so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a 1_o time_n give_v by_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a pretence_n to_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o world_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o evince_v the_o credibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o sacred_a screpture_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o follow_a hypothesis_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n so_o concern_v and_o remarkable_a shall_v not_o be_v always_o leave_v to_o the_o 1._o uncertainty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o shall_v be_v timely_o enter_v into_o certain_a record_n to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o future_a thing_n to_o be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a be_v manage_v by_o divine_a providence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a record_n of_o former_a age_n or_o else_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v perpetual_o hover_v in_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture-history_n for_o take_v away_o but_o any_o one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n all_o the_o superstructure_n will_v be_v exceed_o weaken_v if_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v quite_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o man_n obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o god_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v his_o original_n to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o revelation_n shall_v be_v so_o propound_v as_o may_v be_v with_o equal_a certainty_n convey_v to_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v not_o with_o any_o such_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v do_v by_o private_a and_o particular_a revelation_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n only_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o partaker_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o public_a record_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v the_o world_n all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a design_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o that_o he_o be_v depute_v to_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o where_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a require_v of_o assent_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v have_v a_o certain_a uniform_a conveyance_n to_o man_n mind_n rather_o than_o that_o perpetual_o new_a revelation_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o make_v know_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o record_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o imposture_n as_o the_o other_o way_n may_v have_v be_v under_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o than_o man_n be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o continual_a trial_n of_o every_o person_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o concernment_n be_v already_o record_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n their_o mind_n therein_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o be_v under_o a_o continual_a hesitancy_n lest_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o shall_v contradict_v another_o for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a 2._o revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v at_o first_o spread_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o plantation_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o soon_o for_o want_n of_o certain_a conveyance_n all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v into_o the_o great_a idolatry_n which_o may_v be_v less_o wonder_v at_o have_v it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o part_n which_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o the_o seat_n of_o those_o grand_a transaction_n but_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v even_o among_o those_o family_n who_o have_v the_o near_a residence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o they_o and_o among_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o far_o off_o in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o the_o person_n main_o concern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o abraham_n come_v who_o be_v himself_o the_o ten_o from_o noah_n yet_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a goodness_n and_o piety_n be_v far_o from_o that_o envious_a temper_n to_o think_v nothing_o valuable_a but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a possessor_n of_o but_o such_o be_v the_o most_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o see_v other_o not_o only_o admire_v but_o enjoy_v what_o they_o have_v the_o high_a estimation_n of_o be_v all_o who_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n real_o such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n will_v be_v no_o more_o seasonable_a than_o the_o commendation_n of_o a_o great_a beauty_n to_o one_o who_o be_v already_o a_o passionate_a admirer_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v how_o common_a it_o be_v for_o man_n first_o to_o throw_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o persuade_v themselves_o it_o be_v its_o natural_a complexion_n they_o represent_v it_o to_o themselves_o in_o a_o shape_n least_o please_n to_o they_o and_o then_o bring_v that_o as_o a_o plea_n why_o they_o give_v it_o no_o better_a entertainment_n it_o may_v just_o seem_v strange_a that_o true_a religion_n which_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v true_o noble_a and_o generous_a most_o rational_a and_o please_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o all_o good_a man_n shall_v yet_o suffer_v so_o much_o in_o its_o esteem_n in_o the_o world_n through_o those_o strange_a and_o uncouth_a vizard_n it_o be_v represent_v under_o some_o accout_v the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o as_o it_o speak_v subdue_a our_o will_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o all_o religion_n a_o thing_n too_o low_a and_o mean_a for_o their_o rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n while_o other_o pretend_v a_o quarrel_n against_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o unsatisfactory_a to_o humane_a reason_n thus_o religion_n suffer_v with_o the_o author_n of_o it_o between_o two_o thief_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o define_v which_o be_v more_o injurious_a to_o it_o that_o which_o question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o spirit_n that_o serene_a and_o peaceable_a temper_n which_o follow_v a_o good_a conscience_n wherever_o it_o dwell_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v man_n welcome_v that_o guest_n which_o bring_v such_o good_a entertainment_n with_o it_o whereas_o the_o amazement_n horror_n and_o anxiety_n of_o mind_n which_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o haunt_v such_o who_o prostitute_v their_o conscience_n to_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o rectify_a reason_n may_v be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o impiety_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o irreligion_n madness_n it_o can_v be_v then_o but_o matter_n of_o great_a pity_n to_o consider_v that_o any_o person_n who_o birth_n and_o education_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a people_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o their_o own_o enemy_n as_o to_o observe_v the_o fashion_n more_o than_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o study_v compliment_n more_o than_o themselves_o and_o read_v romance_n more_o than_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o wise_a to_o salvation_n but_o sir_n i_o need_v not_o mention_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o let_v you_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o your_o choice_n in_o prefer_v true_a virtue_n and_o piety_n above_o the_o ceremony_n and_o grandeur_n of_o the_o world_n go_v on_o sir_n to_o value_v and_o measure_v true_a religion_n not_o by_o the_o uncertain_a measure_n of_o the_o world_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o god_n himself_o in_o his_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o what_o certain_a foundation_n can_v there_o be_v for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v on_o and_o who_o dare_v venture_v his_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o future_a condition_n upon_o any_o authority_n less_o than_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o what_o certain_a direction_n for_o practice_n shall_v we_o have_v what_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o opinion_n by_o have_v not_o god_n out_o of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n provide_v and_o preserve_v this_o authentic_a instrument_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n what_o a_o strange_a religion_n will_v christianity_n seem_v shall_v we_o frame_v the_o model_n of_o it_o from_o any_o other_o thing_n then_o the_o word_n of_o god_n without_o all_o controversy_n the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o decay_n of_o religion_n and_o through_o many_o wind_n and_o turn_n lead_v man_n at_o last_o into_o the_o very_a depth_n of_o atheism_n whereas_o the_o frequent_a and_o serious_a converse_v with_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o his_o word_n be_v incomparable_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o keep_v up_o in_o we_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v easy_o mistake_v when_o man_n look_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o it_o in_o any_o other_o glass_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o for_o maintain_v a_o powerful_a sense_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o a_o due_a valuation_n of_o it_o whatever_o its_o esteem_n or_o entertainment_n be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o the_o true_a genuine_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n of_o it_o shall_v grow_v never_o so_o much_o out_o of_o credit_n with_o the_o world_n yet_o none_o who_o hearty_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v therein_o be_v infallible_o true_a will_v ever_o have_v the_o less_o estimation_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n have_v much_o suffer_v in_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o through_o the_o vain_a pretence_n of_o many_o to_o it_o who_o have_v only_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o their_o own_o and_o it_o be_v the_o usual_a logic_n of_o atheist_n crimine_fw-la ab_fw-la uno_fw-la disce_fw-la omnes_fw-la if_o there_o be_v any_o hypocrite_n all_o who_o make_v show_v of_o religion_n be_v such_o on_o which_o account_n the_o hypocrisy_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o the_o atheism_n of_o the_o next_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a that_o imputation_n be_v there_o need_v not_o much_o to_o discover_v unless_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n there_o be_v no_o true_a man_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ape_n which_o imitate_v they_o or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o jewel_n because_o there_o be_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o bless_v be_v god_n our_o age_n be_v not_o barren_a of_o instance_n of_o real_a goodness_n and_o unaffected_a piety_n there_o be_v some_o such_o generous_a spirit_n as_o dare_v love_n religion_n without_o the_o dowry_n of_o interest_n and_o manifest_v their_o affection_n to_o it_o in_o the_o plain_a dress_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o the_o paint_n and_o set-offs_a which_o be_v add_v to_o it_o by_o the_o several_a contend_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n be_v there_o more_o such_o noble_a spirit_n of_o religion_n in_o our_o age_n atheism_n will_v want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plea_n which_o it_o now_o make_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o nothing_o enlarge_v more_o the_o gulf_n of_o atheism_n than_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o