heaven_n and_o of_o divine_a authority_n they_o ought_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o examine_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o augustus_n and_o tiherius_fw-la that_o wrought_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n in_o judaea_n teach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v crucify_a at_o jerusalem_n rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o three_o day_n and_o visible_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v deny_v than_o the_o controversy_n turn_v only_o to_o a_o historical_a question_n whether_o the_o evangelical_n history_n be_v a_o fabulous_a or_o true_a history_n which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v proper_a to_o examine_v in_o this_o place_n but_o if_o matter_n of_o fact_n record_v there_o and_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v acknowledge_v as_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v than_o the_o question_n that_o remain_v be_v this_o whether_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o of_o his_o doctrine_n we_o suppose_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o person_n to_o have_v such_o testimonial_n of_o divine_a authority_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v mankind_n or_o the_o more_o reasonable_a part_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o that_o be_v possible_a what_o pray_v be_v a_o want_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n bear_v witness_n to_o he_o his_o birth_n be_v a_o miracle_n and_o his_o life_n a_o train_n of_o miracle_n not_o wrought_v out_o of_o levity_n and_o vain_a ostentation_n but_o for_o useful_a and_o charitable_a purpose_n his_o doctrine_n and_o morality_n not_o only_o blameless_a but_o noble_a design_v to_o remove_v out_o of_o the_o world_n the_o imperfect_a religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o false_a religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n all_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n and_o thereby_o to_o improve_v mankind_n under_o a_o better_o and_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n he_o give_v a_o example_n of_o a_o spotless_a innocency_n in_o all_o his_o conversation_n free_a from_o vice_n or_o any_o evil_n and_o live_v in_o a_o neglect_n of_o all_o the_o pomp_n or_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n refer_v his_o happiness_n whole_o to_o another_o world_n he_o prophesy_v concern_v his_o own_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n and_o concern_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o all_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o a_o signal_n manner_n he_o also_o prophesy_v of_o the_o success_n of_o his_o gospel_n which_o after_o his_o death_n immediate_o take_v root_v and_o spread_v itself_o every_o way_n throughout_o the_o world_n maugre_o all_o opposition_n or_o persecution_n from_o jew_n or_o heathen_n it_o be_v not_o support_v by_o any_o temporal_a power_n for_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n nor_o be_v any_o art_n use_v or_o measure_n take_v according_a to_o humane_a prudence_n for_o the_o conservation_n of_o it_o but_o to_o omit_v other_o thing_n that_o grand_a article_n of_o his_o rise_n from_o the_o dead_a ascend_v visible_o into_o heaven_n and_o pour_v down_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n according_a as_o he_o have_v promise_v upon_o his_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n this_o alone_o be_v to_o i_o a_o demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a authority_n to_o conquer_v death_n to_o mount_v like_o a_o eagle_n into_o the_o sky_n and_o to_o inspire_v his_o follower_n with_o inimitable_a gift_n and_o faculty_n be_v thing_n without_o controversy_n beyond_o all_o humane_a power_n and_o may_v and_o ought_v be_v esteem_v sure_a credential_n of_o a_o person_n send_v from_o heaven_n from_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n we_o have_v all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v no_o impostor_n or_o delude_a person_n one_o of_o which_o two_o character_n all_o unbeliever_n must_v fix_v upon_o he_o but_o commission'd_n by_o heaven_n to_o introduce_v a_o new_a religion_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n to_o remove_v judaisme_n and_o idolatry_n the_o belove_a son_n of_o god_n the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o late_a age_n the_o true_a messiah_n that_o be_v to_o come_v it_o may_v be_v you_o will_v confess_v that_o these_o be_v great_a argument_n that_o the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o divine_a person_n and_o have_v supernatural_a power_n but_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o difficulty_n in_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o many_o thing_n unintelligible_a that_o a_o rational_a man_n know_v not_o how_o to_o believe_v it_o though_o he_o be_v incline_v to_o admire_v the_o person_n of_o jesus_n christ._n i_o answer_v if_o they_o be_v such_o difficulty_n as_o be_v make_v only_o by_o the_o school_n and_o disputacious_a doctor_n you_o be_v not_o to_o trouble_v yourself_o about_o they_o for_o they_o be_v of_o no_o authority_n but_o if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o very_a word_n of_o scripture_n then_o it_o be_v either_o in_o thing_n practical_a or_o in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o practice_n in_o christian_a religion_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n obscure_a or_o unintelligible_a and_o as_o to_o speculation_n great_a discretion_n and_o moderation_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o they_o if_o these_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o we_o have_v allege_v prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o revelation_n keep_v close_o to_o the_o word_n of_o that_o revelation_n assert_v no_o more_o than_o it_o assert_n and_o you_o can_v err_v but_o if_o you_o will_v expatiate_v and_o determine_v mode_n and_o form_n and_o consequence_n you_o may_v easy_o be_v puzzle_v by_o your_o own_o forwardness_n for_o beside_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a there_o be_v many_o other_o thing_n in_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v incompleat_o reveal_v the_o full_a knowledge_n whereof_o it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o reserve_v to_o another_o life_n and_o to_o give_v we_o only_o a_o summary_n account_v of_o they_o at_o present_a we_o have_v so_o much_o deference_n for_o any_o government_n as_o not_o to_o expect_v that_o all_o their_o counsel_n and_o secret_n shall_v be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o nor_o to_o censure_v every_o action_n who_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v much_o more_o in_o the_o providential_a administration_n of_o a_o world_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o counsel_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o if_o these_o truth_n be_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o a_o general_a manner_n summarl_o and_o incompleat_o reveal_v in_o this_o life_n as_o common_o they_o be_v we_o must_v not_o therefore_o throw_v off_o the_o government_n or_o reject_v the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o who_o divine_a authority_n we_o have_v otherways_o full_a proof_n and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o lose_v the_o substance_n in_o catch_v at_o a_o shadow_n but_o man_n that_o live_v continual_o in_o the_o noise_n of_o the_o world_n amid_o business_n and_o pleasure_n their_o time_n be_v common_o share_v betwixt_o those_o two_o so_o that_o little_a or_o nothing_o be_v leave_v for_o meditation_n at_o least_o not_o enough_o for_o such_o meditation_n as_o require_v length_n justness_n and_o order_n they_o shall_v retire_v from_o the_o crowd_n for_o one_o month_n or_o two_o to_o study_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n if_o they_o have_v any_o doubt_n of_o it_o they_o retire_v sometime_o to_o cure_v a_o gout_n or_o other_o disease_n and_o diet_n themselves_o according_a to_o rule_v but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v at_o that_o pain_n to_o cure_v a_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v of_o far_o great_a and_o more_o fatal_a consequence_n if_o they_o perish_v by_o their_o own_o negligence_n or_o obstinacy_n the_o physician_n be_v not_o to_o blame_v burn_v be_v the_o last_o remedy_n in_o some_o distemper_n and_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o world_n will_v flame_v about_o their_o head_n one_o of_o these_o day_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v among_o the_o live_n or_o among_o the_o dead_a at_o that_o time_n the_o apostle_n make_v they_o a_o part_n of_o the_o fuel_n which_o that_o fiery_a vengeance_n will_v prey_v upon_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v true_a to_o his_o word_n hitherto_o whether_o in_o his_o promise_n or_o in_o his_o threaten_n he_o promise_v the_o apostle_n to_o send_v down_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o they_o after_o his_o ascension_n and_o that_o be_v full_o accomplish_v he_o foretell_v and_o threaten_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o that_o come_v to_o pass_v according_o soon_o after_o he_o have_v leave_v the_o world_n and_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o also_o etc._n that_o he_o will_v come_v again_o in_o the_o cloud_n of_o
