away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
there_o be_v no_o prevalency_n at_o all_o in_o any_o one_o particle_n above_o another_o in_o bigness_n or_o motion_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o universal_a matter_n to_o who_o motion_n be_v so_o essential_a and_o natural_a will_v be_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o produce_v of_o any_o variety_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v cause_v by_o this_o thin_a and_o subtle_a matter_n but_o what_o will_v be_v whole_o imperceptible_a to_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o visible_a world_n will_v this_o be_v from_o hence_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o must_v both_o put_v matter_n into_o motion_n and_o regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o produce_v all_o those_o variety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n give_v it_o from_o god_n be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o mr._n des_n cartes_n himself_o in_o these_o word_n considero_fw-la materiam_fw-la sibi_fw-la libere_fw-la permissam_fw-la &_o nullum_fw-la aliunde_fw-la impulsum_fw-la suscipientem_fw-la ut_fw-la plane_n quiescentem_fw-la illa_fw-la 104._o autem_fw-la impellitur_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la tantundem_fw-la motus_fw-la five_o translationis_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la conservante_fw-la quantum_fw-la abinitio_fw-la posuit_fw-la so_o that_o this_o great_a improver_n and_o discoverer_n of_o the_o mechanical_a power_n of_o matter_n do_v free_o confess_v the_o necessity_n not_o only_o of_o god_n give_v motion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n but_o of_o his_o conserve_n motion_n in_o it_o for_o the_o uphold_v it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v from_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o exclude_v of_o a_o deity_n from_o be_v the_o prime_n efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v concern_v the_o particular_a manner_n which_o be_v use_v by_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n suggest_v what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o it_o omnia_fw-la simul_fw-la creata_fw-la â—rant_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la successive_a ab_fw-la inuicem_fw-la separata_fw-la although_o i_o be_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o that_o of_o 6._o gassendus_fw-la majus_fw-la â—st_fw-la mundus_fw-la opus_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la assâ—qui_fw-la mens_fw-la humana_fw-la illius_fw-la molitionem_fw-la possit_fw-la to_o which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v well_o apply_v that_o speech_n of_o solomon_n then_o i_o behold_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o 17._o the_o sun_n because_o though_o a_o man_n labour_n to_o sack_v it_o out_o yea_o further_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n think_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o sinde_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epieurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o permian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o senecâ—_n plutarch_n and_o other_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_a not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o 1_o that_o the_o world_n have_v its_o be_v from_o he_o it_o thence_o follow_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o rational_a deduction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a band_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o uphold_v the_o world_n in_o its_o be_v and_o wise_o dispose_v all_o event_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n to_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o deny_v providence_n and_o in_o nothing_o do_v epicurus_n more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o puerility_n of_o his_o judgement_n then_o in_o this_o indeed_o if_o epicurus_n have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o assert_v a_o deity_n than_o as_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n imagine_v to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o direct_a atheism_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o foundation_n of_o religion_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n well_o though_o he_o do_v assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n which_o he_o call_v god_n while_o yet_o he_o make_v he_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o elbow_n fold_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n and_o take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a action_n for_o he_o well_o know_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v once_o root_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o excellent_a be_v above_o the_o heaven_n will_v have_v no_o more_o awe_n or_o power_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o the_o tell_v man_n that_o there_o be_v jewel_n of_o inestimable_a value_n in_o the_o indies_n make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o pay_v tax_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o that_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a but_o power_n nor_o speculation_n but_o interest_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n the_o poor_a tenant_n more_o regard_v his_o petty_a landlord_n than_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o he_o think_v he_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o he_o neither_o fear_n punishment_n nor_o hope_n for_o reward_n from_o he_o whereas_o his_o landlord_n may_v dispossess_v he_o of_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o displeasure_n and_o may_v advantage_v he_o the_o most_o if_o he_o gain_v his_o favour_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o think_v it_o a_o impair_n of_o his_o happiness_n to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o a_o inspection_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n may_v then_o be_v indeed_o derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la but_o not_o à _fw-la religando_fw-la there_o may_v be_v some_o pleasure_n in_o contemplate_v his_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n so_o that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o sound_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o philosophical_a antinomianism_n place_v all_o religion_n in_o a_o veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n pure_o for_o its_o own_o excellency_n without_o any_o such_o mercenary_a eye_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n for_o their_o own_o end_n as_o they_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v to_o reward_v and_o punishment_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o good_a woman_n who_o the_o story_n go_v of_o who_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a posture_n run_v up_o and_o down_o the_o strect_v with_o emblem_n in_o her_o hand_n fire_n in_o the_o one_o as_o she_o say_v to_o burn_v up_o heaven_n and_o water_n in_o the_o other_o to_o quench_v hell_n that_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n pure_o for_o himself_o will_v if_o she_o have_v compass_v her_o design_n soon_o bring_v proselyte_n enough_o to_o epicurus_n and_o by_o burn_a heaven_n will_v have_v burn_v up_o the_o cord_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o quench_v hell_n will_v have_v extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o spirit_n advance_v to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a height_n in_o religion_n make_v they_o exceed_o value_v their_o choice_n while_o they_o disregard_n what_o ever_o rival_n with_o god_n for_o it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o for_o
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n that_o where_o christianity_n be_v own_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o curb_v and_o restrain_v then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o be_v much_o overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o 10._o century_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o current_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o first_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o place_n where_o paganism_n or_o gross_a idolatry_n do_v yet_o reign_v will_v bring_v in_o their_o creditable_a testimony_n how_o tyrannical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o where_o careful_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v for_o retrive_v the_o ancient_a pâ—rity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n we_o ought_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n who_o wherever_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o former_a habitation_n if_o the_o second_o then_o be_v entertain_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o conclude_v all_o thing_n as_o imposture_n which_o be_v account_v dispossession_n of_o satan_n viz._n that_o he_o never_o be_v real_o dispossess_v than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o where_o he_o be_v once_o seize_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o eject_v he_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n great_a than_o he_o which_o be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o god_n or_o else_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tyrannize_v where_o and_o how_o he_o will_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o last_o that_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o be_v arm_v so_o much_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o due_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v command_v over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o this_o in_o the_o case_n pretend_v by_o the_o great_a juggler_n and_o impostor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o popish_a priest_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o party_n of_o any_o great_a faith_n or_o credit_n will_v stand_v to_o vouch_v they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o impregnable_a argument_n against_o all_o such_o imposture_n that_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o by_o such_o action_n will_v give_v a_o evidence_n to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o if_o not_o in_o some_o thing_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o first_o delivery_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n use_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a controversy_n all_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v yet_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v many_o great_a miracle_n that_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o these_o contain_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o controversy_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o atheistical_a spirit_n preâ—end_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o see_v person_n which_o so_o peevish_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o about_o some_o inferior_a and_o less_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o whereon_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v more_o immediate_o depend_v and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n may_v suffer_v such_o lamentable_a contention_n and_o division_n to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o thereby_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v see_v that_o if_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a design_n of_o some_o few_o politic_a person_n the_o quarrelsome_a world_n where_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o by_o force_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v so_o long_o in_o the_o own_n such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o the_o other_o controversy_n be_v build_v upon_o and_o although_o it_o be_v continual_o see_v that_o in_o divide_a party_n one_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o other_o and_o man_n general_o think_v they_o can_v never_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o they_o who_o error_n they_o have_v discover_v that_o yet_o this_o principle_n have_v not_o carry_v any_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n out_o of_o their_o indignation_n against_o those_o great_a corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o disow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v â—artly_o impute_v to_o the_o signal_n hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o partly_o to_o those_o strong_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o convey_v to_o uâ—_n the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n thus_o we_o see_v now_o how_o great_a and_o uncontrolled_a this_o consent_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v down_o from_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o authentical_a record_n of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o sure_a foundation_n there_o be_v for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n 20._o of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o admirable_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o be_v preach_v to_o it_o of_o whâ—ch_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a success_n upon_o its_o first_o preach_v have_v be_v partly_o discover_v already_o and_o be_v withal_o so_o plain_a from_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o these_o european_a part_n that_o none_o any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v hard_a and_o incredible_a the_o latter_a harsh_a and_o impossible_a 1._o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o run_v after_o nor_o very_o greedy_a to_o embrace_v 1._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o 1._o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o those_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v suck_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o infancy_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v believe_v they_o but_o only_o on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n any_o religion_n have_v against_o another_o that_o it_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o and_o thereby_o insinuate_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o demolish_v these_o strong_a hold_n and_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n arnobius_n excellent_o speak_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la creditis_fw-la gesta_fw-la haec_fw-la sed_fw-la qui_fw-la ea_fw-la conspicati_fw-la sunt_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o sub_fw-la oculis_fw-la suis_fw-la viderunt_fw-la agi_fw-la testes_fw-la optimi_fw-la certissimique_fw-la auctores_fw-la â—_o &_o crediderunt_fw-la haec_fw-la ipsi_fw-la &_o credenda_fw-la posteris_fw-la nobis_fw-la haud_fw-la exilibus_fw-la cum_fw-la approbationibus_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la quinam_fw-la isti_fw-la fortasse_fw-la quaeritis_fw-la gentes_fw-la populi_fw-la nationes_fw-la &_o incredulum_fw-la illud_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la quod_fw-la nisi_fw-la aperta_fw-la res_fw-la esset_fw-la &_o luce_fw-fr ipsa_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la clarior_fw-la nunquam_fw-la rebus_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la commodarent_fw-la assensum_fw-la an_fw-mi nunquid_fw-la dicemus_fw-la illius_fw-la temporis_fw-la homines_fw-la usque_fw-la adeò_fw-la fuisse_fw-la vanos_fw-la mendaces_fw-la stolidos_fw-la brutos_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la nunquam_fw-la viderant_fw-la vidisse_fw-la se_fw-la fingerent_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la facta_fw-la omninò_fw-la non_fw-la erant_fw-la falsis_fw-la proderent_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la aut_fw-la puerili_fw-la assertione_fw-la sirmarent_fw-la cumque_fw-la possent_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la &_o unanimiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la &_o inoffensas_fw-la ducere_fw-la conjunctiones_fw-la gratuita_fw-la susciperent_fw-la odia_fw-la &_o execrabili_fw-la haberentur_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la falsa_fw-la ut_fw-la dicit_fw-la be_v historia_fw-la illa_fw-la rerum_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tempore_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la ista_fw-la religione_fw-la complete_a we_o est_z aut_fw-la in_o unam_fw-la 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membra_fw-la vobis_fw-la projicere_fw-la &_o viscera_fw-la sua_fw-la lanianda_fw-la praebere_fw-la the_o substance_n of_o who_o discourse_n be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v so_o many_o person_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n to_o be_v so_o far_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v as_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v a_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o they_o be_v educate_v in_o but_o to_o venture_v their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o estate_n upon_o it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o such_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o speak_v well_fw-mi haec_fw-la saltem_fw-la 44._o fidem_fw-la vobis_fw-la faciant_fw-la argumenta_fw-la credendi_fw-la quod_fw-la jam_fw-la peromnes_n terras_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tempore_fw-la &_o parvo_fw-la immensi_fw-la nominis_fw-la huius_fw-la 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into_o more_o than_o civility_n that_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o part_n orator_n grammarian_n rhetorician_n lawyer_n physician_n philosopher_n who_o not_o have_v for_o saken_a then_o former_a sentiment_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o which_o atheistical_o dispose_v person_n make_v so_o much_o advantage_n of_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o it_o because_o it_o obtain_v so_o much_o upon_o its_o first_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n be_v against_o it_o if_o then_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v under_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n and_o power_n in_o that_o religion_n which_o unsettle_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n as_o to_o make_v man_n not_o only_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o to_o renounce_v they_o and_o embrace_v a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o withal_o consider_v what_o stronghold_n these_o principle_n of_o education_n be_v back_v with_o among_o the_o 21._o heathen_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o divulge_v among_o they_o i._n e._n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o have_v of_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o christianity_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n above_o the_o christian_a the_o main_a thing_n plead_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v templis_fw-la divortium_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la majorum_fw-la that_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o forefather_n and_o symmachus_n libanius_n and_o other_o plead_v this_o most_o in_o behalf_n of_o paganism_n servanda_fw-la est_fw-la tot_fw-la seculis_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o sequendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la parent_n qui_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la feliciter_fw-la suos_fw-la their_o religion_n plead_v prescription_n against_o any_o other_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sollow_v the_o step_n of_o their_o ancestor_n wherein_o they_o think_v themselves_o happy_a and_o secure_a caecilius_n in_o minutius_n felix_n first_o argue_v much_o against_o dogmatize_v in_o religion_n but_o withal_o say_v it_o 6._o most_o become_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n majorum_fw-la excipere_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la religiones_fw-la tradit_fw-la as_o colere_fw-la deos_fw-la quos_fw-la à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la ante_fw-la imbutus_fw-la es_fw-la timere_fw-la nec_fw-la de_fw-la numinibus_fw-la far_o sententiam_fw-la sed_fw-la prioribus_fw-la credere_fw-la so_o arnobius_n tell_v we_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v against_o 90._o the_o christian_n be_v novellam_fw-la esse_fw-la religionem_fw-la nostram_fw-la &_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la natam_fw-la propemodum_fw-la paucos_fw-la nâ—que_fw-la vos_fw-la potuisse_fw-la antiquam_fw-la &_o patriam_fw-la linquere_fw-la &_o in_o barbaros_fw-la ritus_fw-la peregrinosque_fw-la traduci_fw-la and_o cotta_n in_o tully_n long_v before_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o pagan_a religion_n majoribus_fw-la nostris_fw-la etiam_fw-la nulla_fw-la 3._o ratione_fw-la reddita_fw-la credere_fw-la to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n although_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a argument_n about_o religion_n conclude_v with_o this_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o resolve_v his_o religion_n into_o mihi_fw-la unum_fw-la satis_fw-la erit_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la it_o a_o tradidisse_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o it_o come_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o forefather_n lactantius_n full_o set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o 6._o plead_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n hae_fw-la sunt_fw-la religiones_fw-la quas_fw-la sibi_fw-la à _fw-la majoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la traditas_fw-la pertinacissime_fw-la tueri_fw-la ac_fw-la defendere_fw-la persiverant_a nec_fw-la considerant_fw-la quales_fw-la sint_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la hoc_fw-la probat_fw-la as_o atque_fw-la veras_fw-la esse_fw-la confidunt_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la veteres_fw-la tradiderâ—nt_fw-la tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquircre_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la the_o english_a be_v they_o account_v tradition_n infallible_a and_o know_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o its_o conveyance_n from_o their_o forefather_n how_o like_v herein_o do_v they_o speak_v to_o those_o
