by_o scaliger_n out_o of_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n this_o abibalus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o occur_v and_o be_v co-temporary_a with_o david_n sanchoniathon_n then_o be_v of_o no_o 2_o great_a antiquity_n if_o this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o but_o bochartus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o tyre_n but_o of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o berytus_n who_o we_o may_v allow_v to_o be_v somewhat_o near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n then_o the_o other_o abibalus_n as_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n make_v it_o appear_v as_o porphyry_n tell_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o find_v his_o antiquity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o contest_v with_o moses_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v although_o we_o may_v free_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v far_o old_a than_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a historian_n which_o be_v all_o vossius_fw-la contend_v for_o and_o sufficient_o prove_v but_o we_o be_v 1._o far_o from_o yield_v he_o co-temporary_a with_o semiramis_n as_o porphyry_n will_v have_v he_o and_o yet_o make_v he_o junior_a to_o moses_n and_o to_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o distance_n of_o near_a 800_o year_n such_o miserable_a confusion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o best_a learned_a heathen_n in_o their_o computation_n of_o ancient_a time_n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o sanchoniathon_n and_o the_o phoenician_n history_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o fidelity_n 6._o of_o it_o this_o sanchoniathon_n be_v high_o commend_v for_o both_o by_o porphyry_n and_o his_o translator_n into_o greek_a philo_z byblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian's_n time_n and_o theodoret_n think_v his_o name_n in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bochartus_n endeavour_v to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o and_o conceive_v the_o name_n to_o be_v give_v he_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o write_v his_o history_n and_o he_o wish_v and_o so_o do_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v then_o vir_fw-la svi_fw-la nominis_fw-la and_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o writing_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n philo_n say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n but_o either_o he_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a to_o inquire_v after_o or_o not_o so_o happy_a to_o light_v on_o any_o certain_a record_n or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o overmuch_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n in_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world_n how_o faithful_a he_o be_v in_o transcribe_v his_o history_n from_o his_o record_n we_o can_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n of_o unless_o we_o have_v those_o book_n of_o taautus_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n and_o the_o record_n of_o city_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v his_o history_n from_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o his_o history_n which_o be_v only_o the_o first_o book_n concern_v the_o phoenician_n theology_n extant_a in_o eusebius_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o elder_a time_n without_o further_a proof_n than_o he_o give_v of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o obscurity_n and_o confusion_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v a_o chaos_n to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n to_o come_v after_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o chryser_n or_o vulcan_n and_o again_o the_o man_n bear_v of_o earth_n to_o be_v several_a generation_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o first_o mortal_a man_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o two_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v two_o god_n whereof_o one_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o latter_a be_v worship_v with_o as_o much_o veneration_n as_o any_o of_o their_o go_n yet_o from_o these_o thing_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o gnostic_n and_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o they_o may_v take_v the_o rise_n of_o their_o several_a aeones_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o here_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v two_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o name_n they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a sect_n take_v a_o liberty_n of_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o several_a fancy_n this_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o either_o hesiod_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o late_a german_a divine_a who_o conceive_v that_o philo_n byblius_n do_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o gnostic_n form_n this_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o phoenician_n theology_n for_o although_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v what_o kircher_n somewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v once_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o sanchoniathons_n original_a history_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o yet_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n of_o so_o much_o peevishness_n as_o because_o this_o history_n pretend_v to_o so_o much_o antiquity_n we_o shall_v therefore_o present_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o figment_n of_o the_o translator_n of_o it_o for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o the_o antagonist_n of_o porphyry_n methodius_n apollinaris_n but_o especial_o eusebius_n so_o well_o verse_v in_o antiquity_n will_v have_v find_v out_o so_o great_a a_o cheat_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v with_o piae_fw-la fraud_n but_o than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n and_o not_o against_o they_o as_o this_o do_v but_o beside_o a_o fabulous_a confusion_n of_o thing_n together_o we_o have_v some_o thing_n deliver_v concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o all_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o to_o those_o very_a common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v as_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o saturn_n suspect_v his_o son_n sadidus_fw-la destroy_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o war_v against_o his_o father_n uranus_n and_o after_o destroy_v he_o likewise_o &_o bury_v his_o brother_n atlas_n alive_a in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v take_v as_o philo_n byblius_n contend_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v such_o incongruity_n to_o all_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o that_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n and_o believe_v these_o be_v god_n together_o but_o although_o there_o be_v so_o many_o gross_a fable_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v 7._o belief_n in_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a forfeiture_n of_o reason_n to_o say_v they_o be_v credible_a yet_o when_o we_o have_v a_o great_a light_n in_o our_o hand_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v in_o this_o dungeon_n find_v out_o many_o excellent_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v as_o concern_v the_o creation_n the_o original_a of_o idolatry_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o foundation_n of_o city_n the_o story_n of_o abraham_n of_o which_o in_o their_o due_a place_n that_o which_o of_o all_o seem_v the_o clear_a in_o this_o theology_n be_v the_o open_a own_v the_o original_n of_o idolatry_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o consecration_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n after_o their_o death_n who_o have_v find_v out_o some_o useful_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n while_o they_o be_v live_v which_o the_o subtle_a greek_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o person_n they_o worship_v be_v once_o man_n which_o make_v they_o turn_v all_o into_o allegory_n and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o blind_v that_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o better_a among_o the_o ignorant_a which_o make_v philo_n byblius_n so_o very_o angry_a with_o the_o neoterick_n grecian_n as_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o with_o 23._o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o strain_v they_o turn_v all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n into_o allegory_n and_o physical_a discourse_n which_o be_v all_o the_o ingenuity_n that_o i_o know_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o therein_o we_o find_v a_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o sanchoniathon_n be_v as_o far_o from_o advance_v porphyry_n religion_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o least_o from_o overthrow_v the_o credibility_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o we_o come_v
so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a 1_o time_n give_v by_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a pretence_n to_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o world_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o evince_v the_o credibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o sacred_a screpture_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o follow_a hypothesis_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n so_o concern_v and_o remarkable_a shall_v not_o be_v always_o leave_v to_o the_o 1._o uncertainty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o shall_v be_v timely_o enter_v into_o certain_a record_n to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o future_a thing_n to_o be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a be_v manage_v by_o divine_a providence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a record_n of_o former_a age_n or_o else_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v perpetual_o hover_v in_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture-history_n for_o take_v away_o but_o any_o one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n all_o the_o superstructure_n will_v be_v exceed_o weaken_v if_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v quite_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o man_n obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o god_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v his_o original_n to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o revelation_n shall_v be_v so_o propound_v as_o may_v be_v with_o equal_a certainty_n convey_v to_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v not_o with_o any_o such_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v do_v by_o private_a and_o particular_a revelation_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n only_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o partaker_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o public_a record_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v the_o world_n all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a design_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o that_o he_o be_v depute_v to_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o where_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a require_v of_o assent_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v have_v a_o certain_a uniform_a conveyance_n to_o man_n mind_n rather_o than_o that_o perpetual_o new_a revelation_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o make_v know_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o record_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o imposture_n as_o the_o other_o way_n may_v have_v be_v under_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o than_o man_n be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o continual_a trial_n of_o every_o person_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o concernment_n be_v already_o record_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n their_o mind_n therein_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o be_v under_o a_o continual_a hesitancy_n lest_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o shall_v contradict_v another_o for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a 2._o revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v at_o first_o spread_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o plantation_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o soon_o for_o want_n of_o certain_a conveyance_n all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v into_o the_o great_a idolatry_n which_o may_v be_v less_o wonder_v at_o have_v it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o part_n which_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o the_o seat_n of_o those_o grand_a transaction_n but_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v even_o among_o those_o family_n who_o have_v the_o near_a residence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o they_o and_o among_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o far_o off_o in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o the_o person_n main_o concern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o abraham_n come_v who_o be_v himself_o the_o ten_o from_o noah_n yet_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o
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undoubted_a history_n of_o nature_n which_o lie_v yet_o too_o dark_a and_o obscure_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o and_o will_v be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o high_a arrogance_n after_o so_o many_o successless_a endeavour_n of_o the_o most_o search_a wit_n in_o any_o society_n of_o person_n to_o usurp_v it_o to_o themselves_o especial_o if_o such_o person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o very_o fair_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o all_o philosopher_n and_o that_o in_o such_o principle_n which_o the_o more_o inquisitive_a world_n have_v now_o find_v to_o be_v very_o short_a uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o grand_a principle_n which_o have_v be_v take_v by_o these_o adorer_n of_o reason_n for_o almost_o the_o standard_n of_o it_o have_v be_v some_o theory_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o mere_o from_o observation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o person_n who_o scarce_o own_v any_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v conceive_v but_o that_o these_o theory_n or_o principle_n form_v from_o such_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v make_v strange_a work_n when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o be_v never_o look_v at_o in_o the_o form_n of_o they_o whence_o come_v those_o two_o receive_v principle_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a return_n from_o a_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o those_o philosopher_n who_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o they_o do_v assert_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o suppose_v he_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n whence_o come_v our_o master_n
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o 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a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o write_n shall_v come_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o question_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la prove_v of_o either_o of_o these_o know_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o write_n will_v be_v to_o such_o who_o deny_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o may_v be_v these_o account_n give_v why_o these_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n first_o because_o these_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o they_o believe_v with_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o more_o early_a day_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o be_v more_o fresh_a and_o entire_a it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
first_o appearance_n of_o atheist_n to_o be_v in_o the_o most_o blind_a and_o superstitious_a age_n of_o greece_n when_o the_o obscene_a poet_n have_v so_o debauch_v the_o common_a understanding_n of_o the_o people_n as_o to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o thing_n concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v so_o incongruous_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o goodness_n leave_v can_v not_o but_o loath_a and_o abhor_v such_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v all_o the_o flout_n and_o jeer_n of_o the_o repute_a atheist_n among_o they_o such_o as_o dionysius_n diagoras_n theodorus_n euhemerus_n messenius_n and_o other_o be_v cast_v upon_o their_o venerable_a deity_n which_o they_o so_o solemn_o worship_v who_o have_v be_v before_o as_o euhemerus_n plain_o tell_v they_o poor_a mortal_a man_n and_o those_o not_o of_o the_o best_a reputation_n neither_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o epicurean_a in_o tully_n well_o say_v omnis_fw-la eorum_fw-la cultus_fw-la esset_fw-la 38._o in_o luctu_fw-la the_o most_o suitable_a devotion_n for_o they_o have_v be_v lament_v their_o death_n now_o when_o these_o common_a deity_n be_v so_o much_o deride_v by_o intelligent_a man_n and_o yet_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v real_o a_o god_n though_o those_o be_v none_o those_o who_o have_v philosophical_a wit_n such_o as_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n set_v themselves_o to_o work_v to_o see_v if_o they_o can_v solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n to_o be_v only_o by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o infinite_a little_a particle_n but_o herein_o they_o befool_v themselves_o and_o their_o greedy_a follower_n who_o be_v glad_a to_o be_v rid_v of_o those_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o a_o immortal_a soul_n do_v cause_n within_o they_o and_o although_o lucretius_n in_o a_o bravado_n tell_v we_o of_o his_o máster_n that_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v sink_v under_o the_o burden_n of_o religion_n humana_fw-la ante_fw-la oculos_fw-la faede_fw-la cum_fw-la vita_fw-la jaceret_fw-la 1._o in_o terris_fw-la oppressa_fw-la gravi_fw-la sub_fw-la religione_fw-la primum_fw-la graius_fw-la homo_fw-la mortalis_fw-la tollere_fw-la contrâ—_n est_fw-la oculos_fw-la ausus_fw-la primusque_fw-la obsistere_fw-la contrà _fw-la that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o true_a giant_n who_o dare_v encounter_v the_o god_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v he_o overthrow_v they_o in_o open_a field_n quare_fw-la religio_fw-la pedibus_fw-la subjecta_fw-la vicissim_fw-la obteritur_fw-la nos_fw-la exaequat_fw-la victoria_fw-la caelum_fw-la yet_o cotta_n in_o tully_n report_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o battle_n quite_o otherwise_o for_o although_o the_o great_a triumph_n in_o this_o victory_n have_v be_v only_o to_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v yet_o if_o we_o believe_v cotta_n epicurus_n be_v so_o far_o from_o gain_v any_o of_o his_o belove_a case_n and_o pleasure_n by_o his_o sentiment_n that_o never_o be_v schoolboy_n more_o afraid_a of_o a_o rod_n nor_o do_v any_o enemy_n more_o dread_a a_o conqueror_n than_o epicurus_n do_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n and_o death_n nec_fw-la quenquam_fw-la vidi_fw-la qui_fw-la magis_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la timenda_fw-la esse_fw-la negaret_fw-la timeret_fw-la mortem_fw-la dico_fw-la &_o deos._n so_o hard_o it_o be_v for_o 86._o a_o epicurean_a even_n after_o he_o have_v prostitute_v his_o conscience_n to_o silence_v it_o but_o whatever_o there_o be_v in_o the_o air_n there_o be_v a_o elactical_a power_n in_o conscience_n that_o will_v bear_v its_o self_n up_o notwithstanding_o the_o weight_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o epicurus_n he_o know_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o root_v out_o whole_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o world_n because_o of_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n in_o it_o and_o therefore_o he_o admit_v of_o it_o as_o a_o necessary_a prolepsis_n or_o anticipation_n of_o humane_a nature_n quoth_v in_o omnium_fw-la animus_fw-la deorum_fw-la notionem_fw-la impressisset_fw-la ipsa_fw-la natura_fw-la that_o nature_n its_o self_n have_v stamp_v aâ—_n idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n cum_fw-la enim_fw-la 44._o non_fw-la instituto_fw-la aliquo_fw-la aut_fw-la more_fw-it aut_fw-la lege_fw-la sit_fw-la opinio_fw-la constituta_fw-la manet_fw-la at_o que_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la omnium_fw-la firma_fw-la consensio_fw-la intelligi_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la deos_fw-la esse_fw-la quoniam_fw-la insitas_fw-la eorum_fw-la vel_fw-la potius_fw-la innatas_fw-la cognitiones_fw-la habeamus_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la autem_fw-la omnium_fw-la natura_fw-la consentit_fw-la id_fw-la verum_fw-la esse_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a argue_v since_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n neither_o rise_v from_o custom_n nor_o be_v enact_v by_o law_n yet_o be_v unanimous_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o mankind_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o deity_n because_o the_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v so_o natural_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o acknowledge_v in_o the_o philosophical_a age_n of_o greece_n when_o man_n bend_v their_o wit_n to_o unsettle_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o tend_v to_o religion_n how_o much_o more_o may_v it_o be_v esteem_v a_o general_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n when_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o dissenter_n appear_v that_o we_o read_v of_o among_o the_o more_o ancient_a nation_n but_o second_o it_o be_v less_o needsul_n for_o moses_n to_o insist_v much_o on_o the_o proof_n a_o deity_n in_o his_o write_n when_o his_o very_a employment_n and_o the_o history_n he_o write_v be_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v one_o can_v any_o of_o they_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o who_o have_v hear_v his_o voice_n at_o mount_n sinai_n and_o have_v receive_v a_o law_n from_o he_o who_o have_v be_v present_a at_o so_o many_o miracle_n which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n in_o egypt_n and_o the_o wilderness_n what_o more_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o god_n can_v be_v desire_v than_o those_o many_o unparallelled_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v among_o they_o and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n will_v certain_o be_v convince_v by_o nothing_o three_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o moses_n to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n he_o deliver_v by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o humane_a reason_n because_o he_o write_v as_o a_o person_n employ_v by_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v his_o testimony_n in_o what_o ever_o he_o write_v they_o can_v not_o but_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o employ_v he_o and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o moses_n with_o so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n begin_v the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n with_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o wise_a good_a and_o powerful_a god_n then_o that_o the_o universe_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o by_o he_o and_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o distrust_v his_o testimony_n who_o relate_v it_o who_o manifest_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o that_o he_o be_v employ_v by_o he_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v so_o that_o all_o our_o former_a discourse_n concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o most_o palpable_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o power_n which_o can_v alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v the_o be_v wherein_o it_o be_v must_v needs_o be_v infinite_a which_o be_v the_o same_o which_o we_o mean_v by_o god_n but_o yet_o for_o those_o who_o mind_n be_v so_o coy_a and_o squeamish_a as_o 3_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o want_v not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v to_o they_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v clear_v these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v believe_v other_o thing_n on_o far_o less_o reason_n and_o must_v by_o their_o own_o principle_n deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a 3._o that_o we_o have_v as_o certain_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v consider_v his_o nature_n that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o faculty_n 1._o of_o man_n soul_n and_o most_o consonant_a to_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n 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receive_v notion_n
