to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
when_o he_o propose_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o caution_n to_o arm_v man_n against_o vice_n and_o temptation_n how_o much_o short_a do_v he_o fall_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v speak_v ill_o of_o you_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o yourself_o but_o answer_v he_o do_v not_o know_v my_o other_o fault_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o these_o only_a cap_n xlviii_o this_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la say_v a_o pretty_a turn_n of_o thought_n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o comparable_a to_o that_o awful_a and_o sacred_a promise_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 11_o 12._o again_o when_o a_o man_n value_v himself_o say_v epictetus_n for_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o book_n of_o chrysippus_n say_v you_o to_o yourself_o unless_o chrysippus_n have_v write_v obscure_o this_o man_n will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o do_v i_o design_n to_o study_v nature_n and_o follow_v it_o cap._n lxxiii_o this_o be_v no_o ill_a satyr_n upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o like_o that_o piety_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o same_o vice_n 1_o cor._n viij_o 1.2_o 3._o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o frequent_o confess_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o place_v their_o great_a wisdom_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o other_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o socrates_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n because_o he_o know_v how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v better_o than_o other_o man_n do_v as_o to_o the_o chinese_n philosophy_n we_o know_v little_a of_o it_o their_o declar._n their_o confuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o par._n 4._o p._n 36._o &_o philippi_n couplet_n prooem_n declar._n book_n of_o philosophy_n be_v all_o destroy_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o tyrant_n who_o reign_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n from_o the_o fragment_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v up_o and_o yet_o remain_v among_o they_o we_o can_v only_o perceive_v that_o confucius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o when_o they_o forsake_v this_o tradition_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o at_o this_o day_n ii_o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v discover_v the_o more_o common_a and_o obvious_a precept_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v discover_v most_o of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o we_o find_v as_o to_o some_o particular_n in_o the_o best_a system_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o offer_v up_o man_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n and_o of_o cast_v away_o and_o expose_v their_o child_n in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v read_v and_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v deduction_n from_o natural_a reason_n may_v have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n for_o thing_n once_o discover_v seem_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v of_o themselves_o we_o wonder_v now_o how_o man_n shall_v ever_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o antipode_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v how_o america_n can_v lie_v so_o long_o conceal_v rather_o than_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o many_o other_o discovery_n especial_o in_o moral_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v the_o natural_a production_n of_o it_o though_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n work_v upon_o our_o deprave_a nature_n may_v perhaps_o have_v make_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n to_o discern_v many_o doctrine_n even_o of_o morality_n which_o now_o be_v most_o common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o what_o maxim_n be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o therefore_o as_o one_o will_v think_v more_o obvious_a to_o humane_a reason_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o spartianas_n a_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o alexander_n severus_n have_v this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contain_v plain_a and_o more_o obvious_a thing_n than_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o 2._o and_o ld._n bacon_n advance_v of_o learning_n b._n viij_o c._n 2._o yet_o a_o author_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v give_v a_o essay_n how_o a_o considerable_a defect_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v supply_v out_o of_o this_o very_a book_n produce_v such_o caution_n instruction_n and_o axiom_n from_o thence_o relate_v to_o the_o business_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o variety_n of_o occasion_n as_o be_v not_o where_o else_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o far_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v proceed_v without_o revelation_n since_o it_o never_o be_v without_o it_o but_o always_o argue_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o noah_n and_o be_v propagate_v among_o his_o posterity_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v in_o some_o age_n and_o nation_n than_o in_o other_o 1._o other_o plat._n de_fw-fr legib._n dialog_n 1._o plato_n derive_v the_o original_a of_o all_o law_n from_o revelation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabbala_n consist_v of_o general_a maxim_n and_o proverb_n without_o argument_n or_o deduction_n from_o principle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o country_n where_o aristotle_n philosophy_n have_v not_o prevail_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o undertake_v to_o argue_v close_o from_o principle_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o humane_a reason_n fail_v they_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o tully_n and_o 1._o and_o tull._n de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v by_o he_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n with_o what_o plainness_n with_o what_o assurance_n do_v two_o do_v tull._n de_fw-fr natur._n deor._n lib._n 2_o two_o balbus_n the_o stoic_a speak_v concern_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o when_o he_o will_v explain_v the_o divine_a nature_n he_o describe_v a_o mere_a anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o discover_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v little_a of_o his_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o true_a and_o just_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v to_o that_o that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v the_o philosopher_n before_o aristotle_n general_o assert_v and_o that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v form_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o 3._o by_o arist_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 10._o metaphys_n lib._n i_o c._n 3._o aristotle_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a which_o according_a to_o modern_a philosophy_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v deliver_v down_o from_o all_o
and_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v as_o give_v to_o the_o scripture_n the_o full_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o therefore_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o answer_n be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n which_o concur_v with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n requisite_a in_o a_o revelation_n confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o know_v that_o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o effectual_a and_o not_o feign_v or_o insufficient_a i_o answer_v because_o we_o have_v they_o so_o relate_v and_o attest_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n they_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o therefore_o may_v as_o safe_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v ourselves_o see_v or_o hear_v if_o it_o be_v further_o urge_v that_o for_o all_o this_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v since_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o no_o man_n be_v infallible_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o rome_n who_o never_o see_v it_o though_o no_o man_n neither_o can_v any_o more_o doubt_n of_o it_o than_o he_o can_v doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o london_n who_o live_v in_o it_o i_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o all_o humane_a evidence_n but_o yet_o i_o deny_v that_o we_o can_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o this_o case_n because_o though_o the_o evidence_n itself_o be_v humane_a yet_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o concern_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o god_n will_v never_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v thus_o long_o impose_v upon_o in_o they_o without_o all_o possibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n so_o that_o here_o we_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a authority_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o same_o miracle_n by_o reason_n whereof_o the_o eye_n witness_n of_o they_o do_v resolve_v they_o into_o it_o but_o they_o believe_v these_o miracle_n as_o see_v by_o themselves_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o see_v and_o witness_v by_o other_o but_o both_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o the_o work_n of_o god_n himself_o it_o may_v have_v be_v allege_v if_o we_o have_v see_v those_o miracle_n that_o we_o may_v possible_o be_v decive_v and_o so_o indeed_o we_o may_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v secure_o rely_v upon_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n that_o they_o be_v design_v by_o he_o to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o we_o may_v with_o equal_a security_n rely_v upon_o the_o same_o truth_n and_o goodness_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n of_o they_o as_o we_o can_v have_v do_v for_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v be_v perform_v in_o our_o sight_n since_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o deceit_n in_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o as_o it_o will_v have_v be_v for_o we_o to_o find_v any_o in_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o performance_n humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o conveyance_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o deliver_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n down_o to_o we_o and_o we_o who_o can_v neither_o see_v the_o miracle_n nor_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n at_o the_o first_o hand_n have_v at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n the_o truth_n of_o they_o ascertain_v by_o a_o continue_a successive_a testimony_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o such_o as_o be_v immediate_a witness_n of_o they_o now_o those_o that_o see_v and_o hear_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o esteem_v their_o sense_n infallible_a but_o they_o notwithstanding_o believe_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n to_o be_v so_o of_o who_o yet_o their_o sense_n only_o can_v give_v they_o mean_n of_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v infallible_a they_o know_v their_o sense_n may_v deceive_v they_o or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v concern_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o deceive_v they_o upon_o this_o only_a ground_n that_o their_o sense_n or_o their_o reason_n by_o deduction_n from_o sense_n tell_v they_o so_o there_o be_v not_o one_o man_n of_o they_o perhaps_o but_o have_v often_o observe_v his_o sense_n misrepresent_v object_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n upon_o the_o sole_a testimony_n of_o their_o sense_n they_o ground_v a_o infallible_a faith_n because_o though_o their_o sense_n have_v misrepresent_v object_n yet_o it_o be_v in_o a_o wrong_a medium_n at_o a_o undue_a distance_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o indisposition_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o and_o still_o their_o sense_n or_o rather_o their_o reason_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o sense_n discover_v that_o their_o sense_n have_v lead_v they_o into_o mistake_n but_o in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o the_o object_n be_v place_v in_o open_a and_o frequent_a view_n to_o the_o great_a advantage_n when_o it_o be_v public_a and_o expose_v to_o multitude_n when_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o opinion_n concern_v it_o and_o when_o the_o matter_n be_v of_o infinite_a importance_n here_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o the_o god_n who_o frame_v their_o sense_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o hurtful_a to_o they_o as_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v if_o they_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o they_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o testimony_n which_o descend_v to_o we_o from_o former_a age_n we_o see_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n and_o hear_v with_o other_o man_n ear_n and_o though_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o may_v often_o fail_v we_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o double_a inconveniency_n through_o the_o incapacity_n and_o unfaithfulness_n of_o witness_n yet_o as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n so_o here_o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v weigh_v and_o consider_v and_o after_o the_o utmost_a trial_n no_o reason_n can_v be_v find_v to_o withhold_v our_o assent_n but_o all_o thing_n stand_v undisprove_v and_o no_o just_a scruple_n appear_v but_o only_o a_o bare_a possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o this_o arise_v not_o from_o any_o defect_n but_o that_o of_o humane_a nature_n itself_o here_o god_n goodness_n and_o his_o truth_n must_v needs_o interpose_v to_o take_v away_o that_o only_a impediment_n which_o otherwise_o must_v unavoidable_o hinder_v any_o thing_n from_o ever_o be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a the_o only_a certainty_n which_o we_o can_v have_v that_o our_o sense_n be_v true_a be_v this_o that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v deceive_v where_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o medium_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o object_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n be_v right_o qualify_v because_o that_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o attribute_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n but_o it_o will_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o these_o attribute_n not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o body_n for_o they_o will_v be_v provide_v for_o as_o well_o though_o our_o sense_n be_v delude_v we_o shall_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o taste_v just_a as_o we_o do_v now_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o deceive_v in_o these_o sensation_n therefore_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v not_o to_o suffer_v we_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o respect_n to_o our_o soul_n not_o in_o regard_n to_o our_o body_n and_o if_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o but_o because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v such_o a_o cheat_n to_o be_v put_v upon_o we_o as_o we_o be_v intelligent_a and_o rational_a being_n we_o have_v the_o same_o and_o much_o great_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o to_o lie_v under_o such_o a_o delusion_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v our_o mind_n unavoidable_o to_o lie_v under_o a_o temporal_a delusion_n of_o no_o great_a consequence_n have_v we_o not_o much_o more_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v we_o unavoidable_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o any_o mean_n whatsoever_o in_o reference_n to_o our_o eternal_a interest_n for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v deceive_v be_v to_o be_v destroy_v and_o to_o suffer_v it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o if_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n at_o once_o not_o only_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o their_o sense_n but_o to_o be_v poison_v by_o that_o deceit_n and_o therefore_o the_o special_a providence_n and_o particular_a care_n of_o god_n must_v be_v concern_v to_o prevent_v it_o
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
teach_v they_o what_o they_o shall_v say_v exod._n 4.12_o 15._o and_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o disciple_n you_o shall_v be_v bring_v before_o governor_n and_o king_n for_o my_o sake_n for_o a_o testimony_n against_o they_o and_o the_o gentile_n but_o when_o they_o deliver_v you_o up_o take_v no_o thought_n how_o or_o what_o you_o shall_v speak_v for_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v you_o in_o that_o same_o hour_n what_o you_o shall_v speak_v matt._n 10.18_o 19_o and_o if_o moses_n be_v inspire_v upon_o that_o particular_a occasion_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v inspire_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v personal_a as_o in_o the_o defence_n that_o they_o make_v for_o themselves_o they_o must_v much_o rather_o be_v inspire_v in_o their_o write_n which_o concern_v the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n st_o luke_n have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o above_o luke_n 1.3_o so_o dr_n lightfoot_n render_v it_o with_o great_a probability_n for_o thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n joh._n 3.3_o 31.19.2_o jam._n 1.17.3.17_o and_o this_o the_o church_n of_o coriuth_v expect_v from_o st_n paul_n they_o seek_v a_o proof_n of_o christ_n speak_v in_o he_o 2_o cor._n 13.3_o as_o that_o apostle_n tell_v they_o he_o do_v and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o weak_a and_o obscure_a but_o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a manner_n he_o write_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n to_o the_o thessalonian_o you_o know_v what_o commandment_n we_o give_v you_o by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n 1_o thess_n 4.2_o and_o he_o distinguish_v between_o his_o own_o judgement_n assist_v and_o enlighten_v though_o not_o infallible_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n 1_o cor_fw-la 7.10_o 12_o 25_o 40._o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v the_o apostle_n all_o thing_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o their_o remembrance_n jo._n 14.26_o and_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n joh._n 16.13_o and_o the_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o instruct_v they_o to_o know_v all_o thing_n 1_o joh._n 11.20_o that_o be_v all_o thing_n pertain_v to_o salvation_n this_o be_v say_v of_o their_o disciple_n and_o therefore_o may_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n be_v affirm_v of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o insomuch_o that_o the_o word_n themselves_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a 1_o cor._n 2.13_o for_o they_o be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o every_o word_n they_o use_v though_o not_o so_o as_o to_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o new_a style_n and_o dialect_n the_o word_n themselves_o be_v not_o always_o suggest_v but_o they_o be_v always_o inspire_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o choose_v their_o own_o word_n and_o expression_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o this_o limitation_n that_o they_o be_v never_o permit_v to_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o as_o will_v not_o full_o and_o infallible_o express_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o 1_o cor._n 14.13_o the_o apostle_n give_v this_o direction_n wherefore_o let_v he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n pray_v that_o he_o may_v interpret_v that_o be_v let_v he_o pray_v that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n to_o assist_v he_o in_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o know_a tongue_n by_o which_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a one_o and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v infallible_a in_o render_v that_o in_o his_o own_o tongue_n which_o he_o infallible_o speak_v in_o another_o which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o when_o they_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o their_o own_o language_n they_o have_v the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o use_n of_o their_o word_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o those_o that_o speak_v by_o inspiration_n in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n dare_v not_o presume_v to_o interpret_v the_o word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v to_o they_o in_o that_o tongue_n so_o as_o to_o give_v they_o out_o for_o divine_a revelation_n unless_o they_o be_v particular_o empower_v to_o render_v they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n with_o the_o same_o exactness_n with_o which_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n for_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o inability_n to_o interpret_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o force_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o rapture_n which_o be_v upon_o they_o that_o make_v they_o unable_a to_o utter_v their_o conception_n in_o their_o own_o language_n or_o to_o retain_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o in_o their_o mind_n afterward_o seem_v plain_a from_o verse_n 27._o if_o any_o man_n speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n let_v it_o be_v by_o two_o or_o at_o the_o most_o by_o three_o and_o that_o by_o course_n and_o let_v one_o interpret_v etc._n etc._n for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v act_v by_o such_o rapturous_a heat_n and_o ecstasy_n they_o can_v have_v be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o refrain_v when_o the_o rapture_n be_v upon_o they_o and_o to_o remember_v what_o they_o have_v to_o deliver_v when_o their_o course_n come_v to_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v to_o remember_v what_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o one_o language_n when_o they_o go_v to_o express_v it_o in_o another_o neither_o be_v they_o ignorant_a themselves_o of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o when_o it_o be_v say_v vers_fw-la 14._o for_o if_o i_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n my_o spirit_n pray_v but_o my_o understanding_n be_v unfruitful_a the_o meaning_n of_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o other_o though_o he_o that_o speak_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n edify_v himself_o vers_fw-la 4._o some_o man_n be_v inspire_v to_o speak_v in_o strange_a tongue_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n and_o more_o exactness_n than_o they_o can_v do_v in_o their_o native_a language_n but_o this_o be_v insignificant_a to_o such_o as_o understand_v not_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v what_o be_v it_o then_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o will_v pray_v with_o the_o understanding_n also_o vers_fw-la 15._o i._n e._n i_o will_v pray_v by_o the_o guidance_n and_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o in_o my_o own_o language_n in_o which_o my_o understanding_n be_v employ_v and_o the_o word_n be_v not_o all_o direct_o suggest_v to_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o must_v be_v in_o a_o language_n which_o i_o speak_v mere_o by_o inspiration_n but_o i_o be_o only_o so_o far_o guide_v and_o assist_v in_o the_o choice_n and_o use_n of_o my_o word_n as_o to_o speak_v infallible_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o spirit_n else_o when_o thou_o shall_v bless_v with_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n verse_n 16._o those_o who_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n be_v it_o seem_v so_o puff_v up_o with_o it_o that_o they_o will_v worship_v god_n in_o no_o other_o but_o in_o those_o language_n though_o none_o of_o the_o assembly_n understand_v they_o and_o will_v be_v always_o unnecessary_o and_o unreasonable_o repeat_v the_o revelation_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v in_o strange_a language_n the_o apostle_n tell_v such_o man_n that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a and_o absurd_a to_o deliver_v their_o revelation_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n or_o to_o pray_v or_o give_v thanks_o in_o a_o language_n not_o understand_v by_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v pray_v that_o they_o may_v interpret_v or_o forbear_v the_o use_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o to_o ague_n unless_o before_o they_o who_o understand_v the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o speak_v that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o edification_n for_o in_o their_o inspiration_n they_o be_v consign_v at_o certain_a time_n to_o some_o particular_a language_n as_o the_o spirit_n give_v they_o utterance_n and_o it_o may_v have_v do_v great_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o of_o themselves_o have_v venture_v to_o render_v that_o into_o their_o own_o language_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o in_o a_o strange_a tongue_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v not_o permit_v those_o who_o speak_v with_o tongue_n to_o speak_v in_o any_o but_o that_o in_o which_o the_o revelation_n be_v make_v to_o they_o unless_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o do_v it_o by_o be_v inspire_v with_o a_o power_n of_o interpretation_n for_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n and_o to_o interpret_v be_v distinct_a gift_n 1_o cor._n 12.10_o 30._o and_o whatever_a
