and_o do_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v whatever_o they_o think_v come_v from_o above_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n not_o besot_v with_o sensuality_n and_o brutish_o degenerate_v a_o earnest_a thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o conviction_n upon_o every_o reasonable_a man_n that_o without_o some_o further_a discovery_n from_o god_n himself_o than_o what_o this_o world_n and_o our_o own_o contemplation_n thereupon_o will_v afford_v we_o no_o satisfy_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v attain_v three_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n design_v by_o his_o own_o faculty_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o natural_a obligation_n tend_v to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o and_o to_o pay_v the_o homage_n due_a from_o we_o in_o such_o away_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o ascertain_v be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o humane_a welfare_n that_o be_v the_o great_a concern_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v about_o divine_a worship_n and_o this_o seem_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o what_o he_o be_v and_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o exist_v the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o debase_v his_o excellency_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o some_o vain_a idea_n and_o phantasm_n of_o our_o own_o imagination_n i_o must_v be_v teach_v from_o above_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o therein_o i_o must_v look_v upward_o and_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a direction_n from_o thence_o mankind_n seem_v una_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n most_o sit_v yea_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v from_o heaven_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o he_o where_o can_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n not_o found_v upon_o some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o admission_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o irrational_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a indignity_n offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n to_o make_v man_n their_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o case_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a determination_n of_o humane_a discretion_n how_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v this_o truth_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o a_o law_n and_o a_o state_v rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o serve_v of_o he_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o entitle_v the_o best_a of_o our_o service_n to_o obedience_n or_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v secure_v of_o acceptance_n not_o aught_o we_o to_o judge_v that_o any_o worship_n ever_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o command_n and_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o some_o way_n or_o other_o appoint_v though_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o any_o real_a conformity_n there_o be_v among_o they_o to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o be_v original_o annex_v to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o great_o displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o upon_o their_o good_a and_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o own_o contrive_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o god_n most_o odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o from_o a_o very_a authentic_a determination_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o worship_n be_v a_o service_n perform_v to_o devil_n nor_o can_v any_o the_o best_a intention_n that_o any_o man_n ever_o yet_o have_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v sufficient_o excuse_v for_o will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o worship_n can_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o law_n natural_a give_v to_o we_o in_o our_o first_o constitution_n or_o by_o some_o reveal_v law_n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o worship_n must_v be_v either_o in_o nature_n or_o institution_n the_o point_n then_o to_o be_v prove_v will_v be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a law_n give_v to_o mankind_n a_o sufficient_a direction_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o that_o intercourse_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o respect_v either_o his_o own_o honour_n or_o man_n happiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o all_o mankind_n natural_o tend_v to_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o expect_v it_o in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n that_o god_n by_o a_o law_n natural_a bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o general_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o some_o general_n innate_a direction_n about_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o grant_v and_o have_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o rational_a nature_n which_o show_v to_o we_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o that_o very_a nature_n which_o become_v obligatory_a to_o itself_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o own_o reason_n be_v our_o law_n and_o according_a to_o that_o law_n man_n without_o revelation_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v and_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o dictate_v of_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v not_o entrust_v with_o such_o a_o plenary_a direction_n about_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v and_o we_o all_o tend_v to_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v a_o sufficient_a law_n to_o himself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o may_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o worship_n must_v either_o be_v confine_v to_o word_n thought_n and_o bodily_a gesture_n and_o simple_o terminate_v there_o or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o some_o further_a expression_n of_o service_n by_o a_o appropriation_n of_o some_o other_o medium_n unto_o it_o first_o no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v no_o otherwise_o serve_v then_o by_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n both_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v in_o all_o time_n declare_v the_o contrary_n nor_o have_v any_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v or_o such_o a_o constitution_n frame_v as_o that_o we_o call_v religion_n without_o some_o other_o expression_n of_o service_n and_o some_o other_o external_n medium_n appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v arisen_a from_o two_o thing_n first_o man_n have_v never_o suppose_v their_o word_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o their_o gesture_n to_o be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a expression_n of_o that_o homage_n they_o be_v natural_o sensible_a they_o owe_v to_o the_o greatness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o being_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o have_v visible_o bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o the_o plenary_a and_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o still_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o a_o further_a expression_n of_o gratitude_n and_o subjection_n second_o mankind_n in_o every_o age_n have_v apply_v to_o god_n under_o a_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o of_o gild_n contract_v by_o it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v still_o adjudge_v it_o as_o necessary_a to_o make_v some_o further_o offer_v to_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o by_o some_o other_o medium_n then_o bare_a thought_n and_o naked_a expression_n to_o apply_v to_o he_o about_o they_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o imagine_v such_o a_o service_n a_o sufficient_a compensation_n for_o sin_n but_o have_v still_o attempt_v a_o further_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o justice_n above_o and_o by_o some_o other_o way_n have_v endeavour_v to_o appease_v divine_a anger_n now_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n do_v not_o issue_v itself_o into_o any_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o thing_n as_o it_o do_v about_o thing_n
in_o themselves_o moral_o good_a and_o moral_o evil._n no_o man_n reason_n determine_v about_o the_o positive_a use_n of_o any_o such_o outward_a medium_n of_o worship_n nor_o can_v assure_v i_o of_o god_n distinguish_a acceptance_n in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v upon_o certain_a ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n in_o all_o our_o worship_n nor_o be_v any_o man_n by_o nature_n a_o clear_a and_o certain_a law_n to_o himself_o about_o such_o thing_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a he_o shall_v because_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_o religious_a good_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o worship_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o all_o such_o goodness_n result_v pure_o from_o institution_n god_n have_v not_o sanctify_v any_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n to_o his_o service_n in_o such_o a_o way_n by_o any_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o rational_a nature_n no_o such_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n be_v found_v in_o reason_n but_o all_o in_o institution_n it_o be_v true_a the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v direct_v i_o to_o that_o behaviour_n of_o myself_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o i_o think_v most_o decent_a and_o reverent_a but_o for_o any_o external_n medium_n of_o worship_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v give_v i_o no_o certain_a direction_n at_o all_o if_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o worship_n as_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n it_o have_v be_v declare_v necessary_a that_o some_o shall_v be_v we_o must_v then_o both_o for_o the_o choice_n and_o the_o use_v of_o such_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o guide_v and_o steer_v by_o revelation_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v every_o man_n own_o reason_n be_v impregnate_v with_o obligation_n to_o a_o further_a degree_n of_o worship_n and_o divine_a homage_n than_o reason_n itself_o be_v able_a to_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o a_o certain_a guide_n to_o we_o in_o and_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o duty_n which_o we_o want_v revelation_n to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o perform_v which_o have_v in_o all_o age_n make_v the_o world_n so_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o show_v we_o how_o rational_o we_o tend_v upward_o in_o this_o matter_n and_o how_o great_o our_o own_o nature_n prepare_v we_o to_o expect_v and_o receive_v instruction_n from_o above_o second_o shall_v this_o be_v admit_v that_o divine_a worship_n may_v be_v confine_v simple_o to_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n yet_o will_v not_o our_o natural_a light_n enable_v we_o to_o acquit_v ourselves_o as_o we_o ought_v in_o this_o matter_n nor_o well_o to_o perform_v such_o a_o service_n as_o that_o without_o supernatural_a help_n there_o be_v two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o worship_n which_o though_o inseparable_a in_o their_o attainment_n be_v yet_o distinct_a in_o their_o application_n and_o if_o not_o attain_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n attempt_n that_o way_n will_v prove_v altogether_o useless_a and_o fruitless_a first_o in_o a_o right_a manner_n to_o give_v to_o god_n the_o honour_n due_a from_o we_o to_o he_o and_o second_o to_o provide_v sufficient_o for_o our_o own_o welfare_n by_o a_o acceptance_n with_o he_o for_o the_o first_o how_o can_v we_o honour_n god_n with_o the_o honour_n due_a to_o he_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o such_o a_o discovery_n of_o his_o be_v as_o may_v full_o inform_v and_o ascertain_v our_o mind_n about_o he_o which_o we_o never_o can_v have_v nor_o to_o this_o day_n the_o world_n never_o have_v without_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o honour_n god_n as_o we_o ought_v unless_o according_a to_o our_o measure_n we_o know_v he_o as_o in_o truth_n he_o be_v and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o know_v what_o god_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o capacitate_v i_o for_o a_o due_a address_n to_o the_o deity_n to_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o power_n above_o i_o that_o some_o way_n or_o other_o exist_v which_o be_v all_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o i_o must_v have_v some_o direct_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o that_o be_v wherein_o all_o those_o attribute_n do_v exist_v upon_o which_o as_o the_o object_n of_o my_o worship_n my_o mind_n may_v terminate_v and_o without_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o form_v a_o idol_n to_o myself_o in_o the_o room_n of_o that_o be_v and_o then_o apply_v those_o attribute_n to_o it._n to_o which_o fatal_a mistake_n and_o idolatrous_a delusion_n the_o world_n have_v by_o nature_n no_o certain_a account_n what_o god_n be_v not_o after_o what_o manner_n the_o deity_n do_v exist_v in_o all_o age_n have_v be_v too_o apparent_o subject_a second_o how_o can_v we_o sufficient_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o welfare_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v safe_o assure_v of_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o total_a removal_n of_o natural_a guilt_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o assure_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o term_n of_o god_n forgiveness_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n to_o he_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a satisfy_a account_n give_v we_o by_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n nor_o can_v they_o ever_o be_v find_v out_o until_o they_o be_v tell_v we_o from_o above_o man_n must_v needs_o make_v strange_a prayer_n and_o have_v very_o wild_a and_o uncertain_a meditation_n about_o god_n and_o their_o own_o condition_n that_o be_v benight_a with_o ignorance_n in_o such_o thing_n prayer_n and_o whatever_o else_o be_v itself_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a worship_n will_v be_v very_o lame_o perform_v without_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v it_o the_o pagan_a devotion_n be_v a_o medley_n of_o strange_a sentiment_n found_v in_o horrible_a ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n and_o the_o way_n of_o man_n restoration_n have_v plato_n or_o aristotle_n or_o the_o wise_a among_o they_o but_o leave_v we_o a_o liturgy_n of_o their_o own_o composition_n it_o will_v with_o great_a effect_n have_v convince_v we_o what_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o some_o revelation_n to_o guide_v even_o the_o best_a understanding_n in_o all_o divine_a address_n two_o thing_n about_o worship_n the_o practice_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v teach_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n first_o that_o mankind_n have_v general_o acknowledge_v it_o necessary_a that_o some_o supernatural_a direction_n shall_v be_v give_v for_o the_o manage_n of_o that_o intercourse_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o have_v subscribe_v to_o the_o shortness_n and_o defficiency_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n about_o it_o and_o second_o that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o certain_a complete_a systeme_n of_o worship_n that_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n man_n do_v uniform_o agree_v in_o the_o one_o result_v from_o their_o constant_a recourse_n to_o supernatural_a inquiry_n and_o the_o many_o enthusiastic_a pretension_n thereupon_o the_o other_o from_o their_o great_a and_o eminent_a disagreement_n among_o themselves_o for_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o be_v only_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o naturallight_n and_o have_v in_o truth_n no_o revelation_n at_o all_o but_o be_v still_o abuse_v with_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o fall_v by_o that_o guidance_n into_o endless_a diversity_n in_o practice_n and_o into_o a_o numberless_a variety_n of_o opinion_n about_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v and_o approach_v the_o deity_n and_o be_v universal_o engage_v in_o multiply_v medium_n and_o method_n of_o worship_n no_o way_n prescribe_v by_o any_o natural_a law_n connate_a with_o man_n being_n or_o any_o general_a uniform_a issue_n of_o right_a reason_n nor_o indeed_o be_v they_o under_o any_o direction_n at_o all_o either_o for_o their_o choice_n or_o their_o use_n further_o than_o what_o their_o own_o fancy_n or_o best_a guess_n or_o some_o enthusiastic_a impostor_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o which_o plain_o declare_v there_o be_v not_o a_o ability_n in_o nature_n sufficient_o to_o guide_v man_n in_o divine_a worship_n so_o far_o as_o their_o own_o devotion_n do_v natural_o steer_v they_o and_o we_o that_o indeed_o have_v revelation_n be_v instruct_v by_o that_o revelation_n itself_o sufficient_o to_o know_v the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o revelation_n for_o we_o find_v that_o god_n by_o his_o reveal_v law_n do_v not_o only_o revive_v in_o general_a the_o whole_a of_o nature_n law_n about_o worship_n and_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o true_a extent_n thereof_o which_o he_o do_v and_o much_o inlighten_v our_o natural_a knowledge_n therein_o which_o we_o find_v be_v great_o defective_a even_o about_o natural_a duty_n and_o give_v we_o a_o complete_a view_n of_o our_o natural_a obligation_n
whilst_o they_o contemplate_v these_o thing_n about_o which_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n to_o be_v ascertain_v be_v without_o revelation_n utter_o impossible_a nor_o can_v we_o whilst_o ignorant_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a ever_o find_v out_o the_o true_a reason_n and_o primary_n cause_v of_o all_o those_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n we_o find_v the_o world_n possess_v of_o it_o be_v true_a the_o heathen_a be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o the_o ruinous_a and_o sad_a condition_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o troublesome_a revolution_n of_o the_o world_n some_o to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n that_o they_o think_v as_o euripides_n do_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o weep_v at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o child_n and_o to_o laugh_v our_o patent_n to_o their_o grave_n and_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o they_o to_o fancy_v death_n as_o a_o present_v send_v from_o the_o god_n to_o the_o best_a man_n for_o their_o best_a action_n so_o they_o fancy_a death_n send_v to_o cleobis_n and_o biton_n for_o their_o piety_n to_o juno_n to_o agamedes_n and_o tryphonius_n for_o build_v the_o temple_n at_o delphos_n but_o they_o know_v nothing_o how_o the_o world_n come_v into_o this_o posture_n we_o find_v it_o either_o it_o must_v be_v a_o necessary_a consequent_a of_o nature_n or_o else_o the_o world_n be_v under_o some_o great_a punishment_n impose_v by_o the_o supreme_a judge_n of_o it_o if_o all_o we_o see_v be_v necessary_a consequent_n from_o nature_n we_o must_v needs_o think_v nature_n itself_o to_o be_v some_o very_a imperfect_a and_o ill_a composure_n we_o must_v needs_o imagine_v it_o a_o wretched_a constitution_n at_o first_o that_o carry_v in_o its_o bowel_n so_o many_o dismal_a misfortune_n who_o can_v suppose_v god_n shall_v from_o the_o beginning_n frame_v this_o world_n in_o the_o posture_n we_o find_v it_o and_o erect_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n with_o all_o those_o forrow_n we_o see_v necessary_o attend_v it_o we_o can_v never_o reasonable_o believe_v thing_n so_o wrought_v off_o their_o maker_n hand_n at_o first_o as_o that_o the_o necessary_a and_o natural_a consequence_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v their_o present_a posture_n and_o if_o we_o suppose_v as_o well_o we_o may_v all_o the_o sad_a and_o sorrowful_a accident_n and_o troublesome_a vicisitude_n of_o humane_a life_n to_o come_v from_o a_o judgement_n since_o impose_v from_o above_o for_o some_o treason_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v attaint_v and_o some_o grand_a piece_n of_o rebellion_n against_o the_o great_a sovereign_n how_o short_a a_o stage_n will_v nature_n conduct_v we_o in_o our_o search_n after_o those_o thing_n who_o can_v inform_v we_o of_o the_o first_o author_n of_o such_o a_o fatal_a treason_n the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o its_o commission_n what_o the_o sentence_n be_v god_n pronounce_v when_o he_o inflict_v these_o judgement_n how_o far_o it_o extend_v whether_o all_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v punish_v for_o man_n transgression_n or_o how_o it_o come_v first_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v as_o we_o find_v they_o whether_o god_n will_v pursue_v the_o execution_n into_o the_o other_o world_n or_o whether_o any_o bound_n be_v set_v to_o its_o duration_n here_o and_o the_o world_n shall_v ever_o survive_v and_o outlast_v it_o and_o return_v at_o length_n to_o be_v in_o so_o much_o a_o better_a condition_n as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conjecture_v at_o first_o it_o be_v these_o and_o many_o other_o necessary_a question_n may_v be_v ask_v but_o can_v ever_o be_v resolve_v without_o revelation_n and_o as_o mankind_n have_v be_v still_o reproach_v by_o their_o own_o ignorance_n about_o this_o matter_n be_v never_o able_a to_o make_v the_o least_o probable_a guess_n at_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a nor_o to_o ascend_v by_o the_o stream_n to_o the_o fountain_n the_o springhead_n of_o natural_a corruption_n be_v as_o much_o conceal_v from_o the_o most_o inquire_a man_n and_o as_o much_o unknown_a to_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o nile_n be_v to_o the_o ancient_a â—eographers_n so_o in_o the_o second_o place_n man_n can_v never_o without_o supernatural_a help_n upon_o good_a ground_n be_v assure_v how_o to_o remove_v that_o guilt_n engender_v by_o it_o the_o burden_n of_o which_o they_o continual_o groan_v under_o as_o the_o heavy_a and_o sore_a of_o all_o humane_a pressure_n that_o be_v no_o man_n shall_v he_o study_v over_o all_o the_o volume_n of_o nature_n unless_o it_o be_v tell_v he_o from_o heaven_n can_v certain_o know_v upon_o what_o term_n god_n will_v proceed_v in_o pardon_v and_o punish_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n will_v take_v no_o other_o vengeance_n upon_o man_n disobedience_n than_o those_o temporal_a judgement_n he_o have_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o world_n they_o dwell_v in_o shall_v a_o man_n imagine_v that_o god_n have_v satisfy_v his_o justice_n in_o condemn_v man_n to_o death_n and_o sentence_v of_o he_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o expose_v he_o to_o those_o sorrow_n that_o attend_v he_o thither_o and_o mean_n to_o go_v no_o further_o these_o thought_n will_v not_o obliterate_v man_n gild_n nor_o will_v such_o guess_n at_o the_o penalty_n at_o all_o appease_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o do_v iii_o will_v god_n have_v the_o first-born_a of_o man_n body_n or_o the_o best_a of_o their_o substance_n or_o what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o satisfy_v for_o their_o disobtdience_n if_o we_o shall_v ransack_v all_o the_o particular_n that_o humane_a invention_n can_v reach_v in_o this_o kind_n we_o can_v never_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o the_o expiation_n of_o man_n sin_n lie_v in_o any_o or_o in_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o which_o mankind_n above_o all_o other_o thing_n natural_o press_v after_o be_v a_o certain_a knowledge_n upon_o what_o term_n they_o may_v be_v accept_v with_o god_n the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o apostasy_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o divine_a justice_n necessitate_v it_o so_o to_o be_v and_o with_o such_o a_o knowledge_n no_o natural_a ability_n can_v supply_v we_o that_o god_n be_v just_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o and_o that_o he_o be_v merciful_a my_o own_o breast_n will_v assure_v i_o but_o how_o he_o will_v proceed_v to_o deal_v with_o man_n so_o as_o to_o reconcile_v both_o these_o attribute_n how_o far_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v predominant_a over_o the_o other_o or_o whether_o they_o must_v be_v in_o equal_a conjunction_n and_o both_o concur_v and_o how_o that_o can_v be_v do_v what_o will_v procure_v mercy_n or_o what_o will_v satisfy_v justice_n or_o how_o they_o will_v be_v make_v to_o meet_v in_o one_o divine_a act_n when_o both_o perfect_a and_o nothing_o of_o either_o can_v be_v abate_v because_o not_o consistent_a with_o their_o perfection_n be_v thing_n utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v know_v without_o revelation_n if_o god_n forgive_v absolute_o without_o any_o satisfaction_n what_o become_v of_o his_o justice_n which_o shall_v secure_v and_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o his_o law_n and_o shall_v he_o only_o forgive_v man_n when_o they_o themselves_o make_v a_o plenary_a satisfaction_n to_o justice_n where_o be_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o can_v such_o a_o plenary_a satisfaction_n to_o insinte_v justice_n for_o man_n disobedience_n be_v ever_o find_v out_o what_o proxy_n can_v a_o man_n make_v in_o that_o case_n to_o answer_v for_o his_o sin_n what_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v his_o sufficient_a substitute_n or_o what_o can_v we_o suppose_v can_v satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o man_n transgression_n that_o be_v beneath_o themselves_o if_o we_o go_v strict_o to_o justice_n nothing_o of_o less_o dignity_n than_o the_o offender_n can_v compensate_a for_o the_o offence_n if_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o offender_n himself_o and_o so_o it_o appear_v some_o of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o think_v by_o that_o famous_a say_n among_o they_o cum_fw-la sis_fw-la ipse_fw-la nocens_fw-la moritur_fw-la our_o victima_fw-la pro_fw-la te_fw-la and_o shall_v we_o suppose_v god_n in_o his_o judiciary_n proceed_n with_o man_n to_o forgive_v upon_o a_o partial_a satisfaction_n to_o accept_v some_o imperfect_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n and_o to_o make_v up_o the_o rest_n by_o his_o mercy_n this_o be_v to_o render_v his_o attribute_n imperfect_a and_o to_o make_v he_o act_v like_o a_o man_n neither_o as_o infinite_o just_a nor_o infinite_o merciful_a nor_o at_o all_o like_o himself_o nay_o in_o some_o measure_n to_o deny_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a the_o truth_n be_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o its_o nature_n a_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o the_o guilt_n arise_v from_o it_o relate_v to_o his_o tribunal_n where_o no_o sentence_n can_v pass_v but_o what_o be_v the_o result_n of_o infinite_a and_o
all_o the_o certain_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o another_o and_o a_o far_a world_n and_o the_o great_a account_n of_o all_o invisible_a thing_n and_o second_o because_o it_o be_v the_o high_a motive_n we_o have_v to_o all_o good_a live_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o all_o that_o be_v holy_a and_o good_a and_o engage_v against_o all_o the_o corrupt_a prastise_n of_o humane_a life_n when_o we_o consider_v with_o what_o difficulty_n we_o attain_v in_o the_o first_o case_n to_o a_o fix_a and_o unshaken_a belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o see_v and_o how_o apt_a we_o be_v in_o the_o latter_a to_o decline_v from_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n nothing_o can_v seem_v more_o necessary_a than_o a_o rational_a insurance_n about_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o belief_n and_o practice_n in_o both_o that_o with_o a_o perfect_a security_n to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a welfare_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o this_o book_n as_o that_o great_a and_o only_a revelation_n by_o which_o god_n will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n i_o have_v hereby_o attempt_v to_o make_v evident_a not_o only_o from_o its_o own_o excellent_a nature_n and_o composure_n and_o such_o visible_a and_o open_a effect_n of_o a_o supreme_a and_o almighty_a power_n as_o accompany_v its_o first_o publication_n and_o last_v till_o the_o church_n be_v so_o far_o build_v that_o the_o scaffold_n may_v be_v safe_o take_v down_o but_o also_o from_o many_o other_o consideration_n from_o whence_o a_o abundant_a testimony_n to_o its_o divinity_n will_v appear_v to_o result_v and_o this_o task_n if_o sufficient_o perform_v as_o it_o will_v give_v answer_n to_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o cast_v a_o just_a contempt_n upon_o all_o profane_a reproach_n so_o it_o will_v also_o reflect_v much_o upon_o those_o who_o though_o they_o acknowledge_v this_o book_n to_o come_v from_o god_n yet_o not_o acquiess_v single_o in_o the_o conduct_n thereof_o declare_v it_o thereby_o insufficient_a to_o those_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v intend_v and_o such_o be_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o enthusiast_n on_o the_o other_o who_o by_o a_o twofold_a superfoetation_n that_o of_o endless_a tradition_n and_o that_o of_o new_a and_o continue_a revelation_n have_v render_v the_o whole_a scripture_n if_o not_o useless_a yet_o as_o to_o their_o great_a end_n and_o design_n altogether_o deficient_a and_o imperfect_a my_o lord_n i_o seek_v not_o by_o this_o dedication_n to_o countenance_v a_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o any_o way_n to_o secure_v myself_o against_o the_o just_a reproach_n of_o a_o ill_a performance_n the_o first_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o a_o open_a affront_n to_o a_o christian_a state_n and_o the_o other_o oblige_v i_o to_o be_v too_o injurious_a to_o you_o and_o that_o candour_n and_o love_n to_o truth_n you_o possess_v it_o be_v alone_a that_o great_a honour_n and_o that_o entire_a affection_n i_o have_v for_o your_o lordship_n that_o interest_n your_o name_n in_o this_o matter_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o less_o need_v by_o you_o than_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o due_a from_o i_o than_o a_o open_a and_o public_a profession_n that_o myself_o and_o what_o ever_o i_o do_v be_v devote_v to_o your_o service_n i_o know_v my_o lord_n into_o what_o hand_n i_o commit_v these_o paper_n when_o i_o present_v they_o to_o you_o that_o great_a hazard_n to_o which_o they_o be_v expose_v by_o your_o first_o view_n will_v sufficient_o inure_v they_o to_o all_o future_a danger_n i_o consider_v that_o judgement_n with_o which_o they_o be_v put_v to_o encounter_v and_o want_v not_o a_o due_a sense_n what_o the_o success_n must_v needs_o be_v i_o know_v also_o your_o remedying_a kindness_n and_o be_o enough_o secure_v thereby_o be_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n of_o relief_n that_o he_o be_v that_o discourse_v before_o caesar_n who_o thus_o address_v to_o he_o qui_fw-la apud_fw-la te_fw-la caesar_n audent_fw-la dicere_fw-la magnitudinem_fw-la tuam_fw-la ignorant_a qui_fw-la non_fw-la audent_fw-la humanitatem_fw-la my_o lord_n as_o you_o be_v please_v before_o to_o allow_v that_o method_n i_o use_v in_o discover_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n so_o i_o promise_v myself_o some_o acceptance_n in_o the_o account_n i_o now_o give_v you_o of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n as_o i_o know_v no_o better_a property_n can_v be_v convey_v to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o rational_a possession_n of_o god_n and_o his_o word_n so_o i_o be_o also_o much_o please_v that_o i_o have_v spend_v some_o part_n of_o my_o time_n in_o do_v what_o you_o require_v to_o who_o i_o owe_v all_o that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o most_o last_a friendship_n and_o shall_v ever_o be_v as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v be_v which_o be_v but_o what_o i_o ought_v to_o be_v my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o true_a friend_n and_o most_o humble_a &_o faithful_a servant_n charles_n wolseley_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture-belief_n that_o the_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n there_o needs_o little_a to_o be_v say_v to_o prove_v it_o the_o instance_n be_v as_o hard_o to_o find_v as_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a in_o itself_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n reject_v the_o bible_n as_o fictitious_a and_o yet_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o true_a for_o it_o must_v either_o be_v grant_v there_o be_v no_o law_n any_o where_o extant_a that_o do_v formal_o constitute_v this_o religion_n which_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v admit_v here_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o jew_n and_o renounce_v the_o olâ—_n testament_n nor_o he_o a_o mahometan_a that_o disclaim_v the_o koran_n because_o to_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n be_v visible_o to_o raze_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o profession_n and_o practice_n in_o those_o two_o religion_n although_o the_o fact_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v attest_v to_o by_o other_o writing_n yet_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o a_o religion_n establish_v upon_o that_o foundation_n and_o which_o alone_o contain_v the_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o such_o religion_n no_o considerable_a attempt_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o set_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o any_o other_o bottom_n then_o the_o bible_n to_o promulge_v any_o other_o edition_n of_o christian_a law_n to_o write_v any_o counter-story_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n or_o be_v there_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n any_o different_a account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v deduce_v a_o contrary_a or_o other_o system_a of_o the_o christian_a profession_n from_o what_o be_v record_v in_o this_o book_n nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v any_o foundation_n lay_v whereon_o to_o erect_v christianity_n where_o the_o bible_n be_v exclude_v for_o whatsoever_o have_v otherwise_o then_o by_o the_o bible_n by_o write_v or_o tradition_n descend_v down_o to_o the_o world_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v either_o by_o its_o friend_n or_o its_o enemy_n for_o the_o latter_a no_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o any_o heathen_a writer_n of_o any_o christian_a law_n nor_o indeed_o of_o any_o considerable_a matter_n at_o all_o relate_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n far_o than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n itself_o and_o so_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o cumulative_a help_n to_o its_o credibility_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a those_o of_o the_o heathen_a who_o have_v at_o any_o time_n oppose_v the_o christian_a profession_n and_o dispute_v most_o against_o it_o have_v oppose_v it_o as_o contain_v there_o that_o book_n be_v grant_v on_o all_o hand_n to_o comprise_v its_o doctrine_n and_o to_o be_v the_o state_v rule_n of_o that_o religion_n for_o the_o former_a whatever_o have_v be_v by_o the_o writing_n or_o tradition_n of_o such_o who_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o it_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o can_v never_o induce_v any_o other_o rule_n of_o that_o religion_n than_o the_o bible_n for_o beside_o that_o all_o such_o collateral_a tradition_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n relative_a to_o the_o bible_n dependent_a upon_o it_o and_o such_o as_o must_v necessary_o stand_v and_o fall_v together_o with_o it_o they_o have_v also_o come_v from_o the_o hand_n
