will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v how_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n â—bout_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v p._n 177_o chap._n vii_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n discuss_v the_o second_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v when_o a_o divine_a positive_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v and_o another_o way_n of_o worship_n establish_v in_o stead_n of_o it_o the_o possibility_n in_o general_n of_o a_o repeal_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n assert_v the_o particular_a case_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n the_o matter_n of_o that_o law_n prove_v not_o to_o be_v immutable_o obligatory_a because_o the_o ceremonial_a precept_n be_v require_v not_o for_o themselves_o but_o for_o some_o further_a end_n that_o prove_v from_o maimonides_n his_o confession_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n frequent_o dispense_v with_o while_n the_o law_n be_v in_o force_n of_o the_o passover_n of_o hezekiah_n and_o several_a other_o instance_n it_o be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o repeal_v such_o a_o establish_a law_n abravanels_n argument_n answer_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n compare_v with_o the_o gospel_n whether_o god_n have_v ever_o declare_v he_o will_v never_o repeal_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o add_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o expression_n seem_v to_o imply_v the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n reason_n assign_v why_o those_o expression_n be_v use_v though_o perpetuity_n be_v not_o employ_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n not_o build_v upon_o immutable_a reason_n because_o many_o particular_a precept_n be_v found_v upon_o particular_a occasion_n as_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o zabii_n many_o ceremonial_a precept_n thence_o deduce_v out_o of_o maimonides_n and_o because_o such_o a_o state_n of_o thing_n be_v foretell_v with_o which_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n will_v be_v inconsistent_a that_o large_o discover_v from_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n viii_o general_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n the_o great_a prejudice_n against_o our_o saviour_n among_o jew_n and_o heathen_n be_v the_o meaness_n of_o his_o appearance_n the_o difference_n of_o the_o miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n and_o gospel_n some_o general_a hypothesis_n to_o clear_v the_o subserviency_n of_o miracle_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n 1._o that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n but_o authority_n the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n to_o be_v infallible_a thing_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n what_o that_o be_v and_o on_o what_o it_o depend_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n the_o certainty_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n prove_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n our_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n suppose_v something_o incomprehensible_a the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o great_a as_o that_o of_o knowledge_n the_o ground_n of_o it_o strong_a the_o consistency_n of_o rational_a evidence_n with_o faith_n yet_o object_n of_o faith_n exceed_v reason_n the_o absurdity_n follow_v the_o contrary_a opinion_n the_o uncertainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v call_v reason_n philosophical_a dictate_v no_o standard_n of_o reason_n of_o transubstantiation_n and_o ubiquity_n etc._n etc._n why_o reject_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o matter_n above_o reason_n which_o be_v infallible_a testimony_n that_o there_o be_v way_n to_o know_v which_o be_v infallible_a prove_v 2._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o most_o infallible_a the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n into_o god_n veracity_n as_o its_o formal_a object_n 3._o hypoth_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v though_o god_n speak_v not_o immediate_o of_o inspiration_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divination_n among_o the_o heathen_n 4._o hyp._n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v clear_a and_o certain_a of_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o they_o the_o original_n of_o infidelity_n chap._n ix_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n from_o miracle_n the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n appear_v from_o god_n and_o providence_n the_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n by_o they_o god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n the_o devil_n power_n of_o work_a miracle_n consider_v of_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n the_o cure_n in_o the_o temple_n of_o aeseulapius_n at_o rome_n etc._n etc._n god_n never_o work_v miracle_n but_o for_o some_o particular_a end_n the_o particular_a reason_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n the_o repeal_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o have_v be_v settle_v by_o miracle_n why_o christ_n check_v the_o pharisee_n for_o demand_v a_o sign_n when_o himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o miracle_n the_o power_n of_o christ_n miracle_n on_o many_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o belieuâ—_v christ_n miracle_n make_v it_o evident_a that_o he_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o the_o prediction_n be_v fulfil_v in_o he_o why_o john_n baptist_n wrought_v no_o miracle_n christ_n miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o everthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniaek_n and_o lunatic_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n the_o power_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n over_o they_o large_o prove_v by_o several_a testimony_n the_o evidence_n thence_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o christ._n of_o counterfeit_a dispossession_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v among_o infidel_n of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o prove_v from_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o publisher_n and_o the_o success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n know_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n before_o they_o enter_v on_o it_o the_o boldness_n and_o resolution_n of_o the_o apostle_n notwithstanding_o this_o compare_v with_o heathen_a philosopher_n no_o motive_n can_v carry_v the_o apostle_n through_o their_o employment_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n not_o seek_v the_o honour_n profit_n or_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n the_o apostle_n evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n lie_v in_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o resurrection_n that_o attest_v by_o themselves_o their_o sufficiency_n thence_o for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrariety_n of_o it_o to_o natural_a inclination_n strange_a success_n of_o it_o notwithstanding_o it_o come_v not_o with_o humane_a power_n no_o christian_a emperor_n till_o the_o gospel_n universal_o preach_v the_o weakness_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o instrument_n which_o preach_v the_o gospel_n from_o all_o which_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v prove_v pag._n 252_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v
though_o with_o all_o imaginable_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v undoubted_o he_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v engage_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o law_n or_o custom_n already_o by_o which_o their_o commonwealth_n have_v be_v establish_v and_o with_o all_o these_o law_n of_o moses_n seem_v so_o much_o against_o the_o interest_n and_o good_a husbandry_n of_o a_o nation_n as_o all_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n think_v who_o for_o that_o accuse_v they_o to_o be_v a_o iâ—le_n and_o slothful_a people_n as_o they_o judge_v by_o their_o rest_a whole_o one_o day_n in_o seven_o the_o great_a and_o many_o solemn_a feast_n they_o have_v the_o repair_n of_o all_o the_o male_n to_o jerusalem_n thrice_o a_o year_n the_o sabbatical_a year_n year_n of_o jubilee_n etc._n etc._n these_o thing_n be_v apparent_o against_o the_o interest_n of_o such_o a_o nation_n who_o great_a subsistence_n be_v upon_o pasturage_n and_o agriculture_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o law_n respect_v not_o the_o outward_a interest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o any_o politician_n among_o they_o but_o do_v immediate_o aim_v at_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o god_n who_o they_o serve_v for_o who_o they_o be_v to_o part_v even_o with_o their_o civil_a interest_n the_o do_v of_o which_o by_o a_o people_n general_o take_v notice_n of_o for_o a_o particular_a love_n of_o their_o own_o concernment_n be_v a_o impregnable_a argument_n these_o law_n can_v not_o take_v place_n among_o they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v give_v by_o moses_n at_o the_o time_n of_o their_o unsettlement_n and_o that_o their_o future_a settlement_n do_v depend_v upon_o their_o present_a observation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n too_o that_o they_o can_v be_v of_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a original_n which_o be_v more_o than_o i_o be_v to_o prove_v at_o present_a 4._o be_v not_o these_o write_n undoubted_o moses's_fw-fr 7._o whence_o shall_v the_o neighbour_n nation_n about_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o hatred_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n retain_v so_o venerable_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n the_o egyptian_n account_v he_o one_o of_o their_o priest_n which_o note_v the_o esteem_n they_o have_v of_o his_o learning_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o testimony_n produce_v out_o of_o chaeremon_n and_o manâ—tho_n by_o josephus_n sublim_fw-la diodorus_n siculus_n speak_v of_o he_o with_o great_a respect_n among_o the_o famous_a legislatour_n and_o so_o do_v strabo_n who_o speak_v in_o commendation_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o the_o testimony_n of_o longinus_n be_v sufficient_o know_v that_o moses_n be_v no_o man_n of_o any_o vulgar_a wit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d chalcidius_n call_v he_o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n although_o i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v