numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o solomon_n himself_o give_v of_o the_o fool_n that_o he_o rage_v and_o be_v confident_a prov._n fourteen_o 16._o but_o when_o we_o consider_v thing_n infinite_a we_o be_v much_o more_o at_o a_o loss_n that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o eternal_a must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n even_o those_o that_o be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o must_v believe_v something_o else_o to_o be_v eternal_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o always_o be_v something_o because_o if_o ever_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v any_o thing_n have_v be_v produce_v by_o nothing_o out_o of_o nothing_o it_o may_v but_o then_o there_o must_v have_v be_v something_o to_o produce_v it_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a therefore_o of_o nothing_o if_o we_o be_v not_o sure_a of_o this_o that_o there_o be_v something_o eternal_a the_o atheist_n himself_o can_v deny_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o know_v what_o it_o mean_v and_o yet_o what_o apparent_a contradiction_n may_v he_o fancy_v to_o himself_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n for_o what_o be_v eternal_a can_v never_o be_v capable_a of_o either_o a_o short_a or_o a_o long_a duration_n than_o it_o always_o have_v so_o that_o million_o of_o age_n hence_o it_o will_v not_o have_v continue_v long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v as_o many_o million_o of_o age_n past_a and_o how_o strange_a and_o contradictory_n do_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v that_o not_o only_o three_o age_n and_o one_o age_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o one_o hour_n or_o moment_n and_o never_o so_o many_o age_n in_o respect_n of_o eternity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v this_o difficulty_n if_o a_o man_n be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o no_o religion_n let_v he_o but_o apprehend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o eternity_n and_o he_o must_v own_v both_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o be_v utter_o unable_a to_o explain_v it_o here_o then_o be_v a_o unaswerable_a difficulty_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o all_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v if_o they_o have_v it_o but_o so_o propose_v to_o they_o as_o to_o be_v make_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n imaginable_a in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v great_a than_o that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o this_o notion_n which_o all_o must_v of_o necessity_n hold_v and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o observe_v it_o in_o finite_a thing_n which_o be_v usual_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o and_o the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n every_o day_n we_o believe_v what_o we_o very_o little_o understand_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n our_o knowledge_n indeed_o be_v so_o very_o imperfect_a concern_v the_o nature_n of_o most_o thing_n that_o i_o may_v almost_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_v for_o the_o present_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v hereafter_o know_v god_n himself_o as_o plain_o as_o now_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n here_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 12._o if_o it_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a however_o that_o such_o abstruse_a mystery_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pronounce_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o think_v and_o believe_v shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v there_o must_v be_v something_o believe_v which_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a comprehension_n and_o which_o can_v be_v know_v no_o further_o than_o in_o order_n to_o be_v believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v complete_a will_v exclude_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v knowledge_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v general_a and_o imperfect_a or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o adequate_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v we_o must_v have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o whatever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o there_o can_v remain_v nothing_o of_o it_o unknown_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v less_o certain_a of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n than_o of_o the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o that_o we_o know_v less_o of_o they_o for_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o 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three_o person_n to_o be_v one_o god_n without_o any_o particular_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mystery_n for_o than_o it_o will_v no_o long_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o faith_n will_v be_v no_o more_o faith_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v the_o adversary_n of_o this_o doctrine_n whether_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n omnipresent_v eternal_a almighty_a omniscient_a infinite_o holy_a just_a and_o merciful_a be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n no_o rational_a man_n can_v deny_v it_o i_o inquire_v further_o whether_o insant_n and_o idiot_n be_v oblige_v necessary_o under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o this_o belief_n they_o must_v certain_o answer_v no_o because_o none_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o impossibility_n i_o demand_v then_o again_o whether_o if_o one_o or_o more_o of_o these_o attribute_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o they_o one_o with_o another_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v with_o a_o general_n and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n by_o any_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o rest_n the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o article_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o this_o general_a and_o imperfect_a way_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v destructive_a of_o their_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o can_v because_o god_n can_v require_v nothing_o impossible_a of_o any_o man._n and_o the_o very_a same_o answer_v apply_v to_o the_o cavil_n against_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_n they_o that_o creed_n contain_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n but_o this_o suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o think_v
for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n still_o and_o will_v have_v deny_v god_n in_o their_o life_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n testify_v the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o inspiration_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v than_o he_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n unless_o it_o have_v that_o powerful_a impulse_n upon_o his_o mind_n as_o both_o to_o convince_v he_o and_o force_v he_o to_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o once_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o inspiration_n which_o do_v not_o over-rule_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o convince_v the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o such_o man_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o if_o man_n can_v so_o stifle_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o may_v not_o as_o well_o act_n against_o any_o conviction_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o irresistible_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o either_o take_v it_o all_o for_o fancy_n and_o delusion_n or_o else_o so_o harden_v themselves_o against_o it_o as_o not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o it_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v balaam_n for_o a_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o revelation_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n love_v the_o wage_n of_o vnrighteousness_n 2_o pet._n two_o 15._o but_o above_o all_o man_n the_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n can_v have_v least_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v they_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 8._o revelation_n vid._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 8._o the_o jew_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v only_o upon_o man_n of_o regular_a and_o pure_a affection_n of_o gentle_a and_o meek_a and_o tractable_a disposition_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o tempt_v he_o not_o and_z sheweth_z himself_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o for_o froward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o vnrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 404._o purpose_n quis_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la haeres_fw-la sit_fw-la philo_z p._n 404._o philo_n speak_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o joseph_n have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n reveal_v to_o he_o 19_o he_o see_v dr._n hammond_n on_o psal_n cv_o 19_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o try_v he_o or_o to_o purge_v to_o clear_v and_o justify_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n inspire_v one_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n which_o joseph_n be_v accuse_v of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v further_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o such_o in_o particular_a by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n who_o have_v reject_v all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v reserve_v these_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n god_n have_v sometime_o indeed_o make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n baalam_n caiaphas_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o instrument_n both_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n not_o from_o any_o worth_a or_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v over-rule_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o he_o even_o against_o their_o will_n whenever_o he_o please_v but_o then_o these_o be_v peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o these_o gift_n be_v afford_v for_o particular_a end_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o man_n themselves_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o as_o for_o the_o disobedient_a st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o in_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n i._n 28._o and_o he_o there_o set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o reprobation_n the_o apostle_n all_o along_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o work_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v his_o counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o inconsistent_a to_o send_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o afford_v particular_a inspiration_n to_o all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n but_o he_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n from_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v he_o shall_v confer_v high_a favour_n upon_o they_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n allow_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o some_o immediate_a revelation_n they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v that_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o with_o terror_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n do_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n but_o never_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o some_o new_a way_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n must_v be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o great_a infidel_n will_v own_v that_o if_o christ_n shall_v personal_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o grant_v they_o that_o conviction_n which_o he_o once_o grant_v to_o st._n thomas_n or_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o as_o these_o apostle_n do_v but_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v why_o so_o much_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o those_o who_o reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o derision_n all_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o obligation_n god_n can_v be_v under_o to_o save_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o themselves_o shall_v prescribe_v who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v some_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o these_o insolent_a offender_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v will_v they_o not_o rather_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a revelation_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n or_o of_o melancholy_a and_o of_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n for_o those_o who_o have_v so_o long_v not_o only_o reject_v that_o be_v a_o modest_a thing_n but_o deride_v and_o revile_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o will_v soon_o stifle_v
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
and_o it_o be_v foretell_v half_o a_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o augustus_n that_o a_o king_n of_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v bear_v that_o year_n the_o senate_n make_v a_o decree_n 94._o decree_n sueton._n august_n c._n 94._o nequis_fw-la illo_fw-la anno_fw-la genitus_fw-la educareter_fw-la lycurg_n educareter_fw-la plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n plutarch_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o unjust_a or_o dishonest_a in_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n though_o theft_n community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o such_o infant_n as_o they_o see_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o therefore_o think_v they_o will_v prove_v unfit_a to_o serve_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o law_n revenge_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o honourable_a and_o a_o desire_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o vain_a glory_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encitement_n they_o have_v to_o any_o other_o virtue_n aristide_n virtue_n plut._n in_o aristide_n plutarch_n tell_v we_o of_o aristides_n so_o fame_v for_o justice_n that_o though_o he_o be_v strict_o just_a in_o private_a affair_n yet_o in_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n he_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o act_v according_a as_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n seem_v to_o require_v for_o it_o be_v his_o maxim_n that_o in_o such_o case_n justice_n must_v give_v way_n to_o expediency_n and_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n how_o aristides_n advise_v the_o athenian_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o most_o solemn_a contract_n and_o oath_n imprecate_v upon_o himself_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o perjury_n to_o avert_v it_o from_o the_o commonwealth_n tully_n in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o office_n where_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o propose_v so_o many_o admirable_a example_n of_o it_o yet_o resolve_v the_o notion_n of_o justice_n only_o into_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n upon_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v do_v a_o dishonest_a action_n though_o he_o can_v conceal_v it_o both_o from_o god_n and_o man_n and_o determine_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v but_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n cum_fw-la vero_fw-la jurato_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sententia_fw-la sit_fw-la meminerit_fw-la deum_fw-la se_fw-la adhibere_fw-la testem_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la arbitror_fw-la mentem_fw-la svam_fw-la qua_fw-la nihil_fw-la homini_fw-la dedit_fw-la ipse_fw-la deus_fw-la divinius_fw-la the_o indian_n themselves_o whatever_o may_v be_v think_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v natural_o as_o good_a sense_n and_o part_n as_o other_o people_n which_o 1._o which_o jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 1._o acosta_n set_v himself_o to_o prove_v in_o divers_a instance_n but_o they_o have_v less_o communication_n with_o those_o who_o retain_v reveal_v religion_n and_o by_o their_o own_o vice_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o pervert_v the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n how_o poor_a a_o thing_n humane_a reason_n be_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o all_o their_o profound_a learning_n do_v but_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n whilst_o they_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o anima_fw-la mandi_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o species_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o stoic_n in_o effect_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n and_o teach_v i._n teach_v tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incorporeal_a but_o when_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n begin_v to_o be_v so_o general_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o philosophy_n be_v in_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n for_o almost_o all_o the_o latter_a philosopher_n be_v of_o this_o sect_n which_o they_o refine_a and_o improve_v as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v able_a that_o they_o may_v have_v something_o to_o oppose_v to_o the_o morality_n teach_v and_o practise_v too_o by_o the_o christian_n iii._o christian_n theophil_n ad_fw-la autolych_n lib._n iii._o but_o the_o ancient_a stoic_n have_v be_v the_o patron_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o worst_a vice_n and_o have_v fill_v the_o library_n with_o their_o obscene_a book_n ii_o the_o stoic_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o cynic_n that_o impudent_a and_o beastly_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o they_o refine_v themselves_o but_o by_o degree_n zeno_n who_o have_v as_o great_a honour_n do_v he_o by_o the_o athenian_n as_o ever_o any_o philosopher_n have_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o virtue_n teach_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o will_v have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o most_o nation_n for_o sin_n against_o nature_n chrysipp_n nature_n diog._n laert._n in_o zenon_n &_o chrysipp_n chrysippus_n teach_v the_o worst_a of_o incest_n as_o that_o of_o father_n with_o their_o daughter_n and_o of_o son_n with_o their_o mother_n and_o beside_o his_o opinion_n for_o eat_v humane_a flesh_n and_o the_o like_a his_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o obscene_a discourse_n as_o no_o modest_a man_n can_v read_v athenodorus_n a_o stoic_a be_v library-keeper_n at_o pergamus_n cut_v all_o such_o ill_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o stoic_n but_o he_o be_v discover_v and_o those_o passage_n be_v insert_v again_o but_o these_o philosopher_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v for_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v exempt_a from_o sin_n and_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n in_o the_o original_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o as_o tully_n observe_v but_o a_o vain_a pomp_n and_o boast_n of_o word_n which_o at_o first_o raise_v admiration_n but_o when_o thorough_o consider_v be_v ridiculous_a as_o that_o man_n must_v live_v without_o love_n or_o hatred_n or_o anger_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n that_o all_o sin_n be_v equal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o crime_n whether_o a_o man_n murder_v his_o father_n or_o kill_v a_o cock_n muraena_fw-la cock_n tulâ—_n pro_fw-la muraena_fw-la as_o tully_n say_v if_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o plutarch_n and_o other_o write_v purposely_o to_o expose_v the_o stoical_a philosophy_n upon_o its_o old_a and_o genuine_a principle_n but_o the_o latter_a stoic_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o many_o defective_a and_o indesensible_a part_n of_o their_o philosophy_n endeavour_v to_o mollify_v what_o seem_v too_o harsh_a and_o absurd_a that_o they_o may_v bring_v their_o own_o as_o near_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o can_v quinctilian_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o seneca_n be_v any_o great_a philosopher_n but_o say_v that_o his_o main_a talon_n lie_v in_o declaim_v against_o vice_n 18._o vice_n quint._n lâ—st_v lib._n x._o c._n 18._o in_fw-la philosophia_fw-la parum_fw-la diligens_fw-la egregius_fw-la tamen_fw-la vitiorum_fw-la insectator_n suit_n it_o be_v rather_o the_o art_n and_o design_n of_o seneca_n who_o know_v wherein_o the_o strength_n and_o defect_n of_o his_o philosophy_n lie_v to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v it_o all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v and_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o own_o sect._n but_o 15._o but_o seu_fw-la de_fw-la tranqu_n animi_fw-la c._n 15._o this_o notwithstanding_o be_v one_o of_o his_o rule_n nonnunquam_fw-la &_o usque_fw-la ad_fw-la ebrietatem_fw-la veniendum_fw-la and_o when_o he_o have_v expose_v the_o cruelty_n the_o filthiness_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n in_o a_o book_n write_v upon_o that_o subject_n yet_o say_v he_o x._o he_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_fw-la c._n x._o quae_fw-la omne_fw-la sapiens_fw-la servabit_fw-la tanquam_fw-la legibus_fw-la jussa_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la diis_fw-la grata_fw-la and_o tully_n likewise_o in_o divers_a place_n when_o he_o have_v reason_v against_o the_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n resolve_v the_o obligation_n to_o observe_v it_o into_o the_o duty_n which_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o pay_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v their_o philosophy_n it_o seem_v teach_v they_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n but_o they_o hold_v no_o more_o than_o 1._o than_o xenophen_n memorab_n lib._n 1._o socrates_n have_v teach_v and_o practise_v before_o they_o epictetus_n himself_o who_o have_v set_v off_o the_o heathen_a morality_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o as_o great_a error_n and_o defect_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o man_n shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n whatever_o it_o be_v enchirid._n cap._n xxxviii_o he_o allow_v too_o great_a indulgence_n to_o lust_n cap._n xlvii_o and_o