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
because_o the_o heathen_n judge_v these_o assembly_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v illegal_a society_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n when_o they_o grow_v suspicious_a of_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o severe_o prohibit_v ail_fw-we those_o sodalitia_fw-la or_o society_n and_o college_n which_o be_v very_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o greece_n these_o be_v such_o society_n of_o person_n which_o voluntary_o confederate_v together_o either_o for_o some_o particular_a design_n or_o for_o preserve_v love_n and_o friendship_n among_o each_o other_o and_o thence_o have_v their_o frequent_a meeting_n in_o common_a together_o now_o the_o more_o numerous_a these_o be_v and_o the_o more_o close_o they_o confederate_v the_o more_o jealous_a eye_n the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v upon_o they_o because_o of_o some_o clandestine_v design_n which_o they_o suspect_v may_v be_v carry_v on_o for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n in_o such_o suspicious_a meeting_n thence_o come_v out_o many_o particular_a edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n against_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o society_n now_o when_o the_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v somewhat_o numerous_a and_o have_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n frequent_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o do_v confederate_a together_o by_o such_o symbol_n of_o be_v wash_v with_o water_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o which_o be_v all_o the_o heathen_n apprehend_v by_o their_o use_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o proconsul_n and_o other_o magistrate_n in_o their_o several_a province_n bring_v the_o christian_n under_o these_o edict_n and_o so_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o as_o appear_v by_o pliny_n his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n be_v the_o only_a account_n on_o which_o 97._o the_o wise_a heathen_n do_v proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n for_o we_o see_v he_o trouble_v not_o himself_o much_o about_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o such_o person_n be_v bring_v before_o he_o and_o after_o he_o have_v interrogated_a they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o no_o several_a time_n if_o they_o persist_v he_o then_o punish_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o religion_n as_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n for_o so_o much_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la dubitabam_fw-la qualâ—cunque_fw-la esset_fw-la quod_fw-la faterentur_fw-la pervicaciam_fw-la certè_fw-la &_o inflexibilem_fw-la obstinâ—tionem_fw-la debere_fw-la puniri_fw-la that_o whatever_o their_o religion_n be_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o disobedience_n deserve_v punishment_n that_o which_o the_o christian_n now_o plead_v for_o themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o faction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v that_o which_o they_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o pliny_n that_o all_o their_o fault_n be_v quod_fw-la essent_fw-la soliti_fw-la stato_fw-la die_fw-la ante_fw-la lucem_fw-la convenire_fw-la carmenque_fw-la christo_fw-la quasi_fw-la deo_fw-la dicere_fw-la secum_fw-la inuicem_fw-la seque_fw-la sacramento_fw-la non_fw-la in_o scelus_fw-la aliquod_fw-la obstringere_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la furta_fw-la nelatrocinia_fw-la ne_fw-la adulteria_fw-la committerent_fw-la ne_fw-la fidem_fw-la fallerent_fw-la ne_fw-la depositum_fw-la appellati_fw-la abnegarent_fw-la that_o they_o be_v wont_n upon_o their_o solemn_a day_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n and_o to_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o only_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o their_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v not_o wrong_v and_o defraud_v other_o as_o to_o their_o body_n or_o estate_n and_o tertullian_n approve_v of_o the_o law_n against_o faction_n as_o de_fw-fr providentia_fw-la &_o modestia_fw-la publica_fw-la nè_fw-la civitas_fw-la in_o part_n seinderetur_fw-la as_o wise_o intend_v to_o prevent_v 38._o sedition_n but_o withal_o plead_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n can_v not_o be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la for_o say_v he_o haec_fw-la coitio_fw-la christianorum_fw-la merito_fw-la sane_fw-la illicita_fw-la si_fw-la illicitis_fw-la par_fw-fr merito_fw-la damnanda_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la de_fw-fr ea_fw-la queritur_fw-la eo_fw-la titulo_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-la factionibus_fw-la querela_fw-la est_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la perniciem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la convenimus_fw-la hoc_fw-la sumus_fw-la congregati_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o dispersi_fw-la hoc_fw-la universi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la neminem_fw-la laedentes_fw-la neminem_fw-la contristantes_fw-la quum_fw-la probi_fw-la quum_fw-la boni_fw-la coëunt_fw-la quum_fw-la pii_fw-la quum_fw-la casti_fw-la congregantur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la factio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sed_fw-la curia_fw-la if_o say_v he_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v like_o other_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o under_o the_o head_n of_o faction_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o no_o man_n injury_n that_o whether_o divide_v or_o assemble_v we_o be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o we_o grieve_v and_o injure_v no_o body_n when_o such_o a_o company_n of_o good_a man_n meet_v together_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o council_n then_o a_o faction_n 2._o another_o law_n the_o christian_n be_v bring_v under_o be_v that_o against_o innovation_n in_o religion_n thence_o it_o be_v lay_v so_o much_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n as_o porphyry_n say_v of_o origen_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o do_v 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ammonius_n revolt_a from_o christianity_n to_o paganism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o turn_v to_o the_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n now_o christianity_n be_v every_o where_o look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a innovation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v to_o be_v legum_fw-la morum_fw-la 4._o naturae_fw-la inimici_fw-la as_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n because_o they_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o mankind_n have_v general_o agree_v in_o thence_o aemilianus_n the_o 11._o praefect_n of_o egypt_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n return_v to_o paganism_n he_o use_v these_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o he_o suppose_v christianity_n to_o be_v when_o paul_n preach_v at_o athens_n his_o first_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o strange_a deity_n because_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n and_o demctrius_fw-la at_o ephesus_n know_v no_o such_o potent_a 18._o argument_n against_o paul_n as_o that_o his_o religion_n destroy_v the_o worship_n of_o diana_n who_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_n 27._o so_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v then_o account_v the_o antipode_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n on_o which_o account_n they_o be_v so_o severe_o deal_v with_o most_o commonwealth_n observe_v the_o counsel_n of_o maecenas_n to_o augustus_n in_o dio_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n because_o they_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n 3._o the_o law_n of_o sacrilege_n thence_o lactantius_n call_v their_o law_n constitutiones_fw-la sacrilegae_fw-la quin_fw-la etiam_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la homicidae_fw-la contra_fw-la pios_fw-la jura_fw-la impia_fw-la condiderunt_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o constitutiones_fw-la 11._o sacrilegae_fw-la &_o disputationes_fw-la jurisperitorum_fw-la leguntur_fw-la injustae_fw-la and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o domitius_n ulpianus_n have_v collect_v all_o those_o rescripta_fw-la nefaria_fw-la together_o which_o concern_v the_o christian_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v christianity_n by_o pliny_n be_v call_v amentia_fw-la by_o tacitus_n exitiabilis_fw-la superstitio_fw-la by_o suetâ—nius_fw-la one_o superstitio_fw-la nova_fw-la &_o exitiabilis_fw-la so_o much_o do_v these_o three_o great_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o madness_n and_o new_a and_o detestable_a superstition_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n be_v the_o enmity_n declare_v by_o christian_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_n 4._o the_o law_n against_o treason_n for_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v so_o high_a as_o to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o be_v common_o call_v publici_fw-la host_n enemy_n to_o all_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o infer_v from_o hence_o 35._o 1._o because_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v for_o the_o emperor_n safety_n ideo_fw-la committimus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n in_o majestatem_fw-la imperatorum_fw-la 29._o quia_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la rebus_fw-la suis_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la ludimus_fw-la de_fw-fr officio_fw-la salutis_fw-la
be_v to_o say_v he_o be_v no_o god_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o tully_n say_v epicurus_n do_v only_o nomine_fw-la poncre_n re_fw-la tollere_fw-la deos_fw-la because_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v repugnant_a to_o natural_a light_n so_o that_o if_o this_o idea_n do_v whole_o abstract_a from_o corporeal_a phantasm_n it_o thereby_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a faculty_n in_o man_n soul_n then_o mere_a imagination_n and_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a whence_o a_o faculty_n which_o thus_o extend_v its_o self_n to_o a_o infinite_a object_n shall_v come_v but_o from_o a_o infinite_a be_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v 2._o that_o the_o understanding_n in_o form_v this_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v not_o by_o distinct_a act_n first_o collect_v one_o perfection_n and_o then_o another_o and_o at_o last_o unite_v these_o together_o but_o the_o simplicity_n and_o unity_n of_o all_o these_o perfection_n be_v as_o necessary_o conceive_v as_o any_o of_o they_o grant_v then_o that_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o observe_n of_o several_a perfection_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v able_a to_o abstract_n these_o several_o from_o each_o be_v wherein_o they_o be_v yet_o whence_o shall_v the_o idea_n of_o the_o unity_n and_o inseparability_n of_o all_o these_o perfection_n come_v the_o mind_n may_v it_o be_v true_a knit_v some_o thing_n together_o in_o fictitious_a idea_n but_o then_o those_o be_v so_o far_o from_o unity_n with_o each_o other_o that_o in_o themselves_o they_o speak_v mutual_a repugnancy_n to_o one_o another_o which_o make_v they_o proper_a entia_fw-la rationis_fw-la but_o these_o several_a perfection_n be_v so_o far_o from_o speak_v repugnancy_n to_o each_o other_o that_o the_o unity_n and_o inseparability_n of_o they_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o form_n of_o this_o idea_n as_o any_o other_o perfection_n whatsoever_o so_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n be_v only_o a_o occasion_n give_v to_o the_o mind_n to_o help_v it_o in_o its_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o not_o that_o the_o idea_n its_o self_n depend_v upon_o those_o perfection_n as_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a truth_n the_o manner_n of_o demonstration_n may_v be_v necessary_a to_o help_v the_o understanding_n to_o its_o clear_a assent_n though_o the_o thing_n in_o themselves_o be_v undoubted_o true_a for_o all_o mind_n be_v not_o equal_o capable_a of_o the_o same_o truth_n some_o be_v of_o quick_a apprehension_n than_o other_o be_v now_o although_o to_o slow_a apprehension_n a_o more_o particular_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v thing_n be_v necessary_a yet_o the_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_a though_o they_o have_v not_o equal_a evidence_n to_o several_a person_n 3._o it_o appear_v that_o this_o be_v no_o mere_a fictitious_a idea_n from_o the_o uniformity_n of_o it_o in_o all_o person_n who_o have_v free_v themselves_o from_o the_o entanglement_n of_o corporeal_a phantasm_n those_o we_o call_v entia_fw-la rationis_fw-la we_o find_v by_o experienee_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o they_o be_v form_v ad_fw-la placitum_fw-la we_o may_v imagine_v they_o as_o many_o way_n as_o we_o please_v but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o idea_n of_o god_n for_o in_o those_o attribute_n or_o perfection_n which_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n we_o attribute_v to_o god_n there_o be_v a_o uniform_a consent_n in_o all_o those_o who_o have_v devest_v their_o mind_n of_o corporeal_a phantasm_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o god_n for_o while_o man_n have_v agree_v that_o the_o object_n of_o their_o idea_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a there_o have_v be_v no_o dissent_n in_o the_o perfection_n which_o have_v be_v attribute_v to_o it_o none_o have_v question_v but_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n join_v with_o necessity_n of_o existence_n have_v be_v all_o employ_v in_o this_o idea_n so_o that_o it_o 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goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o america_n pag._n 533_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n preserve_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o decay_n of_o knowledge_n increase_n of_o idolatry_n confusion_n of_o language_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o difficulty_n against_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o language_n be_v confound_v at_o babel_n those_o difficulty_n clear_v of_o the_o fabulousness_n of_o poet_n the_o particular_a way_n whereby_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n arise_v attribute_v the_o general_a history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o their_o own_o nation_n the_o corruption_n of_o hebraism_n alteration_n of_o name_n ambiguity_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o oriental_a language_n attribute_v the_o action_n of_o many_o to_o one_o person_n as_o in_o jupiter_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n the_o remainder_n of_o scripture_n history_n among_o the_o heathen_n the_o name_n of_o god_n chaos_n formation_n of_o man_n among_o the_o phaenician_o of_o adam_n among_o the_o german_n egyptian_n cilician_o adam_n under_o saturn_n cain_n among_o the_o phaenician_o tubalcain_n and_o jubal_n under_o vulcan_n and_o apollo_n naamah_n under_o minerva_n noah_n under_o saturn_n janus_n prometheus_n and_o bacchus_n noah_n three_o son_n under_o jupiter_n neptune_n and_o pluto_n canaan_n under_o mercury_n nimrod_n under_o bacchus_n magog_n under_o prometheus_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n among_o the_o phaenician_o jacob_n service_n under_o apollo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o bethel_n joseph_n under_o apis._n moses_n under_o bacchus_n joshua_n under_o hercules_n balaam_n under_o the_o old_a silenus_n pag._n 577_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n pag._n 599_o errata_fw-la page_n 11._o l._n 15._o r._n existence_n p._n 17._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 21._o l._n 19_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 22._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 27._o l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 31._o l._n 2._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o l._n 16._o r._n anebo_fw-la p._n 36._o l._n 1._o r._n sebennyta_n p._n 37._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 52._o l._n 28._o r._n accederent_fw-la and_o causaubon_n p._n 57_o l._n 26._o r._n other_o p._n 61._o l._n 14._o r._n pisistratidae_n p._n 63._o l._n 35._o r._n hierocles_n apollonius_n p._n 64._o l._n 11._o r._n acusilaus_n p_o 83._o l._n 29_o 30._o r._n the_o patriarch_n tarasius_n p._n 91._o l._n 3._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 94_o l._n 23._o for_o but_o r._n by_o p._n 96._o l._n 26._o for_o to_o r._n and._n p._n 104._o l._n 22._o r._n hecataeus_n p._n 105._o l._n 33._o r._n panchotis_n p._n 112._o l._n 15._o r._n as_o to_o p._n 120._o l._n 14_o r._n he_o for_o we_o p._n 125._o l._n 4._o r._n provide_v l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 126._o l._n 15._o r._n peteseph_n p._n 132._o r._n deceive_v p._n 140._o l._n 19_o r._n continue_v p._n 150._o l._n 16._o r._n deut._n 18._o p._n 149._o l._n 12._o r._n a_o order_n p._n 156._o l_o 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 167._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 171._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 180_o l._n 11._o r._n be_v p_o 182._o l._n 3â—_n r._n ordinat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 184._o l._n 39_o before_o those_o insert_v though_o p._n 201._o l_o 18._o r._n employ_v l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 202._o l_o 14._o r._n vorstius_n p._n 209._o l._n 9_o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 226._o l_o 5._o r._n meanness_n p._n 254._o l._n 26._o r._n table_n p._n 267._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 293._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 302._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 323._o l._n 19_o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 328._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 334_o l._n 11._o r._n barchochebas_n p._n 346._o between_o we_o and_o in_o insert_v a._n p_o 348._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 349._o l._n 29._o r._n incredibilia_fw-la p._n 364._o l._n 17._o blot_n out_o the_o comma_n between_o euhemerus_n and_o messenius_n l_o 29_o and_o elsewhere_o r._n salve_n for_o solve_v p._n 365._o l._n 20._o r._n elastical_a p._n 395._o l._n 3._o r._n toupinamboult_n p._n 409._o l._n 21._o r._n peristaltic_n p._n 424._o l._n 15._o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 425._o l._n 7._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 427._o l._n r._n insert_v â—â—_o between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o r_o fluidane_a p._n 443._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o for_o col_n r._n l._n nomine_fw-la appellasse_n p._n 464._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o surface_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 488._o l._n 36._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 493._o l._n 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 28._o r._n coaeterna_fw-la p._n 502._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 518._o l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 520._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n assert_v book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n assert_v and_o prove_v by_o