and_o of_o every_o particular_a part_n the_o vanity_n of_o which_o will_v soon_o appear_v if_o we_o consent_v to_o this_o undeniable_a truth_n that_o all_o general_n result_v out_o of_o particular_n and_o consist_v of_o they_o the_o species_n of_o mankind_n subsist_v in_o the_o individual_n and_o particular_n comprehend_v under_o it_o and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v say_v to_o take_v care_n of_o mankind_n nor_o his_o providence_n to_o extend_v to_o it_o in_o general_a unless_o it_o do_v so_o in_o particular_n and_o his_o care_n reach_v to_o every_o individual_a man_n abstract_v the_o genus_fw-la of_o any_o sort_n of_o creature_n from_o the_o species_n and_o particular_n of_o which_o it_o necessary_o consist_v and_o it_o be_v nothing_o when_o we_o place_v providence_n so_o upon_o general_n as_o to_z abstract_n it_o from_o particular_n we_o make_v it_o a_o nullity_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v providence_n exercise_v over_o general_n without_o a_o distinst_a care_n of_o particular_n because_o those_o general_n do_v necessary_o include_v each_o particular_a this_o be_v excellent_o prove_v by_o plato_n in_o his_o discourse_n de_fw-fr legib._n that_o the_o whole_a of_o nothing_o can_v subsist_v without_o a_o distinct_a care_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n and_o therefore_o infer_v it_o be_v no_o way_n fit_a to_o be_v credit_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o wise_a and_o excellent_a a_o be_v shall_v neglect_v to_o precide_v over_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o take_v a_o universal_a care_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cicero_n in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr divinatione_fw-la upon_o the_o same_o ground_n conclude_v thus_o deorum_fw-la providentia_fw-la mundus_fw-la administratur_fw-la ijdemque_fw-la consulunt_fw-la rebus_fw-la humanis_fw-la neque_fw-la solum_fw-la universis_fw-la verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la singulis_fw-la the_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o not_o only_o of_o universals_z but_o also_o of_o singular_n a_o three_o sort_n there_o have_v be_v that_o will_v have_v divine_a providence_n reach_v no_o far_o than_o man_n that_o say_v it_o be_v conversant_a circa_fw-la homines_fw-la non_fw-la circa_fw-la bestias_fw-la that_o god_n descend_v not_o to_o the_o care_n of_o other_o creature_n beneath_o man_n nor_o busy_v himself_o with_o those_o inferior_a part_n of_o the_o world_n this_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v first_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n from_o who_o it_o be_v probable_a pythagoras_n learn_v it_o and_o become_v the_o teacher_n of_o it_o in_o graece_fw-la for_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o hierocles_n and_o it_o have_v be_v too_o much_o countenance_v since_o by_o st._n jerome_n in_o in_o his_o exposition_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o habakkuk_n that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n after_o a_o various_a manner_n rule_v over_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o guide_v and_o dispose_v they_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o being_n and_o that_o proper_a end_n to_o which_o he_o first_o design_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n those_o being_n beneath_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v not_o under_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n be_v a_o position_n evident_o untrue_a for_o if_o we_o consider_v providence_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o preservation_n the_o entire_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o can_v be_v continue_v without_o a_o preservation_n of_o every_o part_n if_o we_o consider_v providence_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o rule_n and_o dominion_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a then_o that_o all_o irrational_a creature_n be_v so_o under_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n of_o providence_n because_o they_o be_v all_o guide_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o do_v to_o some_o particular_a end_n and_o all_o in_o general_a to_o one_o common_a end_n now_o to_o move_v or_o act_v towards_o some_o end_n be_v the_o peculiar_a property_n of_o a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v creature_n void_a of_o intelligence_n constant_o and_o regular_o move_v and_o act_v towards_o some_o end_n and_o all_o to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v guide_v by_o some_o superior_a intelligence_n that_o have_v a_o supreme_a conduct_n of_o their_o be_v which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o we_o call_v god_n in_o his_o providence_n but_o the_o grand_a and_o total_a subverter_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o providence_n be_v epicurus_n with_o lucretius_n pliny_n and_o other_o that_o have_v in_o this_o point_n embrace_v his_o sentiment_n they_o whole_o deny_v all_o providence_n whatsoever_o suppose_v it_o a_o thing_n beneath_o the_o supreme_a be_v to_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o humane_a affair_n imagine_v the_o world_n whole_o leave_v to_o itself_o and_o that_o god_n be_v retire_v above_o have_v not_o the_o least_o employment_n himself_o nor_o at_o all_o regard_v what_o other_o do_v to_o what_o just_a contempt_n and_o to_o how_o palpable_a a_o confutation_n epicurus_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o all_o denier_n of_o providence_n expose_v themselves_o by_o the_o vanity_n and_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o opinion_n will_n with_o great_a ease_n be_v make_v to_o appear_v to_o every_o impartial_a understanding_n if_o god_n exercise_v no_o dominion_n over_o the_o world_n nor_o take_v any_o care_n of_o its_o preservation_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o providence_n in_o either_o kind_n it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o he_o can_v or_o because_o he_o will_v not_o to_o say_v the_o first_o be_v to_o deny_v what_o man_n say_v before_o when_o they_o admit_v which_o the_o epicurean_o do_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v it_o be_v a_o gross_a contradiction_n to_o say_v god_n can_v rule_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o say_v he_o be_v infinite_a and_o it_o be_v plain_a infiniteness_n be_v inseparable_o annex_v to_o his_o be_v if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v that_o be_v before_o all_o and_o infinite_o above_o all_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a doubt_n of_o his_o power_n and_o ability_n to_o rule_v and_o command_v all_o and_o where_o ever_o his_o make_n and_o first_o frame_v of_o all_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o can_v be_v any_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o subjection_n in_o itself_o so_o natural_a and_o so_o necessary_a as_o in_o what_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o make_v it_o nor_o any_o dominion_n so_o absolute_a or_o so_o certain_a as_o in_o the_o first_o framer_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v rule_v the_o world_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n for_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o one_o natural_o infer_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o other_o it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o suppose_v god_n dominion_n over_o it_o now_o than_o his_o creation_n of_o it_o at_o first_o and_o he_o that_o deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o the_o former_a can_v upon_o no_o good_a ground_n suppose_v the_o latter_a second_o to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v not_o that_o be_v though_o he_o can_v rule_v and_o order_v the_o world_n yet_o out_o of_o choice_n he_o refuse_v do_v it_o and_o have_v design_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o all_o the_o concern_v of_o it_o be_v a_o affirmation_n high_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o many_o account_n first_o this_o be_v plain_o to_o suppose_v if_o we_o admit_v creation_n that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o beyond_o its_o bare_a existence_n and_o without_o any_o design_a end_n to_o himself_o by_o it_o future_a to_o its_o simple_a be_v for_o providence_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o preserve_n and_o guide_v of_o all_o thing_n exist_v to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o world_n capable_a of_o many_o noble_a and_o excellent_a end_n when_o make_v without_o propose_v any_o end_n at_o all_o to_o himself_o by_o it_o the_o mean_a composer_n in_o the_o small_a matter_n be_v never_o guilty_a of_o such_o a_o absurdity_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o imagine_v the_o high_a wisdom_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o shall_v in_o that_o act_n of_o make_v the_o world_n fall_v beneath_o the_o exercise_n of_o every_o common_a discretion_n no_o man_n attempt_v any_o thing_n without_o a_o prospect_n of_o some_o end_n if_o god_n have_v lay_v by_o all_o thought_n of_o the_o world_n and_o concern_v himself_o no_o more_o about_o it_o then_o as_o if_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n be_v at_o all_o in_o be_v which_o by_o the_o epicurean_a doctrine_n he_o do_v what_o end_n can_v we_o conceive_v god_n to_o have_v in_o the_o first_o make_v of_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n infinite_o wise_a shall_v make_v the_o world_n without_o propose_v any_o end_n but_o without_o propose_v the_o high_a and_o utmost_a end_n to_o himself_o the_o world_n be_v
subjection_n be_v in_o truth_n past_o all_o rational_a denial_n whence_o come_v that_o inherent_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o and_o which_o nothing_o humane_a can_v either_o alter_v or_o abrogate_v but_o with_o reference_n to_o god_n authority_n over_o he_o what_o be_v that_o we_o call_v conscience_n in_o every_o man_n but_o god_n vicegerent_n here_o below_o and_o the_o vicar-general_a of_o his_o supreme_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n epicurus_n perceive_v that_o if_o he_o once_o admit_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o we_o call_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o a_o inherent_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n providence_n from_o thence_o will_v necessary_o be_v imply_v positive_o deny_v it_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n and_o maintain_v this_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o naked_a essence_n of_o thing_n that_o discriminate_v they_o but_o that_o all_o difference_n of_o thing_n come_v from_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n first_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o epicurus_n by_o this_o doctrine_n render_v himself_o unworthy_a of_o all_o debate_n and_o discourse_n because_o he_o deny_v common_a experience_n and_o what_o every_o man_n may_v know_v to_o be_v true_a from_o his_o own_o breast_n without_o far_a information_n and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o demonstration_n than_o a_o appeal_n to_o all_o impartial_a reason_n in_o the_o case_n aristotle_n say_v and_o upon_o good_a ground_n that_o no_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v admit_v against_o experience_n because_o if_o i_o once_o bring_v that_o into_o question_n i_o disclaim_v all_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o therefore_o among_o all_o wise_a man_n thing_n of_o common_a experience_n be_v still_o exclude_v and_o set_v aside_o from_o all_o debate_n and_o dispute_v how_o great_a stress_n soever_o the_o epicurean_o lay_v upon_o this_o principle_n and_o they_o lie_v very_o great_a upon_o it_o both_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n in_o themselves_o consider_v and_o from_o common_a experience_n it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v equal_o false_a and_o pernicious_a the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o call_v the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n show_v good_a or_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o some_o thing_n by_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n with_o the_o rational_a nature_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o definition_n will_v appear_v very_o evident_a for_o first_o a_o natural_a law_n must_v needs_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o be_v the_o superior_a part_n of_o man_n nothing_o can_v true_o or_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n or_o a_o law_n to_o a_o rational_a be_v arise_v from_o itself_o but_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o reason_n second_o whatsoever_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o good_a by_o its_o agreement_n to_o that_o judgement_n my_o reason_n make_v of_o what_o be_v so_o i_o must_v needs_o think_v that_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o must_v needs_o think_v myself_o under_o obligation_n to_o it_o from_o god_n under_o obligation_n to_o it_o i_o must_v be_v because_o of_o my_o own_o judgement_n about_o it_o and_o that_o judgement_n must_v needs_o oblige_v i_o as_o a_o law_n give_v to_o i_o from_o god_n because_o it_o be_v he_o make_v i_o with_o a_o faculty_n so_o judge_v and_o be_v in_o truth_n himself_o the_o author_n of_o this_o judgement_n by_o create_v the_o faculty_n that_o necessary_o make_v it_o whatever_o judgement_n god_n make_v a_o man_n with_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o law_n from_o god_n give_v to_o he_o and_o he_o can_v never_o depart_v from_o it_o without_o offend_v he_o that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o place_v it_o within_o he_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o his_o be_v whatever_o judgement_n god_n make_v i_o with_o concern_v myself_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v his_o judgement_n and_o what_o be_v god_n judgement_n be_v a_o law_n to_o i_o and_o i_o can_v never_o oppose_v it_o without_o sin_n be_v in_o my_o own_o existence_n make_v with_o a_o necessary_a subjection_n unto_o he_o now_o i_o say_v that_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n mankind_n necessary_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v they_o determine_v some_o action_n and_o some_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o intrinsical_o good_a and_o other_o intrinsical_o evil_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o they_o stand_v relate_v to_o the_o rational_a judgement_n abstract_v from_o all_o collateral_a consideration_n whatever_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o more_o than_o of_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o that_o man_n be_v create_v by_o god_n with_o a_o faculty_n so_o judge_v he_o that_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o this_o natural_a law_n must_v obliterate_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o every_o man_n become_v a_o necessary_a and_o unrepealable_a law_n to_o himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v effect_n to_o deny_v a_o man_n to_o be_v rational_a to_o make_v all_o thing_n alike_o to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o they_o because_o the_o faculty_n we_o call_v reason_n exist_v in_o every_o man_n with_o such_o a_o innate_a distinction_n no_o man_n use_v his_o reason_n can_v think_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v distinguish_v by_o the_o fundamental_a constitution_n of_o our_o being_n and_o can_v never_o be_v equal_a competitor_n to_o a_o rational_a approbation_n a_o man_n may_v well_o say_v that_o the_o determination_n that_o man_n make_v upon_o the_o plain_a demonstration_n depend_v not_o upon_o the_o intrinsic_a certainty_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o to_o say_v their_o determination_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n do_v not_o so_o for_o the_o one_o lie_n every_o jot_n as_o connate_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o the_o other_o a_o corrupt_a vicious_a man_n have_v the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unblass_v reason_n against_o he_o as_o much_o as_o a_o false_a conclusion_n in_o mathematics_n and_o a_o virtuous_a man_n for_o he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o evident_a demonstrable_a truth_n no_o man_n of_o untainted_a intellectual_n can_v equal_o esteem_v a_o religious_a socrates_n and_o a_o profane_a caligula_n and_o a_o sensual_a sardanapalus_n and_o a_o virtuous_a cato_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o in_o themselves_o intrinsical_o good_a and_o so_o oblige_v we_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o those_o primary_n statute_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o positive_a law_n can_v alter_v or_o supersede_n the_o obligation_n that_o child_n shall_v obey_v their_o parent_n and_o not_o parent_n the_o child_n have_v no_o indifferency_n in_o it_o nor_o can_v the_o obligation_n be_v remove_v or_o invert_v by_o any_o custom_n or_o positive_a law_n that_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v venerate_v be_v a_o statute_n of_o nature_n epicurus_n himself_o confess_v we_o be_v to_o venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n but_o upon_o what_o ground_n i_o will_v know_v if_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o a_o obligation_n arise_v from_o the_o innate_a dictate_v of_o reason_n he_o must_v then_o admit_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o so_o do_v it_o be_v certain_a he_o destroy_v his_o own_o doctrine_n and_o will_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o providence_n if_o bare_o upon_o positive_a law_n he_o fall_v under_o this_o horrible_a absurdity_n to_o make_v it_o at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n for_o so_o be_v all_o thing_n that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o positive_a law_n whether_o the_o deity_n shall_v be_v so_o venerate_v or_o no._n if_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o such_o a_o be_v be_v establish_v by_o natural_a light_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o veneration_n of_o he_o be_v so_o too_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o establish_v but_o make_v to_o be_v indifferent_a to_o believe_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o be_v or_o no_o man_n may_v then_o by_o their_o own_o pleasure_n make_v and_o unmake_v their_o god_n as_o they_o do_v their_o picture_n and_o statue_n when_o we_o be_v tell_v we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o which_o be_v true_a but_o as_o epicurus_n do_v circumstantiate_v this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v not_o like_a to_o produce_v much_o religion_n for_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o all_o natural_a law_n and_o make_v all_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o also_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o any_o future_a estate_n after_o this_o lâ—fe_n by_o which_o all_o
reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v exclude_v so_o that_o the_o epicurean_a religion_n be_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o whole_o precarious_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o man_n or_o else_o destructive_a to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n the_o deity_n be_v to_o be_v venerate_v for_o its_o excellency_n say_v the_o epicurean_o that_o be_v if_o man_n please_v to_o make_v law_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o indifferent_a but_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v so_o to_o do_v by_o a_o natural_a determination_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o therein_o a_o admission_n of_o providence_n to_o say_v the_o deity_n must_v be_v venerate_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o say_v that_o all_o action_n and_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a be_v plain_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o state_v rule_n for_o this_o veneration_n far_o than_o positive_a law_n make_v they_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v practice_v any_o thing_n the_o very_o worst_a of_o thing_n suppose_v positive_a law_n not_o to_o forbid_v they_o and_o yet_o be_v a_o religious_a venerator_fw-la of_o the_o deity_n the_o admission_n of_o which_o be_v loathsome_a to_o all_o mankind_n to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n and_o yet_o to_o annex_v no_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o nor_o any_o punishment_n to_o the_o not_o do_v of_o it_o here_o nor_o hereafter_o be_v to_o prepare_v man_n to_o be_v religious_a by_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n if_o they_o be_v so_o it_o shall_v be_v no_o whit_n the_o better_a for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v one_o jot_n the_o worse_o this_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o divinity_n so_o circumstantiate_v seem_v to_o i_o so_o weak_a a_o attempt_n towards_o any_o thing_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v of_o he_o as_o cicero_n do_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_o without_o any_o religion_n and_o have_v no_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n at_o all_o for_o so_o say_v he_o of_o he_o in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a verius_fw-la est_fw-la igitur_fw-la illud_fw-la nimirum_fw-la quod_fw-la familiaris_fw-la omnium_fw-la nostrum_fw-la posidonius_n disseruit_fw-la in_o libro_fw-la quinto_fw-la de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la epicuro_fw-la videri_fw-la quaeque_fw-la be_v de_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la dixerit_fw-la invidiae_fw-la detestandae_fw-la gratia_fw-la dixisse_fw-la two_o thing_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v have_v experience_n do_v evident_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o position_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o alike_o to_o mankind_n till_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n make_v a_o difference_n first_o we_o find_v man_n pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o themselves_o in_o the_o closet_n of_o their_o own_o breast_n accuse_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o about_o matter_n no_o way_n connizable_a and_o no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o positive_a law_n but_o mere_o guide_v herein_o by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n that_o their_o own_o reason_n give_v in_o concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n this_o truth_n have_v be_v establish_v for_o as_o cicero_n say_v true_o time_n wear_v out_o error_n of_o opinion_n but_o confirm_v all_o natural_a truth_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n carry_v a_o innate_a condemnation_n in_o it_o to_o some_o thing_n as_o evil_n and_o a_o approbation_n of_o other_o as_o good_a and_o this_o no_o way_n found_v in_o custom_n or_o law_n of_o time_n or_o place_n but_o in_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n itself_o and_o be_v neither_o create_v nor_o can_v be_v abrogate_a by_o any_o thing_n humane_a for_o as_o philo_n say_v well_o lex_fw-la mentiri_fw-la nescia_fw-la est_fw-la recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la quae_fw-la lex_fw-la non_fw-la ab_fw-la hoc_fw-la aut_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la mortali_fw-la mortalis_fw-la non_fw-la in_o chartis_fw-la aut_fw-la columnis_fw-la exanimis_fw-la exanima_fw-la sed_fw-la corrumpi_fw-la nescia_fw-la quip_n ab_fw-la immortali_fw-la natura_fw-la insculpta_fw-la in_o immortali_fw-la intellectu_fw-la if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n but_o positive_a and_o what_o have_v their_o rise_n among_o man_n be_v man_n under_o no_o obligation_n to_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o being_n how_o can_v we_o conceive_v rational_a creature_n to_o make_v a_o conscience_n to_o themselves_o about_o thing_n no_o way_n determine_v by_o any_o such_o positive_a law_n what_o man_n law_n reach_v not_o no_o man_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v concern_v in_o conscience_n about_o if_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a law_n of_o god_n because_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o offence_n and_o so_o no_o foundation_n of_o gild_n nor_o be_v it_o conceivable_a that_o custom_n can_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o such_o conscience_n in_o man_n and_o of_o that_o different_a judgement_n they_o make_v to_o themselves_o of_o thing_n from_o whence_o that_o conscience_n arise_v because_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o man_n go_v in_o these_o natural_a determination_n be_v general_o the_o same_o and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o and_o it_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v the_o whole_a world_n shall_v every_v where_o agree_v in_o a_o custom_n of_o judge_a thing_n to_o be_v otherwise_o then_o indeed_o they_o be_v and_o subject_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o such_o a_o eroneous_a judgement_n and_o that_o the_o constant_a determination_n of_o the_o public_a reason_n of_o the_o world_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o good_a and_o other_o be_v in_o themselves_o evil_a be_v at_o first_o found_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o that_o mistake_v become_v customary_a and_o universal_a this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o carry_v the_o utmost_a of_o improbability_n in_o it_o and_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v mankind_n be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o to_o put_v the_o fool_n upon_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o the_o determination_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n of_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o present_a justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v pure_a and_o abstract_v from_o all_o bias_n either_o from_o custom_n or_o from_o positive_a law_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o the_o most_o genuine_a judgement_n of_o reason_n itself_o in_o its_o judge_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o will_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n certain_a but_o that_o our_o best_a judgement_n about_o good_a and_o evil_n may_v be_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v ground_v upon_o custom_n &_o so_o mistake_v may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o all_o other_o judgement_n be_v so_o too_o and_o so_o in_o effect_n say_v we_o be_v no_o way_n sure_a but_o that_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o great_a customary_a mistake_n second_o there_o be_v natural_a law_n by_o which_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o difference_v prove_v to_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o positive_a law_n because_o all_o positive_a law_n appear_v plain_o to_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o those_o primary_n law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o suppose_v they_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o nature_n law_n have_v be_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o positive_a law_n every_o where_n how_o different_a soever_o positive_a law_n have_v be_v among_o themselves_o in_o other_o thing_n yet_o the_o grand_a maxim_n of_o nature_n found_v upon_o that_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a man_n be_v bear_v withal_o have_v be_v universal_o admit_v by_o all_o legislator_n general_a effect_n we_o say_v must_v have_v general_a cause_n and_o that_o general_a consent_n we_o find_v in_o all_o positive_a law_n to_o such_o natural_a maxim_n do_v evident_o declare_v such_o maxim_n to_o be_v the_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n and_o those_o original_a law_n annex_v to_o the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o their_o first_o frame_n and_o constitution_n by_o which_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v primary_o discriminate_v antecedent_o to_o all_o positive_a law_n and_o from_o whence_o all_o positive_a law_n have_v their_o subsequent_a rise_n shall_v this_o epicurean_a doctrine_n be_v admit_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n alike_o till_o difference_v by_o positive_a law_n or_o custom_n three_o thing_n will_v evident_o result_v from_o it_o the_o first_o ruinous_a to_o all_o policy_n the_o second_o to_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o three_o destructive_a to_o both_o first_o no_o man_n that_o think_v all_o thing_n original_o indifferent_a and_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o as_o to_o good_a or_o evil_n to_o be_v rasa_fw-la tabula_fw-la can_v ever_o be_v oblige_v far_a than_o force_v or_o his_o own_o interest_n prevail_v
upon_o he_o for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v original_o in_o themselves_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o good_a nor_o ill_a in_o they_o it_o be_v then_o indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o lawmaker_n or_o any_o law_n make_v authority_n itself_o be_v indifferent_a and_o if_o that_o be_v itself_o indifferent_a and_o have_v neither_o intrinsical_a good_a nor_o evil_a in_o it_o my_o obedience_n must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a too_o for_o if_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o civil_a authority_n or_o no_o and_o civil_a authority_n have_v no_o real_a internal_a good_a or_o ill_o annex_v to_o it_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o inward_a conscience_n whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o no._n if_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o indifferent_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n by_o positive_a law_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n otherwise_o because_o the_o power_n by_o which_o those_o positive_a law_n be_v make_v be_v in_o its_o nature_n indifferent_a too_o and_o have_v neither_o essential_a good_a nor_o ill_n belong_v to_o it_o and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o obey_v it_o or_o not_o for_o the_o thing_n they_o command_v or_o forbid_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o the_o power_n command_v be_v itself_o indifferent_a as_o to_o its_o own_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v so_o command_v or_o no_o for_o although_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o all_o its_o circumstance_n whole_o indifferent_a cease_v to_o be_v so_o to_o i_o when_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o a_o positive_a law_n because_o of_o the_o conscience_n i_o ought_v to_o have_v of_o the_o authority_n command_v or_o forbid_v as_o have_v a_o intrinsical_a good_a in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o be_o positive_o oblige_v and_o as_o a_o thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n obligatory_a to_o i_o yet_o be_v that_o authority_n whole_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o in_o its_o be_v whether_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o no_o and_o have_v no_o essential_a good_a or_o ill_a in_o its_o constitution_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v indifferent_a to_o i_o whether_o i_o shall_v obey_v it_o or_o not_o there_o can_v never_o be_v any_o good_a or_o ill_a in_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n where_o there_o be_v a_o perfect_a indifferency_n in_o the_o be_v of_o that_o power_n that_o require_v it_o second_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o mankind_n in_o themselves_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o original_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n make_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o frame_v any_o amiable_a or_o excellent_a idea_n of_o god_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whatever_o we_o think_v of_o he_o we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v he_o cruel_a and_o unjust_a as_o merciful_a and_o just_a for_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n but_o from_o that_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n we_o make_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n when_o the_o epicurean_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v venerate_v the_o deity_n for_o its_o excellency_n what_o excellency_n be_v it_o we_o can_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o from_o whence_o can_v we_o derive_v the_o notion_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n if_o to_o our_o own_o reason_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o and_o there_o be_v no_o innate_a distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o rational_a nature_n this_o maxim_n of_o the_o epicurean_o do_v in_o truth_n put_v a_o total_a end_n to_o all_o well-doing_n and_o to_o all_o well-thinking_a and_o do_v utter_o extinguish_v all_o religion_n among_o mankind_n the_o noble_a and_o best_a ground_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v good_a thought_n of_o god_n arise_v from_o a_o amiable_a apprehension_n of_o he_o in_o our_o mind_n without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_o religious_a and_o this_o be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o be_v make_v but_o upon_o gross_a delusion_n and_o mistake_n if_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o man_n better_a than_o another_o but_o all_o thing_n as_o to_o their_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o themselves_o equal_a and_o indifferent_a it_o be_v that_o distinction_n found_v in_o the_o rational_a nature_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o a_o ability_n arise_v from_o thence_o to_o frame_v to_o itself_o a_o idea_n of_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n that_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o right_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o indeed_o by_o find_v thing_n distinguish_v in_o our_o own_o rational_a nature_n we_o come_v to_o know_v they_o be_v eternal_o distinguish_v in_o god_n nature_n because_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o conceive_v he_o shall_v create_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o his_o own_o and_o so_o we_o know_v there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o reason_n in_o our_o own_o breast_n why_o some_o thing_n be_v good_a and_o some_o thing_n be_v evil_a but_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n why_o they_o be_v so_o what_o i_o think_v good_a i_o must_v necessary_o think_v agreeable_a to_o god_n and_o what_o i_o think_v evil_a i_o must_v needs_o judge_v contrary_a to_o he_o or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o answer_v the_o original_a notion_n my_o reason_n give_v i_o of_o his_o be_v and_o so_o by_o the_o distinction_n i_o sin_v make_v of_o thing_n in_o my_o own_o rational_a nature_n i_o come_v to_o know_v there_o be_v the_o same_o eternal_a distinstinction_n in_o god_n nature_n and_o so_o a_o unalterable_a obligation_n arise_v from_o thence_o because_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n nature_n must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o i_o think_v most_o excellent_a by_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o faculty_n god_n have_v make_v i_o withal_o and_o of_o this_o i_o be_o as_o well_o assure_v as_o i_o be_o of_o god_n be_v for_o the_o same_o faculty_n that_o tell_v i_o god_n be_v tell_v i_o also_o his_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o direct_o opposite_a to_o whatever_o it_o tell_v i_o be_v in_o itself_o evil._n three_o be_v it_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n that_o do_v only_o constitute_v the_o difference_n of_o action_n and_o thing_n that_o difference_n must_v needs_o be_v regulate_v thereby_o and_o it_o will_v then_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o custom_n and_o positive_a law_n may_v possible_o invert_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o universal_a opinion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a the_o world_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o that_o be_v honesty_n truth_n and_o virtue_n may_v come_v to_o be_v in_o the_o place_n of_o wickedness_n falsehood_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o we_o now_o think_v the_o best_a action_n reckon_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o worst_a adjudge_v to_o be_v the_o best_a the_o very_a mention_n whereof_o will_v be_v as_o nauseous_a as_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v prove_v ruinous_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o every_o man_n carry_v about_o he_o in_o his_o own_o reason_n such_o a_o innate_a abhorrency_n of_o it_o as_o render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a upon_o any_o term_n ever_o to_o be_v it_o will_v be_v also_o a_o task_n too_o hard_o for_o the_o wise_a epicurean_a to_o give_v any_o rational_a account_n how_o the_o world_n without_o a_o divine_a disposal_n and_o the_o admission_n of_o providence_n shall_v be_v continue_v in_o that_o orderly_a frame_n we_o see_v it_o never_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n fall_v out_o by_o chance_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o how_o all_o thing_n even_o some_o contrary_n to_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o proper_a tendency_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o subservient_fw-fr as_o they_o be_v to_o a_o common_a end_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o rational_a eye_n to_o view_v over_o the_o general_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n arise_v from_o the_o regular_a motion_n of_o each_o particular_a and_o exclude_v the_o influence_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n from_o it_o if_o we_o look_v up_o of_o how_o admirable_a consideration_n be_v the_o constant_a course_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o suitable_a influence_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o the_o good_a of_o thing_n here_o below_o though_o the_o motion_n by_o the_o equator_fw-la only_o have_v be_v more_o simple_a and_o direct_a yet_o we_o see_v they_o have_v also_o a_o oblique_a motion_n whereby_o with_o more_o variety_n they_o dispense_v their_o favour_n to_o the_o world_n the_o motion_n of_o the_o star_n eccentrick_a and_o epiciclike_a as_o the_o best_a observer_n of_o they_o find_v not_o only_o declare_v the_o virtue_n of_o their_o own_o material_n but_o plain_o point_v to_o we_o the_o regulation_n of_o a_o superior_a agent_n which_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o
