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uncapable_a of_o any_o serious_a business_n 2._o many_o man_n be_v man_n of_o short_a discourse_n they_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o force_n of_o a_o argument_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a faculty_n which_o be_v altogether_o rusty_a for_o want_v of_o use_n exercise_n and_o ingenious_a education_n though_o in_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n the_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n of_o the_o almighty_a be_v write_v in_o large_a character_n yet_o every_o one_o can_v read_v in_o that_o book_n no_o more_o than_o he_o that_o never_o go_v to_o school_v can_v read_v the_o primer_n half_a psalter_n or_o any_o book_n of_o the_o fair_a print_n dub._n this_o be_v true_a of_o many_o simple_a and_o illiterate_a man_n that_o be_v very_a brute_n not_o at_o all_o to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v but_o by_o the_o erect_a figure_n of_o their_o body_n their_o rational_a soul_n mean_a while_n be_v sink_v down_o into_o mere_a sensuality_n such_o as_o have_v not_o god_n in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o trouble_v not_o themselves_o to_o think_v of_o he_o either_o that_o he_o be_v or_o be_v not_o these_o digenerate_a creature_n do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o hope_v you_o wilâ—_n not_o say_v that_o the_o wittâ—_n of_o the_o time_n be_v such_o ignorant_a animal_n firm._n i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o affirm_v it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o reason_n 1._o you_o may_v observe_v that_o these_o witty_a man_n be_v person_n of_o no_o serious_a or_o solid_a judgement_n especial_o in_o thing_n of_o high_a concernment_n they_o be_v such_o as_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o idleness_n drollery_n vain_a recreation_n so_o that_o albeit_o the_o lord_n have_v give_v they_o those_o two_o great_a book_n to_o read_v in_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o they_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o read_v or_o meditate_v upon_o
that_o be_v contingent_a or_o such_o as_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o man_n they_o have_v but_o conjecture_n and_o do_v often_o time_n lie_v and_o deceive_v we_o in_o both_o kind_n for_o as_o natural_a thing_n be_v variable_a so_o much_o more_o the_o will_n of_o man_n porphyrius_n lib._n de_fw-la resp._n &_o oraâ—_n cite_v by_o parson_n in_o his_o resol_n pag._n 62._o dub._n this_o testimony_n of_o porphyrius_n be_v a_o heathen_a and_o a_o great_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v very_o considerable_a and_o experience_n show_v it_o to_o be_v very_o true_a for_o oracle_n have_v deceive_v many_o and_o we_o see_v that_o astrologer_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a prediction_n concern_v the_o weather_n which_o depend_v upon_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o i_o desire_v you_o to_o sheâ—_n i_o if_o you_o can_v any_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v more_o certain_a firm._n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o that_o of_o abraham_n concern_v his_o posterity_n inherit_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n of_o their_o servitude_n in_o a_o strange_a land_n of_o their_o mighty_a deliverance_n 400_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v you_o may_v for_o this_o compare_n cen._n 15.13.14_o etc._n etc._n with_o exod._n 12._o second_o jacob_n be_v in_o egypt_n on_o his_o death_n bed_n prophesy_v thus_o of_o his_o â—on_n judah_n that_o the_o sceptre_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o he_o until_o shilo_n come_v which_o fall_v out_o according_o at_o the_o birth_n of_o our_o saviour_n at_o which_o time_n the_o sceptre_n be_v in_o the_o hâ—nd_n of_o a_o stranger_n herod_n by_o name_n and_o then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o it_o final_o depart_v from_o juda_n three_o it_o be_v prophesy_v of_o josiasâ—00_n â—00_z year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o he_o shall_v destroy_v the_o altar_n at_o bethel_n 1._o king_n 13._o which_o be_v exact_o fullfil_v 2._o king_n 23._o four_o you_o may_v see_v how_o punctual_a the_o prophet_n isaiah_n be_v in_o fortel_v the_o nativity_n the_o life_n the_o passion_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o so_o much_o that_o he_o write_v more_o like_o a_o historian_n than_o a_o prophet_n as_o also_o how_o he_o foretell_v the_o destruction_n of_o hierâ—salem_n and_o the_o grievous_a captivity_n of_o the_o jew_n by_o and_o under_z the_o babylonian_n and_o then_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o babylonian_n and_o the_o rebuild_n of_o jerusalem_n by_o cyrus_n 200_o year_n before_o he_o be_v bear_v the_o same_o be_v foretell_v by_o jeremy_n about_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o isaiah_n and_o these_o prophecy_n be_v so_o famous_a and_o so_o certain_o believe_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o their_o captivity_n that_o when_o the_o time_n of_o their_o expiration_n draw_v near_o daniel_n thus_o write_v of_o himself_o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o