the_o wonderful_a providence_n of_o god_n that_o out_o of_o this_o eater_n come_v forth_o meat_n and_o out_o of_o that_o lion_n honey_n that_o the_o most_o considerable_a testimony_n by_o he_o produce_v against_o our_o religion_n be_v of_o the_o great_a strength_n to_o refute_v his_o own_o for_o he_o be_v of_o too_o great_a learning_n to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o the_o grecian_n he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o search_v after_o the_o most_o ancient_a record_n to_o find_v out_o somewhat_o in_o they_o to_o confront_v with_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o upon_o his_o search_n can_v find_v none_o of_o great_a veneration_n than_o the_o phoenician_n history_n nor_o any_o author_n contend_v for_o age_n with_o this_o sanchoniathon_n yet_o when_o he_o have_v make_v the_o most_o of_o his_o testimony_n he_o be_v fain_o to_o yield_v he_o young_a than_o mosesâ—_n though_o he_o suppose_v he_o elder_a than_o the_o trojan_a war_n and_o yet_o herein_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o a_o most_o gross_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o much_o exceed_v the_o grecian_n in_o his_o skill_n in_o chronology_n when_o he_o make_v semiramis_n coexistent_a with_o the_o siege_n of_o troy_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o his_o testimony_n produce_v at_o large_a by_o eusebius_n out_o of_o his_o four_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n nay_o 285._o he_o go_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o sanchoniathons_n history_n by_o the_o agreement_n of_o it_o with_o that_o of_o moses_n concern_v the_o jew_n both_o as_o to_o their_o name_n and_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whereby_o he_o do_v evident_o assert_v the_o great_a truth_n and_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n when_o he_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o sanchoniathons_n from_o his_o consonancy_n with_o that_o two_o thing_n more_o porphyry_n insist_o on_o to_o manifest_v his_o credibility_n 3_o the_o one_o i_o suppose_v relate_v to_o what_o he_o report_v concern_v the_o jew_n the_o other_o concern_v the_o phoenician_n themselves_o for_o the_o first_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o record_n of_o jerombaal_n the_o priest_n of_o the_o god_n jevo_n or_o rather_o jao_n for_o the_o other_o that_o he_o use_v all_o the_o record_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n in_o the_o temple_n who_o that_o jerombaal_n be_v be_v much_o discuss_v among_o learned_a man_n the_o find_v out_o of_o which_o have_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o determine_v the_o age_n of_o sanchoniathon_n the_o learned_a bochartus_n conceive_v he_o to_o be_v gideon_n who_o in_o scripture_n 17._o be_v call_v jerub-baal_a which_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n only_o after_o their_o custom_n change_v one_o b_o into_o m_o as_o in_o ambubajae_fw-la sambuca_fw-la etc._n etc._n but_o admit_v the_o conjecture_n of_o this_o learned_a person_n concern_v jerub-baal_a yet_o i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o make_v sanchoniathon_n and_o he_o co-temporary_a for_o i_o no_o where_o find_v any_o thing_n mention_v in_o porphyry_n imply_v that_o but_o only_o that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o the_o record_n of_o jerub-baal_a which_o he_o may_v very_o probable_o do_v at_o a_o considerable_a distance_n of_o time_n from_o he_o whether_o by_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o mean_v the_o annal_n write_v by_o he_o or_o the_o record_n concern_v his_o action_n either_o of_o which_o may_v give_v sanchoniathon_n considerable_a light_n into_o the_o history_n either_o of_o the_o isralite_n or_o phoenician_n and_o it_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o probable_a because_o present_o after_o the_o death_n of_o gideon_n the_o israelite_n worship_v baal-berith_a by_o which_o most_o probable_o be_v mean_v 33._o the_o idol_n of_o berith_n or_o berytus_n the_o place_n where_o sanchoniathen_a live_v by_o which_o mean_v the_o berytian_o may_v come_v easy_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n of_o jerubbaal_n but_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o sanchoniathon_n can_v be_v cotemporary_a 4._o with_o gideon_n which_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v he_o fall_v 182_o year_n short_a of_o moses_n especial_o because_o the_o build_n of_o tyre_n which_o that_o author_n mention_n as_o a_o ancient_a thing_n as_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o scaliger_n be_v by_o our_o best_a chronologer_n place_v about_o the_o time_n of_o gideon_n and_o about_o 65_o year_n before_o 40._o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n i_o know_v bochartus_n to_o avoid_v this_o argument_n have_v bring_v some_o evidence_n of_o several_a place_n call_v tyrus_n in_o phoenicia_n from_o scylax_n his_o periplus_n but_o none_o that_o there_o be_v any_o more_o than_o one_o tyrus_n of_o any_o great_a repute_n for_o antiquity_n now_o this_o tyrus_n josephus_n make_v but_o 240_o year_n elder_a than_o solomon_n temple_n and_o justin_n but_o one_o year_n elder_a than_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n neither_o can_v any_o 8._o account_n be_v give_v why_o sidon_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o celebrate_v by_o ancient_a poet_n as_o strabo_n tell_v we_o when_o tyre_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v by_o homer_n if_o the_o famous_a tyre_n be_v of_o so_o 16._o great_a antiquity_n and_o repute_n as_o be_v pretend_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o be_v mention_n in_o scripture_n of_o a_o tire_n elder_a than_o this_o we_o speak_v of_o which_o we_o read_v of_o joshua_n 19_o 29._o which_o some_o think_v to_o be_v that_o which_o be_v call_v palaetyrus_n which_o strabo_n make_v to_o be_v 30_o furlong_n distant_a from_o the_o great_a tyre_n but_o pliny_n include_v palaetyrus_n within_o the_o circumference_n of_o tyre_n and_o so_o make_v the_o whole_a circuit_n of_o the_o city_n to_o be_v 19_o 19_o mile_n it_o be_v not_o to_o i_o so_o certain_a to_o what_o place_n the_o name_n of_o palaetyrus_n refer_v whether_o to_o any_o tyrus_n before_o the_o first_o building_n of_o the_o great_a tyre_n or_o to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a tire_n after_o its_o destruction_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n compare_v with_o the_o new_a tyre_n which_o be_v build_v more_o inward_a to_o the_o sea_n and_o be_v after_o besiege_v by_o alexander_n the_o great_a it_o may_v seem_v probable_a that_o palaetyrus_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o great_a tyre_n in_o that_o it_o be_v after_o include_v in_o its_o circuit_n and_o chief_o because_o of_o the_o prediction_n in_o ezekiel_n 26._o 4._o thou_o shall_v be_v build_v no_o more_o for_o the_o tyre_n erect_v after_o be_v build_v not_o on_o the_o continent_n but_o almost_o in_o the_o sea_n if_o so_o then_o palaetyrus_n or_o the_o old_a famous_a tyrus_n may_v stand_v upon_o a_o rock_n upon_o the_o brink-of_a the_o continent_n and_o so_o the_o great_a argument_n of_o bochartus_a be_v easy_o answer_v which_o be_v that_o after_o it_o be_v mention_v in_o sanchoniathons_n history_n that_o hypsouranius_fw-la dwell_v in_o tyre_n upon_o the_o fall_n out_o between_o he_o and_o his_o brother_n usous_n usous_n first_o adventure_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o go_v to_o sea_n which_o say_v he_o evident_o manifest_v that_o the_o tire_n mention_v by_o sanchoniathon_n be_v not_o the_o famous_a insular_n tyrus_n but_o some_o other_o tire_n this_o argument_n i_o say_v be_v now_o easy_o answer_v if_o the_o famous_a tire_n before_o its_o destruction_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n do_v stand_v upon_o the_o continent_n for_o than_o it_o may_v be_v the_o old_a famous_a tyre_n still_o notwithstanding_o what_o sanchoniathon_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o venture_v to_o sea_n after_o tyre_n be_v build_v so_o then_o i_o conceive_v these_o several_a age_n agreeable_a to_o the_o same_o tire_n the_o first_o be_v when_o it_o be_v a_o high_a strong_a rock_n on_o the_o seaside_n without_o many_o inhabitant_n so_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v when_o mention_v by_o joshua_n as_o the_o bind_v of_o the_o tribe_n of_o asher_n the_o second_o age_n be_v when_o it_o be_v build_v a_o great_a city_n by_o the_o sidonian_n upon_o the_o former_a place_n and_o grow_v very_o populous_a and_o famous_a which_o last_v till_o nebuchadnezar_n time_n after_o this_o though_o it_o be_v never_o build_v up_o in_o the_o continent_n again_o yet_o a_o little_a further_o into_o the_o sea_n a_o new_a and_o goodly_a city_n be_v erect_v which_o be_v call_v new_a tyre_n and_o the_o remain_v on_o the_o continent_n side_n palaetyrus_n thus_o far_o then_o we_o have_v make_v good_a scaliger_n opinion_n against_o bochartus_n that_o the_o famous_a sanchoniathon_n be_v not_o so_o old_a as_o he_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v which_o will_v be_v further_o manifest_v if_o that_o abibalus_n to_o who_o sanchoniathon_n be_v suppose_v to_o dedicate_v his_o history_n be_v the_o 5._o father_n to_o hiram_n co-temporary_a with_o solomon_n as_o jos._n scaliger_n suppose_v who_o be_v 154_o year_n after_o the_o destruction_n of_o troy_n 1â—_n in_o the_o tyrian_a dynasty_n produce_v
diodorus_n relate_v set_v 30_o star_n under_o the_o planet_n these_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d other_o they_o have_v as_o prince_n over_o these_o bibliosh_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o former_a be_v as_o the_o privy_a counsellor_n and_o these_o the_o prince_n over_o they_o by_o who_o in_o their_o course_n they_o suppose_v the_o course_n of_o the_o year_n to_o be_v regulate_v we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o near_a affinity_n there_o be_v between_o astrology_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o star_n which_o make_v ptolemy_n call_v they_o atheist_n who_o condemn_a astrology_n because_o thereby_o they_o destroy_v the_o main_a of_o their_o religion_n 2._o which_o be_v the_o worship_v the_o star_n for_o go_n but_o it_o seem_v by_o strabo_n that_o one_o of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n do_v so_o hold_v to_o astronomy_n still_o that_o they_o whole_o reject_v genethlialogy_n 16_o which_o cause_v a_o great_a division_n among_o the_o orchoëni_n and_o the_o borsippeni_fw-la two_o sect_n among_o they_o so_o call_v from_o the_o place_n of_o their_o habitation_n and_o if_o we_o reckon_v the_o zabii_n among_o the_o chaldean_n as_o 3_o maimonides_n seem_v to_o do_v we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o planetary_a deity_n so_o much_o in_o request_n among_o the_o chaldean_n 29._o for_o the_o description_n he_o give_v of_o they_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o have_v no_o other_o god_n but_o the_o star_n to_o who_o they_o make_v statue_n and_o image_n to_o the_o sun_n golden_a to_o the_o moon_n silver_n and_o so_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n of_o the_o metal_n dedicate_v to_o they_o those_o image_n derive_v a_o influence_n from_o the_o star_n to_o which_o they_o be_v erect_v which_o have_v thence_o a_o faculty_n of_o foretell_v future_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o talismans_n 578._o so_o much_o in_o request_n among_o the_o heathen_n such_o as_o the_o palladium_n of_o troy_n be_v suppose_v by_o learned_a man_n to_o have_v be_v these_o talismans_n be_v by_o the_o jew_n call_v david_n buckler_n and_o be_v much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o ancient_a teraphiâ—_n both_o be_v accurate_o make_v according_a to_o the_o position_n of_o the_o heaven_n only_o the_o one_o be_v to_o foretell_v future_a thing_n the_o other_o for_o the_o drive_v away_o some_o calamity_n concern_v these_o zabii_n maimonides_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o understanding_n their_o rite_n will_v give_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o light_n to_o several_a passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o now_o lie_v in_o obscurity_n but_o little_a be_v suppose_v to_o be_v yet_o further_o know_v of_o they_o then_o what_o scaliger_n have_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o more_o eastern_a chaldean_n which_o he_o fetch_v from_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n several_a of_o their_o book_n be_v extant_a say_v scaliger_n among_o the_o arabian_n but_o none_o of_o they_o be_v yet_o discover_v to_o the_o european_a world_n salmasius_n think_v these_o zabii_n be_v the_o chaldean_n inhabit_v mesopotamia_n to_o which_o it_o be_v very_a consonant_n which_o maimonides_n say_v that_o abraham_n have_v his_o education_n among_o they_o say_a batricide_n cite_v by_o mr._n selden_n attribute_n the_o original_a of_o their_o 7_o religion_n to_o the_o time_n of_o nahor_n and_o to_o zaradchath_n the_o persian_a as_o the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o zoroaster_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o zertoost_n of_o the_o persec_n a_o sect_n of_o the_o ancient_a persian_n live_v now_o among_o the_o banyan_o in_o the_o indies_n these_o give_v a_o more_o full_a and_o exact_a account_n concern_v the_o original_n birth_n education_n and_o enthusiasm_n or_o revelation_n of_o their_o zertoost_n then_o any_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o any_o greek_a historian_n three_o book_n they_o tell_v we_o of_o which_o zertoo_v receive_v by_o revelation_n or_o rather_o one_o book_n consist_v of_o three_o several_a tract_n whereof_o the_o first_o be_v concern_v judicial_a astrology_n which_o they_o call_v astoodeger_n the_o second_o concern_v physic_n or_o the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n the_o three_o be_v call_v zertoost_n from_o the_o bringer_n of_o it_o contain_v their_o religious_a rite_n the_o first_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o jesopp_n or_o magy_n the_o second_o to_o physician_n the_o three_o to_o the_o darooe_n or_o churchman_n wherein_o be_v contain_v the_o several_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n we_o have_v likewise_o the_o rite_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o persee_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o fire_n with_o many_o other_o particular_a rite_n of_o they_o publish_v sometime_o since_o by_o one_o mr._n lord_n who_o be_v a_o long_a time_n resident_a among_o they_o at_o surrat_n by_o which_o we_o may_v not_o only_o understand_v much_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o ancient_a persian_n but_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o somewhat_o of_o the_o zabii_n too_o my_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o ancient_a zaradcha_fw-mi or_o zoroaster_n be_v by_o say_a batricide_n make_v the_o author_n of_o the_o zabii_n as_o we_o have_v see_v already_o who_o be_v undoubted_o the_o founder_n of_o the_o persian_a worship_n or_o rather_o a_o promoter_n of_o it_o among_o the_o persian_n for_o ammianus_n marcellinus_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o 23._o chaldean_n which_o he_o add_v to_o the_o persian_a rite_n beside_o their_o agreement_n in_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o idolatry_n the_o worship_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o consequent_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o symbol_n of_o the_o sun_n the_o eternal_a fire_n be_v evident_a which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v learn_v be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o early_a idolatry_n of_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o further_o we_o find_v god_n in_o leviticus_n 26._o 30._o threaten_v to_o destroy_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o image_n of_o the_o sun_n some_o render_v it_o but_o most_o probable_o by_o that_o word_n be_v mean_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o hearth_n where_o they_o keep_v their_o perpetual_a fire_n for_o those_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v use_v both_o for_o the_o sun_n and_o fire_n 9_o now_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o this_o idolatry_n be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o nation_n about_o palestine_n else_o there_o have_v be_v no_o need_n of_o so_o severe_a a_o threaten_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o most_o probable_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o zabii_n which_o must_v help_v we_o to_o explain_v the_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a positive_a precept_n in_o the_o levitical_a law_n relate_v to_o idolatry_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o chaldean_n and_o persian_n who_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o worship_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o fire_n which_o may_v be_v yet_o more_o probable_a from_o what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o they_o that_o gens_n zabaea_n erat_fw-la gens_fw-la quae_fw-la implevit_fw-la totum_fw-la orbem_fw-la it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o obscure_a nation_n but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o large_a spread_v in_o the_o eastern_a country_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n from_o who_o the_o persian_n derive_v their_o worship_n it_o may_v not_o see_v altogether_o improbable_a that_o balaam_n the_o famous_a soothsayer_n be_v one_o of_o these_o zabii_n especial_o if_o according_o to_o salmasius_n his_o judgement_n they_o inhabit_v mesopotamia_n for_o balaams_n country_n seem_v to_o be_v there_o for_o it_o be_v say_v numb_a 22._o 5._o that_o he_o dwell_v in_o pethor_n by_o the_o river_n i._n e._n say_v the_o chalâ—ee_n paraphra_v in_o peor_n of_o syria_n by_o euphrates_n which_o in_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o river_n isaiah_n 8._o 7._o but_o from_o this_o great_a obscurity_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o so_o ancient_a and_o so_o large_a a_o people_n as_o these_o zabii_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n to_o our_o purpose_n of_o the_o defectiveness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o eastern_a history_n as_o to_o the_o give_v any_o full_a account_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o own_o original_n we_o be_v toâ—d_v indeed_o by_o some_o that_o nabonasser_n do_v burn_v 4._o and_o destroy_v all_o the_o ancient_a record_n of_o the_o chaldean_n which_o they_o have_v diligent_o preserve_v among_o they_o before_o on_o purpose_n to_o raise_v the_o great_a reputation_n to_o himself_o and_o blot_v out_o the_o memory_n of_o his_o usurpation_n by_o burn_v the_o record_n of_o all_o their_o own_o ancient_a king_n which_o be_v a_o conceit_n i_o suppose_v have_v no_o other_o ground_n than_o that_o the_o famous_a aera_fw-la so_o much_o celebrate_v by_o astronomer_n and_o other_o do_v bear_v the_o name_n
