that_o can_v be_v possible_o imagine_v of_o do_v it_o with_o security_n i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o article_n and_o precept_n of_o religion_n may_v in_o some_o case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v safe_o preserve_v and_o secure_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o oral_a tradition_n namely_o when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o report_v be_v few_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o they_o small_a the_o age_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o successive_a communication_n be_v give_v lengthen_v out_o for_o several_a hundred_o year_n and_o mankind_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n neither_o slothful_a nor_o great_o corrupt_v and_o according_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o excellent_a counsel_n and_o in_o his_o most_o extraordinary_a work_n use_v natural_a agent_n as_o far_o as_o their_o capacity_n will_v serve_v do_v for_o some_o time_n take_v this_o method_n not_o think_v it_o fit_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v the_o revelation_n he_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o write_v but_o take_v the_o case_n as_o it_o now_o be_v namely_o that_o mankind_n be_v vast_o multiply_v that_o our_o life_n be_v much_o shorten_v and_o contract_v to_o what_o at_o first_o they_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o be_v numerous_a and_o many_o and_o that_o carelessness_n and_o debauchery_n have_v arrest_v the_o world_n and_o i_o affirm_v that_o some_o other_o mean_v beside_o oral_a tradition_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o revelation_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o for_o 1._o the_o failure_n of_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o preserve_n either_o thing_n humane_a or_o divine_a argue_v that_o god_n have_v merciful_o condescend_v to_o give_v a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o some_o more_o certain_a method_n of_o convey_v it_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o place_n and_o time_n remote_a from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o than_o tradition_n be_v how_o many_o famous_a institutes_n of_o ethnic_a legislator_n and_o theory_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v lose_v through_o not_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v i_o will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v at_o present_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n that_o man_n be_v not_o self-originated_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o create_v impure_a but_o that_o sin_n by_o some_o accident_n or_o other_o make_v its_o entrance_n afterward_o into_o the_o world_n i_o will_v likewise_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o common_a parent_n of_o mankind_n whoever_o they_o be_v make_v their_o immediate_a posterity_n acquaint_v with_o those_o important_a thing_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o insufficient_a oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v they_o among_o the_o gentile_a nation_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o which_o those_o philosopher_n who_o approach_n near_a the_o truth_n allege_v thing_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v be_v plain_o borrow_v from_o the_o moysaicall_a record_n the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d insolent_a daemon_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n which_o some_o of_o they_o suggest_v be_v evident_o steal_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n or_o at_o least_o learned_a by_o converse_n with_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v but_o shall_v we_o grant_v that_o all_o these_o and_o whatever_o else_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v preserve_v by_o tradition_n among_o themselves_o yet_o their_o account_n about_o these_o great_a important_a matter_n be_v so_o scanty_a inconsistent_a and_o ridiculous_a that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o just_a and_o full_a report_n which_o be_v communicate_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o their_o immediate_a offspring_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n though_o most_o easy_a to_o have_v be_v preserve_v be_v not_o only_o short_a and_o plain_a but_o have_v foundation_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v nevertheless_o soon_o corrupt_v and_o deface_v by_o the_o world_n lapse_v into_o polytheism_n 2._o in_o order_n to_o tradition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o convey_v down_o revelation_n to_o successive_a age_n we_o must_v suppose_v both_o a_o care_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o all_o to_o learn_v it_o and_o that_o perfect_o a_o equal_a capacity_n in_o all_o to_o understand_v and_o remember_v it_o a_o regard_n in_o every_o one_o to_o instruct_v other_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n in_o what_o themselves_o have_v learned_a for_o if_o either_o through_o sloth_n difference_n of_o ability_n entanglement_n by_o the_o world_n or_o corruption_n of_o manner_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v what_o will_v soon_o become_v of_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o secure_v their_o communication_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o beside_o tradition_n