main_a they_o be_v aâ—â—eed_o and_o whoever_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consulâ—â—â—em_v may_v be_v great_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n upon_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o there_o be_v less_o difference_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a prophecy_n than_o there_o be_v in_o the_o comment_n upon_o most_o history_n and_o that_o those_o who_o differ_v in_o other_o matter_n must_v have_v the_o great_a evidence_n for_o that_o in_o which_o they_o do_v agree_v though_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n and_o variety_n of_o opinion_n in_o the_o calculation_n of_o the_o precise_a time_n when_o some_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v because_o it_o be_v dispute_v where_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o begin_v or_o how_o some_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v yet_o all_o expositor_n be_v agree_v concern_v these_o very_a prophecy_n that_o they_o be_v fulfil_v for_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n whether_o that_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n or_o the_o jewish_a nation_n denominate_v from_o that_o tribe_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n be_v destroy_v and_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n take_v away_o though_o interpreter_n do_v not_o agree_v about_o the_o precise_a time_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o every_o particular_a plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n show_v that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v and_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n but_o about_o a_o circumstance_n and_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n because_o we_o do_v not_o certain_o know_v the_o exact_a time_n when_o every_o particular_a be_v fulfil_v though_o we_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o must_v have_v be_v all_o long_a since_o fulfil_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n what_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o homer_n because_o it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o he_o live_v or_o whether_o there_o ever_o be_v a_o trojan_a war_n because_o the_o time_n of_o the_o take_n of_o troy_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o as_o much_o reason_n to_o reject_v this_o or_o any_o other_o history_n which_o have_v occasion_v dispute_v in_o point_n of_o time_n as_o there_o can_v be_v to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o daniel_n prediction_n concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n because_o there_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o controversy_n in_o explain_v his_o seventy_o week_n the_o prophecy_n itself_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o accomplishment_n certain_a however_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o assign_v the_o epocha_n of_o time_n history_n relate_v what_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o prophecy_n foretell_v what_o shall_v come_v and_o our_o uncertainty_n in_o point_n of_o time_n no_o more_o affect_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o one_o than_o of_o the_o other_o we_o may_v be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o as_o uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n mention_v by_o the_o historian_n but_o when_o all_o other_o circumstance_n agree_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o our_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o the_o single_a circumstance_n of_o time_n shall_v be_v allege_v against_o the_o credibility_n of_o either_o of_o they_o but_o the_o obscurity_n arise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n 2._o some_o prophecy_n be_v purposely_o obscure_a because_o they_o do_v not_o so_o near_o concern_v the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v but_o be_v design_v not_o so_o much_o for_o the_o information_n of_o precede_a age_n as_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o posterity_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o see_v they_o fulfil_v god_n do_v not_o send_v revelation_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n in_o acquaint_v they_o with_o what_o shall_v befall_v their_o posterity_n but_o rather_o conceal_v the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a event_n from_o man_n because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o may_v have_v a_o ill_a effect_n in_o make_v they_o proud_a or_o careless_a and_o negligent_a or_o else_o too_o solicitous_a and_o concern_v about_o what_o be_v to_o befall_v their_o posterity_n the_o judgement_n and_o affliction_n of_o parent_n will_v be_v so_o much_o abate_v if_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o the_o happiness_n of_o their_o posterity_n that_o they_o will_v lose_v that_o effect_n which_o god_n design_n by_o send_v his_o judgement_n and_o a_o perfect_a view_n of_o the_o misery_n which_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o posterity_n of_o the_o most_o happy_a parent_n will_v render_v the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o less_o blessing_n to_o they_o so_o that_o both_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o this_o life_n will_v very_o much_o lose_v their_o force_n and_o effect_n if_o prophecy_n be_v less_o obscure_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o obscure_a and_o mysterious_a deliver_v of_o some_o prophecy_n that_o they_o thereby_o serve_v to_o prove_v the_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o excite_v the_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n of_o man_n for_o which_o reason_n the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o the_o day_n of_o every_o man_n death_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o because_o the_o particular_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v cause_v security_n in_o some_o and_o despair_v in_o other_o and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o church_n and_o nation_n we_o be_v command_v to_o watch_v and_o pray_v watch_v you_o therefore_o lest_o come_v sudden_o he_o find_v you_o sleep_v and_o what_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o i_o say_v unto_o all_o watch_n mark_v xiii_o 35._o which_o in_o the_o direct_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n concern_v jerusalem_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o will_v extend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o any_o other_o city_n or_o to_o any_o other_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v foretell_v but_o have_v conceal_v the_o time_n or_o other_o circumstance_n either_o by_o silence_n or_o by_o uncertain_a and_o mysterious_a form_n of_o speech_n a_o full_a prospect_n of_o prosperity_n to_o come_v oftentimes_o have_v prove_v fatal_a to_o man_n jeroboam_n hazael_n and_o jehu_n be_v the_o worse_a probable_o for_o the_o declaration_n make_v to_o they_o as_o achithophel_n if_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v plain_o what_o will_v befall_v he_o will_v in_o all_o likelihoe_v soon_o have_v hasten_v his_o own_o death_n whether_o therefore_o the_o event_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a and_o whether_o it_o concern_v ourselves_o or_o our_o posterity_n it_o be_v fit_v most_o time_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o because_o this_o will_v in_o great_a measure_n exclude_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n in_o man_n under_o their_o present_a condition_n and_o at_o the_o time_n of_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v now_o most_o obscure_a such_o a_o continue_a train_n and_o series_n of_o aftair_n with_o all_o their_o circumstance_n and_o particularity_n may_v appear_v in_o so_o full_a and_o undeniable_a evidence_n as_o may_v convince_v infidel_n and_o confirm_v believer_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n teach_v by_o the_o prophet_n by_o who_o the_o event_n be_v foretell_v 3._o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a in_o some_o prophecy_n at_o the_o praef._n the_o euseb_n demonst_a evan._n â—ib_o vi_fw-la 〈…〉_o châ—â—â—â—n_v c._n 〈◊〉_d isai_n 〈◊〉_d theodoret_n in_o ezech_n praef._n father_n observe_v because_o without_o a_o constant_a miracle_n to_o preserve_v they_o they_o will_v otherwise_o have_v be_v lose_v and_o will_v never_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v some_o of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n state_n of_o humiliation_n his_o poverty_n and_o crucifixion_n and_o death_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o rejection_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o by_o the_o circumstance_n be_v manifest_a to_o we_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n but_o be_v write_v with_o some_o obscurity_n to_o conceal_v they_o from_o the_o obstinate_a and_o malicious_a jew_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v for_o if_o they_o have_v full_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o they_o will_v have_v endeavour_v rather_o to_o have_v suppress_v and_o destroy_v they_o than_o they_o will_v have_v suffer_v they_o to_o remain_v to_o be_v urge_v against_o themselves_o a_o people_n who_o be_v so_o whole_o possess_v with_o the_o notion_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n will_v have_v reject_v those_o prophecy_n which_o set_v forth_o his_o humiliation_n and_o crucifixion_n if_o they_o have_v be_v express_v in_o plain_a term_n they_o will_v have_v spare_v christ_n no_o more_o in_o the_o
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o it_o seem_v rather_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o cease_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o manifest_v a_o miraculous_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o that_o those_o gift_n shall_v cease_v when_o religion_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o because_o i._o miracle_n when_o they_o become_v common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o end_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
and_o who_o shall_v betray_v he_o and_o he_o say_v therefore_o say_v i_o unto_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v come_v unto_o i_o except_o it_o be_v give_v unto_o he_o of_o my_o father_n john_n vi_fw-la 64_o 65._o so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v style_v a_o divine_a faith_n not_o only_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n but_o of_o its_o efficient_a cause_n in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n we_o must_v proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n of_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o proceed_v in_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o other_o truth_n but_o reason_n when_o it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o evidence_n even_o of_o demonstration_n though_o it_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n yet_o do_v not_o necessary_o gain_v that_o firm_a and_o last_a assent_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v require_v in_o faith_n but_o when_o the_o thing_n prove_v to_o be_v true_a be_v unacceptable_a against_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o will_n and_o against_o the_o former_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n of_o the_o understanding_n the_o present_a conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v soon_o stifle_v and_o overpower_v by_o the_o prevail_a force_n of_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o carry_v the_o mind_n off_o to_o other_o and_o contrary_a object_n which_o it_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o think_v of_o and_o believe_v thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o academic_n and_o sceptic_n they_o can_v not_o but_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o other_o clear_a truth_n which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v whilst_o they_o think_v of_o they_o and_o attend_v strict_o to_o they_o but_o by_o a_o constant_a practice_n to_o amuse_v themselves_o with_o subtlety_n they_o have_v wrought_v themselves_o to_o a_o persuasion_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o this_o general_a and_o habitual_a opinion_n soon_o stifle_v the_o evidence_n of_o any_o particular_a truth_n which_o can_v be_v represent_v never_o so_o clear_o to_o their_o mind_n to_o as_o many_o therefore_o as_o lay_v under_o long_a and_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la by_o reason_n of_o their_o former_a opinion_n and_o of_o their_o pride_n and_o vanity_n in_o contend_v for_o they_o or_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o of_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o such_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a power_n of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o faith_n or_o else_o though_o they_o believe_v for_o the_o present_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o some_o miracle_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o last_a or_o wellgrounded_n faith_n john_n two_o 23_o 24._o and_o that_o grace_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o faith_n be_v deny_v to_o some_o for_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v convert_v john_n twelve_o 40._o so_o that_o man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v still_o continue_v unbeliever_n and_o not_o submit_v to_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o gospel_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o contrary_a to_o their_o habitual_a thought_n and_o inclination_n there_o be_v something_o necessary_a to_o convert_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o former_a habit_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o their_o mind_n by_o frequent_a act_n and_o length_n of_o time_n and_o which_o be_v too_o strong_a for_o any_o conviction_n of_o the_o understanding_n that_o consist_v but_o in_o transient_a act_n and_o be_v soon_o lose_v and_o vanish_v through_o the_o prevail_a contrary_a habit_n both_o of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_v and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v necessary_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o of_o reason_n and_o where_o because_o of_o former_a sin_n and_o provocation_n this_o grace_n be_v not_o vouchsafe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o transient_a conviction_n of_o mind_n some_o faint_a glimmering_n which_o be_v soon_o damp_a and_o extinguish_v be_v overpower_v by_o former_a contrary_a persuasion_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n those_o who_o have_v less_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n but_o be_v not_o under_o the_o power_n of_o habitual_a lust_n and_o passion_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o any_o thing_n of_o the_o truth_n whereof_o they_o be_v once_o convince_v be_v likewise_o the_o more_o easy_o convert_v the_o cause_n why_o the_o word_n become_v unfruitful_a and_o so_o little_o prevail_v with_o many_o man_n be_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o sower_n declare_v to_o be_v either_o inconsiderate_a negligence_n and_o ignorance_n and_o the_o advantage_n take_v from_o thence_o by_o satan_n or_o want_v of_o constancy_n in_o time_n of_o tribulation_n and_o persecution_n or_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n matth._n xiii_o 18._o mark_v four_o 9_o it_o be_v next_o to_o a_o impossibility_n for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n or_o to_o become_v a_o christian_n they_o be_v not_o natural_a so_o much_o as_o moral_a accomplishment_n not_o so_o much_o part_n and_o learning_n as_o a_o honest_a and_o humble_a mind_n which_o be_v the_o requisite_a qualification_n for_o man_n to_o become_v christian_n because_o as_o god_n the_o more_o free_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o man_n thus_o qualify_v so_o they_o be_v the_o better_o dispose_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o it_o whereas_o other_o though_o they_o want_v a_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n yet_o have_v less_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o for_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a but_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a thus_o much_o in_o the_o general_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o unbelief_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n i._o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o true_a christ_n it_o may_v seem_v a_o wonderful_a and_o almost_o a_o incredible_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v so_o general_o reject_v he_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n which_o they_o have_v above_o other_o nation_n of_o be_v convert_v but_o 1._o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n be_v convert_v in_o vast_a number_n beside_o the_o shepherd_n simon_n and_o anna_n the_o prophetess_n acknowledge_v and_o adore_v our_o saviour_n in_o his_o infancy_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n luke_n two_o 25_o 36._o and_o it_o be_v probable_o hebr._n probable_o buxtorf_n de_fw-fr abbreu._n hebr._n suppose_v that_o this_o be_v rabban_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o hillel_n and_o father_n of_o gamaliel_n the_o title_n of_o rabban_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o title_n signify_v a_o prince_n rather_o than_o a_o doctor_n or_o teacher_n as_o rabbi_n do_v and_o there_o be_v but_o seven_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o hillel_n who_o be_v dignify_v with_o it_o nicodemus_n joseph_n of_o arimathea_n and_o many_o other_o of_o note_n and_o eminency_n receive_v the_o christian_a faith_n about_o three_o thousand_o be_v convert_v at_o one_o time_n act_v two_o 41._o great_a number_n be_v convert_v not_o only_o of_o the_o people_n but_o of_o the_o priest_n also_o act_n vi_fw-la 7._o all_o that_o dwell_v at_o lydda_n and_o saron_n act_v ix_o 35._o many_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o religious_a proselyte_n follow_v paul_n and_o barnabas_n act_v xiii_o 43._o at_o iconium_n a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o jew_n believe_v act_v fourteen_o 1._o crispus_n chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n believe_v on_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n act_v xviii_o 8._o and_o sosâ—henes_n another_o chief_a ruler_n of_o the_o synagogue_n act_v xviii_o 19_o 1_o cor._n i_o 1._o apollo_n a_o eloquent_a man_n and_o mighty_a in_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o christian_a act_n xviii_o 24._o many_o thousand_o or_o myriad_o in_o the_o greek_a act_n xxi_o 20._o and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o which_o be_v seal_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o and_o four_o thousand_o of_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rev._n seven_o 4._o the_o people_n be_v general_o well-disposed_a to_o receive_v the_o gospel_n and_o when_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o ruler_n will_v have_v persecute_v our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n they_o be_v often_o force_v to_o desist_v for_o fear_n of_o the_o people_n and_o if_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o depart_v 18._o depart_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n v._o c._n 18._o from_o jerusalem_n in_o the_o space_n of_o twelve_o year_n as_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o number_n of_o convert_v in_o all_o that_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o great_a the_o church_n of_o jerusalem_n flourish_v exceed_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o bishop_n of_o that_o city_n be_v of_o
argument_n whereas_o if_o christian_o be_v but_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v according_a to_o they_o they_o will_v be_v no_o more_o move_v with_o these_o cavil_n than_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o the_o sun_n if_o some_o man_n shall_v take_v a_o fancy_n to_o make_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o their_o raillery_n to_o have_v the_o more_o doubtful_a and_o waver_a thought_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o ill_a man_n be_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v despise_v the_o sun_n for_o be_v under_o a_o cloud_n or_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n not_o know_v that_o he_o retain_v his_o light_n and_o religion_n its_o excellency_n still_o though_o we_o be_v in_o darkness_n the_o light_n may_v be_v hide_v from_o we_o but_o can_v lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o own_o brightness_n though_o we_o suffer_v for_o want_v of_o it_o and_o lie_v under_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n the_o consideration_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v useful_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v be_v serious_o and_o true_o religious_a we_o must_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o in_o our_o understanding_n that_o by_o the_o rational_a conviction_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o may_v through_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n assist_v we_o bring_v our_o will_n to_o a_o submission_n and_o our_o affection_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v of_o and_o consider_v these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v have_v the_o great_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o life_n for_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v without_o great_a sin_n and_o ignorance_n be_v doubt_v of_o by_o christian_n yet_o it_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n and_o add_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o recollect_v upon_o what_o good_a reason_n we_o be_v christian_n and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n only_o but_o upon_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v thorough_o consider_v and_o must_v abide_v by_o unless_o we_o will_v renounce_v our_o reason_n with_o our_o religion_n and_o what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o useful_a or_o more_o worthy_a of_o a_o rational_a and_o consider_v man_n thought_n these_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o make_v matter_n of_o cavil_v and_o dispute_v will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o contemplation_n and_o of_o our_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o eternity_n in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v then_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o shall_v for_o ever_o admire_v and_o adore_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o the_o conduct_n and_o disposal_n of_o those_o very_a thing_n about_o which_o we_o now_o be_v most_o perplex_v the_o content_n part_n i._n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n p._n 3._o that_o there_o be_v wicked_a spirit_n enemy_n to_o mankind_n p._n 6._o the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o man_n without_o the_o divine_a direction_n and_o assistance_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o leave_v he_o without_o all_o remedy_n in_o this_o condition_n p._n 8._o the_o judgement_n of_o st._n athanasius_n in_o the_o case_n p._n 15._o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n the_o manifestation_n of_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n insufficient_a and_o therefore_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n necessary_a p._n 19_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n either_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o to_o some_o only_a with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o communicate_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o other_o p._n 20._o i._n it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v himself_o by_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o one_o in_o particular_a ibid._n ii_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o p._n 29._o 1._o concern_v prophecy_n ibid._n 2._o concern_v miracle_n p._n 33._o iii_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n by_o write_n p._n 43._o iv_o they_o must_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n p._n 44._o v._o they_o must_v be_v full_o publish_v and_o promulge_v p._n 45._o part_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o circumstance_n very_o considerable_a to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 48._o they_o give_v a_o account_n of_o divine_a revelation_n make_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n ibid._n what_o moses_n relate_v of_o thing_n before_o his_o own_o time_n be_v certain_o true_a and_o must_v have_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o have_v be_v so_o p._n 50._o chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n p._n 58._o ii_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o p._n 76._o 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 77._o 2._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n that_o other_o nation_n have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n p._n 90._o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_a concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n p._n 115._o there_o have_v ever_o be_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a p._n 117._o of_o the_o sibylline_a oracle_n p._n 121._o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v in_o china_n and_o america_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n p._n 129._o the_o confession_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n as_o to_o this_o matter_n p._n 132._o christian_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 135._o a_o sect_n call_v the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n at_o constantinople_n p._n 136._o though_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v still_o unbeliever_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v p._n 141._o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n consider_v p._n 142._o chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n the_o sincerity_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o write_n p._n 146._o he_o be_v void_a of_o ambition_n p._n 149._o aaron_z and_o he_o have_v no_o contrivance_n between_o themselves_o to_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n p._n 151._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n the_o pentateuch_n write_v by_o moses_n p._n 152._o the_o great_a impartiality_n visible_a in_o these_o book_n p._n 153._o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n a_o introduction_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n p._n 154._o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n confess_v by_o the_o heathen_a p._n 155._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o prediction_n or_o prophecy_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n p._n 158._o the_o prediction_n of_o noah_n ibid._n the_o promise_v make_v to_o abraham_n p._n 159._o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaac_n etc._n etc._n p._n 160._o of_o jacob_n p._n 161._o of_o balaam_n p._n 162._o of_o moses_n p._n 163._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i._o the_o miracle_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v there_o relate_v to_o have_v be_v do_v be_v at_o first_o sufficient_o attest_v p._n 170._o ii_o the_o relation_n there_o set_v down_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v depend_v upon_o p._n 188._o for_o 1._o these_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v by_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o other_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o carry_v on_o such_o a_o design_n p._n 189._o 2._o the_o miracle_n can_v not_o be_v feign_v nor_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n invent_v or_o falsify_v by_o any_o particular_a man_n nor_o by_o any_o confederacy_n or_o combination_n of_o man_n after_o the_o death_n of_o moses_n p._n 191._o 3._o the_o pentateuch_n can_v not_o be_v invent_v nor_o falsify_v by_o the_o joint_a consent_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n either_o in_o
and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
upon_o they_o when_o they_o least_o think_v of_o he_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o with_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a fury_n but_o to_o stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o unconcern_v and_o then_o to_o take_v man_n upon_o such_o a_o surprise_n without_o give_v they_o any_o notice_n of_o it_o beforehand_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n st._n athanasius_n dei_fw-la athanasius_n s._n athan_n de_fw-fr incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la insist_o at_o large_a upon_o this_o argument_n and_o carry_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o it_o he_o urge_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v more_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n never_o to_o have_v create_v man_n than_o to_o have_v suffer_v they_o thus_o to_o perish_v a_o earthly_a king_n say_v he_o when_o he_o have_v plant_v a_o colony_n will_v not_o careless_o suffer_v his_o subject_n to_o become_v slave_n to_o a_o stranger_n or_o to_o revolt_v from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v by_o his_o proclamation_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o oftentimes_o will_v send_v message_n to_o they_o by_o his_o friend_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o will_v go_v to_o they_o himself_o to_o awe_v they_o by_o his_o presence_n and_o recall_v they_o to_o their_o obedience_n and_o as_o he_o there_o add_v shall_v not_o god_n much_o rather_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o regain_v they_o to_o his_o service_n especial_o when_o they_o must_v be_v utter_o undo_v for_o ever_o unless_o he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n or_o a_o prophecy_n or_o of_o reveal_v relgion_n yet_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v some_o way_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o attribute_n nor_o conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o they_o for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n without_o take_v any_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o force_v man_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o propose_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o to_o offer_v they_o their_o free_a choice_n to_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v the_o obstinate_a without_o all_o excuse_n and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o be_o here_o concern_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o to_o own_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n be_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n that_o none_o of_o the_o philosopher_n but_o epicurus_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o he_o as_o amount_v to_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o divine_a existence_n and_o to_o grant_v both_o the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o confine_v the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o body_n only_o and_o outward_a condition_n of_o man_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a part_n of_o man_n be_v disregard_v or_o neglect_v by_o he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o absurdity_n than_o whole_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n or_o his_o existence_n because_o this_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o inestimable_a part_n of_o providence_n which_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o eternal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o to_o represent_v he_o not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o but_o unwise_a unmerciful_a and_o unholy_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v no_o better_o in_o effect_n than_o atheism_n for_o whoever_o can_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n must_v believe_v only_o the_o be_v of_o such_o god_n as_o epicurus_n own_a that_o never_o concern_v themselves_o with_o humane_a affair_n which_o be_v only_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o constant_a belief_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o their_o god_n do_v in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o reveal_v themselves_o to_o man_n and_o though_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v worship_v false_a god_n and_o have_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v for_o divine_a yet_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ancient_a tradition_n or_o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o from_o both_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v expect_v that_o the_o divine_a be_v shall_v by_o some_o mean_n communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n mankind_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o that_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n i._n 20._o but_o man_n have_v corrupt_v themselves_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o act_v against_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n in_o worship_v the_o vile_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o he_o have_v set_v up_o even_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n instead_o of_o go_n how_o then_o can_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v assert_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n since_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o far_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v as_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n mankind_n have_v neither_o the_o will_v nor_o ability_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o have_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a revelation_n natural_a reason_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v less_o wicked_a but_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o righteous_a but_o a_o revelation_n and_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v fall_v into_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v but_o these_o two_o either_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o of_o prophesy_v and_o foretell_v future_a event_n bestow_v upon_o some_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_a and_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o it_o can_v seem_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o inspire_v or_o make_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o either_o he_o must_v so_o powerful_o influence_n their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o to_o take_v away_o their_o choice_n and_o freedom_n of_o act_v which_o will_v be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o humane_a nature_n or_o else_o man_n will_v
