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
infinite_a or_o without_o any_o end_n or_o bound_n matter_n therefore_o can_v be_v divisible_a in_o infinitum_fw-la since_o all_o division_n be_v into_o part_n and_o all_o part_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v that_o be_v they_o be_v more_o or_o few_o even_o or_o odd_a and_o it_o will_v not_o suffice_v to_o say_v that_o matter_n can_v never_o actual_o be_v divide_v into_o infinite_a part_n though_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o infinite_a division_n so_o as_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o its_o divisibility_n for_o the_o part_n into_o which_o it_o be_v divisible_a must_v be_v actual_o existent_a though_o not_o actual_o divide_v for_o nothing_o can_v be_v divisible_a into_o part_n which_o it_o have_v not_o and_o all_o part_n actual_o existent_a whither_o they_o be_v divide_v or_o only_o divisible_a be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v or_o must_v have_v a_o determinate_a number_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v infinite_a but_o to_o say_v that_o these_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v indefinite_a but_o not_o infinite_a be_v only_o to_o confess_v that_o we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v indefinite_a in_o respect_n to_o we_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n we_o can_v determine_v their_o number_n or_o what_o end_n there_o can_v be_v of_o divide_v they_o but_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v nothing_o as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n again_o nothing_o be_v clear_a to_o every_o understanding_n than_o that_o all_o the_o part_n into_o which_o the_o whole_a be_v divide_v be_v take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a yet_o it_o seem_v many_o way_n demonstrable_a that_o any_o single_a part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v give_v but_o one_o such_o proof_n of_o this_o as_o may_v be_v most_o obvious_a it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o in_o any_o circle_n a_o line_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o circumference_n to_o the_o centre_n suppose_v then_o the_o circle_n to_o be_v the_o aequator_fw-la or_o a_o line_n draw_v round_o the_o globe_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n be_v draw_v within_o the_o aequator_fw-la round_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o that_o a_o right_a line_n be_v draw_v from_o every_o point_n of_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o globe_n every_o such_o right_a line_n draw_v from_o the_o aequator_fw-la to_o the_o centre_n must_v be_v of_o necessity_n cut_v through_o the_o ten_o thousand_o lesser_a circle_n draw_v about_o the_o same_o centre_n and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o point_n in_o a_o circle_n ten_o thousand_o time_n less_o than_o the_o aequator_fw-la that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o aequator_fw-la itself_o and_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o circle_n draw_v from_o any_o point_n of_o the_o diameter_n the_o lesser_a circle_n may_v be_v multiply_v to_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v point_n in_o the_o diameter_n which_o be_v innumerable_a and_o therefore_o the_o least_o circle_n imaginable_a may_v by_o this_o demonstration_n have_v as_o many_o point_n as_o the_o great_a that_o be_v it_o may_v be_v as_o big_a as_o the_o great_a or_o as_o big_a as_o one_o never_o so_o many_o thousand_o time_n big_a than_o itself_o for_o all_o the_o line_n draw_v from_o the_o utmost_a circumference_n terminate_v in_o the_o centre_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o centre_n or_o the_o least_o circle_n imaginable_a immediate_o next_o to_o it_o must_v be_v equal_a to_o the_o circumference_n never_o so_o much_o big_a than_o it_o for_o to_o answer_v that_o the_o lesser_a circle_n have_v as_o many_o point_n but_o not_o so_o big_a as_o the_o great_a be_v against_o the_o supposition_n because_o i_o suppose_v a_o line_n draw_v from_o every_o one_o of_o the_o least_o point_n of_o the_o great_a circle_n through_o the_o least_o circle_n to_o the_o centre_n and_o the_o least_o point_n in_o the_o great_a circle_n must_v be_v as_o small_a as_o any_o in_o the_o least_o circle_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o circle_n or_o point_n to_o hinder_v it_o and_o the_o every_o line_n pass_v from_o the_o circumference_n to_o the_o centre_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o bigness_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o point_n of_o intersection_n must_v be_v equal_a with_o those_o in_o the_o circumference_n this_o prove_v that_o we_o may_v lose_v ourselves_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o material_a thing_n for_o when_o we_o once_o abstract_n they_o from_o sense_n and_o consider_v they_o in_o the_o theory_n they_o become_v inexplicable_a because_o our_o faculty_n be_v never_o design_v for_o such_o speculation_n and_o be_v not_o make_v for_o they_o nor_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o at_o least_o in_o this_o mortal_a state_n but_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o our_o sense_n right_o dispose_v and_o in_o due_a circumstance_n may_v deceive_v we_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o that_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o trust_v to_o they_o because_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o proper_a object_n for_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o by_o notion_n derive_v from_o our_o sense_n or_o by_o the_o information_n which_o we_o receive_v from_o they_o our_o faculty_n be_v design_v not_o for_o mere_a speculation_n and_o curiosity_n about_o matter_n which_o perhaps_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o creature_n full_o to_o comprehend_v but_o for_o our_o use_n and_o welfare_n they_o be_v design_v to_o prevent_v our_o be_v deceive_v in_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o absurdity_n which_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v true_o urge_v because_o they_o be_v concern_v a_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o all_o such_o maxim_n as_o the_o part_n be_v less_o than_o the_o whole_a etc._n etc._n must_v hold_v true_a when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o object_n of_o sense_n though_o it_o be_v past_o our_o understanding_n to_o conceive_v how_o they_o shall_v be_v applicable_a to_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o the_o perception_n of_o our_o sense_n for_o these_o notion_n be_v implant_v in_o we_o to_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o this_o life_n and_o we_o must_v rely_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v apply_v only_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n rather_o than_o upon_o any_o speculation_n which_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o high_a for_o our_o conception_n and_o it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o believe_v what_o contradict_v our_o sense_n in_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n as_o to_o extend_v these_o maxim_n to_o object_n which_o be_v insensible_a and_o only_o in_o idea_n the_o seem_a domonstration_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a contradiction_n arise_v from_o the_o apply_v of_o the_o maxim_n take_v from_o physical_a and_o material_a thing_n to_o mathematical_a idea_n which_o be_v in_o the_o mind_n only_o and_o have_v no_o existence_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o absurdity_n may_v be_v start_v upon_o any_o other_o subject_n by_o confound_v the_o several_a notion_n and_o property_n of_o thing_n of_o different_a nature_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o part_n of_o it_o be_v a_o physical_a axiom_n and_o obvious_a to_o sense_n but_o that_o line_n be_v form_v by_o indivisible_a point_n be_v pure_o mathematical_a speculation_n and_o the_o work_n of_o reason_n so_o again_o that_o matter_n be_v divisible_a be_v a_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o that_o divisibility_n be_v inseparable_a from_o matter_n be_v mere_a speculation_n and_o a_o deduction_n which_o be_v make_v from_o sense_n of_o which_o our_o sense_n can_v give_v we_o no_o assurance_n but_o that_o our_o reason_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o whenever_o we_o pass_v the_o proper_a bound_n of_o each_o faculty_n and_o judge_v the_o of_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o object_n belong_v to_o one_o faculty_n by_o abstract_a notion_n belong_v to_o another_o we_o must_v necessary_o fall_v into_o error_n and_o confusion_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o happen_v when_o we_o reason_n about_o object_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o none_o of_o our_o faculty_n there_o be_v proper_a notion_n and_o maxim_n which_o belong_v to_o the_o several_a nature_n and_o kind_n of_o thing_n and_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n fail_v we_o when_o they_o be_v use_v about_o thing_n of_o another_o nature_n thus_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v judge_v of_o sound_n by_o his_o idea_n of_o colour_n or_o of_o colour_n by_o his_o notion_n of_o sound_n he_o may_v multiply_v contradiction_n without_o end_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o more_o different_a than_o sensible_a object_n be_v from_o insensible_a and_o material_a from_o immaterial_a god_n may_v see_v it_o
man_n be_v without_o doubt_n a_o necessary_a and_o most_o valuable_a part_n of_o learning_n but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n more_o impertinent_a than_o a_o impertinent_a critic_n it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v to_o set_v the_o bound_n and_o fix_v the_o territory_n of_o learning_n to_o adjudge_v to_o every_o author_n his_o own_o work_n and_o say_v that_o this_o book_n or_o perhaps_o some_o small_a part_n of_o a_o book_n shall_v be_v he_o and_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v withal_o this_o be_v no_o trivial_a matter_n nor_o of_o small_a consequence_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o one_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o for_o contradict_v the_o receive_a opinion_n and_o be_v more_o confident_a than_o other_o and_o the_o less_o occasion_n there_o be_v for_o these_o critic_n the_o more_o danger_n there_o be_v from_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o work_n for_o they_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v themselves_o work_v and_o what_o author_n will_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v before_o man_n who_o business_n and_o ambition_n it_o be_v to_o find_v fault_n but_o though_o the_o jurisdiction_n of_o critic_n be_v very_o large_a and_o absolute_a yet_o i_o have_v take_v care_v not_o to_o come_v under_o it_o but_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v insist_v upon_o any_o authority_n which_o have_v fall_v under_o their_o dispute_n unless_o it_o be_v perhaps_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o sibyl_n but_o there_o i_o have_v the_o consent_n of_o the_o best_a critic_n beside_o evident_a reason_n on_o my_o side_n so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v for_o they_o 4._o a_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n without_o reason_n or_o ground_n for_o it_o in_o behalf_n of_o some_o particular_a error_n have_v weaken_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o whilst_o laborious_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v to_o show_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o those_o doctrine_n be_v true_a which_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o it_o the_o quite_o contrary_a have_v happen_v to_o what_o in_o charity_n we_o must_v suppose_v these_o author_n design_v for_o instead_o of_o own_v their_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a man_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o pretence_n have_v take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o have_v be_v forward_o to_o grant_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n true_a and_o therefore_o not_o they_o 5._o i_o shall_v show_v at_o large_a in_o due_a time_n that_o the_o many_o difference_n and_o dispute_n in_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o great_a scandal_n and_o temptation_n and_o a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n especial_o as_o they_o be_v common_o manage_v whilst_o by_o all_o imaginable_a art_n and_o mean_n man_n of_o different_a party_n and_o opinion_n strive_v to_o run_v down_o their_o adversary_n those_o who_o be_v concern_v will_v do_v well_o i_o shall_v think_v to_o consider_v what_o mischief_n may_v ensue_v through_o the_o imprudent_a and_o unchristian_a management_n of_o dispute_n even_o in_o a_o right_a cause_n which_o have_v no_o need_n of_o such_o method_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v the_o less_o excusable_a who_o use_v they_o in_o defence_n of_o such_o a_o cause_n if_o we_o will_v convince_v or_o persuade_v man_n in_o any_o other_o thing_n we_o never_o be_v wont_a to_o think_v it_o a_o proper_a expedient_a to_o use_v they_o ill_o and_o give_v they_o hard_a word_n and_o be_v rough_a usage_n proper_a only_o for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o of_o a_o religion_n of_o peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o charity_n i_o know_v what_o example_n may_v be_v produce_v to_o countenance_v this_o practice_n but_o those_o great_a author_n have_v excellency_n enough_o for_o our_o imitation_n we_o need_v not_o imitate_v their_o fault_n our_o bless_a saviour_n indeed_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n do_v not_o always_o forbear_v severe_a language_n but_o then_o they_o speak_v with_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o know_v how_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o heart_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o man_n and_o full_o perceive_v when_o this_o be_v the_o last_o and_o only_a remedy_n to_o be_v use_v they_o can_v strike_v dead_a with_o their_o word_n and_o be_v infallible_a in_o the_o use_n of_o such_o expression_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o the_o present_a occasion_n either_o to_o comfort_n or_o to_o terrify_v sinner_n and_o awaken_v they_o to_o repentance_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o a_o seasonable_a reproof_n or_o rebuke_n though_o it_o be_v very_o severe_a may_v be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o charity_n but_o may_v also_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o if_o ever_o we_o may_v speak_v with_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o christ_n we_o must_v do_v it_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o that_o by_o christian_n we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n in_o which_o man_n think_v they_o have_v do_v a_o great_a thing_n and_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o value_v themselves_o upon_o if_o they_o can_v but_o start_v a_o bold_a objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o have_v never_o so_o little_a sense_n in_o it_o we_o have_v sufficient_a warrant_n to_o treat_v these_o man_n as_o they_o deserve_v for_o the_o apostle_n be_v command_v according_a to_o a_o custom_n in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o shake_v off_o the_o dust_n off_o their_o foot_n against_o such_o as_o reject_v their_o doctrine_n and_o the_o least_o we_o can_v say_v to_o they_o be_v to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v we_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o but_o can_v help_v it_o and_o that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o mr._n hobbs_n himself_o will_v allow_v that_o a_o atheist_n ought_v to_o be_v banish_v as_o a_o public_a mischief_n and_o scarce_o any_o term_n can_v be_v too_o severe_a for_o those_o who_o open_o apostatise_v from_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v baptize_v and_o blaspheme_v that_o holy_a name_n by_o which_o they_o be_v call_v we_o must_v not_o so_o debase_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o seem_v to_o beg_v their_o approbation_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v little_a need_n of_o in_o the_o present_a case_n i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v any_o thing_n small_a or_o inconsiderable_a in_o which_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v concern_v but_o certain_o a_o great_a distinction_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o from_o who_o we_o differ_v in_o particular_a point_n though_o of_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n and_o those_o who_o rejct_v the_o whole_a our_o chief_a zeal_n and_o strength_n shall_v be_v employ_v against_o the_o common_a enemy_n who_o delight_n in_o our_o quarrel_n and_o sport_n themselves_o with_o the_o mutual_a wound_n we_o so_o free_o give_v one_o another_o 9_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o from_o hence_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n both_o by_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n to_o laugh_v all_o religion_n and_o morality_n out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v make_v our_o very_a wit_n to_o degenerate_v though_o this_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o value_v themselves_o and_o our_o poem_n with_o all_o their_o soft_a number_n and_o flow_a style_n to_o be_v far_o from_o deserve_a commendation_n for_o this_o way_n of_o write_v be_v as_o much_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o poetry_n as_o against_o those_o of_o virtue_n and_o they_o can_v never_o answer_v it_o to_o their_o own_o art_n whatever_o they_o may_v do_v to_o their_o conscience_n but_o aught_o to_o be_v censure_v for_o be_v ill_a poet_n as_o well_o as_o ill_a men._n a_o fine_a say_v a_o soft_a or_o bold_a expression_n or_o a_o pretty_a character_n be_v this_o all_o we_o have_v in_o exchange_n for_o our_o reason_n and_o religion_n which_o these_o man_n have_v so_o laborious_o decry_v some_o of_o the_o best_a poet_n of_o our_o age_n have_v be_v so_o sensible_a of_o the_o dishonour_n hereby_o do_v to_o god_n the_o disservice_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o disgrace_n to_o so_o noble_a a_o art_n that_o they_o have_v employ_v their_o genius_n a_o better_a way_n but_o the_o extravagant_a raillery_n against_o religion_n have_v be_v the_o more_o licentious_a and_o the_o more_o frequent_a not_o only_o because_o it_o have_v meet_v with_o applause_n from_o so_o many_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n but_o
