none_o because_o they_o so_o ardent_o wish_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o that_o this_o their_o so_o vehement_a desire_n make_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o most_o weak_a reason_n for_o good_a and_o solid_a demonstration_n as_o to_o authority_n one_o sometime_o may_v believe_v a_o thing_n upon_o the_o mere_a respect_n that_o he_o have_v to_o the_o person_n that_o say_v it_o and_o that_o either_o because_o such_o person_n be_v sufficient_a and_o able_a and_o that_o he_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o because_o of_o that_o eminent_a power_n and_o authority_n in_o which_o they_o be_v which_o have_v only_a place_n in_o those_o thing_n which_o one_o care_n not_o much_o whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o where_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o man_n have_v be_v induce_v to_o believe_v a_o deity_n and_o providence_n by_o the_o bare_a authority_n and_o respect_n that_o some_o person_n have_v which_o have_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n 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so_o constant_o since_o so_o many_o age_n that_o there_o have_v be_v none_o find_v among_o so_o many_o man_n that_o have_v demonstrate_v as_o yet_o the_o pretend_a vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o these_o argument_n be_v it_o possible_a that_o none_o have_v be_v find_v among_o so_o many_o wonderfully-learned_n man_n of_o which_o history_n make_v mention_n that_o have_v evidence_v the_o pretend_a falsehood_n of_o this_o opinion_n and_o demonstrate_v how_o weak_a and_o vain_a those_o argument_n be_v on_o which_o this_o our_o opinion_n be_v ground_v and_o by_o these_o mean_v free_a the_o world_n from_o the_o check_n and_o terror_n which_o the_o conscience_n of_o their_o crime_n cause_n in_o they_o when_o they_o consider_v and_o perceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a providence_n this_o doubtless_o will_v have_v find_v place_n enough_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o man_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o epicurus_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o some_o other_o afore_o he_o have_v do_v this_o teach_v atheism_n and_o the_o reason_n that_o may_v persuade_v to_o it_o now_o those_o person_n have_v indeed_o have_v wit_n enough_o and_o very_o good_a reason_n to_o jeer_v at_o all_o the_o vain_a superstition_n foolish_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o heathen_a at_o the_o impertinent_a and_o fabulous_a story_n that_o they_o make_v of_o their_o god_n of_o the_o multitude_n of_o they_o and_o at_o the_o false_a imagination_n they_o have_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o hell_n or_o in_o the_o elysian_a field_n but_o it_o will_v not_o be_v find_v nor_o confess_v that_o they_o have_v strong_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n and_o those_o profane_a one_o of_o our_o day_n who_o think_v they_o have_v refine_v atheism_n
do_v testify_v that_o all_o those_o place_n do_v swarm_v with_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o one_o which_o have_v not_o his_o daemon_n and_o familiar_a spirit_n that_o aignan_n of_o the_o people_n call_v toupinambous_a and_o the_o demon_n which_o preside_v over_o other_o barbaro_n we_o people_n and_o which_o do_v torment_n and_o perplex_v they_o most_o greivous_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o they_o be_v none_o but_o evil_a spirit_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o very_o small_a knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n there_o it_o be_v where_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n over_o man_n and_o where_o they_o do_v also_o most_o common_o appear_v as_o have_v in_o those_o place_n a_o great_a liberty_n from_o god_n who_o give_v they_o power_n to_o tyrannize_v and_o domineer_v over_o those_o who_o know_v not_o their_o creator_n and_o benefactor_n the_o religion_n of_o those_o of_o china_n and_o of_o most_o part_n of_o the_o indian_n be_v nought_o else_o but_o a_o open_a profession_n that_o they_o make_v of_o adore_v the_o devil_n who_o they_o reverence_v and_o honour_n that_o he_o may_v do_v they_o no_o harm_n think_v that_o the_o deity_n have_v no_o need_n of_o such_o service_n and_o that_o be_v perfect_o good_a it_o will_v never_o do_v they_o any_o hurt_n and_o will_v without_o all_o these_o service_n do_v they_o good_a whensoever_o they_o need_v it_o the_o multitude_n of_o god_n which_o ancient_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a heathen_n do_v adore_v and_o that_o distinction_n which_o they_o make_v of_o they_o in_o deos_fw-la majorum_fw-la &_o minorum_fw-la gentium_fw-la of_o god_n demigod_n hero_n of_o divers_a sort_n satyr_n faun_n pan_n aegypan_n nymph_n of_o all_o sort_n jove_n vejove_v all_o this_o in_o effect_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o distinction_n of_o daemon_n which_o do_v veil_v themselves_o under_o these_o name_n and_o so_o cause_v themselves_o to_o be_v adore_v by_o man_n and_o their_o book_n be_v full_a of_o these_o daemon_n and_o all_o or_o the_o most_o part_n of_o their_o superstition_n be_v bring_v up_o by_o the_o command_n of_o these_o false_a god_n which_o do_v speak_v and_o have_v society_n with_o these_o superstitious_a person_n and_o which_o be_v adore_v by_o they_o as_o if_o indeed_o they_o have_v be_v go_n their_o oracle_n also_o so_o famous_a among_o they_o and_o so_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o divers_a place_n be_v so_o many_o testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v daemon_n and_o immaterial_a spirit_n these_o oracle_n be_v nothing_o else_o than_o the_o uttering_n of_o these_o evil_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o do_v maintain_v the_o heathen_n in_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n all_o these_o thing_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v '_o daemon_n and_o consequent_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v above_o they_o as_o heretofore_o it_o have_v be_v demonstrate_v chap._n xi_o wherein_o be_v answer_v all_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o forego_n argument_n man_z who_o be_v ingenious_a enough_o in_o his_o own_o destruction_n do_v here_o endeavour_v to_o deceive_v himself_o and_o to_o enervate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o forementioned_a argument_n there_o be_v some_o that_o think_v that_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v report_v of_o witch_n and_o magician_n and_o of_o all_o their_o wonderful_a and_o prodigious_a effect_n be_v old_a wife_n fable_n and_o mere_a invention_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o opinion_n be_v because_o say_v they_o notwithstanding_o that_o they_o have_v desire_v &_o look_v after_o such_o thing_n and_o have_v for_o these_o end_n make_v their_o address_n to_o those_o that_o be_v repute_v famous_a and_o notable_a magician_n and_o witch_n and_o have_v desire_v and_o solicit_v they_o with_o promise_n of_o great_a reward_n to_o show_v they_o something_o extraordinary_a and_o strange_a they_o can_v never_o obtain_v it_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o entreaty_n but_o these_o man_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o if_o what_o they_o say_v be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o plot_n of_o satan_n who_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o by_o these_o mean_n to_o make_v they_o sure_a to_o himself_o have_v decline_v to_o satisfy_v