immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n but_o in_o miracle_n this_o power_n manifest_v its_o self_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n above_z and_z contrary_n to_o the_o establish_v law_n or_o rule_n which_o god_n have_v in_o all_o other_o case_n prescribe_v for_o the_o produce_v effect_n ii_o man_n will_v fancy_v to_o themselves_o some_o kind_n of_o scheme_n or_o other_o and_o will_v frame_v some_o notion_n and_o conceit_n to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o miracle_n or_o they_o will_v imagine_v they_o to_o return_v of_o course_n at_o certain_a period_n or_o upon_o some_o accident_n if_o they_o see_v they_o frequent_o do_v or_o perhaps_o they_o will_v suppose_v they_o to_o proceed_v from_o some_o defect_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o can_v not_o always_o keep_v its_o course_n but_o make_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o but_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v only_o in_o some_o age_n for_o peculiar_a reason_n this_o show_v that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o a_o immediate_a 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frequent_a in_o the_o jewish_a church_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n his_o prophecy_n and_o wonderful_a work_n have_v not_o so_o well_o distinguish_v and_o manifest_v he_o to_o be_v the_o christ_n but_o when_o after_o so_o long_a a_o intermission_n they_o be_v again_o revive_v in_o he_o this_o show_v he_o to_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n and_o messiah_n who_o be_v expect_v and_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o as_o miracle_n have_v be_v discontinue_v for_o a_o long_a time_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o st._n john_n baptist_n who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o prophet_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a of_o all_o the_o man_n that_o have_v be_v before_o he_o yet_o wrought_v no_o miracle_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o distinguish_v from_o the_o messiah_n and_o that_o there_o may_v arise_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o christ_n and_o when_o our_o saviour_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o christ_n in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o 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twelve_o fourteen_o and_o our_o saviour_n see_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v caution_n to_o his_o disciple_n notwithstanding_o in_o this_o rejoice_v not_o that_o the_o spirit_n be_v subject_a unto_o you_o but_o rather_o rejoice_v because_o your_o name_n be_v write_v in_o heaven_n luke_n x._o 20._o it_o must_v be_v a_o eminent_a and_o true_o primitive_a piety_n that_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v of_o such_o gift_n with_o a_o humble_a and_o christian_n temper_n of_o mind_n v._o it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o 2._o of_o advan_n of_o learn_v l._n iii._o c._n 2._o my_o lord_n bacon_n that_o there_o be_v never_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o god_n to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n because_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n may_v have_v lead_v he_o to_o confess_v a_o god_n but_o miracle_n be_v design_v to_o convert_v idolater_n and_o the_o superstitious_a who_o have_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o err_v in_o his_o adoration_n 〈…〉_o light_a of_o nature_n extend_v to_o declare_v the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o once_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v confirm_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o to_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o it_o which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n himself_o miracle_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v to_o convert_v a_o infidel_n than_o to_o convert_v a_o atheist_n among_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o reason_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o more_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o they_o without_o the_o help_n of_o miracle_n may_v instruct_v other_o 9_o other_o de_fw-fr procur_fw-fr indor_n salute_n lib._n two_o c._n 9_o acosta_n inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o wrought_v by_o the_o present_a missionary_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o heathen_a nation_n as_o they_o be_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o primitive_a age_n give_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n because_o the_o christian_n at_o first_o be_v ignorant_a man_n and_o the_o gentile_n learned_a but_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o the_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n be_v employ_v for_o the_o defence_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n to_o oppose_v it_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o need_n of_o far_a miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n when_o it_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o able_a