17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n that_o where_o christianity_n be_v own_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o curb_v and_o restrain_v then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o be_v much_o overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o 10._o century_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o current_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o first_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o place_n where_o paganism_n or_o gross_a idolatry_n do_v yet_o reign_v will_v bring_v in_o their_o creditable_a testimony_n how_o tyrannical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o where_o careful_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v for_o retrive_v the_o ancient_a pâ—rity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n we_o ought_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n who_o wherever_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o former_a habitation_n if_o the_o second_o then_o be_v entertain_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o conclude_v all_o thing_n as_o imposture_n which_o be_v account_v dispossession_n of_o satan_n viz._n that_o he_o never_o be_v real_o dispossess_v than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o where_o he_o be_v once_o seize_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o eject_v he_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n great_a than_o he_o which_o be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o god_n or_o else_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tyrannize_v where_o and_o how_o he_o will_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o last_o that_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o be_v arm_v so_o much_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o due_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v command_v over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o this_o in_o the_o case_n pretend_v by_o the_o great_a juggler_n and_o impostor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o popish_a priest_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o party_n of_o any_o great_a faith_n or_o credit_n will_v stand_v to_o vouch_v they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o impregnable_a argument_n against_o all_o such_o imposture_n that_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o by_o such_o action_n will_v give_v a_o evidence_n to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o if_o not_o in_o some_o thing_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o first_o delivery_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n use_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o
so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o the_o eloquence_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o philosopher_n shall_v prevail_v on_o some_o very_a few_o person_n but_o that_o the_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a language_n of_o the_o apostle_n shall_v convert_v such_o multitude_n from_o intemperance_n to_o sobriety_n from_o injustice_n to_o fair_a deal_n from_o cowardice_n to_o the_o high_a constancy_n yea_o so_o great_a as_o to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o virtue_n how_o can_v we_o but_o admire_v so_o divine_a a_o power_n as_o be_v see_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o we_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o difficult_a for_o corrupt_v nature_n to_o be_v change_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lactantius_n excellent_o manifest_v that_o philosophy_n can_v never_o do_v so_o much_o good_a in_o the_o world_n as_o 25._o christianity_n do_v because_o that_o be_v not_o suit_v at_o all_o to_o common_a capacity_n and_o do_v require_v so_o much_o skill_n in_o the_o art_n to_o prepare_v man_n for_o it_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o which_o yet_o be_v as_o capable_a of_o be_v happy_a as_o any_o other_o be_v and_o how_o inefficacious_a the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v appear_v by_o the_o philosopher_n themselves_o who_o be_v far_o from_o have_v command_n by_o they_o over_o their_o masterless_a passion_n and_o be_v fain_o sometime_o to_o confess_v that_o nature_n be_v too_o headstrong_a to_o be_v keep_v in_o by_o such_o weak_a reins_o as_o the_o precept_n of_o philosophy_n be_v but_o say_v he_o what_o great_a command_n divine_a precept_n have_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n daily_a experience_n show_v dam_fw-la mihi_fw-la virum_fw-la qui_fw-la sit_fw-la iracundus_fw-la maledicus_fw-la effrenatus_fw-la 26._o paucissimis_fw-la dei_fw-la verbis_fw-la tam_fw-la placidum_fw-la quam_fw-la ovem_fw-la reddam_fw-la dam_fw-la cupidum_fw-la avarum_fw-la tenacem_fw-la jam_fw-la tibi_fw-la eum_fw-la liberalem_fw-la dabo_fw-la &_o pecuniam_fw-la svam_fw-la plenis_fw-la manibus_fw-la largientem_fw-la dam_fw-la timidum_fw-la doloris_fw-la ac_fw-la mortis_fw-la jam_fw-la cruces_fw-la &_o ignes_fw-la taurum_fw-la contemnet_fw-la dam_fw-la libidinosum_fw-la adulterum_fw-la ganeonem_fw-la jam_fw-la sobrium_fw-la castum_fw-la â—ontinentem_fw-la videbis_fw-la dam_fw-la crudelem_fw-la &_o sanguinis_fw-la appetentem_fw-la jam_fw-la in_o veram_fw-la clementiam_fw-la furor_fw-la ille_fw-la mutabitur_fw-la dam_fw-la injustum_fw-la insipientem_fw-la peccatorem_fw-la continuo_fw-la &_o aequus_fw-la &_o prudens_fw-la &_o innocens_fw-la crit_fw-fr in_o which_o word_n that_o elegant_a writer_n do_v by_o a_o rhetorical_a scheme_n set_v out_o the_o remarkable_a alteration_n which_o be_v in_o any_o who_o become_v true_a christian_n that_o although_o they_o be_v passionate_a covetous_a fearful_a lustful_a cruel_a unjust_a vicious_a yet_o upon_o their_o be_v christian_n they_o become_v mild_a liberal_a courageous_a temperate_a merciful_a just_a and_o unblameable_a which_o never_o any_o be_v bring_v to_o by_o mere_a philosophy_n which_o rather_o teach_v the_o art_n of_o conceal_v vice_n then_o of_o heal_v they_o but_o now_o when_o christianity_n be_v so_o effectual_a in_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o distemper_n which_o philosophy_n give_v over_o as_o beyond_o its_o skill_n and_o power_n when_o it_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o great_a success_n and_o that_o not_o in_o a_o paracelsian_a way_n for_o they_o to_o relapse_n afterward_o with_o great_a violence_n but_o it_o do_v so_o thorough_o unsettle_v the_o foam_n morbi_fw-la that_o it_o shall_v never_o gather_v to_o so_o great_a a_o head_n again_o do_v not_o this_o argue_v a_o power_n more_o than_o philosophical_a and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o less_o than_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n and_o to_o promote_v true_a goodness_n in_o it_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o contrariety_n of_o the_o doctrine_n 24._o of_o christ_n to_o man_n natural_a inclination_n and_o yet_o the_o strange_a success_n it_o have_v in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o the_o last_o place_n will_v appear_v yet_o more_o strange_a when_o we_o add_v the_o almost_o continual_a opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o from_o worldly_a power_n and_o policy_n have_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n or_o any_o mere_a contrivance_n of_o impostor_n to_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o potent_a and_o subtle_a person_n bend_v their_o whole_a wit_n and_o design_n for_o suppress_v it_o whatever_o it_o be_v in_o other_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o roman_a emperor_n as_o julian_n and_o dioclesian_n that_o it_o be_v their_o master-design_n to_o root_v out_o and_o abolish_v christianity_n and_o be_v it_o only_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o make_v these_o person_n give_v over_o their_o work_n in_o despair_n of_o accomplish_v it_o if_o the_o christian_n be_v such_o subtle_a man_n whence_o come_v all_o their_o enemy_n to_o agree_v in_o one_o common_a calumny_n that_o they_o be_v a_o company_n of_o poor_a weak_a ignorant_a inconsiderable_a man_n and_o if_o they_o be_v so_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o all_o their_o power_n and_o wisdom_n they_o can_v never_o exterminate_v these_o person_n but_o as_o they_o cut_v they_o down_o they_o grow_v up_o the_o fast_a and_o multiply_v by_o their_o substraction_n of_o they_o there_o be_v something_o then_o certain_o peculiar_a in_o christianity_n from_o all_o other_o doctrine_n that_o it_o not_o only_o be_v not_o advance_v by_o any_o civil_a power_n but_o it_o get_v ground_n by_o the_o opposition_n it_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o observable_a circumstance_n that_o the_o first_o christian_a emperor_n who_o act_v as_o emperor_n for_o christianity_n viz._n constantine_n for_o otherwise_o i_o know_v what_o may_v be_v say_v for_o philippus_n do_v not_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n till_o christianity_n have_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o most_o part_n of_o the_o habitable_a world_n god_n thereby_o let_v we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o civil_a power_n when_o become_v christian_n may_v be_v very_o useful_a for_o protect_a christianity_n yet_o that_o he_o stand_v in_o no_o need_n at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o see_v it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o have_v mars_n its_o ascendant_n viz._n mahometism_n for_o like_o paracelsus_n his_o daemon_n it_o always_o sit_v upon_o the_o pummel_n of_o the_o sword_n and_o make_v its_o way_n in_o the_o world_n mere_o by_o force_n and_o violence_n and_o as_o its_o first_o constitution_n have_v much_o of_o blood_n in_o it_o so_o by_o it_o have_v it_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v ever_o since_o but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o never_o thrive_v better_a than_o in_o the_o most_o barren_a place_n nor_o triumph_v more_o than_o when_o it_o suffer_v most_o nor_o spread_v its_o self_n further_o than_o when_o it_o encounter_v the_o great_a opposition_n because_o therein_o be_v see_v the_o great_a force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o bear_v up_o man_n spirit_n under_o the_o great_a misery_n of_o life_n and_o make_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n to_o undergo_v the_o most_o exquisite_a torment_n which_o the_o cruelty_n of_o tyrant_n can_v invent_v the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o boast_n that_o their_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v happy_a in_o the_o bull_n of_o phalaris_n be_v but_o empty_a and_o thrasonical_a word_n which_o none_o will_v venture_v the_o truth_n of_o by_o a_o experiment_n upon_o themselves_o it_o be_v the_o christian_a alone_o and_o not_o the_o epicurean_a that_o can_v true_o say_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o torment_n suave_fw-la est_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la curo_fw-la and_o may_v just_o alter_v a_o little_a of_o that_o common_a say_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o say_v non_fw-la magna_fw-la lâ—quimur_fw-la sed_fw-la patimur_fw-la as_o well_o as_o vivimus_fw-la the_o christian_n do_v not_o speak_v great_a thing_n but_o do_v and_o suffer_v they_o and_o this_o gain_v not_o only_o great_a reputation_n of_o integrity_n to_o themselves_o but_o much_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o see_v that_o no_o force_n or_o power_n be_v able_a to_o withstand_v it_o will_v not_o this_o at_o least_o persuade_v you_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o srom_o god_n say_v arâ—â—bius_n quod_fw-la cum_fw-la genera_fw-la poenarum_fw-la tanta_fw-la sint_fw-la à _fw-la vobis_fw-la proposita_fw-la â—_o religionis_fw-la huius_fw-la sequentibus_fw-la leges_fw-la augeatur_fw-la res_fw-la magis_fw-la &_o contra_fw-la omnes_fw-la minas_fw-la atque_fw-la interdicta_fw-la formidinum_fw-la animosius_fw-la populus_fw-la obnitatur_fw-la &_o ad_fw-la credendi_fw-la studium_fw-la prohibitionis_fw-la ipsius_fw-la stimulis_fw-la â—xcitetur_fw-la itane_n istud_fw-la non_fw-la divinum_fw-la &_o sacrum_fw-la est_fw-la
condition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3._o the_o scripture_n discover_v to_o we_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n and_o enjoy_v his_o favour_n that_o clear_o reveal_v the_o way_n which_o man_n may_v have_v seek_v for_o to_o all_o eternity_n without_o particular_a revelation_n whereby_o sin_n may_v be_v pardon_v and_o whatever_o we_o do_v may_v be_v acceptable_a unto_o god_n it_o show_v we_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n be_v through_o christ_n who_o he_o have_v make_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o alone_o be_v the_o true_a and_o live_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v draw_v near_o to_o god_n with_o a_o true_a heart_n in_o full_a assurance_n of_o faith_n have_v our_o heart_n sprinkle_v from_o a_o evil_a conscience_n through_o christ_n we_o understand_v the_o term_n on_o which_o god_n will_v show_v favour_n and_o grace_n to_o the_o world_n and_o by_o he_o we_o have_v ground_n of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d access_n with_o freedom_n and_o boldness_n unto_o god_n on_o his_o account_n we_o may_v hope_v not_o only_o for_o grace_n so_o subdue_v our_o sin_n resist_v temptation_n conquer_v the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n but_o have_v fight_v this_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v our_o course_n by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v we_o may_v just_o look_v for_o glory_n honour_n and_o immortality_n and_o that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o those_o who_o wait_v in_o faith_n holiness_n and_o humility_n for_o the_o appearance_n of_o christ_n from_o heaven_n now_o what_o thing_n can_v there_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n for_o man_n to_o know_v or_o god_n to_o reveal_v than_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o self_n the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o our_o soul_n the_o only_a way_n to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n and_o enjoy_v everlasting_a bliss_n the_o scripture_n discover_v not_o only_a matter_n of_o importance_n 2._o but_o of_o the_o great_a depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n there_o be_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n thing_n we_o may_v admire_v but_o be_v never_o able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o be_v the_o eternal_a purpose_n and_o decree_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o be_v all_o thing_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o moment_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v and_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v and_o yet_o may_v be_v unsearchable_a to_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o particular_a manner_n of_o they_o what_o certain_a ground_n our_o faith_n stand_v on_o as_o to_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v already_o show_v and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v insist_v on_o 3._o they_o the_o scripture_n comprehend_v matter_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n though_o many_o thing_n do_v much_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n yet_o other_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o nature_n as_o origen_n bid_v celsus_n see_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 135._o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o which_o prevail_v most_o upon_o all_o candid_a and_o ingenuous_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o as_o socrates_n say_v of_o heraclitus_n his_o book_n what_o he_o understand_v be_v excellent_a and_o therefore_o he_o suppose_v that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v be_v so_o too_o so_o ought_v we_o to_o say_v of_o the_o scripture_n if_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v within_o our_o capacity_n be_v so_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o reason_n those_o can_v contradict_v our_o reason_n which_o yet_o be_v above_o they_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o be_v yet_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o which_o they_o can_v never_o have_v have_v without_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a happiness_n wherein_o it_o lay_v and_o how_o to_o be_v obtain_v which_o the_o philosopher_n be_v so_o puzzle_v with_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n concern_v it_o true_a contentment_n under_o the_o trouble_n of_o life_n which_o the_o scripture_n only_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o and_o all_o the_o prescription_n of_o heathen_a moralist_n fall_v as_o much_o short_a of_o as_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o empirick_n do_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o skilful_a physician_n avoid_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n which_o can_v alone_o be_v through_o a_o ground_a expectation_n of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n which_o death_n lead_v man_n to_o which_o can_v be_v have_v but_o through_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o matter_n themselves_o contain_v in_o this_o 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be_v bear_v again_o we_o can_v never_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n can_v keep_v they_o from_o understand_v they_o god_n intend_v these_o thing_n as_o direction_n to_o man_n and_o be_v not_o he_o able_a to_o speak_v intelligible_o when_o he_o please_v he_o that_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v he_o not_o speak_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o infallible_a interpreter_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v his_o design_n to_o make_v know_v to_o man_n the_o term_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n will_v god_n judge_v man_n at_o the_o great_a day_n for_o not_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v judge_v the_o scripture_n obscure_a in_o matter_n necessary_a when_o the_o scripture_n account_v it_o so_o great_a a_o judgement_n for_o man_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v 4._o hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o sure_a lot_n door_n be_v visible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v a_o judgement_n for_o the_o man_n of_o sodom_n not_o to_o see_v it_o and_o the_o scripture_n than_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a enough_o if_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o judgement_n not_o to_o understand_v they_o 2._o in_o a_o powerful_a and_o authoritative_a manner_n as_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n do_v not_o so_o much_o beg_v acceptance_n as_o command_v it_o in_o that_o the_o expression_n wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v be_v such_o as_o awe_v man_n conscience_n and_o pierce_v to_o their_o heart_n and_o to_o their_o secret_a thought_n all_o thing_n be_v open_a 13._o and_o naked_a before_o this_o word_n of_o god_n every_o secret_a of_o the_o mind_n and_o thought_n of_o the_o heart_n lie_v open_a to_o its_o stroke_n and_o force_n it_o be_v quick_a and_o powerful_a sharp_a than_o a_o two-edged_a sword_n pierce_v to_o the_o divide_v asunder_o of_o soul_n and_o spirit_n and_o of_o the_o joint_n and_o marrow_n and_o be_v a_o discerner_n of_o the_o thought_n and_o intent_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o word_n be_v a_o telescope_n to_o discover_v the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n of_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v such_o a_o microscope_n as_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o small_a atom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o discern_v the_o most_o secret_a intent_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o as_o far_o as_o this_o light_n reach_v it_o come_v with_o power_n and_o authority_n as_o it_o come_v arm_v with_o the_o majesty_n