their_o curiosity_n on_o purpose_n be_v rather_o willing_a to_o have_v such_o perfect_a atheist_n then_o to_o deter_v they_o and_o make_v they_o quit_v their_o error_n by_o affright_v and_o amaze_a they_o with_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o have_v see_v other_o say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o fabulous_a thing_n report_v of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o their_o effect_n and_o of_o the_o apparition_n of_o spirit_n and_o from_o this_o they_o take_v a_o occasion_n not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v all_o forgery_n but_o although_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n false_o report_v of_o they_o and_o that_o many_o do_v delight_n in_o invent_v such_o thing_n we_o may_v not_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v of_o they_o be_v false_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n nor_o daemon_n nay_o we_o may_v conclude_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o such_o story_n can_v not_o be_v raise_v if_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o they_o for_o who_o will_v believe_v any_o such_o thing_n if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o apparition_n of_o spirit_n nor_o any_o strange_a effect_n cause_v by_o witch_n for_o falsehood_n be_v in_o some_o manner_n a_o consequent_a of_o truth_n and_o can_v find_v no_o admittance_n in_o man_n belief_n but_o under_o some_o colour_n of_o truth_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o physical_a virtue_n in_o plant_n stone_n metal_n and_o natural_a body_n to_o produce_v several_a wonderful_a effect_n there_o can_v not_o be_v so_o many_o fable_n of_o their_o power_n as_o we_o read_v in_o solinus_n pliny_n and_o such_o writer_n one_o must_v indeed_o with_o judgement_n and_o discretion_n discern_v in_o such_o thing_n that_o which_o be_v fabulous_a and_o untrue_a from_o those_o that_o be_v aver_v and_o attest_v by_o experience_n and_o irrefragable_a witness_n of_o which_o we_o have_v a_o infinite_a number_n but_o one_o may_v not_o therefore_o present_o condemn_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v and_o write_v by_o credible_a person_n without_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o that_o which_o be_v false_a and_o that_o which_o be_v true_a especial_o when_o such_o man_n have_v no_o by-end_n in_o relate_v these_o thing_n for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o we_o may_v not_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n believe_v that_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o man_n as_o regnault_n and_o roland_n because_o there_o have_v be_v many_o romance_n and_o tale_n make_v of_o they_o those_o who_o be_v the_o wizard_n patron_n think_v to_o excuse_v they_o first_o by_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v tell_v of_o their_o sabbath_n or_o conventicle_n and_o of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v there_o be_v nought_o but_o a_o mere_a imagination_n and_o a_o trouble_a brain_n and_o no_o real_a truth_n which_o they_o maintain_v to_o have_v be_v verify_v in_o that_o there_o have_v be_v some_o who_o believe_v and_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v be_v so_o transport_v and_o report_v what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o do_v have_v for_o all_o that_o be_v find_v lie_v in_o their_o bed_n at_o that_o very_a time_n or_o lie_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v dead_a altogether_o insensible_a and_o in_o a_o ecstasy_n whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o all_o those_o transport_n be_v mere_o imaginary_a second_o as_o to_o those_o harm_n they_o think_v to_o do_v as_o for_o example_n to_o raise_v storm_n and_o to_o send_v the_o vermin_n into_o field_n and_o house_n to_o cause_v a_o rot_n to_o fall_v upon_o the_o cattle_n and_o to_o inflict_v grievous_a disease_n upon_o those_o man_n that_o they_o bewitch_v their_o abettor_n think_v to_o excuse_v they_o in_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n foreseeing_a these_o thing_n to_o come_v persuade_v these_o execrable_a people_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o do_v all_o by_o their_o sorcery_n and_o charm_n although_o there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o virtue_n in_o the_o charm_n themselves_o but_o first_o by_o say_v thus_o they_o grant_v that_o which_o we_o will_v have_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v daemon_n whence_o we_o infer_v that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o god_n to_o restrain_v they_o and_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n grant_v it_o for_o how_o can_v those_o people_n without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o devil_n foresee_v those_o storm_n and_o tempest_n those_o vermin_n and_o those_o mortality_n to_o come_v and_o if_o they_o do_v prophesy_v those_o thing_n by_o natural_a cause_n why_o shall_v they_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o come_v to_o pass_v by_o their_o sorcery_n why_o shall_v they_o fancy_v to_o
impression_n three_o to_o show_v the_o mistake_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o set_v aside_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n those_o person_n viz._n the_o atheist_n be_v not_o void_a of_o reason_n and_o speak_v not_o without_o some_o warrant_n for_o it_o be_v here_o show_v that_o they_o oppose_v reason_n and_o bely_v it_o in_o divers_a manner_n final_o this_o be_v to_o beat_v down_o in_o some_o manner_n the_o vainglory_n and_o the_o profane_a mock_n of_o those_o person_n who_o laugh_v at_o the_o simplicity_n as_o they_o think_v of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v of_o so_o light_a a_o belief_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o those_o write_n which_o be_v call_v the_o bible_n without_o any_o more_o warrant_n of_o their_o belief_n than_o the_o common_a report_n or_o a_o hear-say_n or_o else_o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o man_n that_o take_v upon_o they_o the_o authority_n to_o give_v to_o these_o sacred_a write_n the_o credit_n which_o it_o have_v 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honour_n praise_n and_o glory_n for_o ever_o amen_n atheism_n convict_v and_o profaneness_n confute_v by_o the_o light_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n and_o men._n chap._n i._n the_o reach_n of_o atheism_n its_o first_o spring_n divers_a branch_n of_o this_o notorious_a infidelity_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n that_o see_v the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o celestial_a matter_n be_v far_o great_a and_o clear_a in_o most_o of_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n then_o ever_o it_o be_v we_o see_v nevertheless_o more_o atheist_n and_o profane_a person_n than_o ever_o be_v even_o among_o the_o heathen_a which_o do_v appear_v by_o the_o stupendous_a wickedness_n and_o abominable_a corruption_n of_o good_a manner_n which_o be_v at_o this_o day_n so_o common_a among_o christian_n be_v most_o true_a which_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o many_o do_v acknowledge_v god_n with_o their_o lip_n but_o by_o their_o work_n do_v deny_v he_o the_o spring_n of_o this_o evil_n be_v the_o unlimited_a love_n of_o the_o wealth_n pleasure_n commodity_n honour_n &_o dignity_n of_o this_o present_a world_n for_o man_n be_v hurry_v by_o their_o passion_n towards_o these_o thing_n and_o nevertheless_o have_v a_o natural_a resentment_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o