advocate_n against_o so_o weak_a adversary_n however_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o change_n as_o be_v wont_v former_o to_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o visible_a course_n of_o nature_n in_o confirmation_n of_o our_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v still_o a_o divine_a power_n evident_a among_o christian_n live_v in_o heathen_a country_n for_o the_o devil_n who_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o heathen_n have_v no_o power_n over_o christian_n dwell_v among_o they_o of_o which_o the_o indian_n have_v take_v great_a notice_n and_o have_v 16._o have_v lerii_fw-la histor_n navig_n in_o brasil_n c._n 16._o declare_v the_o christian_n happy_a in_o be_v free_v from_o the_o torture_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o find_v themselves_o often_o seize_v on_o the_o sudden_a in_o a_o terrible_a manner_n and_o stand_v in_o perpetual_a fear_n of_o they_o 4._o they_o capt._n knox_n be_v hist_n of_o ceylon_n part_n iii._o c._n 4._o christian_n they_o do_v acknowledge_v have_v a_o prerogative_n above_o themselves_o and_o not_o to_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n it_o be_v so_o general_o relate_v by_o traveller_n of_o all_o profession_n both_o protestant_n and_o papist_n that_o the_o devil_n exercise_v a_o manifest_a tyranny_n over_o the_o heathen_n but_o be_v able_a to_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o christian_n abide_v among_o they_o that_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n discover_v itself_o in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o not_o by_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v former_o wrought_v because_o there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o need_n of_o they_o chap._n xxx_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n reject_v christ_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n though_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v most_o certain_a in_o itself_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o supernatural_a grace_n require_v to_o make_v we_o thorough_o and_o effectual_o convince_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o no_o man_n can_v come_v to_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n except_o the_o father_n which_o have_v send_v i_o draw_v he_o and_o this_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v offend_v at_o his_o doctrine_n and_o depart_v from_o he_o but_o there_o be_v some_o of_o you_o that_o believe_v not_o for_o jesus_n know_v from_o the_o beginning_n who_o they_o be_v that_o believe_v not_o
be_v it_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n will_v create_v man_n only_o to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o one_o another_o to_o live_v a_o while_n in_o sin_n and_o folly_n here_o and_o some_o of_o they_o in_o the_o most_o extravagant_a and_o brutal_a wickedness_n and_o then_o go_v down_o to_o the_o grave_a and_o so_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n of_o they_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v there_o worthy_a of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o so_o poor_a a_o design_n as_o this_o do_v not_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n itself_o teach_v we_o and_o have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o general_a belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n that_o the_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o be_v subtle_a and_o powerful_a to_o do_v mischief_n must_v suffer_v in_o another_o world_n for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o here_o and_o that_o all_o be_v not_o to_o pass_v away_o with_o we_o in_o sport_n and_o extravagance_n in_o laughter_n and_o noise_n in_o riot_n or_o in_o violence_n and_o cruelty_n as_o some_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o believe_v as_o if_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o the_o wicked_a and_o they_o to_o abuse_v it_o it_o appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o common_a belief_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o holiness_n so_o there_o be_v wicked_a and_o malicious_a spirit_n which_o be_v ever_o contrive_v the_o mischief_n and_o ruin_n of_o men._n for_o beside_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o from_o scripture_n which_o we_o must_v be_v allow_v here_o to_o allege_v in_o the_o nature_n at_o least_o of_o a_o history_n it_o be_v folly_n to_o imagine_v that_o all_o the_o oracle_n and_o prodigy_n of_o the_o heathen_n can_v be_v mere_a forgery_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n nor_o foundation_n for_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o universal_o obtain_v in_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n which_o follow_v upon_o this_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v daemon_n or_o spirit_n of_o a_o evil_a and_o malicious_a disposition_n and_o power_n i_o shall_v instance_n only_o in_o the_o unnatural_a cruelty_n which_o the_o heathen_a world_n even_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n themselves_o