who_o scorn_v so_o much_o in_o all_o other_o case_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o man_n who_o think_v at_o all_o can_v think_v as_o they_o speak_v when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o objection_n will_v any_o man_n suppose_v that_o temperance_n do_v not_o preserve_v health_n though_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o physician_n run_v into_o excess_n or_o that_o poison_n will_v not_o kill_v though_o the_o man_n who_o tell_v he_o so_o and_o advise_v he_o against_o it_o be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o take_v it_o himself_o but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o objection_n be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o absurd_a when_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o first_o preach_v it_o be_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o traitor_n and_o our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o many_o who_o have_v preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o reject_v by_o he_o matth._n seven_o 21._o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o to_o make_v this_o cavil_n against_o christianity_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o or_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o remarkable_a point_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v here_o recount_v but_o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o 1._o vicious_a man_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o all_o their_o inclination_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n have_v bring_v a_o scandal_n though_o a_o very_a unjust_a one_o upon_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o more_o incline_v to_o do_v as_o they_o see_v they_o do_v than_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v make_v no_o sufficient_a enquiry_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o divers_a man_n have_v have_v a_o strange_a ambition_n to_o say_v something_o new_a upon_o every_o subject_a they_o treat_v of_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o so_o to_o refine_v upon_o the_o notion_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v new_a and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n which_o have_v make_v inconsiderate_a man_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o seek_v in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o have_v no_o fix_a principle_n whereas_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n know_v that_o common_o what_o be_v with_o so_o much_o ostentation_n propose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o new_a have_v be_v consider_v and_o reject_v of_o old_a though_o not_o perhaps_o in_o the_o very_a term_n yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v some_o true_a doctrine_n under_o a_o different_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o improvement_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o philosophy_n this_o last_o age_n afford_v a_o real_a and_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o proof_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o it_o for_o when_o man_n find_v it_o convenient_a to_o give_v some_o vent_n to_o the_o philosophical_a humour_n they_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o it_o to_o discharge_v itself_o upon_o and_o this_o must_v be_v something_o great_a and_o something_o that_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o answer_v all_o these_o quality_n so_o well_o as_o a_o new_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o then_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n in_o genesis_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n itself_o must_v undergo_v all_o the_o alteration_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v perfect_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o their_o new_a hypothesis_n if_o this_o fancy_n shall_v hold_v new_a system_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o common_a as_o new_a romance_n they_o must_v pardon_v i_o the_o expression_n for_o des_n cartes_n himself_o among_o his_o friend_n give_v no_o better_a name_n to_o his_o system_n which_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a with_o a_o philosophical_a wit_n than_o to_o build_v or_o destroy_v a_o world_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v when_o they_o have_v weary_v themselves_o with_o new_a contrivance_n they_o will_v let_v we_o have_v our_o old_a world_n again_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o man_n who_o have_v too_o much_o philosophy_n to_o have_v no_o religion_n put_v dangerous_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o do_v mischief_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o plain_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o many_o man_n by_o long_a and_o subtle_a dispute_n if_o great_a number_n of_o man_n shall_v write_v concern_v the_o sun_n heat_n and_o light_n and_o motion_n for_o many_o year_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v still_o contradict_v all_o that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o strive_v to_o say_v something_o new_a and_o strange_a upon_o the_o subject_a the_o last_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sun_n at_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o sceptic_n have_v say_v and_o this_o infidelity_n and_o scepticism_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o revelation_n must_v end_v in_o the_o scepticism_n of_o our_o very_a sense_n if_o these_o principle_n be_v pursue_v in_o their_o direct_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n other_o have_v be_v too_o bold_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v pretend_v to_o explain_v they_o so_o far_o as_o if_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o religion_n without_o all_o mystery_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o reproach_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o such_o as_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o occasian_n to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n to_o it_o the_o evident_a and_o declare_a design_n of_o the_o socinian_o be_v to_o retain_v no_o mystery_n but_o by_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v they_o all_o to_o their_o own_o that_o be_v to_o a_o new_a and_o absurd_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o combine_a design_n carry_v on_o between_o they_o and_o the_o deist_n who_o be_v content_v to_o pass_v for_o christian_n with_o a_o distinction_n and_o without_o a_o mystery_n anti-trinitarian_a be_v a_o mild_a word_n than_o antichristian_a and_o unitarian_n be_v but_o a_o different_a name_n for_o deist_n another_o sort_n have_v be_v very_o laborious_a in_o find_v out_o mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o reduce_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n to_o clear_a principle_n have_v only_o amâ—â—sed_v and_o confound_v man_n in_o the_o true_a and_o obvious_a notion_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v plain_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o raise_v abstract_v and_o metaphysical_a speculation_n upon_o so_o plain_a text_n be_v only_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o know_v before_o in_o other_o and_o less_o intelligible_a term_n or_o else_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o nice_a and_o rash_a dispute_n of_o the_o schoolman_n or_o into_o the_o enthusiastic_a heat_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n which_o can_v have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o peace_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o blaspheme_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n have_v be_v the_o rashness_n of_o some_o critic_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n have_v be_v once_o call_v in_o question_n by_o man_n who_o have_v get_v themselves_o a_o name_n by_o write_v more_o bold_o than_o wise_a man_n have_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o dislike_v criticism_n when_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o a_o prudent_a
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v
indeed_o whatever_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v whether_o from_o their_o god_n or_o from_o themselves_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v little_a or_o no_o necessity_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v excellent_a in_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v as_o excellent_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a it_o be_v desective_a in_o point_n of_o authority_n socrates_n though_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v inspire_v or_o supernatural_o assist_v give_v man_n only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o pythagoras_n indeed_o pretend_v both_o to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n but_o he_o be_v a_o great_a magician_n in_o the_o opinion_n both_o of_o numâ_fw-la of_o xenoph_n epist_n ad_fw-la aeschinem_fw-la plutarch_n in_o numâ_fw-la xenophon_n and_o plutarch_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o foretell_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o power_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v to_o do_v strange_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v thing_n do_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o some_o time_n after_o and_o his_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n even_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o jamblichus_n be_v such_o as_o that_o a_o bare_a recital_n of_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v any_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v claim_v by_o they_o his_o imposture_n may_v be_v see_v in_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o 17._o and_o arist_n rhet._n l._n iii._o c._n 17._o aristotle_n say_v epimenides_n foretell_v nothing_o whatever_o other_o relate_v of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v so_o their_o own_o be_v but_o of_o small_a account_n they_o be_v general_o rather_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o humour_n than_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o