for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n still_o and_o will_v have_v deny_v god_n in_o their_o life_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n testify_v the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o inspiration_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v than_o he_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n unless_o it_o have_v that_o powerful_a impulse_n upon_o his_o mind_n as_o both_o to_o convince_v he_o and_o force_v he_o to_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o once_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o his_o soul_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o any_o inspiration_n which_o do_v not_o over-rule_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o convince_v the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v of_o more_o efficacy_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o life_n of_o such_o man_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v for_o if_o man_n can_v so_o stifle_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o no_o or_o at_o least_o to_o act_v as_o if_o there_o be_v none_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o they_o may_v not_o as_o well_o act_n against_o any_o conviction_n which_o they_o may_v receive_v by_o inspiration_n or_o any_o other_o way_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o irresistible_a effect_n upon_o they_o and_o either_o take_v it_o all_o for_o fancy_n and_o delusion_n or_o else_o so_o harden_v themselves_o against_o it_o as_o not_o to_o be_v reclaim_v by_o it_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v balaam_n for_o a_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o revelation_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n love_v the_o wage_n of_o vnrighteousness_n 2_o pet._n two_o 15._o but_o above_o all_o man_n the_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n can_v have_v least_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v they_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 8._o revelation_n vid._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 8._o the_o jew_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v only_o upon_o man_n of_o regular_a and_o pure_a affection_n of_o gentle_a and_o meek_a and_o tractable_a disposition_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o tempt_v he_o not_o and_z sheweth_z himself_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o for_o froward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o vnrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 404._o purpose_n quis_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la haeres_fw-la sit_fw-la philo_z p._n 404._o philo_n speak_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o joseph_n have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n reveal_v to_o he_o 19_o he_o see_v dr._n hammond_n on_o psal_n cv_o 19_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o try_v he_o or_o to_o purge_v to_o clear_v and_o justify_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n inspire_v one_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n which_o joseph_n be_v accuse_v of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v further_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o such_o in_o particular_a by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n who_o have_v reject_v all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v reserve_v these_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n god_n have_v sometime_o indeed_o make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n baalam_n caiaphas_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o instrument_n both_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n not_o from_o any_o worth_a or_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v over-rule_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o he_o even_o against_o their_o will_n whenever_o he_o please_v but_o then_o these_o be_v peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o these_o gift_n be_v afford_v for_o particular_a end_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o man_n themselves_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o as_o for_o the_o disobedient_a st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o in_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n i._n 28._o and_o he_o there_o set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o reprobation_n the_o apostle_n all_o along_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o work_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v his_o counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o inconsistent_a to_o send_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o afford_v particular_a inspiration_n to_o all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n but_o he_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n from_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v he_o shall_v confer_v high_a favour_n upon_o they_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n allow_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o some_o immediate_a revelation_n they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v that_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o with_o terror_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n do_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n but_o never_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o some_o new_a way_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n must_v be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o great_a infidel_n will_v own_v that_o if_o christ_n shall_v personal_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o grant_v they_o that_o conviction_n which_o he_o once_o grant_v to_o st._n thomas_n or_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o as_o these_o apostle_n do_v but_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v why_o so_o much_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o those_o who_o reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o derision_n all_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o obligation_n god_n can_v be_v under_o to_o save_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o themselves_o shall_v prescribe_v who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v some_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o these_o insolent_a offender_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v will_v they_o not_o rather_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a revelation_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n or_o of_o melancholy_a and_o of_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n for_o those_o who_o have_v so_o long_v not_o only_o reject_v that_o be_v a_o modest_a thing_n but_o deride_v and_o revile_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o will_v soon_o stifle_v
those_o apprehension_n with_o their_o accustom_a argument_n for_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n i_o hope_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n that_o all_o but_o atheist_n must_v he_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v they_o and_o atheist_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o revelation_n whatsoever_o for_o man_n must_v first_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n before_o they_o can_v believe_v that_o he_o reveal_v himself_o either_o to_o themselves_o or_o other_o but_o beside_o their_o be_v ineffectual_a and_o never_o to_o be_v expect_v by_o such_o as_o this_o conceit_n must_v be_v calculate_v for_o this_o supposition_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a will_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o continual_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o if_o every_o one_o have_v a_o revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o every_o one_o may_v pretend_v to_o other_o what_o he_o please_v and_o we_o know_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prophesy_v against_o the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v delude_v by_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o another_o against_o a_o express_a revelation_n make_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o this_o will_v often_o happen_v from_o what_o we_o every_o day_n experience_n for_o if_o man_n can_v be_v pervert_v by_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o other_o against_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o act_v against_o a_o revelation_n make_v to_o they_o though_o revelation_n be_v as_o common_a and_o familiar_a a_o thing_n among_o man_n as_o reason_n itself_o be_v so_o that_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a man_n will_v have_v be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a they_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o they_o will_v have_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v design_v and_o will_v have_v give_v many_o more_o pretence_n to_o imposture_n than_o there_o be_v now_o in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v many_o consideration_n even_o in_o a_o wicked_a world_n to_o move_v the_o compassion_n of_o infinite_a mercy_n towards_o mankind_n though_o all_o be_v under_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o unable_a of_o themselves_o to_o become_v righteous_a yet_o some_o be_v more_o wicked_a than_o other_o great_a number_n of_o man_n be_v carry_v away_o to_o commit_v heinous_a impiety_n through_o their_o own_o ignorance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o other_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a be_v never_o without_o excuse_n yet_o they_o be_v chief_o inexcusable_a because_o god_n have_v always_o a_o reveal_v will_n which_o he_o will_v by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o if_o they_o have_v live_v according_a to_o their_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o and_o though_o the_o heathen_a have_v many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n yet_o much_o allowance_n be_v to_o be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n before_o the_o gospel_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v himself_o from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o at_o last_o by_o the_o gospel_n in_o a_o more_o wonderful_a and_o evident_a manner_n than_o ever_o he_o have_v do_v before_o and_o to_o afford_v man_n full_a mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o great_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n and_o god_n have_v make_v these_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o indue_a certain_a man_n with_o a_o power_n of_o prophesy_v and_o work_a miracle_n who_o be_v to_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o other_o and_o to_o certify_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v indeed_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n which_o they_o deliver_v and_o this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a method_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v god_n will_v not_o create_v mankind_n and_o then_o take_v no_o further_a care_n of_o they_o since_o in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n they_o better_o deserve_v his_o care_n and_o have_v ever_o after_o stand_v in_o so_o much_o need_n of_o it_o and_o can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v happy_a either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o next_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v object_v by_o those_o who_o have_v never_o so_o great_a a_o mind_n to_o cavil_v at_o the_o term_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n by_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n shall_v apply_v himself_o to_o every_o person_n by_o a_o particular_a revelation_n both_o because_o so_o much_o condescension_n and_o indulgence_n will_v be_v ill_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o have_v so_o little_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o it_o will_v have_v no_o better_a effect_n than_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v have_v towards_o the_o conversion_n of_o man_n but_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o in_o afford_v pretence_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o imposture_n and_o where_o two_o several_a mean_n be_v alike_o suitable_a to_o any_o end_n no_o man_n sure_o will_v presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o almighty_a god_n and_o say_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v use_v one_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o much_o less_o when_o one_o be_v inconvenient_a and_o the_o other_o the_o only_a proper_a mean_n to_o be_v use_v ii_o i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o sit_v and_o proper_a mean_n for_o god_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n by_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o those_o inconvenience_n with_o which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v be_v there_o be_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n but_o it_o have_v the_o design_v effect_n upon_o many_o person_n the_o majesty_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v not_o expose_v to_o the_o scorn_n of_o every_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a offender_n and_o there_o be_v as_o effectual_a care_n take_v to_o prevent_v imposture_n as_o possible_o can_v have_v be_v and_o as_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v none_o of_o the_o inconvenience_n which_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v so_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n and_o usefulness_n which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o immediate_a revelation_n will_v have_v have_v if_o they_o have_v be_v grant_v to_o every_o person_n in_o particular_a all_o that_o any_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v do_v be_v to_o afford_v man_n the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o assurance_n that_o the_o revelation_n proceed_v from_o god_n as_o certain_o as_o that_o god_n himself_o be_v and_o this_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n do_v 1._o concern_v prophecy_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o oracle_n and_o lie_a divination_n with_o which_o the_o devil_n have_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n show_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o by_o prophecy_n which_o make_v they_o so_o prone_a to_o receive_v false_a prophecy_n from_o their_o false_a go_n and_o this_o may_v teach_v we_o that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o true_a god_n many_o prophecy_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o god_n omniscient_a can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o and_o these_o in_o their_o accomplishment_n must_v carry_v a_o indisputable_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n along_o with_o they_o such_o be_v the_o prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v many_o age_n afterward_o which_o in_o the_o fulfil_n depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o determination_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v determine_v to_o but_o by_o their_o own_o choice_n it_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o humane_a understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o thing_n shall_v be_v foresee_v so_o long_o before_o either_o the_o action_n or_o the_o agent_n themselves_o have_v any_o existence_n or_o how_o contingency_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o infallible_a prescience_n and_o therefore_o for_o god_n to_o foretell_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o his_o prophet_n be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o certain_a way_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o finite_a be_v to_o do_v the_o like_a it_o be_v the_o prerogative_n of_o he_o that_o form_v the_o mountain_n and_o creat_v the_o wind_n to_o declare_v unto_o man_n what_o be_v his_o thought_n the_o lord_n the_o god_n of_o host_n be_v his_o name_n amos_n four_o 13._o for_o which_o reason_n the_o false_a god_n be_v challenge_v to_o foretell_v these_o thing_n show_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v
be_v keep_v of_o every_o family_n make_v they_o have_v a_o more_o separate_a and_o distinct_a interest_n in_o every_o tribe_n and_o a_o more_o exact_a account_n of_o time_n and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o so_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n as_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n may_v be_v where_o marriage_n and_o inheritance_n be_v promiscuous_a and_o no_o occasion_n be_v give_v for_o the_o like_a emulation_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o one_o another_o and_o where_o no_o such_o remembrance_n and_o notice_n of_o the_o transaction_n of_o affair_n be_v to_o be_v consult_v by_o any_o one_o of_o every_o private_a family_n in_o the_o wilderness_n of_o sinai_n on_o the_o first_o day_n of_o the_o second_o month_n in_o the_o second_o year_n after_o they_o be_v come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n moses_n and_o aaron_n assemble_v all_o the_o congregation_n together_o and_o they_o declare_v their_o pedigree_n after_o their_o family_n by_o the_o house_n of_o their_o father_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o name_n from_o twenty_o year_n old_a and_o upward_a by_o their_o poll_n num._n i._n 1_o 18._o and_o this_o be_v do_v again_o in_o the_o plain_n of_o moab_n at_o the_o end_n of_o forty_o year_n chap._n xxvi_o and_o these_o genealogy_n we_o preserve_v not_o only_o during_o the_o captivity_n ezra_n seven_o and_o down_o to_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n but_o even_o to_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n who_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o apion_n say_v that_o they_o have_v the_o genealogy_n of_o their_o priest_n then_o still_o extant_a for_o two_o thousand_o year_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o every_o tribe_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o separate_a interest_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o korah_n sedition_n against_o moses_n and_o every_o man_n among_o their_o tribe_n may_v certain_o hereby_o know_v how_o many_o generation_n he_o be_v remove_v from_o those_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o may_v find_v the_o name_n of_o his_o ancestor_n register_v who_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n with_o moses_n or_o come_v with_o joshua_n over_o jordan_n and_o this_o must_v make_v the_o memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n more_o dear_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o it_o must_v make_v they_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o have_v leave_v behind_o they_o especial_o for_o a_o book_n upon_o which_o their_o right_n of_o inheritance_n and_o the_o title_n they_o have_v to_o all_o they_o enjoy_v depend_v this_o be_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o they_o hold_v their_o estate_n and_o the_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o ancestor_n among_o who_o the_o land_n be_v divide_v but_o it_o be_v certain_a man_n be_v more_o careful_a of_o nothing_o than_o of_o the_o write_n by_o which_o they_o enjoy_v their_o estate_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a dauger_v when_o a_o will_n be_v once_o come_v to_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o right_a heir_n that_o it_o will_v be_v lose_v or_o salsify_v to_o his_o prejudice_n but_o if_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v alter_v it_o must_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o advantage_n to_o such_o as_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o make_v the_o alteration_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o other_o who_o therefore_o will_v have_v find_v themselves_o concern_v to_o oppose_v such_o alteration_n but_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o deed_n of_o settlement_n to_o every_o tribe_n and_o family_n so_o they_o be_v a_o law_n too_o which_o all_o be_v oblige_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n and_o be_v so_o general_o know_v and_o universal_o practise_v it_o can_v no_o more_o be_v falsify_v at_o any_o time_n since_o its_o first_o promulgation_n than_o it_o can_v be_v now_o at_o this_o day_n for_o 2._o another_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n less_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v by_o their_o law_n themselves_o oblige_v to_o the_o constant_a study_n of_o they_o they_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o discourse_v and_o meditate_v on_o they_o to_o bind_v they_o for_o a_o sign_n upon_o their_o hand_n that_o they_o may_v be_v as_o frontlet_n between_o their_o eye_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n speak_v of_o they_o when_o they_o sit_v in_o their_o house_n and_o when_o they_o walk_v by_o the_o way_n when_o they_o lie_v down_o and_o when_o they_o rise_v up_o to_o write_v they_o upon_o the_o door-post_n of_o their_o house_n and_o upon_o their_o gate_n deut._n xi_o 18_o 19_o 20._o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v more_o notorious_a and_o familiar_a to_o they_o and_o according_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o they_o and_o as_o josephus_n say_v know_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v their_o own_o name_n they_o have_v they_o constant_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o thousand_o have_v die_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o and_o can_v by_o no_o menace_n or_o torment_n be_v bring_v to_o forsake_v or_o renounce_v they_o and_o to_o this_o end_n one_o day_n in_o seven_o be_v by_o moses_n his_o law_n set_v apart_o for_o the_o learning_n and_o understand_v of_o it_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o tradition_n that_o moses_n appoint_v the_o law_n to_o be_v read_v therice_o every_o year_n in_o their_o public_a assembly_n and_o grotius_n 2._o grotius_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la matth._n xv_o 2._o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n however_o the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o that_o moses_n of_o old_a time_n have_v in_o every_o city_n they_o that_o preach_v he_o be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n every_o sabbath-day_n act._n xv_o 21._o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o synagogue_n before_o the_o captivity_n but_o then_o by_o synagogue_n must_v be_v understand_v place_n of_o judicature_n rather_o than_o of_o divine_a worship_n for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o question_v but_o the_o jew_n have_v their_o proseuchas_fw-la or_o place_n of_o prayer_n from_o the_o beginning_n since_o it_o be_v incredible_a that_o those_o who_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o can_v not_o come_v to_o jerusalem_n on_o the_o sabbath-day_n and_o other_o time_n of_o divine_a worship_n beside_o the_o three_o great_a festival_n when_o all_o their_o male_n be_v bind_v to_o be_v at_o jerusalem_n shall_v not_o assemble_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o the_o place_n where_o they_o dwell_v nay_o they_o be_v by_o a_o express_a law_n oblige_v to_o it_o on_o the_o sabbath_n the_o seven_o day_n be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o rest_n a_o holy_a convocation_n you_o shall_v do_v no_o work_n therein_o it_o be_v the_o sabbath_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o all_o your_o dwelling_n leu._n xxiii_o 3._o they_o must_v therefore_o have_v place_n in_o all_o their_o dwelling_n to_o resort_v to_o where_o they_o hold_v their_o convocation_n or_o assembly_n and_o these_o they_o go_v to_o on_o the_o new_a moon_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o sabbath_n 2_o king_n four_o 23._o which_o make_v the_o psalmist_n lament_v that_o the_o enemy_n have_v burn_v up_o all_o the_o synagogue_n of_o god_n in_o the_o land_n psal_n lxxiu_o 8._o and_o be_v meet_v together_o there_o be_v as_o little_a doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o they_o read_v the_o law_n which_o be_v to_o be_v read_v by_o they_o in_o their_o family_n and_o much_o more_o in_o their_o public_a assembly_n on_o their_o solemn_a day_n of_o divine_a worship_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n therefore_o be_v â—ead_a in_o their_o synagogue_n in_o every_o city_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o ancient_a generation_n or_o from_o the_o first_o settlement_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o then_o at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n the_o law_n be_v read_v in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n moses_n write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o law_n and_o command_v it_o to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o ark_n deut._n xxxi_o 29._o as_o the_o two_o table_n of_o stone_n be_v put_v into_o the_o ark_n itself_o chap._n x._o 5._o and_o this_o he_o deliver_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o to_o all_o the_o elder_n of_o israel_n and_o command_v they_o say_v at_o the_o end_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o year_n of_o release_n in_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n when_o all_o israel_n be_v come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n in_o the_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v choose_v thou_o shall_v read_v this_o law_n before_o all_o israel_n in_o their_o