be_v continual_o put_v upon_o by_o the_o instigation_n of_o these_o malicious_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n for_o the_o heathen_a nation_n offer_v up_o multitude_n of_o innocent_a man_n and_o woman_n and_o even_o their_o own_o child_n in_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o false_a god_n which_o be_v as_o sure_a a_o evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_v require_v these_o cruelty_n from_o they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v tyrant_n and_o persecutor_n when_o they_o cause_v innocent_a man_n to_o be_v murder_v and_o child_n to_o be_v tear_v from_o the_o arm_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o slay_v in_o their_o sight_n and_o though_o the_o dominion_n of_o satan_n be_v now_o restrain_v by_o the_o overrule_a power_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n from_o all_o history_n that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o devil_n as_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o there_o have_v be_v indeed_o many_o false_a story_n concern_v spirit_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o history_n but_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v none_o true_a or_o can_v the_o historian_n of_o all_o time_n and_o place_n be_v perpetual_o impose_v upon_o or_o conspire_v to_o impose_v upon_o other_o there_o be_v no_o ancient_a history_n but_o give_v some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o these_o thing_n and_o all_o the_o modern_a history_n of_o heathen_a nation_n be_v full_a of_o such_o relation_n as_o confirm_v this_o truth_n to_o we_o and_o even_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o have_v by_o unlawful_a art_n put_v themselves_o under_o the_o power_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n have_v be_v convince_v that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n which_o be_v prove_v not_o only_o by_o the_o public_a confession_n of_o witch_n in_o all_o nation_n but_o by_o the_o private_a 1._o private_a see_v mr._n boyle_n excellency_n of_o theology_n etc._n etc._n §_o 1._o acknowledgement_n of_o divers_a learned_a man_n both_o physician_n and_o other_o who_o have_v make_v attempt_n to_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o matter_n in_o different_a place_n and_o be_v person_n neither_o timorous_a nor_o superstitious_a but_o the_o apparition_n of_o spirit_n be_v preternatural_a and_o therefore_o that_o good_a spirit_n who_o live_v in_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o in_o conformity_n to_o the_o order_n of_o their_o nature_n shall_v appear_v be_v now_o no_o more_o to_o be_v expect_v than_o any_o other_o miracle_n but_o there_o be_v frequent_a apparition_n of_o bad_a spirit_n in_o country_n where_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o receive_v and_o where_o it_o be_v receive_v they_o appear_v to_o such_o as_o be_v willing_a to_o comâ—_n under_o their_o power_n but_o very_o rare_o to_o other_o and_o if_o the_o devil_n after_o so_o much_o humane_a blood_n as_o he_o have_v cause_v to_o be_v spill_v in_o his_o sacrifice_n and_o after_o so_o many_o oracle_n and_o imposture_n can_v yet_o persuade_v same_o man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o subtle_a stratagem_n of_o all_o and_o prove_v how_o great_a power_n though_o in_o a_o different_a kind_n and_o manner_n he_o still_o retain_v over_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n since_o therefore_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v of_o insinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o there_o be_v likewise_o a_o malicious_a cruel_a spirit_n ever_o watchful_a and_o industrious_a to_o abuse_v and_o destroy_v mankind_n it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o be_v of_o such_o infinite_a perfection_n after_o he_o have_v create_v man_n will_v communicate_v himself_o to_o he_o will_v set_v he_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o live_v and_o prescribe_v he_o law_n whereby_o he_o may_v answer_v the_o end_v of_o his_o creation_n and_o attain_v to_o that_o happiness_n which_o he_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o and_o design_v for_o by_o his_o maker_n we_o can_v suppose_v that_o the_o god_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n will_v create_v man_n and_o then_o leave_v he_o to_o himself_o to_o follow_v his_o own_o invention_n and_o to_o live_v at_o random_n without_o any_o law_n or_o direction_n to_o frame_v his_o action_n by_o and_o to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o implacable_a subtle_a enemy_n without_o any_o caution_n and_o instruction_n give_v he_o or_o any_o help_n and_o assistance_n afford_v for_o his_o defence_n man_n in_o his_o innocence_n be_v not_o thus_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o that_o the_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n will_v not_o disregard_n this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o will_v use_v some_o mean_n to_o reclaim_v they_o from_o the_o error_n of_o their_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o