because_o it_o be_v the_o easy_a way_n of_o wit_n flow_v so_o natural_o from_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o any_o smart_a reflection_n may_v easy_o be_v take_v from_o another_o subject_n and_o apply_v here_o with_o advantage_n because_o it_o look_v more_o extravagant_a and_o dare_a and_o surprise_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o for_o the_o bold_a irreverent_a use_n of_o it_o what_o be_v there_o in_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v untrue_a that_o can_v seem_v ridiculous_a what_o in_o the_o awful_a majesty_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n that_o can_v provonke_v the_o laughter_n and_o mockery_n of_o any_o but_o fool_n and_o madman_n it_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o conceive_v why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o man_n part_n to_o revile_v his_o god_n than_o his_o prince_n to_o speak_v blasphemy_n than_o it_o be_v to_o speak_v treason_n or_o why_o the_o wit_n shall_v atone_v for_o the_o crime_n more_o in_o the_o one_o case_n than_o in_o the_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o very_a moderate_a share_n of_o that_o will_v serve_v the_o turn_n in_o both_o case_n produce_v your_o cause_n say_v the_o lord_n bring_v forth_o your_o strong_a reason_n say_v the_o god_n of_o jacob._n 7._o and_o indeed_o from_o the_o wit_n and_o drollery_n of_o some_o other_o have_v take_v the_o confidence_n to_o proceed_v to_o argument_n but_o they_o be_v very_o far_o from_o be_v either_o strong_a or_o plausible_a for_o i_o never_o in_o my_o life_n observe_v so_o much_o disingenuity_n so_o vain_a a_o affectation_n of_o learning_n and_o so_o groundless_a a_o pretence_n to_o reason_n as_o in_o these_o men._n the_o extravagancy_n of_o cardan_n be_v know_v to_o all_o that_o ever_o hear_v of_o he_o the_o lust_n and_o pride_n and_o base_a flattery_n of_o vaninus_n be_v every_o where_o visible_a aut_fw-la deus_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la vaninus_n be_v such_o a_o expression_n as_o no_o man_n beside_o ever_o use_v in_o a_o dialogue_n of_o himself_o and_o mr._n hobb_n love_n of_o singularity_n and_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o confession_n and_o my_o late_a lord_n clarendon_n who_o know_v he_o well_o have_v acquaint_v the_o world_n both_o with_o the_o temper_n and_o design_n of_o the_o man_n and_o with_o the_o error_n of_o his_o write_n but_o i_o shall_v come_v down_o low_o and_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o argument_n of_o late_a writer_n who_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v not_o retain_v and_o improve_v all_o the_o profound_a reason_n of_o their_o predecessor_n in_o irreligion_n which_o we_o may_v expect_v to_o find_v abridge_v in_o a_o book_n bear_v the_o title_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n a_o rhapsody_n of_o letter_n and_o some_o small_a tract_n of_o divers_a men._n but_o here_o i_o need_v not_o much_o concern_v myself_o with_o what_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o author_n of_o religio_fw-la medici_n and_o of_o the_o archaeologiae_fw-la philosophicae_fw-la because_o these_o author_n notwithstanding_o those_o objection_n profess_v a_o unfeinged_a belief_n of_o reveal_v religion_n in_o these_o very_a book_n though_o the_o transcriber_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o acquaint_v his_o reader_n with_o such_o profession_n for_o fear_v of_o bring_v a_o antidote_n with_o his_o poison_n but_o since_o those_o objection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o author_n themselves_o all_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v for_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o can_v make_v a_o deist_n of_o none_o but_o a_o weak_a or_o a_o ill_a man._n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o preface_n of_o religio_fw-la medici_n to_o see_v how_o disingenuous_a it_o be_v to_o quote_v any_o thing_n from_o that_o book_n as_o the_o fix_a and_o mature_a thought_n of_o sir_n thomas_n brown_n but_o as_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v disingenuity_n enough_o we_o have_v he_o bring_v in_o say_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o find_v in_o his_o book_n 22._o book_n relig._n med._n par_fw-fr 1._o §._o 22._o how_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o creature_n say_v sir_n thomas_n not_o only_o in_o their_o own_o bulk_n but_o with_o a_o competency_n of_o food_n and_o sustenance_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o one_o ark_n and_o within_o the_o extent_n of_o three_o hundred_o cubit_n to_o a_o reason_n that_o right_o examine_v it_o will_v appear_v very_o feasible_a thus_o it_o be_v both_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o annotation_n upon_o it_o but_o our_o 5._o our_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 5._o transcriber_n have_v make_v the_o author_n say_v quite_o contrary_a that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v very_o feasible_a what_o be_v transcribe_v likewise_o from_o the_o same_o author_n book_n 9_o book_n ibid._n p._n 9_o of_o vulgar_a error_n be_v not_o fair_o cite_v and_o no_o notice_n be_v take_v that_o this_o learned_a author_n have_v a_o whole_a chapter_n in_o that_o very_a work_n concern_v 4._o concern_v vulg._n error_n l._n 5._o c._n 4._o the_o temptation_n of_o eve_n by_o the_o serpent_n where_o that_o be_v clear_v which_o be_v 1._o be_v ibid._n l._n 1._o c._n 1._o before_o bring_v only_o as_o a_o objection_n and_o transcribe_v by_o mr._n blount_n how_o the_o translator_n have_v deal_v with_o the_o author_n of_o archaeologiae_fw-la philosophicae_fw-la i_o have_v not_o his_o book_n by_o i_o to_o examine_v he_o be_v live_v to_o vindicate_v himself_o one_o thing_n i_o have_v observe_v that_o mr._n blount_n assure_v we_o that_o 3._o that_o oracle_n of_o reason_n p._n 3._o this_o learned_a author_n do_v as_o strenuous_o affirm_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n about_o six_o thousand_o year_n since_o whereas_o the_o translation_n which_o this_o gentleman_n send_v mr._n gildon_n with_o his_o letter_n say_v 73._o say_v ibid._n p._n 73._o that_o to_o prescribe_v the_o divine_a creation_n so_o short_a a_o epocha_n as_o the_o limit_n of_o six_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi he_o never_o dare_v now_o either_o mr._n blount_n or_o the_o translator_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o author_n and_o i_o rather_o think_v the_o latter_a must_v mistake_v he_o for_o whenever_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o time_n when_o it_o have_v exi_v but_o six_o thousand_o year_n and_o then_o the_o shortness_n of_o the_o epocha_n may_v have_v be_v object_v as_o well_o as_o now_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o prevent_v this_o objection_n unless_o the_o world_n can_v have_v be_v eternal_a which_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o time_n which_o be_v successive_a necessary_o imply_v a_o beginning_n and_o as_o this_o author_n by_o his_o translator_n speak_v in_o that_o place_n we_o can_v form_v to_o ourselves_o any_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n create_v from_o eternity_n but_o what_o be_v cite_v out_o of_o either_o of_o these_o author_n will_v fall_v under_o some_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o another_o book_n which_o i_o design_v upon_o this_o subject_a i_o shall_v therefore_o here_o only_o single_a out_o such_o particular_n as_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o our_o deist_n and_o of_o which_o i_o have_v no_o thought_n or_o occasion_n to_o speak_v elsewhere_o mr._n blount_n 160._o blount_n ibid._n p._n 160._o will_v have_v the_o prophecy_n of_o jacob_n concern_v the_o sceptre_n be_v not_o be_v to_o depart_v from_o judah_n till_o the_o come_v of_o shiloh_n to_o have_v be_v first_o apply_v to_o the_o messiah_n by_o the_o cabalist_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o not_o to_o have_v be_v expound_v of_o david_n line_n till_o the_o reign_n of_o herod_n at_o least_o not_o general_o for_o here_o he_o be_v not_o so_o positive_a as_o a_o man_n may_v have_v be_v in_o a_o thing_n pure_o of_o his_o own_o invention_n but_o do_v he_o bring_v any_o proof_n or_o probability_n for_o what_o he_o say_v no_o it_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n contrary_a to_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a exposition_n of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n but_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o cabbala_n and_o the_o pharisee_n hate_v herod_n and_o the_o herodian_o flatter_v he_o and_o josephus_n flatter_v vespasian_n and_o therefore_o from_o some_o circumstance_n superficial_o frame_v and_o put_v together_o he_o will_v needs_o gather_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o prophecy_n and_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v contradict_v by_o other_o without_o any_o consideration_n have_v to_o what_o so_o many_o have_v say_v to_o reconcile_v they_o in_o the_o same_o place_n he_o say_v that_o the_o jew_n reckon_v the_o book_n of_o daniel_n among_o their_o hagiographa_n or_o sacred_a but_o not_o canonical_a book_n father_n simon_n to_o who_o write_n i_o suppose_v this_o gentleman_n be_v no_o stranger_n may_v
be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n will_v create_v man_n only_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o to_o live_v a_o while_n in_o sin_n and_o folly_n here_o and_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a and_o brutal_a wickedness_n and_o then_o go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v there_o worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o design_n as_o this_o do_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n that_o the_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o be_v subtle_a and_o powerful_a to_o do_v mischief_n must_v suffer_v in_o another_o world_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o here_o and_o that_o all_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v away_o with_o we_o in_o sport_n and_o extravagance_n in_o laughter_n and_o noise_n in_o riot_n or_o in_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o they_o to_o abuse_v it_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o common_a belief_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n so_o there_o be_v wicked_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n which_o be_v ever_o contrive_v the_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n of_o men._n for_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o from_o scripture_n which_o we_o must_v be_v allow_v here_o to_o allege_v in_o the_o nature_n at_o least_o of_o a_o history_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o oracle_n and_o prodigy_n of_o the_o heathen_n can_v be_v mere_a forgery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n nor_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n which_o follow_v upon_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v daemon_n or_o spirit_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o malicious_a disposition_n and_o power_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o unnatural_a cruelty_n which_o the_o heathen_a world_n even_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n themselves_o be_v continual_o put_v upon_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o these_o malicious_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n for_o the_o heathen_a nation_n offer_v up_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o even_o their_o own_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n which_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_v require_v these_o cruelty_n from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n when_o they_o cause_v innocent_a man_n to_o be_v murder_v and_o child_n to_o be_v tear_v from_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o slay_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o restrain_v by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n from_o all_o history_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o devil_n as_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o there_o have_v be_v indeed_o many_o false_a story_n concern_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o history_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o true_a or_o can_v the_o historian_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n be_v perpetual_o impose_v upon_o or_o conspire_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o there_o be_v no_o ancient_a history_n but_o give_v some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o modern_a history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v full_a of_o such_o relation_n as_o confirm_v this_o truth_n to_o we_o and_o even_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o have_v by_o unlawful_a art_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n have_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_o be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o witch_n in_o all_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o private_a 1._o private_a see_v mr._n boyle_n excellency_n of_o theology_n etc._n etc._n §_o 1._o acknowledgement_n of_o divers_a learned_a man_n both_o physician_n and_o other_o who_o have_v make_v attempt_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o different_a place_n and_o be_v person_n neither_o timorous_a nor_o superstitious_a but_o the_o apparition_n of_o spirit_n be_v preternatural_a and_o therefore_o that_o good_a spirit_n who_o live_v in_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v appear_v be_v now_o no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v than_o any_o other_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v frequent_a apparition_n of_o bad_a spirit_n in_o country_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v they_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o comâ—_n under_o their_o power_n but_o very_o rare_o to_o other_o and_o if_o the_o devil_n after_o so_o much_o humane_a blood_n as_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v spill_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o after_o so_o many_o oracle_n and_o imposture_n can_v yet_o persuade_v same_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o subtle_a stratagem_n of_o all_o and_o prove_v how_o great_a power_n though_o in_o a_o different_a kind_n and_o manner_n he_o still_o retain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v of_o insinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o malicious_a cruel_a spirit_n ever_o watchful_a and_o industrious_a to_o abuse_v and_o destroy_v mankind_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o be_v of_o such_o infinite_a perfection_n after_o he_o have_v create_v man_n will_v communicate_v himself_o to_o he_o will_v set_v he_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o prescribe_v he_o law_n whereby_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o end_v of_o his_o creation_n and_o attain_v to_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o and_o design_v for_o by_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n will_v create_v man_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o to_o follow_v his_o own_o invention_n and_o to_o live_v at_o random_n without_o any_o law_n or_o direction_n to_o frame_v his_o action_n by_o and_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o implacable_a subtle_a enemy_n without_o any_o caution_n and_o instruction_n give_v he_o or_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n afford_v for_o his_o defence_n man_n in_o his_o innocence_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n will_v not_o disregard_n this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o will_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o happiness_n how_o man_n become_v so_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a we_o can_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o reject_v all_o revelation_n must_v suppose_v that_o man_n be_v first_o create_v in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v a_o very_a heinous_a imputation_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o to_o suppose_v he_o place_v in_o this_o condition_n without_o all_o help_n or_o remedy_n be_v to_o charge_n god_n still_o more_o foolish_o but_o how_o man_n become_v so_o be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a condition_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n visible_a continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o still_o reign_v in_o it_o consider_v i_o say_v the_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o man_n which_o from_o the_o early_a record_n of_o antiquity_n have_v continue_v down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o think_v that_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n will_v take_v some_o care_n to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o men._n can_v we_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o infinite_a truth_n never_o to_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o design_n and_o delusion_n of_o impostor_n
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
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
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
the_o ammonite_n be_v descend_v from_o lot_n and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v through_o their_o great_a sin_n and_o negligence_n if_o they_o do_v not_o retain_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o have_v possession_n give_v they_o of_o the_o land_n they_o dwell_v in_o by_o god_n himself_o by_o who_o the_o former_a inhabitant_n a_o wicked_a and_o formidable_a race_n of_o giant_n be_v destroy_v before_o they_o as_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o be_v before_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n deut._n two_o 9_o 19_o our_o saviour_n be_v descend_v from_o ruth_n the_o moabitess_n and_o the_o ammonite_n be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o heathen_a ezek._n twenty-five_o 7._o but_o as_o abraham_n have_v the_o peculiar_a character_n give_v he_o of_o the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o faithful_a so_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n be_v very_o great_a he_o be_v say_v 8._o say_v justin_n l._n 36._o 〈◊〉_d 2._o nic._n damas_n apud_fw-la joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o both_o by_o justin_n and_o nicolaus_n damascenus_n to_o have_v be_v king_n of_o damascus_n and_o the_o latter_a further_o add_v that_o in_o his_o own_o time_n the_o name_n of_o abraham_n be_v famous_a in_o that_o city_n and_o that_o a_o village_n be_v nominate_v from_o he_o be_v call_v abraham_n house_n or_o palace_n he_o be_v a_o mighty_a prince_n among_o the_o child_n of_o heth_n and_o be_v respect_v as_o such_o by_o they_o gen._n xxiii_o 6_o 10._o the_o saracen_n and_o other_o arabian_n be_v descend_v from_o abraham_n and_o circumcision_n which_o be_v practise_v by_o so_o many_o nation_n be_v a_o seal_n of_o the_o covenant_n and_o a_o rite_n of_o initiation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o covenant_n itself_o communicate_v together_o with_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o probability_n that_o circumcision_n use_v as_o a_o religious_a and_o mysterious_a rite_n can_v have_v any_o other_o original_a among_o heathen_a nation_n than_o from_o abraham_n and_o the_o only_a reason_n bring_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o have_v another_o beginning_n among_o they_o be_v because_o it_o be_v use_v upon_o a_o natural_a cause_n and_o vary_v in_o the_o time_n of_o administration_n but_o the_o time_n may_v happen_v to_o be_v change_v by_o some_o unknown_a accident_n and_o it_o be_v always_o i_o think_v use_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n whatever_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v likewise_o assign_v and_o such_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v moimonid_v be_v philo_z moimonid_v wont_a to_o assign_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o in_o some_o place_n the_o religious_a cause_n of_o its_o observation_n may_v be_v forget_v and_o the_o natural_a only_o retain_v beside_o the_o other_o son_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v many_o isaac_n and_o ishmael_n must_v have_v be_v very_o instrumental_a in_o propagate_a the_o true_a religion_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v none_o educate_v under_o abraham_n or_o belong_v to_o he_o but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v well_o qualify_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o must_v more_o or_o less_o retain_v the_o impression_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o this_o be_v the_o character_n which_o god_n himself_o give_v of_o abraham_n i_o know_v he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o and_o they_o shall_v keep_v the_o way_n of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xviii_o 19_o the_o jew_n make_v particular_a mention_n of_o the_o care_n which_o both_o abraham_n and_o sarah_n take_v in_o instruct_v proselyte_n and_o maimonides_n the_o idololatr_n l._n 1._o write_v that_o abraham_n leave_v a_o book_n behind_o he_o upon_o that_o subject_a ishmael_n be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o egyptian_a mother_n gen._n xuj_o 1._o and_o his_o wife_n be_v a_o egyptian_a his_o son_n be_v twelve_o in_o number_n and_o of_o great_a power_n be_v style_v prince_n and_o their_o dominion_n be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n gen._n twenty-five_o 16_o 18._o isaac_n be_v to_o marry_v none_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o canaan_n but_o one_o of_o his_o own_o kindred_n and_o a_o messenger_n be_v send_v into_o mesopotamia_n to_o bring_v rebekah_n from_o thence_o god_n direct_v and_o prosper_v he_o in_o his_o jurney_n which_o alliance_n and_o affinity_n renew_v with_o the_o chaldoean_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o good_a effect_n for_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o religion_n in_o those_o country_n but_o a_o famine_n be_v again_o in_o the_o land_n isaac_n remove_v to_o abimelech_n king_n of_o the_o philistine_n unto_o gerar_n and_o by_o he_o the_o beauty_n of_o rebekah_n be_v admire_v as_o sarah_n