and_o of_o seduce_v and_o apostate_n spirit_n without_o any_o sufficient_a mean_n afford_v they_o to_o undeceive_v and_o rescue_v themselves_o can_v we_o suppose_v that_o god_n of_o infinite_a majesty_n and_o power_n and_o who_o be_v a_o jealous_a god_n and_o will_v not_o give_v his_o honour_n to_o another_o shall_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n to_o make_v themselves_o god_n of_o wood_n and_o stone_n nay_o to_o offer_v their_o son_n and_o their_o daughter_n unto_o devil_n and_o to_o commit_v all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o false_a god_n and_o make_v murder_n and_o adultery_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o vice_n not_o only_o their_o practice_n but_o their_o religion_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o true_a god_n will_v behold_v all_o this_o for_o so_o many_o age_n among_o so_o many_o people_n and_o yet_o not_o concern_v himself_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o much_o wickedness_n and_o to_o vindicate_v his_o own_o honour_n and_o restore_v the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n upon_o earth_n i_o shall_v in_o due_a place_n prove_v at_o large_a that_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n have_v the_o great_a necessity_n for_o a_o revelation_n to_o direct_v and_o reform_v they_o and_o that_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o teach_v abominable_o wicked_a doctrine_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o best_a teacher_n and_o instructor_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o we_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n if_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n and_o truth_n and_o yet_o we_o may_v as_o well_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o imagine_v that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o what_o be_v do_v here_o below_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v suffer_v itself_o to_o be_v affront_v and_o despise_v without_o require_v any_o satisfaction_n that_o infinite_a holiness_n shall_v behold_v the_o whole_a world_n lie_v in_o wickedness_n and_o find_v out_o no_o way_n to_o remedy_v it_o and_o that_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n and_o all_o the_o tyranny_n of_o sin_n and_o satan_n for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n shall_v enslave_v and_o torment_v the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o compassion_n in_o infinite_a mercy_n nor_o any_o care_n over_o a_o erroneous_a and_o delude_a world_n in_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n will_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a father_n see_v his_o child_n run_v on_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o extravagancy_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reclaim_v they_o nor_o give_v they_o any_o advice_n but_o leave_v they_o whole_o to_o themselves_o to_o pursue_v their_o own_o ruin_n and_o if_o this_o be_v unworthy_a to_o suppose_v of_o natural_a parent_n how_o much_o more_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o imagine_v this_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o we_o can_v but_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o with_o all_o the_o compassion_n of_o the_o tender_a father_n or_o mother_n without_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n that_o accompany_v they_o in_o humane_a parent_n how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o thought_n of_o almighty_a god_n infinite_a in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v mankind_n to_o make_v themselves_o as_o miserable_a as_o they_o can_v both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o without_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o so_o fatal_a a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n or_o interpose_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o direction_n to_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o escape_v destruction_n and_o to_o obtain_v happiness_n the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n be_v know_v to_o we_o only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v into_o consideration_n when_o we_o argue_v upon_o the_o mere_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o i_o consider_v mankind_n as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o fact_n set_v aside_o the_o advantage_n of_o revelation_n wicked_a and_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n in_o the_o snare_n of_o the_o devil_n take_v captive_a by_o he_o at_o his_o will_n unable_a to_o work_v out_o their_o own_o salvation_n lose_v and_o undo_v without_o power_n or_o strength_n without_o any_o help_n or_o remedy_n and_o in_o this_o state_n of_o the_o world_n however_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v take_v some_o course_n and_o not_o disregard_n all_o mankind_n lie_v in_o this_o condition_n the_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o the_o last_o day_n st._n peter_n tell_v we_o will_v be_v this_o that_o all_o thing_n go_v on_o in_o their_o constant_a course_n and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o meddle_v or_o concern_v himself_o with_o they_o where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_v for_o since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o creation_n 2_o pet._n three_o 4._o and_o if_o no_o promise_n have_v ever_o be_v make_v they_o will_v have_v have_v some_o reason_n in_o their_o argue_n for_o that_o which_o render_v the_o heathen_a without_o excuse_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n to_o lead_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_n which_o they_o have_v frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o have_v many_o memorial_n of_o it_o among_o they_o in_o every_o nation_n but_o they_o do_v not_o like_a to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n and_o this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n paul_n argument_n act._n xvii_o &_o rom._n i._n unless_o this_o latter_a chapter_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v as_o dr._n hammond_n interpret_v it_o of_o the_o gnostick_n heretic_n that_o the_o gentile_n ought_v not_o to_o pervert_v and_o stifle_v those_o natural_a notion_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o proceed_v to_o find_v out_o the_o write_a law_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o habitation_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v determine_v and_o appoint_v by_o god_n according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n that_o they_o may_v seek_v the_o lord_n and_o may_v be_v able_a to_o find_v and_o discover_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o that_o people_n to_o who_o he_o have_v reveal_v himself_o deut._n xxxii_o 8._o act._n xvii_o 26_o 27._o they_o may_v have_v be_v less_o vicious_a than_o they_o be_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therein_o they_o be_v inexcusable_a that_o though_o they_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o power_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o may_v not_o have_v give_v themselves_o so_o whole_o up_o to_o it_o as_o to_o become_v exclude_v from_o the_o grace_n and_o salvation_n to_o be_v obtain_v by_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o when_o god_n have_v reveal_v himself_o all_o who_o will_v not_o use_v the_o mean_n and_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o their_o reason_n endeavour_n from_o natural_a religion_n to_o arrive_v at_o reveal_v become_v inexcusable_a for_o their_o negligence_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o those_o talent_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o when_o god_n have_v once_o give_v man_n warning_n and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n and_o they_o will_v not_o regard_v it_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_o ignorant_a if_o they_o will_v not_o consider_v that_o one_o day_n be_v with_o the_o lord_n as_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o thousand_o year_n as_o one_o day_n and_o it_o be_v argument_n of_o his_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a that_o he_o do_v not_o bring_v speedy_a vengeance_n upon_o a_o disobedient_a and_o rebellious_a world_n the_o lord_n be_v not_o slack_a concern_v his_o promise_n as_o some_o man_n count_v slackness_n but_o be_v long-suffering_a to_o we_o ward_n not_o willing_a that_o any_o shall_v perish_v but_o that_o all_o shall_v come_v to_o repentance_n but_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v as_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n now_o this_o be_v very_o well_o consistent_a and_o exceed_o agreeable_a with_o all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n that_o he_o shall_v give_v man_n warn_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o sin_n and_o afterward_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v be_v righteous_a and_o happy_a or_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a and_o than_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o punish_v they_o nor_o lie_v hold_v of_o any_o advantage_n against_o they_o but_o give_v they_o time_n for_o second_o thought_n and_o space_n for_o consideration_n and_o repentance_n but_o if_o they_o abuse_v so_o much_o patience_n and_o lovingkindness_n that_o he_o shall_v at_o last_o come_v
patience_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o man_n that_o be_v to_o declare_v a_o ungrateful_a and_o despise_a truth_n among_o those_o who_o will_v think_v themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o oppose_v and_o suppress_v it_o if_o they_o have_v wrought_v no_o miracle_n their_o courage_n and_o resolution_n may_v have_v pass_v for_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o stand_v so_o resolute_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v their_o miracle_n themselves_o may_v have_v become_v suspect_v but_o act_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o be_v support_v in_o all_o their_o suffering_n by_o a_o supernatural_a constancy_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n and_o be_v so_o sudden_o change_v and_o raise_v above_o themselves_o in_o all_o they_o do_v or_o suffer_v and_o work_v the_o same_o change_n in_o other_o they_o give_v all_o the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v and_o as_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o apostle_n down_o upon_o their_o disciple_n so_o be_v the_o spirit_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n under_o affliction_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o god_n be_v please_v not_o to_o raise_v up_o any_o christian_a emperor_n till_o above_o three_o hundred_o year_n after_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v show_v that_o the_o religion_n which_o come_v from_o heaven_n can_v need_v no_o human_a aid_n nor_o be_v suppress_v by_o any_o human_a force_n and_o that_o he_o may_v recommend_v the_o great_a virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o patience_n to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o example_n man_n as_o eminent_a for_o these_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n they_o wrought_v and_o may_v instruct_v mankind_n in_o a_o suffer_a religion_n for_o to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v it_o protection_n from_o christian_a emperor_n till_o most_o of_o the_o empire_n be_v become_v christian_a and_o christianity_n have_v diffuse_v itself_o into_o all_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o before_o the_o last_o persecution_n begin_v by_o dioclesian_n 1._o dioclesian_n euseb_n hist_o lib._n viij_o c._n 1._o the_o church_n flourish_v as_o much_o and_o have_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o court_n and_o of_o great_a man_n in_o as_o high_a a_o degree_n almost_o as_o under_o constantine_n himself_o till_o their_o prosperity_n cause_v their_o sin_n and_o these_o bring_v persecution_n but_o at_o last_o the_o persecute_v emperor_n be_v force_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n manifest_v in_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o they_o to_o restore_v the_o christian_n to_o their_o former_a liberty_n in_o their_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o so_o it_o may_v appear_v to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n need_v no_o patronage_n of_o man_n for_o god_n will_v compel_v its_o worst_a enemy_n to_o become_v its_o protector_n when_o he_o see_v it_o fit_v and_o 16._o and_o sozom_n lib._n v._o c._n 16._o when_o julian_n make_v it_o his_o great_a aim_n and_o business_n to_o restore_v paganism_n again_o in_o the_o world_n he_o see_v to_o his_o grief_n how_o ineffectual_a all_o his_o endeavour_n prove_v he_o observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v a_o general_a esteem_n and_o approbation_n and_o that_o the_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o servant_n of_o his_o own_o priest_n themselves_o be_v most_o of_o they_o christian_n if_o any_o one_o then_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o all_o circumstance_n can_v withstand_v the_o conviction_n of_o so_o great_a evidence_n i_o will_v only_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o believe_v any_o history_n or_o relation_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o never_o see_v and_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v what_o degree_n of_o certainty_n he_o can_v discern_v in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o be_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v here_o and_o beside_o to_o consider_v that_o if_o in_o a_o vicious_a and_o subtle_a age_n a_o doctrine_n so_o contrary_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n by_o so_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a mean_n can_v obtain_v so_o universal_o among_o man_n of_o all_o temper_n and_o profession_n and_o interest_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o so_o violent_a opposition_n without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v either_o therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v propagate_v by_o miracle_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o it_o be_v propagate_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o propagate_v by_o miracle_n the_o propagation_n itself_o be_v a_o miracle_n and_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v from_o he_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v just_o esteem_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o any_o history_n if_o it_o be_v write_v by_o man_n of_o integrity_n man_n who_o have_v no_o suspicion_n upon_o they_o of_o dishonesty_n and_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o deceive_v and_o who_o relate_v nothing_o but_o of_o their_o own_o time_n and_o within_o their_o own_o knowledge_n though_o the_o author_n never_o suffer_v any_o loss_n nor_o run_v any_o hazard_n in_o assert_v what_o they_o deliver_v but_o the_o history_n of_o christ_n have_v this_o further_a advantage_n that_o many_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v do_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o his_o enemy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v a_o history_n to_o future_a age_n be_v rather_o a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v attest_v by_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o very_a crucifier_n and_o they_o all_o remain_v upon_o the_o place_n where_o what_o they_o witness_v have_v be_v do_v for_o several_a year_n afterward_o declare_v and_o preach_v to_o all_o people_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o soon_o after_o his_o ascension_n when_o all_o the_o proceed_n against_o he_o be_v fresh_a in_o memory_n they_o commit_v the_o same_o to_o write_v in_o greek_a which_o be_v the_o most_o common_a language_n and_o general_o know_v at_o that_o time_n st._n matthew_n who_o first_o pen_v his_o gospel_n be_v say_v to_o have_v write_v it_o in_o hebrew_n or_o syriack_n though_o it_o be_v soon_o after_o translate_v into_o greek_n so_o that_o whover_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o greek_a tongue_n may_v read_v the_o gospel_n in_o their_o own_o language_n not_o long_o after_o the_o other_o gospel_n be_v pen_v and_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o short_a time_n disperse_v into_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n it_o be_v particular_o relate_v ebion_n relate_v eâiphan_n haerââ_n ebion_n that_o st._n john_n gospel_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v soon_o translate_v into_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n the_o evangelist_n give_v such_o a_o account_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o must_v suppose_v they_o record_v at_o rome_n for_o there_o the_o censual_a table_n be_v keep_v where_o by_o st._n luke_n account_n the_o name_n of_o our_o saviour_n must_v have_v be_v register_v and_o his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n be_v so_o remarkable_a as_o they_o relate_v they_o that_o according_a to_o the_o custom_n use_v in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a province_n the_o emperor_n must_v have_v a_o relation_n send_v he_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o have_v show_v both_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v to_o the_o roman_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o birth_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o memory_n of_o the_o massacre_n of_o the_o infant_n by_o herod_n be_v preserve_v to_o we_o by_o a_o say_n of_o augustus_n concern_v herod_n upon_o it_o 4._o it_o macrobius_n saturnal_a lib._n two_o c._n 4._o which_o be_v mention_v in_o macrobius_n a_o heathen_a author_n for_o augustus_n be_v tell_v that_o among_o other_o herod_n have_v cause_v his_o own_o child_n to_o be_v slay_v which_o whether_o true_a or_o no_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o emperor_n to_o make_v this_o observation_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v herod_n swine_n than_o his_o son_n tacitus_n mention_n our_o saviour_n suffering_n under_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o tertullian_n in_o his_o 21._o his_o tertul._n apol._n c._n 21._o apology_n tell_v the_o heathen_n that_o the_o miraculous_a eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o be_v at_o christ_n death_n stand_v upon_o record_n in_o their_o own_o register_n whether_o it_o be_v for_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o course_n
after_o a_o captivity_n of_o seventy_o year_n and_o cyrus_n send_v forth_o his_o proclamation_n declare_v that_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o kigdom_n from_o god_n with_o a_o charge_n to_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n 2_o chron._n xxxvi_o 23._o and_o this_o decree_n of_o cyrus_n be_v reinforce_v by_o darius_n and_o artaxerxes_n ezra_n vi_fw-la seven_o now_o so_o many_o several_a decree_n put_v forth_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o wisdom_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o they_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o daniel_n and_o other_o and_o the_o long_a life_n and_o continuance_n of_o daniel_n in_o that_o power_n and_o esteem_n must_v leave_v all_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o excuse_n who_o be_v not_o convert_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o advancement_n of_o esther_n and_o mordecai_n under_o ahasuerus_n and_o of_o nehemiah_n under_o artaxerxes_n give_v the_o jew_n great_a authority_n and_o great_a opportunite_v of_o propagate_a their_o religion_n from_o india_n even_o unto_o aethiopia_n over_o a_o hundred_o and_o seven_o and_o twenty_o province_n for_o this_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o dominion_n of_o ahasuerus_n esth_n i._o 1._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v in_o all_o the_o province_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o babylon_n chap._n iii._o 8._o and_o they_o want_v no_o care_n nor_o diligence_n to_o improve_v every_o opportunity_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o book_n of_o ezekiel_n daniel_n ezra_n nehemiah_n and_o esther_n and_o the_o very_a name_n of_o such_o person_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n can_v want_v no_o mean_n of_o conversion_n confess_v he_o before_o the_o gentile_n you_o child_n of_o israel_n for_o he_o have_v scatter_v we_o among_o they_o there_o declare_v his_o greatness_n and_o extol_v he_o before_o all_o the_o live_n for_o he_o be_v our_o lord_n and_o he_o be_v the_o god_n our_o father_n for_o ever_o in_o the_o land_n of_o my_o captivity_n do_v i_o praise_v he_o and_o declare_v his_o might_n and_o majesty_n to_o a_o sinful_a nation_n tob._n xiii_o 3_o 4_o 6._o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o pious_a man_n among_o the_o ten_o tribe_n of_o who_o some_o be_v likewise_o in_o great_a place_n and_o authority_n chap._n i._n 13_o 21_o 22._o and_o as_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v first_o carry_v away_o captive_a so_o upon_o the_o restoration_n of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o benjamin_n all_o but_o a_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o tribe_n remain_v in_o the_o place_n of_o their_o captivity_n and_o many_o 75._o many_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n 11._o c._n 1._o mede_n discourse_n 20._o p._n 75._o of_o those_o two_o tribe_n also_o choose_v rather_o to_o continue_v in_o babylon_n than_o forsake_v the_o possession_n which_o they_o enjoy_v there_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o not_o much_o more_o than_o half_a of_o they_o return_v and_o there_o be_v afrerwards_o three_o celebrate_a university_n 799._o university_n lightf_n harm_n n.t._n p._n 335._o exercit._n on_o act_n p._n 681_o 799._o of_o the_o jew_n in_o babylon_n nehardea_n pombeditha_n and_o soria_n beside_o several_a other_o place_n famous_a for_o learning_n the_o jew_n relate_v x._o relate_v hier._n in_o zech._n x._o that_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o not_o only_o into_o media_n and_o persia_n but_o into_o the_o northern_a country_n beyond_o the_o bosphorus_n and_o ortelius_n find_v they_o in_o tartary_n the_o odomantes_n a_o people_n of_o thrace_n be_v circumcise_a and_o the_o 4._o the_o aristophan_v acharnens_fw-la act._n 1._o scen_n 4._o scholiast_n of_o aristophanes_n say_v that_o they_o be_v report_v to_o be_v jew_n the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o cyrus_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o before_o appoint_v and_o name_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o that_o work_n be_v ordain_v for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o the_o west_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n beside_o he_o isa_n xlv_o 6._o and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o after_o the_o captivity_n the_o jew_n be_v never_o give_v to_o idolatry_n and_o though_o they_o be_v bofore_o too_o much_o addict_v to_o it_o yet_o this_o give_v occasion_n to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o and_o these_o with_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o befall_v they_o for_o their_o iniquity_n give_v continual_a manifestation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v from_o samaria_n and_o strange_a nation_n be_v transplant_v thither_o in_o their_o room_n god_n will_v not_o suffer_v his_o name_n and_o worship_n to_o be_v quite_o neglect_v and_o forget_v among_o they_o but_o they_o be_v force_v to_o send_v for_o a_o priest_n back_o again_o to_o teach_v they_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n 2_o king_n xvii_o and_o after_o the_o take_v of_o jerusalem_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o the_o death_n of_o gedaliah_n who_o be_v set_v over_o they_o that_o be_v leave_v behind_o in_o the_o land_n of_o judah_n all_o the_o people_n that_o be_v not_o before_o carry_v to_o babylon_n flee_v into_o egypt_n jeremiah_n be_v force_v along_o with_o they_o who_o there_o prophesy_v against_o egypt_n and_o foretell_v its_o destruction_n by_o the_o babylonian_n jer._n xliii_o and_o at_o last_o suffer_v maâyrdom_n their_o go_v into_o egypt_n be_v indeed_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o jeremiah_n but_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o jeremiah_n shall_v be_v carry_v thither_o with_o the_o rest_n to_o testify_v against_o their_o wickedness_n and_o obstinacy_n and_o to_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n upon_o they_o and_o upon_o the_o egyptian_n in_o who_o they_o place_v their_o confidence_n rather_o than_o in_o the_o live_a god_n and_o then_o to_o die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v cyrus_n and_o darius_n desire_v the_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o behalf_n of_o themselves_o and_o their_o kingdom_n alexander_n the_o great_a pâolemaeus_n philadelphus_n augustus_n tiberius_n and_o vitellius_n send_v victim_n to_o be_v sacrifice_v at_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o philo_n and_o josephus_n the_o jew_n constant_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o prayer_n for_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n under_o who_o they_o live_v and_o for_o their_o ally_n and_o confederate_n 1_o maccab._n seven_o 33._o &_o twelve_o 11._o and_o it_o be_v expect_v of_o they_o for_o the_o omission_n of_o this_o contrary_a to_o their_o know_a and_o approve_a custom_n in_o all_o former_a time_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o hasten_v their_o final_a destruction_n by_o the_o roman_n the_o course_n of_o alexander_n victory_n be_v so_o unexpected_a so_o sudden_a and_o every_o way_n so_o wonderful_a that_o it_o alarm_v the_o world_n and_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n only_o to_o gratify_v the_o ambition_n and_o vanity_n of_o a_o rash_a youth_n but_o to_o open_v a_o way_n for_o a_o communication_n between_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o improvement_n of_o all_o useful_a knowledge_n and_o when_o this_o work_n be_v do_v he_o be_v no_o long_o the_o same_o man_n he_o have_v be_v before_o but_o soon_o resign_v his_o conquest_n with_o his_o life_n alexander_n be_v say_v by_o ult_n by_o joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 11._o c._n ult_n josephus_n to_o have_v be_v mighty_o encourage_v in_o his_o enterprise_n against_o persia_n by_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n he_o remit_v the_o tribute_n of_o every_o seven_o year_n in_o which_o by_o their_o law_n they_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o sow_v their_o ground_n 17._o ground_n ibid._n l._n 14._o c._n 17._o which_o be_v afterward_o remit_v to_o they_o likewise_o by_o the_o roman_n he_o grant_v the_o jew_n who_o in_o great_a number_n list_v themselves_o in_o his_o army_n the_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o promise_v to_o grant_v the_o same_o to_o the_o jew_n of_o babylon_n and_o media_n and_o those_o of_o sanballat_n faction_n who_o follow_v he_o into_o egypt_n he_o place_v in_o thebais_n hecatoeus_n who_o live_v in_o alexander_n time_n write_v etc._n write_v joseph_n contra_fw-la ap._n lib._n 1._o pag._n 1048_o etc._n etc._n a_o book_n concern_v the_o jew_n in_o which_o he_o take_v notice_n of_o their_o great_a zeal_n for_o their_o law_n which_o he_o prove_v by_o this_o instance_n that_o when_o alexander_n repair_v the_o temple_n of_o belus_n at_o babylon_n his_o soldier_n who_o be_v jew_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v to_o help_v forward_o that_o work_n and_o at_o last_o the_o king_n excuse_v they_o he_o relate_v that_o hezechias_n the_o highpriest_n of_o the_o jew_n
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
from_o they_o in_o africa_n beside_o the_o christian_n live_v in_o egypt_n and_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o congo_n and_o angola_n the_o island_n upon_o the_o western_a coast_n be_v inhabit_v by_o christian_n and_o the_o vast_a kingdom_n of_o habassia_n or_o abassinia_n suppose_v to_o be_v as_o big_a as_o germany_n france_n spain_n and_o italy_n take_v together_o according_a to_o mr._n brerewood_n computation_n be_v possess_v by_o christian_n and_o till_o less_o than_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o nubia_n a_o country_n of_o a_o great_a extent_n lie_v between_o the_o aequator_fw-la and_o the_o northern_a tropic_n continue_a as_o it_o be_v believe_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o asia_n he_o say_v most_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o russia_n the_o country_n of_o circassia_n and_o mengrelia_n georgia_n and_o mount_n libanus_n be_v inhabit_v only_o by_o christian_n beside_o the_o dispersion_n of_o they_o into_o other_o part_n under_o the_o denomination_n of_o nestorian_n jacobite_n maronites_n and_o armenian_n the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v a_o people_n exceed_o addict_v to_o traffic_n 24._o traffic_n brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 24._o and_o have_v great_a privilege_n grant_v they_o by_o the_o turk_n and_o other_o mahometan_n they_o be_v find_v in_o multitude_n in_o most_o city_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o be_v more_o disperse_v than_o any_o other_o nation_n but_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o jacobite_n be_v report_v to_o be_v disperse_v into_o forty_o kingdom_n in_o the_o promontory_n extend_v itself_o into_o the_o indian_a sea_n be_v the_o christian_n of_o saint_n thomas_n so_o call_v because_o first_o convert_v by_o he_o who_o be_v believe_v to_o lie_v bury_v at_o maliapour_n and_o they_o have_v continue_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o his_o time_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o mengrelia_n and_o other_o country_n the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o corrupt_v and_o their_o practice_n very_o 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sufficient_o numerous_a and_o have_v sufficient_a opportunity_n to_o instruct_v the_o native_n if_o they_o be_v but_o as_o careful_a to_o improve_v they_o to_o so_o good_a a_o end_n rather_o than_o in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o own_o gain_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o before_o the_o flood_n revelation_n be_v so_o frequent_a and_o the_o life_n of_o man_n so_o long_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o duty_n require_v towards_o he_o and_o in_o the_o first_o age_n after_o the_o flood_n god_n will_n reveal_v to_o noah_n and_o the_o precept_n give_v to_o he_o at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n must_v be_v well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o survive_a world_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o begin_v to_o decay_v and_o man_n to_o fall_v into_o idolatry_n abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n be_v send_v into_o divers_a country_n to_o proclaim_v god_n commandment_n and_o to_o testify_v against_o the_o impiety_n of_o idolater_n wherever_o they_o come_v for_o to_o publish_v the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v it_o general_o know_v in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o choose_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n and_o to_o send_v they_o first_o out_o of_o mesopotamia_n into_o canaan_n and_o upon_o occasion_n back_o again_o into_o mesopotamia_n and_o then_o several_a time_n into_o egypt_n and_o from_o thence_o after_o they_o have_v dwell_v there_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n into_o canaan_n again_o at_o what_o time_n he_o appoint_v they_o law_n admirable_o fit_v and_o contrive_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o stranger_n and_o proselyte_n after_o many_o signal_n victory_n and_o after_o other_o captivity_n they_o be_v carry_v away_o captive_a to_o babylon_n and_o be_v still_o deliver_v and_o restore_v by_o a_o wonderful_a and_o miraculous_a providence_n and_o have_v vast_a number_n of_o proselyte_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n and_o many_o footstep_n and_o remainder_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v find_v in_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o when_o by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o jew_n for_o their_o sin_n in_o reject_v the_o messiah_n they_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o from_o be_v his_o people_n they_o be_v disperse_v throughout_o the_o world_n for_o a_o testimony_n to_o all_o nation_n that_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n deliver_v no_o other_o thing_n than_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o they_o since_o they_o continue_v to_o maintain_v and_o assert_v those_o very_a book_n which_o plain_o foretell_v all_o that_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n that_o have_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o disobedience_n they_o be_v a_o stand_a evidence_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n bear_v that_o curse_n which_o their_o forefather_n so_o many_o age_n ago_o imprecate_v upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n when_o they_o cause_v christ_n to_o be_v crucify_v and_o the_o gospel_n have_v by_o its_o own_o power_n and_o evidence_n manifest_v itself_o to_o all_o people_n disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n to_o which_o may_v be_v add_v that_o the_o mahometan_n own_v so_o much_o of_o the_o religion_n reveal_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n afford_v some_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o those_o vast_a dominion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v possess_v all_o the_o most_o remarkable_a dispensation_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o several_a change_n in_o the_o world_n have_v have_v a_o particular_a influence_n in_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n cyrus_n alexander_n the_o great_a divers_a of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n and_o of_o latter_a time_n tamerlain_n and_o several_a other_o prince_n be_v great_a favourer_n of_o it_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o the_o most_o unlikely_a accident_n have_v contribute_v towards_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o which_o have_v be_v say_v great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unbeliever_n let_v it_o be_v consider_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o nation_n but_o have_v great_a opportunity_n of_o be_v convert_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v produce_v concern_v the_o chinese_n and_o the_o american_n themselves_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v preach_v among_o they_o though_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v lose_v through_o their_o own_o fault_n before_o the_o late_a discovery_n of_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n so_o in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n that_o be_v at_o the_o most_o fit_a season_n he_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o it_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o gracious_a to_o all_o and_o know_v the_o heart_n and_o disposition_n of_o all_o man_n may_v defer_v the_o restore_a his_o gospel_n to_o the_o chinese_n for_o instance_n till_o that_o very_a time_n when_o he_o see_v they_o best_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o indies_n happen_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n that_o those_o poor_a people_n may_v have_v the_o purity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o christian_n have_v be_v as_o little_o want_v to_o they_o in_o their_o charity_n as_o god_n have_v be_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o stay_v till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n before_o he_o punish_v a_o people_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n he_o wait_v for_o the_o most_o proper_a season_n to_o impart_v his_o reveal_v will_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v it_o preach_v to_o they_o before_o will_v be_v only_o to_o increase_v their_o
we_o with_o the_o endearment_n of_o his_o love_n and_o with_o such_o condescension_n of_o grace_n and_o favour_n as_o must_v needs_o mighty_o affect_v the_o most_o obstinate_a sinner_n who_o have_v but_o the_o sense_n and_o gratitude_n of_o a_o man_n leave_v in_o he_o to_o consider_v they_o and_o then_o he_o have_v denounce_v his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n against_o all_o such_o as_o will_v not_o be_v lead_v and_o persuade_v to_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v bear_v he_o live_v he_o die_v for_o we_o he_o have_v procure_v our_o pardon_n he_o proffer_v we_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n he_o promise_v we_o eternal_a happiness_n with_o himself_o in_o heaven_n upon_o our_o obedience_n and_o last_o of_o all_o he_o threaten_v we_o with_o eternal_a misery_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v happy_a thus_o force_v we_o as_o it_o be_v to_o happiness_n if_o we_o will_v not_o be_v persuade_v to_o it_o for_o this_o be_v all_o the_o force_n that_o 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of_o the_o great_a proneness_n in_o humane_a nature_n to_o evil_n and_o backwardness_n to_o what_o reason_n itself_o seem_v to_o dictate_v as_o good_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n to_o cure_v this_o great_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o assist_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o our_o duty_n v._o the_o christian_a religion_n express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n christ_n die_v to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o our_o sin_n and_o to_o procure_v acceptance_n with_o god_n for_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n he_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o plead_v the_o merit_n of_o his_o own_o death_n and_o passion_n in_o our_o behalf_n we_o have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a and_o he_o be_v the_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o heinous_a if_o we_o do_v but_o true_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o forsake_v they_o and_o the_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n and_o surprise_v and_o infirmity_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n but_o a_o general_a humiliation_n and_o repentance_n with_o a_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n will_n through_o christ_n merit_n be_v accept_v of_o by_o he_o for_o such_o sin_n as_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n or_o ability_n of_o know_v to_o be_v sin_n and_o for_o such_o as_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o frailty_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v live_v whole_o free_a from_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o we_o but_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a diligence_n to_o do_v what_o we_o can_v and_o a_o lively_a faith_n to_o rely_v upon_o christ_n merit_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o what_o sin_n we_o be_v not_o able_a whole_o to_o avoid_v man_n be_v forward_o to_o complain_v of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o christian_a yoke_n without_o any_o true_a experience_n and_o trial_n of_o it_o and_o without_o consider_v the_o principle_n and_o motive_n and_o help_v and_o the_o condescend_v and_o gracious_a term_n which_o the_o gospel_n propose_v indeed_o to_o lay_v some_o injunction_n and_o restraint_n more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a be_v but_o what_o all_o lawgiver_n have_v do_v for_o some_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v forbid_v as_o a_o prevention_n and_o a_o preservative_n from_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n and_o other_o command_v as_o preparatory_a qualification_n and_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o easy_a and_o certain_a to_o we_o and_o if_o man_n be_v allow_v in_o all_o government_n to_o have_v this_o authority_n certain_o god_n who_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o we_o and_o perfect_o know_v what_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o good_a and_o for_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n have_v a_o undeniable_a right_n to_o forbid_v or_o command_v we_o some_o thing_n which_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n we_o may_v have_v be_v allow_v or_o excuse_v from_o but_o these_o be_v very_o few_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v no_o religion_n ever_o be_v so_o compassionate_a and_o easy_a as_o the_o christian_a religion_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n what_o can_v be_v more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o more_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v teach_v to_o live_v under_o a_o perpetual_a sense_n and_o awe_n of_o the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v constrain_v to_o perform_v our_o several_a duty_n to_o each_o other_o in_o our_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n with_o the_o utmost_a fidelity_n and_o integrity_n and_o to_o have_v this_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n by_o the_o hope_n and_o terâore_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o they_o shall_v prove_v obedient_a or_o disobedient_a these_o than_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v doctrine_n most_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o the_o proper_a subject_n of_o a_o revelation_n for_o however_o man_n may_v wish_v as_o to_o themselves_o in_o particular_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v abridge_v their_o sinful_a pleasure_n yet_o in_o respect_n to_o the_o common_a good_a of_o society_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o those_o who_o will_v believe_v nothing_o of_o another_o life_n that_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v as_o general_o practise_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v it_o will_v make_v mankind_n as_o happy_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v in_o this_o life_n through_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v and_o as_o much_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v neglect_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o speculative_a notion_n only_o that_o it_o have_v a_o real_a and_o perpetual_a influence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n even_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o degenerate_a age_n we_o be_v not_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n easy_o make_v sensible_a how_o great_a blessing_n the_o christian_a religion_n bring_v to_o mankind_n in_o that_o reformation_n which_o it_o soon_o introduce_v into_o the_o world_n for_o upon_o their_o conversion_n there_o become_v such_o a_o visible_a alteration_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o life_n of_o man_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v change_v their_o very_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v bear_v again_o and_o become_v new_a creature_n from_o whence_o conversion_n be_v style_v regeneration_n this_o the_o apologist_n general_o insist_v upon_o that_o the_o convert_v to_o christianity_n become_v quite_o other_o man_n and_o practise_v all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n with_o incredible_a zeal_n though_o
will_v recover_v he_o die_v while_o the_o answer_n be_v read_v that_o foretell_v his_o recovery_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n against_o natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n and_o so_o often_o promulge_v among_o all_o nation_n god_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o such_o sign_n and_o prediction_n as_o either_o be_v indeed_o true_a or_o can_v not_o be_v discern_v to_o be_v false_a but_o by_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o countenance_n and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n may_v be_v able_a to_o delude_v and_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n by_o their_o sagacity_n and_o cunning_a which_o may_v be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o man_n not_o only_o to_o perform_v but_o to_o understand_v or_o find_v out_o but_o their_o miracle_n be_v never_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n nor_o have_v they_o be_v plain_o foretell_v by_o ancient_a prophecy_n as_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v be_v and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v attest_v and_o establish_v be_v so_o much_o superior_a to_o any_o power_n in_o the_o heathen_a god_n that_o when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wicked_a and_o seduce_a spirit_n as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n declare_v in_o their_o writing_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n of_o their_o own_o time_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o undertake_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o prove_v it_o before_o they_o this_o tertullian_n undertake_v in_o 23._o in_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 23._o his_o apology_n as_o i_o have_v before_o observe_v write_v to_o the_o emperor_n and_o senate_n of_o rome_n or_o at_o least_o to_o the_o proconsul_n of_o afric_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o several_a city_n and_o province_n and_o st._n cyprian_n affirm_v the_o like_a in_o his_o treatise_n to_o demetrianus_n a_o judge_n of_o carthage_n or_o as_o some_o think_v the_o proconsul_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n likewise_o speak_v origen_n minutius_n foelix_n and_o other_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n will_v ever_o have_v make_v such_o public_a and_o repeat_v appeal_n if_o their_o pretence_n have_v be_v false_a to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o own_o life_n and_o the_o utter_a disgrace_n and_o extirpation_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o they_o endeavour_v to_o plead_v for_o by_o such_o confident_a and_o bold_a discourse_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v disprove_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v true_a man_n who_o have_v the_o wealth_n and_o power_n of_o the_o world_n on_o their_o side_n may_v perhaps_o sometime_o make_v large_a boast_n and_o high_a pretence_n when_o they_o can_v easy_o hinder_v other_o from_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o test_n but_o man_n that_o have_v all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o empire_n against_o they_o will_v never_o have_v offer_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o good_a to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o worst_a enemy_n to_o who_o their_o apology_n be_v direct_v chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a religion_n have_v be_v wicked_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o unity_n and_o goodness_n and_o purity_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n this_o might_n be_v make_v out_o at_o large_a by_o particular_n as_o i._o the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v so_o confuse_v and_o absurd_a that_o the_o only_a evasion_n which_o the_o philosopher_n can_v find_v who_o undertake_v the_o defence_n of_o paganism_n against_o christianity_n be_v to_o expound_v their_o theology_n by_o allegory_n but_o this_o philo_n 10._o philo_n eâseâ_n praepar_fw-la lib._n i_o c._n 9_o 10._o biblius_n censure_v as_o absurd_a and_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a abuse_n and_o innovation_n in_o their_o divinity_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o he_o allege_v the_o authority_n of_o sanchoniathan_n and_o eusebius_n beside_o make_v good_a the_o charge_n iii._o charge_n magnam_fw-la molestiam_fw-la suscepit_fw-la &_o minime_fw-la necessariam_fw-la primus_fw-la zeno_n post_fw-la ââeanthes_fw-la deinde_fw-la chrysippus_n commentitiarum_fw-la balarum_fw-la redâere_fw-la rationem_fw-la ciâ_n de_fw-fr nat._n deor._n lib._n iii._o zeno_n first_o begin_v this_o way_n of_o allegorise_v in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o cleanthes_n chrysippus_n and_o other_o stoic_n 5._o stoic_n tertull._n ad_fw-la naâ_n lib._n two_o c._n â_o aug._n civ_o deâ_n ãâã_d 6._o c._n 5._o varro_n make_v three_o sort_n of_o heathen_a theology_n in_o the_o fabulous_a invent_v by_o the_o poet_n the_o physical_a or_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o the_o civil_a or_o popular_a be_v such_o as_o the_o several_a city_n and_o country_n have_v set_v up_o 5._o up_o euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n 4._o c._n 5._o the_o greek_a theology_n be_v thus_o distinguish_v 1._o god_n who_o rule_v over_o all_o 2._o the_o god_n who_o be_v suppose_v to_o govern_v above_o the_o moon_n 3._o the_o daemon_n who_o jurisdiction_n be_v in_o the_o air_n below_o it_o and_o 4._o the_o hero_n or_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n who_o be_v imagine_v to_o preside_v over_o terrestrial_a affair_n which_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o their_o god_n 250._o god_n hesiod_n oper_n &_o dier_n lib._n i_o v._n 250._o whereof_o hesiod_n compute_v thirty_o thousand_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n unless_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o indefinite_a number_n orpheus_n reckon_v but_o 365_o iii._o 365_o theop_n ad_fw-la autol._n lib._n iii._o and_o at_o his_o death_n in_o his_o will_n assert_v only_o one_o 12._o one_o tertul_n apol._n c._n 14._o gauge_n survey_v of_o the_o w._n indies_n c._n 12._o varro_n reckon_v up_o three_o hundred_o jupiter_n and_o the_o god_n of_o mexico_n as_o the_o indian_n report_v to_o the_o spaniard_n be_v two_o thousand_o in_o number_n varro_z tully_n and_o seneca_n and_o most_o sober_a and_o discreet_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n to_o which_o purpose_n the_o verse_n of_o valerius_n soranus_n 9_o soranus_n aug._n the_o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o seven_o 9_o be_v produce_v and_o expound_v by_o varro_n the_o worship_n of_o their_o god_n and_o of_o their_o image_n or_o idol_n be_v so_o gross_a among_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a and_o be_v to_o this_o day_n in_o china_n and_o in_o both_o the_o indies_n that_o one_o will_v almost_o think_v it_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o far_o delude_v by_o the_o devil_n they_o worship_v not_o only_o the_o ghost_n of_o dead_a man_n but_o bird_n and_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n and_o the_o devil_n himself_o under_o image_n of_o such_o hideous_a form_n and_o shape_n as_o be_v frightful_a to_o look_v upon_o the_o wise_a heathen_n be_v ashamed_a of_o these_o idolatry_n 31._o idolatry_n aug._n civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n four_o c._n 31._o and_o varro_n particular_o commend_v the_o jew_n for_o use_v no_o image_n in_o their_o divine_a worship_n which_o he_o fay_v be_v not_o in_o use_n at_o rome_n till_o above_o one_o hundred_o and_o seventy_o year_n after_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n numae_fw-la city_n plut._n in_o vit_fw-mi numae_fw-la for_o numa_n the_o contriver_n of_o their_o religion_n forbid_v image_n which_o make_v it_o the_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o roman_n shall_v afterward_o erect_v temple_n and_o altar_n to_o the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n to_o a_o fever_n and_o to_o ill_a fortune_n as_o the_o two_o the_o cic._n de_fw-fr nat._n dear_a lib._n iii._o the_o legib_n lib._n two_o athenian_n do_v to_o contumely_n and_o impudence_n but_o it_o be_v still_o more_o amaze_a that_o they_o shall_v deify_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n the_o very_a monster_n and_o reproach_n of_o mankind_n and_o whilst_o the_o christian_n suffer_v for_o refuse_v adoration_n to_o their_o emperor_n they_o have_v divine_a honour_n pay_v they_o by_o the_o grave_a heathen_n such_o as_o prooem_n as_o quint_n inst_z lib._n prooem_n quinctilian_n not_o only_o through_o fear_n of_o death_n but_o out_o of_o compliment_n and_o base_a flattery_n 2._o all_o manner_n of_o debauchery_n and_o lewdness_n make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v too_o shameful_a and_o too_o notorious_a to_o relate_v two_o relate_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n ult_n ex_fw-la diony_n halicaââ_n lib._n two_o the_o roman_n when_o they_o receive_v