be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o engage_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n in_o dispute_n about_o the_o natural_a world_n in_o opposition_n to_o reason_n lest_o time_n which_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o light_n shall_v discover_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o false_a which_o we_o have_v make_v scripture_n to_o assert_v and_o i_o remember_v s._n austin_n in_o his_o exposition_n upon_o genesis_n have_v lay_v down_o a_o rule_n to_o this_o very_a purpose_n though_o he_o have_v the_o unhappiness_n it_o seem_v not_o to_o follow_v it_o always_o himself_o the_o reason_n also_o which_o he_o give_v there_o for_o his_o rule_n be_v very_o good_a and_o substantial_a conscriptos_fw-la for_o say_v he_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n or_o philosopher_n shall_v certain_o know_v we_o to_o be_v mistake_v and_o to_o err_v in_o those_o thing_n that_o concern_v the_o natural_a world_n and_o see_v that_o we_o allege_v our_o sacred_a book_n for_o such_o vain_a opinion_n how_o shall_v they_o believe_v those_o same_o book_n when_o they_o tell_v they_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v if_o they_o find_v they_o to_o be_v fallacious_o write_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o lie_v within_o their_o certain_a knowledge_n we_o be_v not_o to_o suppose_v that_o any_o truth_n concern_v the_o natural_a world_n can_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n for_o truth_n can_v be_v a_o enemy_n to_o truth_n god_n be_v not_o divide_v against_o himself_o and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o condemn_v or_o censure_v what_o we_o have_v not_o examine_v or_o can_v disprove_v as_o those_o that_o be_v of_o this_o narrow_a spirit_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o do_v let_v every_o thing_n be_v try_v and_o examine_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o if_o it_o be_v find_v false_a it_o be_v then_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o falsity_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n or_o no._n but_o for_o every_o new_a theory_n that_o be_v propose_v to_o be_v alarm_v as_o if_o all_o religion_n be_v fall_v about_o our_o ear_n be_v to_o make_v the_o world_n suspect_v that_o we_o be_v very_o ill_o assure_v of_o the_o foundation_n it_o stand_v upon_o beside_o do_v not_o all_o man_n complain_v even_o these_o as_o well_o as_o other_o of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n of_o mankind_n how_o little_o we_o know_v and_o how_o much_o be_v still_o unknown_a and_o can_v we_o ever_o know_v more_o unless_o something_o new_a be_v discover_v it_o can_v be_v old_a when_o it_o come_v first_o to_o light_n when_o first_o invent_v and_o first_o propose_v if_o a_o prince_n shall_v complain_v of_o the_o poorness_n of_o his_o exchequer_n and_o the_o scarcity_n of_o money_n in_o his_o kingdom_n will_v he_o be_v angry_a with_o his_o merchant_n if_o they_o bring_v he_o home_o a_o cargo_n of_o good_a bullion_n or_o a_o mass_n of_o gold_n out_o of_o a_o foreign_a country_n and_o give_v this_o reason_n only_o for_o it_o he_o will_v have_v no_o new_a silver_n neither_o shall_v any_o be_v currant_n in_o his_o dominion_n but_o what_o have_v his_o own_o stamp_n and_o image_n upon_o it_o how_o shall_v this_o prince_n or_o his_o people_n grow_v rich_a to_o complain_v of_o want_n and_o yet_o refuse_v all_o offer_n of_o a_o supply_n look_v very_o sullen_a or_o very_o fantastical_a i_o may_v mention_v also_o upon_o this_o occasion_n another_o genius_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o often_o make_v they_o improper_a for_o philosophical_a contemplation_n not_o so_o much_o it_o may_v be_v from_o the_o narrowness_n of_o their_o spirit_n and_o understanding_n as_o because_o they_o will_v not_o take_v time_n to_o extend_v they_o i_o mean_v man_n of_o wit_n and_o part_n but_o of_o short_a thought_n and_o little_a meditation_n and_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o distrust_v every_o thing_n for_o a_o fancy_n or_o fiction_n that_o be_v not_o the_o dictate_v of_o sense_n or_o make_v out_o immediate_o to_o their_o sense_n man_n of_o this_o humour_n and_o character_n call_v such_o theory_n as_o these_o philosophic_a romance_n and_o think_v themselves_o witty_a in_o the_o expression_n they_o allow_v they_o to_o be_v pretty_a amusement_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o without_o truth_n or_o reality_n i_o be_o afraid_a if_o a_o angel_n shall_v write_v the_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n they_o will_v pass_v the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o it_o where_o there_o be_v variety_n of_o part_n in_o a_o due_a contexture_n with_o something_o of_o surprise_v aptness_n in_o the_o harmony_n and_o correspondency_n of_o they_o this_o they_o call_v a_o romance_n but_o such_o romance_n must_v all_o theory_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o providence_n be_v and_o must_v have_v every_o part_n of_o that_o character_n with_o advantage_n if_o they_o be_v well_o represent_v there_o be_v in_o they_o as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v a_o plot_n or_o mystery_n pursue_v through_o the_o whole_a work_n and_o certain_a grand_a issue_n or_o event_n upon_o which_o the_o rest_n depend_v or_o to_o which_o they_o be_v subordinate_a but_o these_o thing_n we_o do_v not_o make_v or_o contrive_v ourselves_o but_o find_v and_o discover_v they_o be_v make_v already_o by_o the_o great_a author_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o when_o they_o be_v clear_o discover_v well_o digest_v and_o well_o reason_v in_o every_o part_n there_o be_v methinks_v more_o of_o beauty_n in_o such_o a_o theory_n at_o least_o a_o more_o masculine_a beauty_n than_o in_o any_o poem_n or_o romance_n and_o that_o solid_a truth_n that_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n give_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o can_v never_o have_v from_o any_o fiction_n how_o artificial_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o enter_v no_o far_o upon_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o observe_v that_o when_o we_o make_v judgement_n and_o censure_n upon_o general_a presumption_n and_o prejudices_fw-la they_o be_v make_v rather_o from_o the_o temper_n and_o model_n of_o our_o own_o spirit_n than_o from_o reason_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v neither_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o nor_o other_o we_o must_v lay_v aside_o that_o lazy_a and_o fallacious_a method_n of_o censure_v by_o the_o lump_n and_o must_v bring_v thing_n close_o to_o the_o test_n of_o true_a or_o false_a to_o explicit_a proof_n and_o evidence_n and_o whosoever_o make_v such_o objection_n against_o a_o hypothesis_n have_v a_o right_a to_o be_v hear_v let_v his_o temper_n and_o genius_n be_v what_o it_o will_n neither_o do_v we_o intend_v that_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v say_v here_o shall_v be_v understand_v in_o another_o sense_n to_o conclude_v this_o theory_n be_v write_v with_o a_o sincere_a intention_n to_o justify_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o of_o a_o paradisiacal_a state_n and_o protect_v they_o from_o the_o cavil_n of_o those_o that_o be_v no_o wellwisher_n to_o sacred_a history_n upon_o that_o account_n it_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v fair_a usage_n and_o acceptance_n with_o all_o that_o be_v well-disposed_a and_o it_o will_v also_o be_v i_o think_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n to_o they_o to_o see_v those_o piece_n of_o most_o ancient_a history_n which_o have_v be_v chief_o preserve_v in_o scripture_n confirm_v anew_o and_o by_o another_o light_n that_o of_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n and_o also_o free_v from_o those_o misconception_n or_o misrepresentation_n which_o make_v they_o sit_v uneasy_a upon_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n that_o take_v time_n to_o think_v last_o in_o thing_n pure_o speculative_a as_o these_o be_v and_o no_o ingredient_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v free_a to_o differ_v from_o one_o another_o in_o our_o opinion_n and_o sentiment_n and_o so_o i_o remember_v s._n austin_n have_v observe_v upon_o this_o very_a subject_n of_o paradise_n wherefore_o as_o we_o desire_v to_o give_v no_o offence_n ourselves_o so_o neither_o shall_v we_o take_v any_o at_o the_o difference_n of_o judgement_n in_o other_o provide_v this_o liberty_n be_v mutual_a and_o that_o we_o all_o agree_v to_o study_v peace_n truth_n and_o a_o good_a life_n content_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o first_o book_n chap._n i._n the_o introduction_n a_o account_n of_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o general_a order_n of_o it_o chap._n ii_o a_o general_a account_n of_o noah_n flood_n a_o computation_n what_o quantity_n of_o water_n will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o make_n of_o it_o that_o the_o common_a opinion_n and_o explication_n of_o that_o flood_n be_v not_o intelligible_a chap._n iii_o all_o evasion_n concern_v the_o flood_n answer_v that_o there_o be_v no_o creation_n of_o water_n at_o the_o deluge_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o particular_a or_o national_a but_o extend_v throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n a_o prelude_n and_o preparation_n to_o the_o true_a account_n and_o explication_n
worthy_a our_o study_n and_o meditation_n nor_o any_o thing_n that_o will_v conduce_v more_o to_o discover_v the_o way_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o to_o show_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o true_a knowledge_n concern_v nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o clear_v up_o the_o several_a part_n of_o this_o theory_n i_o be_v wil_v to_o lay_v aside_o a_o great_a many_o other_o speculation_n and_o all_o those_o dry_a subtlety_n with_o which_o the_o school_n and_o the_o book_n of_o philosopher_n be_v usual_o fill_v but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o rise_a world_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v this_o of_o the_o great_a universe_n for_o who_o can_v describe_v the_o original_a of_o that_o vast_a frame_n but_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o sublundry_a world_n this_o earth_n and_o its_o dependency_n which_o rise_v out_o of_o a_o chaos_n about_o six_o thousand_o year_n ago_o and_o see_v it_o have_v fall_v to_o our_o lot_n to_o act_v upon_o this_o stage_n to_o have_v our_o present_a home_n and_o residence_n here_o it_o seem_v most_o reasonable_a and_o the_o place_n design_v by_o providence_n where_o we_o shall_v first_o employ_v our_o thought_n to_o understand_v the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o nature_n we_o have_v according_o therefore_o design_v in_o this_o work_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o original_a of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o general_a change_n that_o it_o have_v already_o undergo_v or_o be_v hence_o forward_o to_o undergo_v till_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o if_o from_o those_o principle_n we_o have_v here_o take_v and_o that_o theory_n we_o have_v begin_v in_o these_o two_o first_o book_n we_o can_v deduce_v with_o success_n and_o clearness_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o those_o state_n of_o it_o that_o be_v already_o past_a follow_v the_o same_o thread_n and_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o same_o theory_n we_o will_v pursue_v its_o fate_n and_o history_n through_o future_a age_n and_o mark_v all_o the_o great_a change_n and_o conversion_n that_o attend_v it_o while_n day_n and_o night_n shall_v last_v that_o be_v so_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v a_o earth_n by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o be_v already_o past_a we_o understand_v chief_o paradise_n and_o the_o deluge_n name_n well_o know_v and_o as_o little_o know_v in_o their_o nature_n by_o the_o future_a state_n we_o understand_v