the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a power_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o divine_a be_v if_o we_o look_v downward_o we_o find_v the_o sea_n and_o the_o water_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o providence_n the_o sea_n keep_v within_o bound_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o exceed_v they_o restrain_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o its_o own_o be_v which_o it_o be_v plain_a no_o humane_a power_n can_v effect_v aristotle_n in_o his_o book_n of_o wonder_n own_v himself_o a_o convert_n to_o providence_n upon_o the_o single_a consideration_n that_o the_o land_n be_v not_o drown_v in_o the_o water_n and_o the_o earth_n overwhelm_v with_o the_o sea_n which_o without_o a_o divine_a power_n must_v needs_o be_v strabo_n observe_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o position_n of_o the_o water_n which_o say_v he_o if_o you_o respect_v only_o their_o quality_n and_o suppose_v they_o leave_v to_o themselves_o must_v needs_o take_v place_n between_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o air_n when_o as_o now_o we_o behold_v they_o confine_v to_o one_o proper_a channel_n and_o interfuse_v in_o the_o earth_n so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v it_o more_o fruitful_a and_o useful_a nay_o we_o find_v the_o water_n as_o grotius_n observe_v in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o whole_a against_o its_o own_o nature_n sometime_o move_v upward_o be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o sustain_v itself_o in_o such_o motion_n by_o a_o continue_a cohaesion_n of_o part_n wheresoever_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n the_o whole_a of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o do_v evident_o own_v itself_o to_o the_o manage_n and_o product_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o excellent_a providence_n all_o thing_n move_v towards_o particular_a end_n and_o all_o those_o particular_a end_n issue_v themselves_o into_o one_o common_a end_n to_o move_v to_o a_o end_n be_v the_o plain_a effect_n of_o a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o therefore_o when_o we_o see_v creature_n without_o intelligence_n still_o move_v both_o to_o particular_a and_o general_a end_n it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v direct_v by_o some_o intelligence_n and_o we_o see_v creature_n rational_a and_o that_o have_v intelligence_n move_v and_o act_v to_o end_n superior_a to_o their_o own_o intelligence_n and_o which_o themselves_o know_v not_o of_o nor_o intend_v and_o yet_o their_o act_n and_o motion_n towards_o they_o regular_a it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v conduct_v by_o a_o high_a intelligence_n and_o this_o in_o both_o case_n can_v be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o high_a intelligence_n who_o at_o once_o comprehend_v all_o end_n and_o all_o mean_n tend_v to_o those_o end_n which_o be_v god_n himself_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o irrefragable_a proof_n of_o providence_n that_o many_o thing_n have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o world_n that_o have_v be_v evident_o supernatural_a and_o beyond_o all_o humane_a ability_n to_o effect_v which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v if_o god_n be_v so_o withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n as_o to_o be_v no_o way_n a_o actor_n in_o it_o what_o will_v the_o epicurean_o say_v to_o all_o the_o miracle_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n be_v wrought_v and_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v beyond_o all_o product_n of_o nature_n to_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o to_o say_v they_o have_v not_o be_v be_v at_o once_o to_o impeach_v all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o to_o discard_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n if_o we_o admit_v they_o we_o must_v needs_o confess_v they_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n supreme_a power_n and_o the_o evident_a work_n of_o his_o hand_n in_o a_o providential_a way_n and_o if_o so_o we_o shall_v soon_o dispatch_v with_o epicurus_n and_o spoil_v his_o fictitious_a retirement_n of_o god_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o a_o open_a converse_n with_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o undeniable_o establish_v both_o his_o care_n of_o and_o his_o supreme_a rule_n over_o this_o whole_a world_n two_o thing_n there_o be_v upon_o which_o epicurus_n at_o first_o lucretius_n pliny_n and_o all_o the_o epicucureans_n since_o have_v chief_o justify_v their_o denial_n of_o providence_n and_o god_n supreme_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n first_o say_v they_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n beneath_o the_o excellent_a be_v of_o god_n for_o he_o to_o concern_v himself_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o inseriour_a world_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o little_a passage_n here_o below_o nor_o can_v he_o as_o pliny_n say_v be_v suppose_v without_o great_a disorder_n to_o himself_o and_o be_v withdraw_v from_o his_o own_o delight_n and_o content_v to_o perform_v the_o charge_n tam_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la &_o tristis_fw-la ministerij_fw-la of_o so_o multiplicious_a and_o ungrateful_a a_o function_n second_o say_v they_o the_o posture_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n be_v such_o good_a man_n often_o suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n prosper_v wickedness_n succeed_v and_o virtue_n miscarry_v it_o be_v so_o often_o be_v malis_fw-la &_o male_a bonis_fw-la that_o we_o can_v believe_v this_o world_n to_o be_v govern_v from_o above_o and_o that_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a attribute_n as_o those_o we_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o first_o be_v soon_o answer_v it_o be_v a_o absurd_a diminution_n of_o infiniteness_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o to_o limit_v or_o distinguish_v its_o comprehension_n god_n have_v a_o infinite_a comprehension_n and_o can_v but_o know_v all_o thing_n together_o or_o else_o his_o knowledge_n be_v not_o infinite_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o comprehension_n great_a thing_n and_o small_a thing_n be_v all_o alike_o and_o upon_o even_a term_n as_o to_o his_o comprehension_n and_o knowledge_n of_o they_o nothing_o can_v be_v above_o he_o or_o below_o he_o in_o any_o such_o respect_n it_o be_v foolish_a to_o say_v any_o thing_n be_v too_o mean_a for_o god_n to_o take_v cognizance_n of_o because_o a_o universal_a cognizance_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v be_v include_v and_o necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o infinity_n of_o his_o knowledge_n so_o far_o the_o mistake_n be_v plain_a and_o visible_a nothing_o can_v possible_o happen_v of_o which_o we_o can_v say_v god_n take_v no_o notice_n but_o suppose_v all_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v know_v to_o he_o yet_o say_v the_o epicurean_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o conceive_v he_o any_o way_n concern_v himself_o about_o they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v so_o far_o trouble_v or_o discompose_v himself_o as_o to_o undertake_v the_o rule_n and_o regulation_n of_o they_o which_o lazy_a slothful_a dream_n of_o epicurus_n above_o all_o his_o other_o hypothesis_n have_v expose_v he_o to_o the_o just_a contempt_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a man_n it_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o unworthy_a a_o conception_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o so_o great_a a_o indignity_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o most_o evident_o contrary_a to_o all_o those_o notious_a that_o result_n from_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o and_o that_o will_v easy_o appear_v several_a way_n first_o i_o acknowledge_v there_o be_v some_o thing_n god_n can_v do_v god_n can_v deny_v himself_o nor_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o own_o be_v that_o result_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o be_v include_v in_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o but_o to_o say_v that_o whatsoever_o god_n can_v do_v that_o be_v can_v do_v as_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o his_o be_v to_o do_v and_o so_o have_v a_o possibility_n he_o may_v do_v i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o bare_a imaginary_a supposition_n of_o what_o god_n can_v do_v in_o respect_n of_o his_o unlimited_a power_n for_o so_o we_o may_v conceive_v he_o may_v destroy_v the_o world_n in_o a_o moment_n but_o his_o power_n can_v be_v actual_o so_o exert_v that_o be_v but_o a_o vain_a santasm_n unless_o it_o be_v correspondent_a to_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n and_o his_o other_o excellent_a attribute_n but_o to_o say_v whatever_o god_n can_v do_v in_o such_o a_o sense_n that_o be_v whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o be_v to_o do_v and_o so_o may_v be_v do_v by_o he_o he_o can_v do_v without_o trouble_n to_o himself_o and_o disorder_n to_o his_o own_o excellent_a nature_n be_v to_o deny_v the_o essentiality_n of_o his_o be_v the_o inseparable_a and_o essential_a property_n of_o god_n be_v be_v perfection_n now_o if_o he_o can_v perfect_o act_v whatever_o he_o can_v act_v he_o be_v not_o essential_o perfect_a but_o have_v a_o possibility_n of_o imperfection_n annex_v to_o his_o be_v to_o say_v god_n can_v govern_v this_o world_n if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o his_o
be_v to_o do_v it_o but_o yet_o if_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o it_o will_v trouble_v and_o discompose_v he_o be_v to_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o plain_o admit_v he_o capable_a of_o imperfection_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o all_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o be_v it_o be_v to_o suppose_v god_n can_v perfect_o do_v whatever_o can_v be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o to_o suppose_v perfection_n not_o to_o accompany_v the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o his_o act_n which_o be_v to_o deny_v his_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o the_o most_o inseparable_a property_n of_o his_o be_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n say_v the_o government_n of_o this_o world_n in_o itself_o consider_v can_v have_v any_o contrariety_n in_o it_o to_o god_n be_v because_o government_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o be_v and_o it_o be_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o bring_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o he_o and_o to_o say_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o be_v because_o it_o will_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o be_v plain_o to_o say_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o be_v because_o his_o be_v be_v imperfect_a second_o this_o be_v to_o measure_v out_o infiniteness_n which_o can_v have_v no_o measure_n by_o finiteness_n it_o be_v in_o short_a to_o measure_v out_o god_n to_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o line_n and_o when_o we_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v to_o be_v complete_a in_o all_o infinite_a perfection_n to_o measure_v out_o the_o act_n of_o those_o perfection_n by_o our_o own_o great_a imperfection_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o vain_a and_o less_o reasonable_a then_o to_o carry_v up_o those_o distinction_n we_o make_v in_o our_o own_o act_n to_o the_o act_n of_o god_n who_o we_o acknowledge_v infinite_a and_o perfect_a when_o those_o distinction_n arise_v visible_o from_o our_o own_o imperfection_n in_o act_v it_o be_v the_o limit_a extent_n of_o our_o own_o being_n that_o make_v we_o reckon_v thing_n above_o we_o and_o below_o we_o no_o such_o distinction_n can_v be_v make_v where_o there_o be_v infiniteness_n of_o knowledge_n and_o infiniteness_n of_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v under_o a_o even_a consideration_n to_o such_o infinite_a attribute_n and_o it_o be_v because_o of_o our_o own_o great_a imperfection_n that_o labour_n and_o trouble_n attend_v we_o in_o what_o we_o do_v and_o shall_v we_o suppose_v god_n capable_a of_o that_o in_o the_o exert_n of_o his_o infinite_a and_o perfect_a attribute_n it_o be_v most_o unlike_a a_o philosopher_n to_o say_v god_n will_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n nor_o take_v any_o care_n of_o it_o because_o it_o will_v trouble_v he_o so_o to_o do_v it_o be_v plain_o in_o other_o term_n to_o utter_v this_o contradiction_n god_n who_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a will_v not_o govern_v the_o world_n because_o he_o be_v imperfect_a epicurus_n by_o this_o divinity_n of_o he_o deserve_v to_o be_v reckon_v with_o such_o of_o the_o prolane_fw-mi and_o fabulous_a poet_n who_o usual_o ascribe_v the_o infirmity_n nay_o the_o debauchery_n of_o the_o worst_a man_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o god_n and_o transfer_v the_o high_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o god_n to_o very_o ill_a man_n and_o among_o such_o cicero_n rank_n he_o and_o conclude_v against_o his_o divinity_n with_o this_o very_a good_a position_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la deus_fw-la efficere_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la &_o ullo_fw-la sine_fw-la labour_v three_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n lie_v in_o a_o total_a retreat_n to_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o if_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n against_o all_o providence_n it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o against_o all_o creation_n and_o whoever_o upon_o that_o account_n do_v with_o epicurus_n deny_v god_n providential_a rule_n and_o dominion_n be_v engage_v to_o embrace_v the_o whole_a of_o his_o other_o doctrine_n against_o creation_n for_o will_v it_o trouble_v and_o discompose_v the_o deity_n to_o rule_v the_o world_n now_o it_o must_v needs_o do_v so_o to_o make_v it_o before_o it_o that_o reason_n be_v good_a against_o providence_n now_o it_o be_v good_a against_o creation_n at_o first_o either_o god_n act_v against_o the_o grand_a principle_n of_o his_o own_o felicity_n then_o or_o else_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o his_o providence_n now_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v childish_a to_o think_v god_n will_v make_v any_o thing_n too_o high_a oâ—_n too_o low_o for_o his_o own_o dominion_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v create_v a_o world_n that_o will_v be_v a_o trouble_n to_o himself_o to_o govern_v nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n god_n think_v fit_a at_o first_o to_o make_v and_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n of_o shall_v ever_o be_v unworthy_a of_o his_o care_n or_o beneath_o his_o regulation_n it_o be_v to_o impeach_v his_o wisdom_n in_o make_v or_o his_o goodness_n in_o not_o regard_v what_o himself_o at_o first_o produce_v god_n must_v needs_o know_v also_o from_o everlasting_a all_o the_o ensue_a consequence_n of_o what_o he_o at_o the_o first_o make_v he_o see_v uno_fw-la intuiâ—u_fw-la whatever_o will_v happen_v and_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o it_o be_v no_o way_n supposable_a that_o god_n with_o such_o afore-sight_n and_o infinite_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o world_n the_o future_a effect_n and_o consequence_n whereof_o shall_v be_v unworthy_a his_o notice_n or_o unfit_a for_o he_o to_o dispose_v or_o a_o trouble_n to_o he_o to_o regard_v or_o indeed_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o what_o god_n first_o give_v a_o existence_n to_o that_o shall_v not_o natural_o and_o necessary_o fall_v under_o his_o regulation_n and_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o dominion_n and_o the_o exâ—â—tion_n of_o his_o own_o excellent_a attribute_n and_o be_v at_o last_o overrule_v by_o he_o to_o some_o wise_a and_o excellent_a end_n the_o other_o objection_n make_v against_o providence_n from_o the_o various_a success_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v accompany_v with_o sometime_o the_o worst_a action_n and_o the_o worst_a man_n prosper_v and_o the_o best_a miscarry_v be_v that_o which_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o providence_n have_v still_o most_o applaud_v themselves_o in_o and_o so_o far_o it_o prevail_v with_o some_o philosopher_n heretofore_o that_o although_o they_o admit_v of_o providence_n in_o all_o natural_a thing_n suppose_v they_o can_v not_o be_v 〈◊〉_d without_o it_o yet_o they_o much_o doubt_v if_o not_o whole_o deny_v it_o in_o all_o thing_n moral_a and_o political_n it_o be_v from_o hence_o no_o doubt_n that_o the_o great_a atheism_n in_o the_o world_n have_v arisen_a man_n have_v take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o not_o only_o to_o dispute_v the_o notion_n of_o providence_n but_o to_o question_v the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o think_v they_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v inseparable_a relative_n and_o not_o only_o upon_o a_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o various_a and_o uncertain_a disposal_n of_o thing_n but_o man_n have_v also_o take_v up_o pike_n against_o providence_n and_o religion_n upon_o particular_a occasion_n because_o their_o own_o interest_n be_v not_o gratify_v thereby_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o diagoras_n first_o set_v up_o for_o a_o atheist_n because_o the_o god_n do_v not_o immediate_o strike_v a_o perjure_a person_n dead_a in_o the_o place_n as_o he_o desire_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o cato_n though_o a_o stoical_a asserter_n of_o providence_n before_o when_o he_o see_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o roman_a state_n decay_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o pompey_n who_o he_o esteem_v a_o patriot_n of_o his_o country_n and_o wish_v well_o to_o and_o behold_v caesar_n prosper_v in_o his_o attempt_n to_o what_o he_o think_v a_o tyranny_n he_o fall_v soul_n upon_o providence_n and_o profess_v that_o he_o see_v a_o fallacious_a instability_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o god_n that_o pompey_n be_v ever_o successful_a when_o he_o do_v no_o good_a with_o his_o victory_n but_o never_o prosper_v when_o he_o imply_v his_o army_n for_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o country_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o cotta_n in_o tully_n make_v so_o great_a a_o harangue_n against_o providence_n that_o the_o two_o scipio_n and_z so_o many_o good_a patriot_n have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o particular_a that_o his_o uncle_n rutilius_n be_v banish_v and_o his_o friend_n drusus_n slay_v but_o set_v aside_o all_o those_o particular_a occasion_n and_o private_a interest_n upon_o which_o man_n have_v be_v drive_v to_o a_o disgust_n of_o the_o notion_n of_o providence_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v very_o many_o and_o frequent_a the_o general_a course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v visible_o such_o as_o give_v a_o real_a ground_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o therefore_o a_o distinct_a and_o
particular_a answer_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o as_o god_n in_o make_v the_o world_n have_v leave_v we_o undeniable_a evidence_n that_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o have_v leave_v we_o without_o a_o answer_n to_o many_o question_n man_n may_v ask_v about_o it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n to_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v so_o leave_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o sinite_fw-la capacity_n not_o full_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n so_o in_o his_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n we_o have_v undeniable_o evidence_n that_o he_o do_v rule_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o do_v it_o we_o see_v many_o passage_n that_o far_o outgo_v our_o comprehension_n if_o any_o man_n say_v that_o in_o god_n first_o make_v of_o the_o world_n we_o acquiesce_v single_o in_o his_o sovereignty_n nor_o need_v we_o go_v far_o therein_o than_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o his_o will_n but_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o we_o expect_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o justice_n suitable_a to_o those_o natural_a law_n he_o have_v give_v to_o we_o and_o that_o capacity_n of_o judge_v between_o just_a and_o unjust_a by_o which_o we_o ascend_v upward_o and_o come_v to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a and_o perfect_a justice_n in_o god_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o god_n will_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n at_o first_o of_o the_o make_v of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o his_o will_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o god_n can_v not_o will_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n that_o will_v not_o be_v wise_o make_v when_o it_o be_v make_v nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v he_o shall_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a to_o deny_v god_n make_v of_o the_o world_n because_o i_o can_v see_v the_o visible_a effect_n of_o his_o wisdom_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o as_o to_o deny_v his_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n because_o in_o every_o passage_n of_o it_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o visible_a to_o i_o all_o the_o philosopher_n heretofore_o agree_v to_o this_o as_o a_o general_a truth_n that_o nature_n produce_v nothing_o in_o vain_a and_o yet_o never_o any_o nor_o all_o of_o they_o can_v give_v a_o distinct_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o use_v of_o every_o particular_a if_o there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o assure_v i_o that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o question_v the_o wisdom_n or_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o particular_a so_o if_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a to_o establish_v god_n general_a providence_n over_o the_o whole_a his_o justice_n in_o particular_n be_v thereby_o necessary_o imply_v the_o be_v of_o providence_n in_o general_n be_v not_o only_o prove_v upon_o such_o rational_a ground_n as_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o but_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o be_v experimental_o convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o it_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o he_o that_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o providence_n can_v admit_v but_o of_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v either_o from_o the_o moral_a determination_n of_o man_n and_o their_o act_n thereupon_o or_o else_o from_o some_o pure_o natural_a cause_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o many_o thing_n have_v and_o do_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o visible_a judicial_a way_n which_o have_v not_o their_o rise_n from_o any_o humane_a judgement_n nor_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v derive_v from_o any_o natural_a operation_n and_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o nothing_o else_o but_o god_n supreme_a judgement_n virtue_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v often_o reward_v and_o wickedness_n bring_v to_o a_o due_a punishment_n before_o man_n eye_n in_o this_o world_n by_o way_n unthought_a of_o and_o undesign_v by_o any_o and_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o no_o man_n impartial_o judge_v can_v possible_o imagine_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o a_o mere_o casual_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a cause_n but_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v a_o effect_n of_o divine_a justice_n therein_o and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n and_o no_o one_o age_n pass_v without_o some_o experience_n of_o it_o this_o objection_n how_o great_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v will_v be_v sufficient_o remove_v in_o every_o candid_a opinion_n if_o two_o thing_n be_v make_v appear_v first_o that_o there_o be_v good_a ground_n upon_o which_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o providence_n in_o general_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v already_o and_o second_o that_o a_o satisfactory_a account_n may_v be_v give_v how_o the_o present_a course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o providence_n may_v very_o well_o consist_v together_o and_o this_o latter_a may_v be_v do_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o two_o thing_n first_o our_o own_o great_a incapacity_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a of_o providence_n or_o of_o very_a many_o part_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o rational_a supposition_n of_o a_o future_a state_n the_o first_o ought_v to_o make_v we_o cautious_a not_o to_o impeach_v providence_n hasty_o nor_o to_o deny_v it_o when_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o the_o second_o ought_v full_o and_o final_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o all_o such_o case_n where_o we_o see_v god_n providence_n and_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o in_o this_o world_n reconcileable_a for_o the_o first_o how_o reasonable_a be_v it_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n shall_v not_o be_v full_o grasp_v by_o our_o comprehension_n when_o he_o be_v so_o much_o above_o we_o in_o those_o excellent_a attribute_n by_o which_o they_o be_v contrive_v and_o bring_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o harmony_n of_o providence_n in_o conduct_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o common_a end_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o same_o infinity_n by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o produce_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o we_o when_o god_n rule_v to_o expect_v a_o exact_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n no_o humane_a ability_n can_v create_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a or_o of_o very_a many_o particular_a part_n of_o god_n providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n and_o that_o for_o these_o three_o reason_n first_o god_n know_v the_o aim_n end_n and_o intention_n of_o all_o man_n in_o what_o they_o do_v he_o see_v the_o inside_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o compleatness_n and_o entire_a circumstance_n of_o every_o action_n this_o we_o be_v no_o way_n capable_a of_o and_o so_o in_o many_o passage_n of_o his_o providence_n no_o fit_a judge_n of_o his_o proceed_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o folly_n to_o judge_n of_o conclusion_n when_o we_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o call_v in_o question_n god_n determination_n when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o ground_n of_o they_o second_o god_n have_v design_n to_o accomplish_v and_o bring_v about_o in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o we_o be_v total_o ignorant_a and_o it_o be_v very_o unwise_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o what_o god_n do_v and_o be_v angry_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o when_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o those_o end_v it_o be_v design_v to_o it_o be_v weak_o do_v of_o cato_n and_o a_o great_a defection_n from_o his_o discretion_n to_o fall_v foul_a upon_o providence_n because_o he_o can_v not_o find_v out_o a_o reason_n why_o caesar_n have_v the_o conquest_n of_o pompey_n when_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o future_a monarchy_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o god_n design_v to_o set_v up_o in_o rome_n upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o success_n we_o see_v often_o by_o a_o subsequent_a course_n of_o providence_n great_a reason_n for_o that_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v no_o account_n at_o first_o the_o future_a event_n of_o good_a man_n suffering_n often_o reveal_v to_o we_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o and_o reconcile_v man_n opinion_n to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o providence_n the_o impunity_n of_o ill_a man_n in_o the_o worst_a action_n become_v sometime_o very_o intelligible_a to_o we_o even_o in_o this_o world_n by_o the_o after_o disposal_n of_o thing_n this_o we_o have_v excellent_o discourse_v of_o in_o plutarch_n incomparable_a treatise_n de_fw-fr sera_fw-fr numinis_fw-la vindicte_fw-la have_v the_o famous_a constantine_n suffer_v what_o be_v due_a to_o the_o eminent_a sin_n of_o his_o youth_n what_o a_o loss_n have_v the_o world_n have_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o
can_v now_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o will_v come_v under_o any_o sensible_a demonstration_n the_o proposal_n of_o this_o book_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o law_n divine_a be_v not_o so_o make_v as_o by_o mathematical_a evidence_n or_o gross_a visible_a absurdity_n in_o its_o denial_n to_o introduce_v itself_o irresistable_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o this_o book_n be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n as_o that_o all_o man_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o a_o due_a enquity_n into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n attend_v it_o may_v have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o divine_a and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o itself_o claim_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v high_o reasonable_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n intend_v this_o book_n as_o the_o great_a shibbole_v by_o which_o he_o will_v try_v the_o world_n that_o from_o the_o believe_a or_o not_o believe_v of_o it_o shall_v arise_v the_o great_a discrimination_n between_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n and_o such_o who_o free_a from_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o corrupt_a and_o sensual_a interest_n pursue_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o improve_v those_o notion_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o other_o who_o either_o choose_v to_o be_v sottish_o ignorant_a or_o else_o wilful_o to_o oppose_v what_o god_n have_v make_v in_o itself_o most_o suitable_a and_o correspond_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o unprejudiced_a man._n the_o truth_n be_v our_o assent_n or_o not_o to_o the_o bible_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o both_o the_o way_n to_o this_o discourse_n in_o hand_n be_v thus_o far_o clear_v i_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o it_o in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o supernatural_a law_n reveal_v from_o god_n and_o give_v to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n as_o the_o great_a guide_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o action_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o the_o world_n in_o the_o posture_n we_o find_v it_o shall_v be_v leave_v single_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n second_o that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_o credible_a upon_o all_o such_o ground_n by_o which_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v that_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v this_o reveal_v law_n superad_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o that_o complete_a systeme_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o which_o god_n will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o proof_n of_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n itself_o and_o from_o such_o external_a concomitant_n of_o it_o as_o high_o concur_v to_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o last_o propose_v all_o such_o considerable_a doubt_n query_n and_o difficulty_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v usual_o busy_v withal_o about_o this_o matter_n and_o attempt_v their_o satisfaction_n therein_o to_o make_v the_o first_o thing_n propose_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o some_o further_a direction_n than_o what_o our_o natural_a light_n will_v afford_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v promulge_v some_o supernatural_a law_n to_o the_o world_n let_v these_o several_a thing_n follow_v be_v due_o consider_v first_o what_o wretched_a and_o dismal_a ignorance_n have_v the_o world_n be_v in_o yea_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n of_o it_o and_o in_o what_o disagreement_n with_o itself_o about_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n where_o this_o supernatural_a law_n have_v be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o receive_v how_o sad_o have_v that_o inbred_a principle_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v where_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o supernatural_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v it_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v corrupt_v into_o all_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o at_o last_o nauseous_a to_o themselves_o devotion_n man_n still_o have_v to_o somewhat_o above_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o express_v it_o the_o wise_a saw_n reason_n enough_o to_o scorn_v their_o own_o religion_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o compose_v a_o better_a some_o go_v far_o in_o the_o negative_a in_o say_v what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v that_o then_o be_v among_o themselves_o but_o none_o ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a directory_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v when_o we_o view_v over_o the_o utmost_a product_n of_o all_o humane_a ability_n and_o the_o great_a discovery_n at_o any_o time_n make_v by_o natural_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o divinity_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o their_o worship_n of_o he_o second_o in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o world_n first_o production_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n three_o in_o their_o morality_n and_o in_o their_o ethical_a institutes_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o converse_n of_o mankind_n together_o first_o in_o their_o divinity_n varro_z rank_n all_o the_o heathen_a theology_n under_o three_o head_n their_o fabulous_a and_o historical_a theology_n their_o natural_a and_o mystical_a theology_n their_o civil_a and_o political_a theology_n which_o he_o also_o call_v mythical_a physical_a and_o civil_a the_o first_o come_v from_o their_o poet_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n as_o the_o like_a to_o it_o have_v not_o upon_o any_o occasion_n nor_o upon_o any_o subject_n be_v collect_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o one_o god_n be_v bear_v from_o a_o man_n head_n another_z from_o a_o man_n thigh_n a_o three_o from_o some_o drop_n of_o blood_n that_o some_o god_n be_v thief_n other_o adulterer_n other_o servant_n to_o man_n with_o multitude_n of_o such_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a fiction_n the_o second_o sort_n come_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o from_o their_o philosopher_n they_o dispute_v what_o the_o god_n be_v where_o they_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o be_v and_o among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o endless_a diversity_n and_o most_o stupendous_a folly_n some_o make_v the_o god_n to_o consist_v of_o fire_n some_o of_o number_n other_o of_o atom_n and_o by_o their_o mystical_a divinity_n interpret_n jupiter_n to_o fire_n juno_n to_o earth_n pluto_n to_o air_n nestis_fw-la to_o water_n and_o other_o of_o their_o god_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o many_o other_o so_o gross_a and_o notorious_a absurdity_n that_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v the_o grecian_n that_o the_o divinity_n of_o their_o philosopher_n multo_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la poctarum_fw-la theologia_n atque_fw-la de_fw-la diis_fw-la doctrina_fw-la ridiculosior_fw-la be_v much_o more_o absurd_a than_o that_o of_o their_o poet._n the_o three_o sort_n relate_v itself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o particular_a city_n and_o country_n by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o priest_n what_o god_n they_o shall_v worship_v at_o what_o time_n and_o season_n and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n what_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n both_o upon_o the_o stage_n in_o their_o theatre_n and_o also_o in_o their_o temple_n for_o in_o the_o one_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o have_v play_n act_v in_o honour_n to_o they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o other_o they_o worship_v they_o in_o all_o which_o we_o find_v they_o shed_v the_o blood_n one_o of_o another_o and_o offer_v most_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n not_o only_o of_o childish_a and_o foolish_a but_o profane_a and_o impious_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n if_o we_o look_v back_o as_o far_o as_o any_o heathen_a record_n will_v carry_v we_o and_o view_v over_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o the_o grecian_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o but_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o varro_n barbarae_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la nationes_fw-la praeter_fw-la graecos_n the_o phaenician_o the_o caldaean_o the_o egyptian_n and_o such_o other_o as_o we_o have_v