mediation_n and_o intercession_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o be_v of_o great_a power_n and_o efficacy_n than_o any_o can_v have_v be_v if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v not_o become_v man_n to_o die_v for_o our_o sake_n there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n 1_o tim._n two_o 5._o he_o be_v to_o be_v man_n as_o well_o as_o god_n that_o come_v with_o divine_a power_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o with_o the_o affability_n and_o accessibleness_n of_o a_o man_n he_o may_v in_o all_o respect_n be_v full_o qualify_v to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man._n if_o he_o have_v not_o be_v god_n he_o can_v not_o have_v come_v with_o absolute_a authority_n to_o offer_v we_o term_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o unless_o he_o have_v be_v man_n he_o can_v not_o have_v treat_v with_o man_n in_o so_o familiar_a and_o condescend_v a_o way_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o the_o right_n and_o authority_n of_o christ_n mediation_n and_o intercession_n in_o behalf_n of_o sinner_n be_v found_v upon_o his_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o this_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v both_o god_n and_o man_n man_n that_o he_o may_v suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o and_o god_n that_o his_o divine_a nature_n may_v give_v a_o infinite_a value_n to_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n and_o render_v they_o satisfactory_a for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v which_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n may_v have_v pardon_v sinner_n without_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n yet_o if_o in_o mercy_n he_o may_v have_v forgive_v he_o may_v in_o justice_n have_v punish_v they_o unless_o satisfaction_n have_v be_v make_v and_o nothing_o can_v have_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o justice_n but_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n of_o no_o create_v be_v can_v have_v be_v of_o that_o value_n as_o to_o make_v satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v redeem_a man_n or_o have_v become_v mediator_n for_o he_o upon_o the_o term_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n in_o man_n behalf_n so_o as_o to_o plead_v the_o price_n of_o redemption_n lay_v down_o for_o he_o god_n may_v grant_v the_o request_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n out_o of_o his_o free_a mercy_n and_o bounty_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o intercession_n where_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_a merit_n and_o satisfaction_n on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o intercessor_n but_o christ_n plead_v his_o merit_n on_o our_o account_n and_o mediate_v our_o cause_n with_o his_o father_n upon_o the_o term_n of_o strict_a justice_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o ransom_n of_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o intercessor_n for_o we_o that_o not_o only_o the_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n but_o even_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n can_v deny_v his_o intercession_n it_o be_v the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n to_o send_v his_o son_n to_o suffer_v in_o our_o stead_n but_o since_o he_o be_v please_v to_o admit_v of_o this_o commutation_n of_o the_o punishment_n which_o we_o have_v deserve_v and_o to_o tranferr_v it_o upon_o his_o own_o son_n his_o death_n be_v a_o full_a perfect_a and_o sufficient_a sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o the_o death_n of_o no_o creature_n can_v have_v be_v and_o therefore_o not_o create_v be_v can_v have_v become_v our_o mediator_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o merit_n and_o have_v satisfy_v the_o utmost_a justice_n of_o god_n much_o less_o can_v any_o creature_n have_v merit_v the_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o glory_n for_o we_o iv_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o effectual_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o charity_n and_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o love_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o dispose_v and_o engage_v we_o to_o all_o virtue_n and_o piety_n the_o son_n of_o god_n assume_v our_o nature_n give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o his_o compassion_n for_o our_o infirmity_n and_o his_o desire_n of_o our_o happiness_n god_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a in_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n but_o he_o never_o can_v give_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n towards_o we_o as_o by_o take_v it_o upon_o himself_o god_n be_v essential_a truth_n and_o holiness_n and_o yet_o willing_a more_o abundant_o to_o show_v to_o the_o heir_n of_o promise_n the_o immutability_n of_o his_o counsel_n he_o confirm_v it_o with_o a_o oath_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n in_o the_o present_a case_n god_n be_v willing_a to_o give_v we_o all_o the_o ground_n for_o faith_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o that_o by_o two_o immutable_a thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o god_n to_o deceive_v we_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a consolation_n both_o from_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o from_o the_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n of_o our_o own_o for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o highpriest_n who_o can_v be_v touch_v with_o the_o feel_n of_o our_o infirmity_n and_o therefore_o be_v exhort_v in_o this_o confidence_n to_o come_v bold_o unto_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n heb._n four_o 15_o 16._o vi_fw-la 17_o 18._o we_o be_v assure_v that_o he_o have_v the_o great_a concern_v for_o that_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v take_v into_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o himself_o and_o continual_o present_v before_o his_o father_n in_o heaven_n for_o we_o and_o we_o be_v likewise_o assure_v of_o the_o father_n love_n towards_o we_o for_o now_o we_o know_v that_o he_o love_v we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o withhold_v his_o son_n his_o only_a son_n from_o we_o but_o send_v he_o into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o our_o salvation_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v he_o not_o with_o he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thing_n who_o shall_v lay_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o charge_n of_o god_n elect_n it_o be_v god_n that_o justifi_v who_o be_v he_o that_o condemn_v it_o be_v christ_n that_o die_v yea_o rather_o that_o be_v rise_v again_o who_o be_v even_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n who_o also_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o rom._n viij_o 32_o 33_o 34._o and_o as_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n be_v peculiar_o adapt_v and_o design_v to_o raise_v our_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v and_o confidence_n and_o dependence_n upon_o god_n so_o it_o be_v above_o all_o the_o most_o prevail_a motive_n to_o engage_v our_o love_n the_o infinite_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o die_v for_o we_o must_v needs_o require_v and_o even_o extort_v from_o we_o all_o possible_a return_n of_o love_n and_o praise_n and_o adoration_n 7._o adoration_n chrysost_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d tom._n 7._o st._n chrysostome_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n why_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v incarnate_a to_o become_v the_o saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o mankind_n because_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a for_o a_o creature_n to_o undertake_v and_o effect_v our_o redemption_n man_n will_v never_o have_v think_v they_o can_v have_v have_v esteem_n enough_o for_o he_o or_o have_v make_v due_a expression_n of_o their_o gratitude_n unless_o they_o have_v deify_v he_o and_o commit_v idolatry_n in_o worship_v he_o and_o pay_v he_o all_o divine_a honour_n and_o to_o prevent_v this_o in_o moses_n who_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a deliverer_n and_o but_o a_o type_n of_o christ_n his_o sepulchre_n be_v conceal_v from_o the_o israelite_n so_o dear_o be_v the_o memory_n of_o great_a and_o generous_a benefactor_n wont_a to_o be_v that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v they_o never_o can_v be_v sufficient_o grateful_a to_o they_o unless_o they_o even_o adore_v and_o worship_v they_o which_o be_v one_o chief_a occasion_n of_o idolatry_n among_o the_o heathen_n therefore_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v belong_v only_o to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o who_o all_o love_n and_o reverence_n all_o worship_n and_o adoration_n be_v due_a and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o obey_v god_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n the_o foundation_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o love_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v which_o can_v have_v so_o powerful_o prevail_v upon_o man_n to_o love_n god_n as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n
opinion_n of_o their_o own_o beside_o the_o general_n prejudices_fw-la which_o they_o lie_v under_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n of_o any_o learning_n and_o education_n study_v the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o be_v common_o addict_v to_o one_o sect_n or_o other_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o vanity_n and_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v the_o chief_a aim_n of_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n as_o tertullian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o father_n object_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v very_o unlikely_a to_o become_v proselyte_n to_o a_o religion_n which_o be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n with_o such_o disdain_n and_o contempt_n philosophy_n in_o general_n if_o we_o believe_v 1._o believe_v instit_fw-la lib._n i._o c._n 1._o quintilian_n be_v in_o his_o time_n by_o most_o use_v as_o a_o artifice_n and_o disguise_n to_o conceal_v the_o worst_a of_o vice_n under_o a_o morose_n look_v and_o a_o habit_n different_a from_o that_o of_o other_o men._n and_o from_o such_o philosopher_n as_o these_o we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o candour_n or_o good_a and_o serious_a intention_n ii_o intention_n contra_fw-la celf._n lib._n ii_o origen_n give_v instance_n of_o the_o wilful_a abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o some_o of_o his_o time_n who_o cavil_v at_o half_a sentence_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o coherence_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o complain_v that_o i._n that_o ib._n lib._n i._n celsus_n seem_v never_o to_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n though_o he_o pretend_v to_o a_o very_a exact_a knowledge_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n but_o understand_v little_a of_o either_o baroc_n either_o philip._n sidet_fw-la apud_fw-la dodw._n append._n ad_fw-la dissert_n in_o irenae_n e._n cod._n ms._n baroc_n athenagoras_n who_o before_o he_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n with_o more_o care_n and_o sincerity_n though_o with_o the_o same_o design_n become_v convert_v and_o write_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o oppose_v 16._o oppose_v euseb_n contr_n hier._n &_o lactant._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n 2_o 3._o de_fw-fr mortib_n persecut_n c._n 16._o hierocles_n likewise_o have_v read_v the_o new_a testament_n with_o a_o design_n to_o write_v against_o it_o but_o he_o who_o can_v believe_v the_o miracle_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n and_o prefer_v that_o notorious_a impostor_n to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o maximus_n aegiensis_n damis_n the_o philosopher_n and_o philostratus_n to_o st._n peter_n and_o st._n paul_n show_v so_o strange_a a_o partiality_n as_o may_v be_v expect_v only_o in_o he_o who_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n by_o his_o persecution_n more_o than_o by_o his_o argument_n for_o hierocles_n be_v the_o chief_a promoter_n of_o the_o persecution_n under_o diocletian_a 2._o the_o gentile_n look_v upon_o the_o poor_a persecute_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o their_o religion_n and_o be_v not_o only_o prejudice_v against_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o suffering_n by_o that_o fondness_n which_o man_n natural_o have_v for_o their_o own_o ease_n and_o safety_n but_o 29._o but_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 29._o when_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n in_o distress_n they_o will_v upbraid_v they_o as_o the_o psalmist_n enemy_n reproach_v he_o say_v where_o be_v now_o thy_o god_n they_o consider_v their_o own_o religion_n as_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o of_o their_o ancestor_n which_o be_v what_o tully_n say_v for_o it_o when_o he_o ruin_v all_o the_o ground_n and_o pretence_n in_o behalf_n of_o it_o they_o allege_v that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o their_o forefather_n and_o that_o the_o roman_a empire_n have_v arrive_v to_o so_o much_o power_n and_o greatness_n under_o its_o influence_n this_o be_v so_o much_o insist_v upon_o as_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o zosimus_n symmachus_n and_o other_o that_o orosius_n set_v himself_o to_o answer_v it_o in_o a_o particular_a work_n and_o st._n austin_n who_o put_v he_o upon_o write_v it_o think_v himself_o concern_v in_o his_o own_o work_n to_o oppose_v so_o unreasonable_a but_o fatal_a a_o prejudice_n 3._o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o favour_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n and_o in_o fondness_n for_o their_o old_a opinion_n and_o out_o of_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o affliction_n and_o a_o disregard_n of_o those_o who_o be_v so_o much_o expose_v to_o they_o as_o have_v but_o small_a pretence_n to_o any_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n the_o consequence_n i_o say_v of_o these_o error_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v that_o the_o gentile_n despise_v the_o christian_a religion_n before_o they_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o for_o many_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o observation_n be_v so_o little_o acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v christian_n from_o jew_n as_o we_o see_v by_o 25._o by_o sueton_n in_o claudio_n c._n 25._o suetonius_n they_o know_v not_o so_o much_o the_o true_a pronunciation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n or_o christian_a but_o be_v wont_a to_o write_v 7_o write_v no_o nee_n nominis_fw-la certa_fw-la est_fw-la notitia_fw-la penes_fw-la vos_fw-la tertul._n apol._n c._n 3._o sueton_n ib._n lactant._n lib._n iu._n c._n 7_o chrestus_n and_o chrestianus_fw-la this_o the_o apologist_n much_o insist_v upon_o that_o they_o condemn_v and_o persecute_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o christian_n desire_v no_o more_o than_o a_o fair_a hear_v and_o if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v suffer_v to_o make_v their_o religion_n full_o know_v to_o their_o adversary_n they_o beg_v no_o further_a favour_n 4._o it_o be_v believe_v 54._o believe_v aug._n de_fw-fr civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n xviii_o c._n 53_o 54._o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o than_o three_o hundred_o and_o sixty_o five_o year_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n die_v a._n d._n ccclxv_o according_a to_o some_o chronologer_n though_o other_o place_v his_o death_n two_o year_n before_o it_o seem_v the_o devil_n have_v some_o great_a expectation_n from_o his_o reign_n but_o at_o or_o near_o that_o very_a time_n in_o which_o he_o have_v foretell_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v have_v a_o end_n if_o the_o computation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v from_o the_o nativity_n of_o christ_n he_o see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o his_o hope_n in_o the_o death_n of_o that_o emperor_n who_o be_v so_o zealous_a in_o his_o service_n and_o have_v give_v out_o severe_a threaten_n against_o the_o christian_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v if_o he_o have_v return_v victorious_a from_o that_o expedition_n in_o which_o he_o perish_v and_o this_o prediction_n have_v respect_v probable_o to_o his_o reign_n though_o the_o greek_a verse_n in_o which_o it_o be_v deliver_v may_v be_v alter_v afterward_o or_o so_o contrive_v at_o first_o as_o to_o extend_v it_o to_o a_o long_a time_n leave_v it_o uncertain_a from_o whence_o the_o calculation_n be_v to_o begin_v however_o this_o oracle_n keep_v many_o of_o the_o gentile_n from_o be_v christian_n till_o they_o see_v the_o time_n past_a which_o they_o suppose_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o as_o st._n austin_n assure_v we_o 5._o the_o heresy_n and_o schism_n which_o soon_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n give_v great_a scandal_n and_o offence_n to_o such_o as_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o in_o the_o gross_a without_o examine_v into_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o the_o dialog_n the_o just_a martyr_n dialog_n jew_n not_o only_o blaspheme_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n but_o make_v choice_n of_o man_n on_o purpose_n who_o they_o send_v from_o jerusalem_n into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o vilify_v he_o and_o his_o religion_n 2._o religion_n id._n apol._n 2._o and_o because_o christian_n speak_v of_o christ_n kingdom_n this_o be_v understand_v to_o their_o prejudice_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v for_o set_v up_o a_o temporal_a kingdom_n by_o rebellion_n and_o the_o evil_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o divers_a heretic_n confirm_v man_n in_o any_o ill_a opinion_n which_o they_o have_v conceive_v of_o christian_n in_o general_n the_o absurd_a doctrine_n and_o heresy_n of_o the_o gnostic_n and_o other_o heretic_n be_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o their_o censure_n and_o invective_n apply_v to_o all_o christian_n without_o distinction_n and_o be_v take_v upon_o trust_n by_o most_o men._n 8._o men._n orig._n cont_n celf._n lib._n 6_o 7_o 8._o celsus_n make_v objection_n from_o the_o erroneous_a and_o wicked_a notion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o ophitae_n the_o valentinian_o the_o marcionite_n and_o other_o this_o
persuasion_n do_v not_o determine_v right_o and_o wrong_n true_a and_o false_a the_o remain_a difficulty_n be_v how_o to_o distinguish_v they_o and_o that_o must_v be_v by_o the_o proper_a evidence_n and_o the_o intrinsic_a goodness_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o our_o evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o if_o our_o religion_n have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o we_o assert_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o other_o religion_n have_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o that_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o lay_v claim_v this_o must_v determine_v the_o point_n though_o a_o mahometan_a or_o pagan_n shall_v be_v as_o zealous_a for_o his_o religion_n as_o a_o christian_a can_v be_v it_o be_v common_o and_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o suffer_a but_o the_o cause_n which_o make_v the_o martyr_n and_o if_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n have_v never_o so_o much_o confidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o it_o this_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o ground_n and_o proof_n upon_o which_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n depend_v other_o religion_n may_v have_v their_o zealot_n who_o offer_v themselves_o to_o die_v for_o they_o but_o the_o christian_a religion_n proper_o have_v the_o only_a martyr_n for_o martyr_n be_v witness_n and_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v attest_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o propagate_v by_o witness_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o be_v every_o way_n conversant_a in_o what_o they_o witness_v concern_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o religion_n no_o religion_n beside_o be_v ever_o preach_v by_o man_n who_o after_o a_o unalterable_a constancy_n under_o all_o kind_n of_o suffering_n at_o last_o die_v for_o assert_v it_o when_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n have_v know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o therefore_o certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a or_o else_o they_o will_v never_o have_v suffer_v and_o die_v in_o that_o manner_n for_o it_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v ever_o atto_v from_o its_o first_o propagation_n for_o several_a hundred_o of_o year_n together_o by_o man_n who_o have_v either_o see_v the_o first_o preacher_n themselves_o or_o have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o other_o who_o have_v see_v they_o or_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n and_o see_v other_o work_v they_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v contain_v in_o book_n which_o be_v write_v at_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o it_o and_o disperse_v into_o all_o country_n in_o all_o language_n among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o able_a and_o desirous_a to_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a no_o religion_n beside_o have_v by_o so_o weak_a and_o unlikely_a mean_n prevail_v over_o all_o the_o power_n and_o policy_n of_o the_o world_n none_o be_v in_o its_o doctrine_n so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o god_n for_o its_o author_n and_o none_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o with_o so_o clear_a a_o continue_a and_o uninterrupted_a testimony_n through_o all_o age_n and_o convey_v by_o a_o succession_n of_o testimony_n to_o this_o present_a age_n and_o therefore_o no_o other_o religion_n can_v have_v martyr_n who_o can_v die_v in_o confirmation_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o this_o or_o who_o can_v be_v martyr_n and_o witness_n to_o it_o by_o assure_v the_o world_n at_o their_o death_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v the_o religion_n thus_o testify_v and_o confirm_v for_o which_o they_o die_v it_o be_v not_o the_o bare_a assert_v a_o thing_n bold_o and_o then_o die_v for_o it_o which_o make_v a_o martyr_n but_o the_o qualification_n necessary_a in_o a_o witness_n be_v necessary_a in_o he_o that_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v have_v all_o opportunity_n needful_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o no_o temptation_n to_o speak_v the_o contrary_n which_o qualification_n be_v evident_a in_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o martyr_n who_o testimony_n be_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o the_o martyrdom_n of_o latter_a age_n be_v additional_a testimony_n which_o without_o the_o former_a will_v be_v insignificant_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v all_o the_o testimony_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o the_o suffering_n in_o behalf_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v beyond_o the_o evidence_n for_o all_o other_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o zeal_n though_o it_o proceed_v even_o to_o death_n and_o martyrdom_n upon_o which_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n but_o the_o reason_n which_o christian_n have_v for_o their_o zeal_n divers_a nation_n have_v be_v as_o earnest_a assertor_n of_o their_o fabulous_a antiquity_n as_o other_o can_v be_v of_o they_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a but_o be_v these_o ever_o the_o less_o or_o those_o ever_o the_o more_o true_a upon_o that_o account_n we_o insist_v upon_o it_o that_o we_o have_v book_n to_o show_v and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o produce_v for_o what_o we_o maintain_v and_o these_o have_v be_v examine_v by_o many_o man_n in_o every_o age_n and_o compare_v with_o what_o be_v to_o be_v allege_v in_o behalf_n of_o contrary_a religion_n and_o man_n of_o the_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o prudence_n have_v choose_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o to_o renounce_v this_o religion_n for_o any_o other_o after_o the_o nice_a and_o most_o impartial_a examination_n they_o can_v make_v whereas_o the_o zealot_n and_o martyr_n for_o the_o religion_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o christianity_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v man_n that_o understand_v nothing_o of_o antiquity_n but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o history_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n and_o take_v all_o upon_o uncertain_a report_n and_o absurd_a tradition_n without_o any_o proof_n or_o possibility_n of_o it_o and_o even_o against_o manifest_a reason_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o undoubted_a history_n so_o plain_o be_v it_o that_o the_o zeal_n and_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o die_v for_o they_o can_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o some_o zealot_n can_v be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o our_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o human_a reason_n that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o fool_n and_o madman_n in_o the_o world_n chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o have_v prove_v a_o a_o great_a snare_n and_o scandal_n to_o weak_a mind_n nor_o which_o give_v the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n great_a advantage_n as_o they_o think_v against_o it_o than_o the_o dissension_n among_o christian_n and_o the_o different_a sect_n and_o party_n into_o which_o they_o be_v divide_v this_o make_v some_o willing_a to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n on_o any_o side_n when_o they_o see_v equal_a zeal_n and_o equal_a confidence_n in_o man_n of_o all_o persuasion_n that_o contend_v for_o their_o several_a opinion_n but_o st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o corinthian_n that_o there_o must_v be_v not_o only_a division_n but_o heresy_n also_o and_o not_o only_o that_o they_o must_v be_v but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o use_n and_o expediency_n in_o the_o church_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o real_a prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v indeed_o conduce_v to_o manifest_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o for_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o that_o they_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a among_o you_o 1_o cor._n xi_o 19_o from_o whence_o i_o shall_v show_v i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_o christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o ii_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v iii_o that_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o religion_n i._o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v among_o
by_o exhortation_n and_o encouragement_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o admonitition_n and_o threaten_n on_o the_o other_o but_o to_o force_v man_n to_o be_v of_o one_o mind_n and_o one_o profession_n will_v be_v to_o lay_v aside_o these_o term_n and_o to_o render_v the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o religion_n propose_v useless_a and_o to_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o which_o it_o be_v enjoin_v there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v constrain_v man_n to_o have_v right_a notion_n of_o religion_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v force_v they_o to_o obey_v those_o notion_n and_o put_v they_o in_o practice_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o be_v from_o such_o sin_n as_o more_o direct_o and_o immediate_o concern_v religion_n rather_o than_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o because_o this_o will_v make_v religion_n itself_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a by_o take_v away_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o by_o destroy_v the_o liberty_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v necessary_a in_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o that_o act_v by_o necessity_n can_v act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o advise_v and_o command_v man_n to_o refuse_v the_o evil_a and_o choose_v the_o good_n difference_n in_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v prevent_v without_o overrule_a all_o the_o passion_n and_o hinder_v all_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n and_o without_o frustrate_v the_o command_n and_o precept_n and_o contradict_v the_o design_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o rather_o than_o suffer_v difference_n in_o religion_n god_n shall_v so_o check_v and_o restrain_v man_n as_o not_o to_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o act_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n but_o upon_o mere_a force_n and_o necessity_n if_o man_n be_v permit_v to_o err_v and_o to_o sin_n they_o will_v err_v and_o sin_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o and_o to_o debar_v man_n unavoidable_o from_o sin_n and_o error_n will_v be_v to_o proceed_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n not_o only_o to_o human_a nature_n but_o to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o counsel_n of_o god_n in_o his_o dispensation_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o to_o force_v man_n upon_o do_v good_a but_o to_o bring_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a and_o if_o man_n will_v resolve_v to_o commit_v sin_n and_o will_v not_o be_v prevail_v upon_o by_o all_o that_o god_n have_v say_v and_o do_v to_o withdraw_v they_o from_o it_o then_o to_o make_v their_o worst_a action_n instrumental_a to_o his_o own_o glory_n and_o to_o the_o salvation_n of_o other_o men._n and_o there_o be_v this_o good_a effect_n from_o the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o schism_n that_o those_o which_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a by_o they_o that_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o good_a christian_a may_v appear_v and_o that_o the_o disguise_n may_v be_v take_v off_o from_o hypocrite_n that_o they_o may_v be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o seduce_v man_n by_o a_o show_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o unrepent_v sinner_n to_o let_v they_o fall_v from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o and_o not_o come_v into_o his_o righteousness_n to_o punish_v secret_a sin_n by_o suffer_v man_n to_o run_v into_o public_a and_o notorious_a crime_n whereby_o they_o discover_v and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o those_o heretic_n of_o who_o st._n paul_n speak_v they_o profess_v that_o they_o know_v god_n but_o in_o work_n they_o deny_v he_o be_v abominable_a and_o disobedient_a and_o to_o every_o good_a work_n reprobate_a tit._n i._n 16._o and_o give_v a_o full_a and_o lamentable_a description_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o conclusion_n he_o say_v but_o they_o shall_v proceed_v no_o far_o for_o their_o folly_n shall_v be_v manifest_a to_o all_o man_n 2_o tim._n three_o 9_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o come_v to_o such_o horrid_a and_o frightful_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n and_o blasphemy_n as_o that_o all_o man_n who_o mean_v well_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o avoid_v they_o and_o to_o depart_v from_o they_o and_o of_o those_o who_o join_v themselves_o with_o such_o man_n and_o go_v over_o to_o they_o st._n john_n declare_v they_o go_v out_o from_o we_o but_o they_o be_v not_o of_o we_o for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v of_o we_o they_o will_v no_o doubt_n have_v continue_v with_o we_o but_o they_o go_v out_o that_o they_o may_v be_v make_v manifest_a that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o we_o 1_o john_n two_o 19_o and_o when_o these_o and_o such_o like_a heresy_n break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n this_o make_v all_o sincere_a christian_n more_o careful_a and_o diligent_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n and_o earnest_o contend_v for_o the_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v too_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a about_o religion_n when_o they_o meet_v with_o no_o opposition_n but_o when_o the_o faith_n be_v deny_v and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n be_v dispute_v against_o this_o will_v stir_v up_o and_o actuate_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n in_o all_o who_o have_v any_o regard_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o most_o heresy_n have_v be_v of_o no_o long_a continuance_n but_o appear_v and_o show_v themselves_o be_v disprove_v become_v odious_a and_o after_o a_o while_o be_v hardly_o know_v but_o from_o the_o book_n of_o such_o as_o confute_v they_o and_o those_o point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contradict_v become_v so_o much_o the_o better_o establish_v and_o the_o more_o firm_o believe_v for_o the_o future_a heresy_n be_v but_o the_o trial_n of_o religion_n as_o danger_n be_v of_o courage_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v exercise_v and_o encompass_v with_o error_n which_o fall_v before_o it_o and_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o no_o hurt_n so_o that_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v suffer_v by_o almighty_a god_n as_o all_o other_o sin_n be_v because_o it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n not_o to_o compel_v man_n but_o to_o persuade_v and_o exhort_v they_o and_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n whilst_o it_o offer_v the_o most_o prevail_a argument_n and_o motive_n against_o it_o and_o to_o be_v guilty_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n among_o the_o rest_n and_o these_o be_v temptation_n and_o trial_n to_o good_a man_n and_o often_o serve_v as_o judgement_n upon_o the_o wicked_a to_o punish_v one_o wickedness_n with_o another_o and_o expose_v they_o to_o the_o world_n for_o hypocrite_n and_o impostor_n and_o they_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o hereby_o become_v the_o more_o thorough_o examine_v and_o the_o more_o full_o explain_v and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v not_o by_o his_o almighty_a power_n hinder_v those_o difference_n in_o religion_n which_o must_v of_o necessity_n happen_v by_o the_o sin_n and_o folly_n man_n unless_o he_o shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o iii_o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v even_o the_o worst_a of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n religion_n be_v our_o direction_n our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o because_o there_o be_v many_o wrong_a way_n therefore_o there_o be_v none_o right_a this_o be_v beneath_o the_o discretion_n of_o every_o ordinary_a traveller_n who_o if_o the_o way_n be_v difficult_a resolve_v to_o use_v the_o more_o care_n and_o diligence_n in_o find_v it_o out_o but_o never_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o way_n and_o no_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o go_v for_o a_o man_n to_o argue_v from_o the_o multitude_n of_o heresy_n and_o schism_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o if_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o curve_v line_n therefore_o there_o can_v be_v none_o right_o when_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o straightness_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o crooked_a for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o notion_n of_o one_o without_o the_o
other_o and_o as_o all_o obliquity_n suppose_v rectitude_n from_o which_o it_o decline_v so_o vice_n suppose_v virtue_n and_o error_n suppose_v truth_n and_o error_n in_o religion_n must_v suppose_v truth_n in_o religion_n for_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n necessary_o imply_v the_o be_v of_o that_o to_o which_o it_o be_v contrary_a and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o can_v have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o it_o be_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n there_o can_v be_v no_o vice_n if_o no_o truth_n there_o can_v be_v no_o error_n and_o unless_o there_o be_v truth_n and_o excellency_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o heresy_n or_o schism_n which_o be_v other_o word_n for_o error_n and_o vice_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v that_o the_o worst_a heresy_n give_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o clear_v those_o point_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v dispute_v against_o and_o so_o must_v be_v far_o from_o invalidate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o because_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o some_o will_v not_o understand_v or_o may_v be_v unwilling_a to_o acknowledge_v and_o it_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o sure_a argument_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o any_o cause_n when_o those_o that_o maintain_v it_o be_v not_o agree_v about_o it_o among_o themselves_o let_v we_o consider_v 1._o that_o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a 2._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v as_o well_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n 1._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n even_o hypocrite_n and_o impostor_n so_o far_o own_o religion_n as_o to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o counterfeit_n for_o no_o man_n counterfeit_v that_o which_o be_v not_o no_o nor_o that_o which_o have_v no_o worth_n nor_o excellency_n in_o it_o no_o man_n will_v be_v at_o much_o pain_n to_o be_v think_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n who_o be_v not_o such_o and_o no_o man_n will_v endeavour_v to_o be_v think_v vicious_a unless_o he_o be_v so_o indeed_o there_o be_v few_o pretender_n to_o the_o shame_n and_o infamy_n which_o in_o age_n have_v be_v inseparable_a from_o irreligion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o natural_a sense_n which_o man_n have_v of_o religion_n that_o give_v it_o so_o great_a credit_n and_o honour_n in_o a_o wicked_a world_n that_o even_o the_o shadow_n and_o counterfeit_n of_o it_o have_v sometime_o too_o much_o prevail_v but_o far_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o christian_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o only_a difference_n among_o they_o be_v concern_v particular_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n that_o be_v concern_v the_o true_a mean_v and_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o no_o man_n dispute_v about_o the_o mean_v of_o that_o which_o they_o do_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n suppose_v to_o be_v when_o any_o point_n or_o clause_n of_o a_o law_n be_v in_o dispute_n it_o will_v be_v ridiculous_a from_o thence_o to_o conclude_v that_o no_o such_o law_n be_v ever_o make_v because_o all_o party_n must_v agree_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o law_n or_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o when_o difference_n arise_v in_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n because_o there_o can_v be_v difference_n about_o nothing_o and_o man_n will_v never_o differ_v about_o religion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o they_o do_v not_o think_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o christian_n be_v not_o only_o agree_v in_o the_o main_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o they_o be_v likewise_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a article_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n this_o be_v the_o ancient_a rule_n 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withal_o as_o steadfast_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o awful_a apprehension_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v and_o propagate_v not_o only_o by_o his_o own_o write_n but_o by_o the_o labour_n of_o other_o which_o he_o engage_v and_o reward_v by_o his_o last_o will_n and_o testament_n 2._o but_o man_n do_v not_o always_o live_v answerable_o to_o what_o they_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o be_v hearty_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o occasion_n give_v for_o this_o objection_n for_o though_o it_o be_v very_o inconsiderable_a in_o itself_o yet_o it_o do_v i_o believe_v the_o most_o mischief_n of_o any_o because_o man_n natural_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o the_o example_n than_o by_o the_o judgement_n of_o other_o or_o even_o than_o by_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o if_o we_o will_v judge_v aright_o the_o example_n of_o one_o man_n who_o live_v according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v of_o more_o 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suffer_v by_o it_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v in_o great_a earnest_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v apparent_o bribe_v to_o forsake_v that_o in_o practice_n which_o notwithstanding_o they_o can_v but_o own_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o old_a prejudice_n against_o philosophy_n that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v not_o observe_v their_o own_o precept_n but_o it_o be_v reject_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o vsefulness_n of_o philosophy_n it_o be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o the_o man_n but_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o they_o be_v disregard_v by_o those_o who_o understand_v their_o worth_n and_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o due_a value_n and_o esteem_v for_o they_o and_o whoever_o renounce_v the_o faith_n or_o take_v up_o principle_n of_o irreligion_n because_o of_o any_o ill_a practice_n of_o other_o too_o plain_o declare_v either_o that_o in_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n he_o never_o have_v any_o or_o that_o he_o be_v very_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n all_o man_n make_v some_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o those_o man_n most_o of_o all_o who_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o decry_v religion_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o do_v not_o always_o live_v up_o to_o its_o rule_n and_o instruction_n but_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o man_n general_o act_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o against_o relgion_n and_o that_o therefore_o this_o objection_n if_o it_o can_v signify_v any_o thing_n must_v banish_v all_o reason_n and_o good_a sense_n out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n because_o so_o few_o practice_n it_o as_o they_o ought_v there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n neither_o because_o the_o life_n of_o so_o many_o man_n contradict_v it_o and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v be_v content_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a religion_n rather_o than_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n because_o than_o they_o must_v be_v no_o long_o allow_v to_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n but_o if_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n than_o the_o same_o religion_n may_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v true_a in_o one_o age_n and_o false_a in_o another_o or_o true_a in_o one_o country_n and_o false_a in_o the_o next_o and_o must_v be_v more_o or_o less_o true_a or_o false_a in_o the_o same_o proportion_n as_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o professor_n be_v more_o or_o less_o virtuous_a or_o vicious_a indeed_o this_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a a_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v grow_v a_o very_a common_a one_o that_o methinks_v every_o man_n shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o especial_o man_n of_o reason_n
who_o scorn_v so_o much_o in_o all_o other_o case_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o practice_n and_o authority_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o believe_v that_o man_n who_o think_v at_o all_o can_v think_v as_o they_o speak_v when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o objection_n will_v any_o man_n suppose_v that_o temperance_n do_v not_o preserve_v health_n though_o he_o shall_v see_v his_o physician_n run_v into_o excess_n or_o that_o poison_n will_v not_o kill_v though_o the_o man_n who_o tell_v he_o so_o and_o advise_v he_o against_o it_o be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o take_v it_o himself_o but_o as_o absurd_a as_o this_o objection_n be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o absurd_a when_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n of_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o first_o preach_v it_o be_v a_o apostate_n and_o a_o traitor_n and_o our_o saviour_n declare_v that_o many_o who_o have_v preach_v and_o wrought_v miracle_n in_o his_o name_n shall_v be_v at_o last_o reject_v by_o he_o matth._n seven_o 21._o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o to_o make_v this_o cavil_n against_o christianity_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v it_o or_o will_v not_o remember_v the_o plain_a and_o most_o remarkable_a point_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n notwithstanding_o the_o clear_a evidence_n for_o their_o religion_n be_v too_o many_o to_o be_v here_o recount_v but_o i_o shall_v mention_v some_o of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o 1._o vicious_a man_n be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o their_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n and_o to_o all_o their_o inclination_n and_o desire_n but_o they_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o it_o the_o life_n of_o too_o many_o christian_n have_v bring_v a_o scandal_n though_o a_o very_a unjust_a one_o upon_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o man_n who_o find_v themselves_o more_o incline_v to_o do_v as_o they_o see_v they_o do_v than_o as_o they_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v they_o ought_v to_o do_v make_v no_o sufficient_a enquiry_n into_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o divers_a man_n have_v have_v a_o strange_a ambition_n to_o say_v something_o new_a upon_o every_o subject_a they_o treat_v of_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o all_o their_o skill_n and_o power_n to_o contradict_v and_o overthrow_v what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o other_o that_o they_o may_v make_v way_n for_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o so_o to_o refine_v upon_o the_o notion_n of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v appear_v new_a and_o of_o their_o own_o invention_n which_o have_v make_v inconsiderate_a man_n conclude_v that_o we_o be_v always_o to_o seek_v in_o our_o doctrine_n and_o have_v no_o fix_a principle_n whereas_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o judgement_n know_v that_o common_o what_o be_v with_o so_o much_o ostentation_n propose_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o for_o new_a have_v be_v consider_v and_o reject_v of_o old_a though_o not_o perhaps_o in_o the_o very_a term_n yet_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v some_o true_a doctrine_n under_o a_o different_a form_n and_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o improvement_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o philosophy_n this_o last_o age_n afford_v a_o real_a and_o great_a advantage_n towards_o the_o proof_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n in_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v few_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v more_o abuse_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o it_o for_o when_o man_n find_v it_o convenient_a to_o give_v some_o vent_n to_o the_o philosophical_a humour_n they_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o it_o to_o discharge_v itself_o upon_o and_o this_o must_v be_v something_o great_a and_o something_o that_o be_v very_o new_a and_o surprise_v and_o there_o be_v nothing_o which_o answer_v all_o these_o quality_n so_o well_o as_o a_o new_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o then_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n in_o genesis_n as_o well_o as_o the_o world_n itself_o must_v undergo_v all_o the_o alteration_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o impose_v upon_o it_o that_o it_o may_v perfect_o submit_v and_o comply_v with_o their_o new_a hypothesis_n if_o this_o fancy_n shall_v hold_v new_a system_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o common_a as_o new_a romance_n they_o must_v pardon_v i_o the_o expression_n for_o des_n cartes_n himself_o among_o his_o friend_n give_v no_o better_a name_n to_o his_o system_n which_o be_v the_o first_o ground_n and_o occasion_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a with_o a_o philosophical_a wit_n than_o to_o build_v or_o destroy_v a_o world_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v when_o they_o have_v weary_v themselves_o with_o new_a contrivance_n they_o will_v let_v we_o have_v our_o old_a world_n again_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n these_o man_n who_o have_v too_o much_o philosophy_n to_o have_v no_o religion_n put_v dangerous_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o have_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o and_o know_v not_o how_o to_o use_v they_o but_o to_o do_v mischief_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o plain_a but_o it_o may_v be_v render_v difficult_a and_o obscure_a to_o many_o man_n by_o long_a and_o subtle_a dispute_n if_o great_a number_n of_o man_n shall_v write_v concern_v the_o sun_n heat_n and_o light_n and_o motion_n for_o many_o year_n and_o every_o one_o shall_v still_o contradict_v all_o that_o go_v before_o he_o and_o strive_v to_o say_v something_o new_a and_o strange_a upon_o the_o subject_a the_o last_o for_o aught_o i_o know_v may_v pretend_v to_o prove_v that_o perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sun_n at_o all_o which_o indeed_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o sceptic_n have_v say_v and_o this_o infidelity_n and_o scepticism_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o revelation_n must_v end_v in_o the_o scepticism_n of_o our_o very_a sense_n if_o these_o principle_n be_v pursue_v in_o their_o direct_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n other_o have_v be_v too_o bold_a with_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n and_o have_v pretend_v to_o explain_v they_o so_o far_o as_o if_o they_o will_v endeavour_v to_o present_v we_o with_o a_o religion_n without_o all_o mystery_n which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o reproach_n and_o religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o such_o as_o be_v glad_a to_o take_v all_o occasian_n to_o show_v their_o goodwill_n to_o it_o the_o evident_a and_o declare_a design_n of_o the_o socinian_o be_v to_o retain_v no_o mystery_n but_o by_o force_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o expound_v they_o all_o to_o their_o own_o that_o be_v to_o a_o new_a and_o absurd_a sense_n and_o it_o be_v but_o too_o plain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o combine_a design_n carry_v on_o between_o they_o and_o the_o deist_n who_o be_v content_v to_o pass_v for_o christian_n with_o a_o distinction_n and_o without_o a_o mystery_n anti-trinitarian_a be_v a_o mild_a word_n than_o antichristian_a and_o unitarian_n be_v but_o a_o different_a name_n for_o deist_n another_o sort_n have_v be_v very_o laborious_a in_o find_v out_o mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o and_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o reduce_v the_o plain_a doctrine_n to_o clear_a principle_n have_v only_o amââsed_v and_o confound_v man_n in_o the_o true_a and_o obvious_a notion_n of_o they_o thus_o the_o duty_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o our_o neighbour_n be_v plain_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o plain_o set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o raise_v abstract_v and_o metaphysical_a speculation_n upon_o so_o plain_a text_n be_v only_o to_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o know_v before_o in_o other_o and_o less_o intelligible_a term_n or_o else_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o nice_a and_o rash_a dispute_n of_o the_o schoolman_n or_o into_o the_o enthusiastic_a heat_n of_o the_o mystical_a divine_n which_o can_v have_v no_o tendency_n to_o the_o peace_n or_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n but_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n to_o blaspheme_n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n have_v be_v the_o rashness_n of_o some_o critic_n for_o if_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n have_v be_v once_o call_v in_o question_n by_o man_n who_o have_v get_v themselves_o a_o name_n by_o write_v more_o bold_o than_o wise_a man_n have_v do_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o man_n shall_v be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v take_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o dislike_v criticism_n when_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o share_n of_o a_o prudent_a
demure_a pretender_n to_o humane_a reason_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o enemy_n of_o reveal_v religion_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o age_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v show_v so_o great_a a_o forwardness_n to_o be_v no_o long_o christian_n that_o they_o have_v catch_v at_o all_o the_o little_a cavil_n and_o pretence_n against_o religion_n and_o indeed_o if_o it_o be_v not_o more_o out_o of_o charity_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n than_o for_o any_o credit_n religion_n can_v have_v of_o they_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n but_o they_o shall_v have_v their_o wish_n for_o they_o both_o think_v and_o live_v so_o ill_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n that_o they_o be_v against_o it_o it_o be_v urge_v as_o a_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a riligion_n by_o tertullian_n that_o it_o be_v haved_z and_o persecute_v by_o nero_n the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v be_v but_o small_a 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say_v that_o they_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o it_o have_v therefore_o be_v the_o constant_a belief_n and_o opinion_n of_o all_o nation_n that_o their_o god_n do_v in_o some_o way_n or_o other_o reveal_v themselves_o to_o man_n and_o though_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v worship_v false_a god_n and_o have_v be_v mistake_v as_o to_o the_o particular_a revelation_n which_o they_o receive_v for_o divine_a yet_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ancient_a tradition_n or_o from_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o from_o both_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v expect_v that_o the_o divine_a be_v shall_v by_o some_o mean_n communicate_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o declare_v his_o will_n to_o they_o chap._n ii_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n mankind_n have_v so_o corrupt_v themselves_o that_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v effectual_o make_v know_v to_o they_o but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n god_n have_v manifest_v himself_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o by_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o thing_n from_o the_o beginning_n according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n i._n 20._o but_o man_n have_v corrupt_v themselves_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o act_v against_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n in_o worship_v the_o vile_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n rather_o than_o god_n himself_o and_o in_o contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o he_o have_v set_v up_o even_o fourfooted_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n instead_o of_o go_n how_o then_o can_v the_o power_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v assert_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a way_n of_o revelation_n since_o the_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a method_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o manifest_v himself_o by_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o far_o pervert_v and_o abuse_v as_o that_o man_n be_v seduce_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o of_o every_o thing_n rather_o than_o of_o god_n mankind_n have_v neither_o the_o will_v nor_o ability_n to_o reform_v themselves_o and_o have_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n bring_v themselves_o under_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a revelation_n natural_a reason_n may_v have_v teach_v they_o to_o be_v less_o wicked_a but_o nothing_o can_v make_v they_o righteous_a but_o a_o revelation_n and_o the_o gross_a error_n and_o crime_n which_o the_o wise_a man_n have_v fall_v into_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v and_o inform_v the_o world_n and_o the_o way_n of_o extraordinary_a revelation_n be_v but_o these_o two_o either_o god_n immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o particular_a person_n or_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o of_o prophesy_v and_o foretell_v future_a event_n bestow_v upon_o some_o to_o convince_v other_o that_o they_o be_v inspire_a and_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v but_o it_o can_v seem_v requisite_a that_o god_n shall_v immediate_o inspire_v or_o make_v a_o immediate_a revelation_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n in_o the_o world_n for_o either_o he_o must_v so_o powerful_o influence_n their_o mind_n and_o affection_n as_o to_o take_v away_o their_o choice_n and_o freedom_n of_o act_v which_o will_v be_v to_o offer_v violence_n to_o humane_a nature_n or_o else_o man_n will_v
