death_n of_o his_o father_n terah_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o year_n which_o terah_n live_v be_v set_v down_o gen._n xi_o 32._o and_o that_o the_o departure_n of_o abram_n out_o of_o haran_n which_o be_v relate_v gen._n twelve_o yet_o happen_v before_o his_o father_n death_n there_o will_v be_v no_o inconsistency_n but_o it_o will_v be_v evident_a if_o terah_n be_v but_o seventy_o year_n old_a when_o abram_n be_v beget_v and_o abram_n be_v but_o seventy_o five_o year_n old_a when_o he_o go_v out_o of_o haran_n that_o abram_n leave_v his_o father_n terah_n in_o haran_n where_o he_o live_v after_o abram_n departure_n from_o he_o to_o the_o age_n of_o two_o hundred_o and_o five_o year_n though_o during_o his_o father_n life_n he_o do_v upon_o occasion_n return_n to_o haran_n for_o the_o final_a removal_n of_o abram_n be_v not_o till_o the_o death_n of_o his_o father_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o act_n seven_o 4._o and_o if_o this_o way_n of_o relate_v that_o in_o general_n first_o which_o be_v afterward_o set_v forth_o in_o the_o particular_n be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o will_v afford_v a_o solution_n of_o many_o difficulty_n as_o 25._o as_o aug._n qu._n sup._n genef_n c._n 25._o st_n austin_n have_v observe_v which_o otherwise_o be_v inexplicable_a other_o suppose_v abrant_n be_v the_o young_a of_o terah_n son_n though_o mention_v first_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o chronology_n only_o by_o this_o and_o other_o instance_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o elder_a brother_n be_v not_o always_o place_v first_o in_o scripture_n but_o sometime_o the_o young_a out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o for_o his_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o his_o great_a dignity_n and_o worth_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n arise_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o son_n first_o name_v must_v therefore_o necessary_o be_v first_o bear_v proceed_v from_o a_o mistake_n 2._o sometime_o the_o principal_a number_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o odd_a or_o lesser_a number_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o great_a or_o principal_a number_n in_o some_o other_o place_n cause_v a_o difference_n not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v but_o by_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v customary_a in_o the_o best_a author_n not_o always_o to_o mention_v the_o lesser_a number_n where_o the_o matter_n do_v not_o require_v it_o and_o we_o have_v evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o the_o scripture_n the_o time_n of_o the_o sojourn_v of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n and_o of_o their_o dwell_n in_o egypt_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o year_n gen._n xv_o 13._o act_n seven_o 6._o which_o yet_o be_v in_o all_o four_o hundred_o and_o thirty_o year_n exod._n twelve_o 40._o galat._n iii._o 17._o the_o israelite_n who_o come_v out_o of_o egypt_n be_v compute_v to_o be_v six_o hundred_o thousand_o and_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o num._n i._n 46._o two_o 32._o but_o moses_n speak_v of_o they_o num._n xi_o 21._o leaf_n out_o the_o three_o thousand_o and_o five_o hundred_o and_o fifty_o jerubbual_a or_o gideon_n be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v threescore_o and_o ten_o son_n by_o his_o wife_n beside_o abimelech_n who_o he_o have_v by_o a_o concubine_n judg._n viij_o 30_o 31._o and_o abimelech_n be_v often_o say_v to_o have_v slay_v these_o threescore_o and_o ten_o brethren_n though_o jotham_n the_o young_a of_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n say_v to_o have_v escape_v judg._n ix_o 5_o 18_o 24_o 56._o the_o benjamite_n that_o be_v slay_v judg._n 20.35_o be_v say_v to_o be_v twenty_o and_o five_o thousand_o and_o a_o hundred_o man_n whereas_o vers_fw-la 46._o they_o be_v reckon_v only_o twenty_o and_o five_o thousand_o man_n 1_o cor._n xv_o 5._o we_o read_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v see_v of_o cephas_n then_o of_o the_o twelve_o though_o st_n mathias_n be_v not_o choose_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o apostle_n till_o after_o the_o ascension_n of_o christ_n and_o st_n mark_n say_v precise_o that_o he_o appear_v unto_o the_o eleven_o as_o they_o sit_v at_o meat_n mark_v xuj_o 14._o thus_o in_o heathen_a author_n the_o trojan_a 1._o trojan_a si_fw-mi inquam_fw-la numerus_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la amussim_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la cum_fw-la dicimus_fw-la mille_fw-la nave_n iisse_fw-la ad_fw-la trojam_fw-la centumvirale_fw-la esse_fw-la judicium_fw-la romae_fw-la varro_n de_fw-fr re_fw-mi rust_n lib._n two_o c._n 1._o fleet_n be_v say_v to_o consist_v of_o a_o thousand_o ship_n whereas_o homer_n make_v they_o two_o hundred_o more_o as_o 10._o as_o thucyd._n lib._n i_o c._n 10._o thucydides_n reckon_v they_o or_o one_o hundred_o sixty_o six_o by_o his_o scholiast_n count_v but_o the_o historian_n do_v not_o care_n to_o be_v so_o punctual_a the_o judge_n style_v centumviri_n among_o the_o roman_n be_v at_o first_o five_o more_o than_o a_o hundred_o and_o afterward_o 33._o afterward_o plin._n lib._n vi_fw-la epist_n 33._o almost_o twice_o that_o number_n yet_o still_o they_o retain_v the_o same_o name_n as_o the_o lxxii_o interpreter_n be_v common_o style_v the_o septuagint_n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o lesser_a number_n be_v sometime_o omit_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o author_n and_o the_o principal_a and_o great_a number_n whether_o more_a or_o less_o than_o the_o precise_a calculation_n be_v only_o set_v down_o and_o at_o other_o time_n the_o lesser_a number_n be_v specify_v it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o make_v abatement_n for_o this_o in_o adjust_v the_o account_n of_o chronology_n 3._o sometime_o a_o epocha_n may_v be_v mistake_v by_o chronologer_n as_o gen._n vi_fw-la 3._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v my_o spirit_n shall_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n for_o that_o he_o also_o be_v flesh_n yet_o his_o day_n shall_v be_v a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o year_n but_o from_o gen._n v._n 32._o compare_v with_o gen._n viij_o 13._o the_o flood_n must_v happen_v but_o a_o hundred_o year_n after_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v speak_v though_o if_o we_o compute_v not_o from_o the_o time_n when_o this_o be_v threaten_v but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o man_n apostasy_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v then_o to_o have_v be_v already_o twenty_o year_n there_o will_v be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o it_o or_o else_o the_o threaten_v though_o place_v after_o it_o may_v be_v denounce_v twenty_o year_n before_o the_o five_o hundred_o year_n of_o noah_n age_n which_o fall_v under_o the_o observation_n abovementioned_a of_o st_n austin_n genes_n austin_n hieron_n qu._n in_o genes_n st_o jerom_n indeed_o say_v that_o the_o time_n allow_v mankind_n for_o repantance_n be_v shorten_v for_o their_o contumacy_n and_o the_o flood_n be_v bring_v upon_o the_o world_n twenty_o year_n soon_o than_o be_v design_v if_o their_o provocation_n have_v not_o hasten_v it_o 4._o variation_n in_o chronology_n may_v sometime_o proceed_v from_o the_o likeness_n of_o two_o word_n which_o occasion_v the_o writing_n the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o thus_o act_v xiii_o 20._o some_o read_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o famous_a copy_n from_o whence_o most_o other_o now_o remain_v may_v have_v be_v transcribe_v may_v happen_v to_o be_v uncorrect_a in_o some_o of_o these_o less_o material_a part_n of_o scripture_n the_o numeral_a letter_n be_v easy_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v our_o figure_n now_o be_v and_o when_o they_o number_v by_o letter_n mistake_n may_v the_o often_o happen_v because_o the_o transcriber_n may_v unaware_o write_v down_o a_o letter_n of_o the_o forego_n or_o follow_v word_n instead_o of_o the_o true_a numeral_a letter_n when_o there_o be_v any_o likeness_n between_o they_o and_o the_o hebrew_n letter_n be_v some_o of_o they_o so_o very_o much_o alike_o may_v be_v a_o ready_a occasion_n of_o mistake_n this_o change_n of_o numeral_a letter_n some_o think_v to_o have_v occasion_v the_o difficulty_n concern_v the_o age_n of_o ahazia_n son_n of_o jehoram_n king_n of_o judah_n when_o he_o begin_v to_o reign_v 2_o king_n viij_o 26.2_o chron._n xxii_o 2._o and_o that_o such_o mistake_n have_v be_v make_v in_o transcribe_v the_o septuagint_n be_v evident_a because_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o that_o version_n have_v different_a account_n of_o chronology_n and_o they_o also_o differ_v from_o the_o copy_n make_v use_v of_o by_o africanus_n and_o eusebius_n mistake_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v very_o 70._o very_o error_n fortasse_fw-la ex_fw-la notis_fw-la ortus_fw-la nusquam_fw-la non_fw-la isto_fw-la modo_fw-la in_o bonis_fw-la utriusque_fw-la linguae_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la est_fw-la peccatum_fw-la casaub_n ad_fw-la theoph._n charact._n proem_n sed_fw-la non_fw-la dubito_fw-la lib_fw-la ariorum_fw-la potius_fw-la
principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o religion_n but_o when_o miracle_n be_v perform_v which_o both_o for_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o performance_n have_v all_o the_o credibility_n that_o any_o miracle_n can_v have_v if_o it_o be_v real_o wrought_v by_o god_n immediate_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o revelation_n if_o these_o miracle_n have_v be_v foretell_v by_o prophecy_n as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v by_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v do_v public_o before_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o that_o often_o and_o by_o many_o man_n successive_o for_o divers_a age_n together_o and_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o design_n if_o neither_o the_o miracle_n themselves_o nor_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v attest_v by_o they_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o have_v any_o deceit_n or_o defect_n in_o they_o but_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o divine_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o of_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o be_v wrought_v to_o establish_v that_o we_o can_v have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o for_o if_o these_o miracle_n and_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o from_o god_n we_o must_v suppose_v either_o that_o god_n can_v or_o that_o he_o will_v not_o so_o reveal_v himself_o by_o miracle_n to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o distinguish_v his_o own_o revelation_n from_o imposture_n both_o which_o supposition_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n contrary_a to_o god_n omnipotence_n because_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o all_o finite_a being_n and_o contrary_a to_o his_o honour_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n because_o these_o require_v both_o that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o by_o miracle_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o make_v it_o evident_a which_o be_v his_o revelation_n but_o if_o he_o both_o can_v and_o will_v put_v such_o a_o distinction_n between_o false_a miracle_n and_o true_a as_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o except_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n be_v seduce_v by_o false_a miracle_n than_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n concern_v which_o nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v either_o impious_a or_o false_a must_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n for_o we_o have_v see_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v reveal_v by_o miracle_n and_o we_o have_v the_o goodness_n and_o truth_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a miracle_n without_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v the_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o that_o religion_n which_o both_o by_o its_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n and_o worship_n appear_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o can_v not_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o must_v certain_o be_v true_a because_o the_o goodness_n and_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v that_o mankind_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v without_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_v by_o imposture_n vent_v under_o his_o own_o name_n and_o authority_n upon_o which_o account_n the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o belzebub_n be_v so_o heinous_a above_o all_o other_o crime_n this_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o utmost_a mean_n that_o can_v be_v use_v for_o man_n salvation_n and_o in_o effect_n to_o deny_v the_o attribute_n and_o very_a be_v of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o this_o argument_n be_v that_o though_o miracle_n be_v a_o most_o fit_a and_o proper_a mean_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v consider_v alone_o but_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o proof_n and_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o miracle_n wrought_v to_o establish_v the_o true_a religion_n when_o the_o religion_n upon_o the_o account_n whereof_o they_o be_v wrought_v can_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v false_a either_o by_o any_o defect_n in_o the_o miracle_n or_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n but_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o truth_n because_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o all_o other_o proof_n to_o concur_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o false_a religion_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v it_o to_o be_v so_o 3._o how_o divine_a revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v commit_v to_o write_v that_o they_o may_v be_v preserve_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n and_o deliver_v down_o to_o posterity_n and_o that_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a providence_n shall_v be_v concern_v in_o their_o preservation_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o doctrine_n beyond_o that_o of_o write_v be_v so_o notorious_o fanciful_a and_o strain_a that_o it_o deserve_v no_o serious_a answer_n for_o till_o man_n shall_v think_v it_o safe_a to_o make_v will_n and_o bequeath_v and_o purchase_v estate_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n rather_o than_o by_o instrument_n in_o write_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o deny_v that_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n that_o can_v be_v take_v so_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n declare_v and_o so_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n find_v it_o to_o be_v in_o thing_n which_o man_n take_v all_o possible_a care_n about_o and_o it_o be_v too_o manifest_a and_o much_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n be_v more_o solicitous_a about_o thing_n temporal_a than_o about_o eternal_a which_o afford_v too_o evident_a a_o confutation_n of_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o this_o ground_n that_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v thing_n upon_o which_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o mankind_n depend_v now_o go_v write_v it_o before_o they_o in_o a_o table_n and_o note_v it_o in_o a_o book_n that_o it_o may_v be_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o isa_n thirty_o 8._o 4._o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n because_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n that_o we_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o will_v suffer_v the_o world_n to_o continue_v long_o under_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o ignorance_n without_o take_v some_o care_n to_o remedy_v it_o by_o put_v man_n into_o a_o capacity_n of_o know_v and_o practise_v the_o duty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n 5._o another_o requisite_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v full_o promulge_v and_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n for_o the_o general_a good_a and_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o may_v attain_v the_o end_n for_o which_o a_o revelation_n must_v be_v design_v the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n part_n ii_o from_z what_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o antiquity_n ii_o promulgation_n iii_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o its_o authority_n iv_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v righteous_a and_o holy_a consistent_a with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o condition_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v and_o every_o way_n such_o as_o may_v answer_v the_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n chap._n i._n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n will_v not_o so_o whole_o neglect_v mankind_n as_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o discover_v and_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n so_o when_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v defer_v it_o so_o long_o before_o he_o make_v know_v his_o will_n as_o till_o the_o date_n of_o the_o first_o antiquity_n among_o the_o heathen_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v that_o some_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v much_o the_o ancient_a book_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o the_o work_n in_o this_o kind_n or_o indeed_o in_o any_o other_o of_o any_o heathen_a author_n can_v be_v compare_v with_o
condemnation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o just_a but_o merciful_a for_o he_o to_o withhold_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o reveal_v will_v from_o those_o who_o he_o forefee_n will_v reject_v it_o and_o abuse_v the_o opportunity_n which_o shall_v be_v offer_v they_o to_o the_o aggravation_n of_o their_o own_o gild_n and_o punishment_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v observe_v 2._o that_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o by_o so_o wonderful_a a_o providence_n have_v take_v care_n that_o every_o nation_n under_o heaven_n may_v have_v the_o true_a religion_n preach_v in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v the_o whole_a world_n at_o his_o disposal_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n with_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v by_o some_o of_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n or_o even_o by_o miracle_n bring_v such_o man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n who_o live_v according_a to_o their_o present_a knowledge_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o honest_a endeavour_n to_o improve_v it_o when_o st._n peter_n be_v by_o revelation_n send_v to_o cornelius_n he_o make_v this_o inference_n from_o it_o of_o a_o truth_n i_o perceive_v that_o god_n be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n but_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o act._n x._o 34_o 35._o from_o whence_o what_o less_o can_v we_o conclude_v than_o that_o every_o man_n in_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v sincere_o good_a and_o pious_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o his_o duty_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o he_o shall_v rather_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n have_v the_o rest_n discover_v to_o he_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o cornelius_n which_o give_v occasion_n to_o these_o word_n of_o s._n peter_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v suffer_v to_o perish_v for_o want_v of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o punish_v those_o heathen_n who_o sin_n without_o any_o reveal_v law_n for_o their_o sin_n against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o for_o neglect_v to_o use_v and_o improve_v their_o reason_n and_o to_o embrace_v the_o opportunity_n afford_v they_o of_o become_v christian_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v certain_a that_o beside_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n god_n in_o his_o goodness_n be_v not_o want_v to_o afford_v such_o inward_a motion_n and_o conviction_n of_o mind_n to_o such_o of_o the_o heathen_a as_o be_v not_o wilful_o blind_a and_o stupefy_v by_o their_o vice_n as_o may_v prepare_v they_o for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o give_v they_o so_o many_o opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o and_o if_o once_o they_o do_v discern_v the_o defect_n and_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o gross_o against_o natural_a reason_n and_o conscience_n they_o may_v make_v enquiry_n of_o christian_n concern_v their_o religion_n as_o some_o of_o the_o american_n do_v of_o cortes_n and_o the_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o at_o least_o however_o negligent_a they_o be_v in_o propagate_a it_o will_v never_o refuse_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o it_o and_o it_o must_v be_v remember_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v not_o receive_v the_o true_a religion_n yet_o many_o point_n be_v teach_v and_o believe_v which_o have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n as_o be_v evident_a not_o only_o of_o the_o mahometan_n but_o of_o several_a heathen_a nation_n which_o point_n be_v so_o many_o step_v and_o preparative_n towards_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o whole_a truth_n if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o in_o pursue_v they_o in_o their_o immediate_a tendency_n and_o consequence_n i_o shall_v not_o say_v that_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v extend_v to_o those_o who_o in_o the_o integrity_n of_o their_o heart_n die_v under_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n of_o it_o i_o believe_v rather_o that_o god_n suffer_v no_o man_n so_o qualify_v and_o dispose_v to_o remain_v in_o invincible_a ignorance_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n and_o goodness_n that_o all_o nation_n have_v have_v such_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o great_a allowance_n may_v be_v make_v at_o the_o last_o day_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o unhappy_a circumstance_n of_o particular_a men._n it_o be_v well_o say_v that_o when_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o tell_v we_o how_o he_o will_v be_v please_v to_o deal_v with_o such_o person_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o to_o tell_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o deal_v with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a for_o we_o now_o to_o think_v how_o it_o will_v please_v god_n to_o deal_v with_o the_o heathen_a it_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o the_o gracious_a and_o merciful_a god_n can_v govern_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n if_o all_o mankind_n be_v in_o the_o state_n of_o heathen_n without_o any_o divine_a revelation_n what_o will_v become_v of_o the_o heathen_a as_o to_o their_o eternal_a state_n be_v not_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o discourse_n nor_o do_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o know_v some_o of_o they_o will_v have_v more_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o in_o point_n of_o ignorance_n than_o other_o can_v have_v and_o they_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o merciful_a creator_n and_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o we_o must_v leave_v they_o but_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o to_o give_v so_o many_o opportunity_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o though_o never_o so_o many_o shall_v neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n than_o it_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o reduce_v mankind_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o to_o let_v they_o continue_v in_o all_o manner_n of_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n without_o give_v they_o any_o warning_n against_o it_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a in_o a_o dark_a place_n of_o the_o earth_n look_v unto_o i_o and_o be_v you_o save_v all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o i_o be_o god_n and_o there_o be_v none_o else_o come_v you_o near_o unto_o i_o hear_v you_o this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v in_o secret_a from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o time_n that_o it_o be_v there_o be_o i_o isa_n xlv_o 19_o 22._o &_o xlviii_o 16._o have_v prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n want_v nothing_o requisite_a to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o regard_n either_o of_o the_o antiquity_n or_o promulgation_n i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n both_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o proof_n of_o their_o authority_n this_o evidence_n depend_v upon_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o concern_v either_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n themselves_o in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n as_o we_o find_v they_o stand_v record_v or_o the_o life_n and_o personal_a qualification_n of_o those_o by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v or_o by_o who_o they_o be_v relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v both_o that_o they_o be_v true_o relate_v and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v relate_v they_o can_v proceed_v from_o none_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o can_v be_v have_v for_o a_o revelation_n chap._n iii_o of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n that_o moses_n be_v a_o very_a great_a and_o wise_a man_n be_v relate_v by_o several_a of_o the_o most_o eminent_a heathen_a writer_n and_o i_o think_v it_o have_v never_o be_v deny_v by_o any_o man._n but_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a good_a and_o pious_a man._n he_o frequent_o declare_v his_o own_o fail_n and_o infirmity_n exod._n iii._o 11._o &_o four_o 1_o 10_o 13._o num._n xi_o 10._o &_o xx_o 12._o &_o xxvii_o 14._o and_o never_o speak_v any_o thing_n tend_v to_o his_o own_o praise_n but_o upon_o a_o just_a and_o necessary_a occasion_n when_o it_o may_v become_v a_o prudent_a and_o modest_a man_n especial_o one_o divine_o inspire_v for_o all_o the_o praise_n of_o such_o a_o one_o do_v not_o terminate_v in_o himself_o but_o be_v attribute_v to_o god_n who_o instrument_n and_o servant_n he_o be_v and_o in_o such_o case_n where_o god_n honour_n be_v concern_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n to_o set_v forth_o the_o favour_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o he_o though_o some_o honour_n do_v redound_v
divine_a inspiration_n and_o authority_n that_o they_o whole_o depend_v and_o rely_v upon_o they_o and_o live_v in_o a_o uncomfortable_a exile_n upon_o the_o sole_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o see_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v and_o theirfore_o the_o posterity_n of_o those_o who_o have_v slay_v the_o prophet_n have_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o memory_n of_o these_o prophet_n who_o their_o forefather_n have_v kill_v they_o build_v and_o adorn_v their_o sepulcher_n and_o choose_v to_o die_v any_o death_n rather_o than_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o book_n or_o part_n with_o they_o even_o when_o they_o have_v forsake_v their_o doctrine_n and_o change_v their_o religion_n for_o vain_a tradition_n and_o superstitious_a observance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o reproachful_a to_o they_o to_o erect_v monument_n of_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n that_o they_o be_v the_o the_o child_n of_o they_o which_o kill_v the_o prophet_n matth._n xxiii_o 31._o they_o refer_v themselves_o to_o these_o prophet_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o prophecy_n nor_o miracle_n after_o the_o captivity_n chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o effect_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n altogether_o incredible_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o so_o small_a a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o judaea_n be_v shall_v lay_v a_o design_n of_o impose_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v prove_v so_o successful_a for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o master_n of_o deceit_n and_o the_o world_n so_o fond_a of_o receive_v revelation_n from_o they_o that_o at_o last_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o people_n disclaim_v the_o book_n which_o some_o few_o and_o those_o the_o most_o unlearned_a among_o they_o will_v impose_v for_o inspire_a write_n yet_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n shall_v be_v more_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o those_o have_v ever_o be_v in_o which_o they_o all_o unanimous_o agree_v and_o the_o rest_n shall_v be_v receive_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o more_o than_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v upon_o their_o own_o account_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n if_o the_o jew_n even_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ignorant_a of_o they_o can_v do_v this_o mere_o by_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o device_n they_o must_v have_v a_o genius_n superior_a to_o that_o of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n be_v there_o why_o the_o oracle_n of_o all_o the_o heathen_a nation_n shall_v never_o be_v much_o regard_v and_o now_o in_o a_o manner_n utter_o lose_v and_o that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v still_o be_v preserve_v in_o their_o full_a authority_n but_o the_o power_n and_o advantage_n of_o truth_n in_o these_o and_o the_o want_n of_o it_o in_o they_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n be_v most_o observable_a in_o the_o mutual_a dependence_n which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v one_o upon_o another_o they_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n of_o different_a country_n different_a age_n different_a condition_n and_o calling_n and_o interest_n from_o the_o king_n to_o the_o poor_a fisherman_n and_o yet_o all_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o design_n they_o be_v not_o like_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n which_o must_v stand_v or_o fall_v by_o themselves_o but_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a series_n and_o connexion_n between_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o which_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o give_v a_o mutual_a support_n and_o attestation_n to_o each_o other_o the_o pentateuch_n and_o moses_n contain_v the_o first_o lineament_n and_o evident_a type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o rest_n he_o foretell_v that_o a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o that_o at_o last_o the_o great_a prophet_n shall_v be_v send_v who_o be_v christ_n and_o he_o foretell_v all_o that_o be_v to_o befall_v the_o jew_n from_o his_o own_o time_n to_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o as_o moses_n have_v give_v we_o the_o general_a state_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o all_o generation_n so_o the_o several_a prophet_n who_o be_v send_v from_o time_n to_o time_n according_a to_o his_o prediction_n foretell_v particular_a event_n and_o more-especial_o they_o foretell_v and_o describe_v the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o prophecy_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v by_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v since_o the_o world_n bigan_v luk._n i._n 70._o for_o in_o christ_n be_v the_o accomplishment_n of_o all_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o this_o dependence_n and_o coherence_n between_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o matter_n and_o design_n of_o they_o which_o be_v as_o great_a as_o the_o dependence_n of_o one_o part_n of_o any_o book_n write_v by_o the_o same_o author_n can_v be_v upon_o another_o gives_z great_a strength_n and_o confirmation_n to_o the_o whole_a since_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n that_o it_o be_v all_o inspire_a by_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o if_o one_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a all_o must_v be_v so_o for_o beside_o the_o particular_a evidence_n which_o may_v be_v bring_v for_o any_o part_n separately_z we_o must_v consider_v the_o connexion_n which_o it_o have_v with_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o evidence_n which_o be_v derive_v upon_o it_o by_o this_o connexion_n if_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v once_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n than_o the_o prophet_n who_o succeed_v moses_n must_v be_v divine_o inspire_v because_o he_o foretell_v the_o succession_n of_o such_o prophet_n and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v divine_a the_o pentateuch_n must_v be_v so_o because_o they_o all_o along_o acknowledge_v and_o appeal_v to_o it_o as_o contain_v god_n covenant_n with_o his_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o their_o own_o mission_n if_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v from_o god_n the_o gospel_n must_v be_v from_o he_o if_o that_o be_v foretell_v by_o they_o and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o disciple_n prove_v their_o divine_a authority_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v likewise_o of_o the_o same_o authority_n because_o they_o acknowledge_v they_o for_o such_o and_o prove_v their_o own_o authority_n from_o they_o as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o miracle_n that_o they_o themselves_o wrought_v and_o if_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n either_o of_o moses_n or_o of_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n take_v by_o themselves_o and_o apart_o from_o the_o rest_n be_v sufficient_a they_o must_v needs_o be_v more_o convince_a when_o they_o be_v consider_v together_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n and_o light_n i_o may_v further_o observe_v that_o miracle_n without_o prophecy_n or_o prophecy_n without_o miracle_n or_o that_o one_o evident_a miracle_n or_o one_o evident_a prophecy_n at_o least_o that_o either_o the_o miracle_n or_o prophecy_n of_o some_o one_o person_n in_o the_o several_a age_n in_o which_o so_o many_o prophet_n live_v will_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v all_o be_v much_o rather_o so_o in_o conjunction_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v remember_v that_o whatever_o evidence_n have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o the_o prophet_n do_v reciprocal_o prove_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o and_o that_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v bring_v from_o either_o of_o they_o in_o proof_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o the_o gospel_n in_o different_a respect_n do_v prove_v they_o and_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o both_o derive_v authority_n from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o communicate_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o they_o for_o as_o the_o cause_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o its_o effect_n and_o the_o effect_n by_o its_o cause_n so_o both_o prediction_n prove_v the_o thing_n foretell_v and_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v verify_v the_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o consequence_n of_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o have_v double_o the_o divine_a seal_n and_o attestation_n now_o the_o messiah_n be_v the_o scope_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n
but_o thus_o much_o in_o this_o place_n shall_v suffice_v all_o particular_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o in_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o since_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o must_v be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n if_o any_o man_n will_v dispute_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o other_o religion_n that_o can_v make_v a_o better_a plea_n and_o have_v more_o certainty_n that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n let_v he_o produce_v any_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v more_o visible_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o and_o we_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o be_v of_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o show_v any_o such_o as_o have_v be_v prove_v than_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o this_o since_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v more_o evidence_n for_o it_o than_o any_o other_o religion_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o have_v and_o all_o that_o it_o can_v be_v requisite_a for_o it_o to_o have_v suppose_v it_o true_a and_o which_o it_o be_v therefore_o impossible_a to_o discover_v to_o be_v false_a if_o it_o be_v so_o if_o this_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a god_n must_v be_v want_v to_o mankind_n in_o what_o concern_v their_o eternal_a interest_n and_o happiness_n he_o must_v be_v want_v to_o himself_o and_o to_o his_o own_o attribute_n of_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n of_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o it_o will_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n can_v be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o atheist_n if_o he_o discern_v the_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o will_v hold_v to_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o medium_fw-la if_o we_o right_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o as_o sure_a as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v by_o he_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n have_v prove_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n upon_o these_o principle_n give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o subject_n that_o have_v cause_v such_o unnecessary_a and_o unhappy_a dispute_n among_o christian_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n for_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n this_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o controversy_n as_o indeed_o it_o can_v not_o then_o and_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v 1._o consider_v the_o scripture_n only_o as_o a_o history_n contain_v the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o have_v the_o great_a humane_a testimony_n that_o can_v be_v of_o man_n who_o have_v all_o the_o opportunity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o give_v evidence_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v from_o god_n and_o who_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v other_o but_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o danger_n and_o infamy_n and_o torment_n by_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o imposture_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v invent_v not_o to_o incur_v such_o suffering_n but_o to_o avoid_v they_o or_o to_o obtain_v the_o advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o so_o this_o testimony_n amount_v to_o a_o moral_a certainty_n or_o as_o it_o be_v proper_o enough_o call_v by_o some_o to_o a_o moral_a infallibility_n because_o it_o imply_v a_o moral_a impossibility_n of_o our_o be_v deceive_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o that_o nothing_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v be_v object_v against_o it_o we_o can_v have_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v and_o suffer_v and_o teach_v what_o the_o scripture_n relate_v of_o they_o in_o jerusalem_n antioch_n etc._n etc._n as_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o place_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v that_o much_o better_o attest_v than_o this_o for_o many_o man_n have_v die_v in_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o ii_o this_o testimony_n be_v consider_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n testify_v as_o it_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o all_o mankind_n it_o appear_v that_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n be_v engage_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v inevitable_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o consequence_n so_o that_o this_o moral_a infallibility_n become_v hereby_o absolute_a infallibility_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o but_o humane_a faith_n become_v divine_a be_v ground_v not_o upon_o humane_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o divine_a attribute_n which_o do_v attest_v and_o confirm_v that_o humane_a testimony_n and_o so_o divine_a testimony_n be_v the_o ultimate_a ground_n why_o i_o believe_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o particular_a reveal_v testimony_n indeed_o but_o that_o which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o it_o viz._n the_o constant_a attestation_n of_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n for_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o let_v man_n be_v deceive_v without_o any_o possible_a help_n or_o remedy_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o we_o have_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n absolute_o infallible_a because_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o divine_a attribute_n that_o god_n do_v confirm_v this_o humane_a testimony_n by_o his_o own_o iii_o the_o argument_n than_o proceed_v thus_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v false_a it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o almighty_a god_n to_o suffer_v a_o deceit_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o pass_v upon_o mankind_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o discovery_n therefore_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v not_o false_a here_o be_v 1._o the_o object_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v viz._n that_o the_o revelation_n deliver_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n be_v from_o god_n 2._o the_o motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n viz._n humane_a testimony_n 3._o a_o confirmation_n of_o that_o testimony_n or_o the_o formal_a principle_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o belief_n viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n the_o object_n therefore_o or_o thing_n believe_v be_v the_o same_o to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v to_o those_o who_o see_v the_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n stand_v confirm_v viz._n the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v viz._n the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o truth_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v not_o suffer_v miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v in_o his_o own_o name_n according_a to_o prophecy_n former_o deliver_v and_o with_o all_o other_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n only_o to_o confirm_v a_o lye_n the_o only_a difference_n then_o between_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o we_o and_o in_o the_o christian_n who_o be_v convert_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o be_v this_o that_o though_o we_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n with_o they_o yet_o we_o have_v not_o the_o same_o immediate_a motive_n or_o evidence_n to_o induce_v our_o belief_n or_o to_o satisfy_v we_o in_o these_o reason_n and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v upon_o these_o ground_n that_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v as_o well_o certify_v to_o we_o as_o his_o divine_a attribute_n can_v render_v it_o for_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o from_o what_o their_o own_o sense_n receive_v but_o we_o have_v our_o assurance_n of_o it_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o the_o question_n therefore_o will_v be_v whether_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o this_o belief_n in_o we_o or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o become_v assure_v that_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o as_o sufficient_a to_o produce_v a_o divine_a faith_n in_o we_o and_o to_o establish_v our_o faith_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o motive_n and_o argument_n which_o those_o have_v who_o live_v with_o the_o apostle_n and_o see_v their_o miracle_n can_v be_v to_o produce_v that_o faith_n in_o they_o which_o resolve_v itself_o into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o enquiry_n will_v depend_v upon_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o whether_o
we_o may_v not_o be_v assure_v of_o some_o thing_n as_o certain_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o as_o from_o our_o own_o sense_n 2._o whether_o this_o be_v not_o the_o present_a case_n relate_v to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v therefore_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v and_o confirm_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o will_v then_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n i._o in_o many_o case_n man_n seem_v general_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o they_o see_v and_o experience_n themselves_o for_o there_o may_v be_v such_o circumstance_n of_o credibility_n as_o equal_v the_o evidence_n even_o of_o sense_n itself_o no_o evidence_n can_v satisfy_v sense_n so_o much_o indeed_o nor_o perhaps_o so_o much_o affect_v the_o passion_n as_o that_o of_o sense_n but_o there_o may_v be_v other_o evidence_n which_o may_v give_v as_o clear_a conviction_n and_o altogether_o as_o good_a satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n as_o that_o which_o be_v immediate_o derive_v from_o our_o sense_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o object_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o those_o who_o never_o travel_v to_o the_o indies_n do_v as_o little_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v never_o so_o often_o there_o and_o all_o man_n believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n with_o as_o little_a scruple_n as_o if_o they_o have_v live_v in_o his_o time_n and_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o he_o i_o suppose_v no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n make_v any_o more_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o judoea_n and_o jerusalem_n from_o the_o constant_a report_n of_o historian_n and_o traveller_n than_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o those_o place_n himself_o and_o have_v live_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o life_n there_o and_o the_o great_a infidel_n that_o i_o know_v of_o never_o pretend_v yet_o to_o disbelieve_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o our_o saviour_n christ_n but_o all_o man_n think_v themselves_o as_o well_o assure_v of_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o other_o as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v they_o themselves_o for_o how_o doubtful_a and_o intricate_a soever_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v for_o want_v of_o knowledge_n or_o credit_n in_o the_o relater_n yet_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v with_o that_o agreement_n and_o certainty_n on_o all_o hand_n that_o to_o doubt_v of_o they_o will_v be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o if_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o this_o nature_n we_o can_v with_o as_o little_a reason_n doubt_n of_o it_o as_o if_o we_o have_v live_v at_o that_o time_n and_o have_v converse_v with_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v alive_a again_o after_o his_o crucifixion_n as_o that_o he_o ever_o live_v at_o all_o and_o we_o have_v at_o least_o all_o the_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n that_o we_o can_v have_v that_o there_o once_o live_v any_o other_o man_n at_o that_o distance_n of_o time_n from_o we_o we_o can_v no_o more_o doubt_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o augustus_n caesar_n and_o be_v crucify_a under_o tiberius_n than_o that_o there_o be_v once_o such_o emperor_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o have_v it_o much_o better_o attest_v that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o be_v crucify_a and_o rise_v again_o than_o that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o prince_n as_o these_o two_o emperor_n for_o no_o man_n ever_o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o go_v about_o the_o world_n to_o certify_v this_o and_o to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o at_o his_o death_n but_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o their_o disciple_n and_o convert_v and_o innumerable_a other_o ever_o since_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n have_v assert_v the_o particular_n of_o the_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n under_o all_o danger_n and_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a aim_n and_o design_n both_o live_a and_o die_v to_o bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o ever_o be_v do_v before_o his_o own_o time_n or_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o as_o doubt_v of_o these_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o think_v himself_o as_o certain_a of_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o which_o be_v do_v a_o long_a time_n ago_o or_o a_o great_a way_n off_o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o himself_o indeed_o in_o some_o respect_n we_o seem_v to_o have_v more_o evidence_n than_o these_o can_v have_v that_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n for_o they_o can_v see_v but_o some_o miracle_n we_o have_v the_o benefit_n of_o all_o they_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o sense_n and_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o as_o they_o know_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o upon_o the_o sense_n of_o innumerable_a people_n who_o successive_o behold_v they_o for_o the_o space_n of_o divers_a hundred_o year_n together_o so_o that_o whoever_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n neither_o will_v he_o believe_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o be_v though_o the_o great_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o his_o conviction_n this_o be_v say_v of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v say_v of_o that_o and_o the_o new_a both_o and_o we_o have_v beside_o one_o sort_n of_o evidence_n which_o those_o that_o live_v at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n can_v not_o have_v for_o we_o see_v many_o of_o those_o prophecy_n fulfil_v which_o our_o saviour_n foretell_v concern_v his_o church_n we_o know_v how_o it_o spring_v up_o and_o flourish_v and_o from_o what_o small_a unlikely_a beginning_n it_o have_v spread_v itself_o into_o all_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o continue_v to_o this_o day_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o man_n and_o devil_n to_o root_v it_o out_o and_o destroy_v it_o the_o continuance_n and_o success_n of_o the_o gospel_n under_o so_o improbable_a circumstance_n be_v matter_n of_o faith_n chiefâ—y_n to_o the_o first_o christian_n but_o to_o we_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n they_o see_v the_o work_n indeed_o prosper_v in_o their_o hand_n but_o their_o faith_n only_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o it_o shall_v flourish_v for_o so_o many_o age_n as_o we_o know_v it_o have_v already_o do_v this_o be_v a_o stand_n and_o invincible_a proof_n to_o we_o at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o twofold_a argument_n the_o one_o of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o other_o of_o prophecy_n we_o know_v that_o a_o miraculous_a power_n have_v be_v manifest_v in_o conquer_a all_o opposition_n and_o in_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n bring_v those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o to_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v altogether_o impossible_a and_o the_o fulfil_n hereby_o of_o prophecy_n be_v a_o visible_a confirmation_n to_o we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o we_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o prophecy_n we_o see_v fulfil_v and_o since_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o well_o attest_v that_o we_o may_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o own_o sense_n as_o of_o the_o authority_n by_o which_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o must_v turn_v sceptic_n or_o worse_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o we_o may_v conclude_v as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o these_o prophecy_n which_o we_o ourselves_o see_v fulfil_v as_o upon_o all_o other_o account_n that_o the_o historical_a evidence_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n amount_v to_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o not_o except_v even_o that_o of_o sense_n itself_o ii_o let_v we_o now_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a faith_n may_v be_v produce_v in_o we_o humane_a testimony_n be_v the_o motive_n by_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v god_n reveal_v will_n this_o certify_v we_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v
papist_n that_o no_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n which_o can_v prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 135._o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a the_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o heretic_n can_v not_o corrupt_v the_o text_n and_o pass_v undiscovered_a to_o the_o orthodox_n or_o even_o by_o other_o heretic_n p._n 140._o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n in_o general_a p._n 142._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o p_o 143._o they_o do_v not_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n p._n 145._o the_o total_a term_n of_o year_n be_v not_o always_o exact_o distinguish_v from_o all_o the_o particular_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v and_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v in_o chronology_n p._n 146._o another_o occasion_n of_o mistake_v have_v be_v that_o sometime_o the_o principal_a number_n be_v set_v down_o and_o the_o odd_a or_o lesser_a number_n be_v omit_v which_o be_v add_v to_o the_o principal_a number_n in_o other_o place_n p._n 147._o sometime_o a_o epocha_n be_v mistake_v by_o chronologer_n p._n 149._o the_o likeness_n of_o two_o word_n may_v occasion_v variation_n in_o chronology_n p._n 150._o the_o numeral_a letter_n be_v easy_o mistake_v by_o transcriber_n ib._n some_o alteration_n of_o the_o septuagint_n from_o the_o hebrew_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v make_v with_o design_n p._n 151._o the_o term_n of_o time_n sometime_o take_v inclusive_o and_o at_o other_o time_n exclusive_o p._n 154._o chap._n vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v p._n 157._o some_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a in_o themselves_o p._n 158._o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o proverb_n and_o parable_n p._n 161._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n when_o they_o be_v write_v p._n 164._o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o parable_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v and_o not_o every_o word_n and_o circumstance_n to_o be_v insist_v upon_o p._n 168_o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o type_n consider_v p._n 170._o difference_n in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o phrophecy_n no_o argument_n for_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o ib._n it_o be_v evident_a and_o agree_v by_o interpreter_n that_o prophecy_n have_v be_v fulfil_v though_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o time_n when_o they_o be_v fulfil_v p._n 171._o some_o prophecy_n purposely_o obscure_a and_o why_o p._n 172._o some_o prophecy_n have_v never_o be_v convey_v down_o to_o posterity_n unless_o they_o have_v be_v obscure_o write_v p._n 175._o other_o can_v never_o have_v be_v fulsil_v ib._n if_o prophecy_n have_v be_v plain_a it_o will_v have_v be_v think_v that_o they_o have_v be_v fulfil_v only_o by_o design_n and_o contrivance_n p._n 177._o man_n will_v have_v commit_v sin_n in_o many_o case_n to_o fulfil_v prophecy_n ib._n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v obscure_a in_o mercy_n to_o man_n p._n 178._o and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o a_o judgement_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a p._n 179._o the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n design_v to_o abate_v the_o confidence_n and_o exercise_v the_o diligence_n of_o man_n p._n 180._o some_o prophecy_n plain_o deliver_v by_o all_o prophet_n those_o which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v of_o great_a use_n even_o before_o the_o accomplishment_n this_o show_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n p._n 182._o the_o nature_n and_o certainty_n of_o type_n consider_v p._n 177._o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o such_o as_o to_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o p._n 180._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v so_o pen_v as_o to_o afford_v no_o suspicion_n of_o contradiction_n to_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n p._n 184._o what_o method_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o any_o author_n p._n 186._o a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n p._n 187._o contradiction_n in_o point_n of_o chronology_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o little_a moment_n though_o they_o shall_v have_v happen_v by_o the_o fault_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n will_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 190._o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o it_o of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o world_n begin_v p._n 193._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v by_o mechanical_a law_n though_o it_o be_v preserve_v according_a to_o such_o law_n p._n 194._o sufficient_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o that_o manner_n which_o we_o find_v relate_v in_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n p._n 196._o with_o respect_n to_o the_o angel_n p._n 200._o with_o respect_n to_o man_n p._n 203._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v not_o perform_v according_a to_o mechanical_a principle_n p._n 208._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n ground_v upon_o mistake_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v always_o the_o same_o quantity_n of_o motion_n p._n 208._o that_o there_o be_v a_o plenum_fw-la ib._n they_o suppose_v it_o move_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o leave_v matter_n and_o motion_n to_o perform_v all_o by_o themselves_o without_o his_o immediate_a interposition_n and_o assistance_n p._n 210._o the_o ordinary_a and_o extraordinary_a or_o miraculous_a work_n of_o god_n consider_v p._n 211._o the_o law_n of_o the_o material_a and_o of_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o world_n compare_v p._n 213._o the_o mechanical_a hypothesis_n inconsistent_a with_o our_o duty_n of_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o deliverance_n in_o sickness_n and_o danger_n p._n 214._o the_o mechanical_a philosophy_n proceed_v upon_o a_o mistake_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 215._o chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v alike_o easy_a to_o god_n yet_o man_n be_v most_o incline_v to_o admire_v and_o glorify_v he_o for_o the_o vastness_n of_o his_o work_n p._n 218._o wonderful_a discovery_n late_o make_v upon_o earth_n by_o microscope_n as_o well_o as_o by_o telescope_n in_o the_o heaven_n but_o angel_n who_o have_v no_o need_n of_o artificial_a help_n to_o discern_v they_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n more_o than_o man_n p._n 219._o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o star_n p._n ib._n the_o earth_n to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n under_o which_o notion_n it_o be_v no_o contemptible_a place_n p._n 220._o the_o planet_n not_o inhabitable_a ib._n for_o what_o use_v they_o may_v be_v design_v p._n 222._o chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n the_o use_n of_o popular_a expression_n imply_v neither_o the_o affirmation_n nor_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o p._n 224._o how_o the_o sun_n be_v say_v to_o stand_v still_o jos_n x._o 12._o p._n 225._o the_o firmament_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o water_n gen._n 1.6_o explain_v p._n 226._o the_o sun_n and_o the_o moon_n how_o say_v to_o be_v two_o great_a light_n gen._n 1.16_o p._n 227._o the_o pillar_n of_o the_o earth_n 1_o sam._n 11.8_o p._n 229._o the_o sky-strong_a and_o as_o a_o molten_n looking-glass_n job_n xxxvii_o 18._o ib._n the_o scripture_n speak_v strict_o according_a to_o philosophy_n p._n 230._o chap._n xii_o of_o man_n be_v create_v capable_a of_o sin_n and_o damnation_n this_o repugnant_a neither_o to_o the_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n of_o god_n p._n 231._o the_o objection_n right_o state_v p._n 233._o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v more_o advance_v and_o the_o attribute_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o justice_n and_o of_o his_o goodness_n itself_o be_v more_o display_v by_o leave_v man_n to_o a_o freedom_n of_o act_v than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v by_o impose_v a_o inevitable_a fate_n upon_o mankind_n p._n 234._o freedom_n of_o action_n conduce_v more_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a than_o a_o necessity_n of_o not_o sin_v can_v