a_o high_a principle_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o thing_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v no_o precept_n can_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a no_o reward_n more_o excellent_a nor_o punishment_n more_o formidable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o no_o religion_n beside_o ever_o afford_v nor_o can_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n ever_o have_v find_v out_o such_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o religion_n contain_v no_o dry_a and_o empty_a speculation_n but_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v mystery_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o may_v fear_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o that_o can_v true_o love_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o condition_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n his_o saviour_n and_o comforter_n this_o religion_n place_n man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o care_n it_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o protector_n here_o and_o their_o everlasting_a rewarder_n after_o death_n it_o promise_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o the_o happiness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v or_o wish_v for_o from_o any_o revelation_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o appear_v from_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o revelation_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v mankind_n have_v visible_a character_n in_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institution_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o be_v of_o like_a antiquity_n or_o have_v equal_a promulgation_n that_o no_o other_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o which_o do_v not_o teach_v many_o doctrine_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o come_v from_o heaven_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o from_o their_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o notorious_a have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o the_o heathen_n general_o be_v stranger_n to_o every_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o pretence_n which_o the_o egyptian_n make_v to_o antiquity_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o time_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o their_o reckon_n by_o lunar_a year_n or_o 12._o or_o diodor_n sic._n lib._n i._n plutarch_n in_o numa_n var._n apud_fw-la lactant._n de_fw-fr orig._n error_n lib._n two_o c._n 12._o month_n but_o they_o have_v so_o different_a account_n however_o of_o chronology_n that_o as_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v some_o of_o they_o compute_v thirteen_o thousand_o year_n more_o than_o other_o from_o the_o original_a of_o their_o dynasty_n to_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o solar_a year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o astronomy_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v several_a time_n change_v euterpâ—_n change_v herod_n euterpâ—_n his_o course_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o dynasty_n impute_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o computation_n for_o want_n of_o intercalary_n day_n to_o the_o sun_n variation_n or_o else_o affect_v to_o speak_v something_o wonderful_a and_o extravagant_a the_o early_a astronomical_a observation_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v make_v in_o egypt_n be_v those_o perform_v by_o the_o greek_n of_o alexandria_n less_o than_o ccc_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o 23._o as_o mr._n wotton_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learning_n c._n 23._o mr._n halley_n have_v observe_v 4._o observe_v vitruâ—_fw-la 〈…〉_o 4._o the_o chaldaean_n suppose_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v a_o luminons_n body_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n beside_o they_o want_v instrument_n to_o make_v exact_a observation_n '_o alderman_n we_o have_v of_o they_o say_v the_o same_o learned_a ib._n learned_a iâ—_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d reflect_v ib._n astronomer_n be_v only_o seven_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o even_o those_o but_o very_o coarse_o set_v down_o and_o the_o old_a not_o much_o above_o dcc_n year_n before_o christ_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o fame_n of_o these_o chaldaean_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o go_v far_o in_o this_o science_n and_o though_o calisthenes_n be_v say_v by_o porphyry_n to_o have_v bring_v from_o babylon_n to_o greece_n observation_n above_o mdcccc_n year_n old_a than_o alexander_n yet_o the_o proper_a author_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o use_v of_o any_o such_o render_v it_o just_o suspect_v for_o a_o fable_n so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o time_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o antiquity_n which_o these_o nation_n have_v make_v he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o practical_a astronomer_n who_o endeavour_v in_o earnest_a to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o science_n and_o that_o thales_n be_v the_o first_o who_o can_v predict_v a_o eclipse_n in_o greece_n not_o dc_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o hipparchus_n make_v the_o first_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n not_o above_o cl._n year_n before_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o know_a observation_n 21._o observation_n censorin_n de_fw-fr die_fw-fr natali_n c._n 21._o of_o varro_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o history_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o greek_n before_o the_o olympiad_n which_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o whatever_o learning_n or_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o roman_n have_v they_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o greek_n for_o they_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o transmit_v their_o own_o affair_n down_o to_o posterity_n with_o any_o exactness_n in_o point_n of_o time_n that_o for_o 23._o for_o id._n c._n 23._o some_o age_n they_o have_v neither_o dial_n nor_o hour-glass_n to_o measure_v their_o day_n and_o night_n for_o by_o common_a use_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hour_n or_o the_o like_a distinction_n but_o compute_v their_o time_n only_o from_o noon_n to_o noon_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o their_o calendar_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n till_o caesar_n regulate_v it_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o chinese_n to_o antiquity_n appear_v equal_o vain_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o astronomy_n or_o else_o the_o missionary_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o art_n will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n indeed_o the_o chineses_n themselves_o 464._o themselves_o martin_n hist_o sin_n lib._n i._n two_o &_o atl._n sinic_n praef._n philip_n couplet_n in_o confuc_n proen_fw-mi declar._n &_o praef._n ad_fw-la fab._n chronol_n sinicae_fw-la monarchiae_fw-la le_fw-fr compt'_v memoir_n p._n 64._o 71._o 464._o confess_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v in_o great_a part_n fabulous_a and_o they_o acknowledge_v
and_o it_o be_v foretell_v half_o a_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o augustus_n that_o a_o king_n of_o the_o roman_n will_v be_v bear_v that_o year_n the_o senate_n make_v a_o decree_n 94._o decree_n sueton._n august_n c._n 94._o nequis_fw-la illo_fw-la anno_fw-la genitus_fw-la educareter_fw-la lycurg_n educareter_fw-la plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n plutarch_n himself_o say_v that_o he_o can_v find_v nothing_o unjust_a or_o dishonest_a in_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n though_o theft_n community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o such_o infant_n as_o they_o see_v weak_a and_o sickly_a and_o therefore_o think_v they_o will_v prove_v unfit_a to_o serve_v the_o commonwealth_n be_v a_o part_n of_o those_o law_n revenge_n be_v esteem_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o honourable_a and_o a_o desire_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o vain_a glory_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encitement_n they_o have_v to_o any_o other_o virtue_n aristide_n virtue_n plut._n in_o aristide_n plutarch_n tell_v we_o of_o aristides_n so_o fame_v for_o justice_n that_o though_o he_o be_v strict_o just_a in_o private_a affair_n yet_o in_o thing_n of_o public_a concernment_n he_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o act_v according_a as_o the_o present_a condition_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n seem_v to_o require_v for_o it_o be_v his_o maxim_n that_o in_o such_o case_n justice_n must_v give_v way_n to_o expediency_n and_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n how_o aristides_n advise_v the_o athenian_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o most_o solemn_a contract_n and_o oath_n imprecate_v upon_o himself_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o perjury_n to_o avert_v it_o from_o the_o commonwealth_n tully_n in_o the_o three_o book_n of_o his_o office_n where_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o propose_v so_o many_o admirable_a example_n of_o it_o yet_o resolve_v the_o notion_n of_o justice_n only_o into_o a_o principle_n of_o honour_n upon_o which_o he_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n shall_v do_v a_o dishonest_a action_n though_o he_o can_v conceal_v it_o both_o from_o god_n and_o man_n and_o determine_v that_o a_o oath_n be_v but_o a_o appeal_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n or_o conscience_n cum_fw-la vero_fw-la jurato_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sententia_fw-la sit_fw-la meminerit_fw-la deum_fw-la se_fw-la adhibere_fw-la testem_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la arbitror_fw-la mentem_fw-la svam_fw-la qua_fw-la nihil_fw-la homini_fw-la dedit_fw-la ipse_fw-la deus_fw-la divinius_fw-la the_o indian_n themselves_o whatever_o may_v be_v think_v to_o the_o contrary_a have_v natural_o as_o good_a sense_n and_o part_n as_o other_o people_n which_o 1._o which_o jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 1._o acosta_n set_v himself_o to_o prove_v in_o divers_a instance_n but_o they_o have_v less_o communication_n with_o those_o who_o retain_v reveal_v religion_n and_o by_o their_o own_o vice_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o notion_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o it_o be_v lose_v or_o pervert_v the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v so_o famous_a for_o their_o learning_n be_v a_o great_a instance_n how_o poor_a a_o thing_n humane_a reason_n be_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o all_o their_o profound_a learning_n do_v but_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o gross_a idolatry_n whilst_o they_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v only_o a_o anima_fw-la mandi_n and_o therefore_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o the_o several_a part_n and_o species_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o stoic_n in_o effect_n hold_v the_o same_o error_n and_o teach_v i._n teach_v tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o incorporeal_a but_o when_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a moral_n begin_v to_o be_v so_o general_o observe_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o philosophy_n be_v in_o the_o moral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o stoic_n for_o almost_o all_o the_o latter_a philosopher_n be_v of_o this_o sect_n which_o they_o refine_a and_o improve_v as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v able_a that_o they_o may_v have_v something_o to_o oppose_v to_o the_o morality_n teach_v and_o practise_v too_o by_o the_o christian_n iii._o christian_n theophil_n ad_fw-la autolych_n lib._n iii._o but_o the_o ancient_a stoic_n have_v be_v the_o patron_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o worst_a vice_n and_o have_v fill_v the_o library_n with_o their_o obscene_a book_n ii_o the_o stoic_n first_o spring_v from_o the_o cynic_n that_o impudent_a and_o beastly_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n and_o they_o refine_v themselves_o but_o by_o degree_n zeno_n who_o have_v as_o great_a honour_n do_v he_o by_o the_o athenian_n as_o ever_o any_o philosopher_n have_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o virtue_n teach_v that_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o will_v have_v be_v put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o most_o nation_n for_o sin_n against_o nature_n chrysipp_n nature_n diog._n laert._n in_o zenon_n &_o chrysipp_n chrysippus_n teach_v the_o worst_a of_o incest_n as_o that_o of_o father_n with_o their_o daughter_n and_o of_o son_n with_o their_o mother_n and_o beside_o his_o opinion_n for_o eat_v humane_a flesh_n and_o the_o like_a his_o book_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o obscene_a discourse_n as_o no_o modest_a man_n can_v read_v athenodorus_n a_o stoic_a be_v library-keeper_n at_o pergamus_n cut_v all_o such_o ill_a passage_n out_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o stoic_n but_o he_o be_v discover_v and_o those_o passage_n be_v insert_v again_o but_o these_o philosopher_n may_v do_v as_o they_o please_v for_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v exempt_a from_o sin_n and_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n in_o the_o original_a fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o as_o tully_n observe_v but_o a_o vain_a pomp_n and_o boast_n of_o word_n which_o at_o first_o raise_v admiration_n but_o when_o thorough_o consider_v be_v ridiculous_a as_o that_o man_n must_v live_v without_o love_n or_o hatred_n or_o anger_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n that_o all_o sin_n be_v equal_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o crime_n whether_o a_o man_n murder_v his_o father_n or_o kill_v a_o cock_n muraena_fw-la cock_n tulâ—_n pro_fw-la muraena_fw-la as_o tully_n say_v if_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o plutarch_n and_o other_o write_v purposely_o to_o expose_v the_o stoical_a philosophy_n upon_o its_o old_a and_o genuine_a principle_n but_o the_o latter_a stoic_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o many_o defective_a and_o indesensible_a part_n of_o their_o philosophy_n endeavour_v to_o mollify_v what_o seem_v too_o harsh_a and_o absurd_a that_o they_o may_v bring_v their_o own_o as_o near_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o can_v quinctilian_n will_v not_o allow_v that_o seneca_n be_v any_o great_a philosopher_n but_o say_v that_o his_o main_a talon_n lie_v in_o declaim_v against_o vice_n 18._o vice_n quint._n lâ—st_v lib._n x._o c._n 18._o in_fw-la philosophia_fw-la parum_fw-la diligens_fw-la egregius_fw-la tamen_fw-la vitiorum_fw-la insectator_n suit_n it_o be_v rather_o the_o art_n and_o design_n of_o seneca_n who_o know_v wherein_o the_o strength_n and_o defect_n of_o his_o philosophy_n lie_v to_o endeavour_v to_o give_v it_o all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v and_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o world_n by_o expose_v the_o folly_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n rather_o than_o by_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o own_o sect._n but_o 15._o but_o seu_fw-la de_fw-la tranqu_n animi_fw-la c._n 15._o this_o notwithstanding_o be_v one_o of_o his_o rule_n nonnunquam_fw-la &_o usque_fw-la ad_fw-la ebrietatem_fw-la veniendum_fw-la and_o when_o he_o have_v expose_v the_o cruelty_n the_o filthiness_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n in_o a_o book_n write_v upon_o that_o subject_n yet_o say_v he_o x._o he_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_fw-la c._n x._o quae_fw-la omne_fw-la sapiens_fw-la servabit_fw-la tanquam_fw-la legibus_fw-la jussa_fw-la non_fw-la tanquam_fw-la diis_fw-la grata_fw-la and_o tully_n likewise_o in_o divers_a place_n when_o he_o have_v reason_v against_o the_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n resolve_v the_o obligation_n to_o observe_v it_o into_o the_o duty_n which_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o pay_v the_o law_n of_o the_o government_n under_o which_o they_o live_v their_o philosophy_n it_o seem_v teach_v they_o that_o we_o must_v obey_v man_n rather_o than_o god_n but_o they_o hold_v no_o more_o than_o 1._o than_o xenophen_n memorab_n lib._n 1._o socrates_n have_v teach_v and_o practise_v before_o they_o epictetus_n himself_o who_o have_v set_v off_o the_o heathen_a morality_n to_o the_o best_a advantage_n can_v be_v excuse_v from_o as_o great_a error_n and_o defect_n he_o teach_v also_o that_o man_n shall_v follow_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n whatever_o it_o be_v enchirid._n cap._n xxxviii_o he_o allow_v too_o great_a indulgence_n to_o lust_n cap._n xlvii_o and_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v doubt_v whether_o any_o medium_n of_o sight_n be_v so_o fit_o dispose_v as_o to_o represent_v object_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o proper_a shape_n he_o may_v suspect_v that_o any_o miracle_n which_o he_o can_v see_v be_v false_a or_o wrought_v only_o to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v he_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o this_o other_o medium_n of_o history_n which_o to_o we_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o of_o sight_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o credible_a evidence_n but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v deceive_v without_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o deceit_n the_o circumstance_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o reason_n proceed_v at_o least_o upon_o as_o sure_a and_o as_o undeniable_a principle_n a_o demonstration_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o self_n evident_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o proceed_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o that_o every_o one_o can_v discern_v the_o connexion_n demonstration_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o be_v oftentimes_o we_o know_v very_o difficult_a and_o intricate_a which_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v out_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o sense_n itself_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v to_o he_o who_o believe_v not_o upon_o less_o evidence_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o which_o be_v less_o observable_a and_o less_o obvious_a to_o our_o consideration_n but_o not_o less_o certain_a when_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n that_o be_v effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
v._o aristot_n polit_n lib._n viij_o c._n 16_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n who_o contradict_v he_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n follow_v he_o in_o this_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n 7_o practice_n aeâ—ian_n lib._n iâ—_n c_o 7_o that_o it_o be_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o theban_n have_v a_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o 2._o it_o diony_n halicarn_n lib_n 2._o romulus_n make_v a_o law_n to_o regulate_v this_o practice_n and_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o some_o case_n â—ips_n case_n taciâ—_n hist_o lib_n v._o &_o 〈◊〉_d morib_n germ._n cum_fw-la notis_fw-la â—ips_n tacitus_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n deserve_v his_o remark_n that_o this_o be_v not_o practise_v either_o by_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o german_n though_o the_o latter_a have_v a_o custom_n of_o cast_v their_o child_n into_o the_o rhine_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o legitimacy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a be_v lyeurg_n be_v senâ—â—_n de_fw-fr iâ—a_fw-fr lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o plut._n in_o lyeurg_n that_o senecaâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z plutarch_n who_o live_v since_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v approve_v of_o such_o barbarous_a cruelty_n 73._o cruelty_n fragm_n apud_fw-la stobae_fw-la serm._n 73._o hierocles_n who_o as_o lactantius_n inform_v we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v content_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o marriage_n to_o bring_v up_o all_o or_o at_o least_o most_o child_n which_o be_v a_o great_a concession_n in_o a_o philosopher_n solon_n be_v as_o famous_a for_o his_o philosophy_n as_o for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o legislator_n to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o proper_a soil_n as_o it_o be_v of_o philosophy_n by_o a_o express_a law_n 24._o law_n sext._n empiric_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24._o indemnify_v all_o that_o kill_v their_o child_n and_o the_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o true_a to_o these_o principle_n i_o have_v insist_v upon_o this_o the_o more_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a instance_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n but_o because_o some_o reader_n may_v be_v as_o difficult_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v very_o monstrous_a to_o christian_n as_o 85._o as_o al_n pelgas_n cent._n 1._o epist_n 85._o lipsius_n friend_n be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o philosopher_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v perhaps_o owe_v their_o life_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o blaspheme_n i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o what_o not_o only_o their_o enemy_n but_o their_o friend_n have_v say_v of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n be_v general_o worse_a than_o they_o confess_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o never_o live_v above_o their_o rule_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v well_o if_o in_o most_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o it_o and_o if_o their_o principle_n be_v bad_a what_o must_v we_o expect_v from_o their_o example_n but_o the_o action_n of_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v those_o with_o who_o they_o live_v our_o business_n be_v with_o their_o write_n and_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v tell_v so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o willing_a to_o change_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o work_n of_o philosopher_n which_o they_o common_o read_v and_o understand_v as_o little_a as_o they_o do_v the_o bible_n itself_o the_o utmost_a that_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v be_v no_o far_a than_o to_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o doubtful_a argument_n but_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n the_o word_n which_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n they_o come_v with_o full_a power_n and_o have_v their_o credential_n from_o heaven_n to_o produce_v which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o now_o allege_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v clear_o prove_v by_o undeniable_a circumstance_n and_o by_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n and_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o fetch_v their_o infidelity_n from_o the_o depth_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o any_o float_a confuse_a notion_n may_v not_o serve_v for_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n to_o involve_v it_o in_o tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n to_o make_v digression_n into_o doubtful_a point_n of_o criticism_n and_o philosophy_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o draw_v he_o off_o from_o the_o main_a question_n whereas_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v common_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o short_a issue_n the_o present_a controversy_n will_v admit_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o my_o business_n therefore_o have_v be_v to_o free_v this_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o the_o intricacy_n of_o learning_n to_o reduce_v it_o to_o plain_a circumstance_n of_o fact_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o very_a case_n in_o which_o st._n john_n argue_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o how_o can_v we_o forbear_v to_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o by_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n have_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v without_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n if_o idolatry_n spread_v itself_o from_o egypt_n into_o many_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 1._o as_o herod_n lib._n two_o c._n 43._o etc._n etc._n diod_n sic._n lib._n 1._o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n have_v show_v we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o appoint_v egypt_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v so_o long_o sojourn_v and_o where_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o give_v a_o check_n and_o stop_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o measure_n obstinate_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o disobedience_n and_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o dei_fw-la for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n athan._n the_o incarnation_n verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_o design_v for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v partaker_n of_o it_o to_o the_o observation_n even_o of_o their_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a service_n none_o beside_o the_o israelite_n be_v require_v to_o observe_v it_o but_o neither_o be_v any_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o that_o people_n effectual_a care_n be_v take_v that_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v mankind_n in_o general_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o its_o original_a institution_n and_o design_n equal_o extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v soon_o propagate_v all_o over_o the_o world_n nation_n but_o late_o know_v to_o we_o have_v be_v constant_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o have_v early_a discovery_n make_v to_o they_o of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_n as_o well_v as_o of_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o 5._o which_o varen_n de_fw-fr relig_n in_o regn._n japan_n c._n 5._o varenius_n have_v remark_v that_o the_o jesuit_n in_o some_o place_n at_o least_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o he_o own_v that_o their_o success_n
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by_o the_o name_n of_o america_n or_o that_o the_o torrid_a and_o frigid_a zone_n can_v be_v habitable_a no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n can_v seem_v more_o incredible_a to_o any_o man_n than_o these_o thing_n do_v appear_v even_o to_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v find_v to_o be_v by_o navigation_n they_o may_v have_v seem_v incredible_a still_o for_o aught_o we_o can_v tell_v though_o now_o we_o wonder_v at_o the_o ignorance_n of_o former_a time_n that_o they_o shall_v make_v any_o doubt_n of_o they_o and_o admire_v how_o they_o come_v to_o lie_v so_o long_o unknown_a for_o these_o thing_n seem_v obvious_a when_o they_o be_v once_o discover_v and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o we_o if_o we_o can_v not_o make_v as_o great_a discovery_n at_o home_n as_o those_o do_v who_o travel_n to_o the_o indies_n and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o consider_v a_o little_a with_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o we_o may_v be_v at_o least_o as_o much_o 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which_o we_o dote_v so_o much_o upon_o for_o by_o the_o least_o calculation_n it_o be_v above_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o mile_n to_o the_o centre_n but_o the_o art_n and_o curiosity_n of_o man_n have_v never_o reach_v according_a to_o mr._n boyle_n account_n after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n among_o navigator_n and_o miner_n 4._o miner_n excellency_n of_o theology_n sect._n 4._o above_o one_o mile_n or_o two_o at_o most_o downward_o and_o that_o not_o in_o above_o three_o or_o four_o place_n either_o into_o the_o earth_n or_o into_o the_o sea_n yet_o all_o astronomer_n agree_v as_o he_o afterward_o observe_v that_o the_o earth_n be_v but_o a_o physical_a point_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o starry_a heaven_n of_o how_o little_a extent_n then_o say_v he_o must_v our_o knowledge_n be_v which_o leave_v we_o ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n touch_v the_o vast_a body_n that_o be_v above_o we_o and_o penetrate_v so_o little_a a_o way_n even_o into_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v 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put_v a_o case_n we_o suppose_v a_o man_n of_o never_o so_o good_a natural_a part_n so_o bring_v up_o as_o to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o several_a species_n of_o animal_n be_v preserve_v and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o scruple_n may_v he_o raise_v to_o himself_o concern_v their_o conception_n and_o formation_n may_v he_o not_o object_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o infant_n shall_v ever_o live_v and_o be_v nourish_v and_o grow_v in_o the_o womb_n and_o will_v he_o not_o offer_v abundance_n of_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o natural_a birth_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o all_o other_o creature_n be_v utter_o impossible_a our_o saviour_n in_o his_o discourse_n with_o nicodemus_n answer_v his_o doubt_n concern_v the_o new_a birth_n by_o put_v he_o in_o mind_n that_o he_o be_v as_o little_a able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o wind_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whither_o it_o go_v imply_v that_o there_o be_v much_o less_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n because_o we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o sufficient_a explication_n of_o they_o when_o we_o be_v thus_o at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o most_o common_a and_o obvious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n joh._n 3.8_o and_o s._n paul_n confute_v all_o objection_n against_o the_o resurrection_n by_o a_o like_a argument_n allege_v that_o as_o it_o will_v be_v intolerable_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o growth_n of_o corn_n because_o it_o can_v perfect_o be_v explain_v so_o it_o be_v much_o more_o absurd_a to_o deny_v or_o doubt_v of_o the_o resurrection_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n since_o supernatural_a thing_n must_v be_v more_o obscure_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o we_o than_o natural_a 1_o cor._n 15.36_o indeed_o infidelity_n can_v never_o be_v more_o inexcusable_a than_o in_o the_o present_a age_n when_o so_o many_o discovery_n have_v be_v make_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n which_o will_v have_v be_v think_v as_o incredible_a to_o former_a age_n as_o any_o thing_n perhaps_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v which_o be_v not_o a_o downright_a contradiction_n that_o gravitate_v or_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o all_o body_n act_v one_o upon_o another_o at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n even_o through_o a_o vacuum_n of_o prodigious_a extent_n late_o demonstrate_v by_o mr_n newton_n the_o earth_n together_o with_o the_o planet_n and_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v place_v at_o such_o distance_n and_o dispose_v of_o insuch_n order_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o maintain_v a_o perpetual_a balance_n and_o poise_n throughout_o the_o universe_n be_v such_o a_o discovery_n as_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n can_v have_v gain_v it_o any_o belief_n and_o this_o system_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v so_o late_o discover_v and_o so_o wonderful_a that_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o by_o any_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n but_o it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o the_o sole_a power_n and_o good_a pleasure_n of_o almighty_n god_n may_v be_v a_o caution_n against_o all_o attempt_n of_o estimate_v the_o divine_a work_n and_o dispensation_n by_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o vastness_n of_o the_o world_n extent_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o prodigious_a that_o it_o will_v exceed_v the_o belief_n not_o only_o of_o the_o vulgar_a but_o of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n if_o undoubted_a experiment_n do_v not_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o man_n of_o the_o best_a art_n and_o skill_n in_o those_o thing_n god_n thing_n see_v mr_n boyle_n of_o the_o high_a vencration_n man_n intellect_n owe_v to_o god_n that_o every_o fix_a star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n be_v above_o a_o hundred_o