when_o he_o propose_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o caution_n to_o arm_v man_n against_o vice_n and_o temptation_n how_o much_o short_a do_v he_o fall_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v speak_v ill_o of_o you_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o yourself_o but_o answer_v he_o do_v not_o know_v my_o other_o fault_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o these_o only_a cap_n xlviii_o this_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la say_v a_o pretty_a turn_n of_o thought_n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o comparable_a to_o that_o awful_a and_o sacred_a promise_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 11_o 12._o again_o when_o a_o man_n value_v himself_o say_v epictetus_n for_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o book_n of_o chrysippus_n say_v you_o to_o yourself_o unless_o chrysippus_n have_v write_v obscure_o this_o man_n will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o do_v i_o design_n to_o study_v nature_n and_o follow_v it_o cap._n lxxiii_o this_o be_v no_o ill_a satyr_n upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o like_o that_o piety_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o same_o vice_n 1_o cor._n viij_o 1.2_o 3._o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o frequent_o confess_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o place_v their_o great_a wisdom_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o other_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o socrates_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n because_o he_o know_v how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v better_o than_o other_o man_n do_v as_o to_o the_o chinese_n philosophy_n we_o know_v little_a of_o it_o their_o declar._n their_o confuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o par._n 4._o p._n 36._o &_o philippi_n couplet_n prooem_n declar._n book_n of_o philosophy_n be_v all_o destroy_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o tyrant_n who_o reign_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n from_o the_o fragment_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v up_o and_o yet_o remain_v among_o they_o we_o can_v only_o perceive_v that_o confucius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o when_o they_o forsake_v this_o tradition_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o at_o this_o day_n ii_o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v discover_v the_o more_o common_a and_o obvious_a precept_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v discover_v most_o of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o we_o find_v as_o to_o some_o particular_n in_o the_o best_a system_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o offer_v up_o man_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n and_o of_o cast_v away_o and_o expose_v their_o child_n in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v read_v and_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v deduction_n from_o natural_a reason_n may_v have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n for_o thing_n once_o discover_v seem_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v of_o themselves_o we_o wonder_v now_o how_o man_n shall_v ever_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o antipode_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v how_o america_n can_v lie_v so_o long_o conceal_v rather_o than_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o many_o other_o discovery_n especial_o in_o moral_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v the_o natural_a production_n of_o it_o though_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n work_v upon_o our_o deprave_a nature_n may_v perhaps_o have_v make_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n to_o discern_v many_o doctrine_n even_o of_o morality_n which_o now_o be_v most_o common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o what_o maxim_n be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o therefore_o as_o one_o will_v think_v more_o obvious_a to_o humane_a reason_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o spartianas_n a_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o alexander_n severus_n have_v this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contain_v plain_a and_o more_o obvious_a thing_n than_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o 2._o and_o ld._n bacon_n advance_v of_o learning_n b._n viij_o c._n 2._o yet_o a_o author_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v give_v a_o essay_n how_o a_o considerable_a defect_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v supply_v out_o of_o this_o very_a book_n produce_v such_o caution_n instruction_n and_o axiom_n from_o thence_o relate_v to_o the_o business_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o variety_n of_o occasion_n as_o be_v not_o where_o else_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o far_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v proceed_v without_o revelation_n since_o it_o never_o be_v without_o it_o but_o always_o argue_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o noah_n and_o be_v propagate_v among_o his_o posterity_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v in_o some_o age_n and_o nation_n than_o in_o other_o 1._o other_o plat._n de_fw-fr legib._n dialog_n 1._o plato_n derive_v the_o original_a of_o all_o law_n from_o revelation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabbala_n consist_v of_o general_a maxim_n and_o proverb_n without_o argument_n or_o deduction_n from_o principle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o country_n where_o aristotle_n philosophy_n have_v not_o prevail_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o undertake_v to_o argue_v close_o from_o principle_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o humane_a reason_n fail_v they_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o tully_n and_o 1._o and_o tull._n de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v by_o he_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n with_o what_o plainness_n with_o what_o assurance_n do_v two_o do_v tull._n de_fw-fr natur._n deor._n lib._n 2_o two_o balbus_n the_o stoic_a speak_v concern_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o when_o he_o will_v explain_v the_o divine_a nature_n he_o describe_v a_o mere_a anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o discover_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v little_a of_o his_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o true_a and_o just_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v to_o that_o that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v the_o philosopher_n before_o aristotle_n general_o assert_v and_o that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v form_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o 3._o by_o arist_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 10._o metaphys_n lib._n i_o c._n 3._o aristotle_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a which_o according_a to_o modern_a philosophy_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v deliver_v down_o from_o all_o
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v 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of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o reason_n proceed_v at_o least_o upon_o as_o sure_a and_o as_o undeniable_a principle_n a_o demonstration_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o self_n evident_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o proceed_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o that_o every_o one_o can_v discern_v the_o connexion_n demonstration_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o be_v oftentimes_o we_o know_v very_o difficult_a and_o intricate_a which_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v out_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o sense_n itself_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v to_o he_o who_o believe_v not_o upon_o less_o evidence_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o which_o be_v less_o observable_a and_o less_o obvious_a to_o our_o consideration_n but_o not_o less_o certain_a when_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n that_o be_v effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v exod._n 4.12_o 15._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v matt._n 10.18_o 19_o and_o if_o moses_n be_v inspire_v upon_o that_o particular_a occasion_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v personal_a as_o in_o the_o defence_n that_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v much_o rather_o be_v inspire_v in_o their_o write_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n st_o luke_n have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o above_o luke_n 1.3_o so_o dr_n lightfoot_n render_v it_o with_o great_a probability_n for_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n joh._n 3.3_o 31.19.2_o jam._n 1.17.3.17_o and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v expect_v from_o st_n paul_n they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o that_o apostle_n tell_v they_o he_o do_v and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o obscure_a but_o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n he_o write_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o you_o know_v what_o commandment_n we_o give_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o thess_n 4.2_o and_o he_o distinguish_v between_o his_o own_o judgement_n assist_v and_o enlighten_v though_o not_o infallible_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.10_o 12_o 25_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o and_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o instruct_v they_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 11.20_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n this_o be_v say_v of_o their_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o insomuch_o that_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 2.13_o for_o they_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o word_n they_o use_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o new_a style_n and_o dialect_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v not_o always_o suggest_v but_o they_o be_v always_o inspire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o word_n and_o expression_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o this_o limitation_n that_o they_o be_v never_o permit_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o full_o and_o infallible_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o 1_o cor._n 14.13_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v that_o be_v let_v he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_a in_o render_v that_o in_o his_o own_o tongue_n which_o he_o infallible_o speak_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o when_o they_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o their_o own_o language_n they_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n dare_v not_o presume_v to_o interpret_v the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v to_o they_o in_o that_o tongue_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o out_o for_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o be_v particular_o empower_v to_o render_v they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n with_o the_o same_o exactness_n with_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n for_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o inability_n to_o interpret_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o force_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o rapture_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o utter_v their_o conception_n in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o to_o retain_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n afterward_o seem_v plain_a from_o verse_n 27._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n let_v it_o be_v by_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o by_o three_o and_o that_o by_o course_n and_o let_v one_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v by_o such_o rapturous_a heat_n and_o ecstasy_n they_o can_v have_v be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o refrain_v when_o the_o rapture_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v when_o their_o course_n come_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v to_o remember_v what_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o one_o language_n when_o they_o go_v to_o express_v it_o in_o another_o neither_o be_v they_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 14._o for_o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a the_o meaning_n of_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o other_o though_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n edify_v himself_o vers_fw-la 4._o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n and_o more_o exactness_n than_o they_o can_v do_v in_o their_o native_a language_n but_o this_o be_v insignificant_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v not_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o vers_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o my_o own_o language_n in_o which_o my_o understanding_n be_v employ_v and_o the_o word_n be_v not_o all_o direct_o suggest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o language_n which_o i_o speak_v mere_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o be_o only_o so_o far_o guide_v and_o assist_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o my_o word_n as_o to_o speak_v infallible_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o that_o they_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o no_o other_o but_o in_o those_o language_n though_o none_o of_o the_o assembly_n understand_v they_o and_o will_v be_v always_o unnecessary_o and_o unreasonable_o repeat_v the_o revelation_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o man_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o deliver_v their_o revelation_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o to_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v or_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o to_o ague_n unless_o before_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o edification_n for_o in_o their_o inspiration_n they_o be_v consign_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o particular_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o it_o may_v have_v do_v great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o of_o themselves_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v that_o into_o their_o own_o language_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v those_o who_o speak_v with_o tongue_n to_o speak_v in_o any_o but_o that_o in_o which_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o by_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o power_n of_o interpretation_n for_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o to_o interpret_v be_v distinct_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o 30._o and_o whatever_a
regard_n as_o to_o stranger_n against_o who_o they_o have_v not_o that_o unjust_a and_o foolish_a prejudice_n for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v any_o where_n forbear_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o of_o unbelief_n but_o in_o all_o place_n and_o among_o all_o person_n they_o show_v forth_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o when_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o well_o know_v in_o all_o part_n of_o galilee_n have_v so_o ill_a effect_n upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o country_n st._n mark_n say_v that_o he_o can_v there_o do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n mark_v vi_o 5_o 6._o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n mere_o draw_v from_o he_o and_o then_o wonder_v at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o unbelief_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o work_v any_o more_o for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n but_o because_o it_o will_v imply_v a_o imperfection_n in_o he_o a_o defect_n of_o power_n and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o do_v they_o god_n can_v lie_v he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim._n two_o 13._o tit._n i._n 2._o he_o can_v act_v nothing_o unbecoming_a his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n he_o can_v do_v miracle_n when_o he_o see_v they_o will_v be_v to_o no_o good_a purpose_n but_o will_v be_v abuse_v to_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o yet_o to_o show_v his_o compassion_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o power_n be_v not_o restrain_v in_o itself_o but_o that_o their_o unbelief_n have_v restrain_v it_o from_o they_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o but_o do_v no_o more_o for_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o improper_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v do_v the_o require_v of_o more_o miracle_n when_o sufficient_a have_v be_v wrought_v already_o be_v a_o tempt_v and_o provoke_v of_o god_n it_o be_v impious_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o power_n and_o to_o challenge_v he_o to_o do_v whatever_o they_o dare_v demand_v of_o he_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o rebuke_n the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o sadducee_n for_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n matth._n twelve_o 39_o xuj_o 2._o but_o the_o first_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n just_a before_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v wither_v and_o of_o the_o blind_a and_o dumb_a man_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n and_o when_o they_o still_o require_v far_a sign_n and_o be_v unmoved_a with_o what_o have_v be_v already_o do_v they_o have_v now_o charge_v he_o with_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n our_o lord_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o work_v any_o more_o miracle_n before_o such_o obstinate_a and_o ungrateful_a man_n which_o he_o see_v be_v so_o far_o lose_v upon_o they_o that_o that_o serve_v only_o to_o render_v they_o altogether_o unpardonable_a in_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sign_n leave_v for_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o incur_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v forgive_v but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n this_o be_v a_o sign_n which_o may_v convince_v the_o most_o incredulous_a and_o which_o deny_v to_o none_o but_o be_v reserve_v as_o the_o last_o mean_n and_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v and_o say_v by_o christ_n in_o private_a be_v not_o to_o be_v divulge_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n because_o before_o they_o may_v fall_v under_o suspicion_n but_o that_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o will_v sufficient_o prove_v whatsoever_o his_o disciple_n shall_v say_v of_o he_o when_o they_o again_o demand_v a_o sign_n he_o have_v a_o little_a before_o heal_v great_a multitude_n and_o have_v feed_v several_a thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o therefore_o he_o again_o refer_v this_o wicked_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o herod_n luke_n xxiii_o 8._o who_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v expose_v his_o divine_a power_n to_o herod_n contempt_n and_o mockery_n when_o he_o have_v so_o late_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o cure_v the_o ear_n of_o malchus_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o come_v to_o apprehend_v he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o cure_v this_o man_n but_o to_o work_v miracle_n only_o to_o give_v man_n a_o occasion_n to_o vilify_v that_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v can_v be_v neither_o worthy_a of_o god_n nor_o any_o charity_n to_o man_n but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o debase_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o use_v he_o with_o such_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o only_o revile_v and_o tempt_v he_o herod_n be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v a_o miracle_n and_o be_v not_o deny_v it_o for_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o he_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o suppose_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o he_o have_v behead_v be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o therefore_o mighty_a work_n do_v show_v forth_o themselves_o in_o he_o matth._n fourteen_o 2._o but_o perceive_v he_o not_o to_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n he_o set_v he_o at_o naught_o 2._o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o see_v any_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o christ_n shall_v work_v no_o miracle_n for_o they_o if_o they_o want_v faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v already_o wrought_v and_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o expect_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v when_o he_o have_v give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n he_o may_v just_o expect_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o will_v receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o it_o he_o may_v sure_o bestow_v his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o no_o term_n can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o ask_v they_o shall_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v they_o and_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o with_o a_o expectation_n to_o receive_v what_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o otherwise_o to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o cure_n be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o tempt_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v he_o it_o be_v to_o ask_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o can_v bestow_v but_o they_o resolve_v only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v suppose_v that_o if_o they_o receive_v no_o good_a yet_o however_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_n in_o the_o experiment_n now_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n wrought_v be_v to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o no_o better_a consideration_n than_o these_o or_o that_o those_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n worthy_a to_o be_v cure_a who_o come_v with_o so_o indifferent_a a_o opinion_n of_o he_o and_o with_o so_o little_a expectation_n of_o relief_n christ_n want_v no_o opportunity_n of_o show_v his_o power_n he_o have_v show_v it_o in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a instance_n and_o will_v do_v it_o again_o as_o often_o as_o he_o see_v occasion_n upon_o fit_a and_o proper_a object_n but_o if_o they_o so_o little_o regard_v what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o and_o can_v again_o perform_v the_o same_o they_o but_o ill_o deserve_v what_o they_o come_v for_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v debase_v and_o expose_v as_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n who_o ask_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o can_v perform_v but_o only_o think_v it_o will_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o make_v the_o trial_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n make_v application_n to_o he_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o say_v to_o the_o father_n who_o come_v to_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a son_n if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o upon_o that_o humble_a and_o passionate_a declaration_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o it_o seem_v rather_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o cease_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o manifest_v a_o miraculous_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o that_o those_o gift_n shall_v cease_v when_o religion_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o because_o i._o miracle_n when_o they_o become_v common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o end_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v few_o will_v pretend_v to_o more_o judgement_n to_o discover_v truth_n or_o to_o more_o integrity_n to_o declare_v it_o than_o such_o author_n who_o have_v have_v no_o particular_a interest_n or_o profession_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v under_o only_a the_o common_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o if_o they_o have_v value_v as_o little_a as_o some_o other_o they_o can_v with_o as_o much_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o undertake_v it_o many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o profession_n and_o calling_n have_v be_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a example_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n memory_n indeed_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n have_v so_o vain_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o think_v they_o understand_v their_o several_a study_n and_o profession_n better_o than_o such_o person_n who_o have_v give_v undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