a_o crocodile_n for_o impudence_n and_o all_o to_o express_v this_o venerable_a apothegm_n o_o you_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o god_n hate_v impudence_n and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n deserve_v the_o high_a form_n among_o the_o difficiles_fw-la nugae_fw-la and_o all_o these_o hieroglyphic_n put_v together_o will_v make_v but_o one_o good_a one_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o labour_v lose_v there_o be_v yet_o one_o part_n of_o learning_n more_o among_o they_o 7._o which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v esteem_v for_o which_o be_v the_o political_a and_o civil_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v better_a be_v call_v wisdom_n then_o most_o of_o the_o foregoing_a two_o thing_n speak_v much_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o nation_n good_a law_n and_o a_o prudent_a management_n of_o they_o their_o law_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o strabo_n and_o diodorus_n and_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o they_o that_o solon_n 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the_o utmost_a of_o all_o that_o they_o know_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n between_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imposture_n and_o real_a and_o important_a â—_z can_v we_o think_v that_o one_o who_o have_v interest_n in_o so_o great_a a_o court_n all_o advantage_n of_o raise_v himself_o therein_o shall_v willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n at_o present_a all_o his_o hope_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o future_a be_v he_o not_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v in_o his_o book_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a wisdom_n shall_v venture_v himself_o upon_o so_o hazardous_a unlikely_a and_o dangerous_a employment_n â—s_n that_o be_v moses_n undertake_v which_o can_v have_v no_o probability_n of_o success_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o belief_n that_o that_o god_n who_o appear_v unto_o he_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o god_n of_o egypt_n and_o can_v 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those_o hungry_a philosopher_n than_o become_v the_o only_a master_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o their_o dictate_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o sâ—nse_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o either_o receive_v from_o uncertain_a tradition_n or_o else_o deliver_v in_o opposition_n to_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n must_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confront_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o few_o pitiful_a symbol_n vie_v authority_n with_o divine_a command_n and_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a be_v soon_o believe_v then_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n what_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v that_o so_o confident_a a_o presumption_n build_v upon_o when_o it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o without_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v this_o first_o be_v prove_v and_o we_o will_v never_o stick_v to_o grant_v the_o other_o i_o may_v confident_o say_v the_o great_a gullery_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v take_v philosophical_a dictate_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n and_o unproved_a hypothesis_n for_o certain_a foundation_n for_o our_o discourse_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o the_o seek_v to_o reconcile_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o these_o have_v be_v that_o which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v it_o and_o turn_v our_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n but_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o we_o see_v then_o that_o insist_v mere_o on_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o rational_a perfection_n of_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o yield_v credit_n to_o moses_n in_o his_o history_n then_o to_o any_o philosopher_n in_o their_o speculation_n and_o that_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o find_v out_o 8._o truth_n be_v his_o age_n and_o experience_n when_o he_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n he_o vent_v no_o crude_a and_o indigested_a conception_n no_o sudden_a and_o temerarious_a fancy_n the_o usual_a issue_n of_o teem_a and_o juvenile_a wit_n he_o live_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v experience_n to_o try_v and_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v a_o mere_a outside_n and_o varnish_n from_o what_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a we_o can_v then_o have_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o moses_n be_v any_o way_n unfit_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o though_o person_n be_v never_o so_o high_o accomplish_v for_o part_n learning_n and_o experience_n yet_o if_o they_o want_v due_a information_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v they_o may_v be_v still_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o preserve_v it_o for_o posterity_n be_v guilty_a of_o deceive_v other_o let_v we_o now_o therefore_o see_v whether_o moses_n have_v not_o as_o great_a advantage_n for_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o history_n as_o he_o have_v judgement_n to_o discern_v it_o and_o concern_v all_o those_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o he_o to_o his_o own_o death_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o shall_v have_v great_a than_o himself_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v pars_fw-la magna_fw-la himself_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v and_o can_v any_o testimony_n be_v desire_v great_a than_o his_o who_o action_n they_o be_v or_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o in_o any_o private_a way_n but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a capacity_n for_o although_o private_a person_n may_v be_v present_a at_o great_a action_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o misrepresent_v they_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v all_o circumstance_n precedent_n and_o
therein_o shall_v be_v afterward_o confirm_v be_v the_o scripture_n a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n while_o this_o be_v want_v in_o it_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n discharge_v their_o place_n when_o they_o leave_v something_o unrevealed_a to_o we_o be_v this_o a_o duty_n before_o these_o miracle_n or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v what_o need_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o not_o christ_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o all_o necessary_a condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o whatever_o be_v require_v as_o a_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o damnation_n last_o man_n faith_n will_v be_v leave_v at_o continual_a uncertainty_n for_o we_o know_v not_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n may_v still_o make_v new_a article_n of_o say_v or_o constitute_v new_a duty_n by_o fresh_a miracle_n i_o must_v go_v and_o inquire_v what_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o every_o place_n to_o see_v that_o i_o miss_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o in_o order_n to_o my_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o man_n pretend_v to_o deliver_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o confirm_v it_o by_o miracle_n but_o they_o must_v manifest_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o miracle_n on_o which_o that_o doctrine_n be_v believe_v or_o else_o they_o must_v use_v another_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o confirm_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o hard_a task_n of_o all_o have_v need_n be_v prove_v by_o very_o sufficient_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n such_o as_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o believe_v those_o be_v miracle_n and_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o medium_n produce_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o by_o this_o discourse_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a first_o that_o no_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o when_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v already_o establish_v by_o they_o if_o those_o miracle_n tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o derogation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o those_o former_a miracle_n second_o that_o when_o the_o full_a doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v establish_v by_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n therein_o deliver_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o demand_v miracle_n of_o those_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v who_o do_v first_o solemn_o profess_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o second_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n but_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v every_o true_a christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v much_o more_o all_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v which_o be_v in_o their_o place_n to_o reform_v all_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o christianity_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n or_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o require_v miracle_n from_o our_o first_o reformer_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n with_o have_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v come_v with_o a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o have_v be_v some_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o demand_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o only_a design_n be_v to_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o its_o abuse_n and_o although_o that_o by_o jerome_n be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o our_o saviour_n great_a miracle_n yet_o this_o by_o we_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o private_a christian_n these_o by_o their_o prayer_n minister_n by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o magistrate_n by_o their_o just_a authority_n chap._n iu._n the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n in_o order_n of_o prophet_n to_o succeed_v moses_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n the_o place_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o to_o a_o prophetical_a office_n of_o the_o music_n use_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o roman_a assamenta_n and_o the_o greek_a hymn_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n lieger_n and_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a prophet_n take_v out_o of_o the_o school_n prove_v by_o amos_n and_o saul_n but_o although_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v be_v complete_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 1_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n either_o to_o expect_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirm_v the_o old_a yet_o under_o the_o law_n god_n train_v up_o his_o people_n by_o degree_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o divine_a messenger_n call_v prophet_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n as_o to_o who_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v considerable_a first_o those_o prophet_n who_o work_n be_v to_o inform_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v their_o chief_a task_n have_v no_o need_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o god_n do_v not_o consummate_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n but_o appoint_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n to_o be_v among_o they_o to_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n unto_o they_o now_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v establish_v among_o they_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o thaâ—_n every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o they_o upon_o a_o errand_n from_o god_n shall_v prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v true_a by_o miracle_n when_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n he_o deliver_v nothing_o dissonant_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v one_o argument_n god_n intend_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n in_o his_o law_n for_o tâ—e_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o inspire_v or_o no_o deut._n 15._o 21_o 22._o and_o in_o that_o same_o place_n god_n do_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n deut._n 18._o 15_o 18._o a_o prophet_n will_v the_o lord_n god_n raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o like_o unto_o i_o to_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v which_o word_n though_o in_o their_o full_a and_o complete_a sense_n they_o do_v relate_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o whoever_o attend_v to_o the_o full_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o immediate_a sense_n of_o they_o do_v relate_v to_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n which_o shall_v succeed_v moses_n among_o the_o jew_n between_o who_o and_o moses_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a similitude_n as_o to_o their_o birth_n call_v and_o doctrine_n though_o not_o a_o just_a equality_n which_o be_v exclude_v deut._n 34._o 10_o 11._o and_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o other_o prophet_n fall_v so_o much_o short_a of_o moses_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v as_o be_v there_o large_o express_v nor_o may_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o by_o a_o prophet_n shall_v be_v understand_v a_o order_n or_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_n that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n be_v understand_v a_o rank_n and_o succession_n of_o several_a person_n in_o the_o same_o name_n &_o function_n and_o that_o it_o be_v
after_o we_o read_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n by_o who_o grotius_n understand_v the_o senator_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n they_o come_v up_o from_o the_o king_n house_n to_o the_o house_n of_o 10._o the_o lord_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o new_a gate_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o probable_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n 5._o sit_v where_o after_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o jeremiah_n they_o acquit_v he_o as_o a_o person_n not_o worthy_a to_o die_v upon_o a_o counterfeit_a prophecy_n but_o declare_v that_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n grotius_n likewise_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v of_o zedekiah_n concern_v jeremiah_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n afterward_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o king_n be_v not_o he_o that_o can_v do_v aught_o against_o you_o i._n e._n say_v grotius_n in_o manibus_fw-la synedrii_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la judicare_fw-la de_fw-fr propheta_fw-la vero_fw-la aut_fw-la falso_fw-la and_o to_o this_o many_o make_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n refer_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o prophet_n shall_v perish_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n be_v in_o 33._o jerusalem_n and_o so_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o 37._o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o because_o there_o it_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n be_v destroy_v as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v false_a one_o and_o god_n own_o messenger_n punish_v with_o the_o death_n of_o seducer_n which_o be_v lapidation_n and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o sanhedrin_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v assemble_v in_o the_o house_n of_o caiaphas_n the_o high_a priest_n when_o christ_n be_v carry_v thither_o for_o examination_n which_o some_o think_v to_o have_v be_v at_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o temple_n other_o at_o his_o palace_n in_o the_o city_n for_o we_o read_v that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o council_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o high_a priest_n palace_n in_o order_n to_o our_o saviour_n trial_n the_o next_o morning_n 59_o they_o be_v meet_v early_o together_o again_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o scan_v of_o this_o business_n but_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o examine_v christ_n concern_v a_o true_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concern_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o will_v seem_v rather_o to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o law_n against_o blasphemy_n 63._o then_o that_o against_o false_a prophet_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o people_n 4._o against_o the_o imposture_n of_o false_a prophet_n be_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v they_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o head_n such_o as_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n or_o such_o as_o concern_v their_o prediction_n first_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o prophet_n doctrine_n which_o shall_v especial_o be_v look_v after_o because_o the_o main_a office_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v interpres_fw-la &_o internuncius_fw-la divinae_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o revealer_n of_o god_n will_v to_o man_n for_o the_o primary_n notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o foretell_v future_a event_n but_o in_o declare_v and_o interpret_n to_o the_o world_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o receive_v what_o he_o make_v know_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o formal_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a what_o time_n his_o prophecy_n respect_v whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v but_o because_o future_a contingency_n be_v the_o further_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n therefore_o the_o prediction_n of_o such_o have_v be_v chief_o look_v on_o as_o the_o chief_a note_n and_o character_n of_o a_o prophet_n as_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o patriarch_n as_o abraham_n and_o other_o be_v call_v prophet_n not_o because_o of_o any_o prediction_n utter_v by_o they_o but_o because_o of_o the_o frequency_n 7._o of_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n among_o they_o and_o hence_o likewise_o those_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v call_v prophet_n and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o 26._o exposition_n of_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o a_o prophet_n which_o may_v not_o equal_o respect_v all_o difference_n of_o time_n but_o every_o one_o do_v import_v immediate_a inspiration_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o be_v one_o qui_fw-la revelat_fw-la abscondita_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o seer_n chief_o respect_v the_o clear_a representation_n of_o the_o intellectual_a species_n by_o the_o lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la to_o the_o understanding_n 53._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v a_o equal_a indifferency_n to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n this_o be_v then_o the_o chief_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n whatever_o he_o 5._o declare_v as_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v search_v and_o examine_v to_o see_v what_o consonancy_n it_o have_v thereto_o for_o the_o question_n which_o moses_n suppose_v be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v 21._o we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o may_v be_v false_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o true_a we_o have_v need_n of_o some_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v for_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o important_a question_n i_o lay_v down_o these_o principle_n the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v no_o sufficient_a standard_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o reference_n 1._o to_o consonancy_n or_o repugnancy_n to_o natural_a light_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i._n e._n that_o natural_a light_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o reason_n 1._o it_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n then_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 2._o nature_n reach_v as_o to_o matter_n concern_v religion_n no_o further_o than_o the_o obligation_n to_o duty_n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o obedience_n to_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o time_n place_n and_o particular_a duty_n of_o worship_n 3._o nature_n own_v a_o universal_a obligation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o he_o shall_v command_v do_v suppose_v a_o power_n in_o god_n to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v 4._o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o decay_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o own_o light_n and_o therefore_o seem_v rather_o to_o require_v further_a illumination_n then_o to_o put_v any_o bar_n against_o it_o 5._o man_n happiness_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o prescribe_v of_o the_o condition_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o now_o these_o condition_n be_v the_o result_v not_o of_o god_n naeture_n but_o of_o his_o arbitrarious_fw-la will_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o natural_a light_n can_v ever_o reach_v to_o the_o full_a discovery_n of_o they_o 6._o it_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v more_o of_o his_o will_n then_o nature_n can_v reach_v unto_o which_o sense_n discover_v its_o self_n in_o two_o thing_n 1._o pray_v to_o their_o several_a god_n for_o direction_n 2._o harken_v after_o pretend_a oracle_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v have_v that_o advantage_n of_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o want_v some_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a so_o then_o this_o may_v be_v assume_v as_o a_o principle_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v more_o of_o his_o mind_n
and_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o mere_a natural_a light_n and_o reason_n whatever_o speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o any_o of_o the_o fundamental_a dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 6._o for_o those_o be_v sound_v not_o upon_o any_o positive_a or_o arbitrary_a will_n but_o upon_o those_o inward_a impression_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n it_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v commission_n any_o to_o enervate_v his_o own_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o by_o one_o will_n to_o contradict_v another_o placitum_fw-la regis_fw-la must_v never_o stand_v against_o the_o placita_fw-la coronae_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o fundamental_a and_o establish_a law_n hold_v good_a against_o any_o positive_a sentence_n or_o declaration_n of_o a_o prince_n will_v because_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v bind_v up_o himself_o by_o the_o establish_a law_n and_o therefore_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o come_v from_o he_o contrary_a to_o they_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n but_o of_o the_o person_n persuade_v he_o to_o it_o but_o this_o now_o can_v be_v suppose_v in_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v any_o way_n draw_v to_o cassate_fw-it they_fw-mi obligation_n of_o what_o be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o his_o own_o law_n but_o yet_o we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o null_v the_o general_a obligation_n and_o alter_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o depend_v upon_o that_o general_a law_n the_o first_o in_o any_o case_n be_v impossible_a that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o not_o to_o be_v man_n duty_n to_o obey_v his_o maker_n or_o not_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o commit_v murder_n to_o lie_v or_o to_o steal_v from_o another_o but_o there_o may_v come_v a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o alter_v the_o respect_n and_o nature_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o do_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o his_o own_o dominion_n as_o the_o life_n of_o person_n and_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n be_v and_o thus_o god_n do_v reveal_v to_o abraham_n that_o he_o shall_v go_v and_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n which_o have_v be_v no_o murder_n when_o do_v upon_o god_n immediate_a command_n and_o for_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o will_v have_v be_v acceptable_a as_o a_o testimony_n of_o entire_a obedience_n which_o god_n do_v accept_v without_o the_o act_n and_o so_o the_o israelite_n take_v the_o egyptian_n jewel_n and_o dispossess_v the_o canaanite_n do_v depend_v upon_o god_n immediate_a disposal_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o otherwise_o have_v be_v a_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o no_o doubt_n be_v so_o to_o any_o that_o be_v unsatisfied_a whether_o god_n have_v immediate_o command_v it_o or_o no._n or_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v any_o general_a rule_n be_v no_o doubt_n a_o breach_n of_o divine_a command_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o will_n where_o god_n have_v establish_v a_o positive_a law_n prescribe_v a_o form_n and_o manner_n wherein_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o evidence_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n to_o go_v about_o to_o null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n unless_o there_o be_v as_o great_a evidence_n give_v that_o god_n do_v intend_v the_o establish_v a_o new_a law_n by_o that_o person_n as_o he_o do_v at_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o old_a by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n this_o latter_a clause_n be_v insert_v to_o show_v that_o the_o succeed_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n into_o the_o place_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o bear_v any_o repugnancy_n to_o the_o hypothesis_n lay_v down_o there_o be_v great_a evidence_n of_o god_n intend_v the_o abolish_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n then_o there_o be_v of_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o by_o moses_n but_o of_o those_o afterward_o i_o now_o only_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o upon_o the_o mere_a pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v destroy_v any_o precept_n of_o a_o establish_a positive_a law_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v be_v the_o great_a rule_n the_o jew_n go_v by_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v speak_v by_o any_o prophet_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o tend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n establish_v thereby_o he_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n the_o modern_a jew_n to_o justify_v themselves_o in_o their_o own_o unbelief_n as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n extend_v this_o further_a than_o the_o law_n do_v for_o they_o enlarge_v it_o to_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n whereas_o god_n in_o the_o law_n seem_v to_o limit_v it_o to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o chief_o insist_o on_o the_o three_o first_o precept_n of_o the_o decalogue_n and_o therefore_o condemn_v such_o a_o one_o as_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n when_o he_o have_v not_o command_v they_o deut._n 18._o 20._o and_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v in_o idolatry_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 2_o 3._o where_o though_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v offer_v to_o do_v sign_n and_o wonder_n before_o they_o yet_o if_o his_o intention_n be_v to_o draw_v they_o to_o worship_v false_a god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o therefore_o maimonides_n where_o he_o large_o dispute_v about_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o certain_a rule_n si_fw-mi propheta_fw-la surrexerit_fw-la 7._o at_o que_fw-la magna_fw-la miracula_fw-la aut_fw-la prodigiafecerit_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la laboraverit_fw-la falsitatis_fw-la convincere_fw-la prophâ—tiam_fw-la mosis_fw-la m._n n._n istum_fw-la non_fw-la audimus_fw-la quia_fw-la certo_fw-la novimus_fw-la prodigium_fw-la praestigiis_fw-la aut_fw-la incant_v ationibus_fw-la productum_fw-la esse_fw-la as_o vorstius_n render_v he_o if_o a_o prophet_n do_v never_o so_o great_a miracle_n and_o seek_v to_o convince_v moses_n of_o falsehood_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o for_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n but_o by_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o elsewhere_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o any_o one_o pretend_v 9_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o name_n of_o idol_n they_o must_v not_o so_o much_o as_o dispute_v with_o he_o nor_o answer_v he_o nor_o desire_v any_o sign_n or_o miracle_n from_o he_o and_o if_o of_o himself_o he_o show_v any_o we_o be_v not_o to_o regard_v or_o mind_v they_o for_o say_v he_o whoever_o do_v but_o doubt_n in_o his_o mind_n concern_v they_o he_o break_v that_o command_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n so_o 3_o that_o the_o doctrine_n once_o establish_v aught_o to_o be_v our_o most_o certain_a rule_n according_a to_o which_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n if_o their_o design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o god_n word_n we_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o what_o they_o either_o say_v or_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o prophet_n who_o seek_v not_o to_o introduce_v idolatry_n must_v not_o be_v measure_v by_o a_o strict_a conformity_n to_o the_o word_n 8._o of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o to_o the_o main_a reason_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o the_o great_a reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o jew_n shall_v always_o rest_v in_o the_o pedagogy_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o send_v they_o prophet_n to_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n and_o to_o fit_v they_o for_o a_o state_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o judge_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a prophet_n or_o no_o exact_o by_o that_o which_o they_o come_v gradual_o to_o wean_v they_o from_o which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o try_v one_o whether_o he_o be_v grow_v a_o man_n or_o no_o by_o the_o swaddle_a clout_n he_o wear_v when_o he_o be_v a_o child_n god_n temper_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n much_o according_a to_o the_o condition_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o person_n it_o be_v prescribe_v to_o and_o therefore_o the_o sanction_n of_o it_o do_v immediate_o respect_v their_o temporary_a concern_v but_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v the_o end_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v to_o be_v mere_o a_o covenant_n for_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n but_o as_o the_o cherubim_n in_o the_o temple_n do_v always_o look_v towards_o the_o mercy-seat_n so_o do_v this_o whole_a oeconomy_n look_v towards_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v with_o ignorant_a people_n who_o look_v up_o to_o the_o heaven_n can_v fancy_v the_o star_n to_o be_v any_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o
