Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
truth_n	authority_n	scripture_n	testimony_n	1,790	5	7.6324	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A63913	A phisico-theological discourse upon the Divine Being, or first cause of all things, providence of God, general and particular, separate existence of the human soul, certainty of reveal'd religion, fallacy of modern inspiration, and danger of enthusiasm to which is added An appendix concerning the corruption of humane nature, the force of habits, and the necessity of supernatural aid to the acquest of eternal happiness : with epistolary conferences between the deceased Dr. Anthony Horneck and the author, relating to these subjects : in several letters from a gentleman to his doubting friend.	Turner, John, b. 1649 or 50.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.	1698 (1698)	Wing T3313; ESTC R5343	198,836	236

prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o be_v still_o maintain_v in_o the_o way_n it_o be_v establish_v profound_a ignorance_n sensual_a bait_n and_o force_v of_o arm_n give_v it_o its_o first_o promotion_n and_o do_v still_o maintain_v its_o credit_n in_o the_o world_n thus_o the_o mean_a reason_n if_o due_o exercise_v be_v able_a manifest_o to_o disprove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o alcoran_n this_o business_n of_o revelation_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o curious_o handle_v by_o the_o b_o of_o c_o that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o recommend_v to_o you_o a_o perusal_n of_o those_o his_o excellent_a discourse_n at_o mr._n boyle_n lecture_n where_o i_o be_o ready_a to_o believe_v you_o will_v find_v but_o little_o want_v to_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o reveal_v religion_n of_o a_o possibility_n for_o the_o almighty_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n and_o last_o not_o only_o the_o probability_n but_o the_o certainty_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o that_o this_o revelation_n be_v the_o same_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o two_o testament_n for_o the_o ●leing_n all_o which_o truth_n viz._n the_o possibility_n expedience_n usefulness_n necessity_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v offer_v such_o evidence_n rational_a natural_a traditionary_a and_o supernatural_a as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o unprejudiced_a infidel_n and_o will_v be_v find_v too_o strong_a to_o be_v make_v void_a or_o overthrow_v by_o the_o subtle_a of_o the_o hellish_a tribe_n our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n do_v indeed_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o grant_v the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o on_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o may_v we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1._o the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v he_o in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establish●_n there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherways_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n

voluntary_a motion_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o only_o by_o the_o free_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o impulse_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o blind_a matter_n in_o or_o upon_o our_o body_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n or_o choice_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o example_n my_o right_a hand_n write_v whilst_o my_o left_a hand_n be_v still_o what_o cause_n rest_v in_o one_o and_o motion_n in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o my_o will_n a_o thought_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o thought_n only_o change_v the_o right_a hand_n rest_v and_o the_o left_a hand_n move_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v explain_v this_o and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a and_o then_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o understand_v creation_n for_o the_o give_v a_o new_a determination_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o explain_v voluntary_a motion_n clear_v not_o the_o difficulty_n one_o jot●_n to_o alter_v the_o determination_n of_o motion_n be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o easy_o nor_o less_o than_o to_o give_v motion_n itself_o since_o the_o new_a determination_n give_v to_o the_o animal_n spirit_n must_v be_v either_o immediate_o by_o thought_n or_o by_o some_o other_o body_n put_v in_o their_o way_n by_o thought_n which_o be_v not_o in_o their_o way_n before_o and_o so_o must_v own_o its_o motion_n to_o thought_n either_o of_o which_o leave_v voluntary_a motion_n as_o unintelligible_a as_o it_o be_v before_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v a_o overvalue_a ourselves_o to_o reduce_v all_o to_o the_o narrow_a measure_n of_o our_o capacity_n and_o to_o conclude_v all_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v do_v who_o manner_n of_o do_v exceed_v our_o comprehension_n this_o be_v to_o make_v our_o comprehension_n infinite_a or_o god_n finite_a when_o what_o he_o can_v do_v be_v limit_v to_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o if_o you_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o operation_n of_o your_o own_o finite_a mind_n that_o think_v thing_n within_o you_o do_v not_o deem_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o can_v comprehend_v the_o operation_n of_o that_o eternal_a infinite_a mind_n who_o make_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n and_o who_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v i_o hope_v my_o friend_n you_o will_v more_o ready_o excuse_v the_o forego_n prolixity_n on_o the_o account_n that_o first_o principle_n especial_o those_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o these_o before_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o clear_o and_o satisfactory_o prove_v as_o it_o be_v possible_a which_o if_o upon_o your_o most_o serious_a reflection_n you_o find_v establish_v beyond_o opposition_n i_o expect_v that_o from_o this_o moment_n you_o date_n the_o