to_o the_o custom_n of_o other_o nation_n well_o know_v and_o practise_v at_o that_o time_n thus_o the_o slave_n be_v wont_a to_o have_v their_o master_n name_n or_o mark_v upon_o their_o forehead_n and_o the_o soldier_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o their_o general_n upon_o their_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o like_a mark_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v receive_v by_o man_n in_o token_n that_o they_o have_v devote_v themselves_o to_o their_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o read_v of_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o beast_n receive_v by_o his_o worshipper_n in_o their_o right_a hand_n or_o in_o their_o forehead_n loc_fw-la forehead_n vid._n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la rev._n 13.16_o and_o of_o his_o father_n name_v write_v in_o the_o forehead_n of_o those_o that_o stand_v in_o mount_n zion_n with_o the_o lamb_n rev._n 14.1_o st_o paul_n allude_v to_o the_o grecian_a game_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n who_o be_v much_o addict_v to_o those_o sport_n and_o have_v one_o sort_n of_o they_o the_o isthmian_a perform_v among_o they_o 1_o cor._n 9.24_o 25._o and_o he_o allude_v to_o the_o distinction_n among_o the_o roman_n between_o freeman_n and_o slave_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v in_o condescension_n to_o they_o i_o speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n because_o of_o the_o infirmity_n of_o your_o flesh_n rom._n 6.19_o melchisedec_n be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o father_n without_o mother_n without_o descent_n heb._n 7.3_o because_o his_o pedigree_n be_v unknown_a which_o be_v a_o most_o significant_a way_n of_o expression_n to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o careful_a and_o exact_a in_o their_o genealogy_n but_o the_o very_a same_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v also_o use_v 8._o use_v patre_fw-la nullo_n matre_fw-la serva_fw-la liv._o lib._n 4._o c._n 3._o â—ullis_fw-la majoribus_fw-la ortos_fw-la horac_n serm._n lib._n 1._o sit_v 6._o dvos_fw-la romanos_fw-la reges_fw-la â—sse_fw-la quorum_fw-la alter_fw-la patrem_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la alter_fw-la matrem_fw-la nam_fw-la de_fw-la servij_fw-la matre_fw-la dubitatur_fw-la anci_fw-la pater_fw-la nullus_fw-la numae_fw-la nepos_fw-la dicitur_fw-la senec._n epist_n c._n 8._o by_o livy_n horace_n and_o seneca_n upon_o the_o like_a occasion_n there_o be_v much_o of_o nature_n but_o very_o much_o likewise_o of_o use_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o several_a scheme_n and_o form_n of_o rhetoric_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o sudden_a change_n of_o the_o person_n speak_v jer._n 16.19_o 20_o 21.17.13_o and_o with_o interlocatory_a discourse_n isa_n 63._o and_o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n who_o speak_v thus_o for_o instance_n jer._n 20.14_o the_o prophet_n seem_v transport_v abrupt_o from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o but_o if_o they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o wicked_a mention_v for_o 13._o under_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n from_o the_o 14_o ver_fw-la to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o sense_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a this_o abrupt_a change_n of_o the_o person_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o longinus_n as_o a_o excellency_n in_o homer_n hecataeus_n and_o demosthenes_n and_o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n 7._o scripture_n justin_n apol._n 2._o origen_n philocal_a c._n 7._o as_o justin_n martyr_n and_o origen_n observe_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n may_v be_v give_v in_o the_o best_a heathen_a poet_n and_o the_o read_v the_o ancient_a poet_n be_v the_o best_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n all_o other_o author_n of_o great_a antiquity_n for_o the_o ancient_a any_o author_n be_v the_o near_a his_o stile_n come_v to_o poetry_n the_o first_o design_n of_o write_v be_v to_o delight_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o instruct_v which_o make_v verse_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o prose_n and_o though_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o speak_v in_o prose_n and_o not_o in_o verse_n yet_o it_o seem_v the_o humour_n oâ—_n greek_n will_v not_o bear_v though_o write_a philosophy_n in_o prose_n till_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n for_o then_o loc_fw-la then_o plin._n hist_o lib._n 5._o c._n 29.7_o c._n 56._o vid._n harduin_n ad_fw-la loc_fw-la pliny_n tell_v we_o pherecydes_n first_o write_v in_o prose_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o philosophy_n for_o he_o ascribe_v the_o first_o writing_n of_o prose_n in_o history_n to_o cadmus_n milesius_n and_o the_o ancient_a writer_n now_o extant_a in_o prose_n herodotus_n thucydides_n and_o xenophon_n have_v many_o expression_n which_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o meet_v withal_o beside_o but_o in_o the_o poet_n h._n stephens_n make_v a_o collection_n of_o the_o poetical_a word_n use_v by_o xenophon_n which_o be_v prefix_v to_o his_o work_n and_o the_o orator_n both_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o curious_a in_o the_o foot_n and_o measure_n of_o their_o prose_n as_o the_o poet_n can_v be_v in_o verse_n great_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o verse_n and_o the_o different_a way_n of_o write_v in_o different_a age_n and_o nation_n appear_v in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o poetry_n that_o way_n of_o write_v all_o verse_n in_o rhyme_n which_o in_o these_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v most_o in_o use_n and_o esteem_v will_v have_v be_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n though_o the_o use_n of_o rhyme_n in_o verse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v example_n in_o antiquity_n that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o way_n of_o write_a verse_n acrostic_n though_o of_o no_o esteem_n and_o little_o use_v in_o many_o age_n and_o country_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n verse_n compose_v in_o the_o acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a way_n be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o help_n to_o the_o memory_n and_o this_o benefit_n and_o the_o ornament_n which_o it_o be_v then_o suppose_v to_o give_v to_o poem_n be_v the_o cause_n why_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o sometime_o the_o inspiration_n be_v so_o strong_a upon_o the_o writer_n mind_n as_o to_o interrupt_v the_o art_n and_o method_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o as_o ps_n 25._o and_o 145._o or_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v customary_a upon_o certain_a occasion_n to_o omit_v some_o letter_n in_o the_o alphabet_n in_o such_o composition_n for_o reason_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o which_o may_v be_v very_o satisfactory_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n 21._o country_n athenae_n lib._n 10._o c._n 21._o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v a_o example_n of_o this_o among_o the_o greek_n use_v by_o pindar_n and_o other_o ancient_a poet_n the_o old_a 11._o old_a casanb_n in_o athen._n lib._n 8._o c._n 11._o spartan_a doric_a and_o aeolic_a dialect_n change_v σ_n into_o p_o the_o rough_a sound_n of_o this_o letter_n be_v more_o agreeable_a it_o seem_v to_o those_o people_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v write_v acrostic_n and_o alphabetical_a poem_n σ_n will_v have_v be_v omit_v rhophalick_a verse_n which_o begin_v with_o a_o monosyllable_n every_o word_n increase_a by_o one_o syllable_n more_o than_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o homer_n and_o the_o leonine_n or_o monkish_a verse_n with_o a_o double_a rhyme_n one_o in_o the_o middle_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o end_n be_v not_o without_o precedent_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o poem_n compose_v of_o divers_a sort_n of_o verse_n and_o frame_v into_o the_o shape_n of_o several_a thing_n by_o simmias_n rhodius_n some_o of_o which_o be_v ascribe_v to_o theocritus_n the_o repetition_n so_o frequent_a in_o homer_n be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o word_n for_o no_o author_n ever_o want_v they_o less_o than_o he_o but_o out_o of_o choice_n though_o latter_a poet_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o imitate_v he_o in_o this_o and_o martial_n turn_v it_o to_o ridicule_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o nothing_o be_v more_o various_a than_o the_o wit_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o whoever_o will_v write_v to_o any_o purpose_n must_v write_v in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o people_n to_o who_o he_o write_v will_v bear_v and_o as_o their_o custom_n require_v but_o before_o i_o leave_v this_o particular_a it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n in_o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o never_o be_v any_o book_n write_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o literal_a propriety_n of_o word_n because_o all_o language_n abound_v in_o metaphor_n which_o by_o constant_a use_n become_v perhaps_o better_o know_v to_o the_o native_n of_o a_o country_n than_o the_o original_a word_n themselves_o and_o in_o process_n
caeterum_fw-la non_fw-la tanti_fw-la momenti_fw-la sunt_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la errores_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o iis_fw-la quae_fw-la ad_fw-la sidem_fw-la &_o bonos_fw-es more_o be_v pertinent_a scripturae_fw-la sacrae_fw-la integritas_fw-la desideretur_fw-la plerumque_fw-la enim_fw-la tota_fw-la discrepantia_fw-la variarum_fw-la lectionum_fw-la in_o dictionibus_fw-la quibusdam_fw-la posita_fw-la est_fw-la quae_fw-la sensum_fw-la aut_fw-la parum_fw-la aut_fw-la nihil_fw-la mutant_fw-la bellarmin_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n two_o c._n 2._o bellarmin_n himself_o and_o the_o best_a critic_n among_o the_o papist_n have_v acknowledge_v that_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o rule_n of_o life_n be_v deliver_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o scripture_n notwithstanding_o the_o various_a lection_n and_o though_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a communion_n have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o hence_o yet_o say_v 4._o say_v considerator_n consider_v ch_n 12._o s_o 4._o bishop_n walton_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v that_o in_o any_o particular_a controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o they_o urge_v any_o one_o place_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o cause_n upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o read_n without_o point_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o text_n unpointed_a as_o be_v pretend_v f._n 23._o f._n hist_o crit._n v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 23._o simon_n complain_v that_o the_o catalogue_n of_o various_a lection_n be_v much_o large_a than_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o be_v of_o no_o moment_n and_o he_o charge_v cappellus_n more_o than_o once_o with_o multiply_v they_o without_o reason_n morinus_n indeed_o make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o lessen_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a but_o his_o authority_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a when_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o communion_n who_o have_v declare_v themselves_o against_o his_o opinion_n in_o vita_fw-la in_o joh._n morin_n vita_fw-la the_o life_n of_o morinus_n write_v by_o f._n simon_n there_o be_v this_o character_n of_o cappellus_n and_o morinus_n that_o if_o they_o be_v compare_v as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v both_o write_v concern_v the_o bible_n morinus_n show_v more_o learning_n in_o his_o book_n but_o it_o be_v very_o often_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n whereas_o cappellus_n have_v more_o sagacity_n and_o judgement_n and_o never_o wander_v from_o his_o subject_n but_o prove_v what_o he_o be_v upon_o by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o as_o severe_a as_o this_o censure_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o effect_n by_o the_o confession_n of_o morinus_n himself_o for_o he_o orient_a he_o epist_n 70._o inter_fw-la antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a acknowledge_v to_o buxtorf_n that_o he_o never_o thorough_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o hebrey_n tongue_n that_o he_o have_v read_v nothing_o in_o hebrew_n for_o 7_o year_n together_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o do_v not_o question_n but_o he_o have_v make_v many_o mistake_n especial_o in_o his_o samaritan_n exercitation_n great_a part_n of_o which_o be_v write_v in_o haste_n and_o he_o be_v force_v to_o use_v such_o a_o variety_n of_o author_n that_o he_o believe_v it_o impossible_a but_o that_o he_o must_v have_v be_v often_o mistake_v the_o authority_n of_o morinus_n then_o signify_v nothing_o in_o prejudice_n to_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o 9_o and_o hoc_fw-la certo_fw-la affirmare_fw-la possum_fw-la i_o nullam_fw-la animadvertisse_fw-la menâ—â—m_fw-la nec_fw-la lectionum_fw-la varietatem_fw-la circa_fw-la moralia_fw-la documenta_fw-la quae_fw-la ipâ—â—_n obscura_fw-la aut_fw-la dubia_fw-la reddere_fw-la possunt_fw-la tractat._n theolog._n polit._n c._n 9_o spinoza_n himself_o have_v own_v that_o he_o can_v for_o certain_a affirm_v that_o he_o have_v observe_v no_o fault_n nor_o various_a read_n which_o concern_v the_o moral_a precept_n that_o can_v render_v they_o obscure_v or_o doubtful_a bishop_n walton_n have_v with_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n sum_v up_o the_o argument_n on_o alâ—_n side_n and_o as_o 21._o as_o crit._n hist_o v._o t._n lib._n 3._o c._n 21._o f._n simon_n acknowledge_v haâ—_n examine_v this_o matter_n with_o more_o exactness_n than_o all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o his_o polyglot_n bibles_n give_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n either_o as_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n concern_v in_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n or_o of_o the_o several_a version_n and_o as_o many_o sect_n and_o division_n as_o there_o be_v among_o christian_n and_o as_o many_o different_a translation_n as_o they_o make_v use_v of_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o original_n and_o their_o translation_n in_o the_o main_n be_v the_o same_o however_o they_o disagree_v in_o render_v some_o particular_a passage_n which_o concern_v the_o different_a opinion_n of_o the_o several_a party_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n maintain_v their_o own_o translation_n to_o be_v more_o correct_a than_o other_o if_o we_o allow_v of_o mr_n table-talk_a mr_n table-talk_a selden_n judgement_n who_o be_v very_o able_a to_o make_v a_o true_a one_o and_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v prejudice_v in_o the_o case_n he_o say_v the_o english_a translation_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o best_a translation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o render_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a best_a take_v in_o for_o the_o english_a translation_n the_o bishop_n bible_n as_o well_o as_o king_n james_n '_o s._n however_o by_o different_a translation_n and_o by_o compare_v divers_a copy_n and_o version_n to_o make_v out_o the_o true_a read_n many_o text_n become_v better_o understand_v and_o more_o full_o explain_v than_o if_o there_o have_v be_v but_o one_o read_v and_o no_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n vi_o and_o no_o less_o may_v be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o of_o the_o old_a for_o the_o book_n of_o it_o be_v keep_v from_o the_o begin_n as_o a_o sacred_a treasure_n with_o great_a care_n and_o reverence_n and_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o christian_a assembly_n and_o soon_o translate_v into_o all_o language_n the_o primitive_a christian_n choose_v to_o undergo_v any_o torment_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v deliver_v up_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o persecutor_n to_o be_v destroy_v and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o careful_a to_o preserve_v they_o uncorrupted_a by_o heretic_n beside_o when_o heretic_n attempt_v to_o corrupt_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o serve_v their_o particular_a heresy_n they_o be_v declare_v against_o not_o only_o by_o the_o orthodox_n but_o by_o other_o heretic_n who_o be_v not_o concern_v for_o those_o opinion_n in_o behalf_n whereof_o the_o corruption_n be_v intend_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o corruption_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o church_n or_o to_o pass_v undiscovered_a even_o by_o some_o of_o the_o heretic_n themselves_o they_o must_v be_v design_v for_o some_o end_n and_o to_o authorise_v some_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o then_o all_o who_o be_v not_o for_o those_o doctrine_n and_o more_o especial_o those_o who_o be_v against_o they_o will_v certain_o oppose_v such_o corruption_n the_o agreement_n likewise_o of_o the_o greek_a text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o the_o several_a ancient_a version_n and_o with_o the_o quotation_n find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n who_o cite_v and_o allege_v they_o from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o alteration_n of_o any_o such_o consequence_n as_o to_o make_v the_o scripture_n insufficient_a for_o the_o end_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o any_o man_n be_v of_o another_o opinion_n let_v he_o instance_n in_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o he_o to_o show_v that_o some_o one_o or_o more_o text_n which_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v dispute_v but_o he_o must_v show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o text_n which_o be_v clear_a and_o undisputed_a the_o various_a lection_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o authority_n that_o they_o rather_o help_v to_o prove_v it_o since_o they_o be_v comparative_o so_o few_o in_o a_o book_n of_o so_o great_a antiquity_n for_o no_o care_n and_o regard_n inferior_a to_o that_o which_o we_o must_v suppose_v man_n to_o have_v of_o a_o book_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v be_v of_o divine_a authority_n can_v have_v produce_v a_o less_o variety_n of_o readins_n in_o a_o book_n of_o much_o less_o antiquity_n they_o be_v all_o of_o no_o consequence_n to_o the_o
vii_o of_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n particular_o of_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n here_o it_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v remember_v that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o common_a and_o true_a observation_n that_o all_o author_n be_v rather_o perplex_v and_o obscure_v than_o explain_v by_o a_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o this_o be_v so_o true_a of_o no_o book_n as_o of_o the_o scripture_n for_o as_o none_o have_v have_v so_o many_o gloss_n and_o comment_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n so_o most_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o some_o new_a explication_n or_o to_o serve_v a_o cause_n and_o maintain_v some_o particular_a opinion_n by_o their_o exposition_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n that_o any_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a after_o volume_n have_v be_v write_v i_o may_v true_o say_v upon_o every_o text_n rather_o than_o that_o difficulty_n shall_v be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o find_v it_o declare_v in_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o that_o there_o be_v place_n of_o difficulty_n in_o they_o which_o make_v it_o but_o so_o much_o the_o more_o unreasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v urge_v as_o a_o objection_n against_o they_o for_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o profess_v must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v with_o a_o design_n and_o for_o some_o good_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n and_o design_n ought_v to_o be_v inquire_v into_o before_o this_o be_v use_v as_o a_o objection_n st_o peter_n speak_v of_o christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n say_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n have_v deliver_v some_o thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o st_n paul_n himself_o intimate_v that_o there_o have_v be_v mistake_n concern_v what_o he_o have_v write_v in_o this_o matter_n 2_o thess_n two_o 1_o 2_o 3._o st_o peter_n on_o this_o occasion_n say_v that_o it_o so_o happen_v not_o only_o to_o st_n paul_n epistle_n but_o to_o other_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n through_o the_o ignorance_n and_o rashness_n of_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a man_n 2_o pet._n three_o 16._o and_o it_o happen_v more_o especial_o in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v concern_v thing_n of_o this_o nature_n or_o contain_v whatever_o prophecy_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v therefore_o i_o shall_v i._o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n in_o general_n ii_o i_o shall_v in_o particular_a consider_v the_o obscurity_n of_o prophecy_n and_o shall_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o type_n make_v use_v of_o by_o the_o prophet_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a force_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o argument_n bring_v from_o they_o iii_o i_o shall_v prove_v that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o some_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o they_o nor_o to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o they_o i._o i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n in_o general_a how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v 1._o some_o doctrine_n which_o it_o mighty_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v withal_o can_v not_o be_v deliver_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n but_o that_o they_o must_v needs_o have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bless_a trinity_n of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o torment_n of_o hell_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v and_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v know_v of_o which_o yet_o we_o can_v have_v so_o perfect_a and_o absolute_a a_o knowledge_n but_o that_o something_o of_o they_o will_v still_o remain_v unknown_a to_o we_o as_o there_o be_v no_o object_n more_o visible_a or_o better_o know_v to_o we_o than_o the_o sun_n be_v but_o to_o calculate_v the_o dimension_n and_o the_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n from_o we_o to_o know_v how_o its_o light_n be_v communicate_v and_o sudden_o spread_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v thing_n of_o great_a difficulty_n and_o can_v never_o perhaps_o be_v full_o account_v for_o in_o like_a manner_n what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v must_v needs_o have_v difficulty_n in_o it_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o well_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n because_o these_o be_v thing_n above_o our_o understanding_n we_o may_v perfect_o understand_v that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n but_o can_v have_v no_o full_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o all_o that_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o concern_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v it_o or_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o the_o portion_n our_o faculty_n bear_v to_o it_o will_v allow_v god_n be_v incomprehensible_a whatever_o be_v deliver_v concern_v he_o can_v never_o be_v without_o all_o difficulty_n and_o whilst_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v the_o state_n of_o the_o next_o so_o full_o as_o we_o shall_v do_v hereafter_o and_o these_o be_v difficulty_n which_o must_v be_v unless_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o our_o own_o nature_n be_v different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v nevertheless_o the_o great_a mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o contain_v no_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n but_o if_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v more_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n than_o be_v reveal_v and_o more_o than_o be_v require_v to_o be_v know_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o meet_v with_o difficulty_n what_o be_v meaut_n for_o instance_n by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v as_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n must_v own_v unless_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o oppose_v they_o know_v not_o what_o he_o that_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a know_v what_o it_o be_v which_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o he_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v the_o thing_n than_o be_v know_v though_o there_o be_v difficulty_n in_o the_o explication_n but_o the_o explication_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o existence_n not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o that_o may_v certain_o be_v and_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v it_o to_o be_v which_o yet_o we_o know_v not_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v and_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o only_o be_v reveal_v as_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v not_o any_o particular_a explication_n of_o it_o and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o doctrine_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n this_o show_v the_o plainness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n though_o divers_a thing_n relate_v to_o this_o doctrine_n be_v difficult_a to_o be_v explain_v because_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_o enough_o and_o intelligible_o deliver_v so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v require_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o believe_v several_a art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v very_o difficult_a and_o abstruse_a in_o the_o theory_n be_v easy_a in_o the_o practice_n and_o a_o man_n may_v very_o well_o unsterstand_v what_o the_o theorem_fw-la itself_o be_v which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v though_o he_o be_v altogether_o uncapable_a of_o understand_v the_o proof_n of_o it_o now_o what_o god_n say_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o demonstration_n can_v be_v and_o what_o he_o have_v plain_o deliver_v be_v plain_a as_o well_o as_o certain_a and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o certain_a or_o plain_a because_o we_o can_v make_v out_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a in_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o shall_v be_v plain_a in_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o may_v be_v raise_v about_o it_o when_o we_o know_v the_o meaning_n we_o must_v take_v god_n word_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o distinction_n of_o person_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o essence_n in_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o require_v to_o be_v believe_v but_o the_o thing_n and_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v say_v it_o though_o
sign_n we_o be_v resolve_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o never_o to_o be_v satisfy_v with_o what_o we_o have_v unless_o we_o be_v humour_v in_o every_o thing_n but_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v how_o we_o can_v expect_v this_o at_o god_n hand_n or_o how_o well_o we_o have_v deserve_v it_o of_o he_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o he_o will_v show_v they_o his_o covenant_n psal_n twenty-five_o 14._o for_o the_o froward_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n but_o his_o secret_n be_v with_o the_o righteous_a prov._n iii._o 32._o there_o be_v secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o religion_n which_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v know_v to_o any_o but_o those_o who_o be_v thro'_o acquaint_v with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n both_o in_o the_o study_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o no_o such_o reason_n as_o have_v be_v now_o offer_v can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o some_o place_n it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a however_o for_o such_o man_n as_o make_v this_o a_o objection_n to_o urge_v it_o they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o object_v whatever_o other_o may_v have_v because_o they_o have_v never_o use_v the_o mean_n to_o know_v whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a as_o they_o pretend_v or_o or_o not_o but_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o if_o thing_n necessary_a both_o in_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v clear_o set_v down_o there_o may_v not_o be_v other_o thing_n deliver_v which_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o which_o those_o may_v wrest_v to_o their_o own_o destruction_n who_o be_v unlearned_a and_o unstable_a that_o be_v who_o have_v neither_o learning_n and_o skill_n enough_o to_o judge_v of_o such_o matter_n nor_o yet_o constancy_n and_o steadfastness_n enough_o in_o the_o faith_n to_o adhere_v to_o what_o they_o do_v understand_v and_o not_o to_o perplex_v themselves_o and_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v pervert_v by_o judge_v rash_o of_o thing_n above_o their_o capacity_n the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a only_o be_v say_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o though_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o every_o man_n to_o be_v wise_a and_o learned_a yet_o it_o be_v in_o every_o one_o power_n not_o to_o be_v unstable_a but_o constant_a and_o steadfast_a to_o what_o he_o understand_v and_o never_o to_o depart_v from_o it_o for_o any_o by-end_n or_o respect_n let_v we_o learn_v what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v know_v and_o practise_v what_o we_o know_v before_o we_o complain_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v obscure_a let_v we_o study_v and_o practice_v the_o scripture_n more_o and_o this_o objection_n will_v not_o appear_v so_o formidable_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v those_o that_o most_o use_v it_o neither_o study_n nor_o practice_v they_o and_o yet_o after_o all_o their_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n they_o have_v a_o great_a quarrel_n against_o the_o plain_a part_n of_o scripture_n than_o against_o the_o obscure_a one_o they_o know_v many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v plain_o against_o they_o and_o this_o make_v they_o set_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o have_v be_v here_o say_v in_o general_a i_o hope_v may_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n useful_a to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o instruction_n and_o edification_n and_o in_o particular_a difficulty_n book_n must_v be_v consult_v or_o such_o man_n as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v they_o but_o as_o for_o all_o that_o be_v fond_a of_o objection_n and_o read_v the_o scripture_n only_o in_o search_n of_o thâ—m_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v signify_v much_o with_o 〈◊〉_d teach_v we_o o_o lord_n the_o way_n of_o thy_o statute_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o unto_o the_o end_n give_v we_o understanding_n and_o we_o shall_v keep_v thy_o law_n yea_o we_o shall_v keep_v it_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n great_a be_v the_o peace_n that_o they_o have_v who_o love_n thy_o law_n and_o they_o be_v not_o offend_v at_o it_o psal_n cxix_o 33_o 34_o 165._o chap._n viii_o of_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o i._o though_o the_o sacred_a writer_n no_o where_n contradict_v themselves_o or_o one_o another_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v the_o be_v suspect_v to_o do_v so_o by_o injudicious_a and_o rash_a man_n as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o cautious_a of_o give_v any_o pretence_n for_o such_o a_o suspicion_n if_o they_o have_v write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sovereign_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o when_o he_o have_v by_o a_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o direction_n prevent_v the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o write_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n to_o suffer_v they_o to_o write_v so_o as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o exception_n of_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a because_o it_o be_v more_o 51._o more_o multum_fw-la enim_fw-la refert_fw-la ut_fw-la est_fw-la in_o epistola_fw-la adriani_n quam_fw-la recitatcallistratus_fw-la l._n testâ—uâ—_n d._n de_n teâ—tibus_fw-la qui._n simpliciter_fw-la visi_fw-la sunt_fw-la dicere_fw-la utrâ—m_fw-la unum_fw-la eundâ—â—â—qâ—â—_n meâ—tiatum_fw-la sermo_fw-la they_o attulerint_fw-la a_o ad_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la interrogati_fw-la sunt_fw-la ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la veriâ—milia_fw-la respoâ—deriâ—t_fw-la grot._n in_o adject_n ad_fw-la dan._n c._n xiii_o 51._o suitable_a to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o be_v overnice_a and_o solicitous_a about_o every_o punctilio_n and_o small_a circumstance_n but_o to_o speak_v full_o and_o intelligible_o and_o then_o to_o leave_v it_o to_o man_n whether_o they_o will_v believe_v or_o not_o especial_o in_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o for_o their_o own_o advantage_n the_o relator_n have_v no_o end_n or_o design_n to_o serve_v by_o it_o but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a good_a they_o can_v and_o bring_v all_o the_o evidence_n for_o their_o conviction_n that_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n can_v afford_v which_o be_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o god_n reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o then_o suffer_v in_o testimony_n of_o what_o they_o have_v deliver_v thus_o our_o saviour_n when_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o mighty_a work_n many_o will_v not_o believe_v in_o he_o but_o question_v his_o authority_n and_o revile_v his_o person_n and_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v be_v not_o concern_v to_o work_v more_o miracle_n mere_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o at_o the_o captious_a demand_n of_o these_o man_n when_o they_o require_v he_o to_o do_v it_o for_o if_o they_o will_v be_v convince_v by_o any_o reasonable_a mean_n he_o have_v give_v it_o they_o if_o they_o will_v not_o it_o will_v be_v to_o their_o own_o prejudice_n he_o be_v not_o solicitous_a what_o they_o think_v of_o he_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n god_n have_v give_v man_n sufficient_a evidence_n of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n but_o if_o man_n will_v disâ—_n believe_v his_o providence_n and_o deny_v his_o be_v he_o do_v not_o vouchsafe_v by_o any_o immediate_a 〈◊〉_d particular_a act_n of_o his_o power_n to_o conâ—â—â—â—_n 〈◊〉_d pretence_n and_o if_o because_o of_o some_o place_n that_o be_v difficult_a in_o the_o scripture_n man_n will_v reject_v the_o whole_a rather_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o search_v out_o the_o true_a mean_v of_o these_o place_n or_o than_o be_v so_o modest_a and_o humble_a as_o to_o suppose_v that_o there_o may_v be_v way_n of_o reconcile_a those_o which_o appear_v to_o they_o contradiction_n though_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v they_o out_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o condemnation_n with_o those_o who_o will_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n if_o they_o can_v satisfy_v themselves_o how_o he_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o with_o those_o that_o will_v believe_v none_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n unless_o he_o will_v work_v they_o when_o and_o where_o and_o just_a in_o what_o manner_n they_o please_v but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n see_v that_o nothing_o will_v satisfy_v these_o man_n and_o that_o they_o only_o tempt_v god_n and_o design_v no_o real_a satisfaction_n to_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o he_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o new_a model_n the_o world_n and_o alter_v the_o scripture_n for_o their_o sake_n since_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o they_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sincere_a in_o their_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n ii_o the_o only_a way_n to_o judge_v right_o of_o the_o particular_a place_n of_o any_o book_n be_v to_o consider_v
witness_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n god_n himself_o bear_v witness_n to_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n may_v have_v say_v in_o this_o as_o they_o do_v in_o a_o very_a different_a case_n what_o need_v we_o any_o further_a witness_n for_o we_o ourselves_o have_v hear_v of_o their_o own_o mouth_n in_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o tongue_n or_o see_v it_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n in_o the_o many_o wonderful_a work_n which_o be_v continual_o wrought_v in_o the_o most_o public_a manner_n in_o testimony_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n our_o bless_a saviour_n therefore_o give_v as_o full_a proof_n of_o his_o resurrection_n as_o if_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o temple_n or_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o jerusalem_n to_o the_o whole_a people_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o this_o have_v not_o be_v more_o effectual_a to_o the_o conversion_n of_o most_o of_o they_o nor_o more_o sufficient_a to_o evidence_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o his_o appearance_n to_o his_o disciple_n be_v and_o if_o the_o jew_n have_v unanimous_o believe_v it_o can_v not_o have_v contribute_v more_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o their_o unbelief_n have_v do_v he_o send_v his_o apostle_n with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n as_o convince_a as_o his_o own_o appearance_n can_v have_v be_v and_o all_o thing_n consider_v the_o jew_n afford_v we_o as_o full_a evidence_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o oppose_v it_o as_o they_o can_v have_v do_v by_o their_o compliance_n with_o it_o and_o since_o we_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n to_o resolve_v our_o faith_n into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n the_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o the_o witness_n be_v more_o or_o few_o because_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o be_v always_o the_o same_o whatever_o the_o mean_n be_v by_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o it_o chap._n xxvii_o of_o the_o forty_o day_n in_o which_o christ_n remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n and_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o ascension_n our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v certify_v his_o disciple_n of_o his_o resurrection_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o give_v they_o many_o infallible_a proof_n of_o it_o or_o else_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v infallible_o prove_v and_o that_o which_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v that_o he_o be_v see_v by_o they_o not_o once_o but_o often_o not_o for_o a_o short_a time_n or_o at_o a_o hasty_a interview_n but_o for_o forty_o day_n together_o and_o then_o he_o perform_v the_o common_a action_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o they_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o of_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o his_o kingdom_n to_o who_o also_o he_o show_v himself_o alive_a after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n act_n i_o 3._o that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n be_v to_o make_v some_o observation_n upon_o the_o conversation_n that_o our_o saviour_n have_v with_o his_o disciple_n during_o the_o forty_o day_n between_o his_o resurrection_n and_o his_o ascension_n and_o upon_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o leave_v they_o when_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n 2._o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o that_o our_o saviour_n be_v see_v of_o his_o disciple_n forty_o day_n or_o that_o he_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n the_o great_a part_n of_o that_o time_n which_o he_o remain_v upon_o earth_n after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o in_o what_o manner_n all_o that_o time_n be_v spend_v with_o they_o we_o be_v not_o where_o tell_v which_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o his_o former_a life_n be_v conceal_v from_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v write_v for_o our_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a and_o sincere_a manner_n in_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v we_o 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of_o he_o till_o the_o twelve_o year_n of_o his_o age_n when_o he_o dispute_v with_o the_o doctor_n in_o the_o temple_n and_o then_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o go_v down_o to_o nazareth_n and_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o mother_n and_o to_o joseph_n and_o in_o general_a term_n that_o he_o increase_v in_o wisdom_n and_o stature_n and_o in_o favour_n with_o god_n and_o man_n as_o it_o be_v before_o say_v of_o he_o that_o he_o grow_v and_o wax_v strong_a in_o spirit_n fill_v with_o wisdom_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o he_o luke_n two_o 40_o 52._o the_o next_o time_n we_o read_v any_o thing_n of_o he_o be_v when_o he_o be_v about_o thirty_o year_n of_o age_n and_o come_v to_o john_n to_o be_v baptise_a thus_o not_o only_o during_o his_o infancy_n and_o childhood_n there_o be_v little_o relate_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n but_o his_o ripe_a year_n be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n in_o all_o which_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o speech_n or_o action_n of_o so_o divine_a a_o person_n but_o what_o well_o deserve_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o that_o know_v he_o and_o be_v more_o worthy_a of_o mention_n in_o history_n than_o all_o the_o renown_a adventure_n and_o exploit_n or_o than_o the_o wise_a or_o witty_a say_n which_o adorn_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a among_o the_o son_n of_o men._n but_o modesty_n humility_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o man_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a and_o useful_a doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o come_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o he_o can_v not_o do_v this_o more_o effectual_o than_o by_o his_o own_o example_n in_o lead_v a_o mean_a and_o obscure_a life_n little_o know_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n till_o two_o or_o three_o year_n before_o he_o be_v to_o leave_v it_o by_o a_o cruel_a and_o infamous_a death_n he_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o spend_v his_o time_n in_o place_n of_o public_a resort_v and_o converse_v and_o when_o he_o dispute_v in_o the_o temple_n yet_o nothing_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v mention_v this_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a person_n be_v to_o rebuke_v and_o control_v the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o popular_a scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o after_o he_o have_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n very_o much_o of_o his_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n not_o many_o of_o his_o discourse_n be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o action_n be_v omit_v for_o if_o they_o have_v be_v all_o write_v and_o describe_v in_o their_o several_a circumstance_n many_o volume_n must_v have_v be_v take_v up_o in_o the_o narrative_a of_o they_o insomuch_o that_o st._n john_n suppose_v that_o even_o the_o world_n itself_o can_v not_o have_v contain_v the_o book_n that_o shall_v have_v be_v write_v joh._n xxi_o 25._o that_o be_v as_o we_o may_v express_v it_o in_o our_o language_n he_o do_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n more_o than_o these_o which_o be_v relate_v of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n st._n james_n say_v that_o the_o tongue_n be_v a_o world_n of_o iniquity_n jam._n iii._o 6._o the_o meaning_n of_o st._n john_n be_v that_o hardly_o any_o word_n can_v express_v how_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o our_o saviour_n beside_o those_o which_o he_o have_v set_v down_o christ_n may_v have_v employ_v some_o accurate_a historian_n to_o compose_v the_o annal_n of_o his_o whole_a life_n with_o the_o great_a exactness_n imaginable_a but_o he_o be_v please_v to_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n very_o imperfest_o by_o such_o as_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o write_a history_n any_o far_a than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v the_o strict_a and_o necessary_a truth_n the_o
well_o assure_v of_o that_o in_o which_o they_o agree_v that_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a as_o to_o the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o it_o the_o difference_n among_o christian_n may_v serve_v to_o prove_v to_o we_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v it_o since_o christian_n agree_v in_o assert_v their_o divine_a authority_n and_o have_v never_o be_v so_o much_o at_o unity_n among_o themselves_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o agree_v to_o corrupt_v they_o but_o have_v certain_o deliver_v they_o down_o entire_a to_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n only_o which_o man_n dispute_v about_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o they_o have_v not_o disagree_v it_o be_v observe_v that_o want_v of_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n lead_v man_n into_o more_o inconvenience_n than_o want_v of_o part_n and_o ability_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o debate_n and_o contention_n in_o philosophy_n will_v soon_o cure_v most_o man_n of_o their_o infidelity_n than_o any_o argument_n can_v do_v those_o who_o raise_v objection_n against_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v that_o almost_o every_o thing_n else_o have_v as_o great_a difficulty_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o reject_v religion_n upon_o pretence_n which_o if_o they_o hold_v must_v force_v they_o to_o reject_v all_o other_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o to_o believe_v just_a nothing_o at_o all_o there_o have_v be_v dispute_n in_o all_o age_n concern_v light_n and_o motion_n the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o other_o wonder_n of_o nature_n but_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a for_o this_o reason_n to_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o motion_n and_o whatever_o beside_o man_n have_v dispute_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o absurd_a if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o allow_v that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o religion_n but_o against_o nothing_o else_o if_o the_o sun_n yield_v his_o light_n and_o nature_n go_v on_o in_o her_o constant_a course_n though_o man_n differ_v never_o so_o much_o in_o their_o philosophy_n about_o it_o what_o can_v religion_n be_v the_o worse_a for_o their_o dispute_n no_o body_n think_v that_o he_o see_v ever_o the_o less_o for_o any_o difficulty_n which_o have_v be_v urge_v concernning_a vision_n and_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o the_o less_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o man_n may_v dispute_v any_o thing_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n but_o it_o have_v be_v dispute_v but_o nothing_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a for_o be_v dispute_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o be_v rather_o confirm_v and_o advance_v by_o it_o truth_n be_v nevertheless_o truth_n for_o meeting_n with_o opposition_n but_o be_v the_o more_o try_v and_o the_o more_o approve_a as_o strength_n and_o courage_n be_v by_o the_o sharp_a conflict_n since_o than_o there_o will_v be_v vice_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v man_n in_o this_o world_n and_o difference_n and_o dissension_n in_o religion_n as_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n since_o they_o can_v be_v hinder_v but_o by_o the_o omnipotent_a power_n of_o god_n and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o since_o difference_n in_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o imply_v any_o uncertainty_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o rather_o prove_v a_o confirmation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v in_o divers_a respect_n make_v useful_a and_o expedient_a to_o the_o edification_n of_o christian_n it_o must_v be_v great_a inconsideration_n and_o weakness_n to_o produce_v they_o as_o a_o objection_n against_o religion_n there_o must_v be_v heresy_n and_o the_o spirit_n speak_v express_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a time_n some_o shall_v depart_v from_o the_o faith_n give_v heed_n to_o seduce_v spirit_n and_o doctrine_n of_o devil_n speak_v lie_n in_o hypocrisy_n have_v their_o conscience_n sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n 1_o tim._n four_o 12._o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v true_a unless_o these_o thing_n shall_v happen_v which_o be_v foretell_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n behold_v say_v our_o saviour_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o matt._n xxiv_o 25._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a nor_o surprise_v thing_n to_o christian_n to_o see_v heresy_n arise_v though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a because_o we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o they_o serve_v to_o give_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n to_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o fulfil_v the_o prediction_n of_o it_o they_o help_v to_o prove_v the_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v destroy_v for_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o heresy_n that_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v true_a which_o have_v foretell_v they_o but_o since_o there_o be_v heresy_n our_o religion_n be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o true_a as_o to_o contain_v express_a prophecy_n concern_v they_o which_o we_o see_v daily_o fulfil_v and_o as_o they_o evident_o prove_v our_o religion_n true_a in_o this_o particular_a so_o they_o invalidate_v it_o in_o no_o other_o which_o be_v the_o dial._n the_o just_a mart._n dial._n answer_n that_o the_o christian_n ancient_o return_v to_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o make_v this_o objection_n against_o it_o let_v we_o follow_v the_o plain_a the_o know_v and_o and_o confess_v duty_n of_o religion_n humility_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o charity_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o wish_v religion_n untrue_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o plain_a precept_n and_o direction_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n of_o any_o controversy_n in_o it_o for_o if_o man_n will_v impartial_o consider_v thing_n that_o religion_n which_o have_v now_o for_o so_o many_o age_n stand_v out_o all_o the_o assault_n and_o attempt_n with_o enemy_n from_o without_o and_o party_n within_o can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o have_v approve_v it_o much_o better_o and_o more_o glorious_o than_o it_o can_v have_v do_v if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v either_o heresy_n or_o schism_n let_v we_o therefore_o hold_v fast_o the_o profession_n of_o our_o faith_n without_o waver_a be_v assure_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n that_o be_v all_o the_o power_n and_o stratagem_n of_o satan_n shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o shall_v only_o serve_v to_o add_v to_o its_o victory_n and_o adorn_v its_o triumph_n the_o malice_n o_o lord_n and_o fierceness_n of_o man_n shall_v turn_v to_o thy_o praise_n and_o the_o fierceness_n of_o they_o shall_v thou_o refrain_v ps_n lxxvi_o 10._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o objection_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n or_o pretence_n be_v allege_v have_v be_v consider_v and_o answer_v by_o divers_a man_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n and_o several_a objection_n which_o have_v make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n as_o that_o about_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n and_o other_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v groundless_a and_o frivolous_a but_o though_o all_o difficulty_n can_v not_o be_v account_v for_o yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a or_o sufficient_a cause_n why_o we_o shall_v reject_v the_o scripture_n because_o objection_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o do_v not_o at_o all_o effect_n the_o evidence_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o they_o be_v pertinent_a yet_o unless_o they_o can_v confute_v that_o evidence_n they_o ought_v not_o to_o determine_v we_o against_o they_o he_o that_o with_o a_o honest_a and_o sincere_a desire_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o revelation_n inquire_v into_o it_o shall_v first_o consider_v impartial_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o it_o and_o afterward_o consider_v the_o objection_n raise_v against_o it_o that_o so_o he_o may_v compare_v the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o the_o objection_n together_o and_o determine_v himself_o on_o that_o side_n which_o appear_v to_o have_v most_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o to_o insist_v upon_o particular_a objection_n collect_v out_o of_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n though_o they_o will_v likewise_o observe_v the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v which_o few_o of_o our_o objector_n have_v patience_n to_o do_v but_o run_v away_o with_o the_o objection_n without_o stay_v for_o a_o answer_n i_o say_v to_o allege_v particular_a objection_n without_o attend_v to_o the_o main_a ground_n and_o motive_n