now_o he_o that_o will_v believe_v all_o man_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a capacity_n equal_a fidelity_n equal_a diligence_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o contradict_v the_o daily_a experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v impossible_a namely_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o mistake_v about_o institution_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o we_o find_v actual_o to_o be_v 3._o that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a medium_fw-la of_o convey_v revelation_n to_o mankind_n by_o which_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o palpable_a falsehood_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o need_v only_a instance_n the_o oral_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n among_o which_o i_o may_v say_v with_o modesty_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o so_o far_o from_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n be_v so_o trifle_a absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n they_o shall_v have_v ever_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n 4_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o arriv'_v with_o he_o in_o way_n of_o tradition_n till_o he_o have_v some_o assurance_n that_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o his_o instructer_n unless_o he_o shall_v take_v his_o teacher_n to_o be_v infallible_a now_o as_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v moral_o impossible_a at_o least_o for_o most_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o neither_o have_v time_n ability_n nor_o opportunity_n of_o resolve_v themselves_o by_o converse_n with_o every_o individual_a so_o the_o last_o be_v groundless_a and_o absurd_a and_o indeed_o constitute_v all_o man_n infallible_a neither_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o impose_v upon_o other_o what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o convey_n down_o revelation_n with_o security_n by_o oral_a tradition_n make_v equal_o against_o its_o conveyance_n in_o write_v by_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v as_o word_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o conception_n so_o write_v be_v the_o register_n of_o word_n and_o if_o man_n may_v deceive_v in_o their_o vocal_a report_n they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o consignment_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n to_o script_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v first_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v whether_o those_o that_o do_v not_o write_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v ever_o the_o major_a number_n be_v at_o a_o agreement_n with_o those_o that_o write_v second_o be_v be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o impossible_a for_o person_n of_o mean_a part_n secular_a vocation_n etc._n etc._n to_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o all_o those_o that_o have_v write_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o can_v make_v a_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n three_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o endless_o entangle_v when_o we_o find_v they_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o four_o to_o add_v no_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n both_o whether_o in_o that_o they_o write_v they_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o those_o of_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o also_o whether_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o which_o may_v be_v in_o their_o young_a and_o unexperienced_a year_n they_o throw_v into_o paper_n or_o whether_o afterward_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o they_o
the_o conduct_v we_o in_o religion_n second_o to_o evidence_n the_o expediency_n that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v some_o where_o consign_v to_o write_v three_o to_o make_v appear_v that_o nothing_o can_v pretend_v to_o this_o claym_v of_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o the_o bible_n four_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v positive_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o this_o supernatural_a law_n and_o that_o as_o well_o by_o those_o authentic_a mark_n and_o signature_n which_o it_o have_v subjective_o impress_v on_o it_o as_o by_o those_o objective_a evidence_n which_o in_o way_n of_o external_n testimony_n god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o as_o to_o the_o first_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n offer_v themselves_o in_o proof_n of_o it_o 1_o st_z all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v hereupon_o necessary_o and_o by_o short_a deduction_n lead_v to_o a_o belief_n that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o have_v be_v no_o nation_n so_o savage_a nor_o people_n so_o barbarous_a who_o have_v not_o acknowledge_v some_o kind_n of_o external_n performance_n necessary_a for_o the_o express_v of_o the_o inward_a sentiment_n of_o devotion_n and_o honour_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o a_o deity_n i_o know_v epicurus_n by_o deny_v god_n either_o to_o have_v make_v the_o world_n or_o to_o govern_v it_o do_v in_o effect_n both_o overthrow_v his_o be_v and_o undermine_v that_o adoration_n which_o he_o allege_v