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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n world_n worship_n write_a 18 3 9.4485 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A66875 The reasonablenes of scripture-beleif a discourse giving some account of those rational grounds upon which the Bible is received as the word of God / written by Sir Charles Wolseley ... Wolseley, Charles, Sir, 1630?-1714. 1672 (1672) Wing W3313; ESTC R235829 198,284 556

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of_o those_o who_o have_v themselves_o universal_o proclaim_v the_o bible_n in_o all_o age_n to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o if_o christian-tradition_n be_v credit_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v thereby_o establish_v and_o if_o it_o be_v dis-believed_n in_o tha●_n there_o can_v be_v then_o no_o good_a reason_n to_o receiu●_v any_o other_o matter_n touch_v the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o that_o conveyance_n to_o retain_v therefore_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o yet_o disow_v the_o bible_n be_v to_o become_v a_o perfect_a problem_n no_o such_o man_n can_v produce_v an●_n law_n or_o rule_n of_o his_o religion_n nor_o give_v an●_n account_v wherein_o they_o be_v contain_v or_o b●_n who_o or_o by_o what_o church_n with_o a_o exclusion_n of_o the_o bible_n they_o have_v be_v at_o any_o tim●_n receive_v nor_o can_v any_o man_n rational_o make_v a_o partial_a rejection_n of_o the_o 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himself_o to_o exercise_v any_o rule_n or_o dominion_n at_o all_o over_o it_o three_o such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o religion_n and_o providence_n but_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o not_o true_a and_o embrace_v some_o other_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o of_o those_o first-born_a monster_n of_o mankind_n that_o anomalous_a offspring_n who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n who_o principle_n contain_v in_o they_o the_o utmost_a dregs_n of_o all_o humane_a apostasy_n and_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o absurd_a for_o as_o cicero_n say_v deos_fw-la esse_fw-la ita_fw-la perspicuum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la be_v qui_fw-la negate_fw-la vix_fw-la eum_fw-la sanae_fw-la mentis_fw-la existimem_fw-la the_o be_v of_o the_o god_n be_v so_o evident_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v think_v well_o in_o his_o wit_n that_o deny_v it_o a_o previous_a consideration_n be_v necessary_a to_o whatever_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o or_o any_o 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ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la atheniensum_fw-la jussu_fw-la urbe_fw-la atque_fw-la agro_n est_fw-la exterminatus_fw-la librique_fw-la ejus_fw-la in_o concione_fw-la combusti_fw-la and_o he_o add_v exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la for_o those_o secundary_a enemy_n to_o the_o bible_n and_o together_o with_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n such_o who_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o deny_v all_o providence_n and_o divine_a rule_n over_o the_o world_n such_o who_o out_o of_o shame_n disow_v the_o grand_a principle_n of_o atheism_n but_o yet_o by_o this_o method_n secure_v all_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o to_o themselves_o of_o those_o a_o preliminary_a consideration_n on_o aught_o to_o be_v have_v a_o previous_a confutation_n of_o such_o 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juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la
be_v the_o reasonable_a bound_n of_o all_o such_o future_a debate_n as_o be_v bottom_v upon_o they_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impose_v when_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v in_o question_n nor_o upon_o such_o who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o oppose_v they_o as_o erroneous_a and_o mistake_v when_o two_o mabumetan_o be_v in_o dispute_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o koran_n be_v to_o they_o a_o proper_a umpirage_n because_o a_o principle_n grant_v by_o both_o but_o when_o a_o mahometan_a dispute_n with_o a_o christian_a the_o proof_n of_o the_o koran_n itself_o must_v precede_v any_o proof_n he_o can_v make_v of_o religion_n from_o thence_o because_o whatever_o be_v itself_o under_o question_n and_o doubt_n can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o determine_v other_o controversy_n by_o nor_o ought_v this_o the_o fact_n whereof_o be_v so_o verify_v to_o we_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o man_n shall_v often_o mistake_v and_o general_o differ_v and_o divide_v upon_o all_o such_o 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a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o i●_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n po●ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o sueton●us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o b●rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n ●●ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o ●●●●rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a ●●●●sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la ●lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la s●ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n no●_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n o●_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philost●atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v ea●y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wil●_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chie●_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