wise_a people_n laugh_v at_o those_o mystery_n never_o any_o man_n scorn_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o caesar_n himself_o do_v his_o own_o god_n and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v please_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o god_n feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n what_o a_o childish_a folly_n it_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o roman_a consul_n lose_v his_o whole_a army_n because_o he_o slight_v the_o feed_n of_o some_o young_a chicken_n or_o that_o marcus_n crassus_n be_v therefore_o slay_v by_o the_o parthian_n because_o he_o despise_v some_o foppery_n of_o atteius_n if_o we_o look_v off_o from_o their_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a thought_n what_o a_o poor_a product_n be_v all_o their_o notion_n compare_v with_o the_o bible_n what_o a_o midnight_n be_v man_n in_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n socrates_n who_o see_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v into_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a theology_n and_o die_v for_o a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o it_o for_o the_o charge_n that_o melius_n one_o of_o his_o accuser_n bring_v against_o he_o at_o athens_n as_o laertius_n say_v be_v jura_n violat_a socrates_n quos_fw-la ex_fw-la majorum_fw-la instituto_fw-la suscepit_fw-la civitas_n deos_fw-la esse_fw-la negans_fw-la alia_fw-la vero_fw-la nova_fw-la demonia_fw-la inducens_fw-la the_o first_o philosophical_a martyr_n that_o we_o read_v of_o have_v yet_o leave_v but_o little_o better_a divinity_n behind_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o perceive_v he_o have_v any_o design_n or_o ability_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n that_o way_n for_o he_o answer_v his_o charge_n by_o a_o flat_a denial_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o apology_n in_o plato_n and_o his_o whole_a carriage_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n that_o he_o do_v so_o sometime_o also_o before_o he_o advise_v other_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n they_o live_v in_o and_o we_o find_v likewise_o in_o plato_n how_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a he_o be_v about_o that_o great_a point_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o can_v determine_v nothing_o with_o himself_o positive_o about_o it_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o incline_v that_o way_n and_o to_o think_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o cicero_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o his_o tusculane_n question_n who_o give_v it_o but_o a_o probability_n and_o as_o plato_n do_v in_o his_o phaed_n who_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o it_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v confident_a of_o it_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o his_o thought_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o make_v he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o be_v trouble_v about_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v or_o fear_v and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o to_o his_o end_n he_o express_v great_a contentment_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o hercules_n and_o palamedes_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o still_o qualify_v those_o hope_n with_o this_o doubtful_a parenthesis_n in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o extinguish_v with_o the_o body_n he_o choose_v indeed_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o good_a moralist_n and_o to_o deal_v in_o those_o notion_n wherein_o he_o find_v some_o certainty_n then_o to_o attempt_v much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o divinity_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o frame_v any_o satisfactory_a notion_n to_o himself_o about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o often_o plain_o declare_v that_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o business_n of_o another_o world_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o think_v those_o thing_n utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n all_o notion_n about_o they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o vulgar_a sentiment_n rather_o than_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfy_a speculation_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o contradict_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o those_o country_n where_o they_o live_v plato_n the_o famous_a divine_a philosopher_n who_o exceed_v all_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n as_o much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o socrates_n do_v in_o the_o practic_n though_o there_o be_v more_o true_a divinity_n utter_v by_o he_o then_o by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o he_o first_o have_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v yet_o attend_v with_o marvellous_a vanity_n and_o intolerable_a error_n '_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o forbear_v smile_v in_o read_v over_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o fabulous_a conceit_n he_o have_v about_o that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o will_v tire_v out_o any_o ordinary_a patience_n to_o read_v a_o great_a promoter_n he_o be_v of_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o damon-worship_n for_o he_o say_v that_o when_o man_n die_v their_o soul_n become_v daemon_n and_o if_o their_o merit_n be_v good_a they_o be_v lar_n if_o evil_a lemures_n if_o different_a manes_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n give_v a_o large_a account_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 9_o ch._n 11._o though_o he_o speak_v much_o of_o one_o god_n yet_o himself_o then_o as_o all_o the_o platonist_n since_o hold_v that_o many_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v and_o in_o his_o timaeus_n he_o call_v saturn_n ops_n juno_n and_o other_o god_n and_o say_v the_o daemon_n and_o heroe_n be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o and_o the_o good_a estate_n of_o the_o city_n commend_v to_o they_o cicero_n observe_v likewise_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n that_o he_o speak_v with_o great_a obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o this_o one_o god_n sometime_o call_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n and_o sometime_o call_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n &_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o whatever_o the_o heathen_n worship_v go_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o the_o whole_a of_o his_o principle_n per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la be_v in_o themselves_o false_a and_o self_n contradictious_a aristotle_n that_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n a_o man_n of_o a_o most_o sagacious_a wit_n who_o travel_v with_o such_o unparalleled_a success_n through_o all_o the_o theorem_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n what_o mushrom-divinity_n have_v he_o leave_v behind_o he_o with_o what_o obscurity_n uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n with_o himself_o have_v he_o speak_v of_o those_o two_o great_a fundamental_o of_o all_o religion_n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o of_o his_o disciple_n since_o have_v avow_v that_o he_o deny_v the_o latter_a if_o out_o of_o aristotle_n book_n we_o shall_v but_o extract_v a_o model_n of_o his_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v for_o a_o monument_n of_o wonder_n that_o such_o a_o giant_n in_o all_o natural_a knowleage_n shall_v die_v such_o a_o child_n in_o divinity_n cicero_n who_o carry_v the_o topsail_n of_o learning_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v to_o who_o the_o elder_a pliny_n give_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o only_o have_v a_o wit_n equal_a to_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n why_o do_v not_o he_o compose_v a_o right_a systeme_n of_o divinity_n and_o leave_v a_o good_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o posterity_n behind_o he_o from_o who_o may_v we_o with_o more_o reason_n have_v expect_v it_o he_o design_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n and_o divinity_n for_o his_o subject_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o with_o what_o unequal_a sentiment_n man_n have_v debate_v those_o matter_n some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n as_o protagoras_n some_o positive_o affirm_v there_o be_v none_o as_o diagoras_n and_o theodorus_n cyrenaicus_n â—â—â—i_fw-la vero_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la dixerunt_fw-la tanta_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o varietate_fw-la ac_fw-la dissentione_fw-la constituti_fw-la ut_fw-la corum_fw-la molestum_fw-la sit_fw-la annumerare_fw-la sententias_fw-la no_o &_o de_fw-la siguris_fw-la deorum_fw-la &_o de_fw-fr locis_fw-la atque_fw-la sedibus_fw-la &_o actione_n aquavitae_fw-la multadicuntur_fw-la deque_fw-la
his_fw-la summa_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la dissentione_fw-la certatur_fw-la and_o those_o say_v he_o that_o do_v acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n have_v such_o various_a and_o different_a opinion_n about_o they_o that_o it_o be_v a_o extreme_a trouble_n to_o reckon_v they_o up_o for_o about_o the_o shape_n of_o the_o god_n their_o employment_n and_o what_o they_o do_v and_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v there_o be_v endless_a dissension_n among_o the_o philosopher_n now_o why_o do_v not_o he_o out_o of_o all_o the_o several_a sentiment_n of_o the_o philosopher_n compose_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o own_o unite_v their_o difference_n and_o rectify_v their_o mistake_n by_o one_o common_a truth_n instead_o whereof_o we_o find_v he_o do_v little_a else_o but_o repeat_v their_o various_a opinion_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o less_o in_o number_n then_o four_o or_o five_o and_o twenty_o and_o in_o diogenes_n laertius_n there_o be_v good_a store_n more_o and_o general_o condemn_v they_o all_o as_o false_a and_o extravagant_a unworthy_a the_o name_n of_o their_o author_n otherwise_o famous_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o at_o last_o sit_v down_o find_v his_o own_o inability_n for_o so_o impracticable_a a_o task_n and_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n not_o much_o more_o inform_v than_o they_o be_v before_o in_o that_o point_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o three_o book_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o god_n be_v indeed_o a_o perfect_a condemnation_n of_o the_o whole_a pagan_a religion_n for_o he_o say_v direct_o all_o their_o god_n be_v but_o man_n and_o reckon_v up_o their_o age_n their_o garment_n their_o child_n their_o ancestor_n their_o alliance_n and_o plain_o confess_v their_o temple_n be_v their_o tomb_n and_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o ceremony_n representation_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o religion_n superstition_n and_o vanity_n but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o supreme_a deity_n that_o make_v all_o thing_n yea_o the_o heathen_a god_n themselves_o he_o open_o declare_v his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o say_v he_o can_v soon_o admire_v then_o utter_a any_o thing_n and_o better_o declare_v what_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v and_o conclude_v upon_o the_o whole_a utinam_fw-la tam_fw-la facile_fw-la veram_fw-la religionem_fw-la invenire_fw-la possim_fw-la quam_fw-la falsam_fw-la convincere_fw-la i_o will_v i_o can_v as_o easy_o find_v out_o true_a religion_n as_o discover_v that_o which_o be_v false_a himself_o socrates_n and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o see_v far_o into_o the_o impotency_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o find_v that_o any_o of_o they_o arrive_v at_o any_o ability_n to_o compose_v a_o better_a nor_o can_v any_o man_n in_o any_o age_n be_v produce_v that_o without_o revelation_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o world_n aright_o or_o satisfy_a information_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v in_o fact_n according_a to_o what_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o most_o excellent_a mornay_n in_o his_o discourse_n de_fw-fr veritate_fw-la relig._n christ_n denique_fw-la evolve_v quaecunque_fw-la a_o priscis_fw-la mundi_fw-la sapientibus_fw-la to_o be_v short_a say_v he_o among_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n have_v write_v here_o and_o there_o of_o the_o service_n of_o god_n you_o may_v hap_v to_o find_v some_o one_o good_a say_n in_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o some_o one_o other_o in_o another_o hundred_o but_o when_o you_o have_v gather_v they_o all_o together_o as_o diligent_o as_o you_o can_v yet_o shall_v you_o be_v able_a to_o make_v of_o they_o neither_o rule_n nor_o ground_n nor_o scarce_o good_a problem_n so_o great_o be_v man_n by_o his_o corruption_n both_o blind_v in_o thing_n concern_v god_n and_o helpless_a in_o thing_n that_o concern_v his_o own_o welfare_n it_o be_v true_a that_o many_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n especial_o the_o three_o grand_a fundamental_o of_o it_o the_o be_v of_o god_n his_o providence_n and_o rule_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v be_v even_o through_o these_o heathen_a age_n two_o way_n acknowledge_v and_o justify_v first_o implicitely_n and_o more_o remote_o by_o the_o general_a and_o most_o corrupt_a practice_n of_o the_o ethnick-religion_n what_o great_a proof_n can_v there_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o world_n still_o think_v there_o be_v something_o above_o they_o than_o their_o gross_a idolatry_n all_o idolatry_n apparent_o take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n natural_a notion_n of_o the_o true_a god_n what_o mean_v their_o imaginary_a deity_n for_o every_o business_n and_o for_o every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o application_n to_o they_o upon_o all_o occasion_n to_o seek_v their_o favour_n and_o appease_v their_o anger_n but_o that_o they_o suppose_v a_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o world_n be_v rule_v by_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o what_o signify_v all_o their_o fiction_n about_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o their_o adoration_n of_o daemon_n and_o the_o worship_n of_o dead_a man_n soul_n which_o they_o make_v to_o be_v mediator_n to_o the_o god_n and_o various_o call_v they_o lemures_n lar_n manes_n larvae_n some_o of_o which_o if_o they_o be_v the_o soul_n of_o their_o friend_n they_o fancy_v stay_v about_o their_o house_n and_o dwelling_n for_o their_o protection_n other_o be_v more_o at_o large_a some_o be_v good_a daemon_n and_o above_o other_o infernal_a and_o below_o as_o appear_v by_o that_o of_o the_o poet._n vos_fw-fr o_fw-fr mihi_fw-la manes_fw-la este_fw-la boni_fw-la quoniam_fw-la superis_fw-la aversa_n voluntas_fw-la whence_o come_v all_o this_o but_o from_o a_o obscure_a confuse_a notion_n of_o man_n existence_n after_o this_o life_n and_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n in_o the_o second_o place_n more_o express_o and_o explicit_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n among_o they_o who_o have_v utter_v here_o and_o there_o some_o fragment_n of_o truth_n and_o have_v sometime_o speak_v in_o justification_n of_o these_o main_a point_n so_o plato_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v somewhat_o of_o one_o god_n though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v note_v that_o the_o be_v of_o one_o god_n be_v never_o general_o and_o distinct_o acknowledge_v in_o any_o heathen_a country_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o a_o law_n make_v in_o any_o heathen_a state_n to_o establish_v the_o be_v and_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n nay_o some_o have_v suppose_v that_o no_o particular_a person_n do_v ever_o pure_o by_o natural_a light_n determine_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o that_o such_o who_o have_v speak_v of_o it_o have_v it_o from_o a_o tradition_n originate_v in_o revelation_n so_o say_v a_o learned_a author_n in_o reproach_n of_o the_o grecian_a and_o roman_a learning_n that_o set_v aside_o what_o they_o learn_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v never_o by_o themselves_o determine_v whether_o there_o be_v many_o god_n or_o but_o one_o cicero_n plutarch_n and_o other_o have_v speak_v full_o about_o providence_n and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v say_v much_o to_o justify_v the_o soul_n immortality_n so_o much_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o the_o spark_n of_o divine_a truth_n though_o under_o much_o rubbish_n have_v be_v there_o secret_o keep_v alive_a and_o so_o much_o as_o do_v sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a profession_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o rational_a nature_n do_v only_o rectify_v its_o depravation_n and_o have_v be_v some_o way_n witness_v unto_o in_o the_o dark_a time_n and_o to_o that_o end_n we_o often_o make_v use_n of_o their_o testimony_n but_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o world_n without_o any_o further_a discovery_n of_o himself_o their_o chief_a good_a or_o any_o further_a direction_n towards_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v man_n chief_a end_n than_o what_o we_o find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n have_v attain_v to_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o some_o revelation_n than_o the_o condition_n the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o without_o it_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o heathen_a divinity_n have_v be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o taint_v and_o be_v reducible_a to_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n either_o erroneous_a uncertain_a or_o imperfect_a most_o of_o it_o erroneous_a much_o of_o it_o uncertain_a but_o all_o of_o it_o imperfect_a if_o we_o inquire_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v benight_a as_o they_o have_v be_v in_o these_o thing_n of_o great_a concernment_n how_o such_o a_o flood_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n come_v to_o overslow_v the_o gentile-world_n two_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v
implum_fw-la qâ—iddam_fw-la &_o irreligiosum_fw-la aut_fw-la facere_fw-la vidit_fw-la aut_fw-la dicere_fw-la audivit_fw-la no_o man_n ever_o hear_v socrate_n speak_v or_o ever_o see_v he_o do_v a_o wicked_a and_o irreligious_a thing_n that_o be_v according_a to_o the_o conception_n they_o then_o have_v of_o those_o thing_n himself_o the_o first_o author_n of_o ethic_n and_o the_o first_o that_o contemn_v the_o fruitless_a speculation_n of_o the_o philosopher_n about_o other_o thing_n and_o reduce_v man_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n so_o say_v laertius_n of_o he_o animadvertens_fw-la autem_fw-la naturalis_fw-la speculationis_fw-la fructum_fw-la nullum_fw-la esse_fw-la eamque_fw-la ad_fw-la officia_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la nihil_fw-la esse_fw-la necessariam_fw-la invenit_fw-la primus_fw-la ethicen_fw-la deque_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o in_fw-la officijs_fw-la &_o in_o publico_fw-la quotidie_fw-la philosophans_fw-la ea_fw-la potius_fw-la inquirenda_fw-la hortabatur_fw-la quae_fw-la mores_fw-la instituerent_fw-la &_o quorum_fw-la usus_fw-la domi_fw-la esses_fw-la necessarius_fw-la yet_o these_o two_o famous_a vertuoso_n be_v no_o better_o principled_a in_o morality_n but_o that_o they_o can_v part_v with_o their_o wife_n unto_o other_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n and_o therefore_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n cry_v out_o in_o derision_n of_o they_o o_o famous_a example_n of_o a_o grecian_n wisdom_n and_o roman_a severity_n a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o censor_n make_v a_o shameful_a trade_n of_o their_o wife_n chastity_n aristotle_n and_o cicero_n both_o commend_v revenge_n as_o a_o laudable_a part_n of_o magnanimity_n self-murder_n in_o many_o case_n be_v general_o allow_v off_o by_o the_o best_a of_o their_o casuist_n one_o thing_n of_o great_a worth_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o most_o general_a use_n among_o mankind_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o matter_n whole_o oblige_v to_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o excellent_a virtue_n of_o humility_n have_v not_o a_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o word_n of_o true_a solf-denial_n in_o their_o best_a ethic_n nay_o the_o contrary_a vice_n have_v a_o share_n with_o their_o virtue_n pride_n and_o self-esteem_a be_v a_o disease_n epidemical_a among_o they_o and_o seem_v whole_o incurable_a by_o any_o notion_n they_o have_v some_o arrive_v to_o that_o impudence_n to_o compare_v themselves_o with_o nay_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o their_o own_o god_n it_o be_v either_o a_o horrible_a folly_n to_o deify_v what_o they_o postpone_v to_o their_o own_o self-estimation_n or_o else_o it_o be_v a_o stupendous_a effect_n of_o their_o pride_n to_o prefer_v themselves_o before_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v never_o any_o man_n among_o they_o propose_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o own_o god_n as_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o their_o action_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o best_a of_o they_o in_o their_o best_a action_n reflect_v still_o back_o to_o themselves_o and_o determinate_v there_o design_v to_o set_v up_o a_o pillar_n to_o exalt_v their_o own_o fame_n &_o reputation_n &_o to_o bring_v home_o a_o large_a revenue_n of_o glory_n and_o esteem_n to_o their_o own_o name_n especial_o before_o the_o gospel_n be_v extant_a from_o the_o light_n of_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a even_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n themselves_o do_v in_o many_o thing_n rectify_v their_o moral_n in_o after_o time_n nor_o be_v it_o unworthy_a our_o notice_n upon_o how_o much_o safe_o and_o sure_a foundation_n the_o power_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o find_v it_o be_v by_o any_o other_o law_n with_o what_o positive_a indispensable_a strictness_n be_v man_n subjection_n to_o authority_n command_v not_o the_o least_o allowance_n for_o any_o opposition_n to_o be_v make_v by_o private_a man_n against_o their_o superior_n the_o worst_a prince_n have_v a_o just_a claim_n to_o our_o submission_n when_o we_o can_v actual_o obey_v we_o be_v positive_o oblige_v quiet_o to_o suffer_v we_o find_v the_o world_n govern_v by_o much_o loose_a principle_n among_o the_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a and_o authority_n exercise_v upon_o much_o unsafe_a term_n it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o they_o to_o rebel_v against_o authority_n if_o they_o think_v it_o not_o well_o exercise_v and_o to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o such_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o call_v tyrant_n and_o invader_n of_o the_o people_n liberty_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o their_o write_n then_o the_o high_a encomium_n of_o those_o that_o murder_a and_o assassinate_v man_n in_o high_a authority_n and_o nothing_o more_o common_a in_o their_o city_n than_o the_o statue_n of_o such_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o memory_n what_o superlative_a praise_n of_o those_o that_o slay_v the_o tyrant_n of_o thebes_n be_v transfer_v to_o posterity_n nay_o that_o odious_a and_o detestable_a murder_n of_o julius_n caesar_n be_v so_o justify_v and_o applaud_v by_o cicero_n himself_o as_o if_o brutus_n and_o his_o complice_n have_v be_v send_v from_o the_o god_n to_o do_v it_o and_o yet_o in_o truth_n scarce_o do_v the_o sun_n ever_o afford_v its_o light_n to_o a_o vile_a action_n and_o the_o sequel_n of_o it_o sufficient_o testify_v god_n high_a displeasure_n with_o such_o a_o barbarous_a assassination_n for_o the_o people_n of_o rome_n in_o general_a exchange_v their_o condition_n from_o better_a to_o much_o worse_o and_o by_o the_o absoluteness_n and_o severity_n of_o three_o or_o four_o sharp_a master_n feel_v a_o oppression_n far_o beyond_o even_o the_o most_o popular_a complaint_n of_o that_o kind_n against_o caesar_n and_o for_o the_o murderer_n themselves_o it_o fare_v much_o with_o they_o as_o it_o do_v with_o the_o accuser_n of_o socrates_n every_o one_o of_o they_o come_v to_o a_o untimely_a and_o remarkable_a end_n and_o some_o of_o they_o as_o the_o ancients_n have_v be_v curious_a to_o observe_v slay_v themselves_o with_o the_o very_a same_o sword_n wherewith_o they_o have_v assault_v he_o and_o become_v their_o own_o executioner_n with_o those_o individual_a weapon_n by_o which_o they_o effect_v their_o malice_n against_o his_o noble_a person_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n great_o heighten_v the_o attainment_n of_o the_o world_n in_o these_o thing_n all_o revenge_n among_o private_a person_n be_v there_o whole_o explode_v much_o more_o against_o such_o as_o be_v clothe_v with_o authority_n the_o gospel_n bid_v we_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o persecute_v we_o and_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o subject_n ourselves_o to_o authority_n not_o only_o for_o fear_n and_o out_o of_o interest_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o this_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n themselves_o make_v good_a in_o their_o own_o practice_n while_o they_o live_v under_o that_o monster_n nero_n the_o worst_a of_o emperor_n and_o the_o vile_a of_o men._n the_o whole_a of_o these_o thing_n point_v we_o to_o the_o reasonable_a expectation_n of_o that_o we_o be_v in_o quest_n of_o which_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n all_o man_n have_v turn_v banquerupt_v upon_o those_o first_o natural_a store_v god_n entrust_v they_o with_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o set_v up_o anew_o upon_o the_o stock_n of_o revelation_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o pregnant_o urge_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o then_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o know_a person_n of_o the_o world_n who_o have_v ransack_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o nature_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v set_v a_o copy_n for_o succeed_a age_n to_o write_v after_o in_o most_o humane_a attainment_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o discover_v the_o certain_a track_n to_o a_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o be_v never_o yet_o able_a to_o frame_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o can_v reasonable_o satisfy_v other_o or_o convince_v the_o wise_a of_o themselves_o or_o much_o less_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v suppose_v to_o find_v any_o acceptance_n with_o the_o true_a god_n in_o what_o strange_a mist_n of_o religious_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n do_v those_o know_a age_n of_o the_o world_n breath_n out_o themselves_o and_o expire_v make_o the_o mean_a creature_n their_o god_n and_o ascribe_v the_o vile_a quality_n of_o the_o worst_a man_n to_o their_o deity_n loose_v themselves_o in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o vain_a worship_n to_o she_o god_n wicked_a god_n feign_a god_n senseless_a god_n many_o god_n how_o do_v these_o thing_n point_v we_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o foolish_a fancy_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n that_o what_o man_n since_o the_o fall_n can_v not_o find_v out_o or_o have_v lose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n may_v acquaint_v he_o with_o and_o at_o once_o discover_v to_o he_o all_o those_o admirable_a topic_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o the_o scripture_n contain_v and_o give_v he_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a account_n how_o the_o world_n come_v first_o to_o be_v make_v and_o of_o those_o
to_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o in_o a_o duemanner_n how_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o nature_n he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v this_o not_o only_o rectify_v but_o far_o exceed_v all_o natural_a dictate_v of_o worship_n and_o induce_v much_o into_o his_o service_n that_o receive_v its_o virtue_n and_o worth_a single_o from_o institution_n and_o no_o otherwise_o never_o since_o man_n be_v first_o make_v have_v god_n leave_v he_o single_o to_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o his_o own_o be_v for_o the_o payment_n of_o that_o homage_n he_o owe_v he_o even_o to_o adam_n in_o his_o innocent_a state_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o law_n supernatural_a a_o law_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o adam_n nature_n further_o than_o that_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o nature_n general_o oblige_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n require_v of_o he_o much_o more_o may_v we_o expect_v it_o since_o the_o fall_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o our_o recovery_n be_v supernatural_a nor_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v think_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v man_n not_o only_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o moral_a goodness_n but_o have_v also_o implant_v in_o his_o be_v a_o desite_fw-la of_o a_o peculiar_a and_o supernatural_a converse_n with_o he_o and_o give_v he_o such_o noble_a faculty_n so_o capable_a of_o it_o shall_v not_o promulge_v some_o particular_a law_n by_o which_o he_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a direction_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o or_o indeed_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o further_a approach_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v towards_o he_o and_o glorify_v himself_o by_o appoint_v a_o way_n to_o the_o utmost_a homage_n and_o service_n their_o rational_a being_n be_v capable_a of_o four_o some_o thing_n most_o essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a conception_n to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o world_n whole_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o those_o matter_n wherein_o their_o great_a concerument_n lie_v i_o will_v not_o speak_v particular_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n how_o indiscoverable_a it_o be_v without_o revelation_n and_o yet_o how_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v according_a to_o our_o capacity_n in_o order_n to_o all_o true_a worship_n man_n ignorance_n in_o that_o particular_a have_v evident_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o polytheisme_n and_o idolatry_n nor_o what_o marvellous_a dark_a absurd_a yea_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a conception_n the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o without_o revelation_n nor_o will_v i_o speak_v further_o of_o the_o world_n original_a how_o useful_a and_o necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o be_v true_o inform_v how_o ourselves_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o come_v first_o to_o exist_v what_o marvellous_a instruction_n to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o a_o natural_a homage_n to_o god_n result_v from_o it_o which_o yet_o depend_v pure_o upon_o revelation_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v without_o it_o nor_o will_v i_o mention_v those_o uncertainty_n the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o must_v without_o revelation_n be_v still_o entangle_v with_o all_o about_o death_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a accident_n a_o thing_n original_o appertinent_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o annex_v to_o our_o being_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n or_o have_v be_v as_o a_o punishment_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n introduce_v since_o and_o the_o many_o difficulty_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o our_o meditation_n either_o way_n nor_o will_v i_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o uncertainty_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o about_o a_o future_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n unless_o particular_o inform_v therein_o by_o revelation_n though_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o unequal_a disposition_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n here_o that_o there_o be_v some_o future_a estate_n of_o thing_n beyond_o this_o world_n without_o a_o supposition_n of_o which_o i_o must_v either_o depose_v god_n from_o his_o government_n or_o else_o admit_v he_o unjust_a both_o which_o be_v absurd_a yet_o how_o conduce_v be_v it_o to_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o necessary_a for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o supression_n of_o vice_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v fluctuate_a about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n what_o wild_a conception_n have_v the_o heathen_a world_n about_o their_o infernal_a region_n and_o their_o elysian_a field_n nor_o be_v they_o only_a fiction_n peculiar_a to_o the_o poet_n but_o admit_v by_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o best_a philosopher_n who_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v very_o little_o better_a ideaa'_v of_o those_o thing_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o many_o plutarch_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o treatise_n he_o write_v upon_o this_o motto_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v no_o better_a a_o account_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o man_n soul_n then_o that_o the_o wicked_a be_v only_o overwhelm_v in_o the_o perpetual_a oblivion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o place_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v happy_a hereafter_o in_o his_o consolation_n direct_v to_o apollonius_n he_o adhere_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o pindar_n who_o describe_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o fictious_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n that_o virgil_n do_v direct_o imitate_v pindar_n therein_o epicurus_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o some_o wise_a sentiment_n but_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o render_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n fabulous_a and_o to_o allegorise_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o another_o world_n into_o this_o and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o whatever_o be_v say_v of_o the_o suffering_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o infernal_a region_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n by_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o fearful_a mind_n exâ—gitated_a with_o their_o own_o exorbitant_a passion_n which_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n all_o fear_n of_o vice_n and_o all_o love_n to_o virtue_n which_o even_o by_o those_o obscure_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v much_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o go_v far_o how_o necessary_a must_v we_o needs_o grant_v it_o to_o have_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n establish_v by_o revelation_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o unfixed_a some_o of_o the_o wise_a have_v be_v about_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o such_o man_n as_o socrates_n and_o cicero_n be_v doubtful_a and_o unresolved_a in_o the_o case_n and_o come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o incline_v to_o that_o opinion_n and_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o aristotle_n discourse_v of_o it_o with_o much_o more_o obscurity_n the_o resurrection_n of_o man_n body_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o far_o hard_a belief_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o revelation_n to_o credit_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o possess_v man_n with_o a_o through_o persuasion_n about_o it_o when_o it_o be_v reveal_v saducisme_n be_v a_o weed_n very_o apt_a to_o grow_v and_o not_o soon_o eradicate_v we_o find_v st._n paul_n sufficient_o laugh_v at_o at_o athens_n for_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v a_o new_a notion_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o glimmering_n of_o it_o among_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v among_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sect_n he_o encounter_v i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o remote_a apprehension_n among_o the_o pagan_n tend_v this_o way_n but_o neither_o the_o pagan-world_n in_o general_n nor_o any_o considerable_a part_n nor_o indeed_o any_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o ever_o agree_v in_o a_o positive_a distinct_a belief_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n some_o fancy_v there_o will_v come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o that_o all_o the_o star_n will_v be_v precise_o return_v to_o the_o very_a exact_a punctum_fw-la in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v and_o that_o then_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v shall_v return_v in_o order_n time_n and_o nature_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o station_n and_o be_v just_a as_o they_o have_v be_v some_o tell_v we_o the_o magi_n who_o be_v the_o caldaean_a philosopher_n have_v some_o obscure_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v one_o day_n revive_v and_o become_v immortal_a and_o some_o