must_v be_v pay_v he_o because_o of_o the_o transcendent_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o omnipotence_n justice_n and_o goodness_n be_v bestow_v upon_o he_o in_o vain_a if_o he_o neither_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o regard_v it_o be_v make_v nor_o will_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o persuade_v man_n to_o worship_n god_n if_o we_o neither_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o our_o be_v nor_o under_o his_o care_n and_o if_o he_o no_o more_o respect_v our_o adoration_n than_o if_o we_o do_v reproach_n and_o blaspheme_v he_o yet_o this_o i_o say_v that_o never_o any_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n but_o they_o withal_o confess_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v now_o forasmuch_o as_o without_o be_v instruct_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o certainty_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n etc._n etc._n this_o can_v never_o be_v regular_o nor_o rational_o if_o at_o all_o perform_v and_o see_v natural_a light_n at_o least_o as_o subjective_n at_o present_a in_o we_o have_v in_o many_o thousand_o instance_n appear_v insufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o reasonable_o conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n 2_o lie_n as_o all_o mankind_n be_v imbue_v with_o a_o persuasion_n both_o that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v so_o they_o be_v also_o convince_v that_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n at_o present_a towards_o god_n be_v the_o religion_n of_o sinner_n in_o all_o the_o address_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o god_n they_o constant_o apply_v to_o he_o under_o a_o sense_n of_o defilement_n and_o gild_n in_o all_o their_o transaction_n from_o time_n to_o time_n with_o a_o deity_n they_o have_v be_v study_v how_o to_o purge_v and_o cleanse_v themselves_o and_o atone_v and_o appease_v he_o now_o sinner_n can_v perform_v nothing_o due_o in_o religion_n towards_o god_n without_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o subordination_n we_o be_v create_v in_o at_o first_o to_o he_o his_o right_n and_o authority_n to_o prescribe_v law_n to_o we_o the_o capacity_n we_o be_v in_o both_o of_o know_v and_o keep_v they_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o sin_n enter_v that_o god_n will_v not_o desert_n the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o that_o ruin_n which_o it_o have_v incur_v by_o its_o own_o folly_n but_o that_o he_o be_v yet_o appeasable_a towards_o we_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o worship_n and_o service_n at_o our_o hand_n with_o the_o way_n means_n and_o term_n that_o he_o will_v receive_v we_o again_o into_o favour_n and_o rescue_v we_o from_o the_o defilement_n we_o labour_v under_o without_o some_o information_n in_o every_o one_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a foundation_n for_o sinner_n to_o apply_v in_o way_n of_o religion_n to_o god_n at_o all_o and_o shall_v they_o attempt_v it_o they_o will_v do_v nothing_o but_o prevaricate_v see_v then_o the_o experience_n of_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n have_v evidence_v the_o ineffectualness_n of_o natural_a light_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n in_o any_o one_o of_o these_o thing_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o also_o infer_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n 3_o lie_n all_o mankind_n have_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o that_o beside_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v some_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o man_n for_o his_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n in_o religion_n the_o necessity_n of_o commerce_n in_o way_n of_o revelation_n betwixt_o god_n and_o man_n have_v so_o universal_o and_o deep_o possess_v the_o ethnic_a world_n that_o they_o think_v every_o invention_n that_o be_v excellent_a whether_o in_o science_n or_o art_n to_o have_v derive_v its_o original_a immediate_o from_o heaven_n of_o this_o principle_n do_v the_o ancient_a politician_n and_o legislator_n serve_v their_o own_o end_n and_o particular_a design_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v the_o people_n the_o more_o pliable_a to_o their_o institution_n they_o pretend_v converse_v with_o some_o deity_n or_o other_o by_o who_o they_o be_v prompt_v to_o such_o and_o such_o thing_n the_o necessity_n of_o a_o divine_a interposure_n in_o determine_v the_o rite_n and_o mystery_n of_o religion_n give_v rise_v to_o all_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n upon_o this_o principle_n be_v the_o credit_n of_o dream_n and_o divination_n erect_v the_o thing_n of_o itself_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o pervert_v in_o the_o application_n lay_v the_o heathen_a world_n open_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o enthusiast_n astrologer_n soothsayer_n diviner_n etc._n etc._n be_v convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o prophetic_a light_n they_o conceive_v it_o as_o much_o diffuse_v as_o the_o natural_a and_o that_o as_o every_o thing_n do_v in_o some_o design_n or_o other_o participate_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o think_v that_o it_o do_v so_o of_o his_o prescience_n egypt_n hence_o not_o a_o stick_n in_o