bring_v we_o to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o world_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o all_o other_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o this_o holy_a book_n be_v so_o justify_v to_o we_o from_o the_o light_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o do_v so_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o guide_v we_o to_o what_o we_o ourselves_o judge_v to_o be_v best_a that_o it_o be_v extreme_a unreasonable_a to_o judge_v it_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o vile_a and_o worst_a sort_n of_o imposture_n never_o any_o doctrine_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v so_o dutiful_o to_o god_n so_o comfortable_o to_o themselves_o and_o so_o useful_o one_o to_o another_o so_o tuneable_o in_o all_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n as_o this_o of_o the_o bible_n do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o book_n be_v most_o transparent_a beam_n of_o divine_a perfection_n they_o be_v a_o rule_n give_v according_a to_o what_o be_v eternal_o exist_v in_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o and_o that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o high_a and_o noble_a account_n of_o all_o good_a live_n for_o we_o can_v do_v better_a than_o in_o our_o measure_n to_o correspond_v to_o divine_a perfection_n no_o law_n can_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o less_o arbitrariness_n nor_o more_o indispensable_o oblige_v we_o than_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o such_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o assimilate_v man_n so_o far_o as_o their_o faculty_n will_v bear_v it_o to_o the_o excellent_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o that_o rational_a idea_n of_o it_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v withal_o what_o crooked_a and_o imperfect_a line_n have_v man_n draw_v in_o their_o best_a document_n both_o moral_a and_o divine_a compare_v with_o this_o complete_a and_o excellent_a rule_n of_o holy_a live_n what_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v here_o how_o suitable_a to_o the_o holy_a nature_n of_o god_n what_o undefiled_a religion_n without_o the_o least_o mixture_n of_o idolatry_n or_o superstition_n what_o superlative_a piety_n and_o virtue_n without_o any_o one_o spot_n of_o vice_n yea_o forbid_v evil_a in_o the_o very_a thought_n what_o punctual_a and_o perpetual_a truth_n and_o honesty_n be_v here_o require_v upon_o no_o other_o ground_n but_o please_a god_n do_v good_a to_o other_o and_o hope_n of_o a_o reward_n hereafter_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o taint_n upon_o any_o one_o duty_n the_o scripture_n require_v from_o we_o by_o propose_v any_o base_a mean_a or_o sordid_a ends._n no_o vain_a glory_n no_o esteem_n from_o man_n no_o corrupt_a advantage_n be_v make_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o our_o obedience_n the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v and_o upon_o the_o noble_a account_n be_v here_o propose_v to_o we_o a_o exact_a scripture-life_n have_v as_o much_o of_o heaven_n as_o can_v well_o descend_v upon_o earth_n make_v the_o world_n as_o quiet_v a_o habitation_n as_o it_o can_v be_v and_o mankind_n as_o happy_a in_o themselves_o and_o as_o easy_a one_o to_o another_o in_o all_o converse_n and_o society_n as_o they_o themselves_o can_v wish_v to_o be_v where_o be_v there_o a_o man_n not_o degenerate_v below_o his_o own_o reason_n but_o approve_v the_o scripture-precept_n as_o excellent_a and_o justify_v he_o in_o his_o own_o breast_n that_o conform_v most_o to_o they_o no_o welldisciplined_a heathen_a can_v refuse_v so_o to_o do_v what_o charity_n be_v here_o require_v still_o we_o be_v bid_v to_o hope_v the_o best_a to_o look_v upon_o all_o man_n with_o a_o kind_a eye_n and_o to_o interpret_v they_o into_o the_o best_a sense_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o what_o command_v not_o to_o offend_v weak_a one_o what_o mutual_a forgiveness_n what_o provocation_n to_o love_n what_o strict_a injunction_n to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n upon_o all_o occasion_n with_o what_o patience_n and_o meekness_n be_v we_o teach_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o make_v a_o man_n perfect_a thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o live_v the_o nobless_a principle_n of_o suffer_v and_o the_o comfortable_a way_n of_o die_v now_o how_o can_v we_o better-judge_n of_o a_o law_n that_o pretend_v to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a mission_n than_o by_o its_o nature_n the_o great_a tendency_n of_o it_o and_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o humane_a life_n and_o when_o we_o find_v so_o holy_a and_o excellent_a a_o design_n as_o appear_v throughout_o this_o whole_a book_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o