have_v be_v by_o pharaoh_n in_o egypt_n and_o here_o by_o abimelech_n but_o though_o he_o have_v say_v she_o be_v his_o sister_n as_o abraham_n say_v likewise_o of_o sarah_n meaning_n in_o that_o latitude_n of_o the_o word_n usual_a in_o those_o country_n whereby_o woman_n be_v call_v the_o sister_n of_o all_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o relate_v yet_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v it_o that_o no_o attempt_n shall_v be_v make_v to_o her_o dishonour_n but_o the_o king_n of_o the_o philistine_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n and_o reverence_n for_o isaac_n and_o his_o wife_n the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v visible_a in_o all_o his_o undertake_n he_o become_v much_o mighty_a than_o the_o philistine_n and_o therefore_o they_o envy_v he_o which_o occasion_v his_o remove_n to_o beersheba_n whither_o abimelech_n with_o his_o friend_n and_o attendance_n come_v to_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a league_n and_o covenant_n with_o he_o profess_v that_o they_o see_v certain_o that_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v jehovah_n the_o true_a god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o bless_a of_o the_o lord_n gen._n xxvi_o 11_o 14_o 16_o 26._o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o philistine_n have_v former_o desire_v to_o make_v a_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n say_v god_n be_v in_o thou_o with_o all_o that_o thou_o do_v etc._n etc._n gen._n xxi_o 22._o esau_n at_o the_o age_n of_o forty_o year_n marry_v two_o wife_n of_o the_o daughter_n of_o the_o hittite_n gen._n xxvi_o 34._o which_o though_o it_o grieve_v isaac_n and_o rebekah_n who_o will_v have_v have_v he_o marry_v with_o their_o own_o kindred_n yet_o must_v give_v the_o hittite_n further_a opportunity_n of_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o hebrew_n but_o he_o marry_v beside_o a_o daughter_n of_o ishmael_n abraham_n son_n gen._n xxviii_o 9_o which_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v the_o alliance_n between_o true_a believer_n esau_n be_v the_o father_n of_o the_o edomite_n and_o of_o a_o numerous_a offspring_n of_o duke_n or_o prince_n gen._n xxxvi_o 9_o and_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n and_o design_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n the_o generation_n descend_v from_o esau_n have_v not_o be_v so_o particular_o set_v down_o unless_o they_o have_v retain_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o edomite_n as_o well_o as_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n be_v put_v into_o possession_n of_o their_o country_n by_o the_o same_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o the_o israelite_n become_v possess_v of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o deut._n two_o 5._o jacob_n be_v send_v to_o padan-aram_n to_o take_v to_o wife_n one_o of_o the_o daughter_n of_o laban_n and_o with_o he_o he_o abide_v twenty_o year_n gen._n xxxi_o 38._o and_o all_o which_o he_o take_v in_o hand_n prosper_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o visible_a power_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n in_o it_o as_o laban_n confess_v gen._n thirty_o 27._o isaac_n be_v not_o to_o leave_v the_o land_n of_o canaan_n but_o be_v forbid_v to_o remove_v into_o egypt_n when_o there_o be_v a_o famine_n in_o the_o land_n gen._n xxvi_o 2._o and_o he_o be_v not_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o return_v into_o chaldaea_n or_o to_o go_v out_o of_o canaan_n gen._n xxiv_o 6_o 8._o but_o jacob_n go_v out_o of_o it_o when_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o abraham_n house_n beside_o to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o canaanite_n afterward_o god_n manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o egyptian_n by_o a_o various_a and_o wonderful_a providence_n for_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n dwell_v in_o egypt_n four_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n till_o at_o last_o by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o dreadful_a judgement_n by_o judgement_n upon_o their_o first-born_a and_o upon_o their_o god_n num._n xxxiii_o 4._o they_o be_v bring_v out_o from_o thence_o and_o the_o nation_n hear_v the_o fame_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o earth_n be_v fill_v with_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o lord_n num._n fourteen_o 15_o 21._o thus_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n the_o most_o famous_a and_o flourish_a country_n in_o those_o age_n
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
signal_n judgement_n from_o heaven_n and_o moses_n advance_v neither_o of_o he_o and_o both_o moses_n and_o aaron_n die_v by_o the_o particular_a appointment_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o their_o offence_n against_o he_o never_o enjoy_v nor_o for_o a_o long_a time_n before_o expect_v to_o enjoy_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v perform_v what_o they_o do_v but_o by_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n so_o they_o can_v have_v no_o motive_n or_o inducement_n to_o attempt_v it_o but_o his_o command_n and_o promise_v of_o assistance_n reveal_v to_o they_o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o pentateuch_n as_o the_o book_n entitle_v to_o moses_n be_v confess_v by_o all_o to_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n so_o we_o have_v it_o confirm_v to_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o heathen_a writer_n themselves_o that_o the_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v indeed_o of_o his_o writing_n beside_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n ever_o since_o moses_n time_n from_o the_o first_o writing_n of_o they_o which_o be_v infinite_o better_a proof_n of_o their_o be_v authentic_a and_o entitle_v to_o the_o true_a author_n than_o can_v be_v pretend_v for_o any_o book_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n divers_a text_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n imply_v that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n as_o well_o as_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n import_v as_o much_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n have_v be_v think_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a yet_o this_o be_v but_o a_o late_a opinion_n and_o have_v be_v sufficient_o confute_v by_o learned_a men._n it_o be_v observable_a whoever_o write_v these_o five_o book_n that_o there_o be_v no_o partiality_n show_v to_o any_o one_o whosoever_o noah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v overcome_v with_o wine_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o mockery_n of_o one_o of_o his_o son_n lot_n be_v describe_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v drunken_a but_o to_o have_v lie_v with_o his_o own_o daughter_n abraham_n himself_o deny_v his_o wife_n twice_o and_o isaac_n imitate_v he_o in_o it_o jacob_n get_v the_o blessing_n by_o fraud_n and_o subtilty_n from_o his_o brother_n esau_n joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o into_o egypt_n and_o he_o when_o he_o be_v there_o learn_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o life_n of_o pharaoh_n the_o fault_n of_o aaron_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v be_v not_o conceal_v on_o the_o other_o side_n particular_a notice_n be_v take_v how_o melchizedeck_v bless_v abraham_n and_o receive_v tithe_n of_o he_o and_o without_o all_o contradiction_n the_o less_o be_v bless_v of_o the_o better_a heb._n seven_o 7._o the_o advice_n of_o jethro_n be_v record_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n himself_o be_v punctual_o set_v down_o it_o be_v no_o design_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n to_o write_v a_o panegyric_n upon_o any_o man_n but_o to_o represent_v the_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o excellency_n of_o each_o person_n and_o to_o show_v by_o what_o various_a method_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n bring_v to_o pass_v his_o gracious_a design_n how_o he_o turn_v evil_a into_o good_a and_o make_v use_v even_o of_o the_o infirmity_n and_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o accomplish_v his_o purpose_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n we_o have_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o most_o memorable_a and_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o have_v pass_v to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o institution_n of_o the_o sabbath_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o promise_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o offer_v sacrifice_n as_o type_n of_o his_o death_n who_o first_o commit_v murder_n and_o who_o first_o bring_v in_o polygamy_n the_o inventon_n of_o divers_a art_n the_o flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o original_a of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o whole_a all_o which_o be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o little_a compass_n but_o a_o large_a and_o more_o particular_a account_n be_v give_v of_o abraham_n and_o his_o family_n for_o here_o the_o scene_n begin_v to_o open_v to_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o work_n the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v as_o a_o introduction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v premise_v and_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o abraham_n it_o be_v note_v that_o the_o canaanite_n be_v then_o in_o the_o land_n gen._n twelve_o 6._o even_o at_o that_o very_a time_n when_o abraham_n erect_v a_o altar_n to_o the_o lord_n ver_fw-la 7._o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o israelite_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n who_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n in_o that_o land_n which_o they_o be_v now_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o among_o that_o people_n which_o they_o be_v now_o to_o drive_v out_o and_o which_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o land_n be_v promise_v they_o be_v the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o and_o god_n who_o have_v protect_v abraham_n in_o so_o signal_n a_o manner_n will_v no_o less_o assist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v those_o thing_n particular_o wherein_o moses_n himself_o be_v concen_v as_o a_o agent_n as_o well_o as_o a_o historian_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o at_o least_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v true_a that_o be_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o governor_n or_o general_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n who_o conduct_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n that_o they_o travel_v for_o many_o year_n in_o the_o wilderness_n that_o they_o fight_v divers_a battle_n with_o the_o several_a nation_n who_o oppose_v their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o moses_n give_v they_o the_o law_n which_o we_o find_v there_o record_v these_o be_v the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n the_o rest_n be_v but_o as_o circumstance_n to_o show_v the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o that_o these_o main_a point_n be_v true_a it_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o heathen_n themselves_o who_o most_o reproach_v and_o vilify_v the_o jewish_a nation_n they_o acknowledge_v that_o moses_n be_v the_o great_a general_n and_o lawgiver_n of_o the_o israelite_n they_o own_a that_o the_o israelite_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n they_o can_v deny_v nothing_o of_o the_o history_n itself_o but_o only_o give_v wrong_a account_n partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o design_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o this_o be_v effect_v and_o the_o reason_n and_o occasion_n upon_o which_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o book_n of_o josephus_n against_o apion_n in_o which_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o other_o nation_n have_v deliver_v concern_v the_o jew_n and_o from_o what_o the_o latter_a heathen_n strabo_n tacitus_n justin_n and_o other_o after_o the_o jew_n become_v so_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v write_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o great_a and_o fundamental_a point_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v confess_v and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v concern_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v about_o and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o all_o be_v effect_v now_o we_o take_v the_o history_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n rather_o from_o themselves_o than_o from_o foreigner_n and_o stranger_n to_o their_o affair_n or_o profess_a enemy_n and_o it_o be_v extreme_a partiality_n to_o admit_v the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o jewish_a affair_n from_o author_n who_o live_v so_o much_o too_o late_o to_o have_v any_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o write_v about_o and_o who_o upon_o every_o occasion_n show_v such_o disaffection_n to_o their_o name_n and_o nation_n and_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o themselves_o too_o as_o josephus_n show_v it_o will_v i_o say_v be_v notorious_a partiality_n to_o follow_v such_o author_n rather_o than_o credit_v the_o jewish_a record_n attest_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o unanimous_a approbation_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n and_o when_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o moses_n i_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o perform_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v feign_v or_o counterfeit_a at_o first_o nor_o the_o account_v give_v of_o they_o in_o the_o pentateuch_n falsify_v afterward_o and_o therefore_o
ceremony_n and_o which_o where_o purposely_o design_v in_o many_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o to_o the_o custom_n which_o they_o have_v be_v themselves_o acquaint_v with_o in_o egypt_n in_o so_o many_o instance_n can_v be_v at_o first_o introduce_v but_o by_o miracle_n but_o if_o they_o can_v have_v be_v once_o introduce_v without_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v but_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v use_v and_o accustom_a to_o they_o there_o will_v have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o they_o and_o as_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v be_v over_o awe_v by_o a_o report_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v never_o to_o have_v be_v hear_v of_o till_o the_o people_n give_v occasion_n for_o the_o invention_n of_o they_o by_o their_o disobedience_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v read_v as_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o synagogue_n or_o religious_a assembly_n in_o the_o several_a tribe_n at_o least_o every_o sabbath-day_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v solemn_o read_v in_o the_o audience_n of_o all_o the_o people_n at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n every_o seven_o year_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o from_o the_o rehearsal_n of_o it_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n yet_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n shall_v be_v so_o stupid_a and_o forgetful_a as_o not_o to_o remember_v when_o these_o miracle_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v first_o read_v to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v never_o hear_v they_o before_o but_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o book_n of_o moses_n read_v every_o week_n to_o they_o and_o have_v they_o beside_o in_o their_o own_o keep_n to_o read_v they_o at_o their_o leisure_n the_o miracle_n now_o make_v up_o great_a part_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v every_o where_o intersperse_v and_o intermix_v throughout_o the_o history_n and_o they_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o make_v impression_n upon_o the_o memory_n of_o man_n and_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o miracle_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o every_o be_v inculcate_v can_v be_v insert_v by_o any_o contrivance_n and_o impose_v upon_o a_o people_n who_o be_v all_o wont_a to_o hear_v the_o law_n public_o read_v in_o a_o solemn_a assembly_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n and_o hear_v it_o read_v in_o their_o synagogue_n beside_o every_o seven_o day_n will_v they_o not_o be_v infinite_o surprise_v the_o first_o time_n they_o hear_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o plague_n inflict_v on_o the_o egyptian_n of_o the_o judgement_n upon_o korah_n and_o his_o company_n and_o of_o the_o miraculous_a punishment_n which_o befall_v the_o idolatrous_a and_o disobedient_a in_o the_o wilderness_n will_v they_o not_o soon_o have_v find_v out_o so_o obvious_a a_o deceit_n as_o this_o must_v have_v be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o if_o we_o can_v think_v that_o such_o insertion_n can_v pass_v without_o discovery_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v too_o that_o as_o many_o more_o may_v be_v make_v now_o and_o not_o be_v discover_v will_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o people_n have_v be_v able_a to_o testify_v that_o all_o this_o be_v counterfeit_v and_o insert_v into_o the_o law_n for_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v read_v to_o they_o in_o their_o synagogue_n upon_o the_o sabbath_n nor_o have_v be_v read_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o last_o seven_o year_n but_o it_o be_v all_o now_o add_v to_o terrify_v they_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o follow_v the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n will_v not_o this_o have_v be_v the_o worst_a contrivance_n that_o can_v have_v be_v think_v of_o to_o keep_v a_o people_n in_o awe_n to_o tell_v they_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o every_o man_n of_o they_o can_v disprove_v that_o be_v of_o age_n and_o have_v but_o understanding_n and_o memory_n enough_o to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v hear_v so_o often_o read_v before_o and_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o escape_v any_o one_o memory_n who_o have_v ever_o hear_v of_o they_o they_o have_v book_n of_o the_o law_n for_o their_o private_a read_n and_o beside_o the_o read_n of_o it_o in_o their_o weekly_a assembly_n they_o have_v a_o solemn_a publication_n and_o proclamation_n of_o their_o law_n once_o every_o seven_o year_n as_o it_o be_v purposely_o to_o prevent_v any_o design_n of_o falsify_v it_o and_o to_o have_v read_v any_o thing_n so_o remarkable_a as_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o all_o their_o circumstance_n so_o often_o repeat_v and_o insist_v upon_o if_o the_o people_n have_v not_o find_v they_o in_o their_o own_o book_n and_o have_v not_o be_v use_v to_o hear_v they_o read_v to_o they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v the_o law_n by_o moses_n have_v be_v only_o for_o the_o projector_n to_o proclaim_v themselves_o impostor_n but_o can_v never_o have_v deceive_v any_o man._n and_o beside_o the_o care_n that_o be_v take_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v public_a memorial_n of_o the_o principal_a miracle_n enjoin_v such_o be_v the_o feast_n of_o the_o passover_n in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o angel_n pass_v over_o the_o israelite_n when_o he_o slay_v the_o first-born_a bear_v of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o tarbernacle_n in_o remembrance_n of_o their_o dwell_n in_o tent_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o such_o be_v the_o brazen_a serpent_n the_o ark_n and_o the_o tabernacle_n these_o be_v thing_n see_v and_o observe_v or_o know_v by_o all_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v introduce_v after_o moses_n time_n because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n for_o it_o since_o they_o who_o introduce_v they_o must_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v before_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o design_v first_o to_o introduce_v they_o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n be_v both_o a_o constant_a miracle_n and_o a_o constant_a attestation_n to_o the_o law_n by_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v and_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o priest_n who_o be_v to_o examine_v and_o judge_v of_o leprosy_n either_o in_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o infection_n of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v infectious_a to_o all_o other_o and_o their_o constant_a service_n can_v not_o be_v perform_v without_o a_o 2030._o a_o vid._n lightfoot'_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n c._n 34._o p._n 2030._o miraculous_a dispensation_n thus_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v in_o any_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n can_v not_o be_v falsify_v by_o any_o man_n or_o party_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o since_o the_o nature_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o do_v effectual_o provide_v against_o all_o imposture_n and_o the_o jew_n have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o people_n to_o have_v that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o same_o which_o he_o write_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_o and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o such_o a_o zeal_n for_o their_o law_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o vindication_n of_o it_o whereas_o there_o be_v no_o book_n whatsoever_o as_o josephus_n observe_v among_o the_o heathen_n which_o any_o man_n among_o they_o will_v not_o rather_o a_o thousand_o time_n see_v destroy_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o much_o esteem_v with_o they_o than_o he_o will_v suffer_v for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o their_o law_n from_o all_o the_o evidence_n abovementioned_a and_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o which_o moses_n deliver_v and_o leave_v behind_o he_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 moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n shall_v have_v be_v conceal_v from_o all_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o a_o whole_a nation_n shall_v know_v of_o the_o imposture_n and_o no_o man_n ever_o discover_v it_o nor_o no_o apostate_n ever_o divulge_v it_o but_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n shall_v always_o profess_v that_o they_o believe_v the_o law_n to_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n by_o god_n himself_o just_a as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o in_o the_o peutateuch_n that_o under_o all_o affliction_n and_o adversity_n they_o shall_v impute_v their_o suffering_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o