the_o conslagration_n and_o what_o new_a order_n of_o nature_n may_v follow_v upon_o that_o till_o the_o whole_a circle_n of_o time_n and_o providence_n be_v complete_v as_o to_o the_o first_o and_o past_a state_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o shall_v have_v little_a help_n from_o the_o ancient_n or_o from_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n for_o the_o discovery_n or_o description_n of_o they_o we_o must_v often_o tread_v unbeaten_a path_n and_o make_v a_o way_n where_o we_o do_v not_o find_v one_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v always_o with_o a_o light_n in_o our_o hand_n that_o we_o may_v see_v our_o step_n and_o that_o those_o that_o follow_v we_o may_v not_o follow_v we_o blind_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o ever_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o universal_a deluge_n or_o discover_v from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n already_o in_o nature_n it_o be_v true_a they_o often_o talk_v of_o a_o alternation_n of_o deluge_n and_o conflagration_n in_o this_o earth_n but_o they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o thing_n to_o come_v at_o least_o they_o give_v no_o proof_n or_o argument_n of_o day_n that_o have_v already_o destroy_v the_o world_n as_o to_o paradise_n it_o seem_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o the_o golden_a age_n whereof_o the_o ancient_n tell_v many_o story_n sometime_o very_o luxuriant_a and_o sometime_o very_o defective_a for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o well_o understand_v the_o difference_n betwixt_o the_o new-made_a earth_n and_o the_o present_a as_o to_o see_v what_o be_v the_o just_a ground_n of_o the_o golden_a age_n or_o of_o paradise_n though_o they_o have_v many_o break_a notion_n concern_v those_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o conslagration_n in_o particular_a this_o have_v always_o be_v reckon_v one_o among_o the_o opinion_n or_o dogmata_fw-la of_o the_o stoic_n that_o the_o world_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o this_o notion_n but_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o tell_v we_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o conflagration_n nor_o what_o preparation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n or_o will_v be_v towards_o that_o great_a change_n and_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v this_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o their_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n consist_v more_o in_o conclusion_n than_o in_o demonstration_n they_o have_v many_o truth_n among_o they_o whereof_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o the_o premise_n or_o the_o proof_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n to_o i_o that_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v be_v not_o a_o thing_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n or_o which_o they_o come_v to_o by_o fair_a reason_v and_o observation_n upon_o nature_n but_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o from_o other_o by_o tradition_n and_o ancient_a fame_n sometime_o more_o public_a sometime_o more_o secret_a these_o conclusion_n they_o keep_v in_o mind_n and_o communicate_v to_o those_o of_o their_o school_n or_o sect_n or_o posterity_n without_o know_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o just_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o it_o be_v the_o sacred_a write_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v the_o best_a monument_n of_o antiquity_n and_o to_o those_o we_o be_v chief_o behold_v for_o the_o history_n of_o the_o first_o age_n whether_o natural_a history_n or_o civil_a it_o be_v true_a the_o poet_n who_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o serve_v they_o both_o for_o historian_n divine_n and_o philosopher_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o have_v a_o fair_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n and_o some_o affinity_n with_o those_o account_n that_o be_v give_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n by_o sacred_a author_n and_o these_o may_v be_v of_o use_n in_o due_a time_n and_o place_n but_o yet_o lest_o any_o thing_n fabulous_a shall_v be_v mix_v with_o they_o as_o common_o there_o be_v we_o will_v never_o depend_v whole_o upon_o their_o credit_n nor_o assert_v any_o thing_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o ancient_n which_o be_v not_o first_o prove_v by_o natural_a reason_n or_o warrant_v by_o scripture_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o very_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o beside_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a subject_n and_o design_n of_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n there_o may_v be_v providential_o conserve_v in_o they_o the_o memory_n of_o thing_n and_o time_n so_o remote_a as_o can_v not_o be_v retrieve_v either_o by_o history_n or_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o yet_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o be_v know_v both_o for_o their_o own_o excellency_n and_o also_o to_o rectify_v the_o knowledge_n of_o man_n in_o other_o thing_n consequential_a to_o they_o such_o point_n may_v be_v our_o great_a epocha_n or_o the_o age_n of_o the_o earth_n the_o origination_n of_o mankind_n the_o first_o and_o paradisiacal_a state_n the_o destruction_n of_o the_o old_a world_n by_o a_o universal_a deluge_n the_o longevity_n of_o its_o inhabitant_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o preservation_n and_o of_o their_o people_n the_o second_o earth_n and_o last_o the_o fate_n and_o change_v it_o be_v to_o undergo_v these_o i_o always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o seed_n of_o great_a knowledge_n or_o head_n of_o theory_n fix_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v we_o aim_v and_o direction_n how_o to_o pursue_v the_o rest_n that_o depend_v upon_o they_o but_o these_o head_n you_o see_v be_v of_o a_o mix_a order_n and_o we_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o in_o this_o work_n only_o such_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o natural_a world_n upon_o which_o i_o believe_v the_o train_n of_o providence_n be_v general_o lay_v and_o we_o must_v first_o consider_v how_o god_n have_v order_v nature_n and_o then_o how_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o intellectual_a world_n be_v adapt_v to_o it_o for_o of_o these_o two_o part_n consist_v the_o full_a system_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o subject_n can_v be_v more_o worthy_a the_o thought_n of_o any_o serious_a person_n than_o to_o view_v and_o consider_v the_o rise_n and_o fall_v and_o all_o the_o revolution_n not_o of_o a_o monarchy_n or_o a_o empire_n of_o the_o grecian_a or_o roman_a state_n but_o of_o a_o entire_a world_n the_o obscurity_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o their_o remoteness_n from_o common_a knowledge_n will_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n by_o some_o why_o we_o shall_v not_o undertake_v
or_o in_o the_o execution_n in_o the_o preparation_n to_o they_o or_o in_o the_o finish_n of_o they_o wherefore_o in_o my_o judgement_n if_o any_o be_v of_o this_o persuasion_n it_o can_v be_v so_o much_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o understanding_n as_o of_o their_o disposition_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o moral_a thing_n man_n opinion_n do_v as_o often_o spring_v from_o the_o one_o as_o from_o the_o other_o for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v general_o distinguish_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o opinion_n in_o all_o man_n inclination-opinion_n and_o reason'd-opinion_n opinion_n that_o grow_v upon_o man_n complexion_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v the_o result_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o i_o meet_v with_o very_a few_o that_o be_v of_o a_o temperament_n so_o equal_a or_o a_o constitution_n so_o even_o poise_v but_o that_o they_o incline_v to_o one_o set_v of_o opinion_n rather_o than_o another_o antecedent_o to_o all_o proof_n of_o reason_n and_o when_o they_o have_v espouse_v their_o opinion_n from_o that_o secret_a sympathy_n than_o they_o find_v out_o as_o good_a reason_n as_o they_o can_v to_o maintain_v they_o and_o say_v nay_o think_v sometime_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o reason_n that_o they_o first_o embrace_v they_o we_o may_v common_o distinguish_v these_o inclination-opinion_n from_o the_o rational_a because_o we_o find_v they_o accompany_v with_o more_o heat_n than_o light_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o eagerness_n and_o impatience_n in_o defend_v of_o they_o and_o but_o slender_a argument_n one_o may_v give_v instance_n of_o this_o both_o in_o sect_n of_o religion_n and_o philosophy_n in_o platonist_n stoic_n and_o epicurean_o that_o be_v so_o by_o their_o temper_n more_o than_o their_o reason_n but_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instance_n in_o one_o hearty_a epicurean_a lucretius_n who_o be_v manifest_o such_o more_o from_o his_o inclination_n and_o the_o bent_n of_o his_o spirit_n than_o from_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n for_o though_o his_o supposition_n be_v very_o precarious_a and_o his_o reason_n all_o along_o very_o slight_a he_o will_v many_o time_n strut_v and_o triumph_n as_o if_o he_o have_v wrest_v the_o thunder_n out_o of_o jove_n right_a hand_n and_o a_o mathematician_n be_v not_o more_o confident_a of_o his_o demonstration_n than_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o shallow_a philosophy_n from_o such_o a_o principle_n of_o natural_a complexion_n as_o this_o i_o allow_v a_o man_n may_v be_v atheistical_a but_o never_o from_o the_o calm_a dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v as_o confident_a and_o as_o tenacious_a of_o his_o conclusion_n as_o if_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a evidence_n for_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o true_a maxim_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o a_o strong_a inclination_n with_o a_o little_a evidence_n be_v equivalent_a to_o a_o strong_a evidence_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v surprise_v if_o we_o find_v man_n confident_a in_o their_o opinion_n many_o time_n far_o beyond_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o evidence_n see_v there_o be_v other_o thing_n beside_o evidence_n that_o incline_v the_o will_n to_o one_o conclusion_n rather_o than_o another_o and_o as_o i_o have_v instanced_a in_o natural_a complexion_n so_o interest_n have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o