downfall_n of_o your_o atheism_n and_o that_o you_o present_o commence_v deist_n in_o order_n to_o turn_v christian._n i_o know_v of_o no_o better_a way_n of_o argue_v with_o the_o mere_a natural_a man_n or_o with_o such_o who_o value_v themselves_o so_o high_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o judgement_n or_o humane_a reason_n than_o to_o endeavour_v their_o conviction_n by_o the_o most_o rational_a deduction_n from_o as_o rational_a proposition_n whether_o or_o no_o these_o be_v such_o which_o i_o have_v transfer_v hither_o from_o the_o write_n of_o these_o two_o famous_a man_n i_o must_v leave_v you_o to_o consider_v i_o confess_v there_o be_v little_a hope_n of_o reclaim_v such_o foolhardy_a libertine_n who_o argue_v for_o their_o infidelity_n by_o the_o same_o power_n in_o their_o soul_n which_o to_o the_o more_o considerate_a be_v convince_a proof_n that_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v invest_v with_o such_o mighty_a power_n must_v undoubted_o be_v a_o substance_n independent_a of_o corporiety_n and_o consequent_o incapable_a of_o suffer_v a_o extinction_n with_o the_o lamp_n of_o life_n but_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n and_o its_o different_a existence_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o brute_n i_o shall_v discourse_v elsewhere_o have_v here_o confine_v myself_o more_o particular_o to_o inquire_v after_o the_o author_n of_o our_o own_o be_v and_o all_o other_o which_o surround_v we_o there_o have_v be_v many_o method_n use_v in_o handle_v of_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o be_v our_o opponent_n so_o full_a of_o reason_n as_o they_o pretend_v one_o might_n wonder_n that_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v prove_v insufficient_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o stay_v to_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o cartesian_a notion_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v have_v have_v any_o idea_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a alwise_a be_v we_o call_v god_n if_o such_o a_o be_v do_v not_o real_o exist_v or_o be_v not_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la but_o of_o this_o we_o may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o unless_o we_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o immense_a be_v have_v create_v we_o with_o a_o design_n not_o to_o deceive_v we_o we_o must_v be_v pure_a sceptic_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o this_o belief_n we_o shall_v be_v full_o assure_v of_o any_o truth_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o without_o cause_n that_o the_o philosopher_n lay_v this_o down_o as_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o science_n nihil_fw-la intelligitur_fw-la nisi_fw-la deus_fw-la prius_fw-la intelligatur_fw-la have_v prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o eternal_a cogitative_a be_v by_o a_o train_n of_o argument_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o right_a reason_n neither_o support_v by_o tradition_n or_o authority_n either_o sacred_a or_o profane_a i_o shall_v next_o inquire_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o first_o and_o if_o i_o may_v so_o say_v great_a truth_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o true_a happiness_n be_v so_o wonderful_o obscure_v effaced_a and_o even_o obliterated_a out_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n whosoever_o will_v take_v the_o trouble_n to_o inform_v himself_o after_o what_o manner_n most_o people_n account_v for_o the_o production_n they_o see_v daily_o bring_v to_o pass_v may_v easy_o understand_v that_o where_o one_o man_n speak_v either_o reasonable_o or_o becoming_o of_o the_o great_a author_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o acknowledge_v any_o such_o be_v as_o superintend_v the_o agency_n of_o second_o cause_n there_o be_v abundant_o more_o who_o look_v no_o far_o than_o the_o empty_a sound_n of_o fate_n fortune_n chance_n destiny_n and_o in_o their_o inquiry_n into_o the_o structure_n of_o humane_a body_n or_o the_o discord_n of_o the_o animal_n oeconomy_n you_o rare_o find_v any_o thing_n more_o particular_o take_v notice_n of_o than_o the_o archaeus_n by_o some_o by_o other_o the_o plastic_a power_n and_o indeed_o by_o all_o most_o common_o a_o certain_a nature_n which_o though_o continual_o in_o their_o expression_n they_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o excuse_v i_o sir_n if_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o examine_v which_o of_o these_o can_v supply_v the_o place_n of_o a_o almighty_a or_o of_o any_o real_a efficient_a cause_n or_o with_o what_o reason_n we_o can_v ascribe_v unto_o either_o of_o these_o nominal_a agent_n the_o operation_n impute_v to_o they_o ●●tural_a fate_n or_o destiny_n say_v seneca_n be_v a_o immutable_a and_o invincible_a law_n impose_v upon_o thing_n and_o action_n you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o this_o thing_n shall_v happen_v or_o not_o happen_v if_o it_o must_v come_v to_o pass_v although_o '_o you_o vow_n and_o make_v your_o request_n yet_o shall_v it_o take_v effect_n if_o it_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v vow_v and_o pray_v as_o much_o as_o you_o list_v yet_o it_o shall_v not_o fall_v out_o now_o the_o consequence_n say_v he_o of_o this_o argument_n be_v false_a because_o you_o have_v forget_v the_o exception_n that_o i_o have_v put_v between_o they_o both_o that_o be_v to_o say_v this_o shall_v happen_v provide_v a_o man_n make_v vow_n and_o prayer_n it_o must_v necessary_o happen_v that_o to_o vow_n or_o not_o to_o vow_v be_v comprehend_v in_o and_o be_v part_n of_o the_o same_o destiny_n again_o it_o be_v destinate_a or_o it_o be_v such_o a_o man_n fate_n to_o be_v a_o eloquent_a man_n but_o under_o this_o condition_n it_o be_v likewise_o destinate_a that_o he_o be_v instruct_v in_o good_a letter_n it_o be_v destinate_a for_o another_o man_n to_o he_o rich_a but_o here_o it_o be_v include_v in_o the_o same_o destiny_n that_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o mean_n for_o their_o procurement_n so_o likewise_o may_v it_o be_v say_v it_o be_v such_o a_o man_n destiny_n to_o be_v hang_v but_o here_o that_o he_o render_v himself_o guilty_a of_o some_o capital_a offence_n for_o which_o he_o be_v convict_v by_o the_o law_n be_v part_n of_o the_o same_o destiny_n in_o the_o sense_n wherein_o these_o word_n be_v