watch_n for_o animal_n and_o can_v not_o imagine_v how_o man_n can_v hold_v correspondence_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o a_o little_a piece_n of_o paper_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dimension_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n can_v be_v take_v and_o how_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n can_v be_v calculate_v and_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n infinite_o more_o surpass_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o his_o knowledge_n can_v excel_v that_o of_o the_o great_a idiot_n iii_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n must_v believe_v matter_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a something_o must_v be_v eternal_a because_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o and_o unless_o there_o always_o have_v be_v something_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o this_o eternal_a matter_n must_v either_o have_v be_v once_o without_o motion_n or_o always_o with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v once_o without_o motion_n than_o matter_n must_v move_v itself_o that_o be_v motion_n must_v be_v produce_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o produce_v it_o if_o it_o be_v always_o in_o motion_n than_o there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n since_o motion_n can_v be_v all_o at_o once_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o motion_n suppose_v progression_n and_o no_o body_n can_v move_v in_o this_o space_n and_o the_o next_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o two_o place_n at_o once_o but_o all_o succession_n of_o duration_n be_v gradual_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a succession_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a number_n that_o be_v a_o number_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v substract_v or_o a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n motion_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o the_o world_n can_v not_o exist_v from_o eternity_n but_o since_o there_o must_v be_v something_o eternal_a there_o must_v be_v something_o the_o duration_n whereof_o be_v indivisible_a or_o which_o have_v all_o its_o existence_n together_o so_o as_o to_o have_v exi_v now_o no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v before_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n and_o therefore_o thing_n eternal_a never_o have_v a_o less_o or_o short_a duration_n than_o they_o now_o have_v and_o can_v never_o have_v a_o long_o after_o million_o of_o age_n than_o they_o have_v the_o first_o year_n or_o day_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o begin_v the_o computation_n of_o those_o age_n for_o a_o long_o or_o short_a duration_n must_v suppose_v a_o beginning_n from_o whence_o the_o computation_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o have_v no_o beginning_n can_v have_v neither_o a_o long_o nor_o a_o short_a duration_n but_o always_o the_o same_o and_o by_o consequence_n time_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n because_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o yet_o eternity_n must_v coexi_v with_o time_n in_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o and_o must_v be_v present_a with_o every_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a be_v exist_v the_o space_n suppose_v of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o temporal_a or_o create_v be_v exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o long_o and_o the_o temporal_a be_v become_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o eternal_a no_o old_a than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o though_o it_o coexi_v with_o time_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o past_a present_a and_o future_a there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n more_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o every_o one_o though_o he_o be_v a_o deist_n or_o a_o atheist_n must_v acknowledge_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o consider_v it_o 2._o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o believe_v no_o revelation_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o by_o revelation_n from_o he_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o divine_a attribute_n he_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 8._o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cyrill_n alex._n contr_n julian_n lib._n 8._o who_o be_v not_o essential_o just_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a book_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o so_o copious_a a_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a and_o modest_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n for_o shall_v poor_a mortal_n who_o know_v so_o little_a and_o that_o little_a so_o imperfect_o presume_v to_o censure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o contain_v thing_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v shall_v he_o that_o can_v full_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o vile_a infect_v reject_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v himself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a for_o the_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n weigh_v down_o the_o mind_n that_o muse_v upon_o many_o thing_n and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o wisd_v 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o but_o 2._o but_o ld_n bacon_n '_o be_v advancement_n of_o learning_n b._n 3._o c._n 2._o out_o of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o discourse_v or_o earnest_o to_o urge_v a_o point_n touch_v the_o mystery_n or_o faith_n and_o again_o to_o be_v curious_o speculative_a into_o those_o secret_n to_o ventilate_v they_o and_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n not_o safe_a dam_fw-la fidei_fw-la quae_fw-la fidei_fw-la sunt_fw-la for_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o conclude_v as_o much_o in_o the_o excellent_a and_o divine_a fable_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n that_o man_n and_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o draw_v jupiter_n down_o to_o the_o earth_n but_o contrariwise_o jupiter_n be_v able_a to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n wherefore_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v down_o heavenly_a mystery_n to_o our_o reason_n it_o rather_o become_v we_o to_o raise_v and_o advance_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o adore_a throne_n of_o divine_a truth_n chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o best_a account_n which_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o study_a the_o nature_n of_o motion_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n manifest_v itself_o according_a to_o certain_a law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_n upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o high_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o our_o soul_n much_o more_o than_o with_o our_o body_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o separate_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n have_v way_n of_o of_o converse_v or_o communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o indeed_o all_o the_o communication_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v proper_o between_o their_o soul_n which_o use_v their_o body_n as_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o notion_n from_o one_o to_o anoand_a as_o their_o body_n be_v more_o or_o less_o fit_a and_o serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n so_o their_o discourse_n be_v more_o or_o less_o easy_o convey_v and_o therefore_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o these_o body_n must_v have_v a_o power_n to_o communicate_v their_o
own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n much_o more_o free_a and_o unconfined_a than_o in_o this_o life_n as_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n so_o they_o must_v have_v fit_a mean_n to_o communicate_v it_o and_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n god_n certain_o can_v as_o well_o act_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n though_o we_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o receive_v or_o observe_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n since_o finite_a spirit_n can_v act_v one_o upon_o another_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n do_v move_v and_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o incline_v their_o will_n by_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o method_n of_o his_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o he_o can_v likewise_o act_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o powerful_a light_n and_o force_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v they_o infallible_a in_o receive_v and_o deliver_v his_o pleasure_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v so_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o and_o as_o infallible_o assure_v other_o of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o revelation_n be_v style_v inspiration_n because_o god_n do_v not_o only_o move_v and_o actuate_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o man_n but_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o the_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n then_o more_o especial_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n for_o by_o strong_a conviction_n and_o forcible_a but_o gracious_a impressious_a he_o breathe_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o infuse_v his_o divine_a truth_n into_o they_o but_o upon_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v thus_o reveal_v himself_o by_o inward_a light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o do_v moreover_o bestow_v a_o power_n of_o give_v external_a evidence_n by_o miraculous_a work_n that_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a and_o that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o from_o god_n this_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o have_v both_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o this_o evidence_n they_o give_v of_o it_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v ii_o i_o shall_v from_o thence_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v either_o concern_v thing_n reveal_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o or_o last_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reason_n as_o discourse_n upon_o moral_a subject_n and_o inference_n make_v from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v speak_v as_o intelligible_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n the_o notion_n be_v suggest_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o owe_v 〈◊〉_d 29._o 〈◊〉_d praeterea_fw-la scito_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la prophetam_fw-la pecuâ—iare_fw-la quid_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la lingua_fw-la eaque_fw-la loquendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o consueta_fw-la ipsum_fw-la impelli_fw-la à _fw-la prophetia_fw-la sva_fw-la ad_fw-la loquendum_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ipsum_fw-la maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 29._o word_n be_v so_o direct_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n and_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o memory_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n assist_v and_o confirm_v in_o matter_n of_o discourse_n or_o reason_v either_o from_o their_o own_o natural_a notion_n or_o from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o their_o judgement_n strengthen_v and_o still_o in_o all_o case_n their_o natural_a faculty_n be_v so_o support_v and_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o word_n as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o their_o write_n but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a they_o have_v always_o the_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n though_o under_o the_o infallible_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v only_o support_v and_o guide_v they_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o their_o word_n and_o style_n to_o express_v all_o these_o but_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o their_o faculty_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o but_o from_o revelation_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v infuse_v though_o the_o word_n in_o most_o case_n may_v be_v their_o own_o but_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o though_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o manner_n of_o write_v but_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o orthography_n by_o one_o who_o dictate_v to_o he_o or_o assist_v he_o with_o his_o help_n where_o it_o be_v needful_a prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n hebr._n 3.7_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n 2_o sam._n 23.2_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o servant_n ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 8.53.14.18_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o use_v the_o prophet_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n for_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n though_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o the_o revelation_n be_v of_o god_n though_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o though_o god_n use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o not_o as_o mechanical_a but_o as_o rational_a instrument_n and_o as_o in_o work_v their_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_o determine_v to_o the_o place_n or_o to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o in_o general_n be_v guide_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o the_o action_n by_o which_o they_o wrought_v they_o be_v their_o own_o though_o the_o power_n that_o accompany_v they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o prudential_a motive_n as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n with_o a_o directive_n power_n only_o over_o they_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v nothing_o but_o infallible_a truth_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o mission_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v god_n promise_v moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o with_o aaron_n mouth_n and_o will_v
of_o time_n often_o cause_v they_o to_o be_v quite_o lay_v aside_o but_o then_o this_o borrow_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n of_o word_n may_v be_v very_o strange_a to_o man_n of_o other_o country_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o thing_n peculiar_a to_o the_o place_n where_o they_o be_v use_v the_o horn_n of_o the_o son_n of_o oil_n signify_v in_o our_o way_n of_o expression_n a_o very_a fruitful_a hill_n isa_n 5.1_o and_o horn_n signify_v strength_n in_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n as_o familiar_o as_o robur_n or_o oak_n signify_v the_o same_o in_o latin_n and_o not_o only_o the_o valley_n be_v say_v to_o shout_n and_o sing_v ps_n 65.13_o but_o the_o best_a fruit_n in_o the_o land_n be_v in_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o sing_n of_o the_o land_n gen._n 43.11_o the_o word_n rock_n be_v often_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o septuagint_n and_o vulgar_a latin_a be_v sometime_o translate_v god_n for_o their_o rock_n be_v not_o as_o our_o rock_n even_o our_o enemy_n be_v judge_n deut._n 32.31_o those_o version_n render_v it_o their_o god_n and_o our_o god_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n v._o 4_o 15_o 18._o ps_n 31.3.73.26_o be_v there_o any_o god_n beside_o i_o yea_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o know_v not_o any_o isai_n 46.8_o in_o the_o hebrew_n it_n be_v there_o be_v no_o rock_n as_o the_o margin_n of_o our_o bible_n remark_n this_o use_n of_o metaphor_n arise_v partly_o from_o the_o likeness_n that_o be_v perceive_v between_o thing_n which_o make_v one_o thing_n to_o be_v express_v by_o another_o and_o give_v a_o delightful_a illustration_n to_o the_o thing_n discourse_v of_o and_o partly_o from_o our_o want_n of_o fit_a word_n to_o express_v the_o various_a nature_n of_o thing_n especial_o of_o thing_n spiritual_a which_o we_o common_o speak_v of_o in_o negative_a term_n and_o rather_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v like_o thing_n sensible_a than_o positive_o affirm_v what_o they_o be_v thus_o we_o say_v that_o they_o be_v immaterial_a invisible_a incorruptible_a etc._n etc._n and_o when_o we_o speak_v positive_o of_o they_o we_o must_v use_v such_o word_n as_o sensible_a object_n can_v furnish_v we_o withal_o since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o for_o we_o understand_v their_o nature_n so_o imperfect_o that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o frame_v a_o language_n on_o purpose_n to_o express_v it_o and_o he_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o such_o a_o work_n will_v neither_o be_v understand_v by_o other_o nor_o well_o know_v what_o he_o mean_v himself_o but_o of_o all_o being_n god_n himself_o be_v so_o far_o above_o our_o comprehension_n that_o we_o can_v never_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o expression_n suitable_a to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o therefore_o when_o true_a conception_n be_v have_v of_o he_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o speak_v of_o he_o in_o such_o term_n as_o many_o serve_v to_o raise_v and_o preserve_v in_o we_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n honour_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o the_o reason_n then_o why_o god_n be_v often_o speak_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o speak_v of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o particular_n 1._o the_o use_n of_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a expression_n be_v usual_a in_o all_o language_n and_o no_o language_n be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o majesty_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n 2._o the_o peculiar_a nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n incline_v or_o constrain_v the_o writer_n in_o that_o language_n to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o manner_n gen._n 9.5_o at_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o beast_n will_v i_o require_v it_o that_o be_v i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o every_o beast_n sin_n in_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v a_o sin-offering_a as_o it_o be_v translate_v and_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v understand_v in_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n christ_n be_v make_v sin_n for_o we_o 2_o cor._n 5.21_o we_o read_v jos_n 24.27_o that_o joshua_n say_v unto_o all_o the_o people_n behold_v this_o stone_n shall_v be_v a_o witness_n unto_o we_o for_o it_o have_v hear_v all_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o he_o speak_v unto_o we_o it_o shall_v therefore_o be_v a_o witness_n unto_o you_o lest_o you_o deny_v your_o god_n this_o may_v have_v be_v a_o very_a improper_a and_o unintelligible_a speech_n to_o another_o people_n but_o be_v most_o significant_a and_o emphatical_a to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o well_o understand_v upon_o what_o account_n sense_n be_v often_o ascribe_v to_o inanimate_a thing_n as_o gen._n 31.52_o num._n 20.8_o deâ—t_fw-la 4.26.30.19.32.1_o and_o afterward_o frequent_o by_o the_o prophet_n 3._o a_o express_a law_n be_v make_v against_o the_o worship_v of_o god_n under_o any_o image_n or_o similitude_n and_o the_o people_n be_v put_v in_o mind_n that_o they_o see_v no_o similitude_n but_o only_o hear_v a_o voice_n when_o the_o lord_n speak_v to_o they_o from_o the_o mount_n deut._n 4.12_o and_o that_o he_o be_v without_o change_n or_o repentance_n num._n 23.19_o 1_o sam._n 15.29_o malach_n 3.6_o 4._o when_o this_o caution_n have_v be_v give_v and_o such_o a_o law_n make_v it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a writer_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v and_o be_v as_o common_o understand_v in_o a_o metaphorical_a or_o improper_a sense_n when_o apply_v to_o god_n to_o give_v the_o more_o force_n and_o emphasis_n to_o their_o discourse_n 36.48_o discourse_n maimoâ—id_n more_n nevoch_n par._n 1._o c._n 1_o 26_o 27_o 28_o 36.48_o maimonides_n have_v prove_v from_o the_o propriety_n of_o the_o hebrew_n word_n that_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o god_n in_o which_o man_n be_v say_v to_o have_v be_v make_v be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o faculty_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o general_a and_o know_a rule_n among_o the_o jew_n loquor_fw-la lex_fw-la secundum_fw-la linguam_fw-la filiorum_fw-la hominum_fw-la and_o he_o likewise_o observe_v that_o both_o onkelos_n and_o jonathan_n have_v in_o their_o paraphrase_n take_v care_n to_o give_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n corporeal_a in_o god_n the_o scripture_n make_v mention_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o hand_n and_o foot_n to_o express_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v perform_v by_o man_n with_o these_o member_n and_o when_o it_o be_v say_v it_o repent_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o grieve_v he_o at_o his_o heart_n gen._n 6.6_o this_o be_v well_o understand_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o that_o god_n act_v as_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v when_o they_o change_v their_o mind_n and_o repent_v and_o grieve_v at_o what_o they_o have_v do_v and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o destroy_v the_o world_n which_o he_o have_v make_v for_o moses_n himself_o instruct_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o god_n be_v without_o any_o bodily_a shape_n or_o substance_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o heart_n or_o to_o be_v grieve_v at_o his_o heart_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v say_v of_o man_n and_o num._n 23.19_o it_o be_v declare_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v neither_o the_o son_n of_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o when_o god_n say_v that_o it_o repent_v he_o that_o he_o have_v set_v up_o saul_n to_o be_v king_n 1_o sam._n 15.11_o this_o be_v explain_v v._n 29._o where_o we_o read_v that_o the_o strength_n of_o israel_n will_v not_o lie_v nor_o repent_v for_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v and_o yet_o again_o in_o the_o last_o verse_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o lord_n repent_v that_o he_o have_v make_v saul_n king_n over_o israel_n the_o most_o careless_a writer_n can_v not_o so_o soon_o and_o so_o often_o forget_v himself_o but_o what_o be_v say_v of_o god_n repent_v be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o improper_a and_o figurative_a sense_n to_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v act_v in_o that_o case_n as_o man_n act_v when_o they_o repent_v of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v though_o without_o any_o change_n of_o mind_n or_o any_o grief_n or_o other_o passion_n in_o he_o attend_v it_o the_o effect_n be_v the_o same_o as_o if_o god_n have_v repent_v and_o therefore_o by_o a_o metonymy_a the_o effect_n be_v express_v by_o that_o which_o in_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o such_o effect_n though_o repentance_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reason_n and_o state_n of_o the_o case_n which_o he_o have_v full_o know_v and_o consider_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v surprise_v or_o