upon_o they_o when_o they_o least_o think_v of_o he_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o with_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a fury_n but_o to_o stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o unconcern_v and_o then_o to_o take_v man_n upon_o such_o a_o surprise_n without_o give_v they_o any_o notice_n of_o it_o beforehand_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n st._n athanasius_n dei_fw-la athanasius_n s._n athan_n de_fw-fr incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la insist_o at_o large_a upon_o this_o argument_n and_o carry_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o it_o he_o urge_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v more_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n never_o to_o have_v create_v man_n than_o to_o have_v suffer_v they_o thus_o to_o perish_v a_o earthly_a king_n say_v he_o when_o he_o have_v plant_v a_o colony_n will_v not_o careless_o suffer_v his_o subject_n to_o become_v slave_n to_o a_o stranger_n or_o to_o revolt_v from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v by_o his_o proclamation_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o oftentimes_o will_v send_v message_n to_o they_o by_o his_o friend_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o will_v go_v to_o they_o himself_o to_o awe_v they_o by_o his_o presence_n and_o recall_v they_o to_o their_o obedience_n and_o as_o he_o there_o add_v shall_v not_o god_n much_o rather_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o regain_v they_o to_o his_o service_n especial_o when_o they_o must_v be_v utter_o undo_v for_o ever_o unless_o he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n or_o a_o prophecy_n or_o of_o reveal_v relgion_n yet_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v some_o way_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o attribute_n nor_o conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o they_o for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n without_o take_v any_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o force_v man_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o propose_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o to_o offer_v they_o their_o free_a choice_n to_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v the_o obstinate_a without_o all_o excuse_n and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o be_o here_o concern_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o to_o own_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n be_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n that_o none_o of_o the_o philosopher_n but_o epicurus_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o he_o as_o amount_v to_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o divine_a existence_n and_o to_o grant_v both_o the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o confine_v the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o body_n 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be_v assert_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n since_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o far_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v as_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n mankind_n have_v neither_o the_o will_v nor_o ability_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o have_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a revelation_n natural_a reason_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v less_o wicked_a but_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o righteous_a but_o a_o revelation_n and_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v fall_v into_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v but_o these_o two_o either_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o of_o prophesy_v and_o foretell_v future_a event_n bestow_v upon_o some_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_a and_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o it_o can_v seem_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o inspire_v or_o make_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o either_o he_o must_v so_o powerful_o influence_n their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o to_o take_v away_o their_o choice_n and_o freedom_n of_o act_v which_o will_v be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o humane_a nature_n or_o else_o man_n will_v
those_o apprehension_n with_o their_o accustom_a argument_n for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n i_o hope_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o all_o but_o atheist_n must_v he_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v they_o and_o atheist_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o beside_o their_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o never_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o such_o as_o this_o conceit_n must_v be_v calculate_v for_o this_o supposition_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a will_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o continual_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o every_o one_o may_v pretend_v to_o other_o what_o he_o please_v and_o we_o know_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o another_o against_o a_o express_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o will_v often_o happen_v from_o what_o we_o every_o day_n experience_n for_o if_o man_n can_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o other_o against_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o act_v against_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o though_o revelation_n be_v as_o common_a and_o familiar_a a_o thing_n among_o man_n as_o reason_n itself_o be_v so_o that_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a man_n will_v have_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a they_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v design_v and_o will_v have_v give_v many_o more_o pretence_n to_o imposture_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v many_o consideration_n even_o in_o a_o wicked_a world_n to_o move_v the_o compassion_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n towards_o mankind_n though_o all_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o become_v righteous_a yet_o some_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o commit_v heinous_a impiety_n through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a be_v never_o without_o excuse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o inexcusable_a because_o god_n have_v always_o a_o reveal_v will_n which_o he_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o they_o have_v live_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a have_v many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n yet_o much_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n before_o the_o gospel_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a manner_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v do_v before_o and_o to_o afford_v man_n full_a mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o god_n have_v make_v these_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o indue_a certain_a man_n with_o a_o power_n of_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o other_o and_o to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v god_n will_v not_o create_v mankind_n and_o then_o take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o since_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n they_o better_o deserve_v his_o care_n and_o have_v ever_o after_o stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o and_o can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v happy_a either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o term_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o every_o person_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n both_o because_o so_o much_o condescension_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v ill_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v have_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n but_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o in_o afford_v pretence_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n and_o where_o two_o several_a mean_n be_v alike_o suitable_a to_o any_o end_n no_o man_n sure_o will_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o say_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v use_v one_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o much_o less_o when_o one_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o the_o other_o the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v ii_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o sit_v and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o those_o inconvenience_n with_o which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v be_v there_o be_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n but_o it_o have_v the_o design_v effect_n upon_o many_o person_n the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o there_o be_v as_o effectual_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v imposture_n as_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v and_o as_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v none_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v so_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o usefulness_n which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v if_o they_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o that_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v do_v be_v to_o afford_v man_n the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n as_o certain_o as_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o this_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n do_v 1._o concern_v prophecy_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o oracle_n and_o lie_a divination_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n show_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o by_o prophecy_n which_o make_v they_o so_o prone_a to_o receive_v false_a prophecy_n from_o their_o false_a go_n and_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o true_a god_n many_o prophecy_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n omniscient_a can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o in_o their_o accomplishment_n must_v carry_v a_o indisputable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n along_o with_o they_o such_o be_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n afterward_o which_o in_o the_o fulfil_n depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v to_o but_o by_o their_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v foresee_v so_o long_o before_o either_o the_o action_n or_o the_o agent_n themselves_o have_v any_o existence_n or_o how_o contingency_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o infallible_a prescience_n and_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o his_o prophet_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o he_o that_o form_v the_o mountain_n and_o creat_v the_o wind_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v his_o thought_n the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n amos_n four_o 13._o for_o which_o reason_n the_o false_a god_n be_v challenge_v to_o foretell_v these_o thing_n show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n he_o foretell_v the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o martyrdom_n and_o both_o be_v foretell_v to_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o his_o denial_n but_o a_o very_a little_a while_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v when_o st._n peter_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n impossible_a who_o alone_o can_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o hinder_v it_o he_o prophesy_v of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v about_o forty_o year_n after_o his_o own_o death_n within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o generation_n as_o he_o have_v foretell_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o city_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o ground_n plough_v up_o so_o that_o one_o stone_n be_v not_o leave_v upon_o another_o of_o all_o the_o magnificent_a building_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o the_o disciple_n so_o much_o admire_v when_o our_o saviour_n tell_v they_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o fate_n of_o that_o glorious_a pile_n matt._n xxii_o 2._o and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v upon_o another_o occasion_n when_o julian_n with_o a_o design_n 21._o design_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sozom._n lib._n 5._o c._n 21._o to_o defeat_v this_o prophecy_n endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o rebuilt_a both_o the_o work_n and_o the_o workman_n be_v miraculous_o destroy_v by_o a_o fire_n burst_v out_o of_o the_o ground_n the_o inhabitant_n fall_v by_o the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o be_v lead_v away_o captive_a into_o all_o nation_n luke_n xxi_o 24._o the_o chief_a place_n of_o security_n be_v the_o mountainous_a part_n of_o judea_n which_o our_o saviour_n foresee_v when_o he_o advise_v his_o disciple_n to_o flee_v to_o the_o mountain_n matt._n xxiv_o 16._o and_o cestius_n gallus_n compass_v jerusalem_n with_o his_o army_n which_o be_v a_o warning_n to_o the_o christian_n to_o depart_v and_o then_o by_o raise_v the_o siege_n give_v they_o a_o opportunity_n to_o escape_v to_o pella_n in_o the_o mountain_n of_o perea_n exact_o according_a to_o luke_n xxi_o 20_o 21._o and_o what_o dion_n cassius_n relate_v in_o the_o reign_v of_o claudius_n nero_n vitellius_n and_o titus_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o comment_n upon_o our_o saviour_n prophecy_n for_o there_o be_v famine_n and_o pestilence_n fearful_a sight_n and_o great_a sign_n from_o heaven_n and_o great_a earthquake_n the_o sea_n and_o the_o wave_n roar_v xxi_o 11_o 25._o the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n do_v not_o give_v her_o light_n matt._n xxiv_o 29._o man_n heart_n fail_v they_o for_o fear_n and_o for_o look_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v come_v on_o the_o earth_n luke_n xxi_o 26._o and_o there_o be_v so_o terrible_a a_o eruption_n of_o vesuvius_n that_o the_o ash_n be_v carry_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o africa_n and_o into_o egypt_n and_o syria_n with_o so_o great_a smoke_n and_o darkness_n that_o it_o be_v think_v the_o world_n have_v be_v at_o a_o end_n our_o saviour_n miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n for_o the_o jew_n expect_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v manifest_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o they_o conclude_v from_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n baptist_n do_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v for_o the_o messiah_n of_o who_o miracle_n be_v a_o principal_a token_n to_o know_v he_o by_o his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o his_o divine_a power_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o before_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o they_o and_o as_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v perform_v but_o by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n and_o fish_n be_v twice_o do_v and_o the_o person_n who_o be_v witness_n to_o it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n five_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n fourteen_o 21._o and_o the_o other_o time_n four_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n matt._n xv_o 38._o a_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o two_o several_a time_n and_o obvious_a to_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o man_n beside_o woman_n and_o child_n who_o be_v hungry_a find_v themselves_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v with_o this_o miraculous_a food_n in_o the_o barren_a wilderness_n where_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v supply_v by_o natural_a mean_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o public_a and_o undeniable_a that_o st._n peter_n appeal_v to_o the_o jew_n themselves_o declare_v that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v a_o man_n approve_v of_o god_n among_o they_o by_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o sign_n which_o god_n do_v by_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o as_o they_o themselves_o also_o know_v act_v two_o 22._o the_o nobleman_n son_n be_v cure_v at_o a_o distance_n and_o the_o multitude_n be_v witness_n to_o the_o request_n he_o make_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o to_o our_o saviour_n answer_n upon_o it_o and_o the_o nobleman_n family_n be_v witness_n that_o the_o cure_n be_v effect_v at_o that_o very_a time_n he_o cast_v devil_n out_o of_o one_o know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o long_a time_n possess_v and_o then_o suffer_v they_o to_o go_v into_o the_o swine_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o evil_a spirit_n which_o have_v possess_v the_o man_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sadducee_n who_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o spirit_n he_o cure_v the_o leprosy_n and_o send_v the_o cure_v to_o the_o priest_n as_o the_o law_n require_v that_o he_o by_o inspection_n may_v examine_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a cure_n or_o no._n he_o give_v sight_n to_o one_o bear_v blind_a and_o this_o be_v upon_o examination_n attest_v to_o the_o pharisee_n themselves_o lazarus_n be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v dead_a four_o day_n before_o so_o many_o witness_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v not_o able_a to_o contradict_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o be_v mighty_o enrage_v against_o he_o for_o it_o and_o consult_v to_o put_v lazarus_n to_o death_n because_o many_o be_v induce_v to_o believe_v on_o christ_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a and_o manifest_a a_o miracle_n some_o who_o have_v be_v cure_v and_o other_o who_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o our_o saviour_n be_v live_v for_o many_o year_n after_o catalogue_n after_o enseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 13._o hieron_n catalogue_n as_o quadratus_n testify_v of_o his_o own_o time_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n the_o emperor_n the_o circumstance_n of_o these_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n show_v that_o they_o be_v real_o perform_v and_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o this_o intent_n and_o design_n to_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n the_o nature_n therefore_o and_o end_v of_o they_o show_v that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a power_n can_v have_v effect_v they_o for_o god_n will_v never_o have_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v wrought_v to_o vouch_v a_o imposture_n to_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n evangelio_n authority_n guil._n ader_n me_fw-it dici_fw-la enarrationes_fw-la de_fw-la a_o grotis_fw-la &_o morbis_fw-la in_o evangelio_n a_o â—earned_a physician_n have_v write_v a_o treatise_n to_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n and_o axiom_n of_o the_o best_a physician_n all_o the_o disease_n which_o our_o saviour_n cure_v be_v incurable_a by_o natural_a mean_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o man_n that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v so_o but_o i_o shall_v insist_v more_o particular_o upon_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o most_o wonderful_a and_o a_o confirmation_n of_o all_o his_o other_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o we_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o david_n psal_n xuj_o 8._o act._n two_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o isaac_n deliverance_n when_o he_o have_v be_v offer_v up_o by_o abraham_n who_o both_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o even_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o receive_v he_o also_o from_o thence_o in_o a_o figure_n heb._n xi_o 19_o and_o it_o be_v also_o prefigure_v by_o the_o type_n of_o ionas_n his_o be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o whale_n belly_n matt._n twelve_o 40._o our_o saviour_n be_v three_o day_n and_o three_o night_n in_o the_o grave_a that_o be_v three_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o three_o natural_a day_n according_a
they_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o their_o former_a hope_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o israel_n by_o he_o luke_n xxiv_o 21._o which_o before_o they_o have_v imagine_v to_o themselves_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o his_o raise_n himself_o from_o that_o meanness_n to_o a_o throne_n not_o by_o his_o restore_a himself_o to_o life_n again_o after_o he_o have_v be_v bury_v three_o day_n the_o notion_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v of_o a_o resurrection_n be_v only_a that_o of_o the_o last_o day_n john_n xi_o 24._o and_o whatever_n be_v say_v of_o any_o other_o resurrection_n they_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v mean_v only_o in_o allusion_n to_o that_o they_o question_v one_o with_o another_o what_o the_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a shall_v mean_v they_o understand_v not_o that_o say_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o ask_v he_o mark_v ix_o 10_o 32._o the_o apostle_n therefore_o and_o other_o disciple_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a or_o forward_o to_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o inquisitive_a and_o careful_a not_o to_o be_v impose_v upon_o but_o they_o be_v exceed_o diffident_a the_o woman_n that_o go_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v so_o far_o from_o expect_v to_o find_v he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o a_o preparation_n of_o spice_n to_o embalm_v his_o corpse_n mar._n xuj_o 1._o and_o not_o find_v the_o body_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n they_o be_v much_o perplex_v at_o it_o not_o remember_v the_o word_n which_o jesus_n have_v speak_v to_o they_o concern_v the_o resurrection_n till_o the_o two_o man_n who_o stand_v by_o they_o in_o shine_a garment_n have_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o they_o luke_n xxiv_o 4.8_o but_o when_o they_o return_v from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o tell_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o the_o eleven_o and_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n their_o word_n seem_v to_o they_o as_o idle_a tale_n and_o they_o believe_v they_o not_o verse_n 9_o 11._o and_o mary_n magdalen_n herself_o though_o she_o have_v see_v this_o vision_n yet_o go_v to_o they_o with_o this_o complaint_n they_o have_v take_v away_o the_o lord_n out_o of_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o jo._n xx_o 2._o then_o peter_n run_v unto_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o stoop_v down_o behold_v the_o linen_n clòth_v lay_v by_o themselves_o and_o depart_v wonder_v in_o himself_o at_o that_o which_o be_v come_v to_o pass_v luke_n xxiv_o 12._o st._n john_n run_v to_o the_o sepulchre_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o go_v into_o it_o see_v and_o believe_v but_o he_o declare_v that_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v not_o the_o scripture_n that_o he_o must_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a jo._n xx_o 8_o 9_o marry_o magdalen_n stand_v without_o still_o weep_v and_o complain_v to_o the_o two_o angel_n who_o ask_v she_o the_o cause_n they_o have_v take_v away_o my_o lord_n and_o i_o know_v not_o where_o they_o have_v lay_v he_o v._o 13._o and_o again_o to_o our_o saviour_n himself_o not_o know_v he_o but_o suppose_v he_o to_o have_v be_v the_o gardener_n sir_n if_o thou_o have_v bear_v he_o hence_o tell_v i_o where_o thou_o haste_v lay_v he_o and_o i_o will_v take_v he_o away_o v._o 15._o and_o after_o she_o be_v herself_o convince_v of_o the_o resurrection_n when_o she_o tell_v his_o disciple_n they_o believe_v not_o mark_v xuj_o 11._o when_o our_o saviour_n appear_v to_o the_o two_o disciple_n in_o the_o way_n to_o emaus_n he_o find_v they_o reason_v and_o