good_a moral_n and_o whoever_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n write_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o caesar_n by_o suetonius_n will_v believe_v the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v as_o soon_o reform_v by_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o philosopher_n who_o after_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o think_v the_o writer_n of_o their_o life_n in_o earnest_n when_o they_o relate_v they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n or_o lucian_n to_o be_v true_a history_n as_o the_o story_n in_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n write_v by_o philostratus_n or_o those_o in_o the_o life_n of_o isidorus_n write_v by_o damascius_n a_o abstract_n whereof_o we_o have_v leave_v preserve_v ccxiii_o preserve_v phot._n cod._n ccxiii_o in_o photius_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v defective_a likewise_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n and_o promulgaon_n philosophy_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o account_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o late_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v style_v in_o tully_n i._n tully_n tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n i._n neque_fw-la ante_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la patefactam_fw-la quae_fw-la nuper_fw-la inuenta_fw-la est_fw-la 16._o est_fw-la apud_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v sapient_a c._n 16._o seneca_n compute_v the_o rise_n of_o it_o to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o his_o own_o time_n but_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n have_v no_o ancient_a original_a than_o socrates_n and_o philosophy_n of_o all_o kind_n have_v always_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o confine_v to_o learned_a man_n there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o nation_n of_o pythagoraean_n or_o platonist_n or_o stoic_n or_o aristotelian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n never_o hear_v so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o philosophy_n be_v defective_a in_o its_o doctrine_n be_v notorious_a for_o as_o lactantius_n observe_v the_o very_a name_n of_o philosophy_n invent_v by_o pythagoras_n who_o yet_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n imply_v a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n or_o imperfection_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o a_o profession_n only_o to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o pythag_n and_o diog._n laert._n in_o pythag._n jemblich_fw-ge vit_fw-mi pythag_n pythagoras_n give_v this_o very_a reason_n why_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o philosopher_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_a but_o god_n only_o and_o yet_o this_o vain_a man_n sometime_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n socrates_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o morality_n and_o i._n and_o tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o render_v philosophy_n useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n profess_v to_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o certain_o but_o to_o disprove_v the_o error_n of_o other_o not_o to_o establish_v or_o discover_v truth_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o plato_n pyrrhon_n vid._n diog._n laert._n in_o pyrrhon_n and_o before_o he_o democritus_n anaxagoras_n empedocles_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n agree_v in_o this_o though_o they_o agree_v in_o few_o thing_n else_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o as_o tully_n say_v arcesilas_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a academy_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v general_o teach_v before_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o socrates_n profess_v to_o know_v his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n but_o arcesilas_n will_v not_o own_v himself_o certain_a of_o so_o much_o as_o that_o indeed_o the_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n be_v so_o little_a convince_a even_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n take_v up_o in_o sceptiscim_o or_o little_o better_a no_o man_n have_v study_v all_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n more_o or_o understand_v they_o better_o or_o have_v better_a explain_v they_o than_o tully_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o all_o conclude_v in_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o often_o profess_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o varro_n cotta_n and_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n concern_v god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a as_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v just_a before_o his_o death_n but_o what_o can_v be_v certain_a to_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 1._o thing_n aug._n the_o civ_o l._n 19_o c._n 1._o varro_n compute_v near_o three_o hundred_o opinion_n concern_v the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v in_o what_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v or_o what_o the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v plato_n teach_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o man_n have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o both_o socrates_n and_o cato_n must_v hold_v a_o community_n of_o wife_n lawful_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o lend_v out_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a generous_a and_o friendly_a act_n and_o the_o very_a height_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n 24._o philosophy_n alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n lib._n l._n c._n 24._o it_o be_v a_o practice_n both_o among_o the_o grcek_n and_o roman_n to_o part_v with_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n though_o mercer_n think_v the_o roman_n be_v divorce_v from_o their_o wife_n before_o other_o take_v they_o because_o cato_n be_v blame_v for_o take_v his_o wife_n again_o after_o the_o death_n of_o hortensius_n without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o new_a marriage_n fornication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v disallow_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o recommend_v coelio_n recommend_v horat._n serm._n lib._n i._n sit_v 2._o cic._n pro._n m._n coelio_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o adultery_n by_o cato_n himself_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v self-murder_n lawful_a and_o do_v themselves_o set_v a_o example_n of_o it_o to_o their_o follower_n the_o expose_v of_o child_n to_o be_v starve_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v be_v practise_v among_o the_o most_o civilise_a heathen_a nation_n
world_n though_o man_n will_v take_v no_o warn_v by_o never_o so_o many_o example_n but_o have_v need_n of_o continual_a advice_n and_o exhortation_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o be_v there_o the_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n because_o euclid_n apollonius_n and_o innumerable_a other_o of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v put_v forth_o book_n and_o system_n of_o mathematics_n in_o several_a form_n and_o method_n when_o many_o write_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o it_o not_o that_o they_o be_v dissatisfy_v in_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v by_o other_o but_o that_o they_o think_v more_o may_v be_v say_v or_o that_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v prove_v more_o clear_o in_o another_o method_n with_o more_o advantage_n to_o some_o capacity_n and_o with_o great_a probability_n of_o remove_v the_o scruple_n of_o some_o men._n it_o be_v undoubted_o very_o fit_a that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v shall_v be_v treat_v of_o in_o all_o kind_n of_o way_n and_o method_n and_o they_o can_v be_v too_o often_o discourse_v of_o nor_o by_o too_o many_o man_n that_o no_o objection_n may_v remain_v unanswered_a nor_o scruple_n unobserved_a though_o a_o little_a may_v be_v sufficient_a upon_o a_o plain_a matter_n to_o wise_a man_n yet_o too_o much_o can_v be_v say_v upon_o a_o subject_a wherein_o all_o man_n be_v concern_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v so_o many_o author_n in_o this_o cause_n beside_o the_o primitive_a father_n and_o apologist_n man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o ability_n in_o latter_a age_n have_v undertake_v this_o subject_a have_v make_v it_o their_o study_n and_o business_n to_o consider_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o i_o think_v few_o will_v pretend_v to_o more_o judgement_n to_o discover_v truth_n or_o to_o more_o integrity_n to_o declare_v it_o than_o such_o author_n who_o have_v have_v no_o particular_a interest_n or_o profession_n in_o reference_n to_o religion_n but_o be_v under_o only_a the_o common_a obligation_n of_o all_o christian_n which_o if_o they_o have_v value_v as_o little_a as_o some_o other_o they_o can_v with_o as_o much_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v appear_v in_o the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o undertake_v it_o many_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a in_o all_o profession_n and_o calling_n have_v be_v the_o most_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o may_v show_v by_o particular_a example_n which_o be_v in_o every_o man_n memory_n indeed_o i_o believe_v few_o man_n have_v so_o vain_a a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o as_o to_o think_v they_o understand_v their_o several_a study_n and_o profession_n better_o than_o such_o person_n who_o have_v give_v undoubted_a evidence_n of_o their_o unfeigned_a belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n man_n of_o the_o great_a sagacity_n and_o judgement_n have_v not_o be_v move_v with_o such_o objection_n as_o other_o so_o much_o stumble_v at_o but_o have_v live_v and_o die_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o age_n and_o a_o honour_n to_o