that_o chalcidius_n have_v be_v i_o think_v undeserved_o reckon_v among_o heathen_a writer_n though_o he_o comment_v on_o plato_n timaeus_n 45._o it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o he_o be_v a_o christian_a platonist_n which_o may_v more_o probable_o make_v vaninus_n call_v he_o circumforaneum_fw-la blateronem_fw-la but_o though_o we_o exempt_v chalcidius_n out_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o heathen_n who_o have_v bear_v testimony_n to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o moses_n yet_o there_o be_v number_n enough_o beside_o he_o produce_v by_o justin_n martyr_n cyrill_n and_o 2._o other_o who_o evidence_n be_v clear_a and_o full_a to_o make_v we_o undoubted_o believe_v that_o there_o can_v never_o have_v be_v so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n concern_v the_o write_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n have_v they_o not_o be_v certain_o he_o and_o convey_v down_o in_o a_o continual_a succession_n from_o his_o time_n to_o our_o present_a age_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o the_o national_a constitution_n and_o setlement_n of_o the_o jew_n do_v depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o law_n and_o write_n of_o moses_n can_v we_o have_v more_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o solon_n lyâ—urgus_n and_o numa_n and_o that_o the_o law_n bear_v their_o name_n be_v they_o than_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a commonwealth_n of_o athâ—ns_n sparta_n and_o rome_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n when_o write_n be_v not_o of_o general_a concernment_n they_o may_v be_v more_o easy_o counterfeit_v but_o when_o they_o concern_v the_o right_n privilege_n and_o government_n of_o a_o nation_n there_o will_v be_v enough_o who_o interest_n will_v lead_v they_o to_o prevent_v imposture_n it_o be_v no_o easy_a matter_n to_o forge_v a_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o to_o invent_v law_n man_n caution_n and_o prudence_n be_v never_o so_o quick_a sight_v as_o in_o matter_n which_o concern_v their_o estate_n and_o freehold_n the_o general_a interest_n lie_v contrary_a to_o such_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v prevent_v their_o obtain_n among_o they_o now_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o very_a republic_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o subsistence_n and_o government_n depend_v upon_o they_o their_o religion_n and_o law_n be_v so_o interweave_v one_o with_o the_o other_o that_o one_o can_v be_v break_v off_o from_o the_o other_o their_o right_n to_o their_o temporal_a possession_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n depend_v on_o their_o own_v the_o sovereignty_n of_o god_n who_o give_v they_o to_o they_o and_o on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n concern_v the_o promise_n make_v to_o the_o patriarch_n so_o that_o on_o that_o account_n it_o be_v impossible_a those_o law_n shall_v be_v counterfeit_a on_o which_o the_o welfare_n of_o a_o nation_n depend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o be_v govern_v ever_o since_o they_o be_v a_o nation_n so_o that_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v it_o to_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o the_o write_n under_o the_o name_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o for_o none_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o law_n to_o have_v be_v he_o can_v have_v the_o face_n to_o deny_v the_o history_n there_o be_v so_o necessary_a a_o connexion_n between_o they_o and_o the_o book_n of_o genesis_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o general_a and_o very_a necessary_a introduction_n to_o that_o which_o sollow_v chap._n ii_o moses_n his_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o write_v the_o three_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o moses_n his_o history_n that_o gradual_o prove_v first_o moses_n his_o knowledge_n clear_v by_o his_o education_n and_o experience_n and_o certain_a information_n his_o education_n in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o egypt_n what_o that_o be_v the_o old_a egyptian_a learning_n inquire_v into_o the_o convenience_n for_o it_o of_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n moses_n reckon_v among_o they_o for_o his_o knowledge_n the_o mathematical_a natural_a divine_a and_o moral_a learning_n of_o egypt_n their_o political_a wisdom_n most_o considerable_a the_o advantage_n of_o moses_n above_o the_o greek_a philosopher_n as_o to_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n moses_n himself_o a_o eye-witness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o history_n the_o certain_a uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o the_o other_o part_n among_o the_o jew_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n have_v thus_o far_o clear_v our_o way_n we_o come_v to_o the_o three_o 3._o hypothesis_n which_o be_v there_o be_v as_o manifest_v proof_n of_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o history_n record_v by_o moses_n as_o any_o can_v be_v give_v concern_v any_o thing_n which_o we_o yield_v the_o firm_a assent_n unto_o here_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o we_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n of_o rational_a evidence_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o to_o which_o if_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o impartial_a person_n the_o argument_n produce_v be_v strong_a enough_o to_o convince_v a_o unbiased_a mind_n it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o every_o rangle_a atheist_n will_v sit_v down_o content_v with_o they_o for_o usual_o person_n of_o that_o inclination_n rather_o than_o judgement_n be_v more_o resolve_v against_o light_n then_o inquisitive_a after_o it_o and_o rather_o seek_v to_o stop_v the_o chink_n at_o which_o any_o light_n may_v come_v in_o then_o open_a the_o window_n for_o the_o free_a and_o cheerful_a entertainment_n of_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o part_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o without_o offer_v manifest_a violence_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v one_o whole_o forsake_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o will_v be_v satisfactory_o do_v if_o we_o can_v clear_v these_o thing_n first_o that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n he_o
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
aut_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la corum_fw-la tantas_fw-la animorum_fw-la ficri_fw-la conversiones_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la carnisices_fw-la unci_fw-la aliique_fw-la innumeri_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la diximus_fw-la impendeant_fw-la credituris_fw-la uâ—luti_fw-la quadam_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la atque_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la amore_fw-la correpti_fw-la cognitas_fw-la accipiant_fw-la rationes_fw-la atque_fw-la mundi_fw-la omnibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la praeponant_fw-la amicitias_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o no_o fear_n penalty_n or_o torment_n be_v able_a to_o mâ—ke_v a_o christian_a alter_v his_o profession_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o life_n then_o to_o his_o saviour_n this_o origen_n likewise_o frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o celsus_n 110._o have_v object_v the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n the_o more_o wonderful_a it_o be_v say_v origen_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o shall_v so_o large_o spread_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o divine_a providence_n how_o much_o less_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o once_o to_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o pour_v of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o the_o first_o engage_v to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o become_v master_n over_o all_o its_o enemy_n and_o not_o only_o spread_v its_o self_n quite_o through_o greece_n but_o through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o convert_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n what_o evidence_n there_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v of_o it_o and_o how_o useful_a the_o first_o miracle_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochelas_n david_n el-david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v 1_o just_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v by_o way_n of_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o discourse_n manifest_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o only_a remain_a question_n concern_v this_o subject_n be_v how_o we_o may_v certain_o distinguish_v true_a and_o real_a miracle_n from_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o there_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o real_a miracle_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o seek_v when_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o those_o person_n who_o do_v they_o unless_o a_o way_n be_v find_v out_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o unless_o man_n through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o incogitancy_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n than_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o which_o have_v make_v man_n of_o better_a affection_n than_o understanding_n so_o ready_a to_o suspect_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n concern_v divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n but_o may_v we_o not_o therefore_o safe_o rely_v on_o such_o miracle_n which_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n can_v not_o be_v wrought_v but_o by_o divine_a power_n because_o forsooth_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o abuse_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o be_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v such_o as_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o or_o because_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o ground_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o his_o doctrine_n true_a be_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v now_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o a_o sufficient_a account_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o the_o only_a rational_a pretence_n of_o any_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v a_o suppose_a uncertainty_n in_o our_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o note_n of_o difference_n whereby_o to_o know_v divine_a miracle_n from_o delusion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apparent_a insufficiency_n in_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o blame_v nothing_o but_o our_o incredulity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o they_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n find_v out_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a and_o second_o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a note_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la râ—i_fw-la between_o miracle_n and_o those_o call_v wonder_n as_o that_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a agent_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o for_o this_o leave_v the_o enquir_a as_o far_o to_o