heretic_n viz._n the_o marcionist_n and_o valentinian_o and_o perhaps_o the_o disciple_n of_o lucanus_n or_o lucianus_n for_o in_o this_o he_o can_v not_o be_v positive_a though_o this_o lucanus_n be_v a_o follower_n of_o martion_n ix_o there_o be_v still_o extant_a copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n the_o cambridge_n copy_n in_o greek_a and_o latin_a contain_v the_o four_o gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o it_o contain_v st_n paul_n epistle_n in_o the_o french_a king_n library_n and_o another_o the_o like_a copy_n which_o be_v in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o benedictines_n of_o st_n germains_n 1._o germains_n f._n simon_n crâ—t_n hist_o of_o the_o n._n test_n part_n 1._o c._n 31._o mabil_n de_fw-mi re_fw-mi diplom_n lib._n 5._o tabell_n 1._o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a at_o least_o morinus_n think_v they_o to_o be_v ancient_a than_o st_n jerom_n time_n the_o alexandrian_a copy_n be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o thecla_n above_o one_o thousand_o three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o morinus_n orient_a morinus_n epist_n 54._o inter_v antique_a eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v of_o above_o twelve_o hundred_o year_n date_n bishop_n 34._o bishop_n prolegom_n ix_o 34._o walton_n suppose_v the_o alexandrian_a ms._n to_o be_v at_o least_o as_o old_a as_o that_o in_o the_o vatican_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v twelve_o hundred_o year_n old_a there_o be_v 4._o be_v f._n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n 2._o c._n 4._o one_o syriack_n ms._n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o library_n of_o the_o duke_n of_o florence_n of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o another_o not_o much_o less_o ancient_a a_o 146._o a_o gruter_n inscript_n p._n 146._o gothick_n translation_n of_o the_o four_o evangelist_n in_o the_o abbey_n of_o werdin_n be_v likewise_o of_o above_o a_o thousand_o year_n antiquity_n and_o what_o ancient_a book_n be_v there_o of_o which_o the_o original_n be_v still_o extant_a or_o of_o which_o there_o be_v so_o ancient_a copy_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n x._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o 1._o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v no_o name_n prefix_v either_o because_o the_o jew_n be_v prejudice_v against_o st_n paul_n or_o because_o the_o gentile_n be_v his_o more_o peculiar_a care_n or_o for_o some_o other_o reason_n unknown_a and_o in_o this_o it_o differ_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o st_n paul_n epistle_n and_o the_o paul_n the_o hieroâ—_n catal._n i_o petr._n &_o paul_n style_n be_v different_a which_o occasion_v the_o first_o doubt_n about_o it_o as_o it_o happen_v likewise_o to_o st_n peter_n second_o epistle_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o style_n and_o then_o the_o novatian_o allege_v some_o text_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o opinion_n this_o make_v the_o orthodox_n the_o less_o incline_v to_o receive_v a_o book_n which_o before_o have_v be_v dispute_v and_o therefore_o though_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o east_n it_o be_v question_v at_o rome_n where_o novatian_n begin_v his_o schism_n the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n may_v be_v scruple_v on_o the_o same_o account_n and_o both_o that_o and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v allege_v for_o the_o millennium_n by_o such_o as_o understand_v it_o in_o a_o gross_a sense_n this_o cause_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n which_o be_v say_v 25._o say_v euseb_n hist_o lib._n vi_fw-la c._n 25._o express_o of_o the_o revelation_n 2._o some_o epistle_n be_v write_v to_o particular_a person_n or_o direct_v to_o such_o as_o live_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n and_o by_o reason_n of_o persecution_n arise_v the_o authentic_a epistle_n may_v not_o ready_o be_v produce_v 3._o some_o book_n be_v not_o usual_o read_v in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o rest_n be_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n except_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v insert_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n and_o this_o be_v omit_v because_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o abstruse_a mystery_n contain_v in_o it_o it_o be_v not_o public_o read_v in_o church_n for_o that_o catalogue_n be_v design_v to_o show_v what_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v read_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n but_o the_o revelation_n be_v long_o before_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v genuine_a by_o johannum_n by_o justin_n mart._n dialog_n tertull._n de_fw-fr resur_n c._n 27_o 38._o adu._n martion_n lib._n two_o c._n 5._o iii._o c._n 14._o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 18._o v._n c._n 8._o hierom._n catal._n in_o johannum_n justin_n martyr_n by_o irenaeus_n and_o by_o tertullian_n and_o other_o both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o irenaeas_n write_v a_o comment_n upon_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n the_o epistle_n of_o st_n james_n and_o the_o the_o second_o epistle_n of_o st_n peter_n be_v cite_v by_o clemens_n romanus_n in_o his_o first_o epistle_n which_o be_v itself_o wont_a to_o be_v read_v in_o church_n 4._o the_o heretic_n will_v use_v all_o their_o endeavour_n and_o subtlety_n to_o hinder_v the_o reception_n of_o those_o book_n by_o which_o their_o heresy_n be_v disprove_v and_o they_o may_v so_o far_o have_v effect_n as_o to_o make_v some_o doubt_n for_o a_o while_n of_o their_o authority_n for_o instance_n diotrephes_n a_o ambitious_a aspire_a man_n who_o prate_v against_o st_n john_n with_o malicious_a word_n and_o have_v so_o much_o power_n as_o to_o cast_v the_o brethren_n out_o of_o the_o church_n will_v forbid_v the_o receive_n of_o st_n john_n epistle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o receive_n the_o brethren_n of_o that_o apostle_n communion_n and_o that_o he_o do_v this_o st_z john_n himself_z intimate_v when_o he_o say_v i_o write_v unto_o the_o church_n but_o diotrephes_n who_o love_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n among_o they_o receive_v we_o not_o joh._n epist_n iii._o 9_o that_o be_v he_o receive_v not_o st_n john_n epistle_n for_o that_o will_v have_v be_v to_o receive_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n or_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o authority_n xi_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n have_v be_v question_v by_o private_a man_n yet_o those_o book_n be_v never_o reject_v by_o any_o council_n of_o the_o church_n though_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o have_v this_o very_a thing_n under_o consideration_n 10._o consideration_n tertull._n de_fw-fr pudicit_fw-la c._n 10._o tertullian_n after_o he_o have_v turn_v montanist_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o hermas_n pastor_n as_o not_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n say_v that_o it_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n by_o all_o the_o council_n of_o his_o adversary_n the_o orthodox_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o tertullian_n time_n divers_a council_n have_v pass_v their_o censure_n upon_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n and_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n have_v be_v fix_v long_o before_o so_o that_o the_o time_n in_o which_o some_o of_o these_o council_n be_v hold_v must_v probable_o be_v whilst_o st_n polycarp_n a_o disciple_n of_o st_n john_n be_v yet_o live_v who_o martyrdom_n by_o the_o early_a computation_n be_v not_o till_o a._n d._n cxlvii_o at_o least_o they_o must_v be_v hold_v in_o irenaeus_n life_n time_n who_o converse_v with_o st_n polycarp_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o tertullian_n thus_o be_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n vouch_v by_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o st_n john_n and_o council_n upon_o occasion_n be_v call_v which_o 13._o which_o tertull._n de_fw-fr jejun_n c._n 13._o tertullian_n elsewhere_o mention_n as_o very_o numerous_a and_o frequent_a in_o greece_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o genuine_a canon_n and_o censure_v apocryphal_a book_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v settle_v before_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n which_o in_o the_o lixth_o canon_n appoint_v that_o no_o book_n lix_o book_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d conc._n laod_z can_v lix_o which_o be_v extra_fw-la canonem_fw-la but_o only_o canonical_a book_n shall_v be_v read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o then_o subjoin_v the_o title_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n which_o title_n they_o have_v as_o zonaras_n and_o balsamon_n observe_v because_o they_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o all_o other_o be_v style_v uncanonical_a and_o it_o be_v conclude_v after_o the_o strict_a examination_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n that_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n be_v the_o canon_n of_o council_n assemble_v before_o the_o council_n
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
prophecy_n of_o he_o than_o in_o his_o person_n again_o obscurity_n be_v necessary_a because_o some_o event_n can_v never_o have_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v if_o they_o have_v be_v express_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n foretell_v unless_o god_n will_v have_v force_v man_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o his_o prediction_n which_o must_v have_v take_v away_o the_o liberty_n of_o human_a action_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o have_v venture_v upon_o such_o action_n as_o they_o know_v beforehand_o must_v end_v in_o affliction_n and_o great_a calamity_n and_o perhaps_o in_o the_o ruin_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o their_o family_n or_o nation_n and_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v for_o the_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n and_o for_o the_o good_a and_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n few_o will_v have_v show_v that_o courage_n and_o resolution_n which_o st_n peter_n and_o st_n paul_n do_v in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n if_o they_o have_v be_v tell_v so_o long_o before_o as_o st_z peter_z be_v that_o it_o must_v end_v in_o martyrdom_n or_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v witness_v in_o every_o city_n concern_v they_o as_o he_o do_v of_o st_n paul_n say_v in_o express_a term_n that_o bond_n and_o affliction_n do_v abide_v he_o must_v other_o man_n will_v have_v be_v move_v though_o he_o be_v not_o by_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n act_n xx_o 23._o for_o we_o find_v that_o the_o disciple_n upon_o this_o account_n be_v earnest_a with_o he_o not_o to_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n so_o difficult_a be_v it_o for_o the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o best_a cause_n to_o resolve_v to_o meet_v certain_a and_o apparent_a danger_n the_o nature_n therefore_o of_o some_o thing_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v more_o particular_o describe_v in_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o for_o either_o they_o must_v have_v be_v obscure_o speak_v of_o or_o else_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v prophesy_v of_o at_o all_o because_o if_o they_o have_v be_v clear_o foretell_v they_o can_v never_o have_v come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o god_n declare_v by_o his_o prophet_n shall_v not_o be_v fulfil_v if_o all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v set_v down_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n by_o st_n john_n in_o the_o revelation_n so_o as_o to_o prevent_v the_o objection_n of_o those_o who_o except_o against_o the_o obscurity_n of_o that_o book_n this_o certain_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a discouragement_n to_o many_o christian_n in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o must_v have_v hinder_v the_o bring_v to_o pass_v the_o event_n unless_o god_n shall_v have_v overrule_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o force_v they_o upon_o act_v which_o have_v be_v to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o freedom_n of_o will._n 4._o if_o prophecy_n have_v punctual_o foretell_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n man_n will_v have_v purposely_o contrive_v to_o frame_v their_o action_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o appear_v to_o fulfil_v many_o of_o they_o and_o whenever_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v it_o may_v have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n which_o will_v have_v be_v only_o to_o act_v a_o part_n or_o live_v by_o a_o rule_n and_o pattern_n describe_v and_o set_v before_o they_o but_o when_o the_o obscurity_n be_v such_o that_o they_o become_v fulfil_v without_o any_o intention_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o person_n employ_v in_o fulfil_v they_o this_o manifest_v the_o wisdom_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v less_o obscure_a man_n will_v have_v be_v the_o more_o prone_a to_o venture_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n in_o order_n to_o fulfil_v they_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n how_o apt_a all_o enthusiast_n and_o such_o as_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o obscure_a prophecy_n be_v to_o think_v any_o thing_n lawful_a to_o be_v do_v which_o may_v bring_v about_o those_o event_n that_o they_o fancy_v to_o be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o and_o if_o the_o event_n of_o all_o prophecy_n have_v be_v conceal_v under_o no_o obscurity_n of_o word_n and_o circumstance_n but_o have_v be_v obvious_a and_o visible_a to_o every_o reader_n the_o number_n of_o such_o undertaker_n will_v have_v be_v much_o great_a for_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o make_v man_n distinguish_v between_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o sin_n which_o be_v often_o commit_v in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o they_o but_o when_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o interest_n by_o it_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a action_n lawful_a which_o may_v fulfil_v a_o prophecy_n and_o the_o clear_a prophecy_n have_v be_v the_o more_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n have_v be_v give_v to_o such_o dilusion_n to_o which_o none_o be_v now_o subject_a but_o such_o as_o think_v they_o clear_a and_o persuade_v themselves_o or_o will_v persuade_v other_o that_o they_o thorough_o understand_v they_o 5._o another_o reason_n be_v that_o sometime_o a_o prophecy_n may_v be_v deliver_v obscure_o in_o mercy_n to_o the_o instrument_n who_o be_v to_o bring_v about_o the_o event_n foretell_v by_o it_o for_o god_n foresee_v that_o some_o man_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a revelation_n will_v persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n and_o become_v instrumental_a in_o accomplish_v the_o prediction_n may_v in_o mercy_n to_o they_o forbear_v to_o discover_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o event_n lest_o thiâ—_n shall_v add_v to_o their_o guilt_n and_o prove_v a_o greaâ—_n aggravation_n both_o of_o their_o â—rime_n and_o punishment_n our_o saviour_n though_o he_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o yet_o conceal_v it_o till_o his_o last_o supper_n and_o then_o discover_v it_o to_o judas_n in_o the_o mild_a manner_n to_o move_v he_o to_o repentance_n if_o he_o have_v not_o harden_v himself_o against_o it_o not_o to_o make_v he_o desperate_a upon_o the_o discovery_n of_o so_o wicked_a a_o design_n again_o other_o prophecy_n may_v be_v hide_v in_o obscurity_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v obstinate_a and_o will_v not_o make_v a_o due_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n afford_v they_o of_o salvation_n but_o harden_v their_o heart_n and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v impenitent_a against_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o reclaim_v they_o for_o of_o such_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o reason_n why_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o parable_n that_o see_v they_o may_v see_v and_o not_o perceive_v and_o hear_v they_o may_v hear_v and_o not_o understand_v lest_o at_o any_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v convert_v and_o their_o sin_n shall_v be_v forgive_v they_o markiv_n 12._o for_o when_o god_n have_v both_o by_o miracle_n and_o other_o prophecy_n unquestionable_o clear_a and_o plain_a admonish_v and_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o their_o way_n and_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o reject_v his_o revelation_n and_o just_a affront_n his_o mercy_n it_o be_v very_o for_o he_o to_o deny_v they_o that_o further_a declaration_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o power_n which_o may_v effectual_o produce_v a_o true_a faith_n in_o they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n especial_o when_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v conduce_v to_o the_o method_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o to_o his_o gracious_a design_n of_o mercy_n towards_o other_o man_n who_o have_v not_o stand_v out_o in_o so_o bold_a a_o defiance_n of_o his_o other_o declaration_n of_o himself_o god_n endure_v with_o much_o long-suffering_a thevessel_n of_o wrath_n fit_v for_o destruction_n he_o have_v mercy_n on_o who_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o who_o he_o will_v he_o harden_v and_o therefore_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v in_o mercy_n to_o some_o to_o prevent_v the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o other_o to_o harden_v they_o 6._o it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n but_o the_o honour_n of_o king_n be_v to_o search_v out_o a_o matter_n prov._n twenty-five_o 2._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n may_v be_v design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o confound_v the_o pride_n of_o some_o and_o to_o provoke_v the_o diligence_n and_o industry_n of_o other_o for_o as_o some_o man_n care_v to_o be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o attain_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n so_o other_o despise_v all_o that_o be_v obvious_a and_o have_v no_o satisfaction_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v easy_o know_v by_o other_o as_o
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
those_o who_o inquire_v why_o the_o world_n be_v create_v in_o six_o day_n rather_o than_o in_o one_o day_n or_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o in_o a_o long_a compass_n of_o year_n as_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n they_o say_v require_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o ask_v why_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n the_o world_n may_v not_o be_v create_v in_o six_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o other_o number_n of_o day_n or_o space_n of_o time_n if_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v in_o a_o instant_a or_o in_o a_o long_o or_o short_a space_n of_o time_n the_o question_n may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n have_v be_v put_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v in_o six_o day_n shall_v man_n presume_v to_o prescribe_v to_o god_n the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o action_n be_v not_o his_o own_o pleasure_n a_o sufficient_a reason_n of_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o flood_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o so_o many_o dispute_n depend_v sole_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n how_o they_o be_v effect_v and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o they_o must_v have_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o this_o or_o that_o manner_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o god_n can_v not_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o which_o the_o inventor_n of_o some_o hypothesis_n think_v fit_a to_o propose_v most_o action_n may_v be_v perform_v very_o different_a way_n and_o if_o for_o instance_n we_o have_v only_o a_o general_a account_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n that_o pharaoh_n pursue_v they_o be_v drown_v with_o his_o whole_a army_n that_o they_o travel_v in_o the_o wilderness_n forty_o year_n and_o have_v a_o sufficient_a provision_n of_o food_n and_o clothing_n and_o water_n for_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n in_o so_o barren_a a_o place_n and_o for_o so_o 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augustine_n notion_n yet_o i_o hope_v his_o authority_n will_v warrant_v my_o argue_v from_o this_o topick_n to_o such_o as_o may_v think_v it_o new_a and_o singular_a the_o angel_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o be_v create_v probable_o in_o the_o morning_n of_o the_o first_o day_n for_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n god_n say_v that_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v lay_v the_o morning_n star_n sing_v together_o and_o all_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shout_v for_o joy_n job_n xxxviii_o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o learn_v that_o the_o angel_n be_v create_v before_o this_o visible_a world_n and_o glorify_a god_n for_o his_o create_v it_o now_o the_o angel_n though_o bless_a and_o glorious_a spirit_n yet_o be_v finite_a and_o be_v unable_a to_o comprehend_v and_o fathom_v the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n there_o be_v thing_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o the_o more_o they_o know_v of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n the_o more_o they_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o the_o whole_a scene_n of_o the_o creation_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v lay_v open_a in_o order_n before_o they_o according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n and_o the_o various_a nature_n of_o thing_n whereby_o they_o must_v have_v have_v a_o full_a view_n and_o a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n than_o they_o can_v have_v have_v if_o the_o world_n have_v start_v forth_o in_o a_o instant_a and_o jump_v as_o it_o be_v into_o this_o beautiful_a frame_n and_o order_n as_o he_o who_o see_v the_o whole_a method_n and_o contrivance_n of_o any_o curious_a piece_n of_o art_n value_n and_o admire_v the_o artist_n more_o than_o one_o do_v that_o behold_v it_o in_o
you_o not_o read_v that_o he_o which_o make_v they_o at_o the_o beginning_n make_v they_o male_a and_o female_a and_o say_v for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v to_o his_o wife_n and_o they_o twain_o shall_v be_v one_o flesh_n matth._n nineteeen_o 4_o 5._o and_o st._n paul_n in_o like_a manner_n to_o show_v that_o the_o woman_n ought_v not_o to_o usurp_v authority_n over_o the_o man_n prove_v it_o by_o this_o argument_n for_o adam_n be_v first_o form_v then_o eve_n 1_o tim._n two_o 13._o and_o in_o another_o place_n and_o upon_o another_o occasion_n he_o observe_v that_o the_o man_n be_v not_o of_o the_o woman_n but_o the_o woman_n of_o the_o man._n 1_o cor._n xi_o 8._o and_o long_o before_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n have_v argue_v from_o the_o same_o topick_n malach._n two_o 15._o and_o hebr._n four_o 4._o it_o be_v note_v that_o god_n do_v rest_v the_o seven_o day_n from_o all_o his_o work_n from_o whence_o the_o apostle_n 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the_o sublime_a style_n of_o moses_n and_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o it_o be_v admirable_a the_o creation_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v there_o relate_v must_v be_v much_o more_o admirable_a for_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o to_o be_v thus_o describe_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v proper_a for_o it_o in_o this_o manner_n to_o be_v do_v but_o what_o will_v longinus_n have_v say_v if_o the_o creation_n have_v be_v relate_v to_o have_v be_v perform_v not_o by_o any_o command_n which_o have_v its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o tedious_a process_n of_o mechanical_a cause_n what_o grandeur_n what_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o majesty_n be_v there_o in_o this_o more_o than_o in_o any_o chemical_a operation_n if_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v true_a it_o be_v strange_a presumption_n to_o demand_v of_o almighty_a god_n a_o reason_n of_o all_o his_o action_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n that_o 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but_o this_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v whole_o precarious_a or_o rather_o notorious_o false_a and_o the_o best_a philosopher_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v no_o account_n how_o motion_n can_v be_v communicate_v without_o a_o immediate_a impulse_n or_o concourse_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n 2._o by_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n it_o be_v suppose_v as_o a_o thing_n certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la which_o at_o least_o be_v very_o uncertain_a or_o rather_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o mr._n newton_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vacuum_n not_o only_o intersperse_v but_o of_o a_o prodigious_a and_o almost_o incredible_a extent_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o earth_n simidiameter_n from_o we_o and_o by_o his_o principle_n gravitation_n must_v proceed_v from_o a_o immediate_a and_o constant_a impression_n or_o impulse_n of_o god_n for_o it_o proceed_v from_o no_o action_n of_o one_o body_n upon_o another_o but_o be_v a_o quality_n belong_v to_o all_o matter_n alike_o and_o to_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n however_o separate_v and_o distant_a from_o all_o other_o the_o projectile_a motion_n and_o that_o attractive_a force_n by_o which_o the_o planet_n be_v carry_v in_o their_o orbit_n can_v be_v communicate_v or_o perform_v according_a to_o any_o mechanical_a law_n whereby_o they_o be_v determine_v from_o a_o rectilinear_n to_o a_o orbicular_a motion_n for_o body_n can_v act_v upon_o body_n only_o by_o contract_n and_o therefore_o can_v communicate_v their_o motion_n or_o any_o way_n determine_v or_o affect_v the_o motion_n of_o each_o other_o in_o a_o vacuum_n so_o vast_a as_o it_o must_v be_v near_o the_o circumference_n of_o the_o several_a orbit_n so_o that_o the_o old_a occult_a quality_n and_o substantial_a term_n be_v not_o more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n than_o these_o principle_n be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o vacuum_n must_v suppose_v a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n necessary_a to_o keep_v the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o order_n in_o which_o we_o see_v it_o continue_v for_o otherwise_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o gravitation_n be_v inherent_a in_o every_o part_n of_o matter_n all_o body_n will_v press_v towards_o the_o centre_n and_o in_o a_o vacuum_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o hinder_v their_o tendency_n towards_o it_o till_o they_o come_v crowd_v the_o upon_o another_o so_o that_o all_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n will_v soon_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o confuse_a heap_n or_o moss_n unless_o some_o immaterial_a power_n interpose_v to_o hinder_v it_o it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n be_v quite_o destroy_v by_o these_o principle_n for_o by_o these_o here_o be_v no_o connexion_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n according_a to_o any_o law_n of_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n but_o all_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n gravitation_n and_o the_o projectile_a motion_n must_v be_v impress_v and_o suspend_v without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o surround_v body_n they_o must_v produce_v their_o effect_n through_o prodigious_a void_a space_n where_o body_n have_v no_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o to_o another_o and_o all_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o immediate_a direct_n and_o assist_v hand_n of_o god_n a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o pretend_v to_o solve_v a_o miracle_n mechanical_o as_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n by_o mechanical_a law_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n 3._o the_o abetter_n of_o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n argue_v that_o god_n act_n in_o the_o most_o general_a and_o uniform_a way_n that_o it_o be_v more_o become_v his_o wisdom_n to_o let_v nature_n have_v its_o course_n and_o that_o constant_o to_o interpose_v will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o order_n