their_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o learned_a prince_n of_o mirandula_n and_o that_o learned_a french_a nobleman_n mornaeus_n such_o be_v grotius_n sir_n matthew_n hales_n dr._n willis_n and_o many_o beside_o both_o of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o more_o who_o indeed_o be_v so_o eminent_a that_o i_o scarce_o need_v mention_v he_o for_o he_o must_v be_v already_o in_o every_o reader_n be_v thought_n i_o mean_v the_o honourable_a mr._n boyle_n who_o be_v as_o inquisitive_a and_o as_o unwilling_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o and_o know_v as_o much_o of_o nature_n perhaps_o as_o ever_o any_o man_n not_z inspire_a do_v and_o have_v withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n with_o we_o than_o the_o example_n of_o never_o so_o many_o who_o live_v contrary_a to_o their_o profession_n because_o when_o man_n profess_v one_o thing_n and_o act_v another_o their_o action_n be_v sure_o as_o little_a to_o be_v regard_v as_o their_o profession_n and_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v their_o profession_n against_o their_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o regard_v their_o example_n against_o their_o avow_a principle_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v in_o all_o other_o case_n esteem_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n when_o man_n confess_v it_o against_o themselves_o and_o the_o motive_n and_o temptation_n be_v visible_a by_o which_o they_o be_v lead_v aside_o from_o their_o own_o declare_a faith_n and_o judgement_n this_o pleasure_n or_o that_o profit_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o which_o every_o man_n can_v point_v to_o but_o when_o he_o who_o live_v conformable_o to_o his_o principle_n deny_v himself_o when_o he_o lose_v and_o suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
demure_a pretender_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v show_v so_o great_a a_o forwardness_n to_o be_v no_o long_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v catch_v at_o all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o religion_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o for_o any_o credit_n religion_n can_v have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o wish_n for_o they_o both_o think_v and_o live_v so_o ill_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a riligion_n by_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v haved_z and_o persecute_v by_o nero_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a reputation_n to_o it_o in_o any_o age_n if_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v find_v of_o it_o they_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n they_o understand_v not_o and_o be_v wont_a to_o talk_v with_o as_o much_o confidence_n against_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n as_o if_o they_o have_v all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n in_o their_o keep_n when_o common_o they_o know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v for_o that_o against_o which_o they_o dispute_v they_o seem_v to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o religion_n that_o have_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o this_o show_v how_o little_o they_o have_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o which_o multitude_n of_o objection_n and_o difficulty_n meet_v a_o observe_a man_n in_o every_o thought_n and_o after_o all_o religion_n have_v but_o one_o fault_n as_o they_o account_v it_o which_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v too_o good_a and_o virtuous_a for_o they_o for_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v this_o be_v their_o great_a quarrel_n against_o it_o and_o as_o it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v no_o charity_n less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o despise_v will_v have_v much_o care_n or_o consideration_n for_o they_o thus_o have_v some_o man_n dishonour_v religion_n by_o their_o life_n some_o by_o a_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n some_o by_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o book_n relate_v true_a miracle_n and_o prophecy_n and_o other_o by_o forge_v false_a one_o some_o again_o by_o their_o too_o eager_a and_o imprudent_a dispute_n and_o contention_n about_o religion_n whilst_o from_o hence_o other_o have_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o ridicule_n it_o and_o to_o dispute_v against_o it_o but_o so_o as_o to_o expose_v themselves_o whilst_o they_o will_v expose_v religion_n and_o thus_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o necessary_a truth_n be_v obscure_v and_o despise_v whilst_o it_o have_v be_v betray_v by_o the_o vanity_n and_o quarrel_n of_o its_o friend_n to_o the_o scorn_n and_o weakness_n of_o its_o enemy_n however_o in_o all_o their_o opposition_n and_o contradiction_n to_o reveal_v religion_n i_o find_v it_o assert_v by_o these_o man_n that_o atheism_n be_v so_o absurd_a a_o thing_n that_o they_o question_v whether_o there_o ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n in_o the_o world_n i_o have_v therefore_o here_o prove_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n himself_o exist_v which_o be_v the_o plain_a truth_n and_o the_o most_o universal_o acknowledge_v of_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o and_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o true_a or_o certain_a but_o something_o may_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o i_o shall_v beside_o discourse_v upon_o such_o head_n as_o have_v be_v most_o except_v against_o in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o vindicate_v it_o against_o all_o cavil_n though_o i_o shall_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o particular_a objection_n which_o be_v both_o a_o needless_a and_o indeed_o a_o endless_a labour_n for_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o cavil_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n be_v well_o and_o full_o explain_v any_o objection_n may_v receive_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o doctrine_n against_o which_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o apply_v it_o to_o particular_a difficulty_n as_o one_o right_a line_n be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v all_o the_o variation_n from_o it_o to_o be_v crooked_a it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o cavil_v and_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o start_v objection_n and_o ask_v question_n be_v even_o to_o a_o proverb_n esteem_v the_o worst_a sign_n that_o can_v be_v of_o a_o great_a wit_n or_o a_o sound_a judgement_n man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o contradict_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o weak_a argument_n with_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o cause_n will_v prove_v or_o disprove_v whatever_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n it_o shall_v but_o let_v man_n first_o practice_v the_o virtue_n the_o moral_a virtue_n which_o our_o religion_n enjoin_v and_o then_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o if_o they_o can_v nay_o let_v they_o disprove_v it_o now_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n of_o their_o favour_n but_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n of_o mistake_v vice_n for_o argument_n and_o every_o profane_a jest_n for_o a_o demonstration_n i_o wish_v they_o will_v consider_v whether_o the_o concern_v they_o have_v to_o set_v up_o natural_a against_o reveal_v religion_n proceed_v not_o from_o hence_o that_o by_o natural_a religion_n they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o just_a what_o they_o please_v themselves_o or_o what_o they_o judge_v convenient_a in_o every_o case_n or_o occasion_n whereas_o reveal_v religion_n be_v a_o fix_a and_o determine_v thing_n and_o prescribe_v certain_a rule_n and_o law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n the_o plain_a truth_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v that_o they_o be_v for_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o contrivance_n which_o they_o may_v alter_v as_o they_o see_v sit_v but_o not_o for_o one_o of_o divine_a revelation_n which_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o change_n but_o must_v always_o continue_v the_o same_o whatever_o they_o can_v do_v unless_o that_o be_v the_o case_n there_o will_v be_v little_a occasion_n to_o trouble_v they_o with_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o the_o argument_n bring_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v indeed_o so_o weak_a and_o insignificant_a that_o they_o rather_o make_v for_o it_o and_o it_o may_v well_o be_v say_v as_o m._n paschal_n relate_v by_o one_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o his_o companion_n if_o you_o continue_v to_o dispute_v at_o this_o rate_n you_o will_v certain_o make_v i_o a_o christian_n i_o shall_v venture_v at_o least_o to_o say_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o like_a manner_n as_o he_o do_v of_o his_o that_o if_o these_o man_n will_v be_v please_v to_o spend_v but_o a_o little_a of_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o often_o worse_o employ_v in_o the_o perusal_n of_o what_o be_v here_o offer_v i_o hope_v that_o something_o they_o may_v meet_v withal_o which_o may_v satisfy_v their_o doubt_n and_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o error_n but_o though_o they_o shall_v despise_v whatever_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o yet_o there_o be_v other_o beside_o the_o profess_a adversary_n of_o reveal_v religion_n to_o who_o a_o treatise_n of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v serviceable_a the_o truth_n be_v notwistand_v the_o great_a plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o chief_a cause_n why_o it_o be_v so_o little_o value_v and_o esteem_v and_o its_o doctrine_n so_o little_o obey_v a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a slight_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o profess_v it_o rather_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n than_o of_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o because_o they_o find_v it_o contradict_v their_o sensual_a desire_n they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o may_v be_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v other_o cavil_v and_o trifle_n with_o it_o partly_o out_o of_o ignorance_n and_o partly_o from_o inclination_n they_o take_v every_o idle_a objection_n if_o it_o be_v but_o bold_a enough_o for_o a_o unanswerable_a
