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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n church_n faith_n infallible_a 3,610 5 9.7555 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61580 Origines sacræ, or, A rational account of the grounds of Christian faith, as to the truth and divine authority of the Scriptures and the matters therein contained by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1662 (1662) Wing S5616; ESTC R22910 519,756 662

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god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o god_n shall_v when_o it_o please_v he_o single_a out_o some_o instrument_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o enquiry_n then_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v proper_a note_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v on_o so_o high_a a_o embassy_n and_o those_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o if_o his_o action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n he_o reveal_v be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o create_a understanding_n first_o then_o for_o his_o action_n thief_z striking_z most_o upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n when_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a do_v transmit_v along_o with_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o the_o understanding_n a_o high_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o whereas_o the_o mere_a height_n of_o knowledge_n or_o profoundness_n of_o thing_n discover_v can_v have_v 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one_o of_o the_o necessary_a note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o be_v to_o put_v god_n upon_o that_o necessity_n which_o common_a nature_n be_v free_v from_o viz._n of_o multiply_a thing_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o be_v give_v for_o they_o and_o to_o leave_v man_n faith_n at_o a_o stand_n when_o god_n have_v give_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n too_o common_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v observe_v that_o some_o person_n out_o of_o their_o eagerness_n to_o uphold_v the_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o party_n have_v be_v fain_o to_o establish_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n which_o when_o they_o be_v sufficient_o search_v to_o the_o bottom_n do_v apparent_o undermine_v the_o common_a and_o sure_a foundation_n whereon_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o common_a christianity_n do_v main_o stand_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v a_o large_a discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n whereby_o we_o may_v rip_v open_a the_o wound_n that_o christianity_n have_v 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christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v 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his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n ●bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieu●_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_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
by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a diffusion_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o bell_n of_o horse_n and_o that_o the_o pot_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v 20._o be_v as_o bowl_n before_o the_o altar_n i._n e._n that_o when_o the_o levitical_a service_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v that_o appropriate_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v discern_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o a_o priesthood_n after_o another_o order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n shall_v be_v establish_v viz._n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedek_n 6._o and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o priest_n after_o this_o order_n shall_v judge_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o wound_v the_o head_n over_o many_o country_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n the_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v fright_v to_o obedience_n with_o thunderclap_n and_o earthquake_n 3._o as_o at_o mount_n sinai_n but_o shall_v come_v and_o yield_v themselves_o as_o a_o freewill_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o yet_o their_o number_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n which_o distil_v in_o the_o morning_n that_o god_n out_o of_o other_o nation_n will_v take_v unto_o himself_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levite_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n 1._o shall_v speedy_o come_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v come_v into_o his_o temple_n nay_o that_o seventy_o week_n be_v determine_v upon_o thy_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n that_o then_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n 27._o and_o oblation_n shall_v be_v cause_v to_o cease_v that_o the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o flood_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v that_o after_o three_o score_n and_o two_o week_n messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o that_o by_o he_o transgression_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o lest_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o high_a advance_n of_o the_o levitical_a worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o external_a ceremony_n god_n express_o say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v 32._o with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n can_v any_o one_o that_o now_o consider_v serious_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o describe_v as_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o levitical_a service_n be_v ever_o calculate_v for_o this_o state_n be_v god_n worship_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v come_v to_o serve_v he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n there_o when_o a_o order_n of_o priesthood_n different_a from_o the_o aaronical_a shall_v be_v set_v up_o must_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n only_o attend_v at_o the_o temple_n when_o god_n will_v take_v priest_n and_o levite_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n that_o serve_v he_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n when_o both_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o must_v be_v within_o few_o prophetical_a week_n after_o the_o messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o must_v the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n continue_v for_o ever_o when_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a one_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o then_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a then_o as_o nothing_o can_v well_o be_v more_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v describe_v and_o promise_v with_o which_o the_o levitical_a worship_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o at_o first_o establish_v upon_o a_o immutable_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowladge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n have_v now_o clear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o repeal_n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o 