inform_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o direct_v they_o to_o happiness_n how_o man_n become_v so_o prone_a to_o all_o evil_a we_o can_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o those_o who_o reject_v all_o revelation_n must_v suppose_v that_o man_n be_v first_o create_v in_o this_o state_n of_o sin_n and_o misery_n which_o be_v a_o very_a heinous_a imputation_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o to_o suppose_v he_o place_v in_o this_o condition_n without_o all_o help_n or_o remedy_n be_v to_o charge_n god_n still_o more_o foolish_o but_o how_o man_n become_v so_o be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o man_n be_v of_o himself_o in_o a_o miserable_a and_o helpless_a condition_n and_o consider_v the_o great_a ignorance_n and_o wickedness_n which_o have_v be_v from_o the_o fall_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n visible_a continual_o in_o the_o word_n and_o still_o reign_v in_o it_o consider_v i_o say_v the_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o gross_a ignorance_n of_o man_n which_o from_o the_o early_a record_n of_o antiquity_n have_v continue_v down_o to_o our_o own_o time_n nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o think_v that_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n will_v take_v some_o care_n to_o rectify_v the_o mistake_v and_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o men._n can_v we_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o infinite_a truth_n never_o to_o manifest_v itself_o in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o suffer_v all_o sort_n of_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n to_o be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o design_n and_o delusion_n of_o impostor_n
for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v go_v on_o in_o their_o wicked_a course_n still_o and_o will_v have_v deny_v god_n in_o their_o life_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o and_o full_o convince_v of_o his_o will_n and_o commandment_n as_o well_o as_o of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n for_o as_o st._n paul_n testify_v the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n no_o man_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o any_o inspiration_n which_o he_o can_v receive_v than_o he_o be_v of_o the_o be_v of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o he_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v by_o consequence_n deny_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o inspiration_n unless_o it_o have_v that_o powerful_a impulse_n upon_o his_o mind_n as_o both_o to_o convince_v he_o and_o force_v he_o to_o a_o acknowledgement_n at_o once_o of_o the_o be_v of_o 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reclaim_v by_o it_o and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v balaam_n for_o a_o example_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o revelation_n he_o receive_v from_o god_n love_v the_o wage_n of_o vnrighteousness_n 2_o pet._n two_o 15._o but_o above_o all_o man_n the_o profane_a and_o obstinate_a unbeliever_n can_v have_v least_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v they_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n 8._o revelation_n vid._n smith_n of_o prophecy_n c._n 8._o the_o jew_n have_v observe_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n rest_v only_o upon_o man_n of_o regular_a and_o pure_a affection_n of_o gentle_a and_o meek_a and_o tractable_a disposition_n for_o the_o lord_n will_v be_v find_v of_o they_o that_o tempt_v he_o not_o and_z sheweth_z himself_o to_o such_o as_o do_v not_o distrust_v he_o for_o froward_a thought_n separate_v from_o god_n into_o a_o malicious_a soul_n wisdom_n shall_v not_o enter_v nor_o dwell_v in_o the_o body_n that_o be_v subject_a unto_o sin_n for_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o discipline_n will_v flee_v deceit_n and_o remove_v from_o thought_n that_o be_v without_o understanding_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v when_o vnrighteousness_n come_v in_o wisd_v 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n 404._o purpose_n quis_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la haeres_fw-la sit_fw-la philo_z p._n 404._o philo_n speak_v and_o for_o this_o reason_n when_o joseph_n have_v the_o interpretation_n of_o dream_n reveal_v to_o he_o 19_o he_o see_v dr._n hammond_n on_o psal_n cv_o 19_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v say_v to_o try_v he_o or_o to_o purge_v to_o clear_v and_o justify_v he_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o in_o that_o manner_n inspire_v one_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o the_o crime_n which_o joseph_n be_v accuse_v of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v further_o reveal_v himself_o to_o all_o such_o in_o particular_a by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n who_o have_v reject_v all_o the_o manifestation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o he_o will_v reserve_v these_o immediate_a revelation_n as_o peculiar_a favour_n to_o