then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n who_o part_v with_o all_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o venture_v themselves_o whole_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n 4._o none_o ever_o do_v so_o much_o to_o attest_v the_o negative_a as_o the_o apostle_n do_v to_o prove_v their_o fidelity_n as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a have_v sufficient_a counterwitness_n be_v timely_o produce_v we_o can_v think_v the_o apostle_n will_v have_v run_v so_o many_o continual_a hazard_n in_o preach_v the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o christ._n do_v ever_o any_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o undeceive_v the_o world_n if_o the_o apostle_n be_v guilty_a of_o abuse_v it_o 5._o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n have_v be_v inconsiderable_a in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v our_o saviour_n who_o be_v all_o ready_a as_o most_o of_o they_o do_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n whence_o shall_v so_o many_o man_n grow_v so_o sudden_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n interest_n education_n have_v they_o not_o be_v deliver_v in_o such_o a_o way_n that_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o they_o which_o bring_v i_o to_o the_o last_o proposition_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n be_v first_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o eye-witness_n and_o receive_v with_o a_o universal_a and_o uncontrolled_a 5._o assent_n by_o all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v think_v themselves_o concern_v in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o do_v yield_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v build_v upon_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n give_v to_o question_v the_o evidence_n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o in_o this_o present_a case_n will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o multitude_n of_o those_o person_n who_o do_v believe_v these_o thing_n have_v liberty_n and_o opportunity_n to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o before_o they_o believe_v they_o therefore_o no_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v assign_v on_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o truth_n which_o go_v along_o with_o they_o i_o confess_v in_o mahumetism_n a_o very_a great_a number_n of_o person_n have_v for_o some_o century_n of_o year_n continue_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o mahomet_n but_o then_o withal_o there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n to_o be_v give_v of_o that_o viz._n the_o power_n of_o the_o sword_n which_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o strict_o forbid_v all_o the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n to_o dispute_v their_o religion_n at_o all_o or_o compare_v it_o with_o any_o other_o therefore_o i_o can_v no_o more_o wonder_n at_o this_o than_o i_o do_v to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o greâ—t_n turk_n neither_o on_o the_o other_o side_n do_v i_o wonder_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o those_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v together_o with_o it_o believe_v a_o great_a number_n of_o erroneous_a doctrine_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o gross_a superstition_n because_o i_o consider_v what_o a_o strange_a prevalency_n education_n have_v upon_o soft_a spirit_n and_o more_o easy_a intellectual_n and_o what_o a_o awe_n a_o inquisition_n bear_v upon_o timorous_a and_o irresolved_a person_n but_o now_o when_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o person_n sober_a and_o inquisitive_a shall_v contrary_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o any_o humane_a force_n which_o they_o beforehand_o see_v will_v persecute_v they_o and_o after_o diligent_a enquiry_n make_v into_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o believe_v for_o sake_n all_o their_o former_a persuasion_n and_o resolve_o adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o though_o it_o cost_v they_o their_o life_n if_o this_o give_v we_o not_o reason_n to_o think_v this_o doctrine_n true_a we_o must_v believe_v mankind_n to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a unhappy_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n that_o will_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n part_n with_o all_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o one_o to_o come_v if_o that_o be_v not_o undoubted_o certain_a and_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v it_o infallible_o true_a it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o though_o god_n make_v choice_n at_o first_o of_o person_n general_o of_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o our_o faith_n do_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
who_o contend_v for_o the_o corruption_n creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o make_v use_v of_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o they_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o father_n tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquirere_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la who_o be_v we_o who_o will_v see_v further_o than_o antiquity_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o antiquity_n be_v accompany_v with_o dimness_n of_o sight_n and_o so_o it_o be_v undoubted_o as_o to_o the_o pagan_a world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a too_o when_o such_o a_o mixture_n of_o heathenism_n come_v into_o it_o and_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n by_o which_o the_o pleader_n for_o christianity_n do_v justify_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n notwithstanding_o this_o pretend_a antiquity_n will_v with_o equal_a force_n hold_v for_o a_o reformation_n of_o such_o inveterate_a abuse_n which_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o antiquity_n have_v creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n nullus_fw-la pudor_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la symmach_n meliora_fw-la transire_fw-la say_v ambrose_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o symmachus_n what_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o grow_v better_o quid_fw-la facies_fw-la say_v lactantius_n majores_fw-la ne_fw-la potius_fw-la a_o rationem_fw-la sequeris_fw-la sirationem_fw-la mavis_fw-la 6._o discedere_fw-la te_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la &_o auctoritate_fw-la majorum_fw-la quoniam_fw-la id_fw-la solum_fw-la rectum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ratio_fw-la praescribit_fw-la sin_n autem_fw-la â—ietas_fw-la majores_fw-la sequi_fw-la suadet_fw-la sateris_fw-la igitur_fw-la &_o stultos_fw-la illos_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la excogitatis_fw-la contra_fw-la rationem_fw-la religionibus_fw-la servierint_fw-la &_o te_fw-la ineptum_fw-la qui_fw-la id_fw-la colas_fw-la quod_fw-la falsum_fw-la esse_fw-la conviceris_fw-la where_o reason_n and_o mere_a authority_n of_o forefather_n stand_v in_o competition_n he_o be_v more_o a_o child_n then_o a_o man_n that_o know_v not_o on_o which_o side_n to_o give_v his_o suffrage_n but_o with_o the_o great_a strength_n and_o clear_a reason_n arnobius_n speak_v in_o this_o case_n 2._o itaque_fw-la cum_fw-la nobis_fw-la intenditis_fw-la aversionem_fw-la à _fw-la religione_fw-la priorum_fw-la causam_fw-la convenit_fw-la ut_fw-la inspiciat_fw-la be_v non_fw-la sactum_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la reliquerimus_fw-la opponere_fw-la sed_fw-la secuti_fw-la quid_fw-la simus_fw-la potissimum_fw-la contueri_fw-la when_o you_o charge_v we_o say_v he_o that_o we_o be_v revolt_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o forefather_n you_o ought_v not_o present_o to_o condemn_v the_o fact_n but_o to_o examine_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o neither_o ought_v you_o so_o much_o to_o look_v at_o what_o we_o have_v leave_v as_o what_o it_o be_v we_o have_v embrace_v nam_fw-la simutare_fw-la sententiam_fw-la culpa_fw-la est_fw-la ulla_fw-la vel_fw-la crimen_fw-la &_o i_fw-it veteribus_fw-la institutis_fw-la in_o alius_fw-la res_fw-la novas_fw-la voluntatesque_fw-la migrare_fw-la criminatio_fw-la ista_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la spectat_fw-la qui_fw-la totic_n vitam_fw-la consuetudinem_fw-la que_fw-la mutasti_fw-la qui_fw-la in_o mores_fw-la alios_fw-la atque_fw-la alios_fw-la ritus_fw-la priorum_fw-la condemnatione_fw-la transistis_fw-la if_o mere_a depart_v from_o the_o religion_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v the_o great_a salt_n all_o those_o who_o own_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n be_v themselves_o guilty_a of_o it_o when_o they_o revolt_v from_o heathenism_n if_o it_o be_v here_o say_v that_o the_o case_n be_v different_a because_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v not_o as_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n if_o so_o than_o all_o the_o dispute_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o the_o revolt_n to_o the_o cause_n induce_v to_o it_o and_o if_o the_o protestant_a be_v not_o able_a as_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o separation_n from_o rome_n to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v sufficient_a let_v he_o then_o be_v triumph_v over_o by_o the_o romanist_n and_o not_o before_o i_o affert_fw-la then_o and_o that_o with_o much_o assurance_n of_o mind_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o reformation_n be_v justifiable_a upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o reason_n which_o the_o embrace_a christianity_n be_v when_o man_n of_o heathen_n become_v christian_n and_o that_o the_o argument_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o romanist_n against_o our_o separation_n from_o they_o be_v such_o as_o will_v have_v justify_v a_o pagan_a philosopher_n in_o not_o embrace_v christianity_n for_o if_o it_o be_v unlawful_a for_o any_o party_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v from_o other_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o pretend_v antiquity_n and_o universality_n it_o have_v be_v unlawful_a for_o a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v desert_v paganism_n as_o well_o as_o for_o a_o protestâ—nt_n to_o depart_v from_o rome_n for_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o romanist_n the_o judgement_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o separation_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n lie_v in_o that_o party_n from_o which_o we_o depart_v if_o we_o do_v now_o but_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o old_a roman_a senate_n or_o emperor_n in_o the_o case_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o divide_v from_o heathen_a worship_n we_o shall_v quick_o see_v how_o easy_a a_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v to_o make_v christianity_n its_o self_n a_o schism_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a here_o sie_a but_o as_o strong_a as_o those_o pretence_n be_v then_o or_o have_v be_v since_o the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o conquer_v they_o and_o thereby_o to_o manifest_v that_o it_o be_v of_o god_n when_o such_o potent_a prejudices_fw-la be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v it_o of_o which_o antiquity_n be_v the_o first_o 2._o the_o large_a and_o universal_a spread_v of_o pagan_a religion_n when_o christianity_n come_v into_o the_o world_n there_o be_v never_o so_o great_a catholicism_n as_o in_o heathen_a worship_n when_o the_o apostle_n first_o appear_v in_o the_o gentile_a world_n ind_n adeo_fw-la per_fw-la universa_fw-la imperia_fw-la provincias_fw-la oppida_fw-la videmus_fw-la singulos_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la ritus_fw-la 6._o gentile_n babere_fw-la &_o dcos_fw-la colere_fw-la municipes_fw-la say_v caecilius_n in_o minutius_n fellix_fw-la the_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o christian_n be_v novellism_n that_o they_o bring_v in_o a_o strange_a and_o unheard_a of_o religion_n the_o common_a question_n be_v where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n as_o it_o have_v be_v since_o where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n and_o the_o same_o answer_n which_o serve_v then_o will_v stand_v unmovable_a now_o there_o where_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o this_o be_v the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o primitive_a christian_n defend_v themselves_o against_o the_o assault_n of_o paganism_n and_o the_o evidence_n they_o bring_v that_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o they_o and_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v original_o from_o god_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o overthrow_v paganism_n notwithstanding_o its_o pretend_a universality_n 3._o settlement_n by_o law_n of_o heathen_a worship_n this_o be_v so_o much_o pretend_v and_o plead_v for_o that_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v find_v by_o the_o history_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o pretence_n on_o which_o the_o christian_n suffer_v be_v sedition_n and_o oppose_v the_o establish_a law_n the_o christian_n be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la as_o appear_v by_o tertullian_n among_o unlawful_a corporation_n the_o 38._o politician_n and_o statesman_n be_v all_o for_o preserve_v the_o law_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o much_o about_o any_o religion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v settle_v by_o law_n they_o seek_v to_o uphold_v because_o the_o act_n contrary_a to_o it_o may_v bring_v some_o disturbance_n to_o the_o civil_a state_n there_o be_v several_a law_n which_o the_o christian_n be_v then_o bring_v under_o and_o condemn_v for_o the_o breach_n of_o 1._o the_o law_n against_o hetaeriae_fw-la or_o conventicle_n as_o they_o be_v please_v frequent_o to_o style_v the_o meeting_n of_o christian_n together_o thence_o the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n assemble_v for_o worship_n be_v common_o call_v conventicula_fw-la 4._o it_o a_o appellabant_fw-la loca_fw-la say_v heraldus_n ubi_fw-la congregabantur_fw-la christiani_n oraturi_fw-la &_o verbi_fw-la divini_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la accepturi_fw-la ac_fw-la sacras_fw-la synaxes_n habituri_fw-la but_o elmenhorstius_n more_o short_o conventicula_fw-la loca_fw-la sunt_fw-la ubi_fw-la christiani_n congregati_fw-la orare_fw-la consucverunt_fw-la the_o place_n where_o the_o christian_n do_v meet_v and_o pray_v together_o be_v call_v conventicle_n in_o basiâ—ica_n siciunini_fw-la ubi_fw-la ritus_fw-la christiani_n est_fw-la conventiculum_fw-la say_v 4._o ammianus_n marccllinus_fw-la cur_n immaniter_fw-la conventicula_fw-la dirui_fw-la say_v arnobius_n qui_fw-la universum_fw-la populum_fw-la cum_fw-la ipso_fw-la pariter_fw-la conventiculo_fw-la concremavit_fw-la as_o lactantius_n likewise_o speak_v now_o 11._o the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n be_v
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
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among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o several_a testimony_n of_o galen_n proclus_n jamblichus_n 1._o and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n call_v sapientia_fw-la secundum_fw-la egytios_n adjoin_v to_o aristotle_n who_o all_o concur_v in_o this_o that_o what_o ever_o laudable_a invention_n they_o have_v among_o they_o it_o be_v inscribe_v on_o some_o pillar_n and_o those_o preserve_v in_o their_o temple_n which_o be_v instead_o of_o library_n to_o they_o manetho_n therefore_o to_o make_v his_o story_n the_o more_o probable_a pretend_v to_o take_v all_o his_o relation_n from_o these_o sacred_a inscription_n and_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o translate_v the_o whole_a egyptian_a history_n into_o greek_a beginning_n from_o their_o god_n and_o continue_v his_o history_n down_o near_o the_o time_n of_o darius_n codomannus_n who_o alexander_n conquer_v for_o in_o eusebius_n his_o chronica_fw-la mention_n be_v make_v of_o manetho_n his_o history_n end_v 16._o year_n of_o artaxerxes_n
god_n or_o ourselves_o that_o god_n shall_v when_o it_o please_v he_o single_a out_o some_o instrument_n to_o manifest_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n our_o enquiry_n then_o lead_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v proper_a note_n and_o character_n of_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v on_o so_o high_a a_o embassy_n and_o those_o be_v chief_o these_o two_o if_o his_o action_n be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o flow_v from_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o if_o the_o thing_n he_o reveal_v be_v such_o as_o can_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o create_a understanding_n first_o then_o for_o his_o action_n thief_z striking_z most_o upon_o our_o outward_a sense_n when_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n extraordinary_a do_v transmit_v along_o with_o the_o impression_n of_o they_o to_o the_o understanding_n a_o high_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n that_o do_v they_o whereas_o the_o mere_a height_n of_o knowledge_n or_o profoundness_n of_o thing_n discover_v can_v have_v 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guide_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v this_o infallible_a guide_n but_o by_o the_o note_n and_o character_n of_o it_o and_o one_o of_o those_o note_n be_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n i_o can_v find_v out_o my_o guide_n but_o by_o this_o power_n and_o this_o power_n must_v be_v present_a in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o of_o former_a age_n concern_v faith_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n his_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o on_o the_o church_n account_n and_o therefore_o where_o man_n do_v not_o find_v sufficient_a conviction_n from_o present_a miracle_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a guide_n they_o must_v throw_v off_o all_o faith_n concern_v the_o gospel_n for_o as_o good_a never_o a_o whit_n as_o never_o the_o better_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n atheism_n shall_v be_v so_o thrive_v a_o plant_n in_o italy_n nay_o under_o if_o not_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o rome_n itself_o where_o inquisitive_a person_n do_v daily_o see_v the_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n of_o priest_n in_o their_o pretend_a miracle_n and_o from_o thence_o be_v bring_v to_o look_v upon_o religion_n its_o self_n as_o a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o to_o think_v no_o pope_n so_o infallible_a as_o he_o that_o say_v quantum_fw-la nobis_fw-la profuit_fw-la haec_fw-la de_fw-la christo_fw-la fabula_fw-la such_o horrid_a consequence_n do_v man_n drive_v other_o if_o not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o when_o they_o employ_v their_o part_n and_o industry_n rather_o to_o uphold_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n then_o to_o promote_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o acknowledge_v principle_n of_o christian_a faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o assert_v no_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o note_n of_o any_o true_a church_n nor_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a guide_n but_o that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o 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reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o 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the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