come_v hereafter_o that_o we_o may_v know_v that_o you_o be_v god_n isai_n xlii_o 23._o but_o because_o thing_n foretell_v may_v sometime_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o evil_a spirit_n to_o foretell_v they_o when_o they_o be_v in_o design_n and_o agitation_n and_o just_o ready_a for_o action_n or_o to_o discern_v thing_n do_v at_o distant_a place_n and_o to_o make_v probable_a guess_n which_o may_v prove_v true_a from_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o affair_n which_o they_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v therefore_o be_v assure_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o goodness_n and_o truth_n that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n by_o diabolical_a prediction_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v such_o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o deut._n xviii_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o distinction_n between_o a_o false_a and_o a_o true_a prophet_n that_o whatever_o the_o latter_a foretell_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o whatever_o the_o first_o foretell_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o imply_v that_o god_n will_v disappoint_v such_o prediction_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v otherwise_o the_o come_a to_o pass_v of_o thing_n foretell_v can_v be_v no_o certain_a mark_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n because_o they_o may_v come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o jer._n xxviii_o 9_o but_o if_o the_o prophecy_n be_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o be_v give_v out_o with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o entice_v man_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o false_a god_n then_o god_n may_v suffer_v it_o to_o be_v fulfil_v to_o prove_v his_o people_n deut._n xiii_o 1_o 2_o 3._o for_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n especial_o after_o warn_v give_v and_o after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n if_o any_o man_n in_o this_o case_n will_v be_v seduce_v by_o any_o wonder_n or_o prophecy_n to_o follow_v other_o god_n it_o must_v be_v great_a perverseness_n in_o he_o but_o when_o prophecy_n be_v deliver_v by_o many_o prophet_n in_o divers_a age_n and_o different_a place_n all_o teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o tend_v to_o the_o same_o end_n and_o design_n in_o their_o several_a revelation_n and_o that_o end_n be_v the_o discouragement_n of_o all_o wickedness_n and_o the_o maintenance_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o true_a religion_n these_o prophecy_n have_v all_o that_o can_v be_v requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o god_n by_o suffer_v they_o to_o pass_v so_o long_o in_o the_o world_n under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o with_o all_o the_o character_n of_o his_o authority_n upon_o they_o have_v give_v we_o all_o possible_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v his_o and_o engage_v we_o in_o honour_n to_o his_o divine_a attribute_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o real_o be_v by_o his_o authority_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o prophecy_n be_v thus_o ground_v upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n beside_o the_o direct_a evidence_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o whatever_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o they_o add_v a_o undeniable_a confirmation_n to_o those_o miracle_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o time_n and_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o by_o the_o person_n foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o prophecy_n likewise_o receive_v as_o great_a a_o confirmation_n from_o such_o miracle_n for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o be_v single_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n do_v mutual_o support_v and_o confirm_v each_o other_o and_o hereby_o we_o have_v all_o the_o assurance_n that_o can_v be_v expect_v of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o as_o prophecy_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n so_o in_o conjunction_n with_o miracle_n it_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a way_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v 2._o the_o suitableness_n and_o efficacy_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v a_o extravagant_a thing_n to_o conceive_v that_o god_n shall_v exclude_v himself_o from_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o creation_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v establish_v they_o upon_o such_o inviolable_a law_n as_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o upon_o some_o occasion_n when_o he_o foresee_v it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o do_v it_o for_o unless_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v thus_o alterable_a it_o will_v have_v be_v defective_a in_o regard_n to_o one_o great_a end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v viz._n it_o will_v have_v fail_v of_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n upon_o such_o occasion_n the_o same_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o contrive_v the_o law_n for_o the_o order_n and_o course_n of_o nature_n contrive_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o alterable_a when_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a for_o god_n by_o suspend_v the_o power_n or_o interrupt_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o extraordinary_a will_n and_o power_n and_o by_o the_o same_o decree_n by_o which_o he_o at_o first_o establish_v they_o he_o subject_v they_o to_o such_o alteration_n as_o his_o wisdom_n foresee_v will_v be_v necessary_a we_o can_v as_o little_a doubt_n but_o that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n have_v the_o sole_a power_n and_o authority_n over_o it_o and_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v in_o it_o but_o by_o his_o direction_n and_o influence_n or_o at_o least_o by_o his_o permission_n and_o that_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o at_o first_o appoint_v can_v at_o no_o time_n be_v alter_v but_o for_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n he_o be_v not_o give_v to_o change_v as_o man_n be_v and_o can_v never_o be_v disappoint_v in_o his_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o design_n but_o when_o any_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o revelation_n which_o for_o the_o importance_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o it_o and_o in_o all_o other_o respect_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o this_o be_v his_o do_v and_o there_o be_v still_o further_a evidence_n of_o it_o if_o this_o revelation_n be_v prophesy_v of_o before_o by_o prophet_n who_o foretell_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n as_o when_o man_n bear_v blind_a receive_v their_o sight_n when_o other_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o most_o desperate_a disease_n by_o a_o touch_n or_o at_o a_o distance_n when_o the_o dead_a be_v raise_v and_o the_o devil_n cast_v out_o these_o be_v evident_a sign_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n which_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o those_o by_o who_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v and_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n be_v produce_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o teach_v for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o satisfactory_a and_o convince_a to_o man_n or_o more_o worthy_a of_o god_n than_o to_o force_v the_o devil_n themselves_o to_o confess_v and_o proclaim_v his_o come_v to_o cause_v the_o most_o insensible_a thing_n in_o nature_n to_o declare_v his_o power_n by_o give_v way_n as_o it_o be_v and_o start_v back_o in_o great_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n at_o his_o more_o immediate_a and_o particular_a presence_n to_o inform_v man_n that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n be_v there_o this_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o challenge_v the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n in_o a_o language_n more_o powerful_a than_o any_o humane_a voice_n whilst_o god_n show_v forth_o his_o glory_n and_o make_v know_v his_o will_n by_o exercise_v his_o sovereignty_n over_o nature_n in_o make_v the_o whole_a creation_n bow_n and_o tremble_v and_o obey_v all_o which_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o express_v prophecy_n concern_v christ_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o visible_a concurrence_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o testimony_n of_o he_o and_o this_o dispensation_n of_o miracle_n be_v admirable_o fit_v to_o propagate_v that_o religion_n which_o concern_v the_o poor_a as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a the_o unlearned_a as_o well_o as_o the_o learned_a miracle_n be_v suitable_a
to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a design_n of_o it_o for_o they_o be_v equal_o adapt_v to_o awaken_v the_o attention_n and_o command_v the_o assent_n of_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n and_o capacity_n they_o be_v obvious_a to_o the_o most_o ignorant_a and_o may_v satisfy_v the_o wise_a and_o confute_v or_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o most_o captious_a or_o contentious_a and_o this_o be_v what_o all_o the_o world_n ever_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o man_n by_o work_v somewhat_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o intercourse_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o therefore_o there_o never_o be_v any_o of_o the_o false_a religion_n but_o it_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v confirm_v by_o something_o miraculous_a we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o whenever_o any_o thing_n happen_v extraordinary_a they_o always_o imagine_v something_o supernatural_a in_o it_o they_o expect_v that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n and_o no_o false_a religion_n can_v have_v gain_v belief_n and_o credit_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n but_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o they_o the_o only_a difficulty_n therefore_o will_v be_v to_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a or_o those_o which_o have_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n from_o such_o as_o have_v be_v do_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o behalf_n of_o false_a religion_n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o this_o controversy_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o determine_v what_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n be_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o what_o work_n can_v proceed_v only_o from_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o we_o know_v that_o god_n precide_v over_o all_o that_o good_a spirit_n act_v in_o constant_a subjection_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o that_o evil_a spirit_n act_v for_o evil_a end_n that_o good_a spirit_n will_v not_o impose_v upon_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evil_a to_o do_v it_o under_o any_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o afford_v mean_n to_o discover_v the_o delusion_n and_o the_o question_n here_o be_v not_o concern_v any_o strange_a work_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o allege_v to_o be_v the_o author_n but_o concern_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o profess_a design_n to_o establish_v religion_n in_o his_o name_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o wonder_n wrought_v in_o the_o world_n which_o exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o to_o what_o other_o power_n to_o ascribe_v this_o make_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o present_a case_n because_o here_o not_o only_o the_o work_n themselves_o but_o the_o design_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v for_o instance_n whether_o the_o miracle_n report_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o vespasian_n be_v true_a or_o false_a by_o a_o divine_a or_o a_o diabolical_a power_n they_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o we_o he_o establish_v no_o new_a doctrine_n and_o pretend_v to_o no_o divine_a authority_n but_o doubt_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o work_v they_o and_o suppose_v they_o true_a and_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v that_o as_o god_n mention_v cyrus_n by_o name_n to_o be_v the_o deliverer_n of_o the_o jew_n so_o he_o may_v by_o miracle_n signalise_v this_o prince_n who_o be_v to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v wrought_v with_o this_o declare_a purpose_n and_o design_n that_o they_o be_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o introduce_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n have_v premise_v this_o i_o must_v resume_v what_o be_v before_o observe_v concern_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o false_a prophecy_n may_v be_v detect_v it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n be_v the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o revelation_n and_o that_o way_n which_o man_n have_v ever_o expect_v to_o receive_v revelation_n by_o if_o then_o there_o have_v be_v false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v either_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o after_o those_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v deliver_v if_o before_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n than_o the_o same_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o oblige_v god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n must_v oblige_v he_o to_o take_v care_n that_o the_o imposture_n of_o those_o false_a prophecy_n and_o miracle_n by_o some_o mean_n may_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o true_a revelation_n shall_v be_v first_o make_v to_o man_n before_o god_n will_v suffer_v they_o to_o be_v tempt_v with_o false_a one_o and_o if_o the_o false_a be_v after_o the_o true_a revelation_n than_o the_o true_a revelation_n themselves_o be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o other_o but_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o of_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o present_a subject_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o infinite_a truth_n and_o honour_n and_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o suffer_v man_n to_o be_v delude_v by_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v under_o a_o pretence_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o shall_v suppose_v there_o have_v past_o any_o time_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v man_n but_o through_o their_o own_o fault_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o miracle_n but_o either_o by_o the_o false_a and_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o promote_v and_o establish_v as_o idolatry_n uncleanness_n murder_n etc._n etc._n or_o by_o some_o other_o token_n of_o imposture_n they_o may_v have_v be_v undeceive_v and_o both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n god_n have_v give_v we_o warn_v against_o false_a miracle_n deut._n xiii_o 1._o mat._n xxiv_o 24._o gal._n i_o 8._o so_o that_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o we_o be_v to_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o any_o miracle_n that_o can_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v any_o other_o doctrine_n than_o what_o we_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o be_v certify_v that_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n which_o give_v testimony_n and_o evidence_n to_o they_o we_o need_v concern_v ourselves_o about_o no_o other_o and_o the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v and_o authorise_a must_v be_v true_a because_o there_o be_v no_o precedent_n divine_a revelation_n which_o they_o contradict_v nor_o any_o immoral_a or_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v nor_o any_o thing_n else_o contain_v in_o they_o whereby_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n that_o which_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o god_n will_v suffer_v his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v usurp_v and_o abuse_v and_o mankind_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a consequence_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o imposture_n which_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n for_o he_o to_o permit_v but_o either_o by_o the_o work_v themselves_o or_o by_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o or_o by_o some_o mean_n or_o other_o the_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v to_o detect_v all_o such_o imposture_n if_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o introduce_v the_o worship_n of_o other_o god_n beside_o he_o who_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n assure_v we_o to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a god_n if_o they_o be_v do_v to_o seduce_v man_n to_o immoral_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n if_o they_o be_v perform_v to_o contradict_v the_o religion_n already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o which_o nothing_o of_o this_o nature_n can_v possible_o be_v discover_v if_o never_o so_o astonish_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o such_o ill_a design_n as_o these_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v but_o reject_v with_o that_o constancy_n which_o become_v a_o man_n who_o will_v act_v according_a to_o the_o
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
the_o pentateuch_n for_o antiquity_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o these_o book_n be_v one_o considerable_a circumstance_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o in_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n without_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o to_o be_v lose_v and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a in_o the_o world_n be_v constant_o receive_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n carry_v great_a evidence_n with_o it_o that_o it_o be_v authentic_a for_o the_o first_o revelation_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v be_v to_o be_v the_o criterion_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o pass_v all_o along_o under_o the_o notion_n and_o title_n of_o a_o revelation_n without_o cause_v some_o discovery_n to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o imposture_n if_o there_o be_v any_o in_o it_o much_o less_o will_v he_o preserve_v it_o by_o a_o particular_a and_o signal_n providence_n for_o so_o many_o age_n it_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o have_v stand_v the_o test_n and_o receive_v the_o approbation_n of_o so_o many_o age_n and_o still_o retain_v their_o authority_n though_o so_o many_o ill_a man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v it_o their_o endeavour_n to_o disprove_v they_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o further_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o show_v so_o remarkable_a a_o providence_n in_o their_o preservation_n the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o he_o relate_v the_o intercourse_n which_o from_o the_o beginning_n pass_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o this_o may_v be_v deliver_v down_o either_o by_o write_v or_o by_o tradition_n till_o moses_n time_n for_o methuselah_n live_v with_o adam_n and_o shem_n with_o methuselah_n isaac_n with_o shem_n and_o amram_v the_o father_n of_o moses_n live_v with_o the_o patriarch_n the_o son_n of_o jacob_n the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o the_o manifestation_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o to_o their_o forefather_n can_v not_o be_v unknown_a to_o that_o age_n such_o a_o posterity_n can_v not_o but_o be_v zealous_a to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o so_o great_a honour_n and_o blessing_n and_o their_o live_n in_o goshen_n separate_v from_o the_o egyptian_n do_v much_o contribute_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o their_o antiquity_n for_o there_o they_o live_v in_o expectation_n of_o a_o deliverance_n and_o of_o see_v the_o prophecy_n fulfil_v that_o be_v make_v to_o their_o forefather_n concern_v it_o the_o famous_a prediction_n make_v to_o abraham_n gen._n xv_o 13._o can_v not_o be_v forget_v in_o so_o few_o generation_n for_o the_o come_n out_o of_o egypt_n be_v as_o it_o be_v there_o foretell_v it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o four_o generation_n reckon_v from_o isaac_n the_o first_o of_o the_o promise_a seed_n to_o moses_n exclusive_o exod._n vi_fw-la 16._o moses_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o some_o thing_n that_o happen_v near_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o well_o know_v in_o his_o own_o time_n as_o gen._n four_o 22._o where_o he_o say_v the_o sister_n of_o tubal_n cain_n be_v naamah_n for_o no_o probable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o naamah_n shall_v be_v mention_v but_o because_o her_o name_n be_v then_o well_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n for_o some_o reason_n which_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o which_o serve_v to_o confirm_v to_o they_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o relation_n some_o have_v deliver_v that_o naamah_n by_o her_o beauty_n entice_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n to_o commit_v idolatry_n gen._n vi_fw-la 2._o and_o so_o gen._n xi_o 29._o we_o read_v that_o haran_n be_v the_o father_n of_o ischa_n as_o well_o as_o of_o milcah_n and_o gen._n xxxvi_o 24._o this_o be_v that_o anah_n that_o find_v the_o mule_n or_o the_o hotbath_n or_o that_o fall_v upon_o the_o emims_n or_o giant_n mention_v deut._n two_o 10_o 11._o however_o the_o word_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o wilderness_n as_o he_o feed_v the_o ass_n of_o zibeon_n his_o father_n these_o and_o such_o like_a particular_n must_v have_v be_v preserve_v and_o common_o know_v among_o the_o israelite_n and_o be_v therefore_o insert_v to_o serve_v as_o epocha_n and_o note_n of_o remembrance_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o history_n the_o story_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n of_o nimrod_n be_v convey_v in_o a_o proverb_n wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v even_o as_o nimrod_n the_o mighty_a hunter_n before_o the_o lord_n gen._n x._o 9_o and_o the_o remembrance_n of_o abraham_n offer_v up_o his_o son_n be_v retain_v both_o by_o the_o name_n of_o the_o place_n and_o by_o a_o proverbial_a say_v and_o abraham_n call_v the_o name_n of_o that_o place_n jehovah-jireh_a as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o day_n in_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o lord_n it_o shall_v be_v see_v gen._n xxii_o 14._o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o there_o be_v other_o the_o like_a remembrance_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a transaction_n josephus_n have_v prove_v that_o author_n of_o all_o nation_n agree_v that_o in_o ancient_a time_n man_n live_v to_o the_o age_n of_o about_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o some_o be_v know_v to_o have_v live_v to_o a_o very_a great_a age_n in_o latter_a time_n but_o however_o it_o have_v be_v more_o serviceable_a to_o moses_n purpose_n if_o he_o have_v have_v any_o other_o design_n but_o truth_n that_o man_n shall_v not_o have_v be_v so_o long_o live_v for_o when_o he_o have_v so_o much_o scope_n for_o his_o invention_n if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o invention_n of_o his_o own_o he_o will_v never_o have_v fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o distance_n of_o so_o few_o generation_n from_o the_o time_n in_o which_o he_o write_v but_o will_v rather_o have_v make_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n more_o and_o their_o life_n short_a that_o so_o he_o may_v the_o better_o have_v conceal_v his_o fiction_n in_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a relation_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v through_o so_o many_o hand_n down_o to_o that_o age._n the_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o the_o flood_n to_o moses_n be_v more_o than_o it_o be_v from_o the_o conqust_n to_o the_o present_a age_n but_o half_o of_o this_o time_n noah_n himself_o be_v live_v and_o therefore_o allow_v for_o the_o great_a length_n of_o man_n life_n in_o those_o age_n than_o in_o we_o the_o time_n when_o moses_n write_v not_o be_v compute_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o the_o flood_n as_o we_o be_v at_o from_o the_o reformation_n but_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v any_o man_n of_o tolerable_a sense_n among_o we_o believe_v that_o henry_n viii_o be_v the_o first_o king_n of_o england_n that_o he_o live_v above_o seven_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o there_o be_v a_o deluge_n since_o his_o time_n which_o sweep_v all_o the_o inhabitant_n away_o of_o this_o island_n and_o of_o the_o whole_a world_n beside_o but_o some_o seven_o or_o eight_o person_n and_o that_o all_o who_o we_o now_o see_v be_v bear_v of_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o flood_n must_v have_v be_v to_o those_o of_o his_o own_o time_n if_o it_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v as_o josephus_n inform_v we_o that_o write_v be_v in_o use_n before_o the_o flood_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a as_o some_o have_v conjecture_v that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o moses_n time_n in_o verse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o easy_a to_o be_v remember_v and_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o write_v and_o be_v at_o first_o chief_o use_v for_o matter_n of_o history_n and_o consist_v of_o plain_a narration_n without_o much_o of_o art_n or_o ornament_n we_o read_v of_o instrumental_a music_n gen._n four_o 21._o before_o the_o flood_n and_o vocal_a music_n be_v so_o much_o more_o natural_a than_o instrumental_a it_o be_v likely_a that_o poetry_n be_v of_o as_o great_a antiquity_n both_o in_o their_o hymn_n and_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o help_n to_o their_o memory_n which_o be_v the_o two_o end_n to_o which_o moses_n
recourse_n to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o learned_a man_n to_o be_v so_o much_o the_o ancient_a book_n which_o can_v give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o unless_o we_o will_v reject_v all_o history_n and_o believe_v nothing_o relate_v of_o ancient_a time_n we_o must_v take_v our_o account_n from_o such_o book_n as_o treat_v of_o they_o and_o till_o by_o the_o method_n propose_v i_o have_v prove_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n i_o shall_v allege_v it_o only_o as_o a_o historical_a relation_n of_o thing_n past_a in_o which_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a to_o deny_v it_o that_o credit_n which_o be_v allow_v to_o other_o book_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v now_o desire_a in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_n of_o what_o i_o be_o at_o present_a upon_o which_o be_v to_o show_v that_o nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o true_a revelation_n be_v want_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o promulge_v and_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o create_v but_o one_o man_n and_o one_o woman_n and_o to_o people_n the_o earth_n from_o they_o which_o must_v exceed_o tend_v both_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o order_n and_o obedience_n among_o man_n and_o to_o the_o retain_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o way_n and_o deal_n with_o the_o first_o parent_n of_o mankind_n but_o if_o multitude_n have_v be_v create_v and_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v people_v at_o once_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o have_v be_v ambition_n and_o strife_n confusion_n and_o ignorance_n for_o as_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o world_n multiply_v so_o do_v all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n increase_v though_o all_o descend_v from_o the_o same_o parent_n and_o these_o parent_n live_v to_o see_v many_o generation_n of_o their_o offspring_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o admonish_v they_o which_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v have_v do_v it_o must_v have_v keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n among_o men._n adam_n himself_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o father_n a_o priest_n and_o a_o king_n to_o his_o child_n and_o the_o office_n and_o authority_n of_o these_o three_o descend_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o family_n in_o the_o several_a generation_n and_o succession_n of_o kingdom_n among_o his_o posterity_n for_o that_o the_o same_o person_n be_v both_o king_n and_o priest_n in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o world_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o best_a antiquity_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o it_o be_v so_o likewise_o among_o the_o jew_n till_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o order_n and_o succession_n of_o the_o priesthood_n in_o one_o tribe_n and_o therefore_o esau_n be_v style_v a_o profane_a person_n for_o sell_v his_o birthright_n genes_n omnesque_fw-la primogenitos_fw-la no_n donec_fw-la sacerdotio_fw-la fungeretur_fw-la aaron_n fuisse_fw-la pontifices_fw-la hebraei_n tradunt_fw-la hieronym_n quaestion_n seu_fw-la tradit_fw-la hebraic_n in_o genes_n because_o the_o priesthood_n go_v along_o with_o it_o heb._n twelve_o 16._o by_o all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o world_n before_o the_o flood_n we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n be_v please_v at_o first_o to_o afford_v frequent_a communication_n of_o himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o even_o to_o the_o wicked_a as_o to_o cain_n who_o punishment_n it_o afterward_o be_v to_o be_v hide_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o drive_v out_o from_o his_o presence_n gen._n four_o 14_o 16._o and_o when_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o drown_v the_o world_n he_o reveal_v this_o to_o noah_n and_o respite_v the_o execution_n of_o this_o judgement_n a_o hundred_o year_n and_o noah_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n both_o by_o his_o preach_v and_o by_o prepare_v a_o ark_n warn_v they_o of_o it_o and_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n by_o prepare_v of_o a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n he_o condemn_v the_o world_n heb._n xi_o 7._o and_o he_o be_v a_o preacher_n of_o righteousness_n to_o the_o old_a world_n 2_o pet._n two_o 5._o he_o make_v it_o his_o business_n for_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n together_o to_o forewarn_v the_o wicked_a world_n of_o their_o approach_a ruin_n which_o he_o do_v by_o all_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n that_o a_o wise_a and_o great_a man_n can_v contrive_v proper_a for_o that_o end_n noah_n live_v after_o the_o flood_n three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n gen._n ix_o 28._o and_o it_o be_v between_o one_o and_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o the_o division_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n and_o when_o all_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v of_o one_o language_n and_o live_v not_o far_o asunder_o noah_n himself_o live_v among_o they_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o wicked_a world_n in_o overwhelm_v they_o with_o the_o flood_n his_o mercy_n to_o noah_n and_o his_o family_n in_o their_o preservation_n when_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n perish_v and_o the_o commandment_n which_o god_n give_v to_o noah_n at_o his_o come_n out_o of_o the_o ark_n with_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n respective_o to_o the_o performance_n or_o trangression_n of_o they_o must_v be_v well_o know_v and_o the_o sin_n in_o build_v the_o tower_n of_o babel_n for_o which_o the_o universal_a language_n be_v confound_v and_o the_o race_n of_o mankind_n disperse_v can_v proceed_v from_o nothing_o but_o the_o height_n of_o presumption_n and_o perverseness_n after_o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n and_o the_o dispersion_n of_o mankind_n they_o can_v not_o on_o the_o sudden_a remove_n to_o very_o distant_a and_o remote_a place_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o unpassable_a wood_n and_o desert_n and_o marsh_n which_o after_o so_o vast_a a_o inundation_n must_v be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o to_o obstruct_v their_o passage_n in_o those_o hot_a and_o fruitful_a country_n when_o they_o have_v lie_v uninhabited_a for_o so_o many_o year_n this_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v from_o the_o slow_a progress_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o west-indies_n for_o the_o spaniard_n in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o find_v neither_o guide_n nor_o path_n do_v not_o enter_v the_o country_n ten_o mile_n 3._o mile_n see_v sir_n w._n rauleigh_n l._n 1._o c._n 8._o §._o 3._o in_o ten_o year_n and_o in_o those_o age_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v ill_o provide_v either_o by_o their_o own_o skill_n or_o by_o convenient_a tool_n and_o instrument_n with_o fit_a mean_n to_o clear_v the_o country_n which_o they_o be_v to_o pass_v and_o they_o be_v likewise_o unprovided_a of_o vessel_n to_o transport_v any_o great_a number_n of_o man_n with_o their_o family_n and_o herd_n of_o cattle_n which_o be_v for_o many_o age_n their_o only_a riches_n and_o absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o sustenance_n for_o navigation_n have_v never_o have_v so_o slow_a a_o improvement_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o have_v so_o soon_o be_v in_o that_o perfection_n as_o to_o enable_v they_o for_o such_o transportation_n and_o as_o for_o these_o reason_n the_o dispersion_n of_o noah_n posterity_n over_o the_o earth_n must_v be_v gradual_a and_o many_o generation_n must_v pass_v before_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o it_o can_v be_v inhabit_v so_o the_o several_a plantation_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o hold_v correspondence_n with_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v near_o ally_v and_o from_o who_o they_o go_v out_o they_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o own_o some_o sort_n of_o dependence_n upon_o they_o and_o pay_v they_o such_o acknowledgement_n as_o colony_n have_v ever_o do_v to_o their_o mother-city_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o suppose_v that_o they_o first_o spread_v themselves_o into_o the_o neighbour_a country_n and_o as_o sir_n walter_n rauleigh_n have_v observe_v the_o first_o plantation_n be_v general_o by_o the_o bank_n of_o river_n whereby_o they_o may_v hold_v intelligence_n one_o with_o another_o which_o they_o can_v not_o do_v by_o land_n that_o be_v overspread_v with_o wood_n and_o altogether_o unfit_a for_o travel_v and_o the_o great_a affinity_n which_o be_v observable_a between_o the_o eastern_a language_n prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a correspondence_n and_o commerce_n maintain_v between_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n all_o which_o consider_v the_o great_a age_n that_o man_n live_v in_o those_o time_n must_v without_o a_o very_a gross_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n preserve_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o noah_n himself_o live_v three_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o year_n after_o the_o flood_n his_o son_n be_v not_o soon_o disperse_v their_o dispersion_n be_v gradual_a and_o
of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o true_a religion_n bring_v home_o to_o they_o by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v send_v from_o place_n to_o place_n to_o sojourn_v to_o be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o man_n who_o travel_v so_o far_o and_o converse_v with_o so_o many_o nation_n and_o be_v so_o zealous_a for_o god_n honour_n and_o have_v such_o frequent_a revelation_n and_o the_o immediate_a direction_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o most_o of_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o who_o be_v so_o great_a and_o powerful_a and_o so_o numerous_a must_v needs_o mighty_o propagate_v religion_n wherever_o they_o come_v and_o leave_v the_o idolater_n without_o excuse_n and_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v great_a success_n in_o all_o place_n for_o even_o out_o of_o egypt_n where_o they_o endure_v the_o great_a hardship_n and_o be_v in_o such_o contempt_n and_o hatred_n yet_o a_o mix_v multitude_n go_v up_o also_o with_o they_o beside_o the_o native_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 38._o and_o as_o chaldaea_n and_o egypt_n be_v famous_a for_o learning_n and_o commerce_n and_o proper_a place_n by_o their_o situation_n from_o whence_o the_o notion_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v propagate_v both_o towards_o the_o east_n and_o west_n to_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n so_o i_o must_v again_o observe_v that_o god_n mercy_n be_v particular_o manifest_v towards_o the_o canaanite_n before_o their_o destruction_n the_o example_n of_o melchizedeck_v who_o reign_v among_o they_o and_o the_o sojourn_v of_o abraham_n and_o lot_n and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n not_o to_o mention_v ishmael_n and_o esau_n with_o their_o numerous_a family_n afford_v they_o continual_a invitation_n and_o admonition_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o amendment_n especial_o the_o judgement_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n and_o the_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o lot_n be_v enough_o to_o strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o most_o obdurate_a but_o when_o they_o will_v not_o make_v any_o due_a use_n of_o these_o mercy_n when_o they_o persist_v still_o in_o their_o impiety_n and_o proceed_v in_o they_o till_o they_o have_v fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o their_o iniquity_n god_n make_v they_o a_o example_n to_o other_o after_o they_o will_v take_v no_o warn_v themselves_o yet_o still_o execute_v his_o judgement_n upon_o they_o by_o little_a and_o little_a he_o give_v they_o place_n of_o repentance_n not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o be_v a_o naughty_a generation_n and_o that_o their_o malice_n be_v breed_v in_o they_o and_o that_o their_o cogitation_n will_v never_o be_v change_v wisd_v twelve_o 10._o how_o much_o the_o true_a religion_n prevail_v by_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n among_o other_o nation_n beside_o the_o hebrew_n we_o have_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n in_o job_n and_o his_o friend_n who_o be_v prince_n in_o their_o several_a dominion_n they_o have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n job_n four_o 18._o and_o of_o the_o original_a corruption_n of_o man_n which_o be_v express_v with_o this_o emphasis_n that_o he_o can_v be_v clean_o or_o righteous_a who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n because_o by_o eve_n transgression_n sin_n come_v into_o the_o world_n job_n fourteen_o 1._o xv_o 14._o and_o twenty-five_o 4._o adam_n be_v mention_v chap._n xxxi_o 33._o the_o resurrection_n be_v describe_v chap._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o it_o appear_v that_o revelation_n be_v vouchsafe_v to_o these_o nation_n chap._n xxxiii_o 15._o it_o appear_v that_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v know_v doctrine_n among_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o mention_v both_o by_o job_n himself_o and_o by_o his_o friend_n in_o as_o plain_a term_n as_o may_v be_v and_o as_o full_o as_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v poetical_a the_o nature_n whereof_o require_v that_o know_a thing_n shall_v be_v allude_v to_o but_o not_o so_o particular_o relate_v as_o in_o history_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n in_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v be_v as_o evident_a if_o the_o scripture_n have_v not_o occasional_o only_a and_o in_o the_o course_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o of_o set_a purpose_n treat_v of_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o may_v gather_v from_o the_o footstep_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a author_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o and_o from_o the_o several_a allusion_n and_o representation_n in_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n express_v though_o obscure_o and_o confuse_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o scripture-story_n as_o have_v be_v show_v by_o divers_a learned_a men._n 2._o in_o succeed_a age_n after_o the_o give_v the_o law_n when_o the_o jew_n by_o their_o law_n concern_v religion_n and_o government_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o divine_a revelation_n confine_v to_o one_o nation_n there_o still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v show_v 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o 2._o that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v so_o order_n and_o dispose_v of_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o affair_n as_o to_o offer_v other_o nation_n frequent_a opportunity_n of_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v of_o all_o nation_n 1._o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v particular_o provide_v for_o the_o instruction_n of_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o reveal_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n give_v frequent_a commandment_n and_o encouragement_n concern_v it_o the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n for_o either_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v circumcise_a and_o oblige_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n of_o moses_n who_o be_v style_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n or_o of_o the_o covenant_n or_o they_o be_v such_o as_o believe_v in_o the_o true_a god_n and_o profess_v only_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n give_v to_o noah_n which_o comprise_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o these_o be_v call_v proselyte_n of_o the_o gate_n because_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v among_o they_o within_o their_o gate_n these_o be_v the_o stranger_n in_o their_o gate_n mention_v deut._n fourteen_o 21._o who_o may_v eat_v of_o such_o thing_n be_v as_o the_o israelite_n themselves_o be_v forbid_v to_o eat_v of_o if_o any_o will_v be_v circumcise_a and_o undertake_v the_o observation_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n they_o have_v full_a liberty_n and_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o do_v it_o at_o the_o first_o institution_n of_o circumcision_n not_o only_a abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n but_o his_o whole_a family_n and_o all_o that_o be_v buy_v with_o money_n of_o any_o stranger_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_v gen._n xvii_o 12_o 27._o and_o at_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o passover_n the_o stranger_n be_v command_v to_o observe_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o natural_a israelite_n exod._n twelve_o 19_o god_n make_v no_o distinction_n in_o the_o institution_n of_o both_o these_o sacrament_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o those_o other_o nation_n that_o dwell_v among_o they_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o conform_v themselves_o to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o first_o to_o abraham_n when_o he_o appoint_v circumcision_n and_o then_o to_o moses_n when_o the_o passover_n be_v institute_v particular_a order_n be_v give_v concern_v stranger_n or_o proselyte_n who_o will_v betake_v themselves_o to_o they_o one_o law_n shall_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v home-born_a and_o to_o the_o strange_a that_o sojourn_v among_o you_o exod._n twelve_o 49._o deut._n xxix_o 11._o and_o as_o the_o receive_v the_o seal_n of_o circumcision_n be_v a_o admission_n into_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o observe_v the_o whole_a law_n and_o a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o it_o which_o be_v confirm_v and_o renew_v by_o their_o partake_n of_o the_o passover_n so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v not_o only_o that_o god_n do_v in_o general_n admit_v stranger_n and_o alien_n to_o the_o same_o worship_n with_o the_o jew_n but_o that_o throughout_o their_o whole_a law_n frequent_a mention_n be_v make_v of_o they_o and_o care_v take_v for_o their_o reception_n and_o behaviour_n for_o though_o what_o be_v but_o once_o say_v in_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n in_o any_o matter_n yet_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v often_o mention_v and_o every_o where_o inculcate_v it_o be_v a_o
we_o but_o in_o all_o probability_n it_o have_v a_o good_a effect_n upon_o very_a many_o as_o we_o find_v it_o have_v in_o one_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o a_o little_a maid_n who_o be_v take_v captive_a be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o cure_n of_o naaman_n leprosy_n and_o of_o his_o conversion_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n who_o before_o be_v know_v to_o he_o by_o his_o name_n jehovah_n 2_o king_n v._o 11._o the_o prophet_n elisha_n be_v well_o know_v by_o the_o syrian_n to_o be_v a_o prophet_n and_o benhadad_a send_v to_o inquire_v of_o the_o lord_n by_o he_o chap._n viij_o 8._o rabshakeh_fw-it speak_v in_o the_o jew_n language_n and_o pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v from_o jehovah_n the_o god_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o he_o come_v against_o jerusalem_n isa_n xxxvi_o 10_o 11._o god_n himself_o appeal_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o sennacherib_n king_n of_o assyria_n have_v thou_o not_o hear_v long_o ago_o how_o i_o have_v do_v it_o and_o of_o ancient_a time_n that_o i_o have_v form_v it_o isa_n xxxvii_o 26._o and_o rabbi_n shemaiah_n and_o rabbi_n abtalion_n be_v 612._o be_v lightfoot_n harm_n luke_n four_o 15._o p._n 612._o say_v to_o have_v be_v proselyte_n of_o righteousness_n of_o the_o posterity_n of_o sennacherib_n pharaoh_n necho_n king_n of_o egypt_n allege_v god_n command_n when_o he_o come_v to_o fight_v against_o carchemish_n 2_o chron._n xxxv_o 21_o 22._o but_o our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v not_o so_o much_o what_o the_o effect_n be_v as_o what_o mean_n be_v afford_v of_o salvation_n for_o though_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o true_a reveal_v religion_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n to_o show_v that_o obstinate_a man_n have_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o consider_v and_o believe_v it_o because_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v force_v his_o law_n upon_o man_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v discover_v they_o and_o afford_v man_n sufficient_a mean_n to_o know_v they_o and_o become_v the_o better_a for_o they_o to_o proceed_v then_o the_o philistine_n be_v in_o a_o wonderful_a consternation_n when_o they_o understand_v that_o the_o ark_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o camp_n 1_o sam._n four_o 7_o 8._o and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v by_o they_o it_o be_v more_o terrible_a to_o they_o than_o the_o enemy_n if_o he_o have_v conquer_v they_o can_v have_v be_v they_o be_v torment_v with_o disease_n and_o plague_n wheresoever_o the_o ark_n be_v carry_v and_o their_o god_n be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o help_v they_o that_o he_o fall_v down_o before_o it_o and_o be_v break_v in_o piece_n whereof_o they_o retain_v a_o memorial_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o ever_o after_o in_o not_o tread_v upon_o the_o threshold_n of_o dagon_n in_o ashdod_n because_o he_o have_v lose_v the_o palm_n of_o his_o hand_n by_o fall_v upon_o it_o 1_o sam._n v._o 4_o 5._o the_o philistine_n at_o last_o receive_v a_o miraculous_a overthrow_n by_o thunder_n 1_o sam._n seven_o 10._o and_o these_o be_v so_o remarkable_a judgement_n that_o they_o must_v be_v leave_v without_o all_o excuse_n who_o do_v not_o forsake_v their_o idolatry_n and_o turn_v to_o the_o live_a god_n who_o have_v thus_o manifest_v himself_o among_o they_o the_o vrim_fw-he and_o thummim_n 8._o thummim_n judge_n i._n 1._o &_o xx_o 18_o 23_o 26._o 1_o sam._n xviii_o 6._o &_o xxiii_o 9_o &_o thirty_o 7_o 8._o be_v consult_v upon_o any_o great_a undertake_n whereby_o god_n return_v his_o answer_n and_o oftentime_o before_o the_o battle_n give_v assurance_n of_o victory_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o call_v it_o the_o oracle_n 10._o oracle_n joseph_n antiq._n l._n 3._o c._n 10._o josephus_n say_v the_o answer_n be_v return_v by_o the_o shine_a of_o the_o stone_n in_o the_o high-priest_n breastplate_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o all_o the_o people_n stand_v by_o the_o miraculous_a victory_n of_o saul_n and_o jonathan_n and_o david_n and_o david_n stay_n with_o achish_a king_n of_o the_o philistine_n at_o gath_n and_o the_o favour_n and_o confidence_n which_o he_o gain_v with_o that_o king_n give_v the_o canaanite_n still_o repeat_v opportunity_n and_o motive_n to_o conversion_n and_o repentance_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v achish_a in_o discourse_n with_o david_n mention_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n and_o swear_v by_o his_o name_n 1_o sam._n xxix_o 6._o which_o show_v the_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n of_o god_n towards_o this_o people_n devote_v to_o destruction_n in_o that_o he_o will_v not_o take_v they_o away_o sudden_o but_o by_o little_a and_o little_a give_v they_o space_n for_o repentance_n and_o turn_v that_o which_o may_v seem_v to_o rash_a judge_n a_o hard_a fate_n into_o a_o mean_n of_o salvation_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o other_o david_n extend_v his_o conquest_n far_o and_o near_o and_o be_v renown_v throughout_o all_o those_o country_n and_o the_o fame_n of_o david_n go_v out_o into_o all_o land_n and_o the_o lord_n bring_v the_o fear_n of_o he_o upon_o all_o nation_n 1_o chron._n fourteen_o 17._o and_o when_o god_n have_v deliver_v he_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o all_o his_o enemy_n he_o make_v this_o resolution_n therefore_o i_o will_v give_v thanks_o to_o thou_o o_o lord_n among_o the_o heathen_a and_o will_v sing_v praise_n unto_o thy_o name_n 2_o sam._n xxii_o 50._o psal_n xviii_o 49._o declare_v his_o glory_n among_o the_o heathen_a his_o wonder_n among_o all_o people_n say_v among_o the_o heathen_a that_o the_o lord_n be_v king_n psal_n xcvi_o 3_o 10._o he_o know_v this_o to_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o according_o he_o make_v this_o use_n of_o it_o with_o so_o good_a effect_n that_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o solomon_n reign_n the_o stranger_n or_o proselyte_n in_o the_o land_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o six_o hundred_o 2_o chron._n two_o 17._o in_o solomon_n reign_n the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n become_v yet_o more_o famous_a and_o flourish_a hiram_n king_n of_o tyre_n hold_v great_a correspondence_n with_o he_o and_o kimchi_n after_o he_o dr._n lightfoot_n 311._o lightfoot_n lightfoot_n chorograph_n decad_n on_o st._n mark_n c._n 6._o §_o 2._o p._n 311._o understand_v by_o 2_o chron._n viij_o 2._o that_o hiram_n give_v city_n to_o solomon_n in_o his_o own_o land_n who_o place_v israclites_n in_o they_o and_o he_o in_o like_a manner_n give_v city_n to_o hiram_n in_o galilee_n 1_o king_n ix_o 11._o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o league_n between_o they_o the_o letter_n which_o pass_v between_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n 254._o hiram_n theoph._n add_v autâlyc_a l._n 3._o p._n 254._o be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o theophilus_n antiochenus_fw-la hiram_n bless_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n that_o make_v heaven_n and_o âarth_n 2_o chron._n two_o 12._o 1_o king_n v._o 7._o which_o show_v that_o he_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n and_o sense_n of_o religion_n and_o tyre_n be_v a_o place_n of_o great_a trade_n and_o commerce_n ezek._n xxvii_o from_o whence_o the_o jew_n be_v afterward_o sell_v to_o the_o grecian_n joel_n iii._o 6._o there_o be_v no_o place_n of_o great_a traffic_n nor_o that_o send_v out_o more_o colony_n or_o great_a or_o into_o more_o distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o establish_v a_o correspondence_n with_o from_o whence_o religion_n may_v be_v better_o propagate_v the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n come_v to_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o solomon_n kingdom_n 1_o king_n ix_o 10._o and_o bless_v the_o lord_n his_o god_n chap._n x._o 9_o who_o according_a to_o 6._o to_o joseph_n antiq._n l._n â_o c._n 6._o josephus_n be_v queen_n both_o of_o egypt_n and_o aethiopia_n his_o wisdom_n be_v every_o where_o magnify_v ard_n there_o câme_v of_o all_o people_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n from_o all_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o have_v hear_v of_o his_o wisdom_n chap._n four_o 34._o all_o the_o earth_n seek_v to_o solomon_n to_o hear_v his_o wisdom_n which_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o heart_n chap._n x._o 24._o his_o dominion_n be_v exceed_o great_a he_o reign_v over_o all_o the_o king_n from_o the_o river_n euphrates_n even_o unto_o the_o land_n of_o the_o philistine_n and_o to_o the_o border_n of_o egypt_n 2_o chron._n ix_o 26._o the_o trade_n and_o correspondence_n of_o the_o israelite_n with_o foreign_a nation_n be_v mighty_o advance_v in_o his_o time_n their_o trade_n extend_v as_o far_o as_o tarshish_n and_o ophir_n tarshish_n