of_o the_o punishment_n and_o reward_n which_o they_o do_v just_o deserve_v which_o be_v to_o they_o as_o most_o bitter_a gall_n and_o wormwood_n and_o do_v deprive_v they_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o content_v which_o they_o do_v take_v in_o glut_a themselves_o with_o these_o false_a and_o deceive_a good_n do_v endeavour_n to_o quench_v in_o themselves_o this_o strong_a persuasion_n they_o have_v of_o a_o deity_n or_o at_o the_o least_o do_v frame_v false_a opinion_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v go_v on_o with_o more_o looseness_n 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for_o shame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o do_v abhor_v and_o detest_v such_o monster_n as_o these_o now_o they_o who_o profaneness_n be_v not_o so_o open_a do_v indeed_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o they_o have_v erroneous_a opinion_n of_o it_o which_o can_v consist_v with_o the_o reality_n of_o its_o nature_n the_o god_n of_o such_o person_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o idol_n a_o false_a god_n and_o only_o a_o phantasm_n of_o the_o deity_n now_o he_o that_o have_v but_o this_o be_v not_o far_o from_o atheism_n of_o all_o these_o opinion_n some_o be_v more_o gross_a and_o less_o agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o other_o be_v more_o subtle_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v apprehend_v which_o nevertheless_o do_v oppugn_v its_o nature_n and_o can_v real_o agree_v with_o the_o true_a deity_n of_o the_o former_a be_v the_o tenet_n of_o epicurus_n who_o do_v acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o world_n and_o have_v 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prudence_n and_o reason_n that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v fortuitous_a and_o casual_a neither_o order_n nor_o disposition_n be_v perceive_v but_o only_o a_o confuse_a mixture_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o be_v deprehend_v order_n and_o right_a disposition_n and_o a_o certain_a symmetry_n and_o composition_n from_o which_o do_v proceed_v a_o agreeable_a and_o gracious_a beauty_n and_o the_o more_o the_o workman_n be_v industrious_a able_a and_o expert_a the_o more_o be_v see_v in_o his_o work_n order_n and_o due_a disposition_n as_o for_o example_n other_o be_v the_o magnificent_a building_n of_o great_a king_n and_o the_o small_a cottage_n see_v in_o country_n village_n or_o those_o pastime_n of_o child_n who_o presume_v to_o build_v castle_n and_o house_n of_o small_a piece_n of_o brick_n and_o chip_n of_o wood_n in_o the_o composure_n and_o edifice_n of_o this_o great_a universe_n and_o of_o the_o liltle_a world_n man_n one_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o blind_a who_o do_v 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so_o wise_a and_o mighty_a must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n and_o must_v have_v make_v and_o order_v this_o world_n as_o it_o be_v efficient_a cause_n and_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v separate_v from_o it_o since_o it_o be_v not_o the_o form_n that_o do_v animate_v it_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n of_o man._n now_o what_o need_v rather_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o efficient_a cause_n all_o wise_a and_o all_o mighty_a which_o have_v from_o all_o eternity_n make_v and_o compose_v this_o world_n and_o so_o to_o cast_v one_o self_n upon_o the_o manifold_a and_o unavoidable_a absurdity_n that_o do_v necessary_o follow_v the_o assertion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n then_o with_o we_o and_o the_o truth_n to_o constitute_v such_o a_o cause_n as_o have_v make_v this_o world_n since_o only_o a_o certain_a space_n of_o time_n and_o by_o that_o to_o disentangle_v one_o self_n from_o those_o labyrinth_n and_o inevitable_a absurdity_n if_o they_o say_v that_o this_o suppose_a soul_n of_o the_o world_n do_v inform_v its_o matter_n and_o do_v constitute_v a_o natural_a composure_n such_o as_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n do_v constitute_v a_o man_n than_o this_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a vast_a and_o monstrous_a animal_n which_o be_v compose_v of_o part_n that_o be_v not_o organical_a as_o the_o limb_n and_o part_n of_o a_o humane_a body_n be_v and_o must_v have_v some_o correspondency_n and_o proportion_n with_o the_o form_n and_o the_o soul_n which_o animate_v they_o which_o be_v a_o frantic_a and_o wild_a imagination_n unworthy_a not_o only_o of_o philosopher_n such_o as_o these_o will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v but_o even_o of_o man_n of_o mean_a and_o low_a capacity_n but_o moreover_o this_o only_a follow_v that_o according_a to_o this_o supposition_n and_o concession_n of_o the_o atheist_n we_o have_v here_o a_o great_a and_o almost_o infinite_a animal_n eternal_a almighty_a and_o all_o wise_a from_o which_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v be_v produce_v as_o so_o many_o effect_n of_o its_o wisdom_n and_o power_n now_o how_o near_o come_v such_o a_o imagination_n to_o that_o which_o we_o say_v be_v the_o deity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o to_o that_o dignity_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o wisdom_n and_o power_n to_o place_v it_o as_o we_o do_v by_o itself_o and_o separate_v from_o the_o matter_n immense_a infinite_a subsist_v of_o itself_o and_o by_o itself_o then_o with_o they_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o inform_v so_o vile_a and_o gross_a a_o matter_n as_o this_o of_o the_o world_n be_v and_o to_o shut_v it_o up_o within_o the_o precinct_n of_o this_o world_n without_o be_v or_o subsist_v out_o of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v it_o finite_a and_o limit_v in_o respect_n of_o its_o extension_n now_o if_o in_o this_o respect_n it_o be_v finite_a and_o limit_v why_o then_o not_o also_o in_o respect_n of_o its_o duration_n so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o tenet_n of_o those_o person_n we_o must_v at_o last_o come_v again_o to_o this_o that_o this_o world_n have_v make_v itself_o or_o rather_o be_v rise_v out_o of_o nothing_o without_o the_o help_n of_o any_o cause_n and_o that_o in_o a_o certain_a time_n which_o be_v a_o very_a wild_a and_o absurd_a imagination_n and_o if_o this_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v infinite_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o duration_n be_v eternal_a as_o they_o say_v it_o be_v why_o shall_v it_o not_o also_o be_v infinite_a in_o respect_n of_o its_o extension_n and_o if_o they_o say_v it_o be_v infinite_a as_o to_o its_o extension_n it_o exist_v and_o subsist_v without_o this_o world_n and_o out_o of_o it_o which_o necessary_o we_o must_v affirm_v to_o be_v finite_a see_v there_o be_v no_o body_n no_o more_o than_o number_n actual_o infinite_a so_o be_v they_o compel_v to_o avouch_v a_o wisdom_n and_o power_n immaterial_a infinite_a in_o all_o its_o acception_n as_o well_o in_o respect_n of_o 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and_o model_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o which_o have_v make_v man_n to_o his_o image_n and_o likeness_n endow_v he_o with_o reason_n by_o which_o he_o may_v follow_v and_o imitate_v they_o add_v to_o this_o that_o if_o this_o necessity_n alone_o have_v compel_v man_n to_o that_o they_o have_v themselves_o by_o a_o common_a consent_n and_o advice_n frame_v these_o