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 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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
away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochebas_n david_n el_fw-es david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n pag._n 334_o book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n pag._n 360_o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n of_o the_o several_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o contradict_v moses_n with_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o they_o the_o ancïent_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n consonant_n to_o moses_n prove_v from_o the_o fonick_a philosophy_n of_o thales_n and_o the_o italic_a of_o pythagoras_n the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n rather_o egyptian_a then_o mosaic_a of_o the_o fluid_a matter_n which_o be_v the_o material_a principle_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n assert_v by_o ocellus_n lucanus_n and_o aristotle_n the_o weakness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o opinion_n be_v build_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o form_v principle_n of_o philosophy_n the_o possibility_n of_o creation_n prove_v no_o argue_v from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n against_o its_o beginning_n show_v from_o maimonides_n the_o platonist_n argument_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n for_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n answer_v of_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n whether_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n concern_v the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o contradiction_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n of_o the_o atomical_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n the_o world_n can_v not_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n and_o motion_n of_o epicurus_n his_o atom_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n especial_o the_o production_n and_o nature_n of_o animal_n of_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n that_o it_o can_v salve_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n without_o a_o deity_n give_v motion_n to_o matter_n pag._n 421_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epicurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o persian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o seneca_n plutarch_n and_o other_o pag._n 470_o chap._n iv._o 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 after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o
undertake_v to_o write_v of_o and_o so_o be_v deceive_v himself_o second_o that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a he_o shall_v have_v any_o design_n in_o deceive_v other_o in_o report_v it_o three_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a from_o all_o rational_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v not_o deceive_v the_o world_n but_o that_o his_o history_n be_v undoubted_o true_a first_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v deceive_v himself_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v of_o two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a to_o prevent_v a_o man_n be_v deceive_v himself_o first_o that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a judgement_n wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n second_o that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a information_n concern_v the_o thing_n he_o undertake_v to_o write_v of_o if_o either_o of_o these_o two_o be_v want_v it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o man_n of_o integrity_n to_o be_v deceive_v for_o a_o honest_a heart_n have_v not_o always_o a_o urim_fw-la and_o thummim_n upon_o it_o nor_o be_v fidelity_n always_o furnish_v with_o the_o acute_a intellectual_n the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o dove_n be_v as_o liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v its_o self_n as_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o serpent_n be_v to_o deceive_v other_o but_o where_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o serpent_n be_v to_o prevent_v be_v deceive_v and_o the_o dove_n innocency_n in_o not_o deceive_a other_o there_o be_v all_o the_o qualification_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o any_o one_o who_o undertake_v only_o to_o tell_v the_o truth_n first_o then_o that_o moses_n be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o great_a understanding_n and_o sufficient_o qualify_v to_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n will_v appear_v first_o from_o the_o ingenuity_n of_o his_o education_n second_o from_o the_o ripeness_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o experience_n when_o he_o pen_v these_o thing_n first_o we_o begin_v with_o his_o education_n and_o here_o we_o require_v at_o present_a no_o further_o assent_v to_o be_v give_v to_o what_o be_v report_v concern_v moses_n in_o scripture_n than_o what_o we_o give_v to_o plutarch_n life_n or_o any_o other_o relation_n concern_v the_o action_n of_o person_n who_o live_v in_o former_a age_n two_o thing_n then_o we_o find_v record_v in_o scripture_n concern_v moses_n his_o education_n 22._o that_o he_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o court_n of_o egypt_n and_o that_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n and_o these_o two_o will_v abundant_o prove_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o hiâ—_n education_n viz._n that_o he_o be_v a_o person_n both_o conversant_a in_o civil_a affair_n and_o acquaint_v with_o the_o abstruser_n part_n of_o all_o the_o egyptian_a wisdom_n and_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o which_o do_v advance_v 2._o so_o much_o the_o repute_n of_o the_o ancient_a egyptian_a learning_n as_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n shall_v take_v so_o much_o notice_n of_o it_o as_o to_o set_v forth_o a_o person_n otherwise_o renown_v for_o great_a accomplishment_n by_o his_o skill_n in_o this_o for_o if_o it_o be_v below_o the_o wisdom_n of_o any_o ordinary_a person_n to_o set_v forth_o a_o person_n by_o that_o which_o in_o its_o self_n be_v no_o matter_n of_o commendation_n how_o much_o less_o can_v we_o imagine_v it_o of_o that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o inspire_v stephen_n in_o that_o apology_n which_o he_o make_v for_o himself_o against_o the_o libertine_n who_o charge_v he_o with_o contempt_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o be_v some_o very_a observable_a thing_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o as_o a_o singular_a commendation_n of_o moses_n by_o that_o person_n who_o design_n be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o high_a a_o esteem_n he_o have_v of_o he_o and_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o learning_n be_v not_o only_o in_o its_o self_n a_o great_a accomplishment_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o veneration_n even_o in_o those_o who_o have_v excellency_n of_o a_o high_a nature_n to_o commend_v they_o if_o a_o pearl_n retain_v its_o excellency_n when_o it_o lie_v upon_o a_o dunghill_n it_o can_v certain_o lose_v nothing_o of_o its_o lustre_n by_o be_v set_v in_o a_o crown_n of_o gold_n if_o learning_n be_v commendable_a in_o a_o egyptian_a it_o be_v no_o less_o in_o moses_n where_o it_o be_v enamel_v with_o more_o noble_a perfection_n then_o of_o itself_o it_o can_v reach_v unto_o all_o the_o question_n be_v whither_o the_o ancient_a learning_n of_o the_o egyptian_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o improve_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o thereby_o to_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o put_v a_o difference_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n whether_o it_o be_v such_o a_o overflow_a nilus_n as_o will_v enrich_v the_o understanding_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n to_o receive_v its_o stream_n the_o truth_n be_v there_o want_v not_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n be_v not_o of_o that_o elevation_n which_o the_o present_a distance_n of_o our_o age_n make_v we_o apt_a to_o think_v it_o be_v and_o a_o learned_a man_n have_v in_o a_o set_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o great_a defect_n that_o there_o be_v in_o it_o 12._o neither_o can_v it_o i_o think_v be_v deny_v but_o according_a to_o the_o report_v we_o have_v now_o concern_v it_o some_o part_n of_o their_o learning_n be_v frivolous_a other_o obscure_a a_o great_a deal_n magical_a and_o the_o rest_n short_a of_o that_o improvement_n which_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o part_n and_o industry_n of_o after_o age_n give_v unto_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v again_o as_o evident_a that_o some_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v invent_v by_o the_o egyptian_n other_o much_o improve_v and_o that_o the_o greek_n do_v at_o first_o set_v up_o with_o the_o stock_n they_o borrow_v out_o of_o egypt_n and_o that_o learning_n chief_o flourish_v there_o when_o there_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o egyptian_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n overspread_v the_o face_n of_o greece_n as_o well_o as_o other_o nation_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o these_o consideration_n the_o great_a antiquity_n 3_o of_o their_o repute_n for_o learning_n the_o great_a advantage_n they_o have_v for_o promote_a it_o and_o the_o part_n of_o learning_n most_o in_o use_n among_o they_o this_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o digression_n here_o will_v yet_o tend_v to_o promote_v our_o design_n by_o show_v thereby_o how_o qualify_v and_o accomplish_a moses_n be_v to_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n a_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n if_o we_o believe_v macrobius_n there_o be_v no_o people_n in_o the_o world_n can_v â—ye_z for_o learn_v with_o the_o egyptian_n who_o make_v egypt_n in_o one_o place_n the_o mother_n 19_o of_o all_o art_n and_o in_o another_o the_o egyptian_n omnium_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la disciplinarum_fw-la parent_n the_o father_n of_o the_o philosophic_a science_n he_o derive_v elsewhere_o the_o original_n of_o all_o astronomy_n from_o they_o quos_fw-la constat_fw-la primos_fw-la omnium_fw-la coelum_fw-la metiri_fw-la &_o scrutari_fw-la ausos_fw-la though_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o the_o nativity_n even_o of_o astronomy_n itself_o be_v first_o calculate_v by_o the_o chaldeans_n from_o who_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o egyptian_n he_o 21._o likewise_o appropriate_v all_o divine_a knowledge_n to_o they_o where_o he_o say_v they_o be_v soli_fw-la rerum_fw-la divinarum_fw-la conscii_fw-la and_o after_o call_v egypt_n divinarum_fw-la omnium_fw-la disciplinarum_fw-la compotem_fw-la it_o be_v 13._o sufficient_o notorious_a what_o great_a repute_n the_o egyptian_a learning_n have_v be_v in_o with_o some_o in_o our_o latter_a time_n in_o that_o our_o chemist_n look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a honour_n to_o their_o profession_n that_o they_o think_v they_o can_v claim_v kindred_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n and_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o their_o chemistry_n from_o the_o old_a egyptian_a hermes_n but_o that_o vain_a pretence_n be_v sufficient_o refute_v by_o the_o forementioned_a learned_a man_n conringius_n in_o his_o tract_n on_o this_o subject_n de_fw-fr hermeticâ_fw-la medicinâ_fw-la franciscus_n patricius_n profess_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n that_o he_o think_v it_o will_v be_v no_o bad_a exchange_n if_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n be_v extrude_v and_o the_o old_a egyptian_a receive_v instead_o of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n be_v now_o grow_v wise_a then_o to_o receive_v his_o hermes_n trismegistus_n for_o the_o author_n of_o the_o old_a egyptian_a philosophy_n the_o credit_n of_o his_o author_n be_v for_o ever_o blast_v and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o book_n under_o his_o name_n manifest_v to_o be_v a_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
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
i_o confess_v it_o carry_v the_o fair_a probability_n with_o it_o that_o this_o prophesy_v with_o musical_a instrument_n be_v at_o their_o place_n and_o time_n of_o sacrifice_n a_o adjnuct_n if_o not_o a_o part_n of_o the_o solemn_a service_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manage_v chief_o by_o the_o choir_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o be_v resident_a there_o and_o be_v train_v up_o in_o all_o exercise_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o all_o this_o prophesy_v be_v mere_o sing_v of_o hymn_n and_o play_v upon_o their_o musical_a instrument_n to_o they_o as_o some_o imagine_v because_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v employ_v some_o immediate_a impulse_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n by_o what_o samuel_n say_v to_o saul_n that_o when_o he_o come_v among_o the_o prophet_n the_o spirit_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o shall_v prophesy_v with_o they_o and_o he_o shall_v become_v 6._o another_o man_n what_o strange_a impulse_n and_o wonderful_a transformation_n be_v this_o mere_o for_o saul_n to_o join_v with_o the_o prophet_n in_o their_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o this_o need_v not_o so_o much_o admiration_n as_o follow_v there_o upon_o this_o action_n of_o saul_n that_o it_o shall_v become_v a_o proverb_n be_v saul_n also_o among_o the_o prophet_n certain_o saul_n be_v a_o very_a great_a hater_n of_o all_o spiritual_a 12._o music_n before_o if_o it_o become_v a_o proverb_n mere_o for_o his_o be_v present_a at_o or_o join_v with_o this_o company_n in_o sing_v their_o hymn_n therefore_o other_o think_v that_o those_o who_o be_v say_v particular_o to_o prophesy_v at_o these_o musick-meeting_n be_v some_o person_n as_o chief_a among_o the_o rest_n who_o have_v their_o spirit_n elevate_v by_o the_o music_n do_v compose_v hymn_n upon_o the_o place_n by_o a_o divine_a energy_n inward_o move_v their_o mind_n so_o that_o there_o be_v proper_o divine_a rapture_n in_o some_o of_o they_o which_o transport_v they_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a power_n of_o fancy_n or_o imagination_n in_o dictate_v such_o hymn_n as_o may_v be_v suitable_a for_o the_o design_n of_o celebrate_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n neither_o may_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o such_o a_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n shall_v seize_v on_o they_o only_o at_o such_o selemn_a time_n since_o 7._o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n of_o a_o like_a exercise_n of_o such_o gift_n in_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 1_o cor._n 14._o 26._o where_o we_o see_v in_o come_v together_o every_o one_o have_v a_o psalm_n a_o doctrine_n a_o tongue_n a_o revelation_n etc._n etc._n whereby_o it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v inspire_v upon_o the_o place_n etiam_fw-la extemporales_fw-la hymni_fw-la saepe_fw-la ab_fw-la afflatuerant_fw-la as_o grotius_n there_o observe_v as_o we_o see_v it_o in_o frequent_a instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o simeon_n and_o anna_n moses_n and_o miriam_n deborah_n and_o isaiah_n and_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n after_o that_o landslood_n of_o inspire_a gift_n be_v much_o abate_v in_o the_o church_n they_o keep_v up_o a_o custom_n much_o like_o to_o these_o extemporal_a hymn_n as_o appear_v evident_o by_o tertullian_n post_fw-la 39_o aquam_fw-la manualem_fw-la &_o lumina_fw-la ut_fw-la cuique_fw-la de_fw-la scripture_n sanctis_fw-la vel_fw-la de_fw-la proprio_fw-la ingenio_fw-la potest_fw-la provocatur_fw-la in_o medium_n deo_fw-la canere_fw-la after_o they_o have_v end_v their_o love-feast_n they_o begin_v their_o hymn_n which_o be_v either_o take_v from_o the_o scripture_n or_o of_o their_o own_o composition_n which_o pliny_n take_v notice_n of_o as_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_n worship_n that_o they_o do_v secum_fw-la 97._o inuicem_fw-la carmen_fw-la christo_fw-la quasi_fw-la deo_fw-la dicere_fw-la they_o join_v in_o sing_v hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n nay_o we_o find_v something_o very_a parallel_n to_o this_o preserve_v among_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n such_o be_v the_o assamenta_n among_o the_o old_a roman_n which_o be_v peculiar_o sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o some_o particular_a god_n thence_o the_o assamenta_fw-la janualia_fw-la junonia_n minervia_n which_o be_v priva_fw-la poemata_fw-la &_o carmina_fw-la in_o singulos_fw-la eos_fw-la deos_fw-la 121_o conscripta_fw-la as_o the_o learned_a joseph_n scaliger_n observe_v so_o likewise_o the_o old_a greek_n have_v their_o solemn_a hymn_n to_o their_o god_n some_o to_o the_o propitious_a god_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o latin_n proper_o indigitamenta_n and_o carmen_fw-la calatorium_fw-la other_o they_o have_v to_o their_o vejove_v or_o laeva_fw-la numina_fw-la which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o latin_n carmen_fw-la averruncale_n but_o beside_o these_o they_o have_v some_o peculiar_a to_o the_o