humane_a nature_n because_o it_o always_o beget_v a_o inclination_n to_o those_o opinion_n that_o favour_v our_o interest_n and_o a_o disinclination_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o principle_n may_v be_v another_o ingredient_n and_o secret_a persuasive_a to_o atheism_n for_o when_o man_n have_v run_v themselves_o so_o deep_o into_o vice_n and_o immorality_n that_o they_o expect_v no_o benefit_n from_o a_o god_n it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n necessary_a to_o their_o quiet_n and_o the_o ease_n of_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o shall_v fancy_n there_o be_v none_o for_o they_o be_v afraid_a if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o he_o will_v not_o stand_v neuter_n and_o let_v they_o alone_o in_o another_o world_n this_o i_o say_v be_v necessary_a to_o the_o quiet_a of_o their_o mind_n unless_o they_o can_v attain_v that_o great_a art_n which_o many_o labour_n after_o of_o non-reflection_n or_o a_o unthinking_a faculty_n as_o to_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n after_o this_o short_a digression_n and_o as_o that_o regular_a diversity_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o form_n of_o nature_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o body_n of_o animal_n can_v not_o be_v from_o any_o blind_a principle_n either_o of_o necessity_n or_o of_o chance_n so_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o subordination_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o part_n of_o nature_n and_o subserviency_n to_o one_o another_o the_o less_o noble_a to_o the_o more_o noble_a the_o inanimate_a to_o the_o animate_v and_o all_o thing_n upon_o earth_n unto_o man_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o be_v high_o than_o matter_n that_o do_v wise_o dispose_v all_o thing_n so_o at_o first_o and_o do_v still_o conserve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o order_n if_o man_n have_v be_v bear_v into_o the_o world_n and_o a_o numerous_a host_n of_o creature_n without_o any_o provision_n or_o accommodation_n make_v for_o their_o subsistence_n and_o convenience_n we_o may_v have_v suspect_v that_o they_o have_v come_v by_o chance_n and_o therefore_o be_v so_o ill_o provide_v for_o but_o which_o of_o they_o can_v complain_v through_o their_o various_a kind_n and_o order_n what_o be_v there_o awanting_a they_o be_v all_o fit_v to_o their_o several_a element_n and_o their_o way_n of_o live_v bird_n beast_n and_o fish_n both_o by_o the_o form_n and_o shape_n of_o their_o body_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o cover_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o their_o food_n beside_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o little_a art_n and_o instinct_n for_o their_o conservation_n and_o not_o only_o for_o their_o proper_a conservation_n but_o also_o to_o find_v a_o way_n to_o make_v and_o bring_v up_o young_a one_o and_o leave_v behind_o they_o a_o posterity_n and_o all_o this_o in_o so_o fit_a a_o method_n and_o by_o such_o a_o pretty_a train_n of_o action_n as_o be_v real_o admirable_a man_n be_v the_o master_n of_o all_o and_o of_o he_o a_o double_a care_n be_v take_v that_o he_o shall_v neither_o want_v what_o nature_n can_v afford_v nor_o what_o art_n can_v supply_v he_o can_v not_o be_v provide_v of_o all_o convenience_n by_o nature_n only_o especial_o to_o secure_v he_o against_o the_o injury_n of_o the_o air_n but_o in_o recompense_n nature_n have_v provide_v material_n for_o all_o those_o art_n which_o she_o see_v will_v be_v needful_a in_o humane_a life_n as_o building_n clothing_n navigation_n agriculture_n etc._n etc._n that_o so_o mankind_n may_v have_v both_o wherewithal_o to_o answer_v their_o occasion_n and_o also_o to_o employ_v their_o time_n and_o exercise_v their_o ingenuity_n this_o oeconomy_n of_o nature_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o or_o well_o order_v of_o the_o great_a family_n of_o live_a creature_n be_v a_o argument_n both_o of_o goodness_n and_o of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v every_o way_n far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o brute_n matter_n all_o regular_a administration_n we_o ascribe_v to_o conduct_v and_o judgement_n if_o a_o army_n of_o man_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o in_o thing_n necessary_a both_o for_o food_n clothes_n arm_n lodging_n security_n and_o defence_n so_o as_o nothing_o be_v awanting_a in_o so_o great_a a_o multitude_n we_o suppose_v it_o the_o effect_n of_o care_n and_o forecast_v in_o those_o person_n that_o have_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o they_o take_v their_o measure_n at_o first_o compute_v and_o proportion_v one_o thing_n to_o another_o make_v good_a regulation_n and_o give_v order_n for_o convenient_a supply_n and_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o great_a army_n of_o creature_n upon_o earth_n manage_v and_o provide_v for_o with_o less_o forethought_a and_o providence_n nay_o with_o none_o at_o all_o by_o mere_a chance_n this_o be_v to_o recede_v from_o all_o rule_n and_o analogy_n of_o reason_n only_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_n and_o gratify_v a_o unreasonable_a humour_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n there_o be_v two_o general_a head_n of_o thing_n if_o i_o recollect_v aright_o which_o we_o make_v the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n work_v of_o art_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o affair_n or_o direction_n of_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n and_o wheresoever_o we_o meet_v either_o with_o regular_a material_a work_n or_o a_o regular_a ordination_n of_o affair_n we_o think_v we_o have_v a_o good_a title_n and_o warrant_n to_o derive_v they_o from_o a_o intelligent_a author_n now_o these_o two_o be_v find_v in_o the_o natural_a world_n and_o that_o in_o a_o eminent_a degree_n the_o one_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o and_o the_o other_o in_o the_o
speak_v more_o proper_o all_o necessity_n of_o existence_n beside_o that_o we_o exist_v ourselves_o notwithstanding_o the_o imperfection_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v a_o just_a collateral_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o this_o supreme_a be_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n as_o this_o can_v be_v without_o its_o cause_n and_o it_o can_v have_v no_o other_o competent_a cause_n but_o that_o we_o mention_v and_o as_o this_o be_v be_v its_o own_o origin_n so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v capable_a of_o produce_v all_o creature_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v possible_a must_v be_v possible_a to_o it_o and_o that_o creature_n or_o finite_a being_n be_v possible_a we_o both_o see_v by_o experience_n and_o may_v also_o discern_v by_o reason_n for_o those_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n or_o limitation_n of_o it_o which_o we_o mention_v before_o be_v all_o consistent_a notion_n and_o consequent_o make_v consistent_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o may_v exist_v but_o contingent_o indeed_o and_o in_o dependence_n upon_o the_o first_o cause_n thus_o we_o be_v come_v at_o length_n to_o a_o fair_a resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n whence_o we_o be_v and_o how_o we_o continue_v in_o be_v and_o this_o have_v lead_v we_o by_o a_o easy_a ascent_n to_o the_o supreme_a author_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o â—irst_n cause_v of_o all_o thing_n and_o present_v we_o also_o with_o such_o a_o scheme_n and_o draught_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o be_v clear_a and_o rational_a every_o thing_n in_o its_o order_n and_o in_o its_o place_n according_a to_o the_o dignity_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o principle_n when_o the_o mind_n have_v raise_v itself_o into_o this_o view_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v in_o a_o region_n of_o light_n have_v a_o free_a prospect_n every_o way_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n from_o top_n to_o bottom_n as_o pervious_a and_o transparent_a whereas_o without_o god_n and_o a_o first_o cause_n there_o be_v nothing_o but_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o in_o nature_n break_a view_n of_o thing_n short_a interrupt_a glimpse_n of_o light_n nothing_o certain_a or_o demonstrative_a no_o basis_n of_o truth_n no_o extent_n of_o thought_n no_o science_n no_o contemplation_n you_o will_v say_v it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v true_a something_o must_v be_v eternal_a and_o of_o necessary_a existence_n but_o why_o may_v not_o matter_n be_v this_o eternal_a necessary_a be_v then_o our_o soul_n and_o all_o other_o intellectual_a thing_n must_v be_v part_n and_o parcel_n of_o matter_n and_o what_o pretension_n can_v matter_n have_v to_o those_o property_n and_o perfection_n that_o we_o find_v in_o our_o soul_n how_o limit_v soever_o much_o less_o to_o necessary_a existence_n and_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o what_o exist_v eternal_o and_o from_o itself_o its_o existence_n must_v flow_v immediate_o from_o its_o essence_n as_o its_o cause_n reason_n or_o ground_n for_o as_o existence_n have_v always_o something_a antecedent_n to_o it_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o must_v infer_v it_o by_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o so_o may_v be_v call_v the_o cause_n ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v such_o a_o ground_n but_o what_o be_v a_o perfection_n nor_o every_o perfection_n neither_o it_o must_v be_v sovereign_a and_o infinite_a perfection_n for_o from_o what_o else_o can_v necessary_a existence_n flow_v or_o be_v infer_v beside_o if_o that_o be_v be_v not_o infinite_o perfect_a there_o may_v be_v another_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o it_o and_o consequent_o able_a to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v its_o existence_n and_o what_o may_v be_v hinder_v be_v contingent_a and_o arbitrary_a now_o matter_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o nature_n infinite_o perfect_a that_o it_o have_v no_o perfection_n at_o all_o but_o that_o of_o bare_a substance_n neither_o life_n sense_n will_n or_o understanding_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o motion_n from_o itself_o as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o and_o therefore_o this_o brute_n inactive_a mass_n which_o be_v but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o drudge_n of_o nature_n can_v have_v no_o right_a or_o title_n to_o that_o sovereign_a prerogative_n of_o self_n existence_n we_o note_v before_o as_o a_o thing_n agree_v upon_o that_o