law_n and_o have_v constitute_v magistrate_n to_o keep_v they_o only_o reserve_v the_o full_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o change_v they_o add_v to_o they_o or_o to_o take_v and_o diminish_v from_o they_o and_o so_o to_o privilegiate_n who_o they_o please_v and_o to_o exclude_v they_o at_o their_o will_n as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o commonweal_n where_o the_o people_n be_v governor_n as_o in_o democracy_n but_o albeit_o there_o be_v heretofore_o and_o be_v yet_o some_o such_o like_a commonwealth_n yet_o there_o have_v always_o be_v and_o be_v now_o many_o more_o body_n and_o commonalty_n that_o be_v govern_v monarchical_o the_o 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to_o this_o settlement_n and_o have_v use_v the_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n there_o be_v of_o law_n to_o make_v people_n to_o submit_v to_o they_o and_o which_o have_v every_o where_o in_o every_o state_n raise_v some_o one_o or_o other_o more_o noble_a than_o the_o rest_n for_o the_o singular_a virtue_n which_o be_v know_v he_o be_v endow_v withal_o to_o undertake_v the_o government_n the_o custody_n and_o preservation_n of_o law_n and_o even_o who_o will_n in_o the_o beginning_n be_v a_o rule_n and_o a_o law_n and_o this_o be_v that_o man_n may_v enjoy_v in_o he_o a_o image_n of_o that_o supreme_a wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o guide_v and_o overswai_v all_o this_o world_n this_o providence_n which_o manife_v itself_o so_o in_o the_o curb_v of_o evil_n and_o disorder_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o law_n and_o magistrate_n both_o supreme_a and_o inferior_a which_o he_o have_v settle_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v also_o plain_o perceive_v if_o we_o 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inclination_n to_o evil_a otherwise_o without_o this_o curb_n we_o shall_v run_v on_o our_o course_n with_o a_o strange_a impetuosity_n and_o turn_v all_o thing_n up-side-down_a and_o whole_o disannul_v the_o society_n of_o man_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o all_o commit_v the_o same_o extravagancy_n and_o enormity_n that_o some_o be_v guilty_a of_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o secret_a thing_n that_o restrain_v they_o within_o themselves_o and_o why_o shall_v not_o all_o commonalty_n together_o mutiny_v against_o their_o magistrate_n and_o governor_n as_o some_o do_v save_v only_o for_o this_o bridle_n that_o hold_v they_o in_o now_o if_o all_o do_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o society_n can_v in_o any_o wise_a subsist_v we_o must_v then_o acknowledge_v from_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o providence_n which_o curb_v this_o violent_a affection_n which_o man_n have_v towards_o evil_n and_o hinder_v he_o to_o execute_v all_o that_o he_o will_v do_v that_o so_o the_o society_n and_o communication_n which_o be_v between_o man_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o that_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v glorify_v in_o the_o acknowledgement_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o pay_v he_o for_o it_o if_o providence_n do_v evidence_n itself_o in_o the_o restraint_n of_o evil_a that_o it_o may_v not_o grow_v to_o the_o infinite_a it_o appear_v no_o less_o in_o that_o it_o do_v direct_v and_o convert_v it_o to_o good_a and_o in_o extract_a order_n out_o of_o confusion_n and_o light_n from_o darkness_n the_o order_n of_o humane_a action_n appear_v in_o their_o justice_n and_o equity_n the_o disorder_n in_o injustice_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a how_o great_a a_o disorder_n there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o action_n and_o deportment_n of_o man_n witness_v the_o injustice_n and_o palpable_a wickedness_n which_o be_v see_v among_o they_o but_o nevertheless_o in_o this_o horrible_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n one_o may_v perceive_v a_o wonderful_a order_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o event_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o proceed_v from_o this_o confusion_n for_o example_n who_o do_v not_o see_v from_o the_o injustice_n of_o joseph_n brethren_n sell_v he_o to_o those_o that_o go_v to_o egypt_n a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o goodness_n in_o the_o preservation_n of_o all_o jacob_n family_n during_o the_o famine_n and_o in_o the_o expedition_n of_o nebuchodonosor_n against_o the_o jew_n and_o jerusalem_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o unbounded_a ambition_n of_o this_o man_n a_o example_n of_o god_n justice_n in_o chastise_v of_o this_o people_n and_o final_o from_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o priest_n against_o our_o lord_n issue_n forth_o a_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o mark_v and_o quote_v all_o the_o like_a example_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n and_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n or_o his_o goodness_n and_o 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itself_o to_o believe_v or_o think_v so_o this_o providence_n appear_v no_o less_o in_o the_o casual_a effect_n and_o event_n which_o every_o day_n happen_v in_o the_o world_n in_o which_o appear_v also_o the_o effect_n of_o justice_n goodness_n and_o truth_n which_o can_v not_o be_v without_o the_o direction_n of_o a_o providence_n which_o guide_v all_o these_o event_n and_o make_v they_o turn_v always_o to_o the_o end_n it_o have_v propound_v itself_o and_o those_o that_o take_v occasion_n to_o deny_v the_o providence_n because_o there_o be_v confusion_n and_o disorder_n among_o man_n and_o to_o think_v that_o all_o be_v do_v by_o chance_n and_o do_v not_o perceive_v amid_o these_o confusion_n the_o order_n that_o may_v be_v see_v in_o they_o be_v just_a like_o little_a child_n who_o not_o understand_v the_o play_n at_o chess_n and_o see_v two_o excellent_a gamester_n play_v will_v judge_v to_o see_v
yea_o make_v he_o in_o effect_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o providence_n which_o see_v from_o above_o the_o wrong_n that_o be_v do_v here_o below_o and_z takes_z notice_n of_o they_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v be_v revenge_v and_o innocence_n defend_v for_o it_o will_v be_v a_o poor_a refuge_n and_o a_o small_a comfort_n to_o have_v then_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n recourse_n unto_o a_o false_a persuasion_n which_o shall_v have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o authority_n and_o institution_n of_o a_o man_n that_o shall_v have_v invent_v and_o give_v for_o currant_n so_o gross_a a_o falsehood_n such_o as_o the_o atheist_n will_v have_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o be_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o in_o thing_n where_o we_o have_v no_o interest_n we_o be_v sometime_o persuade_v by_o those_o person_n that_o be_v eminent_a either_o in_o learning_n or_o authority_n and_o do_v believe_v thing_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o we_o can_v easy_o discover_v but_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o do_v so_o near_o relate_v to_o we_o that_o be_v so_o important_a and_o that_o do_v excite_v in_o we_o so_o violent_a motion_n and_o passion_n we_o do_v not_o rest_v upon_o those_o persuasion_n that_o have_v so_o groundless_a a_o foundation_n by_o all_o this_o it_o do_v appear_v that_o man_n have_v not_o only_o a_o acquire_v but_o also_o