to_o be_v deceive_v i_o grant_v the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o mind_n in_o this_o present_a state_n be_v very_o great_a which_o make_v we_o so_o obnoxious_a to_o error_n and_o mistake_n but_o then_o that_o imperfection_n lie_v in_o the_o proneness_n in_o man_n mind_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o thing_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v pure_o speculative_a and_o rational_a if_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v certain_a it_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o they_o it_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n at_o all_o of_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n now_o we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o mind_n a_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n in_o some_o thing_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v propound_v to_o our_o understanding_n as_o that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o a_o nonentity_n can_v have_v no_o proper_a attribute_n that_o while_o i_o reason_n and_o discourse_n i_o be_o these_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o no_o man_n do_v suspect_v himself_o deceive_v at_o all_o in_o they_o beside_o if_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n of_o certainty_n at_o all_o in_o our_o judge_a thing_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o a_o idea_n of_o true_a and_o false_a in_o our_o mind_n if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o i_o say_v not_o that_o in_o all_o perception_n of_o the_o mind_n we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o truth_n but_o only_o in_o such_o as_o be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a that_o be_v when_o upon_o the_o great_a consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o thing_n there_o appear_v no_o ground_n or_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o doubt_v concern_v it_o and_o this_o must_v suppose_v the_o mind_n abstraction_n whole_o from_o the_o sense_n for_o we_o plain_o find_v that_o while_o we_o attend_v to_o they_o we_o may_v judge_v ourselves_o very_o certain_a and_o yet_o be_v deceive_v as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o icterism_n in_o their_o eye_n may_v judge_v with_o much_o confidence_n that_o they_o see_v thing_n as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o as_o any_o other_o do_v beside_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n take_v for_o grant_v by_o man_n which_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o reason_n at_o all_o in_o they_o now_o if_o man_n will_v judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n by_o such_o principle_n no_o wonder_n if_o they_o be_v deceive_v but_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n we_o suppose_v the_o mind_n to_o proceed_v upon_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n or_o to_o have_v such_o notion_n of_o thing_n which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n do_v agree_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o apprehend_v if_o in_o such_o thing_n then_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o certainty_n it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v our_o faculty_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n which_o high_o reflect_v either_o upon_o god_n or_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o noble_a question_n as_o any_o be_v in_o philosophy_n what_o be_v the_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n or_o what_o ground_n of_o certainty_n the_o mind_n have_v to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o its_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o object_n as_o be_v represent_v to_o it_o nothing_o can_v render_v the_o philosophy_n of_o epicurus_n more_o just_o suspect_v to_o any_o â—ational_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n than_o his_o make_v the_o sense_n the_o only_a certain_a conveyor_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n the_o sense_n i_o grant_v do_v not_o in_o themselves_o deceive_v any_o but_o if_o i_o make_v the_o impression_n of_o sense_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n for_o the_o mind_n to_o judge_v by_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n i_o make_v way_n for_o the_o great_a imposture_n and_o the_o most_o err_a judgement_n for_o if_o my_o mind_n affirm_v every_o thing_n to_o be_v in_o its_o proper_a nature_n according_a to_o that_o idea_n which_o the_o imagination_n have_v receive_v from_o the_o impression_n upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o i_o ever_o to_o understand_v the_o right_a nature_n of_o thing_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n may_v remain_v the_o same_o when_o all_o those_o thing_n in_o they_o which_o affect_v the_o organ_n of_o sense_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o because_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o configuration_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n may_v make_v such_o a_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n which_o may_v cause_v a_o idea_n in_o we_o of_o that_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o yet_o may_v be_v only_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o sensation_n as_o some_o philosopher_n suppose_v it_o to_o be_v in_o heat_n and_o cold_a now_o if_o the_o mind_n judge_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o those_o idea_n which_o come_v from_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o the_o organ_n of_o sense_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v ever_o come_v to_o a_o right_a judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o in_o reference_n even_o to_o the_o gross_a material_a being_n it_o must_v be_v the_o perception_n only_o of_o the_o mind_n which_o can_v true_o inform_v we_o of_o their_o proper_a nature_n and_o essence_n beside_o there_o be_v many_o idea_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v capable_a to_o have_v property_n demonstrate_v of_o they_o which_o never_o owe_v their_o original_n to_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v never_o import_v to_o the_o mind_n at_o the_o key_n of_o the_o sense_n such_o be_v most_o mathematical_a figure_n which_o have_v their_o peculiar_a property_n and_o demonstration_n such_o be_v all_o the_o mutual_a respect_n of_o thing_n to_o each_o other_o which_o may_v be_v as_o certain_a and_o evident_a to_o the_o mind_n as_o its_o self_n be_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o this_o that_o all_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o convey_v by_o the_o sense_n but_o our_o true_a way_n of_o certain_a understanding_n the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v by_o the_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v found_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o that_o however_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v when_o we_o do_v not_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n because_o of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n yet_o if_o we_o say_v our_o mind_n may_v be_v deceive_v when_o thing_n be_v evident_a and_o clear_a to_o they_o upon_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v high_o to_o reslect_v upon_o that_o god_n who_o give_v man_n rational_a faculty_n and_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o discern_a truth_n from_o falsehood_n 2._o that_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n that_o necessity_n of_o existence_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v the_o vast_a difference_n which_o there_o be_v in_o our_o notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o other_o be_v in_o all_o other_o being_n i_o grant_v we_o may_v abstract_n essence_n and_o existence_n from_o each_o other_o now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v evident_a reason_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la rei_fw-la why_o i_o can_v do_v it_o in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n than_o it_o will_v be_v more_o plain_a that_o necessity_n of_o existence_n do_v immutable_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v manifest_a to_o our_o reason_n that_o in_o all_o other_o being_n which_o we_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o beyond_o bare_a possibility_n of_o existence_n no_o although_o the_o thing_n which_o do_v apprehend_v do_v real_o exist_v because_o in_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o abstract_a from_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n now_o existence_n be_v only_o contingent_a and_o possible_a as_o to_o any_o other_o be_v it_o can_v be_v any_o ingredient_n of_o its_o idea_n because_o it_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o essence_n for_o we_o may_v full_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o attribute_v existence_n to_o it_o but_o now_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a bare_a possibility_n or_o contingency_n of_o existence_n speak_v a_o direct_a repugnancy_n to_o the_o idea_n of_o kim_n for_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a which_o may_v want_v that_o which_o give_v life_n to_o all_o other_o perfection_n which_o be_v existence_n the_o only_a scruple_n which_o man_n mind_n be_v subject_a to_o in_o apprehend_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n lie_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o necessary_a existence_n do_v real_o belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o being_n who_o idea_n it_o be_v or_o else_o