darius_n i_o daniel_n understand_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o number_n of_o the_o 70_o year_n etc._n etc._n dan._n 9.1_o neither_o do_v the_o jew_n only_o understand_v and_o believe_v this_o prophecy_n but_o cyrus_n himself_o a_o heathen_a which_o be_v his_o great_a inducement_n to_o restore_v the_o jew_n and_o rebuild_v the_o temple_n at_o his_o own_o proper_a charge_n ezra_n 1._o and_o heathen_a historian_n confess_v as_o much_o five_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n concern_v the_o four_o great_a monarchy_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a so_o distinct_o describe_v as_o if_o he_o have_v live_v in_o they_o all_o dan._n 2._o and_o dan._n 8._o how_o also_o he_o foretell_v the_o come_n and_o suffer_v of_o the_o messiah_n after_o 70_o week_n cap._n 9_o many_o more_o of_o such_o prophecy_n may_v be_v allege_v but_o these_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o attest_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n dub._n it_o be_v very_o true_a if_o you_o can_v prove_v there_o be_v ever_o such_o prophet_n or_o prophecys_n in_o the_o world_n firm._n what_o proof_n do_v you_o expect_v will_v you_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o see_v with_o your_o own_o eye_n dub._n that_o be_v irrational_a if_o you_o can_v prove_v by_o a_o certain_a tradition_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o prophecy_n deliver_v by_o such_o man_n as_o you_o name_n i_o shall_v assent_v unto_o they_o firm._n this_o i_o shall_v perform_v first_o from_o the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o have_v deliver_v they_o from_o father_n to_o son_n down_z along_o for_o many_o generation_n do_v you_o think_v that_o a_o people_n so_o careful_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o keep_n and_o transcribe_v their_o record_n can_v or_o will_v agree_v together_o upon_o no_o worldly_a interest_n at_o all_o yea_o even_o to_o the_o hazard_n of_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n dub._n i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a but_o have_v you_o any_o other_o proof_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o prophecy_n firm._n yes_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o very_a heathen_n it_o be_v say_v by_o josephus_n lib._n 1_o de_fw-fr antiq._n jud._n cap._n 4._o that_o the_o public_a write_n of_o the_o syrean_o chaldaean_n phoenicians_n grecians_n be_v sufficient_a to_o testify_v the_o antiquity_n truth_n authority_n and_o certainity_n of_o holy_a scripture_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o proof_n in_o the_o world_n beside_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o memorable_a passage_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o it_o be_v mention_v by_o some_o heathen_a writer_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n noah_n flood_n the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n the_o child_n of_o israel_n live_v in_o and_o come_v out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypâ—_n the_o write_n of_o moses_n the_o babylonish_n captivity_n etc._n etc._n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o euseb._n grotius_n de_fw-fr verit_fw-la christ._n relig._n parson_n resol_n cap._n 3._o lib._n 1._o part_n 1._o dub._n indeed_o a_o testimony_n from_o a_o adversary_n be_v beyond_o all_o exception_n i_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o what_o you_o have_v say_v for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v you_o any_o thing_n to_o say_v for_o the_o new_a more_o than_o what_o you_o have_v say_v in_o general_a for_o they_o both_o together_o firm._n yes_o i_o have_v the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o bless_a apostle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v acknoledge_v by_o heathen_n grotius_n de_fw-fr ver_fw-la chris._n relig._n beside_o if_o you_o assent_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n you_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o new_a which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n nothing_o else_o but_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o old_a and_o the_o history_n of_o those_o prophecy_n now_o fullfil_v which_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o prophet_n who_o live_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o law_n you_o may_v add_v to_o this_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n of_o both_o testament_n not_o withstand_v the_o malice_n of_o persecute_v heathen_n who_o use_v all_o art_n of_o cruelty_n to_o extinguish_v they_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n into_o so_o many_o part_n of_o the_o prejudicate_a world_n without_o yea_o contrary_a to_o all_o carnal_a force_n and_o worldly_a interest_n by_o a_o few_o simple_a unlearned_a man_n which_o if_o it_o be_v do_v without_o a_o miracle_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a miracle_n that_o ever_o we_o read_v of_o to_o this_o may_v be_v add_v the_o opposition_n of_o many_o subtle_a heretic_n who_o never_o dare_v so_o much_o as_o question_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o rather_o