upon_o they_o when_o they_o least_o think_v of_o he_o with_o a_o mighty_a and_o terrible_a judgement_n and_o with_o a_o sudden_a and_o unexpected_a fury_n but_o to_o stand_v by_o and_o look_v on_o unconcern_v and_o then_o to_o take_v man_n upon_o such_o a_o surprise_n without_o give_v they_o any_o notice_n of_o it_o beforehand_o be_v a_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v account_v for_o and_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n st._n athanasius_n dei_fw-la athanasius_n s._n athan_n de_fw-fr incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la insist_o at_o large_a upon_o this_o argument_n and_o carry_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n from_o it_o he_o urge_v that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v unworthy_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o be_v destroy_v by_o the_o fraud_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o negligence_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v more_o consistent_a with_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n never_o to_o have_v create_v man_n than_o to_o have_v suffer_v they_o thus_o to_o perish_v a_o earthly_a king_n say_v he_o when_o he_o have_v plant_v a_o colony_n will_v not_o careless_o suffer_v his_o subject_n to_o become_v slave_n to_o a_o stranger_n or_o to_o revolt_v from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v by_o his_o proclamation_n admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o oftentimes_o will_v send_v message_n to_o they_o by_o his_o friend_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n for_o it_o will_v go_v to_o they_o himself_o to_o awe_v they_o by_o his_o presence_n and_o recall_v they_o to_o their_o obedience_n and_o as_o he_o there_o add_v shall_v not_o god_n much_o rather_o be_v so_o mindful_a of_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o regain_v they_o to_o his_o service_n especial_o when_o they_o must_v be_v utter_o undo_v for_o ever_o unless_o he_o take_v care_n of_o they_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o though_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o miracle_n or_o a_o prophecy_n or_o of_o reveal_v relgion_n yet_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v some_o way_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o attribute_n nor_o conceive_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o they_o for_o he_o to_o be_v a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n without_o take_v any_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o force_v man_n to_o obey_v his_o commandment_n and_o comply_v with_o his_o will_n but_o rather_o to_o leave_v it_o at_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a but_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o propose_v the_o term_n of_o salvation_n to_o they_o to_o offer_v they_o their_o free_a choice_n to_o set_v before_o they_o life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_n and_o so_o to_o leave_v the_o obstinate_a without_o all_o excuse_n and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o be_o here_o concern_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o it_o shall_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o not_o to_o do_v it_o to_o own_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o deny_v a_o providence_n be_v so_o great_a a_o absurdity_n that_o none_o of_o the_o philosopher_n but_o epicurus_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o he_o as_o amount_v to_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o divine_a existence_n and_o to_o grant_v both_o the_o be_v and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o to_o confine_v the_o divine_a care_n and_o providence_n to_o the_o body_n only_o and_o outward_a condition_n of_o man_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o spiritual_a and_o immortal_a part_n of_o man_n be_v disregard_v or_o neglect_v by_o he_o be_v no_o less_o a_o absurdity_n than_o whole_o to_o deny_v his_o providence_n or_o his_o existence_n because_o this_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o inestimable_a part_n of_o providence_n which_o concern_v our_o soul_n and_o our_o eternal_a state_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o to_o represent_v he_o not_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o but_o unwise_a unmerciful_a and_o unholy_a to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v no_o better_o in_o effect_n than_o atheism_n for_o whoever_o can_v be_v of_o this_o opinion_n must_v believe_v only_o the_o be_v of_o such_o god_n as_o epicurus_n own_a that_o never_o concern_v themselves_o with_o humane_a affair_n which_o be_v only_o in_o other_o word_n to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o constant_a belief_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o their_o god_n do_v in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o reveal_v themselves_o to_o man_n and_o though_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v worship_v false_a god_n and_o have_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v for_o divine_a yet_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ancient_a tradition_n or_o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o from_o both_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v expect_v that_o the_o divine_a be_v shall_v by_o some_o mean_n communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n mankind_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o that_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n i._n 20._o but_o man_n have_v corrupt_v themselves_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o act_v against_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n in_o worship_v the_o vile_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o he_o have_v set_v up_o even_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n instead_o of_o go_n how_o then_o can_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v assert_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n since_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o far_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v as_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n mankind_n have_v neither_o the_o will_v nor_o ability_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o have_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a revelation_n natural_a reason_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v less_o wicked_a but_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o righteous_a but_o a_o revelation_n and_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v fall_v into_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v but_o these_o two_o either_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o of_o prophesy_v and_o foretell_v future_a event_n bestow_v upon_o some_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_a and_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o it_o can_v seem_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o inspire_v or_o make_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o either_o he_o must_v so_o powerful_o influence_n their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o to_o take_v away_o their_o choice_n and_o freedom_n of_o act_v which_o will_v be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o humane_a nature_n or_o else_o man_n will_v
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
a_o high_a principle_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o thing_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v no_o precept_n can_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a no_o reward_n more_o excellent_a nor_o punishment_n more_o formidable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o no_o religion_n beside_o ever_o afford_v nor_o can_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n ever_o have_v find_v out_o such_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o religion_n contain_v no_o dry_a and_o empty_a speculation_n but_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v mystery_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o may_v fear_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o that_o can_v true_o love_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o condition_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n his_o saviour_n and_o comforter_n this_o religion_n place_n man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o care_n it_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o protector_n here_o and_o their_o everlasting_a rewarder_n after_o death_n it_o promise_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o the_o happiness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v or_o wish_v for_o from_o any_o revelation_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o appear_v from_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o revelation_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v mankind_n have_v visible_a character_n in_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institution_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o be_v of_o like_a antiquity_n or_o have_v equal_a promulgation_n that_o no_o other_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o which_o do_v not_o teach_v many_o doctrine_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o come_v from_o heaven_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o from_o their_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o notorious_a have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o the_o heathen_n general_o be_v stranger_n to_o every_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o pretence_n which_o the_o egyptian_n make_v to_o