talk_v together_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v happen_v and_o they_o be_v sorrowful_a at_o the_o thought_n of_o they_o and_o when_o he_o inquire_v the_o reason_n they_o give_v he_o such_o a_o account_n as_o show_v the_o doubtful_a and_o despond_v apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o their_o present_a condition_n insomuch_o that_o he_o answer_v they_o with_o a_o severe_a rebuke_n o_o fool_n and_o slow_a of_o heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v luke_n xxiv_o 25._o and_o afterward_o when_o these_o two_o be_v convince_v themselves_o and_o tell_v the_o rest_n what_o have_v happen_v neither_o believe_v they_o they_o mark_v xuj_o 13._o and_o when_o immediate_o upon_o this_o jesus_n stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o they_o be_v yet_o only_o terrify_v and_o frighten_v and_o suppose_v that_o they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n and_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o why_o be_v you_o trouble_v and_o why_o do_v thought_n arise_v in_o your_o heart_n behold_v my_o hand_n and_o my_o foot_n that_o it_o be_v i_o myself_o handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o then_o show_v they_o his_o hand_n and_o his_o foot_n yet_o still_o after_o all_o this_o they_o believe_v not_o for_o joy_v but_o wonder_v and_o be_v not_o settle_v in_o their_o belief_n of_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v till_o he_o take_v meat_n and_o do_v eat_v it_o before_o they_o luke_n xxiv_o 36._o and_o then_o he_o open_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o may_v understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o declare_v they_o the_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n and_o you_o be_v witness_n of_o these_o thing_n v._o 48._o after_o all_o these_o proof_n st._n thomas_n one_o of_o the_o twelve_o not_o be_v with_o they_o when_o jesus_n have_v appear_v to_o they_o the_o other_o disciple_n tell_v he_o they_o have_v see_v the_o lord_n but_o he_o be_v peremptory_a and_o resolute_a in_o it_o that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v alive_a again_o except_o he_o shall_v see_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o put_v his_o finger_n into_o the_o print_n of_o the_o nail_n and_o thrust_v his_o hand_n into_o his_o side_n after_o eight_o day_n jesus_n come_v to_o they_o again_o and_o to_o convince_v st._n thomas_n and_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a pretence_n of_o incredulity_n for_o the_o future_a he_o grant_v he_o the_o satisfaction_n he_o desire_v and_o say_v unto_o he_o reach_v hither_o thy_o finger_n and_o behold_v my_o hand_n and_o reach_v hither_o thy_o hand_n and_o thrust_v it_o into_o my_o side_n and_o be_v not_o faithless_a but_o believe_v and_o st._n thomas_n who_o before_o be_v so_o doubtful_a be_v now_o full_o convince_v by_o this_o infallible_a evidence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o this_o confession_n my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n joh._n xx_o 27_o 28._o thus_o do_v christ_n show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o apostle_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n act._n 1.3_o and_o not_o of_o they_o only_o but_o of_o above_o five_o hundred_o brethren_n at_o once_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o but_o the_o apostle_n be_v his_o choose_a witness_n who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a act._n x._o 41._o and_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v take_v up_o while_o they_o be_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o convey_v in_o a_o cloud_n out_o of_o their_o sight_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v look_v up_o after_o he_o steadfast_o into_o heaven_n two_o angel_n stand_v by_o they_o and_o assure_v they_o that_o as_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n so_o he_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n come_v down_o from_o thence_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o he_o afcend_v not_o alone_o but_o with_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o a_o passage_n in_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n ult_n apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n st._n thaddaeus_n preserve_v by_o eusebius_n after_o his_o aseension_n he_o be_v see_v not_o only_o by_o st._n stephen_n to_o comfort_n and_o support_v he_o at_o his_o martyrdom_n but_o by_o s._n paul_n who_o be_v thereby_o stop_v in_o the_o full_a speed_n of_o his_o persecution_n his_o conversion_n be_v so_o sudden_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o that_o alone_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_a but_o to_o give_v he_o the_o complete_a qualification_n of_o a_o apostle_n to_o become_v a_o witness_n of_o christ_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n he_o be_v please_v to_o appear_v to_o he_o from_o thence_o all_o circumstance_n therefore_o concur_v to_o show_v that_o the_o apostle_n have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n full_o to_o inform_v themselves_o in_o all_o particular_n that_o they_o use_v all_o mean_n to_o do_v it_o with_o their_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n that_o they_o be_v suspicious_a and_o distructful_a and_o that_o nothing_o but_o the_o clear_a conviction_n of_o all_o their_o sense_n can_v have_v satisfy_v they_o the_o apostle_n have_v converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n for_o some_o year_n
christ_n be_v rise_v by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n beside_o st._n matthew_n write_v that_o the_o grave_n be_v open_v and_o many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v and_o appear_v unto_o many_o mat._n xxvii_o 52_o 53._o many_o see_v they_o who_o be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o their_o resurrection_n and_o the_o miraculous_a event_n at_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v so_o many_o certain_a presage_n and_o forerunner_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o earthquake_n and_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o three_o hour_n together_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o day_n contrary_a to_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o moon_n be_v in_o the_o full_a the_o rend_a the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v thing_n which_o must_v be_v notorious_a and_o which_o can_v not_o have_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v happen_v but_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n must_v be_v appeal_v to_o as_o witness_n of_o they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n for_o the_o deputy_n of_o province_n to_o certify_v the_o emperor_n of_o whatever_o happen_v considerable_a under_o their_o government_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o the_o miracle_n which_o accompany_v it_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o pontius_n pilate_n give_v a_o account_n both_o of_o his_o miracle_n and_o his_o resurrection_n to_o the_o emperor_n tiberius_n who_o thereupon_o propose_v it_o to_o the_o senate_n to_o have_v he_o take_v into_o the_o number_n of_o their_o god_n and_o make_v it_o punishable_a to_o accuse_v any_o man_n for_o be_v a_o christian_n during_o his_o reign_n and_o this_o information_n of_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v enter_v upon_o record_n at_o rome_n to_o which_o justin_n martyr_n appeal_v in_o his_o apology_n to_o the_o emperor_n antoninus_n pius_n and_o the_o senate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n which_o be_v likewise_o present_v to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n they_o both_o live_v in_o the_o next_o age_n and_o be_v both_o educate_v in_o a_o different_a religion_n and_o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a proof_n become_v christian_n and_o they_o be_v man_n of_o excellent_a learning_n and_o judgement_n but_o no_o man_n who_o can_v write_v a_o apology_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v so_o much_o confidence_n and_o so_o little_a understanding_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o that_o account_n which_o pilate_n send_v to_o tiberius_n concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n in_o apology_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o roman_a emperor_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o senate_n or_o the_o chief_a magistrate_n of_o the_o empire_n if_o no_o such_o account_n have_v ever_o be_v send_v or_o none_o have_v be_v then_o extant_a to_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n both_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v insert_v into_o the_o public_a record_n at_o rome_n and_o be_v to_o be_v see_v there_o for_o a_o long_a time_n after_o and_o the_o heathen_n in_o who_o custody_n they_o be_v be_v desire_v by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o consult_v they_o for_o they_o be_v content_a to_o put_v the_o matter_n upon_o this_o issue_n xxi_o issue_n justin_n apol._n two_o tertul._n apol_n c._n iii._o &_o xxi_o that_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o christian_n say_v yet_o they_o will_v at_o least_o credit_n their_o own_o record_n upon_o these_o proof_n and_o reason_n by_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o power_n of_o truth_n the_o word_n of_o god_n mighty_o grow_v and_o prevail_v against_o all_o that_o prejudice_n and_o malice_n and_o every_o vice_n can_v do_v to_o oppose_v it_o in_o rome_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o for_o in_o this_o very_a city_n where_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v crucify_a and_o where_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v make_v proselyte_n if_o his_o resurrection_n have_v not_o be_v evident_o prove_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n great_a number_n be_v daily_o add_v to_o the_o church_n a_o church_n be_v forthwith_o sound_v at_o jerusalem_n and_o a_o bishop_n appoint_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o both_o the_o body_n of_o the_o people_n and_o their_o 5._o their_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o bishop_n be_v xv_o in_o number_n to_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o adrian_n be_v jew_n by_o nation_n we_o see_v then_o that_o as_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o itself_o beyond_o all_o exception_n so_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v if_o they_o have_v intend_v it_o but_o indeed_o no_o man_n can_v have_v proceed_v in_o that_o manner_n or_o will_v have_v endeavour_v it_o who_o have_v have_v any_o intention_n to_o deceive_v and_o the_o event_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o direct_a and_o plain_a evidence_n and_o force_v of_o truth_n which_o support_v itself_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o advantage_n which_o its_o worst_a adversary_n have_v against_o it_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o principal_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o passion_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o the_o rest_n depend_v the_o great_a thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o the_o apostle_n have_v all_o the_o qualification_n requisite_a to_o become_v witness_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n this_o have_v be_v already_o show_v as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o if_o in_o general_a we_o examine_v whether_o we_o may_v safe_o rely_v upon_o that_o credibility_n wherewith_o they_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o enquiry_n will_v fall_v under_o these_o head_n i._o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a ability_n to_o discern_v and_o understand_v what_o they_o testify_v ii_o whether_o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o iii_o whether_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n that_o without_o artifice_n or_o design_n true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v i._o that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o become_v witness_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v never_o doubt_v by_o any_o one_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v question_v by_o such_o as_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o indeed_o who_o be_v there_o of_o any_o common_a sense_n that_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a witness_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o for_o so_o long_a time_n together_o for_o ii_o by_o their_o conversation_n with_o our_o saviour_n both_o before_o his_o passion_n and_o after_o his_o resurrection_n the_o apostle_n have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o know_v what_o they_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o all_o the_o twelve_o apostle_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v converse_v with_o our_o saviour_n before_o his_o death_n and_o have_v see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n for_o when_o one_o be_v to_o be_v ordain_v in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n he_o be_v to_o be_v one_o that_o have_v company_v with_o they_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o they_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v up_o from_o they_o act._n i._n 21_o 22._o they_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n and_o know_v his_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n to_o inform_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o do_v they_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n 2_o pet._n i_o 16._o they_o have_v hear_v and_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n and_o have_v look_v upon_o or_o behold_v and_o discern_v for_o a_o long_a time_n together_o and_o their_o hand_n have_v handle_v that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o their_o testimony_n 1_o joh._n i_o 1_o 2_o 3._o they_o have_v make_v all_o the_o search_n into_o it_o and_o have_v use_v all_o the_o exactness_n that_o can_v be_v and_o be_v as_o distrustful_a and_o as_o hard_a of_o belief_n as_o any_o man_n can_v have_v be_v who_o be_v most_o suspicious_a and_o jealous_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o of_o these_o apostle_n two_o write_v the_o life_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o all_o bear_v witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o these_o write_v and_o preach_v the_o same_o thing_n where_o ever_o they_o come_v of_o the_o two_o other_o evangelist_n st._n mark_n have_v his_o information_n from_o st._n peter_n who_o disciple_n and_o companion_n he_o be_v and_o st._n luke_n write_v his_o gospel_n from_o the_o account_n
a_o high_a principle_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o thing_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v no_o precept_n can_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a no_o reward_n more_o excellent_a nor_o punishment_n more_o formidable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o no_o religion_n beside_o ever_o afford_v nor_o can_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n ever_o have_v find_v out_o such_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o religion_n contain_v no_o dry_a and_o empty_a speculation_n but_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v mystery_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o may_v fear_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o that_o can_v true_o love_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o condition_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n his_o saviour_n and_o comforter_n this_o religion_n place_n man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o care_n it_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o protector_n here_o and_o their_o everlasting_a rewarder_n after_o death_n it_o promise_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o the_o happiness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v or_o wish_v for_o from_o any_o revelation_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o appear_v from_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o revelation_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v mankind_n have_v visible_a character_n in_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institution_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o be_v of_o like_a antiquity_n or_o have_v equal_a promulgation_n that_o no_o other_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o which_o do_v not_o teach_v many_o doctrine_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o come_v from_o heaven_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o from_o their_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o notorious_a have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o the_o heathen_n general_o be_v stranger_n to_o every_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o pretence_n which_o the_o egyptian_n make_v to_o antiquity_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o time_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o their_o reckon_n by_o lunar_a year_n or_o 12._o or_o diodor_n sic._n lib._n i._n plutarch_n in_o numa_n var._n apud_fw-la lactant._n de_fw-fr orig._n error_n lib._n two_o c._n 12._o month_n but_o they_o have_v so_o different_a account_n however_o of_o chronology_n that_o as_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v some_o of_o they_o compute_v thirteen_o thousand_o year_n more_o than_o other_o from_o the_o original_a of_o their_o dynasty_n to_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o solar_a year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o astronomy_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v several_a time_n change_v euterpâ—_n change_v herod_n euterpâ—_n his_o course_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o dynasty_n impute_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o computation_n for_o want_n of_o intercalary_n day_n to_o the_o sun_n variation_n or_o else_o affect_v to_o speak_v something_o wonderful_a and_o extravagant_a the_o early_a astronomical_a observation_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v make_v in_o egypt_n be_v those_o perform_v by_o the_o greek_n of_o alexandria_n less_o than_o ccc_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o 23._o as_o mr._n wotton_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learning_n c._n 23._o mr._n halley_n have_v observe_v 4._o observe_v vitruâ—_fw-la 〈…〉_o 4._o the_o chaldaean_n suppose_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v a_o luminons_n body_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n beside_o they_o want_v instrument_n to_o make_v exact_a observation_n '_o alderman_n we_o have_v of_o they_o say_v the_o same_o learned_a ib._n learned_a iâ—_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d reflect_v ib._n astronomer_n be_v only_o seven_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o even_o those_o but_o very_o coarse_o set_v down_o and_o the_o old_a not_o much_o above_o dcc_n year_n before_o christ_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o fame_n of_o these_o chaldaean_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o go_v far_o in_o this_o science_n and_o though_o calisthenes_n be_v say_v by_o porphyry_n to_o have_v bring_v from_o babylon_n to_o greece_n observation_n above_o mdcccc_n year_n old_a than_o alexander_n yet_o the_o proper_a author_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o use_v of_o any_o such_o render_v it_o just_o suspect_v for_o a_o fable_n so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o time_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o antiquity_n which_o these_o nation_n have_v make_v he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o practical_a astronomer_n who_o endeavour_v in_o earnest_a to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o science_n and_o that_o thales_n be_v the_o first_o who_o can_v predict_v a_o eclipse_n in_o greece_n not_o dc_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o hipparchus_n make_v the_o first_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n not_o above_o cl._n year_n before_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o know_a observation_n 21._o observation_n censorin_n de_fw-fr die_fw-fr natali_n c._n 21._o of_o varro_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o history_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o greek_n before_o the_o olympiad_n which_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o whatever_o learning_n or_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o roman_n have_v they_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o greek_n for_o they_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o transmit_v their_o own_o affair_n down_o to_o posterity_n with_o any_o exactness_n in_o point_n of_o time_n that_o for_o 23._o for_o id._n c._n 23._o some_o age_n they_o have_v neither_o dial_n nor_o hour-glass_n to_o measure_v their_o day_n and_o night_n for_o by_o common_a use_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hour_n or_o the_o like_a distinction_n but_o compute_v their_o time_n only_o from_o noon_n to_o noon_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o their_o calendar_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n till_o caesar_n regulate_v it_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o chinese_n to_o antiquity_n appear_v equal_o vain_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o astronomy_n or_o else_o the_o missionary_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o art_n will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n indeed_o the_o chineses_n themselves_o 464._o themselves_o martin_n hist_o sin_n lib._n i._n two_o &_o atl._n sinic_n praef._n philip_n couplet_n in_o confuc_n proen_fw-mi declar._n &_o praef._n ad_fw-la fab._n chronol_n sinicae_fw-la monarchiae_fw-la le_fw-fr compt'_v memoir_n p._n 64._o 71._o 464._o confess_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v in_o great_a part_n fabulous_a and_o they_o acknowledge_v