wide_a passage_n which_o lie_v between_o the_o faith_n and_o life_n of_o man_n pretend_v to_o be_v christian_n i_o must_v needs_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o seem_v more_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o unquestionable_a duty_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n or_o slight_v by_o any_o who_o own_o profess_v and_o contend_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o can_v the_o profession_n of_o that_o be_v honourable_a who_o practice_n be_v not_o if_o the_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o be_v they_o not_o practise_v if_o they_o be_v not_o true_a why_o be_v they_o profess_v you_o see_v sir_n to_o what_o a_o unexpected_a length_n my_o desire_n to_o vindicate_v the_o honour_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v draw_v out_o this_o present_a address_n but_o i_o may_v soon_o hope_v for_o your_o pardon_n in_o it_o then_o if_o i_o have_v spend_v so_o much_o paper_n after_o the_o usual_a manner_n of_o dedication_n in_o represent_v you_o to_o yourself_o or_o the_o world_n sir_n i_o know_v you_o have_v too_o much_o of_o that_o i_o have_v be_v commend_v to_o delight_v in_o your_o own_o deserve_a praise_n much_o less_o in_o flattery_n which_o so_o benign_a a_o subject_n may_v easy_o make_v one_o pen_n run_v over_o in_o and_o therein_o i_o may_v not_o much_o have_v digress_v from_o my_o design_n since_o i_o know_v few_o more_o exemplary_a for_o that_o rare_a mixture_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o the_o high_a civility_n together_o in_o who_o that_o inestimable_a jewel_n of_o religion_n be_v place_v in_o a_o most_o sweet_a affable_a and_o oblige_a temper_n but_o although_o none_o will_v be_v more_o ready_a on_o any_o occasion_n with_o all_o gratitude_n to_o acknowledge_v the_o great_a obligation_n you_o have_v lay_v upon_o i_o yet_o i_o be_o so_o far_o sensible_a of_o the_o common_a vanity_n of_o epistle_n dedicatory_a that_o i_o can_v so_o hearty_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o any_o thing_n as_o in_o my_o hearty_a prayer_n to_o almighty_a for_o your_o good_a and_o welfare_n and_o in_o subscribe_v myself_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o affectionate_a servant_n june_n 5._o 1662._o ed._n stillingfleet_n the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v neither_o to_o satisfy_v the_o importunity_n of_o friend_n nor_o to_o prevent_v false_a copy_n which_o and_o such_o like_a excuse_n i_o know_v be_v expect_v in_o usual_a preface_n that_o i_o have_v adventure_v abroad_o this_o follow_a treatise_n but_o it_o be_v out_o of_o a_o just_a resentment_n of_o the_o affront_n and_o indignity_n which_o have_v be_v cast_v on_o religion_n by_o such_o who_o account_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o judgement_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o scripture_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n to_o dispute_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o world_n when_o yet_o the_o more_o acute_a and_o subtle_a their_o argument_n be_v the_o great_a their_o strength_n be_v against_o themselves_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o wit_n and_o subtlety_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v they_o not_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a nature_n than_o they_o imagine_v they_o to_o be_v and_o how_o contradictious_a be_v it_o for_o such_o person_n to_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v cry_v up_o for_o wit_n and_o reason_n who_o design_n be_v to_o degrade_v the_o rational_a soul_n so_o far_o below_o herself_o as_o to_o make_v she_o become_v like_o the_o beast_n
demonstrate_v the_o undoubted_a antiquity_n of_o one_o beyond_o the_o other_o whereby_o we_o must_v do_v as_o archimedes_n do_v by_o the_o crown_n of_o hiero_n find_v out_o the_o exact_a proportion_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n which_o lie_v in_o all_o those_o heathen_a fable_n and_o this_o now_o lead_v to_o the_o three_o account_n why_o truth_n be_v so_o 14._o hardly_o discern_v from_o error_n even_o by_o those_o who_o search_v after_o it_o which_o be_v the_o great_a obscurity_n of_o the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o shall_v decide_v the_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a agreement_n in_o some_o common_a principle_n and_o a_o frequent_a resemblance_n in_o particular_a tradition_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n for_o the_o clear_n the_o truth_n from_o its_o corruption_n have_v recourse_n to_o ancient_a history_n to_o see_v if_o thereby_o we_o can_v find_v out_o where_o the_o original_a tradition_n be_v best_o preserve_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o whereby_o we_o may_v distinguish_v those_o corruption_n from_o the_o truth_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v which_o be_v the_o design_n and_o subject_n of_o our_o future_a discourse_n viz._n to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a original_n and_o general_a tradition_n preserve_v in_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o old_a age_n of_o the_o world_n that_o this_o tradition_n be_v gradual_o corrupt_v among_o the_o heathen_n that_o not_o withstand_v this_o corruption_n there_o be_v sufficient_a remainder_n of_o it_o to_o evidence_n its_o true_a original_n that_o the_o full_a account_n of_o this_o tradition_n be_v alone_o preserve_v in_o those_o book_n we_o call_v the_o scripture_n that_o where_o any_o other_o histery_n seem_v to_o cross_v the_o report_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v their_o credibility_n and_o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o clear_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o histery_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o sacred_a record_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o we_o shall_v observe_v the_o same_o method_n which_o thales_n take_v in_o take_v the_o height_n of_o the_o pyramid_n by_o measure_v the_o length_n of_o their_o shadow_n so_o shall_v we_o the_o height_n and_o antiquity_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o fabulous_a corruption_n of_o it_o which_o will_v be_v a_o work_n of_o so_o much_o the_o great_a difficulty_n because_o the_o truth_n we_o pursue_v after_o take_v covert_n in_o so_o great_a antiquity_n and_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o follow_v its_o most_o fly_a footstep_n through_o the_o dark_a and_o shady_a path_n of_o ancient_a history_n for_o though_o history_n be_v frequent_o call_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o herald_n of_o time_n yet_o that_o light_n be_v so_o faint_a and_o dim_a especial_o in_o heathen_a nation_n as_o not_o to_o serve_v to_o discover_v the_o face_n of_o truth_n from_o her_o counterseit_n error_n and_o that_o herald_n so_o little_a skilled_a as_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v we_o which_o be_v of_o the_o elder_a house_n the_o reason_n be_v though_o truth_n be_v always_o of_o great_a antiquity_n yet_o error_n may_v have_v the_o more_o wrinkle_a face_n by_o which_o it_o often_o impose_v on_o such_o who_o guess_v antiquity_n by_o deformity_n and_o think_v nothing_o so_o old_a as_o that_o which_o can_v give_v the_o least_o account_n of_o its_o own_o age_n this_o be_v evident_o the_o case_n of_o those_o who_o make_v the_o pretence_n of_o ancient_a history_n a_o plea_n for_o insidelity_n and_o think_v no_o argument_n more_o plausible_a to_o impugn_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n with_o than_o the_o seem_a repugnancy_n of_o some_o pretend_a history_n with_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n report_v in_o the_o bible_n which_o be_v a_o pretext_n so_o unworthy_a &_o design_v for_o solill_o a_o end_n and_o so_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o by_o such_o who_o account_n infidelity_n a_o piece_n of_o antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n it_o may_v be_v worth_a our_o while_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o be_v baffle_v with_o reason_n then_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o antiquity_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o remove_n of_o this_o stumbling-block_n in_o our_o way_n i_o shall_v first_o evince_v that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a credibility_n 15._o in_o any_o of_o those_o ancient_a history_n which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o scripture_n nor_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o they_o when_o they_o differ_v from_o the_o bible_n and_o then_o prove_v that_o all_o those_o undoubted_a character_n of_o a_o most_o certain_a and_o authentic_a history_n be_v legible_a in_o those_o record_v contain_v in_o scripture_n whereby_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o infidelity_n but_o the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n i_o shall_v demonstrate_v the_o first_o of_o these_o viz_o that_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o assent_n to_o any_o ancient_a history_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o thing_n different_a from_o the_o scripture_n from_o these_o argument_n the_o apparent_a desect_v weakness_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o as_o to_o the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o elder_a time_n the_o monstrous_a confusion_n ambiguity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o they_o in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v the_o evident_a partiality_n of_o they_o to_o themselves_o and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o defect_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o they_o to_o give_v in_o such_o a_o account_n of_o elder_a time_n as_o may_v amount_v to_o certain_a credibility_n which_o if_o clear_v will_v of_o its_o self_n be_v sufficient_a to_o manifest_v the_o incompetency_n of_o those_o record_n as_o to_o the_o lay_v any_o foundation_n for_o any_o firm_a assent_n to_o be_v give_v to_o they_o now_o this_o defect_n and_o insufficiency_n of_o those_o history_n be_v either_o more_o general_a which_o lie_v in_o common_a to_o they_o all_o or_o such_o as_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o a_o particular_a consideration_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o several_a nation_n which_o have_v pretend_v high_a to_o antiquity_n the_o general_a defect_n be_v the_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n to_o preserve_v their_o history_n in_o for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o true_a 16._o history_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o various_a corruption_n through_o length_n of_o time_n if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_v it_o entire_a and_o that_o through_o the_o frailty_n of_o memory_n in_o those_o who_o have_v integrity_n to_o preserve_v it_o through_o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o barbarism_n and_o ignorance_n where_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o instruction_n and_o through_o the_o subtlety_n of_o such_o who_o interest_n it_o may_v be_v to_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v that_o tradition_n if_o we_o find_v such_o infinite_a variety_n and_o difference_n of_o man_n as_o to_o the_o history_n of_o their_o own_o time_n when_o they_o have_v all_o possible_a mean_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o what_o account_n can_v we_o imagine_v can_v be_v give_v by_o those_o who_o have_v no_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_v to_o posterity_n the_o most_o authentic_a relation_n of_o former_a age_n especial_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o where_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o preserve_a tradition_n be_v want_v a_o people_n must_v soon_o degenerate_a into_o the_o great_a stupidity_n and_o barbarism_n because_o all_o will_v be_v take_v up_o in_o mind_v their_o own_o petty_a concern_v and_o no_o encouragement_n at_o all_o give_v to_o such_o public_a spirit_n who_o will_v mind_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o whole_a nation_n for_o what_o be_v there_o for_o such_o to_o employ_v themselves_o upon_o or_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o kind_n of_o learning_n among_o they_o but_o some_o general_a tradition_n convey_v from_o father_n to_o son_n which_o may_v be_v learn_v by_o such_o who_o follow_v nothing_o but_o domestic_a employment_n so_o that_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n after_o their_o several_a dispersion_n and_o plantation_n of_o several_a country_n do_v gradual_o degenerate_a into_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n for_o upon_o their_o first_o settle_v in_o any_o country_n they_o find_v it_o employment_n sufficient_a to_o cultivate_v the_o land_n and_o fit_v themselves_o habitation_n to_o live_v in_o and_o to_o provide_v themselves_o of_o necessity_n for_o their_o mutual_a comfort_n and_o subsistence_n beside_o this_o they_o be_v often_o put_v to_o remove_n from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o where_o they_o can_v not_o convenient_o reside_v which_o thucydides_n speak_v much_o of_o as_o to_o the_o ancient_a state_n of_o greece_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o they_o come_v to_o imbody_n themselves_o together_o