of_o the_o stoic_n think_v shall_v be_v burn_v to_o ash_n and_o then_o will_v follow_v a_o immediate_a restoration_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o these_o be_v but_o wild_a and_o move_a guess_n in_o general_a no_o certain_a determination_n be_v mankind_n able_a to_o make_v about_o this_o matter_n in_o particular_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o great_a use_n be_v the_o assurance_n of_o it_o to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o how_o sovereign_a a_o remedy_n be_v it_o against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n which_o aristotle_n call_v the_o terrible_a of_o all_o terror_n to_o be_v assure_v upon_o safe_a ground_n our_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v again_o and_o all_o the_o friend_n we_o part_v with_o here_o shall_v in_o their_o soul_n and_o body_n reunited_n exist_v for_o ever_o but_o wave_a the_o prosecution_n of_o these_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n in_o themselves_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o natural_a discovery_n from_o whence_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n first_o a_o certain_a distinct_a knowledge_n how_o that_o evil_a we_o find_v in_o mankind_n come_v first_o to_o exist_v whence_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n come_v in_o short_a how_o there_o come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_a and_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n second_o how_o sin_n and_o gild_n arise_v from_o the_o conscience_n of_o it_o may_v be_v remove_v and_o man_n bring_v to_o a_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o a_o inward_a acquescency_n about_o it_o for_o the_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o evil_a and_o sin_n in_o man_n and_o gild_n result_v from_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n every_o man_n own_o reason_n determine_v the_o case_n and_o the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o the_o world_n be_v too_o sad_a a_o evidence_n of_o we_o find_v in_o the_o prayer_n of_o all_o nation_n a_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o no_o worship_n but_o some_o way_n or_o other_o tend_v to_o the_o removal_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o public_a protest_n in_o the_o case_n enter_v by_o the_o whole_a world_n against_o themselves_o it_o be_v visible_a our_o inferior_a faculty_n do_v combat_v our_o superior_a and_o our_o will_n over_o rule_n we_o to_o that_o which_o our_o own_o reason_n determine_v against_o aristotle_n in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o his_o first_o book_n of_o ethic_n confess_v there_o be_v somewhat_o in_o our_o nature_n that_o oppose_v right_a reason_n whatever_o direction_n the_o philesopher_n and_o moralist_n give_v to_o conquer_v our_o passion_n and_o subdue_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o virtue_n they_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o this_o supposal_n hierocles_n a_o stoical_a philosopher_n in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o the_o golden_a say_n of_o pythagoras_n speak_v full_o and_o excellent_o to_o this_o point_n his_o word_n be_v these_o man_n say_v he_o be_v of_o his_o own_o motion_n incline_v to_o follow_v the_o evil_a and_o leave_v the_o good_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a strife_n breed_v in_o his_o affection_n he_o have_v a_o free_a will_n which_o he_o abuse_v bindang_v himself_o whole_o to_o encounter_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o this_o freedom_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o willingness_n to_o admit_v that_o which_o be_v not_o good_a rather_o than_o otherwise_o that_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o we_o call_v evil_a and_o a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v and_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a as_o he_o ought_v without_o it_o be_v easy_o prove_v and_o will_v be_v sufficient_o so_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o these_o four_o thing_n first_o how_o can_v we_o acknowledge_v god_n justice_n in_o punish_v mankind_n and_o without_o repine_v submit_v to_o it_o as_o we_o ought_v unless_o we_o know_v whence_o this_o evil_a first_o come_v what_o author_n it_o have_v and_o how_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n man_n come_v to_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o for_o which_o he_o be_v punish_v second_o how_o can_v we_o be_v as_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v sensible_a of_o god_n general_a or_o particular_a favour_n and_o adore_v his_o goodness_n in_o preserve_v we_o and_o provide_v for_o we_o unless_o we_o be_v right_o inform_v of_o our_o own_o demerit_n and_o rebellion_n again_o he_o and_o that_o mankind_n have_v deserve_v a_o total_a ruin_n and_o subversion_n which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v unless_o we_o know_v the_o first_o entrance_n of_o evil_n and_o the_o original_a cause_n of_o it_o three_o how_o can_v we_o proper_o address_v ourselves_o to_o god_n to_o repair_v our_o ruin_n unless_o we_o perfect_o know_v how_o the_o first_o breach_n come_v to_o be_v make_v last_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a upon_o reasonable_a ground_n to_o restrain_v mankind_n from_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n unless_o we_o know_v the_o first_o rise_v and_o primary_n cause_v of_o all_o the_o disorder_n we_o see_v which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o springhead_n of_o evil_n and_o sin_n with_o what_o impatience_n do_v man_n use_v to_o reproach_n god_n and_o nature_n about_o it_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o malevolens_n and_o ill_a will_n in_o the_o deity_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n one_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o well_o blame_v the_o disorder_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o contemplate_v the_o present_a posture_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o satisfy_a account_n to_o themselves_o how_o thing_n come_v at_o first_o so_o to_o be_v and_o that_o a_o certain_a account_n of_o evil_n in_o its_o original_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v without_o revelation_n will_v appear_v very_o evident_a how_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o come_v to_o discover_v whence_o that_o internal_a conflict_n first_o arise_v between_o the_o will_n and_o the_o judgement_n how_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v first_o so_o divide_v against_o himself_o one_o condemn_v the_o other_o no_o man_n natural_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o its_o causality_n nor_o more_o of_o it_o then_o that_o it_o be_v so_o how_o shall_v any_o man_n ever_o find_v out_o from_o whence_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v those_o unrn_o lust_n and_o passion_n those_o evil_a and_o crooked_a inclination_n that_o natural_o infest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o be_v a_o part_n of_o themselves_o that_o create_v a_o guilt_n in_o man_n own_o breast_n and_o prove_v so_o ruinous_a to_o other_o come_v first_o to_o exist_v what_o footstep_n be_v there_o in_o nature_n to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o misery_n that_o attend_v they_o something_o indeed_o we_o may_v say_v negative_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a but_o we_o can_v affirm_v positive_o the_o least_o thing_n about_o it_o we_o can_v much_o less_o tell_v how_o mankind_n come_v to_o be_v wicked_a than_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o they_o come_v first_o to_o be_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v that_o but_o by_o revelation_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o derive_v the_o being_n of_o man_n in_o general_a from_o some_o supreme_a maker_n though_o we_o can_v never_o find_v out_o the_o time_n when_o nor_o the_o manner_n how_o they_o come_v first_o to_o be_v make_v but_o we_o can_v no_o way_n at_o all_o imagine_v from_o whence_o to_o derive_v the_o evil_n of_o their_o being_n or_o upon_o what_o to_o father_n the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o what_o date_n to_o give_v it_o from_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o good_a evil_a itself_o can_v not_o original_o come_v that_o be_v man_n can_v not_o at_o the_o first_o be_v make_v so_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o the_o negative_a to_o assert_v man_n apostasy_n however_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n may_v dream_v otherwise_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o man_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o degenerate_v from_o his_o primitive_a state_n from_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o which_o if_o we_o due_o consider_v it_o result_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a evil_a itself_o shall_v be_v concreated_n with_o he_o and_o be_v original_o appertinent_a to_o he_o as_o part_v of_o he_o and_o it_o be_v thus_o demonstrable_a if_o man_n have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v as_o now_o he_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o evil_a and_o
vice_n have_v his_o inclination_n to_o evil_a as_o well_o as_o to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a be_v create_v with_o he_o his_o reason_n will_v never_o have_v approve_v the_o one_o and_o condemn_v the_o other_o because_o both_o natural_a and_o upon_o equal_a term_n in_o our_o constitution_n to_o condemn_v any_o one_o part_n of_o our_o original_a constitution_n by_o another_o have_v be_v in_o itself_o not_o only_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o it_o have_v be_v direct_o to_o reproach_n our_o maker_n and_o ourselves_o which_o nothing_o create_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v so_o create_v as_o natural_o to_o do_v nature_n as_o it_o be_v first_o frame_v can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v against_o itself_o a_o man_n can_v never_o have_v have_v any_o conscience_n of_o evil_n nor_o any_o remorse_n for_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o guilt_n have_v be_v contract_v by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v as_o now_o it_o be_v part_v of_o himself_o and_o at_o first_o create_v with_o he_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v judge_v in_o himself_o that_o to_o be_v evil_a and_o repent_v of_o it_o as_o such_o which_o he_o act_v in_o prosecution_n of_o his_o first_o make_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n in_o act_v suitable_o to_o our_o original_a frame_n and_o composure_n nor_o any_o punishment_n due_a for_o so_o do_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o rational_a be_v because_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v better_o all_o conscience_n of_o evil_n and_o sin_n must_v necessary_o arise_v from_o a_o inward_a conviction_n that_o we_o be_v not_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v if_o we_o be_v as_o we_o be_v first_o make_v whenever_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o i_o do_v that_o which_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v the_o same_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o i_o be_o degenerate_v and_o do_v not_o what_o i_o be_v first_o make_v to_o do_v beside_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v original_o make_v with_o opposite_a inclination_n and_o a_o irreconcilable_a conflict_n within_o himself_o one_o part_n condemn_v another_o by_o a_o be_v that_o be_v unity_n itself_o in_o all_o goodness_n and_o one_o and_o the_o same_o by_o a_o infinite_a identity_n in_o all_o perfection_n we_o can_v never_o with_o any_o common_a sense_n father_n division_n upon_o unity_n or_o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a and_o evil_a upon_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_o good_a or_o primary_o derive_v such_o a_o composition_n as_o man_n now_o be_v from_o what_o we_o know_v god_n must_v needs_o be_v nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o inherent_a shame_n we_o now_o find_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n relate_v to_o much_o of_o themselves_o can_v be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o their_o first_o constitution_n or_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v at_o the_o first_o so_o create_v as_o to_o be_v natural_o ashamed_a of_o any_o part_n of_o himself_o or_o anything_o relative_a to_o his_o own_o be_v it_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v must_v needs_o make_v he_o turn_v aside_o and_o hide_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o eye_n it_o be_v evil_a and_o gild_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o shame_n so_o far_o we_o may_v go_v in_o the_o negative_a what_o we_o now_o be_v be_v not_o what_o we_o first_o be_v but_o how_o come_v the_o change_n have_v any_o ill_a genius_n since_o take_v up_o its_o abode_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o impose_v upon_o it_o act_v it_o to_o all_o this_o evil_n we_o see_v be_v the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n or_o be_v mankind_n degenerate_v by_o any_o necessary_a decay_n in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o be_v man_n own_n will_v the_o great_a root_n of_o evil_n come_v it_o from_o a_o create_a freedom_n have_v man_n wilful_o deface_v themselves_o if_o they_o have_v when_o be_v it_o do_v what_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o do_v it_o be_v it_o do_v all_o at_o once_o and_o have_v it_o ever_o since_o come_v by_o descent_n and_o be_v entail_v by_o a_o certain_a propagation_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o have_v its_o entrance_n be_v gradual_a be_v some_o only_a the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o or_o have_v every_o man_n in_o every_o age_n have_v his_o share_n in_o the_o conspiracy_n in_o short_a if_o we_o suppose_v which_o we_o ought_v that_o man_n be_v not_o at_o first_o create_v with_o a_o actual_a principle_n of_o evil_a in_o his_o breast_n whence_o can_v it_o primary_o arise_v and_o whence_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o call_v it_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o true_a judgement_n of_o reason_n determine_v against_o it_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v upon_o a_o man_n relation_n and_o duty_n to_o god_n all_o conscience_n of_o evil_a and_o sin_n which_o we_o have_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v still_o with_o a_o reference_n to_o god_n to_o his_o nature_n and_o to_o his_o will_n and_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n then_o as_o evil_a and_o sin_n for_o they_o be_v conjoin_v by_o the_o rational_a nature_n must_v needs_o arise_v from_o man_n relative_n subjection_n to_o god_n it_o must_v be_v by_o oppose_v and_o disobey_v his_o will_n reveal_v by_o some_o law_n and_o that_o law_n must_v be_v either_o natural_a or_o supernatural_a if_o natural_a and_o create_v with_o he_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v marvellous_a hard_a to_o conceive_v how_o man_n while_o he_o be_v entire_a and_o untainted_a in_o the_o complete_a furniture_n of_o his_o first_o make_n shall_v without_o some_o very_a violent_a impression_n or_o some_o very_a strange_a concurrence_n of_o accident_n go_v astray_o from_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o transgress_v such_o a_o law_n as_o be_v the_o chief_a rule_v part_n of_o himself_o nor_o be_v we_o able_a to_o give_v to_o ourselves_o the_o least_o satissy_a account_n of_o it_o if_o a_o law_n supernatural_a what_o that_o law_n be_v or_o how_o or_o when_o or_o by_o who_o transgress_v we_o can_v never_o discover_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o make_v one_o probable_a guest_n towards_o it_o no_o man_n will_v ever_o find_v a_o answer_n to_o these_o and_o many_o other_o endless_a inquiry_n that_o search_v by_o the_o candle-light_n of_o nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o waymark_a set_v up_o to_o direct_v we_o no_o one_o thing_n have_v so_o pointblank_o silence_v the_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o age_n as_o this_o have_v do_v how_o miserable_o involve_v in_o their_o own_o confuse_a notion_n be_v the_o philosopher_n about_o this_o matter_n never_o arrive_v at_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o case_n sometime_o derive_v evil_a from_o the_o perverseness_n and_o malignity_n of_o matter_n sometime_o from_o i_o know_v not_o what_o fancy_v principle_n of_o discord_n nor_o can_v they_o issue_v their_o doubt_n at_o last_o into_o any_o better_a resolve_v then_o that_o there_o be_v two_o supreme_a being_n one_o infinite_o good_a and_o the_o other_o infinite_o evil_a equal_o the_o cause_n of_o both_o the_o principle_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n and_o so_o be_v fain_o to_o canton_n the_o deity_n and_o to_o put_v both_o the_o principle_n upon_o even_a term_n which_o direct_o overthrow_v the_o dictate_v of_o all_o right_a reason_n to_o make_v room_n for_o a_o solution_n of_o this_o problem_n and_o shall_v we_o admit_v such_o a_o cunning_a contrivance_n of_o nonsense_n as_o two_o contrary_a supremes_n it_o will_v but_o still_o further_o involve_v we_o if_o a_o man_n be_v so_o make_v as_o he_o be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o both_o the_o deity_n agree_v in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o and_o be_v yet_o perfect_o opposite_a and_o contrary_a each_o to_o other_o do_v one_o make_v the_o good_a part_n and_o the_o other_o the_o ill_a part_n or_o do_v the_o good_a deity_n make_v man_n alone_o and_o the_o other_o debauch_v he_o and_o un-make_a he_o after_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a in_o a_o due_a manner_n to_o share_v he_o between_o they_o and_o if_o that_o we_o natural_o call_v evil_n come_v original_o as_o well_o as_o that_o we_o call_v good_a from_o a_o be_v eternal_a and_o equal_o supreme_a why_o shall_v the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n in_o man_n be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o one_o and_o direct_o against_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v so_o the_o pedigree_n of_o the_o one_o be_v no_o whit_n mean_a nor_o base_a than_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v it_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o possible_a to_o annex_v that_o we_o mean_v by_o evil_n or_o imperfection_n from_o whence_o it_o natural_o result_v to_o what_o be_v eternal_a because_o eternity_n necessary_o include_v perfection_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v without_o it_o in_o such_o a_o dismal_a wilderness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o error_n have_v mankind_n wander_v about_o
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o iâ—_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n poâ—ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
where_o all_o reason_v be_v forbid_v and_o as_o vives_z well_o observe_v discourse_v of_o this_o mahometan_a tyranny_n tutum_fw-la mentiendi_fw-la genus_fw-la est_fw-la nolle_n rationem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la dicas_fw-la reddere_fw-la it_o be_v a_o safe_a and_o sure_a way_n of_o lie_v to_o resolve_v to_o give_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o we_o say_v as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o rational_a reception_n it_o bid_v for_o among_o mankind_n than_o this_o principle_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o introduction_n of_o all_o error_n and_o deceit_n then_o to_o compel_v man_n to_o lay_v by_o as_o useless_a their_o own_o reason_n and_o vield_n up_o themselves_o by_o a_o implicit_a subjection_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o notion_n as_o other_o provide_v for_o they_o three_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o allow_v and_o incourage_v man_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o sensual_a satisfaction_n say_v mahomet_n to_o his_o disciple_n avenge_v yourselves_o of_o your_o enemy_n and_o take_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o you_o will_v to_o propagate_v the_o sectary_n of_o mahomet_n a_o sure_a way_n to_o oblige_v the_o corrupt_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o which_o the_o devil_n out-number_n christ_n he_o himself_o practise_v according_o for_o his_o follower_n deny_v not_o but_o that_o he_o take_v wife_n at_o his_o pleasure_n and_o sometime_o other_o man_n and_o then_o most_o blasphemous_o introduce_v god_n himself_o speak_v as_o if_o he_o have_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n marry_v they_o to_o he_o and_o indeed_o suitable_a to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n be_v the_o end_n he_o propose_v and_o the_o heaven_n he_o promise_v hereafter_o a_o complete_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a delight_n the_o paradise_n he_o describe_v be_v a_o place_n where_o man_n shall_v enjoy_v all_o the_o imaginable_a pleasure_n of_o meat_n drink_n music_n woman_n and_o whatever_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v which_o sufficient_o declare_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o his_o whole_a constitution_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n hard_a to_o discover_v if_o we_o consult_v the_o time_n when_o this_o enthusiastic_a impostor_n compose_v his_o koran_n out_o of_o what_o dunghill_n much_o of_o it_o be_v rake_v together_o that_o vile_a pollution_n of_o marriage_n by_o a_o licentious_a multiplicity_n of_o wife_n he_o have_v from_o the_o school_n of_o the_o nicholaitan_n his_o carnal_a paradise_n from_o cerinthus_n that_o absurd_a conceit_n that_o christ_n do_v not_o real_o suffer_v but_o a_o phantasm_n in_o his_o place_n be_v first_o forge_v by_o the_o cerdonian_o that_o rage_n his_o koran_n be_v every_o where_o stuff_v with_o against_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n come_v no_o doubt_n from_o the_o arrian_n who_o be_v famous_a at_o that_o time_n &_o some_o of_o they_o his_o great_a assistant_n in_o short_a the_o religion_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v at_o first_o found_v have_v be_v since_o propagate_v and_o be_v still_o uphold_v pure_o by_o the_o sword_n be_v in_o itself_o so_o wicked_a and_o so_o absurd_a a_o constitution_n in_o many_o thing_n so_o heterogeneal_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n that_o when_o ever_o it_o want_v the_o military_a prop_n to_o support_v it_o if_o ever_o it_o come_v to_o be_v naked_o expose_v to_o the_o test_n of_o man_n reason_n or_o to_o a_o trial_n by_o persecution_n it_o be_v neither_o found_v in_o natural_a reason_n in_o miracle_n nor_o in_o sanctity_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o compage_n of_o it_o will_v soon_o be_v dissolve_v and_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o will_v quick_o expire_v but_o to_o return_v he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v be_v easy_o reduce_v to_o this_o dilemma_n either_o he_o think_v there_o be_v some_o revelation_n extant_a from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n or_o he_o think_v there_o be_v none_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o first_o he_o put_v the_o lie_v not_o only_o upon_o the_o christian_n and_o jewish_a but_o general_o upon_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o either_o have_v be_v or_o be_v throughout_o the_o world_n revelation_n either_o real_a or_o pretend_a have_v be_v the_o universal_a foundation_n in_o all_o age_n of_o that_o constitution_n we_o call_v religion_n all_o nation_n have_v respective_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o their_o mystery_n to_o their_o go_n which_o though_o it_o prove_v not_o that_o the_o world_n have_v general_o have_v revelation_n nor_o justify_v any_o one_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n upon_o which_o any_o one_o particular_a religion_n be_v found_v yet_o it_o prove_v thus_o much_o that_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n there_o be_v good_a reason_n to_o expect_v revelation_n and_o that_o thereupon_o mankind_n have_v live_v either_o in_o the_o real_a or_o imaginary_a possession_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v strange_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o world_n shall_v universal_o agree_v in_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o and_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n thereupon_o pretend_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o there_o shall_v neither_o be_v in_o the_o general_n any_o real_a or_o rational_a ground_n for_o the_o expectance_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n for_o if_o there_o be_v we_o can_v then_o without_o impeach_v divine_a justice_n &_o goodness_n refuse_v in_o the_o general_a to_o suppose_v it_o nor_o the_o least_o truth_n any_o where_n in_o the_o fact_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n second_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v none_o he_o will_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v man_n the_o noble_a of_o all_o earthly_a creature_n and_o lord_n of_o the_o world_n have_v leave_v he_o to_o a_o worse_a condition_n in_o the_o present_a posture_n we_o sin_v he_o than_o the_o mean_a creature_n he_o have_v subject_v to_o his_o use_n which_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o conceive_v the_o mean_a creature_n that_o god_n have_v make_v even_o to_o the_o ant_n he_o have_v give_v they_o a_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a end_n of_o their_o being_n it_o be_v so_o in_o every_o creature_n beneath_o the_o rational_a being_n of_o man_n whatever_o happiness_n they_o natural_o tend_v to_o as_o their_o chief_a end_n god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o innate_a ability_n that_o sufficient_o direct_v they_o for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o not_o be_v there_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o mean_a creature_n that_o way_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o suppose_v it_o otherwise_o with_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o he_o to_o know_v in_o order_n to_o his_o high_a end_n and_o the_o obtain_n of_o that_o supreme_a good_a he_o natural_o tend_v to_o suppose_v he_o degenerate_v from_o a_o ability_n he_o once_o have_v yet_o we_o can_v no_o way_n imagine_v it_o consistent_a with_o god_n goodness_n to_o leave_v the_o whole_a of_o mankind_n without_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o recovery_n nor_o consistent_a with_o the_o great_a end_n of_o god_n creation_n in_o all_o the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v make_v all_o other_o creature_n desire_v only_o what_o gratify_v the_o sensual_a appetite_n not_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o best_o they_o centre_n in_o a_o sensual_a satisfaction_n as_o their_o high_a end_n and_o be_v sufficient_o enable_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o man_n by_o his_o natural_a faculty_n mount_v upward_o reach_v after_o a_o high_o and_o more_o noble_a happiness_n a_o good_a above_o and_o beyond_o this_o world_n man_n by_o nature_n have_v a_o innate_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n a_o supreme_a be_v above_o he_o that_o have_v in_o himself_o all_o possible_a perfection_n be_v superlative_o good_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o good_a and_o a_o converse_n with_o such_o a_o be_v he_o must_v needs_o aim_v at_o because_o it_o be_v the_o high_a good_a his_o reason_n discover_v to_o he_o and_o in_o the_o true_a judgement_n thereof_o the_o most_o suitable_a of_o all_o other_o to_o the_o rational_a nature_n he_o also_o find_v himself_o with_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n and_o obligation_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n to_o this_o supreme_a be_v and_o design_v by_o his_o own_o saculty_n for_o present_a and_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o he_o now_o man_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o all_o other_o creature_n by_o far_o the_o most_o unhappy_a shall_v he_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o not_o full_o inform_v and_o ascertain_v about_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o high_a end_n and_o the_o most_o necessary_a concern_v of_o his_o be_v shall_v he_o not_o have_v some_o certain_a account_n of_o god_n by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v he_o may_v come_v to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o upon_o what_o term_v god_n will_v deal_v with_o man_n here_o and_o hereafter_o have_v as_o full_a a_o account_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o own_o duty_n in_o reference_n
to_o he_o as_o his_o rational_a be_v call_v for_o and_o he_o himself_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o to_o arrive_v at_o this_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n without_o revelation_n natural_a divinity_n if_o due_o pursue_v point_v man_n direct_o to_o supernatural_a from_o a_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o deficiency_n and_o our_o natural_a light_n show_v we_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n from_o its_o own_o imperfect_a discovery_n and_o by_o direct_v we_o to_o many_o daty_n in_o general_a which_o without_o revelation_n we_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o perform_v my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o of_o a_o sapreme_a and_o perfect_a be_v that_o make_v i_o but_o give_v i_o no_o distinct_a or_o satisfy_a information_n about_o he_o my_o natural_a light_n enjoin_v i_o to_o worship_v he_o but_o can_v sufficien_o direct_v i_o in_o the_o way_n of_o it_o my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o i_o be_o upon_o ill_a term_n with_o god_n and_o bid_v i_o be_v my_o near_a concern_v endeavour_v a_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o and_o assure_v i_o of_o the_o possiâ—ilit_fw-la of_o it_o from_o the_o general_a notion_n i_o have_v of_o his_o goodness_n but_o can_v give_v i_o no_o sure_a and_o certain_a direction_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o it_o in_o short_a my_o natural_a light_n tell_v i_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n make_v for_o supernatural_a enjoyment_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o god_n superior_a to_o this_o world_n but_o discover_v not_o unto_o i_o sufficient_a and_o infallible_a mean_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o my_o welfare_n for_o the_o obtain_v the_o one_o or_o avoid_v the_o other_o but_o bid_v i_o look_v upward_o and_o expect_v to_o be_v further_o teach_v from_o above_o so_o that_o to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o revelation_n at_o all_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v mankind_n whole_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n be_v plain_o to_o say_v god_n have_v leave_v man_n under_o that_o unhappiness_n which_o no_o creature_n be_v under_o beside_o himself_o that_o be_v not_o full_o inform_v about_o those_o thing_n he_o be_v most_o concern_v to_o know_v nor_o sufficient_o enable_v to_o obtain_v the_o great_a end_n of_o his_o be_v it_o be_v to_o say_v god_n have_v make_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n with_o a_o direct_a tendency_n towards_o himself_o and_o the_o high_a supernatural_a good_a with_o great_a hope_n and_o sear_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o he_o and_o with_o inherent_a obligation_n in_o his_o own_o nature_n relate_v to_o both_o and_z vet_z have_v leave_v he_o with_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n to_o contemplate_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o have_v give_v he_o no_o sufficient_a or_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n satisfy_v direction_n about_o they_o than_o which_o no_o conception_n more_o vile_a and_o impious_a and_o in_o itself_o more_o contrary_a to_o all_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n can_v at_o any_o time_n infest_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v there_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n let_v it_o be_v produce_v let_v the_o best_a â—ival_n to_o the_o bible_n upon_o that_o account_n or_o all_o its_o competitor_n together_o be_v bring_v foâ—th_n and_o let_v but_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a and_o impartial_a reason_n of_o reason_n as_o much_o itself_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v it_o as_o abstract_v from_o all_o prejudice_n all_o bias_n of_o custom_n education_n or_o any_o collateral_a interest_n as_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o be_v the_o judge_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o pat_o a_o end_n to_o the_o contest_v let_v man_n be_v but_o true_a to_o that_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o to_o the_o gennine_a issue_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n which_o must_v be_v the_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n and_o the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v predominant_a and_o prevail_v against_o all_o competition_n and_o that_o will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v there_o be_v something_n which_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n must_v necesiary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n and_o such_o a_o divine_a law_n as_o we_o be_v in_o pursuit_n of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o can_v reasonable_o be_v suppose_v now_o we_o find_v those_o thing_n peculiarly_a to_o belong_v to_o the_o bille_n and_o that_o they_o be_v no_o way_n applicable_a to_o any_o other_o write_n or_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o and_o this_o be_v so_o as_o by_o the_o follow_a particular_n it_o will_v undeniable_o appear_v to_o be_v where_o any_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v admit_v the_o bible_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v reject_v and_o in_o truth_n its_o divine_a authority_n will_v against_o all_o opposition_n be_v establish_v first_o there_o must_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v in_o any_o divine_a law_n god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n such_o a_o legislative_a authority_n express_v in_o command_v in_o promise_v in_o threaten_v and_o throughout_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o as_o be_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n suitable_a to_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o natural_a subjection_n to_o he_o that_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v god_n to_o give_v law_n in_o a_o way_n like_o himself_o in_o this_o respect_n the_o bible_n be_v singular_a no_o book_n under_o under_o heaven_n contain_v such_o a_o assumption_n of_o supremacy_n over_o the_o world_n nor_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n with_o that_o majesty_n and_o uncontrollable_a authority_n in_o god_n own_o name_n as_o this_o do_v require_v indispensible_a obedience_n from_o from_o all_o mankind_n to_o whatever_o it_o enjoin_v as_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a god_n upon_o the_o high_a penalty_n that_o of_o eternal_a destruction_n to_o soul_n and_o body_n how_o far_o any_o man_n can_v have_v go_v in_o this_o respect_n in_o personate_n the_o supreme_a majesty_n of_o god_n and_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n need_v not_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o case_n though_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o bible_n have_v out_o go_v all_o the_o possible_a contrivance_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o world_n in_o word_n so_o become_v his_o own_o greatness_n and_o so_o suitable_a to_o those_o conception_n right_a reason_n will_v give_v we_o of_o he_o because_o though_o many_o book_n and_o write_n have_v make_v a_o claim_n to_o revelation_n beside_o the_o bible_n yet_o in_o fact_n no_o book_n nor_o write_n have_v so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o command_v the_o world_n in_o so_o majestic_a a_o way_n nor_o indeed_o in_o any_o way_n become_v the_o greatness_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n the_o bible_n have_v a_o peculiarity_n in_o this_o respect_n above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o have_v be_v extant_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v we_o find_v not_o a_o instance_n where_o any_o have_v so_o far_o usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o god_n as_o with_o such_o a_o absolute_a superintendency_n to_o dictate_v to_o the_o world_n all_o pretend_a revelation_n have_v in_o this_o visible_o discover_v their_o own_o nakedness_n and_o betray_v their_o own_o mean_a descent_n not_o one_o of_o they_o have_v be_v clothe_v with_o such_o a_o divine_a &_o majestic_a authority_n as_o become_v a_o product_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o most_o of_o they_o no_o way_n suitable_a to_o the_o common_a prudence_n of_o man_n the_o ancient_a heathen_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o mean_a and_o most_o trifle_a part_n of_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o be_v extant_a and_o that_o koran_n which_o in_o late_a time_n mabomet_n have_v father_v upon_o revelation_n be_v a_o systeme_n of_o law_n so_o prodigious_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v much_o of_o it_o no_o way_n reconcileable_a to_o common_a discretion_n or_o any_o way_n worthy_a a_o edition_n from_o wise_a or_o or_o good_a man_n second_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v and_o to_o carry_v in_o it_o a_o compleatness_n and_o sufficiency_n of_o instruction_n and_o direction_n for_o all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o mankind_n relate_v to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o future_a it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v a_o revelation_n to_o the_o world_n and_o not_o make_v it_o proportionate_a and_o sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o supply_v the_o desiciency_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o nature_n be_v in_o itself_o perfect_a and_o without_o defect_n there_o need_v then_o no_o revelation_n and_o to_o