antiquity_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o time_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o their_o reckon_n by_o lunar_a year_n or_o 12._o or_o diodor_n sic._n lib._n i._n plutarch_n in_o numa_n var._n apud_fw-la lactant._n de_fw-fr orig._n error_n lib._n two_o c._n 12._o month_n but_o they_o have_v so_o different_a account_n however_o of_o chronology_n that_o as_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v some_o of_o they_o compute_v thirteen_o thousand_o year_n more_o than_o other_o from_o the_o original_a of_o their_o dynasty_n to_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o solar_a year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o astronomy_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v several_a time_n change_v euterpâ—_n change_v herod_n euterpâ—_n his_o course_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o dynasty_n impute_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o computation_n for_o want_n of_o intercalary_n day_n to_o the_o sun_n variation_n or_o else_o affect_v to_o speak_v something_o wonderful_a and_o extravagant_a the_o early_a astronomical_a observation_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v make_v in_o egypt_n be_v those_o perform_v by_o the_o greek_n of_o alexandria_n less_o than_o ccc_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o 23._o as_o mr._n wotton_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learning_n c._n 23._o mr._n halley_n have_v observe_v 4._o observe_v vitruâ—_fw-la 〈…〉_o 4._o the_o chaldaean_n suppose_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v a_o luminons_n body_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n beside_o they_o want_v instrument_n to_o make_v exact_a observation_n '_o alderman_n we_o have_v of_o they_o say_v the_o same_o learned_a ib._n learned_a iâ—_n mr._n 〈◊〉_d reflect_v ib._n astronomer_n be_v only_o seven_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o even_o those_o but_o very_o coarse_o set_v down_o and_o the_o old_a not_o much_o above_o dcc_n year_n before_o christ_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o fame_n of_o these_o chaldaean_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o go_v far_o in_o this_o science_n and_o though_o calisthenes_n be_v say_v by_o porphyry_n to_o have_v bring_v from_o babylon_n to_o greece_n observation_n above_o mdcccc_n year_n old_a than_o alexander_n yet_o the_o proper_a author_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o use_v of_o any_o such_o render_v it_o just_o suspect_v for_o a_o fable_n so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o time_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o antiquity_n which_o these_o nation_n have_v make_v he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o practical_a astronomer_n who_o endeavour_v in_o earnest_a to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o science_n and_o that_o thales_n be_v the_o first_o who_o can_v predict_v a_o eclipse_n in_o greece_n not_o dc_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o hipparchus_n make_v the_o first_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n not_o above_o cl._n year_n before_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o know_a observation_n 21._o observation_n censorin_n de_fw-fr die_fw-fr natali_n c._n 21._o of_o varro_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o history_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o greek_n before_o the_o olympiad_n which_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o whatever_o learning_n or_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o roman_n have_v they_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o greek_n for_o they_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o transmit_v their_o own_o affair_n down_o to_o posterity_n with_o any_o exactness_n in_o point_n of_o time_n that_o for_o 23._o for_o id._n c._n 23._o some_o age_n they_o have_v neither_o dial_n nor_o hour-glass_n to_o measure_v their_o day_n and_o night_n for_o by_o common_a use_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hour_n or_o the_o like_a distinction_n but_o compute_v their_o time_n only_o from_o noon_n to_o noon_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o their_o calendar_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n till_o caesar_n regulate_v it_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o chinese_n to_o antiquity_n appear_v equal_o vain_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o astronomy_n or_o else_o the_o missionary_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o art_n will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n indeed_o the_o chineses_n themselves_o 464._o themselves_o martin_n hist_o sin_n lib._n i._n two_o &_o atl._n sinic_n praef._n philip_n couplet_n in_o confuc_n proen_fw-mi declar._n &_o praef._n ad_fw-la fab._n chronol_n sinicae_fw-la monarchiae_fw-la le_fw-fr compt'_v memoir_n p._n 64._o 71._o 464._o confess_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v in_o great_a part_n fabulous_a and_o they_o acknowledge_v
or_o other_o preserve_v than_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o omit_v the_o mâ—ntion_n of_o these_o person_n of_o who_o they_o haâ—_n any_o â—islike_n or_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o oâ—ioâ—s_o to_o they_o thus_o in_o the_o xxth_o dynasty_n of_o their_o king_n there_o be_v a_o total_a vacancy_n for_o the_o spacâ—_n of_o clxxviii_o year_n which_o the_o learned_a mr._n greaves_n with_o great_a probability_n supply_v with_o the_o name_n of_o those_o king_n who_o build_v the_o pyramid_n two_o whereof_o cheops_n and_o chephren_n as_o 128._o as_o herod_n lib._n 2._o c._n 128._o herodotus_n say_v the_o egyptian_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_n but_o call_v the_o pyramid_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v the_o pyramid_n of_o philition_n a_o shepherd_n who_o in_o those_o day_n feed_v his_o cattle_n there_o the_o which_o hatred_n say_v â—â—idoâ—raph_v say_v 〈…〉_o â—â—idoâ—raph_v mr._n greaves_n occasion_v by_o their_o oppressious_a as_o diodorus_n also_o mention_n may_v cause_n manethos_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n especiaâ—â—_n sabachus_n a_o aethiopian_a and_o a_o usurper_n but_o whatever_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n in_o that_o particular_a this_o make_v the_o history_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o general_a very_o uncertain_a and_o may_v afford_v a_o sufâ—â—erent_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o omit_v or_o 〈◊〉_d by_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v what_o they_o relate_v of_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n neither_o live_v with_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o leave_v they_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o to_o have_v their_o story_n faithful_o tell_v by_o a_o nation_n who_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o pass_v down_o to_o posterity_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o when_o it_o happen_v but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v whole_o stifle_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o vary_v and_o deface_v it_o with_o false_a circumstance_n in_o the_o report_n which_o they_o give_v out_o concern_v it_o and_o here_o i_o must_v once_o more_o complain_v of_o mr._n blount_n who_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o egyptian_a historian_n that_o have_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o our_o religion_n profess_v to_o translate_v that_o place_n of_o tacitus_n which_o concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o jew_n cut_v his_o translation_n short_a and_o go_v no_o fâ—rther_a than_o the_o vilify_n and_o false_a part_n of_o the_o account_n which_o tacitus_n give_v for_o his_o character_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o what_o pompey_n discover_v upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o temple_n be_v omit_v and_o beside_o that_o which_o he_o have_v translate_v be_v far_o from_o be_v exact_a but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o ark_n he_o have_v make_v sir_n thomas_n brown_n say_v that_o will_v not_o appear_v feasible_a which_o the_o learned_a knight_n have_v say_v will_v appear_v feasible_a so_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o better_a with_o tacitus_n make_v he_o likewise_o deny_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v tacitus_n v._n tacitus_n tâ—â—â—_n hist_o lib._n v._n say_v he_o ritus_fw-la quoquo_fw-la modo_fw-la inducti_fw-la antiquitate_fw-la defenduntur_fw-la these_o rite_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o introduce_v be_v defend_v by_o their_o antiquity_n which_o 13â—_n which_o oâ—â—â—_n of_o reason_n p._n 13â—_n mr._n blount_n translate_v thus_o but_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v they_o have_v no_o antiquity_n for_o their_o patronization_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o history_n of_o tacitus_n as_o ill_o as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o much_o worse_a than_o tacitus_n himself_o have_v do_v the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v what_o tacitus_n have_v write_v of_o the_o jew_n prove_v a_o very_a remarkable_a vindication_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o consecrate_v the_o image_n of_o a_o ass_n but_o he_o say_v it_o only_o as_o a_o report_n which_o he_o confute_v afterward_o himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o pompey_n when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n find_v no_o image_n in_o it_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v aegyptij_fw-la pelraque_fw-la animalia_fw-la effigiesque_fw-la compositas_fw-la venerantur_fw-la judaei_n ment_fw-la sell_v unumque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d intelligunt_fw-la profanos_fw-la qui_fw-la deum_fw-la imagine_v mortalibus_fw-la materiis_fw-la in_o species_n hominum_fw-la effingunt_fw-la summum_fw-la illud_fw-la aeternum_fw-la neque_fw-la mutabile_fw-la neque_fw-la interiturum_fw-la igitur_fw-la nulla_fw-la simulachra_fw-la vrbibâ—s_fw-la suis_fw-la nedum_fw-la templis_fw-la