the_o wood_n bird_n in_o the_o air_n line_n in_o the_o hand_n gut_n in_o the_o sacrifice_n but_o be_v judge_v prophetical_a upon_o this_o account_n celsus_n express_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a in_o general_n tell_v we_o 4._o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d brute_n beast_n be_v not_o only_o wise_a than_o mankind_n but_o more_o dear_a to_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o they_o conceive_v that_o god_n convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o futurity_n to_o man_n through_o they_o not_o only_o the_o soul_n be_v judge_v to_o come_v into_o the_o body_n pregnant_a with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prophetical_a power_n only_o that_o it_o be_v muffle_v by_o its_o commixture_n and_o confusion_n with_o this_o earthly_a lump_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plutarch_n express_v it_o but_o the_o very_a earth_n be_v think_v big_a with_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prophetic_a efflux_n and_o most_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o the_o pythia_n that_o stand_v over_o it_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v inspire_v orac._n i_o know_v that_o in_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o also_o in_o their_o opinion_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o their_o poet_n and_o such_o other_o as_o be_v repute_v the_o first_o instituter_n of_o their_o mystery_n they_o be_v gross_o mistake_v yet_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o only_o foolish_o mis-applied_n be_v genuine_a natural_a and_o true_a namely_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o some_o divine_a discovery_n see_v to_o this_o purpose_n plato_n de_fw-fr legibus_fw-la and_o in_o his_o alcibiades_n together_o with_o what_o be_v say_v by_o camero_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o sir_n charles_n wolseley_n in_o his_o reasonableness_n of_o scripture_n belief_n from_o pag._n 123._o to_o 128._o 3_o i_o have_v also_o say_v somewhat_o elsewhere_o about_o it_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o guide_v and_o conduct_v man_n in_o religious_a concernment_n be_v thus_o brief_o declare_v and_o establish_v i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n endeavour_n to_o make_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v expedient_a that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o consign_v to_o write_v nor_o be_v this_o the_o safe_a way_n only_o of_o convey_v doctrine_n down_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o in_o some_o case_n the_o only_a way_n
do_v not_o alter_v their_o opinion_n as_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n than_o be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o regulation_n of_o mankind_n in_o religious_a concernment_n so_o it_o be_v also_o needful_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v somewhere_o or_o other_o consign_v to_o writing_n and_o that_o by_o person_n immediate_o inspire_v there_o be_v no_o other_o medium_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v but_o it_o will_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o fallibility_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o way_n beside_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o such_o record_n by_o which_o we_o can_v rational_o justify_v our_o reception_n of_o they_o or_o attain_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d security_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v so_o record_v i_o have_v discourse_v the_o two_o forego_v particular_n in_o way_n of_o surplusage_n the_o theme_n i_o be_o upon_o not_o require_v they_o for_o if_o we_o can_v but_o demonstrate_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o world_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o it_o be_v consign_v to_o write_v in_o the_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n our_o obligation_n to_o receive_v that_o book_n be_v indispensable_a and_o our_o concern_v in_o it_o be_v infinite_o momentous_a though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o conduct_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o needful_a and_o much_o more_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o commit_v it_o to_o write_v yet_o pursue_v the_o thread_n i_o have_v begin_v and_o take_v it_o for_o prove_v both_o that_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v register_v some_o where_o or_o other_o in_o writing_n i_o advance_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a namely_o that_o no_o write_a record_n beside_o the_o bible_n can_v lay_v claim_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v and_o move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n there_o be_v no_o book_n can_v rival_n the_o scripture_n in_o this_o pretence_n first_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ethnic_a legislator_n poet_n and_o philosopher_n be_v not_o fit_a to_o put_v in_o a_o demurrer_n to_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o matter_n many_o of_o the_o record_n of_o the_o institution_n and_o law_n of_o the_o ethnic_a religion_n be_v lose_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o reprieve_n and_o those_o which_o remain_v whether_o relate_v to_o their_o mythick_n politic_a or_o natural_a theology_n contain_v matter_n so_o extravagant_a and_o absurd_a and_o