be_v translate_v carthage_n by_o the_o septuagint_n isa_n xxiii_o 6._o but_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v tartessus_n in_o spain_n though_o st._n jerom_n ãâã_d jerom_n ãâã_d in_fw-ge ââ_o c._n 1._o ãâã_d think_v it_o to_o be_v in_o the_o indies_n and_o ophir_n be_v as_o many_o learned_a man_n think_v in_o the_o indies_n beyond_o the_o river_n ganges_n in_o pegu_n or_o at_o least_o solomon_n merchant_n do_v traffic_v with_o the_o indian_a that_o come_v from_o those_o part_n other_o have_v imagine_v ophir_n to_o be_v zephala_n or_o cephala_n in_o africa_n towards_o the_o cape_n of_o good-hope_a some_o think_v it_o to_o be_v ceylon_n or_o sumatra_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o it_o be_v in_o america_n all_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o must_v be_v in_o some_o very_a distant_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v the_o traffic_n and_o deal_n which_o the_o israelite_n have_v there_o be_v a_o great_a opportunity_n to_o the_o heathen_a to_o become_v instruct_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o traffic_n and_o voyage_n by_o sea_n and_o expedition_n by_o land_n in_o solomon_n reign_n render_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n high_o renown_v and_o cause_v their_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o religion_n to_o be_v much_o observe_v and_o inquire_v into_o and_o even_o the_o marriage_n of_o solomon_n with_o pharaoh_n daughter_n and_o other_o stranger_n questionless_a through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n may_v prove_v a_o happy_a occasion_n of_o divulge_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o regain_n many_o from_o idolatry_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o all_o his_o wife_n be_v make_v proselyte_n 1â_n proselyte_n maimâââd_n de_fw-fr ãâã_d §._o 1â_n 1â_n before_o he_o marry_v they_o as_o samson_n likewise_o have_v be_v though_o afterward_o they_o not_o only_o fall_v away_o to_o their_o former_a idolatry_n but_o seduce_v solomon_n himself_o into_o they_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o forward_o to_o become_v proselyte_n ãâã_d proselyte_n meimââd_a ãâã_d in_o the_o reign_v of_o david_n and_o solomon_n that_o their_o sincerity_n become_v suspect_v and_o the_o jew_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o sanhedrim_n will_v admit_v no_o proselyte_n in_o the_o day_n of_o david_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o it_o by_o fear_n nor_o in_o the_o day_n of_o solomon_n lest_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o kingdom_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o motive_n to_o they_o to_o profess_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o israelite_n nevertheless_o great_a number_n be_v receive_v private_o by_o baptism_n the_o sanhedrim_n neither_o reject_v nor_o admit_v they_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o theodoret_n and_o of_o st._n jerom_n upon_o exek_n v._o 5._o that_o god_n place_v jerusalem_n the_o seat_n of_o the_o jewish_a government_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o nation_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o the_o heathen_a in_o matter_n of_o religion_n from_o whence_o as_o from_o the_o centre_n light_n may_v be_v communicate_v to_o the_o far_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n but_o the_o division_n and_o calamity_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n the_o destruction_n of_o their_o city_n and_o dispersion_n of_o their_o whole_a nation_n contribute_v as_o much_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o religion_n as_o their_o great_a prosperity_n can_v do_v the_o division_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n after_o the_o death_n of_o solomon_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o israel_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o judah_n with_o the_o many_o league_n and_o war_n which_o these_o two_o mighty_a kingdom_n have_v with_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n and_o syria_n and_o babylon_n and_o with_o other_o nation_n can_v not_o but_o exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o divulge_v the_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v opportunity_n to_o the_o prophet_n to_o declare_v their_o prophecy_n and_o work_v their_o miracle_n among_o the_o heathen_a as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v in_o many_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o great_a city_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v by_o jonah_n preach_v hezekiah_n be_v distress_v by_o sennacherib_n pray_v to_o god_n for_o deliverence_n out_o of_o his_o hand_n that_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n may_v know_v that_o thou_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n even_o thou_o only_o and_o his_o prayer_n be_v answer_v not_o only_o in_o the_o deliverance_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a that_o all_o must_v know_v and_o be_v astonish_v at_o it_o for_o that_o very_a night_n the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n go_v out_o and_o smite_v in_o the_o camp_n of_o the_o assyrian_n a_o hundred_o fourscore_o and_o five_o thousand_o 2_o king_n nineteeen_o 19_o which_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n deliver_v to_o hezekiah_n in_o a_o message_n to_o he_o from_o god_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o prayer_n and_o afterward_o ambassador_n come_v from_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n to_o inquire_v of_o the_o wonder_n or_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o recovery_n from_o his_o sickness_n 2_o chron._n xxxii_o 31._o and_o at_o last_o the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n in_o babylon_n make_v their_o religion_n almost_o as_o well_o know_v there_o as_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o jeremiah_n have_v foretell_v the_o captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o conquest_n of_o all_o the_o adjacent_a country_n so_o long_o and_o so_o plain_o beforehand_o that_o all_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n must_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o as_o nabuchadnezzar_n himself_o also_o be_v for_o which_o reason_n he_o give_v a_o strict_a charge_n concern_v jeremiah_n to_o nebuzaradan_n the_o captain_n of_o the_o guard_n who_o declare_v the_o reason_n of_o their_o captivity_n to_o be_v their_o sin_n against_o the_o lord_n or_o jehovah_n jer._n xl_o 3._o and_o as_o the_o jew_n say_v he_o become_v a_o proselyte_n god_n profess_v that_o he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a in_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n or_o else_o he_o have_v utter_o consume_v they_o ezek._n xx_o 9_o and_o xxxvi_o 22_o 23_o 36._o and_o the_o judgement_n upon_o the_o several_a nation_n prophesy_v against_o be_v to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v know_v he_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n ezek._n twenty-five_o 7_o 17._o &_o xxvi_o 6._o &_o xxviii_o 22_o 23_o 24._o &_o xxix_o 6._o &_o xxxv_o 9_o &_o xxxvi_o 23._o &_o xxxvii_o 28._o i_o be_o a_o great_a king_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o my_o name_n be_v dreadful_a among_o the_o heathen_a mal._n i._n 14._o the_o jew_n in_o their_o captivity_n be_v command_v to_o make_v a_o open_a declaration_n against_o the_o heathen_a god_n and_o because_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o chaldee_n tongue_n the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n supply_v they_o with_o so_o much_o of_o the_o language_n as_o may_v serve_v they_o for_o that_o purpose_n thus_o shall_v you_o say_v unto_o they_o jer._n x._o 11._o that_o be_v you_o shall_v speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o now_o set_v down_o to_o you_o to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o their_o false_a go_n thus_o do_v he_o fulfil_v his_o commission_n and_o character_n who_o be_v sanctify_v and_o ordain_v a_o prophet_n unto_o the_o nation_n jer._n i._n 5._o and_o jeremiah_n be_v put_v to_o death_n in_o egypt_n and_o ezekiel_n in_o babylon_n for_o appear_v against_o the_o idolatry_n of_o those_o place_n during_o the_o captivity_n jehoiachin_n be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n and_o in_o great_a favour_n with_o he_o his_o throne_n be_v set_v above_o the_o throne_n of_o the_o king_n that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o babylon_n 2_o king_n twenty-five_o 28._o the_o jew_n be_v in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o place_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o trust_v and_o their_o religion_n be_v extol_v and_o recommend_v by_o public_a edict_n to_o all_o under_o that_o vast_a empire_n the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v with_o miracle_n and_o by_o the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n and_o prophecy_n and_o his_o majesty_n and_o honour_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o proclaim_v in_o the_o most_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n throughout_o all_o the_o babylonian_a empire_n at_o the_o command_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v idolater_n and_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o the_o mere_a conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n wrought_v in_o they_o by_o the_o irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n dan._n two_o three_o four_o five_o vi_fw-mi daniel_n have_v acquaint_v cyrus_n as_o josephus_n say_v with_o the_o prophecy_n of_o isaiah_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o long_o before_o mention_v by_o name_n however_o the_o lord_n stir_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o cyrus_n by_o this_o or_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o accomplish_v the_o prophecy_n which_o he_o have_v make_v both_o by_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n concern_v the_o restoration_n of_o the_o jew_n
till_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o titus_n and_o in_o the_o synagoge_n the_o scripture_n be_v read_v in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v the_o most_o universal_a language_n then_o in_o the_o world_n some_o have_v affirm_v that_o as_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v write_v in_o solomon_n time_n be_v then_o translate_v into_o the_o syriac_a tongue_n and_o there_o be_v little_a doubt_n 12._o doubt_n clem._n alexand._n strom._n l._n 1._o euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n l._n 13._o c._n 12._o but_o that_o at_o least_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a before_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a but_o the_o version_n of_o the_o septuagint_n be_v soon_o disperse_v into_o all_o hand_n which_o be_v make_v at_o the_o command_n of_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n to_o who_o likewise_o and_o his_o father_n ult_n father_n euse_n b_o eccl._n hist_o l._n 7._o c._n ult_n aristobulus_n dedicate_v a_o exposition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n by_o all_o these_o mean_n vast_a multitude_n of_o proselyte_n be_v make_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n what_o number_n there_o be_v at_o rome_n of_o this_o religion_n we_o know_v from_o the_o roman_a poet_n and_o historian_n and_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o spread_a of_o it_o in_o other_o place_n not_o to_o repeat_v what_o have_v be_v already_o relate_v nor_o to_o mention_v particular_a person_n of_o the_o great_a note_n and_o eminency_n nor_o particular_a city_n as_o damascus_n 25._o damascus_n joseph_n de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 2._o c._n 25._o where_o it_o more_o remarkable_o prevail_v it_o be_v evident_a what_o number_n of_o person_n in_o all_o nation_n profess_v this_o religion_n from_o the_o incredible_a treasure_n which_o crassus_n find_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v ten_o thousand_o talent_n amass_v there_o by_o the_o sum_n of_o gold_n send_v from_o all_o place_n by_o the_o jew_n and_o such_o as_o become_v proselyte_n to_o their_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o josephus_n cite_v strabo_n authority_n who_o say_v 12._o say_v joseph_n antiq._n l._n 14._o c._n 12._o that_o the_o jew_n be_v every_o where_o disperse_v and_o every_o where_o gain_v man_n over_o to_o their_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v their_o ethnaychae_n or_o proper_a magistrate_n by_o who_o they_o be_v govern_v and_o another_o proof_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o proselyte_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a religion_n may_v be_v have_v from_o the_o great_a number_n assemble_v 5._o assemble_v joseph_n de_fw-fr bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 17._o act._n two_o 5._o at_o their_o passover_n and_o at_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n out_o of_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n thus_o mighty_o prevail_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o hebrew_n till_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n by_o a_o divine_a vengeance_n as_o 979._o as_o ibid._n cap._n 24._o pag._n 979._o josephus_n often_o confess_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o law_n itself_o with_o the_o utensil_n of_o the_o temple_n be_v carry_v among_o the_o spoil_n in_o titus_n triumph_n and_o when_o the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v its_o full_a period_n and_o accomplishment_n the_o christian_a religion_n which_o succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o and_o be_v prefigure_v by_o it_o soon_o spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v among_o all_o nation_n but_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o may_v be_v requisite_a 1._o to_o produce_v some_o testimony_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n 2._o to_o show_v that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o remain_v divers_a memorial_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a 3._o to_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n i._o as_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a author_n it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o what_o have_v be_v allege_v though_o they_o have_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n than_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o take_v of_o troy_n or_o the_o building_n of_o rome_n that_o the_o scripture_n make_v no_o mention_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o greek_a historian_n be_v so_o ignorant_a of_o foreign_a affair_n as_o 1._o as_o joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 1._o josephus_n have_v observe_v that_o ephorus_n one_o of_o the_o best_a of_o they_o thought_n spain_n to_o be_v but_o one_o city_n and_o neither_o herodotus_n nor_o thucydides_n nor_o any_o historian_n of_o their_o time_n make_v any_o mention_n of_o the_o roman_n the_o roman_a author_n be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a late_a date_n in_o comparison_n and_o the_o greek_n beside_o their_o ignorance_n in_o antiquity_n and_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v a_o vain_a people_n who_o despise_v all_o beside_o themselves_o account_v they_o barbarian_n and_o take_v little_a notice_n of_o rome_n itself_o before_o they_o fall_v under_o its_o power_n yet_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_a writer_n as_o josephus_n show_v have_v make_v famous_a mention_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o other_o have_v give_v a_o wrong_n and_o malicious_a account_n of_o they_o who_o he_o prove_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o sometime_o themselves_o some_o again_z have_v omit_v the_o mention_n of_o the_o jew_n though_o they_o have_v never_o so_o much_o occasion_n for_o it_o of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o one_o hieronymus_n who_o though_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o syria_n and_o write_v a_o book_n of_o the_o successor_n of_o alexander_n and_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o hecataeus_n yet_o never_o vouchsafe_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n of_o who_o hecataeus_n write_v a_o particular_a book_n but_o the_o work_n of_o he_o and_o of_o many_o other_o greek_a author_n be_v now_o lose_v which_o be_v write_v concern_v the_o jew_n the_o fragment_n whereof_o be_v still_o to_o be_v see_v in_o josephus_n clem._n alexandrinus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o of_o those_o who_o work_n remain_v herodotus_n relate_v the_o victory_n of_o pharaoh_n necho_n in_o the_o battle_n at_o megiddo_n call_v jerusalem_n cadytis_n by_o a_o small_a variation_n as_o 15._o as_o light_n chorog_n on_o st._n mark_n c._n 3._o §._o 6._o strab._n l._n 16._o diodor._fw-la sic._n l._n 1._o plin._n nat._n hist_o l._n 5._o c._n 14._o tacit._n hist_o l._n 15._o dr._n lightfoot_n have_v observe_v for_o kedosha_n that_o be_v the_o holy_a city_n the_o usual_a denomination_n of_o that_o city_n strabo_n mention_n moses_n and_o the_o ancient_a jew_n with_o commendation_n diodorus_n siculus_n name_v moses_n among_o the_o chief_a lawgiver_n of_o ancient_a time_n pliny_n say_v jerusalem_n be_v the_o most_o famous_a city_n not_o only_o of_o judaea_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a east_n tacitus_n himself_o give_v this_o testimony_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o they_o worship_v the_o supreme_a eternal_a immutable_a be_v but_o above_o all_o varro_z 31._o varro_z s._n aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 31._o the_o learnede_a of_o the_o roman_n much_o approve_v their_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o be_v free_a from_o that_o idolatry_n which_o he_o can_v not_o but_o dislike_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n and_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v by_o all_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v receive_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o as_o seneca_n 11._o seneca_n ibid._n l._n 6._o c._n 11._o express_v it_o victi_fw-la victoribus_fw-la leges_fw-la dederunt_fw-la ii_o there_o have_v be_v always_o remain_v divers_a memorial_n and_o remembrance_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n among_o the_o heathen_a the_o flood_n of_o noah_n and_o the_o ark_n 3._o ark_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 1._o c._n 3._o be_v general_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o heathen_a historian_n and_o the_o flood_n of_o deucalion_n be_v syr._n be_v luciaââ_n de_fw-fr dea_fw-la syr._n plain_o transcribe_v from_o that_o of_o noah_n jove_n be_v a_o plain_a depravation_n of_o the_o word_n jehovah_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v 1._o say_v diod._n sic._n l._n 1._o that_o moses_n receive_v his_o law_n from_o the_o god_n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d which_o be_v another_o variation_n from_o it_o and_o this_o prove_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o heathen_a tradition_n concern_v the_o true_a god_n since_o the_o jew_n of_o latter_a time_n will_v not_o speak_v the_o name_n themselves_o much_o less_o communicate_v it_o to_o other_o appollus_fw-la clarius_n be_v consult_v to_o know_v who_o the_o god_n jao_n be_v answer_v that_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a god_n of_o all_o as_o macrobius_n 18._o macrobius_n macrob._n saturn_n l._n 1._o c._n 18._o inform_v we_o from_o cornelius_n labeo_n which_o both_o show_v that_o the_o heathen_a have_v knowledge_n of_o the_o god_n jehovah_n and_o that_o
the_o gospel_n may_v go_v into_o all_o the_o earth_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o find_v many_o word_n in_o the_o brasilian_n language_n take_v out_o of_o the_o greek_a tongue_n hornius_n 15._o hornius_n horn._n de_fw-fr orig._n americ_n l._n 3._o c._n 2._o &_o l._n 4._o c._n 15._o own_v as_o every_o man_n else_o must_v do_v that_o consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v manifest_a token_n of_o the_o rite_n and_o doctrine_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o american_n as_o of_o circumcision_n baptism_n the_o trinity_n the_o lord_n supper_n etc._n etc._n but_o then_o he_o be_v for_o bring_v the_o jew_n and_o christian_n thither_o his_o own_o way_n and_o will_v have_v the_o jew_n come_v in_o company_n of_o the_o scythian_n and_o the_o christian_a rite_n to_o be_v bring_v in_o with_o the_o turk_n and_o tartar_n or_o from_o japan_n and_o china_n though_o he_o likewise_o approve_v and_o confirm_v the_o relation_n which_o powel_n and_o hackluyt_n give_v of_o a_o colony_n transplant_v into_o america_n by_o madoc_n from_o wales_n several_a usage_n which_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v among_o the_o native_n by_o the_o missionary_n both_o in_o the_o east_n and_o west-indies_n and_o to_o have_v a_o near_a resemblance_n to_o their_o own_o rite_n seem_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v former_o be_v christian_a monk_n among_o they_o rather_o than_o that_o this_o proceed_v as_o the_o missionary_n imagine_v from_o a_o ambition_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v to_o ape_n as_o they_o say_v what_o be_v do_v in_o god_n service_n or_o that_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o some_o protestant_n have_v do_v a_o little_a too_o hasty_o that_o this_o itself_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o rite_n because_o they_o be_v find_v among_o his_o worshipper_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o monk_n in_o ancient_a time_n in_o the_o eastern_a part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v man_n of_o a_o active_a and_o indefatigable_a zeal_n it_o may_v well_o be_v suppose_v that_o some_o of_o they_o may_v find_v the_o way_n into_o those_o country_n which_o have_v be_v but_o late_o discover_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o unanimous_a testimony_n both_o of_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o there_o be_v manifest_a token_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v be_v preach_v among_o they_o and_o it_o must_v in_o common_a justice_n be_v confess_v that_o the_o latter_a missionary_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n among_o the_o indian_n with_o great_a zeal_n and_o success_n a_o king_n of_o ceylon_n 4._o ceylon_n tavern_n voyage_n de_fw-fr perseus_n l._n 3._o c._n 4._o receive_v baptism_n and_o be_v very_o zealous_a to_o bring_v over_o his_o subject_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o one_o of_o their_o most_o learned_a man_n become_v a_o christian_a at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o the_o king_n be_v depose_v by_o his_o idolatrous_a subject_n some_o of_o the_o king_n of_o congo_n 10._o congo_n varen_n de_fw-fr diversis_fw-la gent._n relig._n id_fw-la voyage_n de_fw-fr perseus_n c._n 14._o &_o osor_n de_fw-fr rebus_fw-la eman._n l._n 3_o 8_o 10._o have_v be_v convert_v the_o king_n of_o monomotapa_n ibid._n monomotapa_n taver_n ibid._n reign_v a._n d._n mdcxxxi_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o in_o japan_n ibid._n japan_n ibid._n a._n d._n mdcxiii_o there_o be_v four_o hundred_o thousand_o christian_n who_o be_v all_o destroy_v 11._o destroy_v varen_n de_fw-fr relig._n in_o regno_fw-la japon_n c._n 11._o by_o the_o persecution_n raise_v through_o the_o covetousness_n of_o some_o dutch_a merchant_n and_o their_o malicious_a plot_n and_o contrivance_n to_o engross_v the_o trade_n of_o those_o island_n to_o themselves_o and_o indeed_o by_o the_o account_n which_o we_o have_v of_o those_o part_n the_o life_n of_o the_o europaean_n have_v be_v so_o scandalous_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o their_o religion_n that_o beside_o the_o guilt_n of_o the_o sin_n themselves_o they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n to_o answer_v for_o that_o hindrance_n which_o they_o have_v thereby_o give_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n among_o those_o poor_a people_n who_o have_v general_o show_v a_o good_a inclination_n and_o forwardness_n to_o be_v instruct_v and_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n ââth_v from_o mahometan_n and_o idolater_n even_o child_n have_v bear_v all_o sort_n of_o torment_n ibid._n torment_n varen_n ibid._n with_o wonderful_a courage_n and_o patience_n several_a king_n of_o japan_n 480._o japan_n varen_n de_fw-fr japan_n c._n 6._o seem_v hist_o of_o china_n part_v 2._o bell._n tartar_n le_fw-fr compte_n p._n 480._o have_v be_v convert_v and_o in_o china_n many_o of_o their_o principal_a mandarines_n or_o governor_n have_v be_v eminent_a for_o their_o zeal_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o though_o the_o chineses_n be_v natural_o very_o timorous_a and_o cowardly_a yet_o in_o all_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o continue_v firm_a and_o steadfast_a in_o the_o faith_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o mother_n the_o wife_n and_o the_o elder_a son_n of_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n be_v former_o convert_v and_o that_o there_o be_v late_o a_o edict_n publish_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o china_n that_o a_o prince_n of_o the_o blood_n be_v become_v a_o christian_a and_o that_o the_o emperor_n himself_o have_v cause_v a_o church_n to_o be_v erect_v in_o his_o palace_n and_o lodge_v the_o missionary_n near_o his_o own_o person_n and_o in_o the_o west-indies_n cortes_n write_v to_o the_o emperor_n that_o the_o people_n of_o mechoacan_a 22._o mechoacan_a jos_n accost_n l._n 5._o c._n 22._o send_v to_o he_o for_o a_o account_n of_o his_o religion_n be_v weary_a of_o their_o own_o for_o its_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a rite_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o christianity_n have_v be_v still_o profess_v in_o those_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o there_o have_v be_v most_o learning_n and_o commerce_n where_o they_o have_v be_v most_o able_a and_o have_v have_v most_o opportunty_n to_o instruct_v other_o nation_n to_o which_o ând_n the_o vast_a extent_n first_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a and_o syriac_n and_o since_o of_o the_o sclavonian_a and_o arabic_a tongue_n have_v be_v very_o advantageous_a the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v in_o the_o first_o and_o translate_v into_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o though_o by_o the_o just_a and_o wise_a providence_n of_o god_n mahumetan_n and_o idolater_n have_v be_v suffer_v to_o possess_v themselves_o of_o those_o place_n in_o greece_n asia_n and_o africa_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n former_o most_v flourish_v yet_o there_o be_v still_o such_o remiander_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n among_o they_o as_o to_o give_v they_o opportunity_n to_o be_v convert_v and_o when_o their_o sin_n shall_v not_o hinder_v to_o restore_v the_o gospel_n to_o those_o country_n as_o before_o for_o by_o mr._n brerewood_n account_n ãâ¦ã_o account_n brerewood_n enquir_n c._n 10_o ãâ¦ã_o in_o the_o dominion_n of_o the_o turk_n in_o europe_n the_o christian_n make_v two_o three_o part_n at_o least_o of_o the_o inhabitant_n and_o in_o constantinople_n itself_o he_o reckon_v above_o twenty_o christian_a church_n and_o above_o thirty_o in_o thessalonica_n where_o the_o mahometan_n have_v or_o have_v but_o three_o mosque_n which_o by_o 12._o by_o ricaut_n hist_n of_o the_o ottom_n emp._n l._n 2._o c._n 11_o 12._o sir_n paul_n ricaut_n account_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o ottoman_a empire_n have_v not_o be_v without_o very_o considerable_a effect_n for_o a_o sect_n among_o the_o turk_n call_v haietti_n hold_v that_o christ_n be_v eternal_a that_o he_o be_v incarnate_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n the_o student_n in_o the_o grand_a signior_n court_n general_o maintain_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o the_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v a_o common_a tenet_n in_o constantinople_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v style_v chupmessahi_n or_o the_o good_a follower_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o some_o have_v suffer_v martyrdom_n in_o maintenance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o the_o turkish_a soldier_n in_o the_o confine_n of_o hungary_n and_o bosnia_n read_v the_o gospel_n in_o the_o sclavonian_a tongue_n it_o be_v also_o observe_v late_o by_o mahomet_n by_o doctor_n prideaux_n life_n of_o mahomet_n a_o learned_a author_n that_o the_o christian_n have_v better_a term_n from_o mahomet_n himself_o than_o any_o other_o of_o his_o tributary_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mahometan_a country_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o esteem_v the_o best_a next_o their_o own_o and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o according_o respect_v by_o they_o before_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o differ_v
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o ever_o understand_v it_o and_o what_o ever_o testimony_n be_v produce_v from_o thence_o bring_v with_o it_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o a_o like_a evidence_n be_v again_o reflect_v upon_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n by_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a and_o by_o the_o appeal_n which_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n constant_o make_v to_o it_o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o in_o the_o reign_n of_o tiberius_n there_o live_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n who_o suffer_v 25._o suffer_v tacit._n annal._n lib._n 25._o under_o pontius_n pilate_n be_v express_o write_v by_o tacitn_n and_o that_o he_o cure_v disease_n and_o wrought_v other_o miracle_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o worst_a enemy_n to_o the_o christian_a name_n and_o doctrine_n so_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o our_o very_a adversary_n and_o the_o power_n by_o which_o he_o wrought_v his_o miracle_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o dispute_n between_o they_o and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o observation_n which_o i_o make_v concern_v our_o bless_a saviour_n from_o that_o account_n which_o the_o evangelist_n give_v of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n confess_v by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o which_o deserve_v at_o least_o the_o same_o credit_n that_o all_o other_o history_n do_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v and_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n i_o shall_v show_v that_o it_o be_v infallible_o true_a the_o divine_a nature_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n be_v of_o another_o consideration_n we_o be_v in_o this_o place_n to_o consider_v he_o according_a to_o the_o appearance_n he_o make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v such_o as_o show_v he_o to_o be_v void_a of_o all_o ambitious_a and_o aspire_a thought_n and_o to_o be_v meek_a and_o humble_a and_o perfect_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a his_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v without_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n and_o never_o out_o of_o revenge_n or_o to_o show_v his_o power_n over_o his_o enemy_n but_o always_o with_o a_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a design_n he_o avoid_v all_o opportunity_n of_o popularity_n he_o will_v not_o intermeddle_v in_o private_a affair_n when_o he_o be_v appeal_v to_o and_o make_v his_o escape_n when_o the_o people_n will_v have_v take_v he_o by_o force_n to_o make_v he_o a_o king_n after_o they_o have_v see_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o loaf_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o who_o be_v able_a to_o sustain_v so_o many_o thousand_o in_o the_o wilderness_n may_v have_v raise_v and_o maintain_v what_o army_n he_o please_v and_o may_v have_v make_v himself_o as_o great_a as_o he_o will_v notwithstanding_o any_o opposition_n he_o deal_v free_o and_o generous_o with_o his_o disciple_n not_o delude_v they_o with_o vain_a hope_n nor_o promise_v they_o great_a matter_n but_o check_v their_o aspire_a thought_n and_o tell_v they_o true_o and_o plain_o that_o they_o be_v to_o expect_v nothing_o but_o misery_n in_o this_o world_n from_o the_o profession_n of_o his_o doctrine_n he_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o when_o he_o be_v betray_v by_o one_o of_o those_o very_a disciple_n he_o use_v no_o upbraid_v or_o reproachful_a language_n but_o bespeak_v he_o with_o a_o divine_a patience_n and_o meekness_n noman_n ever_o suffer_v with_o so_o much_o injustice_n and_o cruelty_n nor_o ever_o any_o man_n with_o so_o great_a compassion_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o his_o enemy_n he_o live_v a_o mean_a and_o despise_a life_n and_o never_o be_v in_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o can_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o flatter_v he_o or_o to_o conceal_v any_o fault_n if_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o and_o he_o have_v always_o many_o enemy_n who_o endeavour_v to_o fasten_v the_o worst_a calumny_n upon_o he_o but_o their_o malice_n tend_v only_o to_o render_v his_o innocence_n the_o more_o manifest_a and_o illustrious_a the_o person_n who_o betray_v he_o and_o deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o enemy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n and_o apostle_n who_o he_o have_v send_v out_o to_o gain_v proselyte_n and_o have_v commit_v to_o he_o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n and_o of_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o gain_v reception_n for_o his_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n judas_n be_v one_o of_o the_o twelve_o who_o be_v near_a to_o he_o and_o be_v admit_v to_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o most_o hide_a mystery_n and_o obscure_a doctrine_n of_o his_o religion_n whatsoever_o be_v speak_v to_o other_o in_o parable_n be_v explain_v afterward_o to_o they_o in_o private_a nothing_o be_v withhold_v from_o they_o which_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o or_o which_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v nay_o judas_n seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o particular_a mark_n of_o favour_n place_v upon_o he_o in_o that_o he_o be_v the_o keeper_n of_o the_o bag_n for_o it_o be_v a_o office_n of_o some_o trust_n and_o confidence_n however_o it_o give_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v whether_o his_o master_n have_v any_o such_o ambitious_a design_n as_o he_o be_v accuse_v of_o for_o if_o he_o have_v pervert_v the_o nation_n and_o forbid_v to_o give_v tribute_n to_o caesar_n and_o have_v endeavour_v to_o set_v himself_o up_o as_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v the_o charge_n lay_v against_o he_o before_o pilate_n such_o a_o project_n can_v not_o have_v be_v carry_v on_o without_o amass_v a_o great_a treasure_n which_o therefore_o if_o any_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v in_o hand_n judas_n have_v be_v best_a able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o but_o when_o one_o who_o have_v constant_o attend_v upon_o he_o and_o be_v so_o intimate_o acquaint_v with_o all_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o life_n and_o doctrine_n have_v nothing_o to_o allege_v against_o he_o after_o he_o have_v betray_v he_o what_o can_v make_v more_o for_o his_o justification_n or_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o his_o innocence_n when_o man_n be_v once_o prevail_v upon_o to_o turn_v traitor_n they_o seldom_o do_v thing_n by_o half_n but_o if_o there_o be_v the_o least_o pretence_n or_o colour_n to_o be_v find_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o to_o justify_v their_o villainy_n and_o it_o be_v the_o most_o undeniable_a proof_n our_o saviours_n innocence_n that_o treachery_n itself_o can_v discover_v nothing_o to_o fasten_v upon_o he_o but_o though_o judas_n have_v be_v suborn_v by_o the_o chief_a priest_n to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n yet_o neither_o that_o nor_o a_o great_a sum_n which_o we_o may_v be_v confident_a will_v not_o have_v be_v deny_v he_o can_v prevail_v with_o judas_n himself_o to_o undertake_v to_o appear_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o he_o when_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n be_v persuade_v or_o rather_o have_v offer_v of_o his_o own_o accord_n to_o betray_v he_o it_o can_v not_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o the_o chief_a priest_n will_v urge_v he_o to_o come_v in_o as_o a_o witness_n to_o the_o accusation_n which_o they_o have_v frame_v against_o he_o this_o have_v be_v a_o much_o a_o more_o acceptable_a service_n to_o they_o than_o bare_o to_o deliver_v he_o up_o for_o what_o can_v have_v bring_v a_o great_a disgrace_n upon_o his_o person_n or_o more_o discredit_n upon_o his_o religion_n than_o for_o one_o of_o his_o own_o disciple_n to_o witness_v against_o he_o that_o the_o have_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o death_n man_n who_o be_v at_o such_o a_o loss_n for_o matter_n to_o charge_n christ_n with_o and_o at_o last_o can_v not_o make_v their_o witness_n agree_v together_o will_v never_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o have_v omit_v such_o a_o opportunity_n as_o this_o of_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o stifle_v his_o doctrine_n in_o his_o death_n and_o he_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a and_o forward_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n will_v never_o have_v stick_v at_o accuse_v he_o if_o he_o have_v have_v any_o thing_n to_o say_v against_o he_o and_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o but_o that_o he_o be_v overawe_v by_o that_o innocence_n and_o holiness_n which_o he_o know_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o be_v seize_v with_o that_o remorse_n of_o conscience_n and_o terror_n of_o mind_n as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o guilt_n of_o what_o he_o have_v already_o do_v for_o judas_n who_o have_v betray_v he_o when_o
to_o crucify_v he_o yet_o his_o life_n be_v in_o his_o own_o power_n which_o he_o resign_v in_o the_o word_n of_o another_o psalm_n ps_n xxxi_o 5._o and_o he_o cause_v another_o prophesy_n to_o be_v fulfil_v by_o die_v at_o that_o very_a point_n of_o time_n which_o if_o his_o death_n have_v be_v defer_v a_o little_o long_a have_v not_o be_v fulfil_v for_o the_o soldier_n break_v the_o leg_n of_o the_o two_o other_o that_o be_v crucify_v with_o they_o but_o find_v he_o deâd_n they_o break_v not_o his_o leg_n though_o one_o of_o they_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v so_o soon_o dead_a pierce_v his_o side_n to_o try_v whether_o he_o be_v real_o dead_a or_o not_o by_o which_o that_o scripture_n be_v fulfil_v which_o say_v they_o shall_v look_v on_o he_o who_o they_o pierce_v joh._n nineteeen_o 34._o zach._n twelve_o 10._o which_o pearson_n which_o see_v bp._n pearson_n text_n the_o ancient_a jew_n interpret_v of_o the_o messiah_n the_o liii_o chapter_n of_o isaiah_n be_v a_o clear_a description_n of_o our_o saviour_n passion_n almost_o in_o every_o circumstance_n of_o it_o he_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n he_o be_v wound_v for_o our_o transgression_n and_o bruise_a for_o our_o iniquity_n he_o be_v oppress_v and_o he_o be_v afflict_v yet_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n he_o be_v bring_v as_o a_o lamb_n to_o the_o slaughter_n and_o as_o a_o sheep_n before_o her_o shearer_n be_v dumb_a so_o he_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n his_o silence_n be_v take_v special_a notice_n of_o by_o pilate_n himself_o and_o his_o meekness_n towards_o judas_n his_o most_o ungrateful_a disciple_n be_v wonderful_a beyond_o all_o example_n he_o make_v his_o grave_n with_o the_o rich_a in_o his_o death_n though_o he_o die_v in_o that_o shameful_a manner_n under_o the_o imputation_n of_o so_o much_o wickedness_n yet_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n a_o honourable_a counsellor_n be_v suffer_v by_o pilate_n to_o bury_v he_o which_o he_o do_v in_o his_o own_o new_a tomb._n he_o be_v number_v with_o the_o transgressor_n and_o in_o that_o sense_n make_v his_o grave_n also_o with_o the_o wicked_a be_v crucify_v between_o two_o thief_n and_o so_o be_v not_o only_o repute_v a_o malefactor_n and_o undergo_v the_o punishment_n of_o transgressor_n but_o be_v execute_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o place_n with_o they_o and_o bury_v when_o they_o be_v he_o make_v intercession_n for_o the_o transgressor_n for_o the_o penitent_a thief_n in_o particular_a who_o he_o promise_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v with_o he_o that_o day_n in_o paradise_n and_o for_o his_o persecutor_n themselves_o pray_v that_o they_o may_v be_v forgive_v the_o prophecy_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o very_o plain_o and_o direct_o fulfil_v that_o i_o have_v know_v a_o child_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o passion_n of_o christ_n one_o of_o the_o most_o glorious_a character_n by_o which_o the_o messiah_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o prophet_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v their_o prince_n and_o king_n and_o this_o lead_v the_o jew_n into_o that_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n for_o messiah_n or_o anoint_v signify_v king_n as_o well_o as_o prophet_n or_o priest_n in_o which_o three_o office_n unction_n be_v use_v and_o they_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o our_o saviour_n who_o be_v the_o messiah_n anoint_v and_o inaugurate_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o he_o in_o a_o visible_a shape_n and_o with_o a_o distinct_a and_o audible_a voice_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n may_v know_v our_o saviour_n to_o be_v the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o title_n be_v fix_v upon_o his_o cross_n in_o three_o several_a language_n the_o most_o vulgar_a tongue_n then_o in_o the_o world_n that_o no_o nation_n may_v be_v ignorant_a that_o christ_n the_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o crucify_v for_o pilate_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o inscription_n but_o though_o they_o have_v fright_v he_o before_o by_o observe_v to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v treason_n against_o caesar_n to_o call_v any_o one_o king_n beside_o he_o yet_o when_o they_o will_v now_o have_v have_v he_o change_v the_o inscription_n and_o have_v write_v only_o that_o he_o say_v i_o be_o king_n of_o the_o jew_n pilate_n give_v a_o short_a and_o resolute_a answer_n what_o i_o have_v write_v i_o have_v write_v how_o much_o soever_o it_o be_v at_o his_o peril_n to_o provoke_v a_o malicious_a people_n in_o a_o point_n wherein_o they_o think_v the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o their_o nation_n so_o much_o concern_v and_o in_o a_o point_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v exceed_o tender_a to_o so_o jealous_a a_o emperor_n as_o tiberius_n but_o pilate_n have_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o already_o against_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o have_v show_v great_a aversion_n to_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o whole_a management_n of_o his_o trial_n and_o the_o same_o providence_n which_o have_v order_v every_o circumstance_n to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o conviction_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n now_o so_o dispose_v this_o remarkable_a particular_a that_o the_o last_o period_n of_o his_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o spite_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v adorn_v and_o dignify_v with_o his_o true_a title_n and_o character_n under_o which_o he_o have_v be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n in_o capital_a letter_n upon_o his_o cross_n thus_o be_v the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n exact_o fulfil_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v so_o many_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v fulfil_v by_o chance_n and_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o the_o word_n and_o action_n of_o other_o and_o even_o of_o his_o worst_a enemy_n that_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o design_n or_o contrivance_n of_o he_o or_o his_o disciple_n they_o be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n chief_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o according_a to_o the_o interpretation_n which_o they_o themselves_o be_v wont_a to_o give_v of_o they_o iv_o his_o resurrection_n likewise_o and_o ascension_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o express_a prophecy_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v to_o the_o face_n of_o his_o crucifier_n act._n two_o and_o these_o be_v such_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o sole_a will_n and_o power_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o yet_o as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n do_v as_o shall_v be_v prove_v in_o due_a place_n chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v prophesy_v of_o by_o all_o the_o prophet_n who_o be_v before_o he_o so_o he_o be_v himself_o the_o great_a prophet_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o be_v at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o be_v in_o the_o world_n expect_v of_o the_o jew_n and_o he_o fulfil_v that_o prediction_n by_o the_o many_o eminent_a prophecy_n which_o he_o speak_v he_o foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o it_o be_v that_o shall_v betray_v he_o he_o foretell_v the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v by_o crucifixion_n though_o the_o jew_n often_o seek_v opportunity_n to_o put_v he_o to_o death_n private_o and_o that_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o punishment_n which_o the_o jew_n can_v not_o inflict_v but_o if_o they_o have_v kill_v he_o themselves_o and_o have_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o the_o roman_a judicature_n they_o will_v have_v do_v it_o by_o ston_a as_o they_o murder_v st._n stephen_n he_o foretell_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o suffering_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v deliver_v unto_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o unto_o the_o scribe_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v condemn_v he_o to_o death_n and_o shall_v deliver_v he_o to_o the_o gentile_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v mock_v he_o and_o shall_v scourge_v he_o and_o shall_v spit_v upon_o he_o and_o shall_v kill_v he_o and_o that_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n mark_v x._o 33_o 34._o which_o his_o enemy_n take_v such_o notice_n of_o that_o they_o use_v all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o prevent_v it_o he_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o his_o gospel_n shall_v be_v preach_v over_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o that_o one_o particular_a action_n which_o they_o be_v offend_v at_o of_o the_o woman_n who_o anoint_v his_o head_n shall_v never_o be_v omit_v wheresoever_o it_o shall_v be_v preach_v matt._n xxvi_o 13._o he_o declare_v that_o his_o religion_n shall_v prevail_v against_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o it_o will_v meet_v withal_o and_o continue_v to_o
he_o have_v of_o those_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n and_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n luke_n i_o 2._o and_o he_o be_v the_o companion_n and_o disciple_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o be_v such_o a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n before_o his_o conversion_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o miraculous_a power_n can_v have_v make_v that_o sudden_a change_n in_o he_o he_o probable_o must_v have_v see_v our_o saviour_n before_o his_o passion_n and_o then_o see_v he_o again_o at_o his_o conversion_n and_o hear_v he_o speak_v to_o he_o from_o heaven_n so_o that_o st._n paul_n as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o twelve_o apostle_n have_v see_v and_o hear_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o be_v all_o convince_v by_o their_o own_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o other_o and_o beside_o these_o he_o be_v see_v after_o his_o resurrection_n by_o many_o other_o both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o at_o one_o time_n be_v see_v by_o above_o five_o hundred_o together_o 1_o cor._n xv_o 6._o of_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o be_v but_o two_o who_o be_v not_o eye-witness_n to_o what_o they_o relate_v and_o these_o two_o have_v their_o relation_n from_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n iii_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o without_o any_o artifice_n or_o design_n true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v 1._o they_o have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o advance_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n 2._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o writing_n i._o they_o have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n they_o can_v propose_v no_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o of_o gain_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a undergo_v a_o voluntary_a poverty_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n which_o be_v all_o that_o they_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n for_o their_o pain_n and_o all_o that_o they_o can_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o they_o forsake_v all_o which_o they_o have_v st._n matthew_n a_o gainful_a employment_n and_o st._n paul_n who_o write_v the_o most_o of_o any_o of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n lose_v the_o favour_n of_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o preferment_n which_o a_o person_n of_o his_o learning_n and_o zeal_n may_v promise_v himself_o from_o they_o st._n luke_n a_o physician_n by_o his_o profession_n leave_v a_o employment_n both_o of_o honour_n and_o advantage_n and_o the_o rest_n lose_v all_o they_o have_v and_o can_v any_o man_n lose_v more_o all_o of_o they_o leave_v a_o honest_a and_o secure_a livelihood_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o hatred_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o their_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n who_o love_n and_o esteem_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o education_n they_o must_v be_v incline_v most_o to_o desire_v and_o they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o affront_n and_o outrage_n and_o torment_n which_o a_o furious_a zeal_n can_v inflict_v upon_o they_o all_o which_o be_v no_o new_a or_o unexpected_a thing_n to_o they_o they_o see_v what_o their_o master_n have_v suffer_v and_o can_v hope_v to_o fare_v no_o better_o than_o he_o have_v do_v they_o be_v often_o forewarn_v by_o christ_n long_o before_o hand_n what_o must_v befall_v they_o they_o be_v tell_v that_o they_o must_v take_v up_o their_o cross_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o can_v be_v his_o disciple_n upon_o no_o easy_a term_n he_o have_v set_v forth_o the_o reception_n which_o they_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n just_a in_o the_o same_o manuer_n as_o they_o find_v it_o under_o the_o most_o frightful_a appearance_n that_o word_n can_v represent_v and_o this_o they_o soon_o find_v as_o punctual_o true_a as_o all_o the_o rest_n that_o he_o have_v foretell_v to_o they_o but_o though_o they_o find_v it_o so_o and_o sometime_o be_v dismiss_v with_o a_o severe_a charge_n to_o desist_v from_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o at_o other_o time_n escape_v and_o have_v a_o opportunity_n give_v they_o to_o avoid_v any_o further_a danger_n by_o preach_v it_o they_o ever_o perserver_v in_o it_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n and_o constancy_n despise_v all_o danger_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o glory_v still_o and_o rejoice_v that_o they_o suffer_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n and_o at_o last_o they_o seal_v their_o doctrine_n with_o their_o blood_n st._n paul_n be_v in_o great_a reputation_n with_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n before_o his_o conversion_n and_o be_v employ_v by_o they_o in_o persecute_v the_o church_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o appear_v before_o they_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o accuse_v he_o of_o but_o his_o profession_n of_o a_o religion_n which_o oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o strict_a justice_n and_o holiness_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o be_v the_o best_a they_o must_v have_v be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n for_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o divine_a mission_n and_o authority_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o must_v do_v with_o no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o promote_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n which_o not_o ill_a man_n can_v design_n to_o his_o own_o certain_a loss_n and_o destruction_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o and_o the_o less_o man_n believe_v of_o the_o next_o world_n the_o more_o fond_a they_o be_v to_o make_v sure_a of_o this_o ambition_n and_o a_o desire_n of_o fame_n and_o a_o name_n after_o death_n rare_o happen_v to_o man_n of_o obscure_a birth_n and_o mean_a education_n and_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v now_o befall_v so_o many_o of_o they_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n to_o expect_v it_o when_o in_o all_o humane_a consideration_n they_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o nothing_o but_o infamy_n after_o death_n as_o well_o as_o of_o disgrace_n and_o want_v and_o torment_n during_o their_o life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v resolve_v upon_o attest_v any_o thing_n on_o such_o term_n unless_o he_o have_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o much_o less_o can_v so_o many_o set_v upon_o such_o a_o design_n together_o for_o as_o they_o can_v have_v no_o argument_n to_o persuade_v one_o another_o to_o enter_v upon_o such_o a_o attempt_n so_o if_o they_o have_v once_o conspire_v in_o it_o they_o will_v soon_o have_v desert_v and_o discover_v each_o other_o when_o they_o lie_v under_o all_o the_o disadvantage_n and_o difficulty_n imaginable_a and_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v and_o unite_v they_o but_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o it_o be_v further_a observable_a that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o near_a christian_n be_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o more_o zealous_a they_o be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o for_o they_o have_v then_o great_a opportunity_n of_o inform_v themselves_o of_o the_o imposture_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o and_o have_v therefore_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o be_v certify_v that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o accomplishment_n such_o as_o sergius_n paulus_n governor_n of_o cyprus_n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n justin_n martyr_n tertullian_n and_o other_o who_o be_v inquisitive_a man_n and_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o thing_n upon_o a_o full_a examination_n of_o all_o particular_n become_v early_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n ii_o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n they_o be_v not_o ambitious_a of_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o their_o writing_n but_o write_v only_o as_o they_o be_v 23._o be_v euseb_n eccle._n hist_o lib._n iii._o 23._o by_o necessity_n draw_v to_o it_o for_o the_o further_a propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n they_o declare_v their_o own_o frailty_n and_o fault_n and_o many_o time_n such_o as_o can_v never_o have_v be_v know_v but_o from_o themselves_o st._n matthew_n have_v spend_v the_o former_a part_n of_o his_o life_n in_o no_o very_a creditable_a employment_n but_o among_o publican_n and_o sinner_n as_o he_o say_v himself_o for_o he_o leave_v record_v to_o all_o posterity_n the_o censure_n of_o his_o own_o life_n say_v that_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o receipt_n of_o custom_n matt._n ix_o 9_o 10._o and_o still_v himself_o matthew_z the_o publican_n mat._n x._o 3._o eusebius_n observe_v that_o none_o of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n have_v mention_v a_o thing_n so_o reproachful_a of_o he_o as_o his_o have_v be_v a_o publican_n but_o st._n