sunt_fw-la which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o this_o historian_n write_v before_o in_o these_o word_n effigiem_fw-la animalis_fw-la quo_fw-la monstrante_fw-la errorem_fw-la sitimque_fw-la depâ—lerunt_fw-la penetâ—ali_fw-la sacravere_fw-la that_o some_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o contradict_v himself_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o story_n of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n be_v relate_v as_o a_o tradition_n which_o be_v afterward_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o what_o pompey_n find_v nullà _fw-fr nitus_fw-la deum_fw-la effigy_n vacuam_fw-la sedem_fw-la &_o inania_fw-la arcana_fw-la whatever_o his_o design_n be_v and_o however_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o writing_n have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v more_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n than_o what_o tacitus_n have_v deliver_v of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v compare_v that_o which_o tully_n have_v say_v in_o the_o same_o flacco_fw-la same_o pro_fw-la flacco_fw-la oration_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o jew_n be_v rather_o to_o their_o commendation_n than_o to_o their_o disgrace_n tully_n there_o declare_v the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o no_o credit_n nor_o esteem_n but_o unfaithful_a and_o of_o the_o worst_a reputation_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n in_o their_o testimony_n and_o oath_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o involve_v the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n in_o the_o common_a scandal_n who_o appear_v for_o his_o client_n and_o give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o the_o massilian_n and_o will_v seem_v to_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o asiatic_a greek_n by_o who_o own_o confession_n he_o say_v the_o people_n of_o phrygia_n mysia_n caria_n and_o lydia_n be_v proverbial_o infamous_a when_o he_o have_v express_v this_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n he_o fall_v next_o upon_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o have_v he_o to_o say_v of_o they_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n a_o barbarous_a superstition_n and_o jerusalem_n a_o suspicious_a and_o rail_a city_n and_o he_o pronounce_v the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o gravity_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n he_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o roman_a state_n and_o urge_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o by_o pompey_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o so_o very_o learned_a a_o orator_n have_v nothing_o but_o these_o common_a topic_n of_o slander_n to_o charge_v they_o withal_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o câ—use_n to_o speak_v the_o worst_a he_o know_v of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a justification_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n one_o of_o the_o accusation_n lay_v against_o flaccus_n who_o defence_n tully_n have_v undertake_v be_v that_o sum_v of_o gold_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a province_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n flaccus_n have_v forbid_v any_o to_o be_v export_v from_o asia_n here_o it_o concern_v tully_n to_o expose_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o prohibition_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o he_o who_o never_o speak_v little_a upon_o any_o subject_a that_o can_v afford_v a_o scope_n for_o his_o eloquence_n say_v so_o little_a here_o to_o the_o dispraise_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n that_o the_o commendation_n of_o another_o have_v be_v less_o to_o their_o honour_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o tully_n mention_n nothing_o of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n which_o be_v so_o groundless_a and_o foolish_a a_o slander_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v what_o can_v give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o no_o better_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v assign_v than_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o fasten_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o ridiculous_a falsehood_n they_o can_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v a_o conjecture_n to_o those_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o
it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a and_o artifice_n to_o steal_v a_o despicable_a reputation_n which_o another_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o worth_a the_o have_v so_o it_o be_v never_o last_a after_o the_o reception_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o over_o again_o and_o we_o will_v never_o decline_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o modern_a infidel_n have_v change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n of_o old_a this_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o celsus_n porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n insinuate_v the_o contrary_a that_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
unwilling_a to_o find_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a which_o put_v such_o a_o check_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o their_o belove_a and_o long_o accustom_a vice_n vice_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v a_o strong_a defence_n and_o a_o eager_a plea_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a for_o it_o to_o discover_v when_o it_o have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o such_o subtle_a and_o devote_a advocate_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v and_o he_o appear_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n despise_v by_o his_o own_o people_n who_o soon_o become_v as_o much_o despise_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o time_n of_o settle_a and_o universal_a peace_n when_o man_n have_v most_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o when_o by_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o augustus_n in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o extent_n there_o be_v a_o open_a and_o free_a correspondence_n between_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v find_v a_o like_a admittance_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o country_n but_o to_o be_v alike_o hate_v and_o persecute_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o any_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o empire_n as_o that_o of_o mahomet_n afterward_o do_v but_o to_o recommend_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n it_o soon_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o emperor_n court_n where_o craft_n and_o luxury_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n reign_v st._n paul_n have_v his_o proselyte_n in_o caesar_n household_n and_o his_o bond_n in_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o palace_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n at_o rome_n phil._n i._n 13._o four_o 22._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n approve_v itself_o to_o the_o most_o prejudice_v judgement_n it_o stand_v all_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n that_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o vice_n itself_o can_v make_v for_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n of_o our_o own_o age_n the_o christian_a religion_n find_v the_o subtle_a and_o most_o dangerous_a adversary_n at_o its_o first_o propagation_n the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n encounter_v st._n paul_n at_o athens_n and_o these_o last_o especial_o be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n either_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o for_o their_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o disputation_n and_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o several_a apology_n make_v afterward_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o all_o be_v at_o the_o very_a first_o allege_v against_o it_o which_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n or_o colour_n be_v object_v thus_o be_v christ_n bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o come_n be_v fulfil_v and_o when_o the_o world_n be_v in_o expectation_n of_o he_o and_o have_v such_o general_a notice_n of_o his_o come_n in_o a_o time_n the_o most_o unlikely_a for_o a_o imposture_n to_o pass_v undiscovered_a and_o therefore_o the_o most_o seasonable_a for_o truth_n to_o manifest_v itself_o since_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o neither_o learning_n nor_o prejudice_n nor_o vice_n nor_o interest_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o conversion_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o such_o number_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o age_n recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o any_o juncture_n of_o time_n can_v give_v chap._n xxii_o of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o government_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n i._o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n be_v seldom_o mention_v direct_o and_o in_o express_a term_n but_o under_o such_o resemblance_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o description_n of_o other_o event_n for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o whole_a dispensation_n be_v typical_a whatever_o happen_v to_o they_o under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n must_v afterward_o be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o day_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v typical_a of_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v only_o a_o type_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 24._o for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n matt._n xxiv_o as_o be_v applicable_a to_o both_o of_o these_o event_n and_o oftentimes_o more_o fit_o to_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o rest_n remain_v still_o to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o