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the_o bible_n and_o retain_v a_o christian_a profession_n from_o thence_o in_o a_o limit_a sensâ—_n of_o his_o own_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v he_o receive_v the_o bible_n as_o he_o receive_v other_o credible_a writing_n as_o a_o book_n general_o true_a and_o write_v by_o man_n that_o mean_v honest_o and_o well_o but_o believe_v it_o not_o write_v with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n nor_o to_o carry_v a_o divine_a authority_n along_o with_o it_o nor_o submit_v to_o it_o as_o such_o be_v to_o say_v a_o thing_n extreme_o incongruous_a to_o all_o good_a sense_n and_o to_o indulge_v himself_o in_o a_o perfect_a absurdity_n for_o the_o bible_n come_v to_o we_o with_o a_o claim_n oâ—_n god_n authority_n attend_v it_o speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o name_n be_v a_o book_n that_o disow_v all_o humane_a contrivement_n propose_v itself_o as_o write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o immediate_a direction_n from_o god_n admit_v of_o no_o composition_n for_o its_o reception_n in_o such_o a_o case_n 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scripture_n be_v usual_o expose_v to_o this_o be_v admit_v which_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n close_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n renounce_v the_o bible_n that_o maxim_n of_o st._n austin_n be_v undeniable_a that_o contra_fw-la scripturas_fw-la nemo_fw-la christianus_n there_o be_v but_o three_o sort_n of_o man_n by_o who_o the_o scripture_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v general_o attact_v and_o from_o who_o principle_n their_o sacred_a authority_n can_v receive_v a_o universal_a invasion_n first_o such_o who_o whole_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o consequent_o of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v relative_n such_o who_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n of_o a_o atheistical_a profession_n second_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o a_o supreme_a and_o first_o cause_n but_o deny_v his_o providence_n and_o believe_v he_o be_v no_o way_n concer_v about_o the_o world_n nor_o trouble_v himself_o to_o exercise_v any_o rule_n or_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o it_o three_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n but_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o not_o true_a and_o embrace_v some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o of_o those_o first-born_a monster_n of_o mankind_n that_o anomalous_a offspring_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o principle_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o utmost_a dregs_n of_o all_o humane_a apostasy_n and_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a for_o as_o cicero_n say_v deos_fw-la esse_fw-la ita_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la negate_fw-la vix_fw-la eum_fw-la sanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la existimem_fw-la the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v think_v well_o in_o his_o wit_n that_o deny_v it_o a_o previous_a consideration_n be_v necessary_a to_o whatever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o other_o divine_a subject_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v already_o contest_v with_o such_o and_o dispatch_v all_o my_o concern_v with_o they_o in_o order_n to_o this_o matter_n and_o the_o last_o converse_n i_o mean_v to_o have_v with_o that_o evil_a generation_n of_o who_o it_o may_v most_o true_o be_v say_v they_o be_v not_o only_o the_o avow_a opposer_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v host_n humani_fw-la generis_fw-la the_o common_a enemy_n of_o all_o mankind_n who_o by_o deny_v a_o supreme_a be_v above_o demolish_v the_o great_a support_n of_o all_o well-being_n here_o below_o of_o this_o belief_n they_o be_v heretofore_o at_o athens_n in_o those_o primitive_a time_n of_o atheism_n and_o first_o dawning_n of_o â—speculative_a irreligion_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o cotta_n tell_v we_o in_o cicero_n that_o when_o protagoras_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o this_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la atheniensum_fw-la jussu_fw-la urbe_fw-la atque_fw-la agro_n est_fw-la exterminatus_fw-la librique_fw-la ejus_fw-la in_o concione_fw-la combusti_fw-la and_o he_o add_v exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la for_o those_o secundary_a enemy_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o together_o with_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o divine_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n such_o who_o out_o of_o shame_n disow_v the_o grand_a principle_n of_o atheism_n but_o yet_o by_o this_o method_n secure_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o of_o those_o a_o preliminary_a consideration_n on_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v a_o previous_a confutation_n of_o such_o principle_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o discourse_n in_o hand_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o impracticable_a project_n to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v any_o book_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o a_o law_n give_v forth_o from_o god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o law_n any_o where_o in_o be_v which_o we_o be_v sure_o there_o never_o can_v be_v if_o god_n no_o way_n concern_v himself_o with_o what_o man_n do_v nor_o exercise_n any_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a such_o principle_n do_v uno_fw-la ictu_fw-la dispatch_v all_o religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n put_v a_o perfect_a period_n to_o all_o divinity_n and_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n very_o absurd_a to_o submit_v either_o in_o our_o belief_n or_o practice_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o divine_a to_o this_o purpose_n cicero_n conclude_v in_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n sin_n autem_fw-la dii_fw-la say_v he_o neque_fw-la possunt_fw-la nos_fw-la juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la
can_v now_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o will_v come_v under_o any_o sensible_a demonstration_n the_o proposal_n of_o this_o book_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o law_n divine_a be_v not_o so_o make_v as_o by_o mathematical_a evidence_n or_o gross_a visible_a absurdity_n in_o its_o denial_n to_o introduce_v itself_o irresistable_o at_o the_o first_o sight_n but_o this_o book_n be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n as_o that_o all_o man_n by_o a_o serious_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o a_o due_a enquity_n into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n attend_v it_o may_v have_v ground_n sufficient_a to_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o divine_a and_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v such_o as_o itself_o claim_v to_o be_v and_o that_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n and_o no_o other_o propose_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v high_o reasonable_a when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n intend_v this_o book_n as_o the_o great_a shibbole_v by_o which_o he_o will_v try_v the_o world_n that_o from_o the_o believe_a or_o not_o believe_v of_o it_o shall_v arise_v the_o great_a discrimination_n between_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n and_o such_o who_o free_a from_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o corrupt_a and_o sensual_a interest_n pursue_v the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o improve_v those_o notion_n of_o divinity_n they_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o other_o who_o either_o choose_v to_o be_v sottish_o ignorant_a or_o else_o wilful_o to_o oppose_v what_o god_n have_v make_v in_o itself_o most_o suitable_a and_o correspond_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o every_o unprejudiced_a man._n the_o truth_n be_v our_o assent_n or_o not_o to_o the_o bible_n be_v make_v a_o matter_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v so_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o both_o the_o way_n to_o this_o discourse_n in_o hand_n be_v thus_o far_o clear_v i_o shall_v now_o prosecute_v the_o design_n of_o it_o in_o this_o method_n first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o supernatural_a law_n reveal_v from_o god_n and_o give_v to_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o their_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n as_o the_o great_a guide_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o action_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o each_o other_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o the_o world_n in_o the_o posture_n we_o find_v it_o shall_v be_v leave_v single_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n second_o that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_o credible_a upon_o all_o such_o ground_n by_o which_o a_o judgement_n in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v establish_v that_o this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n be_v this_o reveal_v law_n superad_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n and_o contain_v in_o itself_o that_o complete_a systeme_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o which_o god_n will_v inform_v rule_n and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v a_o proof_n of_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o book_n itself_o and_o from_o such_o external_a concomitant_n of_o it_o as_o high_o concur_v to_o create_v a_o belief_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n and_o last_o propose_v all_o such_o considerable_a doubt_n query_n and_o difficulty_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v usual_o busy_v withal_o about_o this_o matter_n and_o attempt_v their_o satisfaction_n therein_o to_o make_v the_o first_o thing_n propose_v evident_a that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o some_o further_a direction_n than_o what_o our_o natural_a light_n will_v afford_v we_o that_o he_o shall_v promulge_v some_o supernatural_a law_n to_o the_o world_n let_v these_o several_a thing_n follow_v be_v due_o consider_v first_o what_o wretched_a and_o dismal_a ignorance_n have_v the_o world_n be_v in_o yea_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a part_n of_o it_o and_o in_o what_o disagreement_n with_o itself_o about_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n where_o this_o supernatural_a law_n have_v be_v either_o not_o know_v or_o not_o receive_v how_o sad_o have_v that_o inbred_a principle_n of_o religion_n wherewith_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v be_v seduce_v and_o mislead_v where_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o supernatural_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v it_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v corrupt_v into_o all_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o at_o last_o nauseous_a to_o themselves_o devotion_n man_n still_o have_v to_o somewhat_o above_o they_o but_o they_o know_v not_o well_o how_o to_o express_v it_o the_o wise_a saw_n reason_n enough_o to_o scorn_v their_o own_o religion_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o compose_v a_o better_a some_o go_v far_o in_o the_o negative_a in_o say_v what_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v that_o then_o be_v among_o themselves_o but_o none_o ever_o attain_v to_o a_o certain_a directory_n of_o what_o shall_v be_v when_o we_o view_v over_o the_o utmost_a product_n of_o all_o humane_a ability_n and_o the_o great_a discovery_n at_o any_o time_n make_v by_o natural_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o world_n without_o revelation_n to_o have_v be_v great_o defective_a in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o in_o their_o divinity_n in_o their_o conception_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o their_o worship_n of_o he_o second_o in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o world_n first_o production_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n three_o in_o their_o morality_n and_o in_o their_o ethical_a institutes_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o the_o converse_n of_o mankind_n together_o first_o in_o their_o divinity_n varro_z rank_n all_o the_o heathen_a theology_n under_o three_o head_n their_o fabulous_a and_o historical_a theology_n their_o natural_a and_o mystical_a theology_n their_o civil_a and_o political_a theology_n which_o he_o also_o call_v mythical_a physical_a and_o civil_a the_o first_o come_v from_o their_o poet_n and_o contain_v such_o a_o rhapsody_n of_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n as_o the_o like_a to_o it_o have_v not_o upon_o any_o occasion_n nor_o upon_o any_o subject_n be_v collect_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v that_o one_o god_n be_v bear_v from_o a_o man_n head_n another_z from_o a_o man_n thigh_n a_o three_o from_o some_o drop_n of_o blood_n that_o some_o god_n be_v thief_n other_o adulterer_n other_o servant_n to_o man_n with_o multitude_n of_o such_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a fiction_n the_o second_o sort_n come_v from_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o from_o their_o philosopher_n they_o dispute_v what_o the_o god_n be_v where_o they_o be_v and_o whence_o they_o be_v and_o among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o endless_a diversity_n and_o most_o stupendous_a folly_n some_o make_v the_o god_n to_o consist_v of_o fire_n some_o of_o number_n other_o of_o atom_n and_o by_o their_o mystical_a divinity_n interpret_n jupiter_n to_o fire_n juno_n to_o earth_n pluto_n to_o air_n nestis_fw-la to_o water_n and_o other_o of_o their_o god_n to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n with_o many_o other_o so_o gross_a and_o notorious_a absurdity_n that_o justin_n martyr_n tell_v the_o grecian_n that_o the_o divinity_n of_o their_o philosopher_n multo_fw-la sit_fw-la quam_fw-la poctarum_fw-la theologia_n atque_fw-la de_fw-la diis_fw-la doctrina_fw-la ridiculosior_fw-la be_v much_o more_o absurd_a than_o that_o of_o their_o poet._n the_o three_o sort_n relate_v itself_o to_o the_o law_n and_o custom_n of_o particular_a city_n and_o country_n by_o which_o they_o order_v their_o priest_n what_o god_n they_o shall_v worship_v at_o what_o time_n and_o season_n and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n what_o sacrifice_n and_o service_n and_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n both_o upon_o the_o stage_n in_o their_o theatre_n and_o also_o in_o their_o temple_n for_o in_o the_o one_o they_o represent_v their_o god_n and_o have_v play_n act_v in_o honour_n to_o they_o as_o a_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o the_o other_o they_o worship_v they_o in_o all_o which_o we_o find_v they_o shed_v the_o blood_n one_o of_o another_o and_o offer_v most_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n and_o a_o numberless_a multitude_n not_o only_o of_o childish_a and_o foolish_a but_o profane_a and_o impious_a obscene_a and_o lascivious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n if_o we_o look_v back_o as_o far_o as_o any_o heathen_a record_n will_v carry_v we_o and_o view_v over_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o so_o the_o grecian_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o but_o themselves_o according_a to_o that_o of_o varro_n barbarae_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la nationes_fw-la praeter_fw-la graecos_n the_o phaenician_o the_o caldaean_o the_o egyptian_n and_o such_o other_o as_o we_o have_v