god_n that_o day_n see_v it_o be_v neither_o new-moon_n nor_o sabbath_n whereby_o it_o be_v both_o evident_a that_o the_o prophet_n do_v undertake_v the_o office_n of_o instruct_v the_o people_n on_o their_o solemn_a festival_n and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o custom_n to_o resort_v to_o they_o for_o that_o end_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n take_v for_o 35._o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o people_n in_o a_o time_n of_o so_o general_a a_o apostasy_n as_o that_o of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v when_o the_o church_n of_o god_n can_v not_o be_v know_v by_o that_o constant_a visibility_n and_o outward_a glory_n which_o some_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o but_o be_v then_o cloud_v in_o obscurity_n and_o shroud_v itself_o under_o the_o mantle_n of_o some_o prophet_n which_o god_n continue_v among_o they_o and_o that_o not_o by_o any_o lineal_a succession_n neither_o though_o the_o jew_n will_v fain_o make_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o cabala_n too_o and_o convey_v in_o a_o constant_a succession_n from_o one_o prophet_n to_o another_o neither_o be_v these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n only_o in_o israel_n but_o in_o judah_n likewise_o be_v god_n know_v and_o his_o name_n be_v great_a among_o these_o school_n there_o in_o jerusalem_n itself_o there_o be_v a_o college_n where_o huldah_fw-mi the_o prophetess_n live_v 2_o king_n 22._o 14._o some_o render_v mishna_n in_o secunda_fw-la vrbis_fw-la parte_fw-la for_o jerusalem_n be_v divide_v into_o the_o upper_a and_o nether_a part_n of_o the_o city_n abulensis_n and_o lyra_n will_v have_v it_o refer_v to_o the_o three_o wall_n of_o the_o city_n in_o which_o the_o three_o chief_a part_n of_o it_o be_v comprise_v in_o the_o first_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o king_n palace_n in_o the_o second_o the_o nobles_z and_o the_o prophet_n house_n and_o in_o the_o three_o the_o common_a people_n josephus_n seem_v to_o favour_v the_o division_n of_o the_o city_n into_o three_o part_n but_o pineda_n 28._o think_v the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o city_n be_v most_o inhabit_v by_o artificer_n and_o that_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o wise_a man_n and_o such_o as_o frequent_v the_o temple_n most_o dwell_v in_o the_o city_n of_o david_n within_o the_o first_o wall_n and_o therefore_o he_o conjecture_n that_o the_o college_n be_v upon_o mount_n zion_n and_o so_o proper_o call_v zion_n college_n and_o he_o explain_v that_o house_n which_o wisdom_n be_v say_v to_o have_v build_v and_o hew_v out_o her_o seven_o pillar_n prov._n 9_o 1._o by_o this_o college_n which_o he_o suppose_v be_v build_v by_o solomon_n in_o mount_n zion_n and_o thence_o ver_fw-la 3._o she_o be_v say_v to_o cry_v upon_o the_o high_a place_n of_o the_o city_n thus_o much_o may_v serve_v concern_v the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n promise_v concern_v the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v that_o it_o be_v god_n ordinary_a sect_n method_n to_o call_v those_o person_n out_o of_o these_o school_n who_o he_o do_v employ_v in_o the_o discharge_n of_o the_o prophetical_a office_n two_o thing_n will_v be_v necessary_a for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o first_o what_o tendency_n their_o education_n in_o those_o school_n have_v towards_o the_o fit_v they_o for_o their_o prophetical_a office_n second_o what_o evidence_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o that_o god_n call_v the_o prophet_n out_o from_o these_o college_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v very_o requisite_a to_o be_v clear_v because_o the_o prophetical_a office_n depend_v upon_o immediate_a inspiration_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v what_o influence_n any_o antecedent_n and_o preparatory_a disposition_n can_v have_v upon_o receive_v the_o prophetical_a spirit_n it_o be_v common_o know_v how_o much_o the_o generality_n of_o jewish_a writer_n do_v insist_v on_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o qualification_n antecedent_n to_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 1._o a_o excellent_a natural_a temper_n 2._o good_a accomplishment_n both_o of_o with_o and_o fortune_n 3._o separation_n from_o the_o world_n 4._o congruity_n of_o place_n which_o they_o make_v proper_a to_o judaea_n 5._o opportunity_n of_o time_n 6._o and_o divine_a inspiration_n these_o be_v so_o large_o discourse_v of_o by_o many_o learned_a man_n from_o jewish_a writer_n that_o 8._o it_o will_v be_v both_o tedious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o recite_v much_o of_o their_o opinion_n concern_v they_o who_o since_o they_o have_v lose_v the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n seem_v to_o have_v lose_v too_o that_o wisdom_n and_o natural_a understanding_n which_o they_o make_v one_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o prophet_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o imagine_v what_o subserviency_n riches_n can_v have_v to_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n unless_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o simon_n magus_n his_o opinion_n that_o these_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n may_v be_v purchase_v with_o money_n and_o if_o so_o they_o think_v themselves_o in_o as_o likely_a a_o way_n to_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n as_o any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n or_o be_v it_o that_o they_o thiâ—k_v it_o impossible_a any_o without_o they_o shall_v have_v that_o fâ—ee_v cheerful_a and_o generous_a spirit_n which_o they_o make_v so_o necessary_a to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n that_o it_o be_v a_o axiom_n of_o great_a authority_n with_o they_o spiritus_fw-la sanctus_fw-la non_fw-la residet_fw-la super_fw-la hominem_fw-la moestum_fw-la and_o they_o think_v elisha_n his_o fit_a of_o passion_n do_v excuss_v his_o prophetic_a spirit_n from_o he_o which_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o retrieve_v again_o with_o a_o fit_a of_o music_n there_o be_v only_o two_o sort_n of_o those_o antecedent_n disposition_n which_o seem_v to_o bear_v any_o affinity_n with_o the_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o those_o be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o their_o advancement_n in_o piety_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o subdue_a all_o irregular_a motion_n in_o their_o soul_n not_o that_o either_o of_o these_o do_v concur_v by_o way_n of_o efficiency_n to_o the_o production_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n which_o be_v a_o opinion_n maimonides_n seem_v very_o favourable_a to_o but_o that_o god_n may_v 36._o make_v choice_n particular_o of_o such_o person_n to_o remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la against_o they_o in_o those_o they_o be_v send_v unto_o for_o nothing_o can_v possible_o dissatisfie_v they_o more_o concern_v divine_a inspiration_n then_o if_o the_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o it_o be_v of_o very_o weak_a and_o shallow_a intellectual_n or_o know_v to_o be_v of_o a_o irregular_a conversation_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o man_n concern_v these_o two_o qualisication_n this_o institution_n of_o they_o in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v of_o great_a subserviency_n because_o therein_o their_o only_a employment_n be_v to_o improve_v in_o knowledge_n and_o especial_o in_o true_a piety_n this_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o necessary_a disposition_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o prophet_n be_v holy_a man_n who_o speak_v as_o they_o be_v move_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o the_o great_a part_n we_o can_v find_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o those_o who_o 21._o be_v educate_v in_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v instruction_n in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o solemn_a celebration_n of_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n which_o appear_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v their_o chief_a employment_n as_o prophet_n and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o prophesy_v so_o at_o gibeah_n at_o the_o oratory_n there_o we_o find_v a_o company_n of_o prophet_n come_v down_o from_o the_o high_a place_n with_o a_o psaltery_a 5._o a_o tabret_n and_o pipe_n and_o a_o harp_n before_o they_o and_o prophesy_v it_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o strange_a to_o consider_v what_o relation_n these_o musical_a instrument_n have_v to_o the_o prophesy_v here_o 6._o mention_v be_v musical_a note_n like_o some_o seed_n naturalist_n speak_v of_o which_o will_v help_v to_o excite_v a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o do_v they_o tend_v to_o elevate_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n and_o so_o put_v they_o into_o a_o great_a capacity_n of_o enthusiasm_n or_o be_v it_o because_o music_n be_v so_o excellent_a for_o allay_v the_o tumult_n of_o inward_a passion_n and_o so_o fit_v the_o soul_n for_o the_o better_a entertainment_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o be_v all_o this_o prophesy_v here_o speak_v of_o nothing_o else_o but_o vocal_a and_o instrumental_a music_n so_o some_o indeed_o understand_v it_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o praise_v god_n with_o spiritual_a song_n and_o melody_n wherein_o one_o as_o the_o preceptor_n begin_v a_o hymn_n which_o the_o rest_n take_v from_o he_o and_o carry_v on_o