not_o distinguish_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o two_o book_n of_o king_n and_o of_o chronicle_n be_v and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o book_n begin_v by_o samuel_n and_o continue_v by_o other_o prophet_n shall_v bear_v the_o name_n only_o of_o samuel_n from_o 1_o chron._n xxix_o 29._o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n must_v be_v write_v by_o one_o of_o these_o prophet_n both_o the_o book_n of_o king_n as_o far_o as_o hezekiah_n reign_n be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n for_o 2_o kin._n 18.5_o it_o be_v say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o he_o trust_v in_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n so_o that_o after_o he_o be_v none_o like_o he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n nor_o any_o that_o be_v before_o he_o and_o of_o josiah_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o king_n xxiii_o 25._o that_o like_a unto_o he_o be_v there_o no_o king_n before_o he_o that_o turn_v to_o the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o josiah_n in_o his_o reformation_n exceed_v hezekiah_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o history_n of_o hezekiah_n must_v be_v write_v before_o josiah_n time_n or_o else_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v with_o truth_n say_v of_o hezekiah_n that_o there_o be_v no_o king_n after_o he_o who_o be_v like_o he_o or_o equal_v he_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n from_o 1_o chron._n four_o 43._o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n though_o the_o genealogy_n be_v transcribe_v afterward_o out_o of_o the_o record_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 1_o chron._n ix_o 1._o that_o the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o book_n of_o king_n be_v write_v before_o the_o captivity_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o 2_o chron._n v._n 9_o 1_o king_n viij_o 8._o for_o the_o ark_n be_v not_o remain_v after_o the_o captivity_n the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o book_n of_o king_n gives_z so_o particular_a a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a in_o every_o material_a circumstance_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v write_v at_o that_o very_a time_n and_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o memorir_n be_v constant_o take_v and_o preserve_v of_o all_o that_o happen_v the_o second_o book_n of_o chronicle_n conclude_v with_o the_o first_o year_n of_o cyrus_n in_o the_o same_o word_n with_o which_o the_o book_n of_o ezra_n begin_v be_v add_v by_o he_o at_o the_o time_n when_o cyrus_n give_v out_o his_o proclamation_n for_o the_o prophet_n from_o time_n to_o time_n make_v continuation_n to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o predecessor_n by_o insert_v what_o relate_v to_o their_o own_o time_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unusual_a thing_n among_o the_o ancient_n as_o grotius_n observe_v to_o begin_v one_o book_n with_o the_o conclusion_n of_o another_o the_o psalm_n be_v quote_v under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o prophet_n mat._n xiii_o 35_o &_o xxvii_o 35._o and_o from_o the_o first_o pen_n they_o be_v use_v in_o the_o public_a service_n of_o god_n 1_o chron._n xuj_o 7._o 2_o chron._n v._n 13._o &_o seven_o 6._o &_o xx_o 21._o jer._n xxxiii_o 11._o ezra_n iii._o 10_o 11._o this_o be_v know_v even_o to_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o captivity_n psal_n cxxxvii_o 3._o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v write_v by_o the_o prophet_n under_o it_o and_o lesson_n out_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n with_o hymn_n out_o of_o the_o psalm_n and_o prayer_n make_v up_o the_o jewish_a form_n of_o worship_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n luke_n xuj_o 29._o act_n xiii_o 15._o and_o if_o both_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n write_v before_o the_o captivity_n be_v still_o extant_a and_o well_o know_v and_o make_v use_v of_o by_o pious_a man_n during_o all_o that_o time_n and_o the_o people_n have_v copy_n of_o they_o or_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o as_o the_o prophet_n zechariah_n suppose_v zech._n seven_o 7._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o imagine_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n at_o their_o restoration_n many_o be_v still_o alive_a who_o be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n during_o the_o captivity_n show_v that_o the_o people_n do_v understand_v it_o for_o they_o all_o write_v in_o the_o hebrew_n language_n except_o upon_o some_o particular_a occasion_n where_o their_o prophecy_n more_o immediate_o concern_v the_o babylonian_a affair_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n can_v understand_v ezra_n when_o he_o read_v the_o law_n and_o the_o ear_n of_o all_o the_o people_n be_v attentive_a unto_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n neh._n viij_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o language_n unless_o in_o some_o particular_n which_o in_o all_o language_n will_v want_v explication_n to_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v native_n but_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v that_o be_v interpret_v ver_fw-la 7_o 8._o and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o letter_n of_o artaxerxes_n be_v both_o write_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n and_o interpret_v in_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n ezra_n four_o 7._o nehemiah_n particular_o complain_v that_o the_o child_n of_o those_o who_o have_v marry_v strange_a wife_n can_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o child_n of_o other_o parent_n as_o well_o as_o the_o parent_n themselves_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v the_o hebrew_n tongue_n neh._n xiii_o 24._o and_o the_o decree_n of_o ahasuerus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v write_v unto_o every_o province_n according_a unto_o the_o write_n thereof_o and_o unto_o every_o people_n after_o their_o language_n and_o unto_o the_o jew_n according_a to_o their_o writing_n and_o according_a to_o their_o language_n est_fw-la viij_o 9_o which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o the_o jew_n still_o retain_v not_o only_o their_o language_n but_o their_o manner_n of_o write_v it_o or_o the_o form_n and_o fashion_n of_o their_o letter_n under_o the_o captivity_n not_o long_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n and_o be_v disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o proselyte_n that_o the_o copy_n can_v not_o be_v destroy_v either_o in_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n or_o at_o any_o other_o time_n by_o the_o malice_n of_o perscutor_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o their_o tradition_n as_o to_o make_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_v by_o they_o yet_o they_o never_o add_v any_o book_n to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o tradition_n which_o they_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o but_o when_o they_o have_v no_o long_o any_o prophet_n among_o they_o they_o dare_v not_o place_v any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o same_o rank_a and_o authority_n with_o those_o which_o the_o prophet_n have_v leave_v behind_o they_o all_o the_o canonical_a book_n be_v write_v by_o inspire_a author_n and_o have_v be_v in_o constant_a use_n among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o private_a house_n and_o public_a assembly_n even_o from_o the_o first_o write_v they_o for_o they_o be_v preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n and_o both_o understand_v and_o use_v by_o the_o people_n but_o their_o other_o book_n write_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o never_o so_o useful_a and_o pious_a be_v never_o receive_v with_o the_o like_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n they_o pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o humane_a composition_n and_o be_v never_o rank_v with_o those_o of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o false_a prophet_n prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n 1_o king_n xxii_o which_o suppose_v that_o true_a prophecy_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o his_o name_n or_o else_o they_o can_v never_o have_v hope_v to_o deceive_v by_o it_o and_o in_o the_o historical_a book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o which_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v relate_v reference_n be_v frequent_o make_v to_o the_o record_n then_o extant_a in_o the_o chronicle_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n and_o israel_n most_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v of_o that_o public_a nature_n and_o so_o intermix_v with_o the_o affair_n of_o state_n that_o they_o must_v be_v record_v together_o with_o they_o josiah_n 5._o josiah_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 10._o c._n 5._o be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n three_o hundred_o sixty_o one_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v behold_v a_o child_n shall_v be_v bear_v unto_o the_o house_n of_o david_n josiah_n by_o name_n
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o free_a agent_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o if_o all_o that_o infinite_a love_n can_v do_v to_o excite_v our_o love_n if_o all_o the_o reward_v that_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n can_v propose_v and_o the_o severe_a punishment_n that_o almighty_a vengeance_n can_v inflict_v will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n to_o follow_v virtue_n and_o refrain_v from_o vice_n nothing_o can_v possible_o prevail_v with_o they_o love_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o produce_v love_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n have_v a_o mighty_a effect_n upon_o man_n of_o any_o good_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n be_v wont_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o very_o worst_a man_n and_o where_o infinite_a love_a kindness_n eternal_a reward_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n do_v all_o concur_v to_o bring_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n no_o motive_n can_v be_v want_v by_o which_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v wrought_v upon_o iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o be_v and_o of_o the_o life_n and_o motion_n of_o all_o thing_n do_v more_o especial_o act_v upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n by_o put_v into_o they_o good_a desire_n and_o by_o incline_v their_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o perform_v his_o will_n and_o this_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o this_o spiritual_a aid_n and_o strength_n be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v sin_n and_o over_o come_v temptation_n and_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o come_v bold_o to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v mercy_n and_o find_v grace_n to_o help_v in_o time_n of_o need_n heb._n four_o 16._o which_o we_o be_v assure_v shall_v be_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o christ_n sake_n through_o his_o merit_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o mediation_n and_o intercession_n all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v sensible_a of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâ—ore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_o
or_o other_o preserve_v than_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o omit_v the_o mâ—ntion_n of_o these_o person_n of_o who_o they_o haâ—_n any_o â—islike_n or_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o oâ—ioâ—s_o to_o they_o thus_o in_o the_o xxth_o dynasty_n of_o their_o king_n there_o be_v a_o total_a vacancy_n for_o the_o spacâ—_n of_o clxxviii_o year_n which_o the_o learned_a mr._n greaves_n with_o great_a probability_n supply_v with_o the_o name_n of_o those_o king_n who_o build_v the_o pyramid_n two_o whereof_o cheops_n and_o chephren_n as_o 128._o as_o herod_n lib._n 2._o c._n 128._o herodotus_n say_v the_o egyptian_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_n but_o call_v the_o pyramid_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v the_o pyramid_n of_o philition_n a_o shepherd_n who_o in_o those_o day_n feed_v his_o cattle_n there_o the_o which_o hatred_n say_v â—â—idoâ—raph_v say_v 〈…〉_o â—â—idoâ—raph_v mr._n greaves_n occasion_v by_o their_o oppressious_a as_o diodorus_n also_o mention_n may_v cause_n manethos_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n especiaâ—â—_n sabachus_n a_o aethiopian_a and_o a_o usurper_n but_o whatever_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n in_o that_o particular_a this_o make_v the_o history_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o general_a very_o uncertain_a and_o may_v afford_v a_o sufâ—â—erent_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o omit_v or_o 〈◊〉_d by_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v what_o they_o relate_v of_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n neither_o live_v with_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o leave_v they_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o to_o have_v their_o story_n faithful_o tell_v by_o a_o nation_n who_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o pass_v down_o to_o posterity_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o when_o it_o happen_v but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v whole_o stifle_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o vary_v and_o deface_v it_o with_o false_a circumstance_n in_o the_o report_n which_o they_o give_v out_o concern_v it_o and_o here_o i_o must_v once_o more_o complain_v of_o mr._n blount_n who_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o egyptian_a historian_n that_o have_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o our_o religion_n profess_v to_o translate_v that_o place_n of_o tacitus_n which_o concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o jew_n cut_v his_o translation_n short_a and_o go_v no_o fâ—rther_a than_o the_o vilify_n and_o false_a part_n of_o the_o account_n which_o tacitus_n give_v for_o his_o character_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o what_o pompey_n discover_v upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o temple_n be_v omit_v and_o beside_o that_o which_o he_o have_v translate_v be_v far_o from_o be_v exact_a but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o ark_n he_o have_v make_v sir_n thomas_n brown_n say_v that_o will_v not_o appear_v feasible_a which_o the_o learned_a knight_n have_v say_v will_v appear_v feasible_a so_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o better_a with_o tacitus_n make_v he_o likewise_o deny_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v tacitus_n v._n tacitus_n tâ—â—â—_n hist_o lib._n v._n say_v he_o ritus_fw-la quoquo_fw-la modo_fw-la inducti_fw-la antiquitate_fw-la defenduntur_fw-la these_o rite_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o introduce_v be_v defend_v by_o their_o antiquity_n which_o 13â—_n which_o oâ—â—â—_n of_o reason_n p._n 13â—_n mr._n blount_n translate_v thus_o but_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v they_o have_v no_o antiquity_n for_o their_o patronization_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o history_n of_o tacitus_n as_o ill_o as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o much_o worse_a than_o tacitus_n himself_o have_v do_v the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v what_o tacitus_n have_v write_v of_o the_o jew_n prove_v a_o very_a remarkable_a vindication_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o consecrate_v the_o image_n of_o a_o ass_n but_o he_o say_v it_o only_o as_o a_o report_n which_o he_o confute_v afterward_o himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o pompey_n when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n find_v no_o image_n in_o it_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v aegyptij_fw-la pelraque_fw-la animalia_fw-la effigiesque_fw-la compositas_fw-la venerantur_fw-la judaei_n ment_fw-la sell_v unumque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d intelligunt_fw-la profanos_fw-la qui_fw-la deum_fw-la imagine_v mortalibus_fw-la materiis_fw-la in_o species_n hominum_fw-la effingunt_fw-la summum_fw-la illud_fw-la aeternum_fw-la neque_fw-la mutabile_fw-la neque_fw-la interiturum_fw-la igitur_fw-la nulla_fw-la simulachra_fw-la vrbibâ—s_fw-la suis_fw-la nedum_fw-la templis_fw-la sunt_fw-la which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o this_o historian_n write_v before_o in_o these_o word_n effigiem_fw-la animalis_fw-la quo_fw-la monstrante_fw-la errorem_fw-la sitimque_fw-la depâ—lerunt_fw-la penetâ—ali_fw-la sacravere_fw-la that_o some_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o contradict_v himself_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o story_n of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n be_v relate_v as_o a_o tradition_n which_o be_v afterward_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o what_o pompey_n find_v nullà _fw-fr nitus_fw-la deum_fw-la effigy_n vacuam_fw-la sedem_fw-la &_o inania_fw-la arcana_fw-la whatever_o his_o design_n be_v and_o however_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o writing_n have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v more_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n than_o what_o tacitus_n have_v deliver_v of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v compare_v that_o which_o tully_n have_v say_v in_o the_o same_o flacco_fw-la same_o pro_fw-la