which_o account_n we_o may_v just_o reject_v all_o those_o pretend_a succession_n of_o king_n hâ—re_v in_o britain_n from_o gomer_n to_o brute_n as_o fabulous_a and_o it_o will_v be_v the_o less_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o in_o those_o then_o account_v barbarous_a nation_n when_o even_o among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o planter_n of_o knowledge_n and_o civility_n among_o other_o the_o account_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n be_v so_o dark_a confuse_a and_o uncertain_a as_o it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o examine_v the_o succession_n of_o the_o two_o first_o dynastye_n among_o the_o latin_n the_o first_o before_o aeneas_n his_o come_n into_o italy_n and_o the_o second_o of_o the_o aeneadae_n after_o and_o certain_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v the_o account_n of_o time_n before_o if_o in_o the_o three_o dynasty_a when_o the_o succession_n seem_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o certain_a a_o epocha_n as_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n to_o deduce_v their_o account_n from_o their_o chronology_n be_v uncertain_a which_o i_o shall_v brief_o speak_v to_o for_o although_o porcius_n cato_n have_v in_o dionysius_n the_o honour_n of_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n which_o be_v the_o feast_n observe_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n pales_n in_o the_o time_n of_o which_o the_o foundation_n of_o rome_n be_v lay_v yet_o there_o appear_v no_o great_a certainty_n in_o his_o undertake_n for_o therein_o he_o be_v after_o contradict_v by_o the_o learned_a roman_a varro_n dionysius_n tell_v we_o that_o cato_n find_v by_o the_o censor_n table_n the_o exact_a time_n from_o the_o expulsion_n of_o the_o king_n to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o city_n be_v take_v by_o the_o gaul_n from_o which_o time_n to_o his_o own_o he_o can_v not_o miss_v of_o it_o from_o the_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o cato_n may_v have_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o time_n from_o the_o regifugium_fw-la to_o the_o time_n he_o write_v his_o origines_fw-la but_o what_o certainty_n cato_n can_v have_v from_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o expulsion_n of_o tarquin_n we_o can_v understand_v for_o the_o succession_n of_o king_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uncertain_a unless_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o some_o public_a monument_n or_o certain_a record_n or_o some_o public_a action_n certain_o know_v to_o have_v fall_v out_o precise_o in_o such_o a_o year_n of_o their_o several_a reign_n now_o none_o of_o these_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o roman_a history_n in_o all_o that_o interval_n from_o the_o palilia_n to_o the_o regifugium_fw-la so_o that_o not_o only_o the_o whole_a interval_n but_o the_o time_n of_o every_o particular_a king_n reign_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o therefore_o varro_n be_v destitute_a of_o any_o demonstration_n of_o that_o time_n have_v recourse_n to_o l._n tarrutius_fw-la firmanus_n to_o see_v if_o by_o his_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n he_o can_v certain_o find_v out_o the_o first_o palilia_n of_o rome_n his_o answer_n be_v that_o he_o find_v that_o the_o city_n be_v build_v in_o the_o time_n of_o a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v in_o the_o three_o year_n of_o the_o six_o olympiad_n according_a to_o which_o account_n varro_n proceed_v and_o thence_o arise_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o palilia_n catoniana_n and_o varroniana_n the_o latter_a fall_v out_o in_o the_o 23_o of_o iphitus_n the_o other_o in_o the_o 24._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v joseph_n scaliger_n there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n at_o the_o time_n affirm_v by_o tarrutius_fw-la but_o yet_o 388._o grant_v a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n then_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o have_v of_o the_o succession_n of_o the_o several_a king_n afterward_o without_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o certain_a computation_n ab_fw-la urbe_fw-la condita_fw-la if_o then_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v so_o great_a advantage_n of_o know_v time_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o build_n of_o their_o city_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o no_o very_o remote_a distacne_n can_v attain_v to_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n without_o it_o what_o certainty_n can_v we_o expect_v as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o far_o ancient_a time_n either_o from_o they_o or_o other_o when_o they_o have_v no_o censor_n table_n nor_o fasti_fw-la consulares_fw-la to_o be_v guide_v by_o and_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n as_o to_o the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o yet_o be_v it_o only_o a_o uncertainty_n as_o to_o chronology_n we_o may_v better_o bear_v with_o it_o for_o the_o mistake_n mere_o in_o 5._o computation_n of_o time_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a any_o further_a than_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n depend_v on_o the_o computation_n as_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n if_o we_o be_v but_o certain_a that_o the_o person_n and_o action_n relate_v of_o they_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v but_o that_o which_o add_v much_o to_o the_o confusion_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a history_n be_v the_o frequency_n of_o imposture_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v discover_v in_o that_o there_o be_v no_o authentic_a history_n of_o those_o time_n extant_a which_o have_v both_o give_v occasion_n to_o variety_n of_o imposture_n and_o much_o hinder_v their_o discovery_n for_o the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n lead_v they_o back_o into_o a_o search_n after_o ancient_a time_n it_o make_v they_o exceed_o credulous_a in_o embrace_v whatever_o pretend_v to_o give_v they_o any_o conduct_n through_o those_o dark_a and_o obscure_a path_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v want_v of_o such_o as_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o abuse_v the_o simple_a credulity_n of_o well-meaning_a but_o less_o wary_a man_n but_o those_o age_n have_v be_v most_o feracious_a in_o the_o production_n of_o such_o person_n which_o have_v pretend_v to_o more_o learning_n than_o they_o have_v the_o pretence_n of_o learning_n make_v such_o person_n appear_v and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o make_v they_o not_o be_v discover_v thus_o it_o be_v not_o only_o of_o old_a among_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n and_o the_o grecian_a poet_n and_o historian_n of_o who_o we_o have_v speak_v already_o but_o even_o among_o those_o who_o may_v have_v learn_v more_o truth_n from_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v then_o to_o think_v it_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o their_o lie_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a disparagement_n offer_v to_o truth_n then_o to_o defend_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o itself_o nothing_o lay_v truth_n so_o open_a to_o suspicion_n as_o when_o falsehood_n come_v to_o be_v its_o advocate_n and_o a_o false_a testimony_n discover_v do_v more_o prejudice_n to_o a_o good_a cause_n than_o it_o can_v any_o way_n advantage_v it_o be_v it_o not_o discover_v and_o therefore_o their_o labour_n have_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o the_o world_n who_o have_v discover_v impostor_n as_o those_o who_o have_v direct_o maintain_v truth_n against_o its_o open_a opposer_n those_o be_v so_o much_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o they_o appear_v in_o the_o disguise_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o be_v with_o more_o difficulty_n discover_v such_o a_o one_o be_v that_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la that_o appear_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o twilight_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n between_o the_o former_a darkness_n of_o barbarism_n and_o the_o approach_a light_n of_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v annius_n viterbiensis_n who_o like_o hannibal_n in_o pass_v the_o alps_o not_o find_v a_o way_n ready_a to_o his_o mind_n set_v himself_o to_o burn_v the_o wood_n and_o fire_v the_o rock_n and_o dissolve_v they_o with_o vinegar_n to_o make_v a_o passage_n through_o they_o so_o annius_n be_v beset_v in_o those_o snowy_a and_o gray-headed_a alps_n of_o ancient_a history_n and_o find_v no_o way_n clear_a for_o he_o according_a to_o his_o fancy_n he_o labour_v to_o burn_v down_o all_o certain_a record_n to_o eat_v through_o the_o credit_n of_o undoubted_a author_n to_o make_v a_o more_o free_a passage_n for_o his_o own_o history_n which_o he_o deduce_v suitable_o to_o scripture_n from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o elder_a historian_n to_o which_o purpose_n a_o new_a berosus_n manetho_n philo_n metasthenes_n as_o he_o mistake_v for_o megasthenes_n and_o xenophon_n must_v put_v on_o a_o grave_a disguise_n and_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n with_o a_o mantle_n of_o antiquity_n about_o their_o shoulder_n although_o they_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o airy_a phantasm_n cover_v over_o with_o the_o cowl_n of_o the_o monk_n of_o viterbo_n for_o be_v himself_o somewhat_o more_o verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n then_o general_o person_n be_v
though_o with_o all_o imaginable_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o law_n or_o custom_n already_o by_o which_o their_o commonwealth_n have_v be_v establish_v and_o with_o all_o these_o law_n of_o moses_n seem_v so_o much_o against_o the_o interest_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o all_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n think_v who_o for_o that_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v a_o iâ—le_n and_o slothful_a people_n as_o they_o judge_v by_o their_o rest_a whole_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o the_o great_a and_o many_o solemn_a feast_n they_o have_v the_o repair_n of_o all_o the_o male_n to_o jerusalem_n thrice_o a_o year_n the_o sabbatical_a year_n year_n of_o jubilee_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v apparent_o against_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n who_o great_a subsistence_n be_v upon_o pasturage_n and_o agriculture_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n respect_v not_o the_o outward_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o any_o politician_n among_o they_o but_o do_v immediate_o aim_v at_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o part_v even_o with_o their_o civil_a interest_n the_o do_v of_o which_o by_o a_o people_n general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o particular_a love_n of_o their_o own_o concernment_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n these_o law_n can_v not_o take_v place_n among_o they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o unsettlement_n and_o that_o their_o future_a settlement_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o present_a observation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n too_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a original_n which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v at_o present_a 4._o be_v not_o these_o write_n undoubted_o moses's_fw-fr 7._o whence_o shall_v the_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n retain_v so_o venerable_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n the_o egyptian_n account_v he_o one_o of_o their_o priest_n which_o note_v the_o esteem_n they_o have_v of_o his_o learning_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n produce_v out_o of_o chaeremon_n and_o manâ—tho_n by_o josephus_n sublim_fw-la diodorus_n siculus_n speak_v of_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n among_o the_o famous_a legislatour_n and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o speak_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o longinus_n be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o man_n of_o any_o vulgar_a wit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chalcidius_n call_v he_o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n although_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v that_o chalcidius_n have_v be_v i_o think_v undeserved_o reckon_v among_o heathen_a writer_n though_o he_o comment_v on_o plato_n timaeus_n 45._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a platonist_n which_o may_v more_o probable_o make_v vaninus_n call_v he_o circumforaneum_fw-la blateronem_fw-la but_o though_o we_o exempt_v chalcidius_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n yet_o there_o be_v number_n enough_o beside_o he_o produce_v by_o justin_n martyr_n cyrill_n and_o 2._o other_o who_o evidence_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a to_o make_v we_o undoubted_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n concern_v the_o write_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v they_o not_o be_v certain_o he_o and_o convey_v down_o in_o a_o continual_a succession_n from_o his_o time_n to_o our_o present_a age_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o national_a constitution_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o write_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o have_v more_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o solon_n lyâ—urgus_n and_o numa_n and_o that_o the_o law_n bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o than_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a commonwealth_n of_o athâ—ns_n sparta_n and_o rome_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n when_o write_n be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o counterfeit_v but_o when_o they_o concern_v the_o right_n privilege_n and_o government_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v be_v enough_o who_o interest_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o forge_v a_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o to_o invent_v law_n man_n caution_n and_o prudence_n be_v never_o so_o quick_a sight_v as_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n and_o freehold_n the_o general_a interest_n lie_v contrary_a to_o such_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v prevent_v their_o obtain_n among_o they_o now_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o very_a republic_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o subsistence_n and_o government_n depend_v upon_o they_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n be_v so_o interweave_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o one_o can_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o other_o their_o right_n to_o their_o temporal_a possession_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n depend_v on_o their_o own_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o give_v they_o to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n so_o that_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v impossible_a those_o law_n shall_v be_v counterfeit_a on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v govern_v ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o for_o none_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o law_n to_o have_v be_v he_o can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v the_o history_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o and_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o general_a and_o very_a necessary_a introduction_n to_o that_o which_o sollow_v chap._n ii_o moses_n his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o three_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n that_o gradual_o prove_v first_o moses_n his_o knowledge_n clear_v by_o his_o education_n and_o experience_n and_o certain_a information_n his_o education_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n what_o that_o be_v the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n inquire_v into_o the_o convenience_n for_o it_o of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n moses_n reckon_v among_o they_o for_o his_o knowledge_n the_o mathematical_a natural_a divine_a and_o moral_a learning_n of_o egypt_n their_o political_a wisdom_n most_o considerable_a the_o advantage_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o to_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n moses_n himself_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o history_n the_o certain_a uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o other_o part_n among_o the_o jew_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v our_o way_n we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o 3._o hypothesis_n which_o be_v there_o be_v as_o manifest_v proof_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v concern_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o yield_v the_o firm_a assent_n unto_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n of_o rational_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o which_o if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o impartial_a person_n the_o argument_n produce_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o every_o rangle_a atheist_n will_v sit_v down_o content_v with_o they_o for_o usual_o person_n of_o that_o inclination_n rather_o than_o judgement_n be_v more_o resolve_v against_o light_n then_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o rather_o seek_v to_o stop_v the_o chink_n at_o which_o any_o light_n may_v come_v in_o then_o open_a the_o window_n for_o the_o free_a and_o cheerful_a entertainment_n of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o without_o offer_v manifest_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v one_o whole_o forsake_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o will_v be_v satisfactory_o do_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n he_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
convince_v they_o of_o that_o which_o they_o believe_v already_o for_o we_o never_o read_v among_o all_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o be_v lapse_v so_o far_o as_o total_o to_o reject_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v to_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n although_o they_o do_v enormous_o offend_v against_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v main_o concern_v as_o be_v most_o plain_a in_o their_o frequent_a and_o gross_a idolatry_n which_o we_o be_v not_o so_o to_o understand_v as_o though_o they_o whole_o cast_v off_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o they_o superinduce_v as_o the_o samaritan_n do_v the_o worship_n of_o heathen_a idol_n with_o that_o of_o the_o god_n of_o israel_n but_o when_o the_o revolt_n grow_v so_o great_a and_o dangerous_a that_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n unless_o some_o apparent_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o those_o heathen_a mixture_n and_o further_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o establish_a religion_n it_o please_v god_n sometime_o to_o send_v his_o prophet_n on_o this_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o main_a instrument_n of_o this_o revolt_n as_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o that_o dangerous_a design_n of_o jeroboam_fw-la when_o he_o out_o of_o a_o politic_a end_n set_v up_o his_o two_o calf_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therein_o it_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a in_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o design_v not_o the_o alteration_n of_o the_o worship_n itself_o but_o the_o establishment_n of_o it_o in_o dan_n and_o bethel_n for_o his_o interest_n lie_v not_o in_o draw_v of_o the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o from_o his_o worship_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o 27._o design_n of_o cantonize_a the_o kingdom_n and_o take_v the_o great_a share_n to_o himself_o now_o that_o god_n may_v confirm_v his_o people_n faith_n in_o this_o dangerous_a juncture_n of_o time_n he_o send_v a_o prophet_n to_o bethel_n who_o by_o the_o work_n of_o present_a miracle_n there_o viz._n the_o rent_v the_o altar_n and_o wither_v of_o jeroboam_n hand_n do_v manifest_a to_o they_o that_o these_o altar_n be_v displease_v to_o god_n 2._o and_o that_o the_o true_a place_n of_o worship_n be_v at_o jerusalem_n so_o in_o that_o famous_a fire-ordeal_a for_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n between_o 38._o god_n and_o baal_n upon_o mount_n carmel_n by_o elijah_n god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n to_o give_v the_o most_o pregnant_a testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n by_o cause_v a_o fire_n to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o consume_v the_o sacrifice_n by_o which_o the_o priest_n of_o baal_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o people_n confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n for_o present_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o miracle_n the_o people_n fall_v on_o their_o face_n and_o say_v the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n the_o lord_n he_o be_v god_n whereby_o we_o plain_o 39_o see_v what_o clear_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v attest_v with_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n thus_o the_o widow_n of_o sarepta_n which_o be_v in_o the_o country_n of_o zidon_n be_v bring_v to_o believe_v elijah_n to_o be_v a_o true_a prophet_n by_o his_o raise_n up_o her_o son_n to_o life_n and_o the_o woman_n say_v to_o elijah_n now_o by_o this_o i_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o man_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o 24._o thy_o mouth_n be_v truth_n so_o we_o see_v how_o naaman_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o true_a god_n by_o his_o miraculous_a cure_n in_o jordan_n by_o the_o appointment_n of_o elisha_n behold_v now_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o 15._o all_o the_o earth_n but_o in_o israel_n by_o which_o instance_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o either_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o these_o person_n be_v build_v upon_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a ground_n or_o that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v a_o evident_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v establish_v by_o they_o for_o this_o we_o see_v be_v the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o god_n do_v improve_v any_o of_o his_o prophet_n to_o work_v miracle_n viz._n to_o be_v as_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o so_o that_o this_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v not_o mere_o a_o motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o a_o probable_a inducement_n to_o remove_v prejudice_n from_o the_o person_n as_o many_o of_o our_o divine_n speak_v but_o it_o do_v contain_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o common_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o and_o thus_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n the_o truth_n of_o who_o message_n be_v attest_v both_o among_o the_o 16._o egyptian_n and_o the_o israelite_n by_o that_o power_n of_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v but_o herein_o we_o have_v the_o great_a patron_n of_o moses_n our_o great_a enemy_n viz_o the_o present_a jew_n who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o enmity_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o unparallelled_a miracle_n be_v grow_v very_o shy_a of_o the_o argument_n draw_v from_o thence_o in_o so_o much_o that_o their_o great_a dr._n maimonides_n lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o confident_a maxim_n 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o israelite_n do_v not_o believe_v in_o moses_n our_o master_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v do_v they_o not_o the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o more_o shame_n for_o this_o great_a rabbi_n thus_o to_o bely_v they_o but_o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o it_o be_v because_o there_o may_v remain_v some_o suspicion_n in_o one_o mind_n that_o all_o miracle_n may_v be_v wrought_v by_o a_o power_n of_o magic_n or_o incantation_n say_v you_o so_o what_o when_o moses_n confound_v all_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o make_v themselves_o who_o be_v the_o most_o cunning_a in_o these_o thing_n confess_v it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o at_o last_o give_v out_o as_o not_o able_a to_o stand_v before_o moses_n may_v one_o still_o suspect_v all_o this_o to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o magical_a power_n credat_fw-la judaeus_fw-la apella_n non_fw-la ego_fw-la this_o be_v much_o like_o what_o another_o of_o their_o doctor_n say_v who_o they_o call_v the_o divine_a philosopher_n that_o elisha_n his_o raise_v the_o child_n 18._o to_o life_n and_o cure_v naaman_n leprosy_n and_o daniel_n escape_v the_o lion_n and_o jonas_n out_o of_o the_o whale_n belly_n may_v all_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n or_o by_o pythonisme_n very_o probable_a but_o it_o be_v most_o true_a which_o vortius_n there_o observe_v of_o the_o jew_n nibil_n non_fw-la nugacissimi_fw-la mortalium_fw-la fingunt_fw-la ne_fw-la cogantur_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la virtute_fw-la ac_fw-la digito_fw-la quasi_fw-la ipsius_fw-la dei_fw-la jesum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la effecisse_fw-la miracula_fw-la sua_fw-la all_o their_o design_n in_o this_o be_v only_o to_o elevate_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o to_o derogate_v all_o they_o can_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o hence_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v as_o miracle_n the_o mere_a recital_n of_o the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr will_n work_v wonder_n &_o that_o by_o this_o jeremiah_n and_o our_o saviour_n do_v all_o their_o miracle_n it_o be_v well_o yet_o that_o he_o do_v more_o than_o one_o of_o their_o own_o prophet_n have_v do_v before_o he_o but_o where_o i_o wonder_v do_v we_o read_v that_o ever_o the_o pronounce_v of_o four_o letter_n raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a who_o have_v lie_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n or_o by_o what_o power_n do_v christ_n raise_v himself_o from_o the_o dead_a which_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o can_v his_o dead_a body_n pronounce_v the_o tetragrammaton_fw-gr to_o awaken_v its_o self_n with_o but_o maimonides_n further_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o miracle_n which_o moses_n wrought_v among_o the_o israelite_n be_v mere_o for_o necessity_n and_o not_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o divide_v the_o red_a sea_n the_o rain_v of_o manna_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o corah_n and_o his_o complice_n but_o set_v aside_o that_o these_o two_o latter_a be_v the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o not_o miracle_n do_v by_o moses_n yet_o it_o be_v evidence_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o be_v to_o manifest_v a_o divine_a
