such_o a_o impress_n of_o god_n authority_n on_o the_o scripture_n that_o any_o who_o consider_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v can_v but_o discern_v i_o still_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o impress_n lie_v in_o the_o positive_a assertion_n in_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o that_o can_v be_v unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o writing_n shall_v pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o in_o the_o write_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o let_v it_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o any_o one_o mere_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o write_n themselves_o without_o any_o further_a argument_n can_v pronounce_v the_o proverb_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o not_o the_o book_n of_o wisdom_n and_o ecclesiaste_v to_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o not_o ecclesiasticus_fw-la or_o else_o the_o self-evidence_n must_v be_v in_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n but_o this_o still_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o resolve_v whole_o the_o question_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o utmost_a that_o this_o can_v reach_v to_o be_v that_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v of_o so_o high_a and_o excellent_a a_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o any_o other_o shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o god_n himself_o all_o which_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o as_o far_o to_o seek_v as_o ever_o what_o ground_n i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o those_o particular_a write_n which_o we_o call_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o that_o god_n do_v immediate_o employ_v such_o and_o such_o person_n to_o write_v such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o i_o may_v believe_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o believe_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o many_o excellent_a devotional_a book_n which_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o further_o if_o the_o only_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n divine_a be_v the_o self-evidencing_a light_n and_o power_n of_o it_o than_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o ground_n of_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v declare_v without_o write_v by_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o so_o that_o by_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v send_v as_o the_o mâ—ssias_n send_v from_o god_n must_v be_v whole_o and_o sole_o resolve_v into_o this_o that_o there_o be_v so_o much_o self-evidence_n in_o this_o proposition_n utter_v by_o christ_n i_o be_o the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n that_o all_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v bind_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o send_v from_o god_n for_o light_n manifest_v its_o self_n although_o our_o saviour_n have_v never_o do_v any_o one_o miracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o can_v but_o charge_v our_o saviour_n on_o this_o account_n with_o be_v at_o a_o very_a unnecessary_a expense_n upon_o the_o world_n in_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n when_o the_o bare_a naked_a affirmation_n that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v convince_v the_o whole_a world_n but_o be_v it_o conceivable_a then_o upon_o what_o account_n our_o saviour_n shall_v lay_v so_o much_o force_n on_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o himself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a that_o he_o say_v himself_o that_o he_o have_v a_o great_a witness_n than_o that_o of_o john_n who_o yet_o doubtless_o have_v 36._o self-evidencing_a light_n go_v along_o with_o his_o doctrine_n too_o for_o the_o work_n which_o the_o father_n have_v give_v i_o to_o finish_v the_o same_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o that_o the_o father_n have_v send_v i_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o have_v great_a self-evidence_n in_o it_o then_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o these_o word_n do_v lay_v the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a testimony_n upon_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v which_o on_o that_o account_n he_o so_o often_o appeal_v to_o on_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o he_o and_o if_o 24._o they_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o on_o his_o own_o testimony_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v he_o for_o his_o work_n sake_n do_v all_o this_o now_o amount_v only_o to_o a_o remove_n of_o prejudices_fw-la from_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o yet_o according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o objection_n we_o be_v consider_v of_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v do_v if_o these_o miracle_n may_v be_v so_o far_o do_v or_o counterfeit_v by_o false_a christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o which_o the_o objection_n pretend_v and_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n 3_o wherein_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a triumph_v so_o much_o that_o christ_n shall_v foretell_v that_o other_o shall_v come_v and_o do_v miracle_n cels._n which_o they_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o and_o thence_o will_v infer_v as_o from_o christ_n own_o confession_n that_o miracle_n have_v in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nothing_o divine_a but_o what_o may_v be_v do_v by_o wicked_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v it_o not_o a_o wretched_a thing_n say_v he_o that_o from_o the_o same_o work_v one_o shall_v be_v account_v a_o god_n and_o other_o deceiver_n whereby_o those_o who_o will_v invalidate_v the_o argument_n from_o miracle_n may_v take_v notice_n how_o fine_o they_o fall_v in_o with_o one_o of_o the_o most_o bitter_a enemy_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n which_o he_o do_v and_o therefore_o origen_n reply_v to_o he_o will_v reach_v they_o too_o for_o say_v he_o our_o saviour_n in_o those_o word_n of_o he_o do_v not_o bid_v man_n beware_v in_o general_a of_o such_o as_o do_v miracle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o bid_v they_o beware_v of_o that_o when_o man_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v the_o true_a christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o endeavour_v to_o draw_v christ_n disciple_n from_o he_o by_o some_o mere_a appearance_n in_o stead_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o christ_n be_v evident_o make_v appear_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o the_o powerful_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v what_o pretence_n of_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o some_o strange_a wonder_n which_o they_o wrought_v and_o from_o hence_o as_o he_o further_o observe_v may_v be_v just_o infer_v contrary_a to_o what_o celsus_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v certain_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n in_o miracle_n when_o these_o false_a christ_n give_v themselves_o out_o to_o be_v christ_n mere_o from_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o have_v this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o false_a christ_n which_o have_v appear_v they_o have_v make_v this_o their_o great_a pretence_n that_o they_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o god_n may_v just_o permit_v they_o to_o do_v to_o punish_v the_o great_a infidelity_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o christ_n notwithstanding_o those_o frequent_a and_o apparent_a miracle_n which_o he_o do_v which_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v those_o of_o any_o such_o pretender_n such_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v jonathas_n who_o after_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n as_o josephus_n tell_v we_o draw_v many_o of_o the_o people_n into_o the_o wilderness_n of_o cyrene_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d promise_v to_o show_v they_o many_o prodigy_n and_o strange_a appearance_n not_o long_o after_o in_o the_o time_n of_o adrian_n appear_v that_o famous_a blazing-star_n barchochebas_n who_o not_o only_o portend_v but_o bring_v so_o much_o mischief_n upon_o the_o jew_n his_o pretence_n be_v that_o he_o vomit_v flame_n and_o so_o he_o do_v such_o as_o consume_v himself_o and_o his_o follower_n after_o he_o many_o other_o impostor_n arise_v in_o egypt_n cyprus_n and_o crete_n who_o all_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o pretence_n of_o do_v miracle_n in_o latter_a time_n the_o famous_a impostor_n be_v david_n el-david_n who_o story_n be_v thus_o brief_o report_v by_o david_n ganz_n david_n el-david_n pretend_v to_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o rebel_v against_o 895._o the_o king_n of_o persia_n and_o do_v many_o sign_n and_o prodigy_n before_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n at_o last_o his_o head_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o the_o jew_n fine_v a_o hundred_o talent_n of_o gold_n in_o the_o epistle_n