unavoidable_a on_o the_o stoical_a hypothesis_n of_o god_n be_v corporeal_a and_o confine_v to_o the_o world_n as_o his_o proper_a place_n and_o so_o much_o for_o this_o second_o hypothesis_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n which_o suppose_v the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n as_o coexi_v with_o god_n i_o come_v now_o to_o that_o which_o make_v most_o noise_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o atomical_a or_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n but_o will_v appear_v 11._o to_o be_v as_o irrational_a as_o either_o of_o the_o forego_n as_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n for_o otherwise_o suppose_v a_o deity_n which_o produce_v the_o world_n and_o put_v it_o into_o the_o order_n it_o be_v now_o in_o and_o supreme_o govern_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n that_o many_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v far_o more_o intelligible_o explain_v by_o matter_n and_o motion_n then_o by_o substantial_a form_n and_o real_a quality_n few_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n do_v now_o scruple_n but_o because_o these_o little_a particle_n of_o matter_n may_v give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o appearance_n of_o nature_n that_o therefore_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n shall_v be_v from_o no_o wise_a principle_n than_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o these_o atom_n be_v one_o of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o proneness_n of_o man_n mind_n to_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o those_o opinion_n they_o be_v once_o in_o love_n with_o when_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o allow_v a_o hypothesis_n its_o due_a place_n and_o subserviency_n to_o god_n and_o providence_n but_o think_v these_o atom_n have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o they_o unless_o they_o can_v extrude_v a_o deity_n quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o 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innumerable_a company_n of_o solid_a particle_n or_o atom_n of_o different_a size_n and_o shape_n which_o by_o their_o weight_n be_v in_o continual_a motion_n and_o that_o by_o the_o various_a occursion_n of_o these_o all_o the_o body_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v frame_v into_o that_o order_n they_o now_o be_v in_o which_o be_v full_o express_v by_o dionysius_n in_o eusebius_n and_o very_o agreeable_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o epicurus_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o herodotus_n and_o pythocles_n and_o to_o what_o plutarch_n provide_v report_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o epicurus_n though_o he_o name_v he_o not_o if_o at_o least_o that_o book_n be_v he_o which_o muretus_n deny_v the_o word_n of_o dionysius_n be_v these_o concern_v the_o epicurean_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n all_o the_o account_n we_o have_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o this_o general_a rendezvous_a of_o atom_n in_o this_o infinite_a space_n in_o which_o after_o many_o encounter_n and_o face_n about_o they_o fall_v into_o their_o several_a troop_n and_o make_v up_o that_o order_a battalion_n which_o now_o the_o world_n be_v the_o scheme_n of_o it_o be_v not_o imprudent_o do_v of_o epicurus_n to_o make_v the_o world_n infinite_a as_o well_o as_o his_o space_n and_o atom_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o his_o atom_n will_v make_v one_o world_n they_o may_v make_v a_o thousand_o and_o who_o will_v spare_v for_o world_n when_o he_o may_v make_v they_o so_o easy_o lucretius_n give_v we_o in_o so_o exact_a a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a course_n the_o atom_n take_v up_o in_o dispose_n themselves_o into_o body_n as_o though_o he_o have_v be_v muster-master-general_n at_o that_o great_a rendezvous_a for_o thus_o he_o speak_v of_o his_o atom_n quae_fw-la quia_fw-la multimodis_fw-la multis_fw-la mutata_fw-la per_fw-la omne_fw-la exit_fw-la infinito_fw-la vexantur_fw-la percita_fw-la plagis_fw-la 1._o omne_fw-la genus_fw-la motus_fw-la &_o caetus_fw-la experiundo_fw-la tandem_fw-la deveniunt_fw-la in_o taleis_fw-la disposituras_fw-la qualibus_fw-la haec_fw-la rebus_fw-la consistit_fw-la summa_fw-la creata_fw-la and_o more_o particular_o afterward_o sed_fw-la quia_fw-la multa_fw-la modis_fw-la multis_fw-la primordia_fw-la rerum_fw-la 5._o exit_fw-la infinito_fw-la jam_fw-la tempore_fw-la percita_fw-la plagis_fw-la ponderibusque_fw-la suis_fw-la consuërunt_fw-la concita_fw-la ferri_fw-la omnimodisque_fw-la coire_fw-la atque_fw-la omne_fw-la pertentare_fw-la quaecunque_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la possunt_fw-la congressa_fw-la creare_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sit_fw-la mirum_fw-la si_fw-la in_o taleis_fw-la disposituras_fw-la deciderunt_fw-la queque_fw-la &_o in_o taleis_fw-la venere_fw-la meatus_fw-la qualibus_fw-la haec_fw-la rerum_fw-la â—enitur_fw-la nunc_fw-la summa_fw-la novando_fw-la thus_o we_o see_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o epicurean_a hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o atom_n which_o by_o their_o frequent_a occursion_n do_v at_o last_o meet_v with_o those_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o they_o and_o these_o be_v conjoin_v together_o make_v up_o those_o body_n which_o we_o see_v so_o that_o all_o the_o account_n we_o be_v able_a to_o give_v according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o universe_n be_v from_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o the_o atom_n in_o the_o first_o form_v of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o different_a contexture_n of_o they_o in_o body_n and_o this_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o not_o with_o any_o doubt_n or_o hesitation_n but_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n imaginable_a so_o tully_n observe_v of_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a begin_v his_o discourse_n fidenter_fw-la 1._o sane_fw-la ut_fw-la solent_fw-la isti_fw-la nihil_fw-la tam_fw-la verens_fw-la quam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitare_fw-la de_fw-fr aliqua_fw-la re_fw-la videretur_fw-la tanquam_fw-la modo_fw-la ex_fw-la deorum_fw-la concilio_fw-la &_o ex_fw-la epicuri_fw-la intermundiis_fw-la descendisset_fw-la confidence_n be_v the_o peculiar_a genius_n of_o that_o sect_n which_o we_o shall_v see_v in_o they_o to_o be_v accompany_v with_o very_o little_a reason_n for_o those_o two_o thing_n which_o make_v any_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n 12._o to_o be_v reject_v this_o atomical_a hypothesis_n be_v unavoidable_o charge_v with_o and_o those_o be_v if_o the_o principle_n be_v take_v up_o without_o sufficient_a ground_n in_o reason_n for_o they_o and_o if_o they_o can_v give_v any_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v therefore_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n be_v first_o mere_o precarious_a and_o build_v on_o no_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o reason_n second_o that_o it_o can_v give_v any_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v a_o precarious_a hypothesis_n and_o have_v no_o evidence_n of_o reason_n on_o which_o it_o shall_v be_v take_v up_o and_o that_o will_v be_v prove_v by_o two_o thing_n 1._o it_o be_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n as_o the_o epicurean_o themselves_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n 2._o that_o the_o main_a principle_n of_o the_o hypothesis_n its_o self_n be_v repugnant_a to_o those_o catholic_n law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o universe_n 1._o the_o epicurean_o according_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n 2._o because_o their_o way_n of_o prove_v it_o be_v insufficient_a 1._o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o prove_v from_o those_o criteria_fw-la which_o epicurus_n lay_v down_o as_o the_o only_a certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n by_o and_o those_o be_v sense_n anticipation_n and_o passion_n let_v sense_n be_v never_o so_o infallible_a a_o ruie_a of_o judgement_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o evidence_n to_o
the_o general_a defect_n for_o want_n of_o timely_a record_n among_o heathen_a nation_n the_o reason_n of_o it_o show_v from_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o manner_n of_o they_o discover_v the_o original_a of_o civil_a government_n of_o hieroglyphic_n the_o use_n of_o letter_n among_o the_o greek_n no_o elder_a than_o cadmus_n his_o time_n inquire_v into_o no_o elder_a than_o joshua_n the_o learning_n bring_v into_o greece_n by_o he_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n have_v that_o peculiar_a commendation_n 1_o above_o all_o other_o design_n that_o they_o come_v on_o purpose_n to_o gratify_v the_o most_o noble_a faculty_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o do_v most_o immediate_o tend_v to_o re-advance_a the_o high_a perfection_n of_o our_o rational_a being_n for_o all_o our_o most_o laudable_a endeavour_n after_o knowledge_n now_o be_v only_o the_o gather_n up_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o what_o be_v once_o a_o entire_a fabric_n and_o the_o recovery_n of_o some_o precious_a jewel_n which_o be_v lose_v out_o of_o sight_n and_o sink_v in_o the_o shipwreck_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o say_v of_o plato_n that_o all_o knowledge_n be_v remembrance_n and_o all_o ignorance_n forgetfulness_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n if_o by_o forgetfulness_n be_v mean_v the_o loss_n and_o by_o remembrance_n the_o recovery_n of_o those_o notion_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n once_o have_v in_o its_o pure_a and_o primitive_a state_n wherein_o the_o understanding_n be_v the_o true_a microcosm_n in_o which_o all_o the_o being_n of_o the_o inferior_a world_n be_v faithful_o represent_v according_a to_o their_o true_a native_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n god_n create_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n not_o only_o capable_a of_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n but_o furnish_v he_o with_o a_o sufficient_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n by_o a_o light_n set_v up_o in_o his_o understanding_n which_o if_o he_o have_v attend_v to_o he_o may_v have_v secure_v himself_o from_o all_o imposture_n and_o deceit_n as_o all_o other_o being_n be_v create_v in_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o the_o agreeable_a perfection_n of_o their_o several_a nature_n so_o be_v man_n too_o else_o god_n will_v have_v never_o close_v the_o work_n of_o creation_n with_o those_o word_n and_o god_n see_v all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o behold_v it_o be_v very_o good_a that_o be_v endue_v with_o all_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v suitable_a 31_o to_o their_o