of_o reason_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v subsist_v after_o death_n without_o the_o boay_n from_o what_o philosophy_n be_v this_o derive_v certain_o from_o that_o which_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o any_o one_o who_o strict_o observe_v the_o close_a coherence_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n will_v find_v very_o little_a room_n leave_v for_o a_o eternal_a be_v to_o interpose_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o some_o have_v shrewd_o observe_v that_o aristotle_n speak_v more_o favourable_o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n in_o his_o exoteric_o then_o in_o his_o acroamaticks_n which_o all_o that_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o name_n will_v guess_v at_o the_o reason_n of_o i_o demand_v then_o must_v the_o receive_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o those_o short_a imperfect_a theory_n which_o be_v form_v more_o from_o tradition_n then_o experience_n by_o the_o ancient_a greek_n be_v take_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n or_o no_o if_o they_o must_v we_o may_v soon_o forsake_v not_o only_o the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n resurrection_n etc._n etc._n but_o we_o shall_v soon_o shake_v hand_n with_o creation_n providence_n if_o not_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v disow_v as_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n let_v we_o know_v what_o will_v be_v substitute_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o and_o what_o law_n our_o faith_n must_v be_v try_v by_o be_v they_o only_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o the_o undoubted_a common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o whosoever_o understand_v assent_n to_o they_o let_v any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a mystery_n be_v make_v appear_v to_o contradict_v these_o and_o we_o will_v ready_o yield_v up_o ourselves_o captive_n to_o reason_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v no_o jejune_n unprove_v 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the_o bench_n and_o bring_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o prisoner_n to_o its_o bar._n four_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n what_o certainty_n can_v 4._o we_o have_v at_o all_o of_o anything_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v who_o have_v fix_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o man_n call_v reason_n how_o shall_v we_o know_v that_o thus_o far_o it_o will_v come_v and_o no_o further_o if_o no_o bank_n be_v raise_v against_o it_o to_o keep_v it_o in_o its_o due_a channel_n we_o may_v have_v cause_n to_o fear_v it_o may_v in_o time_n overthrow_v not_o only_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a but_o all_o other_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n too_o what_o prescription_n can_v be_v plead_v by_o one_o sort_n of_o man_n for_o reason_n more_o than_o for_o another_o one_o will_v not_o believe_v this_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o against_o his_o reason_n and_o why_o not_o another_o reject_v another_o article_n on_o the_o same_o pretence_n for_o whatever_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n be_v if_o it_o be_v but_o baptize_v by_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v by_o this_o principle_n pass_v uncontrolled_a if_o a_o sullen_a philosopher_n shall_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n contradict_v his_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o the_o trinity_n do_v they_o and_o that_o the_o universe_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o systeme_n of_o body_n by_o what_o artifice_n will_v our_o master_n of_o reason_n purge_v away_o all_o that_o black_a choler_n that_o so_o cloud_n his_o mind_n that_o he_o can_v see_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n through_o it_o and_o such_o one_o will_v make_v a_o hard_a shift_n but_o he_o will_v reconcile_v his_o opinion_n with_o scripture_n too_o and_o therefore_o why_o shall_v he_o be_v bind_v up_o to_o man_n explication_n of_o scripture_n when_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o he_o can_v see_v of_o understand_v it_o in_o any_o other_o way_n then_o his_o own_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v be_v all_o anthropomorphites_n and_o that_o otherwise_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intelligible_a shall_v not_o this_o man_n put_v in_o for_o reason_n too_o nay_o last_o if_o another_o shall_v come_v and_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o device_n of_o subtle_a man_n that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v through_o chance_n that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n and_o that_o all_o be_v fool_n which_o be_v not_o atheist_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o apprehend_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o they_o reject_v some_o mystery_n of_o religion_n he_o reject_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o because_o a_o infinite_a be_v be_v incomprehensible_a whither_o now_o have_v our_o reason_n carry_v we_o while_o we_o pretend_v to_o reject_v any_o thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v mere_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v on_o what_o account_n then_o do_v we_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n if_o we_o do_v not_o make_v reason_n judge_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o answer_v 1._o we_o reject_v these_o opinion_n not_o only_o as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o as_o insufficient_o prove_v from_o scripture_n whereas_o we_o here_o suppose_v it_o not_o be_v our_o present_a business_n to_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n resurrection_n of_o body_n etc._n etc._n be_v only_o reject_v on_o that_o account_n that_o though_o scripture_n seem_v to_o speak_v fair_a for_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v otherwise_o to_o be_v interpret_v because_o suppose_v to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o those_o doctrine_n before_o mention_v be_v eminent_o serviceable_a to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o be_v inlay_v in_o the_o very_a foundation_n oâ—_n it_o as_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n but_o these_o we_o now_o mention_n be_v no_o way_n conducible_a to_o that_o end_n but_o seem_v to_o thwart_v and_o overthrow_v it_o and_o transubstantiation_n establish_v a_o way_n of_o worship_n contrary_n to_o the_o gospel_n 3._o all_o the_o foundation_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v lay_v upon_o ambiguous_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v some_o trope_n and_o figure_n in_o they_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o only_o contain_v in_o plain_a scripture_n but_o be_v evidence_v by_o visible_a appearance_n as_o particular_o at_o the_o baptism_n of_o our_o saviour_n 4._o there_o be_v far_o great_a ground_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n as_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n then_o that_o they_o shall_v the_o trinity_n on_o this_o account_n because_o the_o ground_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o we_o reject_v those_o opinion_n be_v fetch_v from_o those_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o body_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o those_o opinion_n now_o these_o be_v thing_n within_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o which_o case_n god_n himself_o sometime_o appeal_v to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o another_o case_n when_o we_o search_v into_o the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o pronounce_v with_o confidence_n that_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o god_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o which_o give_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o believe_v as_o undoubted_o true_a though_o our_o reason_n can_v reach_v to_o the_o full_a apprehension_n of_o all_o the_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o so_o that_o as_o to_o these_o sublime_a
else_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n but_o what_o be_v a_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a though_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o a_o immediate_a way_n by_o 3._o be_v know_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o mind_n enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la rei_fw-la to_o convince_v man_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a i._n e._n that_o the_o ground_n of_o unbelief_n in_o any_o can_v be_v impute_v to_o the_o defect_n of_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o faith_n but_o to_o their_o own_o perverseness_n and_o prejudice_n in_o not_o discern_v they_o now_o that_o god_n may_v reveal_v and_o declare_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n not_o in_o a_o immediate_a way_n but_o by_o some_o instrument_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o end_n be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o great_a suitableness_n of_o such_o a_o way_n to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n he_o speak_v to_o but_o from_o the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o inspiration_n the_o jew_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o we_o god_n discover_v the_o most_o of_o his_o will_n to_o they_o by_o the_o prophet_n or_o by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o other_o nation_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o principle_n as_o divination_n in_o the_o world_n do_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o it_o carry_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o natural_a light_n suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o some_o particular_a person_n unto_o the_o world_n for_o which_o purpose_n the_o testimony_n of_o tully_n in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o book_n the_o divinatione_n be_v very_o considerable_a vetus_fw-la opinio_fw-la est_fw-la jam_fw-la usque_fw-la ab_fw-la heroicis_fw-la ducta_fw-la temporibus_fw-la eáque_fw-la diu._n &_o populi_fw-la romani_fw-la &_o omnium_fw-la gentium_fw-la firmata_fw-la consensu_fw-la versari_fw-la quandam_fw-la inter_fw-la homines_fw-la divinationem_fw-la quam_fw-la graeci_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d appellant_n i._n e._n praesensionem_fw-la &_o scientiam_fw-la rerum_fw-la futurarum_fw-la and_o soon_o after_o add_v gentem_fw-la quidem_fw-la nullam_fw-la video_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la humanam_fw-la at_o que_fw-la doctam_fw-la neque_fw-la tam_fw-la immanem_fw-la atque_fw-la barbaram_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la significari_fw-la futura_fw-la et_fw-la à _fw-la quibusdam_fw-la intelligi_fw-la praedicique_fw-la posse_fw-la censeat_fw-la he_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o universal_a sentiment_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o instance_v particular_o in_o the_o assyrian_n egyptian_n cilician_o pisidian_n pamphilian_o grecian_n roman_n etrurian_o and_o other_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o after_o mention_n some_o philosopher_n who_o deny_v it_o but_o they_o be_v most_o part_v the_o follower_n of_o epicurus_n who_o deny_v any_o providence_n and_o therefore_o may_v well_o take_v away_o divination_n but_o if_o xenophanes_n colophonius_n have_v any_o follower_n who_o assert_v the_o one_o and_o deny_v the_o other_o as_o tully_n seem_v to_o intimate_v that_o he_o be_v alone_o in_o that_o persuasion_n yet_o we_o may_v probable_o suppose_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o reject_v it_o may_v be_v the_o imposture_n which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o divination_n among_o they_o which_o be_v excellent_o discover_v by_o that_o prince_n of_o roman_a philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o orator_n in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n but_o it_o be_v apparent_a by_o the_o same_o author_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o philosopher_n consent_v with_o the_o people_n in_o this_o persuasion_n as_o the_o follower_n of_o those_o three_o great_a sect_n of_o socrates_n pythagoras_n and_o aristotle_n be_v all_o approver_n of_o it_o but_o of_o all_o person_n the_o stoic_n be_v the_o most_o zealous_a contender_n for_o it_o especial_o chrysippus_n diogenes_n babylonius_n antipater_n and_o possidonius_fw-la some_o indeed_o reject_v some_o way_n of_o divination_n yet_o embrace_v other_o as_o dicaearchus_n and_o cratippus_n who_o reject_v all_o but_o dream_n and_o ecstasy_n but_o in_o the_o general_n we_o find_v these_o two_o principle_n go_v together_o among_o they_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divination_n so_o that_o from_o divination_n they_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o from_o a_o deity_n divination_n si_fw-mi sunt_fw-la genera_fw-la divinandi_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la qui_fw-la divinent_fw-la as_o quintus_z cicero_z there_o speak_v and_o at_o last_o thus_o triumph_v in_o the_o multitude_n of_o his_o witness_n a_o dum_fw-la bestiae_fw-la loquantur_fw-la expectamus_fw-la hominum_fw-la consentiâ—nte_fw-la auctoritate_fw-la contenti_fw-la non_fw-la simus_fw-la it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o produce_v the_o chief_a argument_n on_o which_o the_o stoic_n insist_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o divination_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n if_o there_o be_v god_n say_v they_o and_o they_o do_v not_o reveal_v to_o man_n thing_n to_o come_v it_o either_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o love_v they_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v or_o they_o think_v it_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n or_o that_o it_o do_v not_o become_v their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o or_o that_o they_o can_v reveal_v they_o to_o man_n if_o they_o will_v but_o neither_o be_v it_o true_a that_o they_o do_v not_o love_v man_n for_o the_o god_n be_v of_o a_o bountiful_a nature_n and_o friend_n to_o mankind_n neither_o can_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o future_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v appoint_v and_o decree_v by_o they_o neither_o be_v it_o of_o no_o concernment_n to_o man_n to_o know_v future_a thing_n for_o that_o make_v they_o more_o cautious_a if_o they_o know_v they_o neither_o be_v it_o repugnant_a to_o their_o majesty_n to_o reveal_v they_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o bounty_n and_o do_v good_a and_o they_o must_v needs_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o they_o may_v make_v they_o know_v to_o other_o and_o if_o they_o do_v make_v they_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o they_o do_v so_o or_o else_o they_o signify_v they_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o now_o instead_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o god_n they_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o discovery_n and_o revelation_n by_o the_o true_a god_n of_o those_o way_n which_o may_v lead_v man_n to_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o argument_n have_v be_v strong_a and_o convince_a which_o as_o it_o stand_v be_v sophistical_a and_o fallacious_a so_o that_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o not_o only_o a_o possibility_n of_o divination_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o want_v divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o this_o divination_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o mere_a natural_a cause_n but_o from_o a_o afflatus_fw-la divinus_fw-la and_o a_o concitatio_fw-la quaedam_fw-la animi_fw-la as_o they_o there_o speak_v which_o import_v nothing_o short_a of_o divine_a inspiration_n nay_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o that_o they_o think_v any_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v something_o of_o divine_a enthusiasm_n in_o they_o as_o tully_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o nemo_fw-la vir_fw-la deorum_n magnus_fw-la sine_fw-la aliquo_fw-la afflatu_fw-la divino_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuit_fw-la although_o then_o these_o heathen_n be_v great_o mistake_v as_o to_o those_o thing_n they_o take_v for_o a_o divine_a afflatus_fw-la and_o divination_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v so_o general_a a_o sense_n shall_v be_v imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o that_o be_v be_v it_o not_o a_o thing_n high_o consonant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v communicate_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o inspiration_n of_o some_o person_n and_o therefore_o i_o conceive_v that_o cicero_n and_o his_o brother_n quintus_n who_o manage_v that_o excellent_a dispute_n of_o divination_n between_o they_o have_v divide_v the_o truth_n between_o they_o too_o for_o on_o the_o one_o side_n quintus_n evident_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o consequence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o own_n of_o it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n tully_n himself_o excellent_o lay_v open_v the_o vanity_n folly_n and_o uncertainty_n not_o only_o of_o the_o common_a way_n of_o divination_n but_o of_o the_o oracle_n which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a esteem_n among_o the_o heathen_n and_o although_o tully_n do_v so_o sharp_o and_o
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o 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love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o 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this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