which_o induce_v a_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o very_a deceitful_a way_n of_o argue_v because_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o improbable_a that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o true_a revelation_n which_o may_v have_v great_a difficulty_n in_o it_o but_o if_o sufficient_a evidence_n be_v produce_v to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o god_n word_n and_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n on_o the_o contrary_a to_o invalidate_v that_o evidence_n then_o all_o the_o objection_n beside_o that_o can_v be_v raise_v be_v but_o objection_n and_o no_o more_o for_o if_o those_o argument_n by_o which_o our_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v true_a remain_v still_o in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o the_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a we_o ought_v not_o to_o reject_v those_o argument_n and_o the_o conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o objection_n but_o to_o reject_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o argument_n because_o if_o those_o can_v be_v disprove_v all_o the_o which_o can_v be_v think_v of_o must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n for_o when_o i_o be_o once_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o direct_a and_o positive_a proof_n i_o have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o all_o objection_n against_o it_o must_v be_v vain_a and_o false_a which_o i_o have_v that_o that_o thing_n be_v true_a because_o every_o thing_n must_v be_v false_a which_o be_v opposite_a to_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o that_o which_o take_v off_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a can_v ever_o prove_v it_o false_a but_o all_o objection_n must_v be_v false_a themselves_o or_o insignificant_a to_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o the_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v can_v be_v disprove_v that_o be_v if_o the_o thing_n against_o which_o they_o be_v bring_v be_v true_a to_o show_v this_o in_o particular_n if_o a_o man_n muster_v up_o never_o so_o many_o inconsistency_n as_o he_o think_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o unless_o he_o be_v as_o well_o assure_v at_o least_o that_o these_o which_o he_o call_v inconsistency_n can_v be_v in_o any_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o he_o may_v be_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o can_v in_o reason_n reject_v their_o authority_n and_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v what_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n whereby_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v to_o we_o for_o whatever_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o this_o evidence_n can_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o authority_n in_o like_a manner_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v frame_v never_o so_o many_o objection_n against_o the_o opinion_n common_o receive_v that_o caesar_n himself_o write_v the_o commentary_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n and_o not_o julius_n celsus_n or_o any_o other_o author_n unless_o he_o can_v overthrow_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o caesar_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o all_o his_o objection_n will_v never_o amount_v to_o a_o proof_n that_o he_o be_v not_o the_o author_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v thing_n which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o to_o enact_v law_n especial_o concern_v the_o right_n and_o ceremony_n enjoin_v a_o people_n so_o many_o age_n past_a the_o reason_n whereof_o we_o may_v not_o be_v full_o to_o understand_v and_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a likewise_o that_o there_o may_v be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o chronology_n and_o that_o the_o text_n may_v in_o divers_a place_n have_v a_o different_a read_n and_o though_o all_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v clear_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o reasonable_a man_n by_o several_a expositor_n yet_o let_v we_o suppose_v at_o present_a to_o gratify_v these_o objector_n and_o this_o will_v gratify_v they_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v do_v it_o that_o the_o law_n be_v utter_o unaccountable_a that_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v no_o way_n adjust_v that_o the_o divers_a readins_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v reconcile_v yet_o what_o do_v all_o this_o prove_v that_o moses_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o egyptian_n be_v not_o witness_n to_o they_o that_o what_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o descend_v upon_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n or_o to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a do_v it_o prove_v any_o thing_n of_o all_o this_o or_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o prove_v it_o if_o it_o can_v and_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o it_o can_v then_o all_o the_o evidence_n produce_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n stand_v firm_a notwithstanding_o all_o this_o mighty_a noise_n of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o the_o inconsistency_n and_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o next_o enquiry_n natural_o will_v be_v not_o how_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v from_o god_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v already_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o must_v from_o henceforth_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v till_o it_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o the_o only_a enquiry_n will_v be_v how_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v or_o reconcile_v with_o other_o place_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o other_o thing_n and_o try_v whether_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o reason_n thus_o in_o any_o case_n but_o that_o of_o religion_n and_o whether_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v ashamed_a of_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o any_o other_o case_n how_o little_a be_v it_o that_o we_o thorough_o unstand_v in_o natural_a thing_n and_o yet_o how_o seldom_o do_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o because_o we_o may_v puzzle_v and_o perplex_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o they_o for_o instance_n we_o discern_v the_o light_n and_o feel_v the_o warmth_n and_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o constant_a return_n of_o day_n and_o night_n and_o of_o the_o several_a season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o no_o man_n doubt_v but_o that_o all_o this_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o approach_n or_o withdraw_n of_o the_o sun_n influence_n but_o whoever_o will_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v all_o this_o and_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o it_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a task_n and_o such_o objection_n have_v be_v urge_v against_o every_o hypothesis_n in_o some_o point_n or_o other_o as_o perhaps_o no_o man_n be_v able_a full_o to_o answer_v but_o do_v any_o man_n doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o heat_n as_o day_n and_o night_n though_o he_o can_v be_v satisfy_v whether_o the_o sun_n or_o the_o earth_n move_v or_o do_v man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o can_v see_v or_o not_o till_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v how_o vision_n be_v make_v and_o must_v none_o be_v allow_v to_o see_v but_o mathematician_n or_o do_v man_n refuse_v to_o eat_v till_o they_o be_v satisfy_v how_o and_o after_o what_o manner_n they_o be_v nourish_v yet_o if_o we_o must_v be_v sway_v by_o objection_n which_o do_v not_o come_v up_o to_o the_o main_a point_n nor_o affect_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o fill_v our_o mind_n with_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n about_o they_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o which_o we_o do_v not_o full_o comprehend_v in_o every_o part_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o for_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o concern_v it_o that_o may_v it_o seem_v be_v object_v against_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o may_v be_v a_o just_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v of_o it_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o be_v too_o confident_a that_o we_o move_v before_o we_o can_v give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o law_n of_o motion_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v we_o must_v not_o presume_v to_o eat_v till_o we_o can_v tell_v how_o digestion_n and_o nourishment_n be_v make_v in_o short_a this_o will_v run_v we_o into_o all_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o scepticism_n for_o upon_o these_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o some_o doubt_v whether_o snow_n be_v white_a or_o honey_n sweet_a or_o any_o
who_o be_v not_o as_o singular_a in_o other_o thing_n and_o in_o his_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o he_o have_v firm_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o concern_v all_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o thing_n to_o weigh_v the_o objection_n with_o the_o answer_n that_o have_v be_v give_v to_o they_o by_o divers_a author_n and_o withal_o to_o observe_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o objection_n and_o how_o far_o they_o affect_v the_o main_a cause_n and_o still_o to_o remember_v that_o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n if_o our_o faith_n can_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n or_o advantage_n to_o we_o nor_o infidelity_n any_o prejudice_n we_o may_v take_v the_o same_o liberty_n to_o give_v credit_n or_o no_o credit_n to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o we_o use_v in_o the_o read_n all_o other_o book_n and_o to_o receive_v or_o reject_v it_o as_o we_o think_v fit_a or_o to_o believe_v only_o just_a so_o much_o as_o lies_z even_o with_o our_o own_o understanding_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n and_o at_o the_o worst_a this_o will_v be_v but_o folly_n in_o we_o but_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o reject_v our_o own_o happiness_n and_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a because_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o understand_v every_o word_n of_o that_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o term_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o son_n shall_v choose_v to_o live_v miserable_o rather_o than_o to_o enjoy_v a_o large_a estate_n leave_v he_o by_o his_o father_n because_o he_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o design_n and_o full_a meaning_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o his_o will_n he_o search_v out_o for_o all_o way_n and_o art_n for_o cavil_v at_o it_o and_o be_v fond_a of_o any_o pretence_n to_o cast_v it_o aside_o as_o counterfeit_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v his_o father_n for_o his_o father_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o if_o it_o be_v he_o such_o and_o such_o clause_n will_v not_o be_v in_o it_o since_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o he_o can_v see_v why_o they_o shall_v be_v insert_v several_a thing_n mention_v in_o it_o he_o believe_v be_v mistimed_n the_o bound_n of_o the_o land_n be_v not_o describe_v by_o fit_a name_n beside_o it_o be_v interline_v and_o he_o never_o will_v accept_v of_o such_o a_o estate_n convey_v to_o he_o by_o such_o a_o will_n but_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v miserable_a all_o the_o day_n of_o his_o life_n this_o will_v be_v such_o peevishness_n and_o perverseness_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o where_o our_o temporal_a interest_n be_v concern_v but_o too_o many_o be_v too_o forward_o to_o reject_v the_o tender_v and_o despise_v the_o term_n of_o a_o everlasting_a inheritance_n in_o heaven_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o become_v obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o curse_n threaten_v to_o unbeliever_n because_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n contain_v some_o thing_n which_o may_v afford_v matter_n of_o exception_n and_o cavil_v to_o captious_a men._n god_n have_v send_v his_o prophet_n to_o call_v and_o admonish_v we_o and_o his_o son_n to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o his_o death_n and_o to_o offer_v we_o eternal_a peace_n and_o happiness_n and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o it_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v admit_v the_o jew_n have_v assert_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n from_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o christian_n assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n when_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o not_o to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o without_o any_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o it_o in_o this_o world_n but_o with_o a_o certain_a expectation_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o know_a world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o become_v christian_n when_o in_o this_o world_n christian_n be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o be_v support_v only_o by_o the_o steadfast_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n after_o this_o life_n and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o we_o have_v not_o only_o that_o any_o other_o book_n be_v compose_v by_o the_o author_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v but_o as_o we_o have_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n now_o what_o do_v these_o man_n how_o do_v they_o receive_v so_o great_a a_o blessing_n why_o they_o overlook_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o search_v up_o and_o down_o for_o doubtful_a and_o obscure_a passage_n to_o disprove_v it_o by_o not_o consider_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o nothing_o can_v overthrow_v their_o authority_n but_o that_o which_o can_v invalidate_v the_o evidence_n by_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o ingratitude_n thus_o to_o despise_v god_n mercy_n and_o care_n over_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o infinite_a danger_n it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o madness_n for_o what_o mild_a term_n can_v be_v find_v to_o express_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o they_o who_o reject_v a_o book_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n forewarn_v we_o upon_o pain_n of_o the_o severe_a effect_n of_o god_n displeasure_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o it_o be_v madness_n i_o say_v if_o we_o right_o consider_v it_o to_o reject_v such_o a_o book_n and_o at_o once_o both_o to_o affront_v the_o mercy_n and_o despise_v the_o threaten_n of_o the_o infinite_o merciful_a and_o the_o infinite_o great_a and_o powerful_a god_n it_o be_v a_o good_a caution_n to_o the_o atheist_n to_o forbear_v his_o blasphemy_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n for_o fear_v it_o shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o last_o and_o then_o it_o will_v be_v a_o dismal_a thing_n after_o all_o his_o profane_a talk_v and_o argue_v to_o be_v call_v before_o that_o god_n who_o he_o have_v so_o often_o deny_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a advice_n to_o those_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o be_v sure_a that_o these_o be_v not_o god_n word_n after_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o this_o the_o name_n and_o title_n which_o they_o bear_v and_o which_o man_n as_o wise_a and_o as_o judicious_a as_o themselves_o think_v to_o belong_v to_o they_o shall_v methinks_v keep_v man_n within_o some_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o discretion_n for_o if_o they_o be_v indeed_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o nothing_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v make_v more_o evident_a than_o how_o dear_o must_v they_o pay_v for_o a_o little_a cavil_v wit_n and_o subtilty_n the_o best_a and_o most_o divine_a thing_n may_v be_v despise_v and_o affront_v by_o a_o bold_a and_o scurrilous_a wit_n but_o can_v man_n think_v it_o a_o safe_a or_o a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o ridicule_n and_o scoff_n at_o those_o book_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v may_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n when_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o fancy_n themselves_o so_o great_a master_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v the_o argument_n bring_v in_o vindication_n of_o they_o can_v they_o value_v the_o contemptible_a reputation_n of_o a_o little_a satyr_n and_o drollery_n at_o that_o mighty_a rate_n as_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o be_v damn_v for_o it_o if_o man_n have_v any_o real_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n they_o must_v needs_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o thing_n to_o jest_n and_o trifle_v withal_o when_o no_o less_o than_o the_o term_n of_o our_o everlasting_a happiness_n or_o everlasting_a misery_n be_v the_o thing_n in_o controversy_n and_o what_o wit_n there_o may_v be_v in_o it_o i_o can_v tell_v but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v no_o sign_n of_o a_o very_a wise_a man_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o a_o book_n by_o which_o he_o can_v never_o prove_v but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v judge_v at_o the_o last_o day_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v solomon_n who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o not_o i_o
moses_n time_n or_o after_o it_o p._n 206._o of_o what_o consequence_n the_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v towards_o the_o prove_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o authority_n p._n 214._o chap._n vii_o of_o joshua_n and_o the_o judge_n and_o of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n under_o their_o government_n joshua_n the_o author_n of_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n p._n 215._o the_o book_n of_o judge_n write_v by_o samuel_n p._n 216._o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n divide_v p._n 217._o the_o male_n circumcise_a at_o the_o first_o come_v into_o canaan_n and_o thereby_o disable_v for_o war_n contrary_a to_o all_o humane_a policy_n p._n 219._o the_o wall_n of_o jericho_n throw_v down_o and_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v they_o ib._n the_o integrity_n of_o joshua_n p._n 220._o of_o eli_n p._n 221._o of_o samuel_n p._n 222._o chap._n viii_o of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n under_o their_o king_n from_o the_o revolt_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n prophet_n in_o the_o kingdom_n both_o of_o israel_n and_o judah_n p._n 223_o chap._n ix_o of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o write_n the_o kind_n of_o prophecy_n among_o the_o jew_n p._n 224._o the_o freedom_n and_o courage_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o reverence_n pay_v to_o they_o even_o by_o bad_a prince_n p._n 226._o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 227._o many_o of_o their_o prophecy_n fulfil_v during_o their_o own_o life_n p._n 228._o their_o prophecy_n commit_v to_o writing_n ibid._n they_o as_o well_o as_o the_o law_n be_v careful_o preserve_v during_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n p._n 229._o the_o book_n of_o the_o former_a and_o of_o the_o latter_a prophet_n the_o book_n of_o samuel_n by_o who_o write_v p._n 231._o the_o book_n of_o chronicle_n and_o of_o king_n by_o who_o write_v ibid._n of_o the_o psalm_n moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a old_a testament_n p._n 233._o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n sufficient_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n when_o they_o return_v from_o babylon_n ibid._n the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v afterward_o p._n 235._o chap._n x._o of_o the_o prohecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o prophet_n josiah_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n the_o circumstance_n of_o that_o prophecy_n p._n 236._o the_o fulfil_n of_o elijah_n prophecy_n p._n 238._o the_o confession_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n p._n 240._o divers_a other_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n ibid._n cyrus_n prophesy_v of_o by_o name_n long_o before_o his_o birth_n p._n 241._o jeremiah_n prophecy_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n p._n 243._o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v betwixt_o the_o prophecy_n of_o jeremiah_n and_o ezekiel_n a_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o they_o both_o p._n 245._o other_o plain_a prophecy_n fulfil_v p._n 247._o these_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n manifest_o true_a p._n 249_o chap._n xi_o of_o the_o dependence_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o each_o other_o and_o that_o the_o old_a testament_n prove_v the_o new_a and_o the_o new_a again_o prove_v the_o old_a as_o the_o cause_n and_o the_o essect_v p._n 252._o chap._n xii_o of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o bless_a saviour_n undeniable_a innocence_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 257._o judas_n himself_o give_v testimony_n to_o it_o p._n 259._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n fulfil_v in_o he_o p._n 265._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o life_n fulfil_v p._n 277._o the_o prophecy_n concern_v his_o death_n fulfil_v p._n 280._o and_o those_o concern_v his_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n p._n 286_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n our_o saviour_n foretell_v the_o treachery_n of_o judas_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o own_o death_n p._n 287._o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o and_o the_o prodigy_n attend_v it_o ibid._n his_o miracle_n verify_v the_o prophecy_n which_o have_v be_v concern_v the_o messiah_n p._n 290_o chap._n fourteen_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n prophesy_v of_o and_o typify_v p._n 293._o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o it_o p._n 295._o they_o will_v not_o deceive_v other_o p._n 306._o they_o allege_v such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o deceive_v p._n 307_o chap._n xv._o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o sufficient_a understanding_n to_o know_v what_o they_o testify_v p._n 312._o they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o know_v it_o p._n 313._o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o true_o declare_v what_o they_o know_v for_o they_o have_v no_o worldy_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o their_o testimony_n but_o suffer_v by_o it_o and_o have_v a_o certain_a prospect_n of_o suffering_n p._n 315._o there_o be_v peculiar_a mark_n of_o sincerity_n in_o all_o their_o write_n p._n 319_o chap._n xvi_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n of_o their_o prophecy_n p._n 328._o of_o their_o miracle_n p._n 330._o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o p._n 331._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n communicate_v by_o they_o to_o other_o p._n 336._o their_o supernatural_a courage_n and_o resolution_n p._n 342._o this_o likewise_o be_v communicate_v to_o their_o follower_n p._n 351_o chap._n xvii_o of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n life_n and_o death_n contain_v so_o notorious_a and_o public_a circumstance_n that_o it_o be_v a_o appeal_n to_o that_o age_n whether_o the_o thing_n relate_v be_v true_a or_o not_o p._n 354._o the_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v explicatory_a and_o consequential_a to_o the_o gospel_n or_o history_n of_o christ_n and_o beside_o these_o likewise_o contain_v many_o memorable_a and_o public_a matter_n of_o fact_n p._n 361._o the_o gospel_n and_o other_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n cite_v by_o author_n contemporary_a with_o the_o apostle_n and_o own_a for_o genuine_a both_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n p._n 363._o many_o of_o the_o eye-witness_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n live_v to_o a_o great_a age_n p._n 364._o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v testify_v in_o apology_n write_v from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o the_o heathen_a emperor_n ibid._n chap._n xviii_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n p._n 368._o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n p._n 370._o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n to_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n p._n 372._o it_o afferd_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n p._n 374._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n p._n 374._o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v ever_o have_v great_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n p._n 376._o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n p._n 382_o part_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o divine_a revelation_n but_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n p._n 385._o chap._n i._n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n to_o antiquity_n examine_v p._n 387._o of_o the_o chaldaean_n ibid._n of_o the_o chinese_n p._n 389._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o heathen_a religion_n never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v p._n 392._o every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n they_o prevail_v only_o by_o the_o temporal_a power_n though_o the_o heathen_n more_o in_o number_n yet_o the_o religion_n of_o christian_n more_o promulge_v p._n 392_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o heathen_n p._n 394._o that_o they_o be_v uncertain_a and_o ambiguous_a p._n 396._o but_o they_o can_v not_o be_v all_o counterfeit_n p._n 398._o the_o cessation_n of_o oracle_n gradual_a p._n 399._o their_o miracle_n never_o
worought_v to_o confirm_v any_o sound_n and_o useful_a doctrine_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o false_a god_n when_o they_o be_v adjure_v by_o christian_n p._n 401._o chap._n iu._n the_o defect_n in_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o theology_n of_o the_o heathen_n absurd_a p._n 403._o their_o religious_a worship_n wicked_a and_o impious_a p._n 405._o humane_a sacrifice_n customary_a in_o all_o heathen_a nation_n p._n 406._o no_o body_n of_o law_n nor_o rule_n of_o good_a life_n propose_v by_o their_o oracle_n p._n 402._o but_o idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n approve_v and_o recommend_v by_o they_o ibid._n chap._n v._o of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a p._n 411._o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n p._n 423._o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n p._n 429_o chap._n vi_o the_o novelty_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 436._o chap._n vii_o the_o want_n both_o of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n in_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n p._n 439_o chap._n viii_o the_o alcoran_n be_v false_a absurd_a and_o immoral_a p._n 441_o chap._n ix_o of_o mahomet_n that_o he_o be_v lustful_a proud_a and_o cruel_a appear_v from_o the_o alcoran_n itself_o p._n 443_o part_n iu_o chap._n i._n that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n p._n 447_o chap._n ii_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n the_o scripture_n consider_v 1._o as_o historical_o true_a 2._o as_o to_o their_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v eternal_a salvation_n p._n 451_o 452._o from_o both_o these_o consideration_n it_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v infallible_o true_a p._n 455._o in_o many_o case_n there_o be_v as_o much_o cause_n to_o believe_v what_o we_o know_v from_o other_o as_o what_o we_o see_v and_o experience_n ourselves_o p._n 456._o and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n p._n 460._o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o this_o case_n compare_v p._n 462._o the_o certainty_n of_o both_o ultimate_o resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a veracity_n etc._n etc._n ibid._n a_o objection_n from_o joh._n xx_o 29._o answer_v p._n 467._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n p._n 470_o new_o publish_a christian_a thought_n for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o month_n with_o reflection_n upon_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o which_o be_v add_v prayer_n for_o every_o morning_n and_o evening_n price_n 1_o s._n a_o course_n of_o lecture_n upon_o the_o church_n catechism_n by_o thomas_n bray_n d._n d._n the_o three_o edition_n price_n 5_o s._n very_o proper_a to_o be_v read_v in_o family_n a_o minister_n counsel_n to_o the_o youth_n of_o his_o parish_n when_o arrive_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n recommend_v to_o the_o society_n in_o and_o about_o london_n by_o francis_n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n hertfordshire_n price_n 2_o s._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._n part_n i._n in_o discourse_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v use_v this_o method_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n ii_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n by_o which_o this_o revelation_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v deliver_v and_o preserve_v in_o the_o world_n iii_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n iv_o that_o no_o other_o book_n or_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n v._o i_o shall_v from_o hence_o give_v a_o resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o show_v that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n himself_o because_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n both_o that_o there_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o divine_a revelation_n vi_o have_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v in_o the_o last_o place_n endeavour_v to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o objection_n and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chap._n i._o that_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o first_o place_n i_o shall_v show_v how_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n and_o i_o shall_v insist_v the_o rather_o upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o usual_o so_o much_o consider_v in_o this_o controversy_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o it_o be_v it_o certain_o will_v go_v very_o far_o towards_o the_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n since_o if_o it_o be_v once_o make_v appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o divine_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v that_o revelation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n there_o be_v no_o other_o which_o can_v bear_v any_o competition_n with_o that_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n my_o first_o business_n therefore_o shall_v be_v to_o show_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n and_o state_n of_o mankind_n that_o in_o all_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o reveal_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n than_o that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o beginning_n some_o first_o principle_n of_o be_v from_o whence_o all_o other_o being_n proceed_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o that_o wonderful_a variety_n of_o being_n in_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o sea_n which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n be_v not_o able_a in_o any_o measure_n to_o understand_v or_o thorough_o to_o search_v into_o shall_v yet_o be_v produce_v and_o continue_v for_o so_o many_o thousand_o year_n together_o without_o any_o wisdom_n or_o contrivance_n that_o a_o unaccountable_a concourse_n of_o atom_n which_o can_v never_o build_v the_o least_o house_n or_o cottage_n shall_v yet_o build_v and_o sustain_v the_o wonderful_a fabric_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o when_o the_o very_a line_n in_o a_o globe_n or_o sphere_n can_v be_v make_v without_o art_n the_o world_n itself_o which_o that_o be_v but_o a_o imperfect_a imitation_n of_o shall_v be_v make_v without_o it_o and_o that_o less_o skill_n shall_v be_v require_v to_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o make_n of_o his_o picture_n that_o chance_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o order_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o very_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n in_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v their_o original_a from_o that_o which_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n but_o be_v mere_a ignorance_n and_o stupidity_n this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o it_o be_v downright_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n from_o a_o be_v therefore_o of_o infinite_a perfection_n must_v proceed_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v beside_o with_o all_o their_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o among_o other_o the_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n of_o wisdom_n justice_n mercy_n and_o truth_n must_v be_v derive_v from_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o creature_n be_v capable_a and_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o creator_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v infinite_o more_o just_a more_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a than_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v will_v not_o at_o last_o reward_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a for_o shall_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o earth_n do_v right_o
a_o venerable_a man_n of_o about_o sixty_o six_o year_n of_o age_n of_o great_a prudence_n and_o experience_n and_o withal_o very_o eloquent_a who_o he_o know_v and_o have_v converse_v with_o be_v one_o among_o other_o who_o follow_v ptolemaeus_n lagi_n after_o the_o battle_n at_o gaza_n in_o which_o he_o overcome_v demetrius_n poliorcetes_n he_o mention_v likewise_o that_o mosollamus_fw-la a_o jew_n march_v with_o he_o when_o the_o rest_n make_v a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o bird_n which_o the_o augur_n say_v portend_v ill_a luck_n to_o they_o if_o they_o shall_v march_v on_o shoot_v that_o bird_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o and_o defend_v what_o he_o have_v do_v by_o argument_n and_o indeed_o the_o jew_n want_v neither_o zeal_n nor_o wit_n nor_o courage_n upon_o every_o occasion_n to_o appear_v in_o behalf_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n against_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a this_o book_n of_o hecataeus_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o time_n of_o josephus_n and_o he_o refer_v his_o reader_n to_o it_o and_o he_o appeal_v to_o the_o letter_n of_o alexander_n the_o great_a and_o of_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n and_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n his_o successor_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n when_o ptolemaeus_n lagi_n 2._o lagi_n joseph_n antiqu._n l._n 12._o c._n 1_o 2._o take_v jerusalem_n he_o transplant_v the_o jew_n in_o great_a multitude_n into_o egypt_n put_v many_o of_o they_o into_o his_o garrison_n and_o allow_v they_o equal_a privilege_n with_o the_o macedonian_n by_o which_o encouragement_n many_o beside_o those_o who_o he_o transport_v voluntary_o go_v to_o dwell_v there_o and_o the_o captive_n of_o that_o nation_n set_v at_o liberty_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n be_v above_o 110000._o and_o beside_o the_o signal_n favour_n and_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o ptolemaeus_n philadelphus_n who_o likewise_o cause_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o be_v translate_v into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n which_o be_v a_o exceed_a great_a furtherance_n to_o the_o propogation_n of_o religion_n seleucus_n nicanor_n grant_v they_o the_o freedom_n of_o antioch_n and_o of_o the_o city_n which_o he_o have_v found_v in_o asia_n and_o the_o low_a syria_n and_o these_o privilege_n remain_v to_o they_o till_o josephus_n time_n after_o all_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v do_v to_o deserve_v to_o be_v deprive_v of_o they_o antiochus_n the_o great_a send_v forth_o his_o letter_n and_o edict_n which_o be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o 3._o in_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 12._o c._n 3._o josephus_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n more-especial_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o their_o religious_a worship_n and_o seleucus_n son_n to_o this_o antiochus_n after_o his_o father_n example_n out_o of_o his_o own_o revenue_n bear_v the_o cost_n belong_v to_o the_o sacrisices_n 2_o mac._n three_o 3._o antiochus_n epiphanes_n himself_o at_o last_o under_o the_o avenge_a hand_n of_o god_n upon_o he_o for_o all_o his_o impious_a cruelty_n acknowledge_v himself_o punish_v for_o his_o sacrilege_n and_o other_o mischief_n commit_v at_o jerusalem_n 1_o mac._n vi_o 12_o 13._o &_o 2_o mac._n ix_o 17._o antiochus_n pius_n when_o he_o besiege_v jerusalem_n 16._o jerusalem_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 16._o not_o only_o grant_v a_o truce_n for_o seven_o day_n during_o the_o feast_n of_o tabernacle_n but_o send_v rich_a and_o noble_a present_n for_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o city_n be_v deliver_v into_o his_o hand_n upon_o honourable_a condition_n with_o regard_n particular_o to_o religion_n hyrcanus_n accompany_v antiochus_n in_o his_o parthian_a expedition_n and_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n fall_v the_o day_n after_o the_o sabbath_n antiochus_n stop_v his_o army_n those_o two_o day_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o lacedaemonian_n claim_v 3._o claim_v 1_o mac._n viij_o twelve_o fourteen_o 2_o mac._n xi_o joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 13._o c._n 9_o 13._o l._n 14._o c._n 16._o justin_n lib._n 36._o c._n 3._o kindred_n with_o the_o jew_n and_o both_o they_o and_o the_o athenian_n and_o roman_n enter_v into_o league_n with_o they_o which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n be_v continue_v and_o renew_v josephus_n mention_n a_o pillar_n then_o stand_v at_o alexandria_n contain_v the_o privilege_n 2._o privilege_n joseph_n contr_n ap._n l._n 2._o grant_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o julius_n caesar_n and_o when_o no_o other_o religion_n be_v tolerate_v except_o those_o establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o empire_n the_o jew_n only_o have_v allowance_n for_o a_o free_a exercise_n of_o their_o religion_n even_o in_o rome_n itself_o and_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o edict_n and_o decree_n of_o the_o senate_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o jew_n josephus_n 6._o josephus_n joseph_n ant._n quit_v l._n 14._o c._n 16._o l._n 16._o c._n 4_o 5_o 10._o l._n i9_n c._n 4_o 6._o appeal_v to_o the_o table_n of_o brass_n then_o extant_a and_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n and_o other_o place_n in_o which_o they_o be_v engrave_v the_o suffering_n and_o martyrdom_n under_o the_o maccabee_n and_o the_o resolution_n and_o constancy_n which_o they_o show_v upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o religion_n render_v the_o jew_n renown_v over_o all_o nation_n and_o beside_o their_o conquest_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o religion_n by_o reason_n of_o they_o in_o the_o time_n of_o hyrcanus_n 17._o hyrcanus_n joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 13._o c._n 17._o all_o idumaea_n embrace_v the_o jewish_a religion_n aristobulus_n have_v conquer_v great_a part_n of_o ituraea_n cause_v all_o their_o male_n 19_o male_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 19_o to_o be_v circumcise_v and_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o strabo_n testify_v under_o alexander_n father_n to_o hyrcanus_n 3._o hyrcanus_n ibid._n l._n 13._o c._n 23._o l._n 14._o c._n 3._o the_o jew_n take_v twelve_o city_n from_o the_o arabian_n and_o become_v possess_v of_o many_o city_n in_o syria_n idumaea_n and_o phenicia_n all_o which_o they_o bring_v over_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o demolish_a pella_n for_o refuse_v to_o embrace_v it_o the_o 12._o the_o see_v mr._n mede_n discourse_n 12._o temple_n build_v by_o sanballat_n for_o manasses_n who_o have_v marry_v his_o daughter_n be_v a_o occasion_n of_o the_o samaritan_n leave_v their_o false_a go_n and_o after_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o egypt_n the_o babylonian_a talmud_n say_v 205._o say_v lightf_n harmon_n p._n 205._o that_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v double_a the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o come_v out_o from_o thence_o under_o moses_n the_o zeal_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n though_o they_o be_v hypocrite_n do_v exceed_o conduce_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o their_o religion_n for_o they_o compass_v sea_n and_o land_n to_o make_v one_o proselyte_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v to_o be_v commend_v but_o then_o they_o make_v he_o twofold_a more_o the_o child_n of_o hell_n than_o themselves_o mat._n xxiii_o 15._o yet_o still_o they_o teach_v the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n though_o in_o hypocrisy_n and_o with_o the_o mixture_n of_o superstition_n and_o our_o saviour_n command_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v and_o do_v what_o they_o bid_v they_o but_o not_o to_o do_v after_o their_o work_n and_o it_o be_v require_v of_o the_o father_n of_o the_o sanhedrin_n 783._o sanhedrin_n lightf_n excercit_fw-la on_o 1_o cor._n xiii_o 1._o p._n 783._o that_o they_o shall_v understand_v many_o language_n that_o the_o sanhedrin_n may_v hear_v nothing_o by_o a_o interpreter_n which_o qualify_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o aspire_v to_o that_o dignity_n to_o be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o make_v proselyte_n the_o jew_n be_v disperse_v all_o over_o the_o world_n but_o chief_o seat_v themselves_o in_o rome_n and_o alexandria_n and_o antioch_n the_o three_o chief_a city_n of_o the_o empire_n in_o all_o which_o they_o have_v great_a and_o peculiar_a privilege_n and_o in_o alexandria_n they_o have_v magistrate_n of_o their_o own_o 12._o own_o joseph_n antiquit._fw-la l._n 14._o c._n 12._o and_o live_v under_o a_o peculiar_a government_n by_o themselves_o never_o any_o other_o nation_n have_v such_o various_a change_n and_o revolution_n to_o mix_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o never_o any_o people_n be_v so_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a and_o so_o successful_a in_o the_o propogation_n of_o their_o religion_n they_o have_v their_o proseuchae_n and_o their_o synagogue_n for_o divine_a worship_n and_o for_o read_v and_o explain_v the_o scripture_n which_o man_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v admit_v to_o hear_v in_o all_o place_n wherever_o they_o dwell_v and_o in_o egypt_n they_o have_v a_o 30._o a_o joseph_n bell._n jud._n l._n 7._o c._n 30._o temple_n like_o that_o at_o jerusalem_n build_v by_o onias_n which_o continue_v for_o the_o space_n of_o three_o hundred_o and_o forty_o three_o year_n
who_o live_v near_o that_o time_n 1._o time_n ammian_n marcellin_n lib_n 23._o c._n 1._o but_o by_o a_o eminent_a heathen_a historian_n of_o the_o same_o age._n now_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n haggai_n and_o malachy_n that_o christ_n shall_v come_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o this_o temple_n be_v foretell_v by_o daniel_n with_o the_o precise_a time_n of_o our_o savour_n come_v and_o to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v and_o that_o therefore_o the_o jewish_a worship_n and_o government_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o end_n as_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v god_n have_v be_v please_v in_o so_o miraculous_a and_o terrible_a a_o manner_n to_o show_v that_o he_o will_v not_o suffer_v their_o temple_n to_o be_v rebuilt_a and_o whereas_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o come_v to_o the_o second_o temple_n now_o for_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o year_n they_o have_v have_v no_o temple_n at_o all_o for_o he_o to_o come_v to_o 2._o as_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n birth_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n so_o be_v the_o place_n likewise_o and_o that_o be_v bethlehem_n a_o small_a city_n and_o therefore_o the_o more_o unlikely_a in_o all_o humane_a account_n to_o have_v that_o honour_n bestow_v upon_o it_o to_o become_v the_o birth_n place_n of_o he_o who_o the_o jew_n expect_v shall_v be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n yet_o this_o when_o so_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n notwithstanding_o their_o mistake_a notion_n of_o a_o temporal_a messiah_n that_o when_o herod_n gather_v all_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o scribe_n of_o the_o people_n together_o and_o demand_v of_o they_o where_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v they_o answer_v he_o with_o one_o consent_n in_o bethlehem_n of_o judaea_n and_o quote_v the_o prophecy_n of_o micah_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o matt._n two_o and_o many_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o messiah_n or_o the_o christ_n which_o they_o then_o be_v in_o expectation_n of_o other_o make_v this_o objection_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o come_v out_o of_o galilee_n but_o have_v not_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o christ_n come_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o out_o of_o the_o town_n of_o bethlehem_n where_o david_n be_v this_o be_v the_o great_a objection_n against_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o christ_n because_o he_o do_v not_o come_v out_o of_o bethlehem_n but_o out_o of_o galilee_n for_o they_o think_v he_o have_v be_v bear_v at_o nazareth_n in_o galilee_n not_o at_o bethlehem_n in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n whereas_o he_o be_v indeed_o bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o by_o so_o strange_a and_o particular_a a_o providence_n as_o do_v evident_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n for_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o these_o day_n that_o there_o go_v out_o a_o decree_n from_o caesar_n augustus_n that_o all_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v tax_v and_o register_v according_a to_o their_o family_n and_o all_o go_v to_o be_v tax_v every_o one_o into_o his_o own_o city_n into_o the_o city_n which_o belong_v to_o his_o lineage_n and_o family_n and_o joseph_n also_o go_v up_o from_o galilee_n out_o of_o the_o city_n of_o nazareth_n into_o judaea_n unto_o the_o city_n of_o david_n which_o be_v call_v bethlehem_n because_o he_o be_v of_o the_o house_n and_o lineage_n of_o david_n to_o be_v tax_v with_o mary_n his_o espouse_a wife_n be_v great_a with_o child_n and_o so_o it_o be_v that_o while_o they_o be_v there_o the_o day_n be_v accomplish_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v deliver_v luke_n two_o 1_o etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v that_o their_o go_v from_o nazareth_n to_o bethlehem_n be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o design_v by_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o joseph_n but_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o go_v thither_o by_o a_o new_a and_o strange_a decree_n of_o the_o emperor_n and_o according_o they_o go_v in_o obedience_n to_o this_o decree_n if_o the_o bless_a virgin_n have_v dwell_v at_o bethlehem_n though_o the_o prophecy_n have_v be_v fulfil_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o in_o the_o circumstance_n extraordinary_a if_o she_o have_v go_v thither_o of_o her_o own_o accord_n or_o if_o some_o private_a business_n have_v call_v she_o thither_o this_o may_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o contrivance_n and_o a_o design_n to_o be_v think_v the_o mother_n of_o the_o messiah_n if_o god_n himself_o have_v by_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n send_v she_o thither_o yet_o this_o still_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o cavil_n and_o may_v have_v be_v suspect_v of_o imposture_n but_o when_o at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o heathen_a prince_n and_o such_o a_o command_n as_o have_v never_o be_v give_v out_o at_o any_o time_n before_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v force_v upon_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a journey_n at_o a_o unseasonable_a time_n of_o the_o year_n be_v then_o great_a with_o child_n and_o therefore_o very_o unfit_a for_o such_o a_o journey_n and_o not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o have_v the_o least_o inclination_n or_o thought_n of_o undertake_v it_o when_o she_o be_v oblige_v by_o so_o unexpected_a and_o unwelcome_a a_o command_n to_o repair_v to_o bethlehem_n and_o be_v at_o that_o very_a time_n deliver_v of_o her_o son_n all_o these_o circumstance_n so_o wonderful_o concur_v have_v something_o more_o convince_a in_o they_o than_o can_v well_o be_v express_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o this_o tax_n or_o register_n be_v design_v and_o begin_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o empire_n 27_o year_n before_o but_o be_v hinder_v by_o disturbance_n which_o happen_v upon_o which_o account_n ancient_o the_o spaniard_n begin_v their_o aera_fw-la 27_o year_n before_o the_o computation_n of_o other_o christian_n suppose_v that_o the_o tax_v mention_v in_o st._n luke_n have_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o be_v begin_v among_o they_o so_o many_o year_n before_o but_o the_o divine_a providence_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v carry_v on_o then_o but_o shall_v be_v defer_v till_o that_o very_a time_n when_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v bear_v that_o by_o this_o mean_v bethlehem_n may_v be_v the_o place_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o by_o the_o same_o special_a providence_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v not_o only_o that_o this_o prophecy_n be_v fulfil_v concern_v his_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v register_v in_o the_o public_a record_n of_o the_o empire_n to_o which_o justin_n martyr_n and_o tertullian_n appeal_v in_o their_o apology_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o st._n chrysostom_n mention_n they_o as_o extant_a at_o rome_n in_o his_o time_n near_o four_o hundred_o year_n after_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o be_v bear_v there_o prove_v that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n as_o it_o be_v prophesy_v that_o the_o messiah_n shall_v be_v for_o the_o decree_n require_v that_o all_o shall_v resort_v to_o the_o city_n of_o their_o lineage_n or_o family_n and_o bethlehem_n be_v the_o city_n of_o david_n so_o that_o from_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o that_o by_o so_o remarkable_a a_o providence_n without_o any_o humane_a foresight_n or_o design_n we_o have_v two_o evident_a proof_n that_o he_o be_v the_o christ_n he_o be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o david_n and_o be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n and_o this_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o public_a record_n or_o censual_a table_n at_o rome_n which_o be_v often_o appeal_v to_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v remain_v to_o be_v consult_v for_o several_a hundred_o year_n afterward_o 51_o afterward_o lightf_n choro_fw-la graph_n centur_fw-la c._n 51_o and_o the_o jerusalem_n gemarist_n do_v confess_v that_o the_o messiah_n be_v bear_v at_o bethlehem_n before_o their_o time_n 3._o the_o person_n of_o who_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v have_v be_v likewise_o foretell_v for_o not_o only_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v before_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o place_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v at_o bethlehem_n but_o the_o tribe_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v bear_v the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n and_o the_o family_n the_o family_n of_o david_n and_o the_o very_a person_n that_o she_o be_v to_o be_v a_o virgin_n all_o be_v particular_o foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o according_o expect_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n concern_v the_o tribe_n and_o family_n of_o which_o our_o saviour_n be_v bear_v i_o shall_v observe_v that_o effectual_a care_n be_v take_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n to_o keep_v a_o perpetual_a distinction_n of_o their_o several_a tribe_n and_o family_n for_o by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o inheritance_n no_o inheritance_n can_v pass_v out_o of_o
it_o be_v true_a because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o carry_v the_o visible_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o religion_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v of_o this_o nature_n that_o none_o but_o wicked_a man_n can_v dislike_v it_o and_o that_o all_o sober_a and_o good_a man_n must_v be_v well_o satisfy_v with_o it_o and_o mighty_o incline_v to_o believe_v it_o nay_o even_o the_o worst_a man_n must_v be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o they_o owe_v their_o own_o safety_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v evident_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n ii_o it_o lay_v down_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n iii_o it_o propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n iv_o it_o afford_v the_o great_a help_n and_o assistance_n to_o a_o holy_a life_n v._o it_o express_v the_o great_a compassion_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o infirmity_n vi_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v have_v mighty_a effect_n towards_o the_o reformation_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n and_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v a_o universal_a righteousness_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n it_o teach_v we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o give_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o various_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o preservation_n and_o government_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o in_o the_o wonderful_a work_n of_o our_o redemption_n god_n be_v represent_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o slow_a to_o anger_v and_o great_a in_o power_n and_o who_o will_v not_o at_o all_o acquit_v the_o wicked_a nahum_n i._o 3._o and_o we_o be_v require_v to_o love_n and_o serve_v he_o with_o all_o our_o ability_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o matt._n xxii_o 37._o the_o duty_n of_o man_n towards_o one_o another_o be_v no_o less_o strict_o enjoin_v than_o our_o duty_n towards_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o scripture_n oblige_v all_o man_n to_o the_o conscientious_a performance_n of_o their_o several_a duty_n in_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o relation_n they_o teach_v wife_n and_o child_n and_o subject_n and_o servant_n obedience_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n and_o they_o teach_v prince_n and_o husband_n and_o father_n and_o master_n a_o proportionable_a care_n and_o kindness_n and_o affection_n they_o check_v and_o restrain_v the_o rich_a and_o powerful_a from_o violence_n and_o oppression_n and_o command_v they_o to_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n and_o to_o protect_v all_o that_o be_v in_o distress_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a seed_n and_o principle_n of_o vice_n in_o we_o they_o regulate_v our_o desire_n and_o give_v law_n to_o our_o word_n and_o look_n and_o thought_n they_o command_v a_o universal_a love_n and_o charity_n towards_o all_o mankind_n to_o hurt_v no_o body_n so_o much_o as_o in_o a_o thought_n but_o to_o do_v all_o the_o good_a which_o be_v in_o our_o power_n they_o oblige_v man_n to_o do_v as_o they_o will_v be_v do_v unto_o in_o all_o case_n to_o consider_v other_o as_o man_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o and_o to_o love_n and_o respect_v they_o according_o upon_o all_o occasion_n i_o may_v add_v what_o grotius_n have_v not_o omit_v that_o more_o favour_n and_o equity_n be_v extend_v to_o one_o half_a of_o humane_a kind_n by_o the_o christian_a religion_n than_o ever_o have_v be_v by_o any_o other_o for_o among_o infidel_n woman_n be_v esteem_v but_o as_o slave_n to_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n who_o may_v have_v as_o many_o wife_n as_o they_o please_v and_o change_v they_o as_o often_o as_o they_o think_v fit_a ii_o the_o scripture_n propound_v to_o we_o the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o holiness_n for_o they_o teach_v we_o to_o perform_v all_o duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man_n upon_o principle_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o can_v make_v man_n happy_a in_o the_o performance_n of_o their_o respective_a duty_n and_o that_o can_v cause_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o it_o what_o man_n do_v upon_o principle_n of_o love_n they_o do_v with_o delight_n and_o what_o man_n delight_v in_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o do_v but_o fear_n have_v torment_v and_o man_n will_v use_v all_o art_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o fear_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n of_o duty_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o a_o apprehension_n of_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o be_v perpetual_o grievous_a and_o burdensome_a to_o they_o reward_n themselves_o may_v become_v ineffectual_a by_o proposal_n of_o contrary_a reward_n for_o small_a advantage_n which_o be_v present_a and_o in_o hand_n may_v be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o never_o so_o much_o great_a which_o be_v future_a and_o look_v upon_o only_o at_o a_o distance_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o love_n and_o gratitude_n and_o charity_n can_v never_o fail_v of_o its_o effect_n because_o this_o bring_v its_o reward_n with_o it_o and_o make_v our_o duty_n a_o delight_n he_o who_o love_v god_n will_v certain_o obey_v he_o and_o he_o that_o do_v not_o love_v he_o never_o can_v true_o obey_v he_o as_o he_o ought_v but_o will_v be_v ever_o repine_v at_o his_o duty_n and_o will_v be_v for_o seek_v all_o pretence_n to_o excuse_v himself_o from_o it_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_v his_o neighbour_n will_v be_v for_o take_v all_o opportunity_n of_o pursue_v his_o own_o advantage_n against_o he_o but_o he_o who_o love_v he_o as_o himself_o will_v never_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n he_o that_o love_v another_o have_v fulfil_v the_o law_n for_o this_o thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o kill_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n thou_o shall_v not_o covet_v and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o commandment_n it_o be_v brief_o comprehend_v in_o this_o say_n namely_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o love_n work_v no_o ill_a to_o his_o neighbour_n therefore_o love_n be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n xiii_o 8._o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n no_o where_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o but_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o philosopher_n can_v never_o discover_v this_o doctrine_n which_o set_v before_o we_o the_o only_a infallible_a principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o gracious_a and_o wise_a law_n which_o make_v love_n the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o our_o whole_a duty_n both_o towards_o god_n and_o man._n iii_o the_o christian_a religion_n propose_v the_o most_o effectual_a motive_n of_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n the_o moral_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o a_o virtuous_a life_n be_v so_o great_a and_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o live_v otherwise_o be_v general_o convince_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o the_o argument_n from_o reason_n be_v to_o faint_v and_o lifeless_a to_o oppose_v to_o sense_n and_o passion_n therefore_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v purposely_o fit_v to_o every_o faculty_n and_o present_v we_o with_o great_a object_n of_o fear_n and_o love_n and_o desire_v than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n can_v do_v and_o as_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o we_o upon_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o that_o of_o love_n so_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o our_o obedience_n express_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o divine_a love_n they_o represent_v to_o we_o all_o the_o method_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o use_v as_o necessary_a to_o reclaim_v the_o world_n by_o his_o mercy_n and_o his_o judgement_n by_o send_v his_o prophet_n at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n and_o at_o last_o by_o send_v his_o own_o son_n he_o see_v the_o fondness_n that_o man_n have_v for_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o pleasure_n and_o sin_n of_o it_o how_o subject_a they_o be_v to_o temptation_n and_o how_o prone_a to_o comply_v with_o they_o and_o therefore_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o pursue_v