of_o reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v subsist_v after_o death_n without_o the_o boay_n from_o what_o philosophy_n be_v this_o derive_v certain_o from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o any_o one_o who_o strict_o observe_v the_o close_a coherence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n will_v find_v very_o little_a room_n leave_v for_o a_o eternal_a be_v to_o interpose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v shrewd_o observe_v that_o aristotle_n speak_v more_o favourable_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o his_o exoteric_o then_o in_o his_o acroamaticks_n which_o all_o that_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n will_v guess_v at_o the_o reason_n of_o i_o demand_v then_o must_v the_o receive_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o those_o short_a imperfect_a theory_n which_o be_v form_v more_o from_o tradition_n then_o experience_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_n be_v take_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n or_o no_o if_o they_o must_v we_o may_v soon_o forsake_v not_o only_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v soon_o shake_v hand_n with_o creation_n providence_n if_o not_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v disow_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o know_v what_o will_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o and_o what_o law_n our_o faith_n must_v be_v try_v by_o be_v they_o only_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o the_o undoubted_a common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o whosoever_o understand_v assent_n to_o they_o let_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a mystery_n be_v make_v appear_v to_o contradict_v these_o and_o we_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o captive_n to_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o jejune_n unprove_v hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n be_v set_v as_o judge_n over_o matter_n of_o faith_n who_o only_a warrant_n for_o that_o office_n must_v be_v stat_n pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la voluntas_fw-la let_v the_o principle_n we_o proceed_v by_o be_v first_o manifest_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o universal_a inspection_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n let_v the_o manner_n of_o process_n be_v show_v how_o they_o be_v collect_v lest_o they_o labour_v with_o the_o common_a fault_n of_o the_o chemist_n of_o establish_v hypostatical_a principle_n from_o the_o experiment_n of_o some_o particular_a body_n which_o other_o do_v as_o evident_o refute_v and_o last_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o these_o principle_n thus_o collect_v will_v serve_v indifferent_o for_o all_o being_n spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o material_a infinite_a as_o well_o as_o finite_a and_o when_o this_o task_n be_v exact_o perform_v we_o will_v make_v room_n for_o reason_n to_o sit_v upon_o the_o bench_n and_o bring_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o prisoner_n to_o its_o bar._n four_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n what_o certainty_n can_v 4._o we_o have_v at_o all_o of_o anything_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v who_o have_v fix_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o man_n call_v reason_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o will_v come_v and_o no_o further_o if_o no_o bank_n be_v raise_v against_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o its_o due_a channel_n we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o fear_v it_o may_v in_o time_n overthrow_v not_o only_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n too_o what_o prescription_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o reason_n more_o than_o for_o another_o one_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o why_o not_o another_o reject_v another_o article_n on_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o whatever_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n be_v if_o it_o be_v but_o baptize_v by_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v by_o this_o principle_n pass_v uncontrolled_a if_o a_o sullen_a philosopher_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n contradict_v his_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o the_o trinity_n do_v they_o and_o that_o the_o universe_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o body_n by_o what_o artifice_n will_v our_o master_n of_o reason_n purge_v away_o all_o that_o black_a choler_n that_o so_o cloud_n his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v see_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n through_o it_o and_o such_o one_o will_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n but_o he_o will_v reconcile_v his_o opinion_n with_o scripture_n too_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v he_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o man_n explication_n of_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o he_o can_v see_v of_o understand_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n then_o his_o own_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v be_v all_o anthropomorphites_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intelligible_a shall_v not_o this_o man_n put_v in_o for_o reason_n too_o nay_o last_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o device_n of_o subtle_a man_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v through_o chance_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n and_o that_o all_o be_v fool_n which_o be_v not_o atheist_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o apprehend_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o reject_v some_o mystery_n of_o religion_n he_o reject_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o because_o a_o infinite_a be_v be_v incomprehensible_a whither_o now_o have_v our_o reason_n carry_v we_o while_o we_o pretend_v to_o reject_v any_o thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v mere_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v on_o what_o account_n then_o do_v we_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v reason_n judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o reject_v these_o opinion_n not_o only_o as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o as_o insufficient_o prove_v from_o scripture_n whereas_o we_o here_o suppose_v it_o not_o be_v our_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o body_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o reject_v on_o that_o account_n that_o though_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v fair_a for_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v otherwise_o to_o be_v interpret_v because_o suppose_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o those_o doctrine_n before_o mention_v be_v eminent_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n oâ—_n it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n but_o these_o we_o now_o mention_n be_v no_o way_n conducible_a to_o that_o end_n but_o seem_v to_o thwart_v and_o overthrow_v it_o and_o transubstantiation_n establish_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n 3._o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v lay_v upon_o ambiguous_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o trope_n and_o figure_n in_o they_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o contain_v in_o plain_a scripture_n but_o be_v evidence_v by_o visible_a appearance_n as_o particular_o at_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o there_o be_v far_o great_a ground_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v the_o trinity_n on_o this_o account_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o reject_v those_o opinion_n be_v fetch_v from_o those_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o body_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o opinion_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o which_o case_n god_n himself_o sometime_o appeal_v to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o case_n when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o pronounce_v with_o confidence_n that_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o god_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o which_o give_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v as_o undoubted_o true_a though_o our_o reason_n can_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o all_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o to_o these_o sublime_a
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o 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 and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o difficulty_n from_o natural_a reason_n which_o will_v be_v most_o satisfactory_o do_v by_o the_o produce_v those_o ground_n from_o which_o they_o have_v resolve_v this_o question_n cur_n malisbenâ—_n &_o bonis_fw-la male_a who_o either_o have_v not_o have_v or_o at_o least_o own_a any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o do_v concern_v the_o prosperity_n and_o impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n which_o man_n have_v with_o moâ—â—_n confidence_n insist_v on_o oâ—_n this_o account_n because_o all_o man_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v a_o general_a reason_n of_o suffering_n by_o reason_n there_o be_v none_o who_o conscience_n can_v whole_o acquit_v they_o of_o evil_a action_n but_o why_o person_n notorious_o wicked_a shall_v live_v in_o impunity_n when_o other_o suffer_v that_o they_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a pretence_n of_o atheism_n as_o simplicius_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 223._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o ground_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n and_o felicity_n of_o bad_a man_n they_o regard_v not_o the_o common_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o tragedian_n or_o rather_o of_o aristophanes_n in_o his_o plutus_n shall_v i_o not_o dare_v to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n when_o those_o do_v prosper_v who_o have_v injure_v i_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v occasion_n among_o the_o heathen_n to_o question_v providence_n have_v do_v it_o upon_o some_o remarkable_a injury_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v to_o be_v do_v to_o themselves_o and_o so_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v more_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o any_o clear_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o inducement_n to_o it_o so_o diagoras_n resolve_v to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o atheist_n because_o the_o perjure_a person_n be_v not_o strike_v dead_a in_o the_o place_n and_o jason_n in_o seneca_n when_o he_o see_v medea_n fly_v away_o after_o kill_v his_o child_n cry_v out_o testare_fw-la nullos_fw-la esse_fw-la qua_fw-la veheris_fw-la deos._n thou_o tell_v the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o way_n where_o thou_o do_v fly_v and_o so_o claudian_n who_o large_o reason_v the_o case_n on_o both_o side_n for_o providence_n and_o against_o it_o at_o last_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o his_o doubt_n viz._n the_o long_a impunity_n of_o rufinus_n abstulit_fw-la hunc_fw-la tandem_fw-la rufini_n poena_fw-la tumultum_fw-la absolvitque_fw-la deos._n rufinus_n death_n do_v clear_v the_o god_n and_o set_v my_o mind_n at_o ease_n but_o because_o some_o carry_v it_o high_o as_o cotta_n in_o tully_n who_o deor._n reason_n the_o most_o as_o become_v a_o statesman_n in_o reference_n to_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v useful_a or_o hurtful_a to_o common_a wealth_n we_o may_v suppose_v there_o may_v be_v somewhat_o more_o of_o reason_n then_o interest_n in_o such_o argumentation_n and_o yet_o even_o in_o those_o discourse_n we_o may_v still_o find_v that_o the_o main_a original_n of_o this_o quarrel_n against_o providence_n be_v a_o over-high_a esteem_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v better_a from_o the_o god_n then_o to_o receive_v such_o injury_n or_o undergo_v such_o calamity_n therefore_o cotta_n cry_v out_o on_o providence_n because_o such_o person_n who_o be_v useful_a to_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n be_v destroy_v when_o the_o enemy_n to_o it_o escape_v as_o though_o providence_n have_v be_v only_o a_o tutelar_a deity_n of_o rome_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v elsewhere_o thence_o he_o cry_v out_o if_o there_o be_v providence_n why_o be_v the_o two_o scipio_n destroy_v in_o spain_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n why_o be_v maximus_n kill_v by_o hannibal_n why_o be_v the_o roman_n with_o paulus_n ruin_v at_o cannae_n why_o do_v regulus_n undergo_v so_o much_o cruelty_n by_o the_o carthaginian_n why_o do_v not_o africanus_n die_v in_o his_o own_o bed_n nay_o say_v he_o to_o come_v near_a home_n why_o be_v my_o uncle_n rutilius_n in_o banishment_n why_o be_v my_o friend_n drusus_n kill_v in_o his_o own_o house_n on_o the_o otherside_n why_o do_v marius_n die_v in_o peace_n and_o the_o most_o cruel_a cinna_n enjoy_v so_o long_a tranquillity_n with_o many_o other_o instance_n of_o both_o sort_n but_o this_o be_v it_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o for_o because_o we_o hereby_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o questiâ—â—_n providence_n more_o out_o of_o passion_n and_o interest_n than_o ouâ—_n of_o any_o solid_a ground_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o therefore_o appeal_v from_o person_n who_o be_v particular_o 21._o engage_v by_o some_o private_a interest_n in_o those_o passage_n from_o whence_o they_o will_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n to_o such_o who_o stand_v by_o unconcerned_a and_o make_v use_v of_o the_o free_a dictate_v of_o their_o reason_n in_o these_o case_n and_o such_o person_n when_o they_o come_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n like_o philosopher_n and_o man_n out_o of_o passion_n have_v give_v satisfactory_a and_o rational_a account_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n may_v sometime_o suffer_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n to_o go_v on_o in_o impunity_n when_o good_a man_n may_v go_v through_o the_o trouble_n of_o this_o world_n as_o 1._o god_n forbear_v wicked_a man_n to_o propound_v the_o example_n of_o his_o goodness_n to_o their_o imitation_n to_o teach_v they_o not_o to_o revenge_v their_o injury_n too_o greedy_o on_o each_o other_o this_o plutarch_n in_o that_o admirable_a discourse_n of_o he_o on_o this_o subject_n insist_o on_o as_o fr._n his_o first_o reason_n why_o god_n do_v not_o present_o punish_v wicked_a man_n for_o say_v he_o out_o of_o plato_n god_n have_v set_v forth_o himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o world_n for_o our_o imitation_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o god_n say_v plato_n give_v man_n the_o use_n of_o fight_n that_o by_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o the_o exact_a motion_n which_o be_v in_o they_o man_n shall_v learn_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o be_v comely_a and_o orderly_o and_o hate_v all_o disorderly_a and_o irregular_a motion_n for_o as_o he_o excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o great_a benefit_n man_n can_v receive_v from_o god_n then_o to_o attain_v true_a virtue_n by_o the_o imitation_n and_o pursuit_n of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o he_o and_o thence_o say_v plutarch_n god_n forbear_v to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n present_o not_o least_o if_o he_o shall_v punish_v they_o he_o may_v do_v that_o he_o will_v repent_v of_o afterward_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o he_o may_v take_v away_o the_o fury_n and_o violence_n of_o man_n in_o revenge_v their_o injury_n on_o each_o other_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o in_o wrath_n and_o anger_n with_o as_o much_o eagerness_n as_o they_o satisfy_v their_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n whereby_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leap_v upon_o they_o who_o have_v injure_v they_o with_o as_o much_o sury_n as_o a_o wild_a beast_n upon_o his_o prey_n but_o man_n shall_v learn_v to_o imitate_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n gentleness_n and_o patience_n whereby_o he_o give_v the_o offender_n time_n to_o consider_v with_o himself_o what_o he_o have_v do_v before_o he_o do_v severe_o punish_v he_o as_o plato_n when_o his_o boy_n have_v anger_v he_o stand_v still_o a_o while_n without_o strike_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o say_v punish_v himself_o first_o for_o his_o anger_n before_o he_o will_v chastise_v the_o boy_n for_o his_o fault_n and_o archytas_n when_o he_o see_v how_o negligent_a his_o workman_n have_v be_v and_o begin_v to_o be_v very_o angry_a with_o they_o tell_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v well_o for_o you_o that_o i_o be_o angry_a with_o you_o now_o say_v plutarch_n if_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o forbearance_n in_o man_n shall_v tend_v to_o moderate_v man_n heat_n and_o violence_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o leniâ—y_n and_o patience_n of_o god_n do_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o account_v gentleness_n and_o forbearance_n to_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o divine_a perfection_n now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o rational_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o apprchension_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n then_o this_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v show_v his_o
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
in_o the_o age_n he_o live_v in_o he_o make_v that_o unhappy_a use_n of_o his_o skill_n to_o play_v the_o mountebank_n with_o his_o learning_n and_o to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v better_a stomach_n than_o palate_n and_o can_v soon_o swallow_v down_o the_o composition_n that_o be_v give_v they_o then_o find_v out_o the_o ingredient_n of_o they_o thus_o annius_n put_v a_o good_a face_n on_o his_o new-old_a author_n bid_v they_o be_v bold_a and_o confident_a and_o they_o will_v fare_v the_o better_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o tell_v their_o story_n so_o punctual_o in_o all_o circumstance_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a conveyance_n to_o posterity_n that_o that_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o any_o intelligent_a person_n to_o question_v their_o authority_n but_o lest_o his_o author_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n want_v a_o interpreter_n to_o make_v out_o their_o full_a meaning_n he_o set_v himself_o a_o large_a commentary_n upon_o they_o and_o certain_o he_o be_v the_o fit_a person_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v it_o for_o cujus_fw-la â—st_fw-la condere_fw-la ejus_fw-la â—st_fw-la interpretari_fw-la none_o so_o fit_a to_o explain_v annius_n as_o annius_n himself_o the_o whole_a story_n of_o this_o imposture_n how_o he_o make_v the_o inscription_n himself_o and_o hide_v they_o under_o ground_n how_o they_o be_v dig_v thence_o and_o bring_v to_o annius_n how_o annius_n cause_v they_o to_o be_v send_v to_o the_o magistrate_n and_o after_o publish_v they_o in_o the_o equipage_n they_o be_v in_o be_v at_o large_a relate_v by_o that_o learned_a bishop_n antonius_n augustinus_n from_o latinus_n latinius_n 11._o from_o a_o like_a quarry_n to_o this_o come_v out_o those_o other_o famous_a inscription_n walk_v under_o the_o specious_a title_n of_o antiquitatum_fw-la 6._o ethruscarum_fw-la fragmenta_fw-la whereinis_fw-la beside_o many_o palpable_a incongruity_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n discover_v partly_o by_o leo_n allatius_n in_o his_o discourse_n concern_v they_o there_o be_v so_o many_o particular_a story_n and_o circumstance_n relate_v concern_v noah_n be_v in_o italy_n and_o other_o thing_n so_o far_o beyond_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n there_o be_v yet_o any_o person_n pretend_v to_o learning_n who_o shall_v build_v their_o discourse_n upon_o such_o rot_a and_o sandy_a foundation_n as_o these_o inscription_n be_v but_o though_o ixion_n may_v jupiter_n will_v never_o have_v be_v deceive_v with_o a_o cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n so_o though_o person_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o lineament_n of_o truth_n may_v be_v easy_o impose_v on_o with_o appearance_n instead_o of_o she_o yet_o such_o person_n who_o have_v sagacity_n enough_o to_o discern_v the_o air_n of_o her_o countenance_n from_o the_o paint_n of_o forgery_n will_v never_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v overreach_v by_o such_o vain_a pretender_n but_o these_o impostor_n be_v like_o the_o astrologer_n at_o rome_n ever_o banish_v and_o yet_o ever_o there_o and_o so_o these_o be_v ever_o explode_v by_o all_o lover_n of_o truth_n yet_o always_o find_v some_o to_o applaud_v and_o entertain_v they_o although_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o do_v so_o now_o in_o the_o present_a light_n of_o knowledge_n and_o all_o advantage_n for_o learning_n than_o it_o be_v in_o those_o elder_a time_n when_o the_o heathen_a priest_n pretend_v to_o the_o monopoly_n of_o learning_n among_o themselves_o and_o make_v it_o one_o of_o their_o great_a design_n to_o keep_v all_o other_o in_o dependence_n on_o themselves_o thereby_o to_o keep_v up_o their_o veneration_n the_o better_a among_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o record_n they_o have_v of_o learning_n or_o history_n be_v careful_o lock_v up_o and_o preserve_v among_o the_o priest_n and_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n other_o may_v get_v a_o view_n of_o they_o they_o be_v sure_a to_o preserve_v they_o in_o a_o peculiar_a character_n distinct_a from_o that_o in_o civil_a and_o common_a use_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o heathen_a priest_n have_v all_o imaginable_a opportunity_n and_o convenience_n for_o deceive_v the_o silly_a people_n and_o thereby_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o obsequious_a ignorance_n which_o be_v never_o the_o mother_n of_o any_o true_a devotion_n but_o of_o the_o great_a superstition_n it_o be_v well_o know_v of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n that_o the_o sacred_a 7._o character_n of_o their_o temple_n be_v seldom_o make_v know_v to_o any_o but_o such_o as_o be_v of_o their_o own_o number_n and_o family_n 3._o the_o priesthood_n be_v there_o hereditary_a or_o such_o other_o as_o by_o long_a converse_n have_v insinuate_v themselves_o into_o their_o society_n as_o some_o of_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n and_o historian_n have_v do_v and_o yet_o we_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o be_v not_o overfree_a and_o communicative_a to_o some_o of_o they_o by_o the_o slender_a account_n they_o give_v of_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o know_v among_o the_o egyptian_n that_o the_o phoenician_n priest_n have_v their_o peculiar_a and_o sacred_a character_n too_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o word_n of_o philo_n byblius_n concern_v sanchoniathon_n if_o we_o take_v bochartus_fw-la his_o exposition_n of_o they_o 10._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o his_o history_n be_v compare_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o inscription_n in_o the_o temple_n write_v in_o the_o ammunean_a letter_n which_o be_v know_v to_o few_o literae_fw-la ammuneorum_fw-la say_v bochartus_n sunt_fw-la literae_fw-la templorum_fw-la literae_fw-la in_o sacr_n be_v exceptae_fw-la for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o sun_n thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o temple_n of_o the_o 17_o sun_n who_o the_o phoenician_n worship_v as_o their_o principal_a deity_n under_o the_o name_n of_o beel-samen_a the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o diogenes_n laertius_n of_o a_o book_n of_o democritus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o babylonian_a priest_n have_v their_o sacred_a character_n too_o and_o of_o a_o testimony_n of_o theodoret_n 61._o of_o all_o the_o grecian_a temple_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o have_v some_o peculiar_a character_n which_o be_v call_v sacred_a but_o that_o lerane_v author_n think_v there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o understand_v it_o peculiar_o of_o the_o grecian_n because_o the_o greek_a father_n call_v all_o heathen_n by_o the_o name_n of_o greek_n but_o if_o so_o the_o testimony_n be_v the_o large_a and_o amount_n to_o a_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a temple_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a peculiar_a to_o they_o if_o we_o believe_v 8._o some_o person_n of_o great_a learning_n than_o judgement_n who_o attribute_v this_o distinction_n of_o sacred_a and_o vulgar_a character_n to_o the_o jew_n as_o well_o as_o other_o but_o without_o any_o probability_n of_o reason_n for_o these_o learned_a man_n be_v strong_o possess_v with_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o modern_a jew_n concern_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n and_o find_v themselves_o press_v not_o only_o with_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o ancient_a rabbin_n but_o with_o the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o ancient_a shekel_n about_o solomon_n time_n inscribe_v with_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n have_v at_o last_o find_v this_o evasion_n that_o the_o samaritan_n letter_n be_v in_o vulgar_a use_n but_o the_o present_a character_n be_v then_o sacred_a and_o not_o make_v common_a till_o after_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n but_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a shift_n find_v out_o by_o some_o modern_a jew_n and_o greedy_o embrace_v by_o their_o follower_n because_o thereby_o they_o be_v in_o hope_n to_o evade_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o contrary_a argument_n which_o otherwise_o they_o can_v find_v no_o probable_a solution_n of_o and_o a_o mere_a shift_n it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v on_o how_o little_a ground_n of_o reason_n it_o stand_v for_o none_o of_o those_o reason_n which_o hold_v for_o such_o a_o distinction_n of_o character_n among_o the_o heathen_n can_v have_v any_o place_n among_o the_o jew_n for_o it_o be_v never_o any_o part_n of_o god_n design_n to_o have_v the_o law_n keep_v from_o the_o people_n view_n truth_n be_v never_o so_o fearful_a of_o be_v see_v abroad_o it_o be_v only_a falsehood_n that_o walk_v under_o disguise_n and_o must_v have_v its_o hiding-place_n to_o retreat_n to_o nay_o god_n express_o command_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n of_o all_o the_o jew_n to_o search_v and_o study_v his_o law_n which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v if_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o from_o they_o in_o a_o unknown_a character_n do_v not_o god_n himself_o promulge_v it_o among_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n do_v he_o not_o command_v it_o