be_v stuff_v with_o dogm_n so_o repugnant_a both_o to_o natural_a light_n and_o one_o another_o that_o he_o must_v have_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n who_o can_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v proceed_v from_o god_n the_o whole_a heathen_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o abuse_n of_o that_o natural_a inclination_n which_o all_o man_n have_v to_o worship_v a_o god_n who_o because_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o how_o he_o will_v be_v serve_v they_o guess_v at_o both_o in_o the_o dark_a mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n instruct_v they_o both_o in_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v worship_v fall_v to_o exercise_v their_o rational_a power_n not_o only_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v but_o in_o what_o manner_n he_o will_v be_v serve_v and_o whereas_o have_v they_o attend_v to_o reason_n they_o may_v by_o short_a ratiocination_n have_v learn_v a_o great_a deal_n as_o to_o both_o in_o the_o negative_a namely_o what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o what_o service_n will_v not_o please_v he_o and_o have_v they_o improve_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o seed_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o they_o they_o may_v have_v arrive_v at_o something_o not_o inconsiderable_a as_o to_o the_o affirmative_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o first_o yet_o partly_o through_o a_o stretch_v their_o line_n beyond_o its_o measure_n partly_o through_o supiness_n and_o carelessness_n in_o their_o deduction_n they_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o prevaricate_v in_o the_o whole_a they_o undertake_v and_o whereas_o they_o may_v have_v be_v assist_v in_o their_o theologick_n speculation_n by_o the_o work_v of_o god_n and_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o be_v the_o objective_n help_v leave_v they_o they_o do_v as_o to_o both_o shameful_o corrupt_v themselves_o for_o instead_o of_o be_v conduct_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n by_o his_o work_n these_o they_o deify_v serve_v the_o creature_n which_o shall_v have_v guide_v they_o to_o the_o creator_n and_o hence_o spring_v sabaism_n and_o all_o the_o oriental_a idolatry_n and_o for_o ancient_a tradition_n these_o they_o woeful_o disguise_v and_o adulterate_v by_o innumerable_a fable_n and_o thence_o arise_v their_o mythick_n theology_n but_o still_o find_v themselves_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o be_v also_o possess_v with_o a_o persuasion_n that_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o religious_a concernment_n they_o become_v expose_v to_o a_o twofold_a further_o inconvenience_n first_o cunning_a man_n by_o pretend_v either_o to_o inspiration_n or_o converse_n with_o some_o deity_n obtrude_v upon_o they_o what_o they_o please_v and_o here_o statesman_n do_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n play_v their_o part_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o much_o of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o stratagem_n of_o ruler_n and_o little_a art_n of_o government_n second_o satan_n take_v a_o occasion_n hence_o of_o abuse_v mankind_n by_o oracle_n either_o immediate_o utter_v or_o by_o man_n who_o he_o act_v and_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o devil_n organ_n utter_v what_o he_o inspire_v they_o with_o nor_o do_v i_o mean_v this_o only_a with_o reference_n to_o their_o oracular_a priest_n and_o pythian_a virgin_n but_o i_o include_v both_o their_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n the_o poet_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a author_n of_o the_o ethnic_a divinity_n and_o be_v general_o judge_v inspire_v plato_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n speak_v to_o we_o by_o they_o in_o his_o dialogue_n style_v jon._n it_o be_v likely_a enough_o that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v inspire_v but_o by_o who_o their_o write_n abundant_o discover_v menon_n nor_o be_v their_o philosopher_n who_o plato_n also_o affirm_v to_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d act_v by_o any_o better_a spirit_n many_o of_o they_o of_o one_o sect_n as_o well_o as_o another_o be_v rank_a magician_n in_o brief_a the_o multiplicity_n of_o their_o god_n their_o stuff_v their_o worship_n with_o adultery_n and_o impure_a mixture_n their_o appease_n their_o deity_n by_o humane_a victim_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o thing_n else_o that_o may_v be_v muster_v against_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o many_o demonstration_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v divine_a who_o can_v suppose_v that_o to_o be_v sacred_a which_o be_v impure_a or_o conceive_v that_o which_o over-throws_a humanity_n shall_v have_v proceed_v from_o god_n there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o find_v any_o thing_n there_o for_o our_o conduct_n in_o religion_n where_o we_o be_v so_o much_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o find_v the_o measure_n of_o moral_a virtue_n the_o write_n of_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o philosopher_n be_v then_o void_a of_o all_o just_a pretence_n of_o admission_n for_o supernatural_a and_o divine_a record_n reason_n will_v with_o the_o like_a demonstrative_a