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v bring_v in_o both_o of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n and_o the_o church_n sully_v settle_v in_o receive_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n universal_o we_o find_v god_n do_v continue_v this_o power_n among_o they_o but_o after_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v general_o embrace_v as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o from_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o power_n that_o they_o reject_v the_o pretender_n to_o it_o such_o as_o the_o donatist_n be_v and_o plead_v upon_o the_o same_o account_n as_o we_o do_v now_o against_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o we_o see_v then_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o miracle_n to_o be_v continue_v where_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v settle_v as_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o there_o be_v only_o these_o two_o case_n then_o wherein_o miracle_n may_v just_o and_o with_o reason_n be_v expect_v first_o when_o any_o person_n 4._o come_v as_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a commission_n from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n either_o to_o deliver_v some_o peculiar_a message_n or_o to_o do_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a service_n second_o when_o something_o that_o have_v be_v before_o establish_v by_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o some_o other_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o first_o when_o any_o come_v upon_o a_o extraordinary_a message_n to_o the_o world_n in_o the_o name_n of_o and_o by_o commission_n from_o god_n than_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n to_o require_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a evidence_n of_o such_o authority_n because_o of_o the_o main_a importance_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o give_v credit_n to_o such_o a_o person_n and_o the_o great_a sin_n of_o be_v guilty_a of_o reject_v that_o divine_a authority_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o and_o in_o this_o case_n we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v require_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n to_o believe_v where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v sufficient_a argument_n for_o faith_n nor_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v person_n for_o such_o a_o fault_n which_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o indeed_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o necessitate_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o he_o do_v so_o clear_o propound_v the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o all_o argument_n induce_v to_o it_o as_o may_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o believer_n choice_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o may_v leave_v all_o unbeliever_n without_o excuse_n i_o can_v see_v what_o account_n a_o man_n can_v give_v to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n much_o less_o what_o apology_n he_o can_v make_v to_o other_o for_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v in_o point_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o conviction_n there_o must_v be_v some_o clear_a evidence_n give_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o now_o what_o conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
aut_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la corum_fw-la tantas_fw-la animorum_fw-la ficri_fw-la conversiones_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la carnisices_fw-la unci_fw-la aliique_fw-la innumeri_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la diximus_fw-la impendeant_fw-la credituris_fw-la uâ—luti_fw-la quadam_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la atque_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la amore_fw-la correpti_fw-la cognitas_fw-la accipiant_fw-la rationes_fw-la atque_fw-la mundi_fw-la omnibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la praeponant_fw-la amicitias_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o no_o fear_n penalty_n or_o torment_n be_v able_a to_o mâ—ke_v a_o christian_a alter_v his_o profession_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o life_n then_o to_o his_o saviour_n this_o origen_n likewise_o frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o celsus_n 110._o have_v object_v the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n the_o more_o wonderful_a it_o be_v say_v origen_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o shall_v so_o large_o spread_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o divine_a providence_n how_o much_o less_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o once_o to_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o pour_v of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o the_o first_o engage_v to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o become_v master_n over_o all_o its_o enemy_n and_o not_o only_o spread_v its_o self_n quite_o through_o greece_n but_o through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o convert_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n what_o evidence_n there_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v of_o it_o and_o how_o useful_a the_o first_o miracle_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochelas_n david_n el-david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v 1_o just_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v by_o way_n of_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o discourse_n manifest_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o only_a remain_a question_n concern_v this_o subject_n be_v how_o we_o may_v certain_o distinguish_v true_a and_o real_a miracle_n from_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o there_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o real_a miracle_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o seek_v when_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o those_o person_n who_o do_v they_o unless_o a_o way_n be_v find_v out_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o unless_o man_n through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o incogitancy_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n than_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o which_o have_v make_v man_n of_o better_a affection_n than_o understanding_n so_o ready_a to_o suspect_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n concern_v divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n but_o may_v we_o not_o therefore_o safe_o rely_v on_o such_o miracle_n which_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n can_v not_o be_v wrought_v but_o by_o divine_a power_n because_o forsooth_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o abuse_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o be_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v such_o as_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o or_o because_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o ground_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o his_o doctrine_n true_a be_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v now_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o a_o sufficient_a account_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o the_o only_a rational_a pretence_n of_o any_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v a_o suppose_a uncertainty_n in_o our_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o note_n of_o difference_n whereby_o to_o know_v divine_a miracle_n from_o delusion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apparent_a insufficiency_n in_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o blame_v nothing_o but_o our_o incredulity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o they_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n find_v out_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a and_o second_o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a note_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la râ—i_fw-la between_o miracle_n and_o those_o call_v wonder_n as_o that_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a agent_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o for_o this_o leave_v the_o enquir_a as_o far_o to_o
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o 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impartial_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v see_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o religion_n as_o i_o do_v the_o content_n book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o 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of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o hermes_n trismegistus_n of_o his_o inscription_n on_o pillar_n transcribe_v by_o manetho_n his_o fabulousness_n thence_o discover_v terra_fw-la seriadica_n of_o seth_n pillar_n in_o josephus_n and_o a_o account_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v pag._n 25_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o chaldean_a history_n the_o contest_v of_o antiquity_n among_o heathen_a nation_n and_o the_o way_n of_o decide_v it_o of_o the_o chaldean_a astrology_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n of_o the_o zabiâ—_n their_o founder_n who_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o old_a chaldee_n of_o berosus_n and_o his_o history_n a_o account_n of_o the_o fabulous_a dynastye_n of_o berosus_n and_o manetho_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o prolomy_n of_o that_o translation_n and_o the_o time_n of_o it_o of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n scaliger_n argument_n answer_v 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we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v but_o their_o name_n of_o other_o only_o the_o
serve_v other_o go_n how_o unlikely_a then_o be_v it_o that_o this_o tradition_n 2._o shall_v be_v afterward_o preserve_v entire_a when_o the_o people_n god_n have_v peculiar_o choose_v to_o himself_o be_v so_o mix_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o prone_a to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n attest_v with_o the_o great_a miracle_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v then_o have_v they_o never_o be_v bring_v forth_o of_o egypt_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n leave_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a age_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o memorable_a thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o sacred_a record_n we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o record_n go_v under_o his_o name_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o 2._o fact_n do_v 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demonstrate_v the_o folly_n of_o such_o a_o demand_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o whoever_o yet_o undertake_v to_o bring_v matter_n of_o fact_n into_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o think_v he_o have_v ground_n to_o 1._o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o prove_v in_o a_o mathematical_a way_n to_o he_o who_o will_v ever_o undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o archimedes_n be_v kill_v at_o syracuse_n by_o any_o of_o the_o demonstration_n he_o be_v then_o about_o or_o that_o euclid_n be_v the_o undoubted_a author_n of_o the_o geometry_n under_o his_o name_n or_o do_v man_n question_v