earth_n to_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o establish_v upon_o the_o flood_n and_o psal_n cxxxvi_o 6_o to_o be_v stretch_v out_o above_o the_o water_n these_o be_v the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o have_v observe_v have_v be_v most_o accept_v against_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o may_v be_v account_v for_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o modern_a philosophy_n chap._n xii_o of_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o god_n proceed_n with_o mankind_n if_o none_o be_v punish_v but_o those_o that_o deserve_v punishment_n and_o none_o punish_v more_o than_o they_o deserve_v and_o all_o be_v reward_v who_o by_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a though_o but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a obedience_n be_v become_v qualify_v for_o a_o reward_n god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v perfect_o just_a and_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o we_o must_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o we_o cavil_v at_o his_o proceed_n which_o be_v consistent_a not_o only_o with_o justice_n and_o equity_n but_o with_o mercy_n itself_o for_o where_o neither_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n interpose_v we_o must_v sure_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n unless_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v more_o confine_v in_o his_o action_n than_o man_n be_v for_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n it_o be_v certain_o leave_v at_o the_o liberty_n of_o every_o man_n in_o any_o office_n or_o authority_n to_o do_v as_o he_o think_v fit_a yet_o as_o god_n be_v please_v in_o his_o deal_n with_o man_n to_o appeal_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n for_o the_o equity_n of_o they_o so_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o his_o proceed_n with_o we_o but_o it_o may_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v more_o reasonable_a even_o according_a to_o the_o notion_n that_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n than_o the_o contrary_n will_v have_v be_v it_o must_v de_fw-mi consider_v that_o no_o crated_a be_v can_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v uncapable_a of_o sin_n or_o default_n because_o it_o can_v be_v infinite_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v inseparable_a from_o all_o creature_n to_o have_v but_o finite_a persection_n and_o whatever_o have_v bound_n set_v to_o its_o perefction_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n impersect_v that_o be_v it_o want_v those_o perfection_n which_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n alone_o can_v have_v so_o that_o imperfection_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o create_a being_n and_o what_o be_v imperfect_a may_v make_v default_n all_o inanimate_a thing_n may_v deviate_v from_o the_o regular_a course_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n do_v not_o guide_v and_o maintain_v they_o in_o it_o and_o every_o rational_a be_v must_v natural_o have_v a_o liberty_n of_o choice_n that_o be_v it_o must_v have_v a_o will_v to_o choose_v as_o well_o as_o a_o understanding_n to_o reason_n for_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n how_o there_o can_v be_v reason_n without_o choice_n a_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n without_o a_o will_v to_o determine_v it_o if_o leave_v to_o itself_o must_v always_o think_v of_o the_o same_o object_n or_o proceed_v in_o a_o continue_a series_n and_o connexion_n of_o thought_n without_o any_o aim_n or_o end_v which_o will_v be_v a_o perpetual_a labour_n in_o vain_a and_o tedious_a thoughtfulness_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v sometime_o determine_v by_o something_o external_n to_o new_a object_n yet_o what_o use_v of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v in_o contemplation_n which_o be_v mere_o obtrude_v and_o force_v upon_o the_o mind_n and_o because_o rational_a creature_n must_v have_v some_o prescribe_a rule_n of_o their_o action_n from_o which_o be_v free_a agent_n they_o may_v depart_v they_o must_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o sin_n god_n be_v infinite_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o himself_o and_o his_o essence_n be_v uncapable_a of_o any_o other_o rule_n of_o his_o action_n he_o only_o act_v according_a to_o his_o essence_n from_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o vary_v but_o the_o most_o perfect_a creature_n must_v act_v by_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o they_o but_o prescribe_v they_o by_o god_n and_o be_v not_o so_o intrinsic_a to_o their_o nature_n but_o that_o they_o may_v decline_v from_o it_o for_o a_o free_a agent_n may_v follow_v or_o not_o follow_v the_o rule_n appoint_v or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o be_v free_a the_o difficulty_n therefore_o be_v not_o why_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_v for_o he_o can_v not_o possible_o by_o his_o creation_n and_o in_o his_o nature_n be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o this_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a perfection_n that_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n but_o the_o question_n which_o have_v be_v start_v by_o some_o man_n if_o they_o state_n it_o right_o must_v be_v this_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o god_n do_v not_o sustain_v and_o preserve_v man_n by_o a_o irresistible_a power_n from_o fall_v into_o sin_n when_o damnation_n be_v to_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o in_o answer_n to_o which_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v that_o in_o the_o creation_n god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v by_o his_o divine_a prerogative_n and_o by_o his_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n xxxiii_o 13._o but_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o he_o make_v man_n happy_a and_o capable_a of_o continue_v happy_a and_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n why_o he_o shall_v force_v he_o to_o continue_v so_o though_o we_o want_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n reason_n to_o prove_v even_o to_o our_o weak_a and_o imperfect_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o man_n shall_v depend_v upon_o his_o own_o choice_n rather_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v keep_v unavoidable_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o be_v place_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o punishment_n and_o misery_n i._o because_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v hereby_o more_o advance_v and_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n be_v more_o display_v than_o if_o man_n have_v be_v inevitable_o restrain_v from_o sin_v ii_o because_o this_o conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a than_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v can_v have_v do_v i._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o advance_v and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n itself_o be_v more_o display_v by_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o freedom_n of_o act_v than_o they_o can_v have_v be_v by_o impose_v a_o inevitable_a fate_n and_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v upon_o mankind_n unless_o man_n have_v be_v leave_v capable_a of_o sin_v against_o god_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o pay_v he_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a obedience_n for_o obedience_n suppose_v choice_n and_o choice_n suppose_v a_o possibility_n of_o disobedience_n to_o obey_v god_n in_o proper_a speak_n be_v to_o choose_v to_o do_v what_o god_n have_v command_v to_o submit_v to_o his_o will_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v please_v to_o he_o upon_o that_o very_a reason_n and_o consideration_n because_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v his_o pleasure_n not_o because_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n or_o some_o overrule_a power_n force_v we_o upon_o it_o the_o obedience_n of_o rational_a creature_n suppose_v they_o from_o their_o first_o creation_n out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v will_v be_v no_o other_o than_o that_o of_o the_o irrational_a and_o inanimate_a being_n and_o a_o man_n then_o can_v be_v no_o more_o true_o say_v to_o obey_v god_n in_o act_v as_o god_n have_v appoint_v than_o a_o stone_n may_v be_v say_v to_o obey_v he_o in_o fall_v downward_o or_o the_o fire_n in_o ascend_v these_o act_n according_a to_o god_n appointment_n and_o so_o will_v man_n if_o he_o act_v upon_o necessity_n but_o it_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o homage_n due_a to_o god_n from_o rational_a creature_n that_o they_o shall_v determine_v themselves_o to_o do_v as_o he_o have_v command_v and_o make_v a_o freâ—_n acknowledgement_n of_o his_o bounty_n and_o goodiness_n and_o pay_v a_o voluntary_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v their_o reasonable_a serviceâ—_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v and_o will_v be_v especial_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n more_o conspicuous_a by_o the_o government_n of_o a_o wicked_a
be_v more_o easy_o observe_v than_o this_o so_o it_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v and_o for_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o state_n of_o innocence_n the_o common_a rule_n and_o law_n of_o morality_n can_v then_o scarce_o have_v any_o place_n but_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o this_o or_o some_o such_o other_o instance_n of_o obedience_n shall_v be_v impose_v theft_n and_o murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o moral_a duty_n be_v then_o either_o impossible_a to_o be_v commit_v or_o so_o unnatural_a that_o it_o can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v how_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v commit_v when_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o two_o person_n in_o the_o world_n in_o a_o state_n of_o perfect_a innocence_n and_o therefore_o in_o moral_a duty_n there_o can_v be_v no_o trial_n of_o the_o obedience_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n beside_o these_o be_v so_o well_o know_v to_o they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o command_n concern_v they_o but_o god_n give_v they_o a_o command_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n that_o so_o he_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o their_o obedience_n in_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v both_o indifferent_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o easy_a to_o they_o that_o nothing_o but_o a_o careless_a and_o perverse_a neglect_n can_v betray_v they_o into_o disobedience_n to_o suppose_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o and_o not_o in_o the_o commandment_n and_o prohibition_n of_o god_n be_v in_o effect_n a_o renounce_n of_o god_n authority_n but_o this_o tree_n be_v the_o tree_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o it_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a authority_n upon_o which_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a formal_o depend_v though_o matterial_o they_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n whatever_o god_n be_v please_v to_o command_v or_o forbid_v however_o indifferent_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o he_o as_o true_o good_a or_o evil_a as_o if_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o moral_o so_o be_v enact_v by_o the_o same_o divine_a authority_n whereby_o all_o moral_a precept_n become_v obligatory_a as_o law_n to_o we_o for_o all_o moral_a truth_n or_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n however_o certain_a and_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o yet_o receive_v the_o obligation_n of_o law_n from_o the_o divine_a authority_n this_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a truth_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o all_o other_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v in_o all_o that_o he_o command_v or_o forbid_v but_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v sole_o and_o pure_o concern_v in_o this_o commandment_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o depend_v mere_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o by_o the_o transgression_n of_o this_o law_n it_o become_v notorious_a to_o our_o first_o parent_n and_o their_o unhappy_a posterity_n that_o both_o good_a and_o evil_a whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o speculation_n and_o abstract_a notion_n yet_o as_o they_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o life_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v ultimate_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n god_n be_v our_o lawgiver_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o but_o by_o his_o enact_v and_o what_o he_o enact_v must_v be_v a_o law_n to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o same_o necessary_a indspensable_a obligation_n so_o far_o as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o enjoin_v it_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o moral_a precept_n or_o only_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o seem_v then_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o manifest_v his_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o this_o commandment_n and_o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v absolute_a and_o independent_a upon_o moral_a good_a or_o evil_a and_o that_o though_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o goodness_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o command_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o moral_a duty_n nor_o suffer_v he_o not_o to_o command_v moral_a good_a and_o forbid_v moral_a evil_n yet_o his_o authority_n be_v arbitrary_a over_o we_o extend_v as_o far_o beyond_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n as_o he_o please_v which_o indeed_o be_v only_a truth_n and_o precept_n but_o not_o duty_n to_o we_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n this_o commandment_n therefore_o be_v give_v in_o assertion_n of_o god_n authority_n who_o it_o be_v always_o and_o in_o every_o thing_n good_a to_o obey_v and_o evil_a to_o disobey_v as_o our_o first_o parent_n find_v by_o sad_a experience_n 2._o experience_n maim_v more_o new_a voeh_n parâ—_n 〈◊〉_d c._n 2._o maimonides_n observe_v that_o they_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n before_o but_o good_a and_o evil_n become_v know_v to_o they_o by_o their_o fall_n whereby_o they_o understand_v the_o value_n of_o that_o good_a which_o they_o have_v lose_v and_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o misery_n of_o that_o condition_n into_o which_o they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o they_o perceive_v how_o good_a it_o be_v to_o obey_v god_n and_o how_o evil_a to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o he_o in_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o xxviâ—_n whatsoever_o lib._n 1._o disc_n xxviâ—_n mr._n mede_n have_v observe_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v sacrilege_n god_n have_v reserve_v that_o tree_n as_o holy_a to_o himself_o in_o token_n of_o his_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o appoint_v it_o to_o such_o use_n as_o he_o have_v design_v it_o for_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o sacrilegious_a profanation_n to_o eat_v of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o theft_n or_o robbery_n no_o less_o than_o the_o rob_v of_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n style_v sacrilege_n and_o a_o invasion_n of_o his_o right_n and_o the_o lord_n god_n say_v behold_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o to_o know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 22._o which_o word_n be_v general_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v by_o a_o severe_a sarcasm_n or_o with_o a_o upbraid_a anger_n and_o indignation_n but_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o a_o easy_a sense_n if_o they_o be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o man_n be_v become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o as_o one_o of_o we_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o we_o christ_n think_v it_o not_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o god_n phil._n two_o 6._o to_o be_v equal_a be_v there_o to_o claim_v a_o equality_n and_o so_o to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o be_v to_o challenge_v or_o pretend_v to_o become_v as_o one_o of_o we_o according_a to_o the_o devil_n suggestion_n christ_n know_v it_o to_o be_v no_o injury_n or_o presumption_n in_o himself_o who_o be_v in_o the_o form_n of_o god_n and_o be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o man_n to_o assume_v to_o himself_o a_o equality_n with_o the_o father_n but_o our_o first_o parent_n who_o be_v make_v in_o the_o image_n of_o god_n and_o after_o his_o likeness_n be_v not_o content_v with_o this_o but_o affect_v something_o high_a than_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o creature_n and_o aim_v at_o a_o independent_a state_n of_o wisdom_n and_o immortality_n be_v seduce_v by_o the_o serpent_n who_o say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil._n gen._n iii._o 4_o 5._o this_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a crime_n to_o believe_v the_o serpent_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o to_o be_v seduce_v by_o he_o and_o hope_v by_o his_o advice_n to_o procure_v to_o themselves_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o immortal_a happiness_n ii_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v answerable_a to_o their_o crime_n and_o be_v either_o upon_o themselves_o or_o upon_o their_o posterity_n or_o upon_o the_o serpent_n and_o other_o creature_n i._o the_o curse_n upon_o the_o serpent_n be_v by_o a_o visible_a object_n and_o representation_n to_o denote_v that_o curse_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o the_o tempter_n himself_o who_o assume_v the_o body_n of_o a_o serpent_n the_o serpent_n before_o have_v a_o free_a and_o strong_a motion_n and_o can_v lift_v up_o himself_o and_o reach_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o tree_n but_o be_v since_o confine_v to_o the_o ground_n and_o be_v force_v to_o seek_v his_o food_n in_o the_o dust_n and_o there_o be_v relation_n of_o serpent_n which_o carry_v part_n of_o their_o body_n erect_v this_o before_o the_o curse_n may_v belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a of_o they_o in_o another_o manner_n than_o it_o do_v since_o to_o any_o one_o sort._n the_o basilisk_n be_v say_v to_o go_v with_o his_o head_n and_o breast_n erect_v and_o a_o serpent_n call_v 7._o call_v knexe_n hist_n of_o ceyl_n part_n 1._o
those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o explication_n of_o divers_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o country_n now_o the_o whole_a jewish_a law_n may_v be_v divide_v into_o the_o moral_a the_o political_a or_o judicial_a and_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o moral_a part_n of_o moses_n law_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o enjoin_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o our_o neighbour_n be_v just_a and_o holy_a beyond_o all_o controversy_n or_o exception_n and_o the_o political_a or_o judicial_a part_n with_o the_o ceremonial_a be_v adapt_v to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o necessity_n of_o those_o age_n and_o that_o nation_n and_o if_o the_o moral_a part_n be_v absolute_o most_o divine_a and_o holy_a and_o the_o positive_a institution_n both_o political_a and_o ritual_a be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o that_o time_n and_o government_n that_o be_v if_o they_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v for_o those_o age_n and_o that_o people_n then_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v without_o all_o just_a exception_n and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o observe_v the_o reason_n upon_o which_o the_o positive_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v institute_v 1._o the_o judicial_a law_n relate_v to_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o the_o jewish_a government_n be_v so_o reasonable_a that_o they_o have_v be_v transcribe_v into_o the_o law_n of_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n as_o have_v be_v particular_o show_v by_o learned_a men._n there_o be_v but_o few_o of_o the_o judicial_a law_n which_o have_v be_v object_v against_o and_o these_o have_v be_v often_o and_o effectual_o vindicate_v the_o law_n which_o seem_v most_o harsh_a and_o rigorous_a be_v that_o of_o retaliation_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o punishment_n in_o most_o nation_n and_o be_v not_o unjust_a for_o the_o law_n to_o inflict_v though_o it_o be_v sinful_a in_o the_o person_n injure_v to_o require_v it_o out_o of_o a_o desire_n of_o revenge_n and_o with_o a_o delight_n to_o gratify_v themselves_o in_o their_o enemy_n suffering_n for_o if_o it_o be_v just_a to_o punish_v the_o take_n away_o of_o a_o little_a money_n with_o death_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unjust_a to_o inflict_v the_o same_o punishment_n for_o the_o deprive_v a_o man_n of_o his_o eye_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o unjust_a to_o make_v death_n the_o punishment_n of_o strike_v out_o a_o eye_n and_o what_o nation_n do_v not_o punish_v much_o less_o injury_n with_o death_n how_o can_v it_o be_v unjust_a to_o punish_v the_o offender_n with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n one_o of_o the_o severe_a law_n that_o ever_o be_v know_v among_o a_o civilise_v people_n be_v that_o of_o the_o twelve_o table_n which_o give_v leave_v to_o 6._o to_o sunt_fw-la enimquaedam_fw-la non_fw-la â—audabilia_fw-la natura_fw-la sed_fw-la jure_fw-la concessa_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o twelve_o tabulis_fw-la debitoris_fw-la corpus_fw-la inter_fw-la creditores_fw-la dividi_fw-la licuit_fw-la quam_fw-la legem_fw-la mos_fw-la '_o publicus_n repudiavit_fw-la quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o cap._n 6._o the_o creditor_n among_o the_o roman_n to_o divide_v the_o debtor_n body_n between_o they_o if_o he_o be_v insolvent_a this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o commendable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o yet_o be_v allow_v and_o permit_v as_o quintilian_n have_v observe_v upon_o particular_a reason_n but_o this_o law_n be_v lay_v aside_o by_o a_o general_a disuse_n and_o 38._o and_o lighf_n hor._n hebraic_n ad_fw-la mat._n v._n 38._o that_o of_o retaliation_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v interpret_v by_o they_o according_a to_o a_o ancient_a tradition_n to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o strict_a retaliation_n but_o of_o a_o compensation_n to_o be_v make_v in_o money_n to_o the_o person_n maim_v 2._o many_o of_o those_o rite_n which_o may_v seem_v strange_a to_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v esteem_v absurd_a that_o they_o become_v common_a in_o those_o country_n as_o circumcision_n be_v ancient_o and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n practise_v in_o many_o part_n of_o the_o world_n 15._o world_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la leu._n xi_o &_o act._n x._o 15._o the_o aegyptiaus_n and_o many_o other_o nation_n abstain_v from_o swine_n flesh_n and_o the_o aethiopian_n from_o most_o of_o the_o meat_n which_o be_v forbid_v the_o jew_n such_o abstinency_n be_v necessary_a for_o health_n in_o those_o country_n frequent_a wash_n likewise_o be_v requisite_a in_o hot_a country_n for_o health_n and_o refreshment_n religion_n prescribe_v only_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n and_o particular_a occasion_n of_o it_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v natural_a and_o when_o we_o see_v such_o a_o body_n of_o law_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n well_o contrive_v and_o wise_o institute_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v in_o some_o of_o they_o any_o thing_n peculiar_a and_o singular_a though_o they_o be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n yet_o common_a modesty_n and_o candour_n may_v make_v we_o conclude_v that_o so_o wise_a a_o lawgiver_n must_v have_v some_o good_a reason_n for_o those_o particular_a law_n which_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o place_n can_v be_v so_o obvious_a to_o we_o but_o it_o will_v be_v rashness_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o those_o who_o appear_v to_o have_v enact_v the_o rest_n with_o so_o great_a wisdom_n thus_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a for_o a_o man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n to_o conclude_v even_o concern_v a_o system_fw-la of_o humane_a law_n though_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o many_o of_o they_o but_o when_o god_n be_v the_o lawgiver_n this_o aught_o to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n that_o they_o be_v his_o law_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v wise_a and_o good_a for_o that_o people_n at_o that_o time_n and_o in_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n the_o will_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n be_v sufficient_a of_o itself_o in_o any_o case_n to_o be_v allege_v and_o it_o may_v be_v fit_a in_o some_o case_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o produce_v it_o be_v a_o rash_a and_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o command_v this_o or_o that_o because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v command_v this_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o like_a or_o will_v not_o have_v to_o be_v his._n be_v we_o wont_v to_o argue_v thus_o about_o humane_a law_n will_v it_o be_v any_o excuse_n for_o a_o disobedient_a subject_n to_o say_v that_o in_o his_o opinion_n such_o law_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v his_o prince_n have_v make_v such_o law_n when_o he_o have_v all_o due_a notice_n and_o full_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v appoint_v they_o but_o be_v resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o law_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o which_o he_o do_v not_o fancy_n which_o yet_o be_v obsolete_a and_o out_o of_o date_n do_v we_o not_o allow_v that_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o of_o government_n may_v require_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v and_o many_o law_n to_o be_v make_v which_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o private_a man_n to_o be_v curious_a about_o and_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o subject_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o be_v not_o god_n thought_n infinite_o above_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o infinite_o far_a out_o of_o our_o reach_n than_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o politic_a prince_n can_v be_v above_o the_o understanding_n of_o his_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a subject_n how_o shall_v we_o dare_v then_o to_o reject_v any_o divine_a revelation_n because_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a in_o every_o particular_a to_o our_o thought_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n but_o i_o shall_v inquire_v however_o into_o the_o reason_n and_o ground_n which_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n for_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o these_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o justify_v they_o to_o all_o impartial_a men._n 1._o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v give_v the_o jew_n to_o prevent_v they_o from_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n for_o they_o be_v design_v to_o distinguish_v the_o jew_n in_o many_o thing_n from_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n and_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o follow_v their_o idolatrous_a custom_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o â—â—_o the_o summa_fw-la vero_fw-la rei_fw-la haec_fw-la eft_o quemadmodum_fw-la in_o praecedentibus_fw-la tibi_fw-la dixi_fw-la dogmata_fw-la &_o ritus_fw-la zabiorum_n hodie_fw-la nobis_fw-la esse_fw-la incognitos_fw-la ita_fw-la