evidence_n convince_v we_o that_o this_o claim_n be_v undue_o also_o ascribe_v to_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v true_a mahomet_n pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n most_n think_v that_o he_o counterfeit_v in_o his_o pretence_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o as_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n he_o do_v so_o but_o that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o immediate_a interposure_n of_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o case_n so_o that_o he_o be_v deceive_v himself_o ere_o he_o go_v about_o to_o deceive_v other_o i_o be_o not_o so_o well_o assure_v the_o epileptical_a distemper_n to_o which_o he_o be_v subject_a have_v in_o other_o be_v attend_v with_o diabolical_a insinuation_n the_o age_n in_o which_o he_o live_v be_v enthusiastical_o incline_v and_o the_o grosseness_n of_o the_o arabian_a wit_n together_o with_o the_o subserviency_n of_o ethnic_a idolatry_n which_o remain_v up_o and_o down_o among_o they_o may_v encourage_v satan_n to_o make_v a_o attempt_n that_o way_n among_o that_o people_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v indeed_o so_o or_o whether_o the_o whole_a be_v single_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o himself_o and_o one_o or_o two_o impostor_n more_o that_o assist_v he_o be_v
without_o boldness_n and_o danger_n and_o much_o more_o be_v they_o to_o be_v forbid_v in_o the_o sacred_a eloquence_n nor_o be_v the_o same_o metaphor_n to_o be_v use_v before_o every_o auditory_a which_o may_v pass_v for_o ornament_n &_o light_n before_o person_n of_o learning_n &_o ingenuity_n a_o chief_a part_n of_o pulpit-oratory_n consist_v in_o adapt_a ourselves_o to_o the_o hearer_n we_o speak_v to_o for_o what_o grace_n &_o beautify_v a_o discourse_n to_o one_o assembly_n discommend_v and_o render_v it_o useless_a to_o another_o especial_o poetic_a metaphor_n and_o such_o as_o can_v be_v understand_v without_o a_o insight_n into_o the_o mythology_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v to_o be_v avoid_v allusion_n to_o their_o fable_n and_o romantic_a story_n be_v both_o incongruous_a to_o &_o unworthy_a of_o a_o sacred_a subject_n the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o method_n we_o ought_v religious_o to_o conform_v to_o have_v express_v matter_n of_o religion_n only_o by_o such_o natural_a thing_n as_o we_o familiar_o converse_v with_o and_o by_o the_o common_a employment_n of_o humane_a life_n 2_o we_o must_v not_o crowd_v they_o too_o thick_a for_o that_o instead_o of_o illustrate_v a_o subject_n darken_v it_o and_o in_o the_o room_n of_o delight_v the_o mind_n and_o surprise_v the_o affection_n they_o dazzle_v and_o oppress_v they_o longinus_n tell_v we_o that_o caecilius_n will_v admit_v but_o two_o or_o at_o most_o three_o in_o reference_n to_o one_o matter_n but_o the_o subject_n can_v only_o best_a regulate_v we_o in_o this_o for_o the_o same_o air_n of_o eloquence_n do_v not_o become_v every_o theme_n 28._o longinus_n note_n that_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o metaphor_n may_v be_v allow_v supra_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o the_o affection_n be_v carry_v like_o a_o torrent_n and_o the_o passion_n raise_v to_o a_o become_a height_n and_o inflame_v with_o a_o due_a ardour_n a_o plurality_n of_o metaphor_n be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o expedient_a when_o the_o subject_a we_o be_v treat_v of_o be_v so_o sublime_a that_o allusion_n to_o one_o thing_n do_v not_o serve_v to_o illustrate_v it_o and_o as_o this_o be_v often_o our_o case_n in_o display_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n so_o we_o have_v the_o precedent_n of_o god_n himself_o in_o it_o when_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n fetch_v from_o from_o one_o sort_n of_o subject_n do_v not_o serve_v to_o illustrate_v the_o matter_n treat_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o the_o several_a species_n of_o creature_n be_v call_v in_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o hieroglyphical_a of_o it_o 3_o metaphor_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v slovenly_a and_o sordid_a i_o the_o rather_o mention_v this_o in_o that_o i_o find_v the_o nonconformist_n charge_v for_o stuff_v their_o sermon_n with_o kitchin-metaphor_n &_o rascal_n similitude_n 163._o there_o be_v thing_n enough_o clean_o and_o innocent_a to_o fetch_v allusion_n and_o analogy_n from_o even_o then_o when_o we_o address_v to_o the_o vulgar_a without_o defile_v the_o purity_n of_o religion_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v sluttish_a or_o nasty_a one_o of_o the_o original_a fountain_n of_o metaphor_n be_v the_o array_a thing_n in_o themselves_o uncomely_a in_o a_o dress_n w_z ch_z may_v not_o offend_v the_o severe_a modesty_n &_o it_o be_v a_o pity_n to_o have_v the_o antidote_n pervert_v into_o poison_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o declare_v that_o in_o a_o modest_a metaphorick_n phraseology_n which_o proper_o express_v will_v grate_v upon_o a_o chaste_a ear_n or_o mind_n be_v a_o ingredient_n into_o vulgar_a oratory_n how_o much_o more_o ought_v it_o to_o obtain_v a_o place_n in_o the_o eloquence_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n the_o holy_a ghost_n forbid_v even_o in_o common_a discourse_n not_o