1_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v give_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o repeal_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o to_o prevent_v too_o large_a a_o excursion_n insist_v on_o any_o other_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o promise_a m●ssias_n but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a debate_n concern_v the_o evidence_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o great_a stumbling-block_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n among_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o learned_a heathen_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n not_o come_v attend_v with_o that_o state_n and_o magnificence_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o so_o great_a a_o person_n the_o jew_n have_v their_o sense_n so_o possess_v with_o the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n on_o mount_n sinai_n that_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o structure_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n can_v be_v take_v down_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o terror_n than_o it_o be_v erect_v with_o and_o withal_o collect_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o foretell_v such_o glorious_a thing_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o ●ither_o refer_v to_o his_o second_o come_v or_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o have_v their_o mind_n oppress_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o present_a calamity_n apply_v they_o whole_o to_o a_o external_a greatness_n whereby_o
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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 haber●_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
language_n though_o it_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o ancient_a writer_n of_o the_o church_n be_v very_o questionable_a chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v assign_v of_o undertake_v a_o new_a translation_n at_o alexandria_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o extant_a before_o especial_o if_o all_o those_o circumstance_n of_o that_o translation_n be_v true_a which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o with_o almost_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o know_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v have_v at_o this_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n and_o therefore_o certain_o every_o petty_a conjecture_n of_o some_o modern_a though_o learned_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o bear_v sway_n against_o so_o unanimous_a a_o tradition_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o former_a age_n and_o it_o be_v 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from_o who_o the_o story_n be_v receive_v nor_o whether_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v by_o jew_n send_v out_o of_o judea_n or_o by_o jew_n reside_v at_o alexandria_n it_o suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n that_o this_o translation_n be_v make_v before_o either_o the_o chaldaean_a dynasty_n of_o b●rosus_n or_o the_o egyptian_a of_o manetho_n be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o show_v in_o what_o time_n this_o translation_n be_v effect_v and_o herein_o that_o channel_n of_o tradition_n which_o convey_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o one_o certain_a course_n run_v not_o with_o so_o even_o a_o stream_n concern_v the_o exact_a time_n of_o it_o all_o indeed_o agree_v that_o it_o be_v about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n but_o in_o what_o year_n of_o his_o reign_n be_v very_o dubious_a joseph_n scaliger_n who_o have_v trouble_v 5_o the_o water_n so_o much_o concern_v the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o this_o 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epiphanius_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v the_o time_n when_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n into_o greck_n be_v make_v we_o shall_v find_v our_o conjecture_n much_o strengthen_v by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o age_n of_o the_o forementioned_a historian_n manetho_n and_o berosus_n manetho_n we_o have_v already_o make_v appear_v to_o have_v live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n and_o that_o say_v vossius_fw-la after_o the_o death_n of_o soter_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o remain_v of_o he_o in_o eusebius_n his_o chronica_fw-la that_o he_o not_o only_o flourish_v in_o the_o time_n of_o philadelphus_n but_o write_v his_o history_n at_o the_o special_a command_n of_o philadelphus_n as_o manifest_o appear_v by_o the_o remain_a epistle_n of_o manetho_n to_o he_o still_o extant_a in_o eusebius_n this_o command_n of_o philadelphus_n may_v very_o 6_o probable_o be_v occasion_v upon_o the_o view_n of_o that_o account_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v then_o translate_v into_o greek_a do_v give_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n upon_o which_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o so_o inquisitive_a a_o person_n as_o philadelphus_n be_v will_v be_v very_o earnest_a to_o have_v his_o curiosity_n satisfy_v as_o to_o what_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n who_o have_v boast_v so_o much_o of_o antiquity_n can_v produce_v to_o confront_v with_o the_o scripture_n whereupon_o the_o task_n be_v undertake_v by_o this_o manetho_n highpriest_n of_o heliopolis_n whereby_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n have_v to_o that_o time_n keep_v secret_a in_o their_o cloister_n be_v now_o divulge_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o learned_a world_n but_o what_o satisfaction_n they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v inquisitive_a mind_n as_o to_o the_o main_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o matter_n inquire_v after_o may_v partly_o appear_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o manetho_n already_o and_o by_o what_o shall_v be_v speak_v of_o his_o dynastye_n afterward_o but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o persuade_v kircher_n for_o whatever_o scaliger_n nay_o what_o manetho_n himself_o say_v to_o the_o coutrary_a he_o with_o the_o confidence_n and_o learning_n of_o a_o jesuite_n affirm_v that_o this_o manetho_n be_v elder_a than_o alexander_n the_o great_a for_o these_o be_v his_o word_n frequens_fw-la apud_fw-la priscos_fw-la historicos_fw-la dynaestiarum_fw-la aegyptiacarum_fw-la fit_a mentio_fw-la quarum_fw-la tamen_fw-la alium_fw-la 9_o authorem_fw-la non_fw-la habemus_fw-la nisi_fw-la manethonem_fw-la sebennytam_fw-la sacerdotem_fw-la aegyptium_fw-la quem_fw-la ante_fw-la tempor_fw-la a_o alexandri_fw-la quicquid_fw-la dicat_fw-la scaliger_n in_o aegypto_n floruisse_fw-la comperio_fw-la certain_o some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n may_v be_v expect_v after_o so_o confident_a a_o affirmation_n but_o whatever_o that_o person_n be_v in_o other_o undertake_n he_o be_v as_o unhappy_a a_o person_n in_o philology_n as_o any_o that_o have_v pretend_v so_o much_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o one_o will_v think_v he_o that_o have_v be_v twenty_o year_n as_o
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