betake_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o false_a gloss_n that_o they_o may_v shift_v of_o those_o clear_a text_n which_o make_v against_o they_o whereas_o it_o have_v be_v a_o more_o compendious_a way_n to_o have_v utter_o deny_v they_o if_o their_o impudence_n have_v be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o oppose_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o those_o time_n wherein_o they_o live_v dub._n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wronght_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o what_o they_o teach_v yet_o to_o remove_v all_o scruple_n that_o may_v be_v make_v against_o they_o i_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v in_o two_o exception_n that_o be_v urge_v by_o antiscripturist_n 1._o that_o they_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o we_o have_v no_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v ever_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n or_o that_o they_o ever_o wrought_v such_o mighty_a work_n as_o be_v record_v of_o they_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n firm._n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o wrought_v those_o miracle_n which_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o history_n of_o they_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n swear_v
perjury_n be_v so_o frequent_o observe_v by_o some_o heathen_n that_o when_o diagoras_n hear_v a_o man_n for_o swear_v himself_o in_o a_o court_n of_o judicature_n and_o be_v impatient_a to_o see_v that_o he_o be_v not_o present_o thunder-stricken_a become_v a_o atheist_n and_o because_o sentence_n against_o so_o great_a a_o evil_n be_v not_o sudden_o execute_v therefore_o the_o heart_n of_o this_o fool_n this_o wicked_a man_n be_v full_o set_v in_o he_o about_o that_o great_a mischief_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n psal._n 14.1_o eccl._n 8.11_o dub._n some_o pagan_n aâ—d_v false_a christian_n have_v dare_v to_o take_v false_a oath_n the_o jesuit_n whether_o they_o be_v pagan_n or_o christian_n i_o know_v not_o will_v swear_v anything_o even_o solemn_o in_o court_n of_o justice_n and_o therefore_o this_o argument_n impious_a meâ—_n dare_v not_o take_v a_o false_a oath_n therefore_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n or_o some_o supreme_a power_n which_o they_o fear_v hold_v not_o for_o the_o antecedent_n be_v evident_o fall_v but_o this_o be_v rational_a strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n though_o no_o man_n know_v they_o be_v so_o therefore_o there_o be_v some_o invisible_a superior_a power_n whence_o such_o horror_n and_o terror_n and_o judgement_n proceed_v frm._n i_o do_v confess_v that_o there_o have_v be_v several_a perjure_a person_n in_o former_a and_o be_v in_o these_o present_a time_n but_o for_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o exception_n see_v what_o be_v reply_v to_o another_o very_a like_o it_o pag._n 4._o however_o i_o be_o content_a the_o argument_n shall_v stand_v as_o you_o have_v propose_v it_o strange_a horror_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fearful_a judgement_n have_v follow_v perjure_a person_n etc._n etc._n which_o sufficient_o prove_v what_o i_o intend_v and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v another_o argument_n very_o like_a to_o this_o or_o which_o be_v rather_o a_o addition_n to_o the_o former_a may_v be_v takâ—n_v from_o the_o fear_n and_o torment_n of_o a_o evil_a conscience_n even_o among_o the_o very_a heathen_n nero_n have_v kill_v his_o mother_n confess_v that_o he_o be_v often_o trouble_v which_o her_o ghost_n the_o wretched_a caligula_n at_o the_o report_n of_o a_o thunder_n clap_v will_v â—un_v under_o his_o bed_n a_o thousand_o instance_n there_o be_v among_o heathen_a writer_n of_o wicked_a man_n labour_v under_o the_o fear_n and_o terror_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o juvenal_n do_v describe_v to_o the_o life_n in_o one_o or_o two_o of_o his_o satyr_n what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n that_o mere_a pagan_n man_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n or_o of_o his_o severity_n against_o wickedness_n shall_v be_v torment_v with_o the_o sad_a prospect_n of_o some_o fearful_a judgement_n attend_v upon_o their_o villainy_n though_o never_o so_o secret_o practise_v but_o the_o timor_fw-la numinis_fw-la vindicantis_fw-la the_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o certainty_n that_o there_o be_v devil_n evil_a spirit_n together_o with_o their_o wicked_a instrument_n witch_n magician_n sorcerer_n conjurer_n which_o none_o but_o a_o foolish_a atheist_n who_o will_v believe_v no_o further_o than_o his_o sight_n lead_v he_o can_v doubt_v of_o how_o frequent_o the_o devil_n have_v appear_v in_o this_o nation_n in_o time_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o how_o he_o do_v so_o still_o to_o the_o poor_a '_o indian_n thâ—t_v worship_v he_o for_o their_o god_n be_v abundant_o manifest_a by_o the_o tradition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o know_v christian_n that_o have_v be_v in_o those_o part_n what_o prank_n and_o diabolical_a feat_n have_v be_v act_v by_o