areopagite_n sergius_n paulus_n simon_n magus_n felix_n king_n agrippa_n tertullus_n gallio_n and_o other_o be_v name_n of_o too_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n to_o be_v use_v in_o a_o false_a story_n in_o which_o they_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v and_o all_o their_o proceed_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n be_v keep_v upon_o record_n and_o therefore_o can_v not_o be_v pretend_v without_o be_v discover_v by_o those_o who_o always_o have_v so_o many_o adversary_n the_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v chief_o employ_v in_o cure_v disease_n and_o for_o the_o health_n and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v a_o power_n of_o inflict_a disease_n likewise_o and_o death_n itself_o upon_o just_a occasion_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o ananias_n and_o saphira_n act._n v._o of_o elymas_n the_o sorcerer_n act_v xiii_o and_o the_o incestuous_a corinthian_a 1_o cor._n v._o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v by_o private_a man_n and_o divulge_v to_o the_o world_n with_o the_o name_n of_o the_o person_n who_o inflict_v disease_n and_o death_n itself_o and_o of_o those_o on_o who_o they_o be_v inflict_v this_o be_v a_o evidence_n both_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o of_o the_o power_n by_o which_o it_o be_v do_v for_o no_o author_n can_v think_v to_o serve_v his_o friend_n or_o his_o cause_n by_o relate_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v evident_o do_v in_o a_o miraculous_a manner_n and_o by_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o authority_n the_o conversion_n of_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o thing_n so_o memorable_a both_o for_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o business_n he_o be_v go_v about_o and_o the_o person_n that_o employ_v he_o and_o for_o his_o know_a zeal_n at_o other_o time_n in_o persecute_v the_o church_n that_o st._n paul_n appeal_v to_o king_n agrippa_n as_o one_o who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o thing_n so_o notorious_a act_v xxvi_o 26._o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a providence_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n so_o well_o know_v and_o esteem_v by_o the_o pharisee_n and_o chief_a priest_n before_o his_o conversion_n shall_v be_v the_o great_a instrument_n both_o by_o his_o preach_a and_o write_n for_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o both_o his_o epistle_n and_o the_o other_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n have_v the_o same_o proof_n from_o the_o observation_n already_o mention_v concern_v the_o name_n and_o character_n of_o person_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o they_o be_v always_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n and_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v read_v in_o they_o coloss_n four_o 16.1_o thess_n v._o 27._o and_o the_o writing_n both_o of_o he_o and_o of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n be_v cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n by_o barnabas_n a_o apostle_n himself_o and_o by_o clemens_n romanus_n ignatius_n polycarp_n etc._n etc._n and_o they_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a work_n of_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v both_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o particular_o by_o tryphon_n the_o jew_n in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o justin_n martyr_n and_o by_o julian_n x._o julian_n apud_fw-la cyril_n lib._n x._o the_o apostate_n it_o be_v enough_o in_o this_o place_n to_o observe_v that_o except_v some_o very_a few_o book_n of_o which_o a_o account_n shall_v elsewhere_o be_v give_v the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v receive_v as_o genuine_a from_o their_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n during_o the_o life_n of_o their_o several_a author_n and_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o for_o such_o through_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o main_a they_o have_v be_v so_o unanimous_o receive_v and_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n themselves_o never_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v genuine_a nor_o ever_o pretend_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v false_a or_o doubtful_a 29._o euseb_n lib._n iii._o c._n 29._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n st._n john_n himself_o above_o a_o hundred_o year_n and_o he_o preach_v the_o gospel_n above_o seventy_o year_n simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n live_v to_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o polycarp_n the_o disciple_n of_o st._n john_n to_o fourscore_o and_o six_o of_o who_o 20._o who_o id._n lib._n v._o c._n 20._o iraenaeus_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o florinus_n a_o marcionite_n declare_v that_o he_o remember_v exact_o what_o he_o have_v hear_v polycarp_n discourse_n concern_v the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o he_o have_v receive_v from_o st._n john_n and_o other_o who_o have_v converse_v with_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o differ_v in_o nothing_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o beside_o the_o inspire_a write_n the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n themselves_o 57_o themselves_o euseb_n hist_o lib._n four_o c._n 3._o vid._n irenae_n lib._n two_o c._n 56_o 57_o qudaratus_n bishop_n of_o athens_n in_o his_o apology_n to_o adrian_n declare_v that_o person_n who_o have_v be_v heal_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o that_o have_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o he_o be_v still_o live_v in_o his_o time_n aristides_n present_v a_o apology_n to_o the_o same_o emperor_n justin_n martyr_n write_v two_o apology_n the_o first_o dedicate_v to_o antoninus_n pius_n and_o his_o two_o son_n and_o the_o roman_a senate_n the_o latter_a to_o m._n antoninus_n and_o the_o senate_n 26._o senate_n euseb_n lib._n four_o c._n 26._o melito_n bishop_n of_o sardis_n and_o apollinaris_n bishop_n of_o hierapolis_n likewise_o write_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o m._n antoninus_n athenagoras_n offer_v his_o apology_n to_o m._n aurelius_n and_o commodus_n 17._o commodus_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 17._o meltiades_n to_o commodus_n or_o to_o the_o deputy_n of_o the_o province_n 21._o province_n hier._n catai_n euseb_n lib._n v._o c._n 21._o apollonius_n a_o roman_a senator_n make_v a_o public_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n and_o tertullian_n present_v his_o apology_n to_o the_o senate_n or_o to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o province_n and_o the_o apologist_n do_v not_o dwell_v only_o upon_o general_n but_o descend_v to_o such_o particular_n as_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o public_a record_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v concern_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n and_o his_o resurrection_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n assert_v in_o public_a write_n dedicate_v and_o present_v to_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o who_o be_v most_o concern_v and_o most_o capable_a of_o disprove_v it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v false_a 10._o false_a euseb_n lib._n ix_o c._n 5._o &_o 10._o and_o though_o the_o act_n which_o be_v forge_v under_o the_o emperor_n maximin_n and_o pretend_v to_o be_v pilat_n be_v by_o his_o command_n send_v into_o all_o the_o province_n of_o his_o empire_n and_o publish_v in_o all_o place_n and_o order_v to_o be_v teach_v child_n and_o to_o be_v learn_v by_o heart_n by_o they_o yet_o all_o this_o malicious_a care_n and_o contrivance_n be_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o suppress_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o waâ_n so_o well_o attest_v and_o so_o full_o publish_v among_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o extirpate_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o emperor_n himself_o as_o i_o before_o show_v be_v by_o miraculous_a disease_n inflict_v on_o he_o force_v to_o retract_v by_o a_o public_a edict_n his_o practice_n against_o christianity_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o his_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o just_a cause_n of_o his_o punishment_n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o considerate_a man_n to_o contain_v excellent_a rule_n and_o precept_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o it_o be_v to_o these_o we_o owe_v the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n we_o enjoy_v even_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v therefore_o the_o interest_n of_o every_o good_a and_o prudent_a man_n to_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o wish_v it_o false_a but_o our_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o this_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
a_o high_a principle_n than_o they_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n to_o contrive_v any_o thing_n so_o admirable_o fit_v to_o procure_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n as_o their_o doctrine_n be_v no_o precept_n can_v be_v more_o righteous_a and_o holy_a no_o reward_n more_o excellent_a nor_o punishment_n more_o formidable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o be_v above_o all_o no_o religion_n beside_o ever_o afford_v nor_o can_v all_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n ever_o have_v find_v out_o such_o powerful_a motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o obedience_n our_o religion_n contain_v no_o dry_a and_o empty_a speculation_n but_o all_o its_o mystery_n be_v mystery_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n other_o may_v fear_v god_n but_o it_o be_v the_o christian_n only_o that_o can_v true_o love_v he_o and_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o in_o all_o condition_n in_o life_n and_o in_o death_n look_v up_o to_o he_o as_o his_o father_n his_o saviour_n and_o comforter_n this_o religion_n place_n man_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o entitle_v they_o to_o his_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o care_n it_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v their_o friend_n and_o protector_n here_o and_o their_o everlasting_a rewarder_n after_o death_n it_o promise_v and_o assure_v we_o of_o all_o the_o happiness_n both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o can_v be_v expect_v or_o wish_v for_o from_o any_o revelation_n and_o the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v establish_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n it_o appear_v from_o this_o whole_a discourse_n that_o nothing_o be_v want_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o can_v be_v expect_v in_o any_o revelation_n they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o have_v be_v preach_v throughout_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abundant_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o their_o divine_a authority_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o god_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v mankind_n have_v visible_a character_n in_o it_o of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n and_o have_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o institution_n of_o religion_n beside_o that_o deliver_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v show_v in_o the_o several_a particular_n necessary_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o that_o no_o other_o religion_n ever_o be_v of_o like_a antiquity_n or_o have_v equal_a promulgation_n that_o no_o other_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o last_o that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o other_o which_o do_v not_o teach_v many_o doctrine_n that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n and_o contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o therefore_o impossible_a to_o come_v from_o heaven_n this_o i_o shall_v prove_v first_o of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n second_o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o religion_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o we_o have_v any_o certain_a account_n of_o from_o their_o write_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o notorious_a have_v be_v so_o often_o prove_v by_o learned_a man_n and_o be_v so_o general_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v needless_a to_o insist_v much_o upon_o it_o the_o heathen_n general_o be_v stranger_n to_o every_o thing_n of_o antiquity_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v unable_a to_o give_v any_o proof_n of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o their_o religion_n the_o pretence_n which_o the_o egyptian_n make_v to_o antiquity_n so_o much_o beyond_o the_o time_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n proceed_v from_o their_o reckon_n by_o lunar_a year_n or_o 12._o or_o diodor_n sic._n lib._n i._n plutarch_n in_o numa_n var._n apud_fw-la lactant._n de_fw-fr orig._n error_n lib._n two_o c._n 12._o month_n but_o they_o have_v so_o different_a account_n however_o of_o chronology_n that_o as_o diodorus_n siculus_n say_v some_o of_o they_o compute_v thirteen_o thousand_o year_n more_o than_o other_o from_o the_o original_a of_o their_o dynasty_n to_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o the_o solar_a year_n in_o use_n among_o the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v most_o famous_a for_o astronomy_n be_v so_o imperfect_a that_o they_o say_v the_o sun_n have_v several_a time_n change_v euterpâ_n change_v herod_n euterpâ_n his_o course_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o dynasty_n impute_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o own_o computation_n for_o want_n of_o intercalary_n day_n to_o the_o sun_n variation_n or_o else_o affect_v to_o speak_v something_o wonderful_a and_o extravagant_a the_o early_a astronomical_a observation_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o which_o be_v make_v in_o egypt_n be_v those_o perform_v by_o the_o greek_n of_o alexandria_n less_o than_o ccc_o year_n before_o christ_n as_o 23._o as_o mr._n wotton_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_a and_o modern_a learning_n c._n 23._o mr._n halley_n have_v observe_v 4._o observe_v vitruâ_fw-la ãâ¦ã_o 4._o the_o chaldaean_n suppose_v the_o moon_n to_o be_v a_o luminons_n body_n and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o great_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n beside_o they_o want_v instrument_n to_o make_v exact_a observation_n '_o alderman_n we_o have_v of_o they_o say_v the_o same_o learned_a ib._n learned_a iâ_n mr._n ãâã_d reflect_v ib._n astronomer_n be_v only_o seven_o eclipse_n of_o the_o moon_n and_o even_o those_o but_o very_o coarse_o set_v down_o and_o the_o old_a not_o much_o above_o dcc_n year_n before_o christ_n so_o that_o after_o all_o the_o fame_n of_o these_o chaldaean_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a they_o have_v not_o go_v far_o in_o this_o science_n and_o though_o calisthenes_n be_v say_v by_o porphyry_n to_o have_v bring_v from_o babylon_n to_o greece_n observation_n above_o mdcccc_n year_n old_a than_o alexander_n yet_o the_o proper_a author_n make_v no_o mention_n or_o use_v of_o any_o such_o render_v it_o just_o suspect_v for_o a_o fable_n so_o little_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o we_o to_o depend_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o time_n and_o the_o vain_a boast_n of_o antiquity_n which_o these_o nation_n have_v make_v he_o far_o observe_v that_o the_o greek_n be_v the_o first_o practical_a astronomer_n who_o endeavour_v in_o earnest_a to_o make_v themselves_o master_n of_o the_o science_n and_o that_o thales_n be_v the_o first_o who_o can_v predict_v a_o eclipse_n in_o greece_n not_o dc_o year_n before_o christ_n and_o that_o hipparchus_n make_v the_o first_o catalogue_n of_o the_o fix_a star_n not_o above_o cl._n year_n before_o christ_n according_a to_o that_o know_a observation_n 21._o observation_n censorin_n de_fw-fr die_fw-fr natali_n c._n 21._o of_o varro_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o history_n to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o greek_n before_o the_o olympiad_n which_o be_v but_o about_o twenty_o year_n before_o the_o build_n of_o rome_n and_o whatever_o learning_n or_o knowledge_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o roman_n have_v they_o borrow_v it_o from_o the_o greek_n for_o they_o be_v so_o little_a capable_a of_o transmit_v their_o own_o affair_n down_o to_o posterity_n with_o any_o exactness_n in_o point_n of_o time_n that_o for_o 23._o for_o id._n c._n 23._o some_o age_n they_o have_v neither_o dial_n nor_o hour-glass_n to_o measure_v their_o day_n and_o night_n for_o by_o common_a use_n and_o for_o three_o hundred_o year_n they_o know_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o hour_n or_o the_o like_a distinction_n but_o compute_v their_o time_n only_o from_o noon_n to_o noon_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o their_o calendar_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n till_o caesar_n regulate_v it_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o chinese_n to_o antiquity_n appear_v equal_o vain_a and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n for_o they_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o astronomy_n or_o else_o the_o missionary_n by_o their_o skill_n in_o that_o art_n will_v not_o have_v be_v able_a so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v themselves_o with_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n indeed_o the_o chineses_n themselves_o 464._o themselves_o martin_n hist_o sin_n lib._n i._n two_o &_o atl._n sinic_n praef._n philip_n couplet_n in_o confuc_n proen_fw-mi declar._n &_o praef._n ad_fw-la fab._n chronol_n sinicae_fw-la monarchiae_fw-la le_fw-fr compt'_v memoir_n p._n 64._o 71._o 464._o confess_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v in_o great_a part_n fabulous_a and_o they_o acknowledge_v
that_o their_o most_o ancient_a book_n be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n which_o be_v not_o expound_v by_o any_o who_o live_v near_o than_o mdcc_o year_n to_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n in_o computation_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v or_o that_o month_n be_v put_v for_o year_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n soever_o their_o first_o writer_n be_v there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o book_n now_o remain_v since_o that_o general_a destruction_n of_o all_o ancient_a book_n by_o the_o emperor_n xi_o hoam_n ti_o who_o live_v but_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n he_o command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o be_v destroy_v relate_v either_o to_o history_n or_o philosophy_n especial_o the_o book_n of_o confucius_n and_o kill_v many_o of_o their_o learned_a man_n so_o that_o from_o his_o time_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fragment_n of_o old_a author_n leave_v the_o chinese_n be_v a_o people_n vain_a enough_o and_o love_n to_o magnify_v themselves_o to_o the_o european_n which_o make_v they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v sufficient_o entire_a notwithstanding_o this_o destruction_n of_o their_o book_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o describe_v the_o emperor_n observatory_n as_o the_o most_o complete_a and_o the_o best_a fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o astronomy_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o upon_o the_o view_n it_o appear_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o the_o instrument_n be_v find_v useless_a and_o new_a one_o be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o father_n verbiest_n this_o people_n after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o exact_a calendar_n and_o their_o table_n of_o eclipse_n be_v so_o uncorrect_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o foretell_v about_o what_o time_n that_o of_o the_o sun_n shall_v happen_v and_o in_o a_o petition_n which_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n in_o favour_n it_o seem_v to_o the_o missionary_n have_v private_o draw_v up_o to_o be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o himself_o in_o public_a it_o be_v say_v that_o father_n adam_n schaal_n make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o court_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o celestial_a motion_n establish_v by_o the_o ancient_a astronomer_n of_o china_n be_v all_o false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n of_o china_n but_o the_o chief_a mandarine_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n under_o a_o eclipse_n with_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o dog_n or_o dragon_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v like_a to_o devour_v they_o so_o little_a credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretence_n which_o the_o several_a nation_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v make_v to_o antiquity_n without_o any_o ground_n from_o history_n but_o upon_o wander_a discourse_n of_o observation_n in_o astronomy_n which_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o skill_n in_o and_o it_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v but_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n mention_v as_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n such_o as_o noâh_v joseph_n moses_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o several_a religion_n profess_v among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o inconsiderable_a for_o they_o be_v never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o examine_v but_o their_o mystery_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n the_o people_n have_v of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o priest_n every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seldom_o receive_v or_o know_v but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o set_v up_o the_o 3._o the_o valer-max_n de_fw-fr peregrina_fw-la relig._n rejecta_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o roman_n reject_v many_o foreign_a religion_n as_o abominable_a and_o none_o of_o their_o religion_n ever_o prevail_v but_o where_o they_o have_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o uphold_v they_o and_o they_o lose_v ground_n daily_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppress_v it_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o heathen_a religion_n against_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o its_o first_o propagation_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v before_o but_o where_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v heathenism_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o christian_n except_v some_o few_o jew_n to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a country_n which_o make_v a_o great_a abatement_n in_o the_o disproportion_n that_o heathenism_n in_o general_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v in_o its_o number_n above_o christianity_n but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n here_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o any_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o point_n of_o promulgation_n for_o who_o ever_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o or_o any_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n must_v suppose_v god_n to_o reveal_v contradiction_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o heathen_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o christian_n but_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o full_o promulge_v as_o the_o christian_a one_o herald_n be_v enough_o to_o promulge_v a_o law_n to_o many_o thousand_o the_o city_n of_o nineve_n be_v convert_v by_o one_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chap._n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n but_o that_o many_o wonder_n have_v be_v do_v by_o magician_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v foreshow_v and_o foretell_v among_o heathen_n by_o dream_n and_o prodigy_n and_o oracle_n which_o do_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a power_n and_o that_o devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o man_n can_v do_v and_o to_o know_v more_o than_o man_n can_v know_v for_o which_o reason_n in_o former_a age_n there_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n make_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v continual_o sensible_a of_o the_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o invisible_a being_n which_o make_v they_o exceed_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n but_o not_o incline_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o now_o in_o heathen_a country_n where_o apparition_n and_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v affirm_v by_o all_o writer_n to_o be_v very_o frequent_a but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n evil_a spirit_n by_o their_o subtlety_n and_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n do_v foretell_v thing_n which_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n they_o be_v thing_n that_o happen_v not_o long_o after_o and_o common_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v excite_v and_o prompt_v man_n to_o thus_o when_o the_o conspiracy_n against_o caesar_n be_v come_v just_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o agent_n concern_v in_o it_o he_o can_v foretell_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v to_o pompey_n crassus_n and_o caesar_n himself_o before_o as_o two_o as_o tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n two_o tully_n inform_v we_o from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o die_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o in_o a_o honourable_a old_a age._n some_o oracle_n may_v possible_o take_v their_o answer_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o jupiter_n hammon_n concern_v alexander_n victory_n if_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o piece_n of_o flattery_n which_o prove_v true_a by_o chance_n evil_a spirit_n may_v likewise_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o victory_n the_o same_o day_n they_o be_v win_v as_o it_o be_v relate_v ib._n relate_v ib._n of_o several_a and_o in_o
indeed_o whatever_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v whether_o from_o their_o god_n or_o from_o themselves_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v little_a or_o no_o necessity_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v excellent_a in_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v as_o excellent_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a it_o be_v desective_a in_o point_n of_o authority_n socrates_n though_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v inspire_v or_o supernatural_o assist_v give_v man_n only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o pythagoras_n indeed_o pretend_v both_o to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n but_o he_o be_v a_o great_a magician_n in_o the_o opinion_n both_o of_o numâ_fw-la of_o xenoph_n epist_n ad_fw-la aeschinem_fw-la plutarch_n in_o numâ_fw-la xenophon_n and_o plutarch_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o foretell_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o power_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v to_o do_v strange_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v thing_n do_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o some_o time_n after_o and_o his_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n even_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o jamblichus_n be_v such_o as_o that_o a_o bare_a recital_n of_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v any_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v claim_v by_o they_o his_o imposture_n may_v be_v see_v in_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o 17._o and_o arist_n rhet._n l._n iii._o c._n 17._o aristotle_n say_v epimenides_n foretell_v nothing_o whatever_o other_o relate_v of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v so_o their_o own_o be_v but_o of_o small_a account_n they_o be_v general_o rather_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o humour_n than_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o good_a moral_n and_o whoever_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n write_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o caesar_n by_o suetonius_n will_v believe_v the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v as_o soon_o reform_v by_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o philosopher_n who_o after_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o think_v the_o writer_n of_o their_o life_n in_o earnest_n when_o they_o relate_v they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n or_o lucian_n to_o be_v true_a history_n as_o the_o story_n in_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n write_v by_o philostratus_n or_o those_o in_o the_o life_n of_o isidorus_n write_v by_o damascius_n a_o abstract_n whereof_o we_o have_v leave_v preserve_v ccxiii_o preserve_v phot._n cod._n ccxiii_o in_o photius_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v defective_a likewise_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n and_o promulgaon_n philosophy_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o account_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o late_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v style_v in_o tully_n i._n tully_n tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n i._n neque_fw-la ante_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la patefactam_fw-la quae_fw-la nuper_fw-la inuenta_fw-la est_fw-la 16._o est_fw-la apud_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v sapient_a c._n 16._o seneca_n compute_v the_o rise_n of_o it_o to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o his_o own_o time_n but_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n have_v no_o ancient_a original_a than_o socrates_n and_o philosophy_n of_o all_o kind_n have_v always_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o confine_v to_o learned_a man_n there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o nation_n of_o pythagoraean_n or_o platonist_n or_o stoic_n or_o aristotelian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n never_o hear_v so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o philosophy_n be_v defective_a in_o its_o doctrine_n be_v notorious_a for_o as_o lactantius_n observe_v the_o very_a name_n of_o philosophy_n invent_v by_o pythagoras_n who_o yet_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n imply_v a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n or_o imperfection_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o a_o profession_n only_o to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o pythag_n and_o diog._n laert._n in_o pythag._n jemblich_fw-ge vit_fw-mi pythag_n pythagoras_n give_v this_o very_a reason_n why_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o philosopher_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_a but_o god_n only_o and_o yet_o this_o vain_a man_n sometime_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n socrates_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o morality_n and_o i._n and_o tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o render_v philosophy_n useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n profess_v to_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o certain_o but_o to_o disprove_v the_o error_n of_o other_o not_o to_o establish_v or_o discover_v truth_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o plato_n pyrrhon_n vid._n diog._n laert._n in_o pyrrhon_n and_o before_o he_o democritus_n anaxagoras_n empedocles_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n agree_v in_o this_o though_o they_o agree_v in_o few_o thing_n else_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o as_o tully_n say_v arcesilas_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a academy_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v general_o teach_v before_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o socrates_n profess_v to_o know_v his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n but_o arcesilas_n will_v not_o own_v himself_o certain_a of_o so_o much_o as_o that_o indeed_o the_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n be_v so_o little_a convince_a even_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n take_v up_o in_o sceptiscim_o or_o little_o better_a no_o man_n have_v study_v all_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n more_o or_o understand_v they_o better_o or_o have_v better_a explain_v they_o than_o tully_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o all_o conclude_v in_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o often_o profess_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o varro_n cotta_n and_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n concern_v god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a as_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v just_a before_o his_o death_n but_o what_o can_v be_v certain_a to_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 1._o thing_n aug._n the_o civ_o l._n 19_o c._n 1._o varro_n compute_v near_o three_o hundred_o opinion_n concern_v the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v in_o what_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v or_o what_o the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v plato_n teach_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o man_n have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o both_o socrates_n and_o cato_n must_v hold_v a_o community_n of_o wife_n lawful_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o lend_v out_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a generous_a and_o friendly_a act_n and_o the_o very_a height_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n 24._o philosophy_n alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n lib._n l._n c._n 24._o it_o be_v a_o practice_n both_o among_o the_o grcek_n and_o roman_n to_o part_v with_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n though_o mercer_n think_v the_o roman_n be_v divorce_v from_o their_o wife_n before_o other_o take_v they_o because_o cato_n be_v blame_v for_o take_v his_o wife_n again_o after_o the_o death_n of_o hortensius_n without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o new_a marriage_n fornication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v disallow_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o recommend_v coelio_n recommend_v horat._n serm._n lib._n i._n sit_v 2._o cic._n pro._n m._n coelio_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o adultery_n by_o cato_n himself_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v self-murder_n lawful_a and_o do_v themselves_o set_v a_o example_n of_o it_o to_o their_o follower_n the_o expose_v of_o child_n to_o be_v starve_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v be_v practise_v among_o the_o most_o civilise_a heathen_a nation_n
the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o christianity_n and_o bring_v christian_n into_o contempt_n among_o the_o heathen_a for_o nothing_o can_v make_v the_o gospel_n of_o less_o account_n in_o their_o esteem_n than_o to_o deduce_v its_o authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o âews_n who_o soon_o after_o the_o crucifixion_n of_o christ_n become_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v no_o great_a wonder_n to_o see_v man_n draw_v into_o those_o vice_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n which_o no_o law_n nor_o punishment_n can_v restrain_v they_o from_o but_o for_o a_o religion_n that_o forbid_v all_o vice_n under_o the_o severe_a penalty_n to_o prevail_v in_o a_o vicious_a world_n be_v true_o miraculous_a beside_o it_o be_v death_n by_o the_o law_n of_o mahomet_n to_o contradict_v the_o alcoran_n man_n be_v forbid_v all_o disputation_n and_o discourse_n about_o religion_n they_o be_v charge_v to_o believe_v none_o but_o mahometan_n and_o to_o look_v upon_o all_o other_o as_o unworthy_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n so_o that_o the_o sword_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o furious_a and_o ignorant_a zealot_n be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o that_o religion_n be_v design_v to_o be_v propagate_v but_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o compliance_n with_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n if_o we_o take_v in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n the_o christian_a religion_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o jewish_a have_v have_v a_o much_o large_a propagation_n than_o ever_o mahometanism_n have_v have_v and_o have_v at_o all_o time_n be_v teach_v in_o more_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o even_o among_o mahometan_n themselves_o and_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o assert_v the_o divine_a authority_n and_o mission_n both_o of_o moses_n and_o christ_n serve_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o propagate_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o to_o give_v a_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n for_o man_n to_o make_v enquiry_n into_o they_o and_o become_v acquaint_v with_o they_o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n mahometanism_n be_v ground_v neither_o upon_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n mahomet_n indeed_o call_v himself_o prophet_n very_o solemn_o but_o we_o have_v but_o this_o one_o instance_n of_o his_o prophetic_a spirit_n 66._o spirit_n alcoran_n c._n 66._o when_o the_o prophet_n go_v to_o visit_v one_o of_o his_o wife_n god_n reveal_v to_o he_o what_o she_o desire_v to_o say_v to_o he_o he_o approve_v one_o part_n and_o reject_v the_o other_o when_o he_o tell_v his_o wife_n what_o be_v in_o her_o will_n to_o speak_v to_o he_o she_o demand_v of_o he_o who_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o he_o he_o that_o know_v all_o thing_n have_v reveal_v it_o to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v be_v convert_v your_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o do_v what_o be_v forbid_v if_o you_o act_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o prophet_n know_v that_o god_n be_v his_o protector_n here_o be_v not_o one_o circumstance_n to_o make_v the_o story_n credible_a mahomet_n pretend_v to_o no_o miracle_n but_o when_o he_o have_v raise_v that_o objection_n as_o he_o often_o do_v that_o the_o world_n will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o unless_o they_o see_v some_o miracle_n he_o answer_v 13._o answer_v meor_n c._n 13._o i_o be_o not_o send_v but_o to_o preach_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o afterward_o he_o mention_n that_o ridiculous_a story_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v divide_v in_o these_o word_n 54._o word_n ib._n c._n 54._o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n approach_v the_o moon_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n nevertheless_o infidel_n believe_v not_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v they_o they_o say_v that_o this_o be_v magic_n they_o lie_v and_o follow_v but_o their_o passion_n but_o all_o be_v write_v here_o be_v no_o proof_n nor_o any_o pretence_n to_o it_o but_o only_o a_o confident_a assertion_n of_o a_o thing_n ridiculous_a and_o yet_o unless_o we_o will_v believe_v this_o prophecy_n and_o this_o miracle_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a alcoran_n either_o of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n to_o give_v it_o any_o authority_n except_o that_o must_v be_v account_v one_o which_o he_o so_o often_o boast_v of_o viz._n it_o be_v wonderful_a doctrine_n and_o eloquence_n for_o xuj_o for_o ib._n c._n x_o xi_o xuj_o he_o challenge_v all_o the_o world_n to_o produce_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o protest_v seven_o protest_v c._n seven_o that_o he_o can_v neither_o write_v nor_o read_v and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o have_v it_o by_o revelation_n and_o he_o introduce_v god_n swear_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o almost_o in_o every_o chapter_n and_o this_o be_v all_o he_o offer_v in_o answer_n to_o the_o suspicion_n which_o he_o so_o frequent_o suggest_v man_n then_o have_v of_o his_o be_v a_o impostor_n chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a i._o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a as_o when_o it_o make_v nineteeen_o make_v ib._n c._n nineteeen_o the_o virgin_n mary_n sister_n to_o aaron_n when_o it_o assert_n that_o four_o that_o ib._n c._n four_o christ_n be_v not_o crucify_a but_o one_o like_o he_o in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o jew_n christian_n and_o heathen_n and_o that_o christ_n lxi_o christ_n ib._n c._n lxi_o prophesy_v of_o he_o by_o name_n without_o the_o least_o proof_n or_o ground_n for_o it_o but_o against_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v to_o the_o contrary_n ii_o the_o alcoran_n contain_v thing_n absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o in_o that_o story_n of_o the_o sleeper_n xviii_o sleeper_n c._n xviii_o the_o infidel_n say_v they_o be_v five_o and_o that_o their_o dog_n be_v the_o six_o they_o sâeak_v by_o opinion_n but_o the_o true_a believer_n affirm_v they_o to_o be_v seven_o and_o their_o dog_n to_o be_v the_o eight_o and_o xxvii_o and_o ib._n c._n xxvii_o in_o the_o story_n of_o solomon_n army_n compose_v of_o man_n devil_n and_o bird_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o pismire_n and_o solomon_n discourse_n with_o the_o bird_n call_v the_o whoop_o who_o bring_v he_o tiding_n of_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n iii_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n be_v impious_a and_o immoral_a mahomet_n make_v all_o the_o angel_n worship_n adam_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o alcoran_n and_o his_o sensual_a paradise_n be_v well_o know_v and_o his_o allowance_n of_o many_o wife_n but_o perhaps_o his_o injustice_n be_v not_o so_o general_o take_v notice_n of_o xxiii_o of_o ib._n c._n four_o &_o xxiii_o in_o permit_v the_o professor_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o take_v away_o their_o slave_n wife_n from_o they_o the_o law_n of_o mahomet_n proceed_v from_o a_o savage_a and_o cruel_a spirit_n oblige_v those_o that_o embrace_v it_o to_o destroy_v all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o it_o however_o the_o mahometan_n have_v not_o always_o act_v according_a to_o the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o religion_n humane_a nature_n not_o be_v always_o able_a to_o act_v so_o much_o contrary_n to_o itself_o but_o this_o be_v mahomet_n doctrine_n iii._o doctrine_n ib._n c._n iii._o god_n love_v not_o the_o unjust_a he_o forgive_v sin_n to_o those_o that_o believe_v and_o extirpate_v infidel_n four_o infidel_n ib._n c._n four_o if_o they_o forsake_v it_o the_o law_n of_o god_n pretend_v to_o be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o alcoran_n kill_v they_o where_o you_o find_v they_o be_v not_o negligent_a to_o pursue_v the_o infidel_n and_o this_o the_o 24._o the_o tavern_n voyage_n de_fw-fr ind._n lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o faquir_n at_o their_o return_n from_o mecha_n be_v very_o mindful_a of_o with_o a_o furious_a zeal_n kill_v all_o they_o can_v that_o they_o meet_v who_o be_v not_o mahometan_n till_o they_o be_v kill_v themselves_o and_o then_o they_o be_v repute_v saint_n and_o prayer_n be_v make_v at_o their_o grave_n such_o be_v the_o alcoran_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o now_o as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o write_v by_o mahomet_n 54._o mahomet_n sandys_n trau._n lib._n i._n p._n 54._o many_o alteration_n have_v be_v make_v in_o it_o by_o insert_v some_o thing_n and_o strike_v out_o other_o and_o take_v some_o of_o the_o absurdity_n away_o mahomet_n the_o second_o particular_o be_v say_v to_o have_v make_v great_a alteration_n and_o addition_n 10._o addition_n ricaut_n hist_o of_o the_o ottom_n empire_n lib._n two_o c._n 10._o but_o the_o persian_n the_o follower_n of_o haly_n charge_v abubeke_a omar_n and_o ozman_n who_o the_o turk_n follow_v with_o falsify_v the_o alcoran_n chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n after_o this_o account_n of_o mahomet_n alcoran_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n to_o say_v much_o of_o his_o person_n the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v lustful_a proud_a fierce_a and_o cruel_a
modern_a way_n of_o use_v they_o together_o with_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o period_n of_o disease_n in_o which_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o some_o caution_n relate_v to_o the_o disorder_n they_o sometime_o occasion_n the_o medicine_n be_v range_v in_o their_o proper_a class_n according_a to_o their_o virtue_n and_o draw_v up_o in_o table_n for_o the_o reader_n conveniency_n with_o their_o just_a dose_n annex_v write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o m._n tavury_n m._n d._n member_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n there_o be_v in_o the_o press_n and_o will_v speedy_o be_v publish_a howell_n abridgement_n of_o his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n epitomise_v by_o himself_o sub_fw-la praelo_fw-la compendium_n michaclis_n etmulleris_n opera_fw-la medica_fw-la tam_fw-la praxis_fw-la quam_fw-la chimia_fw-it cui_fw-la subjiciuntur_fw-la institutiones_fw-la medicae_fw-la the_o history_n of_o polybius_n the_o megalopolitan_a contain_v a_o general_n account_v of_o the_o transaction_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o principal_o of_o the_o roman_a people_n âuring_v the_o first_o and_o second_o punic_a war_n translate_v by_o sir_n hânry_n sheers_n and_o mr._n dryden_n in_o three_o volume_n the_o three_o volume_n never_o before_o print_v a_o mathematical_a companion_n or_o the_o description_n and_o use_v of_o a_o new_a slide_v rule_n by_o which_o many_o useful_a and_o necessary_a question_n in_o arithmetic_n military_a order_n interest_n trigonometry_n planometry_n stereomerry_n geography_n astronomy_n navigation_n fortification_n gunnery_n dyall_v may_v be_v speedy_o resolve_v without_o the_o help_n of_o pen_n of_o compass_n by_o william_n hunt_n philomath_n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n with_o a_o dissertation_n ugon_v the_o egistle_n of_o phalaris_n themistocles_n socrates_n euripides_n etc._n etc._n and_o aesop_n fable_n by_o dr._n bentley_n a_o italian_a voyage_n or_o a_o complete_a journey_n through_o italy_n in_o two_o part_n with_o the_o character_n of_o the_o people_n and_o description_n of_o the_o chief_a town_n church_n monastery_n tomb_n library_n palace_n villa_n garden_n picture_n statue_n and_o antiquity_n as_o also_o of_o the_o interest_n government_n riches_n force_n etc._n etc._n of_o all_o the_o prince_n with_o instruction_n concern_v travel_n by_o richard_n lassel_n gent._n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o a_o modern_a hand_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o contain_v discourse_n upon_o such_o subject_n as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o objection_n by_o robert_n jenkin_n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o exeter_n and_o late_a fellow_n of_o st._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o peter_n buck_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o temple_n near_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleet_n street_n 1700._o the_o preface_n there_o never_o appear_v i_o believe_v among_o christian_n so_o general_a a_o disaffection_n as_o in_o the_o present_a age_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o man_n pretend_v at_o least_o to_o reason_n and_o learning_n and_o natural_a religion_n and_o moral_a virtue_n and_o though_o i_o can_v have_v little_a encouragement_n to_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v write_v any_o thing_n which_o may_v much_o prevail_v with_o man_n of_o these_o accomplishment_n yet_o i_o be_v persuade_v that_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n though_o but_o in_o weak_a hand_n can_v not_o fail_v of_o some_o effect_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o think_v the_o best_a way_n will_v be_v not_o to_o read_v lecture_n as_o it_o be_v of_o anatomy_n upon_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o and_o represent_v it_o piecemeal_n like_o a_o lifeless_a carcase_n divide_v and_o dissect_v though_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o show_v never_o so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o operation_n but_o to_o give_v a_o entire_a view_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o christianity_n the_o connexion_n of_o its_o part_n between_o themselves_o and_o the_o preference_n which_o it_o have_v to_o all_o other_o religion_n from_o whence_o i_o know_v it_o must_v appear_v in_o as_o true_a a_o light_n and_o with_o as_o much_o life_n and_o force_n as_o it_o can_v do_v under_o the_o disadvantage_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o no_o better_o a_o pen._n there_o be_v a_o excellency_n in_o every_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n separately_z consider_v but_o the_o strength_n and_o vigour_n of_o each_o part_n be_v in_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o several_a part_n must_v be_v take_v altogether_o if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o make_v a_o just_a estimate_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o that_o which_o i_o make_v my_o more_o particular_a care_n and_o which_o i_o think_v the_o more_o require_v my_o pain_n because_o i_o have_v not_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v much_o insist_v upon_o by_o other_o be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o insufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o imperfection_n and_o error_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o manifest_a falsehood_n of_o the_o religion_n both_o of_o the_o heathen_n and_o of_o the_o mahometan_n and_o moreover_o to_o prove_v that_o beside_o all_o other_o thing_n requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n the_o religion_n deliver_v in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n have_v receive_v a_o full_a promulgation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n from_o these_o foundation_n thus_o lay_v and_o secure_v we_o have_v no_o less_o than_o a_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n we_o be_v often_o tell_v by_o those_o that_o be_v no_o friend_n to_o our_o religion_n that_o we_o must_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v great_a care_n of_o not_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o prejudices_fw-la derive_v from_o our_o education_n but_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v find_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o such_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o favour_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o their_o prejudices_fw-la lie_v extreme_o against_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n always_o incline_v to_o error_n and_o vice_n though_o they_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n instill_a into_o they_o in_o their_o tender_a year_n yet_o they_o can_v learn_v they_o then_o only_o as_o confess_v truth_n to_o be_v receive_v for_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n but_o the_o first_o thing_n probable_o to_o which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o with_o any_o application_n be_v the_o read_n of_o heathen_a author_n and_o when_o perhaps_o they_o have_v study_v philosophy_n and_o other_o humane_a learning_n for_o many_o year_n but_o never_o consider_v divinity_n as_o a_o science_n and_o have_v search_v into_o it_o no_o far_o nor_o have_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o it_o than_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v in_o their_o childhood_n or_o youth_n they_o look_v back_o upon_o their_o first_o instruction_n as_o groundless_a and_o fit_v only_o for_o child_n because_o they_o find_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o they_o in_o those_o author_n with_o who_o they_o have_v be_v so_o long_o conversant_a and_o who_o upon_o many_o account_n they_o have_v so_o just_a reason_n to_o admire_v this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o who_o have_v read_v ancient_a heathen_a author_n without_o the_o regard_n which_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v have_v to_o that_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o who_o have_v make_v any_o due_a enquiry_n into_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o best_a learning_n and_o of_o great_a antiquity_n and_o be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v have_v but_o from_o the_o scripture_n other_o there_o be_v who_o have_v often_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o socrates_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n and_o of_o tully_n seneca_n and_o other_o famous_a writer_n they_o find_v they_o frequent_o quote_v and_o common_o with_o commendation_n seldom_o to_o discover_v any_o fault_n in_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o their_o notion_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n where_o religion_n seem_v to_o be_v less_o concern_v they_o have_v hear_v too_o of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a historian_n and_o these_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o know_v or_o consider_v may_v be_v as_o faithful_a and_o as_o ancient_a as_o the_o best_a but_o though_o all_o these_o author_n have_v indeed_o very_a many_o excellency_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o so_o far_o mistake_v as_o to_o think_v all_o thing_n excellent_a which_o they_o deliver_v i_o shall_v therefore_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v make_v some_o far_a reflection_n in_o this_o place_n both_o upon_o the_o history_n and_o upon_o the_o philosophy_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o then_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o expostulate_v with_o