and_o the_o adjoin_a territory_n yet_o since_o he_o make_v mention_n of_o they_o we_o can_v comprehend_v how_o it_o happen_v otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o thunderbolt_n fall_v in_o great_a plenty_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o bituminous_a pit_n the_o vein_n of_o that_o combustible_a matter_n take_v fire_n immediate_o and_o as_o the_o fire_n penetrate_v into_o the_o lowermost_a bowel_n of_o this_o bituminous_a soil_n those_o wicked_a city_n be_v subvert_v by_o a_o tremor_n or_o sink_v of_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v instanced_a in_o these_o few_o among_o other_o case_n of_o the_o like_a import_n not_o so_o much_o to_o justify_v or_o countenance_v these_o deviation_n from_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o history_n or_o in_o favour_n of_o every_o phanciful_a interpretation_n of_o they_o as_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o absolute_o tie_v to_o think_v that_o every_o miracle_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a production_n or_o effect_v by_o power_n every_o way_n supernatural_a but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a a_o true_a and_o real_a miracle_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o natural_a agent_n and_o that_o many_o of_o the_o divine_a judgement_n have_v be_v execute_v by_o their_o be_v put_v into_o action_n though_o perhaps_o after_o a_o uncommon_a manner_n at_o particular_a time_n as_o to_o what_o relate_v to_o spectre_n or_o apparition_n together_o with_o inorganic_n sound_v and_o voice_n i_o shall_v reserve_v my_o thought_n for_o another_o letter_n where_o it_o be_v possible_a i_o may_v entertain_v you_o with_o some_o thing_n divert_v i_o shall_v in_o this_o place_n just_a mention_n that_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o history_n of_o real_a demoniac_n of_o place_n and_o particular_a family_n disturb_v by_o facination_n of_o other_o miserable_o torment_v with_o diabolical_a delusion_n and_o odd_a transaction_n with_o which_o notwithstanding_o i_o be_v never_o otherwise_o acquaint_v then_o at_o second_o hand_n yet_o i_o take_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v so_o well_o attest_v by_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o detect_v any_o suppose_a fallacy_n that_o it_o be_v very_o great_a injustice_n to_o ourselves_o as_o well_o as_o a_o affront_n to_o their_o authority_n shall_v we_o suspect_v they_o or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o because_o many_o such_o like_a story_n have_v be_v prove_v false_a that_o these_o matter_n may_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o especial_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o reconcileable_a to_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v undertake_v as_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o a_o learned_a pen_n to_o be_v prove_v among_o other_o particular_n of_o this_o kind_n for_o which_o reason_n i_o shall_v pass_v on_o to_o some_o other_o seem_o insoluble_a objection_n that_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o the_o subtlety_n of_o the_o infernal_a emissary_n to_o perplex_v this_o argument_n to_o which_o that_o i_o may_v reply_v effectual_o and_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v affirm_v with_o a_o judicious_a author_n atheism_n that_o every_o man_n in_o who_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o dampt_v by_o fatuity_n either_o native_a and_o temperamental_a or_o casual_o supervenient_a have_v this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o impress_n of_o a_o especial_a providence_n decree_a and_o dispose_v all_o event_n that_o have_v do_v or_o shall_v befall_v he_o and_o this_o i_o think_v as_o sufficient_o manifest_a from_o hence_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o man_n though_o edicate_v in_o the_o wild_a ignorance_n or_o high_a barbarity_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v natural_o and_o by_o the_o adviso_n '_o s_z of_o his_o intestine_a dictator_n incline_v either_o to_o conceive_v or_o embrace_v some_o kind_n of_o religion_n as_o a_o homage_n due_a from_o he_o to_o that_o supreme_a power_n in_o who_o hand_n he_o apprehend_v the_o rain_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v hold_v and_o who_o favour_n and_o benign_a aspect_n he_o think_v procurable_a and_o anger_n atoneable_a by_o the_o seasonable_a address_n of_o invocation_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o he_o who_o meditation_n shall_v sink_v deep_a enough_o it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o this_o anticipation_n be_v the_o very_a root_n of_o religion_n for_o though_o man_n stand_v full_o persuade_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n yet_o will_v not_o that_o alone_o suffice_v to_o convince_v he_o into_o a_o necessity_n of_o a_o de●out_a adoration_n of_o he_o unless_o his_o mind_n be_v also_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o proper_a attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o so_o near_o concern_v his_o felicity_n or_o infelicity_n viz._n his_o especial_a providence_n which_o regulate_v all_o the_o affair_n and_o appoint_v all_o the_o contingenciet_a of_o every_o individual_a man_n life_n for_o it_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o defect_n imperfection_n and_o dependency_n that_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o alsufficiency_n perfection_n and_o self-subsistance_n the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o necessity_n be_v the_o school_n wherein_o we_o first_o learn_v our_o orison_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o obtain_v blessing_n from_o his_o immense_a bounty_n be_v both_o the_o excitement_n and_o encouragement_n of_o our_o devotion_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o spark_n at_o which_o all_o the_o tapor_n of_o religion_n be_v first_o kindle_v