witch_n and_o conjurer_n may_v be_v see_v in_o those_o learned_a author_n that_o have_v write_v against_o they_o as_o dr._n moor_n and_o many_o other_o and_o albeit_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a spirit_n witchcraft_n etc._n etc._n be_v not_o now_o so_o frequent_a in_o this_o nation_n as_o heretofore_o in_o time_n of_o popery_n and_o dark_a ignorance_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o therefore_o follow_v that_o all_o our_o forefather_n be_v melancholy_a hypocondriack_n deceive_v themselves_o and_o deceive_v we_o with_o vain_a and_o groundless_a fancy_n but_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v this_o in_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n the_o devil_n appear_v more_o frequent_o to_o uphold_v his_o kingdom_n over_o his_o vassal_n and_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o false_a worship_n but_o in_o time_n of_o knowledge_n and_o gospel_n light_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n use_v all_o his_o art_n to_o render_v man_n sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o no_o religion_n at_o all_o atheist_n infidel_n profane_a so_o that_o his_o very_a appear_v will_v pull_v down_o his_o kingdom_n which_o he_o exercise_v over_o these_o wretch_n who_o like_a sadducee_n believe_v neither_o angel_n nor_o spirit_n nor_o any_o thing_n further_o than_o they_o can_v see_v now_o the_o prince_n oâ—_n the_o air_n be_v too_o subtle_a to_o confute_v this_o groâ—s_n error_n in_o his_o best_a servant_n by_o any_o or_o often_o apparition_n the_o last_o reason_n i_o shall_v take_v from_o that_o allow_a distinction_n that_o be_v betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_n better_a and_o worse_o which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o measure_n of_o man_n action_n and_o this_o measure_n must_v be_v a_o law_n either_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n or_o institute_v and_o write_v in_o book_n or_o table_n and_o thiâ—_n law_n must_v have_v a_o law_n maker_n which_o must_v be_v able_a both_o to_o know_v reward_n and_o punish_v not_o only_a man_n word_n and_o action_n but_o his_o very_a thought_n which_o none_o can_v do_v according_a to_o the_o exact_a rule_n of_o justice_n but_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_a in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v none_o but_o the_o omniscient_a god_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o good_a and_o evil_a for_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a some_o be_v better_o than_o other_o of_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a some_o be_v worse_o than_o other_o now_o these_o degree_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n take_v their_o rise_n and_o fall_v by_o their_o approach_a to_o or_o declination_n from_o that_o which_o be_v summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la or_o the_o chief_a good_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o best_o or_o chief_a good_a there_o can_v be_v no_o better_a or_o worse_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n at_o all_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v one_o infinite_a good_a to_o conclude_v this_o first_o discourse_n see_v the_o inclination_n of_o all_o people_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n the_o instinct_n of_o nature_n to_o confess_v it_o the_o excellent_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n to_o declare_v it_o the_o force_n of_o wicked_a man_n conscience_n to_o fear_v it_o the_o custom_n of_o civil_a nation_n to_o adore_v it_o do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o god_n be_v yea_o doubtless_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v the_o earth_n what_o a_o monstrous_a creature_n be_v the_o fool_n atheist_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n dub._n though_o i_o be_v abundant_o satisfy_v with_o your_o former_a reason_n against_o atheism_n yet_o i_o hearty_o thank_v you_o for_o these_o which_o you_o have_v here_o add_v which_o though_o they_o be_v more_o large_o treat_v on_o by_o several_a learned_a author_n yet_o as_o you_o have_v brief_o sum_v they_o up_o they_o be_v more_o suitable_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o of_o short_a discourse_n who_o lose_v themselves_o in_o long_a treatise_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v what_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o they_o before_o they_o come_v to_o the_o middle_n and_o be_v more_o tire_v with_o the_o length_n then_o please_v with_o the_o soundness_n and_o excellency_n of_o such_o discourse_n sir_n be_v full_o satisfy_v with_o your_o reason_n against_o atheism_n i_o humble_o beseech_v the_o almighty_a creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n to_o bless_v they_o unto_o i_o to_o preserve_v i_o from_o all_o profane_a irreligious_a course_n from_o practical_a atheism_n which_o by_o its_o own_o natural_a propensity_n and_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a and_o righteous_a god_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o that_o which_o be_v speculative_a and_o dogmatical_a dialogue_n ii_o against_o antiscrpturisme_n firm._n have_v give_v you_o such_o satisfaction_n about_o the_o be_v of_o god_n as_o have_v full_o remove_v all_o your_o doubt_n concern_v that_o first_o and_o great_a principle_n if_o you_o please_v we_o will_v discourse_v of_o the_o other_o that_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o upon_o these_o two_o depend_v the_o great_a and_o weighty_a business_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o be_v steadfast_a