that_o their_o most_o ancient_a book_n be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n which_o be_v not_o expound_v by_o any_o who_o live_v near_o than_o mdcc_o year_n to_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n in_o computation_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v or_o that_o month_n be_v put_v for_o year_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n soever_o their_o first_o writer_n be_v there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o book_n now_o remain_v since_o that_o general_a destruction_n of_o all_o ancient_a book_n by_o the_o emperor_n xi_o hoam_n ti_o who_o live_v but_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n he_o command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o be_v destroy_v relate_v either_o to_o history_n or_o philosophy_n especial_o the_o book_n of_o confucius_n and_o kill_v many_o of_o their_o learned_a man_n so_o that_o from_o his_o time_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fragment_n of_o old_a author_n leave_v the_o chinese_n be_v a_o people_n vain_a enough_o and_o love_n to_o magnify_v themselves_o to_o the_o european_n which_o make_v they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v sufficient_o entire_a notwithstanding_o this_o destruction_n of_o their_o book_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o describe_v the_o emperor_n observatory_n as_o the_o most_o complete_a and_o the_o best_a fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o astronomy_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o upon_o the_o view_n it_o appear_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o the_o instrument_n be_v find_v useless_a and_o new_a one_o be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o father_n verbiest_n this_o people_n after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o exact_a calendar_n and_o their_o table_n of_o eclipse_n be_v so_o uncorrect_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o foretell_v about_o what_o time_n that_o of_o the_o sun_n shall_v happen_v and_o in_o a_o petition_n which_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n in_o favour_n it_o seem_v to_o the_o missionary_n have_v private_o draw_v up_o to_o be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o himself_o in_o public_a it_o be_v say_v that_o father_n adam_n schaal_n make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o court_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o celestial_a motion_n establish_v by_o the_o ancient_a astronomer_n of_o china_n be_v all_o false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n of_o china_n but_o the_o chief_a mandarine_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n under_o a_o eclipse_n with_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o dog_n or_o dragon_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v like_a to_o devour_v they_o so_o little_a credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretence_n which_o the_o several_a nation_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v make_v to_o antiquity_n without_o any_o ground_n from_o history_n but_o upon_o wander_a discourse_n of_o observation_n in_o astronomy_n which_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o skill_n in_o and_o it_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v but_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n mention_v as_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n such_o as_o noâ—h_v joseph_n moses_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o several_a religion_n profess_v among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o inconsiderable_a for_o they_o be_v never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o examine_v but_o their_o mystery_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n the_o people_n have_v of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o priest_n every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seldom_o receive_v or_o know_v but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o set_v up_o the_o 3._o the_o valer-max_n de_fw-fr peregrina_fw-la relig._n rejecta_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o roman_n reject_v many_o foreign_a religion_n as_o abominable_a and_o none_o of_o their_o religion_n ever_o prevail_v but_o where_o they_o have_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o uphold_v they_o and_o they_o lose_v ground_n daily_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppress_v it_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o heathen_a religion_n against_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o its_o first_o propagation_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v before_o but_o where_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v heathenism_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o christian_n except_v some_o few_o jew_n to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a country_n which_o make_v a_o great_a abatement_n in_o the_o disproportion_n that_o heathenism_n in_o general_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v in_o its_o number_n above_o christianity_n but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n here_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o any_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o point_n of_o promulgation_n for_o who_o ever_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o or_o any_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n must_v suppose_v god_n to_o reveal_v contradiction_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o heathen_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o christian_n but_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o full_o promulge_v as_o the_o christian_a one_o herald_n be_v enough_o to_o promulge_v a_o law_n to_o many_o thousand_o the_o city_n of_o nineve_n be_v convert_v by_o one_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chap._n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n but_o that_o many_o wonder_n have_v be_v do_v by_o magician_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v foreshow_v and_o foretell_v among_o heathen_n by_o dream_n and_o prodigy_n and_o oracle_n which_o do_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a power_n and_o that_o devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o man_n can_v do_v and_o to_o know_v more_o than_o man_n can_v know_v for_o which_o reason_n in_o former_a age_n there_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n make_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v continual_o sensible_a of_o the_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o invisible_a being_n which_o make_v they_o exceed_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n but_o not_o incline_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o now_o in_o heathen_a country_n where_o apparition_n and_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v affirm_v by_o all_o writer_n to_o be_v very_o frequent_a but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n evil_a spirit_n by_o their_o subtlety_n and_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n do_v foretell_v thing_n which_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n they_o be_v thing_n that_o happen_v not_o long_o after_o and_o common_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v excite_v and_o prompt_v man_n to_o thus_o when_o the_o conspiracy_n against_o caesar_n be_v come_v just_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o agent_n concern_v in_o it_o he_o can_v foretell_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v to_o pompey_n crassus_n and_o caesar_n himself_o before_o as_o two_o as_o tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n two_o tully_n inform_v we_o from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o die_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o in_o a_o honourable_a old_a age._n some_o oracle_n may_v possible_o take_v their_o answer_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o jupiter_n hammon_n concern_v alexander_n victory_n if_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o piece_n of_o flattery_n which_o prove_v true_a by_o chance_n evil_a spirit_n may_v likewise_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o victory_n the_o same_o day_n they_o be_v win_v as_o it_o be_v relate_v ib._n relate_v ib._n of_o several_a and_o in_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o 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at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
modern_a way_n of_o use_v they_o together_o with_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o period_n of_o disease_n in_o which_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o some_o caution_n relate_v to_o the_o disorder_n they_o sometime_o occasion_n the_o medicine_n be_v range_v in_o their_o proper_a class_n according_a to_o their_o virtue_n and_o draw_v up_o in_o table_n for_o the_o reader_n conveniency_n with_o their_o just_a dose_n annex_v write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o m._n tavury_n m._n d._n member_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n there_o be_v in_o the_o press_n and_o will_v speedy_o be_v publish_a howell_n abridgement_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n epitomise_v by_o himself_o sub_fw-la praelo_fw-la compendium_n michaclis_n etmulleris_n opera_fw-la medica_fw-la tam_fw-la praxis_fw-la quam_fw-la chimia_fw-it cui_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la institutiones_fw-la medicae_fw-la the_o history_n of_o polybius_n the_o megalopolitan_a contain_v a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o principal_o of_o the_o roman_a people_n â—uring_v the_o first_o and_o second_o punic_a war_n translate_v by_o sir_n hâ—nry_n sheers_n and_o mr._n dryden_n in_o three_o volume_n the_o three_o volume_n never_o before_o print_v a_o mathematical_a companion_n or_o the_o description_n and_o use_v of_o a_o new_a slide_v rule_n by_o which_o many_o useful_a and_o necessary_a question_n in_o arithmetic_n military_a order_n interest_n trigonometry_n planometry_n stereomerry_n geography_n astronomy_n navigation_n fortification_n gunnery_n dyall_v may_v be_v speedy_o resolve_v without_o the_o help_n of_o pen_n of_o compass_n by_o william_n hunt_n philomath_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n with_o a_o dissertation_n ugon_v the_o egistle_n of_o phalaris_n themistocles_n socrates_n euripides_n etc._n etc._n and_o aesop_n fable_n by_o dr._n bentley_n a_o italian_a voyage_n or_o a_o complete_a journey_n through_o italy_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o character_n of_o the_o people_n and_o description_n of_o the_o chief_a town_n church_n monastery_n tomb_n library_n palace_n villa_n garden_n picture_n statue_n and_o antiquity_n as_o also_o of_o the_o interest_n government_n riches_n force_n etc._n etc._n of_o all_o the_o prince_n with_o instruction_n concern_v travel_n by_o richard_n lassel_n gent._n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o a_o modern_a hand_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o contain_v discourse_n upon_o such_o subject_n as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o objection_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o peter_n buck_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o temple_n near_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleet_n street_n 1700._o the_o preface_n there_o never_o appear_v i_o believe_v among_o christian_n so_o general_a a_o disaffection_n as_o in_o the_o present_a age_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o man_n pretend_v at_o least_o to_o reason_n and_o learning_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o though_o i_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v write_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v much_o prevail_v with_o man_n of_o these_o accomplishment_n yet_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n though_o but_o in_o weak_a hand_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o some_o effect_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o think_v the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o read_v lecture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o anatomy_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o represent_v it_o piecemeal_n like_o a_o lifeless_a carcase_n divide_v and_o dissect_v though_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o show_v never_o so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o operation_n but_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o christianity_n the_o connexion_n of_o its_o part_n between_o themselves_o and_o the_o preference_n which_o it_o have_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n from_o whence_o i_o know_v it_o must_v appear_v in_o as_o true_a a_o light_n and_o with_o as_o much_o life_n and_o force_n as_o it_o can_v do_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o no_o better_o a_o pen._n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n separately_z consider_v but_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o each_o part_n be_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o several_a part_n must_v be_v take_v altogether_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o which_o i_o make_v my_o more_o particular_a care_n and_o which_o i_o think_v the_o more_o require_v my_o pain_n because_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v much_o insist_v upon_o by_o other_o be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o imperfection_n and_o error_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manifest_a falsehood_n of_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometan_n and_o moreover_o to_o prove_v that_o beside_o all_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o religion_n deliver_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v receive_v a_o full_a promulgation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o foundation_n thus_o lay_v and_o secure_v we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n we_o be_v often_o tell_v by_o those_o that_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v great_a care_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la derive_v from_o our_o education_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o such_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la lie_v extreme_o against_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n always_o incline_v to_o error_n and_o vice_n though_o they_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n yet_o they_o can_v learn_v they_o then_o only_o as_o confess_v truth_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o the_o first_o thing_n probable_o to_o which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o any_o application_n be_v the_o read_n of_o heathen_a author_n and_o when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v study_v philosophy_n and_o other_o humane_a learning_n for_o many_o year_n but_o never_o consider_v divinity_n as_o a_o science_n and_o have_v search_v into_o it_o no_o far_o nor_o have_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v in_o their_o childhood_n or_o youth_n they_o look_v back_o upon_o their_o first_o instruction_n as_o groundless_a and_o fit_v only_o for_o child_n because_o they_o find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o they_o in_o those_o author_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o conversant_a and_o who_o upon_o many_o account_n they_o have_v so_o just_a reason_n to_o admire_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o who_o have_v read_v ancient_a heathen_a author_n without_o the_o regard_n which_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v have_v to_o that_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v make_v any_o due_a enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a learning_n and_o of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o scripture_n other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o socrates_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n and_o of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o famous_a writer_n they_o find_v they_o frequent_o quote_v and_o common_o with_o commendation_n seldom_o to_o discover_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n where_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v less_o concern_v they_o have_v hear_v too_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a historian_n and_o these_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v or_o consider_v may_v be_v as_o faithful_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o best_a but_o though_o all_o these_o author_n have_v indeed_o very_a many_o excellency_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o so_o far_o mistake_v as_o to_o think_v all_o thing_n excellent_a which_o they_o deliver_v i_o shall_v therefore_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v make_v some_o far_a reflection_n in_o this_o place_n both_o upon_o the_o history_n and_o upon_o the_o philosophy_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o expostulate_v with_o
upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n p._n 388._o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n mean_v by_o the_o last_o day_n p._n 389._o st._n paul_n do_v not_o suppose_v that_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v approach_v in_o his_o time_n p._n 391._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o the_o last_o judgement_n must_v be_v confine_v to_o one_o day_n p._n 393._o chap._n xxiii_o of_o sacrament_n the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 396._o 1._o they_o be_v outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n of_o our_o entrance_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n or_o of_o our_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o he_o ib._n 2._o they_o be_v token_n and_o pledge_n to_o we_o of_o god_n love_n and_o favour_n p._n 402._o 3._o they_o be_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o grace_n and_o salvation_n p._n 404._o 4._o they_o be_v federal_n rite_n of_o our_o admission_n into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o visible_a society_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o it_o as_o such_o p._n 406._o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n full_o answer_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o institution_n of_o sacrament_n p._n 407._o chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n p._n 412_o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n p._n 413._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n p._n 414._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 417._o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n p._n 421._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n explain_v and_o defend_v p._n 423._o this_o doctrine_n exceed_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o man_n p._n 427._o chap._n xxv_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a god_n be_v certain_o able_a to_o raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 431._o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n which_o compose_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o reunion_n of_o these_o part_n again_o p._n 436._o we_o may_v rise_v again_o with_o the_o same_o body_n which_o we_o have_v here_o notwithstanding_o any_o change_n or_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n while_o we_o live_v or_o any_o accident_n after_o death_n p._n 437._o it_o be_v not_o only_o credible_a and_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n can_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o will_v raise_v the_o dead_a p._n 443._o chap._n xxvi_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o christ_n do_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n after_o his_o resurrection_n there_o be_v reason_n peculiar_a to_o this_o dispensation_n of_o his_o resurrection_n why_o christ_n shall_v not_o show_v himself_o to_o all_o the_o people_n after_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a p._n 449._o it_o have_v not_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o other_o dispensation_n of_o god_n towards_o mankind_n for_o he_o to_o have_v do_v it_o p._n 451_o great_a number_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v give_v over_o to_o hardness_n of_o heart_n will_v not_o have_v believe_v though_o they_o have_v see_v christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 452._o if_o the_o jew_n have_v believe_v in_o christ_n their_o conversion_n have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v be_v p._n 453._o the_o power_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n manifest_v in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o great_a a_o proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o can_v have_v be_v p._n 454._o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o the_o earth_n after_o his_o â—â—â—surrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n many_o thing_n in_o the_o life_n of_o christ_n before_o his_o passion_n omit_v by_o the_o evangelist_n p._n 459._o and_o likewise_o after_o his_o resurrection_n p._n 461._o what_o may_v be_v conclude_v from_o that_o which_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n after_o it_o p._n 463._o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n p._n 465._o chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_v of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v all_o creature_n act_v with_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o influence_n but_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n fulfil_v p._n 469._o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n ib_n mean_v use_v as_o circumstance_n to_o render_v miracle_n more_o observable_a not_o as_o concur_v to_o the_o production_n of_o the_o effect_n 470._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o p._n 471._o whether_o he_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n p._n 481._o great_a reason_n that_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v purposely_o wrought_v for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a p._n 482._o the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o countryman_n be_v particular_a ib._n the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n p._n 487._o our_o saviour_n hereby_o signify_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v his_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v of_o those_o who_o have_v see_v they_o p._n 489._o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n the_o antiquity_n of_o prophecy_n add_v to_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n p._n 491._o the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n p._n 492._o neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n in_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o more_o than_o four_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n p._n 495._o miracle_n if_o common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o nature_n of_o miracle_n p._n 498._o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o frame_v hypothesis_n to_o solve_v they_o p._n 499._o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v occasion_v imposture_n ib._n they_o will_v occasion_v pride_n in_o those_o that_o wrought_v they_o p._n 501._o no_o more_o reason_n for_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o christian_a religion_n among_o christian_n than_o there_o be_v need_n of_o they_o to_o prove_v a_o god_n ib._n a_o divine_a power_n be_v notwithstanding_o evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n p._n 502._o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n asupernatural_a grace_n necessary_a to_o true_a faith_n p._n 504._o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o great_a number_n p._n 508._o many_o dare_v not_o own_o christ_n other_o have_v their_o heart_n harden_v p._n 511._o they_o have_v violent_a prejudidice_n against_o the_o gospel_n p._n 512._o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n of_o false_a prophet_n a_o cause_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n p._n 514._o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n p._n 515._o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_n convert_v p._n 516._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o philosopher_n ib._n of_o epictetus_n and_o seneca_n p._n 518._o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o gentile_n p._n 521._o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n right_o to_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 522._o oracle_n have_v foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v not_o last_v above_o 365_o year_n p._n ib._n heresy_n and_o schism_n give_v great_a scandal_n p._n 523._o many_o heathen_n however_o have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 524._o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_n against_o it_o p._n 528._o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n confirm_v it_o p._n 530._o chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o martyr_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n more_o