they_o have_v be_v never_o so_o vicious_a and_o profligate_v before_o the_o christian_n be_v represent_v as_o a_o innocent_a devout_a and_o charitable_a sort_n of_o man_n by_o pliny_n lucian_n and_o julian_n the_o apostate_n himself_o 44._o plin._n epist_n ad_fw-la trajan_n lib._n 10._o epist_n 97._o lucian_n de_fw-fr morte_fw-la peregrini_fw-la julian_n epist_n 44._o by_o those_o who_o have_v most_o narrow_o inquire_v into_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n and_o be_v worst_a affect_v to_o they_o and_o by_o these_o mean_v the_o christian_n become_v as_o so_o many_o light_n in_o the_o world_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v other_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n for_o by_o their_o example_n and_o doctrine_n they_o soon_o reform_v even_o the_o heathen_a world_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n morality_n be_v teach_v by_o the_o philosopher_n in_o much_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v be_v before_o and_o they_o become_v so_o much_o ashamed_a of_o the_o grossness_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n that_o they_o seek_v out_o all_o art_n to_o refine_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o vice_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a mystery_n appear_v too_o abominable_a to_o pass_v any_o long_o for_o religion_n the_o oracle_n soon_o cease_v and_o the_o seduce_a spirit_n confess_v that_o they_o be_v hinder_v from_o give_v out_o their_o answer_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n and_o all_o that_o julian_n the_o apostate_n can_v do_v be_v ineffectual_a to_o bring_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n into_o reputation_n again_o these_o be_v thing_n before_o insist_v upon_o and_o so_o notorious_a in_o history_n that_o they_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v sole_o owe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o shall_v mention_v but_o one_o instance_n more_o and_o that_o be_v the_o barbarous_a cruelty_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v deliver_v the_o world_n from_o for_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o offer_v up_o innocent_a man_n and_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n and_o that_o frequent_o and_o in_o some_o place_n daily_o and_o in_o time_n of_o great_a danger_n and_o upon_o extraordinary_a occasion_n they_o sacrifice_v so_o great_a number_n of_o man_n at_o once_o that_o it_o will_v be_v incredible_a if_o we_o have_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o best_a historian_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o this_o custom_n of_o sacrifice_a man_n to_o their_o god_n prevail_v not_o only_o here_o in_o britain_n and_o in_o other_o country_n which_o be_v account_v barbarous_a but_o all_o over_o greece_n and_o in_o rome_n itself_o it_o may_v well_o seem_v strange_a to_o we_o now_o that_o such_o a_o practice_n shall_v so_o general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o nothing_o be_v more_o certain_a from_o all_o history_n than_o that_o it_o do_v prevail_v and_o that_o man_n be_v with_o difficulty_n bring_v off_o from_o it_o for_o when_o mankind_n be_v thus_o cruel_o tyrannize_v over_o by_o bloody_a daemon_n nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotent_a mercy_n of_o god_n can_v rescue_v they_o and_o for_o this_o purpose_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n three_o 8._o which_o he_o soon_o do_v beast_n and_o idol_n be_v no_o long_o worship_v and_o man_n be_v no_o long_o make_v sacrifice_n when_o once_o christianity_n begin_v to_o appear_v in_o its_o full_a power_n and_o efficacy_n in_o the_o world_n the_o plain_a and_o humble_a doctrine_n of_o he_o that_o be_v lay_v in_o a_o manger_n and_o die_v upon_o a_o cross_n be_v in_o a_o short_a time_n more_o effectual_a to_o reform_v mankind_n than_o all_o the_o precept_n of_o philosopher_n and_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o lawgiver_n have_v ever_o be_v those_o enemy_n to_o their_o own_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o little_a cavil_n against_o the_o gospel_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o yet_o owe_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o present_a life_n in_o great_a measure_n to_o its_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o have_v be_v so_o safe_a in_o their_o body_n and_o estate_n nay_o perhaps_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o some_o cruel_a daemon_n long_o before_o this_o if_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o resolve_v to_o despise_v but_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o understand_v have_v not_o be_v believe_v by_o wise_a and_o better_a man_n of_o so_o great_a advantage_n have_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v reclaim_v and_o convert_v by_o it_o it_o have_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o have_v dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o tyranny_n which_o he_o hold_v over_o mankind_n it_o have_v make_v the_o unconverted_a world_n less_o vicious_a and_o have_v banish_v all_o the_o profess_a patron_n and_o deity_n of_o wickedness_n from_o among_o man_n it_o have_v make_v idolatry_n less_o practise_v and_o reduce_v it_o to_o narrow_a bound_n confine_v it_o to_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o every_o where_n upon_o the_o first_o approach_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o evil_a spirit_n be_v disarm_v of_o their_o power_n and_o flee_v away_o before_o it_o as_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o history_n of_o lapland_n and_o other_o country_n so_o general_a a_o blessing_n be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o even_o unbeliever_n be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o in_o this_o world_n though_o they_o exclude_v themselves_o from_o the_o benefit_n of_o it_o in_o the_o next_o and_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o only_a religion_n against_o which_o the_o common_a objection_n concern_v the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o can_v be_v urge_v for_o as_o it_o first_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n by_o conquer_a all_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n so_o it_o still_o maintain_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o a_o vicious_a education_n can_v make_v to_o it_o indeed_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o needless_a thing_n to_o have_v be_v thus_o large_a in_o the_o proof_n the_o excelleney_n of_o the_o practical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n when_o god_n know_v this_o be_v the_o great_a exception_n that_o most_o man_n have_v against_o they_o and_o if_o the_o precept_n be_v not_o so_o strict_a and_o holy_a but_o they_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n half_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v satisfy_v they_o vii_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o mere_o speculative_a but_o have_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o practice_n for_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n among_o man_n as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o practical_a duty_n teach_v and_o enjoin_v by_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o which_o have_v raise_v and_o improve_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n beyond_o what_o can_v have_v be_v attain_v to_o without_o it_o so_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n have_v as_o evident_a character_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n they_o all_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o make_v we_o better_o more_o wise_a and_o more_o happy_a and_o be_v not_o design_v to_o gratify_v a_o vain_a and_o useless_a curiosity_n but_o to_o excite_v in_o we_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o a_o care_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o happiness_n they_o set_v before_o we_o the_o original_a and_o creation_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o innocence_n in_o which_o man_n be_v first_o create_v and_o god_n love_n and_o compassion_n to_o he_o after_o his_o fall_n how_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v concern_v in_o our_o redemption_n that_o the_o father_n send_v his_o son_n that_o the_o son_n be_v bear_v that_o he_o live_v a_o despise_a and_o persecute_a life_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v for_o we_o a_o most_o shameful_a and_o grievous_a death_n that_o he_o rise_v again_o and_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o there_o continual_o intercee_v for_o we_o and_o that_o he_o send_v the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o comforter_n who_o support_v and_o assist_v we_o under_o all_o temptation_n and_o danger_n in_o our_o way_n thither_o and_o will_v if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o safe_o conduct_v we_o to_o heaven_n there_o to_o reign_v with_o christ_n in_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o glory_n both_o of_o body_n and_o soul_n but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v disobedient_a and_o obstinate_a to_o our_o own_o ruin_n we_o must_v be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o apostle_n who_o without_o learning_n or_o philosophy_n teach_v the_o most_o sublime_a and_o useful_a truth_n more_o plain_o than_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n ever_o have_v do_v must_v derive_v their_o knowledge_n from_o
that_o their_o most_o ancient_a book_n be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n which_o be_v not_o expound_v by_o any_o who_o live_v near_o than_o mdcc_o year_n to_o the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o that_o the_o number_n in_o computation_n be_v sometime_o mistake_v or_o that_o month_n be_v put_v for_o year_n but_o of_o what_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n soever_o their_o first_o writer_n be_v there_o be_v little_a or_o no_o credit_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o book_n now_o remain_v since_o that_o general_a destruction_n of_o all_o ancient_a book_n by_o the_o emperor_n xi_o hoam_n ti_o who_o live_v but_o about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n he_o command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n all_o the_o monument_n of_o antiquity_n to_o be_v destroy_v relate_v either_o to_o history_n or_o philosophy_n especial_o the_o book_n of_o confucius_n and_o kill_v many_o of_o their_o learned_a man_n so_o that_o from_o his_o time_n they_o have_v only_o some_o fragment_n of_o old_a author_n leave_v the_o chinese_n be_v a_o people_n vain_a enough_o and_o love_n to_o magnify_v themselves_o to_o the_o european_n which_o make_v they_o endeavour_v to_o have_v it_o believe_v that_o their_o antiquity_n be_v sufficient_o entire_a notwithstanding_o this_o destruction_n of_o their_o book_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o describe_v the_o emperor_n observatory_n as_o the_o most_o complete_a and_o the_o best_a fit_v for_o the_o use_n of_o astronomy_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o upon_o the_o view_n it_o appear_v very_o inconsiderable_a and_o the_o instrument_n be_v find_v useless_a and_o new_a one_o be_v place_v in_o their_o room_n make_v by_o the_o direction_n of_o father_n verbiest_n this_o people_n after_o all_o their_o boast_n of_o skill_n in_o astronomy_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v a_o exact_a calendar_n and_o their_o table_n of_o eclipse_n be_v so_o uncorrect_a that_o they_o can_v scarce_o foretell_v about_o what_o time_n that_o of_o the_o sun_n shall_v happen_v and_o in_o a_o petition_n which_o the_o emperor_n of_o china_n in_o favour_n it_o seem_v to_o the_o missionary_n have_v private_o draw_v up_o to_o be_v present_v by_o they_o to_o himself_o in_o public_a it_o be_v say_v that_o father_n adam_n schaal_n make_v it_o know_v to_o all_o the_o court_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o celestial_a motion_n establish_v by_o the_o ancient_a astronomer_n of_o china_n be_v all_o false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o common_a people_n of_o china_n but_o the_o chief_a mandarine_n be_v so_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a that_o when_o they_o see_v the_o sun_n or_o moon_n under_o a_o eclipse_n with_o sacrifice_n and_o other_o rite_n and_o with_o great_a noise_n and_o clamour_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o rescue_v they_o from_o the_o dog_n or_o dragon_n which_o they_o imagine_v be_v like_a to_o devour_v they_o so_o little_a credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o pretence_n which_o the_o several_a nation_n among_o the_o heathen_n have_v make_v to_o antiquity_n without_o any_o ground_n from_o history_n but_o upon_o wander_a discourse_n of_o observation_n in_o astronomy_n which_o they_o have_v little_a or_o no_o skill_n in_o and_o it_o have_v be_v make_v evident_a by_o divers_a learned_a man_n that_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o the_o heathen_a god_n be_v but_o man_n who_o the_o scripture_n mention_v as_o worshipper_n of_o the_o true_a god_n such_o as_o noâ—h_v joseph_n moses_n etc._n etc._n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o defect_n in_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o several_a religion_n profess_v among_o the_o heathen_n have_v be_v very_o inconsiderable_a for_o they_o be_v never_o extant_a in_o book_n to_o be_v public_o read_v and_o examine_v but_o their_o mystery_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o the_o world_n and_o all_o the_o knowledge_n the_o people_n have_v of_o they_o be_v from_o the_o priest_n every_o country_n have_v its_o peculiar_a deity_n and_o way_n of_o worship_n which_o be_v seldom_o receive_v or_o know_v but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o they_o be_v first_o set_v up_o the_o 3._o the_o valer-max_n de_fw-fr peregrina_fw-la relig._n rejecta_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o roman_n reject_v many_o foreign_a religion_n as_o abominable_a and_o none_o of_o their_o religion_n ever_o prevail_v but_o where_o they_o have_v the_o temporal_a power_n to_o uphold_v they_o and_o they_o lose_v ground_n daily_o by_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n whilst_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o empire_n make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppress_v it_o and_o to_o maintain_v the_o heathen_a religion_n against_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v at_o this_o day_n preach_v in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o have_v be_v ever_o since_o its_o first_o propagation_n as_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v before_o but_o where_o christianity_n have_v prevail_v heathenism_n have_v be_v never_o able_a to_o maintain_v its_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o but_o christian_n except_v some_o few_o jew_n to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a country_n which_o make_v a_o great_a abatement_n in_o the_o disproportion_n that_o heathenism_n in_o general_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v in_o its_o number_n above_o christianity_n but_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n here_o to_o be_v inquire_v into_o be_v whether_o any_o particular_a religion_n of_o the_o heathen_n exceed_v or_o equal_v the_o christian_a religion_n in_o point_n of_o promulgation_n for_o who_o ever_o can_v imagine_v that_o all_o or_o any_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n must_v suppose_v god_n to_o reveal_v contradiction_n the_o question_n before_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o heathen_n be_v more_o numerous_a than_o christian_n but_o whether_o any_o of_o their_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o full_o promulge_v as_o the_o christian_a one_o herald_n be_v enough_o to_o promulge_v a_o law_n to_o many_o thousand_o the_o city_n of_o nineve_n be_v convert_v by_o one_o prophet_n and_o there_o be_v perhaps_o no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o have_v more_o christian_n in_o it_o than_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v chap._n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o resolve_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n but_o that_o many_o wonder_n have_v be_v do_v by_o magician_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n have_v be_v foreshow_v and_o foretell_v among_o heathen_n by_o dream_n and_o prodigy_n and_o oracle_n which_o do_v actual_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o then_o all_o that_o can_v be_v gather_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o there_o be_v invisible_a power_n and_o that_o devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n be_v able_a to_o do_v more_o than_o man_n can_v do_v and_o to_o know_v more_o than_o man_n can_v know_v for_o which_o reason_n in_o former_a age_n there_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n make_v whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n than_o whether_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v continual_o sensible_a of_o the_o operation_n and_o effect_n of_o invisible_a being_n which_o make_v they_o exceed_o prone_a to_o idolatry_n but_o not_o incline_v to_o atheism_n and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o now_o in_o heathen_a country_n where_o apparition_n and_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n be_v affirm_v by_o all_o writer_n to_o be_v very_o frequent_a but_o if_o at_o any_o time_n evil_a spirit_n by_o their_o subtlety_n and_o experience_n and_o knowledge_n of_o affair_n in_o the_o world_n do_v foretell_v thing_n which_o according_o come_v to_o pass_n they_o be_v thing_n that_o happen_v not_o long_o after_o and_o common_o such_o as_o themselves_o do_v excite_v and_o prompt_v man_n to_o thus_o when_o the_o conspiracy_n against_o caesar_n be_v come_v just_a to_o be_v put_v in_o execution_n and_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o agent_n concern_v in_o it_o he_o can_v foretell_v the_o time_n and_o place_n of_o his_o death_n but_o it_o have_v be_v foretell_v to_o pompey_n crassus_n and_o caesar_n himself_o before_o as_o two_o as_o tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n two_o tully_n inform_v we_o from_o his_o own_o knowledge_n that_o they_o shall_v all_o die_v in_o their_o bed_n and_o in_o a_o honourable_a old_a age._n some_o oracle_n may_v possible_o take_v their_o answer_n from_o the_o scripture_n as_o that_o of_o jupiter_n hammon_n concern_v alexander_n victory_n if_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o piece_n of_o flattery_n which_o prove_v true_a by_o chance_n evil_a spirit_n may_v likewise_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v man_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n of_o victory_n the_o same_o day_n they_o be_v win_v as_o it_o be_v relate_v ib._n relate_v ib._n of_o several_a and_o in_o
indeed_o whatever_o the_o original_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v whether_o from_o their_o god_n or_o from_o themselves_o if_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v a_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o good_a life_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v little_a or_o no_o necessity_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o i_o shall_v prove_v 1._o that_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a 2._o that_o whatever_o be_v excellent_a in_o it_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n 3._o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v as_o excellent_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n 1._o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v very_o defective_a and_o erroneous_a it_o be_v desective_a in_o point_n of_o authority_n socrates_n though_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v inspire_v or_o supernatural_o assist_v give_v man_n only_o his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o pythagoras_n indeed_o pretend_v both_o to_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n but_o he_o be_v a_o great_a magician_n in_o the_o opinion_n both_o of_o numâ_fw-la of_o xenoph_n epist_n ad_fw-la aeschinem_fw-la plutarch_n in_o numâ_fw-la xenophon_n and_o plutarch_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o he_o do_v or_o foretell_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o that_o power_n which_o as_o it_o have_v be_v before_o declare_v the_o devil_n may_v have_v to_o do_v strange_a thing_n and_o to_o know_v thing_n do_v at_o a_o distance_n or_o some_o time_n after_o and_o his_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n even_o as_o they_o be_v relate_v by_o jamblichus_n be_v such_o as_o that_o a_o bare_a recital_n of_o they_o be_v enough_o to_o confute_v any_o authority_n which_o can_v be_v claim_v by_o they_o his_o imposture_n may_v be_v see_v in_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o 17._o and_o arist_n rhet._n l._n iii._o c._n 17._o aristotle_n say_v epimenides_n foretell_v nothing_o whatever_o other_o relate_v of_o he_o and_o as_o the_o philosopher_n have_v no_o divine_a authority_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v so_o their_o own_o be_v but_o of_o small_a account_n they_o be_v general_o rather_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o humour_n than_o of_o sound_a doctrine_n or_o good_a moral_n and_o whoever_o read_v the_o live_v of_o the_o philosopher_n write_v by_o diogenes_n laertius_n and_o the_o life_n of_o the_o caesar_n by_o suetonius_n will_v believe_v the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v as_o soon_o reform_v by_o the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o as_o to_o the_o philosopher_n who_o after_o the_o christian_a religion_n appear_v in_o the_o world_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o think_v the_o writer_n of_o their_o life_n in_o earnest_n when_o they_o relate_v they_o for_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o believe_v the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n or_o lucian_n to_o be_v true_a history_n as_o the_o story_n in_o the_o life_n of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n write_v by_o philostratus_n or_o those_o in_o the_o life_n of_o isidorus_n write_v by_o damascius_n a_o abstract_n whereof_o we_o have_v leave_v preserve_v ccxiii_o preserve_v phot._n cod._n ccxiii_o in_o photius_n the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v defective_a likewise_o in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n and_o promulgaon_n philosophy_n as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o account_n of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o late_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v style_v in_o tully_n i._n tully_n tull._n de_fw-fr divin_n lib._n i._n neque_fw-la ante_fw-la philosophiam_fw-la patefactam_fw-la quae_fw-la nuper_fw-la inuenta_fw-la est_fw-la 16._o est_fw-la apud_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v sapient_a c._n 16._o seneca_n compute_v the_o rise_n of_o it_o to_o be_v less_o than_o a_o thousand_o year_n before_o his_o own_o time_n but_o the_o moral_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o philosophy_n have_v no_o ancient_a original_a than_o socrates_n and_o philosophy_n of_o all_o kind_n have_v always_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o learning_n and_o confine_v to_o learned_a man_n there_o never_o be_v any_o one_o nation_n of_o pythagoraean_n or_o platonist_n or_o stoic_n or_o aristotelian_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n never_o hear_v so_o much_o as_o of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o most_o celebrate_a philosopher_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o their_o doctrine_n that_o philosophy_n be_v defective_a in_o its_o doctrine_n be_v notorious_a for_o as_o lactantius_n observe_v the_o very_a name_n of_o philosophy_n invent_v by_o pythagoras_n who_o yet_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v have_v some_o supernatural_a assistance_n imply_v a_o confession_n of_o ignorance_n or_o imperfection_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o a_o profession_n only_o to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o pythag_n and_o diog._n laert._n in_o pythag._n jemblich_fw-ge vit_fw-mi pythag_n pythagoras_n give_v this_o very_a reason_n why_o he_o style_v himself_o a_o philosopher_n because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v wise_a but_o god_n only_o and_o yet_o this_o vain_a man_n sometime_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o god_n socrates_n be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o study_n of_o morality_n and_o i._n and_o tull._n acad._n qu._n lib._n i._n he_o who_o first_o undertake_v to_o render_v philosophy_n useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n profess_v to_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o certain_o but_o to_o disprove_v the_o error_n of_o other_o not_o to_o establish_v or_o discover_v truth_n in_o which_o he_o be_v follow_v by_o plato_n pyrrhon_n vid._n diog._n laert._n in_o pyrrhon_n and_o before_o he_o democritus_n anaxagoras_n empedocles_n and_o almost_o all_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n agree_v in_o this_o though_o they_o agree_v in_o few_o thing_n else_o that_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o as_o tully_n say_v arcesilas_n be_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o a_o new_a academy_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o thing_n for_o he_o teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v general_o teach_v before_o he_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o socrates_n profess_v to_o know_v his_o own_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n but_o arcesilas_n will_v not_o own_v himself_o certain_a of_o so_o much_o as_o that_o indeed_o the_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n be_v so_o little_a convince_a even_o in_o the_o plain_a matter_n that_o many_o of_o the_o great_a wit_n take_v up_o in_o sceptiscim_o or_o little_o better_a no_o man_n have_v study_v all_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o philosophy_n more_o or_o understand_v they_o better_o or_o have_v better_a explain_v they_o than_o tully_n and_o yet_o at_o last_o all_o conclude_v in_o uncertainty_n as_o he_o often_o profess_v the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o varro_n cotta_n and_o other_o the_o doctrine_n of_o philosophy_n concern_v god_n and_o providence_n and_o a_o future_a state_n be_v very_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a as_o socrates_n himself_o declare_v just_a before_o his_o death_n but_o what_o can_v be_v certain_a to_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n 1._o thing_n aug._n the_o civ_o l._n 19_o c._n 1._o varro_n compute_v near_o three_o hundred_o opinion_n concern_v the_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v in_o what_o the_o chief_a happiness_n of_o man_n consist_v or_o what_o the_o aim_n and_o design_n of_o our_o action_n ought_v to_o be_v plato_n teach_v the_o lawfulness_n and_o expediency_n of_o man_n have_v their_o wife_n in_o common_a and_o both_o socrates_n and_o cato_n must_v hold_v a_o community_n of_o wife_n lawful_a as_o we_o learn_v from_o their_o practice_n for_o they_o lend_v out_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o very_a generous_a and_o friendly_a act_n and_o the_o very_a height_n and_o perfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n 24._o philosophy_n alex._n ab_fw-la alex._n lib._n l._n c._n 24._o it_o be_v a_o practice_n both_o among_o the_o grcek_n and_o roman_n to_o part_v with_o their_o wife_n to_o other_o man_n though_o mercer_n think_v the_o roman_n be_v divorce_v from_o their_o wife_n before_o other_o take_v they_o because_o cato_n be_v blame_v for_o take_v his_o wife_n again_o after_o the_o death_n of_o hortensius_n without_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o new_a marriage_n fornication_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v disallow_v by_o the_o heathen_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o recommend_v coelio_n recommend_v horat._n serm._n lib._n i._n sit_v 2._o cic._n pro._n m._n coelio_n as_o a_o remedy_n against_o adultery_n by_o cato_n himself_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n hold_v self-murder_n lawful_a and_o do_v themselves_o set_v a_o example_n of_o it_o to_o their_o follower_n the_o expose_v of_o child_n to_o be_v starve_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v be_v practise_v among_o the_o most_o civilise_a heathen_a nation_n
when_o he_o propose_v rule_n of_o virtue_n and_o caution_n to_o arm_v man_n against_o vice_n and_o temptation_n how_o much_o short_a do_v he_o fall_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o man_n say_v he_o tell_v you_o that_o such_o a_o one_o have_v speak_v ill_o of_o you_o make_v no_o apology_n for_o yourself_o but_o answer_v he_o do_v not_o know_v my_o other_o fault_n or_o else_o he_o will_v not_o have_v charge_v i_o with_o these_o only_a cap_n xlviii_o this_o be_v a_o sine_fw-la say_v a_o pretty_a turn_n of_o thought_n but_o what_o be_v there_o in_o it_o comparable_a to_o that_o awful_a and_o sacred_a promise_n bless_a be_v you_o when_o man_n shall_v revile_v you_o and_o persecute_v you_o rejoice_v and_o be_v exceed_o glad_a for_o great_a be_v your_o reward_n in_o heaven_n mat._n v._n 11_o 12._o again_o when_o a_o man_n value_v himself_o say_v epictetus_n for_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v and_o explain_v the_o book_n of_o chrysippus_n say_v you_o to_o yourself_o unless_o chrysippus_n have_v write_v obscure_o this_o man_n will_v have_v have_v nothing_o to_o boast_v of_o but_o what_o do_v i_o design_n to_o study_v nature_n and_o follow_v it_o cap._n lxxiii_o this_o be_v no_o ill_a satyr_n upon_o the_o vanity_n of_o man_n but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o like_o that_o piety_n and_o authority_n with_o which_o st._n paul_n reprove_v the_o same_o vice_n 1_o cor._n viij_o 1.2_o 3._o the_o best_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n be_v that_o most_o of_o they_o frequent_o confess_v the_o great_a imperfection_n of_o their_o philosophy_n and_o place_v their_o great_a wisdom_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v more_o sensible_a than_o other_o of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o socrates_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o oracle_n of_o apollo_n declare_v he_o to_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n because_o he_o know_v how_o ignorant_a he_o be_v better_o than_o other_o man_n do_v as_o to_o the_o chinese_n philosophy_n we_o know_v little_a of_o it_o their_o declar._n their_o confuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o par._n 4._o p._n 36._o &_o philippi_n couplet_n prooem_n declar._n book_n of_o philosophy_n be_v all_o destroy_v at_o the_o command_n of_o a_o tyrant_n who_o reign_v about_o two_o hundred_o year_n before_o christ_n from_o the_o fragment_n which_o be_v afterward_o gather_v up_o and_o yet_o remain_v among_o they_o we_o can_v only_o perceive_v that_o confucius_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o best_a philosopher_n teach_v no_o more_o than_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n from_o their_o ancestor_n and_o when_o they_o forsake_v this_o tradition_n they_o fall_v into_o the_o gross_a error_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o at_o this_o day_n ii_o whatever_o there_o be_v of_o excellency_n in_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_n be_v owe_v to_o revelation_n it_o be_v general_o suppose_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v discover_v the_o more_o common_a and_o obvious_a precept_n of_o morality_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o it_o can_v not_o have_v discover_v most_o of_o they_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o we_o find_v as_o to_o some_o particular_n in_o the_o best_a system_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n and_o from_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o offer_v up_o man_n for_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o god_n and_o of_o cast_v away_o and_o expose_v their_o child_n in_o the_o most_o civilise_a nation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a that_o the_o heathen_n be_v not_o leave_v destitute_a of_o many_o help_n and_o advantage_n from_o the_o scripture_n which_o divers_a of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v read_v and_o many_o thing_n which_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v deduction_n from_o natural_a reason_n may_v have_v their_o original_a from_o revelation_n for_o thing_n once_o discover_v seem_v easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o man_n which_o they_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v of_o themselves_o we_o wonder_v now_o how_o man_n shall_v ever_o suppose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o antipode_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v how_o america_n can_v lie_v so_o long_o conceal_v rather_o than_o how_o it_o come_v at_o last_o to_o be_v discover_v and_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o in_o many_o other_o discovery_n especial_o in_o moral_a truth_n which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v seem_v the_o natural_a production_n of_o it_o though_o a_o contrary_a custom_n and_o inclination_n and_o the_o subtlety_n of_o satan_n work_v upon_o our_o deprave_a nature_n may_v perhaps_o have_v make_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a without_o a_o revelation_n to_o discern_v many_o doctrine_n even_o of_o morality_n which_o now_o be_v most_o common_a and_o familiar_a to_o we_o what_o maxim_n be_v more_o agreeable_a and_o therefore_o as_o one_o will_v think_v more_o obvious_a to_o humane_a reason_n than_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o he_o and_o yet_o spartianas_n a_o heathen_a historian_n say_v that_o alexander_n severus_n have_v this_o excellent_a rule_n of_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o christian_n there_o be_v no_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o contain_v plain_a and_o more_o obvious_a thing_n than_o the_o proverb_n of_o solomon_n and_o 2._o and_o ld._n bacon_n advance_v of_o learning_n b._n viij_o c._n 2._o yet_o a_o author_n of_o great_a learning_n and_o judgement_n have_v give_v a_o essay_n how_o a_o considerable_a defect_n of_o learning_n may_v be_v supply_v out_o of_o this_o very_a book_n produce_v such_o caution_n instruction_n and_o axiom_n from_o thence_o relate_v to_o the_o business_n and_o government_n of_o humane_a life_n in_o all_o variety_n of_o occasion_n as_o be_v not_o where_o else_o to_o be_v meet_v withal_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o far_o humane_a reason_n can_v have_v proceed_v without_o revelation_n since_o it_o never_o be_v without_o it_o but_o always_o argue_v from_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o god_n himself_o to_o noah_n and_o be_v propagate_v among_o his_o posterity_n throughout_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n though_o they_o be_v more_o corrupt_v and_o deprave_v in_o some_o age_n and_o nation_n than_o in_o other_o 1._o other_o plat._n de_fw-fr legib._n dialog_n 1._o plato_n derive_v the_o original_a of_o all_o law_n from_o revelation_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o morality_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabbala_n consist_v of_o general_a maxim_n and_o proverb_n without_o argument_n or_o deduction_n from_o principle_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n at_o this_o day_n in_o those_o country_n where_o aristotle_n philosophy_n have_v not_o prevail_v who_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o that_o undertake_v to_o argue_v close_o from_o principle_n in_o morality_n and_o in_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n i_o shall_v prove_v by_o some_o remarkable_a instance_n that_o humane_a reason_n fail_v they_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o unanswerable_o demonstrate_v by_o tully_n and_o 1._o and_o tull._n de_fw-fr legib._n lib._n 1._o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v as_o plain_o assert_v by_o he_o with_o what_o strength_n of_o reason_n with_o what_o plainness_n with_o what_o assurance_n do_v two_o do_v tull._n de_fw-fr natur._n deor._n lib._n 2_o two_o balbus_n the_o stoic_a speak_v concern_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n but_o when_o he_o will_v explain_v the_o divine_a nature_n he_o describe_v a_o mere_a anima_fw-la mundi_fw-la and_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o to_o discover_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o that_o we_o can_v know_v little_a of_o his_o nature_n but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o true_a and_o just_a notion_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n must_v be_v chief_o ascribe_v to_o that_o that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v the_o philosopher_n before_o aristotle_n general_o assert_v and_o that_o water_n be_v the_o first_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v form_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o 3._o by_o arist_n de_fw-fr coelo_fw-la lib._n i._n c._n 10._o metaphys_n lib._n i_o c._n 3._o aristotle_n to_o be_v esteem_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o argue_v the_o point_n he_o conclude_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a which_o according_a to_o modern_a philosophy_n be_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v deliver_v down_o from_o all_o
antiquity_n as_o tully_n assure_v we_o but_o the_o ancient_n give_v no_o reason_n to_o prove_v it_o by_o they_o only_o receive_v it_o by_o tradition_n plato_n be_v the_o first_o who_o attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n for_o though_o pherecydes_n syrus_n and_o pythagoras_n have_v assert_v it_o yet_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o tradition_n by_o which_o they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o the_o eastern_a nation_n but_o plato_n as_o it_o be_v general_o suppose_v converse_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n or_o at_o his_o come_n into_o italy_n be_v there_o acquaint_v i._n acquaint_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n among_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n begin_v to_o argue_v upon_o it_o but_o not_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o full_o out_o have_v only_o show_v how_o far_o reason_n can_v proceed_v upon_o those_o ground_n which_o be_v then_o know_v in_o the_o world_n from_o revelation_n seneca_n 54.102_o seneca_n epist_n 54.102_o though_o he_o sometime_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n doubt_n of_o it_o and_o even_o deny_v that_o the_o soul_n have_v any_o subsistence_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n and_o yet_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o great_a of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n can_v not_o certain_o prove_v from_o reason_n be_v firm_o believe_v even_o among_o anot._n among_o grot._n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la lib._n i_o anot._n barbarian_n 36._o barbarian_n consuc_fw-la lib._n iii._o part._n 4._o p._n 36._o confucius_n the_o famous_a chinese_n philosopher_n profess_v himself_o not_o the_o author_n but_o the_o relater_n only_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v as_o he_o have_v receive_v it_o deliver_v down_o from_o all_o antiquity_n and_o 8._o and_o arist_n metaph._n lib._n twelve_o c._n 8._o aristotle_n have_v declare_v that_o the_o ancient_n leave_v many_o tradition_n which_o their_o posterity_n have_v corrupt_v but_o from_o the_o remain_v of_o those_o traditiwe_v know_v that_o they_o be_v original_o derive_v from_o revelation_n the_o first_o of_o the_o philosopher_n that_o teach_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v i._n be_v tull._n tusc_n qu._n lib._n i._n pherecydes_n and_o he_o leave_v his_o write_n to_o thales_n from_o whence_o he_o have_v the_o notion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v produce_v from_o water_n pythagoras_n be_v a_o scholar_n of_o pherecydes_n and_o pythagoras_n plato_n and_o aristotle_n converse_v with_o the_o learned_a jew_n phaed._n jew_n plat._n phaed._n socrates_n dispute_v of_o a_o future_a state_n from_o tradition_n and_o phileb_n and_o plat._n phileb_n profess_v that_o he_o always_o follow_v the_o tradition_n which_o have_v descend_v from_o antiquity_n and_o that_o he_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n whenever_o that_o fail_v he_o timae_fw-la he_o plat._n timae_fw-la and_o this_o tradition_n can_v not_o have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o greek_n who_o be_v confess_v to_o understand_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o antiquity_n the_o notion_n in_o philosophy_n of_o the_o latter_a heathen_n be_v much_o improve_v by_o ammonius_n a_o christian_a and_o a_o teacher_n of_o philosophy_n at_o alexandria_n and_o we_o find_v that_o upon_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n moral_a philosophy_n in_o a_o few_o year_n attain_v to_o great_a perfection_n than_o ever_o it_o have_v do_v before_o as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o work_n of_o seneca_n epictetus_n plutarch_n m._n antoninus_n maximus_n tyrius_n and_o other_o we_o may_v therefore_o reasonable_o conclude_v that_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o philosopher_n all_o along_o teach_v have_v their_o original_n from_o revelation_n rather_o than_o from_o the_o strength_n and_o sagacity_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n because_o they_o err_v in_o thing_n no_o less_o obvious_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v opportunity_n of_o become_v acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o spare_v no_o pain_n either_o by_o read_v or_o conversation_n in_o their_o own_o or_o in_o foreign_a country_n in_o their_o search_n and_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n iii_o if_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n have_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o excellent_a as_o it_o can_v be_v pretend_v to_o be_v yet_o there_o have_v be_v great_a need_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n for_o 1._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n lie_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o large_a and_o learned_a work_n mix_v with_o many_o wrong_n and_o absurd_a notion_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v in_o great_a measure_n useless_a how_o certain_a and_o excellent_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o themselves_o they_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o life_n to_o we_o no_o perfect_a rule_n of_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o one_o author_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o compile_v such_o a_o rule_n out_o of_o they_o all_o yet_o what_o man_n be_v able_a to_o collect_v they_o 7._o they_o lact._n de_fw-fr vit_fw-fr beat_v c._n 7._o lanctantius_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o if_o all_o the_o truth_n disperse_v up_o and_o down_o among_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n can_v be_v collect_v together_o into_o one_o system_n they_o will_v make_v up_o a_o body_n of_o philosophy_n agreeable_a to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o then_o he_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v such_o a_o collection_n without_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o this_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o we_o find_v i._n find_v tull._n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n i._n the_o xii_o table_n prefer_v before_o all_o the_o write_n of_o the_o philosopher_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o absurd_a as_o tully_n say_v but_o the_o philosopher_n have_v teach_v it_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o absurdity_n of_o philosophy_n for_o though_o some_o few_o of_o they_o may_v be_v free_a from_o such_o extravagancy_n yet_o their_o notion_n be_v no_o rule_n or_o standard_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o best_a be_v not_o without_o many_o great_a error_n 2._o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n be_v no_o better_o than_o good_a advice_n and_o carry_v no_o authority_n with_o they_o to_o oblige_v man_n in_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n and_o fail_v in_o this_o necessary_a point_n whatever_o their_o intrinsic_a worth_n have_v be_v they_o never_o can_v have_v have_v that_o effect_n upon_o the_o live_v of_o man_n which_o reveal_v religion_n have_v virtue_n be_v propound_v by_o philosopher_n rather_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o honour_n and_o decency_n than_o of_o strict_a duty_n those_o be_v esteem_v and_o admire_v indeed_o that_o observe_v it_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o only_o want_v that_o commendation_n some_o philosopher_n speak_v great_a and_o excellent_a thing_n but_o they_o pass_v rather_o for_o wise_a say_n than_o for_o law_n of_o nature_n their_o own_o reputation_n which_o be_v great_a or_o less_o with_o different_a sort_n of_o man_n be_v the_o only_a authority_n they_o have_v it_o may_v be_v prudence_n to_o do_v as_o they_o teach_v but_o there_o appear_v no_o absolute_a necessity_n for_o it_o they_o common_o represent_v virtue_n as_o very_o lovely_a with_o many_o very_a great_a and_o powerful_a charm_n and_o all_o that_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n do_v not_o know_v a_o true_a beauty_n and_o that_o be_v a_o intolerable_a disgrace_n the_o sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n be_v little_o insist_v upon_o by_o they_o they_o recommend_v virtue_n for_o its_o own_o sake_n not_o as_o it_o be_v enjoy_v by_o god_n and_o will_v be_v reward_v by_o he_o and_o the_o contrary_n punish_v and_o those_o who_o can_v not_o soar_v to_o their_o height_n be_v rather_o the_o worse_a than_o the_o better_a for_o such_o doctrine_n which_o they_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o impracticable_a speculation_n of_o some_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o speak_v great_a thing_n and_o they_o often_o speak_v the_o truth_n indeed_o which_o they_o have_v from_o tradition_n or_o from_o the_o excellency_n of_o their_o own_o wit_n and_o genius_n but_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v it_o out_o by_o any_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v wont_v to_o influence_n and_o govern_v humane_a action_n according_o we_o find_v that_o as_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n suit_v to_o the_o temper_n and_o humour_n of_o particular_a man_n so_o far_o they_o prevail_v and_o no_o far_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o academic_n the_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a to_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o morose_n to_o the_o stoic_n man_n apply_v themselves_o to_o what_o ever_o opinion_n they_o like_v best_a and_o find_v most_o agreeable_a to_o their_o nature_n and_o disposition_n thus_o a_o severe_a and_o haughty_a gravity_n make_v up_o the_o
if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o object_n but_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n we_o may_v rely_v upon_o god_n that_o this_o shall_v never_o mislead_v we_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n whether_o the_o imperfection_n be_v in_o our_o own_o sense_n or_o in_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o in_o short_a the_o miracle_n relate_v in_o the_o scripture_n will_v as_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o we_o as_o they_o can_v to_o those_o that_o see_v they_o but_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n and_o we_o believe_v they_o and_o all_o thing_n consider_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v upon_o their_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v have_v to_o believe_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o sense_n let_v we_o consider_v history_n as_o a_o medium_n by_o which_o these_o miracle_n become_v know_v to_o we_o and_o compare_v this_o medium_n with_o that_o of_o sight_n if_o a_o man_n will_v be_v sceptical_a he_o may_v doubt_v whether_o any_o medium_n of_o sight_n be_v so_o fit_o dispose_v as_o to_o represent_v object_n in_o their_o due_a proportion_n and_o proper_a shape_n he_o may_v suspect_v that_o any_o miracle_n which_o he_o can_v see_v be_v false_a or_o wrought_v only_o to_o amuse_v and_o deceive_v he_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o one_o but_o by_o tell_v he_o that_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n so_o in_o this_o other_o medium_n of_o history_n which_o to_o we_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o of_o sight_n a_o man_n may_v doubt_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n if_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o the_o most_o credible_a evidence_n but_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n be_v concern_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a god_n will_v not_o suffer_v mankind_n to_o be_v deceive_v without_o all_o possibility_n of_o discover_v the_o deceit_n the_o circumstance_n have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o they_o be_v due_o attend_v to_o can_v but_o be_v believe_v and_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v bring_v in_o evidence_n of_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n require_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v attend_v to_o and_o consider_v and_o that_o which_o be_v in_o its_o circumstance_n most_o credible_a and_o in_o its_o matter_n be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n must_v be_v certain_o true_a unless_o god_n can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n for_o not_o to_o believe_v thing_n credible_a when_o attend_v to_o and_o know_v to_o be_v such_o be_v to_o humane_a nature_n impossible_a and_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o thing_n propose_v as_o from_o god_n of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n be_v a_o very_a heinous_a crime_n against_o god_n and_o to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v suffer_v i_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o be_o oblige_v in_o honour_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o to_o believe_v upon_o his_o authority_n be_v to_o think_v he_o can_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v a_o lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v if_o this_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v pronounce_v bless_v who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v john_n xx_o 29._o which_o seem_v to_o denote_v that_o a_o peculiar_a blessing_n belong_v to_o they_o because_o they_o believe_v upon_o less_o evidence_n i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v there_o pronounce_v bless_a who_o have_v so_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o messiah_n and_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v deliver_v of_o himself_o as_o to_o believe_v his_o resurrection_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o not_o because_o other_o may_v not_o have_v as_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o belief_n as_o those_o who_o see_v he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o convince_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o reason_n proceed_v at_o least_o upon_o as_o sure_a and_o as_o undeniable_a principle_n a_o demonstration_n when_o it_o be_v right_o perform_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o the_o self_n evident_a principle_n upon_o which_o it_o proceed_v though_o it_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o they_o that_o every_o one_o can_v discern_v the_o connexion_n demonstration_n may_v be_v far_o from_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a but_o be_v oftentimes_o we_o know_v very_o difficult_a and_o intricate_a which_o yet_o when_o they_o be_v once_o make_v out_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o sense_n itself_o the_o blessing_n be_v pronounce_v to_o he_o who_o believe_v not_o upon_o less_o evidence_n but_o upon_o that_o which_o at_o first_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o which_o be_v less_o observable_a and_o less_o obvious_a to_o our_o consideration_n but_o not_o less_o certain_a when_o it_o be_v due_o consider_v for_o which_o reason_n our_o saviour_n after_o he_o have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n that_o be_v effectual_o attest_v by_o sufficient_a witness_n require_v faith_n in_o those_o who_o come_v to_o be_v heal_v of_o he_o because_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v the_o mean_n which_o in_o age_n to_o come_v be_v to_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n in_o christian_n and_o he_o thereby_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v as_o good_a ground_n for_o faith_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o other_o as_o we_o can_v have_v from_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o general_o those_o who_o come_v in_o unbelief_n go_v away_o no_o better_o satisfy_v wherefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o his_o own_o country_n because_o of_o their_o unbelief_n he_o can_v do_v no_o mighty_a work_n save_v that_o he_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o few_o sick_a folk_n and_o heal_v they_o mark_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v not_o do_v his_o mighty_a work_n because_o they_o will_v be_v ineffectual_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v upon_o they_o and_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o insignificant_a or_o in_o vain_a if_o they_o will_v reject_v what_o have_v be_v so_o full_o witness_v to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v whatever_o miracle_n they_o shall_v see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v very_o remarkable_a that_o amid_o all_o his_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n direct_v his_o follower_n to_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o appeal_v to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o his_o very_a miracle_n and_o that_o even_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o instruct_v his_o disciple_n who_o see_v and_o discourse_v with_o he_o out_o of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o luke_n xxiv_o 26_o 27._o he_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o give_v no_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o own_o miracle_n than_o that_o which_o he_o imply_v they_o already_o give_v to_o the_o wriring_n of_o moses_n so_o as_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o help_n and_o advantage_n which_o the_o jew_n have_v to_o create_v in_o they_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o many_o more_o and_o great_a motive_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o believe_v these_o of_o the_o new_a must_v therefore_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o excite_v in_o we_o that_o faith_n which_o our_o saviour_n require_v of_o those_o who_o see_v his_o work_n and_o hear_v his_o doctrine_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n and_o all_o the_o faith_n which_o if_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o sincere_a and_o impartial_a obedience_n be_v require_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o it_o be_v that_o i_o myself_o be_o or_o that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o maker_n or_o create_v without_o a_o creator_n and_o it_o be_v as_o demonstrable_a that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o perfection_n in_o man_n must_v himself_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o holy_a and_o good_a and_o that_o according_a to_o these_o attribute_n he_o can_v not_o suffer_v a_o false_a religion_n to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o his_o own_o name_n with_o such_o manifest_a token_n of_o credibility_n that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o disprove_v it_o but_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v it_o finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o r._n wellington_n at_o the_o dolphin_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n be_v churchyard_n new_o publish_v a_o treatise_n of_o medicine_n contain_v a_o account_n of_o their_o chemical_a principle_n the_o experiment_n make_v upon_o they_o their_o various_a preparation_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o
other_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o excommunication_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v style_v shammatha_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o maran_n atha_n sham_n signify_v lord_n as_o 22._o as_o vid._n grot._n &_o ham._n ad_fw-la 1_o cor._n xuj_o 22._o maran_n also_o do_v in_o the_o syriac_a and_o other_o language_n and_o atha_n signify_v come_v atha_n may_v either_o ignorant_o or_o malicious_o be_v mistake_v for_o athon_n which_o signify_v a_o ass_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o calumny_n may_v be_v first_o raise_v by_o some_o body_n who_o have_v be_v excommunicate_v and_o turn_v apostate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a wrong_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certainty_n in_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a and_o other_o heathen_a historian_n for_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o divers_a author_n may_v put_v most_o part_n of_o history_n past_o doubt_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o those_o which_o have_v be_v mention_v be_v exception_n to_o which_o the_o sacred_a historian_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n liable_a they_o do_v not_o charge_v one_o another_o with_o falsehood_n nothing_o can_v be_v discover_v of_o partiality_n in_o their_o write_n but_o they_o tell_v the_o most_o disgraceful_a truth_n of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o of_o themselves_o and_o the_o history_n itself_o have_v so_o many_o public_a circumstance_n that_o they_o clear_v it_o beyond_o all_o suspicion_n of_o deceit_n if_o the_o name_n of_o some_o man_n be_v omit_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n in_o the_o scripture_n we_o find_v they_o mention_v there_o upon_o other_o and_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o infamous_a man_n shall_v in_o some_o case_n be_v omit_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v insert_v in_o genealogy_n and_o enroll_v in_o the_o register_n of_o honour_n but_o when_o the_o memory_n of_o person_n and_o action_n be_v total_o suppress_v this_o must_v extreme_o abate_v the_o credit_n of_o any_o history_n the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v have_v their_o antiquity_n by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o and_o preserve_v in_o a_o authentic_a book_n unanimous_o assert_v by_o the_o whole_a nation_n in_o all_o age_n which_o they_o have_v never_o change_v nor_o alter_v but_o have_v in_o great_a number_n sacrifice_v their_o life_n in_o testimony_n of_o it_o if_o the_o heathen_n in_o divers_a thing_n contradict_v the_o history_n of_o the_o jew_n they_o contradict_v one_o another_o as_o much_o in_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o antiquity_n and_o what_o they_o relate_v of_o the_o jew_n be_v upon_o uncertain_a and_o contrary_a report_n if_o they_o conceal_v what_o concern_v the_o jew_n it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o stifle_v that_o which_o do_v not_o please_v they_o the_o history_n as_o well_o as_o the_o religion_n of_o most_o other_o nation_n be_v keep_v secret_a and_o not_o communicate_v to_o the_o people_n no_o book_n of_o history_n among_o they_o be_v ever_o put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o whole_a nation_n with_o a_o strict_a charge_n to_o every_o one_o to_o read_v and_o study_v it_o as_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v when_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o memorable_a thing_n relate_v be_v within_o the_o knowledge_n and_o memory_n of_o all_o that_o read_v they_o the_o jew_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o preserve_v their_o genealogy_n with_o all_o imaginable_a care_n and_o exactness_n if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a the_o claim_n and_o title_n to_o their_o inheritance_n so_o that_o the_o mean_a among_o they_o can_v with_o the_o great_a certainty_n derive_v his_o line_n from_o adam_n whereas_o the_o persian_a king_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 11._o from_o herod_n lib._n seven_o c._n 11._o herodotus_n can_v boast_v but_o of_o a_o short_a descent_n and_o the_o king_n and_o emperor_n of_o the_o roman_n and_o of_o other_o nation_n to_o advance_v their_o pedigree_n be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o fabulous_a report_n and_o the_o heathen_a account_n of_o the_o original_a not_o only_o of_o particular_a family_n but_o of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v fabulous_a or_o at_o the_o best_a but_o very_o uncertain_a by_o the_o most_o accurate_a historian_n the_o account_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v at_o first_o and_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v with_o all_o the_o certainty_n that_o any_o history_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o posterity_n and_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o deluge_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o other_o patriarch_n of_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o egypt_n their_o miraculous_a deliverance_n from_o thence_o and_o their_o journey_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n they_o all_o frequent_o assert_v suppose_v or_o imply_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o continue_a series_n and_o line_n of_o truth_n observable_a throughout_o the_o whole_a scripture_n but_o among_o heathen_a writer_n it_o be_v otherwise_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o matter_n of_o any_o considerable_a antiquity_n if_o they_o agree_v in_o some_o material_a passage_n it_o be_v common_o with_o much_o variation_n in_o the_o circumstance_n and_o with_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o doubtfulness_n and_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o they_o most_o agree_v be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v take_v from_o the_o scripture_n which_o compose_v a_o book_n that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o antiquity_n and_o learning_n of_o it_o be_v the_o most_o valuable_a of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o but_o vice_n and_o ignorance_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o worst_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n a_o pretence_n to_o learning_n can_v make_v it_o so_o much_o despise_v ii_o if_o the_o history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v rely_v upon_o their_o philosophy_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v worthy_a of_o no_o more_o regard_n which_o for_o any_o thing_n of_o truth_n and_o usefulness_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o upon_o historical_a tradition_n that_o poetry_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a way_n of_o write_v be_v not_o only_o assert_v by_o heathen_a author_n but_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v make_v out_o from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o poet_n be_v the_o chief_a upholder_n of_o the_o religion_n and_o the_o philosophy_n in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n both_o these_o be_v at_o the_o first_o teach_v in_o short_a maxim_n which_o that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o easy_o retain_v in_o memory_n be_v put_v into_o verse_n without_o any_o far_a ornament_n than_o just_a what_o be_v necessary_a to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a expression_n to_o their_o notion_n and_o precept_n 1._o precept_n xenoph._n conviv_n &_o memorab_n lib._n 1._o socrates_n and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o his_o time_n have_v a_o value_n for_o the_o verse_n of_o theognis_n and_o those_o which_o go_v under_o the_o name_n of_o pythagoras_n be_v at_o least_o as_o ancient_a as_o 2._o as_o apuâ—_n a_o gell._n lib._n vi_o c._n 2._o chrysippus_n who_o allege_v their_o authority_n solon_n himself_o write_v elegy_n whereof_o some_o remain_n be_v still_o preserve_v this_o give_v the_o poet_n a_o mighty_a reputation_n and_o we_o find_v not_o only_a solon_n but_o other_o of_o they_o quote_v and_o appeal_v to_o by_o demosthenes_n and_o aeschines_n in_o the_o court_n of_o judicature_n as_o well_o as_o by_o philosopher_n in_o their_o discourse_n but_o the_o poet_n for_o the_o more_o delightful_a entertainment_n of_o the_o people_n not_o only_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o that_o ancient_a and_o useful_a way_n of_o instruction_n by_o fable_n for_o he_o plâ—et_n he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plat._n plâ—et_n be_v hardly_o esteem_v a_o poet_n who_o have_v be_v the_o author_n of_o none_o but_o they_o become_v the_o promoter_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o superstition_n and_o idolatrous_a worship_n the_o oracle_n be_v deliver_v in_o verse_n every_o poet_n write_v something_o in_o honour_n of_o the_o false_a god_n and_o â—b_n and_o plat._n â—b_n socrates_n himself_o during_o his_o imprisonment_n make_v a_o hymn_n in_o praise_n of_o apollo_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o original_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o obscure_v and_o corrupt_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o any_o humane_a way_n to_o provide_v a_o sufficient_a remedy_n plato_n complain_v of_o the_o fiction_n of_o poet_n but_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o recover_v man_n to_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o notion_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o help_n of_o some_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o he_o have_v meet_v withal_o he_o fall_v into_o very_o absurd_a and_o sinful_a