the_o very_a ethnic_n themselves_o whilst_o grope_v in_o the_o chaos_n of_o idolatry_n have_v discover_v this_o witness_v their_o magnificent_a temple_n costly_a hecatomb_n humane_a holocau_v and_o frequent_v solemn_a invocation_n all_o which_o kind_n of_o address_n they_o general_o make_v use_v of_o and_o oblige_v themselves_o unto_o as_o the_o only_a hopeful_a mean_n as_o well_o to_o atone_v the_o displeasure_n as_o conciliate_v the_o favour_n of_o that_o power_n in_o who_o hand_n they_o conceive_v the_o book_n of_o fate_n to_o be_v keep_v and_o who_o have_v the_o guardianship_n or_o administration_n of_o the_o fortune_n not_o only_o of_o city_n nation_n and_o family_n but_o even_o of_o every_o single_a person_n witness_v also_o that_o glorious_a pagan_a cicero_n who_o derive_v the_o pedigree_n of_o religion_n father_n it_o immediate_o upon_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o especial_a providence_n in_o these_o word_n s●nt_fw-la phylosophi_fw-la &_o fuerunt_fw-la 1._o qui_fw-la omnino_fw-la nullam_fw-la habere_fw-la censerent_fw-la humanarum_fw-la rerum_fw-la procurationem_fw-la deos_fw-la quorum_fw-la si_fw-la vera_fw-la est_fw-la sententia_fw-la quae_fw-la potest_fw-la esse_fw-la pietas_n quae_fw-la religio_fw-la haec_fw-la enim_fw-la omne_fw-la pure_a ac_fw-la cante_fw-la tribuenda_fw-la deorum_fw-la numini_fw-la ita_fw-la sunt_fw-la si_fw-la animadvertuntur_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la &_o si_fw-la est_fw-la aliquid_fw-la à_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la hominum_fw-la generi_fw-la tributum_fw-la sin_v autem_fw-la dij_fw-la neque_fw-la possunt_fw-la nec_fw-la volunt_fw-la nos_fw-la juvare_fw-la nec_fw-la curant_fw-la omnino_fw-la nec_fw-la quid_fw-la agamus_fw-la animadvertant_fw-la nec_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la ad_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitam_fw-la permanere_fw-la possit_fw-la quid_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la nullos_fw-la diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la cultus_fw-la honour_n preces_fw-la adhibeamus_fw-la in_o specie_fw-la autem_fw-la fictae_fw-la simulationis_fw-la sicut_fw-la reliquae_fw-la vertutes_fw-la ita_fw-la pietas_n inesse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la cum_fw-la qua_fw-la simul_fw-la &_o sanctitatem_fw-la &_o religionem_fw-la tolli_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la quibus_fw-la sublatis_fw-la perturbatio_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la sequitur_fw-la &_o magna_fw-la confusio_fw-la moreover_o as_o this_o inoppugnable_a propensity_n to_o religion_n be_v a_o cyon_n of_o god_n own_o engraff_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n so_o also_o be_v it_o out_o of_o his_o power_n though_o assist_v by_o all_o the_o hellish_a stratagem_n total_o to_o eradicate_v it_o thence_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n confirm_v by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n for_o notwithstanding_o the_o insolent_a pretence_n and_o blasphemous_a rho●omontado's_n of_o many_o miscreant_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o most_o execrable_a cognomen_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o study_v to_o advance_v their_o name_n to_o the_o high_a pinnacle_n of_o fame_n by_o be_v account_v man_n of_o such_o absolute_a and_o fearless_a spirit_n as_o that_o they_o scorn_v to_o own_o any_o be_v superior_a to_o their_o own_o to_o which_o they_o shall_v be_v accountable_a for_o their_o action_n yet_o have_v they_o be_v compel_v so_o violent_a be_v the_o secret_a touch_n of_o that_o 〈◊〉_d which_o convert_v all_o thing_n into_o demonstration_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n either_o by_o the_o scourge_n of_o some_o sharp_a calamity_n or_o the_o rack_n of_o some_o excruciate_a disease_n in_o their_o life_n to_o repent_v or_o at_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o that_o king_n of_o terror_n death_n to_o confess_v this_o their_o horrid_a impiety_n thus_o the_o proud_a adamant-hearted_n pharaoh_n who_o deride_v the_o divine_a embassy_n of_o moses_n in_o a_o imperious_a strain_n of_o scorn_n and_o expostulatory_a bravado_n demand_v of_o he_o quis_fw-la est_fw-la jehovah_n cujus_fw-la

trinity_n or_o the_o resurrection_n for_o this_o be_v to_o confine_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o the_o man_n of_o letter_n and_o to_o tie_v salvation_n to_o the_o school_n it_o be_v something_o pleasant_a as_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n have_v remark_v to_o observe_v now_o adays_o that_o the_o great_a step_n which_o make_v a_o approve_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o a_o philosopher_n be_v to_o talk_v unintelligible_o and_o to_o solve_v we_o one_o difficulty_n by_o make_v twenty_o more_o these_o say_v he_o be_v the_o man_n in_o vogue_n whilst_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o give_v a_o plain_a reason_n for_o what_o he_o say_v be_v put_v by_o for_o a_o coxcomb_n he_o want_v profundity_n but_o to_o proceed_v shall_v we_o go_v about_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n we_o shall_v whole_o overthrow_v our_o belief_n and_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n to_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o our_o god_n than_o we_o will_v to_o a_o worm_n like_o ourselves_o if_o there_o be_v no_o obscurity_n nor_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o gospel_n truth_n where_o will_v our_o submission_n and_o humility_n be_v which_o be_v the_o qualification_n that_o do_v most_o of_o all_o recommend_v we_o to_o god_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n especial_o because_o they_o prepare_v the_o mind_n for_o faith_n and_o give_v check_n to_o all_o bold_a and_o curious_a inquiry_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o can_v by_o rational_a proof_n demonstrate_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v his_o word_n who_o veracity_n be_v proportionate_a to_o his_o wisdom_n and_o both_o of_o they_o infinite_a nor_o be_v it_o needful_a that_o its_o doctrine_n shall_v further_o adjust_a themselves_o to_o our_o understanding_n