serve_v other_o go_n how_o unlikely_a then_o be_v it_o that_o this_o tradition_n 2._o shall_v be_v afterward_o preserve_v entire_a when_o the_o people_n god_n have_v peculiar_o choose_v to_o himself_o be_v so_o mix_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o prone_a to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n attest_v with_o the_o great_a miracle_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v then_o have_v they_o never_o be_v bring_v forth_o of_o egypt_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n leave_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a age_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o memorable_a thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o sacred_a record_n we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o record_n go_v under_o his_o name_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o 2._o fact_n do_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o very_a distinct_a question_n to_o be_v think_v of_o concern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o any_o person_n at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o and_o those_o be_v what_o evidence_n can_v be_v give_v that_o the_o matter_n record_v be_v of_o a_o true_a divine_a revelation_n and_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o such_o thing_n be_v record_v by_o such_o person_n they_o who_o do_v not_o careful_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o question_n will_v soon_o run_v themselves_o into_o a_o inextricable_a labyrinth_n when_o they_o either_o seek_v to_o understand_v themselves_o or_o explain_v to_o other_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o step_n in_o order_n to_o which_o must_v be_v the_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o such_o person_n be_v real_o existent_a and_o do_v either_o do_v or_o record_v the_o thing_n we_o speak_v of_o after_o this_o succeed_v the_o other_o to_o prove_v not_o only_o the_o real_a existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o that_o the_o person_n who_o record_v the_o thing_n be_v assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v but_o those_o record_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v that_o which_o at_o present_a we_o inquire_v after_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o record_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o and_o here_o it_o will_v be_v most_o unreasonable_a for_o any_o to_o seek_v for_o further_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o than_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o but_o if_o they_o shall_v i_o suppose_v we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o demand_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o whoever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o bring_v matter_n of_o fact_n into_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o think_v he_o have_v ground_n to_o 1._o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prove_v in_o a_o mathematical_a way_n to_o he_o who_o will_v ever_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o archimedes_n be_v kill_v at_o syracuse_n by_o any_o of_o the_o demonstration_n he_o be_v then_o about_o or_o that_o euclid_n be_v the_o undoubted_a author_n of_o the_o geometry_n under_o his_o name_n or_o do_v man_n question_v these_o thing_n for_o want_n of_o such_o demonstration_n yet_o this_o be_v all_o we_o at_o present_a desire_n but_o the_o same_o liberty_n here_o which_o be_v use_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o i_o demand_v of_o the_o person_n who_o deny_v this_o moral_a certainty_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o assent_n whether_o he_o do_v question_v 2._o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v he_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o a_o voyage_n to_o anticyrae_n or_o to_o be_v sound_o purge_v with_o hellebore_n to_o free_v he_o from_o those_o cloudy_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o suspect_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v a_o imposture_n but_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o man_n so_o destitute_a of_o reason_n as_o â—o_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v then_o firm_o believe_v any_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o then_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n as_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n have_v which_o he_o most_o firm_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v from_o he_o 3._o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o most_o concern_v and_o weighty_a 3._o action_n of_o man_n life_n be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o rely_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o title_n to_o estate_n derive_v from_o ancestor_n either_o by_o donation_n or_o purchase_n in_o all_o trade_n which_o go_v upon_o the_o moral_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o france_n or_o spain_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o journeying_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o for_o these_o we_o have_v but_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o affirmative_n be_v indemonstrable_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v poison_v by_o every_o bit_n of_o meat_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n do_v we_o therefore_o continual_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o chief_o this_o be_v see_v in_o all_o natural_a affection_n and_o piety_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n which_o undoubted_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v witness_n of_o themselves_o viz._n their_o come_n out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v any_o one_o think_v this_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o contrary_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o in_o short_a then_o either_o we_o must_v destroy_v all_o historical_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o much_o attest_v but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n not_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la but_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la subest_fw-la dubium_fw-la i._n e._n a_o assent_n undoubted_a though_o not_o infallible_a by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o little_a reason_n the_o atheist_n on_o one_o side_n can_v have_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o what_o little_a ground_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o thing_n where_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fâ—ct_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n 4._o viz._n that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o which_o i_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n 2._o the_o settle_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n upon_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o moses_n 1._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n most_o capable_a of_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o know_v nothing_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n can_v possible_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n concern_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n beyond_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o have_v a_o great_a capacity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o we_o can_v have_v and_o those_o be_v all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v live_v near_a those_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o have_v best_a understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v can_v we_o possible_o conceive_v that_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o transgress_v the_o law_n
convince_v they_o of_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v already_o for_o we_o never_o read_v among_o all_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v lapse_v so_o far_o as_o total_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n although_o they_o do_v enormous_o offend_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v main_o concern_v as_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o their_o frequent_a and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o though_o they_o whole_o cast_v off_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o superinduce_v as_o the_o samaritan_n do_v the_o worship_n of_o heathen_a idol_n with_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o when_o the_o revolt_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n unless_o some_o apparent_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o heathen_a mixture_n and_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o prophet_n on_o this_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o main_a instrument_n of_o this_o revolt_n as_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o that_o dangerous_a design_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la when_o he_o out_o of_o a_o politic_a end_n set_v up_o his_o two_o calf_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therein_o it_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o design_v not_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o but_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n for_o his_o interest_n lie_v not_o in_o draw_v of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o from_o his_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o 27._o design_n of_o cantonize_a the_o kingdom_n and_o take_v the_o great_a share_n to_o himself_o now_o that_o god_n may_v confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n in_o this_o dangerous_a juncture_n of_o time_n he_o send_v a_o prophet_n to_o bethel_n who_o by_o the_o work_n of_o present_a miracle_n there_o viz._n the_o rent_v the_o altar_n and_o wither_v of_o jeroboam_n hand_n do_v manifest_a to_o they_o that_o these_o altar_n be_v displease_v to_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o in_o that_o famous_a fire-ordeal_a for_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o 38._o god_n and_o baal_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n by_o elijah_n god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n to_o give_v the_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n by_o cause_v a_o fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o people_n confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o present_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o miracle_n the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n whereby_o we_o plain_o 39_o see_v what_o clear_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v attest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n thus_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n which_o be_v in_o the_o country_n of_o zidon_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v elijah_n to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n by_o his_o raise_n up_o her_o son_n to_o life_n and_o the_o woman_n say_v to_o elijah_n now_o by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o 24._o thy_o mouth_n be_v truth_n so_o we_o see_v how_o naaman_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n in_o jordan_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o elisha_n behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o 15._o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n by_o which_o instance_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o either_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o these_o person_n be_v build_v upon_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n or_o that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o they_o for_o this_o we_o see_v be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v improve_v any_o of_o his_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n viz._n to_o be_v as_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o so_o that_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o mere_o a_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o a_o probable_a inducement_n to_o remove_v prejudice_n from_o the_o person_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n speak_v but_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n of_o who_o message_n be_v attest_v both_o among_o the_o 16._o egyptian_n and_o the_o israelite_n by_o that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v but_o herein_o we_o have_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o moses_n our_o great_a enemy_n viz_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n be_v grow_v very_o shy_a of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o so_o much_o that_o their_o great_a dr._n maimonides_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o confident_a maxim_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v in_o moses_n our_o master_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v do_v they_o not_o the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o this_o great_a rabbi_n thus_o to_o bely_v they_o but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o it_o be_v because_o there_o may_v remain_v some_o suspicion_n in_o one_o mind_n that_o all_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o power_n of_o magic_n or_o incantation_n say_v you_o so_o what_o when_o moses_n confound_v all_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o make_v themselves_o who_o be_v the_o most_o cunning_a in_o these_o thing_n confess_v it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o at_o last_o give_v out_o as_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o moses_n may_v one_o still_o suspect_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a power_n credat_fw-la judaeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la this_o be_v much_o like_o what_o another_o of_o their_o doctor_n say_v who_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a philosopher_n that_o elisha_n his_o raise_v the_o child_n 18._o to_o life_n and_o cure_v naaman_n leprosy_n and_o daniel_n escape_v the_o lion_n and_o jonas_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n may_v all_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n or_o by_o pythonisme_n very_o probable_a but_o it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o vortius_n there_o observe_v of_o the_o jew_n nibil_n non_fw-la nugacissimi_fw-la mortalium_fw-la fingunt_fw-la ne_fw-la cogantur_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la virtute_fw-la ac_fw-la digito_fw-la quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la jesum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la effecisse_fw-la miracula_fw-la sua_fw-la all_o their_o design_n in_o this_o be_v only_o to_o elevate_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o derogate_v all_o they_o can_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v as_o miracle_n the_o mere_a recital_n of_o the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr will_n work_v wonder_n &_o that_o by_o this_o jeremiah_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v all_o their_o miracle_n it_o be_v well_o yet_o that_o he_o do_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o own_o prophet_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o where_o i_o wonder_v do_v we_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o pronounce_v of_o four_o letter_n raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o have_v lie_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o by_o what_o power_n do_v christ_n raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o can_v his_o dead_a body_n pronounce_v the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr to_o awaken_v its_o self_n with_o but_o maimonides_n further_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n be_v mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n the_o rain_v of_o manna_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n but_o set_v aside_o that_o these_o two_o latter_a be_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v evidence_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_v a_o divine_a
great_a irregularity_n in_o the_o observation_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o a_o multitude_n of_o the_o people_n have_v not_o cleanse_v themselves_o yet_o they_o do_v eat_v the_o passeover_n otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v write_v 18._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v say_v upon_o hezekiah_n prayer_n that_o the_o lord_n hearken_v to_o hezekiah_n and_o heal_v every_o one_o so_o that_o we_o see_v god_n himself_o do_v dispense_v with_o the_o strict_a ceremonial_a precept_n 20._o of_o the_o law_n where_o man_n do_v look_v after_o the_o main_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o the_o worship_n god_n require_v from_o they_o nay_o god_n himself_o have_v express_o declare_v his_o own_o will_n to_o dispense_v with_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n where_o it_o comee_n to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o internal_a goodness_n in_o they_o when_o he_o say_v he_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burnt-offering_n thus_o 6._o we_o plain_o see_v that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n however_o positive_a it_o be_v do_v yield_v as_o to_o its_o obligation_n when_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v moral_a stand_v in_o competition_n with_o it_o and_o so_o the_o jew_n themselves_o suppose_v a_o open_a violation_n of_o the_o judicial_a law_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o hang_n up_o of_o saul_n son_n a_o long_a time_n together_o direct_o contrary_a to_o deut._n 21._o 23._o which_o they_o conceive_v 10._o to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o 16._o of_o nisan_fw-la to_o the_o 17._o of_o marchesvan_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o from_o our_o march_n to_o september_n whereas_o the_o law_n say_v express_o that_o the_o body_n of_o one_o that_o be_v hang_v shall_v not_o remain_v all_o night_n upon_o the_o tree_n but_o thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a bury_v he_o that_o day_n one_o of_o the_o jewish_a rabbi_n as_o g._n vorstius_n tell_v we_o be_v so_o trouble_v at_o this_o that_o he_o 13._o wish_v that_o place_n in_o samuel_n expunge_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o name_n of_o god_n may_v be_v sanctify_v but_o whether_o this_o be_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o oracle_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o only_o by_o a_o general_a permission_n we_o see_v it_o be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n for_o upon_o that_o the_o gibeonite_n famine_n be_v remove_v and_o god_n be_v entreat_v for_o the_o land_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o immutable_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o second_o it_o be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o 4._o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o law_n when_o once_o establish_v the_o main_a argument_n of_o that_o learned_a r._n abravanel_n whereby_o he_o will_v establish_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v fetch_v from_o 13._o hence_o that_o this_o law_n be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o know_v the_o suitableness_n of_o thing_n he_o appoint_v to_o the_o end_n he_o appoint_v they_o for_o as_o god_n have_v appoint_v bread_n to_o be_v the_o food_n of_o man_n body_n now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v appoint_v bread_n and_o no_o other_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o food_n of_o man_n no_o more_o say_v he_o be_v we_o to_o inquire_v why_o god_n have_v appoint_v this_o law_n rather_o than_o another_o for_o the_o food_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v content_v with_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n though_o we_o understand_v not_o that_o reason_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o argument_n which_o he_o more_o large_o deduce_v to_o which_o we_o answer_v that_o his_o argument_n hold_v good_a for_o obedience_n to_o all_o god_n positive_a precept_n of_o what_o kind_n or_o nature_n soever_o they_o be_v so_o long_o as_o we_o know_v their_o obligation_n to_o continue_v but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o every_o positive_a precept_n must_v always_o continue_v to_o oblige_v and_o thus_o far_o his_o similitude_n will_v hold_v good_a that_o whatever_o god_n do_v command_v we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o our_o soul_n as_o bread_n to_o our_o body_n but_o hence_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o our_o soul_n must_v be_v always_o hold_v to_o the_o same_o positive_a precept_n any_o more_o than_o our_o body_n to_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o food_n nay_o as_o in_o our_o body_n we_o find_v some_o kind_n of_o food_n always_o necessary_a but_o the_o kind_n of_o it_o to_o alter_v according_a to_o age_n health_n and_o constitution_n so_o we_o say_v some_o kind_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v always_o necessary_a but_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v to_o temper_v it_o according_a to_o the_o age_n and_o growth_n of_o his_o people_n so_o he_o feed_v they_o as_o with_o milk_n in_o their_o nonage_n with_o a_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o train_v they_o up_o by_o degree_n under_o the_o nursery_n of_o the_o prophet_n till_o the_o church_n be_v grow_v to_o age_n and_o then_o god_n feed_v it_o with_o the_o strong_a meat_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o therein_o be_v abundant_o see_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o variegated_a wisdom_n that_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o excellent_a and_o proportionable_a way_n to_o his_o people_n capacity_n to_o prepare_v they_o gradual_o for_o that_o full_a and_o complete_a revelation_n which_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o time_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o true_a messiah_n in_o the_o world_n for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o the_o gradual_a progress_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n that_o fair_a resemblance_n and_o portraiture_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o his_o will_n upon_o his_o word_n if_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o have_v its_o ground_n work_v lay_v upon_o man_n first_o apostasy_n in_o the_o promise_n make_v gen._n 3._o 15._o whereon_o some_o further_a line_n be_v draw_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o patriarch_n but_o it_o have_v its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v shadow_v out_o the_o most_o in_o the_o typical_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n but_o be_v never_o fill_v up_o to_o the_o life_n nor_o have_v its_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o appear_v unto_o the_o world_n if_o then_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n why_o not_o to_o the_o revelation_n make_v to_o adam_n or_o the_o patriarch_n or_o especial_o to_o the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noah_n which_o they_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v give_v to_o all_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o superadd_a ritual_n and_o ceremonial_n to_o moral_n and_o natural_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v to_o take_v down_o the_o scaffold_n of_o ceremony_n when_o god_n spiritual_a temple_n the_o church_n of_o god_n be_v come_v to_o its_o full_a height_n be_v there_o not_o more_o reason_n that_o ritual_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o substantial_o then_o that_o such_o shall_v be_v superinduce_v to_o moral_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o the_o jew_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o 5._o add_v to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n then_o to_o any_o former_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o great_a perfection_n they_o suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o revelation_n above_o other_o and_o that_o god_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o it_o do_v express_v that_o he_o will_v never_o alter_v it_o but_o both_o these_o be_v manifest_o defective_a and_o insufficient_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v produce_v for_o first_o what_o evidence_n be_v there_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n contain_v so_o great_a perfection_n in_o it_o as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o have_v any_o addition_n make_v to_o it_o by_o god_n himself_o we_o speak_v not_o now_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o it_o be_v grant_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o positive_a precept_n for_o this_o we_o never_o contend_v 10._o for_o the_o abrogation_n of_o but_o the_o ritual_a law_n be_v that_o we_o meddle_v with_o and_o be_v it_o possible_a any_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n as_o to_o think_v this_o to_o be_v the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o what_o god_n can_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n let_v any_o indifferent_a rational_a person_n take_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v they_o in_o the_o balance_n with_o those_o of_o the_o