v._o aristot_n polit_n lib._n viij_o c._n 16_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n who_o contradict_v he_o in_o most_o other_o thing_n follow_v he_o in_o this_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o general_a a_o practice_n 7_o practice_n aeâ—ian_n lib._n iâ—_n c_o 7_o that_o it_o be_v take_v particular_a notice_n of_o that_o the_o theban_n have_v a_o law_n to_o forbid_v it_o 2._o it_o diony_n halicarn_n lib_n 2._o romulus_n make_v a_o law_n to_o regulate_v this_o practice_n and_o to_o hinder_v it_o in_o some_o case_n â—ips_n case_n taciâ—_n hist_o lib_n v._o &_o 〈◊〉_d morib_n germ._n cum_fw-la notis_fw-la â—ips_n tacitus_n observe_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n deserve_v his_o remark_n that_o this_o be_v not_o practise_v either_o by_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o german_n though_o the_o latter_a have_v a_o custom_n of_o cast_v their_o child_n into_o the_o rhine_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o their_o legitimacy_n but_o that_o which_o be_v more_o strange_a be_v lyeurg_n be_v senâ—â—_n de_fw-fr iâ—a_fw-fr lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o plut._n in_o lyeurg_n that_o senecaâ—â—d_n â—â—d_z plutarch_n who_o live_v since_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v approve_v of_o such_o barbarous_a cruelty_n 73._o cruelty_n fragm_n apud_fw-la stobae_fw-la serm._n 73._o hierocles_n who_o as_o lactantius_n inform_v we_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o scripture_n be_v content_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a and_o answerable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o marriage_n to_o bring_v up_o all_o or_o at_o least_o most_o child_n which_o be_v a_o great_a concession_n in_o a_o philosopher_n solon_n be_v as_o famous_a for_o his_o philosophy_n as_o for_o his_o law_n and_o the_o legislator_n to_o that_o state_n which_o be_v the_o seat_n and_o proper_a soil_n as_o it_o be_v of_o philosophy_n by_o a_o express_a law_n 24._o law_n sext._n empiric_n pyrrh_n hypot_n lib._n 3._o c._n 24._o indemnify_v all_o that_o kill_v their_o child_n and_o the_o philosopher_n be_v ever_o true_a to_o these_o principle_n i_o have_v insist_v upon_o this_o the_o more_o not_o only_o because_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a instance_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o heathen_a philosophy_n but_o because_o some_o reader_n may_v be_v as_o difficult_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v very_o monstrous_a to_o christian_n as_o 85._o as_o al_n pelgas_n cent._n 1._o epist_n 85._o lipsius_n friend_n be_v to_o who_o he_o write_v a_o long_a epistle_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o this_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o heathen_a nation_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o philosopher_n so_o that_o many_o of_o the_o adversary_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v perhaps_o owe_v their_o life_n to_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o blaspheme_n i_o have_v purposely_o avoid_v too_o curious_a a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o life_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o rather_o choose_v to_o cast_v a_o veil_n over_o what_o not_o only_o their_o enemy_n but_o their_o friend_n have_v say_v of_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n be_v general_o worse_a than_o they_o confess_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o never_o live_v above_o their_o rule_n and_o profession_n it_o be_v well_o if_o in_o most_o thing_n they_o do_v not_o fall_v much_o short_a of_o it_o and_o if_o their_o principle_n be_v bad_a what_o must_v we_o expect_v from_o their_o example_n but_o the_o action_n of_o the_o philosopher_n concern_v those_o with_o who_o they_o live_v our_o business_n be_v with_o their_o write_n and_o i_o need_v not_o fear_v the_o censure_n of_o learned_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o any_o thing_n i_o have_v say_v of_o they_o for_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n and_o other_o ought_v to_o be_v tell_v so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o willing_a to_o change_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o work_n of_o philosopher_n which_o they_o common_o read_v and_o understand_v as_o little_a as_o they_o do_v the_o bible_n itself_o the_o utmost_a that_o philosophy_n can_v reach_v be_v no_o far_a than_o to_o uncertain_a hope_n and_o doubtful_a argument_n but_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v with_o authority_n and_o not_o as_o do_v the_o philosopher_n the_o word_n which_o they_o speak_v they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n they_o come_v with_o full_a power_n and_o have_v their_o credential_n from_o heaven_n to_o produce_v which_o be_v the_o same_o that_o we_o now_o allege_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o commission_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a than_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v clear_o prove_v by_o undeniable_a circumstance_n and_o by_o witness_n beyond_o exception_n and_o which_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o be_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o fetch_v their_o infidelity_n from_o the_o depth_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o any_o float_a confuse_a notion_n may_v not_o serve_v for_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o bad_a cause_n to_o involve_v it_o in_o tedious_a and_o unnecessary_a dispute_n to_o make_v digression_n into_o doubtful_a point_n of_o criticism_n and_o philosophy_n to_o amuse_v the_o reader_n and_o draw_v he_o off_o from_o the_o main_a question_n whereas_o a_o good_a cause_n may_v common_o be_v bring_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o short_a issue_n the_o present_a controversy_n will_v admit_v of_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n but_o have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o my_o business_n therefore_o have_v be_v to_o free_v this_o matter_n as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v from_o all_o the_o intricacy_n of_o learning_n to_o reduce_v it_o to_o plain_a circumstance_n of_o fact_n whereof_o every_o man_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o make_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o to_o that_o very_a case_n in_o which_o st._n john_n argue_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o god_n have_v make_v he_o a_o liar_n because_o he_o believe_v not_o the_o record_n that_o god_n give_v of_o his_o son_n 1_o john_n v._n 10._o and_o how_o can_v we_o forbear_v to_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o by_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n have_v not_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v without_o witness_n in_o any_o age_n or_o nation_n if_o idolatry_n spread_v itself_o from_o egypt_n into_o many_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o 1._o as_o herod_n lib._n two_o c._n 43._o etc._n etc._n diod_n sic._n lib._n 1._o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n siculus_n have_v show_v we_o have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n of_o divine_a providence_n in_o appoint_v egypt_n to_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v so_o long_o sojourn_v and_o where_o so_o many_o signal_n miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o give_v a_o check_n and_o stop_v to_o idolatry_n in_o the_o very_a source_n and_o fountain_n of_o it_o if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v beyond_o all_o measure_n obstinate_a in_o their_o folly_n and_o disobedience_n and_o the_o same_o goodness_n of_o god_n have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o any_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o dei_fw-la for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n athan._n the_o incarnation_n verbi_fw-la dei_fw-la though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_o design_v for_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o provision_n be_v make_v for_o the_o receive_n of_o all_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o become_v partaker_n of_o it_o to_o the_o observation_n even_o of_o their_o ceremonial_a and_o typical_a service_n none_o beside_o the_o israelite_n be_v require_v to_o observe_v it_o but_o neither_o be_v any_o exclude_v from_o it_o and_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n and_o government_n as_o well_o as_o by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o dispensation_n towards_o that_o people_n effectual_a care_n be_v take_v that_o all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v mankind_n in_o general_n shall_v by_o they_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o its_o original_a institution_n and_o design_n equal_o extend_v to_o all_o nation_n and_o be_v soon_o propagate_v all_o over_o the_o world_n nation_n but_o late_o know_v to_o we_o have_v be_v constant_a object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o have_v early_a discovery_n make_v to_o they_o of_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o protestant_n as_o well_v as_o of_o papist_n and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a which_o 5._o which_o varen_n de_fw-fr relig_n in_o regn._n japan_n c._n 5._o varenius_n have_v remark_v that_o the_o jesuit_n in_o some_o place_n at_o least_o have_v preach_v the_o substance_n of_o christianity_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o roman_a communion_n and_o he_o own_v that_o their_o success_n
it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o a_o little_a mind_n when_o one_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v himself_o only_o by_o singularity_n by_o a_o odd_a dress_n or_o a_o new_a mode_n when_o his_o wit_n border_n upon_o madness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o his_o learning_n be_v all_o out_o of_o the_o way_n many_o who_o be_v neither_o heterodox_n in_o religion_n nor_o fond_a of_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v show_v a_o extraordinary_a sagacity_n and_o a_o surprise_a variety_n of_o excellent_a learning_n upon_o subject_n which_o be_v unusual_a and_o in_o themselves_o but_o little_a considerable_a and_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o some_o of_o the_o man_n of_o singularity_n have_v no_o worse_o design_n than_o to_o gratify_v a_o little_a vanity_n and_o to_o appear_v like_o some_o body_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o learning_n as_o if_o learning_n be_v a_o mere_a trifle_n a_o very_a play-thing_n to_o be_v employ_v to_o no_o serious_a and_o useful_a purpose_n but_o will_v serve_v only_o to_o give_v man_n occasion_n to_o talk_v and_o to_o be_v talk_v of_o this_o be_v call_v pedantry_n and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o that_o shall_v go_v under_o a_o better_a name_n which_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o join_v the_o trifle_a of_o pedantry_n to_o the_o mischief_n of_o irreligion_n if_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n will_v but_o busy_v themselves_o no_o worse_o than_o tiberius_n do_v when_o he_o examine_v who_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o hecuba_n what_o name_n achilles_n go_v by_o whilst_o he_o hide_v himself_o in_o woman_n apparel_n and_o what_o song_n those_o be_v which_o the_o siren_n be_v wont_a to_o sing_v those_o indeed_o be_v profound_a inquiry_n and_o so_o worthy_a of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v pity_v they_o shall_v be_v disturb_v in_o such_o ingenious_a disquisition_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v for_o remove_v foundation_n and_o reject_v establish_v doctrine_n and_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v tell_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o learning_n in_o this_o and_o those_o who_o be_v act_v themselves_o by_o a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n have_v the_o least_o reason_n of_o any_o man_n to_o take_v it_o amiss_o to_o be_v contradict_v though_o it_o be_v in_o never_o so_o plain_a a_o manner_n in_o short_a it_o be_v possible_a that_o some_o may_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o trick_n and_o artifices_fw-la who_o know_v little_a of_o the_o substantial_a and_o useful_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o many_o who_o talk_v bold_o of_o the_o high_a point_n of_o religion_n be_v ignorant_a even_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n there_o sure_o can_v be_v little_a need_n for_o any_o man_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o error_n and_o extravagancy_n for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o his_o faculty_n they_o must_v be_v strange_a faculty_n to_o want_v such_o improvement_n truth_n itself_o be_v infinite_a though_o always_o uniform_a 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this_o will_v be_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v or_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o religion_n i_o can_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a or_o have_v be_v much_o solicitous_a to_o obviate_v all_o the_o cavil_n which_o may_v have_v be_v start_v many_o have_v be_v give_v up_o and_o other_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v be_v serious_o urge_v a_o author_n who_o have_v more_o learning_n it_o seem_v than_o judgement_n to_o spare_v write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n but_o this_o be_v reject_v by_o judicious_a man_n as_o a_o very_a absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a conceit_n particular_o by_o grotius_n as_o the_o author_n complain_v who_o yet_o afterward_o retract_v it_o himself_o some_o notwithstanding_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o any_o
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the_o figtree_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o wither_v away_o but_o never_o so_o little_a reflection_n may_v serve_v any_o one_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o merciful_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o how_o suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o he_o preach_v for_o he_o to_o show_v his_o power_n of_o punish_v upon_o a_o tree_n rather_o than_o upon_o a_o man_n it_o be_v then_o and_o be_v at_o any_o time_n as_o easy_a for_o he_o to_o punish_v his_o reviler_n as_o it_o be_v to_o curse_v this_o tree_n or_o as_o it_o can_v be_v for_o they_o to_o revile_v he_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o ready_a at_o it_o but_o to_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o saviour_n not_o the_o destroyer_n of_o mankind_n he_o cure_a all_o manner_n of_o disease_n and_o raise_v the_o dead_a but_o never_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o any_o man_n nor_o inflict_v any_o disease_n he_o spare_v his_o worst_a enemy_n the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o punish_v their_o hypocrisy_n in_o the_o 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wilkin_n be_v real_a character_n part_v 2._o c._n 5._o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n be_v sufficient_a to_o contain_v noah_n and_o his_o family_n with_o the_o beast_n and_o food_n for_o they_o and_o that_o the_o 14._o the_o petau._n doctr._n temp._n lib._n 9_o c._n 14._o increase_v of_o mankind_n may_v extend_v to_o so_o great_a number_n in_o no_o long_a a_o compass_n of_o year_n than_o the_o scripture_n in_o any_o instance_n assign_v be_v thing_n which_o have_v be_v often_o prove_v beyond_o any_o possibility_n of_o a_o confutation_n and_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v in_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n they_o be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o vulgar_a error_n and_o in_o that_o number_n sir_n thomas_n brown_n have_v place_v some_o of_o they_o for_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o ashamed_a to_o make_v they_o and_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v cause_v other_o to_o be_v more_o modest_a and_o cautious_a in_o their_o objection_n against_o the_o 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their_o reason_n will_v be_v in_o little_a danger_n of_o their_o raillery_n but_o will_v rather_o receive_v a_o additional_a confirmation_n from_o it_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sacred_a thing_n be_v always_o most_o capable_a of_o dishonour_n and_o affront_v for_o to_o affront_v and_o abuse_v any_o person_n or_o thing_n be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v bad_a and_o it_o be_v the_o security_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o some_o man_n that_o they_o can_v be_v represent_v worse_a than_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o any_o one_o power_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a prince_n and_o a_o man_n of_o the_o most_o eminent_a virtue_n may_v be_v be_v most_o easy_o abuse_v but_o no_o treason_n can_v be_v speak_v against_o a_o beggar_n and_o it_o be_v the_o hard_a matter_n to_o find_v out_o how_o to_o disgrace_v he_o of_o who_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v worse_a than_o he_o deserve_v it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o testimony_n give_v to_o religion_n and_o a_o acknowledgement_n pay_v to_o virtue_n 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upon_o any_o subject_a and_o then_o they_o trample_v with_o wonderful_a scorn_n and_o triumph_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o conceive_v be_v so_o miserable_o overcome_v but_o alas_o the_o victory_n be_v over_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v either_o the_o more_o or_o the_o less_o true_a for_o their_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o profane_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v speak_v of_o we_o have_v no_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o any_o man_n faith_n but_o if_o there_o be_v reason_n in_o what_o we_o say_v it_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o reasonable_a man_n that_o they_o shall_v hearken_v to_o reason_n religion_n be_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o the_o father_n often_o speak_v the_o best_a and_o true_a philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o persuade_v how_o much_o soever_o i_o may_v have_v fail_v in_o the_o performance_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v with_o such_o clear_a and_o full_a evidence_n even_o to_o ordinary_a understanding_n as_o to_o make_v all_o pretence_n of_o argue_v against_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v impious_a the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o book_n such_o point_n be_v clear_v in_o the_o second_o as_o be_v think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n and_o compass_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o the_o manifold_a defect_n of_o humane_a reason_n p._n 1._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v demonstrable_a p._n 4._o every_o man_n believe_v and_o have_v the_o experience_n of_o several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 12._o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a p._n 24._o chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o may_v act_v more_o powerful_o upon_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n than_o of_o other_o p._n 28._o wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v p._n 31._o such_o inference_n from_o thence_o as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a p._n 41._o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o exclude_v humane_a mean_n as_o information_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n etc._n etc._n p._n 42._o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n ibid._n though_o something_n be_v set_v down_o in_o the_o scripture_n indefinite_o and_o without_o any_o positive_a assertion_n or_o determination_n this_o be_v no_o proof_n against_o their_o be_v write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n p._n 43._o in_o thing_n which_o may_v fall_v under_o humane_a prudence_n and_o observation_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v use_v only_o a_o directive_n power_n and_o influence_n p._n 46._o this_o infallible_a assistance_n be_v not_o permanent_a and_o habitual_a p._n 49._o it_o do_v not_o prevent_v personal_a fail_n p._n 50._o no_o passage_n or_o circumstance_n in_o the_o scripture_n erroneous_a p._n 51._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o grammatical_a construction_n and_o propriety_n of_o speech_n p._n 53._o those_o which_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o defect_n in_o the_o scripture-style_n be_v usual_a in_o the_o most_o approve_a heathen_a author_n p._n ib._n metaphor_n and_o rhetorical_a scheme_n and_o figure_n p._n 57_o the_o style_n different_a of_o different_a nation_n p._n 58._o the_o title_n of_o king_n p._n 59_o what_o art_n be_v use_v by_o orator_n to_o raise_v the_o passion_n p._n 60._o that_o they_o sometime_o read_v their_o speech_n p._n 62._o the_o figurative_a expression_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o their_o type_n and_o parable_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v ibid._n several_a thing_n relate_v as_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v only_o parabolical_a description_n or_o representation_n p._n 64._o the_o prophetic_a scheme_n of_o speech_n usual_a with_o the_o eastern_a nation_n p._n 66._o the_o want_n of_o distinguish_v the_o person_n speak_v have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n p._n 68_o the_o antiquity_n and_o various_a way_n of_o poetry_n p._n 69._o the_o metaphorical_a and_o figurative_a use_n of_o word_n in_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n p._n 71._o the_o decorum_n or_o suitableness_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture_n p._n 79._o the_o method_n p._n 86._o some_o book_n of_o scripture_n admirable_a for_o their_o style_n p._n 89._o why_o the_o style_n not_o alike_o excellent_a in_o all_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n p._n 93._o chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o controversy_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o rest_n p._n 96._o the_o uncontroverted_a book_n contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n p._n 97._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o apochrypha_n fall_v not_o here_o under_o consideration_n p._n 99_o no_o suppression_n or_o alteration_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o idolatrous_a king_n etc._n etc._n p._n 100_o the_o book_n of_o the_o law_n in_o the_o handwriting_a of_o moses_n find_v in_o the_o reign_n of_o josiah_n p._n 102._o no_o book_n but_o those_o which_o be_v write_v by_o inspiration_n receive_v by_o the_o jew_n into_o their_o canon_n p._n 103._o what_o opinion_n the_o ten_o tribe_n have_v of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n etc._n etc._n p._n 105._o neither_o the_o samaritan_n nor_o the_o sadducee_n reject_v any_o of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n p._n 106._o of_o the_o book_n whereof_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o o._n t._n p._n 106._o why_o the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n have_v the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n express_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o the_o name_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o historical_a book_n shall_v be_v express_v p._n 108._o a_o wonderful_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o o._n t._n for_o so_o many_o age_n p._n 109._o the_o new_a testament_n confirm_v the_o old_a p._n 111._o the_o caution_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o admit_v book_n into_o the_o canon_n ib._n the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v the_o genuine_a and_o inspire_v write_n from_o the_o apocryphal_a or_o spurious_a p._n 113._o the_o gospel_n of_o st._n matt._n in_o hebrew_n how_o long_o preserve_v p._n 115._o the_o greek_a version_n of_o it_o p._n 116._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n finish_v by_o st._n john_n and_o the_o book_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n etc._n etc._n review_v by_o he_o p._n 117._o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n ib._n copy_n of_o great_a antiquity_n still_o extant_a p._n 118._o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o book_n be_v at_o first_o doubt_v of_o p._n 119._o the_o canon_n have_v be_v fix_v and_o confirm_v in_o council_n in_o tertullian_n time_n p._n 121._o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n general_o receive_v by_o christian_n of_o all_o sect_n and_o party_n p._n 124._o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n a_o extraordinary_a providence_n manifest_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o such_o casualty_n as_o have_v befall_v other_o book_n p._n 126._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n p._n 127._o the_o change_n of_o the_o old_a hebrew_n character_n into_o that_o now_o in_o use_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n p._n 130._o the_o keri_n and_o the_o ketib_n no_o prejudice_n to_o it_o ib._n the_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o version_n themselves_o no_o way_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n p._n 132._o it_o be_v confess_v by_o the_o great_a critic_n both_o protestant_n and_o
numerous_a than_o the_o sufferer_n for_o any_o other_o p._n 531._o zeal_n for_o falsehood_n no_o prejudice_n to_o truth_n p._n 532._o the_o preference_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o all_o other_o p._n 534._o the_o proper_a notion_n of_o martyrdom_n p._n 535._o chap._n xxxii_o that_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o it_o difference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v unless_o god_n shall_v miraculous_o and_o irresistible_o interpose_v to_o prevent_v they_o p._n 539._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v thus_o interpose_v p._n 544._o nor_o expedient_a p._n 546._o these_o difference_n how_o great_a and_o how_o many_o soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o religion_n p._n 549._o all_o party_n be_v agree_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a p._n 551._o it_o be_v not_o religion_n about_o which_o man_n dispute_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o beside_o in_o which_o man_n have_v not_o disagree_v p._n 555._o prophecy_n be_v hereby_o fullfil_v p._n 557._o chap._n xxxiii_o though_o all_o objection_n can_v not_o be_v answer_v yet_o this_o will_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n a_o true_a revelation_n may_v contain_v great_a difficulty_n and_o if_o the_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n remain_v in_o their_o full_a force_n notwithstanding_o any_o objection_n and_o no_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n be_v bring_v that_o they_o be_v insufficient_a the_o objection_n must_v proceed_v from_o some_o mistake_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o insignificant_a p._n 559._o this_o be_v show_v in_o particular_n p._n 561._o the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o disprove_v the_o truth_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n consider_v in_o case_n of_o another_o nature_n p._n 563._o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n p._n 566._o chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 568._o the_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n among_o christian_n immorality_n a_o spirit_n of_o contradiction_n and_o singularity_n of_o opinion_n p._n 569._o it_o be_v at_o every_o man_n be_v own_o peril_n if_o he_o make_v a_o rash_a and_o partial_a judgement_n p._n 570._o this_o be_v too_o serious_a a_o subject_a to_o jest_v and_o trifle_v withal_o p._n 574._o the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._o of_o humane_a reason_n have_v in_o the_o former_a book_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o proceed_v in_o this_o to_o clear_v such_o point_n as_o be_v common_o think_v most_o liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o propose_v some_o consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o remove_v such_o prejudices_fw-la and_o obviate_v such_o cavil_n as_o be_v usual_o raise_v against_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o before_o man_n venture_v upon_o make_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v do_v well_o first_o to_o consider_v the_o compass_n and_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o part_n and_o faculty_n and_o to_o observe_v in_o how_o many_o thing_n they_o daily_o find_v themselves_o deceive_v how_o many_o man_n there_o be_v who_o understand_v much_o more_o than_o themselves_o and_o how_o much_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n there_o be_v in_o the_o wise_a man_n those_o common_o that_o raise_v objection_n against_o the_o scripture_n be_v as_o confident_a in_o the_o management_n of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o understand_v all_o thing_n beside_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v false_a which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v not_o consider_v how_o very_o reasonable_a it_o be_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v command_v and_o reveal_v many_o thing_n the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o which_o we_o may_v not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v this_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a but_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o to_o be_v so_o and_o acknowledge_v god_n sovereignty_n over_o he_o for_o as_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a he_o may_v reveal_v thing_n above_o our_o capacity_n and_o as_o he_o be_v the_o supreme_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v command_v we_o what_o in_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n he_o shall_v see_v fit_v though_o we_o may_v not_o perceive_v the_o reason_n and_o design_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o utmost_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n many_o of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n amount_v to_o that_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o they_o of_o which_o some_o man_n think_v no_o clear_a account_n can_v be_v give_v and_o other_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o unworthy_a of_o god_n now_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o way_n of_o object_v and_o where_o lie_v the_o force_n of_o such_o argument_n but_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v conceive_v that_o god_n will_v reveal_v or_o command_v any_o thing_n with_o which_o they_o be_v not_o satisfy_v or_o which_o they_o can_v perfect_o understand_v this_o be_v all_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o sort_n of_o objection_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n if_o they_o do_v not_o contain_v thing_n which_o these_o man_n in_o their_o great_a wisdom_n think_v shall_v not_o be_v there_o if_o they_o be_v his_o word_n which_o be_v to_o make_v their_o own_o understanding_n the_o measure_n and_o criterion_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o some_o have_v turn_v sceptic_n for_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o other_o have_v be_v atheist_n upon_o the_o same_o principle_n find_v as_o much_o fault_n with_o the_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o order_n and_o contrivance_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o as_o the_o deist_n do_v with_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v renounce_v all_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n upon_o which_o he_o disbelieve_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o convince_v man_n therefore_o of_o the_o narrowness_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o shallshew_v i._o that_o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o be_v â—demonstrable_a ii_o that_o very_a man_n believe_v and_o experience_n several_a thing_n which_o in_o the_o theory_n and_o speculative_a notion_n of_o they_o will_v seem_v as_o incredible_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v iii_o that_o those_o who_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o in_o some_o thing_n each_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n seem_v to_o we_o demonstrable_a several_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o divisibility_n of_o matter_n nothing_o seem_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o divisibility_n be_v essential_a to_o matter_n and_o that_o therefore_o all_o matter_n be_v divisible_a so_o that_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v as_o divisible_a as_o the_o big_a because_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v matter_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o essence_n with_o the_o whole_a and_o all_o matter_n differ_v only_o in_o bulk_n or_o figure_n or_o place_n or_o rest_v or_o motion_n it_o be_v then_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n to_o be_v divisible_a it_o must_v ever_o be_v divisible_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o often_o divide_v since_o it_o can_v never_o be_v so_o divide_v as_o to_o lose_v it_o own_o nature_n or_o cease_v to_o be_v matter_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o matter_n can_v be_v infinite_o divisible_a because_o whatever_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a into_o part_n and_o no_o part_n can_v be_v infinite_a because_o no_o number_n can_v be_v so_o for_o all_o number_n be_v necessary_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v count_v or_o number_v though_o no_o finite_a be_v may_v be_v able_a to_o number_v it_o a_o numberless_a number_n be_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n therefore_o all_o number_n must_v be_v even_o or_o odd_a and_o must_v be_v capable_a of_o addition_n and_o substraction_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a for_o what_o be_v less_o or_o great_a have_v certain_a bound_n or_o limit_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v
watch_n for_o animal_n and_o can_v not_o imagine_v how_o man_n can_v hold_v correspondence_n at_o a_o distance_n by_o a_o little_a piece_n of_o paper_n what_o man_n be_v there_o among_o the_o vulgar_a that_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o dimension_n and_o distance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n can_v be_v take_v and_o how_o the_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o of_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n can_v be_v calculate_v and_o be_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n infinite_o more_o surpass_v by_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n than_o his_o knowledge_n can_v excel_v that_o of_o the_o great_a idiot_n iii_o those_o who_o disbelieve_v and_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n must_v believe_v thing_n much_o more_o incredible_a i._o he_o that_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a god_n must_v believe_v matter_n to_o be_v eternal_a for_o it_o be_v certain_a something_o must_v be_v eternal_a because_o nothing_o can_v produce_v nothing_o and_o unless_o there_o always_o have_v be_v something_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o this_o eternal_a matter_n must_v either_o have_v be_v once_o without_o motion_n or_o always_o with_o it_o if_o it_o be_v once_o without_o motion_n than_o matter_n must_v move_v itself_o that_o be_v motion_n must_v be_v produce_v without_o any_o thing_n to_o produce_v it_o if_o it_o be_v always_o in_o motion_n than_o there_o must_v have_v be_v a_o eternal_a succession_n since_o motion_n can_v be_v all_o at_o once_o for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o motion_n suppose_v progression_n and_o no_o body_n can_v move_v in_o this_o space_n and_o the_o next_o at_o the_o same_o instant_n for_o than_o it_o must_v be_v in_o two_o place_n at_o once_o but_o all_o succession_n of_o duration_n be_v gradual_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v number_v and_o to_o suppose_v a_o eternal_a succession_n be_v to_o suppose_v a_o infinite_a number_n that_o be_v a_o number_n to_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v add_v and_o from_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v substract_v or_o a_o number_n which_o be_v no_o number_n motion_n therefore_o can_v not_o be_v eternal_a and_o consequent_o the_o world_n can_v not_o exist_v from_o eternity_n but_o since_o there_o must_v be_v something_o eternal_a there_o must_v be_v something_o the_o duration_n whereof_o be_v indivisible_a or_o which_o have_v all_o its_o existence_n together_o so_o as_o to_o have_v exi_v now_o no_o long_o than_o it_o have_v do_v before_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n for_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o eternity_n that_o it_o have_v neither_o beginning_n nor_o end_n and_o therefore_o thing_n eternal_a never_o have_v a_o less_o or_o short_a duration_n than_o they_o now_o have_v and_o can_v never_o have_v a_o long_o after_o million_o of_o age_n than_o they_o have_v the_o first_o year_n or_o day_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o begin_v the_o computation_n of_o those_o age_n for_o a_o long_o or_o short_a duration_n must_v suppose_v a_o beginning_n from_o whence_o the_o computation_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o have_v no_o beginning_n can_v have_v neither_o a_o long_o nor_o a_o short_a duration_n but_o always_o the_o same_o and_o by_o consequence_n time_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n because_o that_o which_o have_v a_o beginning_n can_v bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o that_o which_o have_v none_o yet_o eternity_n must_v coexi_v with_o time_n in_o all_o the_o difference_n and_o succession_n of_o it_o and_o must_v be_v present_a with_o every_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o eternal_a be_v exist_v the_o space_n suppose_v of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o a_o temporal_a or_o create_v be_v exist_v at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o long_o and_o the_o temporal_a be_v become_v a_o thousand_o year_n old_a than_o it_o be_v but_o the_o eternal_a no_o old_a than_o it_o be_v before_o because_o though_o it_o coexi_v with_o time_n yet_o it_o have_v no_o respect_n to_o the_o division_n of_o it_o into_o past_a present_a and_o future_a there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n more_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v than_o this_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o every_o one_o though_o he_o be_v a_o deist_n or_o a_o atheist_n must_v acknowledge_v to_o believe_v if_o he_o will_v but_o consider_v it_o 2._o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o believe_v no_o revelation_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o by_o revelation_n from_o he_o must_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o deny_v the_o divine_a attribute_n he_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 8._o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cyrill_n alex._n contr_n julian_n lib._n 8._o who_o be_v not_o essential_o just_a and_o good_a and_o holy_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o believe_v no_o god_n at_o all_o as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o former_a book_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v upon_o so_o copious_a a_o subject_n but_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a and_o modest_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n for_o shall_v poor_a mortal_n who_o know_v so_o little_a and_o that_o little_a so_o imperfect_o presume_v to_o censure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o they_o contain_v thing_n which_o they_o can_v understand_v shall_v he_o that_o can_v full_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o vile_a infect_v reject_v what_o god_n have_v deliver_v concern_v himself_o because_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o the_o thought_n of_o mortal_a man_n be_v miserable_a and_o our_o device_n be_v but_o uncertain_a for_o the_o corruptible_a body_n press_v down_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o earthly_a tabernacle_n weigh_v down_o the_o mind_n that_o muse_v upon_o many_o thing_n and_o hardly_o do_v we_o guess_v aright_o at_o thing_n that_o be_v upon_o earth_n and_o with_o labour_n do_v we_o find_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v before_o we_o but_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o heaven_n who_o have_v search_v out_o wisd_v 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o but_o 2._o but_o ld_n bacon_n '_o be_v advancement_n of_o learning_n b._n 3._o c._n 2._o out_o of_o the_o contemplation_n of_o nature_n and_o out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o discourse_v or_o earnest_o to_o urge_v a_o point_n touch_v the_o mystery_n or_o faith_n and_o again_o to_o be_v curious_o speculative_a into_o those_o secret_n to_o ventilate_v they_o and_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a into_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o mystery_n be_v in_o my_o judgement_n not_o safe_a dam_fw-la fidei_fw-la quae_fw-la fidei_fw-la sunt_fw-la for_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o conclude_v as_o much_o in_o the_o excellent_a and_o divine_a fable_n of_o the_o golden_a chain_n that_o man_n and_o god_n be_v not_o able_a to_o draw_v jupiter_n down_o to_o the_o earth_n but_o contrariwise_o jupiter_n be_v able_a to_o draw_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n wherefore_o he_o labour_v in_o vain_a who_o shall_v attempt_v to_o draw_v down_o heavenly_a mystery_n to_o our_o reason_n it_o rather_o become_v we_o to_o raise_v and_o advance_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o adore_a throne_n of_o divine_a truth_n chap._n ii_o of_o inspiration_n all_o the_o motion_n of_o material_a thing_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o the_o best_a account_n which_o those_o who_o have_v the_o most_o study_a the_o nature_n of_o motion_n have_v be_v able_a to_o give_v of_o it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n manifest_v itself_o according_a to_o certain_a law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v for_o the_o communication_n of_o motion_n from_o one_o body_n to_o another_o and_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o conceivable_a by_o we_o that_o god_n do_v act_n upon_o the_o immaterial_a as_o that_o he_o act_n upon_o the_o material_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o high_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o with_o our_o soul_n much_o more_o than_o with_o our_o body_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o separate_a and_o unbodied_a spirit_n have_v way_n of_o of_o converse_v or_o communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o indeed_o all_o the_o communication_n and_o discourse_n that_o be_v among_o man_n in_o this_o world_n be_v proper_o between_o their_o soul_n which_o use_v their_o body_n as_o instrument_n for_o the_o conveyance_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o notion_n from_o one_o to_o anoand_a as_o their_o body_n be_v more_o or_o less_o fit_a and_o serviceable_a to_o this_o end_n so_o their_o discourse_n be_v more_o or_o less_o easy_o convey_v and_o therefore_o soul_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o these_o body_n must_v have_v a_o power_n to_o communicate_v their_o
own_o thought_n in_o a_o way_n much_o more_o free_a and_o unconfined_a than_o in_o this_o life_n as_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n in_o a_o separate_a state_n so_o they_o must_v have_v fit_a mean_n to_o communicate_v it_o and_o since_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o the_o vision_n of_o god_n that_o be_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n god_n certain_o can_v as_o well_o act_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n though_o we_o be_v less_o capable_a of_o receive_v or_o observe_v the_o influence_n of_o his_o spirit_n since_o finite_a spirit_n can_v act_v one_o upon_o another_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o god_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o flesh_n do_v move_v and_o work_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n that_o he_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o incline_v their_o will_n by_o a_o secret_a power_n and_o influence_n in_o the_o method_n of_o his_o ordinary_a grace_n and_o he_o can_v likewise_o act_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n of_o some_o man_n with_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o powerful_a light_n and_o force_n than_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o render_v they_o infallible_a in_o receive_v and_o deliver_v his_o pleasure_n and_o commandment_n to_o the_o world_n he_o can_v so_o reveal_v himself_o to_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o and_o as_o infallible_o assure_v other_o of_o it_o which_o kind_n of_o revelation_n be_v style_v inspiration_n because_o god_n do_v not_o only_o move_v and_o actuate_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o man_n but_o vouchsafe_v to_o they_o the_o extraordinary_a communication_n of_o his_o spirit_n the_o spirit_n then_o more_o especial_o may_v be_v liken_v to_o the_o wind_n to_o which_o it_o be_v compare_v in_o scripture_n for_o by_o strong_a conviction_n and_o forcible_a but_o gracious_a impressious_a he_o breathe_v upon_o their_o soul_n and_o infuse_v his_o divine_a truth_n into_o they_o but_o upon_o those_o to_o who_o god_n do_v thus_o reveal_v himself_o by_o inward_a light_n and_o knowledge_n he_o do_v moreover_o bestow_v a_o power_n of_o give_v external_a evidence_n by_o miraculous_a work_n that_o their_o pretence_n be_v real_a and_o that_o what_o they_o speak_v be_v not_o of_o they_o but_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o from_o god_n this_o inspiration_n the_o apostle_n profess_v to_o have_v both_o in_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n and_o this_o evidence_n they_o give_v of_o it_o in_o speak_v of_o the_o inspiration_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v ii_o i_o shall_v from_o thence_o make_v such_o inference_n as_o may_v afford_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o the_o objection_n allege_v upon_o this_o subject_n i._o i_o shall_v show_v wherein_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v consist_v or_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v and_o here_o we_o must_v consider_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n the_o matter_n be_v either_o concern_v thing_n reveal_v and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n or_o it_o be_v something_o which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o when_o the_o apostle_n testify_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o or_o last_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o reason_n as_o discourse_n upon_o moral_a subject_n and_o inference_n make_v from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v speak_v as_o intelligible_o to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o man_n can_v speak_v to_o the_o ear_n and_o in_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o be_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n the_o notion_n be_v suggest_v and_o infuse_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o prophet_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o they_o may_v be_v leave_v to_o put_v they_o into_o their_o owe_v 〈◊〉_d 29._o 〈◊〉_d praeterea_fw-la scito_fw-la unumquemque_fw-la prophetam_fw-la pecuâ—iare_fw-la quid_fw-la habere_fw-la &_o ea_fw-la lingua_fw-la eaque_fw-la loquendi_fw-la ratione_fw-la quae_fw-la ipsi_fw-la est_fw-la familiaris_fw-la &_o consueta_fw-la ipsum_fw-la impelli_fw-la à _fw-la prophetia_fw-la sva_fw-la ad_fw-la loquendum_fw-la ei_fw-la qui_fw-la intelligit_fw-la ipsum_fw-la maimon_n more_n nevoch_n part_n 2._o c._n 29._o word_n be_v so_o direct_v in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o as_o to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n and_o full_a importance_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o memory_n be_v according_a to_o our_o saviour_n promise_n assist_v and_o confirm_v in_o matter_n of_o discourse_n or_o reason_v either_o from_o their_o own_o natural_a notion_n or_o from_o thing_n reveal_v or_o from_o matter_n of_o fact_n their_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o their_o judgement_n strengthen_v and_o still_o in_o all_o case_n their_o natural_a faculty_n be_v so_o support_v and_o guide_v both_o in_o their_o notion_n and_o word_n as_o that_o nothing_o shall_v come_v into_o their_o write_n but_o what_o be_v infallible_o true_a they_o have_v always_o the_o use_n of_o their_o faculty_n though_o under_o the_o infallible_a direction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o their_o faculty_n the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v only_o support_v and_o guide_v they_o as_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n and_o memory_n and_o in_o their_o word_n and_o style_n to_o express_v all_o these_o but_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n which_o be_v above_o their_o faculty_n and_o which_o they_o can_v have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o but_o from_o revelation_n the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v infuse_v though_o the_o word_n in_o most_o case_n may_v be_v their_o own_o but_o they_o be_v preserve_v from_o error_n in_o the_o use_n of_o they_o by_o that_o spirit_n who_o be_v to_o guide_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n for_o though_o the_o several_a writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o style_n yet_o it_o be_v under_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n as_o when_o a_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n or_o manner_n of_o write_v but_o be_v direct_v in_o the_o sense_n and_o orthography_n by_o one_o who_o dictate_v to_o he_o or_o assist_v he_o with_o his_o help_n where_o it_o be_v needful_a prophecy_n come_v not_o in_o old_a time_n by_o the_o will_n of_o man_n but_o holy_a man_n of_o god_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2_o pet._n 1.21_o all_o scripture_n be_v give_v by_o inspiration_n of_o god_n 2_o tim._n 3.16_o the_o holy_a ghost_n say_v by_o the_o psalmist_n to_o day_n if_o you_o will_v hear_v his_o voice_n hebr._n 3.7_o david_n say_v of_o himself_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n speak_v by_o i_o and_o his_o word_n be_v in_o my_o tongue_n 2_o sam._n 23.2_o and_o god_n be_v say_v to_o speak_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n his_o servant_n and_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o his_o servant_n ahijah_n the_o prophet_n 1_o king_n 8.53.14.18_o by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o use_v the_o prophet_n as_o his_o instrument_n in_o reveal_v his_o will_n for_o as_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n though_o wrought_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n so_o the_o revelation_n be_v of_o god_n though_o speak_v or_o write_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o though_o god_n use_v they_o as_o his_o instrument_n yet_o not_o as_o mechanical_a but_o as_o rational_a instrument_n and_o as_o in_o work_v their_o miracle_n they_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_o determine_v to_o the_o place_n or_o to_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o in_o general_n be_v guide_v to_o work_v they_o when_o they_o be_v proper_a and_o seasonable_a and_o the_o action_n by_o which_o they_o wrought_v they_o be_v their_o own_o though_o the_o power_n that_o accompany_v they_o be_v of_o god_n so_o in_o their_o doctrine_n they_o may_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o prudential_a motive_n as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n with_o a_o directive_n power_n only_o over_o they_o to_o speak_v and_o write_v nothing_o but_o infallible_a truth_n upon_o such_o occasion_n and_o in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v answer_v the_o end_n of_o their_o mission_n with_o which_o they_o be_v entrust_v god_n promise_v moses_n when_o he_o send_v he_o to_o pharaoh_n that_o he_o will_v be_v with_o his_o mouth_n and_o with_o aaron_n mouth_n and_o will_v
eloquence_n as_o well_o as_o the_o power_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o vice_n of_o mankind_n be_v combine_v against_o it_o and_o yet_o less_o elegancy_n and_o accuracy_n of_o style_n be_v employ_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n than_o have_v be_v before_o use_v by_o moses_n and_o thâ—_n prophet_n who_o yet_o have_v nothing_o which_o seem_v so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a to_o deliver_v which_o be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o can_v prevail_v so_o much_o against_o all_o the_o opposition_n in_o the_o world_n only_o by_o tell_v a_o plain_a truth_n and_o in_o the_o plain_a manner_n for_o where_o the_o thing_n be_v evident_a the_o few_o and_o plain_a word_n be_v best_a as_o in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o man_n make_v themselves_o to_o be_v understand_v this_o likewise_o be_v all_o that_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d euseb_n hist_o lib._n iii._o c._n 24._o their_o cause_n and_o doctrine_n be_v so_o certain_a and_o demonstrable_a that_o any_o word_n which_o do_v but_o full_o and_o clear_o express_v their_o meaning_n be_v sufficient_a for_o their_o purpose_n their_o rhetoric_n lie_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o in_o word_n there_o be_v no_o great_a art_n require_v to_o prove_v that_o to_o any_o man_n which_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v great_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o under_o the_o law_n so_o there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o eloquence_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n than_o in_o the_o old_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v as_o a_o 4._o a_o mer_n casaub_n of_o enthus_n c._n 4._o learned_a critic_n have_v declare_v that_o st_n paul_n in_o some_o kind_n and_o upon_o some_o subject_n be_v as_o eloquent_a as_o ever_o man_n be_v not_o inferior_a to_o demosthenes_n in_o who_o writing_n he_o believe_v that_o apostle_n have_v be_v much_o conversant_a or_o aeschines_n or_o any_o other_o ancient_o most_o admire_v 3._o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o they_o and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v permit_v they_o to_o use_v their_o own_o style_n so_o direct_v they_o still_o and_o overrule_a they_o in_o every_o word_n and_o sentence_n that_o it_o shall_v infallible_o express_v his_o own_o full_a sense_n and_o meaning_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o inspire_v and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v divers_a style_n in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o isaiah_n for_o instance_n be_v of_o the_o blood_n royal_a and_o educate_v at_o court_n may_v write_v in_o a_o more_o refine_a and_o lofty_a style_n and_o amos_n who_o be_v bring_v up_o among_o the_o herdsman_n of_o tekoa_n may_v speak_v in_o a_o more_o humble_a strain_n and_o fetch_v his_o metaphor_n from_o low_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o yet_o the_o sense_n and_o substance_n of_o both_o may_v be_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o as_o exact_o true_a and_o infallible_a as_o if_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n be_v dictate_v by_o he_o but_o this_o have_v be_v already_o consider_v under_o its_o proper_a head_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v concern_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o catalogue_n and_o number_n of_o book_n of_o divine_a revelation_n this_o aught_o to_o be_v make_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o or_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o receive_v by_o all_o church_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o true_a way_n of_o argue_v than_o whatever_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o must_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o we_o know_v and_o by_o consequence_n no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n since_o the_o wise_a man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o many_o thing_n that_o he_o know_v very_o little_a in_o comparison_n of_o what_o he_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o author_n of_o great_a note_n and_o fame_n but_o that_o critic_n have_v have_v dispute_n concern_v the_o number_n of_o his_o genuine_a work_n and_o yet_o this_o have_v never_o be_v think_v any_o prejudice_n to_o such_o as_o be_v allow_v by_o all_o to_o be_v genuine_a will_v not_o that_o man_n make_v himself_o ridiculous_a who_o shall_v reject_v the_o philippic_n of_o tully_n or_o virgil_n aeneis_n as_o spurious_a because_o other_o book_n either_o doubtful_a or_o counterfeit_v have_v past_a under_o the_o name_n of_o these_o two_o author_n if_o some_o book_n have_v be_v dispute_v the_o rest_n certain_o be_v genuine_a beyond_o all_o dispute_n because_o they_o have_v never_o be_v call_v into_o question_n or_o doubt_v now_o if_o these_o book_n only_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o dispute_n they_o contain_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o as_o to_o the_o rest_n concern_v which_o there_o have_v be_v any_o controversy_n though_o they_o be_v exceed_o useful_a to_o explain_v divers_a thing_n which_o we_o find_v in_o these_o and_o perhaps_o to_o teach_v we_o some_o thing_n not_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n nor_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v elsewhere_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v receive_v because_o whatever_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v full_o and_o plain_o deliver_v in_o those_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v ever_o be_v receive_v without_o contradiction_n or_o dispute_n many_o man_n be_v undoubted_o save_v before_o the_o write_n of_o these_o controvert_v book_n nay_o before_o the_o write_n of_o any_o book_n at_o all_o write_n be_v no_o further_o necessary_a than_o as_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v write_v when_o the_o thing_n now_o write_v can_v be_v as_o well_o know_v without_o writing_n book_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o though_o for_o after_o age_n it_o become_v necessary_a that_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n shall_v consign_v their_o doctrine_n to_o writing_n yet_o no_o more_o of_o their_o writing_n can_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v by_o we_o than_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n it_o be_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o afford_v we_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o our_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o our_o natural_a and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n in_o any_o man_n to_o reject_v any_o mean_n of_o salvation_n or_o instruction_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o allow_v but_o still_o that_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o natural_a life_n and_o health_n who_o shall_v think_v all_o that_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o it_o common_a or_o unclean_a and_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v use_v for_o food_n and_o if_o a_o man_n without_o any_o of_o his_o own_o fault_n or_o neglect_n shall_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n only_o of_o the_o uncontrrovert_v book_n he_o will_v find_v they_o abundant_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o end_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o procure_v his_o salvation_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o one_o infallible_a authority_n be_v as_o great_a a_o security_n as_o never_o so_o many_o can_v be_v but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v in_o several_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v thankful_a to_o god_n for_o it_o that_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o furnish_v we_o with_o so_o much_o more_o than_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o to_o repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o sundry_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n for_o our_o further_a instruction_n and_o confirmation_n in_o the_o faith_n though_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a and_o wicked_a to_o say_v that_o he_o who_o believe_v all_o the_o point_n of_o necessary_a faith_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o one_o book_n of_o scripture_n have_v no_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n unless_o he_o likewise_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n not_o that_o i_o suppose_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n can_v now_o find_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o old_a or_o new_a testament_n whether_o it_o be_v genuine_a or_o no_o but_o to_o suppose_v the_o most_o and_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v suppose_v if_o those_o book_n which_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v call_v in_o