these_o thing_n for_o want_n of_o such_o demonstration_n yet_o this_o be_v all_o we_o at_o present_a desire_n but_o the_o same_o liberty_n here_o which_o be_v use_v in_o any_o thing_n of_o a_o like_a nature_n 2._o i_o demand_v of_o the_o person_n who_o deny_v this_o moral_a certainty_n to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o assent_n whether_o he_o do_v question_v 2._o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v he_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o a_o voyage_n to_o anticyrae_n or_o to_o be_v sound_o purge_v with_o hellebore_n to_o free_v he_o from_o those_o cloudy_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o suspect_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v a_o imposture_n but_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o man_n so_o destitute_a of_o reason_n as_o â—o_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v then_o firm_o believe_v any_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o then_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n as_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n have_v which_o he_o most_o firm_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v from_o he_o 3._o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o most_o concern_v and_o weighty_a 3._o action_n of_o man_n life_n be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o rely_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o title_n to_o estate_n derive_v from_o ancestor_n either_o by_o donation_n or_o purchase_n in_o all_o trade_n which_o go_v upon_o the_o moral_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o france_n or_o spain_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o journeying_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o for_o these_o we_o have_v but_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o affirmative_n be_v indemonstrable_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v poison_v by_o every_o bit_n of_o meat_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n do_v we_o therefore_o continual_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o chief_o this_o be_v see_v in_o all_o natural_a affection_n and_o piety_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n which_o undoubted_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v witness_n of_o themselves_o viz._n their_o come_n out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v any_o one_o think_v this_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o contrary_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o in_o short_a then_o either_o we_o must_v destroy_v all_o historical_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o much_o attest_v but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n not_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la but_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la subest_fw-la dubium_fw-la i._n e._n a_o assent_n undoubted_a though_o not_o infallible_a by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o little_a reason_n the_o atheist_n on_o one_o side_n can_v have_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o what_o little_a ground_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o thing_n where_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fâ—ct_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n 4._o viz._n that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o which_o i_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n 2._o the_o settle_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n upon_o the_o law_n deliver_v by_o moses_n 1._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n most_o capable_a of_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o know_v nothing_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n can_v possible_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n concern_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n beyond_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o have_v a_o great_a capacity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o we_o can_v have_v and_o those_o be_v all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v live_v near_a those_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o have_v best_a understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v can_v we_o possible_o conceive_v that_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o transgress_v the_o law_n
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
therein_o shall_v be_v afterward_o confirm_v be_v the_o scripture_n a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n while_o this_o be_v want_v in_o it_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n discharge_v their_o place_n when_o they_o leave_v something_o unrevealed_a to_o we_o be_v this_o a_o duty_n before_o these_o miracle_n or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v what_o need_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o not_o christ_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o all_o necessary_a condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o whatever_o be_v require_v as_o a_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o damnation_n last_o man_n faith_n will_v be_v leave_v at_o continual_a uncertainty_n for_o we_o know_v not_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n may_v still_o make_v new_a article_n of_o say_v or_o constitute_v new_a duty_n by_o fresh_a miracle_n i_o must_v go_v and_o inquire_v what_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o every_o place_n to_o see_v that_o i_o miss_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o in_o order_n to_o my_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o man_n pretend_v to_o deliver_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o confirm_v it_o by_o miracle_n but_o they_o must_v manifest_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o miracle_n on_o which_o that_o doctrine_n be_v believe_v or_o else_o they_o must_v use_v another_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o confirm_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o hard_a task_n of_o all_o have_v need_n be_v prove_v by_o very_o sufficient_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n such_o as_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o believe_v those_o be_v miracle_n and_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o medium_n produce_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o by_o this_o discourse_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a first_o that_o no_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o when_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v already_o establish_v by_o they_o if_o those_o miracle_n tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o derogation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o those_o former_a miracle_n second_o that_o when_o the_o full_a doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v establish_v by_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n therein_o deliver_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o demand_v miracle_n of_o those_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v who_o do_v first_o solemn_o profess_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o second_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n but_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v every_o true_a christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v much_o more_o all_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v which_o be_v in_o their_o place_n to_o reform_v all_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o christianity_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n or_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o require_v miracle_n from_o our_o first_o reformer_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n with_o have_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v come_v with_o a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o have_v be_v some_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o demand_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o only_a design_n be_v to_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o its_o abuse_n and_o although_o that_o by_o jerome_n be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o our_o saviour_n great_a miracle_n yet_o this_o by_o we_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o private_a christian_n these_o by_o their_o prayer_n minister_n by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o magistrate_n by_o their_o just_a authority_n chap._n iu._n the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n in_o order_n of_o prophet_n to_o succeed_v moses_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n the_o place_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o to_o a_o prophetical_a office_n of_o the_o music_n use_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o roman_a assamenta_n and_o the_o greek_a hymn_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n lieger_n and_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a prophet_n take_v out_o of_o the_o school_n prove_v by_o amos_n and_o saul_n but_o although_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v be_v complete_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 1_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n either_o to_o expect_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirm_v the_o old_a yet_o under_o the_o law_n god_n train_v up_o his_o people_n by_o degree_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o divine_a messenger_n call_v prophet_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n as_o to_o who_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v considerable_a first_o those_o prophet_n who_o work_n be_v to_o inform_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v their_o chief_a task_n have_v no_o need_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o god_n do_v not_o consummate_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n but_o appoint_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n to_o be_v among_o they_o to_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n unto_o they_o now_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v establish_v among_o they_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o thaâ—_n every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o they_o upon_o a_o errand_n from_o