flacco_fw-la oration_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o jew_n be_v rather_o to_o their_o commendation_n than_o to_o their_o disgrace_n tully_n there_o declare_v the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o no_o credit_n nor_o esteem_n but_o unfaithful_a and_o of_o the_o worst_a reputation_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n in_o their_o testimony_n and_o oath_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o involve_v the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n in_o the_o common_a scandal_n who_o appear_v for_o his_o client_n and_o give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o the_o massilian_n and_o will_v seem_v to_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o asiatic_a greek_n by_o who_o own_o confession_n he_o say_v the_o people_n of_o phrygia_n mysia_n caria_n and_o lydia_n be_v proverbial_o infamous_a when_o he_o have_v express_v this_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n he_o fall_v next_o upon_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o have_v he_o to_o say_v of_o they_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n a_o barbarous_a superstition_n and_o jerusalem_n a_o suspicious_a and_o rail_a city_n and_o he_o pronounce_v the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o gravity_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n he_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o roman_a state_n and_o urge_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o by_o pompey_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o so_o very_o learned_a a_o orator_n have_v nothing_o but_o these_o common_a topic_n of_o slander_n to_o charge_v they_o withal_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o câ—use_n to_o speak_v the_o worst_a he_o know_v of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a justification_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n one_o of_o the_o accusation_n lay_v against_o flaccus_n who_o defence_n tully_n have_v undertake_v be_v that_o sum_v of_o gold_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a province_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n flaccus_n have_v forbid_v any_o to_o be_v export_v from_o asia_n here_o it_o concern_v tully_n to_o expose_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o prohibition_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o he_o who_o never_o speak_v little_a upon_o any_o subject_a that_o can_v afford_v a_o scope_n for_o his_o eloquence_n say_v so_o little_a here_o to_o the_o dispraise_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n that_o the_o commendation_n of_o another_o have_v be_v less_o to_o their_o honour_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o tully_n mention_n nothing_o of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n which_o be_v so_o groundless_a and_o foolish_a a_o slander_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v what_o can_v give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o no_o better_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v assign_v than_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o fasten_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o ridiculous_a falsehood_n they_o can_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v a_o conjecture_n to_o those_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o
vites_fw-la sitire_fw-la agros_fw-la laetus_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la luxuriosa_fw-la frumenta_fw-la nihil_fw-la horum_fw-la earum_fw-la audacter_fw-la etc._n etc._n cic._n orator_n form_n of_o speech_n even_o among_o the_o roman_a country_n man_n be_v so_o metaphorical_a that_o they_o will_v scarce_o bear_v a_o literal_a version_n into_o our_o language_n and_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o have_v custom_n which_o may_v seem_v very_o odd_a to_o we_o it_o laert._n it_o joac_n kuhnii_fw-la observat_fw-la ad_fw-la diog._n laert._n be_v a_o custom_n among_o they_o when_o they_o propound_v a_o question_n to_o offer_v with_o it_o a_o dry_a fig_n and_o he_o that_o accept_v of_o the_o fig_n thereby_o undertake_v to_o answer_v the_o question_n the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v and_o very_o fit_a to_o give_v a_o lively_a and_o affect_a representation_n of_o the_o message_n they_o have_v to_o deliver_v thus_o for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o customary_a thing_n in_o those_o country_n to_o rend_v their_o carment_n to_o pluck_v off_o their_o hair_n to_o go_v barefoot_a and_o cover_v their_o face_n in_o time_n of_o grief_n and_o trouble_n which_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o certain_a sign_n of_o distraction_n among_o we_o but_o be_v common_o do_v by_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a man_n in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o other_o passion_n be_v proportionble_a to_o those_o of_o their_o sorrow_n now_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o the_o prophet_n in_o deliver_v their_o prophecy_n shall_v accommodate_v themselves_o both_o in_o their_o word_n and_o action_n to_o the_o people_n to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v for_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v regard_v or_o will_v have_v make_v little_a or_o no_o impression_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o cause_v the_o false_a prophet_n to_o take_v the_o same_o method_n 1_o king_n 22.2_o it_o be_v 1._o be_v origen_n contr_n celf._n lib._n 1._o origen_n observation_n that_o the_o prophet_n sometime_o have_v matter_n of_o small_a importance_n reveal_v to_o they_o as_o when_o samuel_n acquaint_v saul_n that_o the_o ass_n be_v find_v 1_o sam._n 9.20_o that_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o people_n from_o go_v to_o false_a prophet_n to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o such_o thing_n beside_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o gain_v authority_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o they_o have_v affair_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o foretell_v and_o there_o be_v reason_n that_o in_o every_o case_n they_o shall_v make_v all_o necessary_a allowance_n for_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o people_n with_o who_o they_o have_v to_o do_v and_o shall_v use_v all_o fit_a compliance_n with_o they_o that_o they_o may_v the_o more_o prevail_v with_o they_o for_o their_o good_a it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o prophet_n as_o abdiam_n as_o hier._n in_o abdiam_n st_n jerom_n observe_v when_o they_o speak_v against_o babylon_n the_o ammonite_n the_o moabite_n the_o philistine_n and_o other_o nation_n to_o use_v many_o expression_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o language_n of_o the_o people_n concern_v who_o they_o speak_v 18.23_o speak_v lightf_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit_fw-la on_o matt._n 13.3_o familiar_a est_fw-la syris_fw-la &_o maxim_n palaestinis_fw-la ad_fw-la omnem_fw-la sermonem_fw-la suum_fw-la parabolas_fw-la jungere_fw-la etc._n etc._n hier._n in_o matt._n 18.23_o one_o who_o be_v as_o conversant_a in_o the_o jewish_a learning_n as_o most_o man_n have_v be_v tell_v we_o that_o their_o book_n abound_v every_o where_n with_o parable_n that_o nation_n incline_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a genius_n to_o this_o sort_n of_o rhetoric_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v set_v down_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n may_v not_o be_v actual_o do_v but_o only_o represent_v as_o do_v to_o make_v the_o more_o lively_a impression_n upon_o the_o hearer_n and_o reader_n who_o well_o enough_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v actual_o perform_v but_o they_o may_v be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o better_a to_o illustrate_v and_o convey_v those_o command_n and_o instruction_n to_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v to_o be_v deliver_v thus_o 46._o thus_o hier._n in_o hose_n proaem_n &_o comment_n in_o c._n 1._o maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part._n 2._o c._n 46._o st_n jerom_n and_o maimonides_n understand_v ezekiel_n lie_v on_o his_o side_n for_o three_o hundred_o and_o ninety_o day_n and_o hosea_n marry_v a_o adulteress_n only_o as_o similitude_n or_o parable_n and_o figure_n of_o speech_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o ancient_a rabbin_n they_o interpret_v both_o what_o be_v relate_v of_o these_o two_o prophet_n and_o that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o jeremiah_n hide_v his_o girdle_n in_o euphrates_n this_o be_v the_o most_o intelligible_a and_o effectual_a way_n that_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o a_o people_n among_o who_o such_o figurative_a expression_n be_v usual_a and_o know_v to_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o be_v intend_v for_o so_o jeremiah_n be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d be_v sic_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la historici_fw-la eos_fw-la occidere_fw-la quorum_fw-la caedém_fw-la narrant_fw-la calaub_n comment_n ad_fw-la theophra_v carat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d set_v over_o the_o nation_n and_o over_o the_o kingdom_n to_o root_v out_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o to_o destroy_v and_o to_o throw_v down_o to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v jer._n 1.10_o because_o he_o be_v appoint_v to_o prophesy_v of_o all_o these_o thing_n ezekiel_n speak_v of_o himself_o as_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o city_n because_o he_o prophesy_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v destroy_v ezek._n 40.3_o and_o the_o same_o prophet_n in_o his_o description_n of_o the_o city_n and_o the_o temple_n have_v delineate_v the_o temple_n large_a than_o all_o the_o earthly_a jerusalem_n and_o jerusalem_n large_a than_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o canaan_n to_o show_v the_o jew_n the_o necessity_n of_o understand_v he_o in_o a_o mystical_a and_o spiritual_a sense_n 11._o sense_n lightf_n prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n ch_n 11._o as_o one_o have_v observe_v who_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o dimension_n of_o both_o and_o thus_o ezekiel_n be_v also_o carry_v from_o place_n to_o place_n in_o vision_n only_o as_o the_o text_n seem_v to_o express_v ezek._n 11.1.40.1_o 2._o as_o the_o jew_n dan._n jew_n hier._n praef._n in_o dan._n in_o st._n jerom_n time_n understand_v it_o and_o as_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n interpret_v it_o but_o hosea_n may_v be_v command_v either_o in_o vision_n or_o in_o reality_n to_o marry_v a_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o adultress_n but_o 1._o but_o nec_fw-la culpanâ—â—_n prophâ—â—_n interim_n ut_fw-la sequamur_fw-la historiam_fw-la si_fw-la meretricem_fw-la converterit_fw-la ad_fw-la pâ—â—_n citiam_fw-la sed_fw-la potius_fw-la laudandus_fw-la quod_fw-la ex_fw-la mala_fw-la bonam_fw-la fecerit_fw-la id_fw-la câ—â—â—ment_n in_o hos_n c._n 1._o afterward_o become_v chaste_a and_o virtuous_a thereby_o to_o set_v a_o example_n to_o the_o israelite_n who_o have_v go_v a_o whore_v after_o other_o god_n that_o if_o they_o will_v forsake_v their_o false_a god_n and_o return_v to_o the_o true_a god_n the_o god_n of_o their_o father_n he_o will_v still_o accept_v and_o receive_v they_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v take_v a_o adultress_n to_o wife_n upon_o assurance_n that_o she_o will_v prove_v faithful_a to_o he_o however_o this_o be_v understand_v these_o action_n and_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o no_o otherwise_o than_o as_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n or_o as_o certain_a way_n of_o express_v the_o divine_a will_n to_o man_n for_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v express_v by_o orator_n by_o estenim_fw-la actio_fw-la quasi_fw-la corporis_fw-la quaedam_fw-la eloquentia_fw-la cic._n orator_n action_n as_o well_o as_o by_o word_n and_o whatever_o action_n be_v perform_v with_o this_o intention_n proper_o come_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o style_n or_o different_a way_n and_o mode_n of_o expression_n and_o all_o objection_n make_v against_o they_o under_o any_o other_o notion_n proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n which_o seem_v most_o strange_a to_o we_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n 1._o nation_n comment_fw-fr in_o apocal._n part._n 1._o as_o mr_n mede_n show_v of_o the_o indian_n persian_n and_o egyptian_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n chief_o consist_v of_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n and_o history_n and_o notion_n and_o language_n of_o the_o jew_n as_o he_o and_o dr_n lightfoot_n have_v show_v in_o many_o place_n which_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o our_o manner_n of_o speak_v and_o some_o passage_n allude_v
to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n well_o know_v and_o practise_v at_o that_o time_n thus_o the_o slave_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o master_n name_n or_o mark_v upon_o their_o forehead_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o their_o general_n upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o like_a mark_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o token_n that_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n receive_v by_o his_o worshipper_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n loc_fw-la forehead_n vid._n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la rev._n 13.16_o and_o of_o his_o father_n name_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o mount_n zion_n with_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 14.1_o st_o paul_n allude_v to_o the_o grecian_a game_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o be_v much_o addict_v to_o those_o sport_n and_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o isthmian_a perform_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 25._o and_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o distinction_n among_o the_o roman_n between_o freeman_n and_o slave_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v in_o condescension_n to_o they_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o melchisedec_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n heb._n 7.3_o because_o his_o pedigree_n be_v unknown_a which_o be_v a_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o expression_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o genealogy_n but_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v also_o use_v 8._o use_v patre_fw-la nullo_n matre_fw-la serva_fw-la liv._o lib._n 4._o c._n 3._o â—ullis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la ortos_fw-la horac_n serm._n lib._n 1._o sit_v 6._o dvos_fw-la romanos_fw-la reges_fw-la â—sse_fw-la quorum_fw-la alter_fw-la patrem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la alter_fw-la matrem_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la servij_fw-la matre_fw-la dubitatur_fw-la anci_fw-la pater_fw-la nullus_fw-la numae_fw-la nepos_fw-la dicitur_fw-la senec._n epist_n c._n 8._o by_o livy_n horace_n and_o seneca_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o be_v much_o of_o nature_n but_o very_o much_o likewise_o of_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o several_a scheme_n and_o form_n of_o rhetoric_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v jer._n 16.19_o 20_o 21.17.13_o and_o with_o interlocatory_a discourse_n isa_n 63._o and_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v thus_o for_o instance_n jer._n 20.14_o the_o prophet_n seem_v transport_v abrupt_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a mention_v for_o 13._o under_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n from_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a this_o abrupt_a change_n of_o the_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o longinus_n as_o a_o excellency_n in_o homer_n hecataeus_n and_o demosthenes_n and_o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n 7._o scripture_n justin_n apol._n 2._o origen_n philocal_a c._n 7._o as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n observe_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o best_a heathen_a poet_n and_o the_o read_v the_o ancient_a poet_n be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n all_o other_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o the_o ancient_a any_o author_n be_v the_o near_a his_o stile_n come_v to_o poetry_n the_o first_o design_n of_o write_v be_v to_o delight_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o instruct_v which_o make_v verse_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o prose_n and_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o prose_n and_o not_o in_o verse_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o humour_n oâ—_n greek_n will_v not_o bear_v though_o write_a philosophy_n in_o prose_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n for_o then_o loc_fw-la then_o plin._n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 29.7_o c._n 56._o vid._n harduin_n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la pliny_n tell_v we_o pherecydes_n first_o write_v in_o prose_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o philosophy_n for_o he_o ascribe_v the_o first_o writing_n of_o prose_n in_o history_n to_o cadmus_n milesius_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n now_o extant_a in_o prose_n herodotus_n thucydides_n and_o xenophon_n have_v many_o expression_n which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o meet_v withal_o beside_o but_o in_o the_o poet_n h._n stephens_n make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o poetical_a word_n use_v by_o xenophon_n which_o be_v prefix_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o orator_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o curious_a in_o the_o foot_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o prose_n as_o the_o poet_n can_v be_v in_o verse_n great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o write_v in_o different_a age_n and_o nation_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o poetry_n that_o way_n of_o write_v all_o verse_n in_o rhyme_n which_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o esteem_v will_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n though_o the_o use_n of_o rhyme_n in_o verse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v example_n in_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o way_n of_o write_a verse_n acrostic_n though_o of_o no_o esteem_n and_o little_o use_v in_o many_o age_n and_o country_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n verse_n compose_v in_o the_o acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a way_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n and_o this_o benefit_n and_o the_o ornament_n which_o it_o be_v then_o suppose_v to_o give_v to_o poem_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o sometime_o the_o inspiration_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o writer_n mind_n as_o to_o interrupt_v the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o as_o ps_n 25._o and_o 145._o or_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v customary_a upon_o certain_a occasion_n to_o omit_v some_o letter_n in_o the_o alphabet_n in_o such_o composition_n for_o reason_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o which_o may_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n 21._o country_n athenae_n lib._n 10._o c._n 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o example_n of_o this_o among_o the_o greek_n use_v by_o pindar_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n the_o old_a 11._o old_a casanb_n in_o athen._n lib._n 8._o c._n 11._o spartan_a doric_a and_o aeolic_a dialect_n change_v σ_n into_o p_o the_o rough_a sound_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a it_o seem_v to_o those_o people_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v write_v acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a poem_n σ_n will_v have_v be_v omit_v rhophalick_a verse_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o monosyllable_n every_o word_n increase_a by_o one_o syllable_n more_o than_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n and_o the_o leonine_n or_o monkish_a verse_n with_o a_o double_a rhyme_n one_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n be_v not_o without_o precedent_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o poem_n compose_v of_o divers_a sort_n of_o verse_n and_o frame_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o several_a thing_n by_o simmias_n rhodius_n some_o of_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o theocritus_n the_o repetition_n so_o frequent_a in_o homer_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o word_n for_o no_o author_n ever_o want_v they_o less_o than_o he_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n though_o latter_a poet_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o martial_n turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o various_a than_o the_o wit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o whoever_o will_v write_v to_o any_o purpose_n must_v write_v in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v will_v bear_v and_o as_o their_o custom_n require_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v any_o book_n write_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a propriety_n of_o word_n because_o all_o language_n abound_v in_o metaphor_n which_o by_o constant_a use_n become_v perhaps_o better_o know_v to_o the_o native_n of_o a_o country_n than_o the_o original_a word_n themselves_o and_o in_o process_n