of_o nice_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v refer_v to_o by_o that_o council_n and_o that_o they_o be_v style_v apostolical_a because_o they_o be_v make_v by_o apostolical_a man_n or_o such_o as_o live_v next_o to_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o deliver_v in_o these_o canon_n what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o the_o apostle_n dr_n beverege_n think_v they_o roman_n they_o bever_n annot._fw-la ad_fw-la pandect_a can._n &_o cod._n can._n eccl._n primit_fw-la vind_z cave_n histor_n litter_n in_o clem_v roman_n be_v collect_v into_o one_o body_n by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n and_o dr_n cave_n seem_v incline_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o judgement_n as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o particular_a apostolical_a canon_n which_o contain_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n give_v a_o sufficient_a testimony_n to_o it_o so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o show_v wherein_o it_o have_v be_v corrupt_v since_o all_o which_o very_o well_o agree_v with_o that_o which_o i_o observe_v from_o tertullian_n that_o frequent_a council_n be_v call_v in_o the_o first_o age_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n among_o other_o thing_n under_o consideration_n which_o we_o find_v set_v down_o in_o the_o last_o of_o the_o apostle_n canon_n and_o from_o thence_o in_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o council_n of_o laodicea_n no_o book_n be_v omit_v but_o the_o revelation_n of_o st_n john_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v and_o receive_v as_o authentic_a from_o the_o begin_n of_o those_o who_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o know_v of_o what_o authority_n it_o be_v but_o none_o be_v insert_v into_o the_o canon_n but_o such_o book_n as_o be_v appoint_v to_o be_v constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n it_o appear_v then_o that_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n be_v finish_v by_o st_n john_n and_o that_o such_o book_n as_o be_v not_o of_o divine_a authority_n be_v reject_v by_o council_n hold_v when_o there_o be_v live_a witness_n to_o certify_v st_n john_n approbation_n of_o the_o canon_n or_o at_o least_o those_o who_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o such_o witness_n the_o gospel_n of_o the_o other_o evangelist_n be_v translate_v into_o divers_a language_n in_o st_n john_n life_n time_n and_o we_o must_v in_o reason_n suppose_v the_o same_o of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o scripture_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v all_o very_o early_o translate_v into_o many_o tongue_n and_o disperse_v into_o so_o many_o hand_n in_o so_o many_o country_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v either_o lose_v or_o falsify_v espeble_a cial_o since_o the_o several_a sect_n of_o christian_n be_v never_o more_o jealous_a and_o watchful_a over_o each_o other_o in_o any_o thing_n than_o in_o this_o particular_a the_o several_a interest_n and_o pretension_n of_o all_o party_n be_v chief_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o no_o catalogue_n of_o book_n can_v have_v be_v receive_v exclusive_o to_o all_o other_o but_o upon_o the_o clear_a evidence_n xii_o when_o it_o once_o appear_v that_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v doubt_v of_o belong_v to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v afterward_o general_o acknowledge_v and_o constant_o receive_v in_o all_o church_n every_o sect_n have_v since_o use_v all_o art_n and_o endeavour_n to_o reconcile_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o doctrine_n few_o or_o none_o presume_v to_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o any_o of_o these_o book_n which_o they_o will_v never_o scruple_n to_o do_v if_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v make_v out_o any_o plausible_a pretence_n for_o it_o protestant_n have_v refuse_v to_o admit_v of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n as_o inspire_v but_o whoever_o have_v go_v about_o to_o reject_v any_o part_n of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n have_v be_v universal_o declare_v against_o for_o it_o whereof_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v but_o the_o evidence_n that_o be_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v want_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o apocryphal_a book_n papist_n own_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n and_o of_o the_o fourteen_o chapter_n of_o that_o epistle_n which_o be_v direct_o against_o pray_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n to_o be_v genuine_a though_o the_o second_o chapter_n be_v so_o clear_o against_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n these_o espistle_n indeed_o be_v never_o controvert_v but_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n likewise_o be_v not_o reject_v by_o the_o socinian_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o suffering_n be_v so_o plain_o assert_v in_o it_o and_o they_o dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n of_o st_n john_n though_o they_o be_v so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o expound_v they_o to_o their_o own_o sense_n that_o socinus_n be_v force_v to_o pretend_v to_o i_o know_v not_o what_o revelation_n to_o help_v out_o one_o of_o his_o explication_n which_o he_o will_v not_o have_v do_v if_o he_o can_v have_v find_v out_o any_o colour_n for_o not_o admit_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o text_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o his_o own_o tenant_n that_o he_o can_v not_o expect_v that_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o revelation_n shall_v procure_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o interpretation_n and_o general_o the_o case_n be_v the_o same_o with_o other_o sect_n those_o that_o differ_v never_o so_o much_o one_o from_o another_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o particular_a text_n yet_o agree_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n itself_o or_o can_v find_v out_o no_o sufficient_a pretence_n to_o disow_v it_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o various_a readins_n in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o a_o extrardinary_a providence_n have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n secure_v the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o those_o casualty_n which_o be_v incident_a to_o humane_a write_n for_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o many_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n which_o have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n the_o difficulty_n to_o avoid_v mistake_n in_o transcribe_v book_n in_o a_o language_n which_o have_v so_o many_o of_o its_o letter_n and_o of_o its_o word_n themselves_o so_o like_o one_o another_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n as_o it_o be_v general_o now_o acknowledge_v of_o the_o point_n the_o change_n of_o the_o samaritan_n or_o ancient_a hebrew_n for_o the_o present_a hebrew_n character_n the_o captivity_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n for_o seventy_o year_n and_o the_o mixture_n and_o change_n which_o be_v during_o that_o time_n bring_v into_o their_o language_n in_o short_a all_o the_o accident_n which_o have_v ever_o happen_v to_o occasion_n error_n or_o mistake_n in_o any_o book_n have_v concur_v to_o cause_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o yet_o the_o different_a readins_n be_v much_o few_o and_o make_v much_o less_o alteration_n in_o the_o sense_n than_o those_o of_o any_o other_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o note_n and_o antiquity_n if_o all_o the_o copy_n shall_v be_v careful_o examine_v and_o every_o little_a variation_n as_o punctual_o set_v down_o as_o those_o of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v but_o though_o from_o hence_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n have_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o from_o humane_a consideration_n and_o argument_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v assure_v that_o nothing_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v happen_v by_o any_o of_o these_o mean_n 1._o the_o defect_n in_o the_o hebrew_n vowel_n and_o the_o late_a invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v not_o prejuduce_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o we_o now_o have_v it_o though_o the_o point_n which_o crititical_o determine_v the_o exact_a read_n of_o the_o hebrew_n tongue_n be_v of_o a_o late_a invention_n yet_o that_o tongue_n be_v never_o without_o its_o vowel_n for_o aleph_fw-la vau_fw-fr and_o jod_a and_o which_o some_o add_v he_o and_o gnajm_n before_o the_o invention_n of_o the_o point_n be_v use_v as_o vowel_n as_o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v from_o josephus_n 49._o vid._n walton_n prolegom_n iii._o s_o 49._o origen_n and_o st_n jerom_n by_o the_o best_a critic_n in_o that_o language_n it_o must_v indeed_o be_v confess_v that_o these_o vowel_n can_v not_o be_v so_o effectual_a to_o ascertain_v the_o true_a read_n as_o the_o point_n have_v since_o be_v but_o
for_o what_o book_n be_v there_o without_o they_o or_o what_o book_n of_o the_o same_o bigness_n and_o of_o any_o antiquity_n have_v so_o few_o various_a lection_n as_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o book_n can_v be_v transcribe_v or_o print_v but_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o have_v mistake_v make_v in_o it_o iu._n no_o difference_n between_o the_o hebrew_n text_n and_o the_o septuagint_n and_o other_o version_n or_o between_o the_o several_a version_n themselves_o be_v any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o hebrew_n text_n be_v ever_o different_a in_o any_o thing_n material_a from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n 8._o septuagint_n id._n prolegom_n ix_o s_o â—2_n &_o x._o s_o 8._o as_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v from_o st._n jerom_n and_o other_o be_v in_o many_o place_n rather_o a_o comment_n or_o paraphrase_n than_o a_o strict_a version_n and_o give_v the_o sense_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n many_o time_n there_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o difference_n where_o there_o be_v none_o for_o want_v of_o a_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o original_a as_o 46._o as_o pocock_n append._n ad_fw-la porâ—_n mos_fw-la c._n 1_o 2_o 3_o 4._o pear_n praef._n ad_fw-la septuag_n edit_fw-la cantab_n be_v voss_n de_fw-fr lxx_o interpret_v walt_n proleg_n ix_o 46._o dr_n pocock_n have_v show_v in_o divers_a instance_n and_o bp_o pearson_n in_o other_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v write_v by_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la to_o this_o purpose_n and_o one_o very_o skilful_a in_o the_o oriental_a tongue_n have_v undertake_v to_o show_v the_o agreement_n between_o hebrew_a and_z and_o the_o septuagint_n throughout_o and_o have_v make_v a_o considerable_a progress_n in_o the_o work_n as_o bishop_n walton_n inform_v we_o other_o difference_n proceed_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n as_o it_o must_v needs_o happen_v in_o book_n of_o which_o so_o many_o copy_n have_v be_v take_v in_o all_o age_n and_o from_o the_o rashness_n of_o critic_n in_o make_v unnecessary_a alteration_n or_o by_o insert_v into_o the_o text_n such_o note_n as_o be_v at_o first_o place_v only_o for_o explication_n in_o the_o margin_n in_o some_o thing_n of_o less_o consequence_n the_o translator_n may_v be_v mistake_v or_o they_o may_v follow_v a_o different_a copy_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v great_o confirm_v from_o the_o citation_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a father_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v that_o in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n the_o copy_n which_o they_o make_v use_v of_o have_v no_o such_o variation_n from_o those_o we_o now_o use_v as_o to_o be_v of_o any_o ill_a consequence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o imputation_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o jew_n by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n that_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o scripture_n in_o such_o place_n as_o according_a to_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o septuagint_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o ancestor_n must_v prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o they_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o version_n of_o aquila_n symmachus_n and_o theodosian_a who_o be_v all_o either_o profess_a jew_n or_o judaize_v heretic_n design_v their_o translation_n to_o countenance_v their_o own_o error_n especial_o aquila_n who_o undertake_v his_o version_n purposely_o to_o oppose_v that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n for_o it_o be_v now_o general_o agree_v that_o the_o jew_n never_o deserve_v the_o censure_n of_o have_v corrupt_v the_o hebrew_n text_n though_o they_o pervert_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o where_o there_o be_v various_a readins_n choose_v to_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v most_o favourable_a to_o their_o own_o pretence_n though_o it_o be_v in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o forefather_n as_o well_o as_o the_o christian_n philo_z in_o a_o discourse_n cite_v 6._o cite_v euseb_n praepar_fw-la evang._n lib._n viij_o c._n 6._o by_o eusebius_n who_o thereby_o own_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o say_v that_o for_o the_o space_n of_o above_o two_o thousand_o year_n there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o word_n alter_v in_o the_o law_n but_o that_o the_o jew_n will_v choose_v to_o die_v never_o so_o many_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v consent_v to_o any_o thing_n in_o prejudice_n of_o it_o and_o i._n and_o contra_fw-la apion_n lib._n i._n josephus_n declare_v of_o the_o whole_a old_a testament_n that_o it_o have_v suffer_v no_o alteration_n from_o the_o begin_n down_o to_o his_o own_o time_n 38._o time_n antiqu._n eccl._n orient_a epist_n 38._o morinus_n himself_o whatever_o he_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v to_o the_o contrary_a declare_v in_o a_o letter_n to_o dr_n comber_n dean_n of_o carlisle_n that_o he_o suppose_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o jewish_a copy_n caeteris_fw-la paribus_fw-la be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o any_o copy_n of_o the_o samaritan_n which_o he_o in_o his_o write_n so_o high_o magnify_v it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o the_o observe_v which_o be_v the_o middle_a letter_n of_o every_o book_n can_v signify_v little_a to_o the_o secure_n of_o the_o hebrew_n text_n entire_a because_o there_o may_v be_v the_o same_o number_n of_o verse_n and_o word_n and_o letter_n in_o different_a book_n and_o the_o same_o number_n of_o letter_n may_v make_v up_o different_a word_n and_o the_o same_o word_n diverse_o place_v and_o apply_v may_v express_v a_o very_a different_a sense_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o charm_n in_o a_o word_n that_o stand_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o book_n to_o keep_v all_o the_o rest_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n but_o this_o scrupulous_a and_o even_o superstitious_a diligence_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o little_a thing_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o their_o constant_a study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o great_a value_n and_o reverence_n they_o have_v for_o it_o so_o that_o they_o will_v neither_o corrupt_v it_o themselves_o nor_o suffer_v it_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o other_o but_o be_v careful_a and_o zealous_a to_o preserve_v every_o ever_o letter_n and_o tittle_n and_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o from_o josephus_n they_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o it_o that_o he_o think_v he_o can_v not_o full_o enough_o express_v their_o skill_n and_o accuracy_n but_o by_o say_v that_o they_o know_v it_o better_o than_o their_o own_o name_n v._o it_o be_v evident_a and_o confess_v by_o the_o critic_n that_o neither_o by_o these_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n any_o such_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o several_a copy_n of_o the_o bible_n as_o to_o prejudice_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o religion_n or_o weaken_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n all_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n have_v be_v eager_o debate_v by_o contend_a party_n who_o yet_o agree_v in_o this_o whatever_o they_o differ_v in_o beside_o that_o the_o various_a lection_n do_v not_o invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n nor_o render_v they_o ineffectual_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n inasmuch_o as_o all_o the_o various_a lection_n take_v together_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n nor_o to_o any_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n 2._o salvation_n non_fw-la minus_fw-la ex_fw-la ijs_fw-la quae_fw-la supra_fw-la disputata_fw-la sunt_fw-la planum_fw-la est_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la statim_fw-la libri_fw-la primi_fw-la initio_fw-la monuimus_fw-la &_o saepius_fw-la toto_fw-la opere_fw-la inculcavimus_fw-la plerasque_fw-la omnes_fw-la quae_fw-la observari_fw-la &_o deprehendi_fw-la in_o sacris_fw-la libris_fw-la possunt_fw-la varias_fw-la lectiones_fw-la levissimi_fw-la esse_fw-la ac_fw-la pene_fw-la nullius_fw-la momenti_fw-la ut_fw-la parum_fw-la admodum_fw-la intersit_fw-la aut_fw-la vero_fw-la perinde_v omnino_fw-la sit_fw-la utram_fw-la sequaris_fw-la sive_fw-la hanc_fw-la sive_fw-la illam_fw-la ludovic_n cappel_n crit._n sacr._n lib._n 6._o c._n 2._o ludovicus_n cappellus_n who_o have_v study_v this_o subject_n as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n and_o be_v as_o well_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o after_o the_o strict_a examination_n he_o can_v make_v find_v that_o the_o thing_n relate_v either_o to_o faith_n or_o practice_n be_v plain_o contain_v in_o all_o copy_n whatever_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o lesser_a thing_n as_o in_o matter_n of_o chronology_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o alteration_n or_o the_o omission_n or_o addition_n of_o a_o letter_n or_o in_o the_o name_n of_o man_n or_o of_o city_n or_o country_n but_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o disperse_v throughout_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o can_v receive_v no_o damage_n nor_o alteration_n unless_o the_o whole_a scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v change_v wherefore_o not_o only_o the_o most_o learned_a protestant_n but_o 2._o but_o
prejudice_n of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o they_o come_v under_o the_o number_n of_o such_o accident_n as_o god_n can_v be_v oblige_v in_o his_o providence_n to_o prevent_v but_o the_o bible_n can_v not_o without_o the_o signal_n providence_n of_o god_n have_v be_v preserve_v for_o so_o many_o age_n under_z so_o many_o change_n and_o revolution_n which_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o reason_n elsewhere_o observe_v see_v fit_a to_o permit_v much_o less_o can_v it_o have_v escape_v with_o so_o inconsiderable_a variation_n unless_o it_o have_v be_v secure_v by_o a_o particular_a providence_n from_o those_o corruption_n and_o alteration_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o humane_a write_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n chronology_n be_v the_o part_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v most_o nice_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v exact_o adjust_v because_o it_o depend_v upon_o so_o many_o several_a circumstance_n and_o comprehend_v so_o great_a a_o variety_n of_o affair_n in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o how_o punctual_o soever_o the_o account_n of_o time_n be_v set_v down_o at_o first_o yet_o the_o least_o alteration_n in_o one_o word_n or_o letter_n may_v cause_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o copy_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o epoche_n in_o the_o computation_n of_o different_a country_n especial_o at_o great_a distance_n oâ—_n time_n as_o well_o as_o place_n be_v such_o that_o theâ—_n exact_a chronology_n may_v easy_o be_v mistake_v and_o may_v be_v further_o entangle_v and_o perplex_v by_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o rectify_v what_o they_o think_v amiss_o for_o that_o which_o be_v exact_a at_o firâ—â—_n be_v often_o make_v faulty_a by_o he_o who_o think_v it_o so_o before_o but_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o material_a exception_n will_v lie_v against_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o acconâ—â—_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n if_o those_o twâ—_n thing_n be_v make_v out_o i._o that_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o ii_o that_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o that_o they_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o of_o expositor_n i._o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o infer_v uncertainty_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n themselves_o because_o the_o point_n of_o time_n be_v but_o one_o circumstance_n and_o that_o easy_o mistake_v by_o a_o thousand_o accident_n and_o there_o may_v be_v many_o other_o circumstance_n so_o particular_a and_o so_o well_o attest_v as_o to_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n relate_v notwithstanding_o any_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n for_o which_o reason_n solon_n reason_n plut._n i_o solon_n plutarch_n do_v not_o reject_v the_o relation_n of_o a_o discourse_n that_o past_a between_o solon_n and_o croesus_n though_o he_o can_v not_o answer_v the_o objection_n bring_v from_o chronology_n to_o prove_v it_o feign_v because_o he_o find_v it_o deliver_v by_o good_a author_n and_o see_v nothing_o improbable_a in_o it_o but_o every_o thing_n very_o likely_a and_o suitable_a to_o solon_n temper_n and_o he_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o reject_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o have_v no_o other_o objection_n against_o it_o but_o some_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n when_o say_v he_o innumerable_a person_n have_v endeavour_v to_o rectify_v the_o chronological_a canon_n but_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o this_o day_n to_o reconcile_v the_o differ_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o chronology_n be_v a_o general_a complaint_n make_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o objection_n have_v any_o weight_n it_o must_v invalidate_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n a_o very_a learned_a and_o accurate_a author_n have_v show_v the_o uncertainty_n in_o chronology_n usher_n chronology_n mr_n milner_n be_v defence_n of_o a._n bishop_n usher_n during_o the_o first_o monarchy_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o kingdom_n viz._n the_o kingdom_n of_o assyria_n itself_o and_o the_o kingdom_n contemporary_a with_o it_o and_o of_o person_n and_o occurrence_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o kingdom_n nor_o any_o such_o person_n and_o occurrence_n it_o be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n be_v first_o build_v for_o catalin_n for_o sallust_n bell._n catalin_n sallust_n and_o other_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v found_v by_o romulus_n have_v ascribe_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o to_o the_o trojan_n and_o romulo_n and_o plutarch_n in_o romulo_n those_o who_o make_v romulus_n the_o founder_n yet_o be_v at_o a_o strange_a disagreement_n concern_v the_o parent_n of_o romulus_n and_o the_o time_n of_o his_o birth_n some_o have_v call_v his_o mother_n name_n ilia_n some_o rhea_n some_o silvia_n other_o as_o livy_n rhea_n silvia_n yet_o still_o there_o be_v a_o further_a difference_n about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o city_n which_o have_v occasion_v great_a dispute_n among_o chronologer_n what_o then_o must_v follow_v from_o hence_o why_o if_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o time_n when_o any_o fact_n be_v do_v imply_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o we_o must_v fair_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v uncertain_a whether_o rome_n be_v ever_o build_v at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o we_o must_v with_o iii._o with_o temporar_n chron._n demonst_a lib._n iii._o temporarius_n believe_v that_o there_o never_o be_v any_o such_o man_n as_o romulus_n the_o copy_n of_o diogenes_n laertius_n place_n the_o time_n of_o epicurus_n death_n 9_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v as_o laert_n as_o menag_fw-mi observe_v in_o diog._n laert_n menagius_n have_v observe_v but_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n have_v too_o great_a a_o value_n for_o epicurus_n to_o give_v he_o up_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o to_o conclude_v that_o there_o never_o be_v such_o a_o man_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o strange_a that_o the_o time_n of_o so_o late_a and_o so_o remarkable_a a_o thing_n as_o the_o take_n of_o constantinople_n by_o the_o turk_n shall_v be_v place_v by_o some_o a_o year_n soon_o than_o by_o other_o this_o be_v a_o action_n know_v and_o discourse_v of_o throughout_o all_o europe_n and_o be_v a_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v to_o dispute_v the_o certainty_n of_o a_o thing_n from_o any_o uncertainty_n of_o time_n if_o other_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o chronologer_n be_v not_o a_o little_a ashamed_a say_v mr_n gregory_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v we_o 3._o jo._n greg._n de_fw-fr aeris_fw-la &_o epochis_n c._n 3._o concern_v so_o late_o and_o famous_a a_o calamity_n as_o the_o siege_n of_o constantinople_n by_o mahume_v the_o second_o ii_o the_o difference_n in_o chronology_n do_v not_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v any_o chronological_a mistake_v make_v by_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o they_o arise_v from_o the_o mistake_v of_o transcriber_n or_o expositor_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o some_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_n mistake_v in_o the_o computation_n of_o chronology_n and_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v that_o no_o book_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n which_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o secure_a man_n from_o the_o error_n which_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o they_o to_o commit_v in_o thing_n of_o that_o intricacy_n i._o many_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n be_v occasion_v by_o not_o observe_v that_o that_o which_o have_v be_v say_v before_o in_o the_o general_n be_v afterward_o resume_v and_o deliver_v in_o the_o particular_n contain_v under_o it_o for_o the_o total_a sum_n of_o any_o term_n of_o year_n be_v set_v down_o first_o before_o the_o particular_n have_v be_v insist_v upon_o and_o explain_v have_v lead_v some_o into_o mistake_n by_o suppose_v that_o the_o particular_n afterward_o mention_v be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o it_o but_o to_o be_v reckon_v apart_o as_o if_o they_o have_v happen_v afterward_o in_o order_n of_o time_n because_o they_o be_v last_o relate_v in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o history_n thus_o gen._n xi_o 26._o it_o be_v say_v that_o terah_n live_v seventy_o year_n and_o beget_v abram_n and_z vers_n 32._o that_o the_o day_n of_o terah_n be_v two_o hundred_o and_o five_o year_n and_o terah_n die_v in_o haran_n but_o gen._n twelve_o 4._o it_o be_v write_v that_o abram_n be_v seventy_o and_o five_o year_n old_a when_o he_o depart_v out_o of_o haran_n which_o be_v inconsistent_a if_o we_o suppose_v that_o abram_n live_v in_o haran_n till_o the_o
we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o we_o know_v the_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v make_v good_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o natural_a reason_v but_o only_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v instead_o of_o all_o other_o reason_n to_o we_o 2._o some_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v fit_v and_o accommodate_v to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v more_o proper_a and_o useful_a for_o they_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o be_v less_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a we_o may_v well_o imagine_v that_o many_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n must_v have_v be_v more_o peculiar_o adapt_v to_o their_o use_n and_o advantage_n for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v and_o the_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n of_o ancient_a time_n consist_v in_o parable_n and_o proverb_n and_o obscure_a form_n of_o speech_n in_o prophecy_n in_o subtle_a and_o dark_a parable_n and_o in_o the_o secret_n of_o grave_a sentence_n eccl._n thirty-nine_o 1_o 2_o 3._o and_o it_o be_v foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n in_o particular_a that_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o parable_n as_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a excellency_n i_o will_v open_v my_o mouth_n in_o a_o parable_n i_o will_v utter_v dark_a say_n of_o old_a ps_n lxxviii_o 2._o matt._n xiii_o 35._o this_o be_v in_o ancient_a time_n the_o language_n of_o court_n and_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o address_n to_o king_n nathan_n the_o prophet_n and_o the_o woman_n of_o tekoa_n come_v to_o david_n with_o a_o parable_n 2_o sam._n twelve_o 1._o fourteen_o 4._o and_o jehoash_n king_n of_o israel_n send_v a_o message_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n to_o amaziah_n king_n of_o judah_n 2_o king_n fourteen_o 9_o and_o cyrus_n 141._o cyrus_n â—eâ—odot_n lib._n i_o c._n 141._o answer_v the_o petition_n of_o two_o nation_n at_o once_o to_o he_o in_o a_o short_a parable_n to_o understand_v a_o proverb_n and_o the_o interpretation_n the_o word_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o their_o dark_a say_n be_v the_o best_a description_n that_o solomon_n himself_o can_v give_v of_o wisdom_n prov._n i_o 6._o and_o â—_o and_o joseph_n antiqu._n lib._n viij_o c._n 2._o â—_o solomon_n and_o hiram_n be_v relate_v by_o josephus_n to_o have_v propound_v problem_n and_o riddle_n or_o parable_n to_o each_o other_o upon_o condition_n of_o a_o forfeiture_n to_o be_v pay_v by_o he_o who_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n send_v he_o this_o will_v be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o strange_a correspondence_n between_o king_n but_o than_o it_o be_v otherwise_o think_v of_o many_o of_o their_o epâ—â—â—â—s_n be_v preserve_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o to_o his_o time_n at_o tyre_n and_o the_o heathen_a historian_n who_o testimony_n he_o produce_v think_v it_o deserve_v their_o particular_a observation_n this_o custom_n of_o propound_v riddle_n be_v as_o old_a as_o sampson_n time_n judg._n fourteen_o 12._o and_o example_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v see_v in_o herodotus_n etc._n herodotus_n vid._n athenae_n lib._n x._o c_o 15._o etc._n etc._n and_o other_o author_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a that_o homer_n die_v of_o grief_n because_o he_o can_v not_o explain_v the_o riddle_n of_o the_o fisher_n it_o show_v that_o riddle_n be_v in_o great_a request_n among_o the_o ancient_a greek_n for_o otherwise_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o ground_n either_o for_o the_o truth_n or_o fiction_n of_o such_o a_o story_n plutarch_n relate_v it_o as_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o homer_n death_n and_o when_o homer_n when_o herod_n &_o plut._n in_o vit._n homer_n herodotus_n deny_v this_o he_o own_v the_o report_n and_o by_o the_o verse_n which_o he_o say_v homer_n speak_v upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o appear_v what_o opinion_n homer_n have_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o wit._n hesiod_n be_v by_o xi_o by_o quintil._n institut_fw-la lib._n v._o c._n xi_o quintilian_n think_v the_o author_n of_o the_o fable_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o aesop_n however_o this_o make_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o do_v write_v fable_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v few_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o note_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o mythology_n be_v in_o the_o high_a esteem_n among_o the_o ancient_n and_o indeed_o all_o the_o ancient_a learning_n be_v of_o this_o kind_n the_o egyptian_n who_o be_v in_o great_a reputation_n for_o learning_n deliver_v their_o notion_n in_o hieroglyphic_n as_o if_o they_o have_v resolve_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a pythagoras_n heraclitus_n etc._n etc._n great_o affect_v obscurity_n socrates_n himself_o and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n purposely_o conceal_v their_o meaning_n in_o many_o case_n from_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o thucydides_n take_v the_o same_o course_n in_o â—is_n history_n and_o be_v obscure_a out_o of_o design_n as_o marcellinus_n have_v observe_v in_o his_o life_n the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o the_o most_o part_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o easy_o intelligible_a of_o any_o write_n of_o ancient_a time_n and_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o obvious_a but_o they_o must_v have_v be_v contemptible_a and_o useless_a to_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v immediate_o design_v the_o precept_n and_o exhortation_n be_v always_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o the_o obscurity_n of_o other_o thing_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o exception_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a according_a to_o the_o learning_n and_o custom_n of_o ancient_a time_n the_o parable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v explain_v to_o we_o and_o there_o can_v now_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o obscurity_n in_o they_o and_o in_o his_o discourse_n with_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o they_o be_v not_o explain_v he_o allude_v to_o those_o proverb_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v best_a know_v and_o most_o in_o use_n among_o they_o to_o who_o upon_o any_o occasion_n he_o speak_v that_o thereby_o all_o who_o have_v ear_n to_o hear_v and_o be_v not_o by_o their_o sin_n hinder_v from_o attend_v to_o what_o they_o hear_v may_v be_v the_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o the_o better_o incline_v to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o his_o instruction_n when_o they_o hear_v he_o make_v use_n of_o such_o allusion_n as_o they_o know_v according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o teach_v among_o they_o have_v some_o excellent_a hide_a meaning_n which_o they_o will_v be_v very_o desirous_a to_o become_v acquaint_v withal_o 3._o many_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o be_v not_o obscure_a in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v 1._o because_o the_o obscurity_n for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v rather_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n of_o speech_n than_o in_o the_o notion_n themselves_o so_o that_o that_o may_v be_v clear_a at_o first_o which_o be_v obscure_a to_o we_o who_o be_v but_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o phrase_n and_o idiom_n of_o the_o language_n and_o the_o eloquence_n of_o those_o time_n and_o country_n for_o the_o fashion_n of_o speech_n vary_v as_o much_o as_o those_o of_o the_o garb_n and_o habit_n and_o the_o eloquence_n and_o way_n of_o expression_n be_v as_o different_a as_o the_o dialect_v and_o language_n of_o divers_a age_n and_o nation_n 2._o the_o name_n of_o animal_n of_o flower_n and_o plant_n and_o mineral_n be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o especial_o whatever_o be_v peculiar_a to_o any_o country_n must_v needs_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v by_o foreigner_n who_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n among_o they_o and_o perhaps_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o nature_n and_o can_v scarce_o have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a notion_n of_o they_o the_o precise_a value_n of_o coin_n and_o proportion_n of_o weight_n and_o measure_n use_v so_o long_o ago_o and_o in_o country_n so_o far_o from_o we_o can_v hardly_o now_o be_v know_v and_o must_v necessary_o admit_v of_o great_a variety_n of_o opinion_n there_o be_v much_o uncertainty_n about_o these_o in_o all_o ancient_a history_n but_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o jewish_a history_n above_o other_o may_v make_v we_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o find_v many_o more_o such_o difficulty_n in_o it_o and_o the_o different_a name_n of_o the_o same_o person_n and_o of_o the_o same_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v another_o occasion_n of_o obscurity_n the_o name_n coin_n weight_n and_o measure_n and_o habit_n of_o ancient_a time_n afford_v the_o great_a work_n for_o critic_n which_o be_v so_o well_o know_v when_o the_o author_n who_o mention_v they_o write_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ridiculous_a for_o they_o to_o explain_v they_o these_o be_v difficulty_n of_o that_o nature_n that_o they_o can_v not_o
to_o concern_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o yet_o he_o can_v but_o know_v every_o thing_n be_v omniscient_a and_o he_o can_v but_o concur_v in_o every_o operation_n of_o natural_a cause_n be_v omnipresent_v and_o wherever_o he_o be_v he_o acts._n it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o eye_n to_o see_v all_o that_o be_v within_o view_n how_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a soever_o it_o be_v nay_o the_o small_a the_o object_n discern_v be_v the_o more_o perfect_a it_o prove_v the_o sight_n to_o be_v and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v do_v every_o little_a thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o he_o do_v thing_n of_o importance_n and_o with_o no_o trouble_n to_o himself_o it_o will_v be_v sure_o more_o perfection_n in_o he_o than_o to_o do_v these_o only_a but_o a_o variety_n of_o business_n be_v troublesome_a to_o man_n and_o small_a affair_n hinder_v and_o call_v they_o off_o from_o those_o of_o moment_n though_o with_o god_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o he_o act_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n wherewith_o he_o see_v or_o know_v or_o exist_v he_o know_v all_o thing_n with_o one_o omniscient_a thought_n and_o he_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o one_o omnipotent_a act_n nothing_o can_v be_v in_o the_o least_o difficult_a to_o he_o and_o nothing_o can_v be_v do_v without_o he_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v act._n xvii_o 28._o and_o what_o the_o scripture_n deliver_v relate_v to_o the_o creation_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o world_n may_v in_o strictness_n of_o philosophy_n be_v take_v in_o a_o proper_a and_o literal_a sense_n but_o do_v man_n indeed_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o make_v and_o preserve_v a_o world_n when_o they_o pretend_v to_o show_v by_o what_o step_v god_n proceed_v in_o it_o and_o to_o explain_v the_o whole_a process_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o operation_n be_v there_o not_o infinite_a wisdom_n require_v to_o know_v what_o infinite_a power_n only_o can_v effect_v and_o after_o all_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o from_o reason_n that_o the_o invisible_a and_o immaterial_a part_n of_o the_o creation_n have_v a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o visible_a and_o material_a part_n of_o it_o than_o be_v common_o suppose_v for_o since_o the_o wonderful_a improvement_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n and_o the_o various_a hypothesis_n which_o have_v be_v raise_v upon_o it_o man_n have_v be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o natural_a philosophy_n not_o only_o as_o a_o distinct_a science_n but_o as_o whole_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o subordination_n and_o dependence_n between_o the_o visible_a and_o invisible_a world_n whereas_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o continue_a connexion_n and_o chain_n of_o cause_n in_o the_o operation_n and_o production_n of_o thing_n and_o a_o constant_a influence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o the_o superior_a and_o inferior_a create_a being_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n use_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o how_o far_o and_o to_o what_o particular_a purpose_n and_o upon_o what_o occasion_n no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o determine_v however_o those_o who_o have_v be_v the_o most_o curious_a inquirer_n into_o nature_n daily_o meet_v with_o so_o many_o new_a and_o strange_a discovery_n that_o they_o have_v be_v force_v to_o complain_v that_o the_o contriver_n of_o hypothesis_n have_v be_v too_o hasty_a in_o frame_v they_o without_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o experiment_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o if_o man_n will_v first_o content_v themselves_o to_o make_v experiment_n in_o order_n to_o give_v a_o true_a history_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n before_o they_o attempt_v to_o solve_v they_o upon_o their_o own_o principle_n the_o world_n will_v have_v a_o end_n before_o any_o complete_a system_n can_v be_v contrive_v to_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o they_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n in_o the_o word_n with_o which_o m._n huygens_n conclude_v his_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o planetary_a world_n for_o my_o part_n say_v he_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o well_o content_v and_o shall_v count_v i_o have_v do_v a_o great_a matter_n if_o i_o can_v but_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o now_o be_v never_o trouble_v my_o head_n about_o their_o beginning_n or_o how_o they_o be_v make_v know_v that_o to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n or_o even_o conjecture_n chap._n x._o of_o other_o habitable_a world_n beside_o this_o earth_n those_o who_o think_v that_o there_o must_v be_v other_o world_n be_v inhabit_v beside_o this_o earth_n where_o we_o dwell_v or_o that_o else_o the_o planet_n will_v be_v useless_a and_o the_o star_n which_o be_v like_o so_o many_o sun_n will_v shine_v to_o little_a purpose_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o i._o it_o be_v as_o easy_a for_o omnipotence_n to_o make_v a_o planet_n or_o star_n as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o nature_n ii_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n almighty_n in_o manifest_v his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n by_o make_v and_o preserve_v such_o vast_a body_n in_o their_o several_a orb_n and_o motion_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o their_o creation_n though_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v it_o fit_v not_o to_o have_v they_o inhabit_v for_o though_o every_o thing_n be_v equal_o easy_a for_o god_n to_o perform_v yet_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o admire_v the_o work_n of_o this_o kind_n most_o they_o employ_v the_o wit_n of_o many_o man_n in_o all_o age_n to_o consider_v their_o end_n and_o nature_n and_o to_o calculate_v their_o distance_n and_o motion_n who_o curiosity_n may_v otherwise_o be_v very_o ill_o employ_v there_o be_v some_o genius_n design_v as_o it_o be_v for_o these_o study_n and_o they_o will_v want_v matter_n to_o work_v upon_o without_o such_o object_n iii_o as_o the_o satellite_n of_o jupiter_n and_o saturn_n and_o many_o of_o the_o fix_a stats_n be_v not_o discover_v till_o the_o invention_n of_o telescope_n so_o there_o be_v admirable_a mark_n of_o wisdom_n in_o many_o other_o part_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v never_o know_v till_o of_o late_a and_o never_o can_v have_v be_v discover_v but_o by_o the_o help_n of_o mycroscope_n but_o man_n be_v not_o the_o only_a creature_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o praise_v and_o magnify_v god_n for_o his_o wonderful_a work_n angel_n who_o know_v they_o more_o perfect_o do_v it_o much_o more_o and_o they_o have_v need_n of_o no_o artificial_a instrument_n to_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n iv_o the_o star_n may_v be_v of_o great_a benefit_n and_o usefulness_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o neither_o have_v that_o influence_n which_o astrologer_n vain_o suppose_v nor_o be_v as_o sun_n to_o other_o earth_n for_o they_o serve_v to_o keep_v the_o circumjacent_a air_n or_o aether_n in_o motion_n which_o otherwise_o will_v congeal_v or_o stagnate_n and_o to_o maintain_v that_o perpetual_a circulation_n or_o fluid_a matter_n which_o pass_v from_o orb_n to_o orb_n through_o the_o universe_n and_o give_v life_n to_o all_o thing_n v._o though_o this_o earth_n be_v but_o small_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o ambient_fw-la heaven_n yet_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o time_n have_v be_v exceed_o numerous_a and_o may_v be_v still_o vast_o more_o numerous_a before_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o we_o must_v consider_v the_o earth_n not_o as_o it_o be_v at_o one_o particular_a time_n but_o as_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o habitation_n of_o all_o generation_n for_o all_o succession_n of_o age_n and_o under_o this_o notion_n the_o earth_n be_v no_o such_o contemptible_a place_n though_o it_o be_v very_o small_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o heaven_n that_o surround_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o the_o material_a world_n how_o capacious_a soever_o it_o be_v shall_v be_v make_v for_o mankind_n to_o who_o the_o angel_n be_v minister_a spirit_n and_o for_o who_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o die_v vi_o there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o of_o the_o planet_n but_o what_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o too_o near_a or_o too_o remote_a distance_n from_o the_o sun_n seem_v incapable_a of_o be_v inhabit_v m._n huygens_n in_o his_o conjecture_n concern_v the_o planetary_a world_n say_v that_o this_o 1._o this_o lib._n 1._o water_n of_o our_o earth_n will_v in_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v freeze_v up_o immediate_o and_o in_o venus_n and_o mercury_n it_o will_v be_v evaporate_v and_o he_o conclude_v that_o every_o planet_n must_v have_v its_o water_n of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o to_o be_v proportion_v to_o its_o heat_n jupiter_n and_o saturn_n must_v
be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v liable_a to_o frost_n and_o venus_n and_o mercury_n of_o such_o as_o not_o to_o be_v easy_o evaporate_v by_o the_o sun_n he_o say_v 2._o say_v lib._n 2._o that_o the_o heat_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v nine_o time_n great_a in_o mercury_n than_o with_o we_o in_o venus_n it_o be_v twice_o as_o hot_a as_o with_o we_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n in_o mars_n be_v twice_o and_o sometime_o threefold_o less_o than_o we_o if_o there_o be_v any_o inhabitant_n in_o jupiter_n they_o will_v have_v but_o the_o five_o and_o twenty_o part_n of_o the_o light_n and_o heat_n that_o we_o receive_v from_o the_o sun_n and_o those_o in_o saturn_n but_o the_o hundred_o part._n upon_o which_o account_n he_o be_v very_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o to_o furnish_v out_o inhabitant_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o planet_n but_o as_o for_o the_o moon_n and_o the_o satellites_n move_v about_o saturn_n and_o jupiter_n he_o do_v as_o good_a as_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n by_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o sea_n nor_o river_n nor_o cloud_n nor_o atmosphere_n or_o vapour_n nor_o any_o kind_n of_o water_n beside_o that_o the_o time_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moon_n be_v equal_a to_o fifteen_o of_o our_o day_n if_o the_o body_n of_o the_o inhabitant_n be_v such_o as_o we_o be_v he_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o have_v the_o sun_n pretty_a high_a in_o their_o horizon_n must_v be_v like_a to_o be_v burn_v up_o in_o such_o long_a day_n and_o those_o that_o live_v under_o the_o pole_n of_o the_o moon_n will_v be_v as_o much_o pinch_v with_o cold_a as_o our_o whale_n fisher_n be_v about_o ice-land_n and_o nova_n zembla_n in_o the_o summertime_n and_o the_o summer_n and_o winter_n in_o the_o moon_n or_o satellite_n of_o saturn_n be_v fifteen_o year_n long_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v well_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v unhabitable_a but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v believe_v of_o the_o frigid_a and_o torrid_a zone_n before_o experience_n convince_v man_n of_o their_o mistake_n and_o that_o however_o there_o may_v be_v other_o planet_n or_o earth_n yet_o undiscovered_a at_o convenient_a distance_n from_o some_o of_o the_o fix_a star_n i_o observe_v that_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o some_o planet_n be_v habitable_a it_o do_v not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v actual_o inhabit_v or_o that_o ever_o they_o have_v be_v for_o they_o may_v be_v design_v if_o mankind_n have_v continue_v in_o innocency_n as_o place_n for_o colony_n to_o remove_v man_n to_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v increase_v either_o in_o reward_n to_o those_o that_o have_v excel_v in_o virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o prospect_n of_o new_a and_o better_a world_n and_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o advance_v they_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o desert_n to_o the_o height_n of_o bliss_n and_o glory_n in_o heaven_n or_o as_o a_o necessary_a reception_n for_o man_n who_o will_v then_o have_v be_v immortal_a after_o the_o earth_n have_v be_v full_a of_o inhabitant_n and_o since_o the_o fall_n and_o mortality_n of_o mankind_n they_o may_v be_v either_o for_o mansion_n of_o the_o righteous_a or_o place_n of_o punishment_n for_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o resurrection_n according_a as_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o world_n to_o new_a modify_v and_o transform_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v place_v at_o their_o respective_a distance_n they_o do_v by_o their_o several_a motion_n contribute_v to_o keep_v the_o world_n at_o a_o poise_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o at_o a_o aequilibrium_fw-la in_o their_o gravitation_n upon_o each_o other_o by_o mr._n newton_n principle_n vii_o it_o have_v be_v suggest_v by_o etc._n by_o campanella_n bp._n wilkins_n etc._n etc._n huygens_n etc._n etc._n learned_a man_n that_o the_o planet_n may_v possible_o be_v inhabit_v by_o rational_a creature_n of_o a_o different_a nature_n from_o mankind_n their_o soul_n may_v be_v of_o a_o inferior_a or_o superior_a order_n to_o we_o and_o their_o body_n of_o a_o different_a form_n and_o composition_n and_o there_o may_v be_v different_a law_n of_o union_n and_o communication_n between_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o body_n for_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sort_n of_o rational_a animal_n but_o mankind_n but_o i_o offer_v most_o of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a only_o as_o conjecture_n which_o have_v at_o least_o so_o much_o probability_n in_o they_o as_o to_o silence_v the_o objection_n bring_v against_o the_o scripture_n on_o these_o account_n for_o unless_o a_o man_n can_v prove_v these_o or_o the_o like_a conjecture_n false_a which_o i_o be_o persuade_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o do_v he_o must_v forbear_v urge_v objection_n that_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o these_o conjecture_n or_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v true_a it_o be_v hard_o to_o assign_v every_o particular_a end_n and_o use_v of_o many_o other_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o nature_n but_o late_o discover_v by_o microscope_n as_o of_o any_o thing_n observable_a in_o the_o heaven_n either_o by_o the_o naked_a eye_n or_o by_o telescope_n and_o when_o the_o scripture_n mention_v those_o use_v of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n which_o more_o immediate_o concern_v our_o earth_n this_o do_v not_o deny_v or_o exclude_v any_o other_o use_v for_o which_o they_o may_v be_v design_v chap._n xi_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o contradict_v the_o late_a discovery_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n i._o it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v by_o divers_a writer_n upon_o this_o subject_a that_o the_o scripture_n be_v write_v with_o no_o design_n of_o teach_v we_o natural_a philosophy_n but_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n and_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o live_v and_o die_v well_o and_o therefore_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o popular_a expression_n and_o form_n of_o speech_n neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v the_o philosophical_a truth_n of_o they_o but_o intend_v they_o only_o in_o that_o sense_n and_o mean_v which_o be_v their_o sole_a design_n in_o use_v they_o all_o proverbial_a say_n and_o metaphorical_a expression_n by_o way_n of_o illustration_n or_o ornament_n must_v be_v take_v from_o receive_a notion_n but_o they_o be_v not_o therefore_o assert_v in_o the_o philosophical_a sense_n by_o he_o who_o use_v they_o any_o more_o than_o the_o historical_a truth_n of_o parable_n and_o similitude_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v assert_v and_o to_o have_v make_v use_n only_o of_o philosophical_a term_n and_o notion_n and_o have_v rectify_v the_o vulgar_a conception_n of_o man_n concern_v all_o the_o phaenomena_n which_o upon_o occasion_n be_v make_v mention_n of_o in_o the_o scripture_n will_v have_v require_v a_o large_a system_fw-la of_o philosophy_n which_o have_v make_v the_o scripture_n a_o book_n unfit_a for_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o for_o who_o they_o be_v design_v this_o theory_n of_o nature_n will_v beside_o have_v seem_v as_o strange_a and_o incredible_a to_o most_o man_n even_o as_o miracle_n can_v do_v for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n that_o man_n unacquainted_a with_o philosophy_n be_v more_o startle_v at_o than_o philosophical_a discovery_n how_o incredible_a do_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o sun_n seem_v to_o all_o man_n but_o philosopher_n who_o be_v general_o now_o agree_v in_o it_o whilst_o the_o rise_n and_o set_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v expression_n now_o as_o much_o in_o use_n with_o such_o as_o hold_v the_o earth_n motion_n as_o with_o other_o and_o indeed_o they_o must_v speak_v so_o if_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v and_o except_v this_o one_o instance_n which_o be_v and_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o use_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a conception_n in_o all_o country_n and_o language_n not_o withstand_v any_o philosophical_a discovery_n i_o know_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n ii_o and_o yet_o that_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o object_v on_o this_o occasion_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o no_o advantage_n can_v be_v take_v aâ—einst_v it_o sun_n stand_v thou_o still_o upon_o gibeon_n and_o thou_o moon_n in_o the_o valley_n of_o ajalon_n josh_n x._o 12._o stand_v thou_o still_o or_o as_o we_o read_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v thou_o silent_a be_v still_o do_v not_o interrupt_v our_o victory_n and_o take_v part_n with_o the_o enemy_n by_o withdraw_v thy_o light_n and_o favour_v his_o escape_n and_o again_o