god_n shall_v prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v true_a by_o miracle_n when_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n he_o deliver_v nothing_o dissonant_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v one_o argument_n god_n intend_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n in_o his_o law_n for_o tâ—e_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o inspire_v or_o no_o deut._n 15._o 21_o 22._o and_o in_o that_o same_o place_n god_n do_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n deut._n 18._o 15_o 18._o a_o prophet_n will_v the_o lord_n god_n raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o like_o unto_o i_o to_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v which_o word_n though_o in_o their_o full_a and_o complete_a sense_n they_o do_v relate_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o whoever_o attend_v to_o the_o full_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o immediate_a sense_n of_o they_o do_v relate_v to_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n which_o shall_v succeed_v moses_n among_o the_o jew_n between_o who_o and_o moses_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a similitude_n as_o to_o their_o birth_n call_v and_o doctrine_n though_o not_o a_o just_a equality_n which_o be_v exclude_v deut._n 34._o 10_o 11._o and_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o other_o prophet_n fall_v so_o much_o short_a of_o moses_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v as_o be_v there_o large_o express_v nor_o may_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o by_o a_o prophet_n shall_v be_v understand_v a_o order_n or_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_n that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n be_v understand_v a_o rank_n and_o succession_n of_o several_a person_n in_o the_o same_o name_n &_o function_n and_o that_o it_o be_v
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
this_o god_n may_v do_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o mean_n faith_n whether_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o true_a doctrine_n confirm_v by_o great_a miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o and_o be_v confirm_v by_o false_a prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n now_o in_o this_o case_n our_o rule_n of_o trial_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o whether_o real_a or_o no_o as_o the_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o which_o these_o wonder_n tend_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o therefore_o god_n people_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n whatever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v they_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v then_o the_o standard_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o work_v miracle_n so_o that_o let_v the_o miracle_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o they_o contradict_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o only_a trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n or_o no._n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o examine_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o lipsius_n his_o relation_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o diva_n virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n for_o if_o i_o see_v that_o their_o intention_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n or_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o deity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v ignorant_a of_o on_o that_o very_a account_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o reject_v they_o all_o although_o i_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n between_o true_a miracle_n and_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o this_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o curiosity_n so_o of_o less_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n infinite_o above_o these_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o and_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v it_o much_o less_o although_o some_o popish_a priest_n may_v boast_v much_o of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n may_v in_o judgement_n give_v those_o image_n power_n to_o work_v or_o other_o faith_n to_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v now_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n which_o the_o scripture_n forewarn_v 9_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v viz._n such_o as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n or_o of_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a there_o the_o effect_n which_o 3._o follow_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a i._n e._n the_o effect_n of_o believe_v of_o they_o be_v the_o drawing_z of_o man_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v much_o upon_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o draw_v a_o people_n off_o from_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o purge_a man_n soul_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o make_v they_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o exactness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o cels._n thereby_o origen_n discover_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o antichrist_n wonder_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n whereby_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o deceive_a but_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v with_o any_o probability_n say_v that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o daily_a progress_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a deceit_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v because_o by_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n the_o eye_n of_o blind_a soul_n be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o goodness_n be_v open_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o be_v lame_a in_o their_o inward_a man_n be_v so_o heal_v as_o to_o delight_n to_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o imposture_n and_o pretend_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o diabolical_a power_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o god_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a obligation_n to_o duty_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o early_a ape_n of_o the_o apostle_n simon_n magus_n who_o far_o outgo_v apollonius_n tyaneus_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a in_o his_o pretend_a miracle_n according_a to_o the_o report_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o we_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o miracle_n be_v to_o raise_v opusc_n a_o admiration_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n by_o affert_v among_o other_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n what_o man_n do_v but_o only_o what_o they_o believe_v wherein_o the_o gnostic_n be_v his_o follower_n now_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v easy_o know_v from_o who_o they_o come_v those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n this_o 4._o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v out_o of_o man_n power_n to_o effect_v must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n divine_a or_o diabolical_a for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v every_o kingdom_n 26._o divide_v against_o its_o self_n be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o its_o self_n can_v stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v now_o christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n too_o as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o and_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n for_o 1._o the_o devil_n design_n be_v to_o conceal_v himself_o among_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o discover_v he_o who_o the_o gentile_n worship_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o their_o ruin_n now_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o gentilism_n the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o state_n which_o the_o devil_n use_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v â—â—en_o and_o worship_v for_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o belieuâ—_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—â—ns_n be_v very_o good_a and_o benign_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canonist_n and_o other_o philosopherâ—â—o_v â—o_z much_o 〈◊〉_d against_o the_o primitiâ—â—_n christian_n when_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d their_o daemon_n to_o be_v nothing_o â—he_v but_o inâ—â—â—al_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o seek_v the_o
which_o it_o may_v be_v be_v uncapable_a of_o full_a and_o particular_a resolution_n and_o those_o be_v that_o the_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n of_o man_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o and_o that_o his_o salvation_n be_v from_o god_n alone_o if_o then_o man_n ruin_n and_o misery_n be_v from_o himself_o which_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o much_o inculcate_v on_o all_o occasion_n then_o without_o controversy_n that_o which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v whole_o from_o himself_o too_o which_o be_v sin_n so_o that_o if_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o by_o which_o without_o the_o intervention_n of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n man_v misery_n unavoidable_o fall_v upon_o he_o for_o with_o what_o authority_n and_o majesty_n do_v god_n in_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v all_o manner_n of_o sin_n with_o what_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n do_v he_o woo_v the_o sinner_n to_o forsake_v his_o sin_n with_o what_o loathe_n and_o detestation_n do_v he_o mention_v sin_n with_o what_o justice_n and_o severity_n do_v he_o punish_v sin_n with_o what_o wrath_n and_o indignation_n do_v he_o threaten_v contumacious_a sinner_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a after_o all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o holiness_n of_o god_n nature_n his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o his_o appoint_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o solemn_a punishment_n of_o sinner_n to_o