complete_n the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o a_o way_n so_o correspond_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o what_o can_v we_o otherwise_o judge_v but_o that_o such_o a_o book_n must_v needs_o be_v from_o god_n such_o pure_a and_o untainted_a stream_n of_o pretty_a and_o virtue_n must_v needs_o slow_a from_o the_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n or_o any_o ill_a man_n shall_v be_v ever_o either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o compose_v a_o book_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o shall_v reduce_v the_o world_n to_o such_o a_o posture_n as_o this_o do_v to_o make_v man_n the_o best_a subject_n to_o god_n the_o best_a friend_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o most_o useful_a citizen_n one_o to_o another_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n can_v have_v contrive_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n for_o the_o world_n and_o nothing_o less_o than_o infinite_a goodness_n itself_o can_v be_v reasonable_o think_v to_o be_v the_o dispenser_n of_o it_o it_o be_v extreme_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o 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satisfactory_a and_o full_a account_n of_o whatever_o we_o have_v see_v act_v among_o mankind_n to_o this_o day_n and_o tell_v we_o in_o general_a of_o all_o those_o principle_n design_n and_o practice_n by_o which_o the_o wheel_n of_o this_o world_n have_v be_v turn_v about_o by_o the_o restless_a mind_n of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n so_o that_o we_o see_v nothing_o under_o the_o sun_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o some_o way_n inform_v in_o this_o book_n three_o in_o a_o spiritual_o way_n here_o we_o have_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o all_o that_o divine_a intercourse_n which_o have_v be_v or_o at_o any_o time_n be_v between_o god_n and_o man_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o set_v down_o and_o the_o general_a method_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o his_o convince_a enlighten_v sanctify_a satisfy_a and_o comfort_v the_o
they_o foretell_v thing_n that_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v they_o be_v no_o way_n to_o credit_v they_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o eighteen_o of_o deuteronomy_n when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o the_o certain_a predict_v of_o future_a event_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n and_o this_o way_n many_o of_o the_o prophet_n be_v justify_v in_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o live_v as_o particular_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n who_o with_o the_o prophet_n amos_n be_v send_v to_o the_o ten_o tribe_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o isaiah_n and_o micah_n be_v to_o judah_n and_o in_o the_o six_o year_n of_o hezekiah_n to_o which_o time_n it_o appear_v hosea_n himself_o survive_v his_o prophecy_n long_o 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with_o such_o manifest_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o almighty_a power_n that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o those_o time_n can_v make_v any_o reasonable_a doubt_n about_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n the_o great_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v the_o most_o excellent_a doctrine_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v upon_o sure_a ground_n in_o point_n of_o revelation_n the_o miracle_n be_v then_o apparent_a and_o visible_a and_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n appear_v these_o two_o way_n first_o that_o in_o itself_o simple_o consider_v it_o introduce_v a_o religion_n wherein_o all_o the_o great_a and_o desirable_a end_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n be_v to_o the_o utmost_a attain_v and_o wherein_o all_o that_o the_o world_n have_v in_o that_o kind_n at_o any_o time_n before_o arrive_v at_o be_v far_o outdo_v and_o exceed_v and_o second_o in_o a_o relative_a way_n in_o that_o it_o evident_o appear_v and_o that_o in_o a_o very_a singular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n to_o be_v the_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o that_o god_n have_v before_o promise_v and_o foretell_v the_o natural_a offspring_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o that_o which_o the_o scripture_n before_o write_v throughout_o travel_v withal_o indeed_o the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o all_o former_a revelation_n and_o so_o be_v incirele_v with_o all_o that_o divine_a justification_n that_o any_o former_a revelation_n have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n accompany_v with_o and_o in_o the_o distinct_a publication_n of_o all_o the_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n man_n have_v these_o two_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n in_o those_o time_n first_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n to_o come_v either_o from_o st._n paul_n or_o some_o other_o apostolical_a hand_n of_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o the_o epistle_n itself_o sufficient_o assure_v we_o and_o for_o the_o former_a there_o seem_v to_o be_v good_a evidence_n from_o some_o