infinite_a or_o without_o any_o end_n or_o bound_n matter_n therefore_o can_v be_v divisible_a in_o infinitum_fw-la since_o all_o division_n be_v into_o part_n and_o all_o part_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o even_o or_o odd_a and_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o matter_n can_v never_o actual_o be_v divide_v into_o infinite_a part_n though_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o infinite_a division_n so_o as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o its_o divisibility_n for_o the_o part_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divisible_a must_v be_v actual_o existent_a though_o not_o actual_o divide_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v divisible_a into_o part_n which_o it_o have_v not_o and_o all_o part_n actual_o existent_a whither_o they_o be_v divide_v or_o only_o divisible_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v or_o must_v have_v a_o determinate_a number_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v infinite_a but_o to_o say_v that_o these_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v indefinite_a but_o not_o infinite_a be_v only_o to_o confess_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v indefinite_a in_o respect_n to_o we_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v determine_v their_o number_n or_o what_o end_n there_o can_v be_v of_o divide_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n again_o nothing_o be_v clear_a to_o every_o understanding_n than_o that_o all_o the_o part_n into_o which_o the_o whole_a be_v divide_v be_v take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a yet_o it_o seem_v many_o way_n demonstrable_a that_o any_o single_a part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o such_o proof_n of_o this_o as_o may_v be_v most_o obvious_a it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o any_o circle_n a_o line_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o circumference_n to_o the_o centre_n suppose_v then_o the_o circle_n to_o be_v the_o aequator_fw-la or_o a_o line_n draw_v round_o the_o globe_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n be_v draw_v within_o the_o aequator_fw-la round_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o that_o a_o right_a line_n be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o globe_n every_o such_o right_a line_n draw_v from_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n cut_v through_o the_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n draw_v about_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o point_n in_o a_o circle_n ten_o thousand_o time_n less_o than_o the_o aequator_fw-la that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o aequator_fw-la itself_o and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o circle_n draw_v from_o any_o point_n of_o the_o diameter_n the_o lesser_a circle_n may_v be_v multiply_v to_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v point_n in_o the_o diameter_n which_o be_v innumerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o least_o circle_n imaginable_a may_v by_o this_o demonstration_n have_v as_o many_o point_n as_o the_o great_a that_o be_v it_o may_v be_v as_o big_a as_o the_o great_a or_o as_o big_a as_o one_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o time_n big_a than_o itself_o for_o all_o the_o line_n draw_v from_o the_o utmost_a circumference_n terminate_v in_o the_o centre_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o centre_n or_o the_o least_o circle_n imaginable_a immediate_o next_o to_o it_o must_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o circumference_n never_o so_o much_o big_a than_o it_o for_o to_o answer_v that_o the_o lesser_a circle_n have_v as_o many_o point_n but_o not_o so_o big_a as_o the_o great_a be_v against_o the_o supposition_n because_o i_o suppose_v a_o line_n draw_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o least_o point_n of_o the_o great_a circle_n through_o the_o least_o circle_n to_o the_o centre_n and_o the_o least_o point_n in_o the_o great_a circle_n must_v be_v as_o small_a as_o any_o in_o the_o least_o circle_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o circle_n or_o point_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o the_o every_o line_n pass_v from_o the_o circumference_n to_o the_o centre_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o bigness_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o point_n of_o intersection_n must_v be_v equal_a with_o those_o in_o the_o circumference_n this_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o material_a thing_n for_o when_o we_o once_o abstract_n they_o from_o sense_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o theory_n they_o become_v inexplicable_a because_o our_o faculty_n be_v never_o design_v for_o such_o speculation_n and_o be_v not_o make_v for_o they_o nor_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o our_o sense_n right_o dispose_v and_o in_o due_a circumstance_n may_v deceive_v we_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o they_o because_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o by_o notion_n derive_v from_o our_o sense_n or_o by_o the_o information_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o our_o faculty_n be_v design_v not_o for_o mere_a speculation_n and_o curiosity_n about_o matter_n which_o perhaps_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o creature_n full_o to_o comprehend_v but_o for_o our_o use_n and_o welfare_n they_o be_v design_v to_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o absurdity_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_o urge_v because_o they_o be_v concern_v a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o all_o such_o maxim_n as_o the_o part_n be_v less_o than_o the_o whole_a etc._n etc._n must_v hold_v true_a when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o object_n of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v past_o our_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v applicable_a to_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o perception_n of_o our_o sense_n for_o these_o notion_n be_v implant_v in_o we_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o must_v rely_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n rather_o than_o upon_o any_o speculation_n which_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o high_a for_o our_o conception_n and_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o believe_v what_o contradict_v our_o sense_n in_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o extend_v these_o maxim_n to_o object_n which_o be_v insensible_a and_o only_o in_o idea_n the_o seem_a domonstration_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a contradiction_n arise_v from_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o maxim_n take_v from_o physical_a and_o material_a thing_n to_o mathematical_a idea_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n only_o and_o have_v no_o existence_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o absurdity_n may_v be_v start_v upon_o any_o other_o subject_n by_o confound_v the_o several_a notion_n and_o property_n of_o thing_n of_o different_a nature_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o part_n of_o it_o be_v a_o physical_a axiom_n and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n but_o that_o line_n be_v form_v by_o indivisible_a point_n be_v pure_o mathematical_a speculation_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reason_n so_o again_o that_o matter_n be_v divisible_a be_v a_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o that_o divisibility_n be_v inseparable_a from_o matter_n be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o a_o deduction_n which_o be_v make_v from_o sense_n of_o which_o our_o sense_n can_v give_v we_o no_o assurance_n but_o that_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o whenever_o we_o pass_v the_o proper_a bound_n of_o each_o faculty_n and_o judge_v the_o of_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o object_n belong_v to_o one_o faculty_n by_o abstract_a notion_n belong_v to_o another_o we_o must_v necessary_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o happen_v when_o we_o reason_n about_o object_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o none_o of_o our_o faculty_n there_o be_v proper_a notion_n and_o maxim_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o thing_n and_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fail_v we_o when_o they_o be_v use_v about_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v judge_v of_o sound_n by_o his_o idea_n of_o colour_n or_o of_o colour_n by_o his_o notion_n of_o sound_n he_o may_v multiply_v contradiction_n without_o end_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o more_o different_a than_o sensible_a object_n be_v from_o insensible_a and_o material_a from_o immaterial_a god_n may_v see_v it_o
fit_v to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o not_o apply_v our_o principle_n and_o maxim_n take_v from_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n to_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n but_o from_o revelation_n which_o will_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o for_o a_o deaf_a man_n to_o apply_v the_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o colour_n to_o sound_n or_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o colour_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v they_o can_v be_v hear_v and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o due_a proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o its_o object_n for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v confine_v and_o limit_v in_o their_o exercise_n about_o their_o several_a object_n the_o part_n of_o matter_n may_v be_v too_o small_a and_o fine_a to_o be_v any_o long_o discern_v or_o perceive_v by_o sense_n for_o only_a body_n which_o be_v so_o big_a as_o to_o reflect_v a_o due_a quantity_n of_o ray_n to_o the_o eye_n can_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sight_n itself_o the_o quick_a and_o subtle_a of_o all_o our_o sense_n and_o as_o object_n in_o their_o bulk_n be_v sensible_a but_o be_v insensible_a in_o their_o minute_n part_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a sensation_n or_o preception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o deduction_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o familiar_a to_o our_o mind_n than_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o we_o think_v and_o understand_v and_o will_v we_o all_o know_v but_o what_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o subject_n of_o thought_n in_o we_o and_o how_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_v act_v upon_o and_o determine_v each_o other_o be_v matter_n of_o perpetual_a dispute_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o of_o no_o very_a large_a extent_n in_o their_o operation_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a object_n and_o limit_v to_o certain_a bound_n and_o period_n both_o our_o natural_a and_o acquire_v knowledge_n be_v conversant_a about_o certain_a kind_n of_o object_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v fit_v and_o suit_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o property_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o we_o form_n notion_n and_o make_v conclusion_n and_o raise_v maxim_n and_o axiom_n now_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o natural_a notion_n to_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n we_o must_v be_v very_o liable_a to_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o which_o be_v not_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n if_o we_o frame_v speculative_a and_o abstract_a idea_n from_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n which_o be_v 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strong_a conviction_n and_o forcible_a but_o gracious_a impressious_a he_o breathe_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o infuse_v his_o divine_a truth_n into_o they_o but_o upon_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v thus_o reveal_v himself_o by_o inward_a light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o do_v moreover_o bestow_v a_o power_n of_o give_v external_a evidence_n by_o miraculous_a work_n that_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a and_o that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o from_o god_n this_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o have_v both_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o this_o evidence_n they_o give_v of_o it_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v ii_o i_o shall_v from_o thence_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v either_o concern_v thing_n reveal_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o or_o last_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reason_n as_o discourse_n upon_o moral_a subject_n and_o inference_n make_v from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v speak_v as_o intelligible_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n the_o notion_n be_v suggest_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o owe_v 〈◊〉_d 29._o 〈◊〉_d praeterea_fw-la scito_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la prophetam_fw-la pecuâ—iare_fw-la quid_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la lingua_fw-la eaque_fw-la loquendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o consueta_fw-la ipsum_fw-la impelli_fw-la à _fw-la prophetia_fw-la sva_fw-la ad_fw-la loquendum_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ipsum_fw-la maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 29._o word_n be_v so_o direct_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n and_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o memory_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n assist_v and_o confirm_v in_o matter_n of_o discourse_n or_o reason_v either_o from_o their_o own_o natural_a notion_n or_o from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o their_o judgement_n strengthen_v and_o still_o in_o all_o case_n their_o natural_a faculty_n be_v so_o support_v and_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o word_n as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o their_o write_n but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a they_o have_v always_o the_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n though_o under_o the_o infallible_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v only_o support_v and_o guide_v they_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o their_o word_n and_o style_n to_o express_v all_o these_o but_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o their_o faculty_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o but_o from_o revelation_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v infuse_v though_o the_o word_n in_o most_o case_n may_v be_v their_o own_o but_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o though_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o manner_n of_o write_v but_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o orthography_n by_o one_o who_o dictate_v to_o he_o or_o assist_v he_o with_o his_o help_n where_o it_o be_v needful_a prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n hebr._n 3.7_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n 2_o sam._n 23.2_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o servant_n ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 8.53.14.18_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o use_v the_o prophet_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n for_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n though_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o the_o revelation_n be_v of_o god_n though_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o though_o god_n use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o not_o as_o mechanical_a but_o as_o rational_a instrument_n and_o as_o in_o work_v their_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_o determine_v to_o the_o place_n or_o to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o in_o general_n be_v guide_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o the_o action_n by_o which_o they_o wrought_v they_o be_v their_o own_o though_o the_o power_n that_o accompany_v they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o prudential_a motive_n as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n with_o a_o directive_n power_n only_o over_o they_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v nothing_o but_o infallible_a truth_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o mission_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v god_n promise_v moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o with_o aaron_n mouth_n and_o will_v
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o know_v the_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v make_v good_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a reason_v but_o only_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o we_o 2._o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v less_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a we_o may_v well_o imagine_v that_o many_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v to_o their_o use_n and_o advantage_n for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v and_o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o parable_n and_o proverb_n and_o obscure_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o prophecy_n in_o subtle_a and_o dark_a parable_n and_o in_o the_o secret_n of_o grave_a sentence_n eccl._n thirty-nine_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o parable_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a excellency_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a ps_n lxxviii_o 2._o matt._n xiii_o 35._o this_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n the_o language_n of_o court_n and_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o address_n to_o king_n nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o tekoa_n come_v to_o david_n with_o a_o parable_n 2_o sam._n twelve_o 1._o fourteen_o 4._o and_o jehoash_n king_n of_o israel_n send_v a_o message_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o amaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 9_o and_o cyrus_n 141._o cyrus_n â—eâ—odot_n lib._n i_o c._n 141._o answer_v the_o petition_n of_o two_o nation_n at_o once_o to_o he_o in_o a_o short_a parable_n to_o understand_v a_o proverb_n and_o the_o interpretation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o dark_a say_n be_v the_o best_a description_n that_o solomon_n himself_o can_v give_v of_o wisdom_n prov._n i_o 6._o and_o â—_o and_o joseph_n antiqu._n lib._n viij_o c._n 2._o â—_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n to_o have_v propound_v problem_n and_o riddle_n or_o parable_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n send_v he_o this_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o strange_a correspondence_n between_o king_n but_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o many_o of_o their_o epâ—â—â—â—s_n be_v preserve_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o to_o his_o time_n at_o tyre_n and_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o testimony_n he_o produce_v think_v it_o deserve_v their_o particular_a observation_n this_o custom_n of_o propound_v riddle_n be_v as_o old_a as_o sampson_n time_n judg._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o example_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o herodotus_n etc._n herodotus_n vid._n athenae_n lib._n x._o c_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a that_o homer_n die_v of_o grief_n because_o he_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n of_o the_o fisher_n it_o show_v that_o riddle_n be_v in_o great_a request_n among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n either_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o fiction_n of_o such_o a_o story_n plutarch_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o homer_n death_n and_o when_o homer_n when_o herod_n &_o plut._n in_o vit._n homer_n herodotus_n deny_v this_o he_o own_v the_o report_n and_o by_o the_o verse_n which_o he_o say_v homer_n speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o appear_v what_o opinion_n homer_n have_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit._n hesiod_n be_v by_o xi_o by_o quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n xi_o quintilian_n think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o fable_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o aesop_n however_o this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o do_v write_v fable_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o note_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o mythology_n be_v in_o the_o high_a esteem_n among_o the_o ancient_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n deliver_v their_o notion_n in_o hieroglyphic_n as_o if_o they_o have_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a pythagoras_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n great_o affect_v obscurity_n socrates_n himself_o and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n purposely_o conceal_v their_o meaning_n in_o many_o case_n from_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o thucydides_n take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o â—is_n history_n and_o be_v obscure_a out_o of_o design_n as_o marcellinus_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o easy_o intelligible_a of_o any_o write_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o obvious_a but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v contemptible_a and_o useless_a to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n be_v always_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o and_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o and_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o explain_v he_o allude_v to_o those_o proverb_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v best_a know_v and_o most_o in_o use_n among_o they_o to_o who_o upon_o any_o occasion_n he_o speak_v that_o thereby_o all_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o be_v not_o by_o their_o sin_n hinder_v from_o attend_v to_o what_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o better_o incline_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o instruction_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o make_v use_n of_o such_o allusion_n as_o they_o know_v according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o they_o have_v some_o excellent_a hide_a meaning_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o 3._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v 1._o because_o the_o obscurity_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n than_o in_o the_o notion_n themselves_o so_o that_o that_o may_v be_v clear_a at_o first_o which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o who_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o speech_n vary_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o the_o garb_n and_o habit_n and_o the_o eloquence_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v as_o different_a as_o the_o dialect_v and_o language_n of_o divers_a age_n and_o nation_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o animal_n of_o flower_n and_o plant_n and_o mineral_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o especial_o whatever_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o country_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o foreigner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o they_o and_o perhaps_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o nature_n and_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a notion_n of_o they_o the_o precise_a value_n of_o coin_n and_o proportion_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n use_v so_o long_o ago_o and_o in_o country_n so_o far_o from_o we_o can_v hardly_o now_o be_v know_v and_o must_v necessary_o admit_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v much_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o in_o all_o ancient_a history_n but_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n above_o other_o may_v make_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v many_o more_o such_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o the_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o of_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o occasion_n of_o obscurity_n the_o name_n coin_n weight_n and_o measure_n and_o habit_n of_o ancient_a time_n afford_v the_o great_a work_n for_o critic_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v when_o the_o author_n who_o mention_v they_o write_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o to_o explain_v they_o these_o be_v difficulty_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o