imagine_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v in_o the_o least_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o god_n or_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n do_v right_a will_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a justice_n purity_n and_o holiness_n punish_v the_o sinner_n for_o that_o which_o himself_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o far_o be_v such_o unworthy_a thought_n from_o our_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n much_o more_o of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v declare_v his_o mind_n so_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o and_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v true_a together_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v in_o the_o general_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n we_o come_v to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o account_n 2._o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v any_o way_n charge_v it_o upon_o god_n there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n which_o according_a to_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n record_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o man_n may_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n fall_n either_o first_o by_o the_o give_v he_o that_o positive_a law_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n or_o second_o by_o leave_v he_o to_o the_o liberty_n of_o his_o own_o will_n first_o the_o giving_z of_o that_o positive_a law_n can_v be_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o lay_v man_n fault_n on_o god_n because_o 1._o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v govern_v by_o law_n or_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o his_o maker_n for_o consider_v man_n as_o a_o free_a agent_n there_o can_v be_v no_o way_n imagine_v so_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o this_o be_v because_o thereby_o he_o may_v declare_v his_o obedience_n to_o god_n to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o free_a choice_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o act_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o there_o must_v be_v a_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n according_a to_o which_o man_n may_v expect_v either_o his_o reward_n or_o punishment_n if_o it_o be_v suitable_a to_o god_n nature_n to_o promise_v life_n to_o man_n upon_o obedience_n it_o be_v not_o unsuitable_a to_o it_o to_o expect_v obedience_n to_o every_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n consider_v the_o absolute_a sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n which_o god_n have_v over_o man_n as_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o obey_v whatever_o his_o mâ—ker_n do_v command_v he_o so_o that_o god_n have_v full_a and_o absolute_a right_n to_o require_v from_o man_n what_o he_o do_v as_o to_o the_o law_n which_o he_o give_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o in_o the_o general_n we_o can_v conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o testimony_n of_o man_n obedience_n towards_o hâ—s_n creator_n without_o some_o declaration_n of_o his_o creator_n will._n second_o god_n have_v full_a power_n and_o authority_n not_o only_o to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n but_o to_o determine_v man_n general_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o particular_a positive_a precept_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o which_o man_n fall_v if_o god_n power_n over_o man_n be_v universal_a and_o unlimited_a what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o imagine_v it_o shall_v not_o extend_v to_o such_o a_o positive_a law_n be_v it_o because_o the_o matter_n of_o this_o law_n seem_v too_o low_a for_o god_n to_o command_v his_o creature_n but_o whatever_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o law_n be_v obedience_n to_o god_n be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o man_n have_v testify_v as_o much_o in_o that_o instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o and_o in_o the_o violation_n of_o it_o be_v employ_v the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o disobedience_n for_o god_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v as_o much_o contemn_v his_o goodness_n slight_v his_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n question_v his_o name_n dishonour_v his_o majesty_n affront_v in_o the_o breach_n of_o that_o as_o of_o any_o other_o law_n whatsoever_o it_o have_v be_v if_o the_o law_n be_v easy_a to_o be_v observe_v the_o great_a be_v the_o sin_n of_o disobedience_n if_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o its_o self_n yet_o god_n authority_n add_v the_o great_a weight_n to_o it_o and_o the_o ground_n of_o obedience_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v but_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o be_v it_o then_o because_o god_n conceal_v from_o man_n his_o counsel_n in_o give_v of_o that_o positive_a precept_n have_v not_o then_o a_o legislator_n power_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o he_o satisfy_v every_o one_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o command_v it_o if_o so_o what_o become_v of_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o make_v any_o probative_a precept_n on_o this_o account_n and_o the_o legislator_n must_v be_v charge_v with_o the_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n where_o he_o do_v not_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v which_o as_o it_o concern_v humane_a legislator_n who_o have_v not_o that_o absolute_a power_n and_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v be_v contrary_a to_o all_o law_n of_o policy_n and_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o world_n this_o plutarch_n give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o numine_fw-la when_o he_o discourse_v â—o_o rational_o of_o the_o sobriety_n which_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n action_n for_o say_v he_o physician_n will_v give_v prescription_n without_o give_v the_o patient_a a_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o circumstance_n in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o have_v humane_a law_n always_o apparent_a reason_n for_o they_o nay_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o appearance_n ridiculous_a for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o that_o law_n of_o the_o lacedaemonian_a ephori_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o which_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v annex_v but_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o command_v every_o magistrate_n at_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o office_n to_o â—have_v himself_o and_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o that_o they_o may_v learn_v to_o obey_v law_n themselves_o he_o further_o instance_v in_o the_o roman_a custom_n of_o manumission_n their_o law_n about_o testament_n solon_n law_n against_o neutrality_n in_o sedition_n and_o conclude_v thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d any_o one_o will_v easy_o find_v many_o absurdity_n in_o law_n who_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o intention_n of_o the_o legislator_n or_o the_o ground_n of_o what_o he_o require_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o we_o be_v so_o puzzle_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o those_o of_o the_o deity_n this_o can_v be_v then_o any_o ground_n on_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a reason_n to_o lay_v the_o charge_n of_o man_n disobedience_n upon_o god_n because_o he_o require_v from_o
friend_n and_o while_o he_o be_v there_o thrust_v up_o his_o spear_n into_o a_o swallow_n nest_n and_o pull_v it_o down_o and_o kill_v the_o young_a one_o his_o friend_n ask_v he_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o you_o bear_v say_v he_o how_o they_o false_o accuse_v i_o and_o cry_v out_o that_o i_o have_v kill_v my_o father_n which_o be_v by_o the_o person_n present_v carry_v to_o the_o king_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o find_v out_o he_o be_v execute_v for_o it_o such_o strange_a way_n do_v providence_n sometime_o use_v to_o show_v how_o vigilant_a it_o be_v even_o when_o we_o think_v it_o sleep_v the_o most_o 5._o though_o god_n spare_v the_o person_n of_o wicked_a man_n he_o do_v not_o defer_v their_o punishment_n when_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o evil_a action_n be_v the_o great_a torment_n to_o they_o maxima_fw-la peccatâ—_n pena_fw-la est_fw-la peccasse_fw-la as_o seneca_n speak_v sin_n bear_v its_o own_o punishment_n along_o with_o it_o wickedness_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o most_o exquisite_a contriver_n of_o misery_n which_o fill_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o commit_v it_o with_o continual_a consternation_n anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n but_o as_o that_o often_o and_o deserve_o cite_v author_v on_o this_o subject_n plutarch_n tell_v we_o most_o man_n be_v in_o this_o like_a child_n who_o when_o they_o behold_v malefactor_n in_o the_o theatre_n in_o their_o cloth_n of_o gold_n and_o purple_a robe_n with_o their_o crown_n on_o their_o head_n dance_v about_o they_o admire_v they_o and_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v most_o happy_a man_n till_o they_o see_v they_o lash_v and_o beat_v and_o fire_n come_v out_o from_o their_o brave_a apparel_n so_o say_v he_o as_o long_o as_o man_n see_v other_o in_o their_o pomp_n and_o grandeur_n they_o think_v they_o far_o from_o punishment_n till_o they_o behold_v their_o execution_n which_o say_v he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o entrance_n of_o their_o punishment_n as_o the_o perfection_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o long_o the_o time_n of_o their_o life_n be_v the_o long_a be_v the_o time_n of_o their_o punishment_n here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v not_o punish_v when_o they_o grow_v old_a but_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a in_o punishment_n can_v we_o say_v a_o person_n be_v punish_v while_o he_o be_v in_o prison_n and_o have_v his_o fetter_n upon_o he_o till_o his_o execution_n come_v nor_o that_o one_o that_o have_v drink_v poison_n be_v a_o die_a while_n he_o walk_v about_o till_o the_o cold_a come_v to_o his_o heart_n