several_a deity_n as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o diana_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o apollo_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o ceres_n dithyrambus_fw-la to_o bacchus_n adonidia_n to_o adonis_n as_o proclus_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o chrestoâ—â—athia_n and_o it_o be_v withal_o evident_a that_o the_o heathen_n think_v some_o of_o their_o priest_n inspire_a 239._o while_n they_o be_v perform_v these_o solemn_a devotion_n to_o the_o god_n which_o probable_o be_v by_o satan_n as_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o heathen_a worship_n take_v up_o in_o imitation_n of_o these_o inspire_a hymn_n and_o music_n use_v by_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n but_o their_o hymn_n be_v so_o compose_v as_o to_o be_v fit_a rather_o to_o transport_v man_n beyond_o the_o power_n of_o their_o reason_n then_o to_o compose_v and_o sweeeten_v it_o which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o fanatic_a enthusiasm_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o so_o proclus_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jo-bacche_a be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d full_a of_o noise_n and_o din_n and_o the_o dithyrambus_fw-la be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o kind_n of_o extatick_a morice-dance_a and_o their_o priest_n be_v apprehend_v by_o they_o to_o be_v under_o a_o real_a enthusiasm_n at_o these_o solemnity_n so_o the_o corybantes_n be_v describe_v rather_o like_v mad_a man_n then_o mere_a enthusiast_n by_o strabo_n they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o describe_v they_o dance_v about_o with_o their_o cymbal_n and_o drum_n and_o arm_n and_o pipe_n as_o though_o a_o bedlam_n have_v be_v break_v loose_a among_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v in_o high_a esteem_n among_o they_o for_o as_o strabo_n after_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o enthusiasm_n 10._o seem_v to_o have_v a_o divine_a touch_n with_o it_o and_o to_o come_v very_o near_o to_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n but_o though_o the_o prophesy_a with_o music_n among_o the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v by_o some_o extemporary_a hymn_n immediate_o dictate_v by_o the_o preceptor_n of_o the_o chorus_n yet_o we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v any_o such_o frantic_a action_n among_o they_o as_o be_v among_o the_o curetes_n and_o corybantes_n it_o be_v always_o the_o devil_n temper_n to_o overdo_v when_o he_o strive_v to_o imitate_v and_o in_o stead_n of_o solemn_a and_o set_v devotion_n to_o carry_v man_n beyond_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v never_o dictate_v any_o io-bacche's_a or_o dithyramb_n to_o transport_v and_o amuse_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o those_o sweet_a air_n which_o may_v both_o compose_v and_o elevate_v the_o spirit_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v they_o for_o in_o probability_n the_o spirit_n of_o all_o these_o prophet_n be_v as_o lute_n tune_v to_o the_o same_o height_n that_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v strike_v upon_o one_o of_o they_o the_o rest_n present_o answer_v to_o it_o and_o so_o make_v up_o a_o entire_a consort_n among_o they_o so_o menochius_fw-la think_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n not_o only_o move_v the_o spirit_n of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o preceptor_n but_o the_o rest_n likewise_o who_o join_v with_o he_o and_o they_o be_v say_v to_o prophecy_n say_v torniellus_n 14._o fortè_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la quascunque_fw-la sed_fw-la propheticas_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la cantiones_fw-la praecinerent_fw-la but_o from_o hence_o we_o clear_o see_v what_o the_o great_a employment_n be_v in_o these_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n express_v it_o be_v statis_fw-la horis_fw-la de_fw-la rebus_fw-la divinis_fw-la disserere_fw-la &_o divinis_fw-la laudibus_fw-la vacare_fw-la and_o thereby_o we_o understand_v what_o reference_n this_o institution_n have_v in_o order_n to_o the_o prophetical_a office_n because_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v much_o appear_v among_o they_o and_o all_o their_o exercise_n tend_v to_o piety_n and_o so_o do_v remove_v all_o prejudices_fw-la from_o their_o person_n when_o god_n do_v send_v they_o abroad_o afterward_o and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o frequent_o do_v not_o to_o say_v always_o for_o that_o be_v to_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
from_o the_o true_a god_n or_o from_o idol_n and_o false_a go_n so_o that_o the_o mere_a pretence_n to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v punish_v with_o so_o great_a severity_n the_o jew_n tell_v we_o of_o three_o sort_n of_o prophet_n who_o be_v to_o be_v punish_v with_o death_n by_o man_n and_o three_o other_o sort_n who_o 2._o be_v reserve_v to_o divine_a punishment_n of_o the_o first_o rank_n be_v these_o 1._o he_o that_o prophesy_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o hear_v 3._o and_o for_o this_o they_o instance_n in_o zedekiah_n the_o son_n of_o chenaanah_n who_o make_v he_o horn_n of_o iron_n and_o say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n this_o be_v the_o lie_a prophet_n 2._o he_o that_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v reveal_v not_o to_o he_o but_o to_o another_o and_o for_o this_o they_o 11._o instance_n in_o hananiah_n the_o son_n of_o azure_a but_o how_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o determine_v this_o be_v the_o plagiary_n prophet_n 3._o he_o that_o prophesy_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o idol_n as_o the_o prophet_n of_o baal_n do_v this_o be_v the_o idol_n prophet_n these_o three_o when_o once_o full_o convict_v be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o death_n the_o other_o rank_n of_o those_o which_o be_v leave_v to_o god_n hand_n consist_v of_o these_o 1._o he_o that_o stisle_n and_o smother_v his_o own_o prophecy_n as_o ionas_n do_v by_o which_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o when_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v overshadow_v the_o understanding_n of_o the_o prophet_n yet_o it_o offer_v no_o violence_n to_o their_o faculty_n but_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o their_o own_o will_n in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o office_n but_o this_o must_v be_v understand_v of_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n for_o at_o sometime_o their_o prophecy_n be_v as_o fire_v in_o their_o bone_n that_o they_o 9_o be_v never_o at_o any_o rest_n till_o they_o have_v discharge_v their_o office_n but_o withal_o by_o the_o example_n of_o jonas_n we_o see_v that_o though_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n like_o the_o fire_n on_o the_o altar_n can_v only_o be_v kindle_v from_o heaven_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v destroy_v when_o it_o be_v not_o maintain_v with_o something_o to_o feed_v upon_o or_o when_o it_o meet_v not_o with_o suitable_a entertainment_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o those_o it_o fall_v upon_o it_o may_v retreat_v back_o again_o to_o heaven_n or_o at_o least_o lie_v hide_v in_o the_o ember_n till_o a_o new_a blast_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d retrieve_v it_o into_o its_o former_a heat_n and_o activity_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o jonas_n 2._o the_o other_o be_v he_o that_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n of_o such_o god_n say_v deut._n 18._o 19_o and_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o my_o word_n which_o he_o shall_v speak_v in_o my_o name_n i_o will_v require_v it_o of_o he_o which_o maimonides_n explain_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d death_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o he_o thus_o distinguish_v from_o the_o cer_v that_o he_o make_v the_o death_n per_fw-la 18._o manus_fw-la coeli_fw-la to_o be_v less_o than_o the_o cer_v because_o this_o latter_a continue_v in_o the_o soul_n after_o death_n but_o the_o other_o be_v expiate_v by_o death_n but_o general_o they_o interpret_v it_o of_o a_o sudden_a death_n which_o fall_v upon_o the_o person_n 3._o the_o last_o be_v he_o who_o hearken_v not_o to_o the_o word_n of_o his_o own_o prophecy_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o most_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o scripture_n concern_v the_o prophet_n who_o god_n send_v to_o bethel_n who_o tertullian_n call_v sameas_n the_o jew_n hedua_n who_o god_n destroy_v in_o a_o unusual_a manner_n for_o not_o observe_v the_o command_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o not_o to_o eat_v bread_n nor_o drink_n water_n at_o bethel_n nor_o turn_v again_o by_o the_o way_n he_o come_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o excuse_n to_o this_o prophet_n that_o the_o old_a prophet_n at_o bethel_n tell_v he_o that_o a_o angel_n speak_v unto_o he_o by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o shall_v turn_v back_o for_o 1._o those_o who_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n unto_o he_o give_v they_o full_a assurance_n of_o it_o in_o that_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o so_o they_o have_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o come_v unto_o they_o but_o this_o prophet_n can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n of_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o another_o especial_o when_o it_o come_v immediate_o to_o contradict_v that_o which_o be_v so_o special_o enjoin_v he_o 2._o where_o god_n command_v a_o prophet_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o message_n there_o he_o can_v have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v whether_o god_n shall_v countermand_v it_o or_o no_o by_o another_o prophet_n because_o that_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o thwart_v the_o whole_a design_n of_o his_o message_n so_o it_o be_v in_o this_o action_n of_o the_o prophet_n for_o god_n intend_v his_o not_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o bethel_n to_o testify_v how_o much_o he_o loathe_v and_o abominate_v that_o place_n since_o its_o be_v pollute_v with_o idolatry_n 3._o he_o may_v have_v just_a cause_n to_o question_v the_o integrity_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n both_o because_o of_o his_o live_n in_o bethel_n and_o not_o open_o according_a to_o his_o office_n reprove_v their_o idolatry_n and_o that_o god_n shall_v send_v he_o out_o of_o judea_n upon_o that_o very_a errand_n which_o will_v not_o have_v seem_v so_o probable_a if_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophet_n resident_a upon_o the_o place_n 4._o the_o thing_n he_o desire_v he_o to_o do_v be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o that_o weight_n and_o importance_n on_o which_o god_n use_v to_o send_v his_o word_n to_o any_o prophet_n much_o less_o by_o one_o prophet_n to_o contradict_v what_o he_o have_v say_v by_o another_o and_o therefore_o tertullian_n say_v of_o he_o poenam_fw-la deserti_fw-la jejunii_fw-la luit_fw-la god_n punish_v he_o for_o break_v his_o 16._o fast_n at_o bethel_n and_o therefore_o that_o message_n of_o this_o prophet_n seem_v to_o gratify_v more_o man_n carnal_a appetite_n then_o usual_o the_o action_n of_o prophet_n do_v which_o be_v most_o time_n matter_n of_o hardship_n and_o uneasiness_n to_o the_o flesh_n 5._o however_o all_o these_o be_v yet_o he_o yield_v too_o soon_o especial_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o have_v be_v well_o assure_v that_o god_n have_v command_v he_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o see_v some_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o countermand_n before_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v see_v any_o thing_n upon_o trial_n which_o may_v have_v stagger_v his_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v his_o immediate_a recourse_n to_o god_n by_o prayer_n for_o the_o settlement_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o removal_n of_o this_o great_a temptation_n but_o so_o easy_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o word_n of_o a_o lie_a prophet_n which_o contradict_v his_o own_o message_n argue_v either_o great_a unbelief_n as_o to_o his_o own_o commission_n or_o too_o great_a easiness_n and_o inadvertency_n in_o be_v draw_v aside_o by_o the_o old_a prophet_n and_o therefore_o god_n make_v that_o old_a prophet_n himself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o entertainment_n as_o with_o a_o hand_n write_v against_o the_o wall_n to_o tell_v he_o he_o be_v weigh_v in_o the_o balance_n and_o find_v too_o light_a and_o therefore_o his_o life_n shall_v be_v take_v from_o he_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v either_o to_o counterfeit_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n or_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n among_o the_o jewish_a 3_o doctor_n that_o the_o cognizance_n and_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n do_v peculiar_o belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o that_o this_o be_v one_o end_n of_o its_o institution_n so_o maimonides_n after_o he_o have_v 11._o large_o discourse_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o a_o seducer_n and_o speak_v of_o that_o of_o a_o false_a prophet_n he_o lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v but_o in_o the_o court_n of_o seventy_o one_o which_o be_v the_o number_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n and_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n look_v very_o like_o this_o in_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n against_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n for_o the_o people_n the_o priest_n and_o the_o prophet_n they_o lay_v hold_v on_o he_o â—_o and_o immediate_o
after_o we_o read_v that_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n by_o who_o grotius_n understand_v the_o senator_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n they_o come_v up_o from_o the_o king_n house_n to_o the_o house_n of_o 10._o the_o lord_n and_o sit_v down_o in_o the_o entry_n of_o the_o new_a gate_n of_o the_o lord_n house_n which_o probable_o be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n 5._o sit_v where_o after_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o jeremiah_n they_o acquit_v he_o as_o a_o person_n not_o worthy_a to_o die_v upon_o a_o counterfeit_a prophecy_n but_o declare_v that_o he_o speak_v unto_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n grotius_n likewise_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v of_o zedekiah_n concern_v jeremiah_n to_o the_o prince_n of_o judah_n afterward_o behold_v he_o be_v in_o your_o hand_n for_o the_o king_n be_v not_o he_o that_o can_v do_v aught_o against_o you_o i._n e._n say_v grotius_n in_o manibus_fw-la synedrii_fw-la cujus_fw-la est_fw-la judicare_fw-la de_fw-fr propheta_fw-la vero_fw-la aut_fw-la falso_fw-la and_o to_o this_o many_o make_v those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n refer_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o prophet_n shall_v perish_v out_o of_o jerusalem_n because_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n be_v in_o 33._o jerusalem_n and_o so_o elsewhere_o our_o saviour_n say_v o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o 37._o which_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o because_o there_o it_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n be_v destroy_v as_o though_o they_o have_v be_v false_a one_o and_o god_n own_o messenger_n punish_v with_o the_o death_n of_o seducer_n which_o be_v lapidation_n and_o on_o this_o very_a account_n many_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o our_o saviour_n be_v condemn_v by_o the_o sanhedrin_n at_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v assemble_v in_o the_o house_n of_o caiaphas_n the_o high_a priest_n when_o christ_n be_v carry_v thither_o for_o examination_n which_o some_o think_v to_o have_v be_v at_o his_o lodging_n in_o the_o temple_n other_o at_o his_o palace_n in_o the_o city_n for_o we_o read_v that_o the_o chief_a priest_n and_o the_o elder_n and_o all_o the_o council_n be_v meet_v together_o at_o the_o high_a priest_n palace_n in_o order_n to_o our_o saviour_n trial_n the_o next_o morning_n 59_o they_o be_v meet_v early_o together_o again_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_o scan_v of_o this_o business_n but_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o examine_v christ_n concern_v a_o true_a spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o concern_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o call_v himself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o so_o they_o will_v seem_v rather_o to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o law_n against_o blasphemy_n 63._o then_o that_o against_o false_a prophet_n but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a security_n of_o the_o people_n 4._o against_o the_o imposture_n of_o false_a prophet_n be_v the_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v they_o which_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o may_v be_v comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o head_n such_o as_o concern_v their_o doctrine_n or_o such_o as_o concern_v their_o prediction_n first_o such_o as_o concern_v the_o prophet_n doctrine_n which_o shall_v especial_o be_v look_v after_o because_o the_o main_a office_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v interpres_fw-la &_o internuncius_fw-la divinae_fw-la voluntatis_fw-la to_o be_v a_o revealer_n of_o god_n will_v to_o man_n for_o the_o primary_n notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o foretell_v future_a event_n but_o in_o declare_v and_o interpret_n to_o the_o world_n the_o mind_n of_o god_n which_o he_o receive_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n from_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o receive_v what_o he_o make_v know_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n be_v that_o which_o formal_o constitute_v a_o prophet_n but_o it_o be_v whole_o extrinsical_a and_o accidental_a what_o time_n his_o prophecy_n respect_v whether_o past_a present_a or_o to_o come_v but_o because_o future_a contingency_n be_v the_o further_a out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n therefore_o the_o prediction_n of_o such_o have_v be_v chief_o look_v on_o as_o the_o chief_a note_n and_o character_n of_o a_o prophet_n as_o be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v in_o