main_a they_o be_v aâ—â—eed_o and_o whoever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consulâ—â—â—em_v may_v be_v great_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v less_o difference_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a prophecy_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o comment_n upon_o most_o history_n and_o that_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o other_o matter_n must_v have_v the_o great_a evidence_n for_o that_o in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o some_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v because_o it_o be_v dispute_v where_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o begin_v or_o how_o some_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o all_o expositor_n be_v agree_v concern_v these_o very_a prophecy_n that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n whether_o that_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n denominate_v from_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n take_v away_o though_o interpreter_n do_v not_o agree_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o particular_a plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n but_o about_o a_o circumstance_n and_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n because_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v the_o exact_a time_n when_o every_o particular_a be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o must_v have_v be_v all_o long_a since_o fulfil_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n what_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o live_v or_o whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o trojan_a war_n because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o troy_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o or_o any_o other_o history_n which_o have_v occasion_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o daniel_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o there_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o explain_v his_o seventy_o week_n the_o prophecy_n itself_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n certain_a however_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o assign_v the_o epocha_n of_o time_n history_n relate_v what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o prophecy_n foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v and_o our_o uncertainty_n in_o point_n of_o time_n no_o more_o affect_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n mention_v by_o the_o historian_n but_o when_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o single_a circumstance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o credibility_n of_o either_o of_o they_o but_o the_o obscurity_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 2._o some_o prophecy_n be_v purposely_o obscure_a because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v but_o be_v design_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o information_n of_o precede_a age_n as_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o posterity_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v they_o fulfil_v god_n do_v not_o send_v revelation_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n in_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o shall_v befall_v their_o posterity_n but_o rather_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n from_o man_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a effect_n in_o make_v they_o proud_a or_o careless_a and_o negligent_a or_o else_o too_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o be_v to_o befall_v their_o posterity_n the_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n of_o parent_n will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v if_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v that_o effect_n which_o god_n design_n by_o send_v his_o judgement_n and_o a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a parent_n will_v render_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o less_o blessing_n to_o they_o so_o that_o both_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n will_v very_o much_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n if_o prophecy_n be_v less_o obscure_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a deliver_v of_o some_o prophecy_n that_o they_o thereby_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o excite_v the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n death_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o because_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cause_v security_n in_o some_o and_o despair_v in_o other_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o church_n and_o nation_n we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v watch_v you_o therefore_o lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v you_o sleep_v and_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n mark_v xiii_o 35._o which_o in_o the_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n concern_v jerusalem_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v extend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v foretell_v but_o have_v conceal_v the_o time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o uncertain_a and_o mysterious_a form_n of_o speech_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o prosperity_n to_o come_v oftentimes_o have_v prove_v fatal_a to_o man_n jeroboam_n hazael_n and_o jehu_n be_v the_o worse_a probable_o for_o the_o declaration_n make_v to_o they_o as_o achithophel_n if_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v plain_o what_o will_v befall_v he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihoe_v soon_o have_v hasten_v his_o own_o death_n whether_o therefore_o the_o event_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o whether_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o posterity_n it_o be_v fit_v most_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o because_o this_o will_v in_o great_a measure_n exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n in_o man_n under_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v now_o most_o obscure_a such_o a_o continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o aftair_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o particularity_n may_v appear_v in_o so_o full_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o may_v convince_v infidel_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o the_o event_n be_v foretell_v 3._o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a in_o some_o prophecy_n at_o the_o praef._n the_o euseb_n demonst_a evan._n â—ib_o vi_fw-la 〈…〉_o châ—â—â—â—n_v c._n 〈◊〉_d isai_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n in_o ezech_n praef._n father_n observe_v because_o without_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v they_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n state_n of_o humiliation_n his_o poverty_n and_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o by_o the_o circumstance_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n but_o be_v write_v with_o some_o obscurity_n to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a jew_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v for_o if_o they_o have_v full_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v rather_o to_o have_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o than_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v to_o be_v urge_v against_o themselves_o a_o people_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n will_v have_v reject_v those_o prophecy_n which_o set_v forth_o his_o humiliation_n and_o crucifixion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v christ_n no_o more_o in_o the_o
prophecy_n of_o he_o than_o in_o his_o person_n again_o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a because_o some_o event_n can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o they_o have_v be_v express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v unless_o god_n will_v have_v force_v man_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o prediction_n which_o must_v have_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o have_v venture_v upon_o such_o action_n as_o they_o know_v beforehand_o must_v end_v in_o affliction_n and_o great_a calamity_n and_o perhaps_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n few_o will_v have_v show_v that_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o st_n peter_n and_o st_n paul_n do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o long_o before_o as_o st_z peter_z be_v that_o it_o must_v end_v in_o martyrdom_n or_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v witness_v in_o every_o city_n concern_v they_o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n paul_n say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o must_v other_o man_n will_v have_v be_v move_v though_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n act_n xx_o 23._o for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o disciple_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v earnest_a with_o he_o not_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n so_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n to_o resolve_v to_o meet_v certain_a and_o apparent_a danger_n the_o nature_n therefore_o of_o some_o thing_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o for_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v obscure_o speak_v of_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o at_o all_o because_o if_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o foretell_v they_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v if_o all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v set_v down_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n by_o st_n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o except_o against_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n this_o certain_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o many_o christian_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o must_v have_v hinder_v the_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v have_v overrule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o force_v they_o upon_o act_v which_o have_v be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o freedom_n of_o will._n 4._o if_o prophecy_n have_v punctual_o foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n man_n will_v have_v purposely_o contrive_v to_o frame_v their_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o fulfil_v many_o of_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v it_o may_v have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n which_o will_v have_v be_v only_o to_o act_v a_o part_n or_o live_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n describe_v and_o set_v before_o they_o but_o when_o the_o obscurity_n be_v such_o that_o they_o become_v fulfil_v without_o any_o intention_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o fulfil_v they_o this_o manifest_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v less_o obscure_a man_n will_v have_v be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o fulfil_v they_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o apt_a all_o enthusiast_n and_o such_o as_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o obscure_a prophecy_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v bring_v about_o those_o event_n that_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o event_n of_o all_o prophecy_n have_v be_v conceal_v under_o no_o obscurity_n of_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o have_v be_v obvious_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o reader_n the_o number_n of_o such_o undertaker_n will_v have_v be_v much_o great_a for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v often_o commit_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o interest_n by_o it_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a action_n lawful_a which_o may_v fulfil_v a_o prophecy_n and_o the_o clear_a prophecy_n have_v be_v the_o more_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n have_v be_v give_v to_o such_o dilusion_n to_o which_o none_o be_v now_o subject_a but_o such_o as_o think_v they_o clear_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o will_v persuade_v other_o that_o they_o thorough_o understand_v they_o 5._o another_o reason_n be_v that_o sometime_o a_o prophecy_n may_v be_v deliver_v obscure_o in_o mercy_n to_o the_o instrument_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o some_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a revelation_n will_v persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o become_v instrumental_a in_o accomplish_v the_o prediction_n may_v in_o mercy_n to_o they_o forbear_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o event_n lest_o thiâ—_n shall_v add_v to_o their_o guilt_n and_o prove_v a_o greaâ—_n aggravation_n both_o of_o their_o â—rime_n and_o punishment_n our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o conceal_v it_o till_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o then_o discover_v it_o to_o judas_n in_o the_o mild_a manner_n to_o move_v he_o to_o repentance_n if_o he_o have_v not_o harden_v himself_o against_o it_o not_o to_o make_v he_o desperate_a upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o wicked_a a_o design_n again_o other_o prophecy_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o obscurity_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n afford_v they_o of_o salvation_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a against_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o of_o such_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o markiv_n 12._o for_o when_o god_n have_v both_o by_o miracle_n and_o other_o prophecy_n unquestionable_o clear_a and_o plain_a admonish_v and_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n and_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o reject_v his_o revelation_n and_o just_a affront_n his_o mercy_n it_o be_v very_o for_o he_o to_o deny_v they_o that_o further_a declaration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o power_n which_o may_v effectual_o produce_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n especial_o when_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v conduce_v to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o his_o gracious_a design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o stand_v out_o in_o so_o bold_a a_o defiance_n of_o his_o other_o declaration_n of_o himself_o god_n endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a thevessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v in_o mercy_n to_o some_o to_o prevent_v the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o other_o to_o harden_v they_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o king_n be_v to_o search_v out_o a_o matter_n prov._n twenty-five_o 2._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o some_o and_o to_o provoke_v the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o other_o for_o as_o some_o man_n care_v to_o be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o attain_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n so_o other_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v obvious_a and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v easy_o know_v by_o other_o as_o
those_o who_o inquire_v why_o the_o world_n be_v create_v in_o six_o day_n rather_o than_o in_o one_o day_n or_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o in_o a_o long_a compass_n of_o year_n as_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n they_o say_v require_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o ask_v why_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v create_v in_o six_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o other_o number_n of_o day_n or_o space_n of_o time_n if_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v in_o a_o instant_a or_o in_o a_o long_o or_o short_a space_n of_o time_n the_o question_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v put_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v in_o six_o day_n shall_v man_n presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o action_n be_v not_o his_o own_o pleasure_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o flood_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o so_o many_o dispute_n depend_v 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thing_n can_v admit_v of_o no_o other_o way_n but_o what_o they_o can_v explain_v we_o may_v esteem_v the_o learning_n and_o admire_v the_o sagacity_n and_o allow_v the_o good_a intention_n of_o these_o author_n but_o when_o any_o one_o advance_v a_o hypothesis_n in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o other_o and_o propose_v it_o not_o as_o probable_a but_o as_o the_o only_a true_a explication_n of_o scripture_n and_o positive_o maintain_v not_o only_o that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o if_o god_n please_v but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o can_v not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o to_o i_o seem_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o any_o thing_n i_o ever_o meet_v with_o beside_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a hypothesis_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o his_o own_o revelation_n if_o each_o frypothesis_n be_v possible_a yet_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a which_o be_v the_o right_n or_o that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v so_o because_o god_n may_v make_v use_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n than_o what_o man_n can_v imagine_v but_o when_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n destroy_v one_o another_o and_o every_o one_o pretend_v to_o set_v up_o his_o own_o in_o contradiction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o none_o can_v maintain_v its_o ground_n any_o long_a than_o till_o another_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o confute_v it_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o man_n shall_v satisfy_v themselves_o with_o such_o uncertainty_n rather_o than_o with_o the_o plain_a word_n of_o god_n according_a to_o any_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n though_o there_o be_v no_o vacuum_n so_o many_o accident_n must_v continual_o intervene_v in_o a_o chaos_n of_o matter_n confuse_o roll_a and_o knock_v one_o part_n of_o it_o against_o another_o that_o it_o seem_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n that_o it_o shall_v ever_o settle_v into_o any_o order_n at_o least_o if_o matter_n have_v be_v leave_v to_o its_o own_o working_n and_o jumbling_n according_o to_o 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undoubted_o be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o he_o alone_o can_v declare_v how_o he_o make_v it_o but_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o six_o day_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o angel_n 2._o with_o respect_n to_o men._n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o angel_n it_o be_v 7._o be_v aug._n super_fw-la gen_n aâ—_n literan_n lib._n 4._o c._n 22._o etc._n etc._n de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la lib._n 11._o c._n 7._o st._n augustine_n opinion_n that_o the_o six_o day_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v distinguish_v according_a to_o the_o perception_n which_o the_o angel_n have_v of_o the_o creation_n from_o whence_o be_v frame_v that_o distinction_n of_o the_o 6._o the_o tho._n aquin._n sum._n part_n 1_o qu._n 58_o art_n 6._o schoolman_n between_o cognitio_fw-la matutina_fw-la and_o cognitio_fw-la vespertina_fw-la and_o though_o what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o say_v be_v not_o exact_o agreeable_a to_o st._n augustine_n notion_n yet_o i_o hope_v his_o authority_n will_v warrant_v my_o argue_v from_o this_o topick_n to_o such_o as_o may_v think_v it_o new_a and_o singular_a the_o angel_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o be_v create_v probable_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o first_o day_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n god_n say_v that_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v lay_v the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n job_n xxxviii_o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v create_v before_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o glorify_a god_n for_o his_o create_v it_o now_o the_o angel_n though_o bless_a and_o glorious_a spirit_n yet_o be_v finite_a and_o be_v unable_a to_o comprehend_v and_o fathom_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v thing_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o the_o more_o they_o know_v of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n the_o more_o they_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o the_o whole_a scene_n of_o the_o creation_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v lay_v open_a in_o order_n before_o they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o the_o various_a nature_n of_o thing_n whereby_o they_o must_v have_v have_v a_o full_a view_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n than_o they_o can_v have_v have_v if_o the_o world_n have_v start_v forth_o in_o a_o instant_a and_o jump_v as_o it_o be_v into_o this_o beautiful_a frame_n and_o order_n as_o he_o who_o see_v the_o whole_a method_n and_o contrivance_n of_o any_o curious_a piece_n of_o art_n value_n and_o admire_v the_o artist_n more_o than_o one_o do_v that_o behold_v it_o in_o