religion_n our_o reason_n be_v often_o non-plused_a about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n to_o which_o it_o never_o be_v adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o not_o to_o inquire_v if_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o revelation_n until_o they_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o obey_v at_o all_o because_o they_o submit_v not_o till_o they_o can_v choose_v faith_n bear_v not_o upon_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v comprehend_v be_v not_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o argue_v and_o be_v science_n not_o faith_n you_o that_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o you_o please_v and_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a you_o believe_v not_o but_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n say_v austin_n to_o the_o manichee_n for_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o not_o it_o so_o that_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n at_o least_o to_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o a_o omniscience_n proportionable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotence_n furthermore_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a but_o no_o man_n reason_n universal_o be_v so_o for_o what_o one_o man_n reason_n assent_v to_o another_o reject_v every_o man_n pretend_v to_o right_a reason_n but_o who_o have_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o reject_v a_o plain_a revelation_n in_o one_o particular_a because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o why_o may_v not_o a_o second_o do_v the_o same_o with_o reference_n to_o a_o revelation_n in_o another_o particular_a for_o as_o the_o socinian_o by_o make_v their_o reason_n the_o sole_a judge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o admit_v many_o of_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o some_o philosopher_n will_v make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v receive_v and_o their_o reason_n at_o sometime_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o now_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n be_v just_o prefer_v to_o all_o other_o evidence_n and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o submit_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n we_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o our_o reason_n for_o the_o positive_a measure_n of_o religion_n the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v every_o where_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n herein_o be_v the_o socinian_o just_o impeachable_a for_o though_o sometime_o they_o acknowledge_v religion_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o speak_v in_o a_o very_a differ_a manner_n even_o in_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n pay_v religious_a worship_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o god_n be_v act_v contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a unhappiness_n we_o labour_v under_o through_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o religious_a opinion_n and_o indeed_o a_o uniformity_n in_o religion_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v expect_v till_o man_n grow_v less_o speculative_a and_o more_o practical_a the_o real_a and_o sincere_a practice_n of_o piety_n the_o love_v the_o lord_n our_o god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o the_o keep_v our_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o our_o god_n and_o one_o another_o and_o the_o holding_z fast_z no_o more_o than_o the_o whole_a form_n of_o sound_a word_n without_o let_v of_o they_o slip_v these_o i_o say_v will_v quick_o bring_v we_o together_o and_o the_o name_n of_o sect_n and_o party_n of_o schism_n and_o heresy_n will_v be_v altogether_o unknown_a to_o we_o it_o be_v true_a i_o doubt_v not_o of_o good_a man_n to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o christian_a communion_n nor_o do_v i_o look_v upon_o it_o any_o scandal_n to_o the_o profession_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v many_o profane_a irreligious_a person_n shroud_v themselves_o under_o it_o yet_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o i_o be_o persuade_v my_o charity_n be_v well_o place_v in_o this_o respect_n i_o must_v be_v free_a to_o declare_v to_o you_o my_o opinion_n that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o judge_v there_o be_v more_o of_o interest_n singularity_n of_o humour_n influence_n of_o education_n misunderstand_a and_o mistake_v about_o essential_o as_o well_o as_o circumstance_n pure_o indifferent_a than_o either_o a_o just_a or_o indeed_o reasonable_a ground_n for_o any_o man_n to_o separate_v from_o the_o present_a establish_v c_o of_o e_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v think_v no_o blemish_n to_o that_o constitution_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v good_a and_o pious_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o only_o be_v so_o but_o have_v as_o great_a help_n to_o their_o be_v so_o as_o in_o any_o state_n of_o separation_n i_o be_o sufficient_o satisfy_v and_o i_o can_v say_v i_o have_v meet_v with_o few_o separatist_n how_o much_o soever_o bigoted_a to_o nonconformity_n who_o have_v not_o be_v ready_a to_o show_v a_o better_a like_n to_o this_o ch_z then_o to_o any_o dissent_v from_o it_o except_o their_o own_o but_o whether_o or_o no_o this_o or_o any_o other_o ecclesiastical_a form_n of_o government_n come_v up_o exact_o to_o the_o primitive_a pattern_n i_o be_o not_o enough_o know_v positive_o to_o determine_v yet_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o national_a church_n which_o must_v be_v so_o contrive_v and_o calculate_v as_o to_o obviate_v a_o multitude_n of_o inconvenience_n which_o can_v happen_v to_o any_o private_a or_o single_a congregation_n a_o ch_z which_o must_v be_v frame_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o her_o worship_n adapt_v to_o their_o different_a capacity_n and_o understanding_n there_o be_v nothing_o certain_o have_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o better_a or_o more_o serviceable_a contrivance_n to_o answer_v the_o end_n of_o a_o religious_a institution_n i_o speak_v in_o respect_n of_o her_o general_a ecclesiastic_a polity_n for_o though_o there_o be_v many_o particular_a flaw_n therein_o which_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wish_v be_v better_a inspect_v though_o the_o pastoral_n care_n be_v upon_o some_o account_n very_o deficient_a and_o that_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o enormity_n both_o in_o life_n and_o doctrine_n commit_v by_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v entrust_v in_o some_o office_n under_o she_o and_o who_o ought_v for_o the_o same_o to_o be_v suspend_v or_o utter_o exclude_v yet_o