or_o other_o preserve_v than_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o omit_v the_o mântion_n of_o these_o person_n of_o who_o they_o haâ_n any_o âislike_n or_o who_o have_v make_v themselves_o oâioâs_o to_o they_o thus_o in_o the_o xxth_o dynasty_n of_o their_o king_n there_o be_v a_o total_a vacancy_n for_o the_o spacâ_n of_o clxxviii_o year_n which_o the_o learned_a mr._n greaves_n with_o great_a probability_n supply_v with_o the_o name_n of_o those_o king_n who_o build_v the_o pyramid_n two_o whereof_o cheops_n and_o chephren_n as_o 128._o as_o herod_n lib._n 2._o c._n 128._o herodotus_n say_v the_o egyptian_n out_o of_o hatred_n to_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_n but_o call_v the_o pyramid_n which_o they_o have_v erect_v the_o pyramid_n of_o philition_n a_o shepherd_n who_o in_o those_o day_n feed_v his_o cattle_n there_o the_o which_o hatred_n say_v ââidoâraph_v say_v ãâ¦ã_o ââidoâraph_v mr._n greaves_n occasion_v by_o their_o oppressious_a as_o diodorus_n also_o mention_n may_v cause_n manethos_n to_o omit_v the_o rest_n especiaââ_n sabachus_n a_o aethiopian_a and_o a_o usurper_n but_o whatever_o account_n be_v to_o be_v give_v of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n in_o that_o particular_a this_o make_v the_o history_n of_o that_o nation_n in_o general_a very_o uncertain_a and_o may_v afford_v a_o sufââerent_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v either_o omit_v or_o ãâã_d by_o heathen_a historian_n who_o have_v what_o they_o relate_v of_o they_o from_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o hebrew_n neither_o live_v with_o the_o egyptian_n nor_o leave_v they_o upon_o such_o term_n as_o to_o have_v their_o story_n faithful_o tell_v by_o a_o nation_n who_o will_v suffer_v nothing_o to_o pass_v down_o to_o posterity_n if_o they_o can_v help_v it_o that_o be_v displease_v to_o they_o when_o it_o happen_v but_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o notorious_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v whole_o stifle_v they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o vary_v and_o deface_v it_o with_o false_a circumstance_n in_o the_o report_n which_o they_o give_v out_o concern_v it_o and_o here_o i_o must_v once_o more_o complain_v of_o mr._n blount_n who_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v a_o egyptian_a historian_n that_o have_v a_o implacable_a hatred_n of_o our_o religion_n profess_v to_o translate_v that_o place_n of_o tacitus_n which_o concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o jew_n cut_v his_o translation_n short_a and_o go_v no_o fârther_a than_o the_o vilify_n and_o false_a part_n of_o the_o account_n which_o tacitus_n give_v for_o his_o character_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o relation_n of_o what_o pompey_n discover_v upon_o his_o entrance_n into_o the_o temple_n be_v omit_v and_o beside_o that_o which_o he_o have_v translate_v be_v far_o from_o be_v exact_a but_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o ark_n he_o have_v make_v sir_n thomas_n brown_n say_v that_o will_v not_o appear_v feasible_a which_o the_o learned_a knight_n have_v say_v will_v appear_v feasible_a so_o he_o have_v deal_v no_o better_a with_o tacitus_n make_v he_o likewise_o deny_v what_o he_o have_v affirm_v tacitus_n v._n tacitus_n tâââ_n hist_o lib._n v._n say_v he_o ritus_fw-la quoquo_fw-la modo_fw-la inducti_fw-la antiquitate_fw-la defenduntur_fw-la these_o rite_n by_o what_o mean_v soever_o introduce_v be_v defend_v by_o their_o antiquity_n which_o 13â_n which_o oâââ_n of_o reason_n p._n 13â_n mr._n blount_n translate_v thus_o but_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o they_o have_v be_v introduce_v they_o have_v no_o antiquity_n for_o their_o patronization_n this_o be_v to_o use_v the_o history_n of_o tacitus_n as_o ill_o as_o he_o do_v that_o of_o the_o bible_n and_o much_o worse_a than_o tacitus_n himself_o have_v do_v the_o jew_n for_o if_o it_o be_v right_o understand_v what_o tacitus_n have_v write_v of_o the_o jew_n prove_v a_o very_a remarkable_a vindication_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v indeed_o that_o they_o consecrate_v the_o image_n of_o a_o ass_n but_o he_o say_v it_o only_o as_o a_o report_n which_o he_o confute_v afterward_o himself_o by_o acknowledge_v that_o pompey_n when_o he_o enter_v into_o the_o temple_n find_v no_o image_n in_o it_o and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o religion_n he_o say_v aegyptij_fw-la pelraque_fw-la animalia_fw-la effigiesque_fw-la compositas_fw-la venerantur_fw-la judaei_n ment_fw-la sell_v unumque_fw-la ãâã_d intelligunt_fw-la profanos_fw-la qui_fw-la deum_fw-la imagine_v mortalibus_fw-la materiis_fw-la in_o species_n hominum_fw-la effingunt_fw-la summum_fw-la illud_fw-la aeternum_fw-la neque_fw-la mutabile_fw-la neque_fw-la interiturum_fw-la igitur_fw-la nulla_fw-la simulachra_fw-la vrbibâs_fw-la suis_fw-la nedum_fw-la templis_fw-la sunt_fw-la which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o what_o this_o historian_n write_v before_o in_o these_o word_n effigiem_fw-la animalis_fw-la quo_fw-la monstrante_fw-la errorem_fw-la sitimque_fw-la depâlerunt_fw-la penetâali_fw-la sacravere_fw-la that_o some_o have_v charge_v he_o with_o contradict_v himself_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o story_n of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n be_v relate_v as_o a_o tradition_n which_o be_v afterward_o sufficient_o confute_v by_o his_o own_o account_n of_o their_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n and_o by_o what_o pompey_n find_v nullà _fw-fr nitus_fw-la deum_fw-la effigy_n vacuam_fw-la sedem_fw-la &_o inania_fw-la arcana_fw-la whatever_o his_o design_n be_v and_o however_o his_o obscure_a way_n of_o writing_n have_v make_v he_o to_o be_v misunderstand_v there_o can_v hardly_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v more_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n than_o what_o tacitus_n have_v deliver_v of_o it_o and_o if_o any_o one_o will_v compare_v that_o which_o tully_n have_v say_v in_o the_o same_o flacco_fw-la same_o pro_fw-la flacco_fw-la oration_n of_o the_o greek_n and_o of_o the_o jew_n he_o must_v conclude_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v against_o the_o jew_n be_v rather_o to_o their_o commendation_n than_o to_o their_o disgrace_n tully_n there_o declare_v the_o greek_n to_o be_v of_o no_o credit_n nor_o esteem_n but_o unfaithful_a and_o of_o the_o worst_a reputation_n even_o to_o a_o proverb_n in_o their_o testimony_n and_o oath_n he_o be_v careful_a not_o to_o involve_v the_o athenian_n and_o lacedaemonian_n in_o the_o common_a scandal_n who_o appear_v for_o his_o client_n and_o give_v a_o high_a character_n of_o the_o massilian_n and_o will_v seem_v to_o confine_v his_o discourse_n to_o the_o asiatic_a greek_n by_o who_o own_o confession_n he_o say_v the_o people_n of_o phrygia_n mysia_n caria_n and_o lydia_n be_v proverbial_o infamous_a when_o he_o have_v express_v this_o contempt_n of_o the_o greek_n he_o fall_v next_o upon_o the_o jew_n but_o what_o have_v he_o to_o say_v of_o they_o he_o call_v their_o religion_n a_o barbarous_a superstition_n and_o jerusalem_n a_o suspicious_a and_o rail_a city_n and_o he_o pronounce_v the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o splendour_n and_o gravity_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o roman_n he_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v a_o people_n not_o well_o affect_v to_o the_o roman_a state_n and_o urge_v the_o conquest_n of_o they_o by_o pompey_n as_o a_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n when_o so_o very_o learned_a a_o orator_n have_v nothing_o but_o these_o common_a topic_n of_o slander_n to_o charge_v they_o withal_o though_o it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o câuse_n to_o speak_v the_o worst_a he_o know_v of_o they_o what_o can_v be_v a_o great_a justification_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n one_o of_o the_o accusation_n lay_v against_o flaccus_n who_o defence_n tully_n have_v undertake_v be_v that_o sum_v of_o gold_n have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v send_v out_o of_o italy_n and_o out_o of_o all_o the_o roman_a province_n to_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n flaccus_n have_v forbid_v any_o to_o be_v export_v from_o asia_n here_o it_o concern_v tully_n to_o expose_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o prohibition_n relate_v to_o it_o but_o he_o who_o never_o speak_v little_a upon_o any_o subject_a that_o can_v afford_v a_o scope_n for_o his_o eloquence_n say_v so_o little_a here_o to_o the_o dispraise_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o religion_n that_o the_o commendation_n of_o another_o have_v be_v less_o to_o their_o honour_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o tully_n mention_n nothing_o of_o their_o worship_v a_o ass_n which_o be_v so_o groundless_a and_o foolish_a a_o slander_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v what_o can_v give_v occasion_n to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o no_o better_a account_n of_o it_o can_v be_v assign_v than_o that_o the_o enemy_n of_o their_o religion_n be_v resolve_v to_o fasten_v the_o worst_a and_o most_o ridiculous_a falsehood_n they_o can_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o it_o may_v be_v permit_v i_o to_o add_v a_o conjecture_n to_o those_o which_o have_v be_v make_v by_o
upon_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosopher_n think_v it_o concern_v they_o to_o review_v all_o that_o have_v be_v former_o write_v to_o unite_v their_o force_n and_o select_v those_o notion_n out_o of_o every_o sect_n which_o be_v most_o plausible_a omit_v such_o as_o they_o see_v will_v then_o give_v offence_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v great_o behold_v to_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o oppose_v and_o pretend_v to_o despise_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o have_v read_v the_o scripture_n and_o do_v sometime_o make_v use_n of_o term_n which_o they_o have_v take_v from_o thence_o unknown_a to_o former_a philosopher_n but_o philosophy_n after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n still_o retain_v many_o error_n and_o want_v that_o evidence_n and_o authority_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a religion_n can_v never_o maintain_v its_o ground_n against_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v preach_v by_o those_o who_o they_o contemn_v as_o ignorant_a man_n but_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n wrought_v such_o a_o reformation_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o philosophy_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o effect_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o eminent_a example_n among_o the_o heathen_a but_o then_o there_o be_v always_o as_o great_a enormity_n allow_v in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n philosophy_n be_v 47_o be_v tertul_n apol._n c._n 47_o prohibit_v by_o three_o of_o the_o principal_a state_n of_o greece_n by_o the_o theban_n the_o spartan_n and_o the_o argive_n and_o the_o roman_n who_o have_v set_v so_o many_o famous_a example_n to_o the_o world_n be_v little_o oblige_v to_o philosophy_n for_o all_o their_o worth_n and_o greatness_n be_v raise_v upon_o the_o stock_n only_o of_o common_a notion_n the_o tradition_n that_o they_o have_v receive_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o law_n bring_v from_o athens_n which_o be_v enact_v by_o solon_n who_o have_v be_v in_o egypt_n at_o a_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v there_o in_o sufficient_a number_n but_o it_o be_v a_o long_a while_n before_o philosopher_n be_v suffer_v at_o rome_n they_o have_v be_v 11._o be_v a._n gell._n lib._n xv_o c._n 11._o expel_v by_o the_o senate_n tully_n be_v the_o first_o that_o bring_v philosophy_n into_o any_o credit_n there_o and_o by_o the_o apology_n which_o he_o often_o make_v for_o his_o give_a himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o we_o may_v perceive_v under_o what_o prejudices_fw-la it_o then_o lay_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o all_o his_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o gain_v it_o admission_n a_o strict_a discipline_n both_o in_o peace_n and_o war_n great_a application_n and_o industry_n by_o which_o they_o improve_v their_o common_a notion_n and_o arrive_v to_o wonderful_a experience_n and_o dexterity_n in_o the_o management_n of_o affair_n a_o zealous_a love_n of_o their_o country_n and_o a_o unparalleled_a constancy_n manifest_a in_o all_o their_o action_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o their_o law_n raise_v the_o roman_n to_o that_o mighty_a height_n and_o extent_n of_o empire_n but_o that_o which_o they_o retain_v of_o truth_n in_o relation_n to_o matter_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v so_o abuse_v and_o disguise_v with_o fabulous_a corruption_n that_o at_o length_n it_o have_v general_o lose_v all_o belief_n among_o they_o cluemio_n they_o pro_fw-la cluemio_n tully_n make_v no_o scruple_n at_o a_o public_a trial_n in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n to_o deny_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o a_o future_a state_n as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n which_o show_v a_o strange_a corruption_n of_o principle_n in_o that_o age_n when_o he_o can_v propose_v to_o himself_o to_o gain_v his_o cause_n by_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n in_o another_o oration_n he_o say_v caeiiâ_n say_v pro_fw-la m._n caeiiâ_n non_fw-fr semper_fw-la superet_fw-la uâra_fw-la illa_fw-la &_o directa_fw-la ratio_fw-la uincat_fw-la aliquando_fw-la cupiditas_fw-la voluptasque_fw-la rationem_fw-la that_o this_o shall_v be_v speak_v in_o a_o public_a plead_v by_o one_o of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o learned_a of_o all_o the_o roman_n show_v how_o little_a either_o the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v or_o the_o roman_a law_n themselves_o can_v do_v towards_o the_o establishment_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o the_o modesty_n of_o youth_n and_o the_o virtue_n and_o honour_n of_o family_n must_v be_v secure_v upon_o some_o better_a principle_n afterward_o he_o add_v verùm_fw-la siquis_fw-la est_fw-la qui_fw-la etiam_fw-la meretriciis_fw-la amoribus_fw-la interdictum_fw-la juventuti_fw-la putet_fw-la est_fw-la ille_fw-la quidem_fw-la valde_fw-la severus_fw-la negare_fw-la non_fw-la possum_fw-la sed_fw-la abhorret_fw-la non_fw-la modo_fw-la ab_fw-la huius_fw-la seculi_fw-la licentia_fw-la verùm_fw-la etiam_fw-la a_o majorum_fw-la consuetudine_fw-la atque_fw-la concessis_fw-la i_o believe_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n so_o far_o lose_v to_o all_o shame_n among_o christian_n that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v himself_o so_o defend_v in_o a_o public_a court_n or_o any_o judge_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o such_o a_o defence_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o lay_v such_o a_o powerful_a restraint_n upon_o men._n but_o this_o looseness_n of_o manner_n be_v the_o fatal_a forerunner_n of_o that_o horrid_a and_o monstrous_a lewdness_n which_o afterward_o like_o a_o leprosy_n overspread_v the_o roman_a empire_n the_o conspiracy_n of_o that_o time_n which_o so_o much_o endanger_v the_o state_n be_v contrive_v by_o libertine_n and_o no_o great_a cruelty_n have_v ever_o be_v commit_v than_o by_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n when_o once_o they_o have_v get_v into_o power_n as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o tiberius_n caligula_n nero_n etc._n etc._n and_o tully_n himself_o perhaps_o may_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o these_o encouragement_n to_o vice_n be_v kill_v by_o a_o villain_n who_o life_n he_o have_v former_o save_v by_o that_o eloquence_n which_o be_v sometime_o employ_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v retain_v against_o virtue_n it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o tully_n have_v in_o many_o place_n of_o his_o work_n lay_v down_o admirable_a rule_n of_o virtue_n but_o than_o it_o be_v with_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n viz._n the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n or_o punishment_n after_o death_n ae_v such_o be_v the_o defect_n of_o his_o philosophy_n that_o he_o can_v be_v positive_a and_o certain_a in_o nothing_o seneca_n as_o he_o profess_v have_v take_v many_o of_o his_o best_a precept_n from_o epicurus_n which_o without_o a_o due_a consideration_n have_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n be_v no_o better_o than_o prudent_a caution_n against_o temporal_a evil_n either_o of_o body_n or_o mind_n seneca_n many_o time_n divert_v rather_o than_o instruct_v what_o he_o say_v be_v always_o fine_a but_o not_o always_o solid_a he_o dance_v upon_o the_o surface_n according_a to_o quintilian_n censure_v of_o he_o but_o seldom_o descend_v to_o the_o depth_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o that_o character_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o seneca_n style_n may_v not_o be_v apply_v to_o his_o sense_n abundat_fw-la dulcibus_fw-la vitiis_fw-la a_o luscious_a poison_n sometime_o diffuse_v itself_o in_o his_o write_n seneca_n 4._o seneca_n sen._n epist_n 82._o the_o benefic_n lib._n 1._o c._n 3_o 4._o deride_v the_o subtlety_n and_o trifle_a both_o of_o zeno_n and_o chrysippus_n but_o he_o do_v it_o seem_v think_v himself_o more_o concern_v to_o exposââ_n they_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n though_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o be_v so_o very_o scandalous_a that_o sextus_n 25._o sextus_n sext._n empir_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24_o 25._o empericus_n endeavour_n to_o prove_v from_o their_o word_n that_o there_o be_v no_o real_a and_o certain_a difference_n betwixt_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n even_o without_o a_o sincere_a belief_n of_o its_o authority_n have_v teach_v man_n to_o abhor_v those_o crime_n which_o be_v approve_v of_o by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o practise_v in_o the_o wise_a heathen_a nation_n and_o when_o thing_n notorious_o evil_a be_v receive_v and_o teach_v by_o those_o who_o do_v and_o say_v so_o many_o thing_n well_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o be_v good_a be_v not_o owe_v so_o much_o to_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n as_o to_o some_o high_a principle_n i_o will_v here_o give_v but_o one_o instance_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v concern_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o kill_a infant_n or_o expose_v they_o to_o be_v starve_v or_o destroy_v this_o be_v the_o express_a doctrine_n of_o 16_o of_o plâât_fw-la de_fw-fr repub._n lib._n
v._o aristot_n polit_n lib._n viij_o c._n 16_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n who_o contradict_v he_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n follow_v he_o in_o this_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n 7_o practice_n aeâian_n lib._n iâ_n c_o 7_o that_o it_o be_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o theban_n have_v a_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o 2._o it_o diony_n halicarn_n lib_n 2._o romulus_n make_v a_o law_n to_o regulate_v this_o practice_n and_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o some_o case_n âips_n case_n taciâ_n hist_o lib_n v._o &_o ãâã_d morib_n germ._n cum_fw-la notis_fw-la âips_n tacitus_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n deserve_v his_o remark_n that_o this_o be_v not_o practise_v either_o by_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o german_n though_o the_o latter_a have_v a_o custom_n of_o cast_v their_o child_n into_o the_o rhine_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o legitimacy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a be_v lyeurg_n be_v senââ_n de_fw-fr iâa_fw-fr lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o plut._n in_o lyeurg_n that_o senecaââd_n ââd_z plutarch_n who_o live_v since_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v approve_v of_o such_o barbarous_a cruelty_n 73._o cruelty_n fragm_n apud_fw-la stobae_fw-la serm._n 73._o hierocles_n who_o as_o lactantius_n inform_v we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v content_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o marriage_n to_o bring_v up_o all_o or_o at_o least_o most_o child_n which_o be_v a_o great_a concession_n in_o a_o philosopher_n solon_n be_v as_o famous_a for_o his_o philosophy_n as_o for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o legislator_n to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o proper_a soil_n as_o it_o be_v of_o philosophy_n by_o a_o express_a law_n 24._o law_n sext._n empiric_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24._o indemnify_v all_o that_o kill_v their_o child_n and_o the_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o true_a to_o these_o principle_n i_o have_v insist_v upon_o this_o the_o more_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a instance_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n but_o because_o some_o reader_n may_v be_v as_o difficult_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v very_o monstrous_a to_o christian_n as_o 85._o as_o al_n pelgas_n cent._n 1._o epist_n 85._o lipsius_n friend_n be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o philosopher_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v perhaps_o owe_v their_o life_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o blaspheme_n i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o what_o not_o only_o their_o enemy_n but_o their_o friend_n have_v say_v of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n be_v general_o worse_a than_o they_o confess_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o never_o live_v above_o their_o rule_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v well_o if_o in_o most_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o it_o and_o if_o their_o principle_n be_v bad_a what_o must_v we_o expect_v from_o their_o example_n but_o the_o action_n of_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v those_o with_o who_o they_o live_v our_o business_n be_v with_o their_o write_n and_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v tell_v so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o willing_a to_o change_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o work_n of_o philosopher_n which_o they_o common_o read_v and_o understand_v as_o little_a as_o they_o do_v the_o bible_n itself_o the_o utmost_a that_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v be_v no_o far_a than_o to_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o doubtful_a argument_n but_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n the_o word_n which_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n they_o come_v with_o full_a power_n and_o have_v their_o credential_n from_o heaven_n to_o produce_v which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o now_o allege_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v clear_o prove_v by_o undeniable_a circumstance_n and_o by_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n and_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o fetch_v their_o infidelity_n from_o the_o depth_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o any_o float_a confuse_a notion_n may_v not_o serve_v for_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n to_o involve_v it_o in_o tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n to_o make_v digression_n into_o doubtful_a point_n of_o criticism_n and_o philosophy_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o draw_v he_o off_o from_o the_o main_a question_n whereas_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v common_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o short_a issue_n the_o present_a controversy_n will_v admit_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o my_o business_n therefore_o have_v be_v to_o free_v this_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o the_o intricacy_n of_o learning_n to_o reduce_v it_o to_o plain_a circumstance_n of_o fact_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o very_a case_n in_o which_o st._n john_n argue_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o how_o can_v we_o forbear_v to_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o by_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n have_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v without_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n if_o idolatry_n spread_v itself_o from_o egypt_n into_o many_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 1._o as_o herod_n lib._n two_o c._n 43._o etc._n etc._n diod_n sic._n lib._n 1._o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n have_v show_v we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o appoint_v egypt_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v so_o long_o sojourn_v and_o where_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o give_v a_o check_n and_o stop_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o measure_n obstinate_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o disobedience_n and_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o dei_fw-la for_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d st._n athan._n the_o incarnation_n verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_o design_v for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v partaker_n of_o it_o to_o the_o observation_n even_o of_o their_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a service_n none_o beside_o the_o israelite_n be_v require_v to_o observe_v it_o but_o neither_o be_v any_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o that_o people_n effectual_a care_n be_v take_v that_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v mankind_n in_o general_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o its_o original_a institution_n and_o design_n equal_o extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v soon_o propagate_v all_o over_o the_o world_n nation_n but_o late_o know_v to_o we_o have_v be_v constant_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o have_v early_a discovery_n make_v to_o they_o of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_n as_o well_v as_o of_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o 5._o which_o varen_n de_fw-fr relig_n in_o regn._n japan_n c._n 5._o varenius_n have_v remark_v that_o the_o jesuit_n in_o some_o place_n at_o least_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o he_o own_v that_o their_o success_n
it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a and_o consistent_a in_o every_o part_n and_o will_v afford_v room_n enough_o for_o the_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o state_v particular_a case_n by_o general_a rule_n in_o the_o study_n of_o antiquity_n and_o in_o explain_v particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tenor_n of_o sound_a doctrine_n and_o it_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defect_n of_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n or_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v much_o worse_o of_o want_n of_o sincerity_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n when_o man_n can_v find_v nothing_o by_o which_o they_o may_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o world_n but_o by_o set_v up_o for_o novelty_n in_o religion_n for_o what_o man_n of_o a_o honest_a mean_v and_o of_o sufficient_a ability_n and_o strength_n of_o part_n to_o proceed_v secure_o in_o direct_a and_o approve_a path_n will_v run_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o cunning_a and_o artifice_n to_o steal_v a_o despicable_a reputation_n which_o another_o will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o and_o of_o which_o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v never_o worth_a the_o have_v so_o it_o be_v never_o last_a after_o the_o reception_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o so_o many_o age_n we_o be_v call_v upon_o to_o prove_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o our_o religion_n all_o over_o again_o and_o we_o will_v never_o decline_v a_o thing_n so_o easy_a to_o be_v do_v but_o the_o modern_a infidel_n have_v change_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n be_v never_o deny_v by_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n of_o old_a this_o be_v not_o dispute_v by_o celsus_n porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n if_o some_o of_o they_o do_v upon_o any_o occasion_n insinuate_v the_o contrary_a that_o be_v so_o malicious_a and_o groundless_a a_o calumny_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o insist_v upon_o any_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o what_o they_o themselves_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o ancient_a jew_n and_o have_v be_v confess_v by_o their_o posterity_n they_o can_v not_o contradict_v the_o miracle_n but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n of_o they_o though_o the_o man_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o to_o make_v clear_a work_n with_o much_o confidence_n but_o with_o as_o much_o ignorance_n deny_v both_o let_v they_o know_v then_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n confute_v by_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o its_o friend_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o other_o part._n iv_o i_o have_v here_o endeavour_v to_o do_v some_o right_n to_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o satisfy_v all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o most_o difficult_a point_n of_o it_o and_o though_o i_o have_v discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o the_o subject_n of_o which_o i_o treat_v and_o not_o in_o the_o usual_a method_n of_o objection_n and_o answer_n yet_o i_o have_v always_o have_v my_o eye_n upon_o the_o objection_n which_o i_o have_v know_v that_o i_o can_v think_v at_o material_a but_o to_o bring_v in_o objection_n at_o every_o turn_v in_o plain_a discourse_n such_o as_o these_o be_v design_v to_o be_v as_o far_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v permit_v may_v have_v be_v of_o no_o good_a consequence_n a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o be_v guide_v in_o the_o right_a road_n without_o have_v all_o the_o wrong_n and_o dangerous_a path_n describe_v to_o he_o and_o he_o may_v be_v direct_v how_o to_o recover_v or_o preserve_v his_o health_n without_o be_v present_v with_o a_o catalogue_n of_o disease_n he_o may_v get_v safe_a to_o his_o journey_n end_v without_o know_v all_o the_o bog_n and_o precipice_n by_o which_o he_o may_v have_v miscarry_v and_o in_o order_n to_o be_v well_o there_o be_v no_o need_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v of_o be_v sick_a i_o have_v hear_v of_o some_o that_o read_v objection_n without_o the_o answer_n as_o late_o a_o shameless_a writer_n have_v produce_v the_o objection_n of_o celsus_n and_o faustus_n against_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o answer_v give_v by_o origen_n and_o st._n austin_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o though_o both_o the_o objection_n and_o answer_n shall_v be_v read_v yet_o objection_n be_v common_o in_o few_o word_n and_o be_v often_o remember_v when_o the_o answer_n be_v forget_v and_o indeed_o though_o i_o be_v never_o so_o expert_a at_o it_o i_o have_v no_o ambition_n to_o try_v my_o strength_n in_o tie_v a_o knot_n that_o i_o may_v show_v my_o skill_n in_o unloose_v it_o but_o to_o provide_v against_o all_o exception_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a that_o if_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v âdemonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
fit_v to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n but_o then_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o take_v his_o word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o not_o apply_v our_o principle_n and_o maxim_n take_v from_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n to_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n but_o from_o revelation_n which_o will_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o for_o a_o deaf_a man_n to_o apply_v the_o notion_n which_o he_o have_v of_o colour_n to_o sound_n or_o for_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o colour_n because_o he_o be_v tell_v they_o can_v be_v hear_v and_o there_o must_v be_v a_o due_a proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o its_o object_n for_o the_o faculty_n both_o of_o our_o body_n and_o mind_n be_v confine_v and_o limit_v in_o their_o exercise_n about_o their_o several_a object_n the_o part_n of_o matter_n may_v be_v too_o small_a and_o fine_a to_o be_v any_o long_o discern_v or_o perceive_v by_o sense_n for_o only_a body_n which_o be_v so_o big_a as_o to_o reflect_v a_o due_a quantity_n of_o ray_n to_o the_o eye_n can_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sight_n itself_o the_o quick_a and_o subtle_a of_o all_o our_o sense_n and_o as_o object_n in_o their_o bulk_n be_v sensible_a but_o be_v insensible_a in_o their_o minute_n part_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a sensation_n or_o preception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o object_n we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o deduction_n which_o may_v be_v make_v from_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a and_o familiar_a to_o our_o mind_n than_o our_o own_o thought_n that_o we_o think_v and_o understand_v and_o will_v we_o all_o know_v but_o what_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o subject_n of_o thought_n in_o we_o and_o how_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_v act_v upon_o and_o determine_v each_o other_o be_v matter_n of_o perpetual_a dispute_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o our_o faculty_n be_v finite_a and_o of_o no_o very_a large_a extent_n in_o their_o operation_n but_o be_v confine_v to_o certain_a object_n and_o limit_v to_o certain_a bound_n and_o period_n both_o our_o natural_a and_o acquire_v knowledge_n be_v conversant_a about_o certain_a kind_n of_o object_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v fit_v and_o suit_v to_o they_o and_o from_o the_o property_n and_o affection_n which_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o we_o form_n notion_n and_o make_v conclusion_n and_o raise_v maxim_n and_o axiom_n now_o if_o we_o apply_v our_o natural_a notion_n to_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n we_o must_v be_v very_o liable_a to_o great_a mistake_n about_o they_o for_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o thing_n not_o so_o much_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o which_o be_v not_o of_o a_o spiritual_a nature_n if_o we_o frame_v speculative_a and_o abstract_a idea_n from_o the_o principle_n and_o maxim_n which_o be_v form_v in_o our_o mind_n from_o sensible_a object_n we_o may_v soon_o puzzle_v ourselves_o and_o seem_v to_o demonstrate_v contradiction_n which_o demonstrate_v only_o that_o all_o argument_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v vain_a and_o unconcluding_a and_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o come_v under_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n and_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a science_n what_o have_v be_v here_o allege_v concern_v the_o contradictious_a about_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n be_v no_o more_o than_o have_v be_v general_o confess_v by_o the_o best_a philosopher_n and_o mathematician_n and_o the_o excellent_a mr_n boyle_n have_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o galileo_n and_o des_n cartes_n upon_o this_o subject_n conclude_v with_o this_o observation_n 2._o observation_n considerate_a about_o the_o reconcileableness_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n sect_n 2._o if_o then_o such_o bold_a and_o pierce_a wit_n and_o such_o excellent_a mathematician_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o not_o only_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o that_o of_o mankind_n may_v be_v pass_v and_o non-plussed_a about_o quantity_n which_o be_v a_o object_n of_o contemplation_n natural_a nay_o mathematical_a and_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o rigid_a demonstration_n of_o pure_a mathematics_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n who_o be_v essential_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o ens_fw-la singularissimum_fw-la and_o in_o divers_a other_o divine_a thing_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n without_o revelation_n there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n that_o our_o finite_a understanding_n can_v especial_o in_o this_o life_n clear_o comprehend_v ii_o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v it_o be_v well_o observe_v by_o 2._o by_o sunt_fw-la onim_fw-la plurima_fw-la vera_fw-la quidem_fw-la sed_fw-la parum_fw-la credibilia_fw-la sicut_fw-la falsa_fw-la quoque_fw-la frequenter_a verisimilia_fw-la quintil._n institut_fw-la l._n 4._o c._n 2._o quintilian_n and_o may_v be_v observe_v by_o any_o one_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o very_o many_o thing_n be_v true_a which_o scarce_o seem_v credible_a and_o as_o many_o be_v false_a which_o have_v all_o the_o appearance_n of_o truth_n and_o yet_o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v chief_o this_o that_o we_o be_v hardly_o bring_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o we_o never_o see_v do_v and_o judge_v of_o thing_n not_o from_o any_o principle_n of_o reason_n but_o from_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o make_v this_o the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o many_o thing_n may_v be_v altogether_o as_o possible_a which_o we_o never_o know_v do_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v think_v many_o thing_n impossible_a of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o daily_a experience_n if_o we_o have_v never_o see_v nor_o know_v they_o to_o be_v for_o what_o we_o have_v the_o daily_a experience_n of_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v very_o easy_a and_o scarce_o suspect_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o some_o kind_n of_o account_n of_o it_o and_o please_v ourselves_o perhaps_o with_o a_o conceit_n that_o we_o perfect_o understand_v it_o and_o conclude_v that_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n must_v needs_o come_v to_o pass_v from_o the_o cause_n which_o we_o assign_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o we_o either_o take_v no_o pain_n at_o all_o to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o when_o we_o do_v observe_v and_o consider_v it_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o own_o ignorance_n we_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o fancy_n we_o understand_v the_o true_a reason_n and_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o carelessness_n of_o some_o in_v not_o mind_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o other_o in_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o nothing_o which_o be_v the_o constant_a object_n of_o their_o sense_n i_o be_o perthat_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o experience_n that_o will_v seem_v as_o wonderful_a almost_o as_o the_o resurrection_n itself_o or_o any_o mystery_n in_o religion_n the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a account_n of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a and_o obvious_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o have_v only_o a_o relation_n of_o they_o without_o any_o trial_n or_o experience_n we_o shall_v be_v incline_v to_o conclude_v they_o impossible_a the_o king_n of_o siam_n it_o be_v say_v will_v not_o believe_v the_o dutch_a ambassador_n but_o think_v himself_o affront_v when_o he_o be_v tell_v by_o he_o that_o in_o holland_n water_n will_v become_v so_o hard_o in_o cold_a weather_n that_o man_n or_o elephant_n may_v walk_v upon_o it_o and_o the_o relation_n of_o thing_n in_o those_o country_n will_v have_v seem_v as_o strange_a to_o we_o if_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o man_n who_o have_v be_v there_o have_v not_o make_v they_o familiar_a to_o we_o it_o be_v former_o disbelieved_a nay_o absolute_o deny_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o place_n as_o that_o which_o be_v now_o know_v
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
well_o as_o themselves_o epâst_n themselves_o apocalypâis_fw-la joannis_n tot_fw-la habeat_fw-la sacramenta_fw-la quot_fw-la verba_fw-la parum_fw-la dixi_fw-la pramerito_fw-la volumiââs_fw-la laus_fw-la omnis_fw-la inferior_a est_fw-la in_o verbis_fw-la âââgulis_fw-la multiplicis_fw-la tatent_fw-la intellgentâe_fw-la hieton_n ad_fw-la paulin._n epâst_n and_o this_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o have_v be_v the_o temper_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v when_o learn_v consist_v in_o type_n and_o parable_n and_o in_o dark_a and_o intricate_a discourse_n but_o it_o have_v be_v the_o study_n and_o delight_n of_o learned_a man_n in_o most_o age_n since_o and_o of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o search_v into_o hide_a and_o difficult_a truth_n st_o jerom_n extol_v the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n for_o the_o obscurity_n and_o hide_a sense_n of_o it_o in_o that_o age_n it_o seem_v it_o be_v no_o objection_n but_o the_o high_a character_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o revelation_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n therefore_o in_o condescension_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o to_o fit_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o all_o capacity_n and_o disposition_n have_v cause_v some_o of_o the_o prophecy_n to_o be_v plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o all_o reader_n and_o other_o to_o be_v deliver_v as_o to_o employ_v the_o pious_a and_o humble_a labour_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a to_o keep_v they_o in_o perpetual_a dependence_n upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n in_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o take_v down_o the_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o pride_n of_o such_o as_o little_o concern_v themselves_o about_o the_o plain_a thing_n of_o the_o law_n but_o be_v whole_o busy_v in_o unfolding_a hide_a thing_n and_o in_o pretend_v to_o understand_v all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n the_o curse_n denounce_v against_o man_n upon_o his_o fall_n be_v that_o with_o labour_n and_o sweat_n he_o shall_v eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o ground_n as_o his_o punishment_n for_o have_v eat_v the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v the_o curiosity_n of_o man_n after_o forbid_a knowledge_n which_o occasion_v his_o fall_n with_o make_v the_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n more_o difficult_a if_o the_o scripture_n be_v all_o obscure_a they_o will_v be_v of_o little_a use_n if_o they_o be_v all_o obvious_a they_o will_v be_v despise_v for_o if_o obscurity_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n by_o some_o their_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n be_v object_v by_o other_o but_o god_n have_v so_o order_v and_o proportion_v the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o that_o no_o man_n may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v enough_o for_o his_o salvation_n nor_o any_o man_n cast_v they_o aside_o or_o read_v they_o with_o little_a care_n and_o diligence_n since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o may_v require_v the_o utmost_a study_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o learned_a man_n 7._o there_o be_v no_o prophet_n so_o obscure_a but_o some_o prophecy_n be_v very_o plain_o deliver_v by_o he_o which_o we_o know_v to_o have_v be_v fulfil_v and_o this_o be_v a_o warrant_n and_o assurance_n to_o we_o of_o his_o mission_n and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o rely_v upon_o it_o that_o whatever_o he_o have_v deliver_v concern_v other_o thing_n will_v as_o certain_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o be_v thorough_o understand_v they_o be_v exceed_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n be_v hard_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o particularevent_v because_o it_o comprehend_v so_o vast_a a_o series_n of_o time_n in_o which_o long_a course_n of_o year_n many_o event_n may_v be_v exact_o alike_o at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a place_n and_o there_o may_v be_v a_o gradual_a and_o repeat_v accomplishment_n of_o some_o of_o his_o prophecy_n but_o the_o time_n be_v at_o hand_n for_o the_o fulfil_n of_o other_o of_o these_o prophecy_n rev._n i_o 3._o xxii_o 6_o 7_o 10_o 12._o and_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n rev._n two_o 5_o 16_o 22_o 23._o iii._o 3_o 16._o which_o be_v propose_v for_o example_n to_o all_o other_o he_o that_o have_v a_o ear_n let_v he_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n rev._n two_o 7._o the_o seven_o church_n be_v speak_v to_o by_o name_n and_o what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o the_o rest_n which_o concern_v all_o other_o church_n shall_v be_v fulfil_v in_o its_o due_a time_n though_o it_o be_v not_o perhaps_o yet_o understand_v but_o the_o obscure_a prophefy_v even_o before_o their_o accomplishment_n be_v of_o perpetual_a and_o inestimable_a use_n to_o we_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o parable_n be_v very_o proper_a and_o fit_a for_o instruction_n and_o therefore_o in_o ancient_a time_n their_o doctrine_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v deliver_v in_o that_o way_n because_o it_o be_v a_o more_o familiar_a and_o easy_a method_n of_o teach_v than_o by_o rule_n and_o precept_n and_o rational_a discourse_n without_o that_o illustration_n which_o be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o suppose_v a_o particular_a case_n for_o then_o every_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o case_n his_o own_o when_o he_o see_v the_o precept_n reduce_v to_o example_n and_o clothe_v with_o circumstance_n and_o bring_v home_o as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o very_a sense_n which_o before_o lay_v more_o out_o of_o sight_n in_o abstract_a notion_n and_o speculative_a discourse_n and_o if_o feign_a case_n be_v so_o much_o more_o effectual_a than_o bare_a precept_n or_o exhortation_n a_o infallible_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n though_o we_o can_v point_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o place_n when_o and_o where_o every_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v must_v needs_o be_v of_o inestimable_a value_n and_o benefit_n to_o hear_v what_o the_o spirit_n say_v unto_o the_o church_n to_o observe_v what_o error_n and_o fault_n be_v reprove_v and_o what_o virtue_n and_o grace_n be_v commend_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o seven_o church_n of_o asia_n the_o praise_n and_o adoration_n ch_n four_o and_o the_o bliss_n of_o the_o righteous_a the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o martyr_n ch_n seven_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a and_o dreadful_a day_n ch_n vi_fw-la the_o great_a apostasy_n that_o be_v to_o be_v upon_o the_o earth_n ch_n xiii_o the_o patience_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o resurrection_n surrection_n of_o the_o dead_a ch.xx._fw-la the_o description_n of_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o glory_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o city_n of_o god_n ch_n xxi_o xxii_o these_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o st_n john_n revelation_n and_o be_v thing_n of_o the_o great_a use_n and_o importance_n we_o have_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n present_v to_o our_o view_n though_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o mark_v out_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o season_n mean_v in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o this_o be_v at_o least_o of_o the_o same_o use_n to_o we_o that_o all_o history_n be_v and_o beside_o may_v be_v of_o as_o much_o more_o benefit_n as_o it_o more_o near_o concern_v we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v fall_v into_o the_o worst_a time_n there_o prophesy_v of_o here_o be_v the_o patience_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o saint_n we_o see_v the_o care_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o his_o church_n the_o wonderful_a deliverance_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o work_v for_o it_o the_o support_n which_o he_o afford_v his_o faithful_a servant_n under_o persecution_n and_o the_o reward_v prepare_v for_o they_o and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n these_o thing_n be_v visible_a in_o the_o revelation_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o these_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o yield_v we_o comfort_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o trouble_n and_o to_o excite_v faith_n and_o hope_n and_o patience_n and_o all_o christian_a grace_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o history_n of_o the_o church_n without_o any_o chronology_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o exact_a and_o true_a history_n that_o can_v be_v pen_v of_o the_o most_o important_a affair_n and_o such_o as_o concern_v all_o mankind_n be_v of_o little_a value_n or_o consequence_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o management_n of_o our_o life_n
may_v not_o suffer_v a_o book_n write_v by_o his_o own_o appointment_n and_o authority_n to_o be_v encumber_a through_o length_n of_o time_n and_o the_o frailty_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n if_o it_o be_v suppose_v still_o to_o retain_v the_o visible_a mark_n and_o character_n of_o a_o divine_a original_a in_o all_o the_o evidence_n necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v secure_v all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o be_v of_o never_o so_o great_a use_n and_o excellency_n yet_o can_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o a_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v permit_v by_o god_n for_o the_o sin_n and_o by_o the_o fault_n and_o ignorance_n of_o man_n to_o become_v perplex_v with_o abundance_n of_o divers_a readins_n and_o even_o with_o contradiction_n in_o the_o chronological_a and_o less_o material_a point_n of_o it_o for_o so_o long_o as_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v defective_a as_o to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n either_o for_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v such_o or_o through_o defect_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o other_o difficulty_n will_v never_o prove_v it_o not_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n because_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v no_o defect_n but_o what_o may_v be_v in_o any_o book_n though_o we_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o by_o creation_n in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v understand_v not_o only_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o the_o formation_n and_o disposal_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n but_o there_o have_v a_o opinion_n of_o late_a year_n prevail_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n and_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o judgement_n of_o former_a age_n that_o god_n only_o create_v matter_n and_o give_v it_o motion_n to_o be_v perform_v under_o certain_a law_n by_o which_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n both_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v about_o without_o any_o far_a immediate_a divine_n power_n or_o concourse_n than_o what_o be_v just_o necessary_a to_o continue_v this_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o be_v that_o be_v god_n create_v matter_n and_o put_v it_o into_o motion_n and_o then_o matter_n and_o motion_n do_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o a_o settle_a course_n and_o by_o establish_a law_n without_o any_o need_n of_o the_o divine_a aid_n or_o direction_n this_o notion_n indeed_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o scripture_n but_o than_o it_o be_v as_o little_o befriend_v by_o reason_n and_o natural_a religion_n in_o proof_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v i._n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v show_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v perform_v in_o this_o way_n i._o as_o to_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v consider_v both_o the_o time_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o by_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n we_o may_v understand_v either_o the_o time_n when_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v or_o the_o time_n which_o be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o but_o this_o latter_a sense_n will_v come_v under_o what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o creation_n 1._o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o that_o signify_v the_o beginning_n of_o time_n or_o of_o the_o world_n duration_n must_v be_v whole_o arbitrary_a and_o absolute_o at_o god_n sovereign_a pleasure_n and_o disposal_n for_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o eternal_a duration_n to_o fix_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n more_o to_o one_o time_n than_o another_o or_o to_o determine_v why_o it_o shall_v begin_v soon_o or_o late_a and_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v eternal_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o creation_n whenever_o it_o be_v can_v be_v no_o good_a objection_n because_o though_o the_o world_n have_v be_v create_v never_o so_o long_o before_o there_o must_v necessary_o have_v be_v as_o much_o a_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o objection_n for_o there_o must_v have_v be_v some_o period_n of_o time_n when_o the_o world_n have_v exi_v no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v now_o and_o no_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o long_o ago_o but_o still_o it_o may_v with_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v not_o create_v soon_o 2._o in_o consider_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o world_n creation_n i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o the_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o its_o creation_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanichal_n law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n whereas_o i_o shall_v afterward_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o preserve_v according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v first_o frame_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o be_v establish_v for_o its_o preservation_n and_o government_n in_o its_o fix_a and_o settle_v state_n the_o origin_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n before_o the_o appointment_n of_o the_o several_a law_n which_o afterward_o be_v to_o take_v place_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v the_o work_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o certain_o of_o all_o miracle_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o great_a not_o only_o as_o it_o signify_v the_o production_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o put_v thing_n into_o such_o order_n as_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n ordain_v for_o they_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o agree_v nor_o be_v it_o ever_o like_a to_o be_v what_o these_o law_n of_o motion_n be_v which_o the_o philosopher_n so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o combination_n of_o body_n and_o such_o a_o dependence_n of_o every_o body_n upon_o so_o many_o other_o in_o every_o motion_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v how_o any_o two_o body_n will_v act_v upon_o each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o all_o body_n beside_o or_o be_v out_o of_o that_o state_n which_o they_o now_o be_v in_o it_o be_v reasonable_a therefore_o to_o imagine_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n must_v be_v range_v and_o settle_v before_o these_o law_n can_v take_v place_n and_o to_o reduce_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o now_o prevail_v in_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v a_o creation_n antecedent_n to_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o indian_a shall_v attempt_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o make_n of_o a_o watch_n by_o the_o several_a motion_n which_o he_o see_v perform_v in_o it_o after_o it_o be_v make_v and_o shall_v imagine_v that_o the_o material_n move_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n at_o last_o arrive_v to_o the_o exact_a frame_n of_o a_o watch._n 2._o there_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n it_o be_v great_a presumption_n in_o man_n to_o be_v too_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a about_o the_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o whatever_o he_o deliver_v of_o himself_o we_o ought_v entire_o to_o believe_v both_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o where_o be_v thou_o when_o i_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n declare_v if_o thou_o have_v understanding_n job_n xxxviii_o 4._o but_o this_o must_v be_v say_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o such_o as_o censure_n and_o cavil_v at_o his_o word_n that_o even_o by_o man_n such_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v of_o his_o action_n as_o all_o his_o adversary_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o gainsay_v god_n have_v order_v all_o thing_n in_o measure_n and_o number_n and_o weight_n wisd_v xi_o 20._o and_o as_o to_o