something_o or_o other_o must_v needs_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o time_n or_o state_n when_o there_o be_v no_o be_v there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o see_v nothing_o can_v not_o produce_v something_o therefore_o it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a on_o all_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v some_o be_v from_o eternity_n now_o according_a to_o our_o understanding_n truth_n be_v eternal_a therefore_o say_v we_o some_o intellect_n or_o intelligent_a be_v so_o also_o the_o reason_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n appear_v to_o we_o eternal_a and_o therefore_o some_o good_a and_o just_a be_v be_v eternal_a thus_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o perfection_n which_o bear_v the_o signature_n of_o eternity_n upon_o they_o be_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o matter_n but_o relate_v immediate_o to_o a_o intellectual_a be_v therefore_o some_o such_o be_v to_o who_o they_o original_o belong_v must_v be_v that_o eternal_a beside_o we_o can_v possible_o but_o judge_n such_o a_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o matter_n now_o every_o nature_n the_o more_o perfect_a it_o be_v the_o more_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o nothing_o and_o the_o more_o remote_a it_o be_v from_o nothing_o the_o more_o it_o approach_v to_o necessity_n of_o existence_n and_o consequent_o to_o eternal_a existence_n thus_o we_o have_v make_v a_o short_a survey_n so_o far_o as_o the_o bound_n of_o a_o chapter_n will_v permit_v of_o those_o evidence_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v from_o abstract_n reason_n and_o the_o external_n world_n that_o there_o be_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o we_o call_v god_n we_o may_v add_v to_o these_o in_o the_o last_o place_n that_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n or_o natural_a instinct_n of_o religion_n which_o we_o see_v more_o or_o less_o throughout_o all_o nation_n barbarous_a or_o civil_a for_o though_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v true_a be_v more_o disputable_a than_o the_o rest_n yet_o have_v set_v down_o just_a ground_n already_o from_o whence_o this_o natural_a judgement_n or_o persuasion_n may_v spring_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o impute_v it_o to_o some_o of_o those_o and_o their_o insensible_a influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n than_o to_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o man_n or_o to_o make_v it_o a_o weakness_n prejudice_n or_o error_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o propension_n in_o humane_a nature_n seem_v to_o be_v very_o plain_a at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o to_o move_v we_o to_o implore_v and_o have_v recourse_n to_o invisible_a power_n in_o our_o extremity_n prayer_n be_v natural_a in_o certain_a case_n and_o we_o do_v at_o the_o mere_a motion_n of_o our_o natural_a spirit_n and_o indeliberate_o invoke_v god_n and_o heaven_n either_o in_o case_n of_o extreme_a danger_n to_o help_v and_o assist_v we_o or_o in_o case_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n to_o relieve_v or_o avenge_v we_o or_o in_o case_n of_o false_a accusation_n to_o vindicate_v our_o innocency_n and_o general_o in_o all_o case_n desperate_a and_o remediless_a as_o to_o humane_a power_n we_o seem_v to_o appeal_v and_o address_v ourselves_o to_o something_o high_a and_o this_o we_o do_v by_o a_o sudden_a impulse_n of_o nature_n without_o reflection_n or_o deliberation_n beside_o as_o witness_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o veracity_n we_o use_v to_o invoke_v the_o god_n or_o superior_a power_n by_o way_n of_o imprecation_n upon_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v false_a and_o perjure_a and_o this_o have_v be_v use_v in_o most_o nation_n and_o age_n if_o not_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n also_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a conscience_n in_o man_n and_o a_o distinction_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o we_o look_v upon_o those_o invisible_a power_n as_o the_o guardian_n of_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v also_o few_o or_o no_o people_n upon_o the_o earth_n but_o have_v something_o of_o external_n religion_n true_a or_o false_a and_o either_o of_o they_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o this_o natural_a anticipation_n or_o that_o they_o have_v a_o opinion_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o they_o and_o above_o visible_a nature_n though_o what_o that_o something_o be_v they_o seldom_o be_v able_a to_o make_v a_o good_a judgement_n but_o to_o pursue_v this_o argument_n particular_o will_v require_v a_o historical_a deduction_n of_o time_n and_o place_n which_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a design_n to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n and_o this_o subject_a if_o we_o set_v religion_n apart_o
and_o consider_v the_o deist_n and_o atheist_n only_o as_o two_o sect_n in_o philosophy_n or_o their_o doctrine_n as_o two_o different_a hypothesis_n propose_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o competition_n with_o one_o another_o whether_o shall_v give_v the_o more_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o its_o origin_n and_o phaenomena_n i_o say_v if_o we_o consider_v they_o only_o thus_o and_o make_v a_o impartial_a estimate_n whether_o system_n be_v more_o reasonable_a more_o clear_a and_o more_o satisfactory_a to_o i_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o comparison_n than_o betwixt_o light_n and_o darkness_n the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o deist_n reach_v from_o top_n to_o bottom_n both_o through_o the_o intellectual_a and_o material_a world_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a light_n every_o where_o be_v genuine_a comprehensive_a and_o satisfactory_a have_v nothing_o force_v nothing_o confuse_v nothing_o precarious_a whereas_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o atheist_n be_v strain_v and_o break_v dark_a and_o uneasy_a to_o the_o mind_n common_o precarious_a often_o incongruous_a and_o irrational_a and_o sometime_o plain_o ridiculous_a and_o this_o judgement_n i_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o abstract_o from_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n consider_v they_o only_o as_o matter_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o dare_v affirm_v with_o assurance_n if_o the_o faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v true_a that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o system_fw-la of_o thought_n reach_v through_o nature_n coherent_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n without_o a_o deity_n for_o the_o basis_n of_o it_o chap._n xi_o concern_v natural_a providence_n several_a encroachment_n upon_o natural_a providence_n or_o misrepresentation_n of_o it_o and_o false_a method_n of_o contemplation_n a_o true_a method_n propose_v and_o a_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o universe_n the_o mundane_a idea_n and_o the_o universal_a system_n of_o providence_n several_a subordinate_a system_n that_o of_o our_o earth_n and_o sublunary_a world_n the_o course_n and_o period_n of_o it_o how_o much_o of_o this_o be_v already_o treat_v of_o and_o what_o remain_v the_o conclusion_n we_o have_v set_v bound_n to_o nature_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n and_o place_v her_o author_n and_o governor_n upon_o his_o throne_n to_o give_v law_n to_o her_o motion_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o limit_v her_o power_n in_o such_o way_n and_o method_n as_o be_v most_o for_o his_o honour_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v nature_n under_o the_o conduct_n of_o providence_n or_o consider_v natural_a providence_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o it_o and_o as_o we_o be_v cautious_a before_o not_o to_o give_v too_o much_o power_n or_o greatness_n to_o nature_n consider_v apart_o from_o providence_n so_o we_o must_v be_v careful_a now_o under_o this_o second_o consideration_n not_o to_o contract_v her_o bound_n too_o much_o lest_o we_o shall_v by_o too_o mean_a and_o narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o creation_n eclipse_v the_o glory_n of_o its_o author_n who_o we_o have_v so_o late_o own_a as_o a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o to_o use_v no_o further_o introduction_n in_o the_o first_o place_n we_o must_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n admit_v or_o imagine_v that_o all_o nature_n and_o this_o great_a universe_n be_v make_v only_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o man_n the_o mean_a of_o all_o intelligent_a creature_n that_o we_o know_v of_o nor_o that_o this_o little_a planet_n where_o we_o sojourn_v for_o a_o few_o day_n be_v the_o only_a habitable_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n these_o be_v thought_n so_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o also_o so_o derogatory_n to_o the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n that_o as_o they_o be_v absurd_a in_o reason_n so_o they_o deserve_v far_o better_a to_o be_v mark_v and_o censure_v for_o heresy_n in_o religion_n than_o many_o opinion_n that_o have_v be_v censure_v for_o such_o in_o former_a age_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o it_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o vain_a man_n to_o believe_v himself_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o god_n creation_n or_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v ordain_v for_o he_o for_o his_o service_n or_o pleasure_n man_n who_o folly_n we_o laugh_v at_o every_o day_n or_o else_o complain_v of_o they_o who_o pleasure_n be_v vanity_n and_o his_o passion_n strong_a than_o his_o reason_n who_o see_v himself_o every_o way_n weak_a and_o impotent_a have_v no_o power_n over_o external_a nature_n little_a over_o himself_o can_v execute_v so_o much_o as_o his_o own_o good_a resolution_n mutable_a irregular_a prone_a to_o evil_n sure_o if_o we_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o with_o impartiality_n we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o such_o a_o arrogant_a thought_n how_o few_o of_o these_o son_n of_o man_n for_o who_o they_o say_v all_o thing_n be_v make_v be_v the_o son_n of_o wisdom_n how_o few_o find_v the_o path_n of_o life_n they_o spend_v a_o few_o day_n in_o folly_n and_o sin_n and_o then_o go_v down_o to_o the_o region_n of_o death_n and_o misery_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o nature_n and_o all_o providence_n be_v only_o or_o principal_o for_o their_o