be_v reject_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o far_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a when_o man_n exalt_v their_o own_o private_a revelation_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o they_o esteem_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o prefer_v this_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o inspiration_n above_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o they_o to_o join_v in_o external_n worship_n a_o state_n indeed_o of_o perfection_n that_o be_v above_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v describe_v and_o be_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n receive_v and_o which_o there_o need_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o increase_v the_o suspicion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o all_o this_o beyond_o their_o own_o simple_a affirmation_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o without_o good_a evidence_n can_v believe_v that_o those_o rapturous_a lady_n such_o as_o santa_n teresa_n and_o donna_n marina_n d'escobar_fw-la do_v in_o molinos_n '_o s_o phrase_n hear_v and_o talk_v with_o god_n hand_n in_o hand_n when_o he_o read_v the_o interlocutory_a matter_n that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o revelation_n have_v so_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n over_o the_o soul_n especial_o of_o such_o woman_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a dream_n but_o they_o will_v christen_v with_o the_o name_n of_o vision_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o credulous_a world_n have_v be_v much_o impose_v on_o this_o way_n the_o pretence_n abovesaid_a of_o maria_n visitationis_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n who_o impose_v upon_o her_o confessor_n no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o lewis_n granada_n the_o inquisition_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o she_o pretend_v to_o somewhat_o more_o than_o internal_a for_o her_o converse_n with_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n be_v at_o last_o detect_v of_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o most_o of_o the_o visionary_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o external_n evidence_n attempt_v by_o they_o nor_o that_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o intuition_n to_o see_v into_o their_o inward_a and_o self-evidence_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o such_o illumination_n introversion_n and_o interlocution_n than_o at_o best_a the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a brain_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a of_o belief_n because_o it_o may_v be_v very_o dangerous_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o for_o if_o instead_o of_o a_o star_n it_o shall_v prove_v a_o ig●is_fw-la fatuus_fw-la whether_o may_v not_o person_n be_v lead_v under_o the_o delusion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v not_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v lawful_a nay_o a_o duty_n which_o revelation_n shall_v warrant_v and_o where_o will_v this_o end_n if_o once_o it_o be_v credit_v and_o that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o implicit_o and_o blind_o to_o such_o a_o uncertain_a guide_n 1695._o now_o if_o a_o person_n come_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n with_o a_o message_n to_o other_o and_o require_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o salvation_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o such_o certificate_n as_o may_v give_v authority_n to_o it_o it_o be_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v on_o he_o the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o a_o ambassador_n without_o any_o credential_n to_o give_v he_o authority_n and_o deserve_v no_o better_a acceptance_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o a_o prophet_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n a_o inspiration_n to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n and_o by_o these_o character_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o both_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o inspiration_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a there_o be_v never_o want_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o and_o though_o john_n do_v no_o miracle_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o people_n acknowledge_v 41._o for_o say_v they_o all_o thing_n john_n speak_v of_o this_o man_n jesus_n be_v true_a there_o may_v it_o be_v likely_a be_v inspiration_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a evidence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o other_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o the_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o as_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o be_v the_o obligation_n now_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a which_o rest_v sole_o on_o humane_a authority_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o pretender_n to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a the_o work_v i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o so_o that_o inspiration_n be_v as_o to_o other_o no_o inspiration_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o may_v for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v no_o other_o than_o delusion_n or_o imposture_n let_v therefore_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a