and_o kill_v he_o if_o we_o deny_v say_v he_o that_o all_o the_o inquietude_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o wicked_a man_n have_v be_v no_o part_n of_o their_o punishment_n we_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o a_o fish_n which_o bath_n swallow_v the_o hook_n be_v not_o take_v because_o he_o be_v not_o fry_v or_o cut_v in_o piece_n so_o it_o be_v with_o every_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v swallow_v the_o hook_n when_o he_o have_v commit_v a_o evil_a action_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o his_o conscience_n within_o he_o as_o he_o express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o the_o prophet_n expression_n be_v the_o wicked_a be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n which_o cast_v forth_o nothing_o but_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o 31._o apollodorus_n dream_v that_o he_o be_v flay_v and_o boil_a by_o the_o scythian_n and_o that_o his_o heart_n speak_v to_o he_o out_o of_o the_o cauldron_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o god_n deal_v by_o wicked_a man_n as_o caligula_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v of_o those_o he_o command_v to_o be_v execute_v ferret_v ut_fw-la sentiant_fw-la se_fw-la mori_fw-la he_o so_o punish_v they_o as_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o their_o punishment_n and_o as_o tacitus_n speak_v of_o cruel_a and_o wicked_a person_n quorum_fw-la mentes_fw-la si_fw-la recludantur_fw-la possâ—nt_fw-la aspici_fw-la laniatus_fw-la &_o ictus_fw-la quando_fw-la ut_fw-la corpora_fw-la verberibus_fw-la ita_fw-la saevitia_fw-la libidine_fw-la malis_fw-la consult_v be_v animus_n dilaceretur_fw-la wiekedness_n be_v the_o only_a fury_n which_o continual_o haunt_v and_o lash_v those_o who_o delight_n in_o it_o and_o leave_v still_o behind_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d loathsome_a and_o terrible_a perturbation_n secret_a gripe_n of_o conscience_n and_o self_n condemn_v thought_n for_o their_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n like_o lysimachus_n who_o for_o extreme_a thirst_n offer_v his_o kingdom_n to_o the_o getae_n to_o quench_v it_o which_o when_o he_o have_v do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o a_o wretch_n be_v i_o say_v he_o to_o lose_v such_o a_o kingdom_n for_o so_o short_a a_o pleasure_n and_o though_o wicked_a man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o far_o more_o glorious_a kingdom_n than_o this_o of_o lysimachus_n viz._n that_o of_o heaven_n yet_o they_o can_v but_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o they_o have_v lose_v that_o kingdom_n which_o every_o good_a man_n have_v in_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o his_o spirit_n and_o the_o command_n of_o his_o passion_n 6._o the_o time_n that_o god_n spare_v wicked_a man_n be_v not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o think_v for_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o plutarch_n say_v as_o if_o we_o shall_v complain_v that_o the_o malefactor_n be_v punish_v in_o the_o evening_n and_o not_o in_o the_o morning_n god_n forbearance_n be_v but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a time_n compare_v with_o his_o own_o duration_n we_o measure_v god_n by_o the_o short_a hourglass_n of_o our_o own_o time_n when_o we_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o confine_v he_o to_o our_o measure_n the_o time_n seem_v long_o to_o we_o but_o it_o be_v as_o nothing_o in_o its_o self_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n compare_v with_o eternity_n be_v nothing_o beside_o all_o this_o time_n god_n suffer_v wicked_a man_n to_o live_v here_o he_o have_v they_o under_o safe_a custody_n he_o do_v but_o let_v they_o take_v the_o air_n within_o the_o prison-wall_n or_o it_o may_v be_v they_o may_v play_v and_o sport_n themselves_o there_o but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o escape_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a justice_n 7._o god_n forbear_v wicked_a man_n here_o because_o the_o time_n be_v to_o come_v wherein_o god_n intend_v to_o punish_v they_o this_o be_v the_o high_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o present_a impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o this_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a season_n for_o the_o open_a execution_n of_o justice._n there_o be_v but_o few_o in_o comparison_n who_o justice_n cause_v to_o be_v execute_v in_o the_o â—rison_n of_o what_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o general_a assize_n god_n reserve_v they_o for_o a_o fair_a and_o open_a trial_n for_o the_o great_a vindication_n of_o his_o honour_n and_o manifestation_n of_o his_o justice_n to_o the_o world_n and_o although_o god_n judgement_n even_o in_o this_o world_n be_v sometime_o so_o remarkable_a that_o we_o can_v but_o see_v a_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v but_o few_o who_o god_n do_v so_o remarkable_o punish_v here_o to_o make_v we_o more_o firm_o believe_v a_o day_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v which_o though_o it_o be_v most_o clear_o and_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n yet_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o from_o mere_a reason_n have_v have_v such_o a_o persuasion_n of_o it_o that_o they_o have_v give_v this_o as_o another_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n do_v forbear_v to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n here_o because_o he_o do_v reserve_v they_o for_o future_a punishment_n for_o as_o the_o same_o moralist_n speak_v in_o the_o same_o discourse_n concern_v the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o present_a life_n be_v the_o place_n of_o the_o soul_n 561._o combat_n which_o when_o it_o have_v finish_v it_o than_o receive_v according_a to_o its_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o as_o he_o before_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o same_o reason_n which_o confirm_v providence_n do_v likewise_o confirm_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o if_o one_o be_v take_v away_o the_o other_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o if_o the_o soul_n do_v subsist_v after_o death_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o it_o shall_v there_o receive_v either_o reward_n or_o punishment_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o far_o natural_a light_n and_o moral_a reason_n will_v carry_v man_n in_o the_o vindicate_a divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o present_a impunity_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o other_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n be_v not_o of_o so_o great_a difficulty_n because_o there_o be_v none_o so_o good_a 22._o as_o
after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o amercia_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n 1._o of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fiâ—â—t_a age_n of_o the_o world_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v not_o only_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n as_o to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o for_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n fall_n shall_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o all_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v from_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n give_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v person_n existent_a in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o adam_n be_v since_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n some_o greek_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leave_v 26._o out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o arabic_a version_n to_o explain_v both_o reads_z it_o ex_fw-la homine_fw-la or_o as_o de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr render_v it_o ex_fw-la adamo_n uno_fw-la there_o be_v but_o the_o difference_n of_o one_o letter_n in_o the_o eastern_a language_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o denote_v blood_n and_o the_o other_o man_n but_o if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o our_o more_o ordinary_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o thereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o praeadamite_n weak_o imagine_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n not_o only_a mankind_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o blood_n since_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o form_v out_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v there_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o occur_v in_o the_o best_a greek_a author_n for_o the_o stock_n out_o of_o which_o man_n come_v so_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o thence_o those_o who_o be_v near_a relation_n be_v call_v in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thence_o the_o name_n of_o consanguinity_n for_o nearness_n of_o relation_n and_o virgil_n use_v sanguis_fw-la in_o the_o same_o sense_n trojano_n à _fw-la sanguine_fw-la duci_fw-la so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o however_o man_n now_o be_v so_o disperse_v in_o their_o habitation_n and_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o language_n and_o custom_n from_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o be_v original_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o do_v derive_v their_o succession_n from_o that_o first_o man_n who_o god_n create_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v on_o what_o account_n adam_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o first_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o 47._o earth_n earthy_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o denote_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_o the_o first_o of_o his_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o when_o our_o saviour_n will_v reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o beginning_n he_o instance_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v pronounce_v after_o eve_n be_v form_v but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n god_n make_v they_o male_a and_o 7._o female_a for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o from_o hence_o to_o argue_v thus_o those_o of_o who_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o adam_n