several_a being_n which_o man_n have_v be_v most_o defective_a in_o if_o his_o understanding_n have_v not_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o intellectual_a knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o genuine_a perfection_n belong_v to_o his_o rational_a be_v for_o reason_n be_v the_o most_o raise_a faculty_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o that_o have_v be_v defective_a in_o its_o discovery_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v its_o proper_a object_n it_o will_v have_v argue_v the_o great_a maim_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o be_v itself_o for_o if_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o sensitive_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o be_v pleasant_a from_o what_o be_v hurtful_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n of_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n not_o as_o though_o the_o soul_n can_v then_o have_v have_v any_o more_o than_o now_o a_o actual_a notion_n of_o all_o the_o being_n in_o the_o world_n ocexi_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o that_o it_o will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o all_o deceit_n in_o its_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o cause_v through_o inadvertency_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o several_a aspect_n man_n knowledge_n 2._o ledge_n have_v which_o be_v either_o upward_o towards_o his_o maker_n or_o abroad_o on_o his_o fellow-creature_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o contemplation_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o fix_v its_o self_n on_o that_o infinite_a be_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o will_v be_v find_v necessary_a for_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v create_v in_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o he_o because_o of_o man_n immediate_a obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o he_o which_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o who_o will_n must_v be_v his_o rule_n for_o if_o man_n be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o the_o first_o moment_n after_o his_o creation_n of_o the_o be_v of_o he_o who_o he_o be_v to_o obey_v his_o first_o work_n and_o duty_n will_v not_o have_v be_v actual_a obedience_n but_o a_o search_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v or_o no_o and_o whereon_o his_o duty_n to_o he_o be_v found_v and_o what_o may_v be_v sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o law_n according_a to_o which_o he_o must_v regulate_v his_o obedience_n the_o take_v off_o all_o which_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n from_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n must_v suppose_v he_o full_o satisfy_v upon_o the_o first_o free_a use_n of_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n and_o be_v which_o produce_v he_o and_o on_o that_o account_n have_v a_o right_a to_o command_v he_o in_o whatsoever_o he_o please_v and_o that_o those_o command_n of_o he_o be_v declare_v to_o he_o in_o so_o certain_a a_o way_n that_o he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o judge_n of_o they_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v further_o appear_v most_o necessary_a to_o man_n in_o his_o first_o creation_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n create_v he_o for_o this_o end_n and_o purpose_n to_o enjoy_v converse_n and_o a_o humble_a familiarity_n with_o himself_o he_o have_v then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o language_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n converse_v with_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a 63._o to_o he_o as_o his_o be_v be_v for_o man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o out_o of_o god_n hand_n be_v the_o reflection_n of_o god_n himself_o on_o a_o dark_a cloud_n the_o iris_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o similitude_n be_v the_o same_o but_o the_o substance_n different_a thence_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v create_v after_o the_o image_n of_o god_n his_o knowledge_n then_o have_v be_v more_o 26._o intellectual_a than_o discursive_a not_o so_o much_o employ_v his_o faculty_n in_o the_o operose_fw-la deduction_n of_o reason_n the_o pleasant_a toil_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n since_o the_o fall_n but_o have_v immediate_o employ_v they_o about_o the_o sublimest_n object_n not_o about_o quiddity_n and_o formality_n but_o about_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o his_o be_v and_o the_o centre_n of_o his_o happiness_n there_o be_v not_o then_o so_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o angelical_a and_o humane_a life_n the_o angel_n and_o man_n both_o feed_v on_o the_o same_o dainty_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v they_o be_v in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o upper_a room_n in_o heaven_n and_o man_n in_o the_o summer_n parlour_n in_o paradise_n if_o we_o take_v a_o view_n of_o man_n knowledge_n as_o it_o respect_v his_o fellow-creature_n we_o shall_v find_v these_o be_v so_o full_o know_v to_o he_o on_o 3_o his_o first_o creation_n that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o go_v to_o school_n to_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o gather_v up_o his_o conception_n of_o they_o for_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o that_o dominion_n which_o he_o be_v instate_v in_o over_o the_o inferior_a world_n do_v imply_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n be_v and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o without_o which_o he_o can_v not_o have_v improve_v they_o for_o their_o peculiar_a end_n and_o from_o this_o knowledge_n do_v proceed_v the_o give_v the_o creature_n those_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a name_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o as_o plato_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o imposition_n cratylo_n of_o name_n on_o thing_n belong_v not_o to_o every_o one_o but_o only_o to_o he_o that_o have_v a_o full_a prospect_n into_o their_o several_a nature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n that_o name_n shall_v carry_v in_o they_o a_o suitableness_n to_o the_o thing_n they_o express_v for_o word_n be_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o express_v our_o conception_n of_o thing_n and_o our_o conception_n be_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o same_o philosopher_n speak_v the_o resemblance_n and_o representation_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o true_a knowledge_n the_o conception_n must_v agree_v with_o the_o thing_n and_o word_n be_v to_o express_v our_o conception_n none_o be_v so_o fit_a to_o do_v it_o as_o those_o which_o
of_o god_n which_o they_o own_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o heathen_a worship_n which_o i_o find_v not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_a to_o by_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o any_o different_a way_n of_o religion_n assert_v but_o only_o a_o destruction_n of_o that_o in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o although_o the_o case_n of_o anaxagoras_n clazomenius_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jonicke_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v very_o different_a 11._o from_o diagoras_n theodorus_n and_o those_o beforementioned_a because_o although_o they_o deny_v the_o god_n in_o vulgar_a repute_n to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v as_o anaxagor_n as_o call_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mere_a globe_n of_o fire_n for_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v at_o athens_n to_o banishment_n and_o sin_v five_o talent_n 1._o yet_o the_o learned_a vossius_fw-la put_v in_o this_o plea_n in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o assert_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o eternal_a mind_n although_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jonick_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v far_o different_a from_o the_o other_o because_o of_o their_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o from_o thales_n milesius_n be_v convey_v by_o anaeximander_n and_o anaximenes_n to_o anoxagoras_n yet_o to_o one_o that_o thorough_o consider_v what_o they_o understand_v by_o their_o eternal_a mind_n they_o may_v be_v soon_o clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o atheism_n than_o irreligion_n which_o two_o certain_o aught_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n meet_v with_o such_o insuperable_a difficulty_n about_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o matter_n to_o assert_v some_o eternal_a mind_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v embrace_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n with_o but_o yet_o not_o to_o make_v this_o eternal_a mind_n the_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o so_o their_o assert_v a_o deity_n be_v only_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o the_o tragedian_n use_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o their_o fable_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o issue_n and_o perplex_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o they_o see_v no_o way_n to_o clear_v they_o again_o but_o to_o make_v some_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o self_n the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o or_o as_o seneca_n say_v of_o many_o great_a family_n when_o they_o have_v run_v up_o their_o genealogy_n so_o high_a that_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o they_o then_o fetch_v their_o pedigree_n from_o the_o god_n so_o when_o these_o philosopher_n see_v such_o incongruity_n in_o assert_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a series_n of_o matter_n they_o may_v by_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o active_a principle_n which_o produce_v the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o give_v any_o religious_a worship_n to_o that_o eternal_a mind_n thus_o even_o epicurus_n and_o his_o follower_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o 12._o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o may_v but_o circumscribe_v he_o within_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n and_o how_o uncertain_a the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o they_o all_o be_v as_o to_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o their_o ged_n do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o large_a discourse_n of_o tully_n upon_o that_o