humanae_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la speculum_fw-la constitutum_fw-la est_fw-la novatian_n de_fw-fr lib._n judaic_n c._n 3._o signification_n of_o such_o prohibition_n be_v imply_v in_o the_o proverb_n allege_v by_o st._n peter_n concern_v dog_n and_o swine_n which_o be_v two_o of_o the_o animal_n prohibit_v the_o jew_n 2_o pet._n two_o 22._o sacrifice_n and_o offering_n be_v to_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o they_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o all_o they_o have_v and_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v something_o of_o every_o kind_n in_o acknowledgement_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v all_o which_o they_o enjoy_v from_o he_o they_o be_v likewise_o design_v to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o their_o sin_n deserve_v death_n even_o everlasting_a burn_n the_o daily_a sacrifice_n be_v to_o be_v remembrance_n to_o they_o of_o that_o acceptable_a and_o live_a sacrifice_n which_o they_o be_v to_o offer_v to_o god_n a_o break_a and_o a_o contrite_a heart_n and_o a_o innocent_a and_o blameless_a life_n ps_n four_o 4_o 5._o cxli_o 2._o and_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o testify_v how_o little_a pleasure_n god_n take_v in_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n and_o in_o burnt-offering_n incense_n and_o oblation_n and_o how_o small_a regard_v he_o have_v to_o they_o he_o never_o require_v these_o thing_n for_o themselves_o and_o upon_o their_o own_o account_n or_o because_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n acceptable_a to_o he_o in_o they_o psal_n xl_o 6_o 4._o l._n 8_o li._n 17._o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_n mercy_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o all_o sacrifice_n prov._n xxi_o 3._o jer._n seven_o 22_o 23._o this_o be_v so_o evident_a throughout_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o the_o most_o superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a age_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n be_v of_o more_o account_n in_o god_n sight_n than_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o oblation_n in_o the_o world_n mark_v twelve_o 37._o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o law_n be_v always_o to_o give_v place_n to_o the_o moral_a thus_o act_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o be_v do_v though_o it_o happen_v that_o they_o be_v perform_v by_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o jewish_a sabbath_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v upon_o necessary_a cause_n hold_v exempt_v from_o the_o legal_a observance_n for_o i_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 hos_fw-la vi_fw-la 6._o 3._o all_o the_o jewish_a worship_n appoint_v by_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v typical_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n by_o a_o type_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o likeness_n and_o resemblance_n which_o one_o thing_n have_v to_o another_o as_o that_o of_o the_o impression_n to_o the_o seal_n or_o of_o the_o shadow_n to_o the_o substance_n or_o of_o the_o picture_n to_o the_o man_n who_o it_o represent_v thus_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n be_v typify_v or_o resemble_v or_o represent_v and_o prefigure_v by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o beast_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v they_o be_v sign_n appoint_v to_o keep_v up_o the_o remembrance_n that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v and_o be_v very_o apt_a and_o proper_a to_o put_v man_n in_o mind_n of_o it_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o receive_v from_o the_o beginning_n as_o a_o certain_a rule_n for_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v a_o typical_a as_o well_o as_o a_o literal_a sense_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o kingdom_n circumcision_n be_v to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o who_o circumcision_n be_v first_o enjoin_v upon_o the_o promise_v make_v to_o he_o of_o isaac_n from_o who_o christ_n be_v to_o descend_v and_o the_o blood_n shed_v in_o circumcision_n be_v typical_a of_o that_o blood_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o shed_v for_o we_o the_o most_o probable_a account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o sacrifice_n be_v that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o of_o divine_a institution_n and_o be_v appoint_v soon_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n as_o type_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v promise_v to_o be_v send_v to_o die_v for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a reason_n why_o we_o showld_v not_o offer_v unto_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n of_o that_o which_o do_v cost_v we_o nothing_o but_o shall_v honour_v the_o lord_n with_o our_o substance_n 2_o sam._n xxiv_o 24._o prov._n iii._o 9_o and_o shall_v present_v some_o part_n of_o the_o best_a of_o what_o we_o have_v in_o devotion_n and_o gratitude_n to_o he_o from_o who_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o whole_a yet_o no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o beast_n shall_v be_v slay_v in_o sacrifice_n before_o they_o be_v use_v as_o far_o as_o it_o appear_v for_o food_n by_o man_n or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o the_o blood_n of_o any_o creature_n or_o be_v please_v with_o the_o take_n from_o it_o that_o life_n which_o he_o have_v give_v it_o or_o why_o a_o peculiar_a efficacy_n towards_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o the_o blood_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v typical_o prefigure_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o beast_n by_o faith_n whereof_o abel_n offer_v his_o sacrifice_n and_o be_v accept_v heb._n xi_o 4._o the_o paschal_n lamb_n be_v a_o plain_a type_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o reason_n christ_n be_v style_v the_o lamb_n of_o god_n and_o our_o passover_n which_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o jo._n i._n 29._o 1_o cor._n v._n 7._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n be_v appoint_v to_o the_o israelite_n just_a before_o their_o escape_n out_o of_o egypt_n to_o be_v a_o type_n to_o thâ—m_v of_o that_o deliverance_n which_o christ_n be_v to_o accomplish_v of_o which_o their_o deliverance_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v but_o a_o figure_n aaron_z be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o the_o sacrifice_n he_o offer_v be_v type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n upon_o the_o cross_n they_o be_v appoint_v to_o take_v away_o the_o legal_a uncleanness_n to_o restore_v man_n to_o a_o state_n of_o legal_a purity_n which_o be_v typical_a of_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a purity_n and_o to_o put_v the_o legal_a worshipper_n into_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o the_o law_n require_v to_o qualify_v they_o for_o the_o legal_a service_n and_o worship_n and_o herein_o they_o be_v figure_n of_o that_o one_o sacrifice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o once_o for_o all_o in_o atonement_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o all_o mankind_n hebr._n ix_o 14._o whereby_o man_n may_v be_v render_v capable_a of_o pay_v god_n a_o acceptable_a service_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n legal_a purification_n be_v typical_a of_o that_o purification_n which_o be_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n tit._n two_o 14._o 1_o john_n i._n 9_o and_o the_o smoke_n of_o the_o incense_n ascend_v signify_v how_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o saint_n come_v up_o before_o god_n rev._n v._n 8._o viij_o 3_o 4._o the_o state_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v express_v by_o the_o prophet_n malachi_n under_o the_o figure_n of_o incense_n and_o a_o pure_a offer_n malach._n 1.11_o the_o whole_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v write_v upon_o this_o subject_n to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o legal_a rite_n and_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v but_o shadow_n and_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o that_o redemption_n righteousness_n and_o sanctification_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o that_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o cease_v when_o in_o he_o they_o have_v receive_v their_o accomplishment_n their_o incense_n and_o purificatition_n their_o sacrifice_n their_o temple_n and_o the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v all_o but_o so_o many_o type_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o kingdom_n under_o the_o gospel_n christ_n have_v be_v promise_v to_o our_o first_o parent_n immediate_o after_o their_o fall_n and_o this_o promise_n have_v be_v renew_v to_o abraham_n with_o a_o assurance_n that_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o isaac_n and_o circumcision_n be_v institute_v as_o a_o perpetual_a mark_n in_o the_o flesh_n of_o that_o covenant_n and_o all_o sacrifice_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o institution_n be_v as_o so_o many_o type_n and_o memorial_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v promise_v before_o any_o sacrifice_n have_v be_v offer_v and_o more_o especial_o that_o of_o the_o passover_n at_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o israelite_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v a_o lively_a representation_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n they_o have_v ever_o
recedant_fw-la hieron_n in_o amos._n c._n v._n exit_fw-la quo_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la &_o evangelistas_n &_o ipsum_fw-la dominum_fw-la salvatorem_fw-la ex_fw-la hebraeo_fw-la transfer_v quod_fw-la legerint_fw-la non_fw-la curantes_fw-la de_fw-fr syllabis_fw-la punctisque_fw-la verborum_fw-la dummodo_fw-la sententiarum_fw-la veritas_fw-la transferatur_fw-la id._n in_o malach._n c._n iii._o chap._n xx._n of_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v that_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 1_o cor._n i_o 23._o and_o have_v ever_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o the_o objection_n of_o infidel_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o more_o care_n to_o give_v the_o clear_a and_o full_a account_n i_o can_v of_o it_o i._o i_o shall_v here_o consider_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o justice_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n ii_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n can_v have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o the_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o son_n in_o our_o flesh_n i_o hope_v full_o to_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n 1._o there_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o necessity_n for_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o the_o vindication_n of_o his_o honour_n for_o god_n be_v infinite_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o infinite_a justice_n must_v punish_v offender_n unless_o full_a satisfaction_n be_v make_v for_o the_o offence_n because_o infinite_a justice_n must_v demand_v to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o justice_n and_o must_v require_v whatsoever_o can_v in_o justice_n be_v demand_v but_o infinite_a mercy_n find_v out_o a_o mean_n to_o satisfy_v this_o infinite_a justice_n which_o satisfaction_n can_v be_v make_v only_o by_o the_o obedience_n and_o by_o the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o by_o his_o obedience_n unto_o death_n even_o the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n vindicate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n by_o perform_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a obedience_n to_o all_o that_o ever_o god_n require_v of_o mankind_n and_o by_o suffer_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o all_o that_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n deserve_v it_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n that_o his_o law_n shall_v be_v exact_o observe_v and_o observe_v by_o one_o who_o be_v of_o that_o very_a nature_n for_o which_o they_o be_v ordain_v and_o that_o satisfaction_n shall_v be_v make_v in_o the_o same_o nature_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o it_o christ_n therefore_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o pay_v down_o the_o uttermost_a farthing_n which_o in_o strictness_n of_o justice_n must_v have_v be_v demand_v but_o which_o can_v never_o have_v be_v pay_v by_o any_o create_v be_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o he_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o otherwise_o can_v never_o have_v be_v full_o obey_v and_o as_o far_o as_o god_n justice_n and_o honour_n be_v concern_v to_o see_v his_o law_n obey_v and_o to_o demand_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o so_o far_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v necessary_a because_o these_o thing_n can_v be_v perform_v by_o no_o creature_n 2._o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o god_n can_v have_v pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o man_n upon_o other_o term_n than_o the_o death_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o son_n in_o our_o flesh_n yet_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o his_o son_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o thing_n unworthy_a of_o god_n that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n with_o he_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v so_o much_o have_v become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n first_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o whole_a dispensation_n unworthy_a of_o god_n here_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a prejudice_n take_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n at_o its_o first_o propagation_n and_o be_v still_o the_o great_a objection_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o their_o own_o salvation_n they_o be_v apt_a to_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o as_o a_o unnecessary_a thing_n and_o unworthy_a of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v send_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n into_o the_o world_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n they_o imagine_v that_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n can_v have_v find_v out_o other_o method_n of_o salvation_n for_o we_o and_o that_o this_o will_v never_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o if_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o other_o it_o may_v be_v enough_o in_o answer_n to_o such_o objection_n to_o say_v with_o the_o apostle_n nay_o but_o o_o man_n who_o be_v thou_o that_o reply_v against_o god_n shall_v the_o person_n save_v say_v unto_o he_o that_o save_v he_o why_o have_v thou_o save_v i_o thus_o will_v we_o not_o be_v content_v to_o be_v save_v unless_o we_o can_v be_v full_o certify_v in_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n may_v not_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v our_o redemption_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o he_o shall_v see_v fit_v or_o shall_v we_o question_v his_o wisdom_n if_o his_o mercy_n be_v so_o much_o great_a than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o infinite_a be_v his_o mercy_n and_o how_o monstrous_a our_o ingratitude_n if_o his_o goodness_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o word_n and_o be_v allege_v as_o a_o argument_n for_o our_o unbelief_n what_o if_o god_n willing_a to_o show_v the_o heinousness_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v know_v the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n choose_v this_o way_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n what_o if_o many_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o this_o method_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o expedient_a and_o what_o if_o there_o may_v be_v infinite_o great_a and_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n can_v conceive_v but_o though_o the_o reveal_v will_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o other_o case_n yet_o i_o think_v this_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o direct_a answer_n for_o whatever_o weight_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v all_o ground_a upon_o a_o mistake_n and_o upon_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n for_o if_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o so_o unite_v to_o the_o manhood_n as_o to_o suffer_v with_o it_o there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a reason_n why_o its_o union_n with_o the_o manhood_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n i_o shall_v therefore_o 1._o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n shall_v cause_v the_o godhead_n to_o suffer_v with_o the_o manhood_n 2._o i_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o humiliation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o assume_v our_o nature_n may_v be_v account_v for_o without_o suppose_v that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v 3._o that_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n may_v be_v explain_v without_o it_o i._o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n shall_v cause_v the_o godhead_n to_o suffer_v with_o the_o manhood_n this_o objection_n suppose_v the_o godhead_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o manhood_n in_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v real_o and_o proper_o partake_v in_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o befall_v his_o person_n it_o suppose_v that_o christ_n as_o god_n suffer_v the_o misery_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v death_n upon_o the_o cross_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o have_v always_o be_v reject_v and_o condemn_v as_o such_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n that_o the_o union_n of_o the_o godhead_n with_o the_o manhood_n shall_v render_v the_o godhead_n capable_a of_o suffering_n as_o the_o soul_n by_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n become_v sensible_a of_o its_o pain_n be_v indeed_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o unworthy_a of_o god_n but_o
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o 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equivalent_a to_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n among_o men._n that_o there_o be_v this_o unity_n and_o this_o distinction_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o kind_n of_o distinction_n this_o be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o our_o notion_n of_o person_n among_o man_n and_o after_o what_o manner_n it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n the_o scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o determine_v ii_o other_o thing_n be_v and_o must_v be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o be_v as_o little_o understand_v as_o this_o doctrine_n our_o knowledge_n at_o the_o best_a concern_v finite_a thing_n be_v very_o imperfect_a which_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o wisdom_n and_o experience_n that_o it_o be_v esteem_v a_o great_a point_n of_o wisdom_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o ignorance_n and_o it_o be_v the_o character_n which_o 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almost_o venture_v to_o say_v that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o be_v content_v for_o the_o present_a to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v his_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v hereafter_o know_v god_n himself_o as_o plain_o as_o now_o we_o know_v many_o thing_n here_o for_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n now_o i_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o shall_v i_o know_v even_o as_o also_o i_o be_o know_v 1_o cor._n xiii_o 12._o if_o it_o be_v think_v unreasonable_a however_o that_o such_o abstruse_a mystery_n shall_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v pronounce_v that_o whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n and_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o thus_o think_v and_o believe_v shall_v without_o doubt_n perish_v everlasting_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o all_o religion_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v there_o must_v be_v something_o believe_v which_o be_v above_o all_o humane_a comprehension_n and_o which_o can_v be_v know_v no_o further_o than_o in_o order_n to_o be_v believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n without_o all_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v complete_a will_v exclude_v faith_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v knowledge_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o be_v general_a and_o imperfect_a or_o as_o it_o be_v particular_a and_o adequate_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v we_o must_v have_v a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o whatever_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o we_o have_v a_o particular_a and_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o there_o can_v remain_v nothing_o of_o it_o unknown_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n be_v not_o that_o we_o be_v less_o certain_a of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n than_o of_o the_o object_n of_o science_n but_o that_o we_o know_v less_o of_o they_o for_o certainty_n depend_v upon_o 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be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o believe_v the_o rest_n the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o article_n which_o be_v above_o their_o understanding_n even_o as_o to_o this_o general_a and_o imperfect_a way_n of_o knowledge_n can_v be_v destructive_a of_o their_o salvation_n they_o must_v needs_o say_v it_o can_v because_o god_n can_v require_v nothing_o impossible_a of_o any_o man._n and_o the_o very_a same_o answer_v apply_v to_o the_o cavil_n against_o the_o athanasian_n creed_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o silence_n they_o that_o creed_n contain_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n but_o necessary_a to_o particular_a person_n so_o far_o only_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v they_o in_o order_n to_o believe_v they_o he_o that_o will_v be_v save_v must_v thus_o think_v of_o the_o trinity_n but_o this_o suppose_v he_o capable_a of_o think_v
regard_n as_o to_o stranger_n against_o who_o they_o have_v not_o that_o unjust_a and_o foolish_a prejudice_n for_o we_o never_o read_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v any_o where_n forbear_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o of_o unbelief_n but_o in_o all_o place_n and_o among_o all_o person_n they_o show_v forth_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o god_n but_o when_o the_o work_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a and_o so_o well_o know_v in_o all_o part_n of_o galilee_n have_v so_o ill_a effect_n upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o country_n st._n mark_n say_v that_o he_o can_v there_o do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o and_o he_o marvel_v because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n mark_v vi_o 5_o 6._o he_o wrought_v such_o miracle_n as_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n mere_o draw_v from_o he_o and_o then_o wonder_v at_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o their_o unbelief_n which_o hinder_v he_o from_o work_v any_o more_o for_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o god_n himself_o can_v do_v not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n but_o because_o it_o will_v imply_v a_o imperfection_n in_o he_o a_o defect_n of_o power_n and_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o divine_a nature_n to_o do_v they_o god_n can_v lie_v he_o abide_v faithful_a he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 2_o tim._n two_o 13._o tit._n i._n 2._o he_o can_v act_v nothing_o unbecoming_a his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n he_o can_v do_v miracle_n when_o he_o see_v they_o will_v be_v to_o no_o good_a purpose_n but_o will_v be_v abuse_v to_o a_o very_a ill_a one_o yet_o to_o show_v his_o compassion_n and_o to_o manifest_v that_o his_o power_n be_v not_o restrain_v in_o itself_o but_o that_o their_o unbelief_n have_v restrain_v it_o from_o they_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o the_o sick_a and_o heal_v they_o but_o do_v no_o more_o for_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o improper_a and_o unfit_a to_o be_v do_v the_o require_v of_o more_o miracle_n when_o sufficient_a have_v be_v wrought_v already_o be_v a_o tempt_v and_o provoke_v of_o god_n it_o be_v impious_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o his_o power_n and_o to_o challenge_v he_o to_o do_v whatever_o they_o dare_v demand_v of_o he_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o rebuke_n the_o scribe_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o the_o sadducee_n for_o seek_v after_o a_o sign_n matth._n twelve_o 39_o xuj_o 2._o but_o the_o first_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n just_a before_o in_o the_o cure_n of_o the_o man_n who_o hand_n be_v wither_v and_o of_o the_o blind_a and_o dumb_a man_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o devil_n and_o when_o they_o still_o require_v far_a sign_n and_o be_v unmoved_a with_o what_o have_v be_v already_o do_v they_o have_v now_o charge_v he_o with_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n our_o lord_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o work_v any_o more_o miracle_n before_o such_o obstinate_a and_o ungrateful_a man_n which_o he_o see_v be_v so_o far_o lose_v upon_o they_o that_o that_o serve_v only_o to_o render_v they_o altogether_o unpardonable_a in_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o sign_n leave_v for_o they_o who_o have_v not_o yet_o incur_v that_o sin_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v forgive_v but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man._n this_o be_v a_o sign_n which_o may_v convince_v the_o most_o incredulous_a and_o which_o deny_v to_o none_o but_o be_v reserve_v as_o the_o last_o mean_n and_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v and_o say_v by_o christ_n in_o private_a be_v not_o to_o be_v divulge_v till_o after_o his_o resurrection_n because_o before_o they_o may_v fall_v under_o suspicion_n but_o that_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o virtue_n of_o it_o will_v sufficient_o prove_v whatsoever_o his_o disciple_n shall_v say_v of_o he_o when_o they_o again_o demand_v a_o sign_n he_o have_v a_o little_a before_o heal_v great_a multitude_n and_o have_v feed_v several_a thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o therefore_o he_o again_o refer_v this_o wicked_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n of_o man_n to_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o prophet_n ionas_n we_o have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o our_o saviour_n shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o herod_n luke_n xxiii_o 8._o who_o hope_v to_o have_v see_v some_o miracle_n do_v by_o he_o or_o that_o he_o shall_v expose_v his_o divine_a power_n to_o herod_n contempt_n and_o mockery_n when_o he_o have_v so_o late_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o cure_v the_o ear_n of_o malchus_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o believe_v in_o he_o that_o he_o be_v one_o of_o they_o who_o come_v to_o apprehend_v he_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o mercy_n to_o cure_v this_o man_n but_o to_o work_v miracle_n only_o to_o give_v man_n a_o occasion_n to_o vilify_v that_o power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v do_v can_v be_v neither_o worthy_a of_o god_n nor_o any_o charity_n to_o man_n but_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o character_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n to_o debase_v himself_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o they_o who_o use_v he_o with_o such_o scorn_n and_o derision_n and_o only_o revile_v and_o tempt_v he_o herod_n be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v a_o miracle_n and_o be_v not_o deny_v it_o for_o want_n of_o faith_n for_o he_o believe_v that_o christ_n have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o suppose_v that_o john_n the_o baptist_n who_o he_o have_v behead_v be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o therefore_o mighty_a work_n do_v show_v forth_o themselves_o in_o he_o matth._n fourteen_o 2._o but_o perceive_v he_o not_o to_o be_v john_n the_o baptist_n he_o set_v he_o at_o naught_o 2._o in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o come_v to_o desire_v his_o help_n for_o the_o cure_n of_o themselves_o and_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o see_v any_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o christ_n shall_v work_v no_o miracle_n for_o they_o if_o they_o want_v faith_n in_o what_o he_o have_v already_o wrought_v and_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o able_a to_o perform_v what_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o expect_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v when_o he_o have_v give_v so_o many_o demonstration_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n he_o may_v just_o expect_v a_o acknowledgement_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o all_o that_o come_v to_o he_o and_o will_v receive_v any_o benefit_n from_o it_o he_o may_v sure_o bestow_v his_o favour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o his_o own_o term_n and_o no_o term_n can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o ask_v they_o shall_v real_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bestow_v they_o and_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o he_o with_o a_o expectation_n to_o receive_v what_o they_o ask_v of_o he_o otherwise_o to_o come_v to_o he_o for_o cure_n be_v no_o better_a than_o to_o tempt_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v he_o it_o be_v to_o ask_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o can_v bestow_v but_o they_o resolve_v only_o to_o try_v what_o he_o can_v do_v suppose_v that_o if_o they_o receive_v no_o good_a yet_o however_o there_o can_v be_v no_o hurt_n in_o the_o experiment_n now_o can_v any_o man_n think_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n wrought_v be_v to_o be_v bestow_v upon_o no_o better_a consideration_n than_o these_o or_o that_o those_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n worthy_a to_o be_v cure_a who_o come_v with_o so_o indifferent_a a_o opinion_n of_o he_o and_o with_o so_o little_a expectation_n of_o relief_n christ_n want_v no_o opportunity_n of_o show_v his_o power_n he_o have_v show_v it_o in_o many_o and_o wonderful_a instance_n and_o will_v do_v it_o again_o as_o often_o as_o he_o see_v occasion_n upon_o fit_a and_o proper_a object_n but_o if_o they_o so_o little_o regard_v what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o and_o can_v again_o perform_v the_o same_o they_o but_o ill_o deserve_v what_o they_o come_v for_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v debase_v and_o expose_v as_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n who_o ask_v what_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o can_v perform_v but_o only_o think_v it_o will_v cost_v they_o nothing_o to_o make_v the_o trial_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n make_v application_n to_o he_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o say_v to_o the_o father_n who_o come_v to_o he_o in_o behalf_n of_o his_o deaf_a and_o dumb_a son_n if_o thou_o can_v believe_v all_o thing_n be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o believe_v and_o upon_o that_o humble_a and_o passionate_a declaration_n lord_n i_o believe_v help_v thou_o my_o
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o 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commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o 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