as_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o neglect_v the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o sober_a 11._o shall_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n assert_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v insufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n true_a unless_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o strong_a evidence_n many_o person_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v scientifical_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o than_o all_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v must_v certain_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o answer_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o internal_a but_o outward_a evidence_n not_o of_o that_o in_o the_o subject_n but_o of_o the_o object_n or_o more_o full_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o event_n in_o we_o for_o doubtless_o there_o may_v be_v undoubted_a truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o some_o person_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o understand_v if_o epicurus_n shall_v contend_v still_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v no_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o contrary_a nay_o if_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v offer_v he_o and_o telescope_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n and_o therefore_o his_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o use_v the_o telescope_n or_o suspect_v still_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o sight_n what_o possible_a way_n will_v there_o be_v of_o convince_a such_o a_o person_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o self_n demonstrable_a now_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o maintain_v of_o credit_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o mathematical_a evidence_n to_o withhold_v assent_n what_o power_n may_v we_o think_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o that_o carnal_a interest_n which_o the_o heart_n be_v already_o devote_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o person_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o that_o may_v yield_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n nay_o there_o be_v light_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o light_n come_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o can_v 19_o not_o believe_v while_o they_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v of_o god_n only_o i._n e._n that_o they_o 44._o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o applause_n from_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o impartial_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o do_v touch_v their_o sore_n so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v they_o fester_v upon_o they_o then_o go_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o cure_n that_o the_o reason_n so_o few_o follow_v he_o be_v because_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o which_o man_n must_v go_v in_o at_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n so_o few_o of_o the_o rich_a 14._o and_o proud_a pharisee_n can_v get_v in_o at_o it_o they_o be_v partly_o so_o swell_v with_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o partly_o so_o load_v with_o their_o riches_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o go_v in_o at_o so_o straight_o a_o gate_n while_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o neither_o that_o the_o final_a ground_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o any_o be_v not_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v nor_o want_v of_o readiness_n in_o christ_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o peevish_a wilful_a obstinate_a malicious_a spirit_n that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v 40._o to_o christ_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n for_o those_o import_n the_o same_o but_o when_o the_o most_o convince_a miracle_n be_v use_v they_o will_v rather_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 24._o then_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n present_o by_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o face_n yet_o we_o see_v thereby_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v now_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n proceed_n with_o the_o pharisee_n by_o rational_a argument_n i_o demand_v whether_o these_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o his_o miracle_n by_o any_o diabolical_a but_o by_o divine_a power_n or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rational_a evidence_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o some_o motive_n to_o believe_v may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v then_o well_o fare_v the_o pharisee_n it_o seem_v they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o far_o justify_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o suppose_v that_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a but_o out_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o envy_n they_o utter_v this_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v christ_n then_o we_o hence_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o strong_a a_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o convince_v his_o most_o resolute_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a second_o what_o power_n a_o corrupt_a will_n may_v have_v over_o a_o convince_a understanding_n for_o although_o the_o will_n may_v not_o hinder_v conviction_n yet_o it_o may_v soon_o stifle_v it_o by_o suggest_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o may_v divert_v it_o from_o those_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o disgrace_v it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o discover_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n wherein_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v like_o rational_a man_n or_o such_o as_o desire_a truth_n but_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o through_o passion_n interest_n prejudice_n disaffection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o those_o person_n do_v not_o believe_v although_o there_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o but_o although_o i_o assert_v that_o these_o rational_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v to_o manifest_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o i_o thereby_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o no_o more_o power_n be_v require_v in_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o to_o believe_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o be_v another_o objection_n some_o lay_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o it_o isâ—_n ot_fw-mi difficult_a get_n over_o it_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n which_o i_o attribute_v to_o rational_a evidence_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o simple_a but_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la as_o a_o objective_a evidence_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o peculiar_a energy_n and_o way_n of_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v entire_a to_o its_o self_n but_o then_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o true_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o only_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o withal_o represent_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o that_o testimony_n with_o all_o that_o excellency_n and_o suitableness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o by_o the_o most_o agreeable_a yet_o effectual_a influence_n
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o 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the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o demolish_v these_o strong_a hold_n and_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n arnobius_n excellent_o speak_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la creditis_fw-la gesta_fw-la haec_fw-la sed_fw-la qui_fw-la ea_fw-la conspicati_fw-la sunt_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o sub_fw-la oculis_fw-la suis_fw-la viderunt_fw-la agi_fw-la testes_fw-la optimi_fw-la certissimique_fw-la auctores_fw-la â—_o &_o crediderunt_fw-la haec_fw-la ipsi_fw-la &_o credenda_fw-la posteris_fw-la nobis_fw-la haud_fw-la exilibus_fw-la cum_fw-la approbationibus_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la quinam_fw-la isti_fw-la fortasse_fw-la quaeritis_fw-la gentes_fw-la populi_fw-la nationes_fw-la &_o incredulum_fw-la illud_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la quod_fw-la nisi_fw-la aperta_fw-la res_fw-la esset_fw-la &_o luce_fw-fr ipsa_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la clarior_fw-la nunquam_fw-la 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membra_fw-la vobis_fw-la projicere_fw-la &_o viscera_fw-la sua_fw-la lanianda_fw-la praebere_fw-la the_o substance_n of_o who_o discourse_n be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v so_o many_o person_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n to_o be_v so_o far_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v as_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v a_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o they_o be_v educate_v in_o but_o to_o venture_v their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o estate_n upon_o it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o such_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o speak_v well_fw-mi haec_fw-la saltem_fw-la 44._o fidem_fw-la vobis_fw-la faciant_fw-la argumenta_fw-la credendi_fw-la quod_fw-la jam_fw-la peromnes_n terras_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tempore_fw-la &_o parvo_fw-la immensi_fw-la nominis_fw-la huius_fw-la 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into_o more_o than_o civility_n that_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o part_n orator_n grammarian_n rhetorician_n lawyer_n physician_n philosopher_n who_o not_o have_v for_o saken_a then_o former_a sentiment_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o which_o atheistical_o dispose_v person_n make_v so_o much_o advantage_n of_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o it_o because_o it_o obtain_v so_o much_o upon_o its_o first_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n be_v against_o it_o if_o then_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v under_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n and_o power_n in_o that_o religion_n which_o unsettle_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n as_o to_o make_v man_n not_o only_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o to_o renounce_v they_o and_o embrace_v a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o withal_o consider_v what_o stronghold_n these_o principle_n of_o education_n be_v back_v with_o among_o the_o 21._o heathen_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o divulge_v among_o they_o i._n e._n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o have_v of_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o christianity_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n above_o the_o christian_a the_o main_a thing_n plead_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v templis_fw-la divortium_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la majorum_fw-la that_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o forefather_n and_o symmachus_n libanius_n and_o other_o plead_v this_o most_o in_o behalf_n of_o paganism_n servanda_fw-la est_fw-la tot_fw-la seculis_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o sequendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la parent_n qui_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la feliciter_fw-la suos_fw-la their_o religion_n plead_v prescription_n against_o any_o other_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sollow_v the_o step_n of_o their_o ancestor_n wherein_o they_o think_v themselves_o happy_a and_o secure_a caecilius_n in_o minutius_n felix_n first_o argue_v much_o against_o dogmatize_v in_o religion_n but_o withal_o say_v it_o 6._o most_o become_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n majorum_fw-la excipere_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la religiones_fw-la tradit_fw-la as_o colere_fw-la deos_fw-la quos_fw-la à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la ante_fw-la imbutus_fw-la es_fw-la timere_fw-la nec_fw-la de_fw-la numinibus_fw-la far_o sententiam_fw-la sed_fw-la prioribus_fw-la credere_fw-la so_o arnobius_n tell_v we_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v against_o 90._o the_o christian_n be_v novellam_fw-la esse_fw-la religionem_fw-la nostram_fw-la &_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la natam_fw-la propemodum_fw-la paucos_fw-la nâ—que_fw-la vos_fw-la potuisse_fw-la antiquam_fw-la &_o patriam_fw-la linquere_fw-la &_o in_o barbaros_fw-la ritus_fw-la peregrinosque_fw-la traduci_fw-la and_o cotta_n in_o tully_n long_v before_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o pagan_a religion_n majoribus_fw-la nostris_fw-la etiam_fw-la nulla_fw-la 3._o ratione_fw-la reddita_fw-la credere_fw-la to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n although_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a argument_n about_o religion_n conclude_v with_o this_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o resolve_v his_o religion_n into_o mihi_fw-la unum_fw-la satis_fw-la erit_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la it_o a_o tradidisse_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o it_o come_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o forefather_n lactantius_n full_o set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o 6._o plead_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n hae_fw-la sunt_fw-la religiones_fw-la quas_fw-la sibi_fw-la à _fw-la majoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la traditas_fw-la pertinacissime_fw-la tueri_fw-la ac_fw-la defendere_fw-la persiverant_a nec_fw-la considerant_fw-la quales_fw-la sint_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la hoc_fw-la probat_fw-la as_o atque_fw-la veras_fw-la esse_fw-la confidunt_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la veteres_fw-la tradiderâ—nt_fw-la tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquircre_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la the_o english_a be_v they_o account_v tradition_n infallible_a and_o know_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o its_o conveyance_n from_o their_o forefather_n how_o like_v herein_o do_v they_o speak_v to_o those_o
aut_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la corum_fw-la tantas_fw-la animorum_fw-la ficri_fw-la conversiones_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la carnisices_fw-la unci_fw-la aliique_fw-la innumeri_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la diximus_fw-la impendeant_fw-la credituris_fw-la uâ—luti_fw-la quadam_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la atque_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la amore_fw-la correpti_fw-la cognitas_fw-la accipiant_fw-la rationes_fw-la atque_fw-la mundi_fw-la omnibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la praeponant_fw-la amicitias_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o no_o fear_n penalty_n or_o torment_n be_v able_a to_o mâ—ke_v a_o christian_a alter_v his_o profession_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o life_n then_o to_o his_o saviour_n this_o origen_n likewise_o frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o celsus_n 110._o have_v object_v the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n the_o more_o wonderful_a it_o be_v say_v origen_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o shall_v so_o large_o spread_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o divine_a providence_n how_o much_o less_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o once_o to_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o pour_v of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o the_o first_o engage_v to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o become_v master_n over_o all_o its_o enemy_n and_o not_o only_o spread_v its_o self_n quite_o through_o greece_n but_o through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o convert_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n what_o evidence_n there_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v of_o it_o and_o how_o useful_a the_o first_o miracle_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochelas_n david_n el-david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v 1_o just_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v by_o way_n of_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o discourse_n manifest_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o only_a remain_a question_n concern_v this_o subject_n be_v how_o we_o may_v certain_o distinguish_v true_a and_o real_a miracle_n from_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o there_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o real_a miracle_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o seek_v when_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o those_o person_n who_o do_v they_o unless_o a_o way_n be_v find_v out_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o unless_o man_n through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o incogitancy_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n than_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o which_o have_v make_v man_n of_o better_a affection_n than_o understanding_n so_o ready_a to_o suspect_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n concern_v divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n but_o may_v we_o not_o therefore_o safe_o rely_v on_o such_o miracle_n which_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n can_v not_o be_v wrought_v but_o by_o divine_a power_n because_o forsooth_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o abuse_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o be_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v such_o as_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o or_o because_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o ground_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o his_o doctrine_n true_a be_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v now_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o a_o sufficient_a account_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o the_o only_a rational_a pretence_n of_o any_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v a_o suppose_a uncertainty_n in_o our_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o note_n of_o difference_n whereby_o to_o know_v divine_a miracle_n from_o delusion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apparent_a insufficiency_n in_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o blame_v nothing_o but_o our_o incredulity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o they_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n find_v out_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a and_o second_o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a note_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la râ—i_fw-la between_o miracle_n and_o those_o call_v wonder_n as_o that_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a agent_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o for_o this_o leave_v the_o enquir_a as_o far_o to_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n 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diversity_n in_o body_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v these_o casual_a motion_n to_o hit_v so_o lucky_o into_o such_o admirable_a contrivance_n as_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n when_o once_o i_o see_v a_o thousand_o blind_a man_n run_v the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n in_o at_o a_o keyhole_n without_o one_o miss_v when_o i_o find_v they_o all_o frisk_a together_o in_o a_o spacious_a field_n and_o exact_o meet_v all_o at_o last_o in_o the_o very_a middle_n of_o it_o when_o i_o once_o find_v as_o tully_n speak_v the_o annal_n of_o ennius_n fair_o write_v in_o a_o heap_n of_o sand_n and_o as_o keplers_n wife_n tell_v he_o a_o room_n full_a of_o herb_n move_v up_o and_o down_o fall_v down_o into_o the_o exact_a order_n of_o salad_n i_o may_v then_o think_v the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n probable_a and_o not_o before_o but_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n or_o demonstration_n have_v we_o that_o the_o great_a body_n of_o the_o world_n do_v result_v from_o such_o a_o motion_n 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diversity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o many_o nation_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o tradition_n we_o have_v none_o to_o fix_v on_o as_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n fabulous_a we_o can_v understand_v by_o what_o artifice_n a_o fabulous_a tradition_n can_v come_v to_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n of_o old_a can_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n but_o however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v yet_o it_o own_v a_o deity_n how_o can_v such_o a_o tradition_n be_v spread_v so_o far_o but_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n it_o can_v not_o be_v by_o force_n because_o embrace_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n where_o no_o force_n at_o all_o have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o people_n who_o have_v be_v most_o tender_a of_o their_o liberty_n that_o they_o have_v resent_v no_o indignity_n so_o high_o as_o any_o affront_v they_o conceive_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n nay_o and_o where_o any_o person_n will_v seem_v to_o quit_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o find_v what_o force_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v use_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o atheism_n which_o they_o can_v not_o subdue_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o long_a than_o the_o will_n can_v command_v the_o understanding_n which_o when_o it_o gain_v but_o a_o little_a liberty_n to_o examine_v itself_o or_o view_v the_o world_n or_o be_v alarm_a with_o thunder_n earthquake_n or_o violent_a sickness_n do_v bring_v back_o again_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o great_a force_n and_o power_n than_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o off_o with_o now_o have_v this_o tradition_n come_v by_o force_n into_o the_o world_n there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o secret_a exultation_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o as_o we_o see_v nature_n rejoice_v to_o shake_v off_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v violent_a and_o to_o settle_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o due_a order_n it_o be_v only_a fraud_n then_o which_o can_v be_v with_o any_o reason_n imagine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o here_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v consider_v how_o extreme_o jealous_a the_o world_n be_v of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o such_o who_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a politician_n for_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o their_o subtlety_n make_v man_n apt_a to_o suspect_v a_o design_n in_o every_o thing_n they_o speak_v or_o do_v so_o that_o nothing_o do_v more_o general_o hinder_v the_o entertain_n of_o any_o motion_n so_o much_o among_o vulgar_a people_n as_o that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n repute_v very_o politic_a so_o that_o the_o most_o politic_a way_n 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inclination_n in_o man_n soul_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o indelible_a idea_n of_o a_o deity_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v then_o this_o propensity_n groundless_a and_o this_o idea_n fictitious_a it_o be_v the_o great_a slur_n imaginable_a which_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o nature_n that_o when_o the_o instinct_n of_o irrational_a agent_n argue_v something_o real_a in_o they_o only_a man_n the_o most_o noble_a be_v of_o the_o visible_a world_n must_v be_v fatal_o carry_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o never_o be_v which_o yet_o have_v so_o great_a a_o force_n and_o awe_n upon_o man_n that_o nothing_o create_v so_o great_a anxiety_n in_o his_o life_n as_o this_o do_v nothing_o lay_v he_o more_o open_a to_o the_o design_n of_o any_o who_o have_v a_o intent_n to_o abuse_v he_o but_o yet_o further_o these_o politician_n who_o first_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v they_o themselves_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v than_o they_o have_v no_o such_o end_n as_o abuse_v the_o world_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n if_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o what_o account_n do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o when_o the_o people_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o be_v that_o as_o certain_a a_o tradition_n before_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o afterward_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o people_n who_o they_o persuade_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v before_o all_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o and_o how_o can_v it_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o state_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v all_o unanimous_o quit_v the_o principle_n of_o education_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n here_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o thereby_o to_o fill_v themselves_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n mere_o because_o their_o ruler_n tell_v they_o so_o again_o if_o these_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v a_o deity_n can_v we_o imagine_v there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o happy_o that_o only_o the_o ruler_n be_v wise_a and_o all_o the_o subject_n fool_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v wise_a themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o deity_n but_o yet_o consent_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o all_o these_o wise_a man_n which_o we_o must_v suppose_v of_o several_a rank_n and_o degree_n for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o always_o statesman_n nor_o statesman_n philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o world_n will_v none_o of_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o assert_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v a_o party_n of_o their_o own_o and_o discover_v to_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o ambition_n and_o design_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o seek_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o slavery_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o will_v make_v their_o life_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o continual_o troublesome_a and_o unquiet_a or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v thing_n shall_v hit_v thus_o in_o one_o nation_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o atheist_n here_o suppose_v eternal_a