subject_n where_o be_v full_o manifest_v their_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o mutual_a repugnancy_n their_o self_n contradiction_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o own_o assertion_n which_o have_v make_v i_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n own_o a_o deity_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v martyrsâ—or_a â—or_z atheism_n which_o tully_n likewise_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v when_o speak_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o protagoras_n for_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la 63._o multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la so_o that_o for_o all_o the_o verbal_a assert_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o they_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o much_o less_o of_o any_o worship_n and_o service_n they_o owe_v unto_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v not_o total_o excuss_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n partly_o through_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n partly_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n yet_o the_o observe_v the_o notorious_a vanity_n of_o heathen_a worship_n may_v make_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n for_o as_o in_o nature_n the_o observe_v the_o great_a mixture_n of_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n make_v the_o academic_n deny_v any_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rule_v of_o judge_a truth_n and_o the_o sceptic_n take_v away_o all_o certain_a assent_n so_o the_o same_o consequence_n be_v nnavoidable_a here_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o that_o make_v even_o plato_n himself_o so_o ambiguous_a and_o uncertain_a in_o his_o discourse_n of_o a_o deity_n sometime_o make_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n sometime_o assert_v the_o whole_a world_n sun_n moon_n star_n earth_n soul_n and_o all_o to_o be_v god_n and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v worship_v among_o the_o heathen_n as_o tully_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n and_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la which_o as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a there_o speak_v et_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la this_o be_v the_o first_o inconvenience_n follow_v the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o falsehood_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n its_o self_n it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o be_v as_o great_a which_o follow_v when_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v mix_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o embrace_v the_o falsehood_n 13._o which_o be_v a_o mistake_n as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n can_v never_o blend_v or_o be_v incorporate_a together_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v some_o truth_n they_o conclude_v no_o falsehood_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o more_o credulous_a and_o vulgar_a heathen_a as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o philospher_n for_o they_o find_v mankind_n to_o agree_v in_o this_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v do_v without_o scruple_n make_v use_n of_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o they_o as_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o and_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o else_o and_o from_o hence_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v as_o confident_a believer_n of_o all_o those_o fable_n and_o tradition_n on_o which_o their_o idolatry_n be_v found_v as_o of_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n from_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v arise_v and_o be_v thus_o habituate_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o truth_n itself_o be_v divulge_v among_o they_o they_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o their_o fable_n this_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a on_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n do_v fly_v to_o thus_o he_o say_v the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o the_o confusion_n 179_o of_o tongue_n be_v take_v from_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o aloadae_n in_o homer_n odyssey_n the_o story_n of_o the_o flood_n from_o deucalion_n paradise_n from_o alcinous_n his_o garden_n the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n from_o the_o story_n of_o phaeton_n which_o origen_n well_o resute_v from_o the_o far_o great_a antiquity_n of_o those_o relation_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o therefore_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o the_o jew_n which_o must_v be_v our_o only_a way_n for_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o original_a and_o which_o the_o corruption_n by_o
by_o scaliger_n out_o of_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n this_o abibalus_n be_v the_o first_o who_o occur_v and_o be_v co-temporary_a with_o david_n sanchoniathon_n then_o be_v of_o no_o 2_o great_a antiquity_n if_o this_o be_v the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o but_o bochartus_fw-la well_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o speak_v of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o tyre_n but_o of_o abibalus_n king_n of_o berytus_n who_o we_o may_v allow_v to_o be_v somewhat_o near_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n then_o the_o other_o abibalus_n as_o the_o phoenician_n annal_n make_v it_o appear_v as_o porphyry_n tell_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o find_v his_o antiquity_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o contest_v with_o moses_n as_o porphyry_n himself_o confess_v although_o we_o may_v free_o acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v far_o old_a than_o any_o of_o the_o greek_a historian_n which_o be_v all_o vossius_fw-la contend_v for_o and_o sufficient_o prove_v but_o we_o be_v 1._o far_o from_o yield_v he_o co-temporary_a with_o semiramis_n as_o porphyry_n will_v have_v he_o and_o yet_o make_v he_o junior_a to_o moses_n and_o to_o live_v about_o the_o time_n of_o the_o trojan_a war_n which_o be_v to_o reconcile_v the_o distance_n of_o near_a 800_o year_n such_o miserable_a confusion_n be_v there_o in_o the_o best_a learned_a heathen_n in_o their_o computation_n of_o ancient_a time_n have_v thus_o clear_v the_o antiquity_n of_o sanchoniathon_n and_o the_o phoenician_n history_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o fidelity_n 6._o of_o it_o this_o sanchoniathon_n be_v high_o commend_v for_o both_o by_o porphyry_n and_o his_o translator_n into_o greek_a philo_z byblius_n who_o live_v in_o adrian's_n time_n and_o theodoret_n think_v his_o name_n in_o the_o phoenician_n language_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o bochartus_n endeavour_v to_o fetch_v from_o thence_o and_o conceive_v the_o name_n to_o be_v give_v he_o when_o he_o set_v himself_o to_o write_v his_o history_n and_o he_o wish_v and_o so_o do_v we_o that_o he_o have_v be_v then_o vir_fw-la svi_fw-la nominis_fw-la and_o make_v it_o appear_v by_o his_o writing_n that_o he_o have_v be_v a_o lover_n of_o truth_n philo_n say_v he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n but_o either_o he_o be_v not_o so_o diligent_a to_o inquire_v after_o or_o not_o so_o happy_a to_o light_v on_o any_o certain_a record_n or_o if_o he_o do_v he_o be_v not_o overmuch_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n in_o deliver_v they_o to_o the_o world_n how_o faithful_a he_o be_v in_o transcribe_v his_o history_n from_o his_o record_n we_o can_v be_v sufficient_a judge_n of_o unless_o we_o have_v those_o book_n of_o taautus_n and_o the_o sacred_a inscription_n and_o the_o record_n of_o city_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v his_o history_n from_o to_o compare_v they_o together_o but_o by_o what_o remain_v of_o his_o history_n which_o be_v only_o the_o first_o book_n concern_v the_o phoenician_n theology_n extant_a in_o eusebius_n we_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v his_o history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o elder_a time_n without_o further_a proof_n than_o he_o give_v of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o obscurity_n and_o confusion_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v a_o chaos_n to_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o the_o god_n to_o come_v after_o make_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o chryser_n or_o vulcan_n and_o again_o the_o man_n bear_v of_o earth_n to_o be_v several_a generation_n after_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v the_o first_o mortal_a man_n and_o yet_o from_o the_o two_o brethren_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v two_o god_n whereof_o one_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o latter_a be_v worship_v with_o as_o much_o veneration_n as_o any_o of_o their_o go_n yet_o from_o these_o thing_n as_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a the_o gnostic_n and_o the_o several_a subdivision_n of_o they_o may_v take_v the_o rise_n of_o their_o several_a aeones_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o here_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v two_o of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o god_n but_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o name_n they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a sect_n take_v a_o liberty_n of_o alter_v according_a to_o their_o several_a fancy_n this_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a to_o i_o then_o that_o either_o hesiod_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o they_o or_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o late_a german_a divine_a who_o conceive_v that_o philo_n byblius_n do_v in_o imitation_n of_o the_o gnostic_n form_n this_o whole_a story_n of_o the_o phoenician_n theology_n for_o although_o i_o be_o far_o from_o believe_v what_o kircher_n somewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o have_v once_o get_v a_o sight_n of_o sanchoniathons_n original_a history_n it_o be_v not_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v deceive_v in_o yet_o i_o see_v no_o ground_n of_o so_o much_o peevishness_n as_o because_o this_o history_n pretend_v to_o so_o much_o antiquity_n we_o shall_v therefore_o present_o condemn_v it_o as_o a_o figment_n of_o the_o translator_n of_o it_o for_o have_v it_o be_v so_o the_o antagonist_n of_o porphyry_n methodius_n apollinaris_n but_o especial_o eusebius_n