a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o providence_n and_o of_o the_o real_a and_o essential_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a vice_n and_o virtue_n his_o own_o conscience_n and_o reason_n dictate_v and_o persuade_v he_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o again_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o resentment_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o his_o providence_n for_o when_o he_o be_v surprise_v in_o a_o moment_n by_o a_o manifest_a evident_a and_o unavoidable_a danger_n of_o death_n as_o if_o a_o bouse_n fall_v upon_o he_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o that_o he_o shall_v into_o a_o precipice_n etc._n etc._n he_o lift_v up_o present_o his_o heart_n and_o mind_n towards_o heaven_n and_o in_o this_o extremity_n and_o distress_n have_v his_o recourse_n to_o the_o deity_n and_o pray_v unto_o it_o that_o it_o will_v aid_v and_o succour_v he_o and_o cast_v himself_o in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o protection_n as_o a_o child_n do_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o his_o father_n likewise_o the_o firmness_n constancy_n and_o quietness_n of_o mind_n of_o the_o truly-faithfull_a and_o christian_n when_o they_o do_v depart_v from_o this_o world_n as_o also_o the_o constancy_n of_o the_o holy_a martyr_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o the_o hope_n which_o they_o have_v of_o a_o better_a life_n be_v a_o evident_a testimony_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o then_o and_o in_o that_o place_n it_o be_v not_o a_o time_n to_o soothe_v one_o self_n and_o feed_v one_o hope_n with_o fable_n and_o how_o can_v the_o imagination_n of_o a_o mere_a chimara_n cause_n in_o they_o so_o wonderful_a a_o resolution_n and_o so_o great_a tranquillity_n of_o mind_n if_o the_o persuasion_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v mere_o proceed_v from_o institution_n and_o authority_n which_o shall_v make_v we_o believe_v it_o without_o any_o ground_n of_o reason_n it_o will_v not_o doubtless_o make_v so_o deep_a a_o impression_n in_o our_o soul_n and_o will_v quick_o vanish_v of_o itself_o at_o death_n encounter_v chap._n x_o the_o eight_o reason_n draw_v from_o wizard_n magician_n enchantour_n and_o from_o all_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n and_o superstition_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a thing_n which_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o day_n and_o that_o of_o all_o age_n do_v aver_v which_o the_o monument_n of_o history_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a confirm_v and_o that_o the_o write_n as_o well_o of_o heathen_n as_o christian_n certify_v that_o there_o be_v and_o have_v be_v at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o world_n witch_n magician_n diviner_n enchantour_n and_o such_o like_a notoriously-wicked_n people_n that_o have_v a_o familiar_a communication_n and_o a_o frequent_a commerce_n with_o the_o devil_n by_o who_o help_n &_o power_n they_o do_v many_o strange_a and_o prodigious_a thing_n above_o and_o beyond_o all_o human_a wisdom_n all_o which_o consequent_o do_v infer_v that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v from_o a_o supernatural_a and_o immaterial_a cause_n such_o as_o the_o daemon_n be_v the_o law_n make_v and_o promulgate_v in_o all_o wel-governed_n state_n and_o commonwealth_n as_o well_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n as_o those_o of_o the_o christian_n and_o of_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o do_v evidence_n this_o to_o we_o the_o execution_n and_o supplices_fw-la which_o justice_n do_v frequent_o inflict_v upon_o such_o person_n their_o process_n the_o relation_n and_o information_n that_o be_v make_v about_o they_o do_v assure_v as_o of_o this_o and_o leave_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o the_o damnable_a curiosity_n of_o many_o person_n which_o every_o day_n have_v recourse_n to_o such_o as_o they_o to_o know_v see_v and_o do_v those_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n do_v also_o confirm_v this_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o heathen_n as_o well_o greek_o as_o roman_n be_v full_a of_o instance_n of_o such_o person_n and_o of_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v stupendous_a and_o wonderful_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v whole_o renounce_v his_o reason_n and_o believe_v nothing_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v if_o he_o will_v not_o also_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n which_o be_v true_a and_o manifest_a by_o all_o those_o kind_n of_o testimony_n and_o monument_n which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o witch_n enchantour_n etc._n etc._n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v daemon_n by_o who_o help_n and_o power_n they_o cause_v these_o prodigious_a effect_n to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o man_n do_v wonder_n at_o and_o look_v upon_o with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v by_o any_o humane_a power_n the_o history_n therefore_o and_o writing_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o even_o of_o the_o heathen_a themselves_o be_v full_a of_o example_n of_o the_o devil_n apparition_n and_o of_o their_o strange_a effect_n the_o sibyl_n so_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o among_o the_o heathen_a be_v a_o clear_a testimony_n of_o this_o see_v their_o prediction_n can_v not_o proceed_v but_o from_o a_o deity_n or_o from_o some_o daemon_n that_o do_v possess_v they_o now_o if_o there_o be_v any_o daemon_n as_o can_v be_v deny_v it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n above_o they_o which_o do_v restrain_v they_o so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o overthrow_v all_o thing_n by_o their_o might_n for_o they_o have_v strength_n and_o malice_n enough_o to_o do_v it_o the_o sacred_a and_o ecclesiastical_a history_n which_o be_v in_o this_o conformable_a to_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o have_v be_v in_o former_a age_n and_o that_o there_o be_v now_o person_n possess_v by_o devil_n which_o be_v evident_a and_o clear_a and_o plain_o appear_v by_o the_o strange_a effect_n which_o proceed_v from_o they_o this_o same_o sacred_a history_n let_v we_o know_v that_o there_o have_v be_v magician_n and_o enchantour_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n of_o egypt_n by_o the_o history_n of_o saul_n who_o go_v to_o consult_v with_o a_o woman_n who_o have_v a_o familiar_a spirit_n and_o by_o that_o of_o the_o maid_n of_o who_o mention_n be_v make_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n record_v in_o these_o sacred_a writing_n something_o may_v be_v speak_v hereafter_o the_o book_n which_o since_o have_v be_v write_v of_o these_o diabolical_a and_o magical_a art_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v get_v too_o easy_o even_o among_o christian_n who_o 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to_o the_o height_n will_v be_v find_v as_o short_a in_o their_o argument_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v estecm_v and_o count_v excellent_a wit_n be_v not_o so_o much_o because_o of_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o argument_n as_o because_o nothing_o be_v either_o too_o hot_a or_o too_o cold_a for_o they_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a which_o they_o do_v not_o easy_o swallow_v like_v to_o the_o