passage_n in_o st._n peter_n and_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o reasonable_o suppose_v to_o write_v a_o determination_n of_o that_o grand_a question_n then_o on_o foot_n about_o the_o abolition_n of_o the_o whole_a judaical_a policy_n as_o the_o great_a apostle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i_o say_v if_o we_o admit_v this_o epistle_n to_o come_v from_o a_o apostolical_a hand_n every_o part_n of_o it_o be_v then_o write_v by_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n man_n not_o only_o perfect_o know_v in_o all_o the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o every_o one_o of_o they_o then_o know_v to_o be_v man_n of_o extraordinary_a endowment_n in_o office_n under_o he_o and_o with_o the_o high_a delegation_n of_o his_o own_o power_n entrust_v by_o he_o and_o as_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n end_v with_o the_o prophet_n so_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o new_a have_v its_o period_n in_o the_o apostle_n second_o all_o the_o several_a part_n at_o several_a time_n and_o by_o several_a hand_n write_v appear_v so_o to_o promote_v one_o and_o the_o same_o design_n be_v so_o much_o the_o same_o in_o doctrine_n do_v so_o harmonise_v in_o the_o same_o tendency_n and_o end_n and_o have_v such_o a_o relation_n each_o to_o other_o that_o whatever_o reason_n there_o be_v in_o the_o general_a to_o satisfy_v man_n in_o those_o time_n about_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o religion_n by_o he_o establish_v and_o there_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v expect_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o will_v go_v very_o far_o to_o resolve_v all_o such_o doubt_n as_o can_v be_v make_v about_o any_o particular_a part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n then_o write_v second_o how_o can_v we_o now_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v the_o true_a compass_n and_o extent_n of_o holy_a writ_n how_o can_v we_o know_v
and_o by_o which_o be_v we_o possess_v of_o they_o they_o will_v much_o more_o easy_o have_v be_v reconcile_v and_o understand_v the_o jew_n be_v very_o curious_a and_o exact_a in_o the_o preservation_n of_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n and_o good_a reason_n they_o have_v so_o to_o be_v for_o among_o the_o heathen_n want_v of_o posterity_n may_v be_v supply_v by_o adoption_n but_o the_o jew_n be_v oblige_v to_o a_o strict_a succession_n in_o alliance_n and_o kindred_n the_o whole_a of_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o judicious_o discourse_v of_o by_o the_o learned_a grotius_n in_o his_o annotatious_a upon_o these_o two_o evangelist_n to_o which_o the_o exact_a disquisition_n of_o all_o the_o particular_n be_v too_o large_a a_o task_n for_o this_o undertake_n i_o fear_v not_o to_o refer_v any_o impartial_a reader_n for_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v reasonable_o object_v against_o the_o bible_n from_o hence_o there_o be_v nothing_o contain_v in_o either_o of_o these_o two_o genealogy_n that_o of_o st._n matthew_n and_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n that_o in_o the_o least_o imply_v any_o direct_a contradiction_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o such_o difference_n between_o they_o or_o between_o they_o and_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n one_o of_o which_o must_v be_v punctual_o make_v good_a or_o else_o this_o objection_n be_v of_o no_o force_n as_o appear_v whole_o uncapable_a of_o any_o reconciliation_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a the_o evangelist_n do_v after_o a_o admirable_a manner_n consist_v and_o agree_v with_o themselves_o although_o in_o order_n to_o many_o excellent_a end_n and_o to_o clear_v we_o all_o doubt_n about_o our_o saviour_n descent_n they_o different_o account_v which_o upon_o the_o forementioned_a ground_n can_v seem_v hard_a to_o none_o to_o conceive_v four_o they_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v much_o contain_v in_o the_o bible_n that_o seem_v of_o too_o mean_a and_o low_a a_o nature_n to_o come_v from_o such_o a_o wise_a and_o excellent_a be_v as_o god_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n fit_a to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o such_o be_v many_o story_n and_o many_o similitude_n and_o divers_a expression_n we_o find_v there_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o reproach_n this_o book_n for_o contain_v thing_n too_o high_a to_o be_v credit_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o object_n against_o it_o as_o contain_v many_o thing_n too_o mean_a to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o one_o they_o impeach_v god_n power_n and_o imply_v some_o thing_n be_v too_o great_a for_o he_o to_o effect_v and_o by_o the_o other_o cast_v a_o contempt_n upon_o the_o high_a effect_n of_o his_o condescension_n and_o goodness_n for_o nothing_o can_v more_o savour_n of_o it_o then_o such_o a_o familiar_a way_n of_o converse_v with_o man_n it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o scripture_n have_v by_o divers_a similitude_n resemblance_n and_o allegory_n make_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o all_o we_o converse_v with_o some_o way_n or_o other_o 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