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_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
sign_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o be_v humour_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o can_v expect_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n or_o how_o well_o we_o have_v deserve_v it_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n twenty-five_o 14._o for_o the_o froward_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o the_o righteous_a prov._n iii._o 32._o there_o be_v secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thro'_o acquaint_v with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n both_o in_o the_o study_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v now_o offer_v can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a however_o for_o such_o man_n as_o make_v this_o a_o objection_n to_o urge_v it_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o object_v whatever_o other_o may_v have_v because_o they_o have_v never_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o they_o pretend_v or_o or_o not_o but_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o thing_n necessary_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o there_o may_v not_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o those_o may_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o be_v who_o have_v neither_o learning_n and_o skill_n enough_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n nor_o yet_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n enough_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v pervert_v by_o judge_v rash_o of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a only_o be_v say_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o every_o one_o power_n not_o to_o be_v unstable_a but_o constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o what_o he_o understand_v and_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o any_o by-end_n or_o respect_n let_v we_o learn_v what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v before_o we_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a let_v we_o study_v and_o practice_v the_o scripture_n more_o and_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o formidable_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o that_o most_o use_v it_o neither_o study_n nor_o practice_v they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n they_o have_v a_o great_a quarrel_n against_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o scripture_n than_o against_o the_o obscure_a one_o they_o know_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o against_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v in_o general_a i_o hope_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o particular_a difficulty_n book_n must_v be_v consult_v or_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o as_o for_o all_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o objection_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o in_o search_n of_o thâ—m_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v much_o with_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v we_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o love_n thy_o law_n and_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o it_o psal_n cxix_o 33_o 34_o 165._o chap._n viii_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o i._o though_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o where_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v the_o be_v suspect_v to_o do_v so_o by_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n if_o they_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o when_o he_o have_v by_o a_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n prevent_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a because_o it_o be_v more_o 51._o more_o multum_fw-la enim_fw-la refert_fw-la ut_fw-la est_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la adriani_n quam_fw-la recitatcallistratus_fw-la l._n testâ—uâ—_n d._n de_n teâ—tibus_fw-la qui._n simpliciter_fw-la visi_fw-la sunt_fw-la dicere_fw-la utrâ—m_fw-la unum_fw-la eundâ—â—â—qâ—â—_n meâ—tiatum_fw-la sermo_fw-la they_o attulerint_fw-la a_o ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la interrogati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la veriâ—milia_fw-la respoâ—deriâ—t_fw-la grot._n in_o adject_n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n xiii_o 51._o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v overnice_a and_o solicitous_a about_o every_o punctilio_n and_o small_a circumstance_n but_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o intelligible_o and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o not_o especial_o in_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n the_o relator_n have_v no_o end_n or_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a good_a they_o can_v and_o bring_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n that_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n can_v afford_v which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o then_o suffer_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v thus_o our_o saviour_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n many_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o question_v his_o authority_n and_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o concern_v to_o work_v more_o miracle_n mere_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o captious_a demand_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o require_v he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n he_o have_v give_v it_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n he_o be_v not_o solicitous_a what_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v give_v man_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n will_v disâ—_n believe_v his_o providence_n and_o deny_v his_o be_v he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v by_o any_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d particular_a act_n of_o his_o power_n to_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d pretence_n and_o if_o because_o of_o some_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a in_o the_o scripture_n man_n will_v reject_v the_o whole_a rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o these_o place_n or_o than_o be_v so_o modest_a and_o humble_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o reconcile_a those_o which_o appear_v to_o they_o contradiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v they_o out_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o those_o who_o will_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o how_o he_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o with_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v none_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n unless_o he_o will_v work_v they_o when_o and_o where_o and_o just_a in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n and_o that_o they_o only_o tempt_v god_n and_o design_v no_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o new_a model_n the_o world_n and_o alter_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o sake_n since_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n ii_o the_o only_a way_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o any_o book_n be_v to_o consider_v
and_o contrivance_n in_o his_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n that_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v with_o that_o wisdom_n set_v to_o work_v that_o they_o can_v perform_v all_o without_o any_o more_o than_o preserve_v and_o sustain_v they_o in_o their_o be_v and_o operation_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o best_a artist_n who_o can_v contrive_v a_o engine_n that_o shall_v need_v the_o least_o meddle_v with_o after_o it_o be_v make_v but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o engine_n be_v and_o what_o the_o end_n and_o use_n of_o it_o be_v and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v answer_v the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v frame_v without_o sometime_o a_o assist_a hand_n it_o will_v be_v no_o point_n of_o wisdom_n in_o the_o artificer_n for_o the_o credit_n of_o his_o contrivance_n to_o lose_v the_o most_o useful_a end_n design_v by_o it_o as_o if_o among_o other_o use_n this_o curious_a engine_n be_v design_v to_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v bad_a man_n to_o remove_v the_o punishment_n upon_o amendment_n and_o to_o renew_v it_o upon_o a_o relapse_n since_o brute_n matter_n be_v uncapable_a of_o vary_v its_o motion_n and_o suit_v itself_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o change_n of_o free_a agent_n he_o must_v assist_v it_o unless_o he_o will_v lose_v the_o chief_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v to_o serve_v it_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o the_o skill_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o almighty_a that_o matter_n and_o motion_n have_v not_o free_a will_n as_o man_n have_v but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a defect_n in_o his_o wisdom_n not_o to_o make_v they_o the_o instrument_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o of_o themselves_o to_o apply_v and_o suit_v themselves_o to_o the_o several_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o free_a agent_n the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o can_v serve_v all_o the_o design_n of_o their_o creator_n without_o his_o interposition_n and_o therefore_o he_o constant_o do_v interpose_v according_a to_o a_o certain_a tenor_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o but_o this_o tenor_n and_o course_n be_v alter_v upon_o some_o important_a occasion_n in_o a_o natural_a and_o ordinary_a way_n he_o cure_v disease_n send_v rain_n or_o dry_a wether_n or_o else_o our_o prayer_n to_o he_o will_v be_v insignificant_a upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o his_o inflict_v these_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n he_o feed_v the_o hungry_a that_o cry_n to_o he_o and_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v by_o famine_n or_o drought_n or_o pestilence_n in_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n but_o sometime_o he_o alter_v these_o ordinary_a method_n and_o act_n above_o they_o or_o contrary_n to_o they_o to_o signalise_v his_o mercy_n or_o his_o judgement_n and_o thus_o christ_n feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o god_n rain_v down_o fire_n from_o heaven_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n by_o a_o particular_a and_o miraculous_a dispensation_n miracle_n be_v the_o particular_a appointment_n of_o god_n in_o peculiar_a case_n and_o occasion_n and_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n be_v his_o general_n and_o perpetual_a appointment_n at_o all_o other_o time_n god_n at_o no_o time_n leave_v nature_n to_o itself_o but_o ever_o concur_v with_o it_o by_o assist_v its_o power_n and_o direct_v its_o course_n he_o ordinary_o interpose_v in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o establish_a law_n but_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n when_o he_o interpose_v in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o alter_v that_o method_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o himself_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o nature_n god_n do_v not_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n interpose_v to_o prevent_v the_o irregular_a or_o unusual_a production_n of_o nature_n as_o in_o mostrous_a birth_n etc._n etc._n for_o how_o irregular_a soever_o these_o may_v seem_v yet_o they_o be_v according_a to_o this_o stand_a rule_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o happen_v in_o certain_a case_n and_o they_o rare_o happen_v serve_v to_o illustrate_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o contrive_v nature_n so_o that_o in_o its_o general_a course_n all_o its_o operation_n shall_v be_v regular_a and_o uniform_a and_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o god_n do_v not_o extraordinary_o interpose_v to_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o for_o great_a end_n superior_a to_o those_o which_o concern_v only_o the_o material_a world_n we_o may_v well_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v at_o much_o regard_n to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o his_o government_n of_o the_o moral_a as_o of_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o yet_o he_o have_v add_v supplemental_a law_n to_o enforce_v the_o moral_a law_n and_o these_o additional_a law_n have_v be_v change_v as_o the_o circumstance_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n require_v why_o then_o shall_v the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a world_n be_v so_o much_o more_o sacred_a as_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o intermeddle_v with_o they_o he_o assist_v moral_a agent_n with_o the_o continual_a supply_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o natural_a agent_n with_o that_o help_n which_o be_v needful_a for_o they_o to_o perform_v his_o will_n god_n may_v hasten_v and_o assist_v natural_a cause_n upon_o our_o prayer_n he_o may_v quicken_v the_o motion_n and_o enforce_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o remove_v secret_a impediment_n to_o help_v and_o make_v way_n for_o natural_a operation_n or_o he_o may_v slacken_v or_o retard_v natural_a cause_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v so_o order_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o foresight_n of_o man_n prayer_n to_o he_o to_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o pray_v for_o and_o upon_o the_o foresight_n that_o they_o will_v not_o pray_v to_o withhold_v from_o they_o what_o they_o want_v by_o mechanical_a law_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n satisfactory_a for_o there_o be_v neither_o proof_n nor_o possibility_n of_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o supposition_n without_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o mechanical_a notion_n can_v otherwise_o be_v maintain_v but_o i_o will_v suppose_v with_o much_o more_o reason_n that_o two_o man_n be_v sick_a of_o the_o same_o disease_n that_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o disease_n be_v all_o the_o same_o and_z all_o outward_a accident_n likewise_o the_o same_o till_o the_o prayer_n of_o one_o of_o they_o make_v a_o difference_n for_o one_o of_o these_o man_n upon_o his_o prayer_n recover_v the_o other_o neglect_v to_o pray_v die_n the_o natural_a cause_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o same_o except_v only_o so_o far_o as_o prayer_n move_v god_n in_o his_o mercy_n to_o make_v a_o difference_n in_o their_o case_n to_o say_v that_o this_o never_o happen_v be_v whole_o precarious_a and_o hard_o to_o believe_v since_o it_o probable_o may_v often_o happen_v in_o epidemical_a distemper_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o believe_v that_o it_o can_v never_o happen_v and_o if_o this_o either_o have_v or_o can_v happen_v it_o be_v not_o upon_o foresight_n of_o their_o prayer_n by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o mechanical_a law_n in_o their_o first_o establishment_n but_o by_o a_o immediate_a act_n that_o god_n assist_v man_n upon_o their_o prayer_n to_o he_o the_o strange_a providential_a deliverance_n of_o some_o certain_a person_n be_v observable_a in_o every_o age_n and_o all_o history_n mention_v they_o but_o how_o shall_v particular_a man_n amid_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o famine_n and_o pestilence_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a interpose_v providence_n be_v these_o man_n who_o have_v be_v so_o remarkable_o preserve_v all_o of_o one_o constitution_n or_o do_v soldier_n slay_v mechanical_o though_o the_o plague_n and_o famine_n shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o do_v so_o i_o wonder_v it_o shall_v be_v think_v less_o agreeable_a to_o philosophy_n for_o god_n to_o interpose_v in_o direct_v natural_a cause_n than_o in_o overrule_a moral_a agent_n where_o the_o design_n of_o the_o providence_n equal_o require_v it_o the_o same_o providence_n deliver_v both_o from_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o hunter_n and_o from_o the_o noisome_a pestilence_n a_o thousand_o shall_v fall_v beside_o thou_o and_o ten_o thousand_o at_o thy_o right_a hand_n but_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v nigh_o thou_o psal_n xci_o 3.7_o 4._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o be_v concern_v immediate_o in_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v we_o may_v as_o well_o imagine_v it_o below_o he_o to_o know_v every_o thing_n as_o to_o suppose_v it_o unworthy_a of_o he_o
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