sake_n be_v it_o not_o a_o more_o reasonable_a character_n or_o conclusion_n which_o the_o prophet_n have_v make_v sure_o every_o man_n be_v vanity_n man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n at_o the_o pleasure_n of_o another_o and_o go_v out_o by_o a_o hundred_o accident_n his_o birth_n and_o education_n general_o determine_v his_o fate_n here_o and_o neither_o of_o those_o be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n his_o wit_n also_o be_v as_o uncertain_a as_o his_o fortune_n he_o have_v not_o the_o mould_v of_o his_o own_o brain_n however_o a_o knock_n on_o the_o head_n make_v he_o a_o fool_n stupid_a as_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o field_n and_o a_o little_a excess_n of_o passion_n or_o melancholy_n make_v he_o worse_o mad_a and_o frantic_a in_o his_o best_a sense_n he_o be_v shallow_a and_o of_o little_a understanding_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a than_o in_o thing_n sacred_a and_o divine_a he_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n and_o say_v thou_o be_v my_o god_n he_o can_v believe_v nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n and_o make_v it_o his_o religion_n to_o do_v so_o and_o be_v this_o the_o great_a creature_n which_o god_n have_v make_v by_o the_o might_n of_o his_o power_n and_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o majesty_n upon_o who_o all_o thing_n must_v wait_v to_o who_o all_o thing_n must_v be_v subservient_fw-fr methinks_v we_o have_v note_v weakness_n and_o solly_n enough_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n this_o need_v not_o be_v add_v as_o the_o top_n and_o accomplishment_n that_o with_o all_o these_o he_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o his_o sake_n and_o as_o due_a humility_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o meanness_n aught_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o such_o vain_a opinion_n of_o ourselves_o so_o the_o perfection_n of_o other_o being_n ought_v to_o give_v we_o more_o respect_n and_o honour_n for_o they_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o pretend_v that_o creature_n far_o superior_a to_o we_o and_o more_o excellent_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o condition_n shall_v be_v make_v for_o our_o sake_n and_o service_n how_o preposterous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o our_o maker_n and_o how_o intolerable_a a_o vanity_n in_o we_o to_o affect_v it_o we_o that_o be_v next_o to_o the_o brute_n that_o perish_v by_o a_o sacrilegious_a attempt_n will_v make_v ourselves_o more_o considerable_a than_o the_o high_a dignity_n it_o be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v the_o crime_n of_o lucifer_n who_o be_v throw_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n that_o he_o affect_v a_o equality_n with_o the_o almighty_a and_o to_o affect_v to_o be_v next_o to_o the_o almighty_a be_v a_o crime_n next_o to_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v but_o that_o there_o be_v at_o least_o as_o many_o order_n of_o being_n above_o we_o as_o there_o be_v rank_n of_o creature_n below_o we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a distance_n sure_o betwixt_o we_o and_o god_n almighty_a than_o there_o be_v betwixt_o we_o and_o the_o mean_a worm_n and_o yet_o we_o shall_v take_v it_o very_o ill_a if_o the_o worm_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v pretend_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o they_o but_o to_o pass_v from_o the_o invisible_a world_n to_o the_o visible_a and_o corporeal_a be_v that_o make_v only_o for_o our_o sake_n king_n david_n be_v more_o wise_a and_o more_o just_a both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n in_o his_o 8_o psalm_n where_o he_o say_v he_o wonder_n when_o he_o consider_v the_o heaven_n that_o the_o maker_n of_o they_o can_v think_v on_o man._n
21._o 2._o last_o 21._o to_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n be_v say_v to_o he_o that_o overcome_v will_v i_o grant_v to_o sit_v with_o i_o in_o my_o throne_n and_o that_o be_v the_o usual_a phrase_n to_o express_v the_o dignity_n of_o those_o that_o reign_n with_o christ_n in_o his_o millennial_a kingdom_n as_o you_o may_v see_v apoc._n 20._o 4._o mat._n 19_o 28._o dan._n 7._o 9_o 13_o 14._o so_o all_o these_o promise_n to_o the_o church_n aim_v at_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o terminate_v upon_o the_o same_o point_n it_o be_v the_o same_o reward_n express_v in_o different_a way_n and_o see_v it_o be_v still_o fix_v upon_o a_o victory_n and_o appropriate_v to_o those_o that_o overcome_v it_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o carry_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o millennium_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a reward_n of_o victor_n that_o be_v of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n thus_o you_o see_v how_o this_o notion_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o millennial_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n do_v both_o begin_v and_o end_v the_o apocalypse_n and_o run_v through_o all_o its_o part_n as_o the_o soul_n of_o that_o body_n of_o prophecy_n a_o spirit_n or_o ferment_n that_o actuate_v the_o whole_a mass_n and_o if_o we_o can_v thorough_o understand_v that_o illustrious_a scene_n at_o the_o open_n of_o this_o apocalyptical_a theatre_n in_o the_o four_o and_o 5_o chap._n i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o a_o representation_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o future_a kingdom_n but_o i_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n of_o difficult_a and_o dubious_a interpretation_n couch_v under_o those_o scheme_n wherefore_o have_v make_v these_o observation_n upon_o the_o prophecy_n of_o st._n john_n we_o will_v now_o add_v to_o they_o some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n that_o by_o the_o agreement_n and_o concurrence_n of_o these_o two_o great_a witness_n the_o conclusion_n we_o pretend_v to_o prove_v may_v be_v full_o establish_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n there_o be_v two_o grand_a vision_n that_o of_o the_o statue_n or_o image_n chap._n 2._o and_o that_o of_o the_o four_o beat_v chap._n 7._o and_o both_o these_o vision_n terminate_v upon_o the_o millennium_n or_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ._n in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o statue_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n of_o the_o world_n successive_o whereof_o by_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o interpreter_n the_o roman_a be_v the_o four_o and_o last_o after_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o last_o of_o they_o a_o five_o monarchy_n the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n be_v open_o introduce_v in_o these_o word_n and_o in_o the_o day_n of_o these_o kingdom_n 44._o shall_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n set_v up_o a_o kingdom_n which_o shall_v never_o be_v destroy_v and_o the_o kingdom_n shall_v be_v leave_v to_o other_o people_n but_o it_o shall_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o consume_v all_o those_o kingdom_n and_o it_o shall_v stand_v for_o ever_o this_o may_v be_v verify_v in_o some_o measure_n by_o the_o first_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o four_o kingdom_n when_o his_o religion_n from_o small_a beginning_n in_o a_o short_a time_n overspread_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_v world_n 35._o as_o the_o stone_n cut_v out_o without_o hand_n become_v a_o great_a mountain_n and_o fill_v the_o whole_a earth_n but_o the_o full_a and_o final_a accomplishment_n of_o this_o prophecy_n can_v be_v till_o the_o second_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n for_o not_o till_o then_o will_v he_o break_v in_o piece_n and_o consume_v all_o those_o kingdom_n 35._o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v like_o the_o chaff_n of_o the_o summer_n thresh_v floor_n carry_v away_o by_o the_o wind_n so_o as_o no_o place_n shall_v be_v find_v for_o they_o this_o i_o say_v will_v not_o be_v do_v nor_o a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n erect_v in_o their_o place_n over_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n till_o his_o second_o come_v and_o his_o millennial_a reign_n but_o this_o reign_n be_v declare_v more_o express_o in_o the_o vision_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n chap._n 7._o for_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o four_o beast_n the_o prophet_n say_v 13._o i_o see_v in_o the_o night_n vision_n and_o behold_v one_o like_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v with_o the_o cloud_n of_o heaven_n and_o come_v to_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n and_o they_o bring_v he_o near_o before_o he_o and_o there_o be_v give_v he_o dominion_n and_o glory_n and_o a_o kingdom_n that_o all_o people_n nation_n and_o language_n shall_v serve_v he_o his_o dominion_n be_v a_o everlasting_a dominion_n which_o shall_v not_o pass_v away_o and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v destroy_v according_o he_o say_v ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o the_o last_o beast_n and_o the_o little_a horn_n make_v war_n against_o the_o saint_n until_o the_o ancient_n of_o day_n come_v and_o judgement_n be_v give_v to_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a and_o the_o time_n come_v that_o the_o saint_n possess_v the_o kingdom_n and_o last_o in_o pursuit_n still_o of_o the_o same_o argument_n he_o conclude_v to_o the_o same_o effect_n in_o full_a word_n ver_fw-la 26_o 27._o but_o the_o judgement_n shall_v sit_v and_o they_o shall_v take_v away_o his_o dominion_n to_o consume_v and_o to_o destroy_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n and_o the_o kingdom_n and_o dominion_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o kingdom_n under_o the_o whole_a heaven_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o the_o most_o high_a who_o kingdom_n be_v a_o everlasting_a kingdom_n and_o all_o dominion_n shall_v serve_v and_o obey_v he_o here_o be_v the_o end_n of_o the_o matter_n 28._o say_v the_o prophet_n here_o be_v the_o upshot_n and_o result_n of_o all_o 13._o here_o terminate_v both_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n and_o st._n john_n and_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o terrestrial_a world_n daniel_n bring_v in_o this_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o two_o or_o three_o vision_n but_o st._n john_n have_v interweave_v it_o every_o where_o with_o his_o prophecy_n from_o first_o to_o last_o and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o open_a a_o lock_n without_o a_o