scripture_n that_o the_o patriarch_n as_o abraham_n and_o other_o be_v call_v prophet_n not_o because_o of_o any_o prediction_n utter_v by_o they_o but_o because_o of_o the_o frequency_n 7._o of_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n among_o they_o and_o hence_o likewise_o those_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o expound_v the_o scripture_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v call_v prophet_n and_o this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v of_o by_o the_o apostle_n the_o 26._o exposition_n of_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o a_o immediate_a inspiration_n and_o there_o be_v no_o word_n in_o the_o hebrew_n for_o a_o prophet_n which_o may_v not_o equal_o respect_v all_o difference_n of_o time_n but_o every_o one_o do_v import_v immediate_a inspiration_n for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d proper_o be_v one_o qui_fw-la revelat_fw-la abscondita_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o seer_n chief_o respect_v the_o clear_a representation_n of_o the_o intellectual_a species_n by_o the_o lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la to_o the_o understanding_n 53._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d carry_v a_o equal_a indifferency_n to_o all_o circumstance_n of_o time_n this_o be_v then_o the_o chief_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n whatever_o he_o 5._o declare_v as_o the_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o god_n must_v be_v search_v and_o examine_v to_o see_v what_o consonancy_n it_o have_v thereto_o for_o the_o question_n which_o moses_n suppose_v be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o evident_a reason_n and_o if_o thou_o shall_v say_v in_o thy_o heart_n how_o shall_v 21._o we_o know_v the_o word_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o may_v be_v false_a prophet_n as_o well_o as_o true_a we_o have_v need_n of_o some_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v deliver_v for_o divine_a revelation_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o important_a question_n i_o lay_v down_o these_o principle_n the_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v no_o sufficient_a standard_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o i_o mean_v not_o in_o reference_n 1._o to_o consonancy_n or_o repugnancy_n to_o natural_a light_n but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o extent_n and_o latitude_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i._n e._n that_o natural_a light_n do_v not_o contain_v in_o it_o whatever_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n or_o of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o reason_n 1._o it_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n to_o any_o dictate_v of_o nature_n that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n then_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n 2._o nature_n reach_v as_o to_o matter_n concern_v religion_n no_o further_o than_o the_o obligation_n to_o duty_n but_o leave_v the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o obedience_n to_o divine_a positive_a law_n as_o be_v clear_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o time_n place_n and_o particular_a duty_n of_o worship_n 3._o nature_n own_v a_o universal_a obligation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o he_o shall_v command_v do_v suppose_v a_o power_n in_o god_n to_o command_v what_o he_o please_v 4._o nature_n be_v sensible_a of_o its_o own_o decay_n and_o the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o own_o light_n and_o therefore_o seem_v rather_o to_o require_v further_a illumination_n then_o to_o put_v any_o bar_n against_o it_o 5._o man_n happiness_n be_v a_o free_a gift_n of_o god_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o prescribe_v of_o the_o condition_n which_o be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o now_o these_o condition_n be_v the_o result_v not_o of_o god_n naeture_n but_o of_o his_o arbitrarious_fw-la will_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o natural_a light_n can_v ever_o reach_v to_o the_o full_a discovery_n of_o they_o 6._o it_o have_v be_v the_o general_a sense_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v more_o of_o his_o will_n then_o nature_n can_v reach_v unto_o which_o sense_n discover_v its_o self_n in_o two_o thing_n 1._o pray_v to_o their_o several_a god_n for_o direction_n 2._o harken_v after_o pretend_a oracle_n which_o the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v have_v that_o advantage_n of_o deceive_v the_o world_n by_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o want_v some_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n to_o make_v man_n happy_a so_o then_o this_o may_v be_v assume_v as_o a_o principle_n that_o god_n may_v reveal_v more_o of_o his_o mind_n
they_o but_o astronomer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o optic_a tube_n and_o telescope_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o just_a magnitude_n of_o they_o so_o the_o jew_n ordinary_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o type_n and_o shadow_n than_o be_v visible_o represent_v to_o they_o but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o help_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o best_a telescope_n to_o discern_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a with_o can_v easy_o look_v through_o those_o prospective_n into_o the_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n these_o type_n be_v like_o triangular_a prisme_n that_o must_v be_v set_v in_o a_o due_a light_n and_o posture_n before_o they_o can_v represent_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o now_o the_o great_a office_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o administer_v this_o light_n to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o those_o excellent_a piece_n of_o perspective_n wherein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a glass_n they_o may_v see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n full_o represent_v to_o their_o view_n beside_o this_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n do_v interpret_v the_o pandect_n of_o the_o law_n ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o frequent_o show_v in_o what_o case_n god_n do_v dispense_v with_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o it_o to_o exalt_v the_o more_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o hence_o the_o prophet_n seem_v many_o time_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o outward_a prescribe_a 23._o ceremony_n when_o their_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o but_o to_o tell_v the_o people_n there_o be_v great_a thing_n which_o god_n look_v at_o than_o the_o outward_a observation_n of_o some_o ceremonial_a precept_n and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o that_o by_o way_n of_o commutation_n for_o real_a and_o internal_a goodness_n hence_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n do_v frequent_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o so_o indispensable_o oblige_v man_n but_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o regularity_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v of_o sacrifice_v upon_o high_a place_n not_o only_o before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o sometime_o after_o as_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o elijah_n on_o mount_n carmel_n 38._o even_o when_o high_a place_n be_v for_o bid_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v become_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o they_o grant_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n may_v sometime_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v in_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o he_o do_v not_o draw_v people_n to_o idolatry_n 7._o nor_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o this_o they_o restrain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o do_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o pass_v into_o a_o precedent_n or_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o therefore_o their_o rule_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o command_v in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n but_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o rule_v the_o people_n have_v to_o try_v the_o prophet_n doctrine_n by_o without_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_a hypothesis_n premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v â—ow_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o â—_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n about_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v the_o next_o thing_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v be_v 1_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v which_o god_n himself_o have_v lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n deut._n 18._o 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o grotius_n understand_v this_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n he_o will_v do_v some_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o say_v he_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v so_o for_o than_o his_o own_o mouth_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o lie_a prophet_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o refer_v rather_o to_o something_o future_a then_o present_a and_o be_v therefore_o general_o understand_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o prediction_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o difficult_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n so_o frequent_o interpose_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o event_n that_o place_n which_o make_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o prediction_n by_o the_o event_n be_v jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n i_o have_v think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o by_o which_o place_n it_o seem_v clear_a that_o even_o after_o the_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n god_n do_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o either_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o good_a that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v any_o people_n how_o then_o can_v the_o fidelity_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o event_n when_o god_n may_v alter_v the_o event_n and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n this_o be_v a_o case_n very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a will_v call_v for_o the_o more_o diligence_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o general_a hypothesis_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a resolution_n of_o it_o the_o general_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n reveal_v future_a contingency_n to_o the_o prophet_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_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
more_o blind_a and_o wilful_a heathen_n deride_v they_o as_o such_o but_o who_o be_v the_o more_o infatuate_v let_v any_o sober_a person_n judge_n they_o who_o slight_v and_o reject_v a_o doctrine_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o courage_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o or_o they_o who_o be_v so_o far_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o they_o will_v rather_o die_v than_o deny_v it_o dicimus_fw-la &_o palam_fw-la dicimus_fw-la et_fw-la vobis_fw-la torquentibus_fw-la lacerati_fw-la et_fw-la cruenti_fw-la 2d_o vociferamur_fw-la deum_fw-la colimus_fw-la per_fw-la christum_fw-la they_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o believe_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n even_o when_o their_o own_o blood_n run_v down_o besore_n their_o eye_n and_o confess_v christ_n with_o their_o mouth_n when_o their_o body_n be_v upon_o the_o rack_n certain_o then_o there_o be_v some_o very_a powerful_a and_o convince_a argument_n which_o buoy_v up_o the_o spirit_n of_o true_a christian_n in_o that_o deluge_n of_o suffering_n which_o they_o be_v to_o swim_v through_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strong_a and_o well_o ground_a faith_n which_o will_v hold_v out_o under_o so_o great_a trial_n and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o most_o persuasive_a motive_n to_o faith_n who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o other_o of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o to_o persuade_v all_o other_o person_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o it_o with_o what_o face_n and_o confidence_n otherwise_o can_v they_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v a_o doctrine_n so_o dangerous_a as_o that_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v motive_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o weight_n of_o susfering_n and_o argument_n persuasive_a to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o encourage_v they_o to_o believe_v now_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o 13._o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v this_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v themselves_o eye-witness_n of_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o speak_v they_o be_v such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v themselves_o present_a not_o only_o to_o hear_v most_o of_o our_o saviour_n admirable_a discourse_n when_o he_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o to_o see_v all_o those_o glorious_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o he_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o he_o be_v immediate_o send_v from_o god_n let_v we_o now_o appeal_v to_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o examine_v a_o little_a what_o rational_a evidence_n can_v possible_o be_v desire_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o god_n do_v not_o afford_v to_o the_o world_n what_o can_v the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o auditor_n of_o our_o saviour_n desire_v more_o as_o a_o evidence_n that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n than_o his_o do_v such_o thing_n which_o be_v certain_o above_o any_o create_a power_n either_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v divine_a what_o can_v other_o person_n desire_v more_o who_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o these_o miracle_n but_o that_o the_o report_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v convey_v to_o they_o in_o a_o undoubted_a manner_n by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n they_o be_v far_o from_o any_o intention_n of_o deceive_v it_o now_o this_o make_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o in_o their_o own_o write_n though_o they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v appeal_v to_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o that_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o they_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o they_o there_o st._n peter_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o disperse_a jew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v unto_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 the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o christ_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o be_v not_o as_o some_o improbable_o conceive_v either_o his_o general_a come_n to_o judgement_n upon_o the_o world_n or_o his_o particular_a come_n upon_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o by_o a_o hendyade_n by_o his_o power_n and_o come_n be_v mean_v his_o powerful_a appearance_n in_o the_o world_n whereby_o he_o mighty_o discover_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n now_o this_o say_v the_o apostle_n be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o like_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n concern_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o their_o god_n among_o they_o which_o be_v so_o frequent_o believe_v among_o they_o that_o dionysin_n 128._o halycarnassaeus_n condemn_v the_o epicurean_o because_o they_o do_v deride_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appearance_n of_o their_o god_n in_o the_o world_n now_o say_v the_o apostle_n assure_v yourselves_o this_o be_v no_o such_o appearance_n of_o a_o god_n on_o earth_n as_o that_o among_o the_o heathen_n be_v for_o say_v he_o we_o our_o self_n who_o declare_v these_o thing_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o full_o understand_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o great_a mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n for_o we_o see_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a majesty_n which_o attend_v he_o in_o all_o which_o he_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o see_v all_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o great_a 11._o thing_n of_o god_n which_o be_v manifest_a in_o he_o all_o those_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o therefore_o as_o this_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o that_o they_o see_v all_o these_o thing_n so_o we_o see_v it_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o their_o belief_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v no_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o declare_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n john_n speak_v ad_fw-la conciliandam_fw-la fidem_fw-la to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o true_a what_o they_o deliver_v be_v in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o epistle_n that_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n which_o we_o have_v hear_v which_o we_o have_v see_v with_o 3._o our_o eye_n which_o we_o have_v look_v upon_o and_o our_o hand_n have_v handle_v of_o the_o word_n of_o life_n for_o the_o life_n be_v manifest_v and_o we_o have_v see_v it_o and_o bear_v witness_n and_o show_v unto_o you_o that_o eternal_a life_n which_o be_v with_o the_o father_n and_o be_v manifest_v unto_o we_o that_o which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v declare_v we_o unto_o you_o we_o see_v what_o great_a force_n and_o weight_n the_o apostle_n lay_v upon_o this_o that_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v as_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n so_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o st._n luke_n likewise_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o gospel_n declare_v that_o he_o intend_v to_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o have_v perfect_a understanding_n of_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d eye-witness_n 3._o and_o instrument_n themselves_o in_o part_n of_o what_o be_v write_v for_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v he_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thing_n which_o be_v abundant_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a for_o be_v matter_n of_o â—act_n there_o can_v be_v no_o strong_a proof_n of_o they_o then_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o this_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n themselves_o very_o cautious_a about_o in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o new_a apostle_n in_o the_o room_n of_o judas_n wherefore_o of_o these_o 22._o man_n which_o have_v company_v with_o we_o all_o the_o time_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n go_v in_o and_o out_o among_o we_o begin_v from_o the_o baptism_n of_o john_n unto_o that_o same_o day_n that_o he_o be_v take_v from_o we_o must_v one_o be_v ordain_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n for_o because_o christ_n be_v mighty_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a as_o that_o which_o