and_o love_v be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o obedience_n which_o can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o must_v be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o sit_v dispensation_n which_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o power_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n have_v be_v manifest_v before_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o many_o signal_n judgement_n upon_o sinner_n the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n be_v likewise_o visible_a in_o the_o daily_a blessing_n bestow_v upon_o mankind_n but_o the_o exceed_a riches_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v make_v know_v in_o his_o kindness_n towards_o we_o through_o christ_n jesus_n ephes_n two_o 7._o and_o as_o this_o must_v cause_v we_o to_o love_n god_n so_o â—t_a must_v make_v we_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o to_o have_v love_n one_o for_o another_o god_n incarnate_a be_v the_o head_n and_o vital_a principle_n the_o common_a bond_n of_o life_n and_o union_n between_o christian_n and_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o mutual_a love_n not_o only_o because_o we_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o dignify_v that_o nature_n in_o assume_v it_o this_o aught_o to_o make_v we_o value_v our_o own_o nature_n and_o to_o have_v a_o due_a esteem_n and_o affection_n for_o it_o in_o whosoever_o it_o be_v how_o can_v we_o despise_v and_o one_o who_o be_v a_o partaker_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o which_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v to_o partake_v in_o its_o mean_a condition_n or_o hate_v any_o who_o he_o love_v so_o well_o as_o to_o die_v for_o he_o this_o make_v all_o man_n worthy_a of_o our_o respect_n and_o love_n not_o of_o our_o contempt_n or_o hatred_n they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n which_o christ_n as_o man_n be_v of_o and_o they_o be_v his_o purchase_n and_o we_o must_v love_v what_o be_v his_o and_o what_o he_o have_v so_o dear_o pay_v for_o iâ—â—_n we_o love_v christ_n himself_o belove_a say_v st._n john_n if_o god_n so_o love_v we_o we_o ought_v also_o to_o love_v one_o another_o 1_o joh._n four_o 11._o and_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n argument_n to_o the_o corinthian_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o charity_n towards_o their_o poor_a brethren_n for_o you_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o your_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o you_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n viij_o 9_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v likewise_o cause_v we_o to_o have_v the_o great_a hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o sin_n as_o be_v that_o which_o be_v most_o displease_v to_o god_n and_o that_o which_o occasion_v the_o death_n of_o his_o only_a son_n to_o atone_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o all_o who_o neglect_n so_o great_a salvation_n must_v expect_v the_o heavy_a punishment_n for_o so_o heinous_a a_o contempt_n and_o provocation_n if_o we_o will_v be_v gain_v by_o any_o method_n of_o love_n christ_n have_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o effect_v it_o but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o all_o the_o kindness_n and_o compassion_n of_o love_n itself_o we_o can_v hope_v for_o no_o further_a favour_n if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v to_o die_v for_o we_o and_o we_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o so_o as_o to_o be_v make_v the_o better_a by_o it_o nothing_o more_o can_v be_v look_v for_o but_o wrath_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n so_o that_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a mean_n to_o work_v upon_o the_o love_n and_o fear_v and_o hope_v and_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o produce_v all_o those_o grace_n in_o we_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v it_o be_v the_o best_a fit_v both_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o other_o mean_n have_v be_v possible_a yet_o none_o that_o we_o can_v conceive_v can_v have_v be_v so_o effectual_a to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o men._n chap._n xxi_o of_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o time_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n since_o we_o have_v so_o great_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o christ_n do_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o die_v for_o we_o it_o will_v be_v the_o great_a ingratitude_n and_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o reject_v he_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o time_n of_o his_o come_n it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o time_n or_o the_o season_n which_o the_o father_n have_v put_v in_o his_o own_o power_n act_v i_o 7._o these_o thing_n be_v in_o god_n disposal_n and_o unless_o we_o can_v be_v content_v to_o leave_v the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o our_o salvation_n to_o his_o wisdom_n we_o only_o show_v how_o little_o we_o deserve_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o unwilling_a we_o be_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o to_o accept_v of_o they_o but_o though_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a cavil_v to_o dispute_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n upon_o a_o bare_a circumstance_n and_o nicety_n concern_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o particular_a time_n of_o his_o incarnation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o time_n appoint_v for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o may_v serve_v to_o silence_v all_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o to_o desire_v to_o know_v any_o further_a of_o it_o be_v a_o useless_a and_o unwarrantable_a curiosity_n for_o all_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o god_n may_v have_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a reason_n for_o his_o dispensation_n which_o yet_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_v in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o due_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o his_o come_n 1._o god_n have_v beforehand_o use_v all_o other_o mean_n to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o send_v his_o son_n at_o last_o for_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v send_v but_o upon_o necessity_n and_o it_o be_v fit_a they_o to_o who_o he_o be_v send_v shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o that_o necessity_n that_o they_o may_v the_o better_o know_v how_o to_o value_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o in_o send_v his_o only_a son_n to_o be_v bear_v and_o to_o die_v for_o they_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o the_o repeople_a it_o after_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n so_o well_o know_v and_o his_o promise_n to_o send_v his_o son_n so_o clear_o understand_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v then_o since_o their_o faith_n in_o he_o and_o their_o obedience_n to_o god_n commandment_n be_v as_o effectual_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o they_o that_o live_v so_o long_o before_o his_o come_n as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o that_o live_v so_o many_o age_n after_o it_o the_o life_n of_o man_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o long_o and_o the_o generations-deceased_n be_v so_o few_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o nothing_o but_o wilful_a ignorance_n and_o negligence_n can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o race_n of_o mankind_n be_v reduce_v to_o so_o few_o person_n the_o example_n and_o instruction_n of_o noah_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v man_n within_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o preserve_v a_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o promise_a messiah_n for_o they_o be_v save_v by_o their_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o come_v as_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o faith_n in_o he_o already_o come_v so_o many_o age_n past_a and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o those_o age_n we_o must_v suppose_v it_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v in_o every_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o i_o think_v no_o man_n will_v imagine_v but_o when_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v general_o fall_v away_o to_o idolatry_n god_n choose_v to_o himself_o one_o person_n from_o who_o by_o a_o course_n of_o miracle_n he_o raise_v a_o mighty_a nation_n who_o by_o their_o journeying_n and_o captivity_n and_o by_o all_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o they_o be_v appoint_v
bring_v to_o our_o remembrance_n the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o we_o to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o they_o and_o to_o be_v pledge_n of_o all_o the_o benefit_n which_o we_o receive_v thereby_o and_o as_o the_o eucharist_n be_v appoint_v by_o christ_n in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o paschal_n supper_n so_o bread_n and_o wine_n be_v in_o use_n among_o all_o nation_n in_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o nothing_o can_v more_o fit_o express_v our_o communion_n with_o god_n and_o with_o one_o another_o than_o to_o be_v entertain_v together_o at_o god_n table_n so_o that_o since_o there_o must_v be_v sacrament_n or_o external_n rite_n and_o ordinance_n they_o can_v neither_o be_v few_o nor_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o want_v of_o christian_n than_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n and_o of_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v chap._n xxiv_o of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o suppose_v this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o to_o show_v that_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o that_o account_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o object_v against_o by_o philopatr_n by_o lucian_n philopatr_n heathen_n long_o before_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n when_o it_o be_v so_o well_o know_v even_o to_o the_o heathen_n that_o they_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o it_o in_o the_o second_o century_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n for_o we_o find_v it_o then_o mention_v as_o a_o know_a and_o common_a reproach_n suppose_v then_o this_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o god_n i_o will_v show_v i._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n ii_o that_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v iii_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n do_v mighty_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n and_o conversation_n of_o men._n 1._o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o doctrine_n we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o essence_n of_o create_a being_n which_o be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o their_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o by_o their_o operation_n and_o quality_n and_o our_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o passion_n be_v continual_o conversant_a about_o these_o our_o notion_n be_v form_v upon_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o frame_v to_o ourselves_o concern_v the_o creature_n and_o this_o make_v we_o the_o less_o capable_a of_o understand_v the_o divine_a essence_n beside_o the_o infinite_a disproportion_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o humane_a faculty_n when_o we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a be_v we_o speak_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o no_o man_n cavil_v at_o it_o but_o because_o the_o scripture_n represent_v this_o incomprehensible_a be_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v whereas_o god_n be_v essential_o holy_a and_o true_a we_o must_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o if_o god_n be_v infallible_o true_a why_o do_v we_o not_o believe_v what_o he_o deliver_v concern_v himself_o and_o if_o he_o be_v incomprehensible_a what_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o divine_a essence_n may_v not_o subsist_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n these_o be_v style_v three_o person_n because_o we_o find_v distinct_a personal_a act_n and_o property_n attribute_v to_o they_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o we_o may_v suppose_v three_o person_n in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n without_o any_o appearance_n of_o contradiction_n this_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v 1._o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o difference_n between_o the_o divine_a person_n and_o humane_a person_n 1._o the_o distinction_n of_o the_o three_o person_n in_o the_o deity_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o father_n original_o without_o either_o generation_n or_o procession_n in_o the_o son_n as_o communicate_v to_o he_o by_o the_o father_n not_o in_o any_o such_o way_n as_o son_n among_o man_n have_v their_o nature_n derive_v to_o they_o from_o their_o father_n but_o yet_o in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a express_v to_o our_o apprehension_n by_o style_v he_o the_o son_n of_o god_n though_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o generation_n be_v altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o we_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v the_o divine_a nature_n communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n not_o in_o the_o same_o way_n whereby_o the_o son_n have_v it_o communicate_v to_o he_o from_o the_o father_n but_o in_o some_o other_o different_a incomprehensible_a manner_n whereby_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v but_o proceed_v both_o from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n the_o divine_a nature_n be_v communicate_v by_o the_o father_n to_o the_o son_n by_o eternal_a generation_n and_o by_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o eternal_a procession_n we_o have_v nothing_o further_o reveal_v to_o we_o of_o the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n but_o that_o he_o be_v beget_v or_o receive_v the_o divine_a nature_n from_o the_o father_n in_o some_o such_o way_n as_o for_o want_v of_o a_o fit_a word_n we_o can_v best_o understand_v by_o the_o term_n of_o generation_n and_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o no_o more_o of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o beget_v of_o the_o father_n as_o the_o son_n be_v but_o proceed_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n some_o other_o way_n and_o not_o by_o generation_n but_o as_o he_o that_o will_v discourse_n to_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a concern_v light_n must_v use_v many_o very_a improper_a expression_n to_o make_v himself_o though_o never_o so_o imperfect_o understand_v so_o it_o be_v here_o we_o have_v no_o word_n that_o be_v proper_a but_o these_o be_v sufficient_a to_o teach_v we_o all_o which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v at_o least_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v of_o the_o godhead_n 2._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o say_v that_o three_o god_n be_v one_o god_n or_o that_o three_o person_n be_v one_o person_n be_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n but_o to_o say_v that_o three_o person_n be_v not_o one_a person_n but_o one_o god_n be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v mistake_v for_o one_o by_o any_o who_o understand_v what_o a_o contradiction_n mean_n the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n for_o neither_o of_o these_o three_o person_n be_v god_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o the_o rest_n but_o they_o all_o be_v but_o one_o god_n one_o lord_n jehovah_n not_o three_o distinct_a and_o separate_a lord_n and_o so_o not_o three_o eternal_n nor_o three_o incomprehensibles_fw-fr nor_o three_o uncreated_a nor_o three_o almighty_n distinct_a and_o separate_a from_o each_o other_o but_o all_o the_o three_o person_n together_o be_v one_o eternal_a incomprehensible_a uncreated_a almighty_a lord_n god_n it_o be_v matter_n of_o dispute_n what_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o man_n or_o what_o it_o be_v which_o cause_v one_o man_n to_o be_v a_o different_a individual_a person_n from_o another_o and_o it_o be_v still_o more_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o being_n which_o be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o have_v nothing_o of_o material_a accident_n to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o whatever_o the_o principle_n of_o individuation_n in_o man_n may_v be_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v that_o two_o man_n may_v exist_v separately_z both_z as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o that_o one_o may_v know_v more_o or_o less_o than_o the_o other_o they_o may_v live_v at_o a_o distance_n the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o can_v never_o at_o once_o sill_z the_o same_o numerical_a place_n nor_o
into_o the_o world_n to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o work_v they_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n do_v sometime_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o qualification_n in_o they_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v and_o at_o other_o time_n refuse_v to_o work_v his_o miracle_n before_o unbeliever_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o 1._o christ_n have_v give_v undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o miraculous_a power_n in_o many_o instance_n before_o he_o require_v faith_n as_o a_o condition_n in_o such_o as_o come_v to_o he_o to_o see_v his_o miracle_n and_o to_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o when_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o sign_n of_o our_o saviour_n joh._n two_o 18._o he_o have_v wrought_v before_o they_o the_o great_a of_o all_o his_o miracle_n in_o st._n 15._o st._n comment_fw-fr in_o matt._n xxi_o 15._o jerom_n judgement_n by_o cast_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n but_o they_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o upon_o this_o very_a account_n to_o ask_v for_o another_o miracle_n what_o sign_n show_v thou_o unto_o we_o see_v that_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n whereupon_o our_o saviour_n signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a and_o this_o be_v no_o refusal_n but_o only_o a_o short_a delay_n of_o his_o work_v other_o miracle_n for_o at_o that_o very_a passover_n when_o he_o be_v in_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o feast-day_n many_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v and_o then_o the_o first_o time_n we_o find_v faith_n require_v as_o a_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n in_o man_n to_o have_v miracle_n wrought_v for_o their_o cure_n or_o their_o conviction_n be_v matt._n xiii_o 58._o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o beside_o the_o reject_v of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n matt._n twelve_o 38._o and_o before_o the_o time_n to_o which_o these_o text_n have_v relation_n christ_n have_v cure_a all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o cast_v out_o many_o devil_n and_o his_o fame_n be_v spread_v abroad_o throughout_o all_o the_o region_n round_o about_o galilee_n and_o even_o throughout_o all_o syria_n matt._n four_o 23_o 24._o mark_v i_o 28._o he_o have_v cure_a the_o centurion_n servant_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o have_v restore_v to_o life_n the_o daughter_n of_o jairus_n a_o ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n where_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o he_o commend_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o centurion_n though_o the_o cure_n be_v wrought_v upon_o his_o servant_n that_o he_o exhort_v the_o father_n not_o to_o be_v afraid_a but_o to_o believe_v when_o his_o fear_n or_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o influence_n upon_o his_o dead_a daughter_n he_o have_v cast_v out_o a_o legion_n of_o devil_n at_o once_o and_o permit_v they_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o herd_n of_o swine_n to_o convince_v even_o the_o sadducee_n if_o any_o thing_n can_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o be_v evil_a spirit_n which_o he_o have_v cast_v out_o mat._n viij_o 13._o mark_v v._o 9_o 22._o and_o when_o our_o saviour_n miraculous_a power_n have_v thus_o manifest_v itself_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n upon_o the_o absent_a upon_o the_o dead_a and_o upon_o other_o who_o can_v neither_o hope_n for_o nor_o desire_v relief_n of_o he_o and_o this_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o many_o who_o be_v still_o unbeliever_n and_o of_o some_o who_o charge_v he_o with_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o beelzebub_n matt._n twelve_o 24._o luke_n xi_o 15._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o he_o shall_v afterward_o require_v a_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v and_o be_v again_o able_a to_o do_v before_o he_o will_v extend_v his_o heal_n power_n towards_o man_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v work_v no_o new_a miracle_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o such_o as_o disregard_v and_o disbelieved_a all_o that_o he_o have_v do_v before_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o christ_n ever_o require_v faith_n of_o any_o before_o his_o work_n of_o a_o miracle_n who_o have_v not_o already_o see_v he_o work_v miracle_n unless_o it_o be_v of_o his_o own_o countryman_n and_o of_o some_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v his_o countryman_n by_o their_o astonishment_n at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o his_o mighty_a work_n seem_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o they_o before_o but_o that_o they_o be_v unknown_a at_o least_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o report_n but_o there_o be_v a_o peculiar_a case_n as_o i_o shall_v present_o prove_v those_o who_o come_v to_o he_o with_o no_o cavil_v design_n but_o with_o a_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o help_n from_o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o doubt_v of_o his_o power_n to_o do_v that_o for_o they_o which_o they_o have_v see_v he_o do_v for_o other_o but_o many_o apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o upon_o the_o common_a report_n and_o fame_n of_o his_o miraculous_a work_n and_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o these_o shall_v believe_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v so_o well_o attest_v if_o they_o will_v receive_v that_o benefit_n which_o they_o beseech_v of_o he_o but_o as_o to_o other_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o christ_n do_v ever_o in_o order_n to_o his_o work_v a_o miracle_n require_v faith_n of_o they_o who_o have_v never_o see_v he_o work_v any_o miracle_n before_o though_o if_o he_o have_v do_v it_o there_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o all_o beside_o in_o who_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n be_v at_o any_o time_n allege_v as_o the_o cause_n why_o they_o have_v no_o miracle_n wrought_v upon_o their_o account_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conviction_n have_v in_o all_o probability_n see_v miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o before_o which_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o that_o be_v reason_n enough_o why_o no_o more_o shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o they_o to_o be_v despise_v as_o the_o former_a have_v be_v or_o however_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o public_o and_o frequent_o wrought_v that_o they_o may_v have_v see_v they_o either_o before_o or_o afterward_o though_o they_o be_v not_o do_v purposely_o for_o they_o when_o they_o require_v it_o those_o of_o who_o christ_n at_o any_o time_n require_v faith_n before_o he_o will_v work_v miracle_n be_v either_o such_o as_o have_v some_o malicious_a and_o captious_a prejudice_n against_o he_o or_o such_o as_o come_v to_o be_v cure_v of_o their_o disease_n and_o infirmity_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o captious_a and_o malicious_a there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v reject_v and_o no_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o they_o we_o read_v that_o he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n matth._n xiii_o 58._o but_o though_o he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o yet_o he_o do_v some_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o many_o in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n and_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a reason_n why_o he_o do_v no_o more_o there_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o country_n and_o they_o upbraid_v he_o with_o his_o mean_a birth_n and_o education_n whereupon_o jesus_n see_v they_o offend_v in_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o a_o prophet_n be_v not_o without_o honour_n save_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o in_o his_o own_o house_n and_o so_o as_o it_o immediate_o follow_v he_o do_v not_o many_o mighty_a work_n there_o because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o have_v do_v many_o wonderful_a work_n in_o the_o adjacent_a country_n and_o his_o fame_n be_v spread_v throughout_o all_o galilee_n but_o he_o who_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n loc_fw-la man_n non_fw-la quod_fw-la etiam_fw-la illis_fw-la incredulis_fw-la facere_fw-la non_fw-la potuerit_fw-la virtutes_fw-la multas_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la multas_fw-la faciens_fw-la virtutes_fw-la eive_v incredulos_fw-la condemnaret_fw-la hiet._n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la see_v how_o unsuccessful_a all_o his_o work_n will_v be_v upon_o his_o own_o unhappy_a countryman_n who_o have_v be_v so_o little_o move_v with_o what_o they_o have_v hear_v of_o he_o and_o with_o what_o many_o of_o they_o probable_o have_v see_v he_o do_v in_o other_o place_n that_o they_o only_o deride_v and_o vilify_v he_o and_o he_o who_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o compassion_n for_o all_o mankind_n and_o with_o great_a affection_n weep_v over_o jerusalem_n can_v not_o but_o have_v such_o a_o concern_v for_o his_o own_o country_n as_o to_o refrain_v the_o work_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v otherwise_o design_v foresee_v that_o they_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o aggravate_v their_o gild_n and_o increase_v their_o damnation_n till_o by_o his_o resurrection_n he_o shall_v give_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o then_o shall_v send_v his_o disciple_n among_o they_o after_o his_o ascension_n to_o who_o they_o will_v have_v great_a
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o 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thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o 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difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o 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