and_o so_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o be_v the_o one_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o god_n because_o of_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n never_o will_v nor_o can_v do_v and_o the_o other_o it_o assure_v i_o can_v be_v do_v the_o bible_n tell_v we_o of_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o high_a supernatural_a discovery_n it_o make_v to_o we_o but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o possible_a to_o be_v nor_o of_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o seem_v to_o our_o reason_n very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o very_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o god_n so_o that_o it_o be_v second_o never_o any_o book_n make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o what_o be_v true_o natural_a and_o so_o far_o revive_v and_o restore_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o themselves_o as_o this_o have_v do_v the_o natural_a law_n of_o our_o own_o being_n all_o impartial_a reason_n be_v judge_n no_o humane_a wisdom_n ever_o do_v or_o ever_o can_v have_v give_v mankind_n such_o a_o prospect_n of_o their_o natural_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o themselves_o as_o the_o ten_o commandment_n have_v do_v or_o compose_v such_o a_o systeme_n of_o law_n natural_a or_o make_v such_o a_o exact_a compendium_n of_o it_o none_o but_o god_n that_o make_v man_n at_o first_o and_o know_v his_o original_a can_v have_v so_o far_o discover_v he_o to_o himself_o and_o retrieve_v to_o his_o knowledge_n so_o much_o of_o his_o primitive_a state_n and_o discover_v to_o he_o what_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n he_o still_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o scripture-religion_n both_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n and_o our_o performance_n of_o relative_n duty_n to_o each_o other_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o high_a perfection_n attainable_a by_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o wherein_o it_o exceed_v it_o be_v the_o most_o suitable_a to_o it_o and_o the_o most_o justify_v by_o it_o of_o any_o religion_n the_o world_n have_v be_v ever_o yet_o possess_v of_o what_o pure_a and_o admirable_a discovery_n of_o god_n excellent_a nature_n do_v it_o afford_v we_o without_o the_o least_o savour_n of_o what_o be_v earthly_a and_o from_o below_o so_o correspond_v to_o a_o rational_a idea_n of_o he_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o religion_n and_o worship_n without_o the_o least_o taint_n of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n rule_n of_o holy_a live_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o impurity_n such_o direction_n for_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n as_o every_o man_n own_o breast_n subscribe_v to_o as_o just_o holy_a and_o good_n indeed_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n that_o so_o perfect_v nature_n and_o whatever_o it_o reveal_v that_o be_v above_o nature_n it_o be_v so_o graff_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o in_o such_o a_o suitable_a way_n superadd_v to_o it_o and_o so_o incorporates_n with_o it_o as_o be_v admittable_a to_o conceive_v and_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n and_o what_o will_v be_v best_o for_o he_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o what_o just_a cause_n be_v there_o to_o reject_v and_o disclaim_v all_o other_o religion_n upon_o this_o single_a account_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o shall_v be_v a_o law_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a that_o prove_v any_o way_n destructive_a to_o what_o be_v true_o natural_a what_o unworthy_a unreasonable_a and_o unnatural_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o be_v do_v the_o heathen_a religion_n stand_v just_o charge_v withal_o how_o contrary_a be_v it_o to_o the_o true_a dictate_v of_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a shame_n inherent_a in_o every_o man_n be_v to_o use_v such_o horrible_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a ceremony_n as_o they_o do_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o some_o of_o their_o god_n how_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a be_v it_o to_o murder_n each_o other_o and_o shed_v the_o blood_n of_o mankind_n as_o they_o do_v in_o their_o sacrifice_n how_o may_v vice_n that_o nature_n condemn_v grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o no_o way_n reprove_v yea_o some_o allow_v and_o justify_v by_o it_o the_o bible_n spare_v not_o one_o go_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o all_o natural_a evil_n and_o all_o natural_a good_n the_o koran_n also_o fall_v slat_n before_o the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o perfect_v our_o natural_a light_n or_o correspond_v with_o it_o that_o in_o some_o thing_n it_o direct_o overthrow_v it_o and_o be_v every_o where_o stuff_v with_o such_o absurd_a ridiculous_a and_o incredible_a soppery_n as_o do_v inevitable_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o just_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n four_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n a_o law_n supernatural_a to_o which_o a_o universal_a obedience_n be_v require_v shall_v have_v such_o a_o conveyance_n to_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o its_o author_n and_o that_o great_a concern_v mankind_n have_v in_o it_o that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a admission_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o not_o do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o shall_v carry_v in_o it_o evidence_n sufficient_a to_o every_o rational_a enquiry_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v that_o when_o god_n require_v our_o obedience_n to_o law_n as_o divine_a he_o shall_v afford_v we_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v so_o such_o as_o may_v satisfy_v all_o reasonable_a doubt_n and_o shame_v all_o wilful_a opposition_n it_o be_v to_o impeach_v the_o wisdom_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o think_v otherwise_o without_o this_o neither_o god_n end_n nor_o man_n end_n can_v be_v attain_v not_o god_n end_n for_o he_o can_v never_o with_o justice_n proceed_v to_o reward_v or_o punish_v man_n by_o a_o law_n revea'_v unless_o they_o have_v notice_n sufficient_a that_o it_o be_v so_o not_o man_n end_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v any_o way_n advantage_v by_o a_o revelation_n as_o such_o unless_o i_o be_v first_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v such_o how_o general_a soever_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n have_v be_v and_o man_n belief_n of_o those_o pretence_n yet_o no_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n but_o the_o bible_n alone_o have_v in_o any_o age_n be_v accompany_v with_o such_o a_o rational_a justification_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o of_o this_o the_o fact_n be_v sufficient_o evident_a all_o pretension_n that_o way_n have_v be_v either_o recommend_v to_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o man_n bare_a word_n or_o else_o have_v obtain_v a_o reception_n by_o mean_n visible_o capable_a of_o delusion_n and_o imposture_n what_o reasonable_a assurance_n have_v the_o heathen_a world_n of_o a_o divinity_n in_o their_o oracle_n which_o yet_o make_v the_o most_o probable_a pretention_n of_o any_o thing_n among_o they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n that_o the_o response_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v give_v by_o person_n visible_a and_o see_v when_o they_o do_v it_o in_o some_o of_o they_o by_o young_a virgin_n which_o they_o suppose_v they_o to_o receive_v in_o a_o strange_a obscene_a way_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v mention_v and_o in_o other_o of_o they_o by_o a_o man_n who_o they_o call_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o speak_v under_o the_o oracle_n out_o of_o the_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o the_o vapour_n of_o which_o they_o suppose_v he_o inspire_v and_o to_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n that_o those_o oracle_n for_o the_o most_o part_n utter_v thing_n doubtful_a and_o un-intelligible_a be_v evident_a and_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o truth_n as_o we_o may_v see_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o thucydides_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o own_o and_o which_o never_o come_v to_o pass_v one_o instance_n of_o which_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o confute_v their_o divinity_n no_o almanac_n maker_n write_v with_o less_o certainty_n of_o the_o wether_n than_o they_o general_o pronounce_v about_o future_a event_n and_o the_o best_a excuse_n their_o great_a adorer_n make_v then_o for_o they_o be_v that_o those_o daemon_n that_o inspire_v the_o prediction_n do_v not_o themselves_o know_v thing_n future_a otherwise_o then_o by_o their_o inspection_n of_o the_o star_n and_o so_o can_v collect_v from_o thence_o but_o uncertain_a conjecture_n plutarch_n after_o all_o the_o pain_n he_o have_v take_v to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o right_a account_n of_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o those_o oracle_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o after_o cease_v and_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o discourse_v
of_o and_o if_o so_o these_o two_o thing_n will_v follow_v upon_o it_o first_o that_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n oblige_v himself_o to_o believe_v no_o other_o book_n without_o apparent_a disingenuity_n second_o he_o that_o do_v credit_v the_o author_n of_o this_o book_n with_o the_o same_o credit_n wherewith_o he_o credit_n other_o author_n and_o suppose_v they_o be_v man_n of_o common_a honesty_n that_o will_v not_o know_o write_v a_o untruth_n can_v then_o refuse_v to_o receive_v it_o as_o a_o book_n divine_a and_o infallible_a upon_o as_o good_a term_n of_o credibility_n as_o he_o believe_v any_o the_o best_a humane_a author_n in_o its_o kind_a to_o be_v true_a because_o they_o themselves_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v it_o otherwise_o without_o most_o impudent_a falsehood_n they_o can_v not_o do_v that_o god_n himself_o inspire_v they_o to_o write_v it_o that_o it_o be_v no_o product_n of_o their_o own_o but_o that_o every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o the_o second_o place_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v a_o further_o and_o more_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n and_o a_o divine_a witness_n give_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o write_n to_o assure_v we_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a doubt_n they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n that_o do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o such_o as_o be_v entrust_v by_o himself_o for_o that_o purpose_n and_o that_o be_v the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v and_o which_o visible_o accompany_v their_o first_o publication_n in_o the_o discourse_n of_o which_o after_o a_o due_a sort_n these_o three_o thing_n will_v natural_o fall_v under_o consideration_n first_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n in_o general_n what_o proper_o it_o be_v second_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v by_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o the_o two_o first_o be_v of_o a_o eaâ—y_a dispatch_n the_o difficulty_n rest_v in_o the_o latter_a for_o the_o first_o a_o miracle_n be_v proper_o that_o which_o can_v have_v no_o second_o cause_n for_o its_o author_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o no_o create_a power_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n can_v effect_v raise_v man_n dead_a cure_v disease_n by_o speak_v a_o word_n be_v able_a in_o a_o moment_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n be_v thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n and_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v be_v only_o relate_v to_o god_n as_o effect_n of_o his_o supreme_a and_o unlimited_a power_n and_o suâ—h_o be_v a_o miracle_n second_o for_o the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n we_o claim_v in_o defence_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v much_o ease_v of_o the_o labour_n of_o proof_n from_o a_o general_n concession_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n that_o the_o warm_a adversary_n the_o scripture_n have_v meet_v with_o have_v never_o deny_v the_o fact_n of_o those_o miracle_n plead_v in_o their_o behalf_n but_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v their_o testimony_n some_o other_o way_n neither_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n which_o we_o find_v often_o mention_v in_o heathen_a story_n nor_o of_o christ_n be_v deny_v by_o any_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n but_o both_o father_v upon_o egyptian_a magic_a those_o of_o moses_n by_o the_o heathen_n heretofore_o as_o we_o find_v in_o pliny_n and_o apuleius_n pliny_n say_v there_o be_v a_o very_a great_a magic_n depend_v upon_o moses_n and_o the_o cabala_n though_o he_o may_v have_v remember_v that_o never_o any_o law_n so_o positive_o forbid_v magic_a as_o do_v that_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o heathen_n since_o the_o jew_n affirm_v that_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a skill_n he_o first_o learn_v in_o egypt_n and_o bring_v with_o he_o from_o thence_o and_o julian_n the_o heathen_a say_v that_o peter_n and_o paul_n be_v the_o most_o expeâ—t_a man_n in_o magic_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o that_o â—hrist_n himself_o write_v a_o boâ—k_n of_o that_o profession_n and_o dedicate_v it_o to_o they_o two_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n but_o express_o both_o by_o celsus_n and_o julian_n two_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a malicious_a and_o industrious_a adversary_n that_o ever_o oppose_v the_o christian-profession_n and_o this_o we_o may_v see_v in_o origin_n second_o book_n against_o celsus_n of_o who_o wâ—â—kâ—_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v but_o what_o be_v there_o repeat_v and_o cyâ—ill's_v six_o book_n against_o juâ—ian_n and_o â—n_o truth_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o those_o that_o succeed_v they_o in_o the_o christian-church_n be_v in_o fact_n so_o many_o so_o eminent_a so_o visible_a last_v so_o long_o for_o in_o the_o church_n for_o three_o hundred_o year_n in_o some_o measure_n they_o last_v and_o the_o relation_n of_o they_o have_v descend_v down_o to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o constant_a uninterrupted_a write_v and_o unwritten_a tradition_n that_o no_o man_n have_v yet_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o public_o to_o gainsay_v they_o for_o the_o three_o whether_o miracle_n simple_o in_o themselves_o be_v always_o a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o be_v bâ—â—ugâ—t_v to_o confirm_v and_o a_o infallible_a justification_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o general_a they_o be_v not_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a noâ—â—ons_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_o to_o our_o reason_n dishonourable_a to_o h_n m_o tend_v to_o seduce_v we_o from_o he_o and_o opposite_a to_o that_o natural_a duty_n we_o owe_v he_o they_o be_v but_o if_o otherwise_o if_o they_o come_v in_o direct_a competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v not_o no_o miracle_n whatever_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o what_o my_o judgement_n dissent_v from_o as_o sinful_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v previous_a to_o all_o law_n so_o it_o be_v a_o unrepealeable_a law_n because_o it_o be_v so_o perfect_o the_o result_n of_o my_o reasonable_a self_n that_o shall_v god_n contradict_v it_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o be_v think_v second_o it_o be_v not_o against_o reason_n to_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v in_o some_o case_n exert_v a_o supernatural_a power_n by_o ill_a instrument_n for_o trial_n as_o well_o as_o establishment_n god_n have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o do_v nor_o do_v our_o own_o faculty_n recoil_v against_o it_o and_o adjudge_v it_o unreasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o trial_n if_o he_o afford_v mean_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o resist_v it_o such_o who_o deny_v this_o latter_a and_o say_v that_o a_o supernatural_a power_n in_o a_o way_n miraculous_a be_v never_o exert_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v a_o divine_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o impeachment_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o most_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v the_o contrary_a that_o although_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v bâ—ought_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n wondrous_a miranda_fw-la and_o miraâ—itia_n and_o utter_o beyond_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o reason_n to_o conceive_v how_o by_o any_o natural_a power_n they_o shall_v be_v effect_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o miracula_fw-la they_o be_v still_o either_o natural_a effect_n proceed_v from_o natural_a cause_n though_o secret_a and_o occult_a or_o else_o delusion_n some_o way_n or_o other_o upon_o we_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o i_o dissent_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o four_o ground_n first_o that_o which_o they_o say_v do_v no_o way_n answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n three_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n and_o fouthly_a because_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destructive_a to_o those_o natural_a nation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n aâ—trâ—butes_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n fi_n st_o what_o they_o say_v do_v not_o answer_v that_o end_n for_o which_o they_o themselves_o intend_v it_o for_o if_o god_n suffer_v the_o devil_n to_o exert_v a_o natural_a power_n in_o
such_o a_o way_n that_o to_o the_o best_a exercise_n of_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n it_o seem_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o and_o to_o my_o judgement_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o same_o prevalency_n with_o a_o miracle_n itself_o nor_o have_v i_o the_o least_o way_n to_o help_v myself_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v simple_o to_o subscribe_v to_o whatever_o be_v attest_v to_o by_o a_o miracle_n and_o look_v no_o further_o for_o that_o must_v needs_o go_v for_o a_o miracle_n with_o i_o which_o to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n seem_v so_o to_o be_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a such_o who_o make_v those_o distinction_n do_v themselves_o thereby_o subject_a the_o witness_n of_o a_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o confirm_v for_o if_o those_o they_o call_v miranda_n and_o mirabâ—lia_n be_v in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n as_o true_a miracle_n as_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v they_o will_v then_o have_v be_v so_o call_v and_o that_o distinction_n have_v never_o be_v make_v have_v not_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v several_o bring_v to_o confirm_v be_v â—â—judged_v a_o ground_n â—uâ—licient_a to_o create_v the_o distinction_n he_o that_o tell_v i_o it_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o suppose_v as_o not_o consistent_a with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o in_o a_o way_n supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a any_o wâ—â—ness_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o a_o docâ—â—â—â—â—_n saâ—se_v anâ—_n corrupt_v and_o yet_o tell_v i_o the_o devil_n and_o â—â—_o man_n be_v often_o permit_v with_o nâ—_n any_o mâ—ans_n leave_v of_o conviction_n by_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a to_o â—â—ect_v such_o a_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o that_o to_o the_o best_a sense_n and_o reasonâ—â—_n mankâ—nâ—_n be_v not_o discoverable_a fiâ—st_o must_v neeâ—â—_n bare_o suppose_v the_o counteâ—cit_a and_o next_o say_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o salve_v the_o justice_n oâ—_n god_n about_o that_o matter_n second_o it_o be_v against_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o egypt_n in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n seem_v to_o be_v plain_o and_o undeniable_o miraculous_a turn_v rod_n into_o serpent_n water_n into_o blood_n and_o bring_v forth_o multitude_n of_o frog_n out_o of_o the_o water_n by_o stretch_v out_o the_o band_n with_o a_o rod_n in_o it_o can_v beâ—eckoned_v otherwise_v and_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptiaus_n be_v satisfy_v they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o those_o kind_n that_o moses_n do_v have_v the_o same_o exercise_n of_o their_o sense_n and_o reason_n about_o both_o and_o be_v harden_v thereupon_o and_o that_o what_o moses_n do_v in_o those_o particular_n be_v miraculous_a be_v plain_a for_o god_n say_v to_o he_o in_o the_o 7_o of_o exodus_fw-la when_o he_o first_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n when_o pharaoh_n shall_v speak_v unto_o thou_o say_v show_v a_o miracle_n for_o you_o than_o thou_o shall_v say_v unto_o aaron_n take_v thy_o rod_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 105_o psalm_n those_o thing_n do_v by_o moses_n be_v speak_v of_o as_o miraculous_a and_o in_o the_o 27_o verse_n call_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n show_v in_o the_o land_n of_o ham_n of_o which_o it_o be_v express_o say_v in_o exodus_fw-la the_o magician_n do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o deut._n we_o find_v there_o by_o god_n direction_n a_o caution_n give_v if_o a_o prophet_n arise_v or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n that_o be_v one_o pretend_v to_o see_v vision_n or_o one_o that_o speak_v only_o from_o dream_n which_o be_v a_o inseriour_a sort_n of_o prophet_n that_o see_v thing_n more_o obsemâ—ly_o of_o which_o kind_n soever_o it_o be_v and_o shall_v give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n any_o miraculous_a or_o supernatural_a thing_n the_o word_n signify_v and_o the_o sigâ—_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v if_o he_o say_v let_v we_o follow_v strange_a god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o etc._n etc._n in_o the_o new_a testament_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o 24_o of_o matthew_n of_o false_a prophet_n that_o shall_v arise_v and_o show_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a wonder_n and_o miracle_n even_o such_o as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a will_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n and_o in_o the_o 13_o of_o the_o revelation_n we_o read_v of_o another_o beast_n rise_v up_o that_o do_v great_a wonder_n so_o that_o he_o make_v firâ—_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n on_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o sigh_n of_o man_n and_o deceive_v they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o earth_n â—y_a reason_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v power_n to_o do_v in_o the_o sight_n â—f_o the_o beast_n and_o in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n we_o be_v tolâ—_n of_o the_o take_n of_o the_o false_a prophet_n who_o work_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o book_n we_o read_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o dâ—vils_n work_a miracle_n thirdâ—y_o it_o be_v against_o great_a evidence_n of_o history_n for_o though_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o world_n have_v be_v abuse_v and_o delude_v with_o pretension_n this_o way_n which_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v when_o we_o consider_v what_o a_o superior_a power_n to_o what_o be_v among_o man_n the_o devil_n have_v by_o their_o angelical_a nature_n and_o what_o sâ—â—ange_a and_o secret_a operation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n itself_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v yet_o no_o better_a account_n in_o many_o thing_n for_o aught_o i_o see_v than_o arislotle_n do_v long_o since_o when_o he_o derive_v they_o from_o invisible_a cause_n that_o he_o call_v occult_a quality_n and_o also_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o the_o woâ—ld_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o dote_v upon_o the_o art_n and_o practice_n of_o magic_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o pliny_n say_v be_v not_o only_o because_o such_o strange_a thing_n be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o it_o but_o because_o there_o be_v also_o a_o concurrence_n in_o it_o of_o three_o such_o eminent_a science_n as_o physic_n mathematics_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v no_o way_n reasonable_a to_o reject_v all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v in_o story_n of_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n that_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n nothing_o more_o frequent_a in_o history_n than_o relation_n of_o such_o thing_n it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a resistance_n of_o historical_a evidence_n to_o think_v there_o be_v nothing_o real_a of_o that_o kind_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o supernatural_a in_o all_o the_o business_n of_o esculapius_n of_o jarchas_n so_o famous_a among_o indian_n brachmanâ—s_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n tespesion_n among_o the_o gymnosophist_n of_o ethiopia_n simon_n magus_n of_o who_o we_o have_v such_o strange_a story_n and_o most_o especial_o apollonius_n tyenaeus_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n though_o leasy_o grant_v much_o of_o what_o they_o all_o pretend_a to_o be_v visible_o but_o a_o counterfâ—it_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o whole_o disbelieve_v what_o i_o find_v in_o the_o roman_a story_n about_o clauda_n vestalis_fw-la tucia_n and_o other_o of_o the_o vestal_a virginâ—_n nor_o many_o other_o report_v i_o find_v in_o credible_a author_n about_o such_o thing_n especial_o that_o story_n of_o vespasian_n cure_v a_o lame_a and_o wither_a i_o high_a by_o tread_v upon_o it_o and_o a_o blind_a man_n in_o egypt_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n of_o which_o latter_a cure_n tacitas_fw-la and_o suetonius_n historian_n of_o great_a credit_n both_o give_v we_o a_o very_a full_a and_o perfect_a account_n and_o very_o exact_o agree_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o dr._n jackson_n say_v in_o his_o book_n upon_o the_o creed_n both_o those_o cure_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o most_o judicious_a roman_a writer_n of_o those_o time_n and_o so_o constant_o avouch_v by_o they_o as_o can_v leave_v no_o place_n say_v he_o for_o suspicion_n in_o age_n follow_v four_o the_o admission_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v no_o way_n destinctive_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n attribute_n and_o his_o providential_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n because_o god_n never_o put_v man_n under_o any_o rational_a necessity_n by_o it_o to_o credit_v a_o falsehood_n he_o never_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v exercise_v with_o any_o such_o trial_n but_o when_o there_o be_v evidence_n sufficient_a accompany_v it_o to_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o trial_n of_o our_o stability_n and_o so_o intend_v it_o be_v no_o way_n unreasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o above_o we_o in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o his_o supreme_a rule_n shall_v for_o holy_a and_o excellent_a end_n we_o can_v
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
be_v in_o itself_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corporation_n of_o debauch_a and_o evil_a man_n destructive_a to_o all_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whatever_o and_o perfect_o ruinous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a mind_a man_n never_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n bring_v to_o light_n so_o holy_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v visible_o the_o high_a tendency_n to_o those_o two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n present_a and_o future_a happiness_n no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o particular_a duty_n enjoin_v destructive_a to_o man_n true_a happiness_n but_o all_o perfective_a of_o it_o the_o strict_a self-denial_n have_v a_o recompense_n propose_v to_o we_o of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n and_o most_o suitable_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o a_o rational_a choice_n the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v this_o whenever_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n we_o be_v upon_o the_o high_a and_o most_o unquestionable_a ground_n of_o assurance_n that_o we_o can_v be_v whenever_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n it_o be_v the_o high_a trial_n but_o still_o god_n be_v please_v to_o order_v it_o so_o that_o we_o have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o oppose_v and_o will_v sâ—â—nd_v it_o and_o â—â—â—kon_v in_o only_a as_o such_o whâ—â—â—ver_o consult_v thâ—_n writing_n of_o the_o primiâ—iâ—e_n châ—â—sâ—â—â—â—_n will_v and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n upon_o which_o they_o â—hâ—â—â—lâ—_n inâ—â—â—â—d_n and_o by_o the_o strength_n whereof_o the_o christian_a religion_n make_v its_o sâ—â—st_a enâ—â—aâ—ce_n and_o ravel_v through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o excellency_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v â—o_o confirm_v it_o and_o these_o two_o conjoin_v give_v â—s_a the_o mâ—st_o inâ—aâ—â—ible_a assurance_n of_o religion_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n the_o miraâ—â—es_v justify_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o doctrine_n reflect_v a_o testimony_n back_o to_o the_o miracle_n and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n the_o proof_n be_v invincible_a and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n of_o the_o bible_n for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o find_v here_o the_o best_a doctrine_n with_o the_o high_a attestation_n whoever_o wary_o consider_v our_o saviour_n reason_v with_o the_o jew_n shall_v find_v he_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n for_o as_o he_o frequent_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n from_o his_o miracle_n so_o he_o likewise_o often_o justify_v his_o doctrine_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o divine_a corresponding_n to_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v teach_v and_o so_o make_v the_o testimony_n of_o his_o miracle_n unquestionable_a thereby_o for_o such_o a_o doctrine_n accompany_v with_o such_o miraculous_a evidence_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v admit_v of_o no_o rational_a opposition_n and_o therefore_o in_o discourse_v this_o matter_n in_o hand_n neither_o aught_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o neither_o the_o doctrine_n nor_o the_o miracle_n distinct_o and_z separately_z from_o the_o other_o but_o both_o urge_v in_o that_o excellent_a conjunction_n in_o which_o they_o be_v hand_v down_o to_o we_o three_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o this_o book_n in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conneyance_n we_o have_v from_o thence_o still_o further_o evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n and_o more_o rational_a persuasion_n to_o derive_v it_o from_o god_n as_o a_o book_n of_o his_o own_o compose_v and_o about_o which_o he_o have_v exercise_v a_o peculiar_a care_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o that_o this_o book_n though_o write_v at_o several_a time_n all_o so_o long_o since_o past_a and_o some_o of_o it_o before_o any_o other_o book_n be_v extant_a have_v yet_o in_o its_o passage_n through_o so_o many_o age_n escape_v all_o the_o danger_n to_o which_o it_o have_v be_v expose_v and_o be_v preserve_v entire_a to_o we_o to_o this_o day_n second_o that_o this_o rock_n and_o the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v make_v its_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n and_o gain_v a_o acceptance_n among_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o itself_o and_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o when_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o it_o will_v seem_v absord_n and_o ridiculous_a to_o all_o common_a reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o wicked_a sergeant_n and_o the_o stande_v piece_n of_o imposture_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o indeed_o that_o any_o book_n of_o religion_n shall_v upon_o such_o perme_n arrive_v at_o such_o a_o reception_n but_o one_o that_o contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o have_v the_o great_a god_n for_o its_o author_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o book_n very_o ancient_a and_o write_v long_o ago_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v have_v descend_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a age._n but_o herein_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o write_n not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v some_o of_o it_o much_o elder_a than_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n more_o liable_a to_o loss_n and_o decay_n but_o that_o no_o book_n or_o write_n the_o world_n be_v ever_o possess_v of_o have_v have_v that_o violent_a opposition_n make_v against_o it_o nor_o such_o design_n form_v for_o its_o ruin_n and_o extirpation_n as_o this_o have_v have_v other_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a passage_n this_o have_v be_v often_o beset_v with_o most_o keen_a and_o inveterate_a enemy_n beside_o that_o great_a hazard_n so_o much_o of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o as_o than_o be_v extant_a in_o the_o day_n of_o josiah_n when_o for_o aught_o appear_v by_o the_o story_n there_o be_v but_o one_o copy_n and_o that_o have_v be_v lose_v for_o sixty_o eight_o or_o sixty_o nine_o year_n and_o be_v hide_v either_o in_o the_o rubbish_n or_o else_o in_o some_o secret_a part_n of_o the_o wall_n of_o the_o temple_n for_o it_o be_v find_v when_o the_o temple_n come_v to_o be_v repair_v and_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v there_o hide_v during_o the_o wicked_a reign_n of_o manasseh_n by_o some_o malicious_a idolater_n with_o a_o intention_n utter_o to_o extinguish_v it_o which_o may_v easy_o have_v be_v do_v in_o a_o way_n that_o have_v make_v it_o irrecoverable_a have_v not_o a_o divine_a hand_n over_o rule_v and_o secure_v it_o beside_o this_o and_o some_o other_o hazard_n the_o bible_n have_v escape_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n we_o read_v of_o two_o famous_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n furnish_v with_o all_o humane_a power_n that_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o skill_n have_v beset_v it_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o empâ—rour_n dioclesian_n under_o the_o nâ—w_n this_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n call_v likewise_o and_o much_o moâ—â—_n true_o epiâ—â—aâ—â—â—_n the_o mad_a and_o the_o furious_a be_v prophefy_v of_o and_o plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o the_o eight_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n he_o there_o call_v he_o a_o king_n of_o fierce_a countâ—â—â—â—ce_n and_o say_v his_o heart_n shall_v be_v against_o the_o hâ—ly_a covenant_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v indignation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a this_o antiochus_n come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o most_o cruel_o destroy_v and_o waste_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v it_o his_o grand_a business_n to_o ruin_v the_o jew_n and_o utter_o extinguish_v their_o whole_a religion_n and_o worship_n dedicate_v their_o temple_n to_o jupiter_n olympius_n erect_v a_o altar_n therein_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o â—â—â—l_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n cause_v many_o swine_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o in_o sacâ—â—fiâ—e_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o pat_o a_o perfect_a â—â—nd_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o place_n and_o people_n with_o utmost_a diligence_n make_v search_v after_o their_o law_n and_o wheresoever_o he_o sound_v it_o iâ—â—â—_n dirty_o burn_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o threatened_a â—â—st_n exquisite_a torment_n and_o death_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o conceal_v or_o retain_v it_o of_o which_o josephas_n give_v we_o the_o relation_n
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o silence_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o it_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o above_o then_o when_o we_o see_v it_o have_v venture_v itself_o upon_o its_o own_o divine_a evidence_n against_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o single_o by_o that_o prevail_v and_o spread_v itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o neither_o arm_n nor_o council_n neither_o the_o policy_n of_o julian_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o dioclesian_n can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n have_v god_n disow_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o nay_o have_v he_o not_o eminent_o and_o visible_o witness_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v take_v one_o step_n forward_o it_o have_v doubtless_o as_o it_o be_v then_o circumstance_v be_v stifle_v in_o its_o first_o birth_n and_o bury_v in_o perpetual_a silence_n we_o find_v all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n have_v still_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o have_v still_o decay_v when_o humane_a prop_n have_v be_v remove_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o humane_a help_n and_o that_o ever_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o persecution_n all_o other_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v only_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n found_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o have_v weather_v out_o all_o attempt_n for_o its_o eradication_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a evidence_n of_o that_o solemn_a and_o divine_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v suffer_v and_o their_o very_a be_v in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o their_o national_a worship_n in_o which_o their_o religion_n chief_o consist_v be_v utter_o extinguish_v yet_o still_o they_o retain_v their_o profession_n submit_v to_o a_o yoke_n of_o most_o burdensome_a ceremony_n &_o remain_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n a_o monument_n of_o scripture-verity_n and_o so_o many_o stand_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o eminent_a prediction_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o success_n of_o this_o book_n also_o since_o its_o first_o conveyance_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o since_o its_o first_o publication_n have_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v well_o expect_v that_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o other_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o present_a we_o find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v separately_z and_o abstract_o upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o to_o take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a and_o all_o other_o collateral_a proof_n it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o warrantable_a to_o disjoin_v the_o proof_n god_n have_v afford_v we_o of_o his_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o justification_n upon_o any_o one_o single_a evidence_n for_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v this_o book_n as_o his_o word_n and_o impose_v the_o high_a penalty_n upon_o our_o not_o do_v it_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o command_n or_o the_o penalty_n nor_o ought_v we_o upon_o any_o one_o particular_a sort_n of_o evidence_n external_n or_o internal_a but_o upon_o the_o whole_a entire_a proof_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v afford_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o bible_n itself_o as_o single_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o enter_v into_o any_o debate_n whether_o it_o real_o be_v so_o or_o no_o because_o we_o have_v all_o the_o cumulative_a advantage_n of_o a_o external_n justification_n and_o if_o all_o together_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v what_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o with_o what_o ever_o evidence_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abstract_o insist_v on_o from_o other_o collateral_a proof_n nor_o that_o any_o collateral_a proof_n will_v prevail_v in_o this_o case_n without_o there_o be_v also_o a_o innate_a evidence_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o so_o that_o a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o evidence_n in_o both_o kind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o general_a proof_n will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v the_o bible_n as_o have_v be_v say_v consist_v of_o three_o part_n doctrinal_a prophetical_a and_o historical_a whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o prove_v its_o own_o divinity_n must_v needs_o chief_o arise_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n because_o the_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a part_n can_v never_o be_v full_o justify_v without_o foreign_a proof_n we_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v certain_o true_a from_o the_o bible_n itself_o nor_o can_v we_o sufficient_o prove_v any_o prophecy_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o have_v be_v actual_o fâ—llfilled_v because_o they_o be_v say_v in_o other_o place_n of_o that_o book_n so_o to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n and_o admit_v the_o book_n to_o be_v true_a when_o we_o be_v debate_v whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o this_o we_o may_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o historical_a and_o prophetical_a part_n from_o that_o divine_a evidence_n that_o come_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a that_o we_o find_v such_o history_n and_o such_o prophecy_n in_o a_o admirable_a conjunction_n with_o such_o a_o doctrine_n subservient_fw-fr to_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o and_o environ_v with_o all_o probable_a circumstance_n of_o be_v true_a both_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o also_o from_o the_o excellent_a manner_n of_o their_o fulfil_n and_o from_o the_o rare_a method_n of_o the_o history_n in_o