righteous_a as_o all_o the_o law_n which_o be_v set_v before_o you_o this_o day_n which_o as_o to_o their_o clearness_n be_v high_o improve_v under_o the_o gospel_n engage_v we_o upon_o high_a and_o more_o heavenly_a motive_n those_o under_o the_o law_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n temporal_a to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2._o 12._o there_o be_v no_o virtue_n which_o christian_n religion_n commend_v not_o b._n no_o duty_n which_o it_o command_v not_o no_o vice_n no_o sin_n which_o it_o do_v not_o condemn_v no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o condemn_v pride_n worldly-mindedness_a sensuality_n filthy_a lust_n a_o poor_a private_a narrow_a spirit_n selfishness_n as_o this_o no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o commend_v humility_n meekness_n selfe-denyal_n charity_n peace_n unity_n no_o religion_n do_v so_o much_o exalt_v reason_n above_o passion_n and_o sense_n do_v so_o much_o ennoble_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n make_v it_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o riches_n honour_n pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n as_o so_o many_o vain_a shadow_n delude_a dream_n transitory_a nothing_o the_o great_a design_n of_o it_o be_v not_o carnal_a and_o worldly_a but_o high_a and_o heavenly_a as_o to_o set_v forth_o tâ—e_v gloâ—y_a of_o god_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o soul_n above_o the_o creature_n to_o lead_v man_n by_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n to_o everlasting_a happiness_n this_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o high_a motive_n for_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o piety_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o virtuous_a live_a thâ—t_n possible_a câ—n_n be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n here_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o it_o give_v the_o strong_a reason_n against_o the_o power_n oâ—_n temptation_n teâ—â—hing_v we_o to_o mortify_v the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n anâ—_n to_o contemn_v the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n put_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n the_o torment_n of_o hell_n the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o the_o balance_n against_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n whiâ—h_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o feather_n to_o the_o massy_a glob_n of_o the_o earth_n last_o christian_a religion_n from_o holy_a scripture_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v do_v reveâ—l_o unto_o we_o the_o nature_n attribute_n and_o work_n of_o god_n beyond_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n how_o do_v it_o magnify_v and_o reconcile_v the_o justiâ—e_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n towards_o sinful_a man_n how_o doâ—h_v it_o set_v forth_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o â—oâ—_n in_o make_v the_o world_n of_o nothing_o in_o such_o a_o excellent_a form_n and_o beauty_n which_o have_v draw_v all_o â—oâ—sidering_v man_n into_o a_o admiration_n of_o the_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o it_o yet_o the_o must_v acute_a philosopher_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o and_o when_o it_o be_v make_v whether_o it_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n or_o have_v a_o beginning_n in_o time_n whether_o it_o be_v mâ—de_v of_o preexistent_a mâ—tter_n oâ—_n of_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n whiâ—h_o fond_a opinion_n deserve_v not_o any_o serious_a confutation_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v â—leâ—rly_o solve_v all_o these_o doubt_n &_o be_v indeed_o the_o best_a comment_n on_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v give_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n the_o time_n and_o method_n of_o its_o production_n the_o people_n of_o nation_n the_o confusion_n of_o language_n the_o depravation_n of_o nature_n which_o the_o heathen_n understand_v not_o fancy_v two_o principal_n one_o good_a the_o other_o evil_n from_o which_o all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n do_v proceed_v man_n recovery_n by_o the_o sacrifice_a of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n thereof_o all_o the_o bloody_a sacrifice_n practise_v by_o the_o heathen_n be_v mere_a imposture_n and_o ridiculous_a nothing_o these_o and_o divers_a other_o mystery_n far_o above_o man_n capacity_n to_o devise_v and_o not_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o natural_a corrupt_a reason_n be_v make_v plain_a unto_o we_o by_o scripture_n revelation_n which_o do_v abundant_o prove_v that_o none_o but_o a_o infinite_a