such_o expression_n use_v as_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o design_v in_o the_o prophecy_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v several_a verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a haste_n for_o let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_v not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n v._o 17._o neither_o let_v he_o which_o be_v in_o the_o field_n return_v back_o to_o take_v his_o clothes_n v._o 18._o but_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o will_v be_v very_o miserable_a who_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o flight_n and_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n v._o 19_o but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n neither_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n v._o 20._o there_o will_v be_v no_o fly_v from_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v here_o warn_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o escape_v into_o the_o mountain_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o their_o flight_n may_v be_v hinder_v neither_o by_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n nor_o by_o the_o sabbath_n on_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o travel_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n be_v to_o last_o after_o the_o tribulation_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o this_o material_a world_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n there_o immediate_o mean_v and_o except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v v._o 22._o if_o this_o destruction_n shall_v have_v rage_v long_o in_o that_o manner_n no_o man_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v survive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o abate_v and_o so_o soon_o over_o that_o the_o convert_v jew_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o it_o which_o promise_n be_v very_o remarkable_o and_o wonderful_o fullfil_v to_o the_o christian_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o make_v their_o escape_n into_o the_o mountain_n and_o retire_v to_o pella_n for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a eagle_n or_o the_o standard_n of_o their_o army_n immediate_o after_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n shall_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n and_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shake_v ver_fw-la 29._o this_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n literal_o fulfil_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n by_o these_o figure_n to_o describe_v the_o destruction_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v style_v by_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 13._o wander_a
will_v recover_v he_o die_v while_o the_o answer_n be_v read_v that_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n and_o so_o often_o promulge_v among_o all_o nation_n god_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o such_o sign_n and_o prediction_n as_o either_o be_v indeed_o true_a or_o can_v not_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v false_a but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o countenance_n and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n by_o their_o sagacity_n and_o cunning_a which_o may_v be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o perform_v but_o to_o understand_v or_o find_v out_o but_o their_o miracle_n be_v never_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v attest_v and_o establish_v be_v so_o much_o superior_a to_o any_o power_n in_o the_o heathen_a god_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n declare_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n of_o their_o own_o time_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o undertake_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o prove_v it_o before_o they_o this_o tertullian_n undertake_v in_o 23._o in_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 23._o his_o apology_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v write_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o afric_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o province_n and_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v the_o like_a in_o his_o treatise_n to_o demetrianus_n a_o judge_n of_o carthage_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o proconsul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n likewise_o speak_v origen_n minutius_n foelix_n and_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v ever_o have_v make_v such_o public_a and_o repeat_v appeal_n if_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v false_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o the_o utter_a disgrace_n and_o extirpation_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o plead_v for_o by_o such_o confident_a and_o bold_a discourse_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v disprove_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a man_n who_o have_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n on_o their_o side_n may_v perhaps_o sometime_o make_v large_a boast_n and_o high_a pretence_n when_o they_o can_v easy_o hinder_v other_o from_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n but_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o empire_n against_o they_o will_v never_o have_v offer_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o worst_a enemy_n to_o who_o their_o apology_n be_v direct_v chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a religion_n have_v be_v wicked_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n this_o might_n be_v make_v out_o at_o large_a by_o particular_n as_o i._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o confuse_v and_o absurd_a that_o the_o only_a evasion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v find_v who_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o paganism_n against_o christianity_n be_v to_o expound_v their_o theology_n by_o allegory_n but_o this_o philo_n 10._o philo_n eâ—seâ—_n praepar_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 9_o 10._o biblius_n censure_v as_o absurd_a and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a abuse_n and_o innovation_n in_o their_o divinity_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o sanchoniathan_n and_o eusebius_n beside_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n iii._o charge_n magnam_fw-la molestiam_fw-la suscepit_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la necessariam_fw-la primus_fw-la zeno_n post_fw-la â—â—eanthes_fw-la deinde_fw-la chrysippus_n commentitiarum_fw-la balarum_fw-la redâ—ere_fw-la rationem_fw-la ciâ—_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n iii._o zeno_n first_o begin_v this_o way_n of_o allegorise_v in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o cleanthes_n chrysippus_n and_o other_o stoic_n 5._o stoic_n tertull._n ad_fw-la naâ—_n lib._n two_o c._n â—_o aug._n civ_o deâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 6._o c._n 5._o varro_n make_v three_o sort_n of_o heathen_a theology_n in_o the_o fabulous_a invent_v by_o the_o poet_n the_o physical_a or_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o civil_a or_o popular_a be_v such_o as_o the_o several_a city_n and_o country_n have_v set_v up_o 5._o up_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o the_o greek_a theology_n be_v thus_o distinguish_v 1._o god_n who_o rule_v over_o all_o 2._o the_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o govern_v above_o the_o moon_n 3._o the_o daemon_n who_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o air_n below_o it_o and_o 4._o the_o hero_n or_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v imagine_v to_o preside_v over_o terrestrial_a affair_n which_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o their_o god_n 250._o god_n hesiod_n oper_n &_o dier_n lib._n i_o v._n 250._o whereof_o hesiod_n compute_v thirty_o thousand_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n unless_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o indefinite_a number_n orpheus_n reckon_v but_o 365_o iii._o 365_o theop_n ad_fw-la autol._n lib._n iii._o and_o at_o his_o death_n in_o his_o will_n assert_v only_o one_o 12._o one_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 14._o gauge_n survey_v of_o the_o w._n indies_n c._n 12._o varro_n reckon_v up_o three_o hundred_o jupiter_n and_o the_o god_n of_o mexico_n as_o the_o indian_n report_v to_o the_o spaniard_n be_v two_o thousand_o in_o number_n varro_z tully_n and_o seneca_n and_o most_o sober_a and_o discreet_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o verse_n of_o valerius_n soranus_n 9_o soranus_n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o seven_o 9_o be_v produce_v and_o expound_v by_o varro_n the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o image_n or_o idol_n be_v so_o gross_a among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n in_o china_n and_o in_o both_o the_o indies_n that_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v by_o the_o devil_n they_o worship_v not_o only_o the_o ghost_n of_o dead_a man_n but_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o under_o image_n of_o such_o hideous_a form_n and_o shape_n as_o be_v frightful_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o idolatry_n 31._o idolatry_n aug._n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o and_o varro_n particular_o commend_v the_o jew_n for_o use_v no_o image_n in_o their_o divine_a worship_n which_o he_o fay_v be_v not_o in_o use_n at_o rome_n till_o above_o one_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n after_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n numae_fw-la city_n plut._n in_o vit_fw-mi numae_fw-la for_o numa_n the_o contriver_n of_o their_o religion_n forbid_v image_n which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o roman_n shall_v afterward_o erect_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n to_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o ill_a fortune_n as_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o athenian_n do_v to_o contumely_n and_o impudence_n but_o it_o be_v still_o more_o amaze_a that_o they_o shall_v deify_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n the_o very_a monster_n and_o reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o refuse_v adoration_n to_o their_o emperor_n they_o have_v divine_a honour_n pay_v they_o by_o the_o grave_a heathen_n such_o as_o prooem_n as_o quint_n inst_z lib._n prooem_n quinctilian_n not_o only_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o out_o of_o compliment_n and_o base_a flattery_n 2._o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v too_o shameful_a and_o too_o notorious_a to_o relate_v two_o relate_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n ult_n ex_fw-la diony_n halicaâ—â—_n lib._n two_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o receive_v