order_n to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o at_o last_o the_o positive_a and_o absolute_a proof_n to_o one_o that_o deny_v it_o must_v needs_o depend_v upon_o somewhat_o collateral_a to_o the_o book_n itself_o second_o no_o external_n proof_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o any_o reasonable_a enquiry_n be_v there_o not_o likewise_o a_o internal_a evidence_n result_v from_o it_o to_o its_o divinity_n that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o urge_v any_o argument_n from_o external_n evidence_n be_v they_o miracle_n or_o what_o they_o will_v to_o prove_v a_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o send_v we_o from_o god_n do_v not_o the_o book_n approve_v itself_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n likely_a so_o to_o be_v it_o be_v a_o vain_a attempt_n to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a man_n upon_o any_o collateral_a consideration_n submit_v to_o the_o bible_n as_o a_o law_n divine_a do_v not_o the_o bible_n upon_o a_o due_a search_n into_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o appear_v worthy_a of_o such_o a_o denomination_n i_o much_o applaud_v that_o say_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n upon_o this_o occasion_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o profess_v if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o appear_v as_o good_a and_o as_o sit_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o fountain_n of_o goodness_n as_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v confirm_v be_v great_a i_o shall_v want_v one_o main_a pillar_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o for_o want_v of_o it_o i_o fear_v i_o shall_v be_v much_o stagger_v nay_o it_o be_v that_o innate_a and_o satisfactory_a testimony_n the_o scripture_n give_v at_o last_o of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o divinity_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o final_o determin_n all_o rational_a assent_n establish_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o other_o testimony_n and_o upon_o which_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o as_o sacred_a and_o divine_a be_v ultimate_o found_v and_o establish_v so_o that_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n as_o simple_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n exclusive_o to_o the_o external_n justification_n god_n have_v encircle_v they_o withal_o and_o upon_o which_o the_o full_a and_o absolute_a proof_n of_o divers_a part_n must_v necessary_o depend_v and_o also_o because_o it_o be_v upon_o all_o the_o reason_n god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n that_o be_v require_v our_o assent_n to_o it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v not_o deny_v a_o internal_a evidence_n to_o result_v from_o the_o innate_a worth_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o our_o reason_n at_o last_o to_o be_v what_o other_o external_n argument_n persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o be_v when_o we_o taste_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o when_o we_o perceive_v how_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v justify_v to_o we_o a_o divinity_n appear_v in_o the_o whole_a we_o find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v a_o rare_a composure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v convince_v upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v from_o above_n and_o bow_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n as_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o obedience_n who_o we_o evident_o perceive_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o it_o this_o be_v premise_v i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o herein_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v that_o this_o book_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v complete_o judge_v of_o by_o what_o arise_v from_o itself_o without_o any_o collateral_a supplement_n so_o far_o as_o every_o man_n reason_n become_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o in_o its_o bare_a proposal_n appear_v to_o a_o reasonable_a enquiery_a most_o likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o by_o that_o internal_a evidence_n arise_v from_o its_o own_o excellent_a nature_n reflect_v back_o also_o a_o justification_n to_o all_o those_o external_n argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v it_o second_o that_o in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o wherein_o a_o external_n justification_n be_v necessary_a to_o ascertain_v we_o full_o about_o it_o we_o find_v this_o book_n so_o witness_v unto_o so_o environ_v with_o a_o concurrence_n of_o humane_a testimony_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o reasonable_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v about_o this_o matter_n for_o the_o first_o that_o this_o book_n so_o far_o as_o we_o can_v competent_o judge_v of_o it_o from_o itself_o appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o there_o be_v many_o internal_a reason_n of_o great_a force_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n itself_o to_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o write_v by_o his_o special_a command_n will_v be_v sufficient_o manifest_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o follow_a particular_n first_o we_o find_v contain_v in_o this_o book_n some_o thing_n that_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o all_o natural_a ability_n ever_o to_o have_v find_v out_o such_o as_o can_v not_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a invention_n not_o only_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n do_v think_v of_o before_o for_o that_o every_o book_n contain_v that_o give_v birth_n to_o a_o new_a notion_n but_o such_o thing_n as_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v think_v of_o such_o as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v know_v among_o mankind_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o though_o write_v by_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v reveal_v from_o above_o the_o instance_n of_o this_o shall_v be_v these_o two_o first_o this_o book_n tell_v we_o such_o thing_n of_o god_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o his_o eternal_a counsel_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o existence_n as_o be_v utter_o beyond_o the_o confine_n of_o all_o natural_a discovery_n and_o can_v not_o be_v mint_v in_o any_o humane_a brain_n no_o fimie_a intellect_n can_v ever_o have_v travel_v into_o such_o depth_n and_o height_n as_o by_o this_o book_n we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o glorify_v of_o himself_o by_o the_o work_n that_o he_o have_v make_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o have_v imagine_v a_o trinity_n in_o the_o deity_n or_o such_o a_o existence_n of_o one_o simple_a essence_n as_o this_o book_n acquaint_v we_o withal_o these_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v never_o be_v hammer_v out_o in_o any_o humane_a shop_n such_o as_o without_o revelation_n can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o any_o create_a mind_n to_o conceive_v of_o second_o that_o contrivement_n we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n of_o save_v the_o world_n and_o rebuild_v the_o fall_v tabernacle_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v evident_o a_o reproach_n to_o the_o best_a ability_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n it_o be_v not_o only_a what_o be_v unthought_a of_o before_o but_o what_o lay_v infinite_o distant_a and_o wide_a from_o what_o can_v be_v think_v either_o by_o angel_n or_o man_n and_o direct_o father_n itself_o upon_o that_o supreme_a wisdom_n that_o be_v above_o and_o that_o first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o consider_v and_o second_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o method_n of_o its_o accomplishment_n first_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o that_o on_o two_o account_n the_o height_n of_o stupendiousness_n that_o be_v in_o it_o and_o the_o transcendent_a degree_n of_o excellency_n that_o be_v in_o it_o first_o the_o stupendiousness_n of_o it_o what_o a_o hide_a and_o amaze_a mystery_n how_o far_o remove_v from_o any_o mortal_a view_n or_o imagination_n be_v this_o that_o the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n and_o assume_v humane_a nature_n into_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o divine_a and_o in_o that_o conjunction_n become_v the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o shall_v take_v upon_o himself_o in_o his_o own_o person_n the_o sin_n and_o gild_n of_o mankind_n die_v for_o the_o world_n make_v thereby_o a_o satisfaction_n proportionate_a to_o infinite_a justice_n and_o prepare_v a_o way_n for_o god_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o the_o utmost_a act_n of_o mercy_n in_o a_o conjunction_n with_o the_o high_a exercise_n of_o justice_n no_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a understanding_n can_v have_v shape_v such_o a_o design_n or_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o projection_n nor_o can_v any_o but_o god_n himself_o with_o who_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a that_o be_v in_o themselves_o possible_a have_v find_v out_o a_o expedient_a to_o have_v reconcile_v those_o two_o infinite_a attribute_n in_o
his_o deal_n with_o a_o apostate_n creature_n second_o such_o a_o strange_a prodigious_a excellency_n appear_v in_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o redemption_n such_o a_o floodgate_n of_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n be_v let_v open_a by_o it_o that_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a man_n but_o the_o angel_n themselves_o look_v with_o the_o high_a admiration_n upon_o it_o indeed_o all_o the_o end_n of_o god_n and_o man_n be_v so_o attain_v by_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o boundless_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v have_v contrive_v it_o in_o what_o a_o stupendous_a and_o unthought-of_a way_n be_v god_n in_o all_o his_o attribute_n manifest_v exalt_v and_o glorify_v after_o how_o excellent_a a_o manner_n be_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o gild_n and_o dominion_n of_o it_o obliterated_a and_o expunge_v to_o how_o astonish_v a_o degree_n be_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o mankind_n provide_v for_o and_o to_o how_o great_a a_o happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o be_v the_o world_n recover_v and_o this_o in_o a_o way_n and_o by_o mean_n far_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o wise_a thought_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o which_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n of_o singular_a remark_n first_o that_o a_o man_n be_v bring_v thereby_o to_o as_o near_o a_o converse_n with_o god_n in_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n as_o our_o nature_n will_v bear_v and_o as_o can_v be_v have_v in_o this_o world_n consider_v that_o infinite_a distance_n there_o be_v between_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o present_a composure_n second_o the_o great_a present_n and_o future_a happiness_n be_v propose_v to_o mankind_n upon_o such_o qualify_a term_n and_o with_o such_o regard_n to_o the_o impotency_n of_o humane_a nature_n as_o be_v admirable_a to_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o make_v ultimate_o to_o depend_v upon_o perfection_n of_o action_n but_o sincerity_n of_o intention_n three_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a homage_n that_o mankind_n can_v pay_v unto_o god_n man_n be_v bring_v to_o do_v the_o most_o he_o can_v in_o a_o way_n most_o suitable_a to_o his_o be_v as_o a_o free_a and_o rational_a agent_n and_o yet_o to_o the_o high_a self-resignation_n and_o god_n have_v the_o glory_n of_o all_o his_o act_n never_o such_o sanctity_n and_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n never_o such_o willing_a and_o choose_a obedience_n never_o such_o inward_a integrity_n and_o love_n to_o god_n nor_o such_o self-denial_n for_o god_n as_o the_o gospel_n produce_v and_o yet_o man_n still_o depend_v upon_o divine_a assistance_n for_o all_o this_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o whole_a redound_v to_o god_n his_o goodness_n alone_o be_v magnify_v man_n be_v so_o debase_v and_o god_n so_o exalt_v man_n become_v so_o happy_a in_o that_o debasement_n and_o god_n so_o glorious_a and_o both_o in_o a_o way_n so_o suitable_a to_o the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o a_o creature_n indeed_o the_o righteousness_n of_o man_n be_v introduce_v in_o such_o a_o subordination_n to_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o fill_v we_o with_o the_o high_a admiration_n and_o can_v never_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o human_a projection_n the_o manner_n also_o by_o which_o the_o scripture_n have_v introduce_v the_o full_a and_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o beginning_n be_v such_o the_o design_n of_o it_o appear_v so_o to_o be_v lay_v as_o evident_o point_v we_o to_o god_n the_o whole_a scripture_n even_o the_o difficult_a part_n of_o they_o seem_v in_o a_o wonderful_a way_n to_o issue_n and_o unravel_v themselves_o into_o christ_n as_o their_o great_a and_o common_a end_n if_o we_o dissect_v the_o bible_n and_o rip_v up_o the_o entrail_n of_o both_o testament_n after_o how_o excellent_a a_o manner_n do_v christ_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a soul_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a a_o vein_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n do_v we_o perceive_v run_v throughout_o all_o the_o part_n relate_v to_o he_o what_o a_o curious_a piece_n of_o divine_a skill_n to_o any_o consider_a mind_n be_v the_o scripture-method_n of_o reveal_v our_o saviour_n in_o what_o peculiar_a unthought-of_a yet_o strange_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a expression_n be_v he_o promise_v in_o what_o deep_o mysterious_a yet_o full_o significant_a type_n and_o shadow_n represent_v what_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a yet_o lively_a and_o complete_a image_n be_v draw_v of_o he_o under_o the_o law_n with_o what_o un-imaginable_a variety_n of_o prediction_n and_o prophecy_n be_v he_o foretell_v and_o with_o what_o a_o strange_a concurrence_n of_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v christ_n bring_v forth_o in_o the_o new_a the_o new_a testament_n be_v such_o a_o counterpart_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o old_a such_o a_o justification_n of_o the_o new_a and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v such_o a_o harmony_n result_v from_o such_o a_o strange_a variety_n about_o this_o matter_n as_o none_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v ever_o have_v tune_v they_o into_o and_o indeed_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o business_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n appear_v a_o eminent_a effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n second_o we_o find_v the_o law_n contain_v in_o this_o book_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o reach_v the_o inside_n as_o well_o as_o the_o outside_o of_o all_o mankind_n pierce_v into_o the_o secret_n of_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n govern_v a_o man_n be_v most_o retire_v thought_n speak_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o the_o ground_n and_o principle_n the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o all_o man_n action_n and_o this_o seem_v much_o to_o evidence_n their_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v exercise_v a_o dominion_n over_o the_o mind_n speak_v to_o the_o heart_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o first_o and_o invisible_a rise_n of_o disobedience_n there_o two_o thing_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v very_o considerable_a from_o what_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n first_o that_o it_o be_v throughout_o equal_o direct_v to_o the_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o thought_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o outward_a act_n forbid_v inward_a covet_v and_o lust_a upon_o the_o same_o penalty_n that_o it_o do_v the_o gross_a practice_n of_o evil_n this_o as_o it_o be_v never_o do_v in_o any_o heathen_a law_n so_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o any_o humane_a authority_n to_o attempt_v it_o because_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v only_o connizable_a by_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n second_o this_o book_n do_v not_o only_o pretend_v to_o a_o invisible_a dominion_n in_o that_o kind_n but_o it_o make_v such_o a_o discovery_n to_o we_o of_o the_o inside_n of_o the_o world_n speak_v so_o exact_o to_o what_o we_o find_v within_o ourselves_o do_v so_o effectual_o command_v we_o have_v such_o a_o justification_n from_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n that_o we_o can_v but_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o but_o he_o that_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v in_o man_n can_v have_v encompass_v he_o round_o with_o such_o a_o law_n a_o law_n that_o divide_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o spirit_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n who_o but_o he_o can_v have_v give_v such_o a_o exact_a rule_n to_o the_o manifold_a thought_n and_o invention_n of_o man_n there_o be_v not_o a_o private_a closet_n in_o any_o man_n soul_n into_o which_o the_o force_n of_o this_o law_n do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o extend_v itself_o there_o be_v not_o a_o mental_a case_n can_v happen_v that_o be_v leave_v undetermined_a but_o fall_v under_o some_o regulation_n or_o other_o from_o this_o book_n in_o short_a here_o be_v a_o book_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o our_o thought_n become_v a_o perfect_a law_n to_o our_o inward_a part_n punctual_o speak_v to_o all_o that_o be_v in_o our_o heart_n nay_o tell_v we_o more_o than_o we_o before_o know_v of_o ourselves_o and_o yet_o find_v to_o be_v true_a be_v not_o this_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n none_o but_o he_o that_o make_v we_o that_o see_v within_o we_o and_o from_o a_o supreme_a sovereignty_n over_o we_o judge_n upon_o the_o whole_a that_o belong_v to_o we_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v promulge_v such_o a_o law_n three_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o book_n and_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o humane_a life_n do_v great_o persuade_v we_o that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n and_o can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n the_o evident_a tendency_n of_o it_o be_v to_o
bring_v we_o to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o guide_v we_o to_o what_o we_o ourselves_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a that_o it_o be_v extreme_a unreasonable_a to_o judge_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a sort_n of_o imposture_n never_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v so_o dutiful_o to_o god_n so_o comfortable_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o useful_o one_o to_o another_o so_o tuneable_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n be_v most_o transparent_a beam_n of_o divine_a perfection_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n give_v according_a to_o what_o be_v eternal_o exist_v in_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a account_n of_o all_o good_a live_n for_o we_o can_v do_v better_a than_o in_o our_o measure_n to_o correspond_v to_o divine_a perfection_n no_o law_n can_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o less_o arbitrariness_n nor_o more_o indispensable_o oblige_v we_o than_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o assimilate_v man_n so_o far_o as_o their_o faculty_n will_v bear_v it_o to_o the_o excellent_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o rational_a idea_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v withal_o what_o crooked_a and_o imperfect_a line_n have_v man_n draw_v in_o their_o best_a document_n both_o moral_a and_o divine_a compare_v with_o this_o complete_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o holy_a live_n what_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v here_o how_o suitable_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n what_o undefiled_a religion_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n what_o superlative_a piety_n and_o virtue_n without_o any_o one_o spot_n of_o vice_n yea_o forbid_v evil_a in_o the_o very_a thought_n what_o punctual_a and_o perpetual_a truth_n and_o honesty_n be_v here_o require_v upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o please_a god_n do_v good_a to_o other_o and_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n hereafter_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o taint_n upon_o any_o one_o duty_n the_o scripture_n require_v from_o we_o by_o propose_v any_o base_a mean_a or_o sordid_a ends._n no_o vain_a glory_n no_o esteem_n from_o man_n no_o corrupt_a advantage_n be_v make_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v and_o upon_o the_o noble_a account_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o exact_a scripture-life_n have_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n as_o can_v well_o descend_v upon_o earth_n make_v the_o world_n as_o quiet_v a_o habitation_n as_o it_o can_v be_v and_o mankind_n as_o happy_a in_o themselves_o and_o as_o easy_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o converse_n and_o society_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v wish_v to_o be_v where_o be_v there_o a_o man_n not_o degenerate_v below_o his_o own_o reason_n but_o approve_v the_o scripture-precept_n as_o excellent_a and_o justify_v he_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o conform_v most_o to_o they_o no_o welldisciplined_a heathen_a can_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v what_o charity_n be_v here_o require_v still_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o hope_v the_o best_a to_o look_v upon_o all_o man_n with_o a_o kind_a eye_n and_o to_o interpret_v they_o into_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o what_o command_v not_o to_o offend_v weak_a one_o what_o mutual_a forgiveness_n what_o provocation_n to_o love_n what_o strict_a injunction_n to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o what_o patience_n and_o meekness_n be_v we_o teach_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v the_o nobless_a principle_n of_o suffer_v and_o the_o comfortable_a way_n of_o die_v now_o how_o can_v we_o better-judge_n of_o a_o law_n that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a mission_n than_o by_o its_o nature_n the_o great_a tendency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o humane_a life_n and_o when_o we_o find_v so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a a_o design_n as_o appear_v throughout_o this_o whole_a book_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o complete_n the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o way_n so_o correspond_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o what_o can_v we_o otherwise_o judge_v but_o that_o such_o a_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n such_o pure_a and_o untainted_a stream_n of_o pretty_a and_o virtue_n must_v needs_o slow_a from_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n shall_v be_v ever_o either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o compose_v a_o book_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o shall_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o do_v to_o make_v man_n the_o best_a subject_n to_o god_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o useful_a citizen_n one_o to_o another_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v have_v contrive_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a goodness_n itself_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o it_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v the_o most_o pure_a and_o excellent_a and_o most_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n of_o any_o we_o find_v in_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o impostor_n and_o that_o â—t_a must_v be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n for_o there_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o such_o shall_v outdo_v divine-goodness_n in_o that_o wherein_o my_o reason_n bid_v i_o expect_v the_o high_a expression_n of_o it_o and_o in_o truth_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v stand_v more_o indebt_v to_o such_o benefactor_n for_o the_o best_a thing_n than_o to_o god_n himself_o four_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n a_o full_a and_o most_o comprehensive_a account_n of_o the_o revolution_n of_o this_o whole_a world_n in_o all_o its_o changeable_a vicissitude_n and_o of_o god_n visible_a providence_n in_o the_o disposal_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n indeed_o we_o find_v this_o book_n a_o complete_a map_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o god_n government_n of_o it_o there_o evident_o appear_v a_o exact_a conformity_n between_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n and_o what_o we_o be_v here_o tell_v of_o it_o nothing_o come_v at_o any_o time_n to_o pass_v contradictive_a of_o but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v here_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v sin_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o course_n of_o thing_n either_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n a_o moral_a way_n or_o a_o spiritual_a way_n first_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n the_o natural_a course_n of_o the_o world_n have_v continue_v to_o this_o time_n according_a to_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o as_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n declare_v about_o it_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v seedtime_n and_o harvest_n cold_a and_o heat_n summer_n and_o winter_n and_o that_o day_n and_o night_n shall_v not_o cease_v but_o succeed_v each_o other_o second_o in_o a_o moral_a way_n the_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o a_o summary_n yet_o satisfactory_a and_o full_a account_n of_o whatever_o we_o have_v see_v act_v among_o mankind_n to_o this_o day_n and_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a of_o all_o those_o principle_n design_n and_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o wheel_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v turn_v about_o by_o the_o restless_a mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o see_v nothing_o under_o the_o sun_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n inform_v in_o this_o book_n three_o in_o a_o spiritual_o way_n here_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o that_o divine_a intercourse_n which_o have_v be_v or_o at_o any_o time_n be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o set_v down_o and_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o his_o convince_a enlighten_v sanctify_a satisfy_a and_o comfort_v the_o
mind_n of_o man_n no_o man_n can_v well_o judge_v this_o a_o effect_n of_o any_o humane_a design_n nor_o can_v reasonable_o think_v that_o the_o private_a observation_n or_o experience_n of_o any_o particular_a man_n can_v have_v reach_v so_o far_o providential_a occurrence_n will_v soon_o have_v confute_v any_o counterfeit_a pretence_n to_o such_o a_o universal_a account_n of_o the_o whole_a affair_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v any_o but_o god_n himself_o be_v secure_a not_o to_o mistake_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n the_o more_o we_o contemplate_v this_o world_n in_o its_o various_a motion_n the_o more_o we_o consider_v the_o many_o intricacy_n and_o change_n of_o it_o the_o more_o be_v the_o bible_n still_o justify_v to_o we_o because_o we_o perceive_v the_o whole_a transaction_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v there_o strange_o epitomise_v we_o be_v not_o only_o tell_v in_o the_o general_n what_o shall_v fall_v out_o that_o bad_a man_n shall_v often_o prosper_v and_o good_a man_n suffer_v that_o there_o be_v one_o even_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o the_o wicked_a that_o no_o man_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o certain_a judgement_n of_o god_n love_v or_o hate_v by_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n here_o below_o but_o we_o be_v so_o far_o point_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o end_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o much_o justify_v providence_n to_o we_o and_o great_o inform_v we_o about_o those_o ground_n upon_o which_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o supreme_a rule_n here_o in_o order_n to_o his_o future_a judgement_n hereafter_o nothing_o can_v befall_v a_o good_a man_n or_o a_o ill_a man_n or_o happen_v in_o any_o kind_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o of_o the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o some_o general_a and_o satisfy_a account_n it_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o any_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o especial_o not_o the_o worst_a deceiver_n can_v have_v make_v such_o a_o complete_a model_n of_o his_o own_o government_n and_o it_o be_v no_o little_a justification_n of_o this_o book_n that_o god_n visible_o govern_v the_o world_n according_a to_o what_o be_v here_o deliver_v and_o those_o law_n must_v needs_o have_v all_o the_o rational_a probability_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o the_o supreme_a ruler_n above_o suitable_o to_o which_o all_o thing_n evident_o come_v about_o here_o below_o and_o to_o which_o the_o whole_a revolution_n of_o this_o world_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o in_o all_o respect_n appear_v exact_o correspond_v five_o we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n a_o full_a and_o ample_a provision_n for_o all_o the_o ill_n that_o have_v accompany_v man_n first_o apostasy_n and_o adequate_a and_o proper_a cure_n for_o all_o the_o malady_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v a_o divine_a preseription_n send_v from_o above_o to_o heal_v and_o relieve_v the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v safe_o to_o disengage_v mankind_n from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o their_o lapse_v and_o apostate_n condition_n i_o appeal_v to_o every_o unprejudiced_a man_n whether_o this_o book_n be_v not_o a_o general_a storehouse_n a_o divine_a treasury_n far_o beyond_o what_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v afford_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o want_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o only_o more_o clear_o and_o full_o than_o be_v ever_o before_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o great_a good_a point_v we_o to_o that_o true_a summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la of_o a_o rational_a be_v which_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n with_o so_o much_o ignorance_n and_o disagreement_n with_o themselves_o have_v be_v grope_v after_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o great_a happiness_n but_o apply_v suitable_a remedy_n to_o every_o distemper_n where_o can_v any_o man_n under_o the_o sense_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n or_o under_o any_o other_o dejection_n of_o mind_n poverty_n or_o disgrace_n in_o the_o world_n sickness_n of_o body_n loss_n of_o friend_n or_o any_o sort_n of_o affliction_n comfort_n himself_o as_o he_o may_v here_o what_o a_o sacrifice_n be_v we_o here_o tell_v of_o for_o sin_n we_o find_v all_o man_n in_o all_o religion_n have_v still_o harp_v upon_o a_o sacrifice_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o live_a man_n be_v most_o inhuman_a detest_a by_o the_o best_a of_o heathen_n the_o sacrifice_v of_o beast_n though_o general_o practise_v the_o wise_a know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o and_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v atone_v by_o the_o fat_a of_o a_o bruit_n how_o infinite_o do_v the_o sacrifice_n we_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o by_o the_o gospel_n exceed_v all_o the_o world_n have_v think_v of_o in_o that_o kind_n of_o how_o amaze_a and_o yet_o of_o how_o satisfy_v a_o nature_n be_v it_o what_o divine_a antidote_n be_v there_o provide_v in_o this_o book_n from_o suitable_a example_n comfort_v promise_n wise_a direction_n heavenly_a counsel_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o sink_a mind_n it_o be_v like_o that_o wood_n where_o jonathan_n come_v in_o his_o extremity_n and_o find_v honey_n every_o where_o drop_v and_o a_o taste_n of_o it_o revive_v his_o spirit_n and_o renew_v his_o vigour_n and_o herein_o lie_v the_o strength_n of_o this_o consideration_n the_o reality_n the_o excellent_a and_o proper_a nature_n of_o that_o relief_n and_o those_o satisfaction_n that_o upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o we_o they_o be_v no_o such_o delude_a trifle_n as_o man_n be_v cheat_v into_o by_o education_n and_o acquiess_n in_o only_a because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o this_o book_n but_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o intrinsic_a value_n such_o as_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n most_o real_a &_o most_o suitable_a to_o a_o rational_a be_v in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o that_o innate_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n the_o voice_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v if_o thou_o do_v well_o they_o own_o conscience_n be_v judge_n thou_o shall_v be_v accept_v if_o not_o sin_n lie_v at_o the_o door_n we_o find_v no_o resemblance_n here_o of_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n nor_o of_o those_o vanity_n wherewith_o other_o religion_n through_o man_n ignorance_n and_o the_o tract_n of_o education_n have_v besot_v the_o world_n the_o term_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n and_o our_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o be_v such_o and_o so_o propound_v to_o we_o as_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n must_v needs_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o there_o be_v a_o self-evident_a satisfaction_n result_v from_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o it_o prevail_v much_o upon_o i_o this_o general_a provision_n i_o find_v here_o make_v to_o suit_n all_o man_n condition_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n and_o the_o great_a worth_n and_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a account_n to_o we_o of_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n we_o find_v in_o this_o book_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n what_o depth_n and_o shallow_n in_o both_o respect_n sometime_o the_o sublimest_n notion_n clothe_v with_o the_o high_a expression_n sometime_o the_o easy_a plain_a truth_n imaginable_a sometime_o divinity_n deck_v with_o the_o rich_a expression_n of_o oratory_n to_o delight_v and_o instruct_v the_o noble_a and_o large_a mind_n sometime_o bring_v down_o to_o the_o mean_a similitude_n and_o express_v by_o thing_n of_o the_o most_o common_a use_n among_o mankind_n to_o be_v grasp_v by_o the_o poor_a understanding_n and_o yet_o a_o decency_n and_o majesty_n in_o all_o no_o part_n of_o mankind_n but_o find_v here_o a_o plentiful_a and_o suitable_a provision_n for_o every_o condition_n not_o a_o impotent_a impoverish_v mind_n but_o be_v here_o relieve_v nor_o a_o condition_n so_o mean_v but_o be_v care_v for_o and_o this_o tell_v we_o much_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o this_o holy_a book_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o some_o thing_n as_o too_o mysterious_a and_o with_o other_o as_o too_o mean_a to_o think_v many_o story_n example_n direction_n superfluous_a and_o other_o whole_o impertinent_a when_o such_o man_n can_v fathom_v the_o deep_a and_o large_a design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v able_a full_o to_o comprehend_v the_o size_n of_o all_o man_n capacity_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o all_o man_n condition_n and_o can_v assure_v i_o that_o what_o one_o contemn_v or_o not_o understand_v may_v not_o prove_v of_o excellent_a and_o proper_a use_n to_o another_o i_o then_o will_v acknowledge_v they_o be_v every_o way_n fit_a to_o correct_v the_o bible_n and_o leave_v they_o free_a to_o fit_v the_o world_n with_o a_o better_a model_n six_o this_o book_n appear_v so_o compose_v that_o all_o