put_v too_o great_a a_o restraint_n upon_o the_o boundless_a 9_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o sometime_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o god_n send_v the_o prophet_n upon_o extraordinary_a message_n and_o then_o furnish_v they_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o divine_a commission_n without_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o beside_o these_o god_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o leiger-prophet_n among_o his_o people_n such_o be_v the_o most_o of_o those_o who_o we_o read_v of_o in_o scripture_n which_o be_v no_o penman_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n such_o in_o david_n time_n we_o may_v conceive_v gad_n and_o nathan_n and_o afterward_o we_o read_v of_o many_o other_o prophet_n and_o seer_n among_o they_o to_o who_o the_o people_n make_v their_o resort_n now_o these_o in_o probability_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o in_o the_o prophetic_a school_n wherein_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v appear_v but_o in_o a_o more_o fix_v and_o settle_a way_n then_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a prophet_n who_o god_n do_v call_v out_o on_o some_o more_o signal_n occasion_n such_o as_o isaiah_n and_o jeremiah_n be_v we_o have_v a_o clear_a foundation_n for_o such_o a_o distinction_n of_o prophet_n in_o those_o word_n of_o amos_n to_o amaziah_n amos_n 7._o 14_o 15._o i_o be_v no_o prophet_n neither_o be_v i_o a_o prophet_n son_n but_o i_o be_v a_o herdman_n and_o a_o gatherer_n of_o sycamore_n fruit_n and_o the_o lord_n take_v i_o as_o i_o follow_v the_o stock_n and_o the_o lord_n say_v unto_o i_o go_v prophecy_n to_o my_o people_n israel_n some_o understand_v the_o first_o word_n i_o be_v not_o a_o prophet_n that_o he_o be_v not_o bear_v a_o prophet_n as_o jeremiah_n be_v not_o design_v and_o set_v apart_o to_o it_o from_o his_o mother_n womb_n but_o i_o rather_o think_v by_o his_o not_o be_v a_o prophet_n he_o mean_v he_o be_v none_o of_o those_o resident_a prophet_n in_o the_o college_n or_o school_n of_o they_o not_o any_o of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o prophetic_a life_n and_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o converse_n with_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v i_o say_v he_o the_o son_n of_o a_o prophet_n i._n e._n not_o bring_v up_o in_o discipleship_n under_o those_o prophet_n and_o thereby_o train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prophetic_a function_n non_fw-la didici_fw-la inter_fw-la discipulos_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la as_o pelican_n render_v it_o nec_fw-la institutione_n qua_fw-la silij_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la quasi_fw-la ad_fw-la donum_fw-la prâ—phetiae_n à _fw-la parentibus_fw-la praeparabantur_fw-la say_v estius_n non_fw-fr à _fw-fr pvero_fw-la educatus_fw-la in_o schol_n be_v propheticis_fw-la so_o calvin_n and_o most_o other_o modern_a interpreter_n understand_v it_o as_o well_o as_o abarbinel_n and_o the_o jewish_a writer_n whereby_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n ordinary_a way_n for_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o take_v such_o as_o have_v be_v train_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n although_o god_n do_v not_o tie_v up_o hmself_n to_o this_o method_n but_o sometime_o call_v one_o from_o the_o court_n as_o he_o do_v isaiah_n sometime_o one_o from_o the_o herd_n as_o here_o he_o do_v amos_n and_o bid_v they_o go_v prophecy_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v then_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o stand_a college_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o israelite_n who_o shine_v as_o fix_v star_n in_o the_o firmament_n and_o there_o be_v other_o who_o have_v a_o more_o planetary_a motion_n and_o withal_o a_o more_o lively_a and_o resplendent_a illumination_n from_o the_o fountain_n of_o prophetic_a light_n and_o further_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n do_v not_o ordinary_o seize_v on_o any_o but_o such_o who_o institution_n be_v in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n by_o the_o great_a admiration_n which_o be_v cause_v among_o the_o people_n at_o saul_n so_o sudden_a prophesy_v 24._o that_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n be_v saul_n also_o among_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v not_o give_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o adage_n for_o a_o strange_a and_o unwonted_a thing_n unless_o the_o most_o common_a appearance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o be_v train_v up_o in_o order_n to_o it_o thus_o i_o suppose_v we_o have_v full_o clear_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o ordinary_a prophet_n who_o chief_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n to_o prove_v their_o commission_n by_o miracle_n because_o god_n have_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n by_o moses_n and_o these_o be_v bring_v up_o ordinary_o to_o that_o end_n among_o they_o so_o that_o all_o prejudices_fw-la be_v sufficient_o remove_v from_o their_o person_n without_o any_o such_o extraordinary_a power_n as_o that_o of_o miracle_n chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretel_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o second_o reason_n why_o those_o prophet_n who_o main_a office_n be_v instruction_n of_o the_o people_n or_o mere_o foretell_v future_a 1_o event_n need_v not_o to_o confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o mirale_n be_v because_o they_o have_v certain_a rule_n of_o trial_n by_o their_o law_n whereby_o to_o discern_v the_o false_a prophet_n from_o the_o true_a so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v deceive_v by_o they_o it_o be_v their_o own_o oscitancy_n and_o inadvertency_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o god_n in_o that_o law_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a have_v establish_v a_o court_n of_o trial_n for_o prophetic_a spirit_n and_o give_v such_o certain_a rule_n of_o procedure_v in_o it_o that_o no_o man_n need_v to_o be_v deceive_v unless_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a necessity_n of_o such_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o trial_n among_o they_o because_o it_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v expect_v but_o in_o a_o nation_n where_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n be_v so_o common_a there_o will_v be_v very_o many_o pretender_n to_o it_o who_o may_v much_o endanger_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o people_n unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v they_o out_o and_o the_o more_o effectual_o to_o deter_v man_n either_o from_o counterfeit_v a_o prophetic_a spirit_n or_o from_o harken_v to_o such_o as_o do_v god_n appoint_v a_o severe_a punishment_n for_o every_o such_o pretender_n viz._n upon_o legal_a conviction_n that_o he_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n deut._n 18._o 20._o but_o the_o prophet_n which_o shall_v presume_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n in_o my_o name_n which_o i_o have_v not_o command_v he_o to_o speak_v or_o that_o shall_v speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o other_o god_n shall_v sure_o die_v the_o jew_n general_o understand_v this_o of_o strangle_v as_o they_o do_v always_o in_o the_o law_n when_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o death_n be_v not_o express_v and_o therein_o a_o false_a prophet_n and_o a_o seducer_n be_v distinguish_v each_o from_o other_o that_o a_o mere_a seducer_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v to_o death_n under_o sufficient_a testimony_n deut._n 13._o 6_o 10._o but_o the_o false_a prophet_n be_v there_o say_v in_o general_a only_o to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n vâ—ssium_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 5._o the_o main_a difference_n between_o the_o seducer_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v that_o the_o seducer_n seek_v by_o cunning_a persuasion_n and_o plausible_a argument_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o false_a prophet_n always_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o he_o persuade_v they_o to_o whether_o he_o give_v out_o that_o he_o have_v that_o revelation_n
resolve_v the_o particular_a emergent_a case_n concern_v prediction_n the_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n be_v no_o further_o a_o argument_n of_o prophetic_a spirit_n then_o as_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n hypoth_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o god_n challenge_v this_o to_o himself_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o his_o own_o to_o declare_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o thereby_o manifest_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o can_v not_o show_v to_o their_o worshipper_n the_o thing_n to_o come_v isaiah_n 44._o 6_o 7._o from_o this_o hypothesis_n these_o two_o consectary_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o event_n which_o be_v foretell_v must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a intellect_n for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o true_a prophecy_n so_o that_o the_o foretell_v of_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o such_o as_o though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o the_o diabolical_a or_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v out_o casual_o true_a but_o by_o no_o certain_a ground_n of_o prediction_n can_v none_o of_o they_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o evidence_n that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wait_v the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o particular_a prophecy_n before_o he_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o prophet_n if_o so_o than_o many_o of_o god_n chief_a prophet_n can_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v in_o their_o own_o generation_n because_o their_o prophecy_n do_v reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o they_o as_o isaiahs_n concern_v cyrus_n the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n concern_v josias_n and_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o deliverance_n from_o it_o must_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v till_o fulfil_v that_o be_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o for_o when_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n where_o then_o god_n give_v other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o minute_n accomplishment_n of_o every_o event_n foretell_v by_o he_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o may_v be_v particular_a divine_a revelation_n of_o other_o thing_n beside_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o event_n once_o foretell_v may_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v invalidate_v on_o that_o account_n because_o every_o event_n be_v not_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o ever_o come_v under_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o the_o manifestation_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o any_o light_n may_v extend_v its_o self_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o that_o light_n be_v extend_v but_o that_o light_a which_o the_o prophet_n see_v by_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o may_v equal_o extend_v it_o self_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o object_n but_o because_o future_a contingency_n be_v the_o most_o remote_a from_o humane_a knowledge_n therefore_o the_o foretell_v of_o these_o have_v be_v account_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n then_o future_a contingency_n which_o may_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o yet_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o other_o man_n as_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v by_o person_n at_o a_o remote_a distance_n from_o they_o thus_o elisha_n know_v what_o gehezi_n do_v when_o he_o 26._o follow_v nâ—aman_n and_o thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o heart_n depend_v upon_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n whereas_o every_o one_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o some_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v 25._o matter_n of_o sense_n or_o evident_a demenstration_n which_o to_o another_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n 2._o such_o thing_n as_o relate_v not_o to_o future_a contingency_n but_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v when_o reveal_v but_o can_v never_o have_v be_v find_v out_o without_o immediate_a revelation_n such_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n hypostatical_a union_n the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o object_n speak_v as_o much_o a_o true_o prophetical_a spirit_n as_o the_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o this_o must_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n to_o measure_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o judge_v a_o prophetical_a spirit_n by_o that_o be_v common_a with_o other_o thing_n without_o that_o see_v other_o object_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o future_a event_n and_o therefore_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o must_v immediate_o flow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o