strong_a stomach_n of_o ostrich_n which_o do_v digest_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o here_o we_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o examination_n of_o their_o pretend_a reason_n and_o compare_v they_o and_o we_o which_o we_o have_v bring_v against_o they_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o judgement_n give_v which_o be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o firm_a but_o this_o will_v engage_v we_o to_o another_o treatise_n whereupon_o we_o 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a_o deity_n for_o christianism_n have_v abolish_v the_o paganism_n in_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v once_o more_o universal_a than_o it_o be_v now_o and_o the_o mahometan_a jenish_a and_o christian_a religion_n all_o of_o which_o hold_n there_o be_v one_o only_a god_n compare_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o remain_v plunge_v in_o heathenish_a idolatry_n do_v almost_o or_o it_o may_v be_v altogether_o comprehend_v the_o half_a of_o those_o man_n which_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n now_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o only_a god_n so_o as_o the_o christian_n mahometan_n and_o jew_n do_v hold_v it_o be_v far_o more_o contrary_a to_o atheism_n than_o the_o pagan_a idolatry_n how_o be_v it_o then_o if_o atheistical_a opinion_n be_v true_a that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o jew_n christian_n and_o mahometan_n have_v so_o much_o prevail_v over_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_a which_o come_v much_o near_a to_o atheism_n 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universal_o receive_v and_o so_o deep_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o please_v the_o flesh_n have_v spread_v itself_o also_o so_o much_o as_o it_o have_v but_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o corruption_n or_o alteration_n of_o atheism_n it_o be_v quite_o contrary_a and_o this_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v not_o please_v the_o flesh_n as_o atheism_n do_v therefore_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n can_v not_o have_v so_o universal_o win_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n but_o by_o its_o own_o proper_a strength_n and_o virtue_n which_o consist_v in_o truth_n which_o be_v strong_a than_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o the_o atheist_n will_v never_o give_v a_o pertinent_a reason_n of_o it_o why_o if_o atheism_n be_v true_a it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o universal_o receive_v as_o its_o contrary_a but_o contrariwise_o and_o almost_o every_o where_o even_o among_o the_o heathen_a it_o have_v be_v abhor_v and_o detest_a of_o all_o as_o to_o those_o other_o enormity_n of_o whoredom_n theft_n and_o the_o sin_n against_o nature_n and_o the_o like_a beside_o that_o the_o most_o honest_a person_n in_o every_o nation_n have_v acknowledge_v in_o these_o action_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o filthiness_n and_o injustice_n when_o they_o have_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o good_a earnest_n though_o the_o corrupt_a and_o base_a pleasure_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o deprave_a sense_n of_o their_o lust_n have_v so_o blind_v their_o understanding_n that_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_a to_o all_o these_o vice_n without_o any_o great_a remorse_n it_o be_v not_o of_o these_o error_n as_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o these_o vice_n please_v and_o entice_v sensuality_n and_o therefore_o man_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o they_o but_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o sensuality_n which_o will_v persuade_v itself_o the_o contrary_n if_o it_o can_v and_o nevertheless_o this_o opinion_n have_v force_v man_n understanding_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v but_o by_o the_o mere_a strength_n of_o truth_n itself_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a that_o this_o so_o universal_a and_o constant_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n who_o hold_v and_o believe_v even_o in_o spite_n of_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n be_v a_o indubitable_a argument_n of_o this_o truth_n and_o a_o evidence_n of_o the_o deprivation_n of_o man_n by_o which_o he_o be_v fall_v from_o his_o first_o nature_n and_o principle_n by_o which_o he_o be_v join_v and_o unite_v to_o god_n unto_o who_o he_o be_v conformable_a in_o truth_n justice_n and_o holiness_n as_o one_o create_v to_o his_o own_o image_n and_o from_o which_o he_o be_v now_o
which_o real_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o this_o be_v evident_a because_o they_o do_v note_v all_o the_o crcumstance_n and_o particularity_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o true_a history_n and_o by_o which_o we_o be_v wont_v to_o discern_v romance_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n from_o true_a narration_n they_o will_v have_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o believe_v those_o narration_n for_o very_a truth_n and_o thing_n which_o have_v real_o and_o certain_o happen_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v this_o be_v if_o their_o narration_n be_v but_o dream_n do_v those_o good_a writer_n that_o will_v instruct_v and_o profit_v use_v such_o mean_n in_o no_o wise_a and_o although_o one_o will_v write_v some_o moralize_v romance_n to_o instruct_v man_n yet_o will_v not_o he_o publish_v it_o for_o a_o true_a history_n beside_o that_o we_o have_v note_v before_o that_o these_o sacred_a history_n have_v none_o of_o the_o stile_n and_o garb_n of_o romance_n and_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n say_n and_o sentence_n of_o which_o the_o sacred_a book_n be_v full_a will_v the_o atheist_n say_v that_o they_o be_v paradox_n wild_a and_o extravagant_a opinion_n if_o it_o be_v so_o i_o will_v ask_v they_o to_o what_o good_a end_n can_v such_o thing_n have_v be_v forge_v and_o invent_v for_o we_o have_v show_v heretofore_o that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v invent_v to_o any_o ill_a intent_n or_o pernicious_a design_n if_o they_o be_v mere_a invention_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reality_n in_o they_o to_o what_o good_a end_n can_v they_o have_v be_v invent_v moreover_o these_o sacred_a author_n do_v propose_v these_o doctrine_n that_o man_n may_v steadfast_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v hold_v for_o undoubted_a truth_n can_v there_o be_v any_o good_a or_o reasonable_a end_n in_o this_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v in_o effect_n but_o extravagancy_n will_v they_o say_v that_o these_o person_n be_v willing_a to_o win_v man_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n justice_n temperance_n fortitude_n truth_n faithfulness_n friendship_n charity_n patience_n honour_n respect_n obedience_n observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o humane_a society_n etc._n etc._n do_v think_v that_o the_o persuasion_n though_o a_o false_a one_o of_o a_o god_n creator_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o universe_n judge_n avenger_n and_o remuneratour_n of_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o example_n though_o but_o fictitious_a and_o false_a of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v by_o a_o providence_n will_v be_v a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o attain_v this_o