by_o reason_n of_o the_o large_a diffusion_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o bell_n of_o horse_n and_o that_o the_o pot_n in_o the_o lord_n house_n shall_v 20._o be_v as_o bowl_n before_o the_o altar_n i._n e._n that_o when_o the_o levitical_a service_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o that_o holiness_n which_o be_v that_o appropriate_v to_o the_o priest_n and_o instrument_n of_o the_o temple_n shall_v be_v discern_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v most_o remote_a from_o it_o that_o a_o priesthood_n after_o another_o order_n than_o that_o of_o aaron_n shall_v be_v establish_v viz._n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchisedek_n 6._o and_o that_o he_o that_o be_v the_o priest_n after_o this_o order_n shall_v judge_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o wound_v the_o head_n over_o many_o country_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o his_o power_n the_o people_n shall_v not_o be_v fright_v to_o obedience_n with_o thunderclap_n and_o earthquake_n 3._o as_o at_o mount_n sinai_n but_o shall_v come_v and_o yield_v themselves_o as_o a_o freewill_n offer_v unto_o he_o and_o yet_o their_o number_n be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o drop_n of_o the_o dew_n which_o distil_v in_o the_o morning_n that_o god_n out_o of_o other_o nation_n will_v take_v unto_o himself_o for_o priest_n and_o for_o levite_n that_o the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n 1._o shall_v speedy_o come_v that_o the_o messenger_n of_o the_o covenant_n shall_v come_v into_o his_o temple_n nay_o that_o seventy_o week_n be_v determine_v upon_o thy_o people_n and_o upon_o thy_o holy_a city_n that_o then_o the_o vision_n and_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v seal_v up_o that_o the_o sacrifice_n 27._o and_o oblation_n shall_v be_v cause_v to_o cease_v that_o the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o end_n thereof_o shall_v be_v with_o a_o flood_n and_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v that_o after_o three_o score_n and_o two_o week_n messiah_n shall_v be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o that_o by_o he_o transgression_n shall_v be_v finish_v and_o reconciliation_n for_o iniquity_n shall_v be_v make_v and_o everlasting_a righteousness_n shall_v be_v bring_v in_o and_o lest_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v only_o a_o high_a advance_n of_o the_o levitical_a worship_n and_o the_o way_n of_o external_a ceremony_n god_n express_o say_v that_o he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o with_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n that_o i_o make_v 32._o with_o their_o father_n in_o the_o day_n i_o take_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n which_o my_o covenant_n they_o break_v although_o i_o be_v a_o husband_n to_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n but_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o covenant_n that_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n in_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o will_v be_v their_o god_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n can_v any_o one_o that_o now_o consider_v serious_o the_o state_n of_o thing_n thus_o describe_v as_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v ever_o imagine_v that_o the_o levitical_a service_n be_v ever_o calculate_v for_o this_o state_n be_v god_n worship_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o his_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n when_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n shall_v come_v to_o serve_v he_o be_v the_o high_a priest_n to_o make_v a_o atonement_n there_o when_o a_o order_n of_o priesthood_n different_a from_o the_o aaronical_a shall_v be_v set_v up_o must_v the_o tribe_n of_o levi_n only_o attend_v at_o the_o temple_n when_o god_n will_v take_v priest_n and_o levite_n out_o of_o all_o nation_n that_o serve_v he_o what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o temple_n when_o both_o city_n and_o sanctuary_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o that_o must_v be_v within_o few_o prophetical_a week_n after_o the_o messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o must_v the_o covenant_n god_n make_v with_o the_o israelite_n continue_v for_o ever_o when_o god_n express_o say_v he_o will_v make_v a_o new_a one_o and_o that_o not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o he_o make_v with_o they_o then_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a then_o as_o nothing_o can_v well_o be_v more_o that_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n such_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n be_v describe_v and_o promise_v with_o which_o the_o levitical_a worship_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a and_o so_o that_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v not_o at_o first_o establish_v upon_o a_o immutable_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowladge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n have_v now_o clear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o repeal_n i_o come_v to_o the_o second_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o 1_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v give_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o power_n and_o authority_n to_o repeal_v it_o i_o shall_v not_o to_o prevent_v too_o large_a a_o excursion_n insist_v on_o any_o other_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o promise_a mâ—ssias_n but_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o present_a debate_n concern_v the_o evidence_n which_o arise_v from_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o order_n to_o his_o establish_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n the_o great_a stumbling-block_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n among_o both_o the_o jew_n and_o learned_a heathen_n be_v the_o meanness_n of_o his_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n not_o come_v attend_v with_o that_o state_n and_o magnificence_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o so_o great_a a_o person_n the_o jew_n have_v their_o sense_n so_o possess_v with_o the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n on_o mount_n sinai_n that_o they_o can_v not_o imagine_v the_o structure_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a worship_n can_v be_v take_v down_o with_o less_o noise_n and_o terror_n than_o it_o be_v erect_v with_o and_o withal_o collect_v all_o those_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o seem_v to_o foretell_v such_o glorious_a thing_n of_o the_o day_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o â—ither_o refer_v to_o his_o second_o come_v or_o must_v be_v understand_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n they_o have_v their_o mind_n oppress_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o present_a calamity_n apply_v they_o whole_o to_o a_o external_a greatness_n whereby_o
as_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o neglect_v the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o sober_a 11._o shall_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n assert_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v insufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n true_a unless_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o strong_a evidence_n many_o person_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v scientifical_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o than_o all_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v must_v certain_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o answer_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o internal_a but_o outward_a evidence_n not_o of_o that_o in_o the_o subject_n but_o of_o the_o object_n or_o more_o full_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o event_n in_o we_o for_o doubtless_o there_o may_v be_v undoubted_a truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o some_o person_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o understand_v if_o epicurus_n shall_v contend_v still_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v no_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o contrary_a nay_o if_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v offer_v he_o and_o telescope_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n and_o therefore_o his_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o use_v the_o telescope_n or_o suspect_v still_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o sight_n what_o possible_a way_n will_v there_o be_v of_o convince_a such_o a_o person_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o self_n demonstrable_a now_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o maintain_v of_o credit_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o mathematical_a evidence_n to_o withhold_v assent_n what_o power_n may_v we_o think_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o that_o carnal_a interest_n which_o the_o heart_n be_v already_o devote_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o person_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o that_o may_v yield_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n nay_o there_o be_v light_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o light_n come_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o can_v 19_o not_o believe_v while_o they_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v of_o god_n only_o i._n e._n that_o they_o 44._o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o applause_n from_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o impartial_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o do_v touch_v their_o sore_n so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v they_o fester_v upon_o they_o then_o go_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o cure_n that_o the_o reason_n so_o few_o follow_v he_o be_v because_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o which_o man_n must_v go_v in_o at_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n so_o few_o of_o the_o rich_a 14._o and_o proud_a pharisee_n can_v get_v in_o at_o it_o they_o be_v partly_o so_o swell_v with_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o partly_o so_o load_v with_o their_o riches_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o go_v in_o at_o so_o straight_o a_o gate_n while_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o neither_o that_o the_o final_a ground_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o any_o be_v not_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v nor_o want_v of_o readiness_n in_o christ_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o peevish_a wilful_a obstinate_a malicious_a spirit_n that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v 40._o to_o christ_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n for_o those_o import_n the_o same_o but_o when_o the_o most_o convince_a miracle_n be_v use_v they_o will_v rather_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 24._o then_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n present_o by_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o face_n yet_o we_o see_v thereby_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v now_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n proceed_n with_o the_o pharisee_n by_o rational_a argument_n i_o demand_v whether_o these_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o his_o miracle_n by_o any_o diabolical_a but_o by_o divine_a power_n or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rational_a evidence_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o some_o motive_n to_o believe_v may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v then_o well_o fare_v the_o pharisee_n it_o seem_v they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o far_o justify_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o suppose_v that_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a but_o out_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o envy_n they_o utter_v this_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v christ_n then_o we_o hence_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o strong_a a_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o convince_v his_o most_o resolute_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a second_o what_o power_n a_o corrupt_a will_n may_v have_v over_o a_o convince_a understanding_n for_o although_o the_o will_n may_v not_o hinder_v conviction_n yet_o it_o may_v soon_o stifle_v it_o by_o suggest_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o may_v divert_v it_o from_o those_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o disgrace_v it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o discover_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n wherein_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v like_o rational_a man_n or_o such_o as_o desire_a truth_n but_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o through_o passion_n interest_n prejudice_n disaffection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o those_o person_n do_v not_o believe_v although_o there_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o but_o although_o i_o assert_v that_o these_o rational_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v to_o manifest_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o i_o thereby_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o no_o more_o power_n be_v require_v in_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o to_o believe_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o be_v another_o objection_n some_o lay_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o it_o isâ—_n ot_fw-mi difficult_a get_n over_o it_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n which_o i_o attribute_v to_o rational_a evidence_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o simple_a but_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la as_o a_o objective_a evidence_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o peculiar_a energy_n and_o way_n of_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v entire_a to_o its_o self_n but_o then_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o true_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o only_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o withal_o represent_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o that_o testimony_n with_o all_o that_o excellency_n and_o suitableness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o by_o the_o most_o agreeable_a yet_o effectual_a influence_n
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a case_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o before_o they_o believe_v they_o therefore_o no_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v assign_v on_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o confess_v in_o mahumetism_n a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n have_v for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n but_o then_o withal_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o viz._n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o strict_o forbid_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n to_o dispute_v their_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o other_o therefore_o i_o can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v for_o sake_n all_o their_o former_a persuasion_n and_o resolve_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n if_o this_o give_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o doctrine_n true_a we_o must_v believe_v mankind_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a unhappy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n part_n with_o all_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o to_o come_v if_o that_o be_v not_o undoubted_o certain_a and_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v it_o infallible_o true_a it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o though_o god_n make_v choice_n at_o first_o of_o person_n general_o of_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o eloquence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v prevail_v on_o some_o very_a few_o person_n but_o that_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a language_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v convert_v such_o multitude_n from_o intemperance_n to_o sobriety_n from_o injustice_n to_o fair_a deal_n from_o cowardice_n to_o the_o high_a constancy_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o virtue_n how_o can_v we_o but_o admire_v so_o divine_a a_o power_n as_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o difficult_a for_o corrupt_v nature_n to_o be_v change_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lactantius_n excellent_o manifest_v that_o philosophy_n can_v never_o do_v so_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n as_o 25._o christianity_n do_v because_o that_o be_v not_o suit_v at_o all_o to_o common_a capacity_n and_o do_v require_v so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o art_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o which_o yet_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a as_o any_o other_o be_v and_o how_o inefficacious_a the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v appear_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v command_n by_o they_o over_o their_o masterless_a passion_n and_o be_v fain_o sometime_o to_o confess_v that_o nature_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o by_o such_o weak_a reins_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v but_o say_v he_o what_o great_a command_n divine_a precept_n have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n daily_a experience_n show_v dam_fw-la mihi_fw-la virum_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la iracundus_fw-la maledicus_fw-la effrenatus_fw-la 26._o paucissimis_fw-la dei_fw-la verbis_fw-la tam_fw-la placidum_fw-la quam_fw-la ovem_fw-la