truth_n be_v visible_o concenter_v in_o it_o here_o be_v indeed_o a_o perfect_a rendesvouz_n of_o all_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v any_o where_o scatter_v and_o the_o world_n imperfect_o have_v have_v and_o all_o such_o as_o they_o be_v in_o need_n to_o have_v all_o such_o natural_a truth_n both_o of_o a_o moral_a and_o divine_a nature_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o world_n do_v acknowledge_v and_o a_o full_a discovery_n of_o all_o such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n natural_o pursue_v and_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o whatever_o be_v write_v in_o man_n heart_n or_o upon_o the_o work_n that_o god_n have_v make_v be_v here_o after_o a_o excellent_a manner_n transscribe_v justify_v and_o improve_v and_o many_o defect_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n supernatural_o supply_v by_o a_o most_o suitable_a revelation_n so_o that_o if_o â—_z judge_v of_o this_o book_n either_o by_o what_o we_o certain_o do_v know_v or_o by_o what_o we_o need_v and_o desire_v to_o know_v and_o expect_v shall_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o concern_v god_n ourselves_o and_o this_o whole_a world_n we_o shall_v find_v great_a reason_n to_o derive_v this_o book_n from_o above_o and_o subscribe_v to_o it_o as_o divine_a for_o the_o first_o never_o any_o book_n contain_v such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o natural_a truth_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v nor_o ever_o so_o far_o interpret_v to_o we_o what_o true_o be_v so_o and_o of_o this_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n become_v a_o proper_a and_o competent_a judge_n second_o never_o any_o book_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o much_o nor_o go_v so_o far_o to_o fix_v the_o restless_a mind_n of_o man_n about_o all_o such_o supernatural_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v most_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o be_v here_o we_o have_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o existence_n how_o and_o when_o he_o create_v the_o world_n with_o what_o design_n and_o to_o what_o end_v he_o dispose_v and_o govern_v it_o whence_o all_o our_o disorder_n first_o come_n how_o it_o be_v to_o be_v cure_v sin_n remove_v and_o man_n reconcile_v to_o god_n it_o be_v here_o we_o be_v certain_o assure_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o future_a be_v for_o ever_o it_o be_v here_o we_o know_v all_o we_o can_v know_v and_o all_o we_o need_v to_o know_v both_o of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o from_o no_o other_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v such_o a_o beam_n of_o light_n have_v break_v forth_o so_o to_o enlighten_v the_o world_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v any_o way_n tolerable_a to_o a_o unprejudiced_a judgement_n to_o father_n such_o a_o book_n upon_o the_o high_a principle_n of_o falsehood_n and_o derive_v it_o from_o the_o worst_a design_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v defile_v with_o second_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o this_o book_n so_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n wherein_o a_o etxernal_a justification_n be_v necessary_a be_v so_o far_o witness_v unto_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o reasonable_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v about_o it_o first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n and_o such_o a_o people_n as_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n in_o those_o time_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n that_o moses_n be_v their_o leader_n and_o that_o he_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n write_v their_o story_n and_o give_v law_n to_o they_o we_o have_v attest_v to_o we_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o phoenicians_n the_o chaldaean_n and_o the_o grecian_n by_o sanchomathon_n the_o famous_a phenician_a antiquary_n berosus_n a_o caldean_a ptolomeus_n and_o manetho_n writer_n of_o the_o egyptian-chronicle_n the_o latter_a of_o who_o manetho_n speak_v very_o particular_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n come_v into_o egypt_n and_o their_o departure_n thence_o and_o among_o the_o grecian_a writer_n by_o artapanus_n polemo_n eupolemus_n diodorus_n siculus_n with_o many_o other_o as_o be_v at_o large_a prove_v by_o josephus_n in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appoin_n and_o one_o of_o these_o artapanus_n be_v so_o large_a in_o his_o relation_n of_o the_o story_n of_o moses_n that_o he_o set_v down_o much_o of_o the_o business_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o many_o of_o his_o miracle_n his_o contest_v with_o the_o magician_n before_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o carry_v the_o jew_n through_o the_o red_a sea_n and_o the_o drown_n of_o the_o egyptian_n who_o pursue_v they_o his_o dwell_n with_o the_o jew_n after_o in_o the_o wilderness_n who_o be_v there_o say_v he_o feed_v with_o a_o certain_a snow_n that_o god_n rain_v from_o heaven_n and_o at_o last_o describe_v particular_o the_o very_a person_n of_o moses_n and_o set_v down_o his_o stature_n his_o countenance_n and_o his_o complexion_n many_o of_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v record_v by_o eupolemus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o numemus_n a_o pythogorean-philosopher_n who_o we_o find_v quote_v in_o origens_n four_o book_n against_o celsus_n tell_v we_o he_o have_v read_v the_o life_n of_o moses_n in_o many_o good_a history_n and_o relate_v many_o particular_n of_o he_o as_o his_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o water_n his_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o court_n that_o he_o wrought_v many_o miracle_n and_o that_o certain_a magician_n call_v janne_n and_o jambres_n attempt_v to_o do_v the_o like_a no_o one_o story_n among_o the_o heathen_a of_o any_o nation_n have_v be_v so_o witness_v unto_o by_o writer_n foreign_a to_o that_o nation_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v who_o from_o their_o great_a enemy_n have_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o he_o write_v and_o indeed_o consider_v how_o great_a and_o eminent_a a_o commonwealth_n be_v at_o first_o first_o establish_v by_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o what_o a_o notorious_a and_o visible_a conâ—mâ—â—nce_n and_o succession_n there_o be_v of_o it_o '_o tiâ—_n moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o business_n of_o moses_n and_o his_o write_n in_o those_o time_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n shall_v be_v fictitious_a and_o false_a of_o so_o much_o of_o the_o history_n write_v by_o moses_n as_o relate_v to_o thing_n transact_v before_o the_o flood_n we_o can_v expect_v to_o find_v any_o exact_a and_o punctual_a account_n in_o a_o traditional_a way_n because_o of_o the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n especial_o by_o the_o confusion_n of_o babel_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o some_o considerable_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a story_n of_o the_o first_o world_n about_o the_o creation_n the_o long_a life_n of_o man_n in_o those_o first_o time_n and_o divers_a other_o thing_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n at_o babel_n and_o we_o find_v many_o thing_n relate_v thereto_o in_o hermes_n orpheus_n homer_n hesiond_v and_o the_o most_o primitive_a writer_n of_o which_o vossius_fw-la bochartus_fw-la and_o many_o other_o have_v give_v a_o very_a satisfy_a account_n concern_v the_o flood_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o deluge_n nothing_o have_v be_v more_o universal_o credit_v and_o because_o the_o tradition_n of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o befall_v in_o the_o prime_a time_n of_o the_o world_n and_o man_n be_v general_o ignorant_a of_o the_o right_a account_n of_o time_n therefore_o they_o apply_v it_o still_o to_o that_o time_n they_o think_v most_o ancient_a so_o the_o theban_n to_o the_o time_n of_o ogyges_n and_o the_o thessalian_n to_o the_o time_n of_o deucalion_n which_o flood_n of_o ogyges_n and_o deucalion_n be_v not_o two_o other_o distinct_a flood_n as_o some_o have_v suppose_v but_o the_o same_o flood_n of_o noah_n apply_v to_o those_o time_n and_o call_v by_o those_o name_n which_o they_o think_v of_o great_a antiquity_n one_o say_v well_o what_o nation_n have_v not_o believe_v it_o even_o among_o the_o remote_a indian_n we_o find_v the_o tradition_n of_o it_o have_v remain_v and_o what_o author_n have_v not_o speak_v of_o it_o among_o the_o egyptian_n phoenicians_n grecian_n and_o roman_n nothing_o more_o common_a and_o well_o may_v we_o suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o those_o who_o attempt_v the_o rear_n of_o that_o structure_n at_o babel_n have_v probable_o a_o particular_a respect_n in_o what_o they_o do_v to_o the_o flood_n that_o be_v past_a resolve_v to_o prevent_v the_o danger_n of_o another_o which_o spring_v from_o their_o own_o infidelity_n for_o god_n by_o his_o promise_n to_o noah_n have_v secure_v they_o against_o all_o fear_n of_o that_o kind_a and_o therefore_o have_v sufficient_a occasion_n wheresoever_o they_o come_v to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o berosus_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n after_o
of_o imposture_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o such_o who_o design_v to_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o write_v a_o book_n shall_v choose_v to_o compose_v it_o in_o such_o a_o prophetic_a way_n and_o so_o positive_o and_o plain_o deliver_v themselves_o about_o so_o many_o future_a event_n indeed_o about_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v among_o mankind_n for_o the_o first_o miscarriage_n in_o that_o kind_n a_o palpable_a mistake_n in_o any_o one_o particular_a must_v needs_o ruin_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o god_n can_v lie_v or_o that_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n can_v ever_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o what_o be_v to_o come_v he_o therefore_o that_o personate_v the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o such_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o miss_v or_o else_o resolve_v to_o take_v the_o shame_n of_o his_o own_o imposture_n that_o in_o the_o heathen-world_n there_o have_v be_v great_a pretension_n to_o a_o foreknowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o upon_o very_o different_a term_n to_o what_o we_o find_v of_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o bible_n first_o many_o thing_n pretend_v to_o therein_o in_o a_o prophetical_a way_n be_v such_o as_o may_v humane_o be_v fore-seen_a and_o be_v only_o the_o regular_a consequent_n of_o some_o natural_a and_o then_o extant_a though_o more_o remote_a and_o less_o visible_a cause_n the_o first_o discoverer_n of_o many_o secret_a working_n in_o nature_n may_v upon_o that_o account_n have_v soon_o arrive_v to_o a_o great_a prophetical_a credit_n thales_n who_o first_o among_o the_o heathen_n foresee_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n may_v easy_o have_v pass_v for_o a_o eminent_a prophet_n before_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o natural_a cause_n grow_v common_a two_o the_o heathen_a prediction_n be_v general_o clothe_v with_o expression_n so_o enigmatical_a and_o so_o unintelligible_a as_o in_o truth_n render_v they_o problem_n rather_o than_o prophecy_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v frame_v more_o to_o confound_v and_o amuse_v than_o to_o inform_v or_o satisfy_v and_o to_o be_v chief_o calculate_v to_o abuse_v the_o weak_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o adore_v what_o they_o least_o understand_v and_o to_o suppose_v some_o extraordinary_a matter_n to_o be_v wrap_v up_o in_o all_o such_o cloud_a expression_n according_a to_o that_o of_o lucretius_n omnia_fw-la enim_fw-la stolidi_fw-la magis_fw-la admirantut_o amantque_fw-la inversis_fw-la quae_fw-la sub_fw-la verbis_fw-la latitantia_fw-la cernunt_fw-la three_o their_o oraculous_a divination_n of_o future_a thing_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o deliver_v that_o they_o have_v divers_a aspect_n carry_v in_o they_o divers_a intricate_a sense_n manifold_a ambiguity_n and_o to_o secure_v their_o credit_n be_v make_v capable_a of_o divers_a and_o those_o contrary_n interpretation_n which_o make_v the_o heathen_n themselves_o call_v their_o great_a oracle_n at_o delphos_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o thwarter_n or_o crooked-speaker_n four_o many_o of_o their_o plain_a and_o most_o intelligible_a prediction_n have_v be_v consequent_o find_v to_o be_v false_a and_o mistake_v and_o other_o of_o they_o have_v have_v a_o direct_a tendency_n to_o a_o perfect_a subversion_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o bible_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v by_o porphiry_n declare_v that_o all_z other_z god_n be_v but_o airy_a spirit_n and_o that_o the_o god_n of_o the_o hebrew_n be_v alone_o to_o be_v worship_v which_o direction_n have_v it_o be_v follow_v have_v put_v a_o final_a end_n to_o all_o their_o own_o religion_n so_o it_o be_v when_o the_o sibyl_n prophesy_v so_o full_o of_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o find_v repeat_v out_o of_o their_o work_n in_o the_o four_o eglogue_n of_o virgil._n we_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o for_o some_o secret_a and_o to_o we_o unknown_a end_n god_n who_o as_o the_o heathen_n general_o acknowledge_v can_v only_o do_v it_o for_o they_o still_o ascribe_v it_o even_o porphiry_n himself_o unto_o their_o god_n might_n and_o do_v sometime_o reveal_v some_o future_a event_n which_o no_o other_o way_n can_v be_v know_v as_o he_o do_v the_o death_n of_o saul_n and_o his_o son_n at_o endor_n to_o the_o devil_n or_o to_o other_o which_o they_o may_v communicate_v but_o nothing_o that_o ever_o be_v extant_a in_o that_o kind_n can_v be_v any_o way_n put_v in_o balance_n with_o that_o prophetic_a spirit_n we_o find_v in_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v much_o in_o this_o case_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o business_n of_o miracle_n the_o heathen-world_n be_v fill_v with_o pretension_n both_o way_n some_o of_o they_o real_a and_o true_a but_o most_o general_o fictitious_a and_o false_a and_o when_o true_a both_o the_o miracle_n and_o the_o prophecy_n from_o whence_o we_o derive_v a_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n have_v be_v so_o different_o circumstance_v and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o superior_a eminency_n and_o lustre_n in_o the_o one_o as_o render_v the_o other_o no_o objection_n at_o all_o in_o this_o case_n here_o we_o have_v clear_a plain_a and_o positive_a prediction_n of_o most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v happen_v prediction_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o can_v have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o any_o natural_a cause_n then_o extant_a when_o they_o be_v make_v such_o as_o must_v needs_o have_v their_o rise_n from_o the_o unbounded_a will_n of_o god_n or_o the_o free_a choice_n of_o man_n a_o multitude_n of_o such_o prediction_n with_o marvalous_a variety_n and_o great_a exactness_n and_o particularity_n concern_v person_n and_o thing_n in_o all_o age_n and_o throughout_o a_o constant_a and_o un-erring_a success_n without_o a_o failure_n in_o a_o tittle_n and_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o most_o of_o they_o record_v in_o the_o general_a story_n of_o the_o world_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v we_o suppose_v can_v pronounce_v with_o such_o a_o positive_a certainty_n upon_o all_o future_a event_n not_o to_o foretell_v once_o or_o a_o second_o time_n what_o shall_v be_v here_o or_o there_o but_o to_o speak_v with_o a_o positive_a prophetic_a determination_n about_o all_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o happen_v and_o write_v of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o world_n as_o man_n write_v history_n of_o age_n past_a and_o to_o have_v thing_n always_o right_o come_v to_o pass_v never_o to_o mistake_v constant_o to_o give_v right_a divination_n this_o be_v single_o the_o property_n of_o god_n nor_o can_v any_o other_o be_v reasonable_o though_o the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o prophetical_a book_n but_o he_o that_o grasp_v all_o age_n with_o a_o infinite_a knowledge_n span_n all_o time_n and_o season_n from_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceal_v and_o who_o with_o the_o sane_a infinite_a eye_n equal_o behold_v all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o the_o supposition_n of_o some_o revelation_n in_o the_o general_n be_v reasonable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v whole_o leave_v the_o world_n to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n which_o have_v be_v large_o make_v to_o appear_v if_o then_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a contain_v the_o most_o primitive_a notion_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o which_o the_o early_a author_n as_o from_o the_o great_a fountain_n and_o spring-head_n of_o all_o divine_a learning_n and_o knowledge_n appear_v to_o have_v draw_v out_o much_o of_o what_o they_o have_v write_v that_o give_v we_o the_o most_o punctual_a account_n of_o the_o world_n original_a with_o a_o exact_a historical_a narrative_n of_o all_o the_o great_a successive_a revolution_n of_o it_o long_o before_o any_o other_o writer_n be_v extant_a with_o such_o a_o adjustment_n of_o time_n all_o along_o that_o without_o it_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v attain_v in_o chronology_n and_o the_o study_n of_o it_o will_v become_v more_o intricate_a than_o a_o labyrinth_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v by_o several_a man_n of_o several_a quality_n condition_n and_o interest_n in_o several_a distant_a age_n with_o wonderful_a variety_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o manner_n promote_a by_o a_o unparalleled_a agreement_n with_o itself_o one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n and_o that_o the_o most_o excellent_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o man_n own_o reason_n that_o can_v descend_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v embrace_v by_o man_n terminate_a all_o in_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o man_n utmost_a happiness_n a_o book_n lead_v we_o to_o the_o far_a confine_n of_o all_o natural_a truth_n our_o own_o reason_n comprehend_v and_o approve_v and_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o
we_o as_o appear_v evident_o sit_v and_o suit_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o after_o a_o admirable_a manner_n harmonise_v with_o the_o rational_a nature_n in_o which_o thing_n from_o above_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o thing_n below_o and_o every_o way_n so_o proportion_v to_o they_o as_o that_o truth_n supernatural_a which_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v appear_v justify_v to_o we_o by_o truth_n natural_a that_o we_o be_v perfect_o judge_n of_o and_o between_o both_o there_o appear_v a_o wonderful_a concord_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n write_v in_o god_n own_o name_n command_v the_o world_n upon_o that_o single_a account_n to_o bow_v before_o it_o and_o in_o a_o way_n peculiar_o proper_a to_o his_o own_o sovereignty_n and_o greatness_n with_o a_o positive_a claim_n to_o his_o immediate_a authority_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o claim_n establish_v to_o the_o world_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o eminent_a miracle_n at_o several_a time_n open_o wrought_v that_o ever_o be_v extant_a and_o the_o fact_n of_o which_o be_v never_o by_o any_o deny_v a_o book_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o by_o the_o power_n and_o reputation_n of_o those_o miracle_n it_o be_v own_o innate_a worth_n and_o the_o divine_a assistance_n that_o accompany_v it_o without_o the_o least_o humane_a help_n nay_o against_o all_o humane-opposition_n all_o earthly_a policy_n and_o force_n withstand_v it_o have_v gain_v so_o great_a a_o acceptance_n as_o we_o see_v â—his_n to_o have_v do_v subdue_v in_o its_o first_o entrance_n that_o great_a empire_n of_o rome_n subvert_v the_o whole_a judaical_a fabric_n and_o â—as_v make_v both_o heathenism_n and_o judaisme_n â—inaly_a fall_n before_o it_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o give_v we_o the_o â—est_n and_o most_o satisfy_a account_n of_o the_o â—hole_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o it_o and_o of_o god_n providential_a rule_n and_o dispose_v of_o all_o humane_a affair_n a_o book_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o world_n be_v full_o and_o strange_o epitomise_v and_o we_o see_v nothing_o happen_v or_o come_v to_o pass_v contradictive_a of_o but_o according_a to_o what_o be_v there_o write_v and_o of_o which_o we_o find_v there_o some_o general_a notice_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o total_o subvert_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o all_o the_o corrupt_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v ever_o can_v be_v attempt_v in_o that_o kind_n by_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o man_n and_o introduce_v much_o noble_a and_o elevate_a notion_n oâ—_n piety_n and_o vertâ—e_n than_o the_o world_n werâ—_n any_o other_o way_n ever_o possess_v of_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v plain_o anâ—_n direct_o foretell_v most_o of_o the_o great_a thing_n that_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o all_o age_n thaâ—_n have_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n beforâ—_n some_o of_o they_o happen_v pronounce_v with_o a_o absolute_a prophetic_a certainty_n about_o thâ—m_n and_o have_v never_o be_v find_v tâ—_n mistake_v in_o a_o tittle_n though_o it_o have_v sometimes_o descend_v so_o to_o particular_n as_o 〈◊〉_d name_n even_o the_o person_n of_o man_n long_o before_o they_o be_v bear_v can_v once_o be_v impeach_v for_o give_v a_o wrong_a divination_n about_o the_o least_o circumstance_n relate_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v be_v signal_o preserve_v from_o the_o great_a rage_n of_o many_o powerful_a adversary_n and_o from_o the_o most_o violent_a and_o potent_a attempt_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o ruin_n of_o such_o who_o be_v in_o high_a authority_n and_o furnish_v with_o great_a advantage_n to_o effect_v it_o a_o book_n that_o have_v escape_v all_o sort_n of_o contrivance_n against_o it_o and_o safe_o descend_v through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n providential_o secure_v and_o unmaimed_a and_o entire_o deliver_v over_o to_o we_o if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o evident_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o right_a reason_n improve_v mankind_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n in_o all_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a attainment_n boâ—h_v moral_a and_o divine_a bring_v the_o world_n into_o the_o best_a posture_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v man_n wise_a better_a and_o happy_a than_o they_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v themselves_o find_v out_o how_o to_o be_v if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o by_o mean_n utter_o unthought_a of_o and_o far_o out_o of_o all_o humane-reach_a and_o yet_o of_o a_o most_o holy_a and_o excellent_a nature_n sweet_o and_o safe_o even_o to_o our_o great_a admiration_n reconcile_v we_o to_o god_n fill_v up_o that_o vast_a gulf_n that_o be_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o make_v way_n for_o a_o free_a and_o perpetual_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n thereby_o a_o beatitude_n infinite_o transcend_v whatever_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v contrive_v or_o invent_v which_o the_o rational_a soul_n the_o more_o it_o consider_v still_o the_o more_o it_o adore_v and_o admire_v and_o in_o which_o to_o the_o utmost_a it_o be_v delight_v and_o satisfy_v in_o short_a if_o we_o find_v a_o book_n that_o have_v all_o those_o thing_n if_o we_o respect_v both_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o we_o appertinent_a to_o it_o that_o we_o can_v rational_o expect_v shall_v accompany_v a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n and_o such_o a_o supernatural_a law_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n will_v enlighten_v and_o rule_v the_o world_n a_o book_n that_o every_o way_n answer_v all_o the_o great_a end_n of_o revelation_n propose_v most_o suitable_a remedy_n to_o all_o our_o natural_a defect_n leave_v not_o a_o disease_n in_o humane_a nature_n uncured_a nor_o a_o breach_n that_o man_n fall_n have_v occasion_v un-made_a up_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o present_a or_o future_a welfare_n about_o thing_n visible_a or_o invisible_a about_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o that_o we_o be_v not_o here_o tell_v of_o if_o we_o have_v here_o such_o discovery_n make_v of_o thing_n supernatural_a and_o unseen_a as_o have_v evident_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o restless_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n of_o man_n about_o those_o matter_n and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o judge_v can_v be_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a thought_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o infinite_a and_o boundless_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n himself_o if_o we_o have_v find_v such_o a_o book_n if_o the_o bible_n be_v thus_o qualify_v what_o can_v be_v otherwise_o judge_v upon_o such_o premise_n but_o that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o that_o sacred_a instrument_n wherein_o god_n have_v record_v his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n this_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n the_o world_n in_o all_o age_n have_v so_o much_o expect_v and_o to_o which_o so_o many_o false_a pretension_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v make_v here_o be_v indeed_o contain_v that_o system_n of_o law_n supernatural_a by_o the_o publication_n whereof_o god_n have_v abound_v in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o even_o outdo_v the_o further_a conception_n the_o world_n have_v at_o any_o time_n have_v of_o his_o goodness_n how_o strange_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o derive_v such_o a_o book_n from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o imposture_n how_o heterodox_n be_v it_o to_o all_o good_a sense_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o pernicious_a delusion_n by_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v ever_o abuse_v which_o we_o must_v needs_o reckon_v this_o book_n to_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n shall_v have_v in_o point_n of_o time_n the_o precedency_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v of_o a_o ancient_a date_n than_o any_o divine_a truth_n the_o world_n can_v pretend_v to_o who_o that_o believe_v the_o supreme_a existence_n of_o god_n can_v imagine_v that_o the_o best_a document_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n that_o ever_o mankind_n be_v discipline_v by_o shall_v have_v the_o devil_n or_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n for_o their_o author_n that_o such_o shall_v contrive_v and_o publish_v a_o doctrine_n that_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o best_a method_n of_o live_v that_o such_o shall_v reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o happy_a and_o best_a condition_n and_o out_o do_v the_o divine_a goodness_n in_o that_o particular_a who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n in_o promote_a the_o high_a treason_n against_o god_n counterfeit_n his_o name_n and_o authority_n and_o
whether_o the_o daemon_n that_o first_o cause_v they_o be_v not_o mortal_a and_o perishable_a or_o whether_o they_o remove_v not_o their_o place_n and_o change_v their_o abode_n and_o many_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o excellent_a philosophy_n that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o those_o oracle_n be_v that_o the_o earth_n in_o some_o place_n be_v endue_v with_o certain_a prophetic_a virtue_n which_o come_v by_o exhalation_n to_o be_v mingle_v with_o and_o insinuate_v into_o soul_n fit_v to_o receive_v those_o inspiration_n and_o so_o cause_n in_o they_o enthusiasm_n and_o prediction_n of_o future_a thing_n and_o at_o last_o that_o virtue_n in_o the_o subterranean_a cavern_n be_v spend_v and_o evaporate_n and_o so_o the_o oracular_a spirit_n cease_v what_o ground_n have_v the_o heathen_a for_o all_o that_o religion_n they_o take_v from_o their_o poet_n but_o their_o own_o word_n that_o they_o be_v inspire_v what_o other_o evidence_n have_v the_o roman_n at_o first_o for_o their_o religion_n but_o that_o numa_n pompilius_n tell_v they_o hâ—_n converse_v with_o a_o goddess_n and_o receive_v it_o from_o she_o what_o have_v the_o turk_n to_o this_o day_n to_o assure_v they_o that_o mahomet_n be_v a_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d and_o converse_v with_o god_n and_o the_o anâ—â—_n 〈…〉_o beside_o his_o own_o bare_a â—ord_n he_o 〈…〉_o claim_v work_v of_o mâ—â—acles_n anâ—_n aâ—â—â—â—_n hâ—mself_n send_v from_o heâ—â—â—â—_n to_o conveâ—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o with_o his_o sword_n a_o reâ—â—â—â—tion_n from_o 〈…〉_o to_o be_v accompany_v and_o â—â—nnot_v 〈…〉_o to_o be_v otherwâ—â—eâ—_n with_o such_o plan_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evidence_n as_o be_v â—â—ed_v to_o all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n though_o 〈◊〉_d prevail_v nâ—t_v to_o a_o universal_a conviction_n such_o as_o will_v abundant_o jusâ—â—fie_v it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o strict_a scrutiny_n or_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n however_o it_o be_v judge_v or_o by_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a man_n the_o biâ—le_n be_v not_o only_o sâ—â—h_v for_o the_o matter_n out_o as_o that_o we_o make_v appeal_v to_o the_o most_o genuine_a issue_n of_o every_o â—â—ns_n reason_n whether_o the_o justice_n helmess_n and_o gâ—oâ—â—s_n of_o god_n be_v not_o very_o transparent_a in_o it_o but_o in_o its_o gradual_a conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n at_o â—â—veâ—â—al_a time_n and_o in_o distant_a age_n and_o place_n have_v be_v visible_o accompany_v with_o open_a and_o apparent_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n such_o and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n visible_a as_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o itself_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o such_o as_o the_o fact_n of_o they_o its_o worst_a enemy_n not_o a_o celsus_n nor_o a_o julian_n do_v ever_o assume_v impudence_n enough_o to_o deny_v and_o indeed_o be_v eminent_o and_o singular_o justify_v to_o we_o as_o in_o particular_n shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o by_o a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o evidence_n from_o whence_o a_o rational_a satisfaction_n about_o a_o law_n supernatural_a and_o divine_a aught_o final_o to_o result_v five_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o must_v be_v without_o any_o visible_a defect_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o father_n that_o upon_o god_n which_o we_o ourselves_o upon_o good_a ground_n be_v able_a to_o charge_n with_o fail_v and_o imperfection_n whatever_o claim_v from_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n must_v have_v nothing_o in_o it_o unlike_o he_o or_o unworthy_a of_o he_o a_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n must_v be_v above_o any_o just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n or_o it_o natural_o become_v its_o own_o executioner_n if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reâ—son_n it_o be_v find_v guilty_a of_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o of_o any_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o be_v but_o equal_a to_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o spurious_a and_o fictitious_a delusion_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v right_o say_v of_o st._n austin_n to_o st._n jerome_n si_fw-mi mendacium_fw-la aliquod_fw-la in_o scripture_n vel_fw-la levissimum_fw-la admittatur_fw-la scripturâ—â—_n authoritatem_fw-la omnem_fw-la moâ—_n labefactari_fw-la ac_fw-la convelli_fw-la if_o we_o admit_v the_o least_o falshhod_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o ruin_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o revelation_n have_v upon_o this_o account_n visible_o betray_v themselves_o and_o reveal_v to_o we_o their_o own_o original_n no_o one_o but_o the_o bible_n can_v the_o world_n produce_v that_o will_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o disclose_v its_o own_o shame_n and_o that_o fall_v not_o under_o some_o nay_o many_a just_a and_o reasonable_a exception_n it_o be_v this_o book_n alone_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o a_o flaw_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v only_o this_o divine_a law_n that_o be_v perfect_a the_o bible_n consist_v of_o three_o part_n the_o doctrinal_a the_o historical_a and_o the_o prophetical_a let_v the_o most_o acute_a anti_n scripturist_n live_a produce_v any_o one_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n that_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n seem_v corrupt_a and_o unsound_a let_v he_o show_v any_o one_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o thing_n past_a not_o due_o fulfil_v let_v he_o upon_o good_a and_o sufficient_a historical_a authority_n palpable_o disprove_v any_o one_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o we_o i_o yield_v he_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v as_o in_o fact_n it_o never_o have_v be_v and_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v never_o can_v be_v if_o a_o book_n contain_v so_o much_o variety_n of_o history_n far_o beyond_o any_o other_o book_n extant_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n it_o a_o book_n pronounce_v with_o that_o positive_a certainty_n about_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o future_a event_n in_o so_o many_o several_a age_n and_o relate_v to_o so_o many_o several_a person_n and_o place_n contain_v in_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n of_o it_o direction_n and_o rule_n for_o the_o whoâ—â—_n business_n of_o â—ens_n duty_n â—o_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o iâ—_n this_o book_n have_v not_o a_o â—â—â—un_n to_o be_v sound_a in_o it_o if_o it_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o exception_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o truth_n in_o it_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n what_o more_o invincible_a evidence_n can_v there_o be_v give_v to_o its_o divinity_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o can_v have_v indict_v in_o hâ—a_n â—ock_n 〈◊〉_d who_o but_o a_o man_n wilful_a and_o absurd_a can_v withstand_v such_o a_o conviction_n it_o be_v the_o bâ—â—le_a and_o it_o be_v that_o book_n alone_o upon_o every_o page_n of_o which_o that_o image_n and_o superscription_n of_o god_n be_v engraven_v truâ—_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o â—oâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o â—niverâ—â—â—_n triumph_n over_o all_o 〈◊〉_d where_o be_v 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n to_o be_v â—ound_v 〈◊〉_d of_o any_o considerable_a subject_n much_o 〈…〉_o a_o â—auâ—â—â—â—_n this_o â—â—â—t_a câ—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o â—â—â—â—tonâ—â—_n judgement_n of_o mankind_n 〈…〉_o worst_a enemy_n to_o find_v 〈…〉_o pâ—oâ—ucts_v be_v bring_v forth_o in_o 〈…〉_o fail_v and_o imperfect_a nâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n 〈…〉_o the_o wise_a or_o mâ—n_z 〈…〉_o bind_v of_o this_o we_o be_v experimental_o â—â—â—â—ed_v by_o all_o history_n philosophy_n and_o all_o 〈…〉_o this_o holy_a 〈…〉_o legitimate_a off_o spring_n of_o god_n and_o thâ—t_v which_o only_o contain_v his_o mind_n authoritative_o reveal_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n so_o it_o have_v single_o appertinent_a to_o it_o all_o those_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v rational_o be_v suppose_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o he_o that_o reject_v the_o bible_n will_v find_v he_o be_v avoidable_o obâ—â—â—ed_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o revelation_n aâ—_n all_o and_o consequent_o to_o give_v some_o good_a answer_n to_o what_o have_v be_v urge_v for_o the_o reasonable_a supposal_n of_o it_o and_o some_o tolleâ—â—â—â—â—_n account_v hâ—w_o mankind_n when_o we_o consider_v god_n goodness_n and_o our_o own_o necessity_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v leave_v without_o it_o or_o else_o to_o proâ—â—â—ce_v somewhat_o that_o with_o more_o justâ—â—â—_n and_o better_a evidence_n can_v put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o it_o be_v mâ—â—â—l_o more_o become_v the_o greatness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o more_o suitable_a and_o use_v â—l_a to_o man_n the_o first_o i_o dare_v say_v will_v be_v find_v a_o task_n utter_o impracticable_a if_o unprejudiced_a reason_n may_v be_v judge_n and_o with_o what_o success_n the_o latter_a iâ—_n like_o 〈◊〉_d procee_v and_o how_o visible_o absurd_a it_o will_v renâ—eâ—_n its_o undertaker_n will_v soon_o be_v determine_v by_o every_o sober_a mind_n when_o it_o plain_o appâ—â—â—s_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o my_o reason_n tell_v i_o must_v all_o necessary_o accompany_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o without_o which_o it_o