in_o his_o hand_n the_o â—rint_n of_o the_o nail_n now_o our_o saviour_n condeseend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o satisfy_v the_o incredulity_n of_o thomas_n have_v make_v it_o thereby_o evident_a that_o the_o body_n which_o our_o saviour_n rise_v from_o the_o grave_n with_o be_v the_o same_o individual_a body_n which_o before_o be_v crucify_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o we_o sin_v all_o the_o apostle_n together_o upon_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n to_o they_o after_o his_o resurrection_n so_o far_o from_o be_v credulous_a in_o embrace_v a_o phantasm_n instead_o of_o christ_n that_o they_o suspect_v that_o it_o be_v either_o a_o mere_a phantasm_n or_o a_o evil_a spirit_n which_o appear_v among_o they_o upon_o which_o it_o be_v say_v they_o be_v terrify_v 37._o and_o affright_v and_o suppose_v they_o have_v see_v a_o spirit_n which_o our_o saviour_n can_v not_o beat_v they_o off_o from_o but_o by_o appeal_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o sense_n handle_v i_o and_o see_v for_o a_o spirit_n 39_o have_v not_o flesh_n and_o bone_n as_o you_o see_v i_o have_v and_o afterward_o more_o full_o to_o convince_v they_o he_o do_v eat_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o now_o the_o more_o suspicious_a and_o incredulous_a the_o apostle_n themselves_o 43._o at_o first_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n be_v it_o how_o far_o they_o be_v from_o any_o design_n of_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o what_o they_o after_o preach_v unto_o it_o and_o what_o strong_a conviction_n there_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n which_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v such_o scrupulous_a and_o suspicious_a person_n 2._o when_o many_o witness_n concur_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n nothing_o can_v disparage_v more_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o counter_a witness_n of_o such_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o same_o action_n but_o when_o all_o the_o witness_n full_o agree_v not_o only_o in_o the_o substance_n but_o in_o all_o material_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n what_o ground_n or_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o suspect_v a_o forgery_n or_o design_n in_o it_o especial_o when_o the_o person_n can_v by_o any_o fear_n or_o threaten_n be_v bring_v to_o vary_v from_o each_o other_o in_o it_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n we_o find_v no_o real_a dissent_n at_o all_o mention_v either_o as_o to_o the_o birth_n miracle_n life_n death_n or_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n all_o the_o witness_n attest_v the_o same_o thing_n though_o write_v in_o different_a place_n and_o upon_o different_a occasion_n no_o alteration_n in_o any_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n out_o of_o any_o design_n of_o please_a or_o gratify_v any_o person_n by_o it_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n not_o only_o his_o apostle_n but_o the_o people_n and_o his_o very_a enemy_n be_v witness_n of_o who_o posterity_n to_o this_o day_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o strange_a work_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o he_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a that_o five_o hundred_o person_n shall_v all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o no_o torment_n or_o death_n can_v bring_v any_o of_o they_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v the_o great_a certainty_n in_o it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v by_o eye-witness_n but_o either_o from_o question_v their_o knowledge_n 3._o of_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v of_o or_o their_o fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o now_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o ground_n to_o doubt_n either_o of_o these_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o person_n who_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o world_n concern_v the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o first_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v intimate_o conversant_a both_o with_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o he_o have_v 1._o choose_v and_o train_v up_o for_o that_o very_a end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o qualify_v to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n with_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n concern_v himself_o after_o his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o according_o they_o follow_v he_o up_o and_o down_o wheresoever_o he_o go_v they_o be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n and_o have_v thereby_o occasion_n to_o observe_v all_o his_o action_n and_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o unspotted_a innocency_n of_o his_o life_n some_o of_o his_o disciple_n be_v with_o he_o in_o his_o transfiguration_n other_o in_o his_o agony_n and_o bloody_a sweat_n they_o hear_v the_o expression_n which_o come_v from_o his_o mouth_n in_o all_o which_o he_o discover_v a_o wonderful_a submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o great_a readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o suffer_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n now_o therefore_o the_o first_o thing_n can_v at_o all_o be_v question_v their_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v neither_o second_o be_v there_o any_o reasâ—n_n to_o suspect_v their_o fidelity_n 1_o in_o report_v what_o they_o know_v for_o 1._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n wrought_v so_o far_o upon_o they_o that_o they_o part_v with_o all_o their_o worldly_a subsistence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o although_o their_o riches_n be_v not_o great_a yet_o their_o way_n of_o subsistence_n in_o the_o world_n be_v necessary_a they_o leave_v their_o house_n their_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o all_o for_o christ_n and_o that_o not_o to_o gain_v any_o high_a preferment_n in_o this_o world_n which_o have_v they_o do_v it_o will_v have_v render_v their_o design_n suspicious_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o they_o let_v go_v at_o least_o a_o quiet_a and_o easy_a life_n for_o one_o most_o troublesome_a and_o dangerous_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o how_o much_o they_o part_v withal_o but_o how_o free_o they_o do_v it_o and_o with_o what_o cheerfulness_n they_o undergo_v disgrace_n persecution_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o man_n be_v so_o prodigal_a of_o their_o ease_n and_o life_n as_o to_o throw_v both_o of_o they_o away_o upon_o a_o thing_n which_o themselves_o be_v not_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o have_v be_v the_o high_a folly_n imaginable_a to_o have_v deceive_v themselves_o in_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n to_o they_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v be_v because_o all_o their_o hope_n and_o happiness_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v and_o as_o tertullian_n observe_v non_fw-la fas_fw-la est_fw-la ulli_fw-la de_fw-fr suâ_fw-la religione_fw-la mentiri_fw-la for_o say_v he_o he_o that_o say_v he_o worship_v any_o thing_n be_v side_n what_o he_o do_v he_o deny_v what_o he_o do_v worship_n and_o transfer_v his_o worship_n upon_o another_o and_o thereby_o do_v not_o worship_n that_o which_o he_o thus_o deny_v beside_o what_o probability_n be_v there_o man_n shall_v lie_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o tell_v they_o that_o those_o which_o do_v so_o shall_v not_o receive_v the_o reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o cordial_o adhere_v unto_o it_o nay_o they_o declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o most_o miserable_a of_o all_o person_n if_o their_o hope_n be_v only_o in_o this_o present_a life_n can_v we_o now_o 19_o think_v that_o any_o who_o have_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o man_n will_v part_v with_o all_o the_o contentment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o continual_a hazard_n and_o at_o last_o undergo_v death_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o something_o which_o be_v mere_o the_o fiction_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n what_o shall_v make_v they_o so_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a in_o preach_v such_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v say_v necessity_n be_v lay_v upon_o they_o yea_o woe_n be_v unto_o they_o if_o they_o preach_v not_o the_o 16._o gospel_n when_o yet_o they_o see_v so_o many_o woe_n attend_v they_o in_o the_o preach_n of_o it_o have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o powerful_a attractive_a in_o the_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v than_o any_o can_v be_v in_o the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o no_o other_o witness_n be_v ever_o yet_o willing_a to_o hazard_v they_o and_o therefore_o origen_n deserve_o 127_o condemn_v celsus_n of_o a_o ridiculous_a impertinency_n when_o he_o will_v parallel_v the_o relation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o pindarus_n concern_v aristeus_n proconnesius_n with_o those_o of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v christ_n for_o faith_n he_o do_v either_o of_o those_o two_o
have_v as_o many_o turn_n and_o wind_n as_o they_o have_v but_o the_o horn_n which_o moses_n be_v wont_a to_o be_v picture_v with_o do_v only_o note_v light_n and_o perspicuity_n from_o the_o ambiguity_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o note_v the_o send_v forth_o of_o ray_n of_o light_n like_o a_o horn_n and_o yet_o moses_n himself_o be_v veil_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o openness_n and_o plainness_n of_o speech_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n impostor_n cast_v a_o mist_n of_o many_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a word_n before_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v once_o bring_v into_o the_o open_a light_n their_o vizard_n fall_v off_o and_o their_o deformity_n appear_v such_o person_n delight_v in_o soar_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o apprehension_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v they_o and_o never_o think_v themselves_o better_a recompense_v for_o their_o pain_n than_o when_o they_o be_v most_o admire_v and_o least_o understand_v but_o never_o be_v christianity_n more_o dishonour_v then_o when_o man_n bring_v it_o from_o its_o native_a simplicity_n and_o plainness_n into_o a_o company_n of_o cloudy_a and_o insignificant_a expression_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o make_v man_n better_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o devil_n design_n by_o such_o obscure_a term_n to_o make_v way_n for_o a_o mystery_n to_o be_v advance_v but_o it_o be_v of_o iniquity_n and_o soon_o after_o we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o another_o oracle_n set_v up_o at_o rome_n instead_o of_o delphos_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o be_v the_o obscurity_n suppose_v in_o scripture_n what!_o darkness_n come_v by_o the_o rise_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o be_v the_o sun_n at_o last_o grow_v so_o beggarly_a that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o borrow_v light_n of_o the_o earth_n must_v the_o scripture_n be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n for_o its_o clearness_n and_o christ_n himself_o not_o speak_v intelligible_o unless_o the_o popâ—_n be_v his_o interpreter_n do_v christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n the_o way_n to_o salvation_n and_o yet_o leave_v man_n to_o seâ—k_v which_o be_v it_o till_o a_o guide_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o scripture_n come_v to_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o what_o strange_a witness_n be_v the_o apostle_n if_o they_o do_v noâ—_n speak_v the_o truth_n with_o plainness_n how_o have_v man_n be_v to_o sâ—â—k_a as_o â—o_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o declare_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n with_o all_o evidence_n and_o perspicuity_n who_o must_v we_o believe_v in_o this_o case_n the_o apostle_n or_o the_o roman_a oracle_n the_o apostle_n they_o tell_v we_o they_o speak_v 4._o with_o all_o plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o for_o that_o end_n purposely_o lay_v aside_o all_o excellency_n of_o word_n and_o humane_a wisdom_n that_o man_n may_v not_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o their_o mâ—aning_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v to_o none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v lose_v and_o who_o eye_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n that_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o they_o be_v a_o light_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o rule_n to_o walk_v by_o and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a property_n of_o light_a to_o be_v obscure_a and_o of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v crooked_a but_o it_o be_v not_o only_o evident_a from_o the_o apostle_n own_o affirmation_n that_o they_o lay_v aside_o all_o affect_a obscurity_n ambiguous_a expression_n and_o philosophical_a term_n whereby_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v to_o seek_v for_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v but_o it_o be_v likewise_o clear_a from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v and_o the_o design_n of_o their_o preach_n of_o it_o what_o need_v rhetoric_n in_o plain_a truth_n or_o affect_a phrase_n in_o give_v evidence_n how_o incongruous_a will_v obscure_v expression_n have_v be_v to_o the_o design_n of_o save_a soul_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v for_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o speak_v in_o their_o preach_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o those_o they_o speak_v to_o they_o can_v never_o have_v convert_v a_o soul_n without_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o conversion_n must_v be_v by_o the_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v that_o work_n upon_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o much_o above_o it_o but_o say_v the_o apostle_n we_o preach_v not_o ourselves_o but_o christ_n jesus_n the_o lord_n and_o ourselves_o your_o servant_n for_o jesus_n sake_n if_o they_o have_v seek_v themselves_o or_o their_o own_o credit_n and_o reputation_n there_o may_v 5._o have_v be_v some_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v use_v the_o way_n of_o the_o sophist_n among_o the_o greek_n and_o by_o declamatory_n speech_n to_o have_v inhancee_v their_o esteem_n among_o the_o uâ—lgar_a but_o the_o apostle_n disow_v and_o reject_v all_o these_o vulgar_a artifices_fw-la of_o mean_a and_o low-spirited_a man_n they_o lay_v aside_o all_o those_o entice_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heathen_a sophist_n and_o declare_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n with_o spiritual_a evidence_n 4._o they_o handle_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n 2._o conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n now_o what_o can_v be_v so_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o design_n as_o the_o great_a plainness_n and_o faithfulness_n in_o what_o they_o speak_v we_o find_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o origen_n 135._o speak_v nothing_o that_o be_v spurious_a or_o counterfeit_a nothing_o savour_v of_o the_o cunning_a craftiness_n of_o such_o as_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v and_o say_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v that_o man_n never_o breed_v up_o in_o the_o sophistry_n of_o the_o greeks_n nor_o experience_v in_o the_o rhetorical_a insinuation_n use_v among_o they_o can_v ever_o be_v able_a so_o sudden_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o embrace_v that_o which_o have_v be_v a_o figment_n of_o their_o own_o brain_n the_o truth_n be_v the_o apostle_n speak_v like_a man_n very_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v and_o not_o like_o such_o who_o be_v fain_o to_o fetch_v in_o the_o help_n of_o all_o their_o topic_n to_o find_v out_o some_o probable_a argument_n to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o which_o it_o be_v probable_a they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o which_o be_v most_o common_o the_o case_n of_o the_o great_a orator_n among_o the_o heathen_n we_o find_v no_o pedantic_a flourish_n no_o slatter_a insinuation_n no_o affect_a cadencye_n no_o such_o great_a care_n of_o the_o rise_n and_o fall_v of_o word_n in_o the_o several_a sentence_n which_o make_v up_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o that_o which_o be_v account_v eloquence_n in_o the_o apostle_n time_n these_o thing_n be_v too_o mean_v a_o prey_n for_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o quarry_n upon_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a every_o word_n have_v its_o due_a weight_n every_o sentence_n brimful_a of_o spiritual_a matter_n their_o whole_a discourse_n most_o become_v the_o majesty_n and_o authority_n of_o that_o spirit_n which_o they_o speak_v by_o and_o therein_o be_v see_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o the_o choice_n he_o make_v of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o such_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o great_a repute_n and_o fame_n in_o the_o world_n may_v easy_o draw_v whole_a multitude_n to_o embrace_v their_o dictate_v but_o that_o there_o may_v not_o be_v the_o least_o foundation_n for_o a_o implicit_a faith_n they_o be_v of_o so_o mean_a rank_n and_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n that_o in_o all_o probability_n their_o name_n have_v never_o be_v hard_o of_o have_v not_o their_o doctrine_n make_v they_o famous_a to_o this_o purpose_n origen_n excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o be_o of_o opinion_n say_v he_o that_o jesus_n do_v purposely_o make_v use_n of_o such_o preacher_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o place_n for_o suspicion_n that_o they_o come_v instruct_v with_o the_o art_n of_o sophistry_n but_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o manifest_a to_o all_o that_o will_v consider_v it_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o design_n in_o those_o who_o discover_v so_o much_o simplicity_n in_o their_o write_n and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o more_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v more_o efficacious_a than_o the_o great_a volubility_n of_o expression_n or_o ornament_n of_o speech_n or_o the_o artifices_fw-la which_o be_v use_v in_o the_o