reddam_fw-la dam_fw-la cupidum_fw-la avarum_fw-la tenacem_fw-la jam_fw-la tibi_fw-la eum_fw-la liberalem_fw-la dabo_fw-la &_o pecuniam_fw-la svam_fw-la plenis_fw-la manibus_fw-la largientem_fw-la dam_fw-la timidum_fw-la doloris_fw-la ac_fw-la mortis_fw-la jam_fw-la cruces_fw-la &_o ignes_fw-la taurum_fw-la contemnet_fw-la dam_fw-la libidinosum_fw-la adulterum_fw-la ganeonem_fw-la jam_fw-la sobrium_fw-la castum_fw-la â—ontinentem_fw-la videbis_fw-la dam_fw-la crudelem_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la appetentem_fw-la jam_fw-la in_o veram_fw-la clementiam_fw-la furor_fw-la ille_fw-la mutabitur_fw-la dam_fw-la injustum_fw-la insipientem_fw-la peccatorem_fw-la continuo_fw-la &_o aequus_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la &_o innocens_fw-la crit_fw-fr in_o which_o word_n that_o elegant_a writer_n do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a scheme_n set_v out_o the_o remarkable_a alteration_n which_o be_v in_o any_o who_o become_v true_a christian_n that_o although_o they_o be_v passionate_a covetous_a fearful_a lustful_a cruel_a unjust_a vicious_a yet_o upon_o their_o be_v christian_n they_o become_v mild_a liberal_a courageous_a temperate_a merciful_a just_a and_o unblameable_a which_o never_o any_o be_v bring_v to_o by_o mere_a philosophy_n which_o rather_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o conceal_v vice_n then_o of_o heal_v they_o but_o now_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o effectual_a in_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o distemper_n which_o philosophy_n give_v over_o as_o beyond_o its_o skill_n and_o power_n when_o it_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o great_a success_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o paracelsian_a way_n for_o they_o to_o relapse_n afterward_o with_o great_a violence_n but_o it_o do_v so_o thorough_o unsettle_v the_o foam_n morbi_fw-la that_o it_o shall_v never_o gather_v to_o so_o great_a a_o head_n again_o do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o power_n more_o than_o philosophical_a and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o promote_v true_a goodness_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 24._o of_o christ_n to_o man_n natural_a inclination_n and_o yet_o the_o strange_a success_n it_o have_v in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a when_o we_o add_v the_o almost_o continual_a opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o from_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o any_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o impostor_n to_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o subtle_a person_n bend_v their_o whole_a wit_n and_o design_n for_o suppress_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o julian_n and_o dioclesian_n that_o it_o be_v their_o master-design_n to_o root_v out_o and_o abolish_v christianity_n and_o be_v it_o only_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v these_o person_n give_v over_o their_o work_n in_o despair_n of_o accomplish_v it_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v such_o subtle_a man_n whence_o come_v all_o their_o enemy_n to_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a calumny_n that_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a weak_a ignorant_a inconsiderable_a man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o all_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n they_o can_v never_o exterminate_v these_o person_n but_o as_o they_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o grow_v up_o the_o fast_a and_o multiply_v by_o their_o substraction_n of_o they_o there_o be_v something_o then_o certain_o peculiar_a in_o christianity_n from_o all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o civil_a power_n but_o it_o get_v ground_n by_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n who_o act_v as_o emperor_n for_o christianity_n viz._n constantine_n for_o otherwise_o i_o know_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o philippus_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n till_o christianity_n have_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o most_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n god_n thereby_o let_v we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o become_v christian_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a for_o protect_a christianity_n yet_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v mars_n its_o ascendant_n viz._n mahometism_n for_o like_o paracelsus_n his_o daemon_n it_o always_o sit_v upon_o the_o pummel_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v its_o way_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o as_o its_o first_o constitution_n have_v much_o of_o blood_n in_o it_o so_o by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v ever_o since_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o never_o thrive_v better_a than_o in_o the_o most_o barren_a place_n nor_o triumph_v more_o than_o when_o it_o suffer_v most_o nor_o spread_v its_o self_n further_o than_o when_o it_o encounter_v the_o great_a opposition_n because_o therein_o be_v see_v the_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n to_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n which_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n can_v invent_v the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o boast_n that_o their_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o bull_n of_o phalaris_n be_v but_o empty_a and_o thrasonical_a word_n which_o none_o will_v venture_v the_o truth_n of_o by_o a_o experiment_n upon_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a alone_o and_o not_o the_o epicurean_a that_o can_v true_o say_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n suave_fw-la est_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la curo_fw-la and_o may_v just_o alter_v a_o little_a of_o that_o common_a say_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o say_v non_fw-la magna_fw-la lâ—quimur_fw-la sed_fw-la patimur_fw-la as_o well_o as_o vivimus_fw-la the_o christian_n do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o and_o this_o gain_v not_o only_o great_a reputation_n of_o integrity_n to_o themselves_o but_o much_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o see_v that_o no_o force_n or_o power_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o will_v not_o this_o at_o least_o persuade_v you_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o srom_o god_n say_v arâ—â—bius_n quod_fw-la cum_fw-la genera_fw-la poenarum_fw-la tanta_fw-la sint_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la proposita_fw-la â—_o religionis_fw-la huius_fw-la sequentibus_fw-la leges_fw-la augeatur_fw-la res_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o contra_fw-la omnes_fw-la minas_fw-la atque_fw-la interdicta_fw-la formidinum_fw-la animosius_fw-la populus_fw-la obnitatur_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la credendi_fw-la studium_fw-la prohibitionis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la stimulis_fw-la â—xcitetur_fw-la itane_n istud_fw-la non_fw-la divinum_fw-la &_o sacrum_fw-la est_fw-la
such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
destruction_n of_o soul_n 2._o the_o devil_n great_a design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n which_o the_o more_o recondite_v and_o hide_a they_o be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v to_o purpose_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o now_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o great_a purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n there_o be_v in_o no_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n either_o such_o incomparable_a precept_n of_o holiness_n or_o such_o encourage_v promise_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o help_v man_n here_o or_o such_o prevail_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n the_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o have_v to_o follow_v in_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n now_o these_o thing_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o set_v god_n and_o mankind_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o near_o together_o the_o devil_n first_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o sin_n he_o make_v man_n presume_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o despair_v because_o they_o have_v sin_v christ_n first_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o his_o precept_n and_o threaten_n and_o then_o suppose_v sin_n encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v with_o hope_n of_o pardon_n procure_v by_o himself_o for_o all_o true_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n thus_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v contrary_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v from_o no_o evil_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_o divine_a power_n true_a and_o divine_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v from_o false_a and_o diabolical_a from_o the_o circumstance_n or_o the_o manner_n 5._o of_o their_o operation_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a signature_n on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o wrought_v by_o a_o power_n less_o than_o divine_a which_o arnobius_n etc._n well_o express_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n potestis_fw-la aliquem_fw-la nobis_fw-la designare_fw-la monstrare_fw-la ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la illis_fw-la magis_fw-la qui_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuere_fw-la per_fw-la secula_fw-la consimile_n aliquid_fw-la christo_fw-la millesima_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la qui_fw-la fecerit_fw-la qui_fw-fr sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la vi_fw-la carâ—â—inum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la succis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la atqui_fw-la constitit_fw-la christum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la adminiculis_fw-la rerum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la ritus_fw-la observatione_fw-la vel_fw-la lege_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la fecit_fw-la nominis_fw-la svi_fw-la possibilitate_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la proprium_fw-la consentaneum_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la fuerat_fw-la vero_fw-la nihil_fw-la nocens_fw-la aut_fw-la noxium_fw-la sed_fw-la opiferum_fw-la sed_fw-la salutare_fw-la sed_fw-la auxiliaribus_fw-la plenum_fw-la bonis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la munificae_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la donasse_n he_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o of_o all_o their_o magician_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o observation_n in_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v mere_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o be_v withal_o most_o become_a god_n and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o heathen_n about_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o their_o god_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o three_o main_a particular_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o do_v be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o without_o it_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o his_o garment_n non_fw-la inquiro_fw-la non_fw-la exigo_fw-la say_v he_o quis_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la quo_fw-la tempore_fw-la cui_fw-la fuerit_fw-la auxiliatus_fw-la aut_fw-la quem_fw-la fractum_fw-la restituerit_fw-la sanitati_fw-la illud_fw-la solum_fw-la audire_fw-la desidero_fw-la a_o sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la adjunctione_fw-la materiae_fw-la i._n e._n medicaminis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la ad_fw-la tactum_fw-la morbos_fw-la jusserit_fw-la abhominibus_fw-la evolare_fw-la imperaverit_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o emori_fw-la valetudinum_fw-la causam_fw-la &_o debilium_fw-la corpora_fw-la ad_fw-la svas_fw-la remeare_fw-la naturas_fw-la omit_v all_o other_o circumstance_n name_v i_o say_v he_o but_o which_o of_o your_o god_n ever_o cure_v a_o disease_n without_o any_o adjoin_v matter_n some_o prescription_n or_o other_o or_o which_o of_o they_o ever_o command_v disease_n out_o of_o body_n by_o their_o mere_a touch_n and_o quite_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n aesculapius_n he_o say_v cure_v disease_n but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o ordinary_a physician_n do_v by_o prescribe_v something_o or_o other_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o patient_n nulla_fw-la autem_fw-la virtus_fw-la est_fw-la medicaminibus_fw-la amovere_fw-la quae_fw-la noceant_fw-la beneficia_fw-la ista_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la curantium_fw-la potestates_fw-la to_o cure_v disease_n by_o prescription_n argue_v no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prescriber_n but_o virtue_n in_o the_o medicine_n 2._o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n cure_v they_o be_v very_o few_o which_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o heathen_a temple_n christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n may_v be_v easy_o suspect_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o bring_v to_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n sick_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o disease_n which_o be_v cure_v by_o he_o and_o these_o so_o numerous_a that_o the_o evangelist_n who_o record_v many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o yet_o tell_v we_o at_o last_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o contain_v they_o but_o now_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o heathen_n quid_fw-la prodest_fw-la ostendere_fw-la 25._o tinum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la fortasse_fw-la curatos_fw-la cum_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la subvenerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la &_o plena_fw-la sint_fw-la omne_fw-la miserorum_fw-la infeliciumque_fw-la delubra_fw-la what_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o show_v one_o or_o two_o cure_v when_o thousand_o lie_n continual_o in_o the_o temple_n perish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n yea_o such_o as_o do_v aesculapium_fw-la ipsum_fw-la precibus_fw-la fatigare_fw-la &_o invitare_fw-la miserrimis_fw-la votis_fw-la that_o can_v not_o beg_v a_o cure_n of_o aesculapius_n with_o all_o their_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n 3._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o disease_n cure_v the_o cure_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v some_o slight_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perform_v by_o christ_n the_o most_o acute_a the_o most_o chronical_a the_o most_o malignant_a of_o disease_n cure_v by_o a_o touch_n a_o word_n a_o evangel_n thought_n a_o learned_a physician_n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o from_o the_o receive_a principle_n among_o the_o most_o authentic_a physician_n that_o the_o disease_n cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o incurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o physic_n if_o so_o the_o great_a the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o much_o facility_n as_o he_o do_v and_o he_o not_o only_o cure_v all_o disease_n himself_o but_o give_v a_o power_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o verse_v in_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o subtlety_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v miracle_n likewise_o sine_fw-la fucis_fw-la &_o adminiculis_fw-la without_o any_o fraud_n or_o assistance_n quid_fw-la dicitis_fw-la o_o mentes_fw-la incredulae_fw-la difficiles_fw-la durae_fw-la alicuine_a mortalium_fw-la jupiter_n ille_fw-la capitolinus_n hujusmodi_fw-la potestatem_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o do_v ever_o the_o great_a jupiter_n capitolinus_n ever_o give_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v say_v he_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cure_v the_o blind_a or_o heal_v the_o lame_a sed_fw-la ut_fw-la pustulam_fw-la reduviam_fw-la pupulam_fw-la aut_fw-la vocis_fw-la imperio_fw-la aut_fw-la manus_fw-la contrectatione_fw-la comprimeret_fw-la but_o to_o cure_v a_o wart_n a_o
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o 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propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
atom_n or_o be_v it_o because_o we_o find_v in_o natural_a being_n how_o much_o these_o particle_n of_o matter_n serve_v to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n but_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o now_o under_o divine_a providence_n which_o wise_o order_v the_o world_n and_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o these_o particle_n with_o their_o several_a affection_n and_o motion_n may_v give_v we_o a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o appearance_n as_o to_o body_n that_o therefore_o the_o universe_n have_v its_o original_n mere_o by_o a_o concretion_n of_o these_o without_o any_o divine_a hand_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v their_o motion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n our_o design_n now_o be_v only_o to_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n in_o point_n of_o perspicuity_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v reason_n judge_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n in_o deny_v a_o deity_n must_v assert_v something_o else_o instead_o of_o it_o which_o be_v press_v with_o the_o same_o if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n and_o prove_v by_o far_o less_o reason_n the_o atheist_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n 2._o must_v deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a which_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o our_o run_v over_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o 1._o because_o the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v but_o how_o do_v the_o atheist_n mean_v it_o be_v it_o because_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v digito_fw-la monstrari_fw-la &_o dieier_fw-la hic_fw-la est_fw-la point_n at_o he_o with_o our_o finger_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v little_a of_o reason_n leave_v where_o sense_n be_v make_v the_o only_a umpire_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o being_n must_v all_o intellectual_a being_n be_v proscribe_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n because_o they_o can_v pass_v the_o scrutiny_n of_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o colour_n shall_v be_v dash_v out_o because_o they_o can_v be_v hear_v all_o noise_n silence_v because_o they_o can_v be_v see_v for_o why_o may_v not_o one_o sense_n be_v set_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n with_o far_o more_o reason_n than_o sense_n its_o self_n be_v set_v as_o judge_v over_o intellectual_a being_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v wise_o do_v of_o the_o atheist_n to_o make_v sense_n his_o judge_n for_o if_o we_o once_o appeal_v to_o this_o he_o know_v our_o cause_n be_v lose_v for_o as_o he_o say_v of_o a_o physician_n when_o one_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o he_o no_o say_v he_o si_fw-mi periculum_fw-la fecissem_fw-la non_fw-la viverem_fw-la if_o i_o have_v try_v he_o i_o have_v be_v dead_a ere_o now_o so_o here_o if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a be_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o atheist_n meaning_n be_v not_o so_o gross_a but_o he_o intend_v such_o a_o demonstration_n to_o reason_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n with_o such_o a_o demonstration_n he_o will_v sit_v down_o content_v but_o will_v no_o less_o than_o this_o serve_v he_o what_o become_v then_o of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o sortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v this_o as_o evident_a as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o and_o will_v the_o philosophical_a atheist_n real_o believe_v nothing_o in_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o he_o in_o material_a being_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n by_o any_o mean_n let_v atheist_n then_o write_v philosophy_n that_o at_o last_o the_o clock_n in_o london_n may_v strike_v together_o and_o the_o philosopher_n agree_v for_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o they_o question_v that_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o atheist_n may_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n abate_v some_o thing_n of_o this_o and_o mean_v by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o take_v away_o all_o difficulty_n if_o he_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o assent_n we_o undertake_v it_o if_o as_o to_o the_o object_n apprehend_v we_o reject_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o be_v infinite_a shall_v be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v no_o long_o infinite_a but_o