future_a event_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v never_o the_o less_o immediate_a although_o the_o event_n may_v not_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n immediate_o reveal_v such_o future_a contingency_n to_o a_o prophet_n he_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a prophet_n whether_o those_o prediction_n take_v effect_n or_o no._n for_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o by_o the_o success_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o hypothesis_n be_v no_o further_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n then_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n a_fw-fr posteriori_fw-la to_o prove_v divine_a revelation_n by_o if_o then_o the_o alteration_n of_o event_n after_o prediction_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n the_o formality_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o prophet_n can_v not_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o people_n 2._o than_o be_v immediate_o reveal_v unto_o themselves_o what_o be_v present_o reveal_v so_o much_o they_o know_v and_o no_o more_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n come_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la impressionis_fw-la transeuntis_fw-la as_o the_o school_n speak_v and_o not_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la habitus_fw-la the_o lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la be_v in_o they_o not_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la lucido_fw-la but_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o aëre_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n in_o their_o spirit_n depend_v upon_o the_o immediate_a irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n have_v not_o always_o a_o power_n to_o prophecy_n when_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v say_v when_o they_o prophesy_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o school_n determine_v that_o a_o prophet_n upon_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n do_v not_o know_v omne_fw-la prophetabilia_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o barbarous_a language_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n may_v reveal_v the_o reason_n whereof_o aquinas_n thus_o give_v the_o ground_n say_v he_o of_o the_o connexion_n of_o diverse_a object_n together_o be_v some_o common_a tie_n or_o principle_n which_o 4._o join_v they_o together_o as_o charity_n or_o prudence_n be_v in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o science_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o that_o science_n be_v understand_v but_o now_o in_o divine_a revelation_n that_o which_o connect_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v god_n himself_o now_o because_o he_o can_v be_v full_o apprehend_v by_o any_o humane_a intellect_n therefore_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n can_v comprehend_v all_o matter_n capable_a of_o be_v reveal_v but_o only_o such_o as_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o free_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o prophet_n understanding_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n this_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o all_o those_o different_a degree_n of_o illumination_n and_o prophecy_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o mathematical_a evidence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o way_n find_v out_o for_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n who_o truth_n depend_v on_o testimony_n the_o more_o creditable_a the_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o may_v deceive_v can_v give_v so_o pregnant_a a_o evidence_n as_o that_o which_o can_v for_o then_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n be_v take_v off_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o a_o testimony_n deliver_v be_v infallible_a and_o that_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o 3._o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o believe_v it_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
a_o heroickfreedom_n of_o spirit_n appear_v in_o these_o word_n what_o magnanimity_n and_o courage_n be_v there_o now_o in_o that_o person_n who_o dare_v in_o the_o face_n of_o this_o court_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v well_o may_v they_o wonder_v at_o the_o boldness_n of_o the_o man_n who_o fear_v not_o the_o same_o death_n which_o they_o have_v so_o late_o bring_v their_o lord_n and_o master_n to_o neither_o be_v this_o single_o the_o case_n of_o peter_n and_o john_n but_o all_o 10._o the_o rest_n of_o the_o apostle_n undertake_v their_o work_n with_o the_o same_o resolution_n and_o preparation_n of_o spirit_n to_o under_o go_v the_o great_a hardship_n in_o the_o world_n sor_n the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o preach_v and_o according_o as_o far_a as_o ecclesiastical_a history_n can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o it_o they_o do_v all_o but_o john_n and_o that_o to_o make_v good_a 22._o the_o prediction_n of_o christ_n suffer_v violent_a death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o those_o who_o persecute_v they_o mere_o for_o their_o doctrine_n and_o which_o be_v most_o observable_a when_o christ_n design_v they_o first_o of_o all_o for_o this_o work_n he_o tell_v they_o before_o hand_n of_o reproach_n persecution_n all_o manner_n of_o hardship_n nay_o of_o death_n its_o self_n which_o they_o must_v undergo_v for_o his_o sake_n all_o that_o he_o give_v they_o 28._o by_o way_n of_o encouragement_n be_v that_o they_o can_v only_o kill_v the_o body_n and_o not_o the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o that_o they_o shall_v fear_v he_o only_o who_o can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n all_o the_o support_n they_o have_v be_v a_o expectation_n in_o another_o world_n and_o that_o animate_v they_o to_o go_v through_o all_o the_o hardship_n of_o this_o where_o do_v we_o ever_o read_v of_o any_o such_o boldness_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o most_o know_v philosopher_n of_o the_o heathen_n with_o what_o saintness_n and_o misgive_n of_o mind_n do_v socrates_n speak_v in_o his_o famous_a discourse_n suppose_v to_o be_v make_v by_o he_o before_o his_o death_n how_o phaed._n uncertain_o do_v he_o speak_v of_o a_o state_n of_o immortality_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o probability_n plato_n set_v it_o forth_o with_o all_o advantage_n imaginable_a where_o do_v we_o find_v that_o ever_o any_o of_o the_o great_a friend_n of_o socrates_n who_o be_v present_a at_o his_o death_n as_o phaedo_fw-la cebes_n crito_n and_o simmias_n dare_v enter_v the_o areopagus_n and_o condemn_v they_o there_o for_o the_o murder_n of_o socrates_n though_o this_o will_v be_v far_o short_a of_o what_o the_o apostle_n do_v why_o be_v they_o not_o so_o charitable_a as_o to_o inform_v the_o world_n better_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n if_o at_o least_o they_o be_v full_o convince_v of_o they_o themselves_o why_o do_v not_o plato_n at_o least_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o truth_n and_o not_o disguise_v his_o discourse_n under_o feign_a name_n the_o better_a to_o avoid_v accusation_n and_o the_o fate_n of_o socrates_n how_o do_v he_o mince_v his_o excellent_a matter_n and_o play_v as_o it_o be_v at_o bo-peep_a with_o his_o reader_n sometime_o appear_v and_o then_o pull_v in_o his_o horn_n again_o it_o may_v not_o be_v a_o improbable_a conjecture_n that_o the_o death_n of_o socrates_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o academy_n i_o mean_v of_o that_o cautelous_a doctrine_n of_o withhold_v assent_n and_o be_v both_o pro_fw-la and_o con_v sometime_o of_o this_o side_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o for_o socrates_n his_o death_n have_v make_v all_o his_o friend_n very_o fearful_a of_o be_v too_o dogmatical_a and_o plato_n himself_o have_v too_o much_o riches_n and_o withal_o too_o much_o of_o a_o courtier_n in_o he_o to_o hazard_v the_o dear_a prison_n of_o his_o soul_n viz._n his_o body_n mere_o for_o a_o aethereal_a vehicle_n he_o have_v rather_o let_v his_o soul_n flutter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o a_o terrestrial_a matter_n or_o the_o cage_n it_o be_v pâ—nt_v up_o in_o then_o hazard_v too_o violent_a a_o open_n of_o it_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o areopagus_n and_o the_o great_a roman_a orator_n among_o the_o rest_n of_o plato_n sentiment_n have_v learn_v this_o too_o for_o although_o in_o his_o discourse_n he_o have_v many_o time_n sufficient_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n and_o theology_n yet_o he_o know_v how_o to_o bring_v himself_o off_o safe_a enough_o with_o the_o people_n and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v dogmatical_a only_o in_o this_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v innovate_v in_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n of_o our_o ancestor_n be_v inviolable_o to_o be_v observe_v which_o principle_n have_v they_o be_v true_a as_o they_o be_v safe_a for_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v they_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v never_o gain_v any_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n for_o where_o ever_o it_o come_v it_o meet_v with_o this_o potent_a prejudice_n that_o it_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o innovation_n and_o therefore_o be_v shrewd_o suspect_v by_o the_o governor_n of_o commonwealth_n and_o the_o preacher_n of_o it_o punish_v as_o factious_a and_o seditious_a person_n which_o be_v all_o the_o pretext_n the_o wise_a politician_n of_o the_o world_n have_v for_o their_o cruel_a and_o inhuman_a persecution_n of_o such_o multitude_n of_o peaceable_a and_o innocent_a christian_n now_o when_o these_o thing_n be_v foretell_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o before_o their_o go_v abroad_o so_o plain_o that_o with_o the_o same_o say_v they_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v to_o be_v true_a they_o must_v believe_v that_o all_o these_o thing_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v what_o courage_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n be_v it_o in_o they_o thus_o to_o encounter_v danger_n and_o as_o it_o be_v court_v the_o slame_n nay_o and_o before_o the_o time_n be_v come_v that_o they_o must_v die_v to_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n their_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a peregrination_n wherein_o they_o be_v as_o so_o many_o job_n in_o pilgrimage_n encounter_v with_o peril_n and_o danger_n on_o every_o side_n of_o which_o one_o of_o the_o most_o painful_a and_o successful_a s._n paul_n have_v give_v in_o such_o a_o large_a inventory_n of_o his_o peril_n that_o the_o very_a read_n of_o they_o be_v 9_o enough_o to_o undo_v a_o poor_a epicurean_a philosopher_n and_o at_o once_o to_o spoil_v he_o of_o the_o two_o pillar_n of_o his_o happiness_n the_o quietness_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o ease_v of_o his_o body_n thus_o we_o see_v what_o a_o hazardous_a employment_n that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n go_v upon_o and_o that_o it_o be_v such_o as_o they_o very_o well_o understand_v the_o difficulty_n of_o before_o they_o set_v upon_o it_o second_o we_o can_v find_v out_o any_o rational_a motive_n which_o 11._o can_v carry_v they_o through_o so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n but_o the_o full_a conviction_n of_o their_o mind_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v we_o find_v before_o that_o no_o vulgar_a motive_n in_o the_o world_n can_v carry_v they_o upon_o that_o design_n which_o they_o go_v upon_o can_v they_o be_v lead_v by_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n who_o meet_v with_o such_o reproach_n where_o ever_o they_o go_v and_o not_o only_a persecution_n of_o the_o tongue_n but_o the_o sharp_a one_o of_o the_o hand_n too_o we_o never_o read_v of_o any_o but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o be_v martyr_n and_o think_v long_o till_o they_o be_v in_o the_o flame_n which_o make_v arrius_n antoninus_n be_v proconsul_n of_o asia_n when_o christian_n in_o multitude_n beset_v his_o tribunal_n and_o throng_v in_o to_o be_v condemn_v say_v to_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d o_o miserable_a people_n have_v not_o you_o way_v enough_o to_o 5._o end_v your_o life_n at_o hâ—me_n but_o you_o must_v crowd_n for_o a_o execution_n this_o be_v a_o high_a ambition_n by_o far_o then_o any_o of_o those_o mancipia_fw-la gloriae_fw-la those_o chamaeleon_n that_o live_v on_o the_o breath_n of_o applause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n ever_o reach_v to_o who_o be_v as_o tertullian_n express_v it_o homines_fw-la gloriae_fw-la &_o eloquentiae_fw-la solius_fw-la libidinosi_fw-la unsatiable_a thirster_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o eloquence_n of_o 47._o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v soar_v too_o high_a to_o quarry_n on_o so_o mean_v a_o prâ—y_n when_o the_o more_o sober_a heathen_n have_v take_v a_o strict_a notice_n of_o the_o carriage_n and_o life_n of_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