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nation_n the_o name_n and_o derivation_n of_o their_o god_n the_o most_o rational_a of_o which_o be_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n witâ—_n all_o their_o wild_a and_o fabulous_a theological_a invention_n and_o fancy_n about_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o they_o this_o we_o find_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n of_o their_o own_o and_o have_v also_o a_o large_a account_n thereof_o in_o diodorus_n siculus_n the_o firsâ—_o that_o make_v a_o collection_n of_o general_a history_n and_o as_o eusebius_n say_v of_o he_o be_v Ê‹ir_a apâ—â—_n graco_n clarissimus_fw-la quip_n qui_fw-la universam_fw-la historiam_fw-la ad_fw-la unum_fw-la commodissime_fw-la corpus_fw-la collegit_fw-la nor_o be_v this_o ignorance_n and_o blindness_n wherewith_o the_o world_n in_o its_o more_o barbarous_a condition_n be_v benight_a any_o way_n cure_a by_o the_o increase_n of_o knowledge_n and_o the_o propogation_n of_o humane_a science_n but_o idolatry_n grow_v up_o with_o philosophy_n the_o number_n 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to_o a_o universal_a apostasy_n to_o all_o the_o ill_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n by_o represent_v false_a image_n of_o those_o thing_n to_o themselves_o and_o dilate_v those_o apprehension_n into_o multiply_a object_n both_o of_o fancy_n and_o sense_n have_v no_o clear_a and_o fix_a notion_n whereby_o to_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o their_o own_o fluctuation_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o we_o call_v learning_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o acquire_v knowledge_n result_v from_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n if_o we_o consider_v its_o rise_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o have_v their_o first_o preduction_n from_o the_o nation_n the_o grecian_n call_v barbarous_a and_o be_v begin_v among_o they_o as_o the_o position_n of_o each_o country_n and_o the_o inclination_n of_o each_o people_n various_o lead_v to_o they_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o progress_n learning_n have_v take_v it_o come_v from_o all_o other_o part_n and_o first_o concenter_v in_o graece_fw-la remove_v thence_o to_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o declension_n of_o that_o empire_n diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o these_o european_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v the_o grecian_n the_o first_o author_n of_o it_o as_o some_o do_v and_o to_o derive_v it_o original_o from_o they_o be_v to_o abuse_v the_o world_n with_o a_o false_a and_o fictitious_a pretention_n as_o if_o all_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o a_o lethargy_n but_o themselves_o and_o all_o man_n intellectual_n have_v lie_v in_o a_o trance_n and_o be_v first_o awaken_v in_o graece_fw-la it_o be_v true_a that_o what_o lie_v scatter_v in_o several_a hand_n be_v their_o first_o eminent_o unite_v and_o great_o improve_v by_o the_o singular_a ability_n and_o industry_n of_o their_o philosopher_n but_o to_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v they_o indebt_v for_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o their_o knowledge_n ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la fere_n barbaris_fw-la art_fw-la &_o utilia_fw-la ad_fw-la vitam_fw-la documenta_fw-la graecos_n didicisse_fw-la say_v eusebius_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o after_o their_o astronomy_n they_o have_v from_o the_o chaldean_n their_o geometry_n from_o the_o egyptian_n without_o doubt_v the_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n their_o letter_n from_o the_o phaenician_o and_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n from_o the_o hebrew_n clemens_n alex._n say_v vita_fw-la i_o deficiet_fw-la si_fw-la velim_fw-la sigillatim_fw-la graecorum_n furta_fw-la persequi_fw-la stromat_n pag._n 149._o two_o famous_a benefactor_n they_o have_v that_o all_o story_n make_v visible_a cadmus_n who_o first_o bring_v they_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o letter_n and_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o phaenician_a religion_n and_o learning_n and_o orpheus_n who_o instruct_v they_o in_o all_o the_o egyptian_a knowledge_n some_o of_o themselves_o as_o democritus_n heraclitus_n pythagoras_n and_o other_o who_o travel_v much_o into_o remote_a part_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a foreign_a help_n they_o receive_v but_o especial_o plato_n of_o who_o clemens_n alex._n say_v clarum_fw-la est_fw-la autem_fw-la semper_fw-la inveniri_fw-la platonem_fw-la magni_fw-la facere_fw-la barbaros_fw-la utqui_fw-la meminisset_fw-la se_fw-la &_o pythagoram_fw-la plurima_fw-la eaque_fw-la praestantissima_fw-la &_o nobilissima_fw-la dogmata_fw-la didicisse_fw-la apud_fw-la barbaros_fw-la stromat_n lib._n 1._o lactantius_n tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n and_o after_o he_o plato_n be_v so_o inquisitive_a after_o truth_n that_o they_o travel_v into_o egypt_n and_o persia_n and_o other_o country_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o their_o religion_n and_o learning_n and_o wonder_n they_o never_o go_v to_o the_o jew_n which_o if_o you_o believe_v strabo_n pythagoras_n do_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o pythagoras_n go_v into_o jewry_n and_o dwell_v a_o long_a time_n at_o mount_n carmel_n aristotle_n plain_o own_v the_o rise_n of_o philosophy_n to_o be_v foreign_a to_o graece_fw-la and_o say_v persis_n magos_n babylonijs_fw-la &_o assyriss_n caldaos_n indis_n gymnosophistas_n celtis_fw-la seu_fw-la gallis_fw-la druidas_n &_o qui_fw-fr semnothei_n appellabantar_n ejus_fw-la rei_fw-la fuisse_fw-la authores_fw-la many_o of_o the_o grecian_n we_o know_v boast_v much_o to_o the_o contrary_a diogenes_n laertius_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o work_n seem_v more_o positive_a against_o it_o then_o any_o for_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o such_o who_o think_v other_o nation_n before_o the_o grecian_n begin_v to_o philosophise_v per_fw-la imprudentiam_fw-la graecorum_n recte_fw-la facta_fw-la inventaque_fw-la barbaris_fw-la applicant_n ab_fw-la ijs_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la solum_fw-la philosophia_fw-la verum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la quoque_fw-la humanum_fw-la genus_fw-la initio_fw-la manavit_fw-la two_o thing_n well_o join_v and_o of_o equal_a credibility_n the_o latter_a as_o probable_a as_o that_o fabulous_a tradition_n among_o the_o egyptian_n that_o mankind_n come_v first_o out_o of_o egypt_n and_o be_v there_o original_o produce_v by_o the_o river_n nile_n and_o the_o former_a against_o the_o best_a and_o most_o ancient_a history_n and_o positive_o disprove_v by_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a grecian_a philosopher_n themselves_o nor_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o give_v after_o for_o it_o so_o considerable_a that_o they_o deserve_v either_o to_o be_v confute_v or_o name_v whatever_o can_v be_v do_v without_o supernatural_a help_n by_o the_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n of_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v attain_v to_o between_o that_o time_n wherein_o learning_n flourish_v in_o graece_fw-la and_o the_o declension_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n the_o most_o famous_a man_n that_o the_o world_n have_v have_v for_o all_o natural_a acquirement_n flourish_v in_o that_o compass_n of_o time_n in_o graece_fw-la and_o in_o rome_n and_o yet_o there_o need_v no_o great_a or_o other_o evidence_n of_o man_n defect_n without_o revelation_n than_o the_o record_n of_o those_o very_a time_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o how_o mean_a confused_z and_o uncertain_a a_o account_n they_o give_v of_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o
wise_a people_n laugh_v at_o those_o mystery_n never_o any_o man_n scorn_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o caesar_n himself_o do_v his_o own_o god_n and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v please_v himself_o often_o in_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v his_o god_n feel_v the_o power_n of_o his_o anger_n what_o a_o childish_a folly_n it_o be_v then_o to_o believe_v that_o a_o roman_a consul_n lose_v his_o whole_a army_n because_o he_o slight_v the_o feed_n of_o some_o young_a chicken_n or_o that_o marcus_n crassus_n be_v therefore_o slay_v by_o the_o parthian_n because_o he_o despise_v some_o foppery_n of_o atteius_n if_o we_o look_v off_o from_o their_o public_a religion_n and_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o their_o divinity_n and_o take_v a_o view_n of_o what_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a thought_n what_o a_o poor_a product_n be_v all_o their_o notion_n compare_v with_o the_o bible_n what_o a_o midnight_n be_v man_n in_o in_o respect_n of_o religion_n in_o that_o clear_a sunshine_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n socrates_n who_o see_v the_o further_a of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o age_n wherein_o he_o live_v into_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a theology_n and_o die_v for_o a_o pretend_a contempt_n of_o it_o for_o the_o charge_n that_o melius_n one_o of_o his_o accuser_n bring_v against_o he_o at_o athens_n as_o laertius_n say_v be_v jura_n violat_a socrates_n quos_fw-la ex_fw-la majorum_fw-la instituto_fw-la suscepit_fw-la civitas_n deos_fw-la esse_fw-la negans_fw-la alia_fw-la vero_fw-la nova_fw-la demonia_fw-la inducens_fw-la the_o first_o philosophical_a martyr_n that_o we_o read_v of_o have_v yet_o leave_v but_o little_o better_a divinity_n behind_o he_o nor_o can_v i_o perceive_v he_o have_v any_o design_n or_o ability_n to_o reform_v the_o world_n that_o way_n for_o he_o answer_v his_o charge_n by_o a_o flat_a denial_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o apology_n in_o plato_n and_o his_o whole_a carriage_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o it_o be_v out_o of_o choice_n and_o not_o out_o of_o fear_n that_o he_o do_v so_o sometime_o also_o before_o he_o advise_v other_o to_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n they_o live_v in_o and_o we_o find_v likewise_o in_o plato_n how_o uncertain_a and_o doubtful_a he_o be_v about_o that_o great_a point_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o man_n after_o this_o life_n and_o can_v determine_v nothing_o with_o himself_o positive_o about_o it_o though_o he_o seem_v to_o incline_v that_o way_n and_o to_o think_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o cicero_n speak_v of_o it_o in_o his_o tusculane_n question_n who_o give_v it_o but_o a_o probability_n and_o as_o plato_n do_v in_o his_o phaed_n who_o say_v in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v not_o certain_a about_o it_o nor_o will_v not_o be_v confident_a of_o it_o it_o be_v doubtless_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n in_o his_o thought_n about_o those_o matter_n that_o make_v he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v better_o to_o die_v or_o to_o live_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o foolish_a thing_n to_o be_v trouble_v about_o that_o of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n whether_o it_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v or_o fear_v and_o when_o he_o come_v near_o to_o his_o end_n he_o express_v great_a contentment_n in_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v with_o hercules_n and_o palamedes_n in_o the_o next_o world_n but_o still_o qualify_v those_o hope_n with_o this_o doubtful_a parenthesis_n in_o case_n the_o soul_n be_v not_o extinguish_v with_o the_o body_n he_o choose_v indeed_o to_o be_v rather_o a_o good_a moralist_n and_o to_o deal_v in_o those_o notion_n wherein_o he_o find_v some_o certainty_n then_o to_o attempt_v much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o divinity_n be_v whole_o unable_a to_o frame_v any_o satisfactory_a notion_n to_o himself_o about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n he_o often_o plain_o declare_v that_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o business_n of_o another_o world_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a and_o many_o of_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n acknowledge_v as_o much_o and_o think_v those_o thing_n utter_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n all_o notion_n about_o they_o to_o be_v full_a of_o uncertainty_n and_o therefore_o choose_v to_o submit_v to_o the_o vulgar_a sentiment_n rather_o than_o perplex_v themselves_o with_o doubtful_a and_o unsatisfy_a speculation_n and_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o contradict_v the_o public_a religion_n of_o those_o country_n where_o they_o live_v plato_n the_o famous_a divine_a philosopher_n who_o exceed_v all_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n as_o much_o in_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o socrates_n do_v in_o the_o practic_n though_o there_o be_v more_o true_a divinity_n utter_v by_o he_o then_o by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n where_o he_o first_o have_v it_o be_v not_o hard_a to_o determine_v yet_o attend_v with_o marvellous_a vanity_n and_o intolerable_a error_n '_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o forbear_v smile_v in_o read_v over_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o matter_n of_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v eternal_a the_o fabulous_a conceit_n he_o have_v about_o that_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o will_v tire_v out_o any_o ordinary_a patience_n to_o read_v a_o great_a promoter_n he_o be_v of_o that_o gross_a idolatry_n of_o damon-worship_n for_o he_o say_v that_o when_o man_n die_v their_o soul_n become_v daemon_n and_o if_o their_o merit_n be_v good_a they_o be_v lar_n if_o evil_a lemures_n if_o different_a manes_n of_o which_o st._n austin_n give_v a_o large_a account_n de_n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 9_o ch._n 11._o though_o he_o speak_v much_o of_o one_o god_n yet_o himself_o then_o as_o all_o the_o platonist_n since_o hold_v that_o many_o god_n be_v 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deque_fw-la
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to_o be_v
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indit_fw-la pater_fw-la hominumque_fw-la deumque_fw-la and_o his_o book_n be_v fill_v throughout_o with_o enthusiastic_a advertisement_n direct_v to_o man_n from_o the_o go_n cicero_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o 2._o book_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n be_v large_a in_o his_o expression_n this_o way_n nec_fw-la unquam_fw-la magnus_fw-la vir_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la never_o be_v there_o any_o great_a man_n say_v he_o without_o some_o inspiration_n not_o only_o be_v the_o poet_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o divine_n of_o the_o pagan_n and_o the_o priest_n of_o their_o mystery_n all_o inspire_a man_n but_o not_o a_o eminent_a physician_n or_o a_o soldier_n be_v there_o among_o they_o nor_o a_o man_n any_o way_n excellent_a but_o they_o derive_v his_o ability_n from_o some_o supernatural_a gift_n and_o think_v his_o quality_n from_o above_o socrates_n that_o excellent_a person_n often_o say_v that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o thing_n to_o be_v learn_v 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with_o a_o supernatural_a stamp_n numa_n pompilius_n the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o roman_a ceremony_n declare_v he_o receive_v they_o from_o the_o goddess_n egeria_n no_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n but_o have_v make_v some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n that_o absurd_a imposter_n mahomet_n be_v wise_a enough_o to_o father_n his_o medley_n divinity_n and_o all_o the_o confuse_a trash_n of_o his_o koran_n upon_o revelation_n nothing_o else_o can_v have_v cheat_v so_o many_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n but_o that_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v it_o come_v from_o above_o and_o that_o mahomet_n have_v it_o reveal_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n the_o heathen_a world_n be_v in_o truth_n without_o any_o revelation_n in_o religious_a affair_n that_o be_v they_o have_v no_o divine_a law_n give_v they_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v their_o religious_a obedience_n whether_o it_o please_v god_n to_o reveal_v any_o particular_a matter_n at_o any_o time_n to_o any_o of_o they_o i_o dispute_v not_o but_o he_o give_v his_o statute_n his_o divine_a law_n to_o israel_n and_o he_o do_v not_o deal_v so_o witâ—_n any_o nation_n beside_o and_o yet_o nothing_o more_o general_a than_o the_o expectation_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o more_o common_a than_o pretension_n to_o it_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v a_o catholic_n maxim_n that_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o the_o right_a way_n of_o serve_v he_o must_v be_v reveal_v from_o above_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n seem_v to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o belief_n that_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o supernatural_a intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n it_o be_v well_o express_v by_o the_o learned_a camero_n omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la etiam_fw-la barbararum_fw-la consensu_fw-la receptum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la homini_fw-la bene_fw-la sit_fw-la praeter_fw-la eam_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la nimis_fw-la magnifico_n &_o superbo_fw-la titulo_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la ducem_fw-la vocant_fw-la requiri_fw-la coelestem_fw-la quandam_fw-la sapientiam_fw-la inde_fw-la nata_fw-la est_fw-la religio_fw-la ritus_fw-la cerimoniae_fw-la quae_fw-la sola_fw-la sanctitate_fw-la se_fw-la commendant_fw-la praelect_v de_fw-fr verb._n dei_fw-la it_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v he_o agree_v to_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o nation_n yea_o the_o most_o barbarous_a that_o in_o order_n to_o man_n well_o be_v there_o shall_v be_v a_o heavenly_a wisdom_n to_o direct_v he_o beside_o the_o guide_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v religion_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v from_o this_o general_a apprehension_n that_o the_o world_n come_v to_o be_v so_o often_o and_o so_o easy_o impose_v upon_o by_o delude_a pretension_n to_o inspiration_n and_o the_o many_o gross_a cheat_n of_o enthusiasm_n the_o great_a impostor_n still_o set_v up_o for_o enthusiast_n it_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n that_o the_o heathen_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v so_o enslave_v to_o their_o oracle_n