a_o heroickfreedom_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o these_o word_n what_o magnanimity_n and_o courage_n be_v there_o now_o in_o that_o person_n who_o dare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o court_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v well_o may_v they_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o same_o death_n which_o they_o have_v so_o late_o bring_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o neither_o be_v this_o single_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n but_o all_o 10._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v their_o work_n with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o preparation_n of_o spirit_n to_o under_o go_v the_o great_a hardship_n in_o the_o world_n sor_n the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o preach_v and_o according_o as_o far_a as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o they_o do_v all_o but_o john_n and_o that_o to_o make_v good_a 22._o 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heathen_n with_o what_o saintness_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n speak_v in_o his_o famous_a discourse_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o before_o his_o death_n how_o phaed._n uncertain_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o probability_n plato_n set_v it_o forth_o with_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a where_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o death_n as_o phaedo_fw-la cebes_n crito_n and_o simmias_n dare_v enter_v the_o areopagus_n and_o condemn_v they_o there_o for_o the_o murder_n of_o socrates_n though_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n better_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o they_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o plato_n at_o least_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o not_o disguise_v his_o discourse_n under_o feign_a name_n the_o better_a to_o avoid_v accusation_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o socrates_n how_o do_v he_o mince_v his_o excellent_a matter_n and_o play_v as_o it_o be_v at_o bo-peep_a with_o his_o reader_n sometime_o appear_v and_o then_o pull_v in_o his_o horn_n again_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o improbable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o death_n of_o socrates_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o academy_n i_o mean_v of_o that_o cautelous_a doctrine_n of_o withhold_v assent_n and_o be_v both_o pro_fw-la and_o con_v sometime_o of_o this_o side_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o for_o socrates_n his_o death_n have_v make_v all_o his_o friend_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a and_o plato_n himself_o have_v too_o much_o riches_n and_o withal_o too_o much_o of_o a_o courtier_n in_o he_o to_o hazard_v the_o dear_a prison_n of_o his_o soul_n viz._n his_o body_n mere_o for_o a_o aethereal_a vehicle_n he_o have_v rather_o let_v his_o soul_n flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o terrestrial_a matter_n or_o the_o cage_n it_o be_v pâ—nt_v up_o in_o then_o hazard_v too_o violent_a a_o open_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o areopagus_n and_o the_o great_a roman_a orator_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o plato_n sentiment_n have_v learn_v this_o too_o for_o although_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v many_o time_n sufficient_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o theology_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o safe_a enough_o with_o the_o people_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v dogmatical_a only_o in_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o principle_n have_v they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v they_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v never_o gain_v any_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o meet_v with_o this_o potent_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o innovation_n and_o therefore_o be_v shrewd_o suspect_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o punish_v as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n which_o be_v all_o the_o pretext_n the_o wise_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o their_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a persecution_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a christian_n now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o their_o go_v abroad_o so_o plain_o that_o with_o the_o same_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o encounter_v danger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v court_v the_o slame_n nay_o and_o before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o they_o must_v die_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a peregrination_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o job_n in_o pilgrimage_n encounter_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n on_o every_o side_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o successful_a s._n paul_n have_v give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a inventory_n of_o his_o peril_n that_o the_o very_a read_n of_o they_o be_v 9_o enough_o to_o undo_v a_o poor_a epicurean_a philosopher_n and_o at_o once_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o the_o two_o pillar_n of_o his_o happiness_n the_o quietness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n go_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n of_o before_o they_o set_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o rational_a motive_n which_o 11._o can_v carry_v they_o through_o so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n but_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v we_o find_v before_o that_o no_o vulgar_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n can_v carry_v they_o upon_o that_o design_n which_o they_o go_v upon_o can_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n who_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o not_o only_a persecution_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o sharp_a one_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v martyr_n and_o think_v long_o till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flame_n which_o make_v arrius_n antoninus_n be_v proconsul_n of_o asia_n when_o christian_n in_o multitude_n beset_v his_o tribunal_n and_o throng_v in_o to_o be_v condemn_v say_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o miserable_a people_n have_v not_o you_o way_v enough_o to_o 5._o end_v your_o life_n at_o hâ—me_n but_o you_o must_v crowd_n for_o a_o execution_n this_o be_v a_o high_a ambition_n by_o far_o then_o any_o of_o those_o mancipia_fw-la gloriae_fw-la those_o chamaeleon_n that_o live_v on_o the_o breath_n of_o applause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n ever_o reach_v to_o who_o be_v as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o homines_fw-la gloriae_fw-la &_o eloquentiae_fw-la solius_fw-la libidinosi_fw-la unsatiable_a thirster_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o eloquence_n of_o 47._o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v soar_v too_o high_a to_o quarry_n on_o so_o mean_v a_o prâ—y_n when_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v take_v a_o strict_a notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n and_o life_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a controversy_n all_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v yet_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v many_o great_a miracle_n that_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o these_o contain_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o controversy_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o atheistical_a spirit_n preâ—end_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o see_v person_n which_o so_o peevish_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o about_o some_o inferior_a and_o less_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o whereon_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v more_o immediate_o depend_v and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n may_v suffer_v such_o lamentable_a contention_n and_o division_n to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o thereby_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v see_v that_o if_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a design_n of_o some_o few_o politic_a person_n the_o quarrelsome_a world_n where_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o by_o force_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v so_o long_o in_o the_o own_n such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o the_o other_o controversy_n be_v build_v upon_o and_o although_o it_o be_v continual_o see_v that_o in_o divide_a party_n one_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o other_o and_o man_n general_o think_v they_o can_v never_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o they_o who_o error_n they_o have_v discover_v that_o yet_o this_o principle_n have_v not_o carry_v any_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n out_o of_o their_o indignation_n against_o those_o great_a corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o disow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v â—artly_o impute_v to_o the_o signal_n hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o partly_o to_o those_o strong_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o convey_v to_o uâ—_n the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n thus_o we_o see_v now_o how_o great_a and_o uncontrolled_a this_o consent_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v down_o from_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o authentical_a record_n of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o sure_a foundation_n there_o be_v for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n 20._o of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o admirable_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o be_v preach_v to_o it_o of_o whâ—ch_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a success_n upon_o its_o first_o preach_v have_v be_v partly_o discover_v already_o and_o be_v withal_o so_o plain_a from_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o these_o european_a part_n that_o none_o any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v hard_a and_o incredible_a the_o latter_a harsh_a and_o impossible_a 1._o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o run_v after_o nor_o very_o greedy_a to_o embrace_v 1._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o 1._o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o those_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v suck_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o infancy_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v believe_v they_o but_o only_o on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n any_o religion_n have_v against_o another_o that_o it_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o and_o thereby_o insinuate_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o do_v so_o easy_o demolish_v these_o strong_a hold_n and_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n to_o which_o purpose_n arnobius_n excellent_o speak_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la creditis_fw-la gesta_fw-la haec_fw-la sed_fw-la qui_fw-la ea_fw-la conspicati_fw-la sunt_fw-la fieri_fw-la &_o sub_fw-la oculis_fw-la suis_fw-la viderunt_fw-la agi_fw-la testes_fw-la optimi_fw-la certissimique_fw-la auctores_fw-la â—_o &_o crediderunt_fw-la haec_fw-la ipsi_fw-la &_o credenda_fw-la posteris_fw-la nobis_fw-la haud_fw-la exilibus_fw-la cum_fw-la approbationibus_fw-la tradiderunt_fw-la quinam_fw-la isti_fw-la fortasse_fw-la quaeritis_fw-la gentes_fw-la populi_fw-la nationes_fw-la &_o incredulum_fw-la illud_fw-la genus_fw-la humanum_fw-la quod_fw-la nisi_fw-la aperta_fw-la res_fw-la esset_fw-la &_o luce_fw-fr ipsa_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la dicitur_fw-la clarior_fw-la nunquam_fw-la rebus_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la credulitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la commodarent_fw-la assensum_fw-la an_fw-mi nunquid_fw-la dicemus_fw-la illius_fw-la temporis_fw-la homines_fw-la usque_fw-la adeò_fw-la fuisse_fw-la vanos_fw-la mendaces_fw-la stolidos_fw-la brutos_fw-la ut_fw-la quae_fw-la nunquam_fw-la viderant_fw-la vidisse_fw-la se_fw-la fingerent_fw-la &_o quae_fw-la facta_fw-la omninò_fw-la non_fw-la erant_fw-la falsis_fw-la proderent_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la aut_fw-la puerili_fw-la assertione_fw-la sirmarent_fw-la cumque_fw-la possent_fw-la vobiscum_fw-la &_o unanimiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la &_o inoffensas_fw-la ducere_fw-la conjunctiones_fw-la gratuita_fw-la susciperent_fw-la odia_fw-la &_o execrabili_fw-la haberentur_fw-la in_o nomine_fw-la quod_fw-la si_fw-la falsa_fw-la ut_fw-la dicit_fw-la be_v historia_fw-la illa_fw-la rerum_fw-la est_fw-la unde_fw-la tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tempore_fw-la totus_fw-la mundus_fw-la ista_fw-la religione_fw-la complete_a we_o est_z aut_fw-la in_o unam_fw-la coire_fw-la qui_fw-la potuërunt_fw-la mentem_fw-la gentes_fw-la regionibus_fw-la dissiâ—â—ae_fw-la ventis_fw-la coelique_fw-la convexionibus_fw-la dimotae_fw-la asseverationibus_fw-la illectae_fw-la sunt_fw-la nudis_fw-la inductae_fw-la in_o spes_fw-la cassas_fw-la &_o in_o pericula_fw-la capitis_fw-la immittere_fw-la se_fw-la sponte_fw-la temeraria_fw-la desperatione_n voluërunt_fw-la cum_fw-la nihil_fw-la tale_n vidissent_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la in_o hos_fw-la cult_a we_o novitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la possit_fw-la excitare_fw-la miraculo_fw-la imo_fw-la quia_fw-la haec_fw-la omne_fw-la ab_fw-la ipso_fw-la cernebant_fw-la geri_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la ejus_fw-la praeconibus_fw-la qui_fw-la per_fw-la orbem_fw-la totum_fw-la missi_fw-la beneficia_fw-la patris_fw-la &_o munera_fw-la sanandis_fw-la animus_fw-la hominibusque_fw-la portabant_fw-la veritatis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la vi_fw-la victae_fw-la &_o dedërunt_fw-la se_fw-la deo_fw-la nec_fw-la in_o magnis_fw-la posuëre_fw-la despendiis_fw-la membra_fw-la vobis_fw-la projicere_fw-la &_o viscera_fw-la sua_fw-la lanianda_fw-la praebere_fw-la the_o substance_n of_o who_o discourse_n be_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v so_o many_o person_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n to_o be_v so_o far_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v as_o not_o only_o to_o believe_v a_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o they_o be_v educate_v in_o but_o to_o venture_v their_o life_n as_o well_o as_o estate_n upon_o it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v discover_v to_o they_o in_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n by_o such_o who_o have_v be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o speak_v well_fw-mi haec_fw-la saltem_fw-la 44._o fidem_fw-la vobis_fw-la faciant_fw-la argumenta_fw-la credendi_fw-la quod_fw-la jam_fw-la peromnes_n terras_fw-la in_o tam_fw-la brevi_fw-la tempore_fw-la &_o parvo_fw-la immensi_fw-la nominis_fw-la huius_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la diffusa_fw-la sunt_fw-la quod_fw-la nulla_fw-la jam_fw-la natio_fw-la est_fw-la tam_fw-la barbari_fw-la moris_fw-la &_o mansuetudinem_fw-la nesciens_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la ejus_fw-la amore_fw-la versa_fw-la molliverit_fw-la asperitatem_fw-la svam_fw-la &_o in_o placidos_fw-la sensus_fw-la assumpt_n â_fw-la tranquillitate_fw-la migraverit_fw-la quod_fw-la tam_fw-la magnis_fw-la ingeniis_fw-la praediti_fw-la oratores_fw-la grammatici_fw-la rhetores_fw-la consulti_fw-la juris_fw-la ac_fw-la medici_n philosophiae_fw-la etiam_fw-la secreta_fw-la rimantes_fw-la magisteria_fw-la haec_fw-la expetunt_fw-la spretis_fw-la quibus_fw-la paulò_fw-la ante_fw-la sidebant_fw-la etc._n etc._n will_v not_o this_o persuade_v the_o world_n what_o firm_a foundation_n the_o faith_n of_o christians_n stand_v on_o when_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o be_v spread_v over_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o it_o the_o most_o inhuman_a and_o barbarous_a nation_n be_v soften_v into_o more_o than_o civility_n that_o man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o part_n orator_n grammarian_n rhetorician_n lawyer_n physician_n philosopher_n who_o not_o have_v for_o saken_a then_o former_a sentiment_n and_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n now_o i_o say_v if_o the_o power_n of_o education_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o persuade_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o which_o atheistical_o dispose_v person_n make_v so_o much_o advantage_n of_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n that_o it_o prove_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o it_o because_o it_o obtain_v so_o much_o upon_o its_o first_o preach_v in_o the_o world_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a prejudices_fw-la from_o education_n be_v against_o it_o if_o then_o man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v most_o true_a which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v under_o it_o must_v argue_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n and_o power_n in_o that_o religion_n which_o unsettle_v so_o much_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n as_o to_o make_v man_n not_o only_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o to_o renounce_v they_o and_o embrace_v a_o religion_n contrary_n to_o they_o especial_o when_o we_o withal_o consider_v what_o stronghold_n these_o principle_n of_o education_n be_v back_v with_o among_o the_o 21._o heathen_n when_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v first_o divulge_v among_o they_o i._n e._n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o have_v of_o continue_v in_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o and_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o exchange_v it_o for_o christianity_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n above_o the_o christian_a the_o main_a thing_n plead_v against_o the_o christian_n be_v templis_fw-la divortium_fw-la ab_fw-la institutis_fw-la majorum_fw-la that_o they_o think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o their_o forefather_n and_o symmachus_n libanius_n and_o other_o plead_v this_o most_o in_o behalf_n of_o paganism_n servanda_fw-la est_fw-la tot_fw-la seculis_fw-la fides_fw-la &_o sequendi_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la parent_n qui_fw-la secuti_fw-la sunt_fw-la feliciter_fw-la suos_fw-la their_o religion_n plead_v prescription_n against_o any_o other_o and_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sollow_v the_o step_n of_o their_o ancestor_n wherein_o they_o think_v themselves_o happy_a and_o secure_a caecilius_n in_o minutius_n felix_n first_o argue_v much_o against_o dogmatize_v in_o religion_n but_o withal_o say_v it_o 6._o most_o become_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n majorum_fw-la excipere_fw-la disciplinam_fw-la religiones_fw-la tradit_fw-la as_o colere_fw-la deos_fw-la quos_fw-la à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la ante_fw-la imbutus_fw-la es_fw-la timere_fw-la nec_fw-la de_fw-la numinibus_fw-la far_o sententiam_fw-la sed_fw-la prioribus_fw-la credere_fw-la so_o arnobius_n tell_v we_o the_o main_a thing_n object_v against_o 90._o the_o christian_n be_v novellam_fw-la esse_fw-la religionem_fw-la nostram_fw-la &_o ante_fw-la dies_fw-la natam_fw-la propemodum_fw-la paucos_fw-la nâ—que_fw-la vos_fw-la potuisse_fw-la antiquam_fw-la &_o patriam_fw-la linquere_fw-la &_o in_o barbaros_fw-la ritus_fw-la peregrinosque_fw-la traduci_fw-la and_o cotta_n in_o tully_n long_v before_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o pagan_a religion_n majoribus_fw-la nostris_fw-la etiam_fw-la nulla_fw-la 3._o ratione_fw-la reddita_fw-la credere_fw-la to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o our_o father_n although_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o after_o he_o have_v discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o stoical_a argument_n about_o religion_n conclude_v with_o this_o as_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o resolve_v his_o religion_n into_o mihi_fw-la unum_fw-la satis_fw-la erit_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la it_o a_o tradidisse_fw-la it_o be_v enough_o for_o i_o that_o it_o come_v by_o tradition_n from_o our_o forefather_n lactantius_n full_o set_v forth_o the_o manner_n of_o 6._o plead_v use_v by_o the_o heathen_n against_o the_o christian_n in_o the_o point_n of_o antiquity_n hae_fw-la sunt_fw-la religiones_fw-la quas_fw-la sibi_fw-la à _fw-la majoribus_fw-la suis_fw-la traditas_fw-la pertinacissime_fw-la tueri_fw-la ac_fw-la defendere_fw-la persiverant_a nec_fw-la considerant_fw-la quales_fw-la sint_fw-la sed_fw-la ex_fw-la hoc_fw-la probat_fw-la as_o atque_fw-la veras_fw-la esse_fw-la confidunt_fw-la quod_fw-la eas_fw-la veteres_fw-la tradiderâ—nt_fw-la tantaque_fw-la est_fw-la auctoritas_fw-la vetustatis_fw-la ut_fw-la inquircre_fw-la in_o eam_fw-la scelus_fw-la esse_fw-la dicatur_fw-la the_o english_a be_v they_o account_v tradition_n infallible_a and_o know_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o to_o find_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o by_o its_o conveyance_n from_o their_o forefather_n how_o like_v herein_o do_v they_o speak_v to_o those_o