instruct_v in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v appoint_v by_o moses_n as_o pledge_n and_o type_n to_o represent_v and_o prefigure_v to_o they_o those_o of_o a_o future_a state_n for_o that_o abraham_n and_o the_o patriarch_n before_o he_o have_v a_o true_a and_o full_a notion_n of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o we_o be_v certain_a from_o heb._n xi_o 10_o 13._o and_o we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o abraham_n do_v instruct_v his_o child_n and_o his_o household_n after_o he_o gen._n xviii_o 19_o and_o moses_n write_v of_o christ_n jo._n v._o 46._o gen._n iii._o 15._o twelve_o 3._o xlix_o 10._o deut._n xviii_o 15_o 18._o these_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o all_o age_n the_o sadducee_n be_v singular_a in_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o some_o other_o doctrine_n in_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v agree_v but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o obscurity_n or_o difficulty_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n they_o have_v beside_o the_o priest_n a_o constant_a succession_n of_o prophet_n for_o many_o age_n to_o interpret_v they_o and_o to_o maintain_v and_o inculcate_v those_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o â_z the_o reward_n of_o heaven_n be_v declare_v psal_n xuj_o 11._o xvii_o 15._o prov._n xv_o 24._o eccles_n twelve_o 14._o dan._n twelve_o 2_o 3._o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n be_v assert_v psal_n xuj_o 10._o eccles_n xi_o 9_o twelve_o 14._o isai_n xxxiii_o 14._o dan._n twelve_o 2._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a psal_n xvii_o 15._o isai_n xxvi_o 19_o ezek._n xxxvii_o 1._o dan._n twelve_o 2._o hos_fw-la xiii_o 14._o and_o in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n job_n fourteen_o 12._o nineteeen_o 26.27_o in_o that_o expression_n that_o david_n and_o other_o sleep_v with_o their_o father_n be_v employ_v not_o only_o the_o imortality_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n for_o it_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o total_a end_n of_o they_o but_o as_o they_o sleep_v so_o must_v they_o awake_v and_o rise_v again_o psal_n xvii_o 15._o and_o this_o expression_n be_v take_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o the_o new_a our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o regeneration_n say_v to_o nicodemus_n be_v thou_o a_o master_n in_o israel_n and_o know_v not_o these_o thing_n joh._n iii._o 10._o and_o he_o bid_v the_o jâws_n search_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o in_o they_o say_v he_o you_o think_v you_o have_v eternal_a life_n and_o they_o be_v they_o which_o testify_v of_o i_o joh_n v._n 39_o it_o be_v in_o they_o foretold_v that_o a_o much_o clear_a revelation_n be_v to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o gospel_n jer._n xxxi_o 31._o when_o our_o saviour_n by_o his_o resurrection_n give_v a_o full_a manifestation_n of_o a_o future_a immortal_a state_n than_o can_v be_v give_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n and_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n 2_o tim._n i_o 10._o yet_o this_v itself_o be_v typify_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o raise_v dead_a man_n to_o life_n again_o and_o the_o translation_n of_o enoch_n and_o elijah_n into_o heaven_n be_v for_o a_o testimony_n and_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a state_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v as_o effectual_a a_o caution_n and_o warning_n to_o man_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o place_n of_o torment_n as_o a_o message_n from_o the_o dead_a can_v have_v be_v luke_n xuj_o 31._o the_o old_a testament_n therefore_o be_v not_o deficient_a in_o any_o necessary_a point_n of_o salvation_n but_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n be_v enjoin_v as_o a_o suitable_a help_n and_o expedient_a for_o the_o retain_v those_o truth_n which_o have_v be_v reveal_v before_o which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v 2_o know_v origen_n contra_fw-la cell_n lib._n 2_o that_o celsus_n put_v this_o as_o a_o objection_n into_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o he_o bring_v in_o argue_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o teach_v they_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o know_v before_o concern_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n and_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o the_o apocryphal_a as_o well_o as_o the_o canonical_a '_o book_n teach_v these_o thing_n the_o honour_n and_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n among_o man_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o a_o right_a knowledge_n and_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o this_o subject_a and_o those_o who_o profess_v never_o so_o great_a veneration_n for_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o have_v little_a esteem_n for_o any_o part_n of_o the_o old_a understand_v neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o refer_v all_o along_o to_o each_o other_o and_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v together_o for_o the_o one_o be_v but_o a_o draught_n as_o it_o be_v or_o model_n of_o the_o other_o all_o thing_n be_v though_o obscure_o yet_o sufficient_o teach_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v full_o and_o lively_o express_v in_o the_o new_a the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o messiah_n to_o come_v and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n have_v be_v deliver_v down_o from_o the_o beginning_n by_o adam_n and_o noah_n to_o their_o posterity_n and_o when_o moses_n by_o god_n direction_n and_o appointment_n give_v law_n to_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o these_o law_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o this_o faith_n and_o practice_n among_o they_o and_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o visible_a object_n and_o sensible_a remembrance_n the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v ordain_v in_o condescension_n to_o the_o circumstance_n and_o capacity_n of_o those_o age_n and_o that_o nation_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n have_v whole_o give_v up_o and_o abandon_v themselves_o to_o carnal_a ordinance_n and_o superstition_n and_o god_n who_o produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a make_v use_v of_o this_o fondness_n and_o dotage_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o preservation_n and_o advancement_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n among_o men._n the_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v no_o far_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o no_o otherwise_o design_v by_o he_o than_o to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o run_v into_o idolatry_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o proneness_n to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o their_o own_o sinfulness_n and_o unworthiness_n to_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o moral_a duty_n and_o of_o a_o inward_a and_o spiritual_a service_n and_o to_o retain_v a_o remembrance_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o sacrifice_n oblation_n and_o satisfaction_n which_o have_v be_v foretell_v and_o be_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n to_o be_v offer_v upon_o the_o cross_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v instruct_v to_o worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n without_o so_o many_o burdensome_a ceremony_n but_o in_o those_o age_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o will_v have_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o absurd_a than_o a_o religion_n without_o some_o pomp_n and_o solemnity_n of_o ceremony_n and_o god_n appoint_v for_o his_o people_n those_o which_o be_v innocent_a to_o restrain_v they_o from_o all_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o hurtful_a he_o appoint_v the_o sacrifice_n of_o beast_n to_o be_v type_n of_o christ_n sacrifice_n and_o to_o withhold_v they_o from_o humane_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o other_o nation_n and_o enjoin_v by_o other_o religion_n he_o command_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o certain_a meat_n that_o they_o may_v not_o eat_v of_o thing_n offer_v to_o idol_n and_o these_o innocent_a ceremony_n he_o make_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o great_a end_n of_o faith_n and_o righteousness_n nothing_o impracticable_a can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v prescribe_v by_o god_n to_o any_o people_n nothing_o which_o be_v above_o their_o ability_n and_o present_a attainment_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v of_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o they_o but_o rather_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v condescend_v to_o their_o infirmity_n and_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o give_v they_o such_o law_n as_o may_v be_v agreeable_a and_o convenient_a for_o they_o in_o their_o present_a state_n and_o may_v fit_v they_o for_o a_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a dispensation_n whatsoever_o we_o may_v think_v of_o it_o now_o nothing_o at_o the_o time_n when_o the_o law_n be_v give_v will_v have_v look_v like_o religion_n that_o have_v
if_o therefore_o christ_n have_v be_v bear_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n how_o many_o more_o pretence_n will_v those_o man_n have_v feign_v to_o themselves_o for_o their_o infidelity_n who_o be_v now_o so_o prone_a to_o unbelief_n and_o so_o unwilling_a to_o be_v christian_n man_n be_v tempt_v to_o suspect_v that_o there_o be_v something_o of_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a and_o if_o christ_n have_v be_v bear_v a_o thousand_o or_o two_o thousand_o year_n soon_o those_o who_o now_o think_v he_o come_v too_o late_o will_v then_o have_v cavil_v that_o he_o come_v too_o soon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v too_o long_o ago_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o have_v happen_v in_o a_o dark_a and_o fabulous_a age._n and_o therefore_o it_o seem_v that_o christ_n come_v in_o the_o very_a season_n and_o centre_n of_o time_n that_o as_o the_o former_a age_n be_v not_o so_o remote_a as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o all_o the_o benefit_n of_o his_o death_n and_o passion_n to_o be_v in_o due_a time_n accomplish_v so_o the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n may_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o any_o account_n of_o the_o long_a distance_n of_o time_n since_o the_o death_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n for_o aught_o any_o man_n can_v tell_v or_o many_o other_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v much_o better_a and_o more_o important_a than_o this_o to_o defer_v the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o absurd_a thing_n to_o raise_v objection_n about_o it_o many_o reason_n there_o may_v be_v for_o it_o which_o we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o know_v and_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o that_o this_o time_n be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o expedient_a and_o therefore_o be_v the_o time_n appoint_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n 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instruct_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v christ_n may_v become_v divulge_v and_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v in_o a_o readiness_n to_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v he_o who_o be_v to_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o all_o people_n first_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v by_o shalmaneser_n carry_v away_o captive_a and_o then_o the_o two_o remain_a tribe_n by_o nabuchadnezzar_n and_o cyrus_n be_v by_o name_n appoint_v to_o restore_v they_o alexander_n conquest_n make_v yet_o way_n for_o a_o far_a reception_n of_o the_o prophecy_n which_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o captivity_n and_o beside_o the_o prophecy_n of_o balaam_n by_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v direct_v to_o find_v out_o christ_n by_o the_o guidance_n of_o a_o star_n those_o of_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n and_o daniel_n must_v be_v well_o know_v in_o the_o east_n the_o bible_n have_v be_v about_o three_o hundred_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o heathen_a prince_n translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v by_o the_o victory_n of_o alexander_n become_v the_o most_o know_a language_n in_o the_o world_n and_o we_o read_v of_o no_o revolution_n of_o empire_n no_o blessing_n no_o affliction_n which_o befall_v the_o jew_n but_o it_o contribute_v in_o a_o remarkable_a manner_n to_o raise_v a_o expectation_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o prepare_v for_o his_o come_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n there_o be_v among_o the_o jew_n a_o universal_a expectation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o receive_a opinion_n in_o that_o age_n all_o over_o the_o east_n that_o a_o great_a prince_n shall_v arise_v out_o of_o judea_n this_o appear_v both_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o from_o v._n from_o sueton._n in_o vespas_fw-la c._n 4._o tacit._n hist_o lib._n v._n heathen_a writer_n the_o wise_a man_n come_v to_o inquire_v after_o he_o and_o herod_n jealousy_n proceed_v to_o the_o utmost_a rage_n and_o cruelty_n and_o can_v not_o have_v fail_v of_o success_n if_o it_o have_v be_v against_o any_o but_o the_o true_a messiah_n who_o god_n do_v by_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n deliver_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n all_o the_o world_n stand_v in_o expectation_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o it_o be_v no_o unwellcome_a piece_n of_o flattery_n to_o one_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n not_o long_o after_o to_o have_v it_o report_v that_o he_o be_v the_o prince_n speak_v of_o and_o expect_v in_o the_o east_n but_o it_o be_v esteem_v his_o glory_n and_o his_o happiness_n to_o be_v think_v the_o king_n that_o be_v to_o arise_v among_o a_o despise_a and_o hate_a people_n the_o expectation_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o can_v not_o lie_v conceal_v in_o that_o obscure_a and_o mean_a condition_n but_o be_v adore_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o receive_v more_o than_o royal_a honour_n from_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v the_o fullness_n of_o time_n or_o the_o most_o convenient_a and_o proper_a time_n for_o christ_n to_o appear_v because_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v wonderful_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v the_o world_n for_o the_o expectation_n of_o he_o 5._o the_o particular_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v make_v it_o the_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a age_n for_o he_o to_o be_v bear_v in_o for_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n peculiar_a to_o that_o age_n which_o very_o much_o conduce_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o age_n be_v so_o remarkable_a and_o the_o history_n of_o it_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o by_o so_o many_o eminent_a writer_n that_o it_o be_v more_o study_v and_o general_o better_a know_v than_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o consequence_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o such_o a_o age_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o inquire_v into_o in_o any_o age_n afterward_o and_o that_o no_o distance_n of_o time_n may_v cause_v such_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o shall_v ever_o render_v it_o the_o less_o certain_a to_o any_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o imposture_n this_o sure_o have_v be_v the_o most_o unlikely_a time_n of_o any_o for_o it_o to_o succeed_v no_o prince_n can_v be_v more_o jealous_a than_o herod_n who_o be_v so_o enrage_v at_o the_o report_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o too_o plain_o show_v how_o much_o he_o credit_v it_o and_o no_o age_n perhaps_o since_o the_o creation_n can_v be_v more_o unlikely_a to_o have_v a_o cheat_n put_v upon_o it_o than_o this_o in_o which_o peace_n and_o learning_n and_o all_o polite_a art_n flourish_v which_o refine_v man_n understanding_n and_o make_v they_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o policy_n be_v in_o its_o high_a perfection_n in_o the_o court_n of_o augustus_n and_o tiberius_n which_o have_v be_v esteem_v the_o great_a pattern_n of_o it_o ever_o since_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n be_v in_o great_a power_n and_o authority_n at_o jerusalem_n who_o be_v a_o subtle_a generation_n of_o man_n and_o the_o worst_a enemy_n any_o one_o can_v have_v to_o deal_v withal_o vice_n which_o be_v likely_a to_o give_v the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o a_o holy_a religion_n be_v the_o fashion_n of_o the_o time_n and_o that_o empire_n be_v never_o so_o abandon_v to_o wickedness_n as_o at_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o man_n be_v then_o most_o able_a to_o discover_v any_o imposture_n so_o they_o must_v have_v be_v most_o
unwilling_a to_o find_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a which_o put_v such_o a_o check_n to_o all_o licentiousness_n and_o to_o their_o belove_a and_o long_o accustom_a vice_n vice_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v a_o strong_a defence_n and_o a_o eager_a plea_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a for_o it_o to_o discover_v when_o it_o have_v such_o a_o number_n of_o such_o subtle_a and_o devote_a advocate_n in_o this_o conjuncture_n of_o time_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n appear_v and_o he_o appear_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n despise_v by_o his_o own_o people_n who_o soon_o become_v as_o much_o despise_v themselves_o by_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v bear_v in_o a_o time_n of_o settle_a and_o universal_a peace_n when_o man_n have_v most_o leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o examine_v and_o consider_v thing_n and_o when_o by_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n under_o augustus_n in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o extent_n there_o be_v a_o open_a and_o free_a correspondence_n between_o all_o nation_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o follower_n by_o this_o mean_n may_v find_v a_o like_a admittance_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n in_o all_o country_n but_o to_o be_v alike_o hate_v and_o persecute_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o religion_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o to_o make_v advantage_n of_o any_o trouble_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o empire_n as_o that_o of_o mahomet_n afterward_o do_v but_o to_o recommend_v itself_o by_o its_o own_o worth_n and_o efficacy_n to_o the_o most_o serious_a and_o impartial_a mind_n and_o under_o all_o these_o disadvantage_n it_o soon_o make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o emperor_n court_n where_o craft_n and_o luxury_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n reign_v st._n paul_n have_v his_o proselyte_n in_o caesar_n household_n and_o his_o bond_n in_o christ_n be_v manifest_a in_o all_o the_o palace_n and_o in_o all_o other_o place_n at_o rome_n phil._n i._n 13._o four_o 22._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n approve_v itself_o to_o the_o most_o prejudice_v judgement_n it_o stand_v all_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n that_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o vice_n itself_o can_v make_v for_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o deist_n of_o our_o own_o age_n the_o christian_a religion_n find_v the_o subtle_a and_o most_o dangerous_a adversary_n at_o its_o first_o propagation_n the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n encounter_v st._n paul_n at_o athens_n and_o these_o last_o especial_o be_v inferior_a to_o no_o other_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n either_o for_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o adhere_v to_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o for_o their_o art_n and_o skill_n in_o disputation_n and_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o several_a apology_n make_v afterward_o in_o vindication_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o all_o be_v at_o the_o very_a first_o allege_v against_o it_o which_o can_v with_o any_o pretence_n or_o colour_n be_v object_v thus_o be_v christ_n bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n when_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o come_n be_v fulfil_v and_o when_o the_o world_n be_v in_o expectation_n of_o he_o and_o have_v such_o general_a notice_n of_o his_o come_n in_o a_o time_n the_o most_o unlikely_a for_o a_o imposture_n to_o pass_v undiscovered_a and_o therefore_o the_o most_o seasonable_a for_o truth_n to_o manifest_v itself_o since_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o neither_o learning_n nor_o prejudice_n nor_o vice_n nor_o interest_n can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o conversion_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o such_o number_n of_o man_n in_o such_o a_o age_n recommend_v the_o gospel_n to_o we_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o any_o juncture_n of_o time_n can_v give_v chap._n xxii_o of_o the_o last_o day_n and_o of_o the_o last_o day_n or_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n by_o the_o last_o day_n in_o the_o scripture_n must_v be_v mean_v either_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o jewish_a state_n and_o government_n or_o the_o day_n of_o the_o gospel_n dispensation_n which_o be_v the_o last_o day_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o salvation_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n i._o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n be_v seldom_o mention_v direct_o and_o in_o express_a term_n but_o under_o such_o resemblance_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o represent_v they_o in_o the_o description_n of_o other_o event_n for_o it_o be_v a_o know_a thing_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o whole_a dispensation_n be_v typical_a whatever_o happen_v to_o they_o under_o their_o law_n and_o government_n must_v afterward_o be_v fulfil_v in_o a_o more_o eminent_a manner_n under_o the_o oeconomy_n and_o dispensation_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o the_o last_o day_n of_o jerusalem_n must_v be_v typical_a of_o the_o last_o day_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n be_v only_o a_o type_n of_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n at_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n when_o christ_n shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o god_n even_o the_o father_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 24._o for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o such_o word_n matt._n xxiv_o as_o be_v applicable_a to_o both_o of_o these_o event_n and_o oftentimes_o more_o fit_o to_o the_o last_o judgement_n that_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o rest_n remain_v still_o to_o be_v accomplish_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o there_o be_v likewise_o such_o expression_n use_v as_o evident_o show_v that_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o thing_n immediate_o design_v in_o the_o prophecy_n this_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v several_a verse_n of_o that_o chapter_n then_o let_v they_o which_o be_v in_o judea_n flee_v into_o the_o mountain_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o that_o with_o the_o great_a haste_n for_o let_v he_o which_o be_v on_o the_o house_n top_v not_o come_v down_o to_o take_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o his_o house_n v._o 17._o neither_o let_v he_o which_o be_v in_o the_o field_n return_v back_o to_o take_v his_o clothes_n v._o 18._o but_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o will_v be_v very_o miserable_a who_o shall_v be_v unfit_a for_o flight_n and_o woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v with_o child_n and_o to_o they_o that_o give_v suck_v in_o those_o day_n v._o 19_o but_o pray_v you_o that_o your_o flight_n be_v not_o in_o the_o winter_n neither_o on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n v._o 20._o there_o will_v be_v no_o fly_v from_o the_o general_a destruction_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o disciple_n be_v here_o warn_v to_o fly_v from_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o escape_v into_o the_o mountain_n and_o they_o be_v command_v to_o pray_v that_o their_o flight_n may_v be_v hinder_v neither_o by_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n nor_o by_o the_o sabbath_n on_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v permit_v to_o travel_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n which_o suppose_v that_o the_o world_n be_v to_o last_o after_o the_o tribulation_n there_o speak_v of_o and_o that_o therefore_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o this_o material_a world_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n there_o immediate_o mean_v and_o except_o those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v save_v but_o for_o the_o elect_v sake_n those_o day_n shall_v be_v shorten_v v._o 22._o if_o this_o destruction_n shall_v have_v rage_v long_o in_o that_o manner_n no_o man_n of_o the_o jew_n can_v have_v survive_v it_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v so_o abate_v and_o so_o soon_o over_o that_o the_o convert_v jew_n may_v be_v preserve_v from_o it_o which_o promise_n be_v very_o remarkable_o and_o wonderful_o fullfil_v to_o the_o christian_n at_o the_o siege_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o make_v their_o escape_n into_o the_o mountain_n and_o retire_v to_o pella_n for_o wheresoever_o the_o carcase_n be_v there_o will_v the_o eagle_n be_v gather_v together_o ver_fw-la 28._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a allusion_n to_o the_o roman_a eagle_n or_o the_o standard_n of_o their_o army_n immediate_o after_o the_o tribulation_n of_o those_o day_n shall_v the_o sun_n be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n shall_v not_o give_v her_o light_n and_o the_o star_n shall_v fall_v from_o heaven_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o heaven_n shall_v be_v shake_v ver_fw-la 29._o this_o be_v in_o some_o respect_n literal_o fulfil_v at_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n but_o it_o be_v usual_a with_o the_o prophet_n by_o these_o figure_n to_o describe_v the_o destruction_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o false_a teacher_n be_v style_v by_o st._n judas_n ver_fw-la 13._o wander_a
unbelief_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o his_o son_n mark_v ix_o 23.24_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n miracle_n require_v that_o those_o who_o be_v cure_a by_o he_o shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o they_o be_v wrought_v with_o a_o design_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v come_v not_o so_o much_o to_o cure_v their_o body_n as_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o he_o forgive_v their_o sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o heal_v they_o of_o their_o disease_n mark_v two_o 5._o and_o since_o faith_n be_v so_o necessary_a a_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v as_o requisite_a that_o christ_n shall_v teach_v this_o as_o any_o other_o doctrine_n but_o how_o can_v he_o do_v it_o more_o proper_o and_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v if_o they_o will_v partake_v of_o his_o mercy_n they_o must_v qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o by_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o expect_v and_o of_o who_o it_o be_v foretell_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v etc._n etc._n luke_n seven_o 22._o isa_n xxxv_o 5._o and_o unless_o their_o bodily_a cure_n do_v conduce_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o faith_n and_o repentance_n it_o will_v be_v but_o ill_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o with_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v deny_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n we_o find_v our_o bless_a saviour_n both_o require_v faith_n in_o some_o and_o reward_v it_o in_o other_o to_o who_o his_o miraculous_a power_n be_v extend_v luke_n viij_o 48._o xviii_o 42._o and_o st._n paul_n perceive_v that_o the_o cripple_n at_o lystra_n have_v faith_n to_o be_v heal_v immediate_o heal_v he_o without_o be_v ask_v to_o do_v it_o act_n fourteen_o 9_o 2._o faith_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n though_o miracle_n be_v cease_v and_o if_o this_o be_v reasonable_a now_o it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v fit_v then_o that_o those_o who_o come_v to_o christ_n shall_v believe_v in_o he_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v be_v certify_v that_o he_o have_v do_v upon_o other_o for_o miracle_n when_o they_o be_v full_o attest_v be_v as_o sufficient_a a_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o do_v and_o to_o manifest_v that_o they_o be_v so_o our_o saviour_n may_v require_v belief_n in_o his_o former_a miracle_n of_o those_o who_o expect_v any_o advantage_n from_o such_o as_o they_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o notorious_a and_o so_o abundant_o testify_v by_o multitude_n who_o see_v they_o do_v how_o shall_v other_o believe_v in_o time_n to_o come_v when_o no_o more_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n may_v no_o man_n be_v require_v to_o believe_v unless_o he_o see_v the_o miracle_n himself_o then_o how_o shall_v the_o the_o church_n subsist_v in_o future_a age_n when_o miracle_n will_v be_v no_o long_o wrought_v but_o be_v for_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v withhold_v we_o must_v now_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o do_v and_o why_o therefore_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o they_o who_o live_v at_o the_o very_a time_n and_o in_o the_o same_o country_n where_o they_o be_v wrought_v though_o they_o have_v never_o see_v they_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o instance_n may_v introduce_v that_o method_n and_o establish_v the_o evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o mean_n and_o motive_n whereby_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v produce_v in_o man_n of_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o may_v hereby_o signify_v and_o declare_v that_o he_o require_v the_o same_o faith_n of_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o that_o he_o will_v do_v if_o we_o have_v see_v and_o experience_v his_o miraculous_a power_n ourselves_o chap._n xxix_o of_o the_o cease_v of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n prophecy_n be_v general_o of_o more_o concernment_n and_o afford_v great_a evidence_n and_o conviction_n in_o future_a age_n than_o when_o they_o be_v first_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o delivery_n but_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n which_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o doctrine_n the_o event_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o stand_a argument_n to_o all_o age_n and_o the_o length_n of_o time_n add_v to_o its_o force_n and_o efficacy_n and_o therefore_o when_o all_o that_o god_n see_v requisite_a to_o be_v foretell_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n there_o can_v no_o long_o be_v any_o need_n of_o new_a prophecy_n which_o will_v be_v of_o less_o authority_n than_o the_o ancient_a one_o inasmuch_o as_o their_o antiquity_n be_v the_o thing_n chief_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o prophecy_n for_o if_o to_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o divine_a prescience_n the_o long_a thing_n be_v foretell_v before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v the_o better_a must_v the_o argument_n need_v be_v he_o therefore_o that_o require_v new_a prophecy_n to_o confirm_v the_o old_a little_a consider_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o wherein_o the_o evidence_n and_o use_v of_o they_o lie_v but_o in_o great_a wisdom_n and_o caution_n will_v give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o best_a evidence_n unless_o there_o be_v something_o less_o evident_a to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o chief_a enquiry_n then_o seem_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o cessation_n of_o miracle_n but_o from_o what_o have_v be_v elsewhere_o say_v the_o reason_n may_v appear_v why_o the_o miraculous_a power_n which_o the_o apostle_n receive_v by_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v not_o to_o be_v of_o perpetual_a continuance_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v to_o cease_v in_o future_a age_n for_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o apostle_n be_v to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v witness_n to_o christ_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v sufficient_o testify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o long_o need_v of_o such_o a_o power_n which_o be_v give_v to_o enable_v man_n to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v once_o effectual_o prove_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n be_v for_o ever_o prove_v and_o needs_o no_o after_o evidence_n if_o this_o proof_n be_v preserve_v and_o transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n continue_v till_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v preach_v not_o only_o in_o jerusalem_n and_o in_o all_o judea_n and_o in_o samaria_n but_o unto_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v the_o declare_a intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o bestow_v it_o act_n i_o 8._o and_o when_o the_o gospel_n have_v stand_v at_o the_o trial_n and_o conquer_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o it_o by_o jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o apostate_n themselves_o when_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v for_o several_a age_n before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o have_v extort_a a_o confession_n from_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o divine_a power_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v when_o the_o book_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n in_o which_o these_o miracle_n be_v record_v have_v be_v disperse_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o language_n so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v lose_v whence_o once_o the_o gospel_n be_v thus_o divulge_v and_o attest_v to_o the_o world_n it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o this_o miraculous_a power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o continue_v because_o this_o be_v the_o only_a reason_n and_o design_n why_o miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o awaken_v man_n attention_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o if_o then_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n which_o be_v at_o first_o bestow_v upon_o the_o church_n be_v not_o continue_v to_o it_o in_o all_o succeed_a age_n the_o plain_a answer_n be_v because_o this_o power_n be_v bestow_v for_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n by_o convince_a man_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o authority_n and_o therefore_o when_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n have_v be_v give_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o that_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o these_o gift_n be_v bestow_v the_o reason_n for_o the_o bestow_n
of_o they_o must_v cease_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v be_v bestow_v cease_v these_o miraculous_a gift_n must_v of_o consequence_n cease_v with_o it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o under_o the_o law_n it_o be_v observable_a that_o we_o read_v of_o no_o miraculous_a power_n bestow_v upon_o any_o man_n before_o moses_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deliver_v down_o with_o undeniable_a certainty_n and_o the_o miraculous_a judgement_n of_o god_n in_o drown_v the_o old_a world_n in_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n and_o in_o the_o punishment_n inflict_v upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n be_v sufficient_a to_o keep_v up_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o when_o a_o new_a institution_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o moses_n miraculous_a gift_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v authority_n to_o it_o and_o to_o oppose_v those_o false_a and_o lie_a wonder_n which_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o magician_n in_o egypt_n and_o other_o place_n in_o the_o former_a age_n prediction_n be_v very_o frequent_a and_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o patriarch_n who_o be_v man_n of_o unquestionable_a credit_n and_o authority_n and_o can_v have_v no_o need_n of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o prophecy_n which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o those_o time_n and_o when_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v so_o long_o divers_a prophecy_n of_o the_o same_o person_n have_v be_v verify_v by_o the_o event_n but_o moses_n have_v a_o new_a law_n to_o deliver_v and_o both_o he_o and_o the_o prophet_n have_v a_o a_o stubborn_a people_n to_o deal_v with_o to_o who_o the_o message_n they_o be_v charge_v withal_o be_v common_o very_o unwelcome_a so_o that_o till_o this_o institution_n be_v full_o settle_v miracle_n become_v necessary_a but_o when_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v sufficient_o authorize_v and_o establish_v by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o when_o by_o the_o captivity_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o divine_a mission_n of_o their_o prophet_n become_v know_v among_o so_o many_o other_o nation_n when_o the_o jew_n be_v reduce_v from_o idolatry_n which_o they_o never_o practise_v after_o their_o return_n from_o their_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n and_o when_o they_o have_v make_v numerous_a conversion_n among_o the_o heathen_n than_o these_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v no_o long_o continue_v as_o they_o have_v be_v before_o in_o the_o jewish_a church_n insomuch_o that_o it_o become_v a_o 18._o a_o lightf_n glean_v out_o of_o exod._n §._o vi_fw-it harm_n of_o the_o evang_n luke_n i_o 18._o joh._n two_o 18._o maxim_n among_o they_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o zechariah_n and_o malachi_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o prophet_n who_o return_v from_o babylon_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n depart_v from_o israel_n and_o ascend_v and_o for_o above_o four_o hundred_o year_n together_o the_o gift_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v from_o they_o before_o the_o manifestation_n of_o christ_n for_o though_o there_o be_v gross_a error_n and_o dangerous_a corruption_n among_o the_o pharisee_n and_o sadducee_n and_o other_o sect_n of_o the_o jew_n yet_o since_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o revelation_n from_o whence_o these_o error_n may_v have_v be_v confute_v have_v be_v so_o thorough_o confirm_v all_o their_o corruption_n and_o error_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a cause_n for_o the_o continuance_n of_o miraculous_a gift_n and_o the_o pharisee_n and_o other_o sect_n who_o be_v most_o fond_a and_o zealous_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n and_o tradition_n yet_o never_o dare_v pretend_v to_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n but_o endeavour_v to_o support_v themselves_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n what_o they_o sometime_o speak_v of_o lxxiii_o of_o id_fw-la fall_v of_o jerus_n §._o ix_o harm_n of_o the_o n._n t._n §._o lxxiii_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr or_o voice_n from_o heaven_n deserve_v but_o little_a credit_n and_o amount_v but_o to_o a_o confession_n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v fail_v under_o the_o second_o temple_n as_o the_o jew_n themselves_o express_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o have_v do_v 41._o do_v more_o nevock_n part._n 2._o c._n 36_o 41._o maimonides_n declare_v that_o the_o bath_n col_fw-fr do_v not_o denominate_v man_n prophet_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reckon_v by_o he_o among_o the_o degree_n of_o prophecy_n i_o have_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a 1._o book_n 1._o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n afford_v as_o much_o certainty_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v they_o wrought_v and_o our_o saviour_n plain_o say_v notwithstanding_o his_o work_n which_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o his_o own_o word_n shall_v be_v rather_o believe_v than_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n for_o have_v you_o believe_v moses_n you_o will_v have_v believe_v i_o for_o he_o write_v of_o i_o but_o if_o you_o believe_v not_o his_o write_n how_o shall_v you_o believe_v my_o word_n joh._n v._o 46_o 47._o and_o when_o once_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v attest_v by_o miracle_n as_o the_o law_n have_v be_v and_o render_v as_o certain_a to_o all_o succeed_a age_n as_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n can_v have_v make_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o power_n shall_v be_v any_o long_o bestow_v miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n make_v to_o mankind_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n not_o to_o decide_v any_o controversy_n arise_v among_o those_o by_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v receive_v for_o to_o who_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o all_o dispute_n ought_v to_o be_v determine_v and_o therefore_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n be_v sometime_o manifest_v among_o v._o among_o ad_fw-la orthodox_n inter_fw-la justin_n martyr_n oper._n respon_n v._o heretic_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n which_o be_v the_o true_a end_n and_o design_n of_o miracle_n and_o not_o to_o be_v any_o note_n of_o distinction_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretic_n the_o learned_a etc._n learned_a in_o irenae_n dissert_n 11._o §._o 28._o etc._n etc._n mr._n dodwell_n by_o a_o historical_a account_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n through_o the_o age_n next_o succeed_v have_v show_v that_o they_o be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v more_o or_o less_o frequent_a as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n require_v till_o they_o at_o last_o whole_o cease_v when_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o for_o the_o only_a end_n and_o use_v of_o miraculous_a gift_n be_v the_o confirmation_n and_o establishment_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o when_o this_o be_v once_o full_o confirm_v and_o establish_v they_o can_v be_v no_o long_o needful_a but_o it_o seem_v rather_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v afterward_o cease_v than_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v continue_v i_o mean_v as_o to_o any_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n reside_v in_o the_o church_n for_o though_o there_o may_v possible_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o which_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o manifest_v a_o miraculous_a power_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n shall_v be_v continue_v to_o the_o church_n but_o rather_o that_o those_o gift_n shall_v cease_v when_o religion_n have_v be_v confirm_v by_o a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o miracle_n for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n together_o because_o i._o miracle_n when_o they_o become_v common_a will_v lose_v the_o design_n and_o end_n and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o god_n not_o that_o they_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o nature_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n and_o miracle_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o miracle_n be_v his_o wonderful_a work_n they_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o raise_v our_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n and_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n for_o we_o wonder_v at_o strange_a and_o unusual_a thing_n and_o suppose_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n for_o they_o but_o if_o miracle_n have_v continue_v in_o all_o age_n this_o effect_n of_o miracle_n will_v have_v cease_v and_o they_o will_v no_o long_o have_v be_v miracle_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o different_a course_n of_o nature_n for_o according_a to_o the_o best_a and_o most_o accurate_a philosophy_n nothing_o in_o the_o settle_a course_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o a_o
immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a divine_a power_n with_o a_o particular_a design_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o confirmation_n of_o religion_n since_o they_o cease_v both_o under_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n when_o both_o be_v full_o declare_v and_o confirm_v iii_o a_o perpetual_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o all_o age_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o continual_a imposture_n which_o will_v confound_v and_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o will_v make_v the_o true_a mircle_n themselves_o suspect_v we_o see_v now_o that_o the_o dream_n of_o every_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o pretence_n of_o every_o impostor_n be_v apt_a to_o startle_v weak_a mind_n though_o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n not_o to_o expect_v miracle_n or_o revelation_n but_o if_o we_o be_v in_o constant_a expectation_n of_o true_a miracle_n the_o false_a will_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o mislead_v many_o and_o to_o make_v other_o reject_v the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n at_o all_o if_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n have_v be_v frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o miracle_n shall_v cease_v to_o preserve_v the_o authority_n due_a to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o disciple_n it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cease_v when_o his_o religion_n have_v be_v full_o establish_v than_o that_o man_n shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o doubt_v who_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n and_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o false_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o true_a iv_o another_o reason_n why_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v withhold_v in_o latter_a age_n may_v be_v this_o because_o since_o there_o have_v be_v a_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n among_o christian_n it_o will_v have_v prove_v a_o great_a occasion_n of_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n to_o those_o who_o have_v possess_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o be_v to_o some_o even_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n ãâ¦ã_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o ãâã_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
in_o part_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v yet_o the_o people_n in_o a_o rage_n and_o tumult_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o say_v away_o with_o such_o a_o fellow_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o cast_v off_o their_o clothes_n and_o throw_v dust_n into_o the_o air_n act._n xxii_o 22.23_o these_o be_v not_o the_o action_n of_o reasonable_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o reason_n 5._o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n with_o their_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v then_o very_o frequent_a insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n matt._n xxiv_o 24._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o who_o comply_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o desire_n than_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o they_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o it_o 6._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n the_o jew_n reject_v their_o messiah_n and_o still_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n whereby_o be_v fulfil_v many_o prophecy_n concern_v this_o very_a thing_n and_o whilst_o they_o endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o disprove_v all_o other_o argument_n their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinacy_n itself_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o they_o will_v thus_o reject_v their_o messiah_n as_o st._n paul_n prove_v rom._n ix_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o always_o do_v it_o as_o st._n stephen_n tell_v they_o as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v and_o they_o have_v slay_v they_o which_o show_v before_o of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n act._n seven_o 55_o 52._o ii_o what_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o christian_a and_o heathen_a author_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o consider_v the_o general_a depravation_n both_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o any_o religion_n or_o with_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o that_o they_o may_v retain_v their_o vice_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o any_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o abandon_v and_o crucify_v all_o their_o lust_n and_o sin_n and_o renounce_v their_o ease_n and_o safety_n to_o live_v in_o disgrace_n and_o misery_n and_o die_v in_o torment_n however_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n there_o be_v no_o rank_n nor_o order_n of_o man_n nor_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o divers_a of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o they_o be_v early_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o dionyssius_fw-la the_o areopagite_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o other_o and_o as_o nothing_o but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v convert_v these_o so_o it_o be_v no_o unaccountable_a thing_n that_o other_o shall_v stand_v out_o and_o oppose_v it_o for_o i._o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n they_o be_v only_o for_o high_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n and_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v give_v no_o attention_n to_o a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a man_n who_o tell_v they_o a_o plain_a truth_n of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o rose_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a christ_n crucify_v be_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 1_o cor._n i_o 22._o 23._o and_o the_o several_a tenet_n of_o philosophy_n then_o in_o vogue_n be_v a_o great_a obstruction_n to_o all_o such_o as_o thought_n themselves_o skill_v in_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o become_v christian_n and_o we_o find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n can_v not_o soon_o lay_v aside_o all_o their_o philosophical_a notion_n the_o epicurean_o a_o confident_a and_o vain_a sect_n will_v receive_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o another_o life_n but_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o mock_v act_v xvii_o 18_o 32._o the_o platonist_n hold_v a_o revolution_n of_o all_o thing_n into_o their_o former_a state_n in_o some_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n and_o therefore_o they_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n must_v look_v upon_o all_o only_a as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o revolution_n and_o a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o peripatetic_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v now_o just_a at_o a_o end_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n not_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o the_o stoic_n who_o mighty_o improve_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o philosophy_n by_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o hold_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v under_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n and_o destiny_n have_v such_o a_o perpetual_a curb_n upon_o they_o as_o leave_v they_o no_o liberty_n to_o think_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o immaterial_a a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o very_a composition_n of_o a_o stoic_a it_o 22._o it_o arrian_n epict._n lib._n iii_o c._n 22._o appear_v from_o the_o account_n which_o arrian_n have_v give_v of_o epictetus_n that_o neither_o the_o jewish_a law_n nor_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o for_o in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o have_v preserve_v of_o epictetus_n we_o find_v he_o sometime_o use_v the_o same_o word_n with_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o those_o discourse_n that_o epictetus_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o diogenes_n the_o cynic_n and_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n for_o magnify_v himself_o as_o one_o send_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o high_a say_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v not_o vain_a boast_n but_o real_a and_o practicable_a truth_n he_o at_o last_o thus_o conclude_v how_o do_v i_o converse_v say_v he_o with_o these_o man_n who_o you_o fear_v and_o admire_v do_v not_o i_o treat_v they_o as_o slave_n who_o when_o he_o see_v i_o do_v not_o think_v he_o see_v his_o king_n and_o his_o master_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o religion_n which_o enjoin_v that_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n eâch_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o phil._n two_o 3._o 41._o 3._o prope_fw-la est_fw-la a_o te_fw-la deus_fw-la tecum_fw-la est_fw-la intus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la dico_fw-la lucili_n sacer_fw-la intra_fw-la nos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sedet_fw-la bonorum_fw-la malorumqâ_n nostrorum_fw-la observator_fw-la &_o custos_fw-la etc._n etc._n senec._n epist_n 41._o seneca_n in_o some_o place_n write_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v transcribe_v the_o scripture_n but_o he_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o he_o likewise_o discover_v a_o strange_a vanity_n and_o conceit_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o write_n for_o cite_v a_o passage_n of_o epicurus_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o if_o he_o desire_v glory_n his_o letter_n shall_v make_v he_o more_o famous_a than_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o esteem_v or_o for_o which_o he_o be_v esteem_v a_o seneca_n assure_v lucilius_n 21._o lucilius_n epist_n 21._o that_o he_o can_v promise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o epicurus_n have_v do_v his_o friend_n for_o he_o shall_v be_v famous_a in_o future_a time_n and_o can_v raise_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o whosoever_o he_o please_v the_o pythagorean_n be_v a_o superstitious_a sect_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o magic_n and_o beside_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o their_o master_n dictate_v and_o therefore_o be_v to_o regard_v no_o reason_n nor_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o short_a the_o philosopher_n be_v all_o exceed_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v by_o some_o peculiar_a