wisdom_n dispose_v of_o they_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o speech_n of_o aristotle_n to_o this_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v suppose_v 95._o person_n to_o have_v live_v in_o some_o cavern_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o have_v enjoy_v every_o thing_n there_o of_o pleasure_n and_o riches_n or_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o we_o think_v make_v man_n life_n happy_a and_o have_v never_o be_v abroad_o upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v only_o have_v some_o obscure_a report_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v and_o that_o afterward_o these_o person_n shall_v by_o a_o open_n of_o the_o cavern_n wherein_o they_o be_v come_v abroad_o into_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o shall_v sudden_o behold_v the_o earth_n sea_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o observe_v the_o vastness_n of_o the_o cloud_n and_o violence_n of_o wind_n and_o behold_v the_o bigness_n beauty_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o how_o the_o day_n depend_v upon_o his_o presence_n and_o upon_o his_o withdraw_a shall_v view_v the_o face_n of_o the_o heaven_n again_o as_o it_o be_v the_o second_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o order_n and_o ornament_n of_o the_o star_n the_o variety_n of_o the_o light_n of_o the_o moon_n their_o rise_n and_o set_v and_o their_o fix_a and_o immovable_a course_n they_o can_v not_o hold_v from_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n so_o vast_o different_a be_v the_o free_a and_o natural_a emanation_n of_o our_o soul_n from_o that_o which_o we_o force_v and_o strain_v out_o of_o our_o self_n by_o distort_v and_o wring_v those_o free_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o when_o a_o few_o sorry_a experiment_n and_o some_o arbitrarious_fw-la hypothesis_n must_v make_v we_o form_v other_o conception_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o majesty_n order_n and_o beauty_n of_o they_o do_v natural_o suggest_v to_o we_o we_o see_v when_o once_o we_o can_v but_o abstract_n our_o mind_n from_o those_o prejudices_fw-la which_o continual_a conversation_n with_o the_o world_n bring_v upon_o we_o by_o that_o speech_n of_o aristotle_n how_o ready_o our_o mind_n will_v frame_v a_o excellent_a commentary_n upon_o those_o word_n of_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o bandy-work_n to_o which_o purpose_n likewise_o those_o word_n of_o the_o excellent_a orator_n himself_o in_o another_o place_n be_v very_o observable_a quid_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verius_fw-la quam_fw-la neminem_fw-la esse_fw-la oportere_fw-la tam_fw-la 2._o stultè_fw-la arrogantem_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o se_fw-la mentem_fw-la &_o rationem_fw-la putet_fw-la inesse_fw-la in_fw-la coelo_fw-la mundóque_fw-la non_fw-la putet_fw-la aut_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la vix_fw-la summâ_fw-la ingenii_fw-la ratione_fw-la comprehendat_fw-la nulla_fw-la ratione_fw-la moveri_fw-la putat_fw-la quem_fw-la verb_n astrorum_fw-la ordines_fw-la quem_fw-la dierum_fw-la noctiumque_fw-la vicissitudines_fw-la quem_fw-la mensium_fw-la temperatio_fw-la quemque_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la gignuntur_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la fruexdum_fw-la non_fw-la gratume_fw-fr esse_fw-la cogant_fw-la hunc_fw-la hominem_fw-la omninò_fw-la numerare_fw-la qui_fw-la decet_fw-la what_o monstrous_a arrogancy_n will_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v there_o be_v a_o mind_n and_o reason_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n or_o to_o think_v those_o thing_n be_v move_v without_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o all_o that_o he_o have_v be_v scarce_a able_a to_o comprehend_v neither_o can_v he_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o man_n from_o who_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o the_o star_n the_o succession_n and_o order_n of_o season_n and_o the_o innumerable_a benefit_n which_o he_o enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o extort_v gratitude_n towards_o that_o be_v which_o order_v all_o these_o thing_n what_o a_o low_a opinion_n than_o have_v those_o more_o resin_a and_o generous_a spirit_n who_o go_v only_o upon_o principle_n of_o pure_a and_o undistorted_a reason_n of_o those_o mean_a and_o ignoble_a soul_n which_o be_v incline_v to_o atheism_n especial_o then_o when_o religion_n be_v so_o abuse_v that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o the_o wise_a of_o they_o what_o one_o say_v of_o erasmus_n magis_fw-la habuit_fw-la quid_fw-la fugeret_fw-la quam_fw-la quid_fw-la sequeretur_fw-la they_o know_v what_o to_o avoid_v but_o not_o what_o they_o shall_v embrace_v and_o vet_n when_o they_o see_v so_o much_o into_o the_o folly_n and_o superstition_n of_o heathen_a worship_n they_o see_v the_o great_a reason_n still_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o may_v be_v clear_o see_v especial_o in_o the_o second_o of_o those_o excellent_a dialogue_n of_o tully_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la where_o this_o particular_a argument_n to_o prove_v a_o deity_n from_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v manage_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o â—loguence_n and_o reason_n and_o by_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n so_o unbecoming_a a_o late_a philosopher_n be_v that_o reason_n of_o he_o why_o he_o wave_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o world_n to_o infer_v a_o deity_n because_o the_o end_n of_o god_n be_v unsearchable_a as_o flow_v from_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n for_o what_o though_o god_n may_v conceal_v some_o thing_n from_o man_n which_o he_o intend_v and_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n for_o man_n to_o know_v must_v therefore_o of_o necessity_n those_o end_n of_o his_o be_v unsearchable_a in_o his_o work_n of_o creation_n which_o refer_v so_o immediate_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o lfe_n and_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n nay_o the_o peculiar_a use_n and_o serviceableness_n of_o many_o part_n of_o 16._o the_o universe_n especial_o of_o animal_n and_o chief_o of_o man_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o main_a argument_n which_o have_v induce_v some_o otherwise_o atheistical_a enough_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v a_o deity_n and_o although_o the_o epicurean_o be_v lamentable_o puzzle_v to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o other_o appearance_n in_o nature_n yet_o they_o nowhere_o discover_v so_o much_o weakness_n and_o ignorance_n as_o when_o they_o come_v to_o discourse_v de_fw-fr usu_fw-la partium_fw-la about_o the_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o man_n body_n who_o opinion_n be_v thus_o brief_o deliver_v by_o lucretius_n nil_fw-la ideo_fw-la quoniam_fw-la natum'_v in_fw-la corpore_fw-la ut_fw-la uti_fw-la possemus_fw-la sed_fw-la quodnatum'_v id_fw-la procreate_v usum_fw-la 4._o i_o e._n that_o no-part_n of_o man_n body_n be_v design_v for_o that_o use_n which_o they_o be_v employ_v for_o but_o the_o part_n by_o chance_n fall_v into_o that_o form_n they_o be_v in_o and_o man_n by_o degree_n bring_v they_o to_o their_o present_a use_n and_o serviceableness_n a_o opinion_n at_o first_o view_n so_o strange_o unreasonable_a that_o we_o can_v think_v epicurus_n shall_v have_v ever_o embrace_v it_o have_v it_o not_o unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o his_o hypothesis_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o universe_n result_v only_o from_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n according_a to_o which_o he_o suppose_v in_o man_n a_o different_a configuration_n of_o part_n will_v happen_v from_o the_o various_a agitation_n and_o concretion_n of_o those_o little_a particle_n which_o at_o first_o run_v together_o in_o the_o fashion_n of_o a_o man_n and_o because_o that_o man_n have_v in_o he_o a_o more_o florid_n and_o vivacious_a spirit_n make_v up_o of_o the_o most_o subtle_a and_o movable_a atom_n thence_o motion_n come_v into_o the_o several_a part_n suitable_a to_o the_o different_a conformation_n of_o they_o and_o because_o those_o atom_n of_o which_o the_o soul_n be_v compose_v be_v capable_a of_o sensation_n thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o it_o see_v in_o the_o eye_n hear_v in_o the_o ear_n and_o smell_v in_o the_o nostril_n this_o be_v the_o most_o which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n by_o the_o late_a sedulous_a vindicator_n of_o he_o which_o yet_o himself_o call_v intoleranda_fw-la opinio_fw-la and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o not_o only_o as_o contradict_v what_o god_n himself_o have_v deliver_v concern_v man_n but_o what_o reason_n its_o self_n will_v easy_o suggest_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o man_n body_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v there_o be_v some_o philosopher_n elder_a than_o epicurus_n who_o be_v much_o incline_v to_o this_o opinion_n as_o democritus_n empedocles_n anaxagoras_n and_o other_o yet_o we_o find_v those_o who_o more_o narrow_o search_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o live_a creature_n be_v thereby_o bring_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a providence_n which_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n do_v order_v the_o several_a part_n of_o animal_n and_o adapt_v they_o to_o their_o peculiar_a
principle_n of_o philosophy_n among_o the_o greek_n be_v not_o rather_o some_o traditional_a thing_n convey_v to_o they_o from_o other_o than_o any_o certain_a theorye_n which_o they_o have_v form_v from_o their_o own_o experiment_n and_o observation_n the_o former_a be_v to_o i_o far_o the_o more_o probable_a on_o many_o account_n but_o chief_o on_o this_o that_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o two_o founder_n of_o the_o chief_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n viz._n the_o jonick_a and_o italic_a for_o all_o the_o other_o be_v but_o the_o various_a issue_n of_o these_o two_o do_v come_v so_o near_o to_o that_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o opinion_n of_o thales_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v part_n of_o that_o universal_a tradition_n which_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o thing_n for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o aver_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n as_o some_o do_v that_o those_o philosopher_n who_o speak_v any_o thing_n consonant_o to_o moses_n must_v present_o converse_v with_o the_o jew_n transcribe_v their_o opinion_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o have_v it_o convey_v to_o they_o in_o some_o secret_a cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o it_o be_v affirm_v of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n and_o may_v be_v with_o no_o less_o reason_n of_o thales_n but_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o any_o considerative_a person_n that_o those_o philosopher_n of_o greece_n who_o converse_v most_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n do_v speak_v far_o more_o agreeable_o to_o the_o true_a account_n of_o thing_n than_o such_o who_o only_o endeavour_v by_o their_o own_o wit_n to_o improve_v or_o correct_v those_o principle_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o other_o philosopher_n which_o i_o impute_v not_o so_o much_o to_o their_o converse_n with_o the_o mosaic_a write_n as_o to_o that_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v preserve_v far_o better_a among_o the_o phaenician_o egyptian_n chaldean_n and_o other_o then_o among_o the_o greek_n for_o which_o we_o have_v this_o evident_a reason_n that_o greece_n be_v far_o more_o barbarous_a and_o rude_a in_o its_o elder_a time_n than_o those_o other_o nation_n be_v which_o have_v mean_n of_o preserve_v some_o monument_n and_o general_a report_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o grecian_n want_v they_o and_o therefore_o we_o find_v that_o greece_n from_o its_o beginning_n shine_v with_o a_o borrow_a light_n and_o see_v not_o by_o a_o extromission_n of_o ray_n of_o knowledge_n from_o its_o self_n but_o by_o a_o intromission_n of_o those_o representation_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v from_o other_o nation_n those_o who_o form_v greece_n first_o into_o civil_a society_n and_o lick_v it_o into_o the_o shape_n of_o well_o order_v commonwealth_n be_v such_o who_o have_v be_v trader_n for_o knowledge_n into_o sorraign_a part_n to_o which_o purpose_n diodorus_n siculus_n inform_v we_o that_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n as_o well_o as_o the_o poet_n orpheus_n musaeus_n melampus_n and_o homer_n 10_o and_o the_o philosopher_n afterward_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o other_o have_v gain_v most_o of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n out_o of_o egypt_n nay_o he_o say_v in_o general_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o those_o who_o be_v renown_v among_o the_o greek_n for_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n do_v in_o ancient_a time_n resort_v to_o egypt_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o law_n and_o knowledge_n on_o this_o account_n therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o ancient_a and_o genuine_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o native_a and_o homebred_a greek_n such_o as_o aristotle_n and_o epicurus_n but_o from_o those_o who_o take_v the_o pain_n themselves_o to_o search_v into_o those_o record_n which_o be_v preserve_v among_o the_o elder_n and_o more_o know_v nation_n and_o although_o the_o nation_n they_o resort_v to_o seek_v to_o advance_v their_o own_o reputation_n in_o the_o history_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o give_v a_o large_a account_n yet_o they_o be_v more_o faithful_a in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o whole_a universe_n for_o it_o appear_v from_o diogenes_n laertius_n that_o the_o egyptian_n do_v constant_o believe_v that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o be_v corruptible_a that_o it_o be_v spherical_a and_o the_o star_n be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o fire_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v of_o a_o immortal_a 7._o nature_n and_o do_v pass_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n which_o lacrtius_n cite_v from_o hecataeus_n and_o ariscagoras_n so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o make_v pythagoras_n acquaint_v with_o such_o a_o cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o in_o all_o probability_n neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o he_o ever_o dream_v of_o we_o find_v a_o fair_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o most_o of_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o whence_o he_o derive_v they_o without_o force_v the_o word_n of_o moses_n into_o such_o a_o sense_n which_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n argue_v they_o not_o capable_a to_o admit_v of_o but_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v from_o those_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o hermippus_n and_o aristobulus_n 2._o beside_o origen_n porphyry_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o other_o that_o pythagoras_n may_v have_v have_v opportunity_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o jew_n which_o it_o be_v most_o probable_a be_v in_o chaldea_n after_o the_o captivity_n at_o which_o time_n pythagoras_n be_v there_o among_o they_o but_o that_o pythagoras_n shall_v converse_v with_o the_o successor_n of_o elisha_n on_o mount_n carmel_n as_o vâ—ssius_n think_v or_o that_o moschus_n the_o sidonian_a philosopher_n in_o jamblichus_n shall_v be_v moses_n as_o other_o fancy_n or_o that_o praeexistence_n 5._o of_o soul_n shall_v be_v part_n of_o the_o mosaic_a cabbala_n or_o that_o the_o pythagorick_a number_n as_o they_o be_v explain_v by_o nicomachus_n gerasenus_fw-la in_o photius_n shall_v be_v adequate_a to_o the_o day_n of_o the_o creation_n cabbalistical_o understand_v be_v fancy_n too_o extravagant_a and_o pythagorean_n to_o be_v easy_o embrace_v if_o pythagoras_n be_v circumcise_v it_o be_v more_o for_o love_n of_o the_o egyptian_n then_o the_o jew_n among_o who_o he_o spend_v his_o twenty_o two_o year_n if_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o rational_a hypothesis_n we_o may_v thank_v the_o egyptian_n for_o it_o and_o not_o moses_n if_o number_n be_v so_o expressive_a of_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n we_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o arithmetical_a hieroglyphic_n of_o egypt_n for_o they_o but_o although_o pythagoras_n may_v not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o such_o a_o philosophic_a egypt_n cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n which_o none_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o far_a as_o we_o can_v find_v understand_v till_o one_o more_o verse_v in_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n then_o in_o the_o learning_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n viz._n philo_n of_o alexandria_n begin_v first_o to_o exercise_v his_o wit_n on_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n with_o platonic_a notion_n yet_o i_o shall_v easy_o grant_v that_o pythagoras_n by_o mean_n of_o his_o great_a industry_n and_o converse_n with_o the_o learned_a nation_n may_v attain_v to_o far_o great_a knowledge_n of_o many_o mysterious_a thing_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n than_o any_o of_o the_o homebred_a philosopher_n of_o grecce_n or_o it_o may_v be_v then_o any_o one_o of_o the_o nation_n he_o resort_v to_o because_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o compare_v the_o several_a account_n of_o they_o together_o and_o extract_v out_o that_o which_o he_o judge_v the_o best_a of_o they_o and_o hence_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o world_n according_a to_o pythagoras_n be_v these_o two_o the_o one_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o active_a and_o form_v 3._o principle_n and_o that_o be_v god_n who_o he_o call_v mind_n as_o anaxagoras_n likewise_o do_v the_o other_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d passive_a and_o material_a which_o be_v the_o visible_a world_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v these_o two_o renown_a founder_n of_o the_o jonick_a 3_o and_o italic_a society_n of_o philosopher_n both_o give_v their_o concurrent_a testimony_n with_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o at_o all_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o for_o thus_o thales_n speak_v in_o diogenes_n laertius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thalet_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n be_v the_o elder_a be_v because_o unbegotten_a the_o world_n the_o most_o beautiful_a because_o it_o be_v god_n workmanship_n to_o which_o those_o expression_n of_o
he_o likewise_o assert_v although_o one_o will_v think_v if_o gravity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o motion_n than_o the_o more_o gravity_n the_o swister_n the_o motion_n will_v be_v from_o hence_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o atom_n shall_v embrace_v each_o other_o in_o a_o parallel_n line_n if_o they_o fall_v down_o as_o lucretius_n express_v it_o like_o drop_n of_o rain_n and_o therefore_o they_o see_v a_o necessity_n to_o make_v their_o motion_n decline_v a_o little_a that_o so_o they_o may_v justle_v and_o hit_v one_o upon_o another_o but_o this_o oblique_a motion_n of_o the_o atom_n though_o it_o be_v the_o only_a refuge_n leave_v to_o salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n by_o a_o concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v yet_o as_o precarious_a and_o without_o reason_n as_o any_o other_o supposition_n of_o they_o whatsoever_o tully_n charge_v this_o motion_n of_o declination_n with_o two_o great_a fault_n futility_n and_o inefficacy_n quae_fw-la cum_fw-la res_fw-la tota_fw-la ficta_fw-la sit_fw-la pueriliter_fw-la tum_fw-la ne_fw-la efficit_fw-la 1._o quidem_fw-la quod_fw-la vult_fw-la it_o be_v a_o childish_a fancy_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o first_o it_o be_v assert_v without_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o give_v for_o it_o which_o be_v unworthy_a a_o philosopher_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n for_o if_o all_o atom_n say_v he_o decline_v in_o their_o motion_n than_o none_o of_o they_o will_v stick_v together_o if_o some_o decline_n and_o other_o do_v not_o thâ—s_o be_v as_o precarious_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o assign_v a_o diversity_n of_o motion_n in_o indivisible_a particle_n which_o yet_o have_v all_o the_o same_o velocity_n of_o motion_n and_o as_o tully_n say_v hoc_fw-la erit_fw-la quasi_fw-la provincias_fw-la atomis_fw-la dare_v quae_fw-la recte_fw-la quae_fw-la oblique_a fâ—rantur_fw-la as_o though_o epicurus_n be_v the_o general_n at_o this_o rendezvous_n of_o atom_n who_o stand_v ready_a to_o appoint_v every_o one_o his_o task_n and_o motion_n this_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a charge_n against_o epicurus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o introduce_v such_o a_o motion_n of_o declination_n out_o of_o nothing_o fato_fw-la upon_o no_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o turnebus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o desire_v so_o small_a a_o declination_n be_v because_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o no_o ground_n of_o reason_n et_fw-la epicurei_n sibi_fw-la conscii_fw-la culpae_fw-la timide_fw-la eam_fw-la ponebant_fw-la &_o minimam_fw-la sibi_fw-la post_fw-la ulabant_fw-la to_o which_o purpose_n turnebus_n cite_v those_o verse_n of_o lucretius_n quare_fw-la etiam_fw-la at_o que_fw-la etiam_fw-la paulum_fw-la inclinare_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la corpora_fw-la nec_fw-la plusquam_fw-la minimum_fw-la ne_fw-la fingere_fw-la motus_fw-la 2._o obliquos_fw-la videamur_fw-la &_o id_fw-la res_fw-la vera_fw-la refutet_fw-la namque_fw-la hoc_fw-la in_o promptu_fw-la manifest_a unique_fw-la esse_fw-la videmus_fw-la pondera_fw-la quantum_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la posse_fw-la obliqua_fw-la more_fw-mi esupero_fw-la cum_fw-la praecipitant_fw-la quod_fw-la cernere_fw-la possis_fw-la sed_fw-la nihil_fw-la omnino_fw-la recta_fw-la region_fw-la viai_fw-la declinare_fw-la quis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la possit_fw-la cernere_fw-la sese_fw-la but_o this_o argument_n of_o lucretius_n will_v hold_v if_o at_o all_o further_o than_o this_o little_a declination_n for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o they_o desire_v then_o as_o little_a as_o may_v be_v imagine_v quo_fw-la nihil_fw-la possit_fw-la fieri_fw-la minus_fw-la tully_n express_v it_o but_o if_o they_o may_v decline_v a_o little_a why_o not_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v but_o a_o little_a oblique_a motion_n at_o first_o will_n in_o a_o infinite_a space_n grow_v to_o be_v very_o oblique_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v the_o motion_n which_o way_n it_o bend_v now_o if_o there_o be_v never_o so_o little_a motion_n of_o declination_n the_o atom_n will_v be_v incline_v that_o way_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o the_o obliquity_n in_o a_o motion_n through_o a_o great_a space_n shall_v at_o last_o come_v to_o be_v very_o great_a there_o be_v no_o centre_n at_o all_o to_o guide_v the_o motion_n towards_o and_o the_o gravity_n not_o hinder_v this_o little_a declination_n therefore_o tully_n ask_v that_o question_n cur_n declinet_fw-la uno_fw-la minimus_fw-la non_fw-la declinet_fw-la duobus_fw-la aut_fw-la tribus_fw-la why_o only_o it_o decline_v one_o minime_fw-la and_o not_o two_o or_o fato_fw-la three_o for_o say_v he_o it_o be_v no_o impulsion_n from_o any_o other_o atom_n which_o make_v it_o decline_v that_o one_o minime_fw-la neither_o be_v there_o any_o impediment_n in_o the_o space_n to_o hinder_v it_o from_o decline_a more_o