because_o the_o heathen_n judge_v these_o assembly_n of_o christian_n to_o be_v illegal_a society_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n when_o they_o grow_v suspicious_a of_o their_o own_o safety_n they_o severe_o prohibit_v ail_fw-we those_o sodalitia_fw-la or_o society_n and_o college_n which_o be_v very_o much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n in_o imitation_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o city_n of_o greece_n these_o be_v such_o society_n of_o person_n which_o voluntary_o confederate_v together_o either_o for_o some_o particular_a design_n or_o for_o preserve_v love_n and_o friendship_n among_o each_o other_o and_o thence_o have_v their_o frequent_a meeting_n in_o common_a together_o now_o the_o more_o numerous_a these_o be_v and_o the_o more_o close_o they_o confederate_v the_o more_o jealous_a eye_n the_o roman_a emperor_n have_v upon_o they_o because_o of_o some_o clandestine_v design_n which_o they_o suspect_v may_v be_v carry_v on_o for_o disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n in_o such_o suspicious_a meeting_n thence_o come_v out_o many_o particular_a edict_n of_o the_o emperor_n against_o all_o such_o kind_n of_o society_n now_o when_o the_o christian_n begin_v to_o be_v somewhat_o numerous_a and_o have_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n frequent_a assembly_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o do_v confederate_a together_o by_o such_o symbol_n of_o be_v wash_v with_o water_n and_o eat_v and_o drink_v together_o which_o be_v all_o the_o heathen_n apprehend_v by_o their_o use_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o proconsul_n and_o other_o magistrate_n in_o their_o several_a province_n bring_v the_o christian_n under_o these_o edict_n and_o so_o punish_v they_o for_o the_o breach_n of_o the_o law_n which_o as_o appear_v by_o pliny_n his_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n be_v the_o only_a account_n on_o which_o 97._o the_o wise_a heathen_n do_v proceed_v against_o the_o christian_n for_o we_o see_v he_o trouble_v not_o himself_o much_o about_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o such_o person_n be_v bring_v before_o he_o and_o after_o he_o have_v interrogated_a they_o whether_o they_o be_v christian_n or_o no_o several_a time_n if_o they_o persist_v he_o then_o punish_v they_o not_o so_o much_o for_o their_o religion_n as_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n and_o contempt_n of_o authority_n for_o so_o much_o be_v employ_v in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o neque_fw-la enim_fw-la dubitabam_fw-la qualâ—cunque_fw-la esset_fw-la quod_fw-la faterentur_fw-la pervicaciam_fw-la certè_fw-la &_o inflexibilem_fw-la obstinâ—tionem_fw-la debere_fw-la puniri_fw-la that_o whatever_o their_o religion_n be_v their_o obstinacy_n and_o disobedience_n deserve_v punishment_n that_o which_o the_o christian_n now_o plead_v for_o themselves_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o faction_n of_o the_o people_n be_v that_o which_o they_o give_v in_o answer_n to_o pliny_n that_o all_o their_o fault_n be_v quod_fw-la essent_fw-la soliti_fw-la stato_fw-la die_fw-la ante_fw-la lucem_fw-la convenire_fw-la carmenque_fw-la christo_fw-la quasi_fw-la deo_fw-la dicere_fw-la secum_fw-la inuicem_fw-la seque_fw-la sacramento_fw-la non_fw-la in_o scelus_fw-la aliquod_fw-la obstringere_fw-la sed_fw-la ne_fw-la furta_fw-la nelatrocinia_fw-la ne_fw-la adulteria_fw-la committerent_fw-la ne_fw-la fidem_fw-la fallerent_fw-la ne_fw-la depositum_fw-la appellati_fw-la abnegarent_fw-la that_o they_o be_v wont_n upon_o their_o solemn_a day_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o divine_a worship_n and_o to_o covenant_n with_o each_o other_o only_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v as_o much_o for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n as_o their_o own_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v not_o wrong_v and_o defraud_v other_o as_o to_o their_o body_n or_o estate_n and_o tertullian_n approve_v of_o the_o law_n against_o faction_n as_o de_fw-fr providentia_fw-la &_o modestia_fw-la publica_fw-la nè_fw-la civitas_fw-la in_o part_n seinderetur_fw-la as_o wise_o intend_v to_o prevent_v 38._o sedition_n but_o withal_o plead_v that_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n can_v not_o be_v reckon_v inter_fw-la illicitas_fw-la factiones_fw-la for_o say_v he_o haec_fw-la coitio_fw-la christianorum_fw-la merito_fw-la sane_fw-la illicita_fw-la si_fw-la illicitis_fw-la par_fw-fr merito_fw-la damnanda_fw-la si_fw-la quis_fw-la de_fw-fr ea_fw-la queritur_fw-la eo_fw-la titulo_fw-la quo_fw-la de_fw-la factionibus_fw-la querela_fw-la est_fw-la in_o cujus_fw-la perniciem_fw-la aliquando_fw-la convenimus_fw-la hoc_fw-la sumus_fw-la congregati_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o dispersi_fw-la hoc_fw-la universi_fw-la quod_fw-la &_o singuli_fw-la neminem_fw-la laedentes_fw-la neminem_fw-la contristantes_fw-la quum_fw-la probi_fw-la quum_fw-la boni_fw-la coëunt_fw-la quum_fw-la pii_fw-la quum_fw-la casti_fw-la congregantur_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la factio_fw-la dicenda_fw-la sed_fw-la curia_fw-la if_o say_v he_o the_o society_n of_o christian_n be_v like_o other_o there_o may_v be_v some_o reason_n to_o condemn_v they_o under_o the_o head_n of_o faction_n but_o as_o long_o as_o we_o meet_v together_o for_o no_o man_n injury_n that_o whether_o divide_v or_o assemble_v we_o be_v still_o the_o same_o that_o we_o grieve_v and_o injure_v no_o body_n when_o such_o a_o company_n of_o good_a man_n meet_v together_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o council_n then_o a_o faction_n 2._o another_o law_n the_o christian_n be_v bring_v under_o be_v that_o against_o innovation_n in_o religion_n thence_o it_o be_v lay_v so_o much_o to_o the_o charge_n of_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d go_v contrary_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n as_o porphyry_n say_v of_o origen_n because_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a he_o do_v 19_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o when_o he_o speak_v of_o ammonius_n revolt_a from_o christianity_n to_o paganism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o turn_v to_o the_o way_n of_o life_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o establish_a law_n now_o christianity_n be_v every_o where_o look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a innovation_n insomuch_o that_o the_o christian_n be_v accuse_v to_o be_v legum_fw-la morum_fw-la 4._o naturae_fw-la inimici_fw-la as_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n because_o they_o draw_v man_n off_o from_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o mankind_n have_v general_o agree_v in_o thence_o aemilianus_n the_o 11._o praefect_n of_o egypt_n when_o he_o bid_v the_o christian_n return_v to_o paganism_n he_o use_v these_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o forget_v what_o be_v so_o much_o against_o it_o as_o he_o suppose_v christianity_n to_o be_v when_o paul_n preach_v at_o athens_n his_o first_o accusation_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o strange_a deity_n because_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n and_o demctrius_fw-la at_o ephesus_n know_v no_o such_o potent_a 18._o argument_n against_o paul_n as_o that_o his_o religion_n destroy_v the_o worship_n of_o diana_n who_o all_o asia_n and_o the_o world_n worship_n 27._o so_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v then_o account_v the_o antipode_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n on_o which_o account_n they_o be_v so_o severe_o deal_v with_o most_o commonwealth_n observe_v the_o counsel_n of_o maecenas_n to_o augustus_n in_o dio_n to_o be_v sure_a to_o have_v a_o watchful_a eye_n upon_o all_o innovation_n in_o religion_n because_o they_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a state_n 3._o the_o law_n of_o sacrilege_n thence_o lactantius_n call_v their_o law_n constitutiones_fw-la sacrilegae_fw-la quin_fw-la etiam_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la homicidae_fw-la contra_fw-la pios_fw-la jura_fw-la impia_fw-la condiderunt_fw-la nam_fw-la &_o constitutiones_fw-la 11._o sacrilegae_fw-la &_o disputationes_fw-la jurisperitorum_fw-la leguntur_fw-la injustae_fw-la and_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o domitius_n ulpianus_n have_v collect_v all_o those_o rescripta_fw-la nefaria_fw-la together_o which_o concern_v the_o christian_n from_o hence_o it_o be_v christianity_n by_o pliny_n be_v call_v amentia_fw-la by_o tacitus_n exitiabilis_fw-la superstitio_fw-la by_o suetâ—nius_fw-la one_o superstitio_fw-la nova_fw-la &_o exitiabilis_fw-la so_o much_o do_v these_o three_o great_a man_n agree_v in_o condemn_v the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o madness_n and_o new_a and_o detestable_a superstition_n the_o ground_n of_o the_o great_a pique_n be_v the_o enmity_n declare_v by_o christian_n against_o the_o idolatrous_a temple_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o heathen_n 4._o the_o law_n against_o treason_n for_o sometime_o they_o proceed_v so_o high_a as_o to_o accuse_v the_o christian_n laesae_fw-la majestatis_fw-la and_o thence_o they_o be_v common_o call_v publici_fw-la host_n enemy_n to_o all_o civil_a government_n which_o they_o infer_v from_o hence_o 35._o 1._o because_o they_o will_v not_o sacrifice_v for_o the_o emperor_n safety_n ideo_fw-la committimus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n in_o majestatem_fw-la imperatorum_fw-la 29._o quia_fw-la illos_fw-la non_fw-la subjicimus_fw-la rebus_fw-la suis_fw-la quia_fw-la non_fw-la ludimus_fw-la de_fw-fr officio_fw-la salutis_fw-la
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o eloquence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v prevail_v on_o some_o very_a few_o person_n but_o that_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a language_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v convert_v such_o multitude_n from_o intemperance_n to_o sobriety_n from_o injustice_n to_o fair_a deal_n from_o cowardice_n to_o the_o high_a constancy_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o virtue_n how_o can_v we_o but_o admire_v so_o divine_a a_o power_n as_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o difficult_a for_o corrupt_v nature_n to_o be_v change_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lactantius_n excellent_o manifest_v that_o philosophy_n can_v never_o do_v so_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n as_o 25._o christianity_n do_v because_o that_o be_v not_o suit_v at_o all_o to_o common_a capacity_n and_o do_v require_v so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o art_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o which_o yet_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a as_o any_o other_o be_v and_o how_o inefficacious_a the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v appear_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v command_n by_o they_o over_o their_o masterless_a passion_n and_o be_v fain_o sometime_o to_o confess_v that_o nature_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o by_o such_o weak_a reins_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v but_o say_v he_o what_o great_a command_n divine_a precept_n have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n daily_a experience_n show_v dam_fw-la mihi_fw-la virum_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la iracundus_fw-la maledicus_fw-la effrenatus_fw-la 26._o paucissimis_fw-la dei_fw-la verbis_fw-la tam_fw-la placidum_fw-la quam_fw-la ovem_fw-la reddam_fw-la dam_fw-la cupidum_fw-la avarum_fw-la tenacem_fw-la jam_fw-la tibi_fw-la eum_fw-la liberalem_fw-la dabo_fw-la &_o pecuniam_fw-la svam_fw-la plenis_fw-la manibus_fw-la largientem_fw-la dam_fw-la timidum_fw-la doloris_fw-la ac_fw-la mortis_fw-la jam_fw-la cruces_fw-la &_o ignes_fw-la taurum_fw-la contemnet_fw-la dam_fw-la libidinosum_fw-la adulterum_fw-la ganeonem_fw-la jam_fw-la sobrium_fw-la castum_fw-la â—ontinentem_fw-la videbis_fw-la dam_fw-la crudelem_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la appetentem_fw-la jam_fw-la in_o veram_fw-la clementiam_fw-la furor_fw-la ille_fw-la mutabitur_fw-la dam_fw-la injustum_fw-la insipientem_fw-la peccatorem_fw-la continuo_fw-la &_o aequus_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la &_o innocens_fw-la crit_fw-fr in_o which_o word_n that_o elegant_a writer_n do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a scheme_n set_v out_o the_o remarkable_a alteration_n which_o be_v in_o any_o who_o become_v true_a christian_n that_o although_o they_o be_v passionate_a covetous_a fearful_a lustful_a cruel_a unjust_a vicious_a yet_o upon_o their_o be_v christian_n they_o become_v mild_a liberal_a courageous_a temperate_a merciful_a just_a and_o unblameable_a which_o never_o any_o be_v bring_v to_o by_o mere_a philosophy_n which_o rather_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o conceal_v vice_n then_o of_o heal_v they_o but_o now_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o effectual_a in_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o distemper_n which_o philosophy_n give_v over_o as_o beyond_o its_o skill_n and_o power_n when_o it_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o great_a success_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o paracelsian_a way_n for_o they_o to_o relapse_n afterward_o with_o great_a violence_n but_o it_o do_v so_o thorough_o unsettle_v the_o foam_n morbi_fw-la that_o it_o shall_v never_o gather_v to_o so_o great_a a_o head_n again_o do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o power_n more_o than_o philosophical_a and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o promote_v true_a goodness_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 24._o of_o christ_n to_o man_n natural_a inclination_n and_o yet_o the_o strange_a success_n it_o have_v in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a when_o we_o add_v the_o almost_o continual_a opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o from_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o any_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o impostor_n to_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o subtle_a person_n bend_v their_o whole_a wit_n and_o design_n for_o suppress_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o julian_n and_o dioclesian_n that_o it_o be_v their_o master-design_n to_o root_v out_o and_o abolish_v christianity_n and_o be_v it_o only_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v these_o person_n give_v over_o their_o work_n in_o despair_n of_o accomplish_v it_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v such_o subtle_a man_n whence_o come_v all_o their_o enemy_n to_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a calumny_n that_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a weak_a ignorant_a inconsiderable_a man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o all_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n they_o can_v never_o exterminate_v these_o person_n but_o as_o they_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o grow_v up_o the_o fast_a and_o multiply_v by_o their_o substraction_n of_o they_o there_o be_v something_o then_o certain_o peculiar_a in_o christianity_n from_o all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o civil_a power_n but_o it_o get_v ground_n by_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n who_o act_v as_o emperor_n for_o christianity_n viz._n constantine_n for_o otherwise_o i_o know_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o philippus_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n till_o christianity_n have_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o most_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n god_n thereby_o let_v we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o become_v christian_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a for_o protect_a christianity_n yet_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v mars_n its_o ascendant_n viz._n mahometism_n for_o like_o paracelsus_n his_o daemon_n it_o always_o sit_v upon_o the_o pummel_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v its_o way_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o as_o its_o first_o constitution_n have_v much_o of_o blood_n in_o it_o so_o by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v ever_o since_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o never_o thrive_v better_a than_o in_o the_o most_o barren_a place_n nor_o triumph_v more_o than_o when_o it_o suffer_v most_o nor_o spread_v its_o self_n further_o than_o when_o it_o encounter_v the_o great_a opposition_n because_o therein_o be_v see_v the_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n to_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n which_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n can_v invent_v the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o boast_n that_o their_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o bull_n of_o phalaris_n be_v but_o empty_a and_o thrasonical_a word_n which_o none_o will_v venture_v the_o truth_n of_o by_o a_o experiment_n upon_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a alone_o and_o not_o the_o epicurean_a that_o can_v true_o say_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n suave_fw-la est_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la curo_fw-la and_o may_v just_o alter_v a_o little_a of_o that_o common_a say_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o say_v non_fw-la magna_fw-la lâ—quimur_fw-la sed_fw-la patimur_fw-la as_o well_o as_o vivimus_fw-la the_o christian_n do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o and_o this_o gain_v not_o only_o great_a reputation_n of_o integrity_n to_o themselves_o but_o much_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o see_v that_o no_o force_n or_o power_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o will_v not_o this_o at_o least_o persuade_v you_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o srom_o god_n say_v arâ—â—bius_n quod_fw-la cum_fw-la genera_fw-la poenarum_fw-la tanta_fw-la sint_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la proposita_fw-la â—_o religionis_fw-la huius_fw-la sequentibus_fw-la leges_fw-la augeatur_fw-la res_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o contra_fw-la omnes_fw-la minas_fw-la atque_fw-la interdicta_fw-la formidinum_fw-la animosius_fw-la populus_fw-la obnitatur_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la credendi_fw-la studium_fw-la prohibitionis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la stimulis_fw-la â—xcitetur_fw-la itane_n istud_fw-la non_fw-la divinum_fw-la &_o sacrum_fw-la est_fw-la
