o though_o god_n do_v it_o by_o miracle_n sometime_o yet_o that_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n to_o do_v it_o otherwise_o but_o only_o that_o these_o miracle_n may_v the_o more_o be_v consider_v as_o testimonial_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n though_o therefore_o the_o frequent_a interruption_n of_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n will_v render_v the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o vain_a who_o give_v their_o mind_n to_o the_o study_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n yet_o the_o interruption_n of_o it_o at_o some_o certain_a time_n and_o season_n when_o god_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v some_o particular_a message_n to_o mankind_n be_v no_o obstruction_n to_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o a_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o what_o proportion_n of_o time_n be_v there_o between_o the_o miraculous_a age_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o small_a be_v the_o number_n of_o well_o attest_v miracle_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o other_o work_v of_o nature_n s._n suppose_v there_o be_v real_a miracle_n yet_o my_o author_n prove_v from_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v lead_v we_o into_o no_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n for_o a_o prophet_n of_o the_o false_a god_n may_v work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o yet_o deserve_v to_o be_v stone_v for_o his_o pain_n see_v deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o verse_n l._n a_o miracle_n be_v a_o appeal_n to_o our_o sense_n that_o what_o be_v do_v be_v not_o do_v by_o any_o visible_a or_o material_a be_v but_o because_o there_o be_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a invisible_a agent_n we_o be_v to_o judge_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o a_o miracle_n by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a doctrine_n which_o it_o be_v allege_v to_o support_v the_o magician_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o pagan_a priest_n in_o all_o age_n allege_a miracle_n to_o destroy_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o loosen_v all_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o morality_n but_o neither_o be_v these_o miracle_n well_o attest_v nor_o be_v they_o to_o be_v regard_v because_o they_o tend_v only_o to_o destroy_v and_o corrupt_v natural_a religion_n and_o natural_a honesty_n too_o and_o indeed_o the_o pagan_a superstition_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o diabolical_a revelation_n of_o certain_a name_n of_o deity_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n as_o may_v keep_v man_n further_a from_o god_n and_o corrupt_v that_o idea_n of_o he_o which_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o they_o know_v not_o the_o original_a of_o their_o own_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n for_o so_o say_v antigone_n in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d antigone_n sophoc_n in_o antigone_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d why_o shall_v a_o mortal_a break_v immortal_a law_n not_o make_v by_o man_n but_o by_o the_o god_n themselves_o that_o ever_o must_v remain_v though_o none_o can_v know_v the_o fountain_n whence_o those_o last_a rivulet_n flow_v nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o know_v the_o original_a of_o those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n nor_o be_v so_o much_o as_o of_o humane_a institution_n but_o shuffle_v into_o the_o world_n by_o the_o trick_n and_o imposture_n of_o evil_a spirit_n but_o though_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v author_n of_o some_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o prophecy_n miracle_n or_o inspiration_n yet_o they_o never_o can_v nor_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o establish_v a_o religion_n that_o give_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o teach_v a_o rational_a worship_n of_o he_o and_o tend_v to_o the_o good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n if_o therefore_o we_o have_v distinct_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o of_o natural_a religion_n we_o must_v have_v distinct_a
notion_n of_o the_o usual_a effect_n of_o good_a and_o of_o evil_a spirit_n the_o jew_n be_v very_o sensible_a that_o one_o evil_a spirit_n may_v by_o collusion_n give_v place_n or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o give_v place_n to_o another_o and_o thence_o malicious_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n the_o prince_n of_o devil_n but_o our_o saviour_n answer_n be_v sufficient_a viz._n if_o satan_n be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v 4._o mat._n 4._o his_o kingdom_n stand_v because_o you_o say_v that_o i_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n i._o e._n if_o i_o who_o teach_v the_o true_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n cast_v out_o devil_n by_o satan_n than_o satan_n be_v his_o own_o enemy_n and_o industrious_o destroy_v his_o own_o idolatrous_a kingdom_n which_o with_o so_o much_o pain_n he_o have_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n s._n if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o force_n in_o miracle_n 73._o p._n 73._o as_o you_o do_v pretend_v methinks_v the_o miraculous_a age_n of_o moses_n shall_v have_v be_v most_o religious_a of_o all_o other_o but_o your_o own_o bible_n show_n that_o the_o israelite_n fall_v immediate_o into_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o the_o golden_a calf_n notwithstanding_o the_o number_n of_o moses_n '_o s_z pretend_v miracle_n l._n the_o jew_n live_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o idolatrous_a nation_n and_o new_o emancipate_v from_o egyptian_a slavery_n may_v be_v tempt_v to_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o reason_n in_o compliance_n to_o the_o corrupt_a custom_n of_o those_o who_o live_v round_o about_o they_o but_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o thereby_o they_o think_v to_o relinquish_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o rather_o to_o change_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v yet_o they_o be_v quick_o recall_v by_o moses_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o your_o author_n to_o be_v very_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o reveal_v religion_n that_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n be_v not_o the_o legal_a religion_n of_o any_o one_o nation_n but_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n only_o s._n i_o still_o fear_v that_o the_o scripture_n by_o god_n do_v a_o thing_n do_v mean_v no_o more_o than_o his_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o sam._n 1._o 9_o chap._n 15._o 16._o verse_n god_n be_v say_v to_o tell_v