and_o do_v so_o greedy_o embrace_v whatever_o they_o think_v come_v from_o above_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o be_v in_o every_o man_n not_o besot_v with_o sensuality_n and_o brutish_o degenerate_v a_o earnest_a thirst_n after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o supernatural_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v as_o clear_v a_o conviction_n upon_o every_o reasonable_a man_n that_o without_o some_o further_a discovery_n from_o god_n himself_o than_o what_o this_o world_n and_o our_o own_o contemplation_n thereupon_o will_v afford_v we_o no_o satisfy_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n can_v be_v attain_v three_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n design_v by_o his_o own_o faculty_n for_o a_o converse_n with_o the_o deity_n and_o by_o natural_a obligation_n tend_v to_o a_o intercourse_n with_o god_n to_o serve_v he_o acceptable_o and_o to_o pay_v the_o homage_n due_a from_o we_o in_o such_o away_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o ascertain_v be_v please_v to_o he_o and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o all_o humane_a welfare_n that_o be_v the_o great_a concern_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o be_v full_o instruct_v about_o divine_a worship_n and_o this_o seem_v no_o way_n attainable_a without_o some_o revelation_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o but_o what_o he_o be_v and_o after_o what_o manner_n he_o exist_v the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v indispensible_o necessary_a in_o all_o our_o approach_n to_o he_o as_o that_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o debase_v his_o excellency_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o some_o vain_a idea_n and_o phantasm_n of_o our_o own_o imagination_n i_o must_v be_v teach_v from_o above_o and_o for_o the_o manner_n how_o he_o be_v to_o be_v serve_v and_o what_o will_v be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o therein_o i_o must_v look_v upward_o and_o expect_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a direction_n from_o thence_o mankind_n seem_v una_fw-la voce_fw-la to_o have_v concenter_v in_o this_o as_o a_o thing_n most_o sit_v yea_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v from_o heaven_n reveal_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o teach_v we_o the_o method_n of_o our_o converse_n with_o he_o where_o can_v we_o find_v a_o religion_n in_o any_o nation_n not_o found_v upon_o some_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n and_o establish_v upon_o this_o admission_n it_o be_v indeed_o a_o most_o irrational_a thing_n and_o a_o great_a indignity_n offer_v to_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n to_o make_v man_n their_o own_o judge_n in_o that_o case_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o leave_v to_o the_o arbitrary_a determination_n of_o humane_a discretion_n how_o god_n shall_v be_v worship_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o be_v single_o sufficient_a to_o evince_v this_o truth_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v under_o a_o law_n and_o a_o state_v rule_n for_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o serve_v of_o he_o without_o which_o we_o can_v never_o entitle_v the_o best_a of_o our_o service_n to_o obedience_n or_o upon_o any_o good_a ground_n be_v secure_v of_o acceptance_n not_o aught_o we_o to_o judge_v that_o any_o worship_n ever_o find_v favour_n with_o god_n that_o have_v not_o the_o stamp_n of_o his_o own_o command_n and_o be_v not_o by_o himself_o some_o way_n or_o other_o appoint_v though_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o moral_a goodness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o any_o real_a conformity_n there_o be_v among_o they_o to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o be_v original_o annex_v to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o great_o displease_v with_o the_o contrary_a and_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o upon_o their_o good_a and_o ill_a behaviour_n in_o those_o thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o their_o own_o contrive_a worship_n with_o all_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o god_n most_o odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o of_o this_o we_o be_v well_o assure_v not_o only_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o from_o a_o very_a authentic_a determination_n that_o tell_v we_o the_o whole_a of_o that_o worship_n be_v a_o service_n perform_v to_o devil_n nor_o can_v any_o the_o best_a intention_n that_o any_o man_n ever_o yet_o have_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v sufficient_o excuse_v for_o will-worship_n and_o idolatry_n there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n by_o which_o any_o worship_n can_v be_v appoint_v by_o god_n either_o by_o a_o law_n natural_a give_v to_o we_o in_o our_o first_o constitution_n or_o by_o some_o reveal_v law_n since_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o worship_n must_v be_v either_o in_o nature_n or_o institution_n the_o point_n then_o to_o be_v prove_v will_v be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v not_o by_o any_o natural_a law_n give_v to_o mankind_n a_o sufficient_a direction_n about_o his_o worship_n and_o that_o intercourse_n between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n that_o respect_v either_o his_o own_o honour_n or_o man_n happiness_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v maintain_v and_o all_o mankind_n natural_o tend_v to_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o to_o expect_v it_o in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n that_o god_n by_o a_o law_n natural_a bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o sufficient_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o general_n and_o bind_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o honour_n and_o worship_n due_a to_o his_o be_v and_o have_v give_v we_o some_o general_n innate_a direction_n about_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o grant_v and_o have_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o rational_a nature_n which_o show_v to_o we_o good_a and_o evil_a by_o that_o very_a nature_n which_o become_v obligatory_a to_o itself_o in_o these_o thing_n our_o own_o reason_n be_v our_o law_n and_o according_a to_o that_o law_n man_n without_o revelation_n be_v reward_v and_o punish_v and_o so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n be_v but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n the_o dictate_v of_o the_o best_a reason_n be_v not_o entrust_v with_o such_o a_o plenary_a direction_n about_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o have_v and_o we_o all_o tend_v to_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v a_o sufficient_a law_n to_o himself_o in_o those_o thing_n and_o that_o may_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o worship_n must_v either_o be_v confine_v to_o word_n thought_n and_o bodily_a gesture_n and_o simple_o terminate_v there_o or_o else_o it_o must_v be_v extend_v to_o some_o further_a expression_n of_o service_n by_o a_o appropriation_n of_o some_o other_o medium_n unto_o it_o first_o no_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o yet_o think_v it_o a_o thing_n reasonable_a that_o god_n shall_v be_v no_o otherwise_o serve_v then_o by_o thought_n gesture_n and_o word_n both_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v in_o all_o time_n declare_v the_o contrary_n nor_o have_v any_o worship_n in_o any_o place_n be_v establish_v or_o such_o a_o constitution_n frame_v as_o that_o we_o call_v religion_n without_o some_o other_o expression_n of_o service_n and_o some_o other_o external_n medium_n appropriate_v to_o it_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v arisen_a from_o two_o thing_n first_o man_n have_v never_o suppose_v their_o word_n or_o their_o thought_n or_o their_o gesture_n to_o be_v alone_o a_o sufficient_a expression_n of_o that_o homage_n they_o be_v natural_o sensible_a they_o owe_v to_o the_o greatness_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n for_o their_o own_o being_n and_o the_o donation_n of_o this_o world_n which_o he_o have_v visible_o bestow_v upon_o man_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a in_o a_o subserviency_n to_o he_o and_o give_v he_o the_o plenary_a and_o quiet_a possession_n of_o it_o but_o they_o still_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o a_o 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to_o he_o and_o teach_v we_o in_o a_o duemanner_n how_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o nature_n he_o do_v not_o only_o do_v this_o not_o only_o rectify_v but_o far_o exceed_v all_o natural_a dictate_v of_o worship_n and_o induce_v much_o into_o his_o service_n that_o receive_v its_o virtue_n and_o worth_a single_o from_o institution_n and_o no_o otherwise_o never_o since_o man_n be_v first_o make_v have_v god_n leave_v he_o single_o to_o the_o natural_a law_n of_o his_o own_o be_v for_o the_o payment_n of_o that_o homage_n he_o owe_v he_o even_o to_o adam_n in_o his_o innocent_a state_n god_n think_v fit_a to_o give_v a_o law_n supernatural_a a_o law_n which_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o adam_n nature_n further_o than_o that_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o nature_n general_o oblige_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n require_v of_o he_o much_o more_o may_v we_o expect_v it_o since_o the_o fall_n the_o whole_a method_n of_o our_o recovery_n be_v supernatural_a nor_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v think_v that_o god_n who_o have_v make_v man_n not_o only_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o all_o moral_a goodness_n but_o have_v also_o implant_v in_o his_o be_v a_o desite_fw-la of_o a_o peculiar_a and_o supernatural_a converse_n with_o he_o and_o give_v he_o such_o noble_a faculty_n so_o capable_a of_o it_o shall_v not_o promulge_v some_o particular_a law_n by_o which_o he_o may_v receive_v a_o full_a and_o satisfy_a direction_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o it_o or_o indeed_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o direct_v man_n to_o the_o further_a approach_n they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v towards_o he_o and_o glorify_v himself_o by_o appoint_v a_o way_n to_o the_o utmost_a homage_n and_o service_n their_o rational_a being_n be_v capable_a of_o four_o some_o thing_n most_o essential_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o all_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o present_a and_o future_a good_a of_o mankind_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a conception_n to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v the_o world_n whole_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o those_o matter_n wherein_o their_o great_a concerument_n lie_v i_o will_v not_o speak_v particular_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n how_o indiscoverable_a it_o be_v without_o revelation_n and_o yet_o how_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v according_a to_o our_o capacity_n in_o order_n to_o all_o true_a worship_n man_n ignorance_n in_o that_o particular_a have_v evident_o be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o polytheisme_n and_o idolatry_n nor_o what_o marvellous_a dark_a absurd_a yea_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a conception_n the_o world_n have_v of_o it_o without_o revelation_n nor_o will_v i_o speak_v further_o of_o the_o world_n original_a how_o useful_a and_o necessary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v to_o we_o to_o be_v true_o inform_v how_o ourselves_o and_o all_o thing_n else_o come_v first_o to_o exist_v what_o marvellous_a instruction_n to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o a_o natural_a homage_n to_o god_n result_v from_o it_o which_o yet_o depend_v pure_o upon_o revelation_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v attain_v without_o it_o nor_o will_v i_o mention_v those_o uncertainty_n the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o must_v without_o revelation_n be_v still_o entangle_v with_o all_o about_o death_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a accident_n a_o thing_n original_o appertinent_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o annex_v to_o our_o being_n in_o their_o first_o constitution_n or_o have_v be_v as_o a_o punishment_n or_o upon_o some_o other_o account_n introduce_v since_o and_o the_o many_o difficulty_n that_o will_v arise_v to_o our_o meditation_n either_o way_n nor_o will_v i_o much_o insist_v upon_o that_o uncertainty_n we_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o about_o a_o future_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n unless_o particular_o inform_v therein_o by_o revelation_n though_o my_o reason_n will_v tell_v i_o and_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v collect_v from_o the_o unequal_a disposition_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n here_o that_o there_o be_v some_o future_a estate_n of_o thing_n beyond_o this_o world_n without_o a_o supposition_n of_o which_o i_o must_v either_o depose_v god_n from_o his_o government_n or_o else_o admit_v he_o unjust_a both_o which_o be_v absurd_a yet_o how_o conduce_v be_v it_o to_o all_o true_a religion_n and_o how_o necessary_a for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o supression_n of_o vice_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o be_v leave_v fluctuate_a about_o with_o every_o blast_n of_o uncertain_a guess_n and_o conjecture_n what_o wild_a conception_n have_v the_o heathen_a world_n about_o their_o infernal_a region_n and_o their_o elysian_a field_n nor_o be_v they_o only_a fiction_n peculiar_a to_o the_o poet_n but_o admit_v by_o their_o wise_a man_n and_o best_a philosopher_n who_o be_v able_a to_o frame_v very_o little_o better_a ideaa'_v of_o those_o thing_n to_o give_v one_o instance_n of_o many_o plutarch_n one_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o treatise_n he_o write_v upon_o this_o motto_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d give_v no_o better_a a_o account_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o man_n soul_n then_o that_o the_o wicked_a be_v only_o overwhelm_v in_o the_o perpetual_a oblivion_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o for_o the_o place_n and_o condition_n of_o such_o as_o shall_v be_v happy_a hereafter_o in_o his_o consolation_n direct_v to_o apollonius_n he_o adhere_v to_o the_o opinion_n of_o pindar_n who_o describe_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o same_o fictious_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n that_o virgil_n do_v direct_o imitate_v pindar_n therein_o epicurus_n indeed_o pretend_v to_o some_o wise_a sentiment_n but_o the_o end_n of_o they_o be_v to_o render_v all_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n fabulous_a and_o to_o allegorise_v all_o that_o be_v say_v of_o another_o world_n into_o this_o and_o to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o whatever_o be_v say_v of_o the_o suffering_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o infernal_a region_n it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o what_o be_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n by_o covetous_a ambitious_a and_o fearful_a mind_n exâ—gitated_a with_o their_o own_o exorbitant_a passion_n which_o be_v a_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n all_o fear_n of_o vice_n and_o all_o love_n to_o virtue_n which_o even_o by_o those_o obscure_a notion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v much_o uphold_v and_o maintain_v but_o to_o go_v far_o how_o necessary_a must_v we_o needs_o grant_v it_o to_o have_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a condition_n after_o this_o life_n establish_v by_o revelation_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o unfixed_a some_o of_o the_o wise_a have_v be_v about_o the_o very_o be_v of_o any_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o such_o man_n as_o socrates_n and_o cicero_n be_v doubtful_a and_o unresolved_a in_o the_o case_n and_o come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o they_o incline_v to_o that_o opinion_n and_o judge_v it_o the_o more_o probable_a and_o aristotle_n discourse_v of_o it_o with_o much_o more_o obscurity_n the_o resurrection_n of_o man_n body_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o far_o hard_a belief_n stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o revelation_n to_o credit_v it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o easy_a task_n to_o possess_v man_n with_o a_o through_o persuasion_n about_o it_o when_o it_o be_v reveal_v saducisme_n be_v a_o weed_n very_o apt_a to_o grow_v and_o not_o soon_o eradicate_v we_o find_v st._n paul_n sufficient_o laugh_v at_o at_o athens_n for_o preach_v the_o resurrection_n it_o be_v a_o new_a notion_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o yet_o if_o there_o be_v any_o glimmering_n of_o it_o among_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n it_o be_v among_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sect_n he_o encounter_v i_o know_v there_o have_v be_v some_o remote_a apprehension_n among_o the_o pagan_n tend_v this_o way_n but_o neither_o the_o pagan-world_n in_o general_n nor_o any_o considerable_a part_n nor_o indeed_o any_o part_n of_o it_o at_o all_o ever_o agree_v in_o a_o positive_a distinct_a belief_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n some_o fancy_v there_o will_v come_v to_o be_v such_o a_o revolution_n of_o the_o heaven_n as_o that_o all_o the_o star_n will_v be_v precise_o return_v to_o the_o very_a exact_a punctum_fw-la in_o which_o they_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n begin_v first_o to_o be_v and_o that_o then_o all_o that_o ever_o have_v be_v shall_v return_v in_o order_n time_n and_o nature_n to_o their_o former_a condition_n and_o station_n and_o be_v just_a as_o they_o have_v be_v some_o tell_v we_o the_o magi_n who_o be_v the_o caldaean_a philosopher_n have_v some_o obscure_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n shall_v one_o day_n revive_v and_o become_v immortal_a and_o some_o