say_v this_o be_v now_o bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n 24._o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n if_o the_o scripture_n then_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o mankind_n be_v descend_v from_o adam_n and_o no_o less_o conspicuous_a be_v it_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o deliver_v by_o moses_n for_o how_o necessary_a have_v it_o be_v for_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v 2._o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o have_v discover_v by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v first_o plant_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o plantation_n before_o adam_n but_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o design_n of_o moses_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o that_o adam_n be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o that_o stock_n be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o from_o adam_n and_o noah_n but_o from_o sem_fw-mi abraham_n and_o isaac_n come_v other_o nation_n beside_o that_o of_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n only_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o the_o history_n of_o adam_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o make_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v over_o it_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o second_o ver_fw-la of_o genesis_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v of_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o light_n and_o production_n of_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n refer_v only_o to_o that_o as_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n relate_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n answer_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o second_o moses_n begin_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n very_o probable_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o put_v asunder_o those_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o nothing_o be_v for_o do_v not_o moses_n plain_o at_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o formation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o six_o day_n and_o of_o his_o rest_n on_o the_o seven_o but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v rest_v then_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n if_o after_o this_o follow_v the_o formation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o if_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 7._o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v gen._n 1._o 27._o then_o by_o all_o parity_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o generation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 4._o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 1._o 1._o and_o so_o if_o there_o be_v another_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v to_o
the_o jew_n in_o gen._n 2._o we_o may_v likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o that_o chapter_n distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a again_o further_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n before_o adam_n no_o doubt_n adam_n himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n not_o of_o all_o live_a thing_n for_o that_o 20._o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a description_n of_o a_o ceres_n or_o magna_fw-la mater_fw-la or_o diana_n multimammia_n of_o our_o grandmother_n the_o earth_n but_o certain_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o kind_n that_o all_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n come_v from_o she_o so_o the_o chaldeâ—_n paraphra_v understand_v it_o she_o be_v call_v hava_n because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o arabic_a version_n quia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fuit_fw-la mater_fw-la omnis_fw-la viventis_fw-la rationalis_fw-la to_o which_o 65_o purpose_n our_o learned_a selden_n cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o mauritanian_a jew_n and_o the_o persic_a of_o tawasius_fw-la but_o what_o ever_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o these_o version_n be_v this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o adam_n have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o have_v give_v this_o name_n to_o his_o wife_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o of_o mankind_n exist_v in_o the_o world_n from_o other_o mother_n which_o have_v be_v long_o before_o eve_n be_v form_v so_o that_o we_o find_v it_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o if_o the_o report_n give_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeadamite_n be_v undoubted_o false_a and_o certain_o who_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o fiction_n and_o his_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o may_v easy_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o that_o author_n be_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o opinion_n from_o those_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v show_v of_o which_o be_v pitiful_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o argument_n make_v his_o opinion_n more_o plausible_a his_o hope_n be_v that_o his_o opinion_n will_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o account_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unsatisfactory_a since_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n which_o the_o scripture_n to_o please_v the_o jewish_a nation_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o so_o that_o after_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o prostitute_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o opinion_n his_o next_o work_n have_v be_v to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n as_o not_o of_o credit_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o any_o when_o they_o be_v so_o common_a to_o every_o opinion_n but_o how_o impious_a absurd_a and_o rude_a that_o attempt_n be_v upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o full_o discover_v by_o his_o very_o many_o not_o unlearned_a adversary_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o weak_o ground_v and_o infirm_o prove_v a_o opinion_n have_v it_o not_o thus_o far_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o fabulous_a opinion_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptian_n and_o other_o have_v be_v full_o take_v away_o in_o our_o first_o bsok_n where_o our_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o those_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o heathen_a nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o flood_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o that_o figment_n but_o only_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a conciseness_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o report_v that_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o flood_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o conciseness_n such_o thing_n be_v report_v as_o speedy_o do_v because_o immediate_o succeed_v in_o the_o story_n which_o ask_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o they_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o beside_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o the_o flood_n be_v all_o quite_o obliterated_a by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o numerous_a posterity_n of_o adam_n be_v then_o destroy_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o family_n except_v to_o what_o purpose_n have_v it_o be_v any_o further_a to_o have_v report_v the_o passage_n before_o the_o flood_n otherwise_o then_o thereby_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n and_o such_o action_n in_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o man_n wickedness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v most_o apparent_a at_o first_o in_o cain_n and_o his_o posteriry_n do_v by_o degree_n so_o spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a world_n that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o send_v a_o deluge_n among_o they_o to_o sweep_v away_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o generation_n to_o succeed_v they_o this_o therefore_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n after_o the_o flood_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n as_o to_o which_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o from_o such_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v questionable_a to_o reason_n concern_v the_o flood_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o preserve_v all_o kind_n of_o animal_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o flood_n as_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o have_v suppose_v it_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o water_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o air_n suppose_v it_o to_o fall_v down_o shall_v raise_v the_o surface_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o balf_a in_o height_n so_o that_o either_o new_a water_n must_v be_v create_v to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n or_o else_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v a_o rarefaction_n of_o the_o water_n contain_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o river_n so_o that_o it_o must_v take_v up_o at_o least_o fifteen_o time_n the_o space_n that_o now_o it_o do_v but_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o water_n have_v be_v thus_o rarify_v it_o can_v neither_o have_v destroy_v man_n nor_o beast_n neither_o can_v noabs_n ark_n have_v be_v bear_v up_o by_o it_o any_o more_o than_o by_o liquid_a air_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o can_v see_v any_o urgent_a necessity_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o flood_n do_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o all_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o mankind_n those_o in_o the_o ark_n except_v be_v destroy_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v thus_o express_v and_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a â—_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v destroy_v man_n who_o i_o have_v create_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o particular_a deluge_n of_o so_o small_a a_o country_n as_o palestine_n which_o be_v here_o express_v as_o some_o have_v ridiculous_o imagine_v for_o we_o find_v a_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o earth_n mention_v as_o the_o cause_n a_o universal_a threaten_a upon_o