so_o that_o as_o he_o well_o say_v optare_fw-la hoc_fw-la quidem_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la disputare_fw-la this_o be_v to_o beg_v hypothesis_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v they_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o have_v prove_v epicurus_n to_o do_v which_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n promise_v viz._n that_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o epicurus_n be_v very_o precarious_a and_o be_v build_v on_o no_o foundation_n of_o reason_n 2._o it_o be_v unsatisfactory_a and_o insufficient_a as_o well_o as_o precarious_a for_o shall_v we_o grant_v his_o two_o main_a principle_n atom_n and_o his_o 17._o infinite_a empty_a space_n yet_o we_o deny_v that_o ever_o his_o atom_n with_o all_o their_o occursion_n will_v ever_o produce_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o universe_n to_o run_v through_o the_o note_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o to_o show_v how_o insufficient_a a_o account_n the_o epicurean_o be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o they_o from_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v a_o task_n too_o large_a to_o be_v here_o undertake_v there_o be_v only_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v rather_o suggest_v then_o insist_v upon_o to_o see_v what_o miserable_a shift_n the_o epicurean_o be_v drive_v to_o for_o the_o salve_v of_o they_o and_o shall_v then_o leave_v it_o with_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v what_o unmeasurable_a confidence_n it_o be_v in_o any_o to_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o height_n of_o credulity_n as_o well_o as_o infidelity_n to_o believe_v the_o world_n ever_o to_o have_v be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 1._o the_o great_a varieiy_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v attribute_v to_o particle_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n only_o with_o the_o alteration_n of_o size_n shape_n and_o motion_n that_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n give_v of_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v tolerable_a but_o rational_a as_o in_o the_o object_n and_o operation_n on_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n those_o affection_n which_o be_v mistake_v for_o real_a quality_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o all_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o nature_n shall_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o different_a configuration_n and_o motion_n of_o atom_n be_v the_o height_n of_o folly_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n as_o they_o be_v in_o man_n shall_v be_v capable_a of_o sensation_n memory_n intellection_n volition_n etc._n etc._n mere_o because_o of_o a_o different_a shape_n size_n and_o motion_n from_o what_o they_o have_v in_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n be_v a_o riddle_n that_o require_v a_o new_a configuration_n of_o atom_n in_o we_o to_o make_v we_o understand_v may_v it_o not_o be_v hope_v that_o at_o least_o one_o time_n or_o other_o by_o this_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n the_o particle_n may_v light_v to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n in_o stone_n as_o to_o make_v they_o flic_a in_o plant_n to_o make_v they_o all_o sensitive_a and_o in_o beast_n to_o make_v they_o reason_n and_o discourse_v what_o may_v hinder_v such_o a_o configuration_n or_o motion_n of_o particle_n if_o all_o these_o effect_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o no_o high_a principle_n we_o see_v in_o other_o body_n what_o different_a appearance_n be_v cause_v by_o a_o sudden_a alteration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o which_o they_o be_v compound_v why_o may_v it_o not_o fall_v out_o so_o in_o the_o thing_n mention_v neither_o can_v this_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o demand_v 1._o because_o the_o motion_n of_o these_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v casual_a still_o according_a to_o they_o and_o who_o know_v what_o chance_n may_v do_v for_o the_o seminal_a principle_n themselves_o be_v i_o suppose_v according_a to_o they_o of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o be_v liable_a to_o different_a motion_n and_o configuration_n 2._o because_o all_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o continual_a motion_n because_o of_o that_o
disseminated_a vacuity_n which_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o a_o coacervate_a vacuity_n be_v not_o only_o assert_v as_o possible_a but_o as_o probable_o existent_a i_o assume_v only_o then_o that_o which_o be_v insist_v on_o as_o probable_a viz._n that_o that_o space_n which_o lie_v between_o our_o atmosphere_n and_o the_o star_n be_v empty_a of_o any_o other_o thing_n but_o only_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o star_n which_o pass_v through_o it_o i_o then_o suppose_v it_o a_o vacuity_n whether_o will_v not_o the_o particle_n of_o those_o body_n which_o lie_v contiguous_a to_o that_o space_n present_o dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o begin_v a_o new_a rendezvous_n of_o atom_n there_o for_o all_o atom_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o the_o cause_n assign_v why_o in_o solid_a body_n they_o do_v not_o fly_v away_o be_v because_o of_o the_o repercussion_n of_o other_o atom_n that_o when_o they_o once_o begin_v to_o stir_v they_o receive_v such_o knock_n as_o make_v they_o quiet_a in_o their_o place_n now_o this_o can_v hold_v in_o the_o body_n contiguous_a to_o this_o space_n for_o both_o those_o body_n be_v more_o fluid_a and_o so_o there_o be_v no_o such_o knock_n of_o particle_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o rest_n but_o which_o be_v more_o those_o which_o be_v contiguous_a have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o motion_n and_o so_o those_o particle_n will_v necessary_o remove_v into_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n of_o their_o motion_n and_o so_o the_o next_o atom_n to_o those_o must_v remove_v because_o that_o space_n wherein_o the_o other_o be_v be_v make_v empty_a by_o their_o removal_n and_o so_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o till_o not_o only_o the_o air_n but_o the_o whole_a mass_n of_o the_o earth_n wâ—ll_n on_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o vacuity_n be_v dissolve_v into_o its_o first_o particle_n which_o will_v all_o mutiny_n in_o the_o several_a body_n wherein_o they_o be_v and_o never_o rest_n till_o they_o come_v to_o that_o empty_a space_n where_o they_o may_v again_o rendezvous_n together_o so_o dangerous_a be_v the_o news_n of_o liberty_n or_o of_o a_o empty_a space_n to_o these_o democratical_a particle_n of_o the_o universe_n neither_o can_v i_o see_v how_o a_o disseminated_a vacuity_n can_v salve_v the_o difficulty_n for_o those_o particle_n of_o the_o most_o solid_a body_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o union_n be_v repercussion_n it_o thence_o follow_v that_o towards_o that_o part_n where_o the_o disseminated_a vacuum_n be_v the_o particle_n meet_v with_o no_o such_o stroke_n may_v sair_o take_v their_o leaf_n of_o the_o body_n they_o be_v in_o and_o so_o one_o succeed_v in_o the_o place_n of_o another_o till_o the_o configuration_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v alter_v and_o consequent_o different_a appearance_n and_o effect_n may_v be_v cause_v in_o the_o same_o body_n though_o it_o result_v from_o seminal_a principle_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o atomical_a principle_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o those_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o nature_n this_o dionysius_n in_o eusebius_n urge_v against_o the_o atomist_n that_o 24._o from_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o evident_a reason_n give_v for_o it_o they_o make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n some_o thing_n conspicuous_a to_o sense_n other_o not_o some_o short-lived_a other_o extreme_o long-lived_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v assign_v of_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v all_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o differ_v only_o in_o size_n and_o shape_n say_v that_o excellent_a person_n who_o there_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o eloquence_n lay_v open_a â—he_n folly_n of_o the_o atomical_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o rare_a democraty_n of_o atom_n say_v he_o where_o the_o friendly_a atom_n meet_v and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o from_o thenceforward_o live_v in_o the_o close_a society_n together_o 2._o not_o only_o the_o variety_n but_o the_o exact_a order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n unaccountable_a by_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v the_o whole_a world_n still_o a_o hesiod_n chaos_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o diogenes_n laertius_n tell_v we_o epicurus_n 10._o begin_v to_o philosophize_v we_o may_v probable_o believe_v a_o agitation_n of_o particle_n suppose_v matter_n create_v may_v settle_v it_o in_o such_o a_o confuse_a manner_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o blind_a impetus_fw-la of_o atom_n to_o produce_v those_o vast_a and_o most_o regular_a motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n to_o order_v the_o passage_n of_o the_o sun_n for_o so_o great_a conveniency_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o the_o alternate_a succession_n of_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n which_o shall_v cut_v such_o channel_n for_o the_o ocean_n and_o keep_v that_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o water_n who_o surface_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n from_o overflow_a it_o which_o shall_v furnish_v the_o earth_n with_o such_o seminal_a and_o prolific_a principle_n as_o to_o provide_v food_n and_o nourishment_n for_o those_o animal_n which_o live_v upon_o it_o and_o furnish_v out_o every_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o comfort_n and_o delight_n of_o man_n life_n to_o believe_v i_o say_v that_o all_o thâ—se_a thing_n come_v only_o from_o a_o blind_a and_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v the_o most_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o credulity_n and_o folly_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v subject_a to_o but_o this_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o order_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o part_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o argument_n thence_o that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o blind_a fortuitous_a principle_n but_o a_o infinite_o wise_a god_n have_v be_v so_o full_o and_o 2._o judicious_o handle_v by_o a_o learned_a person_n already_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o his_o discourse_n then_o insist_v any_o more_o upon_o it_o 3._o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o the_o atomist_n be_v most_o shameful_o puzzle_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o internal_a part_n of_o man_n body_n of_o which_o i_o have_v already_o speak_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n it_o will_v pity_v one_o to_o see_v what_o lamentable_a shift_n the_o atomist_n be_v put_v to_o to_o find_v out_o a_o way_n for_o the_o production_n of_o mankind_n viz._n that_o our_o teem_a mother_n the_o earth_n at_o last_o cast_v forth_o some_o kind_n of_o bag_n like_o womb_n upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o these_o by_o degree_n break_v at_o last_o come_v out_o child_n which_o be_v nourish_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o juice_n of_o the_o earth_n like_o milk_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o till_o they_o come_v to_o be_v man_n oh_o what_o will_v not_o atheist_n believe_v rather_o than_o a_o deity_n and_o providence_n but_o lest_o we_o shall_v seem_v to_o wrong_v the_o atomist_n hear_v what_o censorinus_n say_v of_o epicurus_n be_v enim_fw-la credidit_fw-la limo_fw-la calefactos_fw-la uteros_fw-la nescio_fw-la quos_fw-la radicihus_fw-la terrae_fw-la cohaerentes_fw-la primum_fw-la increvisse_fw-la â—_o &_o infantibus_fw-la ex_fw-la seeditis_fw-la ingenitum_fw-la lactis_fw-la humorem_fw-la natura_fw-la ministrante_fw-la praebuisse_fw-la quos_fw-la it_o a_o educatos_fw-la &_o adultos_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la propagasse_n but_o because_o lucretius_n may_v be_v think_v to_o speak_v more_o impartial_o in_o the_o case_n how_o rare_o do_v he_o describe_v it_o crescebant_fw-la uteri_fw-la terrae_fw-la radicibus_fw-la apti_fw-la quos_fw-la ubi_fw-la tempore_fw-la maturo_fw-la patefecerit_fw-la aetas_fw-la infantum_fw-la fugiens_fw-la humorem_fw-la aurasque_fw-la petissens_fw-la convertebat_fw-la ibi_fw-la natura_fw-la foramina_fw-la terrae_fw-la et_fw-la succum_fw-la venis_fw-la cogebat_fw-la fundere_fw-la apertis_fw-la consimilem_fw-la lactis_fw-la sicut_fw-la nunc_fw-la foemina_fw-la quaeque_fw-la quum_fw-la peperit_fw-la dulci_fw-la repletur_fw-la lacte_fw-la quodomnis_fw-la impetus_fw-la in_o mamma_n convert_v itur_fw-la ille_fw-la alimenti_fw-la terracibum_fw-la pveris_fw-la vestem_fw-la vapour_n herbacubile_n praebebat_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o molli_fw-la lanugine_fw-la abundans_fw-la have_v lucretius_n be_v only_o a_o poet_n this_o may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o handsome_o describe_v fable_n but_o to_o deliver_v it_o for_o a_o piece_n of_o philosophy_n make_v it_o the_o great_a mythology_n that_o man_n body_n be_v form_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n we_o believe_v because_o we_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v but_o that_o the_o earth_n shall_v cast_v forth_o such_o folliculi_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o and_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o describe_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o most_o incredible_a of_o poetic_a fable_n but_o if_o poet_n
friend_n and_o while_o he_o be_v there_o thrust_v up_o his_o spear_n into_o a_o swallow_n nest_n and_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o kill_v the_o young_a one_o his_o friend_n ask_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o you_o bear_v say_v he_o how_o they_o false_o accuse_v i_o and_o cry_v out_o that_o i_o have_v kill_v my_o father_n which_o be_v by_o the_o person_n present_v carry_v to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o find_v out_o he_o be_v execute_v for_o it_o such_o strange_a way_n do_v providence_n sometime_o use_v to_o show_v how_o vigilant_a it_o be_v even_o when_o we_o think_v it_o sleep_v the_o most_o 5._o though_o god_n spare_v the_o person_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o defer_v their_o punishment_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o evil_a action_n be_v the_o great_a torment_n to_o they_o maxima_fw-la peccatâ—_n pena_fw-la est_fw-la peccasse_fw-la as_o seneca_n speak_v sin_n bear_v its_o own_o punishment_n along_o with_o it_o wickedness_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o misery_n which_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o commit_v it_o with_o continual_a consternation_n anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o that_o often_o and_o deserve_o cite_v author_v on_o this_o subject_n plutarch_n tell_v we_o most_o man_n be_v in_o this_o like_a child_n who_o when_o they_o behold_v malefactor_n in_o the_o theatre_n in_o their_o cloth_n of_o gold_n and_o purple_a robe_n with_o their_o crown_n on_o their_o head_n dance_v about_o they_o admire_v they_o and_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v most_o happy_a man_n till_o they_o see_v they_o lash_v and_o beat_v and_o fire_n come_v out_o from_o their_o brave_a apparel_n so_o say_v he_o as_o long_o as_o man_n see_v other_o in_o their_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n they_o think_v they_o far_o from_o punishment_n till_o they_o behold_v their_o execution_n which_o say_v he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o entrance_n of_o their_o punishment_n as_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o long_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n be_v the_o long_a be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o punishment_n here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o punish_v when_o they_o grow_v old_a but_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o punishment_n can_v we_o say_v a_o person_n be_v punish_v while_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o have_v his_o fetter_n upon_o he_o till_o his_o execution_n come_v nor_o that_o one_o that_o have_v drink_v poison_n be_v a_o die_a while_n he_o walk_v about_o till_o the_o cold_a come_v to_o his_o heart_n and_o kill_v he_o if_o we_o deny_v say_v he_o that_o all_o the_o inquietude_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o fish_n which_o bath_n swallow_v the_o hook_n be_v not_o take_v because_o he_o be_v not_o fry_v or_o cut_v in_o piece_n so_o it_o be_v with_o every_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v swallow_v the_o hook_n when_o he_o have_v commit_v a_o evil_a action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o conscience_n within_o he_o as_o he_o express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o prophet_n expression_n be_v the_o wicked_a be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n which_o cast_v forth_o nothing_o but_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o 31._o apollodorus_n dream_v that_o he_o be_v flay_v and_o boil_a by_o the_o scythian_n and_o that_o his_o heart_n speak_v to_o he_o out_o of_o the_o cauldron_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v by_o wicked_a man_n as_o caligula_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v of_o those_o he_o command_v to_o be_v execute_v ferret_v ut_fw-la sentiant_fw-la se_fw-la mori_fw-la he_o so_o punish_v they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o punishment_n and_o as_o tacitus_n speak_v of_o cruel_a and_o wicked_a person_n quorum_fw-la mentes_fw-la si_fw-la recludantur_fw-la possâ—nt_fw-la aspici_fw-la laniatus_fw-la &_o ictus_fw-la quando_fw-la ut_fw-la corpora_fw-la verberibus_fw-la ita_fw-la saevitia_fw-la libidine_fw-la malis_fw-la consult_v be_v animus_n dilaceretur_fw-la wiekedness_n be_v the_o only_a fury_n which_o continual_o haunt_v and_o lash_v those_o who_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o leave_v still_o behind_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d loathsome_a and_o terrible_a perturbation_n secret_a gripe_n of_o conscience_n and_o self_n condemn_v thought_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n like_o lysimachus_n who_o for_o extreme_a thirst_n offer_v his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o getae_n to_o quench_v it_o which_o when_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o a_o wretch_n be_v i_o say_v he_o to_o lose_v such_o a_o kingdom_n for_o so_o short_a a_o pleasure_n and_o though_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a kingdom_n than_o this_o of_o lysimachus_n viz._n that_o of_o heaven_n yet_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o they_o have_v lose_v that_o kingdom_n which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n 6._o the_o time_n that_o god_n spare_v wicked_a man_n be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o think_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o plutarch_n say_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v complain_v that_o the_o malefactor_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o not_o in_o the_o morning_n god_n forbearance_n be_v but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a time_n compare_v with_o his_o own_o duration_n we_o measure_v god_n by_o the_o short_a hourglass_n of_o our_o own_o time_n when_o we_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o confine_v he_o to_o our_o measure_n the_o time_n seem_v long_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o its_o self_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n compare_v with_o eternity_n be_v nothing_o beside_o all_o this_o time_n god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o live_v here_o he_o have_v they_o under_o safe_a custody_n he_o do_v but_o let_v they_o take_v the_o air_n within_o the_o prison-wall_n or_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v play_v and_o sport_n themselves_o there_o but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n 7._o god_n forbear_v wicked_a man_n here_o because_o the_o time_n be_v to_o come_v wherein_o god_n intend_v to_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v the_o high_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o present_a impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o the_o open_a execution_n of_o justice._n there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o justice_n cause_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o â—rison_n of_o what_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o general_a assize_n god_n reserve_v they_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o open_a trial_n for_o the_o great_a vindication_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o world_n and_o although_o god_n judgement_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v sometime_o so_o remarkable_a that_o we_o can_v but_o see_v a_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o punish_v here_o to_o make_v we_o more_o firm_o believe_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o and_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o from_o mere_a reason_n have_v have_v such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v give_v this_o as_o another_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n do_v forbear_v to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n here_o because_o he_o do_v reserve_v they_o for_o future_a punishment_n for_o as_o the_o same_o moralist_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o present_a life_n be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o soul_n 561._o combat_n which_o when_o it_o have_v finish_v it_o than_o receive_v according_a to_o its_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o he_o before_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o reason_n which_o confirm_v providence_n do_v likewise_o confirm_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o one_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v subsist_v after_o death_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v there_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o far_o natural_a light_n and_o moral_a reason_n will_v carry_v man_n in_o the_o vindicate_a divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o present_a impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o other_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n because_o there_o be_v none_o so_o good_a 22._o as_o
the_o jew_n in_o gen._n 2._o we_o may_v likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o that_o chapter_n distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a again_o further_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n before_o adam_n no_o doubt_n adam_n himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n not_o of_o all_o live_a thing_n for_o that_o 20._o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a description_n of_o a_o ceres_n or_o magna_fw-la mater_fw-la or_o diana_n multimammia_n of_o our_o grandmother_n the_o earth_n but_o certain_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o kind_n that_o all_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n come_v from_o she_o so_o the_o chaldeâ—_n paraphra_v understand_v it_o she_o be_v call_v hava_n because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o arabic_a version_n quia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fuit_fw-la mater_fw-la omnis_fw-la viventis_fw-la rationalis_fw-la to_o which_o 65_o purpose_n our_o learned_a selden_n cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o mauritanian_a jew_n and_o the_o persic_a of_o tawasius_fw-la but_o what_o ever_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o these_o version_n be_v this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o adam_n have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o have_v give_v this_o name_n to_o his_o wife_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o of_o mankind_n exist_v in_o the_o world_n from_o other_o mother_n which_o have_v be_v long_o before_o eve_n be_v form_v so_o that_o we_o find_v it_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o if_o the_o report_n give_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeadamite_n be_v undoubted_o false_a and_o certain_o who_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o fiction_n and_o his_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o may_v easy_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o that_o author_n be_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o opinion_n from_o those_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v show_v of_o which_o be_v pitiful_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o argument_n make_v his_o opinion_n more_o plausible_a his_o hope_n be_v that_o his_o opinion_n will_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o account_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unsatisfactory_a since_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n which_o the_o scripture_n to_o please_v the_o jewish_a nation_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o so_o that_o after_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o prostitute_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o opinion_n his_o next_o work_n have_v be_v to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n as_o not_o of_o credit_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o any_o when_o they_o be_v so_o common_a to_o every_o opinion_n but_o how_o impious_a absurd_a and_o rude_a that_o attempt_n be_v upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o full_o discover_v by_o his_o very_o many_o not_o unlearned_a adversary_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o weak_o ground_v and_o infirm_o prove_v a_o opinion_n have_v it_o not_o thus_o far_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o fabulous_a opinion_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptian_n and_o other_o have_v be_v full_o take_v away_o in_o our_o first_o bsok_n where_o our_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o those_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o heathen_a nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o flood_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o that_o figment_n but_o only_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a conciseness_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o report_v that_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o flood_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o conciseness_n such_o thing_n be_v report_v as_o speedy_o do_v because_o immediate_o succeed_v in_o the_o story_n which_o ask_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o they_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o beside_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o the_o flood_n be_v all_o quite_o obliterated_a by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o numerous_a posterity_n of_o adam_n be_v then_o destroy_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o family_n except_v to_o what_o purpose_n have_v it_o be_v any_o further_a to_o have_v report_v the_o passage_n before_o the_o flood_n otherwise_o then_o thereby_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n and_o such_o action_n in_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o man_n wickedness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v most_o apparent_a at_o first_o in_o cain_n and_o his_o posteriry_n do_v by_o degree_n so_o spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a world_n that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o send_v a_o deluge_n among_o they_o to_o sweep_v away_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o generation_n to_o succeed_v they_o this_o therefore_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n after_o the_o flood_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n as_o to_o which_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o from_o such_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v questionable_a to_o reason_n concern_v the_o flood_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o preserve_v all_o kind_n of_o animal_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o flood_n as_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o have_v suppose_v it_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o water_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o air_n suppose_v it_o to_o fall_v down_o shall_v raise_v the_o surface_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o balf_a in_o height_n so_o that_o either_o new_a water_n must_v be_v create_v to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n or_o else_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v a_o rarefaction_n of_o the_o water_n contain_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o river_n so_o that_o it_o must_v take_v up_o at_o least_o fifteen_o time_n the_o space_n that_o now_o it_o do_v but_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o water_n have_v be_v thus_o rarify_v it_o can_v neither_o have_v destroy_v man_n nor_o beast_n neither_o can_v noabs_n ark_n have_v be_v bear_v up_o by_o it_o any_o more_o than_o by_o liquid_a air_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o can_v see_v any_o urgent_a necessity_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o flood_n do_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o all_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o mankind_n those_o in_o the_o ark_n except_v be_v destroy_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v thus_o express_v and_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a â—_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v destroy_v man_n who_o i_o have_v create_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o particular_a deluge_n of_o so_o small_a a_o country_n as_o palestine_n which_o be_v here_o express_v as_o some_o have_v ridiculous_o imagine_v for_o we_o find_v a_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o earth_n mention_v as_o the_o cause_n a_o universal_a threaten_a upon_o