there_o may_v be_v clear_a perception_n where_o the_o object_n its_o self_n be_v above_o our_o capacity_n now_o whatever_o foundation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o perception_n without_o comprehension_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v there_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n though_o above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n as_o the_o revelation_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v though_o our_o understanding_n lose_v themselves_o in_o strive_v to_o reach_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n second_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o principle_n most_o unreasonable_a in_o its_o self_n that_o we_o be_v 2._o to_o embrace_v nothing_o for_o truth_n though_o divine_o reveal_v but_o what_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n on_o which_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n satisfaction_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v reject_v as_o incredible_a and_o that_o on_o this_o bare_a pretence_n because_o although_o many_o expression_n in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v all_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n because_o this_o be_v incongruous_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o although_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n which_o come_v in_o the_o high_a way_n of_o credibility_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n mere_o because_o our_o reason_n be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a pretence_n and_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o must_v run_v themselves_o on_o these_o unavoidable_a absurdity_n first_o of_o believe_v nothing_o either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n to_o 1._o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o as_o to_o every_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v such_o person_n first_o try_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o we_o may_v suppose_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v till_o they_o have_v by_o demonstrative_a argument_n prove_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o ptolomaick_a or_o copernican_n hypothesis_n that_o they_o will_v never_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n till_o they_o clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o attend_v the_o several_a opinion_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o can_v satisfactory_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v unite_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o material_a being_n till_o they_o have_v resolve_v all_o the_o perplex_v difficulty_n about_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o they_o and_o that_o themselves_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o rational_a soul_n till_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o if_o they_o can_v expedite_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o difficulty_n about_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o frame_v handsome_a and_o consistent_a hypothesis_n then_o to_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o they_o then_o let_v they_o be_v let_v loose_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o which_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v perform_v the_o other_o be_v there_o no_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o undertake_n for_o that_o be_v second_o to_o commensurate_a the_o perfection_n of_o god_n with_o the_o narrow_a capacity_n of_o the_o humane_a intellect_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o 2._o the_o natural_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o take_v up_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v suppose_v incomprehensibility_n to_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o form_n our_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v by_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o self_n from_o the_o conception_n we_o form_n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o by_o add_v infinity_n to_o all_o the_o perfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n now_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n between_o a_o finite_a and_o infinite_a understanding_n and_o if_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a why_o may_v not_o he_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o our_o shallow_a apprehension_n can_v reach_v unto_o what_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n when_o it_o undertake_v to_o discover_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o imperfect_a and_o narrow_a intellect_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v do_v none_o of_o they_o contradict_v the_o prime_n result_v or_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n which_o none_o of_o they_o do_v but_o that_o every_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o existence_n in_o god_n or_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n must_v pass_v the_o scrutiny_n of_o our_o faculty_n before_o it_o obtain_v a_o placet_fw-la for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n three_o it_o must_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o must_v affirm_v the_o rule_n or_o maxim_n which_o they_o go_v by_o 3._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o reason_n else_o they_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o be_v they_o must_v then_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o principle_n affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o absolute_a master_n of_o reason_n now_o reason_n consist_v of_o observation_n make_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o judge_v viz._n as_o a_o systeme_n of_o infallible_a rule_n collect_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o must_v demonstrate_v these_o general_a maxim_n according_a to_o which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o a_o universal_a 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
of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aesculapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o believe_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n ●●t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n 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love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o 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this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v convented●ogether_o 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be_v convert_v from_o plato_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o find_v that_o true_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n that_o after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n into_o philosophy_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v this_o at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a par._n and_o profitable_a philosophy_n and_o when_o trypho_n after_o deride_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o very_o easy_a faith_n who_o will_v leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n for_o that_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o platonist_n then_o christian_n justin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v move_v with_o such_o reproach_n that_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o empty_a fable_n and_o