key_n as_o interpret_v the_o apocalypse_n without_o the_o millennium_n but_o after_o these_o two_o great_a witness_n the_o one_o for_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o for_o the_o new_a we_o must_v look_v into_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n for_o though_o every_o single_a author_n there_o be_v a_o oracle_n yet_o the_o concurrence_n of_o oracle_n be_v still_o a_o further_a demonstration_n and_o take_v away_o all_o remain_v of_o doubt_n or_o incredulity_n chap._n v._o a_o view_n of_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n concern_v the_o millennium_n or_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ._n in_o what_o sense_n all_o the_o prophet_n have_v bear_v testimony_n concern_v it_o the_o wife_n of_o zebedee_n come_v to_o our_o saviour_n 21._o and_o beg_v of_o he_o like_o a_o fond_a mother_n that_o her_o two_o son_n may_v sit_v one_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n the_o other_a at_o his_o left_a when_o he_o come_v into_o his_o kingdom_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o supposition_n or_o general_a ground_n of_o her_o request_n that_o he_o be_v to_o have_v a_o kingdom_n but_o tell_v she_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o kingdom_n be_v not_o then_o in_o his_o disposal_n he_o have_v not_o drink_v his_o cup_n nor_o be_v baptize_v with_o his_o last_o baptism_n which_o be_v condition_n both_o to_o he_o and_o other_o of_o enter_v into_o that_o kingdom_n yet_o 28._o in_o another_o place_n our_o saviour_n be_v so_o well_o assure_v of_o his_o interest_n and_o authority_n there_o by_o the_o good_a will_n of_o his_o father_n that_o he_o promise_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n that_o for_o the_o loss_n they_o shall_v sustain_v here_o upon_o his_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o his_o gospel_n they_o shall_v receive_v there_o a_o hundred_o fold_n and_o sit_v upon_o throne_n with_o he_o judge_v the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n the_o word_n be_v these_o and_o jesus_n say_v unto_o they_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n or_o renovation_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n these_o throne_n in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v understand_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o which_o we_o mention_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n 9_o out_o of_o daniel_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n and_o therefore_o mark_v the_o same_o time_n and_o the_o same_o
father_n above_o angel_n and_o arch-angel_n these_o great_a thing_n be_v imperfect_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o hope_n these_o mystery_n will_v be_v make_v more_o intelligible_a in_o that_o happy_a state_n to_o come_v where_o prophet_n apostle_n and_o angel_n will_v meet_v in_o conversation_n together_o in_o like_a manner_n 16._o how_o little_a be_v it_o we_o understand_v concern_v the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o that_o he_o descend_v like_o a_o dove_n upon_o our_o saviour_n like_o cleave_a tongue_n of_o fire_n upon_o the_o apostle_n 18._o the_o place_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o rush_v mighty_a wind_n 35._o that_o he_o over-shadowed_n the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o beget_v the_o holy_a infant_n that_o he_o make_v the_o apostle_n speak_v all_o sort_n of_o tongue_n and_o language_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la and_o pour_v out_o strange_a virtue_n and_o miraculous_a gift_n upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n these_o thing_n we_o know_v as_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n but_o the_o method_n of_o these_o operation_n we_o do_v not_o at_o all_o understand_v who_o can_v tell_v we_o now_o what_o that_o be_v which_o we_o call_v inspiration_n what_o change_n be_v wrought_v in_o the_o brain_n and_o what_o in_o the_o soul_n and_o how_o the_o effect_n follow_v who_o will_v give_v we_o the_o just_a definition_n of_o a_o miracle_n what_o the_o proximate_a agent_n be_v above_o man_n and_o whether_o they_o be_v all_o from_o the_o same_o power_n how_o the_o manner_n and_o process_n of_o those_o miraculous_a change_n in_o matter_n may_v be_v conceive_v these_o thing_n we_o see_v dark_o and_o hope_v they_o will_v be_v set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n more_o full_o expound_v to_o we_o in_o that_o future_a world_n for_o as_o several_a thing_n obscure_o express_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o new_a so_o the_o same_o mystery_n in_o a_o succeed_a state_n may_v still_o receive_v a_o further_a explication_n the_o history_n of_o the_o angel_n good_a or_o bad_a make_v another_o part_n of_o this_o providential_a systeme_n christian_n religion_n give_v we_o some_o notice_n of_o both_o kind_n but_o very_o imperfect_a what_o interest_n the_o good_a angel_n have_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o order_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o earth_n and_o mankind_n what_o subjection_n they_o have_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o what_o part_n in_o his_o ministry_n whether_o they_o be_v guardian_n to_o particular_a person_n to_o kingdom_n to_o empire_n all_o that_o we_o know_v at_o present_a concern_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o conectural_a and_o as_o to_o the_o bad_a angel_n who_o will_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o their_o fall_n and_o of_o their_o former_a condition_n i_o have_v rather_o know_v the_o history_n of_o lucifer_n than_o of_o all_o the_o babylonian_a and_o persian_a king_n nay_o than_o of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n what_o the_o birthright_n be_v of_o that_o mighty_a prince_n what_o his_o dominion_n where_o his_o imperial_a court_n and_o residence_n how_o he_o be_v depose_v for_o what_o crime_n and_o by_o what_o power_n how_o he_o still_o wage_n war_n against_o heaven_n in_o his_o exile_n what_o confederate_n he_o have_v what_o be_v his_o power_n over_o mankind_n and_o how_o limit_v what_o change_n or_o damage_n he_o suffer_v by_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o it_o alter_v the_o posture_n of_o his_o affair_n where_o he_o will_v be_v imprison_v in_o the_o millennium_n and_o what_o will_v be_v his_o last_o fate_n and_o final_a doom_n whether_o he_o may_v ever_o hope_v for_o a_o revolution_n or_o restauration_n these_o thing_n lie_v hide_v in_o the_o secret_a record_n of_o providence_n which_o then_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v open_v to_o we_o with_o the_o revolution_n of_o world_n we_o mention_v before_o the_o revolution_n of_o soul_n which_o be_v another_o great_a circle_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v study_v hereafter_o we_o know_v little_a here_o either_o of_o the_o pre-existence_n or_o post-existence_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o know_v not_o what_o they_o will_v be_v till_o the_o loud_a trump_n awake_v we_o and_o call_v we_o again_o into_o the_o corporeal_a world_n who_o know_v how_o many_o turn_v he_o shall_v take_v upon_o this_o stage_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o how_o many_o trial_n he_o shall_v have_v before_o his_o doom_n will_v be_v final_o conclude_v who_o know_v where_o or_o what_o be_v the_o state_n of_o hell_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o ever_o what_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o heaven_n what_o our_o celestial_a body_n and_o what_o that_o sovereign_a happiness_n that_o be_v call_v the_o beatifical_a vision_n our_o knowledge_n and_o conception_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v at_o present_a very_o general_a and_o superficial_a but_o in_o the_o future_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v introductory_n to_o heaven_n itself_o these_o imperfection_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n will_v be_v do_v away_o and_o such_o preparation_n wrought_v both_o in_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n as_o may_v fit_v we_o for_o the_o life_n of_o angel_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n in_o eternal_a glory_n thus_o you_o see_v in_o general_a what_o will_v be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o the_o bless_a millennium_n and_o though_o they_o have_v few_o of_o the_o trifle_a business_n of_o this_o life_n they_o will_v not_o want_v the_o best_a and_o noble_a of_o diversion_n it_o be_v a_o happy_a thing_n when_o a_o man_n pleasure_n be_v also_o his_o perfection_n for_o most_o man_n pleasure_n be_v such_o as_o debase_v their_o nature_n we_o common_o gratify_v our_o low_a faculty_n our_o passion_n and_o our_o appetite_n and_o these_o do_v not_o improve_v but_o depress_v the_o mind_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v so_o gross_a that_o the_o fine_a temper_n be_v surfeit_v in_o a_o little_a time_n there_o be_v no_o last_a pleasure_n but_o contemplation_n all_o other_o grow_v flat_a and_o insipid_a upon_o frequent_a use_n and_o when_o a_o man_n have_v run_v through_o a_o sett_n of_o vanity_n in_o the_o declension_n of_o his_o age_n he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o do_v with_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v think_v he_o saunter_n about_o from_o one_o dull_a business_n to_o another_o to_o wear_v out_o time_n and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o value_v life_n but_o because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o death_n but_o contemplation_n be_v a_o continual_a spring_n of_o fresh_a pleasure_n truth_n be_v inexhausted_a and_o when_o you_o be_v once_o in_o the_o right_a way_n the_o further_a you_o go_v the_o great_a discovery_n you_o make_v and_o with_o the_o great_a joy_n we_o be_v sometime_o high_o please_v and_o even_o transport_v with_o little_a invention_n in_o mathematics_n or_o mechanic_n or_o natural_a philosophy_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v make_v part_n of_o their_o diversion_n and_o entertainment_n in_o that_o state_n all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sound_n and_o harmony_n of_o light_n colour_n and_o perspective_n will_v be_v know_v in_o perfection_n but_o these_o i_o call_v diversion_n in_o comparison_n of_o their_o high_a and_o more_o serious_a speculation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o business_n and_o happiness_n of_o that_o life_n do_v but_o imagine_v that_o they_o will_v have_v the_o scheme_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n lie_v before_o they_o from_o the_o chaos_n to_o the_o last_o period_n the_o universal_a history_n and_o order_n of_o time_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plan_n of_o the_o undertake_n of_o the_o messiah_n with_o all_o other_o part_n and_o ingredient_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o this_o earth_n do_v but_o imagine_v this_o i_o say_v and_o you_o will_v easy_o allow_v that_o when_o they_o contemplate_v the_o beauty_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o whole_a design_n it_o must_v needs_o raise_v great_a and_o noble_a passion_n and_o a_o far_o rich_a joy_n than_o either_o the_o pleasure_n or_o speculation_n of_o this_o life_n can_v excite_v in_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o last_o act_n and_o close_a of_o all_o humane_a affair_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o exquisite_a and_o elaborate_a that_o it_o may_v crown_v the_o work_n satisfy_v the_o spectator_n and_o end_n in_o a_o general_a applause_n the_o whole_a theatre_n resound_v with_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o great_a dramatist_n and_o the_o wonderful_a art_n and_o order_n of_o the_o composition_n chap._n x._o objection_n against_o the_o millennium_n answer_v with_o some_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n after_o the_o millennium_n and_o what_o will_v be_v the_o final_a consummation_n of_o this_o world_n you_o see_v how_o nature_n and_o providence_n have_v conspire_v to_o make_v the_o millennium_n as_o happy_a