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
destruction_n of_o soul_n 2._o the_o devil_n great_a design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n which_o the_o more_o recondite_v and_o hide_a they_o be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v to_o purpose_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o now_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o great_a purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n there_o be_v in_o no_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n either_o such_o incomparable_a precept_n of_o holiness_n or_o such_o encourage_v promise_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o help_v man_n here_o or_o such_o prevail_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n the_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o have_v to_o follow_v in_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n now_o these_o thing_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o set_v god_n and_o mankind_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o near_o together_o the_o devil_n first_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o sin_n he_o make_v man_n presume_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o despair_v because_o they_o have_v sin_v christ_n first_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o his_o precept_n and_o threaten_n and_o then_o suppose_v sin_n encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v with_o hope_n of_o pardon_n procure_v by_o himself_o for_o all_o true_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n thus_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v contrary_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v from_o no_o evil_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_o divine_a power_n true_a and_o divine_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v from_o false_a and_o diabolical_a from_o the_o circumstance_n or_o the_o manner_n 5._o of_o their_o operation_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a signature_n on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o wrought_v by_o a_o power_n less_o than_o divine_a which_o arnobius_n etc._n well_o express_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n potestis_fw-la aliquem_fw-la nobis_fw-la designare_fw-la monstrare_fw-la ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la illis_fw-la magis_fw-la qui_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuere_fw-la per_fw-la secula_fw-la consimile_n aliquid_fw-la christo_fw-la millesima_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la qui_fw-la fecerit_fw-la qui_fw-fr sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la vi_fw-la carâ—â—inum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la succis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la atqui_fw-la constitit_fw-la christum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la adminiculis_fw-la rerum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la ritus_fw-la observatione_fw-la vel_fw-la lege_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la fecit_fw-la nominis_fw-la svi_fw-la possibilitate_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la proprium_fw-la consentaneum_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la fuerat_fw-la vero_fw-la nihil_fw-la nocens_fw-la aut_fw-la noxium_fw-la sed_fw-la opiferum_fw-la sed_fw-la salutare_fw-la sed_fw-la auxiliaribus_fw-la plenum_fw-la bonis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la munificae_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la donasse_n he_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o of_o all_o their_o magician_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o observation_n in_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v mere_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o be_v withal_o most_o become_a god_n and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o heathen_n about_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o their_o god_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o three_o main_a particular_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o do_v be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o without_o it_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o his_o garment_n non_fw-la inquiro_fw-la non_fw-la exigo_fw-la say_v he_o quis_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la quo_fw-la tempore_fw-la cui_fw-la fuerit_fw-la auxiliatus_fw-la aut_fw-la quem_fw-la fractum_fw-la restituerit_fw-la sanitati_fw-la illud_fw-la solum_fw-la audire_fw-la desidero_fw-la a_o sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la adjunctione_fw-la materiae_fw-la i._n e._n medicaminis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la ad_fw-la tactum_fw-la morbos_fw-la jusserit_fw-la abhominibus_fw-la evolare_fw-la imperaverit_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o emori_fw-la valetudinum_fw-la causam_fw-la &_o debilium_fw-la corpora_fw-la ad_fw-la svas_fw-la remeare_fw-la naturas_fw-la omit_v all_o other_o circumstance_n name_v i_o say_v he_o but_o which_o of_o your_o god_n ever_o cure_v a_o disease_n without_o any_o adjoin_v matter_n some_o prescription_n or_o other_o or_o which_o of_o they_o ever_o command_v disease_n out_o of_o body_n by_o their_o mere_a touch_n and_o quite_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n aesculapius_n he_o say_v cure_v disease_n but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o ordinary_a physician_n do_v by_o prescribe_v something_o or_o other_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o patient_n nulla_fw-la autem_fw-la virtus_fw-la est_fw-la medicaminibus_fw-la amovere_fw-la quae_fw-la noceant_fw-la beneficia_fw-la ista_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la curantium_fw-la potestates_fw-la to_o cure_v disease_n by_o prescription_n argue_v no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prescriber_n but_o virtue_n in_o the_o medicine_n 2._o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n cure_v they_o be_v very_o few_o which_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o heathen_a temple_n christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n may_v be_v easy_o suspect_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o bring_v to_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n sick_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o disease_n which_o be_v cure_v by_o he_o and_o these_o so_o numerous_a that_o the_o evangelist_n who_o record_v many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o yet_o tell_v we_o at_o last_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o contain_v they_o but_o now_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o heathen_n quid_fw-la prodest_fw-la ostendere_fw-la 25._o tinum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la fortasse_fw-la curatos_fw-la cum_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la subvenerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la &_o plena_fw-la sint_fw-la omne_fw-la miserorum_fw-la infeliciumque_fw-la delubra_fw-la what_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o show_v one_o or_o two_o cure_v when_o thousand_o lie_n continual_o in_o the_o temple_n perish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n yea_o such_o as_o do_v aesculapium_fw-la ipsum_fw-la precibus_fw-la fatigare_fw-la &_o invitare_fw-la miserrimis_fw-la votis_fw-la that_o can_v not_o beg_v a_o cure_n of_o aesculapius_n with_o all_o their_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n 3._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o disease_n cure_v the_o cure_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v some_o slight_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perform_v by_o christ_n the_o most_o acute_a the_o most_o chronical_a the_o most_o malignant_a of_o disease_n cure_v by_o a_o touch_n a_o word_n a_o evangel_n thought_n a_o learned_a physician_n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o from_o the_o receive_a principle_n among_o the_o most_o authentic_a physician_n that_o the_o disease_n cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o incurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o physic_n if_o so_o the_o great_a the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o much_o facility_n as_o he_o do_v and_o he_o not_o only_o cure_v all_o disease_n himself_o but_o give_v a_o power_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o verse_v in_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o subtlety_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v miracle_n likewise_o sine_fw-la fucis_fw-la &_o adminiculis_fw-la without_o any_o fraud_n or_o assistance_n quid_fw-la dicitis_fw-la o_o mentes_fw-la incredulae_fw-la difficiles_fw-la durae_fw-la alicuine_a mortalium_fw-la jupiter_n ille_fw-la capitolinus_n hujusmodi_fw-la potestatem_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o do_v ever_o the_o great_a jupiter_n capitolinus_n ever_o give_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v say_v he_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cure_v the_o blind_a or_o heal_v the_o lame_a sed_fw-la ut_fw-la pustulam_fw-la reduviam_fw-la pupulam_fw-la aut_fw-la vocis_fw-la imperio_fw-la aut_fw-la manus_fw-la contrectatione_fw-la comprimeret_fw-la but_o to_o cure_v a_o wart_n a_o
religion_n lie_v in_o two_o thing_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o subsist_v after_o death_n for_o he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o 6._o they_o that_o seek_v he_o so_o that_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o suppose_v as_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a reason_n we_o can_v imagine_v upon_o what_o ground_n mankind_n shall_v embrace_v any_o way_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n who_o i_o be_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o a_o soul_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n there_o can_v be_v no_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o religion_n nor_o motive_n induce_v to_o it_o for_o all_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n must_v suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o be_v which_o have_v power_n to_o command_v i_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a scatter_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o this_o life_n the_o motive_n engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n must_v suppose_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v sure_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a thereby_o firm_o establish_v it_o will_v present_o follow_v as_o a_o matter_n most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o the_o god_n who_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v shall_v himself_o prescribe_v the_o way_n of_o his_o own_o worship_n and_o if_o the_o right_n of_o donation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o man_n soul_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v alone_o in_o himself_o that_o he_o alone_o shall_v declare_v the_o term_n on_o which_o it_o may_v be_v expect_v for_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o a_o free_a principle_n of_o act_v which_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o and_o therefore_o not_o be_v carry_v to_o his_o end_n by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n or_o external_a violence_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o choice_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o happiness_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o performance_n of_o some_o condition_n on_o man_n part_n whereby_o he_o may_v demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n and_o that_o he_o free_o quit_v all_o other_o interest_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o which_o condition_n to_o be_v perform_v be_v expression_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o god_n as_o his_o creator_n and_o governor_n and_o of_o his_o gratitude_n for_o the_o tender_v of_o so_o great_a a_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o free_a gift_n of_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v any_o one_o to_o have_v power_n to_o prescribe_v these_o condition_n but_o he_o that_o have_v power_n likewise_o to_o deprive_v the_o soul_n of_o her_o happiness_n upon_o non-performance_n and_o that_o must_v be_v god_n himself_o but_o in_o order_n to_o man_n understanding_n his_o duty_n and_o his_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o these_o condition_n must_v not_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o the_o cabinet_n council_n of_o heaven_n but_o muâ—â—_n be_v so_o far_o declare_v and_o reveal_v that_o he_o may_v be_v full_o acquaâ—ted_v with_o those_o term_n which_o his_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o else_o his_o neglect_n of_o they_o will_v be_v excusable_a and_o his_o misery_n unavoidable_a have_v man_n indeed_o remain_v without_o offend_v his_o maker_n he_o may_v still_o have_v stand_v in_o his_o favour_n upon_o the_o general_a term_n of_o obedience_n due_a from_o the_o creature_n to_o his_o creator_n and_o to_o all_o such_o particular_a precept_n which_o shall_v bear_v the_o impress_n of_o his_o maker_n will_n upon_o they_o beside_o which_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o and_o his_o own_o reason_n within_o will_v have_v be_v sufficient_a director_n to_o he_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o he_o abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o be_v thereby_o guilty_a of_o apostasy_n from_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o a_o continue_a propensity_n to_o sin_n and_o the_o strangeness_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o particular_a revelation_n be_v now_o become_v necessary_a that_o mankind_n may_v thereby_o understand_v on_o what_o term_n god_n will_v be_v please_v again_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v they_o may_v be_v restore_v into_o his_o favour_n and_o last_o it_o not_o agree_v with_o the_o free_a and_o communicative_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o first_o original_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n to_o suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v in_o their_o own_o folly_n we_o must_v suppose_v this_o way_n for_o man_n recovery_n to_o be_v somewhere_o prescribe_v and_o the_o revelation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v somewhere_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o from_o the_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o have_v deduce_v by_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n we_o must_v examine_v what_o ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v of_o dâ—vine_a revelation_n for_o it_o must_v be_v suitable_a to_o that_o divine_a nature_n from_o who_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o come_v and_o it_o must_v be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o carry_v with_o it_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v a_o faithful_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o divine_a discovery_n of_o those_o way_n whereby_o man_n soul_n may_v be_v fit_v for_o eternal_a happiness_n a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o must_v be_v faithful_a and_o true_a in_o all_o its_o narration_n it_o must_v be_v excellent_a and_o become_a god_n in_o all_o its_o discovery_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n be_v desire_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v lie_v in_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o undoubted_a certainty_n or_o that_o there_o ie_fw-fr a_fw-fr god_n and_o that_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a second_o that_o the_o scripture_n do_v most_o faithful_o relate_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a antiquity_n therein_o contain_v which_o do_v most_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o breach_n between_o god_n and_o man_n three_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n of_o those_o term_n on_o which_o happiness_n may_v be_v expect_v in_o another_o world_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o they_o which_o concern_v the_o existence_n 2._o of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v suppose_v as_o general_a prolepse_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o as_o thing_n so_o consonant_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o none_o to_o who_o his_o write_n shall_v come_v can_v be_v suppose_v to_o question_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o spend_v no_o time_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la prove_v of_o either_o of_o these_o know_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o write_n will_v be_v to_o such_o who_o deny_v these_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o beside_o this_o there_o may_v be_v these_o account_n give_v why_o these_o main_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o insist_v on_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n first_o because_o these_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o write_n of_o they_o believe_v with_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o more_o early_a day_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o it_o be_v more_o fresh_a and_o entire_a it_o be_v scarce_o imaginable_a that_o man_n shall_v question_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n when_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n after_o it_o by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrab_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n as_o have_v be_v do_v so_o few_o generation_n before_o they_o and_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o any_o history_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o those_o elder_a time_n man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o atheism_n that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v the_o common_a practice_n of_o the_o world_n as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o relation_n of_o the_o ancient_a chaldean_n egyptian_n phaenician_o and_o other_o nation_n who_o all_o suppose_a these_o two_o principle_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o serve_v the_o true_a god_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o polytheism_n be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n and_o idolatry_n of_o irreligion_n and_o thence_o we_o find_v the_o