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o iâ—_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n poâ—ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
can_v be_v admit_v as_o such_o be_v all_o 〈◊〉_d they_o find_v peculiar_o appertinent_a to_o the_o â—iblâ—_n and_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o other_o book_n or_o write_n or_o to_o any_o other_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o have_v thus_o establish_v these_o two_o general_a point_n first_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o revelation_n make_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n some_o supernatural_a law_n promulge_v as_o the_o great_a rule_n of_o man_n life_n here_o and_o god_n judgement_n hereafter_o and_o that_o these_o law_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o extant_a upon_o record_n that_o mankind_n may_v be_v full_o assure_v and_o ascertain_v about_o they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v visible_a to_o all_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o such_o book_n as_o the_o bible_n pretend_v to_o be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v great_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o second_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n there_o be_v many_o general_a qualification_n that_o must_v necessary_o be_v appertinent_a to_o such_o a_o revelation_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v extant_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a that_o mankind_n shall_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o every_o pretence_n to_o it_o and_o that_o all_o those_o qualification_n be_v find_v punctual_o and_o peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o bible_n and_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o any_o other_o extant_a pretence_n to_o revelation_n whatsoever_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v a_o more_o distinct_a and_o particular_a proof_n and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o send_v we_o from_o heaven_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n that_o revelation_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o expect_v from_o above_o and_o that_o we_o have_v all_o those_o reason_n concur_v to_o make_v we_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o as_o such_o from_o whence_o a_o judgement_n in_o such_o a_o case_n ought_v final_o to_o result_v that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evidence_n to_o be_v give_v in_o to_o prove_v its_o divinity_n as_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o desire_v nor_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v more_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o so_o much_o that_o where_o man_n corrupt_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o predominant_a will_v appear_v sufficient_a to_o every_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o this_o shall_v be_v prosecute_v in_o this_o method_n i_o will_v these_o several_a way_n consider_v this_o book_n first_o in_o the_o time_n of_o its_o conveyance_n to_o the_o world_n second_o in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n three_o in_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o since_o its_o conveyance_n and_o last_o in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o we_o now_o find_v it_o and_o from_o each_o of_o these_o consideration_n will_v a_o signal_n testimony_n be_v give_v in_o to_o its_o divinity_n and_o when_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o book_n both_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n attend_v it_o do_v eminent_o relate_v itself_o to_o god_n as_o its_o author_n and_o can_v be_v reasonable_o judge_v the_o product_n of_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n whatsoever_o for_o the_o first_o when_o we_o reslâ—ct_v upon_o the_o â—â—me_n of_o this_o book_n conveyance_n we_o shall_v find_v two_o thing_n of_o very_a great_a weight_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n first_o the_o antiquity_n of_o those_o thing_n it_o relate_v to_o we_o and_o inform_v we_o of_o and_o second_o the_o antiquity_n of_o this_o 〈◊〉_d iâ—â—â—lâ—_n since_o compose_v and_o deliver_v to_o we_o with_o such_o a_o relation_n the_o content_n of_o this_o book_n â—â—ch_a aâ—_n far_o as_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o god_n revelation_n to_o man_n since_o his_o first_o mâ—â—â—_n and_o original_a and_o of_o a_o oral_a and_o â—erâ—all_a intâ—â—â—â—â—â—se_n between_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o two_o thousand_o four_o hundred_o and_o old_a year_n before_o it_o be_v any_o where_o extant_a upon_o râ—â—â—â—d_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o write_v which_o no_o other_o bâ—â—â—_n since_o the_o world_n begin_v so_o much_o as_o make_v 〈◊〉_d â—â—â—â—â—â—ce_n to_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o revelation_n historical_o contain_v in_o this_o book_n it_o be_v wat_fw-mi be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o beginning_n and_o of_o the_o same_o 〈…〉_o the_o world_n itself_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o edition_n of_o it_o in_o this_o book_n and_o the_o time_n 〈◊〉_d this_o book_n aâ—â—ual_a publication_n with_o all_o the_o aâ—â—â—tional_a revelation_n contain_v in_o it_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o bear_v in_o its_o kind_n to_o precede_v all_o other_o write_n whatsoever_o and_o in_o truth_n to_o be_v extant_a while_n thales_n mileâ—â—us_n hamer_n hâ—rmes_n and_o the_o most_o primative_a writer_n the_o world_n have_v be_v unborn_a and_o unthought_a of_o moses_n write_v of_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n long_o before_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a god_n have_v a_o write_a mention_n make_v of_o they_o god_n please_v so_o to_o order_v it_o that_o although_o the_o revelation_n he_o make_v to_o the_o world_n be_v not_o write_v from_o the_o beginning_n yet_o they_o be_v write_v long_o before_o any_o other_o write_n be_v extant_a and_o his_o own_o law_n be_v first_o record_v and_o all_o other_o write_n be_v of_o a_o subsequent_a date_n to_o this_o holy_a book_n first_o i_o will_v evidence_n this_o in_o point_n of_o fact_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o that_o to_o this_o book_n be_v indeed_o due_a the_o right_n of_o primogeniture_n and_o that_o all_o other_o book_n be_v of_o a_o much_o after-edition_n and_o becond_o examine_v what_o reasonable_o result_v from_o thence_o towards_o that_o proof_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o be_v about_o to_o all_o which_o this_o must_v be_v premise_v that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o thus_o ancient_n we_o intend_v actual_o no_o more_o of_o it_o then_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o whole_a content_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v above_o four_o thousand_o year_n in_o a_o gradual_a publication_n and_o the_o bible_n itself_o above_o a_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o year_n in_o writing_n for_o so_o long_o it_o be_v from_o the_o time_n that_o moses_n write_v to_o st._n john_n the_o revealer_n nor_o need_v we_o intend_v more_o to_o justify_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o whole_a because_o it_o be_v all_o there_o virtual_o contain_v all_o the_o rest_n be_v superstruct_v upon_o that_o as_o its_o â—oâ—ndation_n and_o every_o several_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n after_o moses_n till_o the_o top-stone_n be_v lay_v appear_v evident_o to_o be_v write_v in_o direct_a pursuance_n of_o what_o moses_n at_o first_o deliver_v and_o so_o much_o st._n paul_n affirm_v before_o foelix_n that_o he_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v long_o before_o extant_a in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n for_o the_o first_o that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v in_o fact_n the_o most_o ancient_a i_o find_v both_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v be_v great_o concern_v to_o make_v it_o manifest_a as_o judge_v it_o a_o point_n that_o do_v great_o credit_v their_o profession_n and_o high_o justify_v that_o religion_n they_o adhere_v to_o josephus_n and_o other_o of_o the_o jewish_a writer_n have_v much_o insist_v upon_o it_o and_o among_o the_o christian_a writer_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n cyrill_n of_o alexandria_n in_o his_o book_n against_o julian_n st._n austin_n and_o other_o but_o most_o especial_o justin_n martyr_n and_o eusebius_n justin_n martyr_n in_o his_o parenaetick_n to_o the_o grecian_n because_o they_o use_v with_o great_a arrogance_n to_o boast_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o own_o learning_n and_o religion_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o look_v with_o great_a contempt_n upon_o other_o prove_v against_o they_o out_o of_o pagan_a author_n and_o those_o chief_o their_o own_o beyond_o all_o reasonable_a denial_n that_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v of_o much_o great_a antiquity_n than_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n they_o can_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o natural_a issue_n of_o those_o write_n found_v upon_o they_o and_o derive_v from_o they_o be_v no_o new_a or_o upstart_a invention_n but_o indeed_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a write_v and_o unwritten_a truth_n the_o world_n be_v possess_v of_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v afterward_o more_o large_o and_o distinct_o prove_v and_o make_v good_a by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o evangelical_n preparation_n who_o thus_o conclude_v quare_fw-la omnibus_fw-la diis_fw-la ac_fw-la heroibus_fw-la graecorum_n multo_fw-la vetustior_fw-la
moses_n invenitur_fw-la and_o indeed_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o grecian_a god_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o own_o history_n be_v not_o of_o a_o much_o early_a date_n than_o the_o war_n and_o ruin_n of_o troy_n which_o moses_n precede_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n josephus_n say_v in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n that_o the_o grecian_n have_v no_o elder_a write_v then_o homer_n who_o live_v as_o pliny_n say_v two_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o war_n be_v about_o four_o hundred_o and_o seven_o year_n before_o the_o olympiad_n begin_v according_a to_o solinus_n two_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n as_o herodotus_n think_v three_o hundred_o but_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o his_o own_o poem_n that_o he_o live_v some_o very_a considerable_a time_n after_o at_o least_o one_o hundred_o year_n by_o the_o low_a calculation_n moses_n be_v so_o long_o before_o he_o and_o so_o much_o his_o predecessor_n that_o it_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o make_v mention_n of_o he_o that_o he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n at_o least_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a before_o the_o battle_n of_o troy_n before_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n not_o less_o than_o eight_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n till_o which_o time_n the_o grecian_a history_n be_v general_o confuse_a and_o impâ—râ—â—â—â—_n nâ—r_o have_v they_o any_o certainty_n in_o stâ—ry_a till_o thâ—n_v which_o varro_n positive_o affirm_v and_o eusâ—bâ—â—â—_n also_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o annal_n of_o africaâ—us_n who_o tell_v we_o usâ—iad_n oâ—â—mpiadas_n niâ—il_fw-la exploratum_fw-la in_o histori_n graecorum_n mâ—â—tur_fw-la sed_fw-la omne_fw-la consusis_fw-la conscripta_fw-la temporiâ—us_fw-la sunt_fw-la post_v olympiad_a â—s_n uâ—ro_fw-la quoniam_fw-la quadrâ—â—unto_n dilâ—gentissime_fw-la oâ—nia_fw-la notahantuâ—_n nulla_fw-la penitus_fw-la confusio_fw-la temporum_fw-la su_fw-es and_o indeed_o till_o that_o time_n there_o be_v little_a certainty_n in_o any_o story_n but_o that_o o_o the_o bible_n he_o live_v bâ—fore_o the_o build_a oâ—_n rome_n about_o eight_o hundred_o sixty_o and_o five_o year_n for_o rome_n be_v found_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o seven_o olimpiad_n which_o be_v twenty_o five_o year_n after_o their_o first_o beginning_n but_o suppose_v homer_n be_v not_o the_o first_o grecian_a writer_n as_o euschius_n and_o other_o think_v and_o perhaps_o true_o enough_o that_o they_o have_v other_o before_o he_o it_o be_v certain_a and_o agree_v to_o by_o all_o they_o have_v no_o letter_n among_o they_o till_o cadmus_n nor_o any_o written-â—earning_a for_o some_o considerable_a time_n after_o he_o and_o â—tis_o well_o know_v that_o cadmus_n be_v late_a than_o moses_n those_o that_o carry_v he_o high_a make_v he_o but_o contemporary_a with_o josuah_n and_o he_o be_v as_o some_o think_v more_o true_o to_o be_v reckon_v of_o the_o same_o time_n with_o othâ—icl_n mention_v in_o the_o book_n of_o judge_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v the_o ancient_a learning_n the_o world_n possess_v of_o beside_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v in_o the_o greek_a toâ—â—â—e_n so_o justin_n martyr_n observe_v speak_v of_o this_o matter_n say_v â—e_n si_fw-mi quis_fw-la vel_fw-la pâ—etarâ—â—_n veterum_fw-la vel_fw-la legislaterum_fw-la vel_fw-la â—isioâ—â—orâ—m_fw-la well_fw-mi plilosopherum_n meminissâ—_n velit_fw-la comperiet_fw-la tamen_fw-la illâ—s_fw-la libros_fw-la sue_v â—râ—cerum_fw-la composâ—â—sse_fw-la literis_fw-la both_o justin_n martyr_n who_o live_v within_o a_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o of_o christ_n and_o â—uschiâ—s_a aâ—our_n two_o hundred_o aâ—ter_v he_o have_v evident_o prove_v from_o the_o best_a and_o most_o acknowledge_a calculation_n and_o from_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v make_v of_o moses_n by_o prophâ—â—e_a writer_n such_o as_o sanconiathon_n the_o phaenician_a antiquate_v berâ—sus_n caldeus_n ptolomen_n and_o manâ—tho_n egyptian_a chronologer_n and_o among_o the_o creacâ—aâ—s_n artapanus_n polemon_n eupolemus_n and_o from_o tregus_fw-la pompâ—ius_n epitomise_v by_o justin_n and_o other_o that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o legislator_n and_o live_v long_o before_o any_o author_n of_o book_n be_v extant_a and_o this_o be_v also_o very_o particular_o affirm_v by_o dioderus_fw-la siculus_n the_o best_a and_o most_o eminent_a historian_n the_o graciansâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z who_o say_v himself_o he_o spend_v thirty_o year_n in_o travel_n to_o search_v out_o the_o antiquity_n of_o all_o country_n and_o to_o enable_v himself_o to_o write_v a_o general_n story_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o history_n that_o â—e_n have_v learn_v from_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o legislator_n and_o precede_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o many_o ancient_a author_n that_o he_o live_v with_o and_o to_o they_o st._n austin_n agree_v in_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civet_n dei_fw-la and_o by_o other_o that_o he_o precede_v cecrops_n the_o founder_n of_o athens_n after_o who_o all_o those_o ancient_n and_o memorable_a thing_n fall_v out_o in_o greece_n as_o deucalion_n flood_n phaeton_n sire_n the_o birth_n of_o ericthonius_n the_o ripe_a of_o proserpina_n the_o mystery_n of_o ceres_n the_o â—â—titution_n of_o the_o eliâ—â—â—â—â—â—_n sacrifice_n triptolemus_n his_o art_n of_o tilling_n the_o ground_n the_o carry_v away_o of_o europa_n the_o birth_n of_o apollo_n the_o build_n of_o thebes_n by_o cadmus_n after_o who_o also_o where_o bacchus_n minos_n perseus_n esculapius_n hercules_n and_o other_o who_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o grecian_a author_n as_o most_o ancient_a nor_o have_v the_o grecian_n any_o high_a term_n to_o express_v antiquity_n by_o than_o cecropian_a and_o ogygian_a which_o they_o use_v to_o call_v