his_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a servant_n god_n have_v sometime_o indeed_o make_v use_v of_o wicked_a man_n baalam_n caiaphas_n etc._n etc._n as_o his_o instrument_n both_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n to_o show_v that_o they_o be_v at_o his_o disposal_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o bounty_n not_o from_o any_o worth_a or_o merit_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o can_v over-rule_v the_o design_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o he_o even_o against_o their_o will_n whenever_o he_o please_v but_o then_o these_o be_v peculiar_a case_n in_o which_o these_o gift_n be_v afford_v for_o particular_a end_n and_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o other_o and_o the_o man_n themselves_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o they_o but_o as_o for_o the_o disobedient_a st._n paul_n acquaint_v we_o how_o in_o the_o general_a dispensation_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n deal_v with_o they_o god_n give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n rom._n i._n 28._o and_o he_o there_o set_v down_o a_o catalogue_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o reprobation_n the_o apostle_n all_o along_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o to_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o will_v make_v no_o improvement_n of_o it_o to_o the_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n first_o and_o then_o of_o his_o reveal_v will_n and_o it_o be_v the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o own_o heart_n lust_n to_o abandon_v they_o to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o their_o sin_n since_o they_o will_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o work_n and_o will_v not_o abide_v his_o counsel_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o have_v be_v high_o inconsistent_a to_o send_v immediate_a revelation_n or_o afford_v particular_a inspiration_n to_o all_o such_o man_n as_o be_v there_o describe_v god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o man_n but_o he_o withdraw_v his_o ordinary_a grace_n from_o those_o that_o abuse_v it_o and_o therefore_o it_o can_v never_o be_v presume_v he_o shall_v confer_v high_a favour_n upon_o they_o if_o man_n will_v believe_v upon_o reasonable_a motive_n they_o have_v sufficient_a mean_n of_o salvation_n allow_v they_o but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v without_o some_o immediate_a revelation_n they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o have_v that_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o god_n will_v reveal_v himself_o with_o terror_n and_o vengeance_n upon_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n god_n do_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o by_o revelation_n provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n for_o the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n but_o never_o for_o the_o humour_n and_o peevishness_n of_o man_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v but_o according_a to_o some_o new_a way_n and_o method_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n must_v be_v miserable_a without_o remedy_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o great_a infidel_n will_v own_v that_o if_o christ_n shall_v personal_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o appear_v to_o they_o upon_o earth_n and_o grant_v they_o that_o conviction_n which_o he_o once_o grant_v to_o st._n thomas_n or_o st._n paul_n they_o will_v believe_v in_o he_o as_o these_o apostle_n do_v but_o they_o will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v why_o so_o much_o favour_n shall_v be_v show_v to_o those_o who_o reject_v with_o scorn_n and_o derision_n all_o the_o tender_v of_o grace_n and_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o what_o obligation_n god_n can_v be_v under_o to_o save_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o themselves_o shall_v prescribe_v who_o will_v not_o be_v save_v in_o his_o way_n and_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o make_v some_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o these_o insolent_a offender_n and_o blasphemer_n of_o his_o name_n and_o authority_n how_o can_v we_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o will_v be_v convert_v will_v they_o not_o rather_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o it_o be_v no_o real_a revelation_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o natural_a agent_n or_o of_o melancholy_a and_o of_o a_o disturb_a imagination_n for_o those_o who_o have_v so_o long_v not_o only_o reject_v that_o be_v a_o modest_a thing_n but_o deride_v and_o revile_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n nay_o the_o apostle_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o will_v not_o believe_v though_o one_o shall_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a they_o may_v be_v terrify_v perhaps_o for_o the_o present_a but_o they_o will_v soon_o stifle_v
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