but_o give_v they_o in_o the_o lump_n to_o the_o main_a question_n without_o fit_v they_o to_o their_o several_a place_n they_o do_v more_o disservice_n to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o battle_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o their_o force_n than_o they_o can_v advantage_v it_o by_o the_o number_n of_o they_o 3._o another_o great_a pretence_n the_o atheist_n have_v be_v that_o religion_n be_v only_o a_o invention_n of_o politician_n which_o they_o awe_n people_n with_o as_o they_o please_v and_o therefore_o tell_v they_o of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n as_o mother_n send_v young_a child_n to_o school_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o better_a order_n that_o they_o may_v govern_v they_o with_o the_o great_a ease_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o religion_n i_o grant_v have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o well-governing_a the_o world_n nay_o so_o great_a that_o be_v the_o atheist_n opinion_n true_a and_o the_o world_n persuade_v of_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o world_n can_v be_v well_o govern_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o civil_a society_n depend_v not_o so_o much_o on_o force_n as_o the_o sacred_a bond_n of_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n which_o hold_v a_o nation_n that_o own_v religion_n as_o true_a in_o far_o sure_a obligation_n to_o endeavour_v the_o peace_n and_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n then_o ever_o violence_n can_v do_v for_o in_o this_o case_n only_o a_o opportunity_n be_v watch_v for_o to_o shake_v off_o that_o which_o they_o account_v a_o yoke_n upon_o their_o neck_n whereas_o when_o man_n mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n out_o of_o conscience_n the_o rain_n may_v be_v hold_v with_o great_a ease_n and_o yet_o the_o people_n be_v better_o manage_v by_o they_o then_o by_o such_o as_o only_a gall_n and_o enrage_v they_o so_o that_o i_o grant_v true_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o most_o serviceable_a principle_n for_o the_o govern_n of_o civil_a society_n but_o withal_o i_o say_v 2._o it_o be_v impossible_a religion_n shall_v be_v so_o much_o make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o govern_n of_o people_n be_v there_o not_o a_o real_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o as_o do_v not_o man_n love_v themselves_o and_o their_o child_n their_o estate_n and_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o obedience_n to_o law_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v because_o magistrate_n persuade_v people_n to_o obedience_n by_o suit_v law_n to_o the_o general_a interest_n of_o man_n that_o therefore_o the_o magistrate_n first_o make_v they_o love_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o concern_v so_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o magistrate_n may_v make_v use_n of_o this_o propensity_n to_o religion_n in_o man_n for_o civil_a end_n but_o his_o make_n use_v of_o it_o do_v suppose_v it_o and_o not_o instill_v it_o for_o be_v religion_n nothing_o else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o design_n only_o of_o politician_n it_o 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have_v find_v out_o as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n he_o be_v no_o such_o great_a friend_n to_o the_o very_a name_n of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o have_v retain_v it_o as_o a_o anticipation_n or_o prolepsis_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o argument_n from_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o bear_v the_o great_a sway_n among_o the_o philosopher_n who_o go_v by_o nothing_o but_o dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o can_v not_o so_o clear_o discover_v in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o those_o which_o all_o mankind_n do_v unanimous_o consent_v in_o two_o thing_n i_o shall_v make_v out_o this_o by_o 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o so_o universal_a a_o consent_n unless_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n 2._o that_o the_o dissent_n of_o any_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o control_v so_o universal_a a_o agreement_n 1._o that_o no_o sufficient_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o only_o by_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n in_o so_o strange_a a_o dissent_n as_o there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v most_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o mankind_n in_o common_a as_o the_o model_n of_o government_n the_o law_n they_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o particular_a rite_n and_o custom_n of_o worship_n we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o judge_v that_o those_o common_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o all_o these_o several_a different_a custom_n be_v build_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o any_o positive_a law_n nor_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o principle_n of_o education_n but_o something_o which_o have_v a_o deep_a root_n and_o foundation_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n
what_o do_v all_o the_o ruler_n of_o the_o world_n exact_o agree_v in_o one_o moment_n of_o time_n or_o at_o least_o in_o one_o age_n thus_o to_o abuse_v the_o world_n do_v the_o design_n of_o governor_n and_o the_o credulity_n of_o all_o people_n fall_v out_o to_o be_v so_o suitable_a together_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o do_v not_o find_v that_o governor_n can_v have_v the_o judgement_n of_o people_n so_o at_o their_o command_n that_o they_o can_v make_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v well_o say_v with_o that_o atheistical_a pope_n heu_fw-la quam_fw-la minimus_fw-la regitur_fw-la mundus_fw-la what_o a_o twine_n thread_n will_v rule_v the_o world_n but_o grant_v these_o thing_n which_o any_o but_o a_o atheist_n will_v say_v be_v impossible_a yet_o whence_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o world_n which_o be_v general_o lead_v more_o by_o the_o opinion_n of_o their_o forefather_n then_o by_o reason_n shall_v so_o cancel_v that_o former_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o no_o remain_a footstep_n of_o it_o can_v be_v trace_v in_o any_o history_n of_o those_o time_n or_o do_v the_o governor_n all_o consent_n to_o abolish_v all_o record_n of_o it_o public_a and_o write_v i_o grant_v they_o may_v but_o not_o those_o out_o of_o man_n mind_n and_o memory_n which_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o ease_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o posterity_n convey_v in_o some_o secret_a cabala_n from_o father_n to_o their_o child_n it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v so_o it_o be_v but_o man_n dare_v not_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o the_o law_n but_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a that_o the_o law_n of_o all_o the_o ancient_a commonwealth_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o atheism_n and_o withal_o how_o come_v some_o of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o philosophical_a man_n of_o greece_n and_o rome_n to_o embrace_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o a_o thing_n far_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n then_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n and_o establish_v their_o belief_n on_o such_o evidence_n from_o nature_n its_o self_n that_o none_o of_o their_o antagonist_n be_v able_a to_o answer_v they_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o the_o fear_n of_o law_n which_o make_v man_n rational_a and_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o nature_n and_o cause_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o those_o who_o be_v such_o amid_o the_o great_a idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a &_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n yet_o free_o and_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v it_o be_v only_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n which_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o this_o fraud_n be_v not_o discover_v by_o these_o philosopher_n who_o be_v far_o better_a able_a by_o their_o nearness_n to_o those_o elder_a time_n and_o much_o converse_v abroad_o in_o other_o nation_n for_o some_o travel_v into_o egypt_n chaldea_n persia_n india_n mere_o to_o gain_v knowledge_n to_o have_v find_v out_o such_o a_o imposture_n have_v it_o be_v such_o than_o any_o of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n whence_o come_v these_o now_o in_o this_o almost_o decrepit_a age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v the_o first_o smeller_n out_o of_o so_o great_a a_o design_n by_o what_o mean_n what_o token_n and_o evidence_n come_v such_o a_o imposture_n to_o their_o knowledge_n because_o forsooth_o the_o world_n be_v still_o apt_a to_o be_v abuse_v by_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o that_o do_v not_o see_v how_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a a_o sophism_n that_o be_v either_o by_o his_o own_o reason_n or_o by_o what_o have_v go_v before_o have_v wit_n and_o reason_n little_a enough_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n some_o therefore_o who_o will_v seem_v a_o little_o wise_a than_o the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o atheist_n for_o it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o vulgus_fw-la among_o they_o too_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v more_o for_o their_o meanness_n then_o multitude_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o the_o unreasonablenss_n of_o judge_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n come_v in_o by_o fraud_n that_o find_v it_o so_o general_a and_o universal_a they_o attribute_v it_o to_o as_o general_a and_o universal_a a_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n so_o true_a still_o be_v that_o of_o the_o poet_n coelum_fw-la ipsum_fw-la petimus_fw-la stultitia_fw-la for_o by_o what_o imaginable_a influence_n come_v the_o star_n to_o plant_v opinion_n in_o man_n mind_n so_o deep_o and_o universal_o but_o yet_o further_o be_v this_o opinion_n which_o be_v thus_o cause_v by_o the_o star_n true_a or_o false_a if_o the_o opinion_n be_v true_a we_o have_v what_o we_o desire_v if_o false_a what_o malignant_a influence_n be_v this_o of_o the_o star_n so_o powerful_o to_o sway_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o falsity_n how_o far_o be_v the_o star_n then_o from_o do_v good_a to_o mankind_n when_o they_o be_v so_o influential_a to_o deceive_v the_o world_n but_o then_o by_o what_o peculiar_a influence_n come_v some_o man_n to_o be_v free_v from_o this_o general_a imposture_n if_o the_o cause_n be_v so_o universal_a the_o effect_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o but_o if_o only_a the_o nativity_n and_o continuance_n of_o some_o particular_a religion_n may_v be_v calculate_v by_o the_o star_n as_o cardan_n and_o vaninus_n atheistical_o suppose_v whence_o then_o come_v the_o general_a propensity_n and_o inclination_n to_o religion_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v then_o cause_v by_o the_o heaven_n in_o general_a it_o must_v be_v produce_v necessary_o and_o universal_o and_o so_o to_o be_v a_o atheist_n be_v impossible_a if_o it_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o some_o particular_a star_n then_o when_o that_o influence_n cease_v the_o world_n will_v universal_o relapse_n into_o atheism_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o avoid_v this_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n as_o a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n when_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o atheist_n against_o it_o be_v so_o weak_a ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a the_o only_a thing_n then_o leave_v for_o he_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o universal_a consent_n because_o 13._o some_o person_n have_v be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o opinion_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v which_o be_v the_o second_o particular_a for_o clear_v this_o argument_n that_o the_o dissent_n of_o these_o person_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o manifest_v 2._o the_o consent_n not_o to_o be_v universal_a and_o to_o arise_v from_o a_o dictate_v of_o nature_n for_o i_o demand_v of_o the_o great_a atheist_n whether_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v two_o leg_n because_o some_o have_v be_v bear_v with_o one_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o natural_a for_o man_n to_o desire_v life_n which_o the_o atheist_n love_v so_o dear_o because_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o who_o have_v take_v away_o their_o own_o life_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o be_v monster_n and_o anomalyes_n in_o nature_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o regular_a account_n of_o thing_n the_o same_o i_o may_v with_o as_o great_a reason_n say_v of_o atheist_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v dispunge_v out_o of_o the_o census_n of_o such_o who_o act_n upon_o free_a principle_n of_o reason_n because_o there_o may_v be_v some_o peculiar_a reason_n give_v of_o their_o dissent_n from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o deity_n we_o see_v by_o the_o old_a philosopher_n how_o far_o the_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n and_o ambition_n of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o no_o vulgar_a wit_n may_v carry_v man_n to_o deny_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o common_a and_o obvious_a in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o plain_a and_o evident_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o yet_o if_o we_o believe_v aristotle_n who_o large_o dispute_v against_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 4._o there_o be_v some_o who_o affirm_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o so_o evident_a in_o nature_n as_o motion_n yet_o the_o philosopher_n be_v well_o know_v who_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o think_v himself_o subtle_a in_o do_v so_o too_o what_o be_v man_n more_o assure_v of_o then_o that_o they_o live_v and_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o too_o dogmatical_a even_o in_o that_o to_o believe_v the_o sceptic_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o what_o be_v
a_o opinion_n do_v and_o be_v sufficient_o deride_v and_o refute_v by_o pomponatius_n himself_o now_o than_o it_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a principle_n in_o nature_n that_o every_o thing_n continue_v in_o the_o course_n it_o be_v in_o till_o something_o more_o powerful_a put_v it_o out_o if_o then_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v be_v real_a alteration_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o sun_n stand_v still_o in_o the_o time_n of_o joshua_n then_o there_o must_v be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o jonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v thus_o establish_v in_o 1_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o now_o come_v to_o erect_v our_o supper_n structure_n upon_o they_o by_o assert_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o world_n its_o self_n lead_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o right_a understanding_n of_o which_o have_v very_o great_a influence_n upon_o our_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o although_o we_o shall_v assert_v with_o epicurus_n the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n if_o yet_o with_o he_o we_o add_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n all_o that_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o lie_v in_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v unavoidable_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v leave_v be_v only_o a_o kind_n of_o veneration_n of_o a_o bâ—ing_n more_o excellent_a than_o our_o own_o which_o reach_v not_o to_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n and_o so_o will_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v only_o allure_v by_o hope_n or_o awe_v by_o fear_n to_o that_o which_o of_o their_o choice_n they_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v free_v from_o beside_o what_o expression_n of_o gratitude_n can_v be_v leave_v to_o god_n for_o his_o goodness_n if_o he_o interpose_v not_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n what_o dependence_n can_v there_o be_v on_o divine_a goodness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o manifest_v in_o the_o world_n what_o apprehension_n can_v we_o have_v of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n if_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o the_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n destroy_v religion_n so_o do_v that_o of_o aristotle_n which_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o universe_n and_o a_o necessary_a emanation_n of_o it_o from_o the_o first_o cause_n as_o light_n come_v from_o the_o sun_n for_o if_o so_o as_o maimonides_n well_o observe_v the_o whole_a religion_n of_o moses_n be_v overthrow_v all_o his_o miracle_n be_v but_o 25._o imposture_n all_o the_o hope_n which_o be_v ground_v on_o the_o promise_v of_o god_n be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o if_o the_o world_n do_v of_o necessity_n exist_v than_o god_n be_v no_o free_a agent_n and_o if_o so_o then_o all_o institute_v religion_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o fear_v of_o punishment_n from_o he_o who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o set_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o the_o heaven_n go_v so_o much_o be_v it_o our_o concernment_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o on_o what_o evidence_n of_o reason_n those_o opinion_n be_v build_v which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o that_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o the_o bâ—oks_n of_o moses_n wherein_o we_o read_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o production_n of_o it_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a will_n and_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v then_o the_o plain_a assertion_n of_o moses_n we_o come_v to_o compare_v it_o in_o point_n of_o reason_n with_o all_o those_o several_a hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o it_o which_o have_v be_v embrace_v in_o several_a age_n by_o the_o philosopher_n of_o great_a esteem_n in_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o 1._o such_o as_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v exi_v as_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n 2._o such_o as_o attribute_v the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n but_o withal_o assert_v the_o praeexistence_n and_o eternity_n of_o matter_n 3._o such_o as_o deny_v any_o eternity_n to_o the_o world_n but_o assert_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n 4._o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n and_o all_o appearance_n of_o nature_n mere_o by_o the_o mechanical_a law_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n i_o begin_v with_o those_o who_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 2._o it_o be_v among_o who_o aristotle_n have_v bear_v the_o great_a name_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v arrogate_a this_o opinion_n to_o himself_o for_o when_o he_o inquire_v into_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o have_v writ-before_a he_o he_o say_v of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 10._o all_o the_o philosopher_n assert_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v though_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o and_o be_v this_o true_a which_o aristotle-saith_a it_o will_v be_v the_o strong_a prejudice_n against_o his_o opinion_n for_o if_o the_o world_n have_v be_v eternal_a how_o shall_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o elder_a philosopher_n shall_v so_o ready_o and_o unanimous_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n which_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n be_v it_o not_o a_o strong_a presumption_n of_o the_o novity_n of_o the_o universe_n that_o all_o nation_n to_o who_o the_o philosopher_n resort_v have_v memorial_n leave_v among_o they_o of_o the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o the_o humour_n of_o philosophize_v begin_v to_o take_v the_o greek_n about_o the_o xl._o olympiad_n when_o we_o may_v suppose_v thales_n to_o flourish_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o dispute_n but_o take_v that_o for_o grant_v the_o enquiry_n be_v out_o of_o what_o material_a principle_n the_o universe_n be_v form_v of_o which_o thales_n thus_o deliver_v his_o opinion_n in_o tully_n aquam_fw-la 25._o dixit_fw-la esse_fw-la initium_fw-la rerum_fw-la deum_fw-la autem_fw-la eam_fw-la mentem_fw-la quae_fw-la ex_fw-la aqua_fw-la cuncta_fw-la fingeret_fw-la wherein_o he_o plain_o distinguish_v the_o efficient_a from_o the_o material_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n the_o prime_a efficient_a be_v god_n the_o material_a principle_n water_n it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o some_o enquiry_n whether_o the_o first_o