all_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v most_o ancient_a from_o cecrops_n and_o ogyges_n in_o who_o time_n they_o suppose_v man_n like_o mushroom_n spring_v natural_o out_o of_o the_o earth_n about_o athens_n but_o the_o certain_a account_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o direct_a time_n in_o which_o moses_n live_v be_v this_o that_o he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o inachus_n the_o first_o king_n of_o the_o archieâ—es_n in_o this_o chronologer_n seem_v most_o general_o to_o agree_v as_o scaliger_n show_v in_o his_o most_o learned_a animadversion_n upon_o eusebius_n his_o chronologie_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n tatianus_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n athenagoras_n theophilus_n and_o many_o other_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n affirm_v it_o and_o from_o many_o heathen_a author_n we_o have_v direct_a evidence_n for_o it_o polemon_n in_o his_o first_o book_n rerum_fw-la graecanicarum_fw-la be_v express_v in_o it_o and_o apion_n both_o in_o his_o commentary_n that_o he_o write_v against_o the_o jew_n and_o also_o in_o other_o of_o his_o write_n speak_v of_o the_o jew_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n regnante_fw-la apud_fw-la archivos_fw-la inacho_n quibus_fw-la say_v he_o prefuit_n moses_n and_o ptolomen_n mendiâ—us_n a_o egyptian_a that_o write_v the_o chronicle_n of_o egypt_n say_v that_o moses_n govern_v the_o jew_n and_o lead_v they_o out_o of_o egypt_n quando_fw-la inachus_n argis_n regnabat_fw-la and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o all_o that_o be_v any_o way_n verse_v in_o antiquity_n that_o inachus_n and_o also_o cecrops_n live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n and_o long_o enough_o before_o any_o book_n or_o the_o most_o ancient_a write_a learning_n the_o world_n have_v be_v extant_a tertullian_n in_o the_o 19_o chapter_n of_o his_o apology_n tell_v the_o roman_n they_o also_o as_o well_o as_o the_o grecian_n glorify_v much_o in_o antiquity_n say_v he_o our_o religion_n far_o out_o do_v all_o you_o can_v produce_v of_o that_o kind_n for_o the_o book_n of_o one_o of_o our_o prophet_n only_o viz._n moses_n wherein_o it_o seem_v god_n have_v enclose_v as_o in_o a_o treasury_n all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o consequent_o all_o the_o christian_a religion_n precede_v for_o many_o age_n together_o reach_v beyond_o the_o ancient_a you_o have_v even_o all_o your_o public_a monument_n the_o antiquity_n of_o your_o original_n the_o establishment_n of_o your_o estate_n the_o birth_n of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o people_n the_o foundation_n of_o many_o great_a city_n all_o that_o most_o advance_a by_o you_o in_o all_o age_n of_o history_n and_o memory_n of_o time_n the_o invention_n of_o character_n which_o be_v interpreter_n of_o science_n and_o the_o guardian_n of_o all_o excellent_a thing_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v more_o even_o your_o god_n temple_n oracle_n and_o sacrifice_n have_v you_o hear_v mention_v make_v of_o that_o great_a prophet_n moses_n he_o be_v contemporary_a with_o inachus_n he_o precede_v danaus_n three_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o thirteen_o year_n the_o ancient_a of_o all_o that_o have_v a_o name_n in_o your_o history_n he_o live_v some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o ruin_n of_o troy_n every_o of_o the_o other_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n and_o yet_o the_o last_o of_o they_o all_o be_v of_o the_o same_o age_n as_o your_o first_o wise_a man_n lawgiver_n and_o historian_n be_v
mouth_n of_o most_o man_n concern_v those_o passage_n there_o express_v paulus_n fagius_n who_o seem_v to_o give_v the_o right_a account_n of_o it_o differ_v not_o much_o from_o this_o of_o junius_n only_o read_v it_o in_o the_o futuretense_n and_o suppose_v it_o to_o intend_v a_o future_a relation_n his_o word_n be_v ideo_fw-la dicetur_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la verbum_fw-la hebraicum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d futuri_fw-la temporis_fw-la in_o commemoratione_n bellorum_fw-la hoc_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la bella_fw-la deicommemorabuntur_fw-la recensebuntur_fw-la a_o posteris_fw-la quae_fw-la bella_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n in_o mari_fw-fr rubro_fw-la gesscrit_fw-fr &_o quae_fw-la ad_fw-la hos_fw-la torrentes_fw-la quasi_fw-la dicat_fw-la hi_o avo_fw-la locitanquam_fw-la memorabiles_fw-la ab_fw-la omni_fw-la posteritate_fw-la repetentur_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la deus_fw-la pro_fw-la israel_n dimicavit_fw-la ubi_fw-la prodigia_fw-la coeleslia_n ostâ—nsa_fw-la sunt_fw-la that_o be_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o shall_v be_v hereafter_o of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o famous_a mention_n among_o all_o posterity_n of_o what_o god_n do_v for_o israel_n in_o those_o two_o place_n wheresoever_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v speak_v of_o what_o god_n do_v in_o those_o two_o place_n shall_v have_v a_o eminent_a mention_n the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sepher_n signify_v proper_o any_o rehearsal_n or_o enarration_n recensionem_fw-la aut_fw-la enarrationem_fw-la quamcunâ—_n recensionem_fw-la scriptam_fw-la but_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la if_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o to_o relate_v to_o any_o book_n but_o only_o to_o a_o relation_n verbal_a as_o it_o seem_v most_o probable_o to_o do_v because_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o a_o rehearsal_n in_o general_n but_o not_o direct_o of_o a_o write_a rehearsal_n it_o reach_v not_o this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o see_v no_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o by_o that_o book_n of_o the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v not_o be_v mean_v either_o some_o succeed_a book_n part_n of_o the_o bible_n or_o else_o that_o very_a book_n of_o number_n itself_o but_o second_o which_o way_n soever_o this_o text_n be_v take_v it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_o urge_v to_o prove_v there_o be_v letter_n or_o book_n before_o moses_n because_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o book_n relate_v a_o story_n of_o thing_n do_v in_o moses_n his_o own_o time_n for_o those_o war_n call_v the_o war_n of_o the_o lord_n commence_v but_o at_o the_o people_n come_v out_o of_o egypt_n under_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o write_a story_n of_o they_o before_o moses_n himself_o be_v extant_a to_o the_o last_o objection_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o egyptian_n be_v a_o learned_a people_n probable_o the_o most_o learned_a the_o world_n than_o have_v the_o continue_a clearness_n of_o their_o sky_n and_o the_o constant_a overslow_v of_o nile_n natural_o tend_v to_o render_v they_o learned_a in_o those_o two_o noble_a science_n of_o astrology_n and_o geometry_n yet_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o believe_v they_o have_v any_o use_n of_o alphabetical_a letter_n before_o moses_n his_o time_n or_o any_o other_o way_n to_o express_v or_o communicate_v their_o learning_n but_o what_o be_v symbolical_a and_o hycroglyphycal_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o record_n any_o where_o extant_a to_o evince_v the_o contrary_n aristotle_n say_v the_o ancient_a way_n of_o the_o egyptian_n write_v be_v per_fw-la hiâ—roglyphycas_n literas_fw-la saxis_fw-la incisas_fw-la and_o he_o add_v conceptus_fw-la aâ—imalium_fw-la scrâ—bunt_fw-la uti_fw-la occulata_fw-la side_n legimus_fw-la in_o lapidibus_fw-la per_fw-la figuras_fw-la idem_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scientijs_fw-la artibusque_n sacientes_n quos_fw-la locabant_fw-la in_o templis_fw-la tanquam_fw-la paginas_fw-la perlegendas_fw-la talesque_fw-la illis_fw-la pro_fw-la libris_fw-la extant_a tacitus_n tell_v we_o primi_fw-la per_fw-la siguras_fw-la animaâ—ium_fw-la egypti_n sensus_fw-la mentis_fw-la efsingebant_fw-la &_o antiqâ—â—ssima_fw-la monumenta_fw-la memoriae_fw-la humanae_fw-la impressa_fw-la saxis_fw-la cernuntur_fw-la diodorus_n sicalus_fw-la long_v before_o in_o the_o four_o part_n of_o his_o history_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n of_o this_o symbolical_a way_n of_o write_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o ethiopian_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n imitativa_n tropica_fw-la &_o enigmatica_fw-la nor_o do_v we_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o any_o other_o write_v among_o they_o till_o moses_n his_o time_n who_o in_o all_o probability_n first_o discover_v to_o they_o that_o way_n of_o transfer_v their_o mind_n one_o to_o another_o by_o alphabetical_a letter_n and_o this_o artapanus_n a_o most_o ancient_a historian_n tell_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o moses_n say_v ut_fw-la quasi_fw-la deas_fw-la ab_fw-la egyptijs_fw-la coleretur_fw-la &_o propter_fw-la literarum_n inventionem_fw-la mercurium_fw-la appellatum_fw-la that_o he_o be_v reverence_v by_o the_o egyptian_n as_o a_o god_n and_o for_o his_o first_o invent_v of_o letter_n call_v mercury_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o point_n of_o fact_n be_v thus_o clear_v it_o be_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o be_v consider_v what_o testimony_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o bible_n do_v in_o truth_n result_v from_o thence_o and_o herein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o one_o very_o remarkble_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o other_o first_o in_o the_o general_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o a_o reverence_n to_o antiquity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v universal_a all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n seem_v to_o have_v rise_v up_o and_o pay_v respect_n to_o the_o hoary_a head_n of_o antiquity_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o ground_n first_o what_o be_v most_o ancient_a have_v undergo_v the_o great_a trial_n every_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o venerate_v what_o have_v endure_v the_o test_n of_o many_o generation_n and_o last_v through_o most_o age_n because_o nothing_o correct_v mistake_n like_o experience_n not_o distinguish_v falsehood_n and_o truth_n like_o time_n time_n we_o say_v and_o true_o say_v be_v index_n as_o well_o as_o edax_fw-la rerum_fw-la second_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o all_o secundary_a truth_n must_v needs_o lie_v near_a to_o the_o eternal_a truth_n and_o so_o be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n error_n of_o every_o kind_n be_v of_o a_o late_a edition_n than_o truth_n a_o apostasy_n from_o it_o and_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o prime_a principle_n though_o error_n and_o falsehood_n may_v be_v very_o ancient_a yet_o truth_n be_v still_o the_o elder_a brother_n and_o have_v this_o still_a to_o say_v to_o all_o its_o opposer_n non_fw-la fuit_fw-la sic_fw-la ab_fw-la initio_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o far_a we_o wade_v into_o antiquity_n the_o near_a still_o we_o come_v 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continuation_n of_o it_o in_o all_o age_n and_o be_v itself_o the_o first_o account_n that_o ever_o be_v give_v of_o religion_n in_o such_o a_o write_a way_n upon_o all_o account_v the_o most_o ancient_a the_o world_n
be_v in_o itself_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corporation_n of_o debauch_a and_o evil_a man_n destructive_a to_o all_o corrupt_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n whatever_o and_o perfect_o ruinous_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o this_o world_n of_o which_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o sober_a mind_a man_n never_o be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n bring_v to_o light_n so_o holy_a and_o so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n that_o have_v visible_o the_o high_a tendency_n to_o those_o two_o great_a end_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o man_n present_a and_o future_a happiness_n no_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o particular_a duty_n enjoin_v destructive_a to_o man_n true_a happiness_n but_o all_o perfective_a of_o it_o the_o strict_a self-denial_n have_v a_o recompense_n propose_v to_o we_o of_o a_o hundred_o fold_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a nature_n 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god_n and_o religion_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o to_o do_v or_o indeed_o that_o any_o book_n of_o religion_n shall_v upon_o such_o perme_n arrive_v at_o such_o a_o reception_n but_o one_o that_o contain_v the_o high_a and_o most_o evident_a truth_n and_o have_v the_o great_a god_n for_o its_o author_n for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v true_a that_o other_o book_n very_o ancient_a and_o write_v long_o ago_o as_o we_o have_v good_a ground_n to_o believe_v have_v descend_v entire_a to_o this_o very_a age._n but_o herein_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o the_o channel_n of_o so_o many_o age_n be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o write_n not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v some_o of_o it_o much_o elder_a than_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n more_o liable_a to_o loss_n and_o decay_n but_o that_o no_o book_n or_o write_n the_o world_n be_v ever_o possess_v of_o have_v have_v that_o violent_a opposition_n make_v against_o it_o nor_o such_o design_n form_v for_o its_o ruin_n 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hand_n over_o rule_v and_o secure_v it_o beside_o this_o and_o some_o other_o hazard_n the_o bible_n have_v escape_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n we_o read_v of_o two_o famous_a and_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n furnish_v with_o all_o humane_a power_n that_o with_o all_o their_o might_n and_o skill_n have_v beset_v it_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o empâ—rour_n dioclesian_n under_o the_o nâ—w_n this_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n call_v likewise_o and_o much_o moâ—â—_n true_o epiâ—â—aâ—â—â—_n the_o mad_a and_o the_o furious_a be_v prophefy_v of_o and_o plain_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n david_n in_o the_o eight_o and_o eleven_o chapter_n of_o his_o prophecy_n he_o there_o call_v he_o a_o king_n of_o fierce_a countâ—â—â—â—ce_n and_o say_v his_o heart_n shall_v be_v against_o the_o hâ—ly_a covenant_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v indignation_n against_o the_o holy_a covenant_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n then_o extant_a this_o antiochus_n come_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o maccabee_n and_o most_o cruel_o destroy_v and_o waste_v jerusalem_n and_o make_v it_o his_o grand_a business_n to_o ruin_v the_o jew_n and_o utter_o extinguish_v their_o whole_a religion_n and_o worship_n dedicate_v their_o temple_n to_o jupiter_n olympius_n erect_v a_o altar_n therein_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o â—â—â—l_n and_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o jew_n cause_v many_o swine_n to_o be_v slay_v and_o offer_v up_o in_o sacâ—â—fiâ—e_n to_o he_o and_o as_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o pat_o a_o perfect_a â—â—nd_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o that_o place_n and_o people_n with_o utmost_a diligence_n make_v search_v after_o their_o law_n and_o wheresoever_o he_o sound_v it_o iâ—â—â—_n dirty_o burn_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o threatened_a â—â—st_n exquisite_a torment_n and_o death_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v dare_v to_o conceal_v or_o retain_v it_o of_o which_o josephas_n give_v we_o the_o relation_n