this_o god_n may_v do_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o mean_n faith_n whether_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o true_a doctrine_n confirm_v by_o great_a miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o and_o be_v confirm_v by_o false_a prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n now_o in_o this_o case_n our_o rule_n of_o trial_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o whether_o real_a or_o no_o as_o the_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o which_o these_o wonder_n tend_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o therefore_o god_n people_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n whatever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v they_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v then_o the_o standard_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o work_v miracle_n so_o that_o let_v the_o miracle_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o they_o contradict_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o only_a trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n or_o no._n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o examine_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o lipsius_n his_o relation_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o diva_n virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n for_o if_o i_o see_v that_o their_o intention_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n or_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o deity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v ignorant_a of_o on_o that_o very_a account_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o reject_v they_o all_o although_o i_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n between_o true_a miracle_n and_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o this_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o curiosity_n so_o of_o less_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n infinite_o above_o these_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o and_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v it_o much_o less_o although_o some_o popish_a priest_n may_v boast_v much_o of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n may_v in_o judgement_n give_v those_o image_n power_n to_o work_v or_o other_o faith_n to_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v now_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n which_o the_o scripture_n forewarn_v 9_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v viz._n such_o as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n or_o of_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a there_o the_o effect_n which_o 3._o follow_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a i._n e._n the_o effect_n of_o believe_v of_o they_o be_v the_o drawing_z of_o man_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v much_o upon_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o draw_v a_o people_n off_o from_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o purge_a man_n soul_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o make_v they_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o exactness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o cels._n thereby_o origen_n discover_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o antichrist_n wonder_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n whereby_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o deceive_a but_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v with_o any_o probability_n say_v that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o daily_a progress_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a deceit_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v because_o by_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n the_o eye_n of_o blind_a soul_n be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o goodness_n be_v open_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o be_v lame_a in_o their_o inward_a man_n be_v so_o heal_v as_o to_o delight_n to_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o imposture_n and_o pretend_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o diabolical_a power_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o god_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a obligation_n to_o duty_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o early_a ape_n of_o the_o apostle_n simon_n magus_n who_o far_o outgo_v apollonius_n tyaneus_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a in_o his_o pretend_a miracle_n according_a to_o the_o report_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o we_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o miracle_n be_v to_o raise_v opusc_n a_o admiration_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n by_o affert_v among_o other_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n what_o man_n do_v but_o only_o what_o they_o believe_v wherein_o the_o gnostic_n be_v his_o follower_n now_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v easy_o know_v from_o who_o they_o come_v those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n this_o 4._o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v out_o of_o man_n power_n to_o effect_v must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n divine_a or_o diabolical_a for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v every_o kingdom_n 26._o divide_v against_o its_o self_n be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o its_o self_n can_v stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v now_o christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n too_o as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o and_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n for_o 1._o the_o devil_n design_n be_v to_o conceal_v himself_o among_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o discover_v he_o who_o the_o gentile_n worship_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o their_o ruin_n now_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o gentilism_n the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o state_n which_o the_o devil_n use_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v â—â—en_o and_o worship_v for_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o belieuâ—_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—â—ns_n be_v very_o good_a and_o benign_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canonist_n and_o other_o philosopherâ—â—o_v â—o_z much_o 〈◊〉_d against_o the_o primitiâ—â—_n christian_n when_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d their_o daemon_n to_o be_v nothing_o â—he_v but_o inâ—â—â—al_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o seek_v the_o
those_o magnetical_a hook_n of_o obedience_n and_o eternal_a interest_n there_o be_v few_o will_v be_v draw_v to_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o much_o less_o a_o delight_n in_o so_o amiable_a and_o excellâ—â—nt_a a_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v why_o god_n in_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v ever_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v a_o future_a punishment_n or_o promise_v a_o eternal_a reward_n be_v not_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n the_o sinew_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o who_o design_n be_v to_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n on_o which_o all_o religion_n be_v build_v understand_v far_o 2._o better_a than_o those_o weak_a pretend_a advancer_n of_o religion_n who_o while_n in_o such_o a_o way_n they_o pretend_v to_o advance_v it_o do_v only_o blow_v it_o up_o for_o if_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o eye_n and_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o future_a condition_n nor_o serve_v god_n on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o power_n to_o make_v our_o soul_n miserable_a or_o happy_a much_o less_o ought_v man_n to_o serve_v god_n with_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o providence_n since_o the_o matter_n which_o providence_n be_v employ_v about_o in_o this_o world_n be_v of_o infinite_o less_o moment_n than_o those_o which_o concern_v our_o future_a state_n and_o if_o we_o be_v to_o have_v no_o eye_n on_o divine_a providence_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n we_o shall_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v for_o what_o end_n god_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o care_n of_o mankind_n and_o manifest_v so_o much_o of_o his_o goodness_n to_o they_o be_v it_o not_o to_o quicken_v they_o in_o their_o search_n after_o he_o and_o excite_v they_o to_o the_o more_o cheerful_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o when_o once_o we_o question_v to_o what_o end_n god_n trouble_v himself_o with_o the_o world_n we_o be_v come_v next_o door_n to_o epicurus_n and_o may_v in_o few_o step_v more_o delight_n in_o the_o flower_n of_o his_o garden_n for_o this_o be_v his_o strong_a plea_n against_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o stoop_v so_o low_a and_o trouble_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o regard_v what_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n this_o be_v one_o of_o his_o ratae_n sententiae_fw-la or_o undoubted_a 10._o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o bless_a and_o immortal_a be_v neither_o have_v any_o employment_n himself_o nor_o trouble_v himself_o with_o other_o which_o as_o maximus_n tyrius_n well_o observe_v be_v rather_o a_o description_n of_o a_o sardanapalus_n then_o a_o deity_n nay_o of_o a_o worse_a than_o a_o sardanapalus_n for_o he_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o his_o softness_n and_o effeminacy_n 29._o will_v yet_o entertain_v some_o counsel_n for_o the_o safety_n and_o good_a of_o his_o empire_n but_o epicurus_n his_o dâ—ity_n be_v of_o so_o tender_a a_o nature_n that_o the_o least_o thought_n of_o business_n will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o happiness_n this_o opinion_n of_o epicurus_n make_v the_o more_o raisedspirited_a moralist_n so_o far_o contemn_v the_o unworthy_a apprehension_n which_o he_o entertain_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n that_o they_o degrade_v he_o from_o the_o very_a title_n of_o a_o philosopher_n in_o it_o and_o rank_v he_o beneath_o the_o most_o fabulous_a poet_n who_o have_v write_v such_o unworthy_a thing_n of_o their_o god_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o censure_n coâ—â—t_fw-la which_o tully_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pass_v upon_o he_o for_o this_o very_a opinion_n and_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o some_o of_o their_o own_o man_n be_v of_o a_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a spirit_n than_o epicurus_n his_o deity_n who_o abhor_a softness_n and_o idleness_n and_o make_v it_o their_o great_a delight_n to_o do_v