the_o perform_v any_o good_a action_n every_o good_a gift_n and_o every_o perfect_a gift_n be_v from_o above_o jam._n i._n 17._o 3._o we_o learn_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n can_v bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o do_v often_o over-rule_v even_o the_o worst_a action_n to_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o best_a end_n and_o put_v no_o trust_n in_o his_o saint_n job_n xv_o 15._o there_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o case_n of_o jacob_n and_o esau_n when_o jacob_n come_v by_o fraud_n and_o subtlety_n and_o deprive_v his_o brother_n of_o the_o blessing_n 11._o blessing_n casaub_n in_o athenae_n lib._n 1._o c._n 11._o it_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n customary_a to_o offer_v that_o of_o which_o they_o be_v to_o eat_v in_o sacrifice_n especial_o on_o so_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n as_o a_o father_n give_v his_o final_a blessing_n and_o as_o in_o this_o case_n foretell_v the_o fate_n of_o his_o posterity_n and_o therefore_o when_o jacob_n have_v by_o subtlety_n get_v the_o blessing_n of_o his_o father_n isaac_n can_v not_o recall_v it_o to_o confer_v it_o upon_o esau_n because_o what_o be_v do_v in_o so_o solemn_a a_o manner_n have_v a_o religious_a obligation_n amount_v to_o that_o of_o a_o oath_n and_o oath_n though_o obtain_v by_o fraud_n be_v obligatory_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o case_n of_o the_o gibeonite_n he_o have_v bless_v jacob_n before_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o prediction_n that_o the_o elder_a shall_v serve_v the_o young_a gen._n twenty-five_o 23._o with_o esau_n despise_v and_o sell_v his_o birthright_n may_v now_o probable_o come_v into_o isaac_n mind_n whereupon_o though_o he_o do_v not_o approve_v of_o the_o fraud_n by_o which_o the_o blessing_n be_v obtain_v yet_o he_o know_v it_o to_o be_v irrevocable_a and_o that_o the_o divine_a purpose_n and_o prediction_n will_v be_v accomplish_v thereby_o and_o what_o he_o have_v by_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n confer_v it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o power_n to_o recall_v the_o relation_n therefore_o of_o this_o matter_n do_v not_o justify_v jacob_n behaviour_n in_o it_o but_o manifest_v the_o overrule_a providence_n of_o god_n to_o make_v any_o mean_n whatsoever_o instrumental_a to_o his_o gracious_a end_n which_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v by_o any_o action_n of_o man_n for_o if_o they_o depend_v upon_o humane_a action_n these_o will_v often_o fail_v they_o the_o best_a man_n be_v subject_a to_o so_o much_o frailty_n and_o sin_n 4._o though_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n do_v accept_v of_o the_o imperfect_a service_n of_o the_o righteous_a forgive_a upon_o their_o habitual_a repentance_n the_o sin_n and_o frailty_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o the_o best_a action_n and_o pardon_v the_o worst_a action_n likewise_o after_o a_o particular_a repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n yet_o these_o stand_n upon_o record_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o repentance_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o for_o a_o memorial_n and_o warning_n to_o future_a age_n that_o man_n may_v neither_o presume_v upon_o their_o own_o righteousness_n nor_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n but_o because_o they_o be_v pardon_v they_o be_v not_o always_o censure_v and_o i_o think_v the_o ill_a action_n of_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o mention_v with_o a_o mark_n of_o god_n displeasure_n unless_o the_o series_n of_o the_o history_n require_v it_o and_o then_o the_o reproof_n be_v mention_v which_o pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o david_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o st._n peter_n but_o where_o no_o such_o censure_n be_v pass_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o action_n the_o action_n itself_o be_v bare_o relate_v and_o nothing_o further_o say_v of_o it_o because_o the_o crime_n be_v forgive_v god_n forbear_v to_o show_v any_o further_a displeasure_n against_o it_o such_o be_v his_o mercy_n to_o repent_v sinner_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n as_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o any_o censure_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o other_o who_o may_v know_v by_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o god_n word_n what_o action_n be_v sinful_a though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o style_v so_o in_o relate_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o imprecation_n in_o the_o psalm_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n one_o of_o the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o universal_a charity_n which_o it_o enjoin_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o charity_n be_v likewise_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o book_n of_o psalm_n or_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n contrary_a to_o this_o doctrine_n which_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a reason_n for_o those_o expression_n which_o may_v seem_v to_o imply_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o it_o i._o many_o of_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o nation_n upon_o who_o after_o signal_n act_v of_o mercy_n and_o forbearance_n on_o his_o part_n and_o repeat_v provocation_n on_o they_o god_n have_v command_v the_o israelite_n to_o execute_v his_o judgement_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v the_o cause_n that_o this_o be_v not_o accomplish_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v have_v grace_n to_o repent_v and_o that_o their_o sin_n may_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o they_o in_o the_o fulfil_n his_o will_n but_o that_o god_n will_v enable_v they_o to_o execute_v vengeance_n upon_o the_o heathen_a ps_n cxlix_o 7._o and_o it_o be_v lawful_a likewise_o to_o pray_v against_o all_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o god_n that_o he_o will_v abase_v their_o pride_n and_o make_v they_o to_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v but_o man_n ps_n ix_o 20._o lxxiu_o 22_o 23._o cxxxix_o 21_o 22._o ii_o david_n be_v king_n have_v the_o sword_n of_o justice_n commit_v to_o he_o he_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n a_o revenger_n to_o execute_v wrath_n upon_o he_o that_o do_v evil_a and_o therefore_o when_o his_o rebellious_a subject_n be_v too_o strong_a for_o he_o as_o in_o the_o rebellion_n of_o absalon_n he_o may_v make_v his_o appeal_n to_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n if_o he_o may_v punish_v his_o subject_n he_o may_v pray_v to_o god_n that_o he_o will_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v it_o and_o in_o foreign_a war_n if_o he_o may_v kill_v his_o enemy_n he_o may_v pray_v for_o victory_n and_o success_n over_o they_o iii_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o public_a and_o notorious_a malefactor_n may_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o discover_v they_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o punishment_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o that_o may_v be_v do_v which_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o be_v lawful_a to_o seek_v redress_n of_o private_a injury_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v redress_v for_o we_o may_v pray_v for_o success_n upon_o any_o honest_a undertake_n if_o this_o be_v do_v out_o of_o a_o love_n to_o justice_n and_o a_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n not_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o a_o thirst_n after_o revenge_n but_o with_o the_o most_o favourable_a construction_n that_o the_o worst_a action_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o with_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n upon_o the_o offender_n in_o give_v he_o the_o grace_n of_o repentance_n and_o grant_v he_o whatsoever_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n iv_o god_n be_v the_o peculiar_a lawgiver_n and_o political_a governor_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o sanction_n of_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v call_v the_o ministration_n of_o death_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o condemnation_n 2_o cor._n three_o 7_o 9_o because_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o law_n as_o such_o belong_v only_o to_o this_o life_n and_o a_o curse_n be_v denounce_v against_o every_o one_o that_o continue_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n to_o do_v they_o gal._n iii._o 10_o 11._o god_n have_v express_o threaten_v to_o inflict_v punishment_n in_o this_o life_n for_o the_o transgression_n of_o those_o law_n and_o therefore_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o his_o judgement_n may_v overtake_v evil_a doer_n be_v no_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o government_n to_o prosecute_v offender_n before_o the_o magistrate_n they_o appeal_v to_o god_n to_o put_v his_o law_n in_o force_n against_o they_o and_o not_o to_o
unwilling_a to_o find_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a which_o put_v such_o a_o check_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o their_o belove_a and_o long_o accustom_a vice_n vice_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v a_o strong_a defence_n and_o a_o eager_a plea_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a for_o it_o to_o discover_v when_o it_o have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o such_o subtle_a and_o devote_a advocate_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v and_o he_o appear_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n despise_v by_o his_o own_o people_n who_o soon_o become_v as_o much_o despise_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o time_n of_o settle_a and_o universal_a peace_n when_o man_n have_v most_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o when_o by_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o augustus_n in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o extent_n there_o be_v a_o open_a and_o free_a correspondence_n between_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v find_v a_o like_a admittance_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o country_n but_o to_o be_v alike_o hate_v and_o persecute_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o any_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o empire_n as_o that_o of_o mahomet_n afterward_o do_v but_o to_o recommend_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n it_o soon_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o emperor_n court_n where_o craft_n and_o luxury_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n reign_v st._n paul_n have_v his_o proselyte_n in_o caesar_n household_n and_o his_o bond_n in_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o palace_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n at_o rome_n phil._n i._n 13._o four_o 22._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n approve_v itself_o to_o the_o most_o prejudice_v judgement_n it_o stand_v all_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n that_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o vice_n itself_o can_v make_v for_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n of_o our_o own_o age_n the_o christian_a religion_n find_v the_o subtle_a and_o most_o dangerous_a adversary_n at_o its_o first_o propagation_n the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n encounter_v st._n paul_n at_o athens_n and_o these_o last_o especial_o be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n either_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o for_o their_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o disputation_n and_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o several_a apology_n make_v afterward_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o all_o be_v at_o the_o very_a first_o allege_v against_o it_o which_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n or_o colour_n be_v object_v thus_o be_v christ_n bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o come_n be_v fulfil_v and_o when_o the_o world_n be_v in_o expectation_n of_o he_o and_o have_v such_o general_a notice_n of_o his_o come_n in_o a_o time_n the_o most_o unlikely_a for_o a_o imposture_n to_o pass_v undiscovered_a and_o therefore_o the_o most_o seasonable_a for_o truth_n to_o manifest_v itself_o since_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o neither_o learning_n nor_o prejudice_n nor_o vice_n nor_o interest_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o conversion_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o such_o number_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o age_n recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o any_o juncture_n of_o time_n can_v give_v chap._n xxii_o of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o government_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n i._o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n be_v seldom_o mention_v direct_o and_o in_o express_a term_n but_o under_o such_o resemblance_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o description_n of_o other_o event_n for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o whole_a dispensation_n be_v typical_a whatever_o happen_v to_o they_o under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n must_v afterward_o be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o day_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v typical_a of_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v only_o a_o type_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 24._o for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n matt._n xxiv_o as_o be_v applicable_a to_o both_o of_o these_o event_n and_o oftentimes_o more_o fit_o to_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o rest_n remain_v still_o to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o such_o expression_n use_v as_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o design_v in_o the_o prophecy_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v several_a verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a haste_n for_o let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_v not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n v._o 17._o neither_o let_v he_o which_o be_v in_o the_o field_n return_v back_o to_o take_v his_o clothes_n v._o 18._o but_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o will_v be_v very_o miserable_a who_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o flight_n and_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n v._o 19_o but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n neither_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n v._o 20._o there_o will_v be_v no_o fly_v from_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v here_o warn_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o escape_v into_o the_o mountain_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o their_o flight_n may_v be_v hinder_v neither_o by_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n nor_o by_o the_o sabbath_n on_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o travel_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n be_v to_o last_o after_o the_o tribulation_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o this_o material_a world_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n there_o immediate_o mean_v and_o except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v v._o 22._o if_o this_o destruction_n shall_v have_v rage_v long_o in_o that_o manner_n no_o man_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v survive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o abate_v and_o so_o soon_o over_o that_o the_o convert_v jew_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o it_o which_o promise_n be_v very_o remarkable_o and_o wonderful_o fullfil_v to_o the_o christian_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o make_v their_o escape_n into_o the_o mountain_n and_o retire_v to_o pella_n for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a eagle_n or_o the_o standard_n of_o their_o army_n immediate_o after_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n shall_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n and_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shake_v ver_fw-la 29._o this_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n literal_o fulfil_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n by_o these_o figure_n to_o describe_v the_o destruction_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v style_v by_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 13._o wander_a
doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n will_v be_v very_o credible_a and_o certain_a too_o whatever_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v urge_v against_o it_o which_o yet_o be_v not_o in_o themselves_o so_o formidable_a as_o they_o may_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a be_v either_o against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o dissolution_n or_o against_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n of_o man_n which_o they_o have_v before_o their_o death_n because_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a change_n and_o flux_n here_o and_o after_o death_n by_o several_a accident_n as_o by_o the_o devour_a of_o humane_a body_n by_o man_n or_o by_o fish_n or_o other_o creature_n which_o be_v afterward_o eat_v by_o man_n it_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o same_o part_n which_o compound_v one_o man_n body_n shall_v afterward_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o resurrection_n they_o can_v belong_v but_o to_o one_o of_o these_o body_n but_o 1._o body_n after_o their_o corruption_n and_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o part_n which_o compose_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v to_o life_n by_o the_o reunion_n of_o these_o part_n again_o we_o have_v several_a instance_n of_o this_o in_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o body_n divide_v into_o never_o so_o minute_n part_n though_o these_o part_n be_v mix_v and_o confound_v with_o the_o part_n of_o other_o body_n may_v by_o chemical_a operation_n be_v reduce_v to_o their_o former_a state_n and_o condition_n and_o which_o be_v of_o near_a affinity_n to_o the_o subject_a in_o hand_n after_o the_o ash_n of_o a_o plant_n have_v be_v sow_o in_o a_o garden_n fair_a and_o large_a plant_n have_v spring_v up_o than_o have_v be_v know_v of_o that_o kind_n in_o the_o place_n where_o the_o experiment_n be_v make_v and_o resurrection_n and_o mr._n boyle_n be_v consideration_n about_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o resurrection_n mr._n boyle_n think_v it_o scarce_o to_o be_v imagine_v what_o expedient_n to_o reproduce_v body_n a_o further_a discovery_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o art_n and_o nature_n may_v lead_v we_o mortal_n to_o and_o much_o less_o say_v he_o can_v our_o dim_a and_o narrow_a knowledge_n determine_v what_o mean_n even_o physical_a one_o the_o most_o wise_a author_n of_o nature_n and_o absolute_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n be_v able_a to_o employ_v to_o bring_v the_o resurrection_n to_o pass_v and_o where_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n fail_v we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o can_v want_v no_o mean_n to_o effect_v whatever_o he_o please_v 2._o we_o may_v rise_v with_o the_o same_o body_n which_o we_o have_v here_o notwithstanding_o any_o change_n or_o flux_n of_o the_o part_n of_o our_o body_n while_o we_o live_v or_o any_o accident_n after_o death_n it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o philosopher_n and_o physician_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o bone_n and_o muscle_n and_o nerve_n and_o all_o the_o essential_a constituent_a part_n of_o humane_a body_n be_v of_o so_o firm_a and_o solid_a a_o substance_n as_o to_o suffer_v little_a alteration_n during_o our_o life_n when_o once_o they_o be_v come_v to_o their_o full_a growth_n and_o proportion_n but_o to_o continue_v the_o same_o till_o we_o die_v and_o the_o alteration_n which_o they_o undergo_v before_o man_n come_v to_o their_o full_a stature_n be_v by_o addition_n of_o part_n not_o by_o the_o diminution_n of_o those_o wherewith_o we_o be_v bear_v it_o appear_v from_o a_o late_a discourse_n of_o a_o nutrition_n a_o dr._n haver_n osteolog_n 2d_o discourse_n of_o accretion_n and_o nutrition_n learned_a physician_n that_o nutrition_n be_v a_o supply_n of_o the_o fluid_a part_n and_o that_o the_o proper_a substance_n of_o the_o solid_a part_n suffer_v no_o diminution_n but_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o therefore_o can_v stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o reparation_n but_o in_o such_o a_o case_n for_o the_o whole_a body_n be_v vascular_a or_o make_v up_o of_o vessel_n and_o pipe_n replenish_v with_o their_o several_a substance_n so_o that_o in_o a_o atrophy_n the_o fibre_n become_v dry_a and_o the_o nerve_n and_o vessel_n be_v contract_v and_o shrink_v for_o want_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o juice_n and_o liquor_n which_o before_o fill_v and_o distend_v they_o but_o the_o solid_a part_n be_v of_o so_o durable_a a_o substance_n that_o they_o can_v suffer_v no_o diminution_n but_o by_o such_o corrosive_n to_o dissolve_v they_o as_o must_v produce_v ulcer_n and_o such_o as_o will_v affect_v the_o fibre_n with_o so_o intolerable_a pain_n that_o the_o torment_n of_o the_o stone_n and_o gout_n will_v be_v moderate_a and_o easy_a to_o they_o which_o in_o a_o consumption_n will_v be_v universal_a in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o body_n whereas_o there_o be_v no_o such_o symptom_n in_o any_o part_n and_o in_o the_o great_a consumption_n the_o bone_n be_v find_v to_o retain_v their_o entire_a bigness_n though_o a_o piece_n of_o bone_n be_v soon_o dissolve_v by_o a_o corrosive_a liquor_n such_o as_o aquafortis_n than_o muscular_a fibre_n of_o equal_a quantity_n or_o weight_n it_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v observe_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o when_o the_o change_n of_o part_n be_v gradual_a and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o