there_o be_v no_o prevalency_n at_o all_o in_o any_o one_o particle_n above_o another_o in_o bigness_n or_o motion_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o universal_a matter_n to_o who_o motion_n be_v so_o essential_a and_o natural_a will_v be_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o produce_v of_o any_o variety_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v cause_v by_o this_o thin_a and_o subtle_a matter_n but_o what_o will_v be_v whole_o imperceptible_a to_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o visible_a world_n will_v this_o be_v from_o hence_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o must_v both_o put_v matter_n into_o motion_n and_o regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o produce_v all_o those_o variety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n give_v it_o from_o god_n be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o mr._n des_n cartes_n himself_o in_o these_o word_n considero_fw-la materiam_fw-la sibi_fw-la libere_fw-la permissam_fw-la &_o nullum_fw-la aliunde_fw-la impulsum_fw-la suscipientem_fw-la ut_fw-la plane_n quiescentem_fw-la illa_fw-la 104._o autem_fw-la impellitur_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la tantundem_fw-la motus_fw-la five_o translationis_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la conservante_fw-la quantum_fw-la abinitio_fw-la posuit_fw-la so_o that_o this_o great_a improver_n and_o discoverer_n of_o the_o mechanical_a power_n of_o matter_n do_v free_o confess_v the_o necessity_n not_o only_o of_o god_n give_v motion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n but_o of_o his_o conserve_n motion_n in_o it_o for_o the_o uphold_v it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v from_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o exclude_v of_o a_o deity_n from_o be_v the_o prime_n efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v concern_v the_o particular_a manner_n which_o be_v use_v by_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n suggest_v what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o it_o omnia_fw-la simul_fw-la creata_fw-la â—rant_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la successive_a ab_fw-la inuicem_fw-la separata_fw-la although_o i_o be_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o that_o of_o 6._o gassendus_fw-la majus_fw-la â—st_fw-la mundus_fw-la opus_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la assâ—qui_fw-la mens_fw-la humana_fw-la illius_fw-la molitionem_fw-la possit_fw-la to_o which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v well_o apply_v that_o speech_n of_o solomon_n then_o i_o behold_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o 17._o the_o sun_n because_o though_o a_o man_n labour_n to_o sack_v it_o out_o yea_o further_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n think_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o sinde_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epieurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o permian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o senecâ—_n plutarch_n and_o other_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_a not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o 1_o that_o the_o world_n have_v its_o be_v from_o he_o it_o thence_o follow_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o rational_a deduction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a band_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o uphold_v the_o world_n in_o its_o be_v and_o wise_o dispose_v all_o event_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n to_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o deny_v providence_n and_o in_o nothing_o do_v epicurus_n more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o puerility_n of_o his_o judgement_n then_o in_o this_o indeed_o if_o epicurus_n have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o assert_v a_o deity_n than_o as_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n imagine_v to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o direct_a atheism_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o foundation_n of_o religion_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n well_o though_o he_o do_v assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n which_o he_o call_v god_n while_o yet_o he_o make_v he_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o elbow_n fold_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n and_o take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a action_n for_o he_o well_o know_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v once_o root_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o excellent_a be_v above_o the_o heaven_n will_v have_v no_o more_o awe_n or_o power_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o the_o tell_v man_n that_o there_o be_v jewel_n of_o inestimable_a value_n in_o the_o indies_n make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o pay_v tax_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o that_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a but_o power_n nor_o speculation_n but_o interest_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n the_o poor_a tenant_n more_o regard_v his_o petty_a landlord_n than_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o he_o think_v he_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o he_o neither_o fear_n punishment_n nor_o hope_n for_o reward_n from_o he_o whereas_o his_o landlord_n may_v dispossess_v he_o of_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o displeasure_n and_o may_v advantage_v he_o the_o most_o if_o he_o gain_v his_o favour_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o think_v it_o a_o impair_n of_o his_o happiness_n to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o a_o inspection_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n may_v then_o be_v indeed_o derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la but_o not_o à _fw-la religando_fw-la there_o may_v be_v some_o pleasure_n in_o contemplate_v his_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n so_o that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o sound_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o philosophical_a antinomianism_n place_v all_o religion_n in_o a_o veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n pure_o for_o its_o own_o excellency_n without_o any_o such_o mercenary_a eye_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n for_o their_o own_o end_n as_o they_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v to_o reward_v and_o punishment_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o good_a woman_n who_o the_o story_n go_v of_o who_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a posture_n run_v up_o and_o down_o the_o strect_v with_o emblem_n in_o her_o hand_n fire_n in_o the_o one_o as_o she_o say_v to_o burn_v up_o heaven_n and_o water_n in_o the_o other_o to_o quench_v hell_n that_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n pure_o for_o himself_o will_v if_o she_o have_v compass_v her_o design_n soon_o bring_v proselyte_n enough_o to_o epicurus_n and_o by_o burn_a heaven_n will_v have_v burn_v up_o the_o cord_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o quench_v hell_n will_v have_v extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o spirit_n advance_v to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a height_n in_o religion_n make_v they_o exceed_o value_v their_o choice_n while_o they_o disregard_n what_o ever_o rival_n with_o god_n for_o it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o for_o
semper_fw-la fuisse_fw-la composuit_fw-la duâ—sque_fw-la naturas_fw-la at_o que_fw-la substantias_fw-la boni_fw-la scilicet_fw-la &_o mali_fw-la sequens_fw-la alios_fw-la antiquos_fw-la haereticos_fw-la opinatus_fw-la est_fw-la st._n austin_n think_v that_o manes_n have_v hâ—s_a opinion_n concern_v two_o principle_n from_o the_o ancient_a 46._o heretic_n by_o who_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v the_o marcicnist_n and_o valentinian_o but_o it_o seem_v more_o probable_a that_o manes_n have_v his_o doctrine_n immediate_o from_o hâ—s_a countryman_n though_o it_o be_v general_o think_v that_o scythianus_n and_o buddas_n be_v his_o master_n iâ—_n it_o but_o from_o whosoever_o it_o come_v the_o opinion_n be_v meâ—rly_o heathen_a and_o not_o more_o contrary_a to_o scripture_n then_o it_o be_v to_o reason_n the_o former_a i_o meddâ—â—_n not_o with_o that_o opinion_n be_v now_o extinct_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n i_o only_o brief_o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o it_o to_o show_v what_o a_o far_o better_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o scripture_n give_v we_o than_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n for_o on_o both_o side_n that_o opinion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n so_o that_o while_o they_o will_v make_v two_o such_o god_n they_o make_v none_o at_o all_o for_o how_o can_v the_o principle_n of_o good_a be_v god_n if_o he_o have_v not_o infinite_a power_n as_o well_o as_o goodness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v infinite_a power_n if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v the_o management_n of_o thing_n if_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o evil_n which_o the_o other_o god_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o evil_n may_v lay_v upon_o it_o from_o which_o according_a to_o this_o supposition_n the_o principle_n of_o good_a can_v rescue_v it_o so_o that_o they_o who_o hold_v this_o opinion_n can_v as_o simâ—licius_n tell_v we_o give_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o half_a of_o that_o infinite_a power_n which_o belong_v to_o he_o for_o neither_o can_v he_o keep_v the_o good_a creature_n which_o he_o make_v from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o evil_a daemon_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o love_v they_o must_v be_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o contrary_a principle_n neither_o can_v he_o free_v they_o from_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o other_o lay_v upon_o they_o for_o than_o god_n power_n will_v be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o evil_a daemon_n and_o so_o he_o can_v be_v no_o anti-god_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_o evil_a be_v be_v in_o its_o self_n a_o inconsistent_a idea_n for_o it_o be_v a_o infinite_a nonentity_n if_o we_o suppose_v his_o very_a be_v to_o lie_v in_o be_v evil_a which_o be_v only_o a_o privation_n of_o goodness_n and_o beside_o if_o he_o be_v infinite_o evil_a he_o must_v be_v infinite_o contrary_a to_o the_o good_a principle_n and_o how_o can_v he_o be_v infinite_o contrary_a which_o enjoy_v several_a of_o the_o same_o perfection_n which_o the_o other_o have_v which_o be_v infinity_n of_o essence_n and_o necessity_n of_o existence_n now_o if_o this_o principle_n of_o evil_n be_v absolute_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o it_o must_v be_v contrary_a in_o all_o his_o perfection_n for_o whatever_o be_v a_o perfection_n belong_v to_o that_o which_o be_v good_a and_o now_o if_o it_o be_v contrary_a in_o every_o perfection_n infinity_o of_o essence_n and_o necessity_n of_o existence_n be_v two_o it_o must_v be_v as_o contrary_a as_o be_v imaginable_a to_o they_o by_o which_o this_o evil_a principle_n must_v be_v infinite_o defective_a in_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v a_o infinite_a non_fw-fr entity_n which_o yet_o exist_v which_o be_v the_o height_n of_o contradiction_n again_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o contrary_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o evil_a than_o all_o evil_n fall_v out_o unavoidable_o and_o by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o infinite_o evil_a principle_n by_o which_o mean_v not_o only_o all_o religion_n but_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n will_v be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o this_o evil_a principle_n be_v infinite_a and_o if_o not_o infinite_a no_o anti-god_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o all_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n will_v be_v take_v away_o and_o then_o what_o need_v make_v two_o such_o contrary_a principle_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a for_o when_o once_o evil_a become_v thus_o necessary_a it_o lose_v its_o nature_n as_o a_o moral_a evil_n for_o a_o moral_a evil_n imply_v in_o it_o a_o voluntary_a breach_n of_o some_o know_a law_n but_o how_o can_v that_o breach_n be_v voluntary_a which_o be_v cause_v by_o a_o infinite_a power_n in_o the_o most_o proper_a way_n of_o efficiency_n and_o thus_o if_o all_o freedom_n of_o will_v be_v destroy_v as_o it_o be_v necessary_o by_o this_o supposition_n than_o no_o government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o law_n can_v be_v suppose_v and_o consequent_o no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n which_o suppose_v liberty_n of_o action_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o religion_n law_n and_o providence_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o this_o evil_a daemon_n will_v get_v all_o into_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o instead_o of_o two_o contrary_a principle_n there_o will_v be_v but_o one_o infinite_o evil_a demon._n which_o that_o there_o be_v not_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v so_o much_o good_a leave_v in_o it_o of_o which_o there_o will_v be_v none_o if_o thâ—s_v evil_a daemon_n have_v infinite_a power_n by_o this_o we_o see_v there_o can_v be_v a_o principle_n infinite_o evil_a for_o while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o make_v two_o such_o contrary_a principle_n infinite_a they_o make_v neither_o of_o they_o so_o and_o so_o while_o they_o make_v two_o god_n they_o take_v away_o any_o at_o all_o so_o that_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a be_v manifest_o absurd_a irrational_a and_o contradiction_n but_o all_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v not_o so_o gross_a as_o to_o 11._o imagine_v two_o such_o anti-god_n with_o infinite_o active_a power_n but_o yet_o those_o who_o will_v not_o in_o term_n assert_v it_o may_v be_v drive_v to_o it_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a which_o do_v suppose_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o nature_n as_o flow_v from_o that_o passive_a principle_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v produce_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o heraclitus_n as_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n to_o discord_n osiride_n and_o antipathy_n and_o be_v wont_a to_o say_v that_o when_o homer_n wish_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o all_o contention_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o do_v secret_o curse_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o wish_v the_o ruin_n of_o the_o world_n so_o empedocles_n call_v the_o active_a principle_n whâ—ch_n do_v good_a harmony_n and_o friendship_n but_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o he_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o quarrelsome_a pernicious_a and_o bloody_a principle_n the_o same_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o of_o those_o two_o renown_a philosopher_n pythagoras_n and_o plato_n thence_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o pythagorean_n call_v the_o principle_n of_o good_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unity_n finite_a quiescent_n straight_o uneven_a number_n square_a right_a and_o splendid_a the_o principle_n of_o evil_n they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o binary_a infinite_a move_a crooked_a even_o long_o of_o one_o side_n unequal_a left_a obscure_a the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v very_o obscure_a it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o conceal_v it_o but_o he_o say_v in_o his_o old_a age_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o any_o if_n or_o and_o his_o he_o assert_v the_o world_n to_o be_v move_v by_o more_o than_o one_o principle_n by_o two_o at_o the_o least_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o of_o a_o good_a and_o benign_a nature_n the_o other_o contrary_n to_o it_o both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o operation_n numenius_n 394._o in_o chalcidius_n thus_o deliver_v the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n de_fw-fr originibus_fw-la as_o he_o speak_v igitur_fw-la pythagoras_n quoque_fw-la inquit_fw-la numenius_n fluidam_fw-la &_o sine_fw-la qualitate_fw-la sylvam_fw-la esse_fw-la censet_fw-la nec_fw-la tamen_fw-la ut_fw-la stoici_fw-la naturae_fw-la mediae_fw-la interque_fw-la malorum_fw-la bonorumque_fw-la viciniam_fw-la sed_fw-la plane_n noxiam_fw-la deum_fw-la quip_n esse_fw-la ut_fw-la etiam_fw-la platoni_n videtur_fw-la initium_fw-la &_o causam_fw-la bonorum_fw-la sylvam_fw-la malorum_fw-la so_o that_o according_a to_o numenius_n both_o