good_a to_o their_o country_n but_o epicurus_n must_v needs_o make_v his_o god_n of_o his_o own_o humour_n the_o usual_a flattery_n which_o man_n bear_v to_o themselves_o to_o think_v that_o most_o excellent_a which_o they_o delight_v in_o most_o as_o xenophanes_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v of_o his_o horse_n if_o he_o be_v to_o describe_v a_o god_n it_o will_v be_v with_o a_o curl_a main_n a_o broad_a chest_n etc._n etc._n and_o in_o every_o thing_n like_o himself_o have_v e_z icurus_fw-la himself_n so_o little_a of_o a_o athenian_a in_o he_o as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o some_o part_n of_o his_o delight_n to_o understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o do_v he_o take_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o walk_v of_o his_o famous_a garden_n nor_o to_o order_v his_o tree_n and_o set_v his_o flower_n and_o contrive_v every_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o delight_n woulâ—_n epicurus_n then_o count_v this_o a_o part_n of_o his_o happiness_n and_o be_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o order_n all_o thing_n in_o it_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n must_v so_o excellent_a a_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v present_o tire_v with_o business_n when_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o nature_n be_v the_o more_o active_a and_o vigorous_a it_o be_v the_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v and_o dspatch_v matter_n of_o moment_n with_o the_o least_o disturbance_n to_o its_o self_n be_v it_o pleasure_n to_o a_o nurse_n to_o fill_v the_o child_n with_o her_o milk_n do_v the_o sun_n rejoice_v to_o help_v the_o world_n with_o his_o constant_a light_n and_o do_v a_o fountain_n murmur_n till_o it_o be_v deliver_v of_o its_o stream_n which_o may_v refresh_v the_o ground_n and_o be_v it_o no_o delight_n to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o behold_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o goodness_n upon_o the_o world_n we_o see_v here_o then_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o epicurus_n go_v viz._n that_o his_o god_n must_v be_v like_o himself_o or_o there_o must_v be_v none_o and_o true_o he_o may_v more_o suitable_o to_o his_o principle_n question_v his_o existence_n then_o suppose_v his_o existence_n deny_v his_o providence_n on_o such_o miserable_a account_n as_o these_o be_v which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a which_o either_o epicurus_n or_o lucretius_n can_v bring_v against_o it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o which_o to_o any_o one_o who_o consider_v it_o do_v necessary_o infer_v a_o peculiar_a eye_n and_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n 3_o for_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o a_o be_v of_o infinite_a knowledge_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o of_o infinite_a power_n shall_v stand_v by_o and_o leave_v thing_n to_o chance_n and_o fertune_n which_o be_v at_o first_o contrive_v and_o bring_v into_o be_v by_o the_o contrivance_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o exercise_v of_o his_o power_n and_o where_o the_o foundation_n of_o existence_n lie_v whole_o and_o sole_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v produce_v the_o ground_n of_o continuance_n of_o that_o existence_n must_v lie_v in_o the_o same_o power_n conserve_n when_o man_n indeed_o effect_v any_o thing_n the_o work_n may_v continue_v whatever_o become_v of_o he_o that_o do_v it_o but_o the_o reason_n of_o that_o be_v because_o what_o man_n do_v be_v out_o of_o matter_n already_o existent_a and_o his_o work_n be_v only_o set_n material_n together_o but_o now_o what_o god_n effect_n he_o absolute_o give_v a_o be_v to_o and_o therefore_o its_o duration_n depend_v on_o his_o conservation_n what_o be_v once_o in_o its_o be_v i_o grant_v will_v continue_v till_o some_o great_a force_n than_o its_o self_n put_v it_o out_o of_o be_v but_o withal_o i_o add_v that_o god_n withdraw_v his_o conservation_n be_v so_o great_a a_o force_n as_o must_v needs_o put_v that_o be_v which_o have_v its_o existence_n from_o his_o power_n out_o of_o the_o condition_n it_o be_v in_o by_o it_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n continue_v in_o the_o air_n and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o sun_n communicate_v it_o nothing_o can_v extinguish_v the_o light_n but_o what_o will_v put_v out_o the_o sun_n but_o can_v we_o suppose_v the_o sun_n to_o withdraw_v his_o beam_n what_o become_v of_o the_o light_n then_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o being_n which_o come_v from_o a_o infinite_a power_n their_o subsistence_n depend_v on_o a_o continual_a emanation_n of_o the_o same_o power_n which_o give_v they_o be_v and_o when_o once_o this_o be_v withdraw_v all_o those_o being_n which_o be_v produce_v by_o this_o power_n must_v needs_o relapse_n into_o nothing_o beside_o what_o dependence_n be_v there_o upon_o each_o other_o in_o the_o moment_n of_o the_o duration_n of_o any_o create_v be_v the_o mode_n of_o existence_n in_o a_o creature_n be_v but_o contingent_a and_o possible_a and_o nothing_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o existent_a creature_n beyond_o mere_a
the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n 2._o of_o simplicius_n and_o hierocles_n be_v as_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o it_o as_o the_o other_o with_o expression_n much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 258._o man_n nature_n lie_v between_o those_o being_n which_o perpetual_o contemplate_v gâ—a_n and_o those_o which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o it_o sometime_o ascend_v to_o those_o and_o sometime_o descend_v to_o these_o according_a as_o it_o observe_v or_o reject_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o will_n be_v liable_a to_o take_v upon_o it_o the_o siâ—_n ilituâ—e_v of_o god_n or_o a_o beâ—â—st_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o whoever_o thorough_o consider_v this_o will_v easy_o understand_v how_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o evil_n and_o become_v unhappy_a and_o miserable_a through_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o self_n will_v which_o he_o bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o that_o true_o golden_a pythagorean_n verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n be_v grow_v miserable_a through_o their_o ownfault_n and_o afterward_o hierocles_n excellent_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o evil_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o our_o natural_a and_o contract_a pravity_n be_v nothing_o elsâ—_n but_o the_o unnatural_a motion_n of_o our_o free_a will_n according_a to_o which_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o dare_v to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n â—et_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o we_o injure_v ourselves_o when_o we_o â—o_o it_o and_o only_o look_v at_o this_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o of_o 〈◊〉_d law_n from_o our_o neck_n and_o he_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o liberty_n to_o offend_v god_n â—â—en_o we_o either_o do_v what_o he_o forbid_v or_o neglect_v what_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o on_o both_o side_n man_n bring_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n both_o by_o not_o do_v what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o by_o do_v what_o they_o be_v forbid_v so_o that_o he_o tul_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n recovery_n from_o this_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o her_o felicity_n we_o have_v these_o philosopher_n 3._o express_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o scripture_n porphyrius_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr regressu_fw-la 33._o animae_fw-la do_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o way_n of_o recover_a soul_n which_o shall_v be_v universal_a cum_fw-la autem_fw-la dicit_fw-la porphyrius_n nondum_fw-la receptam_fw-la unam_fw-la quandam_fw-la sectam_fw-la quae_fw-la universalem_fw-la viam_fw-la animae_fw-la contineat_fw-la liberandae_fw-la nondumque_fw-la in_o svam_fw-la notitiam_fw-la eandem_fw-la viam_fw-la historiali_fw-la cognition_n perlatam_fw-la proculdubio_fw-la confitetur_fw-la esse_fw-la aliquam_fw-la sed_fw-la nondum_fw-la in_o svam_fw-la venisse_fw-la notitiam_fw-la but_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o its_o felicity_n be_v so_o large_o and_o full_o discourse_v of_o by_o all_o the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n that_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o insist_v upon_o it_o thus_o far_o then_o we_o find_v the_o account_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o scripture_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o sublimest_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n as_o most_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v neither_o do_v we_o sin_v only_o the_o main_a of_o this_o account_n acknowledge_v as_o rational_a but_o we_o may_v trace_v some_o not_o obscure_a 17._o footstep_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o concern_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n envy_v of_o man_n happiness_n his_o disguise_a himself_o under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o man_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o paradise_n upon_o his_o fall_n 1._o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v by_o a_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o original_n of_o that_o evil_n very_a ancient_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_a de_fw-fr inuidia_fw-la daemonis_fw-la have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v make_v out_o so_o full_o that_o i_o shall_v the_o less_o need_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a tradition_n of_o some_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o envy_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o mankind_n appear_v by_o that_o ample_a testimony_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o dio_fw-mi mention_v by_o the_o same_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n be_v much_o trouble_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apparition_n which_o brutus_n and_o dio_n who_o be_v learned_a and_o philosophical_a man_n be_v haunt_v withal_o and_o doubt_v he_o can_v give_v no_o just_a account_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o embrace_v that_o very_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o yet_o seem_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v certain_a wicked_a and_o malignant_a daemon_n which_o envy_v good_a man_n and_o withstand_v their_o enterprise_n by_o raise_v fear_n and_o trouble_n to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v hinder_v they_o in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n lest_o if_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o good_a they_o shall_v be_v at_o last_o partaker_n of_o great_a felicity_n than_o they_o enjoy_v there_o be_v then_o so_o ancient_a a_o tradition_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o learned_a man_n mention_v have_v more_o full_o show_v in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o place_n of_o plutarch_n give_v a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n report_v concern_v the_o devil_n be_v so_o great_a a_o instrument_n in_o procure_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n to_o he_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o inquisitive_a reader_n and_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o xenocrates_n in_o plutarch_n de_fw-fr i_o side_n &_o osiride_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o misfortune_n man_n meet_v with_o do_v not_o 361._o agree_v with_o that_o veneration_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o deity_n and_o good_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o air_n some_o great_a and_o potent_a being_n which_o be_v of_o a_o surly_a and_o malignant_a nature_n and_o rejoice_v