unprovable_a assertion_n but_o to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v full_a of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n and_o flourish_v with_o grace_n the_o prove_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o discourse_n at_o alexandria_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o excellent_a person_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_a embracer_n themselves_o but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o set_v aside_o there_o abilius_n justus_n cerdo_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippinus_n julianus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o who_o flourish_v about_o the_o second_o century_n i_o shall_v only_o fix_v on_o those_o person_n who_o be_v famous_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o note_v for_o excellency_n in_o heathen_a learning_n yet_o these_o person_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n find_v nothing_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o value_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o such_o be_v pantaenus_n who_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o excellent_a stoic_a before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v after_o so_o eminent_a a_o one_o that_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o wen●_n into_o india_n to_o convert_v the_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o his_o return_n be_v make_v rector_n of_o the_o school_n at_o alexandria_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v much_o frequent_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o skill_v in_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n how_o excellent_a pantaenus_n be_v in_o 20._o humane_a learning_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o origen_n and_o hierome_n both_o make_v his_o example_n their_o plea_n for_o the_o study_v of_o it_o after_o he_o succeed_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n pantaenus_n his_o scholar_n a_o person_n of_o great_a depth_n of_o learning_n and_o exquisite_o skill_v in_o all_o heathen_a antiquity_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o remain_a write_n the_o learning_n of_o origen_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a reputation_n in_o 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achillas_n two_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o as_o nicephorus_n callistus_n speak_v person_n well_o skill_v in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n if_o from_o alexandria_n we_o go_v to_o caesarea_n there_o we_o not_o only_o meet_v with_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o with_o person_n very_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a pamphilus_n and_o eusebius_n so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o he_o that_o ever_o since_o he_o be_v call_v eusebius_n pamphili_n at_o antioch_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nicephorus_n 35._o speak_v a_o person_n verse_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o ingenuous_a literature_n anatclius_fw-la bishop_n of_o laodicea_n one_o verse_v in_o geometry_n astronomy_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 36._o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n what_o 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it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_o
who_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o worship_v the_o devil_n instead_o of_o go_n 2._o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispersion_n of_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o they_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o that_o record_n contain_v so_o weighty_a and_o important_a thing_n will_v be_v transcribe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n which_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o see_v how_o far_o curiosity_n will_v carry_v man_n as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o transcribe_v ancient_a mss._n of_o old_a author_n which_o contain_v only_o some_o history_n of_o thing_n past_o that_o be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v those_o who_o venture_v estate_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o 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mind_n be_v as_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o our_o faculty_n as_o the_o form_v the_o conception_n of_o any_o other_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o hereby_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n import_v nothing_o incongruous_a to_o reason_n or_o repugnant_a to_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o that_o the_o mind_n will_v form_v as_o settle_v and_o clear_a a_o notion_n of_o god_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o epicurus_n his_o infallible_a sense_n do_v the_o most_o assure_v he_o of_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o shadow_n of_o a_o pretence_n why_o any_o shall_v reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n because_o of_o the_o impossibility_n to_o conceive_v any_o such_o be_v as_o god_n be_v if_o to_o this_o it_o be_v object_v that_o such_o thing_n be_v employ_v in_o this_o idea_n which_o make_v it_o unconceivable_a in_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o this_o be_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o infinity_n 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they_o be_v infinite_a thus_o we_o see_v that_o god_n infinity_o do_v not_o at_o all_o abate_v the_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v without_o bound_n or_o limit_n yet_o it_o bear_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o man_n natural_a faculty_n to_o have_v a_o settle_a idea_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a in_o their_o mind_n to_o the_o question_n i_o answer_v it_o seem_v high_o probable_a and_o far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n then_o the_o contrary_a that_o this_o idea_n of_o 6._o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o mere_o fictitious_a idea_n but_o that_o it_o be_v real_o imprint_v there_o by_o that_o god_n who_o idea_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o do_v suppose_v a_o reality_n in_o the_o thing_n correspondent_a to_o that_o objective_a reality_n which_o be_v in_o the_o understanding_n for_o although_o i_o be_o not_o so_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o mere_a 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divisible_a then_o to_o be_v so_o beside_o corporeal_a phantasm_n be_v so_o far_o from_o help_v we_o in_o form_v this_o idea_n that_o they_o alone_o hinder_v we_o from_o a_o distinct_a conception_n of_o it_o while_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o because_o these_o bear_v no_o proportion_n at_o all_o to_o such_o a_o be_v so_o that_o this_o idea_n however_o must_v be_v a_o pure_a act_n of_o intellection_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n in_o man_n but_o imagination_n it_o will_v bear_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n to_o our_o conception_n and_o it_o will_v be_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o epicurus_n and_o some_o modern_a philosopher_n a_o thing_n whole_o impossible_a to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n unless_o with_o epicurus_n we_o imagine_v he_o to_o be_v corporeal_a which_o