such_o attempt_n have_v still_o be_v discover_v and_o open_o shame_v how_o many_o heretic_n have_v carry_v about_o their_o own_o confutation_n while_o they_o possess_v this_o book_n and_o yet_o have_v not_o be_v suffer_v to_o change_v or_o alter_v such_o passage_n as_o have_v be_v most_o cogent_n against_o themselves_o the_o bible_n pass_v through_o the_o arian-world_n with_o all_o those_o plain_a evidence_n it_o contain_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o emperor_n council_n and_o indeed_o upon_o the_o matter_n the_o whole_a christian-world_n wâ—â—etainted_v with_o that_o heresy_n the_o bible_n escape_v the_o infection_n when_o the_o alteration_n of_o two_o or_o three_o plain_a text_n will_v have_v do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o all_o the_o volume_n they_o write_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n and_o great_a design_n be_v on_o foot_n that_o way_n yet_o they_o be_v still_o disappoint_v as_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o we_o find_v in_o st._n ambrose_n the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n need_v no_o other_o confutation_n than_o their_o own_o bible_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n in_o who_o they_o trust_v be_v theiâ—_n great_a accuser_n all_o sort_n of_o heretic_n to_o this_o day_n be_v possess_v of_o the_o bible_n as_o uriaâ—_n be_v of_o david_n letter_n to_o joab_n which_o contain_v his_o own_o ruin_n and_o as_o goliaâ—_n be_v of_o hiâ—_n sword_n which_o serve_v at_o last_o to_o cut_v off_o his_o own_o head_n second_o the_o success_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o book_n since_o its_o conveyance_n give_v in_o a_o signal_n and_o most_o undeniable_a evidence_n to_o its_o divinity_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o and_o upon_o what_o term_n the_o religion_n contain_v in_o it_o have_v gain_v that_o reception_n we_o find_v it_o have_v have_v among_o mankind_n it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o a_o religion_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o whole_a corrupt_a interest_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o call_v man_n to_o the_o high_a mortification_n and_o self-denial_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o invisible_a world_n to_o come_v naked_o propose_v by_o man_n upon_o a_o worldly_a account_n always_o inconsiderable_a without_o any_o the_o least_o earthly_a support_n a_o religion_n period_v the_o jewish_a religion_n and_o total_o subvert_v all_o other_o religion_n a_o religion_n oppose_v &_o disow_v to_o the_o utmost_a by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o though_o it_o derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o they_o and_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o true_a completion_n of_o all_o they_o believe_v and_o expect_v a_o religion_n in_o oppostion_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o be_v agree_v and_o indeed_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_n perfect_o concur_v i_o say_v it_o be_v of_o admirable_a consideration_n that_o such_o a_o religion_n so_o circumstance_v against_o all_o the_o religion_n the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v at_o first_o make_v its_o entrance_n and_o be_v embrace_v by_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n and_o within_o the_o space_n of_o thirty_o year_n or_o thereabouts_o after_o its_o first_o publication_n for_o so_o it_o be_v be_v spread_v not_o only_o throughout_o all_o part_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n but_o also_o among_o the_o parthian_n and_o remote_a heathen_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o it_o be_v own_o innate_a worth_n and_o the_o divine_a evidence_n from_o heaven_n attend_v it_o can_v it_o with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n of_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v the_o zeal_n man_n have_v for_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v sufficient_o prompt_v they_o to_o hate_v abhor_v and_o persecute_v it_o the_o learning_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v employ_v to_o render_v it_o despicable_a and_o to_o bring_v it_o under_o contempt_n and_o all_o the_o force_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n be_v every_o where_o violent_o at_o work_n for_o its_o total_a suppression_n and_o extirpation_n and_o yet_o against_o all_o these_o seem_a invincible_a opposition_n do_v the_o bible_n prevail_v the_o power_n of_o that_o great_a empire_n can_v not_o withstand_v the_o naked_a proposal_n of_o a_o simple_a truth_n and_o both_o judaisme_n in_o the_o main_a of_o it_o as_o a_o national_a establismment_n and_o heathenism_n final_o fall_v before_o it_o this_o book_n and_o the_o religion_n it_o contain_v as_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v sole_o from_o god_n and_o come_v to_o we_o with_o a_o command_a voice_n from_o heaven_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o god_n own_o name_n and_o upon_o that_o single_a account_n require_v our_o obedience_n and_o those_o that_o write_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o other_o authority_n but_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o from_o above_o so_o it_o have_v introduce_v itself_o by_o mean_n suitable_a thereunto_o never_o be_v there_o at_o first_o any_o force_n use_v to_o compel_v man_n nor_o any_o art_n practise_v to_o deceive_v man_n about_o this_o matter_n no_o man_n can_v prove_v out_o of_o any_o story_n that_o ever_o the_o apostle_n or_o the_o primitive_a professor_n of_o this_o religion_n raise_v arm_n to_o introduce_v or_o promote_v it_o or_o that_o any_o humane_a authority_n do_v countenance_n or_o assist_v it_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o to_o say_v for_o itself_o above_o all_o other_o that_o it_o be_v to_o debtor_n to_o the_o sword_n either_o in_o a_o civil_a or_o military_a way_n neither_o the_o sword_n of_o justice_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o war_n can_v lay_v any_o claim_n to_o it_o as_o a_o product_n of_o they_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o roman_a world_n â—ad_v embrace_v it_o and_o be_v become_v criâ—tians_n before_o constantine_n public_o own_v it_o it_o owe_v nothing_o to_o any_o violent_a course_n for_o its_o primitive_a reception_n nor_o indeed_o to_o any_o humane_a contrivement_n neither_o the_o subtlety_n of_o philosopher_n nor_o the_o eloquence_n of_o orator_n assist_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o never_o advance_v one_o step_n further_o in_o its_o first_o publication_n than_o its_o own_o innate_a excellency_n &_o the_o divine_a evidence_n attend_v it_o procure_v it_o acceptance_n nor_o do_v it_o ever_o gain_v a_o convert_n but_o where_o it_o can_v approve_v itself_o by_o divine_a evidence_n to_o the_o reason_n &_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o be_v divine_a i_o make_v a_o peremptory_a demand_n to_o all_o antiscriptural_a man_n to_o grant_v i_o this_o as_o a_o truth_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o denial_n that_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gospel_n by_o its_o own_o divine_a strength_n withstand_v the_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a wind_n &_o tide_n of_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o by_o no_o other_o assistance_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o divine_a travel_v most_o part_n of_o the_o world_n over_o it_o offer_v itself_o to_o man_n reception_n upon_o no_o other_o term_n but_o by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o be_v content_v to_o stand_v and_o fall_v by_o the_o rational_a determination_n of_o every_o man_n own_o breast_n and_o sâ—_n prevail_v such_o who_o embrace_v it_o haâ—_n no_o other_o way_n of_o contest_v but_o holiness_n oâ—_n live_v and_o patience_n in_o suffer_v 〈◊〉_d both_o which_o they_o be_v very_o eminent_a to_o the_o first_o their_o very_a enemy_n the_o heathen_n bear_v testimony_n pliny_n and_o other_o speak_v of_o the_o christian_n harmless_a and_o holy_a behaviour_n for_o the_o latter_a never_o be_v any_o religion_n so_o begin_v and_o propagate_v by_o such_o indefatigable_a suffering_n how_o few_o martyr_n for_o religion_n can_v the_o heathen_a world_n boast_v of_o if_o we_o admit_v socrates_n for_o one_o how_o few_o successor_n have_v he_o and_o those_o few_o they_o pretend_v to_o seem_v by_o all_o circumstance_n to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o perpetuate_v their_o own_o name_n to_o posterity_n by_o suffer_v for_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o think_v the_o world_n will_v high_o magnify_v but_o for_o christian-religion_n we_o find_v innumerable_a suffering_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o all_o rank_n quality_n age_n and_o condition_n in_o many_o of_o which_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o thing_n but_o conscience_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o motive_n be_v person_n of_o such_o mean_a part_n and_o condition_n as_o can_v no_o way_n be_v think_v to_o design_n a_o name_n to_o themselves_o hereafter_o nor_o indeed_o can_v we_o reasonable_o suppose_v a_o esteem_n upon_o earth_n and_o vainglory_n can_v be_v the_o ground_n upon_o which_o any_o of_o they_o suffer_v when_o we_o consider_v they_o suffer_v for_o a_o religion_n the_o very_a name_n of_o which_o be_v every_o where_o odious_a and_o detestable_a and_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o bring_v nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o contempt_n it_o swim_v down_o to_o
these_o latter_a age_n in_o whole_a stream_n of_o blood_n that_o run_v from_o its_o primitive_a martyr_n god_n please_v to_o introduce_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o without_o any_o thing_n humane_a to_o befriend_v it_o that_o we_o may_v be_v for_o ever_o ascertain_v of_o its_o author_n who_o but_o god_n himself_o by_o a_o power_n from_o above_o can_v we_o reasonable_o imagine_v can_v have_v enable_v a_o few_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o contemptible_a man_n so_o to_o confront_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n of_o it_o when_o other_o religion_n have_v so_o long_o last_v and_o be_v so_o fast_o root_v to_o erect_v a_o religion_n destructive_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o to_o break_v through_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o philosophy_n and_o learning_n of_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o law_n and_o force_n of_o the_o roman-empire_n in_o its_o great_a splendour_n and_o strength_n can_v form_v against_o it_o and_o what_o doctrine_n but_o one_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n diâ—â—â—â—_n and_o attend_v with_o the_o visible_a effect_n 〈◊〉_d almighty_a power_n to_o own_o and_o juâ—â—â—â—â—_n can_v we_o conceive_v can_v have_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n so_o to_o bow_v before_o it_o how_o ridiculous_a do_v it_o appear_v to_o suppose_v a_o company_n of_o mean_a impostor_n that_o have_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n beside_o themselves_o to_o befriend_v they_o nor_o any_o other_o foundadation_n but_o a_o design_n in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v the_o world_n can_v have_v effect_v all_o this_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v final_o so_o prevail_v and_o impose_v the_o gross_a delusion_n imaginable_a upon_o mankind_n against_o all_o such_o opposition_n have_v i_o no_o other_o consideration_n to_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v the_o bible_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o hence_o this_o one_o seem_v single_o sufficient_a to_o i_o to_o justify_v its_o divinity_n against_o all_o reasonable_a suspicion_n of_o imposture_n and_o for_o ever_o to_o silence_v all_o the_o doubt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v about_o it_o what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o come_v from_o above_o then_o when_o we_o see_v it_o have_v venture_v itself_o upon_o its_o own_o divine_a evidence_n against_o all_o humane_a opposition_n and_o single_o by_o that_o prevail_v and_o spread_v itself_o all_o the_o world_n over_o neither_o arm_n nor_o council_n neither_o the_o policy_n of_o julian_n nor_o the_o sword_n of_o dioclesian_n can_v put_v a_o stop_n to_o its_o progress_n have_v god_n disow_v the_o gospel_n at_o first_o nay_o have_v he_o not_o eminent_o and_o visible_o witness_v to_o it_o from_o heaven_n we_o can_v possible_o imagine_v how_o it_o can_v have_v take_v one_o step_n forward_o it_o have_v doubtless_o as_o it_o be_v then_o circumstance_v be_v stifle_v in_o its_o first_o birth_n and_o bury_v in_o perpetual_a silence_n we_o find_v all_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n have_v still_o grow_v up_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o humane_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o have_v still_o decay_v when_o humane_a prop_n have_v be_v remove_v i_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o show_v i_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o ever_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n without_o humane_a help_n and_o that_o ever_o stand_v out_o the_o brunt_n of_o persecution_n all_o other_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o bible_n have_v still_o fall_v before_o the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n it_o be_v only_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o christian_n found_v at_o first_o upon_o the_o bible_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o that_o have_v weather_v out_o all_o attempt_n for_o its_o eradication_n it_o be_v a_o marvellous_a evidence_n of_o that_o solemn_a and_o divine_a foundation_n upon_o which_o the_o jewish_a church_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o establish_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v suffer_v and_o their_o very_a be_v in_o a_o national_a way_n and_o their_o national_a worship_n in_o which_o their_o religion_n chief_o consist_v be_v utter_o extinguish_v yet_o still_o they_o retain_v their_o profession_n submit_v to_o a_o yoke_n of_o most_o burdensome_a ceremony_n &_o remain_v disperse_v in_o the_o world_n a_o monument_n of_o scripture-verity_n and_o so_o many_o stand_a witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o many_o eminent_a prediction_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o success_n of_o this_o book_n also_o since_o its_o first_o conveyance_n and_o all_o the_o circumstance_n that_o have_v attend_v the_o progress_n of_o it_o since_o its_o first_o publication_n have_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o can_v well_o expect_v that_o god_n himself_o and_o no_o other_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o come_v in_o the_o four_o and_o last_o place_n to_o consider_v this_o book_n in_o itself_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o as_o at_o the_o present_a we_o find_v it_o and_o as_o it_o now_o lie_v before_o we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o i_o mean_v not_o to_o insist_v separately_z and_o abstract_o upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o but_o to_o take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o former_a and_o all_o other_o collateral_a proof_n it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o warrantable_a to_o disjoin_v the_o proof_n god_n have_v afford_v we_o of_o his_o word_n and_o lay_v the_o weight_n of_o its_o justification_n upon_o any_o one_o single_a evidence_n for_o when_o god_n command_v we_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v this_o book_n as_o his_o word_n and_o impose_v the_o high_a penalty_n upon_o our_o not_o do_v it_o he_o lay_v not_o the_o stress_n of_o his_o command_n or_o the_o penalty_n nor_o ought_v we_o upon_o any_o one_o particular_a sort_n of_o evidence_n external_n or_o internal_a but_o upon_o the_o whole_a entire_a proof_n he_o have_v make_v to_o we_o of_o it_o and_o all_o those_o mean_n he_o have_v afford_v for_o our_o conviction_n and_o satisfaction_n about_o it_o when_o we_o be_v upon_o a_o general_a proof_n of_o the_o bible_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o internal_a evidence_n that_o result_v from_o the_o bible_n itself_o as_o single_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o or_o enter_v into_o any_o debate_n whether_o it_o real_o be_v so_o or_o no_o because_o we_o have_v all_o the_o cumulative_a advantage_n of_o a_o external_n justification_n and_o if_o all_o together_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v what_o we_o that_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n take_v it_o to_o be_v it_o be_v enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o with_o what_o ever_o evidence_n will_v arise_v from_o thence_o be_v not_o to_o be_v abstract_o insist_v on_o from_o other_o collateral_a proof_n nor_o that_o any_o collateral_a proof_n will_v prevail_v in_o this_o case_n without_o there_o be_v also_o a_o innate_a evidence_n result_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o bible_n itself_o so_o that_o a_o conjunction_n of_o the_o evidence_n in_o both_o kind_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o establish_v a_o general_a proof_n will_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o appear_v the_o bible_n as_o have_v be_v say_v consist_v of_o three_o part_n doctrinal_a prophetical_a and_o historical_a whatever_o evidence_n we_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o to_o prove_v its_o own_o divinity_n must_v needs_o chief_o arise_v from_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n because_o the_o prophetical_a and_o historical_a part_n can_v never_o be_v full_o justify_v without_o foreign_a proof_n we_o can_v know_v the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n to_o be_v certain_o true_a from_o the_o bible_n itself_o nor_o can_v we_o sufficient_o prove_v 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with_o such_o manifest_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n can_v make_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n about_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n in_o point_n of_o revelation_n the_o miracle_n be_v then_o apparent_a and_o visible_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o that_o in_o itself_o simple_o consider_v it_o introduce_v a_o religion_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a attain_v and_o wherein_o all_o that_o the_o world_n have_v in_o that_o kind_n at_o any_o time_n before_o arrive_v at_o be_v far_o outdo_v and_o exceed_v and_o second_o in_o a_o relative_a way_n in_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o some_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o reasonable_o suppose_v to_o write_v a_o determination_n of_o that_o grand_a question_n then_o on_o foot_n about_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a judaical_a policy_n as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o say_v if_o we_o admit_v this_o epistle_n to_o come_v from_o a_o apostolical_a hand_n every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v then_o write_v by_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n man_n not_o only_o perfect_o know_v in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a endowment_n in_o office_n under_o he_o and_o with_o the_o high_a delegation_n of_o his_o own_o power_n entrust_v by_o he_o and_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n end_v with_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a have_v its_o period_n in_o the_o apostle_n second_o all_o the_o several_a part_n at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a hand_n write_v appear_v so_o to_o promote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v so_o much_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n do_v so_o harmonise_v in_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o end_n and_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n each_o to_o other_o that_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o the_o general_a to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o those_o time_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o resolve_v all_o such_o doubt_n as_o can_v be_v make_v about_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o write_v second_o how_o can_v we_o now_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v