grecian_a composition_n 3._o the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o doctrine_n with_o the_o great_a openness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n they_o do_v not_o give_v out_o one_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o another_o to_o their_o private_a disciple_n but_o with_o great_a freedom_n and_o boldness_n declare_v their_o doctrine_n in_o the_o most_o public_a place_n and_o before_o their_o great_a enemy_n they_o know_v they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o deceiver_n by_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o they_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o be_v 8._o the_o usual_a requital_n good_a man_n have_v from_o the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o great_a deceiver_n of_o it_o if_o it_o be_v so_o with_o other_o they_o have_v much_o less_o cause_n to_o wonder_v at_o it_o when_o even_o he_o who_o by_o one_o prophet_n be_v style_v the_o desire_n of_o nation_n be_v 63._o by_o another_o say_v to_o be_v despise_v and_o reject_v of_o man_n and_o when_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o deceiver_n no_o wonder_n then_o if_o his_o disciple_n be_v account_v such_o although_o they_o manifest_v their_o veracity_n by_o their_o open_a carriage_n and_o free_a speak_v to_o the_o face_n of_o their_o great_a adversary_n the_o apostle_n neither_o fear_v the_o jew_n skill_n in_o their_o law_n nor_o the_o wisdom_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o greek_n saint_n paul_n preach_v christ_n open_o among_o the_o jew_n in_o their_o synagogue_n and_o among_o the_o athenian_n he_o encounter_v the_o epicurean_o and_o stoic_n and_o preach_v to_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n 18._o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v any_o thing_n of_o deceiver_n in_o they_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n they_o relate_v concern_v christ_n they_o will_v not_o certain_o have_v speak_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n concern_v christ_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o those_o who_o have_v be_v his_o murderer_n but_o we_o see_v they_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o have_v wrought_v among_o they_o and_o for_o his_o resurrection_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o that_o his_o body_n be_v go_v be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n shall_v take_v it_o away_o be_v impossible_a consider_v what_o a_o guard_n of_o soldier_n they_o have_v set_v upon_o it_o and_o how_o timorous_a and_o fearful_a the_o apostle_n be_v that_o they_o flee_v upon_o christ_n be_v apprehend_v now_o what_o can_v it_o be_v can_v make_v such_o fearful_a person_n afterward_o so_o courageous_a and_o resolute_a as_o they_o be_v have_v there_o not_o be_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a power_n to_o convince_v and_o encourage_v they_o 4._o the_o apostle_n deliver_v their_o testimony_n with_o the_o great_a particularity_n as_o to_o all_o circumstance_n they_o do_v not_o change_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o they_o upon_o different_a examination_n before_o several_a person_n they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o great_a constancy_n to_o themselves_o and_o uniformity_n with_o each_o other_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o indifferency_n we_o find_v the_o apostle_n very_o yield_v and_o condescend_v but_o as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o testimony_n most_o constant_a and_o resolve_v have_v the_o gospel_n be_v some_o cunning_o contrive_v fancy_n it_o have_v be_v impossible_a but_o so_o many_o different_a person_n in_o such_o different_a place_n and_o under_o such_o different_a condition_n will_v have_v vary_a as_o to_o some_o material_a circumstance_n of_o it_o or_o else_o they_o will_v have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o have_v deliver_v it_o in_o general_a term_n without_o insist_v much_o on_o such_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v false_a may_v have_v be_v very_o easy_o disprove_v but_o with_o what_o particular_a enumeration_n of_o circumstance_n do_v the_o apostle_n preach_v christ_n to_o the_o world_n peter_n tell_v the_o jew_n that_o it_o be_v jesus_n 22._o of_o nazareth_n who_o he_o preach_v and_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o person_n who_o rise_v again_o with_o great_a boldness_n and_o freedom_n of_o spirit_n he_o say_v to_o they_o therefore_o let_v all_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n know_v assure_o that_o god_n have_v make_v that_o same_o 36._o jesus_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v both_o lord_n and_o christ._n yea_o that_o same_o individual_a person_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o world_n and_o die_v upon_o the_o cross_n be_v now_o become_v a_o prince_n and_o saviour_n to_o 32._o give_v repentance_n to_o israel_n and_o remission_n of_o sin_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n who_o have_v be_v so_o able_a to_o disprove_v they_o or_o so_o ready_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o person_n who_o have_v crucify_v he_o for_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o those_o who_o have_v a_o hand_n in_o his_o death_n will_v endeavour_v by_o all_o possible_a mean_n to_o disprove_v his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o what_o a_o case_n be_v they_o like_v to_o be_v in_o if_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n so_o confident_o preach_v be_v true_a if_o christ_n have_v all_o power_n now_o in_o his_o hand_n and_o there_o be_v salvation_n in_o no_o other_o name_n but_o only_o in_o his_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v they_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o desperate_a condition_n therefore_o if_o any_o man_n can_v be_v suppose_v inquisitive_a after_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o circumstance_n no_o doubt_n these_o be_v and_o if_o they_o can_v have_v find_v the_o least_o flaw_n in_o their_o testimony_n the_o world_n will_v soon_o have_v ring_v of_o it_o and_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v then_o so_o much_o disperse_v abroad_o will_v have_v divulge_v it_o into_o all_o part_n the_o apostle_n will_v have_v be_v tell_v of_o it_o as_o they_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o synagogue_n and_o can_v we_o in_o any_o reason_n think_v but_o those_o jew_n who_o persecute_v paul_n as_o he_o preach_v in_o the_o synagogue_n of_o asia_n and_o afterward_o impeach_v he_o so_o open_o at_o jerusalem_n will_v there_o inquire_v into_o all_o the_o circumstance_n concern_v christ_n and_o all_o the_o other_o jew_n will_v write_v to_o their_o friend_n at_o jerusalem_n to_o be_v full_o inform_v of_o those_o strange_a thing_n which_o be_v tell_v they_o open_o in_o all_o place_n in_o their_o synagogue_n by_o man_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n and_o language_n concern_v one_o jesus_n who_o be_v crucify_v and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a have_v there_o be_v now_o any_o so_o much_o as_o plausible_a pretext_n that_o any_o of_o these_o circumstance_n be_v not_o true_a can_v we_o think_v but_o that_o a_o people_n so_o unmeasureable_o give_v to_o their_o own_o way_n and_o tradition_n will_v in_o all_o place_n have_v vent_v any_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v tend_v to_o the_o disparagement_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o we_o see_v malice_n its_o self_n can_v not_o find_v any_o flaw_n in_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n for_o if_o it_o have_v we_o shall_v certain_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o either_o from_o the_o jew_n or_o from_o the_o great_a opposer_n of_o christianity_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v curious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n such_o as_o celsus_n julian_n hierocles_n and_o porphyry_n be_v what_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v then_o in_o the_o least_o to_o suspect_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o pass_v so_o uncontrolled_a in_o that_o time_n when_o it_o be_v alone_o capable_a of_o be_v disprove_v and_o man_n interest_n and_o design_n will_v put_v they_o so_o much_o upon_o it_o the_o strength_n of_o which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o next_o proposition_n which_o be_v no_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v against_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n thus_o 4._o attest_v but_o from_o such_o person_n who_o have_v great_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n attest_v and_o manifest_v great_a fidelity_n in_o report_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o suppose_v any_o person_n at_o that_o time_n have_v contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n concern_v our_o saviour_n yet_o there_o have_v be_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v hearken_v to_o their_o testimony_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o the_o apostle_n witness_v the_o affirmative_a which_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o be_v attest_v then_o any_o negative_a can_v be_v 2._o the_o apostle_n be_v more_o conversant_a with_o christ_n then_o any_o other_o person_n be_v because_o they_o be_v choose_v for_o that_o very_a end_n by_o he_o to_o be_v constant_o with_o he_o can_v any_o therefore_o be_v more_o capable_a of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o particular_n concern_v christ_n
then_o these_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n concern_v the_o design_n of_o christ_n why_o can_v not_o the_o jew_n prevail_v with_o judas_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o well_o as_o to_o betray_v his_o person_n judas_n have_v do_v but_o a_o good_a work_n if_o christ_n have_v be_v such_o a_o impostor_n as_o the_o jew_n blasphemous_o say_v he_o be_v what_o make_v judas_n then_o so_o little_o satisfy_v with_o his_o work_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o his_o life_n upon_o it_o and_o throw_v himself_o away_o in_o the_o most_o horrid_a despair_n no_o person_n certain_o have_v be_v so_o fit_a to_o have_v be_v produce_v as_o a_o witness_n against_o christ_n as_o judas_n who_o have_v be_v so_o long_o with_o he_o and_o have_v hear_v his_o speech_n and_o observe_v his_o miracle_n but_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n enough_o to_o stay_v after_o that_o horrid_a fact_n to_o be_v a_o witness_n against_o he_o nay_o he_o be_v the_o great_a witness_n at_o that_o time_n for_o he_o when_o he_o who_o have_v betray_v he_o come_v to_o the_o sanhedrim_n when_o consult_v about_o his_o death_n and_o tell_v they_o that_o he_o have_v sin_v in_o betray_v innocent_a blood_n what_o possible_a evidence_n 5._o can_v have_v be_v give_v more_o in_o behalf_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o that_o be_v when_o a_o person_n so_o covetous_a as_o to_o betray_v his_o master_n for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n be_v so_o weary_a of_o his_o bargain_n that_o he_o come_v and_o throw_v back_o the_o money_n and_o declare_v the_o person_n innocent_a who_o he_o have_v betray_v and_o this_o person_n too_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o know_v our_o saviour_n far_o better_o than_o any_o of_o the_o witness_n who_o afterward_o they_o suborn_v against_o he_o who_o yet_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o at_o last_o can_v produce_v nothing_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o heathen_a governor_n can_v make_v he_o judge_n christ_n worthy_a of_o death_n 3._o the_o apostle_n be_v free_a from_o design_n then_o any_o counterwitness_n at_o that_o time_n can_v be_v we_o have_v already_o prove_v the_o apostle_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v any_o other_o motive_n to_o affirm_v what_o they_o do_v but_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v but_o now_o if_o any_o among_o the_o jew_n at_o that_o time_n have_v assert_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n we_o have_v a_o clear_a account_n of_o it_o and_o what_o motive_n may_v induce_v they_o to_o it_o viz._n the_o preserve_n of_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n the_o uphold_v their_o tradition_n beside_o their_o open_a and_o declare_v enmity_n against_o christ_n without_o any_o sufficient_a reason_n at_o all_o for_o it_o now_o who_o will_v believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v so_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v like_a to_o lose_v if_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a before_o that_o of_o the_o 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of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o choose_v the_o weak_a thing_n of_o the_o world_n to_o confound_v 27._o the_o strong_a yet_o soon_o afâ—er_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n we_o find_v person_n of_o great_a place_n and_o reputation_n of_o great_a part_n and_o ability_n engage_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o act_n we_o read_v of_o sergius_n a_o proconsul_n of_o dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n convert_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a age_n of_o the_o church_n many_o person_n of_o great_a esteem_n for_o their_o excellent_a learning_n and_o ability_n such_o be_v justin_n martyr_n one_o who_o before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a be_v conversant_a with_o all_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n stoic_n peripatetic_n pythagorean_n and_o at_o last_o be_v a_o profess_a platonist_n till_o he_o
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a â—nds_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o piety_n and_o sobriety_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n what_o strange_a person_n be_v the_o corinthian_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v enumerate_v many_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o 11._o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o distemper_n be_v the_o more_o malignant_a its_o nature_n the_o more_o inveterate_a its_o continuance_n the_o great_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o work_v a_o cure_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o see_v in_o conversion_n the_o great_a the_o sin_n have_v be_v before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o remove_v a_o disease_n at_o its_o first_o onset_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v it_o when_o it_o become_v chronical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n wrought_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o person_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o distemper_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o great_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o pregnant_a and_o visible_a instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o they_o themselves_o show_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o manner_n of_o enter_v in_o we_o have_v among_o you_o and_o how_o you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a 10._o god_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n who_o he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o jesus_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v now_o that_o which_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a great_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v man_n from_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v man_n together_o with_o that_o from_o their_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n then_o with_o their_o opinion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a power_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n then_o that_o which_o only_o make_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n or_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o be_v that_o which_o origen_n throughout_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n triumph_v in_o as_o the_o most_o signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n on_o all_o that_o true_o embrace_v it_o that_o of_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o dissolute_a it_o make_v they_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 21._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v convert_v the_o most_o wicked_a person_n who_o embrace_v it_o from_o all_o their_o debauchery_n to_o a_o life_n most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n therefore_o certain_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o want_v that_o commendation_n among_o all_o ingenuous_a moralist_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promote_v real_a goodness_n in_o it_o when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o person_n continual_o so_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o folly_n and_o vain_a conversation_n to_o a_o life_n serious_a sober_a and_o unblameable_a nay_o and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v of_o so_o much_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n that_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n bone_fw-la vir_fw-la cajus_n sejus_n tantum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n a_o very_a good_a man_n only_o a_o christian._n but_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v have_v make_v they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o do_v so_o sudden_o make_v so_o many_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o this_o power_n be_v so_o manifest_a on_o such_o person_n who_o be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o be_v