son_n be_v thought_n which_o must_v create_v a_o new_a heaven_n as_o it_o be_v in_o heaven_n itself_o i_o mean_v they_o will_v enlarge_v our_o soul_n to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o fill_v and_o actuate_v they_o with_o such_o divine_a ardour_n of_o love_n as_o if_o we_o have_v be_v keep_v necessary_o from_o all_o sin_n seem_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v raise_v in_o we_o the_o angel_n themselves_o rejoice_v over_o one_o sinner_n that_o repent_v and_o that_o joy_n must_v have_v be_v want_v to_o they_o who_o be_v of_o so_o much_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a a_o nature_n than_o we_o be_v of_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o possibility_n either_o of_o sin_n or_o of_o repentance_n and_o the_o wonderful_a dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o eternal_a subject_n of_o praise_n and_o adoration_n a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o happiness_n to_o all_o the_o bless_a spirit_n in_o heaven_n the_o more_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v display_v the_o more_o adorable_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n will_v appear_v and_o will_v become_v the_o great_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o veneration_n those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a will_v be_v make_v the_o wise_a and_o better_a by_o it_o and_o the_o happy_a in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n now_o a_o governor_n in_o his_o law_n and_o in_o the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o his_o government_n have_v regard_n chief_o to_o the_o good_a and_o obedient_a and_o have_v little_o concern_v for_o the_o rest_n and_o we_o must_v consider_v god_n not_o only_o as_o the_o father_n but_o as_o the_o governor_n of_o mankind_n and_o though_o a_o earthly_a father_n perhaps_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n possible_a preserve_v his_o â—on_n from_o incur_v punishment_n yet_o a_o good_a governor_n when_o the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n can_v be_v better_o obtain_v by_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o liberty_n will_v not_o restrain_v he_o by_o any_o force_n or_o violence_n therefore_o if_o the_o liberty_n of_o choice_n in_o man_n and_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o damnation_n be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a man_n and_o be_v no_o injury_n to_o the_o bad_a this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o man_n be_v not_o necessary_o restrain_v from_o sin_v though_o damnation_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o chap._n xiii_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o angel_n and_o of_o our_o first_o parent_n in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v every_o thing_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n and_o endn_v the_o angel_n and_o man_n with_o all_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a perfection_n suitable_a to_o their_o respective_a nature_n but_o so_o as_o to_o leave_v they_o capable_a of_o sin_v for_o it_o please_v the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n for_o the_o reason_n already_o allege_v and_o for_o many_o more_o and_o great_a reason_n perhaps_o than_o any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o imagine_v to_o place_v they_o in_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o their_o own_o choice_n whether_o they_o will_v stand_v in_o their_o present_a condition_n of_o innocence_n and_o happiness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v create_v or_o fall_v into_o sin_n and_o misery_n we_o have_v little_a or_o no_o account_n in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o cause_n or_o temptation_n which_o occasion_v the_o fall_n of_o angel_n because_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o little_a become_v we_o to_o be_v inquisitive_a about_o it_o indeed_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o conceive_v how_o being_n of_n so_o great_a knowledge_n and_o purity_n as_o the_o fall_v angel_n once_o be_v of_o shall_v fall_v into_o sin_n but_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o unaccountable_a than_o the_o motive_n and_o cause_n of_o action_n in_o free_a agent_n when_o any_o be_v be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v as_o it_o will_v no_o other_o reason_n beside_o its_o own_o will_n need_n be_v inquire_v for_o of_o its_o act_n what_o be_v liable_a to_o sin_n may_v sin_v whatever_o the_o motive_n be_v and_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o motive_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o motive_n may_v determine_v a_o free_a agent_n that_o be_v a_o agent_n which_o may_v determine_v itself_o upon_o any_o ground_n or_o motive_n but_o how_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a soever_o any_o creature_n be_v unless_o it_o be_v so_o confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o a_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o be_v secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o sin_v it_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admire_v itself_o and_o dote_v upon_o its_o own_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o neglect_v and_o not_o acknowledge_v god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o but_o to_o sin_n and_o rebel_v against_o he_o and_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a both_o to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o pride_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n for_o those_o excellency_n which_o may_v secure_v they_o from_o any_o other_o sin_n prove_v a_o temptation_n to_o this_o and_o the_o great_a their_o perfection_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n as_o in_o a_o man_n who_o be_v guilty_a of_o spiritual_a and_o pharisaical_a pride_n all_o that_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a in_o he_o afford_v he_o only_a matter_n for_o his_o sin_n so_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o freedom_n of_o will_n and_o a_o possibility_n of_o sin_v the_o very_a perfection_n of_o nature_n in_o a_o creature_n may_v be_v make_v a_o occasion_n to_o sin_n and_o that_o which_o exclude_v other_o sin_n may_v prove_v a_o motive_n and_o temptation_n to_o pride_n which_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o conclude_v be_v the_o sin_n of_o the_o fall_v angel_n as_o to_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n however_o the_o thing_n may_v be_v dispute_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v visible_a in_o the_o strange_a proneness_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o act_v against_o reason_n and_o conscience_n that_o be_v to_o act_v in_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o itself_o and_o its_o own_o principle_n this_o be_v a_o state_n in_o which_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o mankind_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o the_o infinite_o good_a and_o holy_a god_n and_o the_o most_o plausible_a opinion_n and_o that_o which_o have_v most_o general_o obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n have_v a_o be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o this_o world_n and_o be_v send_v into_o human_a body_n in_o punishment_n for_o what_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o in_o a_o precedent_n state_n but_o this_o be_v mere_a suspicion_n and_o conjecture_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o proof_n and_o there_o be_v this_o plain_a reason_n against_o it_o that_o â—o_o man_n can_v be_v punish_v for_o his_o amendment_n who_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o punishment_n that_o the_o offender_n shall_v not_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o his_o fault_n especial_o when_o the_o punishment_n be_v design_v for_o his_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n if_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o man_n may_v possible_o retain_v no_o remembrance_n of_o what_o they_o do_v in_o another_o state_n yet_o if_o their_o fault_n be_v not_o keep_v in_o memory_n they_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n if_o this_o life_n be_v design_v as_o a_o state_n of_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o amendment_n but_o the_o state_n of_o this_o life_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v think_v a_o punishment_n that_o man_n natural_o be_v of_o nothing_o more_o fond_a nor_o dread_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o to_o leave_v it_o and_o though_o man_n meet_v with_o great_a affliction_n here_o yet_o those_o do_v not_o befall_v those_o only_a or_o chief_o who_o by_o their_o proneness_n to_o evil_a in_o this_o life_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a offender_n in_o a_o former_a state_n and_o every_o calamity_n have_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o punishment_n the_o suffering_n and_o misery_n which_o we_o endure_v by_o reason_n of_o adam_n transgression_n be_v not_o so_o proper_o punishment_n as_o the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o his_o sin_n but_o personal_a fault_n such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v commit_v in_o a_o state_n of_o pre-existence_n require_v a_o proper_a punishment_n and_o if_o the_o punishment_n be_v for_o amendment_n as_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o this_o present_a state_n both_o the_o fault_n and_o the_o punishment_n must_v be_v know_v with_o the_o cause_n and_o end_v of_o its_o be_v inflict_v and_o the_o great_a offender_n must_v undergo_v the_o severe_a punishment_n the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o 1._o
this_o notion_n of_o their_o legal_a worship_n abraham_n to_o who_o circumcision_n be_v appoint_v see_v the_o day_n of_o christ_n he_o sore_o see_v his_o descent_n from_o himself_o which_o be_v thereby_o prefigure_v and_o be_v glad_a joh._n viij_o 56._o and_o moses_n by_o who_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n be_v ordain_v have_v so_o clear_a a_o prospect_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o his_o kingdom_n that_o he_o esteem_v the_o reproach_n of_o christ_n great_a riches_n than_o the_o treasure_n of_o egypt_n hebr._n xi_o 26._o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o apostle_n apply_v to_o christ_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v at_o that_o time_n by_o the_o jew_n themselves_o to_o who_o they_o cite_v they_o understand_v of_o the_o messiah_n they_o always_o suppose_v that_o whatever_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a among_o they_o be_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o excellency_n which_o be_v to_o be_v in_o its_o full_a perfection_n and_o accomplishment_n under_o the_o messiah_n 4._o during_o this_o ceremonial_a dispensation_n there_o be_v a_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o internal_a and_o spiritual_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o love_n of_o god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o love_n of_o their_o neighbour_n as_o of_o themselves_o be_v express_o command_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n leu._n nineteeen_o 18._o deut._n vi_fw-la 5._o the_o high_a priest_n office_n be_v to_o bless_v the_o people_n numb_a vi_fw-la 23._o and_o the_o office_n of_o the_o priest_n and_o levite_n beside_o the_o ceremonial_a service_n be_v to_o stand_v every_o morning_n to_o thank_v and_o praise_v the_o lord_n and_o likewise_o at_o even_o 1_o chron._n xxiii_o 30._o 2_o chron._n xxxi_o 2._o and_o 9_o and_o vid._n qutr_n de_fw-fr sacrific_a lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o s._n 9_o no_o sacrifice_n be_v ever_o offer_v without_o prayer_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v imply_v in_o that_o expression_n which_o be_v often_o use_v in_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n that_o man_n when_o they_o die_v be_v gather_v to_o their_o people_n which_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o their_o soul_n their_o body_n be_v bury_v at_o different_a place_n and_o in_o divers_a country_n not_o where_o their_o ancestor_n have_v be_v bury_v and_o though_o this_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n may_v sometime_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o their_o leave_v the_o world_n as_o other_o have_v do_v before_o they_o as_o most_o word_n and_o expression_n be_v often_o use_v improper_o and_o may_v in_o some_o place_n be_v apply_v to_o ill_a man_n yet_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v any_o reason_n or_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o phrase_n but_o from_o a_o supposition_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n balaam_n wish_v to_o die_v the_o death_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o that_o his_o last_o end_n may_v be_v like_o that_o of_o the_o righteous_a numb_a xxiii_o 10._o for_o what_o reason_n but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v miserable_a but_o happy_a after_o death_n a_o future_a state_n be_v always_o believe_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o reveal_v to_o they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o whatever_o text_n there_o may_v be_v which_o seem_v to_o imply_v the_o contrary_a they_o be_v either_o speak_v only_o by_o way_n of_o objection_n as_o in_o the_o book_n of_o ecclesiastes_n or_o else_o they_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o state_n after_o this_o life_n either_o to_o affirm_v or_o deny_v it_o but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o proceed_v from_o that_o desire_n which_o pious_a man_n have_v to_o honour_n and_o glorify_v god_n in_o their_o several_a generation_n by_o restore_v his_o worship_n where_o it_o have_v be_v neglect_v or_o in_o propagate_a his_o religion_n where_o it_o have_v not_o be_v yet_o know_v thus_o that_o good_a king_n hezekiah_n say_v to_o god_n in_o his_o thanksgiving_n the_o grave_a can_v praise_v thou_o death_n can_v celebrate_v thou_o they_o that_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n can_v hope_v for_o thy_o truth_n the_o live_n the_o live_n he_o shall_v praise_v thou_o as_o i_o do_v this_o day_n the_o father_n to_o the_o child_n shall_v make_v know_v thy_o truth_n isa_n xxxviii_o 18_o 19_o this_o be_v speak_v with_o the_o same_o zeal_n and_o spirit_n by_o which_o he_o be_v act_v in_o his_o reformation_n and_o when_o david_n say_v in_o death_n there_o be_v no_o remembrance_n of_o thou_o in_o the_o grave_a who_o shall_v give_v thou_o thanks_o psal_n vi_fw-la 5._o he_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v any_o doubtfulness_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n for_o in_o other_o psalm_n he_o plain_o assert_v it_o psal_n xuj_o 11._o xvii_o 15._o but_o his_o mean_v be_v explain_v psal_n thirty_o 9_o where_o he_o say_v what_o profit_n be_v there_o in_o my_o blood_n when_o i_o go_v down_o into_o the_o pit_n shall_v the_o dust_n praise_v thou_o shall_v it_o declare_v thy_o truth_n in_o our_o other_o translation_n it_o be_v shall_v the_o dust_n give_v thanks_o to_o thou_o to_o give_v thanks_o then_o to_o god_n be_v in_o grateful_a acknowledgement_n for_o his_o mercy_n to_o praise_v and_o magnify_v his_o name_n and_o manifest_v his_o truth_n among_o man_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o grave_a god_n dispensation_n to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n be_v with_o this_o design_n pious_a man_n desire_v that_o their_o life_n may_v be_v prolong_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o they_o may_v declare_v his_o truth_n and_o vindicate_v and_o promote_v his_o honour_n in_o this_o world_n before_o they_o be_v call_v to_o the_o next_o where_o there_o can_v be_v no_o opportunity_n for_o this_o service_n to_o god_n and_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n enoch_n be_v take_v up_o alive_a into_o heaven_n to_o be_v a_o example_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o those_o who_o walk_v with_o he_o and_o please_v he_o gen._n v._n 24._o and_o our_o saviour_n mark_v twelve_o 26._o prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a from_o exod._n iii._o 6._o those_o for_o who_o god_n have_v that_o peculiar_a favour_n as_o to_o style_v himself_o their_o god_n and_o to_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v his_o name_n or_o title_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o to_o be_v his_o memorial_n unto_o all_o generation_n verse_n 15._o we_o may_v be_v assure_v be_v not_o so_o dead_a as_o utter_o to_o have_v perish_v and_o if_o their_o soul_n have_v survive_v their_o body_n their_o body_n likewise_o must_v be_v raise_v again_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o soul_n of_o abraham_n without_o his_o body_n be_v not_o abraham_n but_o only_o one_o part_n of_o he_o and_o his_o soul_n can_v not_o be_v style_v abraham_n but_o with_o respect_n not_o only_o to_o its_o past_a but_o to_o its_o future_a union_n with_o his_o body_n for_o though_o a_o part_n be_v often_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a yet_o it_o always_o suppose_v either_o the_o present_a or_o future_a existence_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o be_v never_o put_v for_o the_o whole_a when_o it_o remain_v alone_o and_o the_o rest_n be_v utter_o and_o final_o extinct_a abraham_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v the_o god_n of_o abraham_n be_v god_n both_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o abraham_n which_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o abraham_n now_o live_v and_o that_o his_o body_n shall_v live_v again_o for_o all_o live_v to_o god_n and_o he_o will_v not_o have_v give_v himself_o a_o solemn_a title_n and_o denomination_n from_o a_o man_n who_o have_v no_o long_o any_o be_v nor_o from_o that_o part_n of_o he_o which_o have_v utter_o perish_v i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o thy_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n abraham_n have_v his_o name_n in_o token_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v a_o father_n of_o many_o nation_n gen._n xvii_o 5._o and_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v heir_n of_o the_o same_o promise_n and_o therefore_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n be_v the_o god_n of_o that_o father_n of_o nation_n and_o have_v a_o particular_a regard_n to_o the_o body_n from_o which_o those_o nation_n be_v descend_v as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n i_o be_o the_o god_n of_o abraham_n not_o i_o be_v but_o i_o be_o which_o suppose_v abraham_n yet_o to_o be_v i_o be_o the_o same_o god_n still_o to_o he_o that_o i_o be_v during_o his_o life_n upon_o earth_n he_o be_v still_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a care_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o shall_v be_v reward_v both_o in_o body_n and_o soul_n god_n be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o be_v call_v their_o god_n for_o he_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o a_o city_n heb._n xi_o 16._o that_o be_v a_o habitation_n in_o heaven_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n before_o the_o give_n of_o the_o law_n be_v
messiah_n the_o jewish_a law_n be_v to_o become_v impracticable_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v observe_v for_o if_o the_o city_n and_o temple_n be_v not_o destroy_v the_o confinement_n of_o the_o jewish_a worship_n to_o one_o certain_a place_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o alteration_n in_o their_o worship_n upon_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o the_o call_n of_o the_o gentile_n who_o can_v not_o all_o be_v suppose_v to_o assemble_v thrice_o every_o year_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n foretell_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v then_o be_v no_o long_o the_o only_a place_n of_o god_n worship_n but_o that_o man_n shall_v worship_v he_o in_o any_o place_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v true_a the_o prophet_n often_o mention_v the_o resort_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v from_o all_o nation_n to_o jerusalem_n and_o to_o the_o temple_n or_o the_o mountain_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o then_o these_o be_v mystical_a expression_n for_o the_o city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o temple_n be_v use_v by_o the_o prophet_n as_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o therefore_o ezekiel_n 2._o ezekiel_n lightfoot_n be_v prospect_n of_o the_o temple_n ch_n 2._o describe_v the_o temple_n large_a than_o the_o whole_a city_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o city_n in_o great_a dimension_n than_o all_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v these_o expression_n literal_o a_o priesthood_n after_o the_o order_n of_o melchizedeck_v different_a from_o that_o of_o aaron_n be_v prophesy_v of_o psal_n cx_o 4._o and_o a_o new_a covenant_n different_a from_o that_o which_o be_v make_v with_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n upon_o their_o come_n out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n jer._n xxxi_o 31_o 32._o and_o this_o covenant_n be_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o jew_n for_o from_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n even_o unto_o the_o go_n down_o of_o the_o same_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o gentile_n and_o in_o every_o place_n incense_n shall_v be_v offer_v unto_o my_o name_n and_o a_o pure_a offering_n for_o my_o name_n shall_v be_v great_a among_o the_o heathen_a say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n malach._n i_o 11._o if_o against_o all_o this_o it_o be_v allege_v that_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n be_v to_o endure_v for_o ever_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o sense_n that_o expression_n bear_v in_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o that_o expression_n be_v there_o use_v to_o denote_v the_o continuance_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o design_v for_o some_o particular_a occasion_n or_o season_n only_o but_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o the_o nature_n and_o general_a design_n of_o its_o institution_n will_v admit_v the_o servant_n who_o ear_n be_v bore_v be_v to_o serve_v his_o master_n for_o ever_o exod._n xxi_o 6._o by_o which_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o all_o his_o life_n but_o only_o till_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n whereas_o he_o that_o have_v not_o his_o ear_n bore_v be_v to_o be_v set_v free_a in_o the_o seven_o year_n ver_fw-la 2._o and_o even_o before_o the_o year_n of_o jubilee_n he_o who_o ear_n be_v bore_v may_v be_v free_v with_o his_o master_n consent_n loc_fw-la consent_n grot._fw-la ad_fw-la loc_fw-la either_o by_o manumission_n or_o redemption_n and_o be_v at_o liberty_n upon_o the_o death_n of_o his_o master_n not_o be_v bind_v to_o serve_v his_o son_n their_o anoint_v shall_v sure_o be_v a_o everlasting_a priesthood_n throughout_o their_o generation_n exod._n xl_o 15._o which_o can_v be_v understand_v to_o extend_v no_o far_o than_o as_o long_o as_o their_o genealogy_n be_v preserve_v and_o the_o tribe_n and_o generation_n of_o the_o high-priest_n can_v be_v distinguish_v i_o will_v abide_v in_o thy_o tabernacle_n for_o ever_o ps_n lxi_o 4._o or_o in_o other_o word_n all_o the_o day_n of_o my_o life_n ps_n xxvii_o 4._o samuel_n be_v bring_v by_o his_o mother_n to_o abide_v before_o the_o lord_n for_o ever_o that_o be_v during_o his_o life_n 1_o sam._n i_o 22._o and_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n those_o statute_n and_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v establish_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v design_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o stand_a law_n not_o temporary_a during_o their_o journey_v in_o the_o wilderness_n only_o as_o other_o be_v but_o to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o government_n be_v to_o last_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o jew_n themselves_o 7._o themselves_o id._n de_fw-fr veritat_fw-la lib._n 5._o §._o 7._o have_v take_v the_o word_n and_o it_o be_v sufficient_o explain_v deut._n twelve_o 1._o these_o be_v the_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o you_o shall_v observe_v to_o do_v in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o thy_o father_n give_v thou_o to_o possess_v it_o all_o the_o day_n that_o you_o live_v upon_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o we_o read_v ver_fw-la 19_o as_o long_o as_o thou_o live_v upon_o thy_o earth_n that_o be_v their_o law_n be_v obligatory_a to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o have_v possession_n of_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n or_o retain_v any_o right_a to_o possess_v it_o by_o god_n donation_n but_o those_o statute_n and_o judgement_n which_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o land_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o to_o possess_v can_v no_o long_o be_v of_o any_o obligation_n to_o they_o when_o they_o be_v final_o deprive_v of_o that_o land_n the_o ceremonial_a law_n therefore_o by_o its_o original_a design_n and_o institution_n be_v to_o continue_v in_o force_n but_o till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n he_o give_v the_o accomplishment_n to_o it_o and_o put_v a_o final_a period_n to_o its_o obligation_n institute_v his_o gospel_n in_o its_o stead_n which_o have_v be_v pre-figured_n by_o the_o law_n and_o foretell_v both_o by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n chap._n xvii_o of_o sinful_a example_n record_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o excuse_v their_o own_o sin_n by_o allege_v the_o sinful_a example_n which_o we_o find_v mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n so_o other_o who_o be_v no_o less_o fond_a of_o imitate_v they_o yet_o have_v from_o hence_o take_v a_o pretence_n for_o objection_n and_o cavil_n i_o shall_v therefore_o show_v that_o the_o bad_a example_n in_o some_o action_n of_o man_n who_o we_o find_v in_o all_o other_o respect_v commend_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v far_o from_o be_v propose_v for_o our_o imitation_n but_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o the_o fault_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o best_a man_n shall_v be_v deliver_v down_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n for_o our_o caution_n and_o prevention_n as_o well_o as_o upon_o other_o account_n i._o several_a passage_n of_o the_o scripture_n contain_v only_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o that_o very_o brief_o express_v and_o a_o bare_a narrative_n of_o any_o action_n imply_v neither_o the_o approbation_n nor_o the_o censure_n of_o it_o but_o only_o declare_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o fact_n itself_o with_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o or_o some_o command_n or_o permission_n or_o prohibition_n in_o scripture_n must_v discover_v the_o goodness_n or_o lawfulness_n or_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o action_n no_o historian_n be_v suppose_v to_o approve_v of_o all_o which_o he_o relate_v but_o he_o must_v report_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a deed_n who_o will_v do_v the_o part_n of_o a_o faithful_a historian_n ii_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v plain_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o action_n and_o we_o be_v to_o conform_v our_o action_n not_o to_o the_o example_n of_o man_n but_o to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n we_o be_v forewarn_v to_o follow_v no_o man_n example_n when_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v not_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o relate_n of_o every_o evil_a action_n to_o set_v a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n upon_o it_o and_o a_o caution_n against_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o iii_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o bad_a action_n of_o good_a man_n may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o benefit_n though_o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v but_o avoid_v they_o because_o 1._o this_o show_v the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o spare_v no_o person_n whatsoever_o but_o relate_v the_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n even_o though_o themselves_o be_v concern_v when_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o to_o their_o disgrace_n as_o in_o the_o denial_n of_o st._n peter_n and_o other_o instance_n 2._o by_o this_o we_o learn_v the_o frailty_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o necessary_a dependence_n that_o the_o best_a man_n must_v have_v upon_o god_n for_o his_o grace_n in_o
suffer_v the_o wicked_a to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o contempt_n of_o those_o law_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o under_o that_o dispensation_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n they_o be_v not_o allow_v to_o indulge_v their_o anger_n and_o desire_v of_o revenge_n yet_o they_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v avenge_v himself_o of_o his_o enemy_n and_o rescue_v his_o law_n from_o that_o contempt_n which_o they_o must_v lie_v under_o from_o wicked_a man_n if_o they_o do_v not_o feel_v those_o punishment_n which_o the_o law_n of_o god_n threaten_v they_o withal_o but_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o case_n be_v different_a for_o now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v that_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v constant_o follow_v upon_o the_o performance_n or_o transgression_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v common_o reserve_v to_o a_o future_a state_n a_o christian_a may_v not_o pray_v for_o judgement_n upon_o his_o enemy_n because_o god_n have_v not_o so_o peremptory_o declare_v by_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o will_v inflict_v his_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n as_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o law_n and_o we_o have_v our_o saviour_n command_n and_o example_n to_o pray_v for_o their_o repentance_n that_o they_o be_v not_o punish_v in_o the_o next_o but_o a_o christian_n may_v right_v himself_o in_o due_a course_n of_o law_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o may_v petition_v the_o judge_n without_o any_o breach_n of_o charity_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o the_o jew_n do_v when_o they_o pray_v god_n to_o execute_v his_o own_o law_n by_o inflict_v such_o punishment_n as_o he_o have_v threaten_v to_o inflict_v upon_o the_o transgressor_n of_o they_o in_o this_o life_n they_o invoke_v and_o appeal_v to_o god_n as_o their_o political_a judge_n and_o sovereign_n and_o pray_v judgement_n against_o offender_n v._o those_o which_o seem_v imprecation_n be_v oftentimes_o prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n to_o come_v upon_o sinner_n as_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o act_n 1.20_o and_o it_o can_v be_v no_o uncharitableness_n to_o foretell_v or_o denounce_v god_n judgement_n against_o sinner_n but_o rather_o a_o effect_n of_o charity_n towards_o they_o for_o their_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n most_o of_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n may_v as_o proper_o be_v render_v by_o way_n of_o prediction_n in_o the_o future_a tense_n and_o when_o they_o can_v they_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath._n for_o prophet_n be_v sometime_o employ_v to_o execute_v the_o divine_a judgement_n as_o we_o see_v in_o elijah_n 2_o king_n i_o 9_o 10._o and_o as_o they_o sometime_o execute_v god_n judgement_n so_o they_o at_o other_o time_n denounce_v they_o and_o this_o have_v nothing_o of_o uncharitableness_n in_o it_o but_o be_v full_o agreeable_a with_o the_o gospel_n itself_o for_o thus_o we_o read_v that_o ananias_n and_o sapphira_n be_v punish_v with_o present_a death_n by_o st._n peter_n act_n v._n but_o if_o st._n peter_n have_v denounce_v death_n without_o inflict_v it_o immediate_o upon_o they_o this_o have_v be_v less_o and_o st._n paul_n pray_v that_o the_o lord_n will_v reward_v alexander_n the_o coppersmith_n according_a to_o his_o work_n who_o have_v do_v he_o much_o evil_n 2_o tim._n four_o 14._o which_o be_v no_o uncharitable_a imprecation_n but_o a_o leave_v he_o to_o god_n judgement_n and_o a_o denunciation_n of_o punishment_n to_o befall_v he_o without_o repentance_n it_o be_v a_o authoritative_a act_n and_o in_o consequence_n of_o that_o excommunication_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v inflict_v upon_o he_o 1_o tim._n 1.20_o and_o when_o god_n have_v inspire_v and_o empower_v man_n to_o denounce_v judgement_n this_o be_v no_o more_o against_o charity_n than_o the_o inflict_a of_o they_o will_v have_v be_v or_o than_o excommunication_n itself_o be_v if_o magistrate_n be_v empower_v in_o the_o king_n name_n to_o give_v sentence_n and_o to_o inflict_v punishment_n certain_o man_n may_v be_v so_o empower_v and_o authorise_a by_o god_n himself_o and_o may_v act_v or_o speak_v according_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n vi_o the_o expression_n ps_n lxix_o and_o cix_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v concern_v judas_n as_o we_o find_v they_o apply_v act_v 1._o and_o all_o other_o expression_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o he_o or_o of_o some_o other_o like_v he_o who_o the_o psalmist_n by_o inspiration_n may_v know_v to_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n past_a repentance_n and_o therefore_o may_v pray_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o cut_v they_o off_o than_o suffer_v they_o to_o do_v more_o mischief_n in_o this_o world_n and_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o their_o iniquity_n here_o and_o of_o their_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v vii_o last_o this_o supposition_n be_v tacit_o emply_v in_o imprecation_n if_o they_o will_v persist_v in_o their_o sin_n if_o they_o will_v not_o repent_v and_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v in_o some_o case_n know_v by_o revelation_n that_o judgement_n be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o reclaim_v those_o man_n against_o who_o they_o pray_v and_o then_o it_o be_v the_o great_a charity_n to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o remedy_n which_o alone_o be_v lest_o for_o their_o amendment_n aâ—_n psal_n lxxxiii_o 15_o 16._o so_o persecute_v they_o with_o thy_o tempest_n and_o make_v they_o afraid_a with_o thy_o storm_n fill_v their_o face_n with_o shame_n that_o they_o may_v seeâ—_n thy_o name_n o_o lord_n there_o be_v nothing_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o charity_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ouâ—_n neighbour_n in_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o mistake_v of_o unwary_a men._n for_o either_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o enable_v the_o israelite_n to_o do_v what_o he_o have_v appoint_v as_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o canaanite_n who_o god_n be_v please_v for_o wise_a and_o great_a reason_n to_o punish_v by_o the_o sword_n of_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n rather_o than_o by_o pestilence_n or_o any_o other_o judgement_n or_o they_o be_v prayer_n to_o god_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o the_o do_v what_o both_o justice_n and_o charity_n will_v allow_v to_o be_v do_v either_o by_o person_n in_o authority_n as_o king_n david_n or_o even_o by_o private_a man_n as_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o offender_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o condign_a punishment_n and_o this_o may_v be_v without_o any_o degree_n of_o malice_n or_o the_o least_o breach_n of_o charity_n since_o punishment_n itself_o may_v be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o justice_n but_o of_o charity_n likewise_o towards_o divers_a men._n or_o these_o expression_n may_v be_v appeal_n to_o god_n as_o the_o political_a governor_n and_o legislator_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o they_o be_v prediction_n or_o denunciation_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n and_o they_o may_v be_v direct_v against_o impenitent_a obstinate_a man_n harden_v in_o their_o wickedness_n or_o last_o they_o may_v be_v only_a prayer_n to_o god_n â—hat_n he_o will_v inflict_v such_o punishment_n upon_o mon_n as_o may_v bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o though_o the_o jew_n in_o latter_a age_n pervert_v some_o passage_n of_o their_o law_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o pride_n and_o revenge_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o many_o instance_n never_o any_o law_n but_o that_o of_o christ_n oblige_v man_n to_o more_o humanity_n towards_o stranger_n or_o more_o charity_n towards_o enemy_n they_o be_v certain_o to_o covert_n no_o man_n house_n or_o wife_n and_o therefore_o the_o word_n neighbour_n be_v not_o to_o be_v limit_v to_o signify_v only_o a_o israelite_n or_o a_o proselyte_n but_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o exod._n xx_o 17._o thou_o shall_v love_v he_o the_o stranger_n as_o thyself_o leu._n nineteeen_o 34._o the_o egyptian_n be_v style_v the_o neighbour_n of_o the_o israelite_n exod._n xi_o 2._o and_o ps_n xv_o 2_o 3._o where_o act_n of_o common_a justice_n towards_o neighbour_n be_v speak_v of_o by_o neighbour_n must_v necessary_o be_v understand_v any_o person_n for_o to_o all_o man_n justice_n be_v due_a not_o only_o justice_n but_o charity_n be_v enjoin_v towards_o enemy_n if_o thy_o enemy_n be_v hungry_a give_v he_o bread_n to_o eat_v and_o if_o he_o be_v thirsty_a give_v he_o water_n to_o drink_v for_o thou_o shall_v heap_v coal_n of_o fire_n upon_o his_o head_n and_o the_o lord_n shall_v reward_v thou_o prov._n twenty-five_o 21_o 22._o which_o word_v so_o full_o express_v our_o duty_n of_o christian_a charity_n that_o st._n paul_n can_v find_v none_o fit_a to_o describe_v it_o by_o rom._n twelve_o 20._o and_o exod._n xxiii_o 4_o 5._o if_o thou_o meet_v thy_o enemy_n ox_n or_o his_o ass_n go_v
astray_o thou_o shall_v sure_o bring_v it_o back_o to_o he_o again_o if_o thou_o see_v the_o ass_n of_o he_o that_o hate_v thou_o lie_v under_o his_o burden_n and_o will_v forbear_v to_o help_v he_o thou_o shall_v sure_o help_v with_o he_o and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n charity_n towards_o enemy_n be_v high_o recommend_v and_o earnest_o inculcate_v job_n xxxi_o 29._o prov._n xx_o 22._o xxiv_o 29._o malach._n two_o 10._o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o we_o read_v leu._n nineteeen_o 18._o but_o thou_o shall_v hate_v thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o therefore_o matt._n v._n 43._o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v as_o a_o false_a gloss_n of_o the_o interpreter_n of_o the_o law_n which_o our_o saviour_n reject_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v mean_v as_o grotius_n understand_v it_o of_o that_o enmity_n which_o the_o jew_n be_v to_o show_v in_o all_o act_n of_o hostility_n towards_o the_o seven_o nation_n of_o canaan_n and_o the_o amalekite_n exod._n xvii_o 16._o xxxiv_o 11._o deut._n seven_o 1._o twenty-five_o 19_o yet_o these_o very_a nation_n be_v not_o utter_o exclude_v from_o become_a proselyte_n and_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v very_o remarkable_a that_o though_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n have_v receive_v such_o hard_a and_o cruel_a usage_n in_o egypt_n which_o be_v so_o often_o mention_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n they_o be_v nevertheless_o by_o the_o same_o law_n command_v not_o to_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a but_o to_o admit_v the_o child_n of_o egyptian_a parent_n into_o the_o congregation_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o three_o generation_n thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v a_o egyptian_a because_o thou_o be_v a_o stranger_n in_o his_o land_n deut._n xxiii_o 7._o thou_o shall_v not_o abhor_v he_o that_o be_v thou_o shall_v not_o revenge_v upon_o he_o the_o injury_n do_v thou_o but_o shall_v relieve_v he_o in_o time_n of_o distress_n which_o 2._o which_o lightf_n hebr._n &_o talmud_n exercit._n on_o matt._n vi_o 2._o charity_n the_o jew_n ever_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o extend_v to_o the_o gentile_n and_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o they_o have_v be_v wrong_v in_o the_o report_n of_o their_o uncharitableness_n to_o all_o of_o other_o nation_n but_o any_o thing_n be_v easy_o believe_v of_o a_o hate_a and_o despise_a people_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o vindicate_v their_o practice_n but_o their_o law_n 〈◊〉_d law_n philo_n jud._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d philo_n judoeus_n have_v a_o excellent_a treatise_n in_o which_o he_o discourse_v at_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a and_o show_v to_o how_o great_a humanity_n and_o charity_n the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n chap._n xix_o of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n cite_v in_o the_o new_a though_o the_o apostle_n have_v prove_v their_o divine_a commission_n by_o so_o many_o and_o so_o undeniable_a miracle_n have_v a_o infallible_a authority_n to_o interpret_v and_o apply_v the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o citation_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v most_o difficulty_n in_o they_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n against_o who_o they_o be_v urge_v can_v not_o but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o apostle_n give_v the_o true_a exposition_n of_o they_o though_o they_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v true_o apply_v to_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o gospel_n for_o unless_o the_o apostle_n have_v either_o make_v out_o their_o citation_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o maxim_n and_o principle_n then_o know_v and_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o have_v allege_v they_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o be_v then_o general_o acknowledge_v it_o have_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v they_o at_o all_o against_o they_o it_o be_v know_v likewise_o and_o observable_a upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o after_o the_o captivity_n in_o babylon_n though_o the_o bible_n be_v read_v in_o the_o synagogue_n in_o the_o original_a hebrew_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o interpret_v into_o the_o vulgar_a language_n and_o the_o interpreter_n do_v not_o always_o translate_v the_o text_n verbatim_o but_o often_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o different_a word_n and_o with_o some_o latitude_n to_o render_v it_o the_o more_o intelligible_a this_o way_n of_o interpretation_n be_v at_o length_n improve_v into_o a_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n contain_v with_o the_o text_n a_o short_a explication_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o jew_n though_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v many_o notion_n current_a among_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o that_o exposition_n the_o writer_n therefore_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n may_v sometime_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o the_o text_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o be_v as_o well_o or_o better_o know_v among_o they_o for_o who_o they_o write_v than_o the_o greek_a or_o hebrew_n text_n be_v or_o they_o may_v take_v upon_o themselves_o the_o liberty_n of_o interpreter_n the_o better_a to_o explain_v the_o text_n allege_v and_o enforce_v their_o argument_n thus_o for_o instance_n st._n stephen_n act_v seven_o will_v never_o have_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n before_o the_o sanhedrim_n nor_o will_v st._n luke_n have_v record_v it_o soon_o after_o if_o it_o have_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o disproof_n or_o confutation_n whatever_o difficulty_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n there_o may_v appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v in_o it_o and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o case_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o other_o disciple_n who_o have_v such_o demonstrative_a evidence_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o unbeliever_n by_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n will_v never_o make_v use_n of_o any_o argument_n to_o the_o jew_n from_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o such_o as_o they_o well_o know_v their_o adversary_n can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v or_o deny_v for_o there_o be_v then_o certain_a method_n of_o interpretation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o 14._o from_o joseph_n bell._n jadaic_n lib._n iii._o c._n 14._o josephus_n which_o be_v now_o lose_v and_o they_o dispute_v from_o acknowledge_a maxim_n and_o rule_n the_o only_a difference_n and_o matter_n of_o dispute_n be_v in_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o their_o particular_a case_n however_o our_o ignorance_n of_o thing_n then_o general_o know_v may_v now_o make_v it_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v some_o text_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n with_o those_o of_o the_o old_a from_o whence_o they_o be_v cite_v f._n simon_n xxi_o simon_n sim._n crit._n hist_o of_o the_o n._n t._n part_n i._n c._n xxi_o in_o his_o critical_a history_n have_v a_o remarkable_a passage_n upon_o this_o subject_a the_o book_n say_v he_o where_o the_o most_o of_o that_o sort_n of_o citation_n be_v find_v be_v the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o hebrew_n where_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o but_o passage_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n explain_v in_o a_o manner_n that_o be_v altogether_o allegorical_a and_o foreign_a to_o the_o letter_n which_o have_v also_o give_v a_o occasion_n to_o some_o writer_n to_o suspect_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v not_o the_o author_n but_o it_o seem_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o pharisee_n method_n in_o their_o expound_v scripture_n it_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o than_o to_o that_o holy_a apostle_n who_o have_v study_v in_o jerusalem_n under_o the_o doctor_n gamaliel_n do_v penetrate_v into_o all_o the_o most_o refine_a point_n of_o their_o secret_a and_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o indeed_o after_o i_o have_v recommend_v the_o read_n of_o this_o epistle_n to_o a_o jew_n who_o be_v well_o read_v in_o his_o own_o ancient_a author_n he_o have_v peruse_v it_o free_o declare_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o great_a tradition_n great_a a_o man_n of_o tradition_n mekubal_n of_o his_o own_o nation_n and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o tell_v i_o that_o st._n paul_n have_v wrest_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n with_o his_o allegory_n at_o pleasure_n that_o he_o extol_v his_o profound_a skill_n in_o the_o sublime_a sense_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o always_o return_v to_o his_o great_a mekubal_n of_o who_o he_o never_o speak_v but_o with_o admiration_n hoc_fw-la in_o omnibus_fw-la scripture_n sanctis_fw-la observandum_fw-la est_fw-la apostolos_fw-la &_o apostolicos_fw-la viros_fw-la in_o ponendis_fw-la testimoniis_fw-la de_fw-la veteri_fw-la testamento_fw-la non_fw-la verba_fw-la considerare_fw-la sed_fw-la sensum_fw-la nec_fw-la eadem_fw-la sermonum_fw-la culcare_fw-la vestigia_fw-la dummodò_fw-la à _fw-la senteniis_fw-la non_fw-la
that_o hear_v prayer_n unto_o thou_o shall_v all_o flesh_n come_v ps_n lxv_o 2._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v know_v that_o i_o the_o lord_n be_o thy_o saviour_n and_o thy_o redeemer_n the_o mighty_a one_o of_o jacob_n isa_n xlix_o 26._o all_o flesh_n shall_v come_v to_o worship_n before_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n isa_n lxvi_o 23._o and_o all_o flesh_n shall_v see_v the_o salvation_n of_o god_n luke_n iii._o 6._o i_o will_v pour_v out_o of_o my_o spirit_n upon_o all_o flesh_n act_v two_o 17._o joel_n two_o 28._o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v justify_v galat._n two_o 16._o and_o we_o say_v in_o our_o own_o language_n any_o body_n think_v or_o any_o body_n understand_v though_o we_o all_o know_v it_o be_v the_o soul_n and_o not_o the_o body_n which_o think_v and_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o other_o book_n and_o very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o stile_n of_o scripture_n and_o to_o the_o common_a speech_n and_o sense_n of_o man_n for_o those_o action_n of_o a_o person_n to_o be_v attribute_v to_o one_o of_o the_o unite_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v perform_v only_o in_o the_o other_o and_o the_o union_n between_o the_o godhead_n and_o the_o manhood_n be_v like_o that_o which_o be_v between_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o body_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v suffer_v and_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o have_v come_v down_o from_o heaven_n not_o that_o the_o godhead_n suffer_v or_o that_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o heaven_n before_o his_o incarnation_n but_o according_a to_o the_o usual_a stile_n of_o scripture_n the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n entitle_v the_o person_n consist_v of_o they_o both_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o either_o nature_n to_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o other_o though_o as_o the_o humane_a nature_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a so_o neither_o do_v the_o divine_a nature_n partake_v of_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o humane_a but_o both_o nature_n be_v personal_o unite_v the_o person_n be_v sometime_o denote_v by_o one_o and_o sometime_o by_o the_o other_o nature_n all_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n proceed_v upon_o the_o like_a mistake_n with_o they_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v every_o where_o and_o in_o all_o place_n to_o behold_v and_o be_v present_a at_o the_o worst_a of_o action_n as_o if_o the_o sun_n brightness_n will_v not_o be_v the_o more_o resplendent_a and_o glorious_a if_o it_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o obscure_a corner_n and_o recess_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o as_o if_o his_o ray_n can_v be_v sully_v and_o defile_v by_o the_o foulness_n of_o any_o object_n which_o they_o shine_v upon_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o diminution_n to_o god_n infinite_a glory_n and_o majesty_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v it_o can_v be_v none_o to_o be_v more_o near_o and_o even_o personal_o unite_v to_o some_o part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n to_o be_v so_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n to_o manifest_v his_o love_n and_o favour_n and_o extend_v his_o goodness_n to_o mankind_n as_o god_n be_v every_o where_o present_a so_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n present_a in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o power_n or_o of_o his_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o he_o have_v vouchsafe_v a_o more_o especial_a presence_n to_o some_o person_n than_o to_o other_o and_o thus_o he_o be_v present_a with_o his_o prophet_n who_o be_v send_v to_o prepare_v for_o and_o foretell_v christ_n come_v but_o he_o be_v personal_o unite_v to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n and_o this_o be_v the_o high_a honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o our_o nature_n for_o god_n thus_o to_o assume_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v no_o diminution_n to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n because_o god_n continue_v as_o he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n without_o any_o alteration_n only_o by_o his_o personal_a presence_n and_o union_n with_o our_o humane_a nature_n he_o cause_v all_o the_o performance_n and_o suffering_n of_o it_o to_o be_v meritorious_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v not_o so_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n as_o to_o be_v no_o long_o there_o but_o to_o forsake_v his_o father_n kingdom_n he_o still_o continue_v in_o heaven_n in_o the_o same_o bliss_n and_o glory_n that_o he_o enjoy_v with_o his_o father_n from_o all_o eternity_n though_o he_o so_o manifest_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o come_v and_o abide_v in_o it_o by_o assume_v our_o humane_a nature_n our_o saviour_n tell_v nicodemus_n joh._n iii._o 13._o no_o man_n have_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n even_o the_o son_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n he_o who_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n be_v still_o in_o heaven_n as_o much_o as_o ever_o with_o respect_n to_o his_o godhead_n though_o he_o make_v a_o more_o peculiar_a residence_n than_o he_o have_v before_o do_v on_o earth_n by_o dwell_v in_o our_o nature_n here_o the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o be_v at_o all_o time_n every_o where_o present_a be_v yet_o in_o a_o peculiar_a manner_n present_a where_o ever_o he_o be_v please_v to_o manifest_v himself_o by_o peculiar_a act_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o power_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o do_v in_o a_o most_o stupendous_a manner_n in_o that_o flesh_n which_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o of_o the_o bless_a virgin_n and_o it_o can_v be_v think_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o actuate_v the_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o be_v join_v in_o the_o most_o strict_a and_o vital_a union_n with_o it_o suppose_v god_n only_o to_o act_v upon_o it_o and_o not_o to_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o nor_o to_o suffer_v the_o misery_n and_o feel_v the_o pain_n which_o the_o humane_a nature_n endure_v which_o will_v be_v blasphemy_n to_o assert_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n of_o christ_n but_o to_o be_v in_o heaven_n still_o in_o his_o full_a power_n and_o majesty_n but_o some_o man_n will_v say_v how_o be_v this_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n make_v or_o wherein_o do_v it_o consist_v to_o who_o we_o may_v reply_v as_o our_o saviour_n sometime_o do_v to_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n by_o ask_v another_o question_n and_o inquire_v how_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o man_n be_v unite_v or_o how_o god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o how_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v and_o if_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v how_o these_o thing_n be_v though_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o they_o than_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o tell_v how_o the_o union_n between_o the_o divine_a and_o the_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n be_v make_v or_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v we_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o a_o mystery_n which_o it_o be_v above_o any_o man_n capacity_n to_o explain_v but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n we_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n and_o thither_o we_o appeal_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o put_v such_o question_n argue_v either_o a_o great_a mind_n to_o cavil_v or_o great_a inconsideration_n and_o shortness_n of_o thought_n for_o what_o man_n be_v there_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o argument_n of_o so_o little_a observation_n as_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o of_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o perceive_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o very_a few_o or_o rather_o of_o none_o of_o they_o be_v full_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o to_o know_v that_o great_a reason_n may_v be_v give_v for_o this_o dispensation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a and_o that_o no_o material_a objection_n can_v be_v frame_v against_o it_o second_o no_o other_o way_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v can_v have_v be_v so_o proper_a and_o expedient_a as_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o procure_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o none_o can_v so_o well_o become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o must_v depend_v upon_o the_o reason_n for_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v in_o this_o one_o thing_n the_o abolish_n or_o take_v away_o of_o sin_n and_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v manifest_v to_o take_v away_o our_o sin_n and_o in_o he_o be_v no_o sin_n 1_o joh._n three_o 5._o we_o be_v
thus_o for_o it_o be_v ever_o suppose_a and_o agree_v in_o all_o case_n that_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o any_o thing_n impossible_a and_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o any_o man_n either_o in_o faith_n or_o practice_n beyond_o his_o power_n and_o capacity_n whosoever_o will_v be_v save_v before_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o hold_v the_o catholic_n faith_n which_o faith_n except_o every_o one_o do_v keep_v whole_a and_o undefiled_a without_o doubt_n he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o but_o this_o suppose_n that_o he_o have_v already_o attain_v or_o be_v able_a to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n for_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v that_o faith_n the_o general_a knowledge_n whereof_o he_o can_v attain_v we_o must_v with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n believe_v all_o that_o god_n say_v to_o be_v true_a though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o our_o understanding_n but_o no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v explicit_o any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o belief_n he_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o to_o know_v in_o general_n what_o he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v though_o he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o complete_a and_o comprehensive_a notion_n of_o it_o as_o to_o give_v a_o particular_a and_o full_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o manner_n of_o existence_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o he_o and_o let_v the_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n according_a to_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o few_o and_o plain_a yet_o there_o will_v still_o be_v some_o man_n who_o be_v uncapable_a of_o understand_v they_o in_o any_o way_n or_o measure_n and_o then_o there_o will_v lie_v the_o same_o objection_n against_o those_o article_n of_o natural_a religion_n which_o be_v upon_o this_o account_n urge_v against_o their_o faith_n in_o the_o trinity_n itself_o which_o so_o far_o 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evangelist_n write_v his_o life_n with_o the_o same_o humility_n with_o which_o he_o live_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o when_o st._n john_n say_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o other_o thing_n which_o jesus_n do_v he_o speak_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o thing_n do_v by_o he_o after_o his_o resurrection_n have_v just_a before_o give_v a_o account_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n have_v say_v to_o st._n peter_n and_o so_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n when_o st._n john_n have_v declare_v how_o our_o saviour_n certify_v st._n thomas_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o resurrection_n he_o add_v and_o many_o other_o sign_n true_o do_v jesus_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o be_v not_o write_v in_o this_o book_n but_o these_o be_v write_v that_o you_o may_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o believe_v you_o may_v have_v life_n through_o his_o name_n joh._n xx_o 30_o 31._o so_o that_o we_o be_v acquaint_v with_o no_o more_o 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her_o faith_n or_o for_o her_o acknowledgement_n and_o adoration_n after_o his_o resurrection_n christ_n make_v himself_o know_v to_o his_o disciple_n by_o degree_n and_o by_o several_a appearance_n to_o they_o at_o distant_a time_n in_o divers_a place_n and_o in_o different_a manner_n he_o suffer_v they_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o great_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n for_o a_o while_n that_o he_o may_v overcome_v their_o unbelief_n and_o extort_v a_o conviction_n from_o they_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o that_o no_o man_n unless_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a shall_v pretend_v any_o cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o afterward_o but_o when_o he_o have_v thorough_o convince_v they_o of_o his_o resurrection_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o what_o we_o read_v of_o his_o converse_v with_o they_o that_o from_o that_o time_n he_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o free_a and_o more_o intimate_a communication_n with_o himself_o and_o discourse_v with_o they_o in_o the_o most_o mild_a 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be_v to_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o expectation_n of_o he_o for_o the_o space_n of_o ten_o day_n and_o then_o his_o promise_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v in_o the_o fit_a and_o most_o proper_a season_n on_o the_o feast_n of_o pentecost_n in_o few_o word_n christ_n be_v see_v of_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n forty_o day_n which_o imply_v that_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v spend_v in_o his_o presence_n and_o we_o be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n tell_v how_o this_o time_n be_v employ_v in_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n pertain_v to_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n ii_o we_o may_v observe_v the_o manner_n how_o our_o saviour_n leave_v his_o disciple_n when_o he_o ascend_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n he_o have_v before_o prepare_v they_o to_o expect_v his_o ascension_n for_o beside_o what_o he_o have_v say_v to_o they_o before_o his_o death_n immediate_o upon_o his_o resurrection_n he_o send_v this_o message_n to_o his_o disciple_n by_o mary_n magdalen_n go_v to_o my_o brethren_n and_o say_v unto_o they_o i_o ascend_v unto_o my_o father_n and_o your_o father_n and_o to_o my_o god_n and_o your_o god_n joh._n xx_o 17._o they_o be_v in_o hope_n it_o seem_v that_o he_o will_v at_o this_o time_n have_v restore_v again_o the_o kingdom_n to_o israel_n and_o do_v not_o think_v he_o will_v have_v leave_v they_o before_o that_o which_o they_o so_o much_o desire_v have_v be_v accomplish_v however_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o he_o command_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n which_o say_v he_o you_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o and_o whilst_o he_o be_v give_v they_o repeat_v assurance_n that_o this_o promise_n shall_v be_v most_o effectual_o fulfil_v while_o they_o behold_v he_o be_v take_v up_o and_o a_o cloud_n receive_v