shall_v be_v terminate_v single_o in_o they_o but_o be_v of_o a_o much_o far_a extension_n and_o of_o a_o perpetual_a duration_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o apographa_n copy_n true_o take_v from_o the_o original_n of_o any_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o equal_a authority_n with_o the_o original_n themselves_o it_o be_v not_o the_o paper_n nor_o the_o ink_n nor_o the_o hand_n wherein_o they_o be_v write_v nor_o any_o thing_n circumstantial_a of_o that_o kind_n but_o the_o matter_n itself_o as_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o give_v authority_n to_o they_o and_o wheresoever_o that_o matter_n be_v true_o contain_v there_o be_v also_o the_o same_o authority_n present_a the_o great_a question_n in_o these_o day_n will_v be_v whether_o those_o copy_n we_o have_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o those_o original_a language_n in_o which_o they_o be_v first_o write_v be_v true_a and_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v since_o deface_v or_o corrupt_v the_o satisfaction_n that_o ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o this_o inquiry_n must_v arise_v these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o consider_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o in_o their_o present_a posture_n and_o second_o by_o consider_v such_o circumstance_n as_o attend_v their_o first_o transcription_n and_o the_o various_a copy_n that_o be_v then_o and_o have_v be_v since_o take_v of_o they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o latter_a first_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o know_v be_v deliver_v over_o as_o it_o first_o become_v write_v to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o commit_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o their_o custody_n and_o it_o be_v they_o alone_a that_o have_v the_o care_n incumbent_a upon_o they_o punctual_o to_o transcribe_v and_o safe_o to_o secure_v it_o that_o they_o perform_v this_o trust_n with_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n and_o deliver_v the_o old_a testament_n over_o entire_a to_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o have_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v and_o that_o both_o upon_o general_n and_o some_o more_o particular_a ground_n first_o upon_o general_a ground_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v the_o high_a value_n imaginable_a of_o their_o law_n and_o prize_v it_o above_o all_o else_o they_o possess_v both_o josephus_n and_o philo_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v rather_o have_v suffer_v a_o thousand_o death_n then_o that_o the_o least_o thing_n shall_v be_v once_o alter_v in_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o statute_n of_o their_o nation_n the_o miraculous_a power_n upon_o which_o the_o first_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v establish_v have_v imprint_v in_o that_o people_n a_o indelible_a veneration_n of_o it_o second_o it_o be_v the_o municipal_a law_n of_o their_o country_n and_o that_o by_o which_o all_o matter_n of_o right_n be_v daily_o adjudge_v and_o by_o which_o each_o man_n property_n among_o they_o be_v maintain_v and_o secure_v three_o their_o law_n be_v not_o only_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o nation_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o political_a and_o ecclesiastical_a be_v but_o it_o be_v also_o the_o great_a title_n they_o have_v to_o their_o country_n the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o themselves_o the_o deed_n by_o which_o god_n himself_o convey_v to_o they_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o give_v they_o the_o high_a right_a to_o possess_v it_o it_o be_v not_o hard_a from_o hence_o to_o conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n will_v be_v careful_a of_o such_o a_o book_n wherein_o their_o body_n their_o soul_n their_o estate_n their_o honour_n and_o indeed_o their_o all_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v second_o it_o appear_v more_o particular_o and_o in_o fact_n that_o they_o be_v so_o for_o after_o that_o by_o god_n providential_a disposal_n ezra_n and_o that_o famous_a synagogue_n with_o he_o have_v exact_o settle_v their_o canon_n and_o deliver_v over_o the_o scripture_n pure_a and_o entire_a to_o the_o people_n at_o their_o return_n out_o of_o babylon_n the_o indefatigable_a care_n of_o the_o succeed_a mastoriâ—es_n from_o those_o very_a time_n downward_o to_o preserve_v every_o letter_n and_o syllable_n of_o the_o sacred_a text_n entire_a be_v notorious_o know_v to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o the_o jewish_a writer_n even_o to_o so_o great_a a_o exactness_n have_v they_o arrive_v that_o they_o know_v how_o often_o every_o letter_n be_v use_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o indeed_o they_o take_v such_o a_o course_n to_o preserve_v the_o original_a text_n entire_a that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a that_o the_o least_o considerable_a alteration_n or_o change_n can_v at_o any_o time_n be_v make_v in_o it_o eusebius_n speak_v with_o great_a wonder_n of_o the_o industry_n and_o care_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o this_o matter_n mirabile_n mihi_fw-la videtur_fw-la say_v he_o duobus_fw-la annorum_fw-la millibus_fw-la inâ—o_fw-la majore_fw-la tempore_fw-la jam_fw-la ferè_fw-la transacto_fw-la non_fw-la enim_fw-la exquisitissimè_fw-la annorum_fw-la possum_fw-la dicere_fw-la numerum_fw-la nec_fw-la verbum_fw-la unum_fw-la in_o lege_fw-la illius_fw-la esse_fw-la immutatum_fw-la sed_fw-la centiès_fw-fr unusquisque_fw-la judaeorum_fw-la moritur_fw-la quam_fw-la lege_fw-la mosaicae_n derogavit_fw-la it_o seem_v wonderful_a to_o i_o that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o two_o thousand_o year_n and_o upward_o for_o i_o can_v exact_o reckon_v the_o number_n of_o year_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n shall_v be_v change_v in_o their_o law_n but_o that_o every_o jew_n will_v rather_o die_v a_o hundred_o time_n over_o then_o derogate_v in_o the_o least_o from_o it_o and_o that_o this_o care_n of_o the_o judaical_a church_n be_v by_o god_n blessing_n effectual_a and_o successful_a for_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o all_o maim_n or_o imperfection_n and_o the_o least_o considerable_a alteration_n from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v there_o need_v no_o other_o evidence_n then_o that_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n full_o approve_v it_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o in_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o never_o charge_v they_o with_o the_o least_o gild_n either_o of_o corruption_n or_o neglect_v in_o that_o kind_n and_o to_o suppose_v the_o jew_n have_v corrupt_v it_o since_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v near_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n time_n translate_v into_o greek_a and_o that_o any_o after-corruption_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v manifest_o discover_v from_o thence_o and_o confider_v how_o much_o of_o it_o be_v quote_v in_o the_o new_a be_v very_o absurd_a so_o think_v st_o jerome_n in_o his_o time_n siquis_fw-la dixerit_fw-la post_fw-la adventum_fw-la christi_fw-la &_o predicationem_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la libros_fw-la hebraeos_fw-la fuisse_fw-la falsatos_fw-la risam_fw-la tenere_fw-la non_fw-la potero_fw-la ut_fw-la salvator_fw-la &_o apostoli_fw-la ita_fw-la testimonia_fw-la protuleriâ—_n sicut_fw-la à _fw-la judaeis_n falsandâ—erant_fw-la if_o any_o man_n think_v the_o old_a testament_n say_v he_o falsify_v 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thereof_o from_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o multitude_n of_o copy_n be_v immediate_o take_v and_o disperse_v into_o all_o part_n of_o europe_n into_o asia_n and_o egypt_n and_o wheresoever_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o any_o receive_v nor_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o man_n that_o suffer_v daily_o for_o a_o religion_n the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n and_o estate_n will_v not_o be_v careful_a exact_o to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o be_v safe_o possess_v of_o that_o great_a rule_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n direct_v when_o '_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o to_o be_v have_v nay_o '_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o may_v disperse_v several_a transcript_n of_o their_o own_o write_n among_o the_o christian_n &_o so_o innumerable_a copy_n may_v be_v take_v from_o many_o original_n but_o however_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o the_o autographa_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o very_a original_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n
in_o such_o a_o succession_n establish_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o book_n ought_v ever_o to_o be_v admit_v without_o very_o positive_a proof_n especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o apparent_a reason_n to_o believe_v the_o contrary_n by_o who_o be_v it_o i_o ask_v that_o the_o bible_n can_v be_v corrupt_v it_o must_v have_v be_v either_o by_o jew_n pagan_n or_o heretic_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o jew_n have_v not_o do_v it_o for_o we_o find_v multitude_n of_o text_n that_o give_v in_o a_o daily_a witness_n against_o they_o which_o doubtless_o have_v they_o attempt_v the_o bible_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v so_o to_o remain_v upon_o record_n against_o they_o no_o part_n of_o the_o pagan_a world_n can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o have_v do_v it_o for_o the_o scripture_n contain_v such_o a_o eminent_a revelation_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o his_o worship_n as_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o heathenish_a vanity_n and_o at_o once_o 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those_o time_n have_v the_o same_o possibility_n of_o alteration_n then_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v now_o various_a lection_n also_o in_o the_o hebrew_n copy_n be_v then_o extant_a and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v then_o pure_a and_o entire_a nor_o do_v our_o saviour_n or_o the_o apostle_n mention_v the_o least_o defect_n that_o be_v then_o in_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o in_o those_o eminent_a time_n of_o reformation_n the_o least_o question_n or_o doubt_v ever_o raise_v upon_o any_o such_o account_n one_o grand_a objection_n be_v usual_o make_v upon_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v thus_o frame_v all_o these_o argument_n bring_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o bible_n in_o general_n or_o to_o answer_v such_o particolar_n doubt_v as_o arise_v about_o it_o be_v build_v say_v some_o upon_o no_o better_a foundation_n than_o huâ—anâ—_n and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a ground_n and_o if_o so_o we_o still_o embrace_v our_o religion_n but_o upon_o uncertain_a term_n can_v never_o from_o chance_n arrive_v at_o any_o positive_a and_o absolute_a assurance_n nor_o come_v to_o such_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n as_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v in_o this_o case_n in_o answer_v to_o this_o objection_n this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o although_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v at_o first_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o conveyance_n to_o future_a age_n have_v be_v by_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a mean_n the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o disposal_n of_o god_n though_o we_o can_v pretend_v full_o to_o reach_v yet_o we_o be_v thus_o far_o inform_v first_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o have_v be_v by_o mean_n in_o themselves_o absolute_o infallible_a hand_v down_o to_o all_o place_n and_o age_n without_o the_o visible_a continuance_n and_o constant_a exertion_n of_o such_o a_o supernatural_a and_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o will_v have_v whole_o invert_v that_o course_n we_o find_v god_n most_o general_o take_v in_o his_o rule_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o world_n second_o it_o will_v have_v prevent_v all_o that_o case_n and_o industry_n god_n intend_v to_o exercise_v his_o church_n withal_o to_o their_o great_a advantage_n in_o the_o exact_a preservation_n of_o these_o sacred_a record_n three_o there_o have_v be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o belief_n of_o not_o occasion_n for_o a_o dependence_n upon_o that_o wisdom_n and_o power_n god_n have_v express_v and_o wherein_o he_o have_v great_o honour_v himself_o in_o a_o overrule_a disposal_n of_o ordinary_a mean_n to_o such_o extraordinary_a end_n who_o have_v providential_o secure_v this_o book_n through_o all_o the_o several_a channel_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n this_o objection_n be_v much_o urge_v first_o by_o those_o of_o the_o roman_a church_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o our_o own_o profession_n and_o the_o stability_n of_o they_o and_o second_o by_o man_n of_o sceptical_a principle_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n either_o to_o fright_v or_o persuade_v we_o or_o both_o out_o of_o all_o religion_n by_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a or_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o the_o ground_n of_o any_o how_o serviceable_a this_o objection_n though_o it_o have_v fill_v the_o world_n with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n as_o it_o have_v be_v press_v both_o way_n will_v prove_v to_o either_o of_o these_o design_n and_o indeed_o with_o how_o great_a absurdity_n it_o be_v manage_v in_o order_n to_o both_o will_v be_v soon_o make_v to_o appear_v all_o belief_n of_o thing_n divine_a in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o such_o divine_a illumination_n as_o god_n may_v particular_o vouchsafe_v to_o any_o â—ust_z of_o necessity_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o that_o we_o call_v rational_a and_o moral_a assurance_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v most_o proper_o of_o divine_a faith_n we_o mean_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n not_o denominate_v it_o from_o the_o object_n of_o it_o nor_o from_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o which_o be_v less_o proper_a but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n of_o it_o now_o divine_a faith_n in_o that_o best_a and_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v be_v reduce_v into_o no_o more_o than_o a_o moral_a a_o ssurance_n at_o last_o for_o if_o i_o say_v my_o faith_n be_v divine_a because_o build_v upon_o a_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n true_a but_o if_o i_o be_o ask_v by_o what_o mean_v i_o come_v to_o know_v that_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o question_n must_v needs_o bring_v i_o back_o to_o a_o moral_a assurance_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o my_o previous_a belief_n about_o that_o divine_a testimony_n itself_o that_o it_o real_o be_v so_o whatsoever_o revelation_n god_n make_v of_o his_o mind_n to_o i_o i_o must_v needs_o without_o divine_a assistance_n receive_v it_o upon_o humane_a and_o in_o themselves_o fallible_a term_n and_o so_o judge_v of_o it_o as_o i_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o thing_n no_o man_n can_v receive_v my_o revelation_n from_o god_n with_o a_o faith_n a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o the_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a inspiration_n in_o both_o case_n and_o god_n make_v man_n as_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o revelation_n when_o propose_v as_o he_o make_v the_o instrument_n of_o it_o in_o the_o act_n of_o its_o conveyance_n the_o plain_a question_n in_o this_o case_n be_v how_o i_o come_v to_o receive_v all_o other_o thing_n into_o my_o belief_n that_o be_v object_n of_o belief_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o rational_a credibility_n and_o moral_a assurance_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o