end_n and_o that_o this_o be_v it_o which_o have_v make_v they_o to_o invent_v this_o opinion_n of_o a_o providence_n with_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o to_o compile_v all_o these_o story_n to_o patronize_v vice_n and_o virtue_n almost_o as_o horace_n do_v pretend_v in_o that_o epistle_n which_o begin_v trojani_n belli_fw-la scriptorem_fw-la maxim_n lâ—lli_n that_o homer_n in_o his_o iliad_n and_o odyssea_n do_v tell_v we_o all_o these_o fine_a tale_n and_o story_n to_o serve_v as_o moral_a document_n unto_o all_o man_n it_o be_v very_o true_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n such_o as_o he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o sacred_a write_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a mean_n and_o the_o most_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a motive_n to_o induce_v man_n to_o true_a virtue_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o truely-faithfull_a under_o both_o the_o testament_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o the_o most_o splendid_a virtue_n of_o the_o heathen_a be_v but_o dross_n and_o dung_n as_o a_o exact_a comparison_n of_o they_o will_v easy_o verify_v and_o the_o first_o christian_a father_n that_o have_v write_v against_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o heathen_a show_v this_o evident_o as_o tertullian_n minutius_n felix_n and_o other_o but_o it_o be_v also_o very_o true_a that_o if_o this_o persuasion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o providence_n such_o 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have_v and_o yet_o have_v this_o persuasion_n for_o we_o have_v show_v heretofore_o that_o all_o man_n in_o all_o age_n be_v persuade_v there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n there_o be_v also_o too_o manifest_a and_o palpable_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o fable_n and_o poetical_a fiction_n of_o homer_n and_o the_o narration_n of_o holy_a writ_n it_o be_v not_o homer_n intention_n if_o his_o design_n be_v such_o as_o horace_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v viz._n to_o instruct_v and_o please_v man_n by_o his_o fable_n that_o we_o shall_v take_v his_o fable_n for_o truth_n nor_o have_v he_o divulge_v these_o fiction_n for_o true_a history_n but_o compose_v only_o a_o fine_a moralize_v romance_n but_o as_o we_o have_v say_v the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v tell_v we_o their_o history_n as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o false_a deity_n of_o homer_n and_o to_o all_o those_o thing_n he_o tell_v of_o they_o i_o think_v that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o the_o strong_a wit_n at_o this_o day_n dare_v maintain_v without_o blush_v but_o that_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v teach_v of_o a_o god_n creator_n preserver_n judge_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o this_o universe_n of_o his_o cult_a and_o service_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n to_o attain_v to_o true_a happiness_n by_o jesus_n christ_n alone_o be_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o deity_n if_o there_o be_v any_o and_o also_o more_o conformable_a to_o right_a reason_n than_o all_o the_o fabulous_a tale_n of_o the_o false_a god_n of_o homer_n yea_o than_o what_o he_o have_v best_o and_o more_o refine_a concern_v the_o deity_n so_o then_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o say_v of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o they_o have_v invent_v or_o get_v from_o some_o other_o that_o precede_v they_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o reach_v we_o in_o their_o write_n all_o manner_n of_o reason_n be_v against_o this_o to_o these_o i_o will_v add_v some_o few_o remark_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o a_o model_n for_o any_o one_o who_o will_v treat_v of_o this_o matter_n more_o at_o large_a as_o well_o it_o may_v be_v do_v chap._n fourteen_o wherein_o there_o follow_v some_o more_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v twofold_n viz._n doctrine_n and_o history_n neither_o of_o these_o can_v proceed_v from_o man_n or_o devil_n invention_n the_o doctrine_n also_o be_v two_o fold_n 1._o dogmata_fw-la so_o proper_o call_v because_o they_o be_v deliver_v as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o jesus_n christ_n son_n of_o god_n saviour_n and_o redeemer_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o moral_a doctrine_n which_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o regulate_v of_o life_n and_o exercise_v of_o virtue_n these_o doctrine_n which_o respect_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n be_v so_o high_a so_o sublime_a so_o excellent_a so_o admirable_a so_o profound_a and_o abstruse_a especial_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o redemption_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o capable_a to_o comprehend_v they_o so_o as_o to_o have_v invent_v or_o divine_v such_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o humour_n nature_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o he_o can_v not_o nor_o will_v not_o have_v think_v or_o invent_v any_o such_o thing_n much_o less_o will_v he_o have_v teach_v they_o unto_o man_n and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v false_a good_a angel_n will_v not_o have_v invent_v they_o such_o a_o fiction_n be_v whole_o repugnant_a to_o their_o integrity_n and_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a precept_n they_o contain_v so_o exact_a perfect_a and_o incomparable_a a_o form_n of_o holiness_n to_o which_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o
which_o they_o say_v be_v discover_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o steal_v by_o he_o out_o of_o their_o temple_n and_o partly_o to_o the_o efficacy_n and_o illusion_n of_o daemon_n and_o magical_a art_n of_o which_o they_o say_v they_o have_v knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a exception_n of_o these_o desperate_a person_n which_o choose_v rather_o to_o speak_v all_o manner_n of_o impertinency_n then_o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n the_o admirable_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o by_o so_o weak_a instrument_n as_o be_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o first_o successor_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o contradiction_n opposition_n and_o persecution_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n and_o have_v abolish_v all_o the_o heathenish_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n which_o have_v produce_v so_o wonderful_a and_o exemplary_a righteousness_n uprightness_n integrity_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o primitive_a christian_n which_o have_v ravish_v into_o admiration_n their_o persecutor_n themselves_o and_o which_o have_v make_v man_n to_o resolve_v to_o lose_v voluntary_o all_o that_o be_v sweet_a please_a agreeable_a and_o most_o charm_a the_o flesh_n in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o suffer_v all_o that_o which_o be_v most_o harsh_a and_o horrible_a for_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o this_o power_n i_o say_v and_o this_o so_o wonderful_a efficacy_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o be_v a_o proof_n and_o a_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o fiction_n or_o invention_n of_o man_n brain_n and_o so_o consequent_o that_o since_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o