some_o year_n the_o body_n may_v still_o be_v the_o same_o as_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o the_o change_n be_v make_v all_o at_o once_o a_o ship_n or_o house_n remain_v the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o repair_v and_o though_o the_o material_n in_o succession_n of_o time_n be_v all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o renew_v whereas_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v to_o piece_n all_o at_o once_o and_o all_o the_o material_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o new_a material_n of_o the_o same_o figure_n and_o dimension_n shall_v be_v exact_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n frame_v and_o build_v up_o together_o in_o their_o stead_n these_o will_v make_v another_o house_n or_o ship_n and_o not_o the_o same_o that_o be_v before_o but_o when_o the_o part_n which_o constitute_v the_o humane_a body_n and_o give_v it_o the_o denomination_n of_o the_o body_n of_o this_o or_o that_o individual_a man_n continue_v the_o same_o the_o same_o person_n have_v the_o same_o body_n in_o his_o old_a age_n that_o he_o have_v in_o his_o youth_n as_o true_o as_o he_o have_v the_o same_o body_n in_o sickness_n which_o he_o have_v in_o health_n and_o the_o same_o under_o the_o languish_n of_o a_o consumption_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o great_a vigour_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o change_n be_v only_o in_o the_o variable_a and_o accidental_a part_n which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o constitute_v the_o body_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o the_o necessary_a constituent_a part_n though_o they_o be_v change_v or_o alter_v as_o in_o some_o very_a rare_a case_n they_o may_v be_v be_v so_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o make_v up_o the_o bulk_n of_o a_o man_n body_n can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v by_o the_o devour_a of_o cannibal_n or_o by_o any_o other_o accident_n to_o become_v the_o constituent_a part_n of_o any_o other_o man_n body_n x._o body_n sanctor_n de_fw-fr staticâ_fw-la medicinà _fw-fr sect._n 1_o aph._n vi_fw-la lix_o lx_o sect._n iii._o aph._n x._o sanctorius_n from_o his_o statick_a experiment_n have_v observe_v that_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o what_o we_o eat_v be_v turn_v to_o nourishment_n and_o from_o the_o small_a proportion_n which_o the_o necessary_a constituent_a part_n bear_v to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o unfitness_n of_o they_o as_o of_o bones_o etc._n etc._n to_o nourish_v it_o may_v be_v conclude_v that_o little_a or_o nothing_o of_o that_o which_o turn_v to_o nourishment_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v of_o those_o constituent_a part_n and_o consider_v further_o the_o great_a change_n which_o happen_v in_o our_o body_n in_o the_o continual_a flux_n of_o part_n and_o the_o small_a proportion_n again_o which_o the_o constituent_a or_o necessary_a essential_a part_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n we_o may_v conclude_v suppose_v those_o part_n as_o well_o as_o other_o to_o suffer_v alteration_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a odds_o that_o the_o constituent_a part_n which_o turn_v to_o nourishment_n do_v not_o by_o that_o nourishment_n happen_v to_o belong_v to_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o the_o man_n body_n who_o be_v nourish_v by_o they_o when_o he_o come_v to_o die_v so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v live_v whole_o upon_o humane_a flesh_n which_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o ever_o any_o man_n do_v yet_o it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o to_o one_o whether_o any_o constituent_a part_n of_o his_o body_n be_v make_v up_o when_o he_o die_v of_o the_o constituent_a part_n of_o any_o
persuasion_n do_v not_o determine_v right_o and_o wrong_n true_a and_o false_a the_o remain_a difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o the_o proper_a evidence_n and_o the_o intrinsic_a goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o our_o evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o our_o religion_n have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o that_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o lay_v claim_v this_o must_v determine_v the_o point_n though_o a_o mahometan_a or_o pagan_n shall_v be_v as_o zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n as_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v it_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o suffer_a but_o the_o cause_n which_o make_v the_o martyr_n and_o if_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n have_v never_o so_o much_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o ground_n and_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v other_o religion_n may_v have_v their_o zealot_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o die_v for_o they_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n proper_o have_v the_o only_a martyr_n for_o martyr_n be_v witness_n and_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o propagate_v by_o witness_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o be_v every_o way_n conversant_a in_o what_o they_o witness_v concern_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n no_o religion_n beside_o be_v ever_o preach_v by_o man_n who_o after_o a_o unalterable_a constancy_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n at_o last_o die_v for_o assert_v it_o when_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o that_o manner_n for_o it_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o atto_v from_o its_o first_o propagation_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n together_o by_o man_n who_o have_v either_o see_v the_o first_o preacher_n themselves_o or_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o other_o who_o have_v see_v they_o or_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o see_v other_o work_v they_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o book_n which_o be_v write_v at_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o disperse_v into_o all_o country_n in_o all_o language_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o able_a and_o desirous_a to_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a no_o religion_n beside_o have_v by_o so_o weak_a and_o unlikely_a mean_n prevail_v over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o world_n none_o be_v in_o its_o doctrine_n so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o none_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o with_o so_o clear_a a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a testimony_n through_o all_o age_n and_o convey_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o testimony_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v have_v martyr_n who_o can_v die_v in_o confirmation_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o or_o who_o can_v be_v martyr_n and_o witness_n to_o it_o by_o assure_v the_o world_n at_o their_o death_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o religion_n thus_o testify_v and_o confirm_v for_o which_o they_o die_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a assert_v a_o thing_n bold_o and_o then_o die_v for_o it_o which_o make_v a_o martyr_n but_o the_o qualification_n necessary_a in_o a_o witness_n be_v necessary_a in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o opportunity_n needful_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o no_o temptation_n to_o speak_v the_o contrary_n which_o qualification_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o martyr_n who_o testimony_n be_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o latter_a age_n be_v additional_a testimony_n which_o without_o the_o former_a will_v be_v insignificant_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o suffering_n in_o behalf_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v beyond_o the_o evidence_n for_o all_o other_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o zeal_n though_o it_o proceed_v even_o to_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n which_o christian_n have_v for_o their_o zeal_n divers_a nation_n have_v be_v as_o earnest_a assertor_n of_o their_o fabulous_a antiquity_n as_o other_o can_v be_v of_o they_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a but_o be_v these_o ever_o the_o less_o or_o those_o ever_o the_o more_o true_a upon_o that_o account_n we_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o we_o have_v book_n to_o show_v and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o produce_v for_o what_o we_o maintain_v and_o these_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o many_o man_n in_o every_o age_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o be_v to_o be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o contrary_a religion_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n have_v choose_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o to_o renounce_v this_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o after_o the_o nice_a and_o most_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v make_v whereas_o the_o zealot_n and_o martyr_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christianity_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v man_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o antiquity_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n and_o take_v all_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n and_o absurd_a tradition_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o possibility_n of_o it_o and_o even_o against_o manifest_a reason_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o undoubted_a history_n so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o die_v for_o they_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o some_o zealot_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o human_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o fool_n and_o madman_n in_o the_o world_n 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 there_o be_v nothing_o which_o have_v prove_v a_o a_o great_a snare_n and_o scandal_n to_o weak_a mind_n nor_o which_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n great_a advantage_n as_o they_o think_v against_o it_o than_o the_o dissension_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o different_a sect_n and_o party_n into_o which_o they_o be_v divide_v this_o make_v some_o willing_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n on_o any_o side_n when_o they_o see_v equal_a zeal_n and_o equal_a confidence_n in_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o several_a opinion_n but_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_a division_n but_o heresy_n also_o and_o not_o only_o that_o they_o must_v be_v but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o use_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v indeed_o conduce_v to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_o christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v iii_o that_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_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 doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v few_o will_v pretend_v to_o more_o judgement_n to_o discover_v truth_n or_o to_o more_o integrity_n to_o declare_v it_o than_o such_o author_n who_o have_v have_v no_o particular_a interest_n or_o profession_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v under_o only_a the_o common_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o if_o they_o have_v value_v as_o little_a as_o some_o other_o they_o can_v with_o as_o much_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o undertake_v it_o many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o profession_n and_o calling_n have_v be_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a example_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n memory_n indeed_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n have_v so_o vain_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o think_v they_o understand_v their_o several_a study_n and_o profession_n better_o than_o such_o person_n who_o have_v give_v undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
who_o scorn_v so_o much_o in_o all_o other_o case_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o man_n who_o think_v at_o all_o can_v think_v as_o they_o speak_v when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o objection_n will_v any_o man_n suppose_v that_o temperance_n do_v not_o preserve_v health_n though_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o physician_n run_v into_o excess_n or_o that_o poison_n will_v not_o kill_v though_o the_o man_n who_o tell_v he_o so_o and_o advise_v he_o against_o it_o be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o take_v it_o himself_o but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o objection_n be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o absurd_a when_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o first_o preach_v it_o be_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o traitor_n and_o our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o many_o who_o have_v preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o reject_v by_o he_o matth._n seven_o 21._o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o to_o make_v this_o cavil_n against_o christianity_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o or_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o remarkable_a point_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v here_o recount_v but_o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o 1._o vicious_a man_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o all_o their_o inclination_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n have_v bring_v a_o scandal_n though_o a_o very_a unjust_a one_o upon_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o more_o incline_v to_o do_v as_o they_o see_v they_o do_v than_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v make_v no_o sufficient_a enquiry_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o divers_a man_n have_v have_v a_o strange_a ambition_n to_o say_v something_o new_a upon_o every_o subject_a they_o treat_v of_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o so_o to_o refine_v upon_o the_o notion_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v new_a and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n which_o have_v make_v inconsiderate_a man_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o seek_v in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o have_v no_o fix_a principle_n whereas_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n know_v that_o common_o what_o be_v with_o so_o much_o ostentation_n propose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o new_a have_v be_v consider_v and_o reject_v of_o old_a though_o not_o perhaps_o in_o the_o very_a term_n yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v some_o true_a doctrine_n under_o a_o different_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o improvement_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o philosophy_n this_o last_o age_n afford_v a_o real_a and_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o proof_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o it_o for_o when_o man_n find_v it_o convenient_a to_o give_v some_o vent_n to_o the_o philosophical_a humour_n they_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o it_o to_o discharge_v itself_o upon_o and_o this_o must_v be_v something_o great_a and_o something_o that_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o answer_v all_o these_o quality_n so_o well_o as_o a_o new_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o then_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n in_o genesis_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n itself_o must_v undergo_v all_o the_o alteration_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v perfect_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o their_o new_a hypothesis_n if_o this_o fancy_n shall_v hold_v new_a system_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o common_a as_o new_a romance_n they_o must_v pardon_v i_o the_o expression_n for_o des_n cartes_n himself_o among_o his_o friend_n give_v no_o better_a name_n to_o his_o system_n which_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a with_o a_o philosophical_a wit_n than_o to_o build_v or_o destroy_v a_o world_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v when_o they_o have_v weary_v themselves_o with_o new_a contrivance_n they_o will_v let_v we_o have_v our_o old_a world_n again_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o man_n who_o have_v too_o much_o philosophy_n to_o have_v no_o religion_n put_v dangerous_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o do_v mischief_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o plain_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o many_o man_n by_o long_a and_o subtle_a dispute_n if_o great_a number_n of_o man_n shall_v write_v concern_v the_o sun_n heat_n and_o light_n and_o motion_n for_o many_o year_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v still_o contradict_v all_o that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o strive_v to_o say_v something_o new_a and_o strange_a upon_o the_o subject_a the_o last_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sun_n at_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o sceptic_n have_v say_v and_o this_o infidelity_n and_o scepticism_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o revelation_n must_v end_v in_o the_o scepticism_n of_o our_o very_a sense_n if_o these_o principle_n be_v pursue_v in_o their_o direct_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n other_o have_v be_v too_o bold_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v pretend_v to_o explain_v they_o so_o far_o as_o if_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o religion_n without_o all_o mystery_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o reproach_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o such_o as_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o occasian_n to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n to_o it_o the_o evident_a and_o declare_a design_n of_o the_o socinian_o be_v to_o retain_v no_o mystery_n but_o by_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v they_o all_o to_o their_o own_o that_o be_v to_o a_o new_a and_o absurd_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o combine_a design_n carry_v on_o between_o they_o and_o the_o deist_n who_o be_v content_v to_o pass_v for_o christian_n with_o a_o distinction_n and_o without_o a_o mystery_n anti-trinitarian_a be_v a_o mild_a word_n than_o antichristian_a and_o unitarian_n be_v but_o a_o different_a name_n for_o deist_n another_o sort_n have_v be_v very_o laborious_a in_o find_v out_o mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o reduce_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n to_o clear_a principle_n have_v only_o amâ—â—sed_v and_o confound_v man_n in_o the_o true_a and_o obvious_a notion_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v plain_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o raise_v abstract_v and_o metaphysical_a speculation_n upon_o so_o plain_a text_n be_v only_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o know_v before_o in_o other_o and_o less_o intelligible_a term_n or_o else_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o nice_a and_o rash_a dispute_n of_o the_o schoolman_n or_o into_o the_o enthusiastic_a heat_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n which_o can_v have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o peace_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o blaspheme_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n have_v be_v the_o rashness_n of_o some_o critic_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n have_v be_v once_o call_v in_o question_n by_o man_n who_o have_v get_v themselves_o a_o name_n by_o write_v more_o bold_o than_o wise_a man_n have_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o dislike_v criticism_n when_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o a_o prudent_a