let_v we_o try_v this_o principle_n by_o other_o thing_n and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o on_o this_o account_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v deny_v which_o himself_o will_v confess_v to_o be_v true_a for_o instance_n that_o osprobrium_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n or_o extend_v matter_n into_o finite_a and_o infinite_a part_n let_v he_o take_v which_o side_n he_o please_v and_o see_v whether_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n if_o he_o hold_v to_o this_o principle_n he_o must_v not_o be_v force_v to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v well_o have_v a_o infinite_a empty_a space_n when_o by_o the_o force_n of_o this_o one_o principle_n both_o god_n and_o matter_n be_v banish_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o the_o atheist_n will_v but_o come_v one_o step_n low_o and_o by_o his_o demonstration_n intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o will_v not_o only_o speak_v most_o consonant_o to_o reason_n but_o may_v be_v in_o some_o hope_n of_o gain_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o like_a way_n of_o proof_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n must_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n what_o these_o proof_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o atheist_n opinion_n which_o be_v 2._o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v a_o deity_n but_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n will_v not_o do_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v do_v it_o what_o if_o some_o have_v prove_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o very_o weak_a argument_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o question_v it_o what_o if_o epicurus_n have_v prove_v his_o atomical_a hypothesis_n by_o some_o silly_a sophism_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o rather_o believe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o what_o if_o the_o atheist_n may_v make_v himself_o sport_n at_o some_o story_n of_o apparition_n insist_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o dâ—ity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o some_o person_n have_v be_v over-credulous_a what_o if_o some_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n may_v attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a hand_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o what_o if_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v depend_v much_o on_o principle_n of_o education_n must_v conscience_n then_o be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o these_o what_o if_o some_o devont_a melancholist_n may_v embrace_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n for_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o strength_n of_o fancy_n improve_v by_o principle_n of_o education_n what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o numerous_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o only_o those_o make_a use_n of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a force_n will_v the_o truth_n suffer_v at_o all_o by_o that_o i_o grant_v advantage_n be_v often_o take_v against_o a_o thing_n more_o by_o one_o weak_a argument_n bring_v for_o it_o then_o for_o it_o by_o the_o strong_a proof_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o be_v man_n rational_a and_o ingenuous_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o time_n argument_n may_v be_v good_a in_o their_o order_n but_o they_o be_v misplace_v some_o may_v prove_v the_o thing_n rational_a which_o may_v not_o prove_v it_o true_a some_o may_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o adversary_n reject_v the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o now_o when_o man_n number_n and_o not_o weigh_v their_o argument_n
but_o give_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o the_o main_a question_n without_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o several_a place_n they_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o battle_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o force_n than_o they_o can_v advantage_v it_o by_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 3._o another_o great_a pretence_n the_o atheist_n have_v be_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o invention_n of_o politician_n which_o they_o awe_n people_n with_o as_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n as_o mother_n send_v young_a child_n to_o school_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o better_a order_n that_o they_o may_v govern_v they_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o religion_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o well-governing_a the_o world_n nay_o so_o great_a that_o be_v the_o atheist_n opinion_n true_a and_o the_o world_n persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o world_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o civil_a society_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o on_o force_n as_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n which_o hold_v a_o nation_n that_o own_v religion_n as_o true_a in_o far_o sure_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n then_o ever_o violence_n can_v do_v for_o in_o this_o case_n only_o a_o opportunity_n be_v watch_v for_o to_o shake_v off_o that_o which_o they_o account_v a_o yoke_n upon_o their_o neck_n whereas_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n out_o of_o conscience_n the_o rain_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o great_a ease_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n be_v better_o manage_v by_o they_o then_o by_o such_o as_o only_a gall_n and_o enrage_v they_o so_o that_o i_o grant_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o most_o serviceable_a principle_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a religion_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o real_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o do_v not_o man_n love_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n their_o estate_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o law_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v because_o magistrate_n persuade_v people_n to_o obedience_n by_o suit_v law_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o man_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n first_o make_v they_o love_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o propensity_n to_o religion_n in_o man_n for_o civil_a end_n but_o his_o make_n use_v of_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o and_o not_o instill_v it_o for_o be_v religion_n nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o design_n only_o of_o politician_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v that_o design_n from_o be_v discover_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o when_o once_o it_o come_v to_o be_v know_v it_o will_v hurry_v the_o whole_a world_n into_o confusion_n and_o the_o people_n will_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o all_o oath_n and_o obligation_n but_o every_o one_o will_v seek_v to_o do_v other_o what_o mischief_n he_o can_v if_o he_o have_v opportunity_n and_o obey_v no_o further_o than_o fear_n and_o force_v constrain_v he_o therefore_o no_o principle_n can_v be_v so_o dangerous_a to_o a_o state_n as_o atheism_n nor_o any_o thing_n more_o promote_v its_o peace_n then_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o more_o man_n be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v be_v the_o better_a subject_n and_o the_o more_o useful_a in_o civil_a society_n as_o well_o then_o may_v a_o atheist_n say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o good_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n because_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v nor_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o love_v because_o that_o may_v be_v cheat_v as_o that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o design_n because_o man_n may_v make_v it_o stalk_v to_o their_o private_a end_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n by_o the_o force_n of_o those_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n must_v be_v force_v to_o deny_v other_o thing_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n be_v apparent_o true_a so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o proposition_n which_o be_v that_o we_o have_v 3._o as_o certain_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v his_o nature_n when_o we_o demand_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o thing_n our_o first_o eye_n must_v be_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o desire_v may_v be_v prove_v for_o thing_n equal_o true_a be_v not_o capable_a of_o equal_a evidence_n nor_o have_v like_o manner_n of_o probation_n there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n will_v serve_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n we_o can_v prove_v the_o earth_n be_v round_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n nor_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a by_o corporeal_a phantasm_n every_o distinct_a kind_n of_o be_v have_v its_o peculiar_a way_n of_o probation_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v at_o all_o wonder_v at_o if_o the_o supreme_a and_o infinite_a be_v have_v his_o peculiar_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v himself_o to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n if_o then_o we_o have_v as_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n as_o we_o can_v have_v consider_v the_o infinity_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n we_o can_v desire_v and_o of_o that_o kind_n of_o proof_n we_o have_v these_o follow_v for_o 1._o if_o god_n have_v stamp_v a_o universal_a character_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 2._o if_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o manifest_a effect_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o power_n 3._o if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v unaccountable_a without_o a_o deity_n then_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n and_o assurance_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 1._o that_o god_n have_v imprint_v a_o universal_a character_n of_o himself_o on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o may_v be_v know_v by_o two_o thing_n 1._o if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o bear_v the_o same_o importance_n among_o all_o person_n 2._o if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v mistake_v for_o the_o character_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o 1._o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o whereby_o i_o shall_v prove_v this_o character_n to_o be_v universal_a because_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v consent_v in_o it_o this_o argument_n we_o may_v rely_v on_o with_o the_o great_a security_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a argument_n which_o retain_v the_o deity_n in_o the_o ancient_a school_n of_o epicurus_n which_o can_v he_o have_v think_v of_o as_o easy_a way_n of_o evade_n it_o as_o he_o think_v he_o have_v find_v out_o as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n he_o be_v no_o such_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o have_v retain_v it_o as_o a_o anticipation_n or_o prolepsis_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n among_o the_o philosopher_n who_o go_v by_o nothing_o but_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o discover_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o those_o which_o all_o mankind_n do_v unanimous_o consent_v in_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o by_o 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o the_o dissent_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o control_v so_o universal_a a_o agreement_n 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o only_o by_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o dissent_n as_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o mankind_n in_o common_a as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n the_o law_n they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o those_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o all_o these_o several_a different_a custom_n be_v build_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n nor_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o principle_n of_o education_n but_o something_o which_o have_v a_o deep_a root_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n
diversity_n among_o themselves_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o and_o many_o nation_n that_o never_o hear_v of_o they_o but_o all_o thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o this_o tradition_n we_o have_v none_o to_o fix_v on_o as_o the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o if_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n fabulous_a we_o can_v understand_v by_o what_o artifice_n a_o fabulous_a tradition_n can_v come_v to_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n of_o old_a can_v be_v instance_a in_o by_o the_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n but_o however_o rude_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v yet_o it_o own_v a_o deity_n how_o can_v such_o a_o tradition_n be_v spread_v so_o far_o but_o either_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n it_o can_v not_o be_v by_o force_n because_o embrace_v by_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n where_o no_o force_n at_o all_o have_v be_v use_v and_o have_v be_v so_o root_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o those_o people_n who_o have_v be_v most_o tender_a of_o their_o liberty_n that_o they_o have_v resent_v no_o indignity_n so_o high_o as_o any_o affront_v they_o conceive_v to_o be_v offer_v to_o their_o god_n nay_o and_o where_o any_o person_n will_v seem_v to_o quit_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o find_v what_o force_n and_o violence_n they_o have_v use_v to_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o bring_v themselves_o to_o atheism_n which_o they_o can_v not_o subdue_v their_o mind_n to_o any_o long_a than_o the_o will_n can_v command_v the_o understanding_n which_o when_o it_o gain_v but_o a_o little_a liberty_n to_o examine_v itself_o or_o view_v the_o world_n or_o be_v alarm_a with_o thunder_n earthquake_n or_o violent_a sickness_n do_v bring_v back_o again_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o great_a force_n and_o power_n than_o they_o have_v endeavour_v to_o shake_v it_o off_o with_o now_o have_v this_o tradition_n come_v by_o force_n into_o the_o world_n there_o will_v have_v be_v a_o secret_a exultation_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v free_v from_o it_o as_o we_o see_v nature_n rejoice_v to_o shake_v off_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v violent_a and_o to_o settle_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o its_o due_a order_n it_o be_v only_a fraud_n then_o which_o can_v be_v with_o any_o reason_n imagine_v in_o this_o case_n and_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o here_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o do_v consider_v how_o extreme_o jealous_a the_o world_n be_v of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o such_o who_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o great_a politician_n for_o the_o very_a opinion_n of_o their_o subtlety_n make_v man_n apt_a to_o suspect_v a_o design_n in_o every_o thing_n they_o speak_v or_o do_v so_o that_o nothing_o do_v more_o general_o hinder_v the_o entertain_n of_o any_o motion_n so_o much_o among_o vulgar_a people_n as_o that_o it_o come_v from_o a_o person_n repute_v very_o politic_a so_o that_o the_o most_o politic_a way_n of_o gain_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v by_o take_v upon_o one_o the_o great_a appearance_n of_o simplicity_n and_o integrity_n and_o this_o now_o can_v not_o be_v do_v by_o such_o politician_n which_o we_o now_o speak_v of_o but_o by_o accommodate_v themselves_o to_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o people_n which_o be_v so_o consonant_a to_o their_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v suspect_v no_o design_n at_o all_o in_o the_o matter_n propound_v to_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o assert_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n in_o all_o those_o politic_a governor_n who_o at_o first_o bring_v the_o world_n into_o both_o civil_a and_o religious_a society_n after_o they_o be_v grow_v rude_a and_o barbarous_a for_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o civil_a society_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v suppose_v a_o inclination_n to_o society_n in_o they_o so_o it_o have_v be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o have_v bring_v they_o to_o embrace_v any_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n unless_o there_o have_v be_v a_o natural_a propensity_n to_o religion_n implant_v in_o they_o and_o found_v in_o the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o therefore_o we_o never_o find_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a founder_n of_o commonwealth_n go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o this_o they_o suppose_v and_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o it_o the_o better_a to_o draw_v the_o people_n on_o to_o embrace_v that_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o they_o as_o most_o suitable_a to_o their_o own_o design_n and_o this_o be_v plain_o evident_a in_o the_o vast_a difference_n of_o design_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n upon_o this_o general_a apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n how_o come_v the_o world_n to_o be_v so_o easy_o abuse_v into_o religion_n of_o all_o shape_n and_o fashion_n have_v not_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a inclination_n in_o man_n soul_n to_o religion_n and_o a_o indelible_a idea_n of_o a_o deity_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v then_o this_o propensity_n groundless_a and_o this_o idea_n fictitious_a it_o be_v the_o great_a slur_n imaginable_a which_o can_v be_v cast_v upon_o nature_n that_o when_o the_o instinct_n of_o irrational_a agent_n argue_v something_o real_a in_o they_o only_a man_n the_o most_o noble_a be_v of_o the_o visible_a world_n must_v be_v fatal_o carry_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o which_o never_o be_v which_o yet_o have_v so_o great_a a_o force_n and_o awe_n upon_o man_n that_o nothing_o create_v so_o great_a anxiety_n in_o his_o life_n as_o this_o do_v nothing_o lay_v he_o more_o open_a to_o the_o design_n of_o any_o who_o have_v a_o intent_n to_o abuse_v he_o but_o yet_o further_o these_o politician_n who_o first_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o tell_v they_o there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v they_o themselves_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v than_o they_o have_v no_o such_o end_n as_o abuse_v the_o world_n into_o such_o a_o belief_n if_o they_o do_v not_o upon_o what_o account_n do_v they_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o when_o the_o people_n be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v one_o be_v that_o as_o certain_a a_o tradition_n before_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o afterward_o they_o make_v it_o to_o be_v that_o there_o be_v if_o so_o than_o all_o those_o people_n who_o they_o persuade_v to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n do_v before_o all_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o and_o how_o can_v it_o possible_o enter_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o people_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o state_n after_o this_o life_n shall_v all_o unanimous_o quit_v the_o principle_n of_o education_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o their_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n here_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n and_o thereby_o to_o fill_v themselves_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o disquietment_n mere_o because_o their_o ruler_n tell_v they_o so_o again_o if_o these_o ruler_n themselves_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o not_o to_o believe_v a_o deity_n can_v we_o imagine_v there_o ever_o be_v such_o a_o age_n of_o the_o world_n wherein_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o happy_o that_o only_o the_o ruler_n be_v wise_a and_o all_o the_o subject_n fool_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o all_o who_o be_v wise_a themselves_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o deity_n but_o yet_o consent_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v so_o useful_a for_o the_o government_n of_o mankind_n but_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o all_o these_o wise_a man_n which_o we_o must_v suppose_v of_o several_a rank_n and_o degree_n for_o philosopher_n be_v not_o always_o statesman_n nor_o statesman_n philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o concur_v in_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o prince_n and_o to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o world_n will_v none_o of_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o assert_v the_o truth_n though_o it_o be_v but_o to_o make_v a_o party_n of_o their_o own_o and_o discover_v to_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o ambition_n and_o design_n of_o their_o governor_n which_o seek_v to_o bring_v the_o people_n to_o slavery_n by_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o will_v make_v their_o life_n if_o they_o believe_v they_o continual_o troublesome_a and_o unquiet_a or_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v thing_n shall_v hit_v thus_o in_o one_o nation_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o atheist_n here_o suppose_v eternal_a