god_n can_v be_v author_n of_o this_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n &_o that_o of_o mahomet_n be_v so_o many_o apish_a imitation_n &_o diabolical_a cheat_n dub._n i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v by_o the_o character_n which_o you_o have_v give_v of_o the_o religion_n in_o practice_n with_o the_o people_n of_o god_n especial_o with_o the_o christian_n that_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o it_o must_v be_v from_o heaven_n &_o not_o from_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o holy_a scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v &_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o eternal_a god_n firm._n i_o can_v further_o acquaint_v you_o with_o many_o moâ—e_n reason_n to_o confirm_v you_o in_o this_o great_a truth_n which_o be_v common_a in_o every_o author_n that_o treat_v of_o it_o â—s_n namely_o the_o antiquity_n of_o holy_a scripture_n some_o part_n of_o it_o be_v before_o all_o write_n the_o continuance_n of_o it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a providence_n notwithstanding_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o cruel_a bloody_a persecutor_n the_o sincerity_n impartiality_n candour_n simplicity_n of_o its_o writer_n quibus_fw-la nullum_fw-la fuit_fw-la mendac_fw-la two_o praemium_fw-la they_o have_v no_o earthly_a motive_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o utter_v such_o forgery_n as_o atheist_n deem_v they_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n loss_n of_o good_n and_o life_n again_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v very_o good_a man_n or_o very_o bad_a for_o man_n of_o a_o cold_a indifferency_n they_o can_v not_o be_v if_o they_o be_v very_o good_a man_n they_o will_v never_o have_v conspire_v together_o to_o put_v such_o a_o cheat_n such_o a_o grand_a imposture_n upon_o the_o world_n as_o antiscripturists_a will_v have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o be_v if_o very_o bad_a they_o will_v never_o have_v write_v with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n against_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o especial_o against_o lie_v and_o hypocrisy_n certain_o they_o will_v never_o have_v expose_v themselves_o to_o hazard_v life_n and_o fortune_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n then_o to_o be_v esteem_v both_o knave_n and_o fool_n by_o all_o prudent_a man_n add_v to_o this_o that_o liar_n and_o cheat_n do_v not_o usual_o agree_v one_o with_o the_o other_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sweet_a harmony_n &_o consent_n betwixt_o the_o penman_n of_o holy_a writ_n though_o they_o live_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o one_o another_o that_o questionless_a they_o be_v act_v by_o one_o and_o the_o same_o infallible_a spirit_n last_o the_o averseness_n the_o slowness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o corrupt_a heart_n to_o believe_v all_o that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n luke_n 24.25_o arise_v from_o that_o contrariety_n which_o be_v betwixt_o the_o holy_a and_o spiritual_a word_n of_o god_n and_o our_o carnal_a and_o deprave_a mind_n be_v no_o small_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v otherwise_o impossible_a to_o render_v any_o rational_a account_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v or_o disbelieve_v this_o sacred_a word_n and_o never_o once_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o ordinary_a and_o common_a history_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o unto_o we_o not_o with_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o that_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o holy_a scripture_n but_o wave_v these_o reason_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v two_o of_o the_o best_a which_o be_v urge_v against_o infidelity_n to_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n of_o my_o discourse_n the_o first_o whereof_o shall_v be_v take_v from_o the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n the_o other_o from_o miracle_n which_o be_v the_o seal_n of_o this_o our_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la dub._n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o confirm_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a principle_n by_o what_o you_o have_v already_o say_v yet_o i_o will_v most_o glad_o hear_v your_o argument_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n firm._n first_o for_o prophecy_n i_o shall_v acquaint_v you_o with_o some_o few_o out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n to_o which_o your_o own_o read_n may_v suggest_v many_o more_o which_o be_v exact_o fulfil_v according_a as_o they_o be_v foretell_v dub._n do_v not_o astrologer_n and_o heathen_a oracle_n foretell_v many_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o pass_v as_o they_o be_v foretell_v firm._n i_o grant_v it_o but_o hear_v what_o judgement_n a_o learned_a heathen_a pass_n upon_o they_o the_o god_n do_v foretell_v some_o natural_a thing_n to_o come_v for_o that_o they_o observe_v the_o order_n &_o conjunction_n of_o their_o natural_a cause_n but_o of_o thing_n