people_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o manna_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n god_n gracious_o suit_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o power_n to_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v make_v to_o and_o the_o dispensation_n they_o usher_v in_o those_o terrible_a sign_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gracious_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o sweetness_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n charge_v the_o jew_n with_o hypocrisy_n in_o require_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o something_o above_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prodigy_n rather_o than_o a_o miracle_n a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n 9_o be_v give_v it_o but_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jonas_n i._n e._n this_o people_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v supposititious_a child_n that_o no_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v will_v convince_v they_o but_o they_o seek_v only_o to_o have_v their_o humour_n gratify_v more_o than_o their_o faith_n confirm_v by_o some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n shall_v not_o by_o i_o be_v thus_o gratify_v but_o have_v do_v enough_o already_o to_o persuade_v they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o heart_n to_o believe_v instead_o of_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n they_o shall_v have_v only_o one_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o wilful_a unbeliever_n as_o for_o the_o testify_a my_o innocency_n to_o the_o world_n viz._n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o elsewhere_o when_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o if_o they_o have_v attend_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a sign_n to_o they_o viz._n his_o drive_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n permit_v 18._o by_o the_o sanbedrim_n and_o the_o priest_n how_o can_v they_o think_v so_o mean_a a_o person_n in_o appearance_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v can_v ever_o have_v effect_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o a_o divine_a majesty_n and_o power_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o expectation_n of_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n rebuke_v in_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n it_o be_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n condemn_v notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v among_o they_o for_o we_o plain_o find_v our_o saviour_n very_o often_o appeal_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v the_o 24._o work_n among_o they_o which_o no_o man_n else_o do_v they_o have_v not_o sin_n i._n e._n in_o not_o believe_v i_o whereby_o christ_n both_o set_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o woâ—ld_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v he_o do_v those_o no_o man_n else_o have_v do_v no_o not_o moses_n and_o elias_n in_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v do_v he_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o moses_n feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n but_o christ_n multiply_v on_o earth_n some_o few_o loaf_n and_o fish_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o elias_n indeed_o raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o christ_n raise_v more_o and_o one_o after_o he_o have_v be_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n we_o find_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o become_v follower_n of_o christ_n as_o 11._o the_o only_a messiah_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o persuade_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o great_a prophet_n or_o one_o that_o be_v send_v from_o god_n so_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v first_o to_o christ_n more_o as_o a_o rational_a enquirer_n than_o a_o believer_n yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n because_o no_o man_n can_v do_v 2._o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o before_o he_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o his_o 23._o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v yet_o these_o person_n christ_n will_v not_o trust_v himself_o with_o because_o he_o know_v their_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o after_o this_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o look_v not_o on_o he_o as_o the_o messiah_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v although_o herein_o they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o believe_v the_o evidence_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n attest_v by_o it_o in_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n by_o his_o miracle_n 31._o and_o yet_o not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n attest_v by_o they_o not_o that_o mere_a miracle_n will_v prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o do_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a now_o that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o as_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o one_o send_v from_o god_n can_v never_o falsify_v in_o the_o main_a of_o his_o message_n as_o this_o be_v of_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v observable_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o show_v forth_o his_o divine_a power_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v he_o intend_v this_o as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o herein_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n see_v more_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o whole_a court_n of_o sanhedrin_n before_o which_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v convent_v about_o his_o cure_n by_o christ_n for_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o get_v something_o out_o of_o he_o in_o disparagement_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o miracle_n he_o sharp_o and_o round_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o know_v god_n speak_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v why_o herein_o say_v he_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o 33._o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o this_o man_n be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v for_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o so_o ready_o assist_v he_o in_o do_v such_o great_a work_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n 31._o and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v i._n e._n if_o this_o man_n pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n false_o whereby_o he_o will_v be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n can_v we_o think_v god_n will_v so_o miraculous_o assist_v he_o but_o we_o know_v by_o our_o law_n if_o one_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o draw_v man_n not_o to_o idolatry_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n such_o a_o one_o god_n be_v present_a with_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o for_o this_o very_a miracle_n of_o cure_v one_o bear_v blind_a be_v the_o like_a ever_o hear_v of_o before_o do_v ever_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n do_v it_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o blind_a man_n which_o he_o utter_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanhedrin_n when_o he_o know_v how_o like_a he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o very_a person_n be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o
true_a messiah_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o the_o chapter_n but_o upon_o christ_n revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o 36._o he_o he_o present_o believe_v on_o he_o how_o strange_o irrational_a be_v the_o jew_n then_o in_o reject_v our_o saviour_n when_o his_o 38._o miracle_n not_o only_o exceed_v those_o of_o moses_n both_o in_o number_n and_o quality_n but_o which_o be_v more_o they_o see_v themselves_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v but_o they_o receive_v those_o of_o moses_n only_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o father_n and_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n arise_v from_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n it_o be_v that_o st._n peter_n tell_v the_o promiscuous_a assembly_n act_v 2._o 22._o 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 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 he_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n which_o he_o will_v not_o certain_o have_v do_v have_v it_o not_o be_v in_o a_o case_n beyond_o all_o dispute_n among_o they_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a among_o they_o that_o we_o find_v the_o pharisee_n themselves_o confess_v it_o what_o do_v we_o for_o this_o man_n do_v many_o miracle_n now_o then_o in_o a_o nation_n 47._o who_o religion_n have_v be_v establish_v by_o miracle_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o among_o those_o who_o then_o profess_v it_o do_v depend_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o constant_a credit_n which_o the_o report_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v at_o the_o settle_n of_o their_o law_n have_v among_o they_o what_o can_v be_v a_o more_o rational_a convince_a way_n of_o proceed_v then_o for_o our_o saviour_n to_o manifest_v by_o a_o great_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o himself_o the_o undoubted_a credential_n of_o his_o commission_n from_o heaven_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o their_o own_o most_o sacred_a and_o authentical_a record_n which_o will_v appear_v more_o because_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v evident_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v the_o very_a person_n promise_v for_o if_o the_o exact_a correspondency_n 2._o of_o the_o event_n to_o the_o prediction_n in_o a_o nation_n own_v they_o as_o divine_a be_v a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v our_o saviour_n be_v most_o certain_o the_o person_n so_o often_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o many_o of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o messiah_n if_o they_o be_v not_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n in_o the_o condition_n the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o since_o their_o dispersion_n which_o fall_v out_o exact_o according_a to_o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v fulfil_v at_o all_o so_o that_o either_o the_o prediction_n must_v lose_v their_o divine_a authority_n or_o they_o must_v be_v accomplish_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o as_o tertullian_n sharp_o say_v to_o the_o jew_n red_a statum_fw-la judaeae_fw-la quem_fw-la christus_fw-la inveniat_fw-la 13._o &_o alium_fw-la contend_v venire_fw-la let_v the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v in_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o then_o plead_v for_o a_o messiah_n to_o come_v for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v in_o bethlehem_n of_o judea_n but_o where_o be_v that_o now_o and_o how_o long_o since_o the_o jew_n enjoy_v any_o civil_a polity_n there_o what_o be_v become_v of_o the_o second_o temple_n in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n shall_v come_v be_v not_o jerusalem_n already_o destroy_v and_o the_o oblation_n there_o long_o since_o cease_v which_o be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o soon_o after_o the_o messiah_n and_o do_v according_o be_v not_o the_o sceptre_n yet_o depart_v from_o judah_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n from_o between_o his_o foot_n and_o be_v not_o shiloh_n yet_o come_v what_o strange_a unintelligible_a week_n be_v those_o of_o daniel_n if_o they_o be_v extend_v to_o so_o indefinite_a a_o space_n of_o time_n as_o the_o jew_n pretend_v and_o if_o indefinite_a what_o certain_a ground_n can_v from_o thence_o be_v gather_v of_o any_o time_n wherein_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v but_o not_o to_o expatiate_v on_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v already_o so_o large_o prove_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o contradiction_n by_o the_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learned_a writer_n against_o the_o jew_n to_o insist_v therefore_o on_o our_o present_a business_n be_v not_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o miracle_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v work_v exact_o fulfil_v in_o christ_n then_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a shall_v be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o the_o 6_o deaf_a shall_v be_v unstop_v then_o shall_v the_o lame_a man_n leap_v as_o a_o hart_n and_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o dumb_a shall_v sing_v he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a stranger_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o a_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o this_o prophecy_n nay_o and_o the_o jewish_a midrasch_n upon_o psal._n 146._o 8._o say_v that_o when_o messiah_n come_v 32._o he_o shall_v open_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o blind_a and_o the_o jew_n themselves_o often_o speak_v of_o the_o great_a miracle_n which_o the_o messiah_n shall_v do_v when_o he_o appear_v and_o therefore_o out_o of_o their_o own_o mouth_n will_v they_o be_v condemn_v when_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n hence_o when_o john_n baptist_n send_v his_o disciple_n to_o christ_n for_o they_o to_o be_v full_o satisfy_v concern_v he_o christ_n give_v this_o answer_n to_o they_o he_o bid_v they_o tell_v he_o the_o blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n and_o the_o lame_a walk_n and_o the_o leper_n be_v cleanse_v and_o the_o deaf_a hear_v and_o the_o 5._o dead_a raise_v up_o etc._n etc._n as_o though_o the_o mention_v of_o these_o miracle_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o they_o who_o he_o be_v who_o they_o come_v to_o inquire_v after_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o john_n baptist_n himself_o though_o great_a than_o the_o prophet_n nay_o then_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a bear_v of_o woman_n 11._o by_o our_o saviour_n own_o testimony_n yet_o of_o he_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n of_o which_o no_o account_n can_v be_v 41._o give_v so_o probable_a and_o rational_a as_o that_o god_n in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n be_v please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o messiah_n may_v be_v make_v more_o clear_a by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v that_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n may_v not_o be_v distract_v between_o john_n and_o christ_n he_o therefore_o reserve_v the_o glory_n of_o miracle_n whole_o to_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o pretence_n of_o a_o competition_n between_o iohn_n and_o he_o another_o reason_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n by_o way_n of_o rational_a evidence_n be_v the_o overthrow_v the_o 3._o power_n and_o kingdom_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o world_n for_o which_o purpose_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o devil_n have_v scarce_o ever_o great_a power_n over_o the_o body_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o their_o soul_n then_o at_o that_o time_n thence_o we_o read_v of_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o daemoniack_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o it_o seem_v very_o harsh_a to_o interpret_v those_o mere_o of_o epilepticall_a and_o lunatic_n person_n both_o because_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 24._o be_v mention_v distinct_o and_o that_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o primitive_a church_n afterward_o how_o frequent_a it_o be_v to_o eject_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o possess_v person_n nay_o so_o far_o be_o i_o from_o think_v that_o the_o daemoniack_n be_v mere_a lunatic_n that_o i_o rather_o think_v with_o vossius_fw-la that_o the_o lunatic_n be_v true_o daemoniack_n only_o they_o be_v not_o constant_o under_o the_o power_n of_o 19_o the_o devil_n but_o as_o their_o paroxysme_n return_v upon_o they_o the_o devil_n love_v to_o fifh_n in_o such_o trouble_a water_n and_o thence_o 39_o the_o same_o person_n be_v call_v a_o lunatic_n in_o one_o place_n who_o be_v call_v a_o daemoniack_a in_o another_o because_o he_o do_v ruere_fw-la in_o principiis_fw-la lunationum_fw-la as_o the_o arabic_a version_n express_v it_o or_o as_o rusticus_n elpidius_n more_o full_o explain_v it_o repserat_fw-la in_o medium_n rabbis_n horrenda_fw-la furoris_fw-la 5._o daemonis_fw-la afflatu_fw-la propria_fw-la qui_fw-la peste_fw-la nocivus_fw-la allidit_fw-la captas_fw-la foedo_fw-la discrimine_fw-la mentes_fw-la menstrua_fw-la deciduos_fw-la cum_fw-la luna_fw-la recolligit_fw-la
what_o do_v all_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n exact_o agree_v in_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n or_o at_o least_o in_o one_o age_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n do_v the_o design_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o credulity_n of_o all_o people_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o suitable_a together_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o governor_n can_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o people_n so_o at_o their_o command_n that_o they_o can_v make_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o that_o atheistical_a pope_n heu_fw-la quam_fw-la minimus_fw-la regitur_fw-la mundus_fw-la what_o a_o twine_n thread_n will_v rule_v the_o world_n but_o grant_v these_o thing_n which_o any_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v say_v be_v impossible_a yet_o whence_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n which_o be_v general_o lead_v more_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o forefather_n then_o by_o reason_n shall_v so_o cancel_v that_o former_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o no_o remain_a footstep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v trace_v in_o any_o history_n of_o those_o time_n or_o do_v the_o governor_n all_o consent_n to_o abolish_v all_o record_n of_o it_o public_a and_o write_v i_o grant_v they_o may_v but_o not_o those_o out_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o memory_n which_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o posterity_n convey_v in_o some_o secret_a cabala_n from_o father_n to_o their_o child_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v but_o man_n dare_v not_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a that_o the_o law_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a commonwealth_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o atheism_n and_o withal_o how_o come_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o philosophical_a man_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n to_o embrace_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o a_o thing_n far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n then_o 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find_v out_o such_o a_o imposture_n have_v it_o be_v such_o than_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n whence_o come_v these_o now_o in_o this_o almost_o decrepit_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o first_o smeller_n out_o of_o so_o great_a a_o design_n by_o what_o mean_n what_o token_n and_o evidence_n come_v such_o a_o imposture_n to_o their_o knowledge_n because_o forsooth_o the_o world_n be_v still_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o that_o do_v not_o see_v how_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o sophism_n that_o be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o reason_n or_o by_o what_o have_v go_v before_o have_v wit_n and_o reason_n little_a enough_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n some_o therefore_o who_o will_v seem_v a_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o atheist_n for_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o vulgus_fw-la among_o they_o too_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o meanness_n then_o multitude_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o the_o 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evident_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v aristotle_n who_o large_o dispute_v against_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o there_o be_v some_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o so_o evident_a in_o nature_n as_o motion_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n be_v well_o know_v who_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o think_v himself_o subtle_a in_o do_v so_o too_o what_o be_v man_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o they_o live_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o dogmatical_a even_o in_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o sceptic_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o what_o be_v
our_o sense_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o the_o snow_n be_v white_a yet_o all_o the_o philosopher_n be_v not_o of_o that_o opinion_n be_v this_o then_o sufficient_a reason_n on_o which_o to_o deny_v a_o universal_a consent_n because_o some_o philosopher_n oppose_v it_o when_o it_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a which_o tully_n sharp_o speak_v of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la absurdum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dixerit_fw-la aliquis_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n so_o great_a but_o it_o find_v a_o 3._o philosopher_n to_o vouch_v it_o but_o in_o this_o case_n those_o philosopher_n who_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n though_o they_o be_v not_o for_o number_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v it_o yet_o be_v not_o so_o inexcusable_a therein_o as_o our_o modern_a atheist_n because_o they_o then_o know_v no_o other_o way_n of_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o be_v join_v with_o horrible_a superstition_n and_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v stranger_n to_o any_o thing_n of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o to_o any_o real_a miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v it_o and_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o serve_a god_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n most_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n most_o effectual_a for_o advance_v true_a goodness_n in_o the_o world_n and_o although_o this_o most_o excellent_a religion_n viz._n the_o christian_n be_v subject_a to_o many_o scandal_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o have_v be_v mix_v with_o it_o by_o those_o who_o have_v profess_v it_o yet_o the_o religion_n its_o self_n be_v clear_a and_o untainted_a be_v with_o great_a integrity_n preserve_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o it_o so_o that_o now_o athcism_n have_v far_o less_o to_o plead_v for_o its_o self_n than_o it_o have_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n but_o if_o we_o shall_v grant_v 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