so_o well_o verse_v in_o antiquity_n will_v have_v find_v out_o so_o great_a a_o cheat_n although_o i_o must_v confess_v they_o be_v ofttimes_o deceive_v with_o piae_fw-la fraud_n but_o than_o it_o be_v when_o they_o make_v for_o the_o christian_n and_o not_o against_o they_o as_o this_o do_v but_o beside_o a_o fabulous_a confusion_n of_o thing_n together_o we_o have_v some_o thing_n deliver_v concern_v their_o god_n which_o be_v both_o contrary_a to_o all_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o to_o those_o very_a common_a principle_n of_o humanity_n which_o all_o acknowledge_v as_o when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o saturn_n suspect_v his_o son_n sadidus_fw-la destroy_v he_o with_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o war_v against_o his_o father_n uranus_n and_o after_o destroy_v he_o likewise_o &_o bury_v his_o brother_n atlas_n alive_a in_o the_o earth_n which_o be_v take_v as_o philo_n byblius_n contend_v they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o the_o literal_a sense_n be_v such_o incongruity_n to_o all_o notion_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a wonder_n there_o shall_v be_v any_o that_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v any_o god_n and_o believe_v these_o be_v god_n together_o but_o although_o there_o be_v so_o many_o gross_a fable_n and_o inconsistency_n in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o merit_v 7._o belief_n in_o themselves_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a forfeiture_n of_o reason_n to_o say_v they_o be_v credible_a yet_o when_o we_o have_v a_o great_a light_n in_o our_o hand_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o may_v in_o this_o dungeon_n find_v out_o many_o excellent_a remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n though_o miserable_o corrupt_v as_o concern_v the_o creation_n the_o original_a of_o idolatry_n the_o invention_n of_o art_n the_o foundation_n of_o city_n the_o story_n of_o abraham_n of_o which_o in_o their_o due_a place_n that_o which_o of_o all_o seem_v the_o clear_a in_o this_o theology_n be_v the_o open_a own_v the_o original_n of_o idolatry_n to_o have_v be_v from_o the_o consecration_n of_o some_o eminent_a person_n after_o their_o death_n who_o have_v find_v out_o some_o useful_a thing_n for_o the_o world_n while_o they_o be_v live_v which_o the_o subtle_a greek_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o viz._n that_o the_o person_n they_o worship_v be_v once_o man_n which_o make_v they_o turn_v all_o into_o allegory_n and_o mystical_a sense_n to_o blind_v that_o idolatry_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o better_a among_o the_o ignorant_a which_o make_v philo_n byblius_n so_o very_o angry_a with_o the_o neoterick_n grecian_n as_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o with_o 23._o a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o strain_v they_o turn_v all_o the_o story_n of_o the_o god_n into_o allegory_n and_o physical_a discourse_n which_o be_v all_o the_o ingenuity_n that_o i_o know_v be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o phoenician_n theology_n that_o therein_o we_o find_v a_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o sanchoniathon_n be_v as_o far_o from_o advance_v porphyry_n religion_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o least_o from_o overthrow_v the_o credibility_n of_o christianity_n the_o next_o we_o come_v
real_a learning_n or_o truth_n at_o all_o in_o they_o for_o this_o though_o he_o be_v sharp_o censure_v by_o strabo_n in_o his_o first_o book_n who_o undertake_v to_o vindicate_v the_o geography_n of_o homer_n from_o the_o exception_n of_o eratosthenes_n yet_o himself_n can_v but_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o â—very_n great_a mixture_n of_o fable_n in_o all_o their_o poet_n which_o be_v say_v he_o partly_o to_o delight_v the_o people_n and_o partly_o to_o awe_v they_o for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v always_o desirous_a of_o novelty_n such_o thing_n do_v huge_o please_v the_o natural_a humour_n of_o weak_a people_n especial_o if_o there_o be_v something_o in_o they_o that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a it_o increase_v the_o delight_n in_o hear_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o draw_v they_o on_o to_o a_o desire_n of_o hear_v more_o of_o it_o and_o by_o this_o mean_n say_v he_o be_v child_n first_o bring_v on_o to_o learning_n and_o all_o ignorant_a person_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n nay_o and_o the_o more_o learned_a themselves_o partly_o for_o want_n of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n and_o partly_o from_o the_o remainder_n of_o those_o impression_n which_o these_o thing_n make_v upon_o they_o when_o they_o be_v child_n can_v shake_v off_o that_o former_a credulity_n which_o they_o have_v as_o to_o these_o thing_n by_o which_o discourse_n of_o strabo_n though_o intend_v whole_o by_o he_o in_o vindication_n of_o poetic_a fable_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a what_o great_a disservice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o truth_n by_o they_o by_o reason_n they_o have_v no_o other_o record_n to_o preserve_v their_o ancient_a history_n but_o these_o fabulous_a writer_n and_o therefore_o suppose_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n together_o which_o strabo_n contend_v for_o yet_o what_o way_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o distinguish_v the_o true_a from_o the_o false_a when_o they_o have_v no_o other_o certain_a record_n and_o beside_o he_o himself_o acknowledge_v how_o hard_a a_o matter_n it_o be_v even_o for_o wise_a man_n to_o excuss_v those_o fabulous_a narration_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v insinuate_v into_o they_o by_o all_o the_o advantage_n which_o prejudice_n custom_n and_o education_n can_v work_v upon_o they_o grant_v then_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o fabulous_a narration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v be_v gild_v over_o with_o some_o please_a tale_n as_o himself_o 3._o compare_v it_o yet_o how_o shall_v those_o come_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v only_o gild_a that_o never_o see_v any_o pure_a metal_n and_o do_v always_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v what_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v have_v there_o be_v any_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o touchstone_n to_o have_v difference_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o way_n for_o a_o separation_n of_o they_o but_o there_o be_v none_o such_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o the_o fabulous_a narration_n of_o poet_n in_o stead_n of_o make_v truth_n more_o pleasant_a by_o their_o fiction_n have_v so_o adulterate_v it_o that_o we_o can_v find_v any_o credibility_n at_o all_o in_o their_o narration_n of_o elder_a time_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n have_v have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o conveyance_n but_o through_o their_o fiction_n but_o though_o poet_n may_v be_v allow_v their_o liberty_n for_o represent_v thing_n with_o the_o great_a advantage_n to_o the_o palate_n 5_o of_o their_o reader_n yet_o we_o may_v just_o expect_v when_o man_n profess_v to_o be_v historical_a they_o shall_v deliver_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o strict_a examination_n may_v prove_v undoubted_a truth_n yet_o even_o this_o be_v the_o greek_n far_o from_o for_o strabo_n himself_o confess_v of_o their_o elder_a historian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o first_o historian_n both_o of_o persen_n 1._o and_o thing_n be_v fabulous_a diodorus_n particular_o instance_v in_o their_o elder_a historian_n as_o cadmus_n milesius_n hecataeus_n and_o hellanicus_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o fabulousness_n strabo_n condemn_v damastes_n sigeensis_fw-la for_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n and_o wonder_n at_o eratosthenes_n for_o make_v use_n of_o he_o yet_o this_o man_n be_v of_o great_a antiquity_n among_o they_o and_o his_o testimony_n use_v by_o author_n of_o good_a credit_n as_o diony_n 5._o halycarnassius_fw-la plutarch_n and_o other_o nay_o pliny_n profess_v to_o follow_v he_o and_o so_o he_o do_v aristeus_n procennesius_fw-la in_o his_o arimaspia_n which_o may_v render_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o history_n very_o suspicious_a with_o who_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o credibility_n to_o any_o story_n that_o he_o find_v it_o in_o some_o greek_a author_n strabo_n reckon_v damastes_n with_o euëmerus_fw-la messenius_n and_o antiphanes_n bergeus_fw-la which_o latter_a be_v so_o note_v a_o liar_n that_o from_o he_o as_o stephanus_n tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v use_v as_o a_o proverb_n for_o to_o speak_v never_o a_o word_n of_o truth_n aristeus_n proconnesius_n live_v 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n and_o write_v a_o history_n of_o the_o arimaspi_n in_o three_o book_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o sir_n john_n maridevil_n of_o greece_n from_o his_o story_n of_o the_o arimaspi_n with_o one_o eye_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o their_o continual_a fight_v with_o the_o gryphens_n for_o gold_n yet_o the_o story_n be_v take_v upon_o trust_n by_o herodotus_n pliny_n and_o many_o other_o though_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o who_o have_v visit_v those_o northern_a climate_n do_v sufficient_o refute_v these_o folly_n strabo_n say_v of_o this_o aristeus_n that_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o inferior_a to_o none_o for_o juggle_a which_o cenfure_n be_v probable_o occasion_v by_o â—3_n the_o common_a story_n of_o he_o that_o he_o can_v let_v his_o soul_n out_o of_o his_o body_n when_o he_o please_v and_o bring_v it_o again_o yet_o this_o juggler_n do_v celsus_n pitch_v on_o to_o confront_v with_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o herocles_n do_v on_o apollinus_n so_o much_o have_v those_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o reason_n who_o have_v fight_v to_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o further_a what_o credit_n can_v we_o give_v to_o those_o historian_n who_o have_v strive_v to_o confute_v each_o other_o and_o lay_v open_a 6._o one_o another_o falsehood_n to_o the_o world_n where_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o such_o dissonancy_n in_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o scripture_n do_v the_o writer_n of_o one_o book_n discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o