samuel_n in_o his_o ear_n that_o he_o will_v send_v saul_n unto_o he_o and_o yet_o it_o appear_v that_o saul_n come_v to_o he_o as_o led_z by_o natural_a motive_n viz._n to_o seek_v his_o father_n ass_n in_o the_o 105_o ps_n 24_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v god_n turn_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o hate_v his_o people_n in_o the_o first_o of_o exodus_fw-la a_o natural_a cause_n be_v render_v of_o that_o aversion_n 75._o p._n 75._o l._n suppose_v you_o shall_v hear_v a_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v receive_v a_o alm_n of_o a_o stranger_n say_v to_o himself_o god_n have_v send_v i_o relief_n can_v you_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o this_o poor_a man_n believe_v that_o god_n never_o be_v the_o author_n of_o a_o miracle_n but_o always_o wrought_v by_o natural_a cause_n s._n i_o must_v confess_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o conclusion_n l._n no_o more_o ought_v your_o author_n ridiculous_o to_o conclude_v that_o because_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o natural_a thing_n as_o do_v by_o god_n therefore_o god_n never_o work_v in_o a_o supernatural_a manner_n for_o though_o saul_n seem_v to_o be_v lead_v to_o samuel_n by_o natural_a cause_n yet_o the_o prediction_n to_o samuel_n that_o saul_n shall_v certain_o come_v to_o he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v king_n of_o israel_n must_v needs_o be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o supernatural_a power_n the_o heart_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v turn_v against_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n because_o they_o fear_v their_o number_n but_o 1._o exod._n 1._o what_o natural_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o all_o those_o other_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v reckon_v up_o in_o the_o same_o psalm_n s._n i_o must_v confess_v ingenuous_o that_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n in_o that_o exact_a manner_n according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v relate_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o solution_n of_o they_o by_o natural_a cause_n especial_o if_o natural_a cause_n do_v always_o work_v in_o a_o fix_a and_o unmoveable_a order_n but_o my_o author_n very_o judicious_o show_v that_o there_o be_v many_o circumstance_n in_o a_o miracle_n which_o the_o scripture_n do_v omit_v especial_o when_o they_o be_v sing_v in_o a_o poetic_a style_n which_o if_o they_o be_v express_v will_v plain_o show_v that_o what_o we_o now_o admire_v as_o supernatural_a be_v only_o a_o effect_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o many_o circumstance_n of_o the_o miracle_n record_v do_v show_v that_o they_o require_v natural_a cause_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o perfection_n see_v exod._n 9_o v._o 10._o moses_n can_v not_o bring_v boil_v upon_o the_o egyptian_n without_o first_o throw_v up_o ash_n in_o the_o air._n and_o exod._n 14._o 21._o we_o read_v that_o the_o red_a sea_n be_v divide_v by_o a_o strong_a east_n wind._n elisha_n lay_v upon_o the_o child_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v dead_a and_o so_o revive_v he_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o body_n in_o short_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v report_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o can_v follow_v from_o they_o my_o author_n opinion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v add_v by_o some_o sacrilegious_a person_n who_o design_v to_o impose_v a_o fable_n upon_o the_o world_n l._n a_o tedious_a relation_n of_o impertinent_a circumstance_n be_v avoid_v by_o all_o judicious_a and_o faithful_a historian_n but_o to_o omit_v circumstance_n that_o be_v material_a and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o alter_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o denomination_n of_o a_o action_n be_v a_o trick_n only_o of_o knave_n and_o impostor_n if_o therefore_o moses_n and_o the_o evangelist_n in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v plain_o historical_a do_v design_o omit_v those_o circumstance_n of_o action_n which_o will_v have_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o those_o be_v only_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o will_v make_v the_o world_n believe_v be_v the_o very_a immediate_a work_n of_o god_n whatever_o credit_n their_o write_n may_v have_v meet_v with_o in_o after-age_n they_o can_v have_v find_v none_o in_o their_o own_o for_o the_o jew_n that_o see_v what_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n will_v have_v know_v by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o action_n that_o be_v design_o omit_v that_o whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o sole_a power_n of_o nature_n and_o how_o then_o can_v he_o have_v persuade_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o own_o age_n that_o he_o be_v send_v from_o god_n or_o how_o can_v he_o have_v make_v so_o many_o false_a revelation_n public_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v such_o fool_n as_o to_o erect_v a_o government_n in_o church_n and_o state_n upon_o a_o foundation_n which_o they_o of_o that_o age_n must_v needs_o have_v know_v to_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o support_v it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o jew_n of_o his_o age_n that_o his_o work_n testify_v of_o he_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o miraculous_a but_o what_o be_v make_v so_o to_o appear_v by_o the_o partial_a and_o the_o unfaithful_a relation_n of_o his_o own_o friend_n and_o disciple_n it_o be_v a_o false_a insinuation_n of_o your_o author_n that_o miracle_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n sing_v in_o a_o poetic_a manner_n for_o they_o be_v historical_o relate_v as_o motive_n to_o the_o credibility_n of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o though_o some_o of_o they_o be_v recite_v in_o the_o psalm_n yet_o the_o very_a poetic_a style_n of_o david_n do_v not_o render_v they_o more_o wonderful_a than_o the_o plain_a historical_a account_n of_o moses_n but_o with_o what_o impudence_n if_o not_o affect_v ignorance_n do_v your_o author_n affirm_v that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o action_n record_v as_o miracle_n in_o scripture_n do_v show_v that_o they_o be_v effect_v by_o natural_a cause_n when_o moses_n bring_v a_o boyl_n upon_o the_o egyptian_n by_o throw_v up_o ash_n into_o the_o air_n the_o action_n be_v as_o miraculous_a as_o if_o without_o throw_v up_o the_o ash_n he_o have_v only_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n command_v the_o boyl_n to_o seize_v upon_o the_o body_n of_o the_o egyptian_n v._n exod._n 9_o 10._o v._n unless_o your_o author_n can_v philosophical_o prove_v that_o according_a to_o the_o