plato_n and_o pythagoras_n attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o the_o malignity_n of_o matter_n and_o so_o they_o make_v evil_n to_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n for_o thus_o he_o deliver_v express_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n qui_fw-fr ait_fw-fr existente_fw-la providentia_fw-la mala_fw-la quoque_fw-la necessario_fw-la substitisse_fw-la propterea_fw-la quod_fw-la sylva_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o eadem_fw-la sit_fw-la malitia_fw-la praedita_fw-la platonemque_fw-la idem_fw-la numenius_n laudat_fw-la quod_fw-la dvas_fw-la mundi_fw-la â—â—mas_fw-la autumet_fw-la unam_fw-la beneficentissimam_fw-la malignam_fw-la alteram_fw-la sc_n sylvam_fw-la igitur_fw-la juxta_fw-la platonem_fw-la mundo_fw-la bona_fw-la sua_fw-la dei_fw-la tanquam_fw-la patris_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la collata_fw-la sunt_fw-la mala_fw-la vero_fw-la matris_fw-la sylvae_fw-la vitio_fw-la cohaeserunt_fw-la but_o plutarch_n timaeâ—_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v that_o plato_n attribute_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a mere_o to_o matter_n but_o he_o make_v the_o principle_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o confuse_a infinite_a selfmoving_a stir_v principle_n which_o say_v he_o he_o else_o where_o call_v necessity_n and_o in_o his_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la plain_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o disorderly_a and_o malignant_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o mere_a matter_n when_o he_o make_v his_o hyle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o form_n or_o figure_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o quality_n and_o power_n of_o operation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v he_o that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n such_o a_o inert_a principle_n as_o matter_n be_v shall_v by_o plato_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o evil_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d necessity_n which_o often_o resist_v god_n and_o cast_v off_o his_o reins_o so_o that_o according_a to_o plutarch_n plato_n acquit_v both_o god_n and_o hyle_n from_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o attribute_n it_o to_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o move_v the_o matter_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o this_o spirit_n shall_v be_v neither_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o can_v ever_o understand_v what_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n than_o be_v there_o among_o the_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a when_o they_o be_v so_o consuse_v and_o obscure_a in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o it_o that_o their_o great_a admirer_n can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o though_o plato_n seem_v so_o ambiguous_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a whether_o he_o shall_v attribute_v it_o to_o the_o 12._o hyle_n or_o some_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o it_o the_o stoic_n be_v more_o dogmatical_a and_o plain_o impute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n so_o chalcidius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o stoic_n make_v matter_n not_o to_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o self_n as_o pythagoras_n but_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o perrogati_fw-la igitur_fw-la unde_fw-la mala_fw-la 39â—_n perversitatem_fw-la seminarium_fw-la malorum_fw-la causati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o make_v the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a but_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v nec_fw-la expediunt_fw-la adhuâ—_n undeâ—â—psa_fw-la perversitas_fw-la cum_fw-la juxta_fw-la ipsos_fw-la duo_fw-la sint_fw-la initia_fw-la rerum_fw-la dâ—â—â—â—_n &_o sylva_fw-la deus_fw-la summum_fw-la &_o praecellens_fw-la bonum_fw-la sylva_fw-la ut_fw-la censent_fw-la nec_fw-la bonum_fw-la nec_fw-la malum_fw-la they_o give_v no_o rational_a account_n whence_o this_o perversity_n of_o matter_n shall_v arise_v when_o according_a to_o the_o stoic_n there_o be_v but_o two_o principle_n of_o thing_n god_n and_o matter_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v perfect_o good_a the_o other_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o this_o perversity_n they_o tell_v we_o be_v something_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o be_v affection_n viz._n the_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v the_o generation_n of_o thing_n as_o rust_n come_v upon_o brass_n and_o filth_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o the_o counterfeit_a trismegistus_n speak_v so_o maximus_n tyrius_n say_v that_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o any_o work_n of_o art_n but_o the_o affection_n of_o 5._o matter_n non_fw-la potest_fw-la artifex_fw-la mutare_fw-la materiam_fw-la say_v seneca_n when_o he_o be_v give_v a_o account_n why_o god_n suffer_v evil_n in_o the_o world_n and_o elsewhere_o give_v thâ—s_a account_n why_o evil_n come_v into_o he_o world_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la cessat_fw-la ars_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la id_fw-la in_o quo_fw-la exercetur_fw-la quaest_n inobsequens_fw-la arti_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o account_n of_o it_o lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o better_a order_n by_o that_o god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n out_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o the_o stoic_n suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o avoid_v the_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o make_v it_o matter_n necessary_a and_o coexistent_a with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a pretence_n which_o hermogenes_n have_v for_o follow_v the_o platonist_n and_o stoic_n in_o this_o opinion_n that_o he_o may_v set_v god_n far_o enough_o off_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v sâ—e_v what_o advantage_n come_v at_o all_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n but_o it_o be_v chargeable_a with_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o any_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o either_o destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n or_o else_o make_v he_o the_o 1._o approver_n of_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o auctor_fw-la he_o must_v be_v assentator_n mali_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v against_o hermogenes_n because_o he_o suffer_v evil_a to_o be_v in_o matter_n for_o as_o he_o argue_v aut_fw-la 10._o enim_fw-la potuit_fw-la emendare_fw-la sed_fw-la noluit_fw-la aut_fw-la voluit_fw-la quidem_fw-la verum_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la infirmus_fw-la deus_fw-la si_fw-la potuit_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la malus_fw-la &_o ipse_fw-la quia_fw-la malâ—_n savit_fw-la &_o fic_z jam_fw-la habetur_fw-la ejus_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la instituerit_fw-la quia_fw-la tamen_fw-la si_fw-la noluisset_fw-la illud_fw-la essâ—_n non_fw-la esset_fw-la ipse_fw-la jam_fw-la fecit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quo_fw-la quid_fw-la â—st_fw-la â—urpius_fw-la si_fw-mi voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ipse_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la adversum_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la egit_fw-la cum_fw-la &_o voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la quod_fw-la voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o little_a advantage_n be_v gain_v for_o the_o clear_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o opinion_n for_o either_o god_n can_v have_v take_v away_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n but_o will_v not_o or_o else_o will_v but_o can_v not_o this_o latter_a destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n the_o former_a his_o good-ness_a for_o by_o that_o mean_v evil_a be_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o consent_n and_o approbation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o remove_v it_o when_o he_o may_v the_o be_v of_o it_o will_v come_v from_o he_o when_o if_o he_o will_v have_v hinder_v it_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v and_o so_o god_n by_o not_o root_a out_o of_o evil_a will_v be_v find_v a_o assertor_n of_o it_o male_a si_fw-la per_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la turpiter_fw-la si_fw-la per_fw-la necessitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la famulus_fw-la erit_fw-la mali_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la amicus_fw-la if_o god_n will_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v it_o reflect_v on_o his_o goodness_n if_o god_n power_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o it_o destroy_v his_o omnipotency_n so_o that_o by_o this_o opinion_n god_n must_v either_o be_v a_o slave_n or_o a_o friend_n to_o evil_n 2._o this_o principle_n 2._o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o order_n to_o their_o welfare_n because_o it_o make_v evil_a to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a in_o the_o world_n which_o appear_v from_o hence_o in_o that_o evil_n do_v result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v as_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o whatever_o result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v coexistent_a with_o it_o and_o so_o what_o flow_v from_o what_o do_v necessary_o exist_v must_v have_v the_o same_o mode_n of_o existence_n which_o the_o be_v its_o self_n have_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o have_v the_o same_o immutability_n with_o his_o nature_n now_o than_o if_o evil_a do_v exist_v
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
substance_n of_o our_o religion_n imitation_n of_o he_o in_o his_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n by_o our_o constant_a endeavour_n of_o mortify_a sin_n and_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o piety_n in_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n by_o our_o kindness_n to_o all_o man_n forgive_a the_o injury_n man_n do_v unto_o we_o do_v good_a to_o our_o great_a enemy_n in_o his_o justice_n and_o equity_n by_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o and_o keep_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n the_o first_o take_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o first_o the_o other_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o second_o table_n all_o act_n of_o piety_n towards_o god_n be_v a_o part_n of_o justice_n for_o as_o tully_n say_v quid_fw-la aliud_fw-la â—st_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o nisi_fw-la justitia_fw-la adversus_fw-la deos_fw-la and_o so_o our_o love_a god_n with_o our_o whole_a beart_n our_o entire_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n be_v a_o part_n of_o natural_a justice_n for_o thereby_o we_o do_v but_o render_v unto_o god_n that_o which_o be_v his_o due_n from_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n we_o see_v then_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n the_o fear_v god_n and_o keeâ—ing_v his_o commandment_n be_v as_o necessary_a a_o part_n of_o justice_n as_o the_o render_n to_o every_o man_n his_o own_o be_v 2._o they_o be_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v in_o that_o 1._o religion_n be_v not_o only_o a_o service_n of_o the_o reasonable_a faculty_n which_o be_v employ_v the_o most_o in_o it_o the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n reach_v the_o heart_n most_o and_o the_o service_n require_v be_v a_o spiritual_a service_n not_o lie_v in_o meat_n and_o drink_n or_o any_o outward_a observation_n but_o in_o a_o sanctify_a temper_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n whâ—ch_n discover_v its_o self_n in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n but_o 2._o the_o service_n its_o self_n of_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a the_o command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o no_o man_n reason_n which_o consider_v they_o can_v doubt_v of_o the_o excellency_n of_o they_o all_o natural_a worship_n be_v found_v on_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n all_o institute_v worship_n on_o god_n reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o prime_n dictate_v of_o nature_n that_o god_n must_v be_v universal_o obey_v beside_o god_n require_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v apparent_o man_n interest_n to_o do_v god_n prohibit_v nothing_o but_o what_o will_v destroy_v he_o if_o he_o do_v it_o so_o that_o the_o command_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a 2._o the_o encouragement_n be_v more_o than_o proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o obedience_n god_n command_n be_v in_o themselves_o easy_a and_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n what_o more_o rational_a for_o a_o creature_n then_o to_o obey_v his_o maker_n all_o the_o aâ—fficulty_n of_o religion_n arise_v from_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n now_o god_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n arise_v thence_o have_v propound_v the_o strong_a motive_n and_o most_o prevail_a argument_n to_o obedience_n such_o be_v the_o consideration_n of_o god_n love_n and_o goodness_n manifest_v to_o the_o world_n by_o send_v his_o son_n into_o it_o to_o die_v for_o sinner_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o example_n which_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o by_o his_o readiness_n through_o he_o to_o pardon_v the_o sin_n and_o accept_v the_o person_n of_o such_o who_o so_o receive_v he_o as_o to_o walk_v in_o he_o and_o by_o his_o promise_n of_o grace_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o wrestle_n with_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o to_o all_o these_o add_v that_o glorious_a and_o unconceivable_a reward_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o all_o those_o who_o sincere_o obey_v he_o and_o by_o these_o thing_n we_o see_v how_o much_o the_o encouragement_n over-weigh_a the_o difficulty_n and_o that_o none_o can_v make_v the_o least_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v not_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o down-weigh_a the_o trouble_n which_o attend_v the_o exercise_n of_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n so_o that_o we_o see_v what_o a_o peculiar_a excellency_n there_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n above_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o mere_a moralist_n the_o foundation_n of_o obedience_n be_v lay_v deep_a in_o man_n obligation_n to_o serve_v his_o maker_n the_o practice_n of_o obedience_n be_v carry_v high_a in_o those_o most_o holy_a precept_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n the_o reward_n of_o obedience_n be_v incomparable_o great_a then_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o conceive_v much_o less_o to_o promise_v or_o bestow_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n appear_v as_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o transaction_n between_o 11._o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o more_o memorable_a any_o transaction_n be_v the_o more_o valuable_a be_v any_o authentic_a record_n of_o they_o the_o scripture_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o heaven_n a_o act_n of_o pardon_n with_o the_o royal_a assent_n of_o heaven_n a_o proclamation_n of_o goodwill_n from_o god_n towards_o man_n and_o can_v we_o then_o set_v too_o great_a a_o value_n on_o that_o which_o contain_v all_o the_o remarkable_a passage_n between_o god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v since_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v all_o mankind_n to_o perish_v inevitable_o without_o his_o propound_v any_o mean_n for_o escape_v of_o eternal_a misery_n be_v god_n so_o good_a to_o man_n as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n and_o can_v we_o think_v if_o man_n soul_n be_v immortal_a as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v whole_o neglect_v any_o offer_n of_o good_a to_o man_n as_o to_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n or_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n without_o god_n promise_v it_o and_o prescribe_v condition_n in_o order_n to_o it_o if_o so_o than_o this_o happiness_n be_v no_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v the_o bestow_n and_o promise_v of_o it_o and_o man_n be_v no_o rational_a agent_n unless_o a_o reward_n suppose_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o order_n to_o the_o obtain_v it_o or_o man_n may_v be_v bind_v to_o condition_n which_o be_v never_o require_v he_o or_o if_o they_o must_v be_v require_v then_o there_o must_v be_v a_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n whereby_o he_o do_v require_v they_o and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v some_o record_n extant_a of_o the_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n for_o what_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v to_o imagine_v that_o such_o record_n if_o once_o extant_a shall_v not_o continue_v still_o especial_o since_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v engage_v to_o preserve_v such_o record_n which_o at_o first_o do_v cause_v they_o to_o be_v indict_v suppose_v then_o such_o record_n extant_a somewhere_o in_o the_o world_n of_o these_o grand_a transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n soul_n our_o business_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o period_n for_o what_o other_o record_n be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v in_o the_o least_o vie_n with_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o give_v so_o just_a a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o all_o the_o step_n method_n and_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n it_o remain_v only_o then_o that_o we_o adore_v and_o magnify_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o and_o that_o we_o set_v a_o value_n and_o esteem_v on_o the_o scripture_n as_o on_o the_o only_a authentic_a instrument_n of_o that_o grand_a charter_n of_o peace_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v in_o order_n to_o man_n eternal_a happiness_n finis_fw-la de_fw-fr isid._n &_o oâ—â—â—_n sect._n 1_o gen._n 1._o 31_o sect._n 2._o protrept_v p._n 63._o gen._n 1._o 26._o sect._n 3_o in_o cratylo_n in_o gen._n 2._o 19_o oedip._n egyp_n tom._n 2._o class_n 2._o cap._n 1._o sect._n 4._o sect._n 5._o object_n answ._n sect._n 6._o sect._n 7._o sect._n 8._o act._n 17._o 23._o sect_n 9_o sect._n 10._o sect._n 11._o de_fw-fr 〈◊〉_d c._n 1._o sect._n 12._o de_fw-fr nat_n deor._n l._n 1_o c._n 63._o sect._n 13._o apad_v orig._n c._n cels._n l._n 4._o p._n 174_o 179_o sect._n 14._o sect._n 15._o sect._n 16._o sect._n 17._o lib._n 1._o bâ—st_n p._n 10._o ed._n
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o