of_o the_o roman_n and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n many_o place_n be_v never_o to_o be_v well_o understand_v without_o a_o very_a exact_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o several_a custom_n and_o practice_n extant_a in_o those_o time_n among_o the_o jew_n this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o this_o one_o instance_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o will_v receive_v he_o and_o embrace_v the_o gospel_n must_v forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n house_n and_o land_n wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o he_o possess_v in_o this_o world_n these_o passage_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o themselves_o seem_v strange_a and_o be_v extreme_o hard_a at_o the_o first_o view_n to_o be_v digest_v or_o understand_v but_o become_v easy_o intelligible_a by_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o jewish_a custom_n at_o that_o time_n for_o it_o be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n apply_v to_o himself_o that_o be_v teach_v daily_o among_o the_o jew_n in_o admit_v their_o proselyte_n the_o jew_n deal_v with_o all_o stranger_n after_o a_o threefold_a manner_n such_o as_o continue_v in_o gentilism_n and_o heathenish_a idolatry_n they_o permit_v not_o to_o inhabit_v among_o they_o nor_o to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o the_o land_n of_o israel_n such_o as_o renounce_v the_o gentile_a idolatry_n and_o assent_v to_o some_o fundamental_o of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n which_o they_o call_v the_o seven_o precept_n of_o noah_n these_o be_v term_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n have_v their_o liberty_n quiet_o to_o inhabit_v among_o they_o and_o come_v into_o the_o outer_a court_n of_o the_o temple_n which_o they_o call_v atrium_n gentillum_fw-la such_o as_o be_v circumcise_a and_o embrace_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n those_o they_o call_v proselyte_n of_o justice_n and_o they_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n take_v as_o natural_a jew_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o initiation_n be_v to_o be_v wash_v in_o some_o great_a water_n up_o to_o the_o neck_n and_o there_o solemn_o to_o renounce_v not_o only_o their_o former_a god_n and_o their_o former_a worship_n but_o their_o country_n all_o their_o relation_n and_o kindred_n whatever_o and_o so_o to_o come_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o new_o bear_v and_o from_o the_o time_n of_o that_o ceremony_n to_o commense_a legitimate_a jew_n of_o these_o last_o sort_n of_o proselyte_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o become_v so_o we_o find_v mention_n in_o tacitus_n where_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o go_v over_o to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n nec_fw-la quicquam_fw-la say_v he_o prius_fw-la imbuuntar_fw-la quam_fw-la contemnere_fw-la deos_fw-la exuere_fw-la patriam_fw-la parent_n liberos_fw-la fratres_n vilia_fw-la habere_fw-la they_o be_v teach_v by_o their_o first_o admission_n to_o despise_v that_o be_v to_o forsake_v their_o father_n and_o mother_n child_n and_o brethren_n and_o to_o this_o custom_n our_o saviour_n evident_o refer_v when_o he_o speak_v of_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o and_o forsake_v all_o to_o become_v his_o disciple_n four_o the_o bible_n be_v write_v at_o several_a season_n and_o in_o several_a distinct_a part_n revelation_n ascend_v gradual_o to_o its_o meridian_n it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o ground_v a_o exception_n from_o any_o one_o part_n without_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o we_o now_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a many_o thing_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o revelation_n be_v less_o perfect_o make_v know_v some_o practice_n less_o condemn_v than_o what_o we_o now_o find_v they_o be_v under_o the_o gospel_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o marriage_n for_o although_o god_n have_v virtual_o determine_v mine_v that_o whole_a business_n by_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o creation_n at_o first_o that_o one_o man_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o woman_n and_o have_v also_o by_o his_o last_o prophet_n give_v a_o very_a pregnant_a intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o that_o matter_n yet_o the_o doctrine_n of_o marriage_n be_v never_o so_o full_o clear_v till_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n then_o make_v a_o full_a and_o final_a determination_n about_o it_o for_o he_o positive_o declare_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v put_v away_o his_o wife_n except_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o fornication_n and_o shall_v marry_v another_o commit_v adultery_n by_o which_o these_o two_o great_a point_n about_o marriage_n be_v full_o and_o for_o ever_o determine_v first_o that_o divorce_n be_v lawful_a in_o no_o case_n but_o that_o of_o fornication_n our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o god_n have_v establish_v marriage_n by_o a_o law_n of_o creation_n and_o first_o institution_n upon_o those_o term_n and_o although_o the_o moysaicall_a indulgence_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o present_a and_o particular_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n have_v for_o some_o time_n interpose_v yet_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o no_o more_o that_o indulgence_n shall_v be_v in_o force_n no_o long_o but_o that_o the_o obligation_n of_o marriage_n shall_v remain_v as_o it_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n be_v to_o become_v one_o flesh_n in_o that_o relation_n and_o upon_o no_o term_n to_o be_v part_v but_o in_o case_n of_o fornication_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n contain_v a_o virtual_a dissolution_n of_o that_o marriage-union_n second_o that_o plurality_n of_o wife_n be_v a_o thing_n utter_o unlawful_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o a_o great_a evil_n for_o our_o saviour_n affirm_v that_o he_o that_o marry_v another_o wife_n upon_o a_o unlawful_a divorce_n from_o his_o first_o and_o much_o more_o when_o there_o be_v no_o divorce_n commit_v adultery_n in_o so_o do_v which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v but_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o have_v of_o more_o wife_n than_o one_o together_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o altogether_o unlawful_a finis_fw-la
reach_v exercise_v the_o world_n with_o the_o great_a trial_n even_o trial_n from_o a_o appearance_n of_o his_o almighty_a power_n so_o long_o as_o he_o still_o afford_v a_o plain_o superior_a evidence_n to_o truth_n and_o so_o circumstantiate_n thing_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n of_o distinction_n to_o make_v this_o appear_v be_v of_o chief_a concern_n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o matter_n how_o god_n miracle_n can_v be_v a_o infallible_a evidence_n if_o the_o devil_n and_o ill_a man_n be_v sometime_o enable_v for_o so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v for_o by_o no_o inherent_a power_n of_o their_o own_o can_v they_o do_v it_o to_o act_v also_o in_o a_o supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a way_n for_o if_o a_o miracle_n by_o whosoever_o wrought_v be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v then_o be_v say_v the_o testimony_n from_o miracle_n seem_v to_o to_o be_v much_o invalidated_n and_o mankind_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o great_a uncertainty_n about_o it_o that_o god_n when_o he_o be_v please_v to_o establish_v divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n do_v make_v that_o testimony_n unquestionable_a and_o clear_o distinguish_v the_o witness_n give_v by_o his_o miracle_n from_o any_o witness_n the_o devil_n or_o his_o instrument_n can_v give_v by_o any_o either_o seem_a or_o real_a operation_n of_o that_o kind_n will_v very_o evident_o appear_v these_o three_o way_n first_o from_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n second_o from_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n and_o three_o from_o the_o maâ—ter_n about_o which_o he_o proceed_v first_o god_n make_v the_o miracle_n he_o work_v from_o heaven_n a_o infallible_a testimony_n by_o the_o order_n of_o his_o proceed_n he_o primary_o and_o in_o the_o first_o place_n before_o false_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n can_v have_v any_o such_o pretence_n by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n settle_v and_o fix_v his_o own_o truth_n and_o make_v that_o so_o settle_a a_o rule_n to_o we_o to_o try_v all_o other_o doctrine_n by_o god_n have_v be_v ever_o beforehand_o with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o instrument_n in_o this_o kind_n nor_o have_v they_o ever_o be_v suffer_v to_o attempt_v the_o world_n this_o way_n till_o truth_n be_v first_o so_o unquestionable_o settle_v that_o there_o be_v abundant_a ground_n to_o secure_a unbiased_a and_o unprejudiced_a man_n from_o any_o seduction_n be_v the_o temptation_n to_o it_o never_o so_o great_a this_o be_v the_o case_n at_o first_o under_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n by_o most_o eminent_a and_o undeniable_a miracle_n from_o heaven_n establish_v the_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n publish_v by_o moses_n and_o thereby_o fix_v that_o as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o religion_n before_o the_o devil_n have_v ever_o attempt_v to_o impose_v any_o systeme_n of_o his_o own_o upon_o the_o world_n in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o be_v so_o settle_v aâ—ter-propâ—ecie_a be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o by_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n god_fw-we himself_o have_v direct_v the_o contrary_a but_o also_o by_o its_o conformity_n to_o that_o establish_a rule_n and_o therefore_o if_o any_o prophet_n arise_v though_o attend_v with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n and_o endeavour_v to_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n destructive_a to_o whâ—t_n be_v so_o already_o establish_v and_o to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o by_o moses_n his_o law_n they_o be_v primary_o subject_v they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o he_o but_o to_o reject_v his_o doctrine_n as_o a_o vile_a and_o wicked_a temptation_n and_o it_o be_v of_o great_a remark_n and_o a_o eminent_a justification_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o this_o kind_n that_o the_o most_o that_o ever_o the_o devil_n be_v suffer_v to_o do_v be_v at_o first_o in_o opposition_n to_o moses_n when_o he_o by_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n come_v to_o settle_v that_o divine_a law_n for_o never_o any_o false_a prophet_n after_o can_v reach_v to_o do_v what_o the_o magician_n than_o do_v and_o god_n in_o that_o very_a way_n plain_o and_o open_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n for_o ever_o after_o in_o this_o matter_n determine_v the_o cause_n against_o he_o and_o moses_n so_o far_o out_o go_v the_o magician_n in_o a_o miraculous_a way_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o this_o confession_n this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n by_o which_o expression_n seem_v not_o to_o be_v mean_v that_o this_o particular_a work_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n in_o which_o the_o magician_n faâ—led_v be_v a_o effect_n of_o a_o power_n divine_a and_o supernatural_a and_o all_o that_o be_v do_v before_o both_o by_o moâ—es_n and_o we_o which_o be_v work_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n meeâ—ly_o natural_a but_o this_o be_v the_o singer_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o stop_v we_o that_o now_o we_o have_v try_v to_o do_v the_o like_a we_o find_v we_o can_v that_o we_o shall_v â—e_v able_a to_o go_v no_o â—â—â—ther_n that_o our_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v fail_v we_o and_o be_v take_v from_o we_o and_o moses_n shall_v be_v still_o able_a to_o proceed_v so_o under_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o gospel_n be_v first_o eminent_o establish_v by_o uncoâ—â—ollable_a miracle_n as_o the_o great_a standard_n and_o rule_n of_o all_o suture_a doctrine_n and_o acquaint_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o further_a revelation_n to_o be_v expect_v before_o the_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n of_o seducer_n be_v extant_a and_o when_o god_n have_v by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n once_o unquestionable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n all_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n be_v they_o feign_v or_o real_a they_o come_v too_o late_o truth_n be_v in_o possession_n and_o by_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o whatever_o be_v find_v opposite_a to_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_o to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o trial_n and_o a_o temptation_n only_o to_o prove_v we_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n be_v already_o solemn_o and_o open_o set_v and_o let_v the_o devil_n bring_v what_o show_v he_o can_v of_o the_o same_o impression_n they_o be_v still_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o whatever_o the_o devil_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n able_a to_o do_v of_o that_o kind_n have_v be_v but_o this_o second_o hand_n work_v and_o to_o seduce_v man_n from_o a_o truth_n beforehand_o unquestionable_o establish_v and_o to_o which_o there_o be_v reason_n sufficient_a whatever_o can_v be_v do_v to_o persuade_v to_o the_o contrary_a for_o all_o man_n to_o adhere_v and_o this_o make_v st._n austin_n when_o the_o donatist_n much_o urge_v upon_o he_o in_o their_o justification_n a_o power_n they_o have_v of_o work_a miracle_n to_o tell_v they_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o way_n full_o settle_v before_o and_o we_o have_v warning_n enough_o not_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o the_o orthodox_n doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o any_o such_o pretension_n second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n proceed_v in_o his_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o ascertain_v the_o world_n do_v sufficient_o secure_v we_o against_o the_o danger_n of_o be_v seduce_v by_o impostor_n that_o way_n and_o any_o miracle_n they_o can_v produce_v if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a occasion_n upon_o which_o god_n still_o work_v they_o of_o how_o vast_a concernment_n be_v the_o rear_n up_o of_o both_o testament_n and_o justify_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n into_o humane_a nature_n second_o the_o number_n of_o they_o how_o far_o have_v divine_a miracle_n outgo_v all_o other_o in_o that_o kind_n three_o the_o eminency_n of_o they_o four_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o they_o to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n five_o their_o performance_n without_o the_o least_o outward_a mean_n wherein_o there_o may_v possible_o lie_v a_o deceit_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o in_o all_o these_o respect_n be_v divine_a miracle_n difference_v from_o all_o diabolical_a act_n that_o way_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v be_v fictitious_a and_o discoverable_a so_o to_o be_v and_o when_o real_a comparative_o but_o few_o and_o in_o no_o sort_n bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n wherewith_o divine_a miracle_n have_v be_v open_o accompany_v and_o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v note_v that_o very_o many_o of_o those_o miracle_n we_o be_v tell_v of_o among_o the_o heathen_n admit_v they_o true_a be_v not_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v or_o justify_v their_o religion_n but_o upon_o other_o occasion_n often_o for_o end_n conceal_v and_o wrap_v up_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n which_o we_o know_v not_o of_o and_o sometime_o for_o other_o end_n then_o to_o establish_v their_o religion_n visible_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o vespasian_n who_o god_n have_v design_v
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_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 etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o