cause_v the_o christian_n in_o their_o apology_n to_o press_v earnest_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a hear_v of_o their_o cause_n beseech_v their_o enemy_n that_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o injurious_a to_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o themselves_o as_o to_o despise_v and_o condemn_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v they_o be_v desirous_a to_o undergo_v any_o trial_n if_o they_o may_v but_o be_v admit_v to_o be_v hear_v 6._o yet_o many_o who_o do_v not_o actual_o become_v christian_n have_v more_o favourable_a and_o just_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n severo_fw-la religion_n ael_n lamprid._n in_o alex._n severo_fw-la alexander_n severus_n have_v the_o effigy_n of_o christ_n in_o his_o chapel_n and_o have_v design_v to_o erect_v a_o temple_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o and_o to_o insert_v his_o name_n among_o the_o heathen_a go_n as_o it_o be_v report_v that_o adrian_n likewise_o with_o the_o same_o intention_n have_v command_v temple_n to_o be_v build_v without_o image_n in_o all_o city_n but_o be_v dissuade_v by_o some_o who_o consult_v the_o oracle_n about_o it_o which_o give_v out_o that_o all_o man_n will_v then_o become_v christian_n and_o the_o other_o temple_n will_v soon_o be_v forsake_v this_o which_o be_v relate_v concern_v adrian_n have_v be_v by_o some_o suppose_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n because_o the_o father_n say_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o ael_n lampridius_n or_o rather_o spartianus_n who_o mention_n it_o be_v a_o heathen_a may_v perhaps_o have_v it_o from_o the_o gentile_n for_o it_o be_v only_o in_o adrian_n intention_n to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o christ_n which_o may_v be_v unknown_a by_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n the_o design_n be_v lay_v aside_o upon_o consult_v the_o oracle_n it_o be_v certain_o report_v in_o the_o historian_n time_n as_o he_o declare_v and_o yet_o this_o objection_n lie_v as_o well_o against_o the_o report_n as_o against_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o a_o report_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v be_v mention_v by_o no_o christian_a writer_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o truth_n in_o it_o 11_o it_o euseb_n hist_o lib_n vii_o c._n 11_o aemilianus_n the_o perfect_a of_o egypt_n ask_v dionysius_n bishop_n of_o alexandria_n when_o he_o be_v bring_v before_o he_o why_o if_o he_o who_o the_o christian_n worship_v be_v god_n they_o can_v not_o worship_v he_o with_o the_o other_o god_n many_o admire_v the_o doctrine_n and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n who_o can_v not_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n they_o will_v have_v be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o take_v in_o among_o other_o but_o can_v not_o bring_v themselves_o to_o relinquish_v all_o their_o old_a religion_n for_o it_o the_o calumny_n raise_v against_o the_o christian_n have_v cause_v the_o popular_a odium_n and_o rage_n against_o they_o but_o they_o be_v vindicated_n by_o 13._o by_o plin._n lib._n x._o epist_n 97._o just_a mar._n apol._n 2._o eus_n hist_o lib._n iu._n c._n 8_o 9_o 13._o pliny_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o trajan_n by_o serenius_fw-la granianuâ_n proconsul_n of_o asia_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o adrian_n by_z adrian_z himself_z in_o his_o rescript_n by_o antoninus_n pius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o common_a council_n or_o the_o community_n of_o the_o estate_n of_o asia_n though_o some_o ascribe_v this_o epistle_n to_o m._n antoninus_n not_o to_o mention_v his_o epistle_n to_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n dial._n rome_n just_a martyr_n dial._n trypho_n the_o jew_n likewise_o free_v they_o from_o the_o crime_n common_o lay_v against_o they_o and_o own_v the_o excellency_n of_o their_o precept_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o crime_n which_o have_v be_v wont_a to_o be_v object_v against_o the_o christian_n by_o their_o former_a adversary_n be_v not_o mention_v by_o julian_n in_o discourse_n write_v to_o oppose_v they_o who_o 305._o who_o epist_n 49._o &_o fragm_n epist_n p._n 305._o elsewhere_o speak_v of_o they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n and_o so_o much_o to_o their_o commendation_n as_o show_v the_o mighty_a force_n of_o truth_n which_o can_v extort_v it_o from_o he_o but_o the_o fear_n and_o shame_n of_o man_n hinder_v divers_a from_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n who_o have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o approve_v of_o their_o own_o 11._o own_o aug._n civit._fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n vi_o c._n 11._o seneca_n expose_v the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o express_v himself_o with_o bitterness_n against_o the_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v able_a to_o find_v nothing_o to_o blame_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o dare_v to_o commend_v it_o for_o fear_n of_o give_v offence_n to_o the_o heathen_n he_o make_v no_o mention_n of_o it_o at_o all_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o the_o notion_n and_o action_n of_o man_n it_o be_v as_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o lycurg_n how_o senec._n de_fw-fr ira._n lib._n i._o c._n 25._o plut._n in_o lycurg_n seneca_n and_o plutarch_n shall_v allow_v of_o the_o murder_v or_o starve_v of_o poor_a infant_n as_o they_o certain_o do_v as_o why_o they_o be_v not_o christian_n no_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o variable_a and_o uncertain_a in_o their_o cause_n than_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n which_o differ_v according_a to_o their_o temper_n and_o capacity_n and_o circumstance_n it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o probable_a solution_n and_o have_v several_a to_o offer_v which_o may_v take_v place_n according_a to_o several_a case_n but_o the_o write_n of_o such_o as_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v very_o slight_a and_o frivolous_a contain_v a_o confession_n for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o fact_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v establish_v and_o raise_v only_o some_o weak_a cavil_n which_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a cause_n or_o undertake_v to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v they_o can_v not_o deny_v the_o miracle_n upon_o which_o our_o religion_n be_v establish_v and_o then_o let_v any_o man_n judge_v what_o reason_n they_o can_v have_v for_o their_o infidelity_n and_o indeed_o the_o prevail_a of_o the_o christian_a religion_n under_o all_o manner_n of_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o humane_a mean_n show_v that_o the_o adversary_n of_o it_o have_v little_a to_o say_v against_o it_o for_o they_o must_v be_v but_o poor_a argument_n which_o can_v not_o dissuade_v man_n from_o become_a christian_n when_o they_o must_v incur_v all_o the_o danger_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o world_n to_o be_v so_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o heathen_a writer_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v frequent_o cite_v by_o st._n jerom_n and_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o author_n of_o their_o time_n as_o common_o know_v and_o probable_o they_o be_v extant_a long_o after_o so_o that_o their_o argument_n be_v baffle_v and_o destroy_v long_o before_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o they_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n enough_o to_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o their_o write_n be_v not_o yet_o so_o far_o lose_v but_o that_o we_o still_o know_v their_o principal_a argument_n which_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v not_o conceal_v but_o have_v give_v they_o their_o full_a force_n and_o common_o in_o their_o own_o word_n origen_n be_v so_o careful_a to_o omit_v nothing_o considerable_a which_o celsus_n have_v allege_v that_o he_o be_v often_o force_v to_o make_v apology_n for_o mention_v the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o rather_o than_o he_o will_v seem_v to_o let_v any_o thing_n pass_v which_o be_v material_a that_o his_o adversary_n have_v say_v without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o 43._o it_o ambr._n lib._n 2._o epist_n 11._o aug._n epist_n 43._o and_o some_o piece_n be_v preserve_v entire_a as_o the_o petition_n of_o symmachus_n among_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n ambrose_n and_o the_o epistle_n of_o maximus_n madaurensis_fw-la among_o those_o of_o st._n austin_n the_o argument_n of_o julian_n be_v set_v down_o at_o large_a by_o st._n cyril_n and_o we_o learn_v from_o praefat_fw-la from_o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d vid._n spanhem_n in_o julian_n oper_n praefat_fw-la st._n chrisostom_n that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o philosopher_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v neglect_v and_o despise_v by_o the_o gentile_n themselves_o and_o be_v scarce_o to_o be_v find_v but_o among_o the_o christian_n before_o the_o edict_n of_o theodosius_n junior_n to_o prohibit_v they_o there_o
be_v a_o long_a succession_n of_o philosopher_n and_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o school_fw-mi of_o platonist_n which_o continue_v at_o athens_n for_o some_o age_n will_v revive_v or_o reinforce_v any_o argument_n that_o have_v be_v use_v by_o their_o predecessor_n in_o opposition_n to_o christianity_n proclus_n and_o damascius_n who_o be_v of_o this_o school_n live_v about_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o six_o age_n and_o the_o write_n of_o damascius_n be_v extant_a lxxvii_o extant_a phot._n cod_n clxxxi_o ccxlii_o lxxvii_o in_o photius_n time_n in_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o nine_o age_n the_o history_n of_o eunapius_n be_v then_o likewise_o extant_a and_o be_v hist_o be_v voss_n de_fw-fr graec._n hist_o say_v to_o be_v preserve_v at_o venice_n we_o have_v the_o abridgement_n of_o it_o by_o zosimus_n and_o a_o sufficient_a specimen_fw-la of_o his_o malicious_a invective_n in_o his_o other_o write_n and_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o these_o and_o many_o other_o book_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v continue_v much_o long_o than_o any_o account_n which_o we_o have_v now_o remain_v of_o they_o mention_n of_o about_o thirty_o answer_n 10._o answer_n holstein_n de_fw-fr vit._n &_o script_n porphyt_n c._n 10._o which_o be_v write_v to_o porphyry_n by_o several_a author_n not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v now_o to_o be_v find_v when_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o insufficieny_n of_o his_o objection_n the_o answer_n to_o his_o book_n be_v as_o little_o regard_v as_o the_o book_n themselves_o but_o undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o they_o the_o jew_n who_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n before_o but_o especial_o since_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n have_v in_o vast_a number_n be_v spread_v all_o over_o the_o world_n and_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n to_o detect_v any_o falsehood_n in_o it_o and_o have_v never_o omit_v any_o advantage_n of_o improve_n and_o enforce_v the_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o and_o therefore_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o retain_v any_o thing_n considerable_a which_o have_v be_v object_v by_o their_o forefather_n or_o by_o the_o heathen_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v the_o jew_n have_v be_v a_o perpetual_a restless_a enemy_n in_o all_o part_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o material_a in_o this_o case_n will_v escape_v their_o observation_n but_o out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a jew_n which_o be_v still_o extant_a many_o thing_n have_v be_v allege_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o and_o other_o nation_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n from_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o jew_n themselves_o the_o unbelief_n therefore_o both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n of_o those_o age_n be_v no_o material_a objection_n nor_o altogether_o so_o unaccountable_a as_o the_o unbelief_n of_o too_o many_o now_o who_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o have_v have_v their_o education_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o truth_n be_v example_n be_v always_o the_o weak_a argument_n in_o any_o case_n and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n or_o authority_n against_o the_o clear_a rational_a evidence_n chap._n xxxi_o that_o the_o confidence_n of_o man_n of_o false_a religion_n and_o their_o willingness_n to_o suffer_v for_o they_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v infinite_o surpass_v all_o other_o in_o the_o number_n of_o its_o martyr_n of_o both_o sex_n of_o every_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o rank_a and_o condition_n mistake_v ignorant_a zealot_n may_v often_o have_v suffer_v for_o other_o religion_n but_o man_n of_o the_o high_a station_n and_o worth_n and_o inferior_a to_o none_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o the_o world_n esteem_v excellent_a have_v renounce_v all_o and_o upon_o choice_n and_o after_o a_o full_a consideration_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n have_v lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n tyrant_n of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o cruelty_n have_v make_v it_o their_o aim_n and_o ambition_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o torture_n to_o extirpate_v the_o christian_a religion_n they_o esteem_v their_o persecution_n matter_n of_o triumph_n and_o a_o fit_a subject_n for_o the_o 280._o the_o gâuter_n inscript_n p._n 238_o 280._o inscription_n of_o monument_n erect_v to_o their_o memory_n but_o the_o invincible_a patience_n and_o glorious_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n prevail_v against_o all_o the_o rage_n and_o force_n of_o their_o enemy_n if_o the_o martyrology_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v there_o will_v soon_o appear_v so_o manifest_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o the_o sufferer_n for_o other_o religion_n that_o nothing_o will_v be_v needful_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o subject_n but_o remember_v with_o who_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o take_v every_o thing_n at_o the_o low_a and_o argue_v with_o they_o upon_o their_o own_o term_n let_v we_o for_o a_o while_o set_v aside_o whatever_o of_o this_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v in_o preference_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n and_o suppose_v the_o number_n and_o zeal_n of_o the_o martyr_n for_o so_o we_o must_v call_v they_o at_o present_a of_o other_o religion_n to_o have_v be_v as_o great_a as_o can_v be_v imagine_v yet_o the_o cause_n itself_o make_v a_o plain_a difference_n between_o they_o a_o ignorant_a zeal_n in_o a_o wrong_n cause_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o any_o cause_n which_o be_v maintain_v and_o promote_v by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o proceed_v upon_o sure_a ground_n indeed_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o very_o strange_a if_o that_o which_o be_v true_a shall_v be_v ever_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o the_o less_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o esteem_v because_o there_o may_v be_v other_o thing_n that_o be_v false_a of_o which_o some_o man_n be_v as_o firm_o persuade_v and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v for_o they_o as_o any_o one_o can_v be_v for_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a thing_n that_o many_o have_v to_o pretend_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v baptize_v that_o there_o be_v many_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n and_o none_o be_v without_o its_o zealot_n to_o appear_v in_o vindication_n of_o it_o i_o be_o confident_a no_o man_n ever_o part_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o his_o religion_n upon_o so_o weak_a a_o pretence_n a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o man_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v a_o undeserved_a value_n but_o their_o country_n their_o friend_n and_o themselves_o they_o be_v common_o as_o much_o mistake_v in_o and_o do_v as_o high_o overprize_v be_v there_o then_o no_o real_a difference_n or_o solid_a worth_n in_o any_o of_o these_o some_o of_o the_o most_o unlikely_a country_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v admire_v by_o the_o native_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o garden_n of_o eden_n and_o the_o place_n of_o paradise_n though_o there_o be_v nothing_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v a_o distinction_n concern_v different_a country_n and_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o elysium_n of_o the_o heathen_n or_o mahomet_n paradise_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o between_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o they_o there_o be_v nothing_o especial_o if_o it_o be_v of_o any_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o they_o for_o which_o man_n have_v not_o show_v themselves_o passionate_o concern_v and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o infallible_a in_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o thing_n or_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o less_o in_o earnest_n about_o it_o as_o not_o to_o discover_v the_o same_o frailty_n and_o the_o same_o affection_n which_o be_v visible_a in_o all_o the_o other_o action_n and_o business_n of_o their_o life_n it_o be_v often_o see_v in_o most_o case_n that_o some_o be_v as_o earnest_n and_o zealous_a in_o a_o false_a cause_n as_o other_o be_v in_o a_o true_a but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n when_o two_o man_n of_o opposite_a party_n be_v equal_o confident_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o but_o one_o of_o they_o can_v be_v in_o the_o right_a and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o one_o of_o they_o must_v be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n as_o he_o contradict_v the_o other_o because_o as_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v both_o true_a so_o they_o can_v be_v both_o false_a if_o then_o a_o confident_a and_o zealous_a
christian_n unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o there_o must_v be_v also_o heresy_n among_o you_o the_o miraculous_a power_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o can_v not_o hinder_v the_o rise_n of_o they_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v our_o saviour_n that_o offence_n or_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o offence_n will_v come_v but_o woe_n unto_o he_o through_o who_o they_o come_v matth._n xviii_o 7._o luke_n xvii_o the_o church_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v free_a from_o offence_n scandal_n and_o division_n unless_o god_n shall_v forcible_o restrain_v man_n from_o run_v into_o they_o the_o temper_n and_o capacity_n of_o man_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o in_o many_o case_n they_o will_v make_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n much_o attention_n and_o thoughtfulness_n and_o a_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o antiquity_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n in_o divers_a controversy_n and_o few_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o be_v at_o that_o pain_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o inform_v themselves_o aright_o in_o lesser_a difficulty_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v up_o with_o the_o appearance_n of_o thing_n which_o first_o offer_v themselves_o or_o to_o which_o by_o custom_n and_o education_n they_o have_v be_v most_o use_v there_o be_v so_o much_o difficulty_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o prejudices_fw-la so_o much_o labour_n and_o study_n be_v in_o many_o case_n require_v in_o the_o search_n after_o truth_n that_o few_o can_v prevail_v with_o themselves_o to_o undergo_v it_o few_o man_n examine_v the_o ground_n of_o thing_n and_o few_o do_v it_o to_o any_o purpose_n most_o man_n follow_v as_o they_o be_v lead_v without_o any_o further_a care_n or_o thought_n and_o die_v in_o the_o religion_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v up_o without_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o take_v all_o upon_o trust_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o they_o know_v or_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o but_o right_o or_o wrong_v they_o follow_v the_o example_n of_o other_o of_o who_o they_o have_v conceive_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n or_o who_o have_v some_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o influence_n they_o they_o profess_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o practise_v other_o thing_n for_o no_o better_a reason_n than_o because_o they_o see_v other_o have_v do_v it_o before_o they_o and_o they_o stand_v up_o for_o it_o only_o as_o they_o do_v for_o all_o custom_n which_o by_o long_a use_n be_v become_v familiar_a and_o almost_o natural_a to_o they_o but_o may_v be_v wear_v out_o by_o a_o different_a practice_n and_o custom_n and_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v thus_o careless_a and_o unconcerned_a to_o examine_v the_o ground_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o several_a religion_n this_o give_v a_o mighty_a opportunity_n and_o advantage_n to_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o ill_a design_n to_o infuse_v and_o spread_v their_o opinion_n for_o if_o by_o the_o plausibleness_n and_o importunity_n of_o their_o insinuation_n or_o by_o the_o profession_n of_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a zeal_n and_o strictness_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o popular_a they_o can_v but_o gain_v a_o few_o person_n of_o note_n and_o interest_n who_o may_v influence_n other_o a_o party_n be_v make_v and_o a_o sect_n set_v up_o which_o may_v perhaps_o continue_v for_o some_o generation_n and_o a_o fondness_n for_o novelty_n and_o a_o personal_a dislike_n and_o prejudice_n against_o some_o man_n and_o a_o esteem_n and_o admiration_n of_o other_o and_o several_a accident_n as_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o several_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o man_n may_v make_v great_a addition_n to_o a_o sect_n that_o be_v once_o form_v man_n who_o think_v themselves_o disoblige_v among_o the_o jew_n be_v wont_a to_o go_v over_o to_o the_o samaritan_n and_o deserter_n in_o religion_n be_v as_o usual_a as_o in_o war_n upon_o any_o great_a discontent_n or_o upon_o hope_n of_o great_a advantage_n and_o these_o man_n to_o testify_v their_o sincerity_n be_v observe_v common_o to_o be_v most_o violent_a however_o they_o serve_v to_o make_v a_o number_n and_o to_o strengthen_v a_o party_n most_o schism_n and_o heresy_n have_v be_v begin_v by_o man_n of_o ill_a design_n who_o under_o pretence_n of_o godliness_n gratify_v their_o own_o passion_n of_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n or_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n this_o be_v the_o original_a of_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n and_o it_o have_v be_v observable_a in_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o ever_o since_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n of_o popular_a fame_n and_o preeminence_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o great_a mischief_n in_o the_o church_n some_o man_n be_v as_o fond_a of_o their_o own_o new_a opinion_n as_o other_o be_v of_o honour_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n and_o can_v bear_v no_o contradiction_n but_o contend_v for_o a_o kind_n of_o empire_n in_o knowledge_n and_o show_v a_o mighty_a zeal_n to_o gain_v proselyte_n because_o this_o be_v to_o extend_v their_o conquest_n and_o enlarge_v their_o dominion_n over_o man_n faith_n some_o that_o devour_v widow_n house_n have_v for_o a_o pretence_n make_v long_a prayer_n matt._n xxiii_o 14._o and_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o horror_n even_o to_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v do_v by_o other_o not_o only_o in_o secret_a but_o open_o and_o in_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o solemn_a and_o zealous_a profession_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o the_o error_n of_o man_n of_o no_o ill_a meaning_n but_o of_o great_a zeal_n with_o little_a knowledge_n have_v sometime_o find_v a_o strange_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o first_o author_n now_o when_o all_o the_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n thus_o contribute_v to_o produce_v and_o promote_v difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n that_o there_o be_v such_o difference_n than_o that_o there_o be_v frailty_n and_o vice_n among_o man_n that_o some_o man_n be_v vicious_a and_o ready_a to_o seduce_v other_o and_o that_o other_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v seduce_v st._n paul_n complain_v of_o false_a apostle_n deceitful_a worker_n transform_v themselves_o into_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o no_o marvel_n say_v he_o for_o satan_n himself_o be_v transform_v into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n therefore_o it_o be_v no_o great_a thing_n if_o his_o minister_n also_o be_v transform_v as_o the_o minister_n of_o righteousness_n who_o end_n shall_v be_v according_a to_o their_o work_n 2_o cor._n xi_o 13.14.15_o satan_n himself_o strive_v to_o appear_v like_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n and_o sin_n be_v force_v to_o take_v the_o disguise_n of_o religion_n vice_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o few_o man_n care_v much_o to_o own_o how_o fond_a soever_o they_o be_v of_o it_o number_n in_o other_o case_n be_v wont_a to_o bring_v thing_n into_o reputation_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o most_o vice_n which_o though_o they_o have_v be_v practise_v by_o great_a number_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n yet_o have_v be_v always_o nevertheless_o infamous_a and_o this_o show_v the_o detestable_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n that_o they_o can_v never_o become_v creditable_a in_o a_o vicious_a and_o irreligious_a world_n but_o bad_a man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o conceal_v and_o hide_v they_o under_o some_o colour_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o since_o every_o vice_n and_o every_o passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n may_v conduce_v to_o the_o raise_n and_o soment_v of_o difference_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o sin_n itself_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o it_o which_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o prevent_v unless_o god_n shall_v force_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difference_n in_o religion_n unless_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n shall_v restrain_v man_n from_o they_o ii_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a nor_o expedient_a that_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n because_o it_o will_v contradict_v the_o very_a design_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o interpose_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o direct_v and_o command_v man_n what_o to_o believe_v and_o what_o to_o do_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o may_v prevail_v with_o they_o by_o reasonable_a argument_n
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
time_n as_o not_o only_o to_o endure_v but_o often_o to_o humour_n their_o insolence_n and_o vanity_n and_o from_o they_o he_o have_v his_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o own_v in_o his_o book_n from_o who_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o precept_n but_o if_o he_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n he_o can_v never_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o fortitude_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n as_o lib._n 1â_n §_o 3._o obstinacy_n but_o the_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n know_v they_o can_v not_o better_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o teach_v its_o moral_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v that_o esteem_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o to_o this_o those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o so_o much_o admire_v owe_v either_o their_o original_a or_o improvement_n whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o vulcat_n in_o cassio_n virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n whole_o to_o their_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v just_o give_v to_o m._n antonius_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o value_v himself_o extreme_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o great_a hindrance_n to_o his_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o capitolin_n study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o emperor_n who_o make_v the_o philosophy_n of_o those_o time_n his_o study_n the_o sophist_n his_o chief_a favourite_n and_o popularity_n his_o aim_n shall_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o religion_n so_o unpopular_a and_o so_o opposite_a in_o some_o of_o its_o principal_a article_n to_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a upon_o what_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n this_o emperor_n can_v deify_v id_fw-la lucius_n verus_n and_o faustina_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v do_v this_o and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o christian_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o deisy_v notorious_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o shine_v in_o imperial_a robe_n shall_v believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n crucify_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a ãâã_d p._n 527._o l._n 3._o after_o at_o all_o add_v 8._o ãâã_d ãâã_d a_o man_n of_o very_o great_a learning_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o forum_n at_o rome_n often_o acknowledge_v himself_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n before_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v open_o to_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v his_o friend_n that_o be_v gentile_n he_o pretend_v he_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o secret_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o other_o who_o never_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o ib_n p._n 530._o l._n 7._o after_o with_o they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o either_o sect_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o none_o dare_v maintain_v they_o but_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o other_o these_o two_o sect_n than_o be_v in_o so_o little_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o error_n any_o countenance_n which_o they_o before_o have_v so_o long_o with_o great_a subtlety_n and_o success_n defend_v against_o the_o platonist_n but_o they_o who_o will_v gain_v any_o reception_n to_o their_o error_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o heresy_n of_o plotinus_n school_n some_o become_v christian_n and_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o magic_n as_o plotinus_n himself_o must_v have_v do_v if_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o porphyry_n write_v of_o he_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o be_v see_v under_o the_o bed_n and_o then_o be_v observe_v creep_v into_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o wall_n as_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n be_v a_o odd_a story_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o peter_n buck._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._o by_o robert_n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n the_o character_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o age._n write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr bruyere_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o key_n in_o the_o margin_n make_v english_a by_o several_a hand_n with_o the_o character_n of_o theophrastus_n translate_v from_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o edition_n correct_v throughout_o and_o enlarge_v a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a antiquity_n explain_v the_o religion_n mythology_n history_n ancient_a chronology_n geography_n sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o custom_n law_n policy_n art_n and_o engine_n of_o war_n opinion_n of_o their_o philosopher_n life_n of_o inventor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o other_o famous_a for_o they_o or_o arm_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o elucidate_v the_o abstruse_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o clastical_a author_n and_o historian_n compile_v original_o in_o french_a by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o dauphin_n d._n of_o bourgundy_n anjou_n and_o berry_n by_o mr._n danet_n and_o now_o make_v english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o useful_a map_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n 6._o marg._n r._n populo_fw-la p._n 7._o marg._n r._n cic._n brut._n p._n 9_o l._n 7._o r._n those_o p._n 11._o l._n 13._o r._n pleraque_fw-la l._n 3._o r._n intus_fw-la p._n 18._o l._n 12._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n superstitious_a p._n 20._o marg._n r._n lib._n 1._o p._n 22._o marg._n r._n greg._n nazianz._n ib._n r._n cic._n topic._n p._n 27._o l._n 24._o r._n to_o expose_v they_o for_o be_v ill_a disputant_n than_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n p._n 29._o l._n 2._o r._n solon_n who_o be_v p._n 32._o marg._n r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 38._o l._n 13._o r._n join_v p._n 41._o l._n 9_o r._n at_o all_o p._n 42._o l._n 22._o r._n pharadox_n p._n 44._o l._n ult_n r._n and_o early_o p._n 45._o marg._n r._n buteo_n de_fw-fr arcâ_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 3._o r._n consideration_n in_o the_o book_n p._n 3._o l._n ult_n r._n every_o p._n 4._o l._n 22._o r._n it_o be_v own_o p._n 5._o l._n 18_o r._n whether_o p_o 6._o l._n 16._o deal_n be_v p._n 7._o l._n 12._o deal_n the_o p._n 8._o l._n 26._o r._n demonstration_n p._n 9_o l._n 14._o r._n of_o the._n p._n 14._o l._n 3._o r._n persuade_v l._n penult_n r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 21._o l._n 14._o r._n philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n p._n 27._o marg._n r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 29._o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 30._o l._n 19_o r._n wind_n l._n 29._o r._n of_o themselves_o p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r_o 1_o joh._n 11.20_o p._n 44._o l._n 22._o r._n with_o the_o ancient_n ib._n marg_n r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d 1._o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 59_o l._n 13._o r._n regum_fw-la ib._n marg._n r._n aâmian_n marcellân_o lib._n 17._o c._n 5._o ib._n r._n cic._n de_fw-fr orat._n p._n 61._o marg._n r._n contr_n ctesiph_n ib._n l._n 27._o r._n judge_n and._n p._n 62._o marg._n r._n sermo_n omnis_fw-la utitur_fw-la r._n laetas_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la r._n paâam_fw-la audacter_fw-la p._n 65._o marg._n r._n nec_fw-la culpandus_fw-la propheta_fw-la p._n 67._o marg._n r._n de_fw-fr servii_fw-la matre._n p._n 69._o l_o 23._o r._n without_o example_n p._n 70._o l._n 17._o r._n rhepaliâk_n p._n 71._o l._n 19_o r._n from_o thing_n p._n 72._o l._n 6._o r._n isa_n xliv_o 8._o p._n 73._o l_o r._n may_v p._n 81._o mark_fw-mi r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 86._o mark_fw-mi r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ib._n r._n scipionem_fw-la p._n 88_o mark_fw-mi r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 90._o l._n 12._o r._n as_o p._n 95._o mark_fw-mi r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 106._o l._n 9_o r._n and_o the_o book_n p._n 67_o mark_fw-mi r._n sen._n âpist_v 108._o p._n 113._o l._n ult_n r._n time_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o r._n hand_n ib._n l._n 19_o r._n bishop_n by_o st._n john_n p._n 115._o l._n 15._o r._n mâst_v entire_a ib._n mark_fw-mi 1._o ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 119._o l._n 28._o r._n schism_n p._n 123._o mark_fw-mi r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 122._o l._n 8._o after_o scripture_n deal_n of_o l._n 22._o r._n by_o those_o p._n 125._o l._n 12._o r._n though_o the_o divine_a p._n 128._o l._n 20._o r._n as_o josephus_n ib._n mark_fw-mi r._n consider_v p._n 129._o l._n 26._o r._n eâpenius_n p._n 130._o l._n 28._o r._n ketib_n p._n 134._o l._n 6._o r._n theadetion_n p._n 135._o l._n 24._o deal_n ever_o p._n 138._o l._n 12._o r._n hâbrew_n p._n 142._o l._n ãâã_d r._n have_v p._n 145._o l._n 1._o r._n diogenes_n p._n 166._o mark_fw-mi r._n sex_n p._n 168._o l._n 30_o r._n confute_v p._n 179._o l._n 25._o deal_n just_a before_o affront_n and_o place_n it_o before_o very_o p._n 180._o mark_fw-mi r._n habet_fw-la pro_fw-la merito_fw-la inferior_n multiplices_fw-la latent_fw-la p._n 181._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v so_o p_o 192._o l._n 8._o deal_n as_o p._n 201._o l._n 28._o r._n love_n and_o adore_v p._n 120._o mark_fw-mi r._n in_o johan_n p._n 209._o l._n 14._o r._n contact_n l._n 20._o r._n form_n l._n 27._o r._n gravitation_n be_v p._n 210._o l._n 1._o r._n mass_n p._n 213_o l._n 2._o r._n monstrous_a p._n 215._o l._n 13._o after_o of_o deal_n the._n l._n 24._o after_o as_o deal_n te_fw-mi p._n 219._o l._n 19_o r._n microscope_n p._n 220._o for_o or_o r._n of_o 221._o l._n 17._o r._n they_o have_v p._n 223._o l._n 22._o r._n as_o hard_a p._n 229._o l._n 9_o r._n there_o be_v city_n l._n 28._o r._n by_o the._n p._n 230._o l._n 18._o r._n exact_o express_v p._n 238._o l._n penult_n r._n in_o which_o p._n 239._o l._n 2._o r._n ransom_n p._n 380._o l._n 19_o r._n the_o mean_n p._n 385._o l._n 4._o r._n spare_v he_o l._n 27._o r._n bear_v in_o sin_n p._n 386._o mark_fw-mi r._n lerii_fw-la hist_n r._n celso_n apud_fw-la ib._n l._n 13._o r._n word_n p._n 357._o l._n 12._o r._n to_o this_o p._n 346._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v design_v p._n 354._o l._n 20._o r._n please_v p._n 339._o l._n 3._o r._n law_n p._n 321._o l._n 29._o r._n ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d ãâã_d p._n 339._o l._n 8._o r._n proselyte_n p._n 342._o mark_fw-mi r_o judaic_n p._n 343._o l._n 12._o r._n calcare_fw-la l._n 13._o r._n sententâis_n p._n 363._o l._n 5._o r._n man._n p._n 393._o l._n 8._o r._n who_o p._n 394._o l._n 26._o r._n require_v p._n 395._o l._n 8._o r._n sun_n p._n 400._o l._n 26._o r._n counsel_n p._n 481._o l._n 11._o r._n they_o p._n 485._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o they_o l._n 24._o r._n be_v deny_v p._n 492._o l._n ult_n r._n all_o p._n 497._o l._n 10._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 511._o l._n 14._o r._n themselves_o p._n 512._o l._n 2._o r._n themselves_o p._n 517._o l._n 19_o deal_n a_o p._n 520._o l._n 15._o r._n with_o the_o rest_n p._n 540._o l._n 5._o r._n offence_n come_v or_o p._n 527._o mark_fw-mi lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o p._n 548._o l._n 19_o r._n it_o tend_v p._n 549._o l._n 25._o r._n to_o which_o p._n 551._o l._n 14._o r._n aâl_a age_n l._n 26._o he_o do_v p._n 556._o l._n 1._o r._n dispute_v about_o l._n 3._o r._n that_o this_o p._n 558._o l._n 11._o r._n which_o enemy_n l._n 13._o deal_n and._n r._n approve_v itself_o p._n 559._o l._n 14._o r._n affect_v p._n 562._o l._n 12._o r._n rite_n l._n 14._o r._n be_v able_a l._n 25._o r._n way_n to_o be_v p._n 566._o l._n 20._o r._n to_o our_o p._n 570._o l._n 19_o r_o as_o in_o p._n 571._o l._n 20._o r._n art_n of_o p._n 574._o l._n 14._o r._n have_v thought_n
in_o one_o place_n rather_o than_o in_o another_o or_o why_o it_o shall_v think_v when_o it_o be_v move_v in_o a_o right_a line_n or_o in_o a_o circle_n or_o in_o any_o curve_v line_n rather_o than_o when_o it_o lie_v still_o again_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o matter_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o think_v or_o not_o think_v according_a to_o its_o situation_n or_o position_n why_o it_o shall_v think_v in_o the_o brain_n rather_o than_o upon_o the_o trencher_n or_o when_o it_o be_v digest_v and_o reduce_v to_o animal_n spirit_n rather_o than_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o more_o compact_a substance_n and_o have_v a_o different_a relation_n to_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n about_o it_o last_o if_o any_o sort_n of_o figure_n can_v produce_v think_v stone_n must_v certain_o think_v as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a of_o we_o and_o so_o indeed_o may_v any_o thing_n else_o for_o what_o body_n be_v there_o that_o may_v not_o subsist_v under_o all_o variety_n of_o figure_n neither_o can_v any_o lucky_a conjuncture_n of_o all_o these_o together_o produce_v a_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o think_v for_o imagine_v what_o bulk_n rest_v or_o motion_n situation_n and_o figure_n you_o can_v to_o meet_v together_o they_o be_v all_o alike_o uncapable_a of_o so_o much_o as_o one_o thought_n since_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o of_o these_o accident_n or_o modification_n of_o matter_n but_o it_o be_v as_o far_o from_o any_o power_n of_o think_v as_o matter_n itself_o be_v and_o therefore_o think_v can_v no_o more_o arise_v from_o a_o combination_n of_o they_o together_o than_o it_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o amass_v together_o of_o matter_n all_o the_o accident_n but_o motion_n have_v nothing_o active_a or_o operative_a in_o they_o but_o be_v only_a matter_n under_o different_a mode_n and_o relation_n and_o motion_n whatever_o the_o figure_n or_o bulk_n and_o contexture_n of_o any_o body_n may_v be_v can_v be_v but_o motion_n still_o and_o suppose_v what_o contexture_n or_o modification_n you_o will_v what_o be_v motion_n under_o all_o determination_n collision_n and_o combination_n but_o change_n of_o place_n and_o how_o can_v change_v of_o place_n produce_v think_v under_o any_o variety_n of_o contexture_n in_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n freewill_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v account_v for_o by_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o epicurus_n find_v who_o be_v therefore_o force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o declinationes_fw-la atomorum_fw-la for_o which_o he_o be_v so_o just_o expose_v by_o tully_n for_o neither_o can_v matter_n determine_v its_o own_o motion_n nor_o can_v motion_n determine_v itself_o but_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o something_o external_n whereas_o all_o man_n find_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o determine_v themselves_o by_o a_o inward_a and_o voluntary_a principle_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o operation_n depend_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o temperament_n of_o the_o body_n yet_o the_o soul_n even_o in_o this_o state_n have_v thought_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o body_n or_o any_o material_a thing_n as_o thought_n of_o god_n and_o spirit_n it_o be_v own_o reflex_n thought_n or_o consciousness_n of_o its_o own_o operation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v now_o capable_a of_o no_o thought_n but_o such_o as_o have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o body_n yet_o this_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o the_o soul_n itself_o be_v material_a or_o that_o matter_n think_v a_o man_n write_v with_o his_o pen_n and_o can_v write_v without_o one_o be_v it_o therefore_o his_o pen_n proper_o that_o write_v and_o not_o the_o man_n the_o body_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o operation_n here_o and_o as_o the_o instrument_n be_v fit_a or_o unfit_a so_o must_v its_o operation_n be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o we_o shall_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o we_o may_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o though_o but_o a_o imperfect_a one_o and_o do_v we_o not_o know_v that_o the_o eye_n the_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o body_n can_v see_v itself_o but_o imperfect_o and_o by_o reflection_n and_o let_v any_o man_n try_v whether_o he_o can_v form_v a_o better_a idea_n of_o a_o materal_a soul_n than_o of_o a_o immeterial_a one_o but_o this_o writer_n by_o idea_n seem_v to_o mean_v a_o material_a idea_n or_o imagination_n and_o we_o can_v indeed_o form_n a_o material_a idea_n of_o a_o immaterial_a spirit_n yet_o after_o all_o which_o he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o have_v say_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v as_o clear_o understand_v as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o encumber_a with_o great_a difficulty_n than_o extension_n if_o that_o be_v the_o essence_n of_o matter_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v as_o hard_a still_o to_o know_v what_o the_o essence_n of_o matter_n be_v the_o instance_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o brute_n be_v easy_o answer_v whether_o they_o can_v think_v or_o not_o if_o they_o can_v the_o objection_n fall_v of_o itself_o if_o they_o can_v i_o shall_v rather_o suppose_v that_o their_o soul_n may_v be_v annihilate_v or_o may_v transmigrate_v and_o pass_v from_o one_o brute_n to_o another_o than_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v be_v material_a that_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n may_v be_v material_a too_o another_o gentleman_n of_o late_a have_v assert_v 6._o assert_v mr._n locke_n be_v human_a understanding_n l._n 4._o c._n 3._o §._o 6._o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o by_o the_o contemplation_n of_o our_o own_o idea_n without_o revelation_n to_o discover_v whether_o omnipotency_n have_v not_o give_v to_o some_o system_n of_o matter_n fit_o dispose_v a_o power_n to_o perceive_v or_o think_v 65._o letter_n to_o the_o bishop_n of_o bercrââ_n p._n 65._o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v superadd_a to_o matter_n a_o faculty_n of_o think_v which_o be_v what_o he_o likewise_o call_v a_o modification_n of_o think_v or_o power_n of_o think_v but_o it_o seem_v not_o intelligible_a how_o god_n shall_v superadd_a to_o matter_n this_o faculty_n or_o power_n or_o modification_n of_o think_v unless_o he_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o make_v it_o to_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v or_o join_v a_o substance_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o faculty_n of_o think_v can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o power_n and_o various_a modification_n of_o matter_n and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o conception_n how_o any_o modification_n of_o matter_n can_v produce_v think_v than_o we_o can_v how_o any_o modification_n of_o sound_n shall_v produce_v see_v all_o modification_n of_o matter_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o this_o point_n and_o matter_n may_v as_o well_o be_v make_v matter_n by_o modify_v as_o be_v make_v to_o think_v bâ_n it_o this_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v maintain_v that_o though_o all_o immaterial_a substance_n be_v not_o extend_v and_o divisible_a yet_o some_o of_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v or_o omnipotence_n may_v superadd_a to_o they_o a_o faculty_n of_o extension_n and_o divisibility_n for_o immeterial_a substance_n may_v become_v divisible_a and_o material_a by_o the_o same_o philosophy_n by_o which_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o matter_n may_v think_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o become_v immaterial_a and_o to_o surpass_v all_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o matter_n but_o though_o i_o have_v upon_o this_o occasion_n mention_v this_o gentleman_n here_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a injury_n do_v he_o to_o rank_v he_o with_o the_o author_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v prefix_v to_o the_o piece_n a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o that_o unhappy_a gentleman_n mr._n blount_n with_o a_o pretence_n to_o vindicate_v his_o murder_n of_o himself_o because_o his_o decease_a wife_n sister_n refuse_v to_o be_v marry_v to_o he_o by_o all_o the_o topic_n and_o argument_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v such_o a_o undertake_n as_o i_o be_o confident_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o before_o to_o prove_v that_o a_o man_n may_v very_o grave_o and_o philosophical_o kill_v himself_o if_o a_o woman_n who_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o marry_v will_v not_o be_v his_o wife_n it_o be_v strange_a to_o see_v that_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o vent_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n but_o this_o discover_v the_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n of_o these_o man_n and_o be_v a_o fit_a preface_n to_o such_o a_o book_n this_o wisdom_n descend_v not_o from_o above_o behold_v the_o man_n in_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n the_o
apply_v his_o own_o song_n or_o poem_n exod._n xv_o deut._n xxxii_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o write_n before_o the_o flood_n because_o there_o be_v no_o account_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o it_o though_o the_o inventor_n of_o other_o infeferior_a art_n be_v mention_v this_o rather_o prove_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o it_o be_v coaeval_fw-fr with_o mankind_n or_o be_v the_o invention_n of_o adam_n it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o in_o so_o long_a a_o life_n he_o shall_v find_v out_o nothing_o for_o the_o use_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o posterity_n though_o no_o invention_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o and_o write_v be_v so_o necessary_a that_o the_o world_n can_v very_o ill_o subsist_v without_o it_o for_o above_o fifteen_o hundred_o year_n the_o grecian_n and_o other_o nation_n have_v record_v the_o first_o inventor_n as_o they_o suppose_v of_o letter_n as_o those_o who_o best_o deserve_v a_o memorial_n in_o history_n and_o since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mention_n among_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a writer_n but_o that_o they_o be_v before_o the_o flood_n some_o of_o they_o also_o ascribe_v they_o to_o adam_n this_o imply_v that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n and_o the_o time_n of_o their_o invention_n be_v no_o more_o know_v than_o that_o of_o plough_v and_o sow_v and_o other_o necessary_a art_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n but_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v suppose_v that_o before_o the_o flood_n they_o have_v not_o the_o same_o conveniency_n for_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o thing_n past_a that_o we_o have_v have_v since_o yet_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v never_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o if_o they_o have_v less_o mean_n of_o convey_v thing_n pass_v to_o posterity_n they_o have_v few_o thing_n to_o convey_v and_o all_o their_o history_n be_v concern_v the_o ancestor_n of_o their_o own_o family_n they_o be_v easy_o remember_v and_o however_o short_a and_o imperfect_a they_o can_v not_o be_v so_o defective_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v general_o be_v so_o gross_o ignorant_a as_o to_o swallow_v such_o imposture_n they_o have_v one_o day_n in_o seven_o purposely_o set_v apart_o for_o the_o praise_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o the_o commemoration_n of_o his_o mercy_n vouchsafe_v to_o mankind_n and_o they_o who_o have_v proverbial_a remembrance_n of_o nimrod_n the_o three_o from_o noah_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o noah_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o flood_n in_o his_o time_n in_o so_o few_o generation_n of_o man_n as_o have_v past_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a life_n of_o the_o patriarch_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o moses_n to_o impose_v upon_o those_o of_o his_o own_o age_n in_o thing_n so_o memorable_a as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n etc._n etc._n but_o when_o so_o long_o after_o the_o flood_n the_o son_n of_o noah_n be_v disperse_v into_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o their_o manner_n and_o custom_n be_v different_a and_o their_o life_n short_a it_o become_v necessary_a that_o a_o true_a and_o last_a account_n of_o those_o thing_n shall_v stand_v record_v in_o a_o book_n of_o infallible_a credit_n and_o authority_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o future_a age_n lest_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o shall_v become_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a and_o fabulous_a story_n shall_v be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n for_o truth_n in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a importance_n for_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o philosophy_n and_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n contain_v many_o thing_n concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o first_o propagation_n mankind_n the_o flood_n and_o other_o particular_n which_o have_v so_o plain_a a_o agreement_n with_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n that_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o it_o but_o they_o be_v obscure_v and_o disguise_v under_o other_o name_n and_o character_n to_o conceal_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v original_o take_v and_o to_o gain_v they_o the_o better_a acceptance_n among_o those_o for_o who_o use_n the_o book_n contain_v they_o be_v design_v by_o their_o author_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o past_a age_n begin_v to_o fail_v and_o the_o way_n of_o humane_a conveyance_n be_v so_o uncertain_a it_o be_v requisite_a that_o some_o infallible_a account_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o god_n dispensation_n and_o his_o communication_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o age_n which_o may_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o posterity_n unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n chap._n ii_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n from_o heaven_n must_v be_v for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v know_v and_o promulge_v in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o revelation_n which_o have_v be_v know_v to_o most_o nation_n and_o far_a divulge_v carry_v another_o evidence_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v likewise_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v and_o it_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o be_v conceal_v or_o confine_v to_o a_o few_o person_n but_o to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o have_v be_v most_o know_v and_o far_a propagate_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v to_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n if_o every_o thing_n else_o concur_v to_o prove_v it_o true_a the_o very_a promulgation_n of_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o divine_a authority_n because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o god_n will_v either_o suffer_v his_o own_o revelation_n to_o be_v so_o stifle_v and_o surpress_v as_o to_o become_v of_o little_a or_o no_o use_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o world_n or_o that_o he_o will_v permit_v false_a revelation_n to_o be_v more_o know_v and_o divulge_v either_o of_o which_o will_v very_o ill_o consist_v with_o the_o intention_n of_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n it_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a and_o it_o can_v not_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o shall_v afford_v a_o constant_a and_o stand_a revelation_n in_o all_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o if_o mankind_n be_v sufficient_o provide_v for_o in_o the_o necessary_n of_o salvation_n this_o be_v all_o which_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o just_a and_o good_a god_n to_o sinful_a and_o perverse_a man._n if_o man_n be_v put_v in_o the_o ready_a way_n of_o salvation_n and_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n allow_v they_o to_o attain_v it_o all_o beyond_o this_o be_v the_o mere_a arbitrary_a effect_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o god_n be_v more_o than_o we_o can_v promise_v ourselves_o from_o his_o justice_n or_o by_o reason_n foresee_v from_o his_o mercy_n itself_o and_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_n and_o dispose_v the_o effect_n and_o emanation_n of_o his_o mercy_n as_o to_o render_v they_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o honour_n as_o he_o be_v governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o in_o the_o first_o age_n revelation_n be_v frequent_a and_o general_o know_v among_o all_o mankind_n till_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o neglect_n they_o be_v withheld_a from_o they_o it_o be_v the_o great_a mercy_n of_o god_n afterward_o to_o continue_v to_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v despise_v and_o reject_v he_o a_o opportunity_n of_o know_v his_o will_n reveal_v to_o other_o and_o this_o god_n be_v please_v to_o do_v by_o appoint_v a_o choose_a seed_n and_o select_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n to_o bear_v his_o name_n before_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o so_o dispose_v of_o that_o people_n that_o all_o nation_n may_v be_v instruct_v in_o the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o deliver_v to_o they_o first_o then_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n second_o that_o in_o succeed_a age_n there_o have_v still_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o frequent_a opportunity_n for_o all_o nation_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v know_v to_o all_o mankind_n and_o here_o we_o must_v have_v