say_v may_v raise_v a_o doubt_n in_o their_o mâ—â—ds_n whether_o all_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v at_o a_o end_n nothing_o more_o oâ—_n heaven_n and_o earth_n or_o of_o any_o habitable_a world_n after_o the_o conflagration_n and_o to_o obviate_v this_o he_o tell_v they_o notwithstanding_o that_o wondered_a desolation_n that_o i_o have_v describe_v we_o do_v according_a to_o god_n surmise_n expect_v new_a heaven_n and_o a_o new_a earth_n to_o be_v a_o habitation_n for_o the_o righteous_a you_o see_v then_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v substitute_v in_o the_o place_n of_o those_o that_o be_v destroy_v at_o the_o conflagration_n and_o will_v you_o substitute_v allegorical_a heaven_n and_o earth_n in_o the_o place_n of_o material_a a_o shadow_n for_o a_o substance_n what_o 〈◊〉_d equivocation_n will_v it_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n when_o the_o doubt_n be_v about_o the_o material_a heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o make_v a_o answer_n â—bout_o allegorical_a last_o the_o time_a of_o the_o thing_n determine_v the_o 〈◊〉_d when_o shall_v this_o new_a world_n appear_v after_o the_o conflagration_n the_o apostle_n say_v therefore_o it_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o any_o moral_a renovation_n to_o be_v make_v at_o or_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o these_o â—â—llegorists_n pretend_v we_o must_v therefore_o upon_o all_o account_n conâ—â—de_n that_o the_o apostle_n intend_v a_o literal_a sense_n real_a and_o material_a heauâ—ns_n to_o succeed_v these_o after_o the_o conflagration_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o bar_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n can_v set_v to_o keep_v we_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o literal_a sense_n if_o these_o be_v not_o sufficient_a thus_o much_o for_o the_o explication_n of_o s._n peter_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n which_o secure_v the_o second_o paâ—t_n of_o our_o theory_n for_o the_o theory_n stand_v upon_o two_o pillar_n or_o two_o pedestal_n the_o ante-diluvian_a earth_n and_o the_o future_a earth_n or_o in_o s._n peter_n phrase_n the_o old_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o it_o can_v be_v shake_v so_o long_o as_o these_o two_o continue_v firm_a and_o immovable_a we_o may_v now_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o review_n but_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v possible_o that_o we_o shall_v say_v something_o concern_v the_o millennium_n which_o we_o have_v contrary_a to_o the_o general_a sentiment_n of_o the_o modern_a millenaries_n place_v in_o the_o future_a earth_n our_o opinion_n have_v this_o advantage_n above_o other_o that_o all_o fanatical_a pretension_n to_o power_n and_o empire_n in_o this_o world_n be_v by_o these_o mean_n blow_v away_o as_o chaff_n before_o the_o wind_n prince_n need_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v dethrone_v to_o make_v way_n to_o the_o saint_n nor_o government_n unhinged_a that_o they_o may_v rule_v the_o world_n with_o a_o rod_n of_o iron_n these_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o wild_a enthusiasm_n see_v the_o very_a state_n which_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v not_o to_o be_v upon_o this_o earth_n but_o that_o our_o sense_n may_v not_o be_v mistake_v or_o misapprehend_v in_o this_o particular_a as_o if_o we_o think_v the_o christian_a church_n will_v never_o upon_o this_o earth_n be_v in_o a_o better_a and_o happy_a posture_n than_o it_o be_v in_o at_o present_a we_o must_v distinguish_v betwixt_o a_o melioration_n of_o the_o world_n if_o you_o will_v allow_v that_o word_n and_o a_o millennium_n we_o do_v not_o deny_v a_o reformation_n and_o improvement_n of_o the_o church_n both_o as_o to_o peace_n purity_n and_o piety_n that_o knowledge_n may_v increase_v man_n mind_n be_v enlarge_v and_o christian_a religion_n better_o understand_v that_o the_o power_n of_o antichrist_n shall_v be_v diminish_v persecution_n cease_v liberty_n of_o conscience_n allow_v among_o the_o reform_a and_o a_o great_a union_n and_o harmony_n establish_v that_o prince_n will_v mind_v the_o public_a good_a more_o than_o they_o do_v now_o and_o be_v themselves_o better_a example_n of_o virtue_n and_o true_a piety_n all_o this_o may_v be_v and_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v ever_o long_o but_o the_o apocalyptical_a millennium_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n be_v still_o another_o matter_n it_o differ_v not_o in_o degree_n only_o from_o the_o present_a state_n but_o be_v a_o new_a order_n of_o thing_n both_o in_o the_o moral_a world_n and_o in_o the_o natural_a and_o that_o can_v be_v till_o we_o come_v into_o the_o new_a heaven_n and_o new_a earth_n suppose_v what_o reformation_n you_o can_v in_o this_o world_n there_o will_v still_o remain_v many_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o true_a millennial_a state_n antichrist_n though_o weaken_v will_v not_o be_v final_o destroy_v till_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n nor_o satan_n bind_v and_o there_o will_v be_v always_o poverty_n war_n disease_n knave_n and_o hypocrite_n in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n as_o s._n john_n describe_v it_o apoc._n 21._o 2_o 3_o 4_o etc._n etc._n you_o see_v now_o what_o our_o notion_n be_v of_o the_o millennium_n as_o we_o deny_v this_o earth_n to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o state_n that_o succeed_v the_o first_o resurrection_n when_o satan_n be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o bottomless_a pit_n the_o state_n when_o the_o martyr_n be_v to_o return_v into_o life_n and_o wherein_o they_o be_v to_o have_v the_o first_o lot_n and_o chief_a share_n a_o state_n which_o be_v to_o last_v a_o thousand_o year_n and_o bless_a and_o holy_a be_v he_o that_o have_v a_o part_n in_o it_o on_o such_o the_o second_o death_n have_v no_o power_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v priest_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o shall_v reign_v with_o he_o a_o thousand_o year_n if_o you_o will_v see_v more_o particular_a reason_n of_o our_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n why_o such_o a_o millennium_n be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o world_n they_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o 8_o chapt._n of_o the_o four_o book_n and_o we_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v here_o repeat_v as_o to_o that_o dissertation_n that_o follow_v the_o millennium_n and_o reach_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n see_v it_o be_v but_o problematical_a we_o leave_v it_o to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o the_o evidence_n already_o give_v and_o shall_v be_v very_o glad_a to_o see_v the_o conjecture_n of_o other_o more_o learned_a in_o speculation_n so_o abstruse_a and_o remote_a from_o common_a knowledge_n they_o can_v sure_o be_v think_v unworthy_a or_o unfit_a for_o our_o meditation_n see_v they_o be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n itself_o and_o to_o what_o end_n be_v they_o propose_v to_o we_o there_o if_o it_o be_v not_o intend_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v understand_v soon_o or_o late_a i_o have_v do_v with_o this_o review_n and_o shall_v only_o add_v one_o or_o two_o reflection_n upon_o the_o whole_a discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v you_o have_v see_v the_o state_n of_o the_o theory_n of_o the_o earth_n as_o to_o the_o matter_n form_n and_o proof_n of_o it_o both_o natural_a and_o sacred_a if_o any_o one_o will_v substitute_v a_o better_a in_o its_o place_n i_o shall_v think_v myself_o more_o oblige_v to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o have_v show_v i_o the_o quadrature_n of_o the_o circle_n but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o pick_v quarrel_n here_o and_o there_o that_o may_v be_v do_v by_o any_o writing_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a extent_n and_o comprehension_n they_o must_v build_v up_o as_o well_o as_o pull_v down_o and_o give_v we_o another_o theory_n instead_o of_o this_o fit_v to_o the_o same_o natural_a history_n of_o the_o earth_n according_a as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o in_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v the_o world_n take_v their_o choice_n he_o that_o cut_v down_o a_o tree_n be_v bind_v in_o reason_n to_o plant_v two_o because_o there_o be_v a_o hazard_n in_o their_o growth_n and_o thrive_a then_o as_o to_o those_o that_o be_v such_o rigorous_a scripturist_n as_o to_o require_v plain_o demonstrative_a and_o irresistible_a text_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o entertain_v or_o believe_v they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o reflect_v and_o consider_v whether_o for_o every_o article_n in_o the_o three_o creed_n which_o have_v no_o support_n from_o natural_a reason_n they_o can_v bring_v such_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o require_v of_o other_o or_o a_o faiâ—er_n and_o just_a evidence_n all_o thing_n consider_v than_o we_o have_v do_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o theory_n we_o have_v not_o indeed_o say_v all_o that_o may_v be_v say_v as_o to_o antiquity_n that_o make_v no_o part_n in_o this_o review_n and_o be_v capable_a still_o of_o great_a addition_n but_o