reform_v by_o philosophy_n young_a illiterate_a and_o mean-spirited_n person_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o this_o alteration_n be_v wrought_v within_o they_o but_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o tame_v the_o most_o unruly_a to_o instruct_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o raise_v up_o the_o most_o sordid_a person_n to_o such_o a_o generous_a temper_n as_o to_o slight_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o to_o come_v and_o so_o remarkable_a be_v the_o difference_n of_o life_n then_o between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v still_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o mere_a pretender_n that_o origen_n dare_v celsus_n to_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o morality_n with_o any_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n 128._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o other_o society_n shine_v among_o they_o like_o light_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o even_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n exceed_v the_o best_a of_o the_o popular_a assembly_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a because_o it_o seek_v to_o approve_v its_o sell_v to_o god_n but_o the_o popular_a assemby_n at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seditious_a and_o quarrelsome_a and_o in_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n there_o so_o that_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n will_v exceed_o wonder_v how_o such_o fair_a island_n shall_v appear_v nante_n in_o gurgite_fw-la vasto_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o wickedness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o city_n how_o these_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v plant_v in_o such_o rude_a and_o profane_a place_n so_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n senate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n officer_n with_o they_o and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o that_o even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o office_n do_v yet_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o city_n magistrate_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n from_o whence_o he_o rational_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o can_v it_o but_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o adore_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a thing_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o but_o upon_o such_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v then_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o one_o phoedon_n and_o one_o polemon_n bring_v from_o their_o debauchery_n by_o socrates_n and_o xenocrates_n but_o what_o be_v these_o compare_v with_o those_o who_o be_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 50._o etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o plentiful_a harvest_n of_o convert_n which_o follow_v afterward_o and_o although_o celsus_n like_o a_o epicurean_a seem_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n 150._o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o conversion_n because_o customary_a sin_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n that_o no_o punishment_n can_v reform_v they_o yet_o say_v origen_n herein_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v we_o christian_n but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o own_v any_o generous_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o do_v not_o despair_v of_o recover_a virtue_n as_o a_o thing_n feasible_a by_o humane_a nature_n and_o give_v instance_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a hero_n hercules_n and_o ulysses_n from_o the_o two_o philosopher_n socrates_n and_o musonius_n and_o the_o two_o famous_a convert_n to_o philosophy_n phoedon_n and_o polemon_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o these_o be_v not_o
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v come_v with_o sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v person_n immediate_o send_v from_o god_n book_n iii_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n lie_v in_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o particular_a divine_a revelation_n rational_o deduce_v the_o method_n lay_v down_o for_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n why_o moses_n do_v not_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n but_o suppose_v it_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o idea_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o far_o such_o a_o idea_n argue_v existence_n the_o great_a unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n demonstrate_v of_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a and_o epicurean_a atheist_n the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
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atom_n which_o by_o their_o frequent_a occursion_n do_v at_o last_o meet_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o and_o these_o be_v conjoin_v together_o make_v up_o those_o body_n which_o we_o see_v so_o that_o all_o the_o account_n we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o the_o atom_n in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a contexture_n of_o they_o in_o body_n and_o this_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o not_o with_o any_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n but_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n imaginable_a so_o tully_n observe_v of_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a begin_v his_o discourse_n fidenter_fw-la 1._o sane_fw-la ut_fw-la solent_fw-la isti_fw-la nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la verens_fw-la quam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitare_fw-la de_fw-fr aliqua_fw-la re_fw-la videretur_fw-la tanquam_fw-la modo_fw-la ex_fw-la deorum_fw-la concilio_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la epicuri_fw-la intermundiis_fw-la descendisset_fw-la confidence_n be_v the_o peculiar_a genius_n of_o that_o sect_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o to_o be_v accompany_v with_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o those_o two_o thing_n which_o make_v any_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n 12._o to_o be_v reject_v this_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v unavoidable_o charge_v with_o and_o those_o be_v if_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v up_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v give_v any_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n be_v first_o mere_o precarious_a and_o build_v on_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reason_n second_o that_o it_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o precarious_a hypothesis_n and_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v up_o and_o that_o will_v be_v prove_v by_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n as_o the_o epicurean_o themselves_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n 2._o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n its_o self_n be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o catholic_n law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o universe_n 1._o the_o epicurean_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n 2._o because_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v insufficient_a 1._o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o prove_v from_o those_o criteria_fw-la which_o epicurus_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o only_a certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n by_o and_o those_o be_v sense_n anticipation_n and_o passion_n let_v sense_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a a_o ruie_a of_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o evidence_n to_o
there_o be_v no_o prevalency_n at_o all_o in_o any_o one_o particle_n above_o another_o in_o bigness_n or_o motion_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o universal_a matter_n to_o who_o motion_n be_v so_o essential_a and_o natural_a will_v be_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o produce_v of_o any_o variety_n of_o appearance_n in_o nature_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v cause_v by_o this_o thin_a and_o subtle_a matter_n but_o what_o will_v be_v whole_o imperceptible_a to_o any_o of_o our_o sense_n and_o what_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o visible_a world_n will_v this_o be_v from_o hence_o then_o it_o appear_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a and_o wise_a god_n who_o must_v both_o put_v matter_n into_o motion_n and_o regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o produce_v all_o those_o variety_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o necessity_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o matter_n by_o a_o power_n give_v it_o from_o god_n be_v free_o acknowledge_v by_o mr._n des_n cartes_n himself_o in_o these_o word_n considero_fw-la materiam_fw-la sibi_fw-la libere_fw-la permissam_fw-la &_o nullum_fw-la aliunde_fw-la impulsum_fw-la suscipientem_fw-la ut_fw-la plane_n quiescentem_fw-la illa_fw-la 104._o autem_fw-la impellitur_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la tantundem_fw-la motus_fw-la five_o translationis_fw-la in_o ea_fw-la conservante_fw-la quantum_fw-la abinitio_fw-la posuit_fw-la so_o that_o this_o great_a improver_n and_o discoverer_n of_o the_o mechanical_a power_n of_o matter_n do_v free_o confess_v the_o necessity_n not_o only_o of_o god_n give_v motion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n but_o of_o his_o conserve_n motion_n in_o it_o for_o the_o uphold_v it_o so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v from_o this_o hypothesis_n the_o exclude_v of_o a_o deity_n from_o be_v the_o prime_n efficient_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o question_n than_o be_v concern_v the_o particular_a manner_n which_o be_v use_v by_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n in_o give_v be_v to_o the_o world_n as_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o in_o general_n suggest_v what_o maimonides_n say_v of_o it_o omnia_fw-la simul_fw-la creata_fw-la â—rant_fw-la &_o postea_fw-la successive_a ab_fw-la inuicem_fw-la separata_fw-la although_o i_o be_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o that_o of_o 6._o gassendus_fw-la majus_fw-la â—st_fw-la mundus_fw-la opus_fw-la quam_fw-la ut_fw-la assâ—qui_fw-la mens_fw-la humana_fw-la illius_fw-la molitionem_fw-la possit_fw-la to_o which_o i_o think_v may_v be_v well_o apply_v that_o speech_n of_o solomon_n then_o i_o behold_v all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o a_o man_n can_v find_v out_o the_o work_n that_o be_v do_v under_o 17._o the_o sun_n because_o though_o a_o man_n labour_n to_o sack_v it_o out_o yea_o further_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n think_v to_o know_v it_o yet_o shall_v he_o not_o be_v able_a to_o sinde_v it_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil._n of_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n epieurus_n his_o argument_n against_o it_o refute_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o providence_n in_o order_n to_o religion_n providence_n prove_v from_o a_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o nature_n the_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n propound_v the_o first_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n do_v not_o charge_n god_n with_o man_n fault_n god_n power_n to_o govern_v man_n by_o law_n though_o he_o give_v no_o particular_a reason_n of_o every_o positive_a precept_n the_o reason_n of_o god_n create_v man_n with_o freedom_n of_o will_n large_o show_v from_o simplicius_n and_o the_o true_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a god_n permit_v the_o fall_n make_v he_o not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a compare_v with_o that_o of_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o a_o evil_a principle_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o permian_n egyptian_n and_o other_o about_o it_o of_o manichaism_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_a greek_a philosopher_n of_o pythagoras_n plato_n the_o stoic_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o from_o the_o necessity_n of_o matter_n the_o remainder_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n of_o the_o malignity_n of_o daemon_n providence_n vindicate_v as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a and_o impunity_n of_o bad_a man_n a_o account_n of_o both_o from_o natural_a light_n manifest_v by_o senecâ—_n plutarch_n and_o other_o it_o be_v now_o manifest_a not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o 1_o that_o the_o world_n have_v its_o be_v from_o he_o it_o thence_o follow_v by_o a_o easy_a and_o rational_a deduction_n that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a band_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o uphold_v the_o world_n in_o its_o be_v and_o wise_o dispose_v all_o event_n in_o it_o for_o it_o be_v a_o most_o irrational_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n to_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o deny_v providence_n and_o in_o nothing_o do_v epicurus_n more_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o puerility_n of_o his_o judgement_n then_o in_o this_o indeed_o if_o epicurus_n have_v no_o other_o design_n in_o assert_v a_o deity_n than_o as_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n imagine_v to_o avoid_v the_o imputation_n of_o direct_a atheism_n and_o yet_o to_o take_v away_o all_o foundation_n of_o religion_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v say_v to_o serve_v his_o hypothesis_n well_o though_o he_o do_v assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o excellent_a nature_n which_o he_o call_v god_n while_o yet_o he_o make_v he_o sit_v as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o elbow_n fold_v up_o in_o the_o heaven_n and_o take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o humane_a action_n for_o he_o well_o know_v that_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v once_o root_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o thought_n of_o a_o excellent_a be_v above_o the_o heaven_n will_v have_v no_o more_o awe_n or_o power_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o life_n of_o man_n than_o the_o tell_v man_n that_o there_o be_v jewel_n of_o inestimable_a value_n in_o the_o indies_n make_v they_o more_o ready_a to_o pay_v tax_n to_o their_o prince_n for_o that_o philosopher_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a but_o power_n nor_o speculation_n but_o interest_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n the_o poor_a tenant_n more_o regard_v his_o petty_a landlord_n than_o the_o great_a prince_n in_o the_o world_n that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o and_o he_o think_v he_o have_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o he_o neither_o fear_n punishment_n nor_o hope_n for_o reward_n from_o he_o whereas_o his_o landlord_n may_v dispossess_v he_o of_o all_o he_o have_v upon_o displeasure_n and_o may_v advantage_v he_o the_o most_o if_o he_o gain_v his_o favour_n suppose_v then_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o excellent_a be_v in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v complete_o happy_a in_o himself_o and_o think_v it_o a_o impair_n of_o his_o happiness_n to_o trouble_v himself_o with_o a_o inspection_n of_o the_o world_n religion_n may_v then_o be_v indeed_o derive_v à _fw-la relegendo_fw-la but_o not_o à _fw-la religando_fw-la there_o may_v be_v some_o pleasure_n in_o contemplate_v his_o nature_n but_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n so_o that_o epicurus_n be_v the_o first_o sound_a of_o a_o kind_n of_o philosophical_a antinomianism_n place_v all_o religion_n in_o a_o veneration_n of_o the_o deity_n pure_o for_o its_o own_o excellency_n without_o any_o such_o mercenary_a eye_n as_o those_o who_o serve_v god_n for_o their_o own_o end_n as_o they_o say_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v to_o reward_v and_o punishment_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_v that_o good_a woman_n who_o the_o story_n go_v of_o who_o in_o a_o enthusiastic_a posture_n run_v up_o and_o down_o the_o strect_v with_o emblem_n in_o her_o hand_n fire_n in_o the_o one_o as_o she_o say_v to_o burn_v up_o heaven_n and_o water_n in_o the_o other_o to_o quench_v hell_n that_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n pure_o for_o himself_o will_v if_o she_o have_v compass_v her_o design_n soon_o bring_v proselyte_n enough_o to_o epicurus_n and_o by_o burn_a heaven_n will_v have_v burn_v up_o the_o cord_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o quench_v hell_n will_v have_v extinguish_v the_o awe_n and_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o the_o incomparable_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n which_o be_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o spirit_n advance_v to_o a_o noble_a and_o generous_a height_n in_o religion_n make_v they_o exceed_o value_v their_o choice_n while_o they_o disregard_n what_o ever_o rival_n with_o god_n for_o it_o but_o be_v it_o not_o for_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