the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n do_v not_o worship_v they_o after_o their_o manner_n and_o yet_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o roman_n themselves_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o cybele_n flora_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n be_v very_o scandalous_a and_o wicked_a and_o all_o their_o sport_n and_o spectacle_n which_o have_v nothing_o sure_o in_o they_o that_o can_v be_v proper_a for_o divine_a worship_n be_v invent_v and_o perform_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o god_n 8._o god_n quintil_n institut_fw-la lib._n iii._o c._n 8._o whence_o quinctilian_n say_v the_o theatre_n may_v be_v style_v a_o kind_n of_o temple_n 3._o but_o beside_o their_o bloody_a spectacle_n where_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o be_v kill_v by_o beast_n or_o by_o one_o another_o their_o altar_n themselves_o be_v not_o free_a from_o humane_a blood_n for_o the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o deity_n some_o of_o the_o rabbin_n have_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o jephtha_n sacrifice_v his_o daughter_n but_o other_o deny_v it_o 40._o it_o vicunque_fw-la autem_fw-la seres_fw-fr ea_fw-la habuerit_fw-la id_fw-la certum_fw-la puto_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la reperiri_fw-la apud_fw-la magistros_fw-la qui_fw-la ex_fw-la jure_fw-la aliquo_fw-la immolandam_fw-la eam_fw-la esse_fw-la affirmaveâ—it_fw-la selden_n de_fw-la jure_fw-la nat._n &_o gent._n lib._n four_o c._n 2._o the_o daughter_n of_o israel_n go_v yearly_a to_o lament_v or_o to_o talk_v with_o 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o margin_n judg._n xi_o 40._o and_o all_o be_v agree_v that_o if_o he_o do_v sacrifice_v she_o he_o sin_v in_o do_v it_o and_o we_o know_v that_o abraham_n be_v hinder_v by_o a_o miracle_n and_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n when_o he_o be_v about_o to_o slay_v isaac_n but_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n among_o the_o 10._o the_o grot._fw-la ad_fw-la deutr._fw-la xviii_o 10._o phoenician_n and_o canaanites_n for_o their_o king_n in_o time_n of_o great_a calamity_n to_o sacrifice_v one_o of_o their_o son_n who_o they_o love_v best_a and_o it_o be_v common_a both_o with_o they_o and_o the_o moabite_n and_o ammonite_n to_o sacrifice_v their_o child_n the_o egyptian_n the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n and_o general_o all_o the_o grecian_n the_o roman_n and_o carthaginian_n the_o german_n and_o gaul_n and_o britain_n and_o in_o brief_a all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n throughout_o the_o world_n offer_v up_o man_n upon_o their_o altar_n and_o this_o not_o on_o certain_a emergency_n and_o in_o imminent_a danger_n only_o but_o constant_o and_o in_o some_o place_n every_o day_n but_o upon_o extraordinary_a accident_n multitude_n be_v sacrifice_v at_o once_o to_o their_o bloody_a deity_n festo_fw-la deity_n diodo_fw-la sic._n apud_fw-la euseb_n de_fw-fr laudib_n constant_n c._n xiii_o lanctant_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 21._o ex_fw-la piscennio_n festo_fw-la as_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o other_o relate_v that_o in_o africa_n two_o hundred_o child_n of_o the_o principal_a nobility_n be_v sacrifice_v to_o saturn_n at_o one_o time_n and_o ult_v and_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 16._o macrob._n saturn_n lib._n i_o c._n 7._o alex._n ab_fw-la alexand._n lib._n 6._o c._n ult_v aristomenes_n sacrifice_v three_o hundred_o man_n together_o to_o jupiter_n ithometes_n one_o of_o who_o be_v theopompus_n king_n of_o the_o lacedæmonians_n and_o the_o same_o custom_n be_v find_v practise_v among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n of_o offer_v whole_a hecatomb_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a go_n 21._o go_n jos_n accost_n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 19_o 21._o in_o peru_n when_o their_o new_a ingra_n be_v crown_v they_o sacrifice_v two_o hundred_o child_n from_o four_o to_o ten_o year_n of_o age_n and_o the_o son_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v sacrifice_v for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o father_n when_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o death_n sometime_o the_o mexican_n have_v sacrifice_v above_o five_o thousand_o of_o their_o captive_n in_o a_o day_n and_o in_o divers_a place_n above_o twenty_o thousand_o as_o acosta_n write_v out_o of_o the_o information_n he_o have_v from_o the_o indian_n 57_o indian_n liv._o lib._n xxii_o c._n 57_o livy_n make_v mention_n of_o humane_a sacrifice_n at_o rome_n and_o initio_fw-la and_o plutarch_n in_o marcello_n initio_fw-la plutarch_n say_v they_o continue_v in_o his_o time_n and_o it_o be_v not_o till_o about_o the_o time_n of_o constantine_n reign_n that_o a_o final_a stop_n be_v put_v to_o so_o strange_a and_o abominable_a a_o practice_n for_o though_o it_o abate_v very_o much_o under_o adrian_n yet_o it_o be_v use_v when_o minutius_n felix_n write_v and_o 21._o and_o lact._n lib._n 1._o c._n 21._o lanctantius_n mention_n it_o as_o not_o lay_v aside_o in_o his_o time_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o goodness_n yet_o it_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o be_v become_v so_o customary_a that_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o it_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstate_v both_o how_o false_a such_o religion_n be_v and_o that_o man_n have_v a_o most_o undoubted_a experience_n of_o invisible_a power_n or_o else_o in_o so_o many_o nation_n both_o the_o king_n and_o people_n will_v never_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o own_o child_n to_o their_o false_a god_n to_o avert_v the_o evil_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v withal_o the_o person_n that_o introduce_v the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v either_o man_n of_o design_n who_o establish_v themselves_o in_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n by_o it_o as_o numa_n or_o man_n of_o fancy_n and_o fiction_n as_o the_o poet_n who_o plato_n will_v have_v banish_v out_o of_o his_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o god_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n be_v always_o more_o wicked_a than_o their_o votary_n who_o great_a immorality_n consist_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o they_o the_o gross_a enormity_n not_o only_o of_o venus_n and_o bacchus_n but_o of_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v any_o particular_a relation_n there_o be_v no_o body_n of_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v in_o commendation_n of_o lascivions_n poet_n or_o they_o flatter_v tyrant_n or_o they_o appoint_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o such_o as_o win_v the_o mastery_n at_o the_o olympic_a game_n or_o to_o inanimate_a thing_n or_o they_o promote_v some_o other_o ill_o or_o vain_a and_o unprofitable_a design_n as_o oenomaus_n the_o philosopher_n observe_v and_o prove_v by_o particular_a instance_n recite_v out_o of_o he_o by_o 35._o by_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 34_o 35._o eusebius_n the_o law_n of_o lycurg_n of_o plutarch_n in_o lycurg_n lycurgus_n be_v approve_v of_o and_o confirm_v by_o the_o delphic_a oracle_n and_o yet_o theft_n and_o a_o community_n of_o wife_n and_o the_o murder_n of_o infant_n be_v allow_v by_o these_o law_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v not_o be_v from_o god_n since_o they_o teach_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o of_o devil_n and_o the_o mystery_n and_o rite_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o whoever_o do_v but_o look_v into_o the_o religion_n at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o idolatrous_a indian_n by_o their_o ridiculous_a and_o cruel_a penance_n and_o other_o superstition_n beside_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o man_n and_o sometime_o of_o themselves_o as_o the_o woman_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o be_v burn_v with_o the_o body_n of_o their_o dead_a husband_n and_o the_o like_a will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o god_n institution_n the_o chineses_n themselves_o who_o have_v so_o great_a a_o reputation_n for_o wisdom_n be_v like_o the_o rest_n both_o in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o in_o many_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o that_o none_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n can_v make_v any_o probable_a claim_n to_o divine_a revelation_n have_v none_o of_o the_o requisite_n to_o such_o a_o revelation_n but_o be_v but_o of_o a_o late_a original_a not_o far_o divulge_v support_v neither_o by_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n from_o god_n and_o contain_v doctrine_n that_o be_v idolatrous_a impure_a cruel_a and_o every_o way_n wicked_a and_o absurd_a chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n but_o beside_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a divers_a of_o the_o philosopherss_n pretend_v to_o something_o supernatural_a as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n and_o some_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a here_o to_o examinlikewise_o the_o justice_n of_o their_o pretension_n and_o