the_o confidence_n never_o so_o great_a the_o intent_n never_o so_o good_a the_o question_n be_v whence_o be_v this_o what_o evidence_n do_v the_o person_n bring_v of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o what_o do_v it_o rest_n into_o what_o be_v it_o resolve_v what_o do_v he_o produce_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n it_o may_v all_o be_v a_o fit_a of_o enthusiasm_n and_o if_o a_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v it_o a_o age_n for_o it_o much_o more_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o it_o after_o inspiration_n h●s_v cease_v he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o fortify_v it_o by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o he_o from_o who_o the_o inspiration_n come_v if_o it_o be_v divine_a the_o case_n than_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o measure_n here_o lay_v down_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o venture_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o revelation_n upon_o it_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v towards_o the_o justification_n of_o its_o veracity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o pretence_n for_o apply_v the_o same_o term_n of_o evidence_n and_o sincerity_n to_o imagination_n as_o to_o inspiration_n or_o to_o imposture_n whether_o enthusiastic_a or_o diabolical_a as_o be_v to_o revelation_n for_o when_o be_v it_o know_v that_o imagination_n or_o nature_n vulgar_o so_o call_v do_v ever_o empower_v person_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o to_o discourse_v ready_o at_o once_o with_o the_o parthian_n mede_n and_o elamites_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n when_o do_v nature_n or_o imagination_n enable_v person_n without_o any_o skill_n to_o cure_v disease_n natural_o incurable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o humane_a learning_n to_o talk_v like_o philosopher_n of_o the_o sublimest_n argument_n and_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o foreign_a nation_n they_o instruct_v far_o what_o imagination_n nature_n or_o art_n can_v inspirit_v moses_n with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n as_o to_o turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o to_o devour_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o by_o a_o stroke_n of_o it_o to_o fetch_v water_n out_o of_o a_o rock_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mighty_a current_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o imagination_n can_v form_v such_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o inspire_v a_o joseph_n or_o a_o daniel_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o correspond_v event_n when_o do_v imagination_n give_v life_n to_o a_o fly_n or_o do_v the_o least_o act_n out_o of_o itself_o when_o do_v that_o or_o nature_n or_o imposture_n real_o and_o true_o raise_v the_o dead_a with_o elisha_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n with_o elijah_n or_o foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o or_o so_o much_o as_o what_o a_o person_n shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n here_o we_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o magician_n all_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o science_n all_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o talk_v as_o the_o person_n real_o inspire_v do_v talk_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n as_o they_o

produce_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o the_o various_a way_n of_o its_o manifestation_n if_o we_o have_v such_o inspiration_n such_o vision_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o remote_a etc._n etc._n what_o evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v more_o to_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o what_o absurdity_n must_v we_o be_v cast_v upon_o if_o we_o shall_v venture_v to_o call_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n which_o though_o peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n lose_v not_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o nor_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v again_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o person_n be_v himself_o the_o recipient_a to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v impart_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o sign_n of_o far_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o he_o when_o if_o god_n so_o please_v the_o revelation_n of_o itself_o may_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o the_o revelation_n come_v at_o second_o hand_n to_o a_o person_n and_o rest_v on_o humane_a testimony_n on_o the_o ability_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o relator_n or_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v inspire_v there_o need_v some_o further_a evidence_n some_o sign_n or_o sign_n that_o may_v show_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n psalm_n 116.11_o that_o be_v may_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v may_v either_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o the_o imposture_n and_o practice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o so_o wicked_a as_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o say_v no_o man_n affirmation_n or_o pretence_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v heed_v any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o testimony_n as_o real_o divine_a as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o revelation_n to_o be_v account_v for_o as_o before_o say_v all_o revelation_n must_v have_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o a_o revelation_n to_o another_o how_o evident_o and_o convince_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_o full_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v have_v such_o a_o revelation_n but_o that_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o like_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o sufficient_a and_o uncontrollable_a testimony_n since_o the_o former_a will_v be_v absurd_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v