plato_n and_o pythagoras_n attribute_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o the_o malignity_n of_o matter_n and_o so_o they_o make_v evil_n to_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n for_o thus_o he_o deliver_v express_o the_o opinion_n of_o pythagoras_n qui_fw-fr ait_fw-fr existente_fw-la providentia_fw-la mala_fw-la quoque_fw-la necessario_fw-la substitisse_fw-la propterea_fw-la quod_fw-la sylva_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o eadem_fw-la sit_fw-la malitia_fw-la praedita_fw-la platonemque_fw-la idem_fw-la numenius_n laudat_fw-la quod_fw-la dvas_fw-la mundi_fw-la â—â—mas_fw-la autumet_fw-la unam_fw-la beneficentissimam_fw-la malignam_fw-la alteram_fw-la sc_n sylvam_fw-la igitur_fw-la juxta_fw-la platonem_fw-la mundo_fw-la bona_fw-la sua_fw-la dei_fw-la tanquam_fw-la patris_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la collata_fw-la sunt_fw-la mala_fw-la vero_fw-la matris_fw-la sylvae_fw-la vitio_fw-la cohaeserunt_fw-la but_o plutarch_n timaeâ—_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n admit_v that_o plato_n attribute_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a mere_o to_o matter_n but_o he_o make_v the_o principle_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v something_o distinct_a from_o matter_n which_o he_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o confuse_a infinite_a selfmoving_a stir_v principle_n which_o say_v he_o he_o else_o where_o call_v necessity_n and_o in_o his_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la plain_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o disorderly_a and_o malignant_a soul_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v of_o mere_a matter_n when_o he_o make_v his_o hyle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o form_n or_o figure_n and_o destitute_a of_o all_o quality_n and_o power_n of_o operation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a say_v he_o that_o that_o which_o be_v of_o its_o self_n such_o a_o inert_a principle_n as_o matter_n be_v shall_v by_o plato_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o principle_n of_o evil_n which_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d necessity_n which_o often_o resist_v god_n and_o cast_v off_o his_o reins_o so_o that_o according_a to_o plutarch_n plato_n acquit_v both_o god_n and_o hyle_n from_o be_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o attribute_n it_o to_o that_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o move_v the_o matter_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o disorderly_a motion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o what_o this_o spirit_n shall_v be_v neither_o he_o nor_o any_o one_o else_o can_v ever_o understand_v what_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n than_o be_v there_o among_o the_o wise_a of_o philosopher_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a when_o they_o be_v so_o consuse_v and_o obscure_a in_o the_o account_n which_o they_o give_v of_o it_o that_o their_o great_a admirer_n can_v not_o understand_v they_o but_o though_o plato_n seem_v so_o ambiguous_a in_o his_o judgement_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a whether_o he_o shall_v attribute_v it_o to_o the_o 12._o hyle_n or_o some_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o it_o the_o stoic_n be_v more_o dogmatical_a and_o plain_o impute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n so_o chalcidius_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o stoic_n make_v matter_n not_o to_o be_v evil_a in_o its_o self_n as_o pythagoras_n but_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o either_o perrogati_fw-la igitur_fw-la unde_fw-la mala_fw-la 39â—_n perversitatem_fw-la seminarium_fw-la malorum_fw-la causati_fw-la sunt_fw-la they_o make_v the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a but_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v nec_fw-la expediunt_fw-la adhuâ—_n undeâ—â—psa_fw-la perversitas_fw-la cum_fw-la juxta_fw-la ipsos_fw-la duo_fw-la sint_fw-la initia_fw-la rerum_fw-la dâ—â—â—â—_n &_o sylva_fw-la deus_fw-la summum_fw-la &_o praecellens_fw-la bonum_fw-la sylva_fw-la ut_fw-la censent_fw-la nec_fw-la bonum_fw-la nec_fw-la malum_fw-la they_o give_v no_o rational_a account_n whence_o this_o perversity_n of_o matter_n shall_v arise_v when_o according_a to_o the_o stoic_n there_o be_v but_o two_o principle_n of_o thing_n god_n and_o matter_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v perfect_o good_a the_o other_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o this_o perversity_n they_o tell_v we_o be_v something_o necessary_o consequent_a upon_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d these_o be_v affection_n viz._n the_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n which_o follow_v the_o generation_n of_o thing_n as_o rust_n come_v upon_o brass_n and_o filth_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o the_o counterfeit_a trismegistus_n speak_v so_o maximus_n tyrius_n say_v that_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o any_o work_n of_o art_n but_o the_o affection_n of_o 5._o matter_n non_fw-la potest_fw-la artifex_fw-la mutare_fw-la materiam_fw-la say_v seneca_n when_o he_o be_v give_v a_o account_n why_o god_n suffer_v evil_n in_o the_o world_n and_o elsewhere_o give_v thâ—s_a account_n why_o evil_n come_v into_o he_o world_n non_fw-la quia_fw-la cessat_fw-la ars_fw-la sed_fw-la quia_fw-la id_fw-la in_o quo_fw-la exercetur_fw-la quaest_n inobsequens_fw-la arti_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o account_n of_o it_o lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o perversity_n of_o matter_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o better_a order_n by_o that_o god_n who_o produce_v the_o world_n out_o of_o that_o matter_n which_o the_o stoic_n suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o avoid_v the_o attribute_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o god_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o great_a reason_n why_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o make_v it_o matter_n necessary_a and_o coexistent_a with_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a plausible_a pretence_n which_o hermogenes_n have_v for_o follow_v the_o platonist_n and_o stoic_n in_o this_o opinion_n that_o he_o may_v set_v god_n far_o enough_o off_o from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v sâ—e_v what_o advantage_n come_v at_o all_o by_o this_o hypothesis_n but_o it_o be_v chargeable_a with_o as_o many_o difficulty_n as_o any_o other_o for_o 1._o it_o either_o destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n or_o else_o make_v he_o the_o 1._o approver_n of_o evil_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o auctor_fw-la he_o must_v be_v assentator_n mali_fw-la as_o tertullian_n speak_v against_o hermogenes_n because_o he_o suffer_v evil_a to_o be_v in_o matter_n for_o as_o he_o argue_v aut_fw-la 10._o enim_fw-la potuit_fw-la emendare_fw-la sed_fw-la noluit_fw-la aut_fw-la voluit_fw-la quidem_fw-la verum_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la infirmus_fw-la deus_fw-la si_fw-la potuit_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la malus_fw-la &_o ipse_fw-la quia_fw-la malâ—_n savit_fw-la &_o fic_z jam_fw-la habetur_fw-la ejus_fw-la licet_fw-la non_fw-la instituerit_fw-la quia_fw-la tamen_fw-la si_fw-la noluisset_fw-la illud_fw-la essâ—_n non_fw-la esset_fw-la ipse_fw-la jam_fw-la fecit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la quo_fw-la quid_fw-la â—st_fw-la â—urpius_fw-la si_fw-mi voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la ipse_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la adversum_fw-la semetipsum_fw-la egit_fw-la cum_fw-la &_o voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la quod_fw-la noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o noluit_fw-la fecisse_fw-la quod_fw-la voluit_fw-la esse_fw-la so_o that_o little_a advantage_n be_v gain_v for_o the_o clear_n the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o this_o opinion_n for_o either_o god_n can_v have_v take_v away_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n but_o will_v not_o or_o else_o will_v but_o can_v not_o this_o latter_a destroy_v god_n omnipotency_n the_o former_a his_o good-ness_a for_o by_o that_o mean_v evil_a be_v in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o consent_n and_o approbation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v not_o remove_v it_o when_o he_o may_v the_o be_v of_o it_o will_v come_v from_o he_o when_o if_o he_o will_v have_v hinder_v it_o it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v and_o so_o god_n by_o not_o root_a out_o of_o evil_a will_v be_v find_v a_o assertor_n of_o it_o male_a si_fw-la per_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la turpiter_fw-la si_fw-la per_fw-la necessitatem_fw-la aut_fw-la famulus_fw-la erit_fw-la mali_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la amicus_fw-la if_o god_n will_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o sin_n be_v it_o reflect_v on_o his_o goodness_n if_o god_n power_n can_v not_o hinder_v it_o it_o destroy_v his_o omnipotency_n so_o that_o by_o this_o opinion_n god_n must_v either_o be_v a_o slave_n or_o a_o friend_n to_o evil_n 2._o this_o principle_n 2._o overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o transaction_n between_o god_n and_o man_n soul_n in_o order_n to_o their_o welfare_n because_o it_o make_v evil_a to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a in_o the_o world_n which_o appear_v from_o hence_o in_o that_o evil_n do_v result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v as_o matter_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v for_o whatever_o result_v from_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n must_v be_v coexistent_a with_o it_o and_o so_o what_o flow_v from_o what_o do_v necessary_o exist_v must_v have_v the_o same_o mode_n of_o existence_n which_o the_o be_v its_o self_n have_v as_o be_v evident_a in_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n which_o have_v the_o same_o immutability_n with_o his_o nature_n now_o than_o if_o evil_a do_v exist_v
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
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
destruction_n of_o soul_n 2._o the_o devil_n great_a design_n be_v to_o draw_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a wickedness_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n which_o the_o more_o recondite_v and_o hide_a they_o be_v the_o great_a wickedness_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o so_o be_v to_o purpose_n mystery_n of_o iniquity_n but_o now_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o promote_v the_o great_a purity_n both_o of_o heart_n and_o life_n there_o be_v in_o no_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n either_o such_o incomparable_a precept_n of_o holiness_n or_o such_o encourage_v promise_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o eternal_a life_n hereafter_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o god_n spirit_n to_o help_v man_n here_o or_o such_o prevail_a motive_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o it_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n to_o the_o world_n the_o undertake_n of_o christ_n for_o we_o in_o his_o death_n and_o suffering_n the_o excellent_a pattern_n we_o have_v to_o follow_v in_o our_o saviour_n own_o example_n now_o these_o thing_n make_v it_o plain_a that_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o 3._o the_o design_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v to_o set_v god_n and_o mankind_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o each_o other_o the_o design_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o bring_v they_o near_o together_o the_o devil_n first_o tempt_v to_o sin_n and_o then_o for_o sin_n he_o make_v man_n presume_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o despair_v because_o they_o have_v sin_v christ_n first_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n by_o his_o precept_n and_o threaten_n and_o then_o suppose_v sin_n encourage_v they_o to_o repent_v with_o hope_n of_o pardon_n procure_v by_o himself_o for_o all_o true_o penitent_a and_o believe_a sinner_n thus_o in_o every_o thing_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v contrary_a which_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v from_o no_o evil_a spirit_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o a_o true_o divine_a power_n true_a and_o divine_a miracle_n may_v be_v know_v and_o distinguish_v from_o false_a and_o diabolical_a from_o the_o circumstance_n or_o the_o manner_n 5._o of_o their_o operation_n there_o be_v some_o peculiar_a signature_n on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o any_o wrought_v by_o a_o power_n less_o than_o divine_a which_o arnobius_n etc._n well_o express_v in_o these_o word_n to_o the_o heathen_n potestis_fw-la aliquem_fw-la nobis_fw-la designare_fw-la monstrare_fw-la ex_fw-la omnibus_fw-la illis_fw-la magis_fw-la qui_fw-la unquam_fw-la fuere_fw-la per_fw-la secula_fw-la consimile_n aliquid_fw-la christo_fw-la millesima_fw-la ex_fw-la parte_fw-la qui_fw-la fecerit_fw-la qui_fw-fr sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la vi_fw-la carâ—â—inum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la succis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la atqui_fw-la constitit_fw-la christum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la adminiculis_fw-la rerum_fw-la sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la ritus_fw-la observatione_fw-la vel_fw-la lege_fw-la omne_fw-la illa_fw-la quae_fw-la fecit_fw-la nominis_fw-la svi_fw-la possibilitate_fw-la fecisse_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la proprium_fw-la consentaneum_fw-la deo_fw-la dignum_fw-la fuerat_fw-la vero_fw-la nihil_fw-la nocens_fw-la aut_fw-la noxium_fw-la sed_fw-la opiferum_fw-la sed_fw-la salutare_fw-la sed_fw-la auxiliaribus_fw-la plenum_fw-la bonis_fw-la potestatis_fw-la munificae_fw-la liberalitate_fw-la donasse_n he_o challenge_v the_o heathen_n to_o produce_v any_o one_o of_o all_o their_o magician_n who_o do_v the_o thousand_o part_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n do_v who_o make_v use_v of_o none_o of_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o observation_n in_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v and_o what_o ever_o he_o do_v be_v mere_o by_o his_o own_o power_n and_o be_v withal_o most_o become_a god_n and_o most_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o answer_v the_o heathen_n about_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o their_o god_n which_o fall_v short_a of_o those_o of_o christ_n in_o three_o main_a particular_n the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o and_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v 1._o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n what_o they_o do_v be_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ceremony_n what_o christ_n do_v be_v with_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o sometime_o without_o it_o by_o the_o touch_n of_o his_o garment_n non_fw-la inquiro_fw-la non_fw-la exigo_fw-la say_v he_o quis_fw-la deus_fw-la aut_fw-la quo_fw-la tempore_fw-la cui_fw-la fuerit_fw-la auxiliatus_fw-la aut_fw-la quem_fw-la fractum_fw-la restituerit_fw-la sanitati_fw-la illud_fw-la solum_fw-la audire_fw-la desidero_fw-la a_o sine_fw-la ullius_fw-la adjunctione_fw-la materiae_fw-la i._n e._n medicaminis_fw-la alicujus_fw-la ad_fw-la tactum_fw-la morbos_fw-la jusserit_fw-la abhominibus_fw-la evolare_fw-la imperaverit_fw-la fecerit_fw-la &_o emori_fw-la valetudinum_fw-la causam_fw-la &_o debilium_fw-la corpora_fw-la ad_fw-la svas_fw-la remeare_fw-la naturas_fw-la omit_v all_o other_o circumstance_n name_v i_o say_v he_o but_o which_o of_o your_o god_n ever_o cure_v a_o disease_n without_o any_o adjoin_v matter_n some_o prescription_n or_o other_o or_o which_o of_o they_o ever_o command_v disease_n out_o of_o body_n by_o their_o mere_a touch_n and_o quite_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n aesculapius_n he_o say_v cure_v disease_n but_o in_o the_o way_n that_o ordinary_a physician_n do_v by_o prescribe_v something_o or_o other_o to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o patient_n nulla_fw-la autem_fw-la virtus_fw-la est_fw-la medicaminibus_fw-la amovere_fw-la quae_fw-la noceant_fw-la beneficia_fw-la ista_fw-la rerum_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la curantium_fw-la potestates_fw-la to_o cure_v disease_n by_o prescription_n argue_v no_o power_n at_o all_o in_o the_o prescriber_n but_o virtue_n in_o the_o medicine_n 2._o in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n cure_v they_o be_v very_o few_o which_o be_v cure_v in_o the_o heathen_a temple_n christ_n cure_v whole_a multitude_n and_o that_o not_o in_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o temple_n where_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n may_v be_v easy_o suspect_v but_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o people_n who_o bring_v to_o he_o all_o manner_n of_o person_n sick_a of_o all_o sort_n of_o disease_n which_o be_v cure_v by_o he_o and_o these_o so_o numerous_a that_o the_o evangelist_n who_o record_v many_o of_o christ_n miracle_n which_o have_v be_v omit_v by_o the_o other_o yet_o tell_v we_o at_o last_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o many_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n will_v not_o contain_v they_o but_o now_o arnobius_n tell_v the_o heathen_n quid_fw-la prodest_fw-la ostendere_fw-la 25._o tinum_fw-la aut_fw-la alterum_fw-la fortasse_fw-la curatos_fw-la cum_fw-la tot_fw-la millibus_fw-la subvenerit_fw-la nemo_fw-la &_o plena_fw-la sint_fw-la omne_fw-la miserorum_fw-la infeliciumque_fw-la delubra_fw-la what_o matter_n be_v it_o to_o show_v one_o or_o two_o cure_v when_o thousand_o lie_n continual_o in_o the_o temple_n perish_v for_o want_n of_o cure_n yea_o such_o as_o do_v aesculapium_fw-la ipsum_fw-la precibus_fw-la fatigare_fw-la &_o invitare_fw-la miserrimis_fw-la votis_fw-la that_o can_v not_o beg_v a_o cure_n of_o aesculapius_n with_o all_o their_o earnestness_n and_o importunity_n 3._o in_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o disease_n cure_v the_o cure_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v some_o slight_a thing_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o perform_v by_o christ_n the_o most_o acute_a the_o most_o chronical_a the_o most_o malignant_a of_o disease_n cure_v by_o a_o touch_n a_o word_n a_o evangel_n thought_n a_o learned_a physician_n have_v undertake_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n and_o from_o the_o receive_a principle_n among_o the_o most_o authentic_a physician_n that_o the_o disease_n cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v all_o incurable_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o physic_n if_o so_o the_o great_a the_o power_n of_o our_o saviour_n who_o cure_v they_o with_o so_o much_o facility_n as_o he_o do_v and_o he_o not_o only_o cure_v all_o disease_n himself_o but_o give_v a_o power_n to_o other_o who_o be_v not_o at_o all_o verse_v in_o matter_n of_o art_n and_o subtlety_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v miracle_n likewise_o sine_fw-la fucis_fw-la &_o adminiculis_fw-la without_o any_o fraud_n or_o assistance_n quid_fw-la dicitis_fw-la o_o mentes_fw-la incredulae_fw-la difficiles_fw-la durae_fw-la alicuine_a mortalium_fw-la jupiter_n ille_fw-la capitolinus_n hujusmodi_fw-la potestatem_fw-la dedit_fw-la when_o do_v ever_o the_o great_a jupiter_n capitolinus_n ever_o give_v a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n to_o any_o i_o do_v not_o say_v say_v he_o of_o raise_v the_o dead_a or_o cure_v the_o blind_a or_o heal_v the_o lame_a sed_fw-la ut_fw-la pustulam_fw-la reduviam_fw-la pupulam_fw-la aut_fw-la vocis_fw-la imperio_fw-la aut_fw-la manus_fw-la contrectatione_fw-la comprimeret_fw-la but_o to_o cure_v a_o wart_n a_o