a_o opinion_n do_v and_o be_v sufficient_o deride_v and_o refute_v by_o pomponatius_n himself_o now_o than_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o course_n it_o be_v in_o till_o something_o more_o powerful_a put_v it_o out_o if_o then_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v real_a alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n then_o there_o must_v be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o jonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v thus_o establish_v in_o 1_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o now_o come_v to_o erect_v our_o supper_n structure_n upon_o they_o by_o assert_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o world_n its_o self_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o which_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o although_o we_o shall_v assert_v with_o epicurus_n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n if_o yet_o with_o he_o we_o add_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v be_v only_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n of_o a_o bâ—ing_n more_o excellent_a than_o our_o own_o which_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n and_o so_o will_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v only_o allure_v by_o hope_n or_o awe_v by_o fear_n to_o that_o which_o of_o their_o choice_n they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_v from_o beside_o what_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n can_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n what_o dependence_n can_v there_o be_v on_o divine_a goodness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n what_o apprehension_n can_v we_o have_v of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n destroy_v religion_n so_o do_v that_o of_o aristotle_n which_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o necessary_a emanation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o first_o cause_n as_o light_n come_v from_o the_o sun_n for_o if_o so_o as_o maimonides_n well_o observe_v the_o whole_a religion_n of_o moses_n be_v overthrow_v all_o his_o miracle_n be_v but_o 25._o imposture_n all_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o if_o the_o world_n do_v of_o necessity_n exist_v than_o god_n be_v no_o free_a agent_n and_o if_o so_o then_o all_o institute_v religion_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n from_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o set_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o heaven_n go_v so_o much_o be_v it_o our_o concernment_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n those_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o that_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o bâ—oks_n of_o moses_n wherein_o we_o read_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o production_n of_o it_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o the_o plain_a assertion_n of_o moses_n we_o come_v to_o compare_v it_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n with_o all_o those_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v embrace_v in_o several_a age_n by_o the_o philosopher_n of_o great_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o 1._o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v exi_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n 2._o such_o as_o attribute_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n but_o withal_o assert_v the_o praeexistence_n and_o eternity_n of_o matter_n 3._o such_o as_o deny_v any_o eternity_n to_o the_o world_n but_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 4._o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o nature_n mere_o by_o the_o mechanical_a law_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 2._o it_o be_v among_o who_o aristotle_n have_v bear_v the_o great_a name_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v arrogate_a this_o opinion_n to_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o have_v writ-before_a he_o he_o say_v of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v though_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o and_o be_v this_o true_a which_o aristotle-saith_a it_o will_v be_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o his_o opinion_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v eternal_a how_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o elder_a philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o unanimous_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o novity_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o all_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o philosopher_n resort_v have_v memorial_n leave_v among_o they_o of_o the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o the_o humour_n of_o philosophize_v begin_v to_o take_v the_o greek_n about_o the_o xl._o olympiad_n when_o we_o may_v suppose_v thales_n to_o flourish_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v the_o enquiry_n be_v out_o of_o what_o material_a principle_n the_o universe_n be_v form_v of_o which_o thales_n thus_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o tully_n aquam_fw-la 25._o dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la initium_fw-la rerum_fw-la deum_fw-la autem_fw-la eam_fw-la mentem_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la cuncta_fw-la fingeret_fw-la wherein_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o efficient_a from_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prime_a efficient_a be_v god_n the_o material_a principle_n water_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o first_o
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
of_o that_o god_n who_o reveal_v it_o who_o authority_n extend_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a recess_n 3._o in_o a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o write_n how_o good_a soever_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dross_n and_o gold_n together_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a gold_n diamond_n without_o flaw_n sun_n without_o spot_n the_o most_o current_a coin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o alloyes_n of_o base_a metal_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n in_o divine_a truth_n as_o they_o all_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n so_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o urim_n and_o thumim_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n light_n and_o perfection_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o philosopher_n we_o may_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o pure_a metal_n amid_o abundance_n of_o dross_n and_o impure_a oar_n here_o we_o have_v whole_a 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of_o our_o predecessor_n when_o it_o may_v be_v our_o posterity_n may_v think_v we_o as_o ignorant_a as_o we_o do_v they_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o read_v not_o one_o age_n condemn_v another_o we_o find_v light_a still_o increase_v in_o the_o series_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n but_o no_o reflection_n in_o any_o time_n upon_o the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o precedent_n the_o dim_a light_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o age_n and_o be_v a_o step_n to_o further_a discovery_n quintilian_n give_v it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o grammar_n rule_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la analogia_fw-la demissa_fw-la coelo_fw-la formam_fw-la loquendi_fw-la dedit_fw-la that_o which_o he_o 6._o want_v as_o to_o grammar_n we_o have_v as_o to_o divine_a truth_n they_o be_v deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a to_o each_o other_o 2._o by_o person_n of_o different_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n god_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n to_o be_v enditer_n of_o his_o oracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o state_n policy_n or_o particular_a interest_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n which_o person_n of_o such_o different_a interest_n can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o as_o they_o do_v we_o have_v moses_n david_n solomon_n person_n of_o royal_a rank_n and_o quality_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o mean_a thing_n which_o these_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v penner_n of_o we_o have_v isaiah_n daniel_n and_o other_o person_n of_o the_o high_a education_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o trivial_a thing_n which_o these_o employ_v themselves_o in_o we_o have_v amos_n other_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o these_o join_v in_o consort_n together_o when_o god_n tune_v their_o spirit_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o give_v light_a and_o harmony_n to_o each_o other_o 3._o by_o person_n in_o different_a place_n and_o condition_n some_o in_o prosperity_n in_o their_o own_o country_n some_o under_o banishment_n and_o adversity_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n of_o which_o no_o alteration_n we_o see_v be_v make_v either_o for_o the_o flattery_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o for_o avoid_v misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o under_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n before_o under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n though_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o in_o all_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v common_a to_o all_o though_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o this_o great_a uniformity_n consider_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v original_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o convey_v through_o different_a instrument_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o a_o persuasive_a and_o convince_a manner_n and_o that_o these_o way_n 1._o bring_v divine_a truth_n down_o to_o our_o capacity_n clothing_n spiritual_a matter_n in_o familiar_a expression_n and_o similitude_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o easy_a admission_n into_o our_o mind_n 2._o propound_v thing_n as_o our_o interest_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n thence_o god_n so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o under_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o annex_v gracious_a promise_n to_o our_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o concern_v thing_n of_o grace_n favour_n protection_n deliverance_n audience_n of_o prayer_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n what_o motive_n will_v 3._o court_v we_o to_o obedience_n when_o he_o may_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v but_o punish_v present_o for_o disobedience_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o most_o pathetical_a and_o affectionate_a strain_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o with_o their_o child_n after_o 29._o they_o wo_n unto_o thou_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n s._n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o hâ—use_n of_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zâ—boim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o 37_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o what_o majesty_n and_o yet_o what_o sweetness_n and_o condescension_n be_v there_o in_o these_o expression_n what_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v it_o in_o man_n for_o they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o god_n when_o he_o thus_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o woo_v rebellious_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v such_o a_o matchless_a and_o unparallelled_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n far_o above_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a orator_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o life_n 2._o of_o man_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v which_o be_v most_o become_a god_n to_o require_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 1._o most_o become_v god_n to_o require_v as_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o imitation_n of_o which_o in_o our_o action_n be_v the_o
substance_n of_o our_o religion_n imitation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o mortify_a sin_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o piety_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o our_o kindness_n to_o all_o man_n forgive_a the_o injury_n man_n do_v unto_o we_o do_v good_a to_o our_o great_a enemy_n in_o his_o justice_n and_o equity_n by_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n the_o first_o take_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o the_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o act_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n for_o as_o tully_n say_v quid_fw-la aliud_fw-la â—st_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o nisi_fw-la justitia_fw-la adversus_fw-la deos_fw-la and_o so_o our_o love_a god_n with_o our_o whole_a beart_n our_o entire_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a justice_n for_o thereby_o we_o do_v but_o render_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o see_v then_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_v god_n and_o keeâ—ing_v his_o commandment_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o justice_n as_o the_o render_n to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o be_v 2._o they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v in_o that_o 1._o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o service_n of_o the_o reasonable_a faculty_n which_o be_v employ_v the_o most_o in_o it_o the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v the_o heart_n most_o and_o the_o service_n require_v be_v a_o spiritual_a service_n not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n or_o any_o outward_a observation_n but_o in_o a_o sanctify_a temper_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n whâ—ch_n discover_v its_o self_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n but_o 2._o the_o service_n its_o self_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n reason_n which_o consider_v they_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o all_o natural_a worship_n be_v found_v on_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n all_o institute_v worship_n on_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o nature_n that_o god_n must_v be_v universal_o obey_v beside_o god_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v apparent_o man_n interest_n to_o do_v god_n prohibit_v nothing_o but_o what_o will_v destroy_v he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o so_o that_o the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a 2._o the_o encouragement_n be_v more_o than_o proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o obedience_n god_n command_n be_v in_o themselves_o easy_a and_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n what_o more_o rational_a for_o a_o creature_n then_o to_o obey_v his_o maker_n all_o the_o aâ—fficulty_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n now_o god_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n arise_v thence_o have_v propound_v the_o strong_a motive_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n to_o obedience_n such_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n manifest_v to_o the_o world_n by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o it_o to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o example_n which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o his_o readiness_n through_o he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o such_o who_o so_o receive_v he_o as_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o wrestle_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o all_o these_o add_v that_o glorious_a and_o unconceivable_a reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o those_o who_o sincere_o obey_v he_o and_o by_o these_o thing_n we_o see_v how_o much_o the_o encouragement_n over-weigh_a the_o difficulty_n and_o that_o none_o can_v make_v the_o least_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v not_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o down-weigh_a the_o trouble_n which_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o peculiar_a excellency_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n above_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o mere_a moralist_n the_o foundation_n of_o obedience_n be_v lay_v deep_a in_o man_n obligation_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n the_o practice_n of_o obedience_n be_v carry_v high_a in_o those_o most_o holy_a precept_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n be_v incomparable_o great_a then_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v much_o less_o to_o promise_v or_o bestow_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v as_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o transaction_n between_o 11._o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o more_o memorable_a any_o transaction_n be_v the_o more_o valuable_a be_v any_o authentic_a record_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o heaven_n a_o act_n of_o pardon_n with_o the_o royal_a assent_n of_o heaven_n a_o proclamation_n of_o goodwill_n from_o god_n towards_o man_n and_o can_v we_o then_o set_v too_o great_a a_o value_n on_o that_o which_o contain_v all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v inevitable_o without_o his_o propound_v any_o mean_n for_o escape_v of_o eternal_a misery_n be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o man_n as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o can_v we_o think_v if_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v any_o offer_n of_o good_a to_o man_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n without_o god_n promise_v it_o and_o prescribe_v condition_n in_o order_n to_o it_o if_o so_o than_o this_o happiness_n be_v no_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o bestow_n and_o promise_v of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v no_o rational_a agent_n unless_o a_o reward_n suppose_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v it_o or_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o condition_n which_o be_v never_o require_v he_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v require_v then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n whereby_o he_o do_v require_v they_o and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v some_o record_n extant_a of_o the_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v to_o imagine_v that_o such_o record_n if_o once_o extant_a shall_v not_o continue_v still_o especial_o since_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v such_o record_n which_o at_o first_o do_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v indict_v suppose_v then_o such_o record_n extant_a somewhere_o in_o the_o world_n of_o these_o grand_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n soul_n our_o business_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o period_n for_o what_o other_o record_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v in_o the_o least_o vie_n with_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o give_v so_o just_a a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o all_o the_o step_n method_n and_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n it_o remain_v only_o then_o that_o we_o adore_v and_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o set_v a_o value_n and_o esteem_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o on_o the_o only_a authentic_a instrument_n of_o that_o grand_a charter_n of_o peace_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr isid._n &_o oâ—â—â—_n sect._n 1_o gen._n 1._o 31_o sect._n 2._o protrept_v p._n 63._o gen._n 1._o 26._o sect._n 3_o in_o cratylo_n in_o gen._n 2._o 19_o oedip._n egyp_n tom._n 2._o class_n 2._o cap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o sect._n 5._o object_n answ._n sect._n 6._o sect._n 7._o sect._n 8._o act._n 17._o 23._o sect_n 9_o sect._n 10._o sect._n 11._o de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d c._n 1._o sect._n 12._o de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n l._n 1_o c._n 63._o sect._n 13._o apad_v orig._n c._n cels._n l._n 4._o p._n 174_o 179_o sect._n 14._o sect._n 15._o sect._n 16._o sect._n 17._o lib._n 1._o bâ—st_n p._n 10._o ed._n