alike_o actual_o inspire_v as_o they_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v immediate_o convey_v and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o these_o motive_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v 1._o into_o the_o veracity_n sincerity_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 2._o into_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o 3._o into_o the_o testimony_n produce_v for_o it_o by_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n we_o understand_v his_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n his_o capacity_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o render_v he_o worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o divine_a missionary_n the_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o other_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o a_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v inspire_v by_o almighty_a god_n so_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o stead_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n who_o mouth_n and_o representatives_n they_o be_v to_o the_o people_n be_v a_o office_n of_o great_a dignity_n and_o require_v somewhat_o of_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o well_o as_o authority_n to_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o message_n to_o other_o i_o grant_v in_o the_o ordinary_a case_n as_o there_o be_v prophet_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n or_o nursery_n of_o learning_n and_o morality_n there_o may_v be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v employ_v without_o a_o strict_a regard_n have_v to_o these_o qualification_n as_o messenger_n that_o carry_v a_o errand_n by_o the_o order_n of_o their_o superior_n i_o grant_v also_o that_o god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o upon_o occasion_n inspire_v such_o person_n as_o have_v none_o of_o these_o qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ass_n to_o rebuke_v the_o madness_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o who_o be_v so_o ever-ruled_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o against_o his_o will_n to_o bless_v those_o who_o he_o come_v to_o curse_v which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o considerable_a as_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o enemy_n but_o as_o revelation_n be_v a_o divine_a communication_n and_o a_o mark_n of_o divine_a favour_n so_o it_o do_v suppose_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o the_o person_n so_o dignify_v be_v due_o qualify_v for_o it_o and_o which_o be_v so_o requisite_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o without_o it_o he_o will_v rather_o be_v account_v a_o impostor_n than_o a_o messenger_n from_o god_n and_o ordinary_o have_v no_o more_o reverence_n pay_v to_o his_o errand_n than_o to_o his_o person_n what_o have_v be_v thus_o say_v in_o general_a as_o to_o the_o morality_n and_o virtue_n of_o the_o inspire_a person_n will_v hold_v for_o the_o most_o part_n as_o to_o his_o prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o qualification_n that_o the_o divine_a election_n of_o person_n for_o so_o peculiar_a a_o service_n do_v in_o that_o way_n either_o find_v or_o make_v they_o fit_a lay_v all_o this_o together_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o amount_v to_o viz_o the_o capacity_n ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o this_o revelation_n be_v make_v the_o unanimity_n and_o consent_n of_o person_n remote_a and_o distant_a in_o time_n and_o place_n the_o usefulness_n and_o reasonableness_n the_o excellency_n sublimity_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v the_o testimony_n give_v to_o they_o by_o such_o operation_n and_o production_n as_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a cause_n and_o be_v whole_o from_o the_o supreme_a where_o these_o be_v concur_v and_o with_o one_o mouth_n as_o it_o be_v give_v in_o their_o evidence_n we_o may_v say_v it_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o his_o revelation_n which_o carry_v upon_o it_o the_o conspicuous_a stamp_n of_o his_o authority_n i_o hope_v these_o few_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o write_n of_o this_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o establish_v in_o you_o a_o belief_n that_o the_o divine_a be_v have_v give_v unto_o we_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o all_o other_o revelation_n pretend_v to_o by_o such_o who_o can_v give_v we_o the_o same_o convince_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o satanical_a delusion_n a_o distemper_a head_n or_o a_o knavish_a combination_n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o necessary_a to_o believe_v this●_n that_o unless_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v liable_a to_o be_v carry_v aside_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o false_a doctrine_n and_o our_o faith_n will_v find_v nothing_o certain_a to_o take_v hold_n and_o fix_v on_o you_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n grass_n i_o need_v not_o name_v they_o who_o have_v amuse_v the_o world_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o with_o a_o confuse_a system_n of_o new_a principle_n of_o religion_n these_o in_o their_o own_o judgement_n be_v arrive_v at_o so_o happy_a a_o state_n as_o to_o live_v and_o sin_v not_o they_o carry_v it_o seem_v the_o deity_n always_o about_o they_o and_o will_v neither_o speak_v preach_v nor_o pray_v without_o a_o divine_a mandate_n nay_o far_o their_o very_a word_n and_o expression_n though_o why_o or_o upon_o what_o account_n i_o know_v not_o must_v be_v supernatural_o force_v on_o they_o and_o they_o will_v deliver_v nothing_o but_o in_o rapture_n ecstasy_n or_o by_o inspiration_n if_o we_o tax_v they_o with_o absurdity_n want_v of_o sense_n and_o incoherency_n in_o their_o discourse_n or_o if_o we_o tell_v they_o that_o religion_n be_v both_o a_o reasonable_a and_o a_o divine_a service_n they_o present_o exclaim_v against_o humane_a learning_n the_o art_n and_o science_n and_o misapply_v that_o scripture_n text_n which_o they_o think_v pat_o to_o