to_o do_v man_n all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v jamblichus_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o porphyrius_n concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n 105._o of_o these_o evil_a spirit_n or_o daemon_n and_o that_o from_o they_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o be_v translate_v by_o ficinus_fw-la si_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la de_fw-fr idolis_fw-la dicebamus_fw-la improbisque_fw-la daemonibus_fw-la hinc_fw-la sane_fw-la exoritur_fw-la multiplex_fw-la origo_fw-la malorum_fw-la simulant_fw-la enim_fw-la deorum_fw-la praesentiam_fw-la daemonumque_fw-la bonorum_fw-la ideoque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d suum_fw-la jubent_fw-la esse_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la ipsi_fw-la videantur_fw-la boni_fw-la sicil_n 〈◊〉_d dii_n quoniam_fw-la vero_fw-la natura_fw-la sunt_fw-la mali_fw-la rogati_fw-la mala_fw-la infer_v libenter_fw-la inferunt_fw-la atque_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la injusta_fw-la conducunt_fw-la he_o sunt_fw-la omnino_fw-la qui_fw-la &_o in_fw-la oraculis_fw-la mentiuntur_fw-la &_o fallunt_fw-la &_o turpia_fw-la consulunt_fw-la atque_fw-la peragunt_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v he_o acknowledge_v some_o spirit_n whoâ—e_v nature_n be_v wicked_a and_o help_v man_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o these_o very_a spirit_n may_v sometime_o command_v that_o which_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a and_o malignant_a nature_n which_o only_o design_v the_o ruin_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o have_v a_o good_a account_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a deliver_v by_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n which_o yet_o may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n still_o by_o this_o confession_n of_o jamblichus_n himself_o for_o the_o devil_n appear_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n it_o be_v very_o probable_o conjecture_v that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o 2._o prince_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v with_o saturn_n be_v by_o that_o enigmatical_a writer_n pherâ—cydes_n syrius_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d celsus_n who_o have_v so_o little_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v as_o to_o many_o passage_n of_o it_o take_v out_o
not_o to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n in_o they_o and_o as_o they_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o evil_n so_o they_o have_v but_o a_o mixture_n of_o punishment_n none_o lie_v under_o so_o great_a misery_n here_o but_o withal_o they_o have_v some_o share_n in_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v less_o wonder_n that_o this_o part_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o concern_v the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n have_v not_o want_v some_o among_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o vindicate_v it_o which_o set_v aside_o what_o simplicius_n on_o epictetus_n and_o many_o other_o have_v do_v be_v full_o perform_v by_o seneca_n in_o his_o tract_n on_o this_o very_a sâ—â—â—â—ct_n â—â—ur_fw-la bonis_fw-la male_a sit_fw-la cum_fw-la sit_fw-la providentia_fw-la as_o muretuâ—â—_n restore_v the_o title_n of_o that_o book_n wherein_o these_o follow_a account_n be_v give_v of_o it_o 1._o god_n bring_v they_o up_o as_o his_o child_n under_o sharp_a discipline_n for_o their_o future_a benefit_n a_o good_a man_n in_o seneca_n language_n be_v discipulus_fw-la dei_fw-la aemulatorque_fw-la &_o vera_fw-la progeny_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v one_o teach_v of_o god_n a_o follower_n of_o 1_o god_n and_o one_o bear_v of_o he_o now_o say_v he_o parens_fw-la ille_fw-la magnificus_fw-la virtutum_fw-la non_fw-la lenis_fw-la exactor_n sicut_fw-la severi_fw-la patres_fw-la durius_fw-la educat_fw-la god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a father_n of_o good_a man_n keep_v they_o under_o discipline_n while_o under_o age_n and_o by_o hardship_n fit_v they_o for_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n thence_o he_o bid_v we_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o different_a indulgence_n of_o father_n and_o mother_n to_o their_o child_n the_o father_n he_o hasten_v they_o to_o school_v suffer_v they_o not_o to_o be_v idle_a on_o their_o playdaye_n make_v they_o toil_n and_o sometime_o cry_v the_o mother_n she_o be_v all_o for_o hold_v they_o in_o her_o lap_n keep_v they_o out_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o from_o catch_v cold_a will_v not_o willing_o have_v they_o either_o cry_n or_o take_v pain_n patrium_fw-la habet_fw-la deus_fw-la adversus_fw-la bonos_fw-es animum_fw-la &_o illos_fw-la fortius_fw-la amat_fw-la god_n bear_v the_o indulgence_n of_o a_o father_n towards_o his_o child_n and_o love_n they_o with_o great_a severity_n 2._o good_a man_n receive_v benefit_n by_o their_o suffering_n quicquid_fw-la evenit_fw-la in_o suum_fw-la colorem_fw-la trahit_fw-la say_v seneca_n of_o a_o good_a man_n which_o in_o the_o language_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v every_o thing_n work_v together_o for_o his_o good_a the_o sea_n lose_v nothing_o say_v he_o of_o its_o saltness_n by_o the_o river_n run_v into_o it_o neither_o do_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o current_n of_o his_o suffering_n and_o of_o all_o benefit_n which_o he_o receive_v that_o of_o the_o exercise_n and_o trial_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o patience_n be_v most_o discernible_a marcet_n sine_fw-la adversario_fw-la virtus_fw-la as_o soon_o as_o carthage_n be_v destroy_v rome_n fall_v to_o luxury_n true_a wrestler_n desire_v to_o have_v some_o to_o try_v their_o strength_n upon_o they_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la industrio_fw-la otium_fw-la poena_fw-la est_fw-la a_o active_a spirit_n hate_v idleness_n and_o cowardice_n for_o etiamsi_fw-la ceciderit_fw-la de_fw-la genus_fw-la pugnat_fw-la though_o his_o leg_n be_v cut_v off_o he_o will_v fight_v on_o his_o knee_n 3._o it_o redound_v to_o god_n honour_n when_o good_a man_n bear_v up_o under_o suffering_n ecce_fw-la par_fw-fr deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la vir_fw-la fortis_fw-la cum_fw-la mala_fw-la fortuna_fw-la compositus_fw-la it_o be_v a_o spectacle_n god_n delight_v to_o see_v a_o good_a man_n combat_n with_o calamity_n god_n do_v in_o seneca_n phrase_n quosdam_fw-la fastidio_fw-la transire_fw-la pass_v they_o by_o in_o a_o slight_a a_o old_a wrestler_n scorn_v to_o contend_v with_o a_o coward_n one_o who_o be_v vinci_fw-la paratus_fw-la ready_a to_o yield_v up_o present_o calamitates_fw-la sub_fw-la jugum_fw-la mittere_fw-la proprium_fw-la magni_fw-la viri_fw-la est_fw-la it_o argue_v a_o noble_a spirit_n to_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v misery_n 4._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o trial_n and_o increase_n of_o their_o strength_n seneca_n high_o extol_v that_o speech_n of_o the_o philosopher_n demetrius_n nihil_fw-la infelicius_fw-la eo_fw-la cui_fw-la nihil_fw-la unquam_fw-la evenit_fw-la adversi_fw-la non_fw-la licuit_fw-la enim_fw-la illi_fw-la se_fw-la experiri_fw-la he_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a man_n who_o never_o know_v what_o misery_n mean_v for_o he_o can_v never_o know_v what_o he_o be_v able_a to_o bear_v and_o as_o he_o say_v to_o pass_v one_o life_n away_o sine_fw-la morsu_fw-la animi_fw-la without_o any_o trouble_n it_o be_v ignorare_fw-la rerum_fw-la naturae_fw-la alteram_fw-la partem_fw-la not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v upon_o the_o reverse_n of_o nature_n idem_fw-la licet_fw-la fecerint_fw-la qui_fw-la integri_fw-la revertuntur_fw-la ex_fw-la acie_n magis_fw-la spectatur_fw-la qui_fw-la sancius_fw-la redit_fw-la though_o he_o that_o come_v home_o sound_a may_v fight_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o be_v wound_v yet_o the_o wound_a person_n have_v the_o more_o pity_n and_o be_v most_o cry_v up_o for_o his_o valour_n the_o pilot_n be_v see_v in_o a_o tempest_n a_o soldier_n in_o battle_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o suffering_n god_n do_v by_o such_o as_o master_n do_v by_o scholar_n qui_fw-la plus_fw-la laboris_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la exigunt_fw-la quibus_fw-la certior_fw-la spes_fw-la est_fw-la who_o set_v the_o best_a wit_n the_o hard_a task_n 5._o god_n exercise_v good_a man_n with_o suffering_n to_o discover_v the_o indifferency_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o man_n value_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o deny_v they_o to_o good_a man_n blindness_n will_v be_v hateful_a if_o none_o be_v blind_a but_o such_o who_o eye_n be_v put_v out_o and_o therefore_o appius_n and_o metellus_n be_v blind_a riches_n be_v no_o good_a thing_n therefore_o the_o worst_a as_o well_o as_o the_o best_a have_v they_o nullo_n modo_fw-la magis_fw-la potest_fw-la deus_fw-la concupita_fw-la traducere_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la illa_fw-la ad_fw-la turpissimos_fw-la defert_fw-la ab_fw-la optimis_fw-la abigit_fw-la god_n can_v not_o traduce_v or_o defame_v those_o thing_n more_o which_o man_n desire_v so_o much_o then_o by_o take_v they_o away_o from_o the_o best_a of_o man_n and_o give_v they_o to_o the_o worst_a 6._o that_o they_o may_v be_v example_n to_o other_o of_o patience_n and_o constancy_n for_o as_o seneca_n conclude_v nati_fw-la sunt_fw-la in_o exemplar_n they_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v pattern_n to_o other_o if_o to_o these_o thing_n we_o add_v what_o the_o word_n of_o god_n discover_v concern_v the_o nature_n ground_n and_o end_n of_o affliction_n and_o that_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o comparison_n with_o which_o exceed_v weight_n of_o glory_n these_o light_n and_o momentany_a affliction_n be_v not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v value_v than_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o full_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o impunity_n of_o such_o as_o be_v wicked_a but_o how_o ever_o from_o hence_o we_o see_v how_o far_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o reason_n have_v carry_v man_n in_o resolve_v these_o difficulty_n concern_v god_n providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o a_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o they_o suppose_v evil_a of_o punishment_n to_o arise_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o to_o reward_v the_o good_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n all_o mankind_n derive_v from_o adam_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o contrary_a supposition_n a_o introduction_n to_o atheism_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n the_o possibility_n of_o a_o universal_a deluge_n prove_v the_o flood_n universal_a as_o to_o mankind_n whether_o universal_a as_o to_o the_o earth_n and_o animal_n no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v either_o yet_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o demonstrate_v without_o creation_n of_o new_a water_n of_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a the_o proportion_n which_o the_o height_n of_o mountain_n bear_v to_o the_o diameter_n of_o the_o earth_n no_o mountain_n much_o above_o three_o mile_n perpendicular_a of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o fountain_n the_o opinion_n of_o aristotle_n and_o other_o concern_v it_o discuss_v the_o true_a account_n of_o they_o from_o the_o vapour_n arise_v from_o the_o mass_n of_o subterraneous_a water_n of_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o receive_v the_o animal_n from_o buteo_n and_o other_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o deluge_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a nation_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o nation_n from_o noah_n posterity_n of_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o assyrian_a empire_n the_o multiplication_n of_o mankind_n