shall_v discover_v further_o than_o god_n general_a goodness_n to_o such_o as_o please_v he_o but_o no_o foundation_n can_v be_v gather_v thence_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v offender_n which_o be_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n must_v alone_o be_v discover_v by_o his_o will._n i_o can_v think_v the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n be_v such_o itinerant_a preacher_n as_o to_o unfold_v unto_o we_o the_o whole_a counsel_n and_o will_n of_o god_n in_o reference_n to_o man_n acceptance_n with_o god_n upon_o repentance_n it_o be_v not_o every_o star_n in_o the_o firmament_n can_v do_v that_o which_o the_o star_n once_o do_v to_o the_o wise_a man_n lead_v they_o unto_o christ._n the_o sun_n in_o the_o heaven_n be_v no_o parhelius_fw-la to_o the_o son_n of_o righteousness_n the_o best_a astronomer_n will_v never_o find_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o number_n what_o st._n austin_n say_v oâ—_n tully_n work_n be_v true_a of_o the_o whole_a volume_n of_o the_o creation_n there_o be_v admirable_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o legible_a there_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n be_v not_o engrave_v on_o the_o work_n of_o providence_n if_o it_o have_v a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v unnecessary_a and_o the_o apostle_n be_v send_v on_o a_o needless_a errand_n which_o the_o world_n have_v understand_v without_o their_o preach_v viz_o that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n unto_o himself_o not_o impute_v to_o man_n their_o trespass_n and_o have_v commit_v to_o they_o the_o ministry_n of_o reconciliation_n 19_o how_o be_v the_o word_n of_o reconciliation_n commit_v to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o apostle_n quaere_fw-la elsewhere_o may_v have_v be_v easy_o answer_v how_o can_v man_n hear_v without_o a_o preacher_n for_o than_o they_o may_v have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o salvation_n without_o 14._o any_o special_a messenger_n send_v to_o deliver_v it_o to_o they_o i_o grant_v that_o god_n long_o suffer_v and_o patience_n be_v intend_v to_o lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o that_o some_o general_a collection_n may_v be_v make_v from_o providence_n of_o the_o placability_n of_o god_n nature_n and_o that_o god_n never_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n of_o his_o goodness_n in_o the_o world_n be_v king_n to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o do_v good_a in_o give_v rain_n and_o fruitful_a season_n but_o though_o 36._o these_o thing_n may_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o such_o who_o be_v apprehensive_a of_o the_o guilt_n of_o sin_n that_o god_n do_v not_o act_v according_a to_o his_o great_a severity_n and_o thereby_o do_v give_v man_n encouragement_n to_o hearken_v out_o &_o inquire_v after_o the_o true_a way_n of_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n yet_o all_o this_o amount_v not_o to_o a_o firm_a foundation_n for_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o do_v suppose_v god_n himself_o publish_v a_o act_n of_o grace_n and_o indemnity_n to_o the_o world_n wherein_o he_o assure_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n to_o such_o as_o true_o repent_v and_o unfeigned_o believe_v his_o holy_a gospel_n now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o inestimable_a advantage_n we_o enjoy_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o therein_o we_o understand_v what_o god_n himself_o have_v discover_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o pardon_v sin_n upon_o those_o gracious_a term_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o that_o which_o necessary_o follow_v from_o these_o two_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n 2._o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o most_o faithful_a representation_n of_o â—_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o world_n be_v almost_o lose_v in_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n condition_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o divine_a revelation_n be_v make_v know_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v brrught_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o discover_v in_o a_o uncertain_a platonical_a way_n but_o with_o the_o great_a light_n and_o evidence_n from_o that_o god_n who_o have_v the_o supreme_a disposal_n of_o soul_n and_o therefore_o best_o know_v and_o understand_v they_o the_o scripture_n plain_o and_o full_o reveal_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v in_o which_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n when_o every_o one_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o unto_o god_n and_o god_n will_v call_v man_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o stewardship_n here_o of_o all_o the_o receipt_n they_o have_v have_v from_o he_o and_o the_o expense_n they_o have_v be_v at_o and_o the_o improvement_n they_o have_v make_v of_o the_o talent_n he_o put_v into_o their_o hand_n so_o that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o full_a instrument_n of_o discovery_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o condition_n which_o abide_v it_o upon_o its_o be_v dislodge_v from_o the_o body_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n discover_v as_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o soul_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o prospective-glass_n reach_v to_o its_o future_a state_n but_o it_o be_v the_o most_o faithful_a looking-glass_n to_o discover_v all_o the_o spot_n and_o deformity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o not_o only_o show_v where_o they_o be_v but_o whence_o they_o come_v what_o their_o nature_n be_v and_o whether_o they_o tend_v the_o true_a original_a of_o all_o that_o disorder_n and_o discomposure_n which_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v only_o full_o and_o satisfactory_o give_v we_o in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v the_o nature_n and_o work_n of_o this_o corruption_n in_o man_n have_v never_o be_v so_o clear_o manifest_v have_v not_o the_o law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v discover_v to_o the_o world_n that_o be_v the_o glass_n whereby_o we_o see_v the_o secret_a work_n of_o those_o bee_n in_o our_o heart_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o folly_n of_o our_o imagination_n the_o unruliness_n of_o our_o passion_n the_o distemper_n of_o our_o will_n and_o the_o abundant_a deceitfulness_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o most_o elephantine_n sinner_n one_o of_o the_o great_a magnitude_n so_o to_o trouble_v these_o water_n as_o not_o therein_o to_o discover_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o own_o deformity_n but_o that_o which_o tend_v most_o to_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a senseless_a spirit_n of_o man_n the_o scripture_n do_v most_o full_o describe_v the_o tendency_n of_o corruption_n that_o the_o wage_n of_o sin_n be_v death_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o continuance_n in_o sin_n will_v be_v the_o everlasting_a misery_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o a_o perpetual_a separation_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o undergo_a the_o lash_n and_o severity_n of_o conscience_n to_o all_o eternity_n what_o a_o great_a discovery_n be_v this_o of_o the_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o suffer_v not_o man_n to_o undo_v themselves_o without_o let_v they_o know_v of_o it_o beforehand_o that_o they_o may_v avoid_v it_o god_n seek_v not_o to_o entrap_v man_n soul_n nor_o do_v he_o rejoice_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o full_o declare_v to_o they_o what_o the_o consequence_n and_o issue_n of_o their_o sinful_a practice_n will_v be_v assure_v they_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v declare_v his_o own_o future_a severity_n against_o contumacious_a sinner_n that_o they_o may_v not_o think_v themselves_o surprise_v and_o that_o if_o they_o have_v know_v there_o have_v be_v so_o great_a danger_n in_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v such_o fool_n as_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o to_o run_v into_o eternal_a misery_n now_o god_n to_o prevent_v this_o with_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o faithfulness_n have_v show_v man_n the_o nature_n and_o danger_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n and_o ask_v they_o before_o hand_n what_o they_o will_v do_v in_o the_o end_n thereof_o whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v his_o wrath_n and_o wrestle_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n if_o not_o he_o bid_v they_o bethink_v themselves_o of_o what_o they_o have_v do_v already_o and_o repent_v &_o amend_v their_o life_n lest_o iniquity_n prove_v their_o ruin_n &_o destruction_n overtake_v they_o and_o that_o without_o remedy_n now_o if_o man_n have_v cause_n to_o prize_n and_o value_v a_o faithful_a monitor_n one_o that_o tender_v their_o good_a and_o will_v prevent_v their_o ruin_n we_o have_v cause_n exceed_o to_o prize_n and_o value_v the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o the_o true_a representation_n of_o the_o state_n and_o
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n as_o the_o matter_n themselves_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n so_o be_v the_o manner_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n 2._o and_o that_o 1._o in_o a_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a manner_n not_o but_o there_o may_v be_v still_o some_o passage_n which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v as_o be_v either_o prophetical_a or_o consist_v of_o ambiguous_a phrase_n or_o contain_v matter_n above_o our_o comprehension_n but_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o term_n of_o man_n salvation_n be_v deliver_v with_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o perspicuiry_n who_o can_v understand_v what_o these_o thing_n mean_v what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n that_o without_o holiness_n none_o shall_v see_v the_o lord_n that_o unless_o we_o be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n