where_o else_o original_o to_o be_v find_v then_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a teftament_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o these_o first_o penman_n have_v receive_v it_o from_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v it_o to_o man_n to_o teach_v and_o publish_v it_o to_o other_o man_n that_o it_o may_v induce_v they_o to_o that_o holiness_n uprightness_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n to_o that_o patience_n and_o forbearance_n humility_n and_o incomparable_a goodness_n which_o it_o have_v cause_v in_o those_o man_n who_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o thereby_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o fruition_n of_o that_o eternal_a life_n and_o felicity_n which_o it_o promise_v and_o if_o it_o have_v not_o always_o and_o at_o all_o time_n and_o most_o especial_o at_o this_o day_n produce_v these_o so_o admirable_a effect_n in_o all_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o for_o any_o defect_n that_o be_v in_o the_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o those_o that_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o who_o have_v not_o that_o true_a faith_n and_o persuasion_n which_o they_o profess_v to_o have_v but_o nevertheless_o there_o will_v always_o be_v find_v among_o true_a christian_n more_o holiness_n justice_n uprightness_n righteousness_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n more_o humility_n patience_n courage_n virtue_n and_o constancy_n more_o true_a piety_n and_o charity_n then_o in_o any_o other_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o can_v ever_o be_v find_v among_o those_o that_o teach_v and_o follow_v atheism_n which_o we_o oppose_v who_o profession_n be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o and_o have_v no_o other_o end_n then_o to_o carry_v man_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n filthiness_n dissolution_n and_o injustice_n these_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v be_v enlarge_v and_o amplify_v many_o other_o may_v be_v here_o add_v &_o great_a volume_n may_v be_v write_v on_o this_o subject_a and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o some_o after_o we_o will_v undertake_v this_o task_n but_o this_o suffice_v for_o our_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o shut_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o profane_a that_o be_v to_o reduce_v they_o to_o say_v nought_o but_o foolery_n and_o impertinency_n and_o to_o show_v themselves_o altogether_o ridiculous_a and_o absurd_a in_o dispute_v against_o so_o many_o invincible_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n now_o as_o to_o those_o that_o call_v themselves_o the_o church_n and_o who_o upon_o this_o account_n do_v pretend_v that_o we_o can_v nor_o ought_v not_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o scripture_n but_o because_o they_o give_v it_o this_o testimony_n that_o it_o be_v divine_a if_o they_o will_v be_v believe_v they_o must_v necessary_o do_v two_o thing_n first_o they_o must_v show_v that_o all_o the_o foregoing_a argument_n be_v invalid_a and_o of_o no_o moment_n and_o be_v in_o no_o wise_a capable_a to_o persuade_v to_o any_o man_n the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n yea_o they_o must_v even_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o to_o discern_v the_o divinity_n and_o truth_n of_o they_o second_o they_o must_v show_v that_o as_o for_o their_o part_n they_o have_v in_o themselves_o reason_n proof_n and_o argument_n much_o strong_a clear_a and_o evident_a more_o demonstrative_a and_o uncontrollable_a to_o evince_v that_o they_o be_v more_o divine_a and_o infallible_a than_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v than_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v in_o these_o book_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o incomparable_o more_o infallible_a and_o divine_a than_o this_o volume_n of_o holy_a writ_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n now_o i_o suppose_v that_o they_o will_v not_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v these_o two_o thing_n and_o if_o they_o will_v come_v to_o the_o trial_n of_o it_o they_o shall_v find_v themselves_o very_o busy_a and_o their_o proof_n will_v be_v find_v invalid_a their_o argument_n and_o reason_n very_o weak_a yea_o none_o at_o all_o for_o although_o they_o have_v confute_v these_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v here_o mention_v where_o will_v they_o find_v any_o strong_a or_o more_o invincible_a to_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v more_o divine_a than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o for_o they_o to_o force_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o upon_o their_o bare_a word_n without_o any_o reason_n show_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v they_o that_o they_o be_v infallible_a it_o be_v to_o deal_v too_o injust_o and_o too_o unworthy_o to_o abuse_v the_o patience_n and_o credulity_n of_o man_n and_o to_o say_v as_o they_o do_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v infallible_a because_o our_o lord_n have_v say_v to_o st._n peter_n i_o pray_v for_o thou_o that_o thy_o faith_n fail_v not_o and_o i_o will_v give_v thou_o the_o key_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n grant_v even_o this_o which_o we_o deny_v they_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o word_n be_v such_o as_o they_o will_v have_v it_o to_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v always_o to_o acknowledge_v by_o this_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o these_o word_n be_v find_v before_o we_o can_v ever_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o pretend_v these_o word_n be_v direct_v and_o therefore_o the_o belief_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o to_o who_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n render_v in_o the_o forecited_n word_n so_o clear_a and_o solemn_a testimony_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o ill-grounded_a and_o vain_a presumption_n in_o they_o to_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n can_v have_v no_o more_o credit_n with_o we_o than_o aesop_n fable_n or_o mahomet_n alcoran_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o testimony_n they_o give_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a since_o that_o they_o themselves_o draw_v from_o it_o and_o from_o its_o testimony_n as_o they_o do_v pretend_v all_o the_o infallibility_n they_o so_o much_o boast_v of_o but_o let_v this_o be_v say_v only_o by_o the_o by_o for_o the_o maintain_v more_o strong_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n against_o the_o atheist_n which_o those_o man_n by_o such_o a_o assertion_n do_v whole_o subvert_v and_o thereby_o expose_v at_o unaware_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o the_o profane_a mock_n of_o the_o atheist_n who_o will_v ask_v these_o gentleman_n with_o reason_n enough_o that_o they_o demonstrate_v to_o they_o by_o good_a and_o solid_a reason_n and_o conclude_a argument_n their_o pretend_a infallibility_n which_o ought_v to_o oblige_v all_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n they_o render_v to_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v divine_a and_o that_o therefore_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o contain_v and_o teach_v aught_o to_o be_v certain_o believe_v as_o a_o most_o firm_a truth_n and_o let_v