he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n he_o be_v not_o snatch_v away_o from_o they_o by_o a_o swift_a and_o violent_a motion_n like_o elijah_n and_o carry_v up_o in_o a_o fiery_a chariot_n which_o may_v dazzle_v their_o sight_n that_o they_o can_v not_o discern_v he_o in_o his_o ascent_n but_o he_o be_v lift_v up_o and_o remove_v from_o they_o leisurely_o and_o by_o degree_n they_o look_v steadfast_o towards_o heaven_n as_o he_o go_v up_o by_o a_o visible_a and_o easy_a motion_n and_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o he_o till_o at_o last_o a_o cloud_n receive_v he_o out_o of_o their_o sight_n it_o be_v probable_a that_o all_o the_o disciple_n to_o the_o number_n of_o about_o a_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o mention_v act_n i_o 15._o be_v present_a to_o behold_v the_o ascent_n of_o our_o saviour_n ult_n saviour_n apud_fw-la euseb_n hist_o lib._n 1._o c._n ult_n the_o apostle_n st._n thaddeus_n declare_v though_o this_o as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o thing_n be_v not_o insert_v into_o the_o scripture_n that_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o heavenly_a host_n go_v up_o with_o he_o we_o read_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o two_o angel_n upon_o this_o occasion_n who_o acquaint_v the_o disciple_n that_o this_o same_o jesus_n who_o they_o have_v thus_o evident_o see_v take_v up_o from_o they_o into_o heaven_n shall_v so_o come_v in_o like_a manner_n as_o they_o have_v see_v he_o go_v into_o heaven_n and_o st._n paul_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o come_v at_o the_o last_o day_n will_v be_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n or_o the_o angel_n of_o his_o power_n 2_o thes_n i._o 7._o from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v according_a to_o the_o account_n of_o st._n thaddeus_n that_o the_o holy_a angel_n visible_o attend_v he_o in_o his_o ascension_n the_o disciple_n be_v all_o much_o surprise_v at_o a_o thing_n so_o wonderful_a and_o stand_v gaze_v up_o into_o heaven_n after_o he_o till_o they_o be_v certify_v not_o only_o by_o their_o own_o sense_n but_o by_o the_o message_n of_o the_o angel_n that_o he_o be_v go_v from_o they_o into_o heaven_n no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v from_o thence_o till_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n we_o have_v therefore_o the_o plain_a and_o full_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v desire_v both_o of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o show_v himself_o alive_a to_o his_o disciple_n after_o his_o passion_n by_o many_o infallible_a proof_n he_o be_v see_v of_o they_o forty_o day_n and_o converse_v and_o discourse_v with_o they_o though_o we_o be_v not_o tell_v after_o what_o manner_n and_o by_o what_o interval_n of_o time_n he_o be_v please_v to_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o presence_n this_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o as_o very_o many_o of_o the_o particular_n be_v of_o his_o former_a life_n before_o his_o crucifixion_n but_o at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n whilst_o he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o he_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o they_o all_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o they_o distinct_o see_v and_o behold_v he_o and_o keep_v their_o eye_n fix_v upon_o he_o in_o his_o ascension_n and_o a_o vision_n of_o angel_n beside_o inform_v they_o that_o he_o be_v to_o return_v in_o the_o like_a manner_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n chap._n xxviii_o why_o some_o work_n of_o nature_n be_v more_o especial_o ascribe_v to_o god_n why_o mean_n be_v sometime_o use_v in_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o why_o faith_n be_v sometime_o require_v of_o those_o upon_o who_o or_o before_o who_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v i._o all_z the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n proceed_v from_o god_n that_o may_v just_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o they_o for_o he_o work_v as_o true_o by_o second_o cause_n as_o by_o his_o own_o direct_a and_o immediate_a power_n in_o produce_v any_o effect_n the_o order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n be_v original_o by_o his_o appointment_n and_o by_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n and_o influence_n it_o be_v uphold_v and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n ascribe_v the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o because_o these_o can_v do_v nothing_o but_o by_o his_o support_n and_o influence_n and_o the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o natural_a cause_n in_o the_o production_n of_o their_o effect_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o one_o constant_a tenor_n be_v a_o manifest_a and_o wonderful_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n but_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v say_v more_o especial_o to_o be_v do_v by_o god_n himself_o whereby_o upon_o some_o extraordinary_a occasion_n his_o power_n and_o his_o will_n be_v more_o particular_o manifest_v or_o his_o promise_n be_v fulfil_v for_o in_o those_o thing_n his_o care_n and_o providence_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o pass_v and_o therefore_o god_n may_v employ_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a concourse_n to_o sustain_v and_o influence_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v not_o sail_v in_o such_o case_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n according_a to_o their_o usual_a and_o settle_a course_n ii_o miracle_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o work_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v wrought_v without_o the_o concurrence_n or_o subserviency_n of_o natural_a mean_n for_o though_o sometime_o outward_a mean_n be_v use_v in_o the_o miraculous_a cure_v of_o disease_n yet_o they_o be_v such_o as_o can_v have_v no_o effect_n in_o the_o cure_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a as_o when_o the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a recover_v his_o sight_n by_o wash_v in_o the_o pool_n of_o siloam_n at_o our_o saviour_n command_n after_o his_o eye_n have_v be_v anoint_v with_o clay_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n the_o ointment_n make_v of_o dust_n and_o spital_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o effect_n towards_o the_o cure_n that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o have_v put_v out_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o man_n that_o have_v see_v and_o the_o wash_n afterward_o can_v only_o remove_v that_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o remedy_n that_o it_o must_v have_v be_v a_o obstruction_n to_o the_o best_a sight_n as_o many_o miraculous_a cure_n be_v wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n without_o any_o more_o than_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o even_o without_o so_o much_o as_o that_o to_o show_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o mean_n so_o when_o any_o mean_n be_v use_v they_o be_v such_o as_o apparent_o can_v not_o tend_v to_o the_o cure_n and_o be_v not_o use_v as_o remedy_n but_o as_o circumstance_n in_o the_o work_n his_o miracle_n to_o raise_v the_o attention_n of_o the_o beholder_n to_o imprint_v what_o be_v do_v the_o deep_a upon_o their_o memory_n and_o to_o give_v the_o great_a credibility_n to_o the_o history_n of_o his_o miracle_n for_o all_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o disprove_v by_o circumstance_n and_o the_o more_o circumstance_n concur_v in_o any_o action_n the_o less_o liable_a it_o be_v to_o mistake_v or_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n therefore_o be_v please_v that_o his_o miracle_n shall_v always_o be_v accompany_v with_o remarkable_a circumstance_n which_o be_v sometime_o of_o one_o kind_n and_o sometime_o of_o another_o the_o better_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o variety_n of_o man_n temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o whatever_o outward_a mean_n be_v at_o any_o time_n use_v by_o he_o it_o can_v have_v the_o nature_n only_o of_o a_o circumstance_n and_o be_v no_o more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o produce_v the_o miracle_n than_o any_o other_o may_v have_v be_v some_o he_o touch_v some_o he_o only_o speak_v to_o and_o other_o he_o send_v to_o the_o highpriest_n that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o cure_n now_o the_o touch_n the_o speak_n or_o the_o send_n can_v have_v no_o effect_n as_o outward_a mean_n but_o only_o as_o they_o be_v attend_v with_o a_o inward_a and_o divine_a efficacy_n but_o all_o these_o be_v considerable_a circumstance_n to_o excite_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o who_o be_v present_a at_o these_o cure_n and_o to_o preserve_v the_o remembrance_n of_o they_o to_o posterity_n iii_o though_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o absolute_a and_o unconfined_a power_n of_o work_a miracle_n at_o all_o time_n and_o before_o all_o person_n whensoever_o he_o please_v yet_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o he_o sometime_o refuse_v to_o exercise_v it_o for_o though_o he_o can_v always_o do_v his_o marvellous_a work_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o they_o shall_v be_v always_o do_v but_o then_o only_o when_o they_o may_v be_v useful_a and_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o to_o his_o design_n of_o come_v
in_o part_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v yet_o the_o people_n in_o a_o rage_n and_o tumult_n lift_v up_o their_o voice_n and_o say_v away_o with_o such_o a_o fellow_n from_o the_o earth_n for_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v live_v they_o cry_v out_o and_o cast_v off_o their_o clothes_n and_o throw_v dust_n into_o the_o air_n act._n xxii_o 22.23_o these_o be_v not_o the_o action_n of_o reasonable_a man_n no_o wonder_n therefore_o that_o they_o be_v not_o convince_v by_o reason_n 5._o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n with_o their_o sign_n and_o wonder_n be_v then_o very_o frequent_a insomuch_o that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a they_o will_v have_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n matt._n xxiv_o 24._o and_o the_o jew_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o who_o comply_v with_o their_o lust_n and_o desire_n than_o to_o examine_v and_o consider_v the_o clear_a evidence_n which_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o take_v up_o the_o cross_n and_o follow_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o the_o jew_n a_o stumble_a block_n and_o they_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n rather_o than_o it_o 6._o upon_o these_o and_o such_o like_a cause_n the_o jew_n reject_v their_o messiah_n and_o still_o continue_v in_o unbelief_n whereby_o be_v fulfil_v many_o prophecy_n concern_v this_o very_a thing_n and_o whilst_o they_o endeavour_v in_o vain_a to_o disprove_v all_o other_o argument_n their_o infidelity_n and_o obstinacy_n itself_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o they_o the_o prophet_n have_v foretell_v that_o they_o will_v thus_o reject_v their_o messiah_n as_o st._n paul_n prove_v rom._n ix_o 27._o and_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n that_o the_o jew_n shall_v resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n they_o always_o do_v it_o as_o st._n stephen_n tell_v they_o as_o your_o father_n do_v so_o do_v you_o which_o of_o the_o prophet_n have_v not_o your_o father_n persecute_v and_o they_o have_v slay_v they_o which_o show_v before_o of_o the_o come_v of_o the_o just_a one_o of_o who_o you_o have_v be_v now_o the_o betrayer_n and_o murderer_n act._n seven_o 55_o 52._o ii_o what_o great_a number_n of_o the_o heathen_a nation_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v evident_a both_o from_o christian_a and_o heathen_a author_n of_o those_o age_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n be_v first_o preach_v and_o consider_v the_o general_a depravation_n both_o of_o the_o manner_n and_o principle_n of_o those_o time_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o many_o shall_v be_v content_v with_o any_o religion_n or_o with_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o so_o that_o they_o may_v retain_v their_o vice_n rather_o than_o attend_v to_o any_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o a_o religion_n that_o must_v oblige_v they_o to_o abandon_v and_o crucify_v all_o their_o lust_n and_o sin_n and_o renounce_v their_o ease_n and_o safety_n to_o live_v in_o disgrace_n and_o misery_n and_o die_v in_o torment_n however_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o discouragement_n there_o be_v no_o rank_n nor_o order_n of_o man_n nor_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n but_o divers_a of_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o they_o be_v early_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o dionyssius_fw-la the_o areopagite_n justin_n martyr_n athenagoras_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o other_o and_o as_o nothing_o but_o the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n can_v convert_v these_o so_o it_o be_v no_o unaccountable_a thing_n that_o other_o shall_v stand_v out_o and_o oppose_v it_o for_o i._o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n they_o be_v only_o for_o high_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n and_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o their_o own_o notion_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o will_v give_v no_o attention_n to_o a_o company_n of_o ignorant_a man_n who_o tell_v they_o a_o plain_a truth_n of_o one_o that_o have_v be_v crucify_a and_o rose_n again_o from_o the_o dead_a christ_n crucify_v be_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n 1_o cor._n i_o 22._o 23._o and_o the_o several_a tenet_n of_o philosophy_n then_o in_o vogue_n be_v a_o great_a obstruction_n to_o all_o such_o as_o thought_n themselves_o skill_v in_o they_o to_o hinder_v they_o from_o become_v christian_n and_o we_o find_v that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n can_v not_o soon_o lay_v aside_o all_o their_o philosophical_a notion_n the_o epicurean_o a_o confident_a and_o vain_a sect_n will_v receive_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o they_o of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o another_o life_n but_o with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v and_o when_o they_o hear_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a some_o mock_v act_v xvii_o 18_o 32._o the_o platonist_n hold_v a_o revolution_n of_o all_o thing_n into_o their_o former_a state_n in_o some_o certain_a term_n of_o year_n and_o therefore_o they_o by_o their_o own_o principle_n must_v look_v upon_o all_o only_a as_o a_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o revolution_n and_o a_o period_n of_o time_n the_o peripatetic_n be_v persuade_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o teach_v that_o it_o be_v now_o just_a at_o a_o end_n and_o declare_v that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n not_o many_o thousand_o of_o year_n before_o the_o stoic_n who_o mighty_o improve_v the_o moral_a part_n of_o philosophy_n by_o borrow_v from_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o hold_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v under_o a_o inevitable_a fate_n and_o destiny_n have_v such_o a_o perpetual_a curb_n upon_o they_o as_o leave_v they_o no_o liberty_n to_o think_v of_o change_v their_o opinion_n one_o of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o immaterial_a a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n beside_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n in_o the_o very_a composition_n of_o a_o stoic_a it_o 22._o it_o arrian_n epict._n lib._n iii_o c._n 22._o appear_v from_o the_o account_n which_o arrian_n have_v give_v of_o epictetus_n that_o neither_o the_o jewish_a law_n nor_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v unknown_a to_o he_o for_o in_o the_o discourse_n which_o he_o have_v preserve_v of_o epictetus_n we_o find_v he_o sometime_o use_v the_o same_o word_n with_o the_o scripture_n but_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o those_o discourse_n that_o epictetus_n be_v a_o great_a admirer_n of_o diogenes_n the_o cynic_n and_o imitate_v he_o in_o his_o pride_n and_o haughtiness_n for_o magnify_v himself_o as_o one_o send_v by_o god_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o high_a say_n of_o the_o stoic_n be_v not_o vain_a boast_n but_o real_a and_o practicable_a truth_n he_o at_o last_o thus_o conclude_v how_o do_v i_o converse_v say_v he_o with_o these_o man_n who_o you_o fear_v and_o admire_v do_v not_o i_o treat_v they_o as_o slave_n who_o when_o he_o see_v i_o do_v not_o think_v he_o see_v his_o king_n and_o his_o master_n there_o can_v be_v little_a hope_n that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o a_o religion_n which_o enjoin_v that_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n eâ—ch_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o phil._n two_o 3._o 41._o 3._o prope_fw-la est_fw-la a_o te_fw-la deus_fw-la tecum_fw-la est_fw-la intus_fw-la est_fw-la ita_fw-la dico_fw-la lucili_n sacer_fw-la intra_fw-la nos_fw-la spiritus_fw-la sedet_fw-la bonorum_fw-la malorumqâ—_n nostrorum_fw-la observator_fw-la &_o custos_fw-la etc._n etc._n senec._n epist_n 41._o seneca_n in_o some_o place_n write_v as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v transcribe_v the_o scripture_n but_o he_o be_v not_o always_o the_o same_o and_o he_o likewise_o discover_v a_o strange_a vanity_n and_o conceit_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o write_n for_o cite_v a_o passage_n of_o epicurus_n where_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o if_o he_o desire_v glory_n his_o letter_n shall_v make_v he_o more_o famous_a than_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o esteem_v or_o for_o which_o he_o be_v esteem_v a_o seneca_n assure_v lucilius_n 21._o lucilius_n epist_n 21._o that_o he_o can_v promise_v he_o as_o much_o as_o epicurus_n have_v do_v his_o friend_n for_o he_o shall_v be_v famous_a in_o future_a time_n and_o can_v raise_v and_o perpetuate_v the_o fame_n of_o whosoever_o he_o please_v the_o pythagorean_n be_v a_o superstitious_a sect_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o magic_n and_o beside_o they_o have_v give_v themselves_o up_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o their_o master_n dictate_v and_o therefore_o be_v to_o regard_v no_o reason_n nor_o argument_n against_o they_o in_o short_a the_o philosopher_n be_v all_o exceed_o prepossess_v and_o prejudice_v by_o some_o peculiar_a
thing_n else_o be_v of_o the_o same_o colour_n or_o taste_n which_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v of_o because_o they_o can_v amuse_v themselves_o with_o difficulty_n and_o they_o be_v too_o much_o philosopher_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v though_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o sense_n and_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n they_o be_v rational_a man_n and_o it_o be_v below_o they_o to_o believe_v their_o sense_n unless_o their_o reason_n be_v convince_v and_o that_o be_v too_o acute_a to_o be_v convince_v as_o long_o as_o any_o difficulty_n that_o can_v be_v start_v remain_v unanswered_a and_o thus_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o derision_n of_o all_o who_o have_v but_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o man_n without_o the_o art_n and_o subtlety_n of_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n the_o scripture_n come_v confirm_v down_o to_o we_o by_o all_o the_o way_n of_o confirmation_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o revelation_n at_o this_o distance_n of_o time_n can_v be_v expect_v to_o have_v if_o it_o real_o be_v what_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v why_o then_o do_v some_o man_n doubt_v whether_o they_o be_v authentic_a can_v they_o disprove_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o defence_n of_o they_o can_v they_o produce_v any_o other_o revelation_n more_o authentic_a or_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n than_o that_o this_o revelation_n shall_v be_v he_o no_o this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n but_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o think_v will_v not_o be_v in_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v never_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n for_o any_o objection_n make_v against_o it_o which_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o point_n nor_o touch_v these_o argument_n by_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o he_o it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a that_o that_o may_v be_v most_o true_a which_o may_v have_v many_o exception_n frame_v against_o it_o but_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v that_o as_o incredible_a which_o come_v recommend_v by_o our_o belief_n by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v be_v disprove_v till_o this_o be_v do_v all_o which_o can_v be_v say_v beside_o only_o show_v that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n to_o be_v meet_v withal_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v never_o deny_v by_o those_o who_o most_o firm_o and_o steadfast_o believe_v they_o but_o difficulty_n can_v never_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v true_a to_o become_v false_a there_o be_v no_o science_n without_o its_o difficulty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o pretend_v that_o theology_n be_v without_o they_o there_o be_v many_o great_a and_o inexplicable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mathematics_n but_o shall_v we_o therefore_o reject_v this_o as_o a_o science_n of_o no_o value_n nor_o certainty_n and_o believe_v no_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o we_o can_v square_a the_o circle_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_a as_o it_o be_v not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n unless_o we_o can_v explain_v all_o the_o vision_n in_o ezekiel_n and_o the_o revelation_n of_o st._n john_n we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o and_o know_v nothing_o if_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v and_o reject_v every_o thing_n which_o be_v liable_a to_o difficulty_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v we_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o we_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o its_o operation_n nor_o that_o we_o have_v a_o body_n unless_o we_o can_v tell_v all_o the_o part_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o composition_n of_o it_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v our_o sense_n till_o there_o be_v nothing_o relate_v to_o sensation_n but_o what_o we_o perfect_o understand_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o object_n in_o the_o world_n till_o we_o know_v the_o exact_a manner_n how_o we_o perceive_v they_o and_o can_v solve_v all_o objection_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v concern_v they_o and_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v incredulous_a to_o this_o degree_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o he_o shall_v believe_v the_o scripture_n but_o till_o he_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n of_o folly_n and_o stupidity_n if_o he_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o and_o true_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o reason_n from_o which_o he_o argue_v in_o all_o other_o case_n he_o can_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o difficulty_n that_o he_o find_v in_o they_o whilst_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n remain_v unanswered_a and_o all_o the_o objection_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v against_o the_o scripture_n can_v seem_v near_o so_o absurd_a to_o a_o consider_v man_n as_o to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v not_o at_o all_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n or_o that_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n shall_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n xxxiv_o the_o conclusion_n contain_v a_o exhortation_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n both_o from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o learned_a man_n and_o from_o the_o infinite_a importance_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o as_o wise_a and_o as_o learned_a man_n as_o any_o that_o ever_o live_v in_o the_o world_n have_v die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n when_o they_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o engage_v they_o to_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o life_n under_o pesecution_n and_o have_v at_o last_o be_v put_v to_o death_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v renounce_v that_o faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v man_n of_o as_o great_a learning_n and_o as_o great_a number_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o have_v be_v of_o all_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o all_o manner_n of_o art_n and_o science_n have_v be_v more_o improve_v by_o christian_n than_o by_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n whatsoever_o and_o all_o rational_a and_o solid_a learning_n be_v confine_v as_o i_o may_v say_v within_o christendom_n for_o beside_o the_o idolatrous_a worship_n and_o other_o impiety_n notorious_a among_o they_o whatsoever_o learning_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o the_o chinese_n or_o other_o heathen_a nation_n their_o notion_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o they_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v so_o obscure_a and_o confuse_a at_o the_o best_a and_o so_o groundless_a that_o that_o christian_a must_v be_v very_o weary_a of_o his_o religion_n who_o can_v think_v of_o change_v it_o for_o such_o uncertainty_n and_o no_o man_n that_o profess_a and_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_a ever_o disbelieved_a the_o scripture_n but_o there_o be_v visible_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o these_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v apparent_a in_o his_o life_n that_o he_o wish_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v false_a before_o he_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a some_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o intolerable_a spirit_n of_o pride_n and_o contradiction_n that_o mere_a vanity_n and_o a_o conceit_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o make_v they_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v general_o receive_v and_o the_o great_a fault_n which_o these_o man_n can_v find_v with_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o they_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o in_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o make_v heavy_a complaint_n of_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n and_o the_o hindrance_n which_o ingenuous_a mind_n labour_v under_o from_o the_o influence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o truth_n and_o these_o man_n perhaps_o may_v have_v talk_v as_o much_o and_o to_o as_o much_o purpose_n for_o christianity_n as_o they_o now_o talk_v against_o it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v bear_v among_o christian_n and_o be_v breed_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o scorn_v to_o be_v the_o better_a for_o their_o education_n and_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o believe_v and_o think_v like_o other_o man_n and_o they_o may_v almost_o be_v persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n still_o if_o they_o can_v but_o be_v singular_a in_o be_v so_o for_o the_o mere_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n make_v they_o despise_v and_o dispute_v against_o any_o thing_n which_o other_o allow_v and_o esteem_v but_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o learned_a man_n of_o tolerable_a modesty_n and_o virtue_n and_o
in_o sport_n prov._n xxvi_o 18_o 19_o but_o what_o description_n or_o comparison_n can_v be_v find_v equal_a to_o his_o madness_n who_o deceive_v and_o destroy_v himself_o and_o that_o eternal_o and_o yet_o say_v be_o not_o i_o in_o sport_n be_v not_o this_o the_o very_a perfection_n of_o wit_n and_o raillery_n wo_n unto_o he_o that_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n isai_n xlv_o 9_o do_v they_o provoke_v i_o to_o anger_n say_v the_o lord_n do_v they_o not_o provoke_v themselves_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o their_o own_o face_n jer._n seven_o 19_o and_o thou_o shall_v know_v that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n and_o that_o i_o have_v hear_v all_o thy_o blasphemy_n thus_o with_o your_o mouth_n you_o have_v boast_v against_o i_o and_o have_v multiply_v your_o word_n against_o i_o i_o have_v hear_v they_o ezek._n xxxv_o 12_o 13._o do_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o 1_o cor._n x._o 22._o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o but_o beloved_n remember_v you_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o of_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n how_o that_o they_o tell_v you_o there_o shall_v be_v mocker_n in_o the_o last_o time_n who_o shall_v walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n judas_n 17.18_o if_o all_o that_o i_o have_v discourse_v be_v insufficient_a to_o convince_v these_o man_n yet_o let_v their_o own_o argument_n and_o even_o their_o own_o blasphemy_n convince_v they_o for_o the_o very_o worst_a that_o they_o can_v say_v or_o do_v serve_v to_o fulfil_v the_o prophecy_n and_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n finis_fw-la addenda_fw-la the_o book_n have_v be_v long_o ago_o fit_v for_o the_o press_n and_o out_o of_o the_o author_n custody_n he_o can_v not_o insert_v the_o follow_a addition_n in_o their_o proper_a place_n chap._n iu._n p._n 112._o l._n 3._o after_o st._n mark_n and_o st._n luke_n add_v if_o either_o in_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n or_o st._n clement_n it_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o reason_v be_v not_o always_o just_a but_o be_v sometime_o too_o allegorical_a and_o sometime_o found_v upon_o mistake_v in_o natural_a philosophy_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_o agreeable_a to_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o that_o age_n so_o that_o nothing_o of_o this_o kind_n can_v then_o be_v any_o hindrance_n or_o prejudice_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o these_o epistle_n chap._n x._o p._n 222._o l._n ult_n after_o principle_n add_v and_o beside_o other_o use_v which_o may_v be_v find_v out_o hereafter_o one_o very_o considerable_a have_v be_v already_o make_v of_o the_o satellite_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n in_o rectify_v geography_n and_o determine_v the_o longitude_n of_o place_n philos_fw-la burgund_n tom._n 5._o c._n 8._o disseâ—t_fw-la 3_o m._n cassini_n have_v draw_v up_o table_n for_o this_o purpose_n and_o write_v a_o treatise_n on_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o le_fw-fr compte's_n memoire_fw-fr p._n 15._o and_o 505._o missionary_n by_o their_o observation_n have_v discover_v that_o the_o empire_n of_o china_n be_v five_o hundred_o league_n near_o europe_n than_o geographer_n have_v place_v it_o chap._n xi_o p._n 226._o l._n 27._o *_o after_o opinion_n add_v the_o same_o word_n which_o joshua_n use_v be_v translate_v to_o wait_v upon_o and_o wait_v for_o ps_n lxii_o 1._o lxv_o 1._o so_o that_o all_o which_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o the_o word_n be_v that_o the_o sun_n attend_v he_o lengthen_v the_o day_n and_o wait_v for_o the_o victory_n or_o wait_v upon_o the_o army_n of_o israel_n chap._n xiii_o p._n 256._o l._n 24._o after_o christ_n sake_n add_v a_o state_n of_o damnation_n be_v a_o state_n of_o death_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o lie_v under_o the_o divine_a wrath_n be_v in_o that_o state_n though_o it_o be_v not_o irreversible_a during_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o death_n threaten_v be_v twofold_a viz._n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v according_o inflict_v on_o both_o but_o it_o be_v not_o threaten_v that_o this_o death_n shall_v be_v to_o the_o final_a destruction_n either_o of_o soul_n or_o body_n but_o through_o the_o redemption_n of_o christ_n the_o body_n may_v be_v recover_v from_o the_o death_n to_o which_o it_o become_v subject_a to_o a_o bless_a and_o glorious_a resurrection_n and_o the_o soul_n be_v restore_v from_o the_o death_n into_o which_o it_o have_v fall_v to_o a_o state_n of_o reconciliation_n and_o favour_n with_o god_n chap._n xv_o p._n 325._o l._n 15._o after_o in_o the_o new_a add_v of_o the_o assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n we_o be_v teach_v deutr._n xxx_o 6._o psalm_n xxv_o 4._o xxvii_o 11._o li._n 10_o 11_o 12._o lxxxvi_o 11._o cxix_o 12_o 26_o 33_o 64_o 66_o 68_o 108._o 124._o 135._o cxliii_o 10._o prov._n 1.23_o isa_n xliv_o 3._o lix_n 21_o jer._n xxxi_o 8._o xxxii_o 40._o ezek._n xi_o 19_o xxxvi_o 26_o 27._o chap._n xvi_o p._n 338._o l._n 10._o after_o religion_n add_v the_o sovereignty_n be_v in_o due_a time_n to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n which_o be_v fulfil_v in_o david_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o kingdom_n and_o from_o that_o time_n the_o sceptre_n and_o the_o lawgiver_n etc._n etc._n chap._n xxii_o p._n 391._o l._n 5._o after_o expect_a add_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v consider_v in_o the_o scripture_n with_o relation_n to_o christ_n come_n and_o all_o the_o time_n after_o his_o come_n be_v style_v the_o last_o day_n as_o in_o the_o description_n of_o the_o different_a state_n of_o job_n life_n the_o space_n of_o a_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n of_o it_o after_o his_o suffering_n be_v style_v the_o latter_a end_n of_o his_o life_n and_o all_o the_o precedent_a part_n be_v term_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o job_n xlii_o 12_o 16._o chap._n xxviii_o p._n 486._o l._n after_o prophet_n ionas_n add_v dr._n lightfoot_n in_o his_o remain_n late_o publish_v have_v observe_v as_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o importunate_a for_o a_o sign_n notwithstanding_o the_o many_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v before_o they_o that_o their_o tradition_n teach_v they_o to_o expect_v these_o two_o sign_n of_o the_o messiah_n when_o he_o come_v viz._n that_o he_o shall_v raise_v the_o old_a prophet_n and_o other_o holy_a and_o famous_a man_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o he_o shall_v bring_v down_o manna_n for_o they_o from_o heaven_n in_o their_o old_a write_n and_o record_n he_o say_v they_o speak_v much_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n of_o their_o expectation_n i_o be_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o these_o tradition_n if_o they_o have_v be_v right_o understand_v be_v not_o so_o blind_a and_o foolish_a as_o that_o learned_a author_n style_v they_o but_o have_v respect_n to_o the_o very_a time_n and_o occasion_n to_o which_o our_o saviour_n refer_v the_o jew_n when_o they_o require_v these_o sign_n of_o he_o for_o at_o his_o resurrection_n many_o body_n of_o saint_n which_o sleep_v arise_v matt._n xxvii_o 52._o and_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o manna_n or_o bread_n which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n he_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o his_o ascension_n what_o and_o if_o you_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n ascend_v up_o where_o he_o be_v before_o joh._n vi_fw-la 62._o whereby_o he_o intimate_v that_o then_o will_v be_v the_o time_n of_o send_v this_o manna_n when_o upon_o his_o ascension_n he_o will_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o time_n be_v not_o yet_o come_v for_o these_o miracle_n to_o be_v wrought_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wrought_v at_o their_o demand_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o have_v intimation_n give_v to_o expect_v they_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v content_v with_o other_o chap._n xxx_o p._n 519._o l._n 12._o after_o he_o please_v add_v but_o it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o strange_a that_o the_o excellent_a emperor_n m._n antoninus_n who_o have_v so_o much_o of_o the_o christian_a morality_n both_o in_o the_o speculation_n and_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o also_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a faich_n especial_o if_o he_o own_v that_o a_o signal_n miracle_n be_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o christian_n obtain_v for_o the_o deliverance_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o whole_a army_n apol._n c._n 5._o ad_fw-la scap._n c._n 4._o as_o tertullian_n who_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o declare_v but_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v that_o m._n anteninus_n be_v very_o superstitious_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o be_v so_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o philostr_n vit._n sophist_n in_o herod_n hermag_n aristid_n adrian_n sophist_n of_o his_o
time_n as_o not_o only_o to_o endure_v but_o often_o to_o humour_n their_o insolence_n and_o vanity_n and_o from_o they_o he_o have_v his_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n which_o agree_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o not_o from_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o own_v in_o his_o book_n from_o who_o he_o have_v receive_v his_o precept_n but_o if_o he_o have_v read_v and_o consider_v the_o scripture_n he_o can_v never_o have_v look_v upon_o the_o zeal_n and_o fortitude_n of_o the_o christian_a martyr_n as_o lib._n 1â—_n §_o 3._o obstinacy_n but_o the_o sophist_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v the_o gospel_n know_v they_o can_v not_o better_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o teach_v its_o moral_a doctrine_n and_o prevent_v that_o esteem_n which_o he_o must_v needs_o have_v have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o he_o have_v know_v that_o to_o this_o those_o doctrine_n which_o he_o so_o much_o admire_v owe_v either_o their_o original_a or_o improvement_n whatever_o opinion_n he_o have_v of_o the_o christian_n he_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o his_o own_o vulcat_n in_o cassio_n virtue_n and_o piety_n to_o ascribe_v his_o deliverance_n whole_o to_o their_o prayer_n and_o after_o all_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v just_o give_v to_o m._n antonius_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o value_v himself_o extreme_o upon_o two_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o great_a hindrance_n to_o his_o reception_n of_o the_o gospel_n viz._n the_o capitolin_n study_n of_o philosophy_n and_o the_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o his_o people_n for_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o a_o emperor_n who_o make_v the_o philosophy_n of_o those_o time_n his_o study_n the_o sophist_n his_o chief_a favourite_n and_o popularity_n his_o aim_n shall_v not_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o religion_n so_o unpopular_a and_o so_o opposite_a in_o some_o of_o its_o principal_a article_n to_o that_o which_o the_o world_n call_v wisdom_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a upon_o what_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n this_o emperor_n can_v deify_v id_fw-la lucius_n verus_n and_o faustina_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v do_v this_o and_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o christian_a that_o the_o same_o man_n who_o deisy_v notorious_a wickedness_n because_o it_o have_v be_v clothe_v in_o purple_a and_o shine_v in_o imperial_a robe_n shall_v believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n crucify_a be_v utter_o inconsistent_a 〈◊〉_d p._n 527._o l._n 3._o after_o at_o all_o add_v 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o man_n of_o very_o great_a learning_n and_o who_o upon_o that_o account_n have_v his_o statue_n erect_v in_o the_o forum_n at_o rome_n often_o acknowledge_v himself_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n before_o he_o can_v be_v persuade_v open_o to_o profess_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o displease_v his_o friend_n that_o be_v gentile_n he_o pretend_v he_o may_v be_v a_o christian_n as_o well_o in_o secret_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n may_v be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o other_o who_o never_o make_v open_a profession_n of_o it_o ib_n p._n 530._o l._n 7._o after_o with_o they_o add_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n he_o speak_v of_o such_o as_o be_v peculiar_a to_o either_o sect_n be_v little_o regard_v in_o st._n augustine_n time_n and_o none_o dare_v maintain_v they_o but_o under_o the_o denomination_n of_o some_o heresy_n or_o other_o these_o two_o sect_n than_o be_v in_o so_o little_a esteem_n that_o they_o have_v not_o authority_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o error_n any_o countenance_n which_o they_o before_o have_v so_o long_o with_o great_a subtlety_n and_o success_n defend_v against_o the_o platonist_n but_o they_o who_o will_v gain_v any_o reception_n to_o their_o error_n be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n and_o betake_v themselves_o to_o some_o heresy_n of_o plotinus_n school_n some_o become_v christian_n and_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o magic_n as_o plotinus_n himself_o must_v have_v do_v if_o we_o believe_v all_o that_o porphyry_n write_v of_o he_o the_o relation_n of_o the_o serpent_n which_o be_v see_v under_o the_o bed_n and_o then_o be_v observe_v creep_v into_o a_o hole_n of_o the_o wall_n as_o he_o give_v up_o the_o ghost_n be_v a_o odd_a story_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o peter_n buck._n the_o reasonableness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n book_n i._o by_o robert_n jenkin_n etc._n etc._n reflection_n upon_o ancient_n and_o modern_a learning_n by_o william_n wotton_n b._n d._n chaplain_n to_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o earl_n of_o nottingham_n the_o second_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n the_o character_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o age._n write_a original_o in_o french_a by_o mounseur_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr bruyere_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o key_n in_o the_o margin_n make_v english_a by_o several_a hand_n with_o the_o character_n of_o theophrastus_n translate_v from_o the_o greek_a the_o second_o edition_n correct_v throughout_o and_o enlarge_v a_o dictionary_n of_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a antiquity_n explain_v the_o religion_n mythology_n history_n ancient_a chronology_n geography_n sacred_a and_o profane_a rite_n and_o custom_n law_n policy_n art_n and_o engine_n of_o war_n opinion_n of_o their_o philosopher_n life_n of_o inventor_n of_o art_n and_o science_n and_o other_o famous_a for_o they_o or_o arm_n contain_v whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a for_o elucidate_v the_o abstruse_a passage_n which_o occur_v in_o the_o clastical_a author_n and_o historian_n compile_v original_o in_o french_a by_o the_o command_n of_o the_o king_n of_o france_n for_o the_o use_v of_o the_o dauphin_n d._n of_o bourgundy_n anjou_n and_o berry_n by_o mr._n danet_n and_o now_o make_v english_a with_o the_o addition_n of_o useful_a map_n errata_fw-la in_o the_o preface_n p._n 6._o marg._n r._n populo_fw-la p._n 7._o marg._n r._n cic._n brut._n p._n 9_o l._n 7._o r._n those_o p._n 11._o l._n 13._o r._n pleraque_fw-la l._n 3._o r._n intus_fw-la p._n 18._o l._n 12._o r._n author_n l._n 14._o r._n superstitious_a p._n 20._o marg._n r._n lib._n 1._o p._n 22._o marg._n r._n greg._n nazianz._n ib._n r._n cic._n topic._n p._n 27._o l._n 24._o r._n to_o expose_v they_o for_o be_v ill_a disputant_n than_o for_o be_v teacher_n of_o ill_a doctrine_n p._n 29._o l._n 2._o r._n solon_n who_o be_v p._n 32._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 38._o l._n 13._o r._n join_v p._n 41._o l._n 9_o r._n at_o all_o p._n 42._o l._n 22._o r._n pharadox_n p._n 44._o l._n ult_n r._n and_o early_o p._n 45._o marg._n r._n buteo_n de_fw-fr arcâ_fw-la p._n 46._o l._n 3._o r._n consideration_n in_o the_o book_n p._n 3._o l._n ult_n r._n every_o p._n 4._o l._n 22._o r._n it_o be_v own_o p._n 5._o l._n 18_o r._n whether_o p_o 6._o l._n 16._o deal_n be_v p._n 7._o l._n 12._o deal_n the_o p._n 8._o l._n 26._o r._n demonstration_n p._n 9_o l._n 14._o r._n of_o the._n p._n 14._o l._n 3._o r._n persuade_v l._n penult_n r._n to_o be_v true_a p._n 21._o l._n 14._o r._n philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n p._n 27._o marg._n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 29._o l._n 13._o r._n another_o p._n 30._o l._n 19_o r._n wind_n l._n 29._o r._n of_o themselves_o p._n 35._o l._n 18._o r_o 1_o joh._n 11.20_o p._n 44._o l._n 22._o r._n with_o the_o ancient_n ib._n marg_n r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 59_o l._n 13._o r._n regum_fw-la ib._n marg._n r._n aâ—mian_n marcellâ—n_o lib._n 17._o c._n 5._o ib._n r._n cic._n de_fw-fr orat._n p._n 61._o marg._n r._n contr_n ctesiph_n ib._n l._n 27._o r._n judge_n and._n p._n 62._o marg._n r._n sermo_n omnis_fw-la utitur_fw-la r._n laetas_fw-la esse_fw-la segetes_fw-la r._n paâ—am_fw-la audacter_fw-la p._n 65._o marg._n r._n nec_fw-la culpandus_fw-la propheta_fw-la p._n 67._o marg._n r._n de_fw-fr servii_fw-la matre._n p._n 69._o l_o 23._o r._n without_o example_n p._n 70._o l._n 17._o r._n rhepaliâ—k_n p._n 71._o l._n 19_o r._n from_o thing_n p._n 72._o l._n 6._o r._n isa_n xliv_o 8._o p._n 73._o l_o r._n may_v p._n 81._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 86._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ib._n r._n scipionem_fw-la p._n 88_o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o l._n 12._o r._n as_o p._n 95._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 106._o l._n 9_o r._n and_o the_o book_n p._n 67_o mark_fw-mi r._n sen._n â—pist_v 108._o p._n 113._o l._n ult_n r._n time_n p._n 114._o l._n 10._o r._n hand_n ib._n l._n 19_o r._n bishop_n by_o st._n john_n p._n 115._o l._n 15._o r._n mâ—st_v entire_a ib._n mark_fw-mi 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 119._o l._n 28._o r._n schism_n p._n 123._o mark_fw-mi r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 122._o l._n 8._o after_o scripture_n deal_n of_o l._n 22._o r._n by_o those_o p._n 125._o l._n 12._o r._n though_o the_o divine_a p._n 128._o l._n 20._o r._n as_o josephus_n ib._n mark_fw-mi r._n consider_v p._n 129._o l._n 26._o r._n eâ—penius_n p._n 130._o l._n 28._o r._n ketib_n p._n 134._o l._n 6._o r._n theadetion_n p._n 135._o l._n 24._o deal_n ever_o p._n 138._o l._n 12._o r._n hâ—brew_n p._n 142._o l._n 〈◊〉_d r._n have_v p._n 145._o l._n 1._o r._n diogenes_n p._n 166._o mark_fw-mi r._n sex_n p._n 168._o l._n 30_o r._n confute_v p._n 179._o l._n 25._o deal_n just_a before_o affront_n and_o place_n it_o before_o very_o p._n 180._o mark_fw-mi r._n habet_fw-la pro_fw-la merito_fw-la inferior_n multiplices_fw-la latent_fw-la p._n 181._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v so_o p_o 192._o l._n 8._o deal_n as_o p._n 201._o l._n 28._o r._n love_n and_o adore_v p._n 120._o mark_fw-mi r._n in_o johan_n p._n 209._o l._n 14._o r._n contact_n l._n 20._o r._n form_n l._n 27._o r._n gravitation_n be_v p._n 210._o l._n 1._o r._n mass_n p._n 213_o l._n 2._o r._n monstrous_a p._n 215._o l._n 13._o after_o of_o deal_n the._n l._n 24._o after_o as_o deal_n te_fw-mi p._n 219._o l._n 19_o r._n microscope_n p._n 220._o for_o or_o r._n of_o 221._o l._n 17._o r._n they_o have_v p._n 223._o l._n 22._o r._n as_o hard_a p._n 229._o l._n 9_o r._n there_o be_v city_n l._n 28._o r._n by_o the._n p._n 230._o l._n 18._o r._n exact_o express_v p._n 238._o l._n penult_n r._n in_o which_o p._n 239._o l._n 2._o r._n ransom_n p._n 380._o l._n 19_o r._n the_o mean_n p._n 385._o l._n 4._o r._n spare_v he_o l._n 27._o r._n bear_v in_o sin_n p._n 386._o mark_fw-mi r._n lerii_fw-la hist_n r._n celso_n apud_fw-la ib._n l._n 13._o r._n word_n p._n 357._o l._n 12._o r._n to_o this_o p._n 346._o l._n 5._o r._n be_v design_v p._n 354._o l._n 20._o r._n please_v p._n 339._o l._n 3._o r._n law_n p._n 321._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 339._o l._n 8._o r._n proselyte_n p._n 342._o mark_fw-mi r_o judaic_n p._n 343._o l._n 12._o r._n calcare_fw-la l._n 13._o r._n sententâ—is_n p._n 363._o l._n 5._o r._n man._n p._n 393._o l._n 8._o r._n who_o p._n 394._o l._n 26._o r._n require_v p._n 395._o l._n 8._o r._n sun_n p._n 400._o l._n 26._o r._n counsel_n p._n 481._o l._n 11._o r._n they_o p._n 485._o l._n 16._o r._n that_o they_o l._n 24._o r._n be_v deny_v p._n 492._o l._n ult_n r._n all_o p._n 497._o l._n 10._o r._n to_o they_o p._n 511._o l._n 14._o r._n themselves_o p._n 512._o l._n 2._o r._n themselves_o p._n 517._o l._n 19_o deal_n a_o p._n 520._o l._n 15._o r._n with_o the_o rest_n p._n 540._o l._n 5._o r._n offence_n come_v or_o p._n 527._o mark_fw-mi lib._n 1._o c._n 15._o p._n 548._o l._n 19_o r._n it_o tend_v p._n 549._o l._n 25._o r._n to_o which_o p._n 551._o l._n 14._o r._n aâ—l_a age_n l._n 26._o he_o do_v p._n 556._o l._n 1._o r._n dispute_v about_o l._n 3._o r._n that_o this_o p._n 558._o l._n 11._o r._n which_o enemy_n l._n 13._o deal_n and._n r._n approve_v itself_o p._n 559._o l._n 14._o r._n affect_v p._n 562._o l._n 12._o r._n rite_n l._n 14._o r._n be_v able_a l._n 25._o r._n way_n to_o be_v p._n 566._o l._n 20._o r._n to_o our_o p._n 570._o l._n 19_o r_o as_o in_o p._n 571._o l._n 20._o r._n art_n of_o p._n 574._o l._n 14._o r._n have_v thought_n
first_o the_o whole_a design_n and_o contrivance_n and_o method_n and_o style_v of_o it_o not_o to_o criticise_v upon_o some_o difficult_a part_n of_o it_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o rest_n this_o be_v the_o method_n use_v by_o all_o who_o will_v criticise_v with_o judgement_n upon_o any_o author_n and_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n be_v explain_v to_o our_o hand_n to_o be_v a_o key_n as_o it_o be_v and_o a_o direction_n to_o we_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o other_o thus_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n it_o be_v say_v that_o jesus_n baptize_v in_o another_o it_o be_v say_v that_o he_o baptize_v not_o and_o the_o former_a place_n be_v expaline_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o of_o baptism_n perform_v by_o himself_o but_o by_o his_o disciple_n who_o baptize_v in_o his_o name_n joh._n iii._o 22._o four_o 1_o 2._o iii_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o observe_v whether_o the_o objection_n be_v not_o such_o as_o do_v suppose_n mistake_v which_o a_o man_n who_o can_v write_v such_o a_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v find_v in_o can_v not_o run_v into_o for_o if_o they_o be_v of_o this_o nature_n this_o very_a consideration_n be_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o book_n and_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o objection_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v answer_v and_o that_o the_o mistake_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o book_n itself_o but_o in_o the_o reader_n who_o without_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o attention_n pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o it_o for_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o reason_v a_o objection_n may_v imply_v too_o much_o as_o well_o as_o prove_v too_o little_a to_o be_v of_o any_o force_n and_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o candour_n and_o equity_n will_v prevent_v many_o objection_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v make_v against_o the_o scripture_n for_o if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v the_o writer_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a sense_n even_o without_o inspiration_n they_o can_v never_o have_v commit_v such_o mistake_n as_o some_o will_v fasten_v upon_o they_o we_o read_v exod._n xxxiii_o 11._o and_o the_o lord_n speak_v unto_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n speak_v unto_o his_o friend_n yet_o verse_n 20._o the_o lord_n answer_v moses_n who_o have_v beseech_v god_n to_o show_v he_o his_o glory_n thou_o can_v not_o see_v my_o face_n for_o there_o shall_v no_o man_n see_v i_o and_o live_v will_v it_o not_o be_v impudent_a trifle_a to_o pretend_v any_o contradiction_n in_o these_o two_o verse_n when_o they_o be_v easy_o understand_v in_o a_o consistent_a sense_n and_o no_o man_n of_o any_o judgement_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o write_v contradiction_n and_o lay_v they_o so_o near_o together_o when_o it_o be_v say_v act._n ix_o 7._o that_o the_o man_n who_o journey_v with_o st._n paul_n hear_v a_o voice_n but_o see_v no_o man_n and_o act._n xxii_o 9_o that_o they_o hear_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v to_o st._n paul_n beside_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v know_v and_o obvious_a to_o reconcile_v these_o text_n those_o who_o who_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o consult_v expositor_n or_o to_o consider_v the_o importance_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v please_v to_o observe_v that_o st._n luke_n be_v a_o man_n breed_v to_o learning_n and_o this_o history_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v at_o least_o a_o prudent_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v never_o have_v write_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n as_o the_o objection_n must_v suppose_v in_o so_o small_a a_o compass_n concern_v one_o of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a history_n relate_v to_o a_o person_n with_o who_o he_o constant_o travel_v and_o converse_v i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o if_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o two_o such_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o thucydides_n or_o xenophon_n or_o even_o in_o the_o very_o worst_a historian_n he_o will_v not_o be_v incline_v rather_o to_o seek_v out_o for_o some_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o than_o to_o suspect_v that_o he_o can_v so_o soon_o forget_v what_o he_o have_v write_v so_o little_a a_o while_n before_o in_o a_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n be_v that_o difference_n which_o be_v between_o the_o genealogy_n of_o christ_n in_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o in_o st._n luke_n for_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v then_o and_o long_o after_o extant_a in_o the_o public_a register_n 9_o register_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la adam_n usque_fw-la ad_fw-la extremum_fw-la zorobabel_n omnium_fw-la generationes_fw-la ita_fw-la memoriter_fw-la velociterque_fw-la precur_v runt_n ut_fw-la eos_fw-la suum_fw-la pute_fw-la refer_v nomen_fw-la hieron_n in_o tit._n iii._o 9_o they_o can_v repeat_v they_o by_o heart_n with_o as_o much_o readiness_n as_o they_o can_v their_o own_o name_n and_o to_o insert_v a_o wrong_a genealogy_n have_v be_v to_o give_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o christ_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o destructive_a to_o their_o cause_n than_o for_o the_o evangelist_n to_o produce_v a_o false_a pedigree_n when_o the_o true_a one_o may_v be_v so_o easy_o produce_v by_o any_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o disprove_v they_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o cause_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o christ_n descent_n from_o abraham_n and_o david_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o difficulty_n there_o may_v now_o be_v think_v to_o be_v in_o this_o twofold_a genealogy_n it_o be_v certain_o acknowledge_v by_o those_o of_o that_o age_n and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n or_o else_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v produce_v by_o the_o evangelist_n or_o have_v for_o ever_o ruin_v their_o cause_n if_o they_o have_v produce_v it_o some_o crime_n be_v too_o great_a to_o charge_v upon_o man_n of_o any_o credit_n or_o reputation_n and_o some_o error_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o no_o man_n of_o common_a prudence_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o commit_v they_o and_o therefore_o when_o we_o find_v a_o author_n rational_a and_o consistent_a in_o other_o part_n of_o a_o discourse_n the_o ordinary_a ingenuity_n and_o condor_n of_o mankind_n will_v hinder_v we_o from_o suppose_v he_o to_o commit_v gross_a and_o palpable_a mistake_n and_o it_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o folly_n to_o show_v the_o less_o respect_n to_o any_o author_n because_o he_o be_v at_o least_o believe_v to_o have_v write_v by_o inspiration_n or_o to_o deny_v he_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o a_o man_n because_o god_n have_v enable_v he_o to_o write_v infallible_a truth_n iv_o if_o any_o contradiction_n be_v frame_v or_o force_v from_o the_o various_a readins_n the_o difficulty_n in_o chronology_n or_o whatever_a elsé_fw-fr of_o this_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o dispute_n of_o critic_n they_o prove_v no_o more_o against_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o do_v against_o the_o authority_n of_o all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v that_o these_o difficulty_n can_v not_o happen_v in_o a_o book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n but_o that_o it_o must_v be_v first_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o afford_v no_o occasion_n for_o dispute_n and_o that_o it_o must_v be_v ever_o after_o so_o preserve_v by_o a_o constant_a miracle_n that_o it_o may_v be_v subject_a to_o none_o of_o the_o accident_n and_o casualty_n to_o which_o all_o other_o book_n be_v liable_a on_o the_o contrary_a it_o can_v never_o be_v prove_v that_o god_n may_v not_o permit_v book_n write_v by_o inspiration_n to_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o any_o such_o casualty_n as_o be_v not_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o a_o revelation_n but_o if_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v preserve_v entire_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n all_o lesser_a matter_n may_v be_v lest_o to_o the_o same_o contingency_n which_o befall_v all_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o evidence_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o full_a in_o proof_n both_o of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o demonstrate_v to_o we_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o if_o no_o more_o can_v be_v produce_v than_o have_v by_o i_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v their_o authority_n yet_o unless_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v insufficient_a from_o some_o mistake_n or_o defect_n in_o it_o no_o such_o objection_n can_v invalidate_v it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v prove_v that_o god_n