only_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d obsceness_n 5.4_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v render_v childish_a and_o foolish_a quibble_n for_o the_o term_n in_o its_o native_a signification_n denote_v the_o handsome_a turn_n or_o change_v of_o a_o word_n and_o be_v use_v to_o signify_v urbanity_n or_o pleasantness_n of_o conversation_n 8._o and_o according_o aristotle_n reckon_v it_o for_o a_o virtue_n but_o the_o apostle_n plain_o take_v it_o in_o a_o evil_a sense_n i_o know_v not_o why_o it_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v foolish_a jingle_n with_o word_n or_o insignificant_a prate_n i_o be_o sure_a suidas_n render_v it_o not_o only_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d boyish_a levity_n but_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d clownishness_n do_v we_o in_o our_o usage_n of_o metaphor_n make_v the_o scripture_n pattern_n our_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o we_o shall_v debase_v ourselves_o to_o the_o allowance_n of_o any_o that_o be_v uncivil_a or_o immodest_a a_o discreet_a person_n will_v easy_o find_v enough_o to_o please_v the_o fancy_n without_o offend_v either_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o or_o disparage_v the_o subject_a whereof_o he_o treat_v yet_o i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o what_o some_o man_n brand_v for_o kitchen_n metaphor_n and_o rascal_n similitude_n be_v clean_o enough_o and_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o in_o compliance_n with_o the_o exigency_n of_o theme_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o auditor_n nor_o need_v there_o any_o other_o apology_n for_o most_o of_o they_o but_o that_o the_o sanctuary_n as_o its_o worthy_a of_o gold_n and_o precious_a stone_n so_o it_o reject_v not_o goat_n hair_n and_o badger_n skin_n upon_o the_o whole_a provide_v the_o rule_n suggest_v be_v attend_v to_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o beside_o the_o use_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v intend_v we_o may_v also_o use_v other_o common_a and_o ordinary_a one_o at_o least_o to_o express_v though_o not_o to_o prove_v our_o thought_n and_o though_o such_o do_v not_o serve_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v for_o yet_o they_o may_v serve_v to_o impress_v and_o inculcate_v they_o §_o 8._o have_v discourse_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o offer_v in_o and_o about_o metaphor_n in_o general_a and_o have_v both_o declare_v the_o measure_n of_o expound_v and_o apply_v scripture-ones_a and_o the_o rule_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o usurpation_n of_o other_o there_o now_o only_o remain_v a_o few_o thing_n to_o be_v suggest_v to_o obviate_v the_o scoffing_n and_o revile_n whereby_o the_o nonconformist_n be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v expose_v to_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o use_n of_o metaphorick_n term_n and_o the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o loud_a clamour_n and_o most_o invidious_a reflection_n levy_v against_o they_o in_o this_o matter_n proceed_v from_o a_o disrespect_n to_o and_o fall_v with_o the_o same_o picquancy_n upon_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o they_o may_v well_o be_v admit_v to_o speak_v reproachful_o of_o man_n who_o have_v the_o the_o boldness_n to_o do_v so_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n only_o i_o think_v they_o will_v do_v better_a to_o deny_v the_o scripture_n all_o claim_n of_o be_v divine_a than_o to_o treat_v it_o with_o the_o contempt_n which_o some_o do_v after_o they_o have_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n many_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o passage_n quarrel_v at_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o fanatic_n be_v plain_o no_o other_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v condescend_v to_o use_v in_o his_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v the_o same_o course_n expression_n that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o make_v use_v of_o that_o it_o may_v suit_n the_o dulness_n of_o our_o understanding_n that_o i_o may_v use_v chrysostom_n word_n allegory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o the_o most_o part_n of_o the_o reproach_n which_o be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o fanatic_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o style_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n argue_v the_o bestower_n of_o they_o guilty_a of_o profaneness_n against_o the_o scrippture_n as_o well_o as_o incivility_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n in_o derogation_n of_o who_o esteem_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o write_v i_o know_v this_o will_v be_v think_v too_o plain_a and_o tuant_fw-la nor_o shall_v i_o have_v so_o blank_o charge_v they_o if_o they_o have_v either_o the_o wit_n or_o modesty_n to_o receive_v instruction_n by_o gentle_a insinuation_n but_o i_o remember_v that_o when_o dr._n owen_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o the_o great_a guilt_n of_o some_o of_o the_o phrase_n carp_v at_o it_o may_v be_v 161._o be_v only_o their_o too_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o expression_n use_v in_o scripture_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n