another_o do_v not_o all_o the_o part_n so_o exact_o agree_v that_o the_o most_o probable_a suspicion_n can_v ever_o fall_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o a_o infidel_n be_v that_o they_o be_v all_o write_v by_o the_o same_o person_n which_o yet_o the_o series_n of_o time_n manifest_v to_o have_v be_v impossible_a but_o now_o if_o we_o look_v into_o the_o ancient_a greek_a historian_n we_o need_v no_o other_o testimony_n than_o themselves_o to_o take_v away_o their_o credibility_n the_o genealogy_n of_o hesiod_n be_v correct_v by_o acusiddus_fw-la acusiddus_fw-la be_v condemn_v by_o hellanicus_n hellanicus_n accuse_v of_o falsehood_n by_o ephorus_n ephorus_n by_o timaeus_n timaeus_n by_o such_o who_o follow_v he_o as_o josephus_n full_o show_v where_o must_v we_o then_o fix_v our_o belief_n upon_o all_o in_o 1._o common_a that_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o they_o condemn_v one_o another_o of_o falsehood_n must_v we_o believe_v one_o and_o reject_v the_o rest_n but_o what_o evidence_n do_v that_o one_o give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v credit_v more_o than_o the_o rest_n and_o which_o be_v a_o most_o irrefragable_a argument_n against_o the_o grecian_a history_n their_o elder_a historian_n be_v ackowledge_v to_o be_v the_o most_o fabulous_a for_o our_o only_a recourse_n for_o decide_v the_o controversy_n among_o the_o young_a historian_n must_v be_v to_o the_o elder_a and_o here_o we_o be_v further_a to_o seek_v then_o ever_o for_o the_o first_o age_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v poetical_a and_o to_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o truth_n in_o they_o so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o ancient_a time_n among_o the_o greek_a historian_n which_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o evident_a when_o we_o add_v this_o that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o extant_a of_o those_o historian_n who_o do_v carry_v the_o great_a name_n for_o antiquity_n the_o high_a antiquity_n of_o the_o greek_a historian_n do_v not_o much_o exceed_v the_o time_n of_o cyrus_n and_o cambyses_n as_o vossius_fw-la have_v 7._o full_o demonstrate_v in_o his_o learned_a book_n de_fw-fr historiâ—is_fw-la graecis_fw-la and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v spare_v particular_a inquiry_n into_o their_o
so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o 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harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o 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revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o 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a_o crocodile_n for_o impudence_n and_o all_o to_o express_v this_o venerable_a apothegm_n o_o you_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o go_v out_o of_o it_o god_n hate_v impudence_n and_o therefore_o certain_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n deserve_v the_o high_a form_n among_o the_o difficiles_fw-la nugae_fw-la and_o all_o these_o hieroglyphic_n put_v together_o will_v make_v but_o one_o good_a one_o and_o that_o shall_v be_v for_o labour_v lose_v there_o be_v yet_o one_o part_n of_o learning_n more_o among_o they_o 7._o which_o the_o egyptian_n be_v esteem_v for_o which_o be_v the_o political_a and_o civil_a part_n of_o it_o which_o may_v better_a be_v call_v wisdom_n then_o most_o of_o the_o foregoing_a two_o thing_n speak_v much_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o nation_n good_a law_n and_o a_o prudent_a management_n of_o they_o their_o law_n be_v high_o commend_v by_o strabo_n and_o diodorus_n and_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o commendation_n of_o they_o that_o solon_n and_o lycurgus_n borrow_v so_o many_o of_o their_o constitution_n from_o they_o and_o for_o the_o prudent_a management_n of_o their_o government_n as_o the_o continuance_n of_o their_o state_n so_o long_o in_o peace_n and_o quietness_n be_v a_o invincible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o so_o the_o report_n give_v of_o they_o in_o scripture_n add_v a_o further_a testimony_n to_o it_o for_o therein_o the_o king_n of_o egypt_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a as_o well_o as_o the_o son_n of_o ancient_a king_n and_o his_o counsellor_n be_v call_v wise_a counsellor_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o 12._o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a prudence_n and_o policy_n must_v be_v understand_v can_v we_o now_o imagine_v such_o a_o person_n as_o moses_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o all_o the_o ingenucus_fw-la literature_n of_o egypt_n conversant_a among_o their_o wise_a person_n in_o pharaoh_n court_n have_v thereby_o all_o advantage_n to_o improve_v himself_o and_o to_o understand_v the_o utmost_a of_o all_o that_o they_o know_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n between_o a_o mere_a pretence_n and_o imposture_n and_o real_a and_o important_a â—_z can_v we_o think_v that_o one_o who_o have_v interest_n in_o so_o great_a a_o court_n all_o advantage_n of_o raise_v himself_o therein_o shall_v willing_o forsake_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n at_o present_a all_o his_o hope_n and_o advantage_n for_o the_o future_a be_v he_o not_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v in_o his_o book_n be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a wisdom_n shall_v venture_v himself_o upon_o so_o hazardous_a unlikely_a and_o dangerous_a employment_n â—s_n that_o be_v moses_n undertake_v which_o can_v have_v no_o probability_n of_o success_n but_o only_o upon_o the_o belief_n that_o that_o god_n who_o appear_v unto_o he_o be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o god_n of_o egypt_n and_o can_v carry_v on_o his_o own_o design_n by_o his_o own_o power_n maugre_o all_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n can_v make_v against_o it_o and_o what_o possible_a ground_n can_v we_o have_v to_o think_v that_o such_o a_o person_n who_o do_v very_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o god_n reveal_v unto_o he_o shall_v dare_v to_o write_v any_o otherwise_o then_o as_o it_o be_v reveal_v unto_o he_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o common_a reason_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fall_n of_o man_n the_o universal_a deluge_n the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n by_o the_o son_n of_o noah_n the_o history_n of_o the_o patriarch_n have_v not_o moses_n rational_a faculty_n as_o well_o as_o we_o nay_o have_v he_o they_o not_o far_o better_o improve_v then_o any_o of_o we_o be_v and_o be_v not_o he_o then_o able_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v suitable_a to_o reason_n and_o what_o not_o and_o can_v we_o think_v he_o will_v then_o deliver_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o reason_n or_o undoubted_a tradition_n then_o when_o the_o egyptian_a priest_n may_v so_o ready_o and_o plain_o have_v triumph_v over_o he_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o what_o he_o write_v thus_o we_o see_v that_o moses_n be_v as_o high_o qualify_v as_o any_o of_o the_o acute_a heathen_a philosopher_n can_v be_v for_o discern_a truth_n from_o falsehood_n nay_o in_o all_o probability_n he_o far_o excel_v the_o most_o renown_a of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n in_o that_o very_a kind_n of_o learning_n wherewith_o they_o make_v so_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v original_o egyptian_a as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o the_o grecian_a philospher_n who_o go_v age_n after_o age_n to_o egypt_n to_o get_v some_o scrap_n of_o that_o learning_n there_o which_o moses_n can_v not_o have_v but_o full_a meal_n of_o because_o of_o his_o high_a place_n great_a interest_n and_o power_n in_o egypt_n and_o must_v those_o hungry_a philosopher_n than_o become_v the_o only_a master_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o their_o dictate_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o sâ—nse_n and_o voice_n of_o nature_n which_o they_o either_o receive_v from_o uncertain_a tradition_n or_o else_o deliver_v in_o opposition_n to_o it_o that_o they_o may_v be_v more_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n must_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v confront_v with_o thus_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o a_o few_o pitiful_a symbol_n vie_v authority_n with_o divine_a command_n and_o exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la fit_a be_v soon_o believe_v then_o in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n what_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o reason_n be_v that_o so_o confident_a a_o presumption_n build_v upon_o when_o it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o without_o this_o hypothesis_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n and_o let_v this_o first_o be_v prove_v and_o we_o will_v never_o stick_v to_o grant_v the_o other_o i_o may_v confident_o say_v the_o great_a gullery_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v take_v philosophical_a dictate_v for_o the_o standard_n of_o reason_n and_o unproved_a hypothesis_n for_o certain_a foundation_n for_o our_o discourse_n to_o rely_v upon_o and_o the_o seek_v to_o reconcile_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o these_o have_v be_v that_o which_o have_v almost_o destroy_v it_o and_o turn_v our_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n but_o of_o this_o elsewhere_o we_o see_v then_o that_o insist_v mere_o on_o the_o accomplishment_n and_o rational_a perfection_n of_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o yield_v credit_n to_o moses_n in_o his_o history_n then_o to_o any_o philosopher_n in_o their_o speculation_n and_o that_o which_o in_o the_o next_o place_n speak_v moses_n to_o be_v a_o person_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n and_o ability_n to_o find_v out_o 8._o truth_n be_v his_o age_n and_o experience_n when_o he_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n he_o vent_v no_o crude_a and_o indigested_a conception_n no_o sudden_a and_o temerarious_a fancy_n the_o usual_a issue_n of_o teem_a and_o juvenile_a wit_n he_o live_v long_o enough_o to_o have_v experience_n to_o try_v and_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v a_o mere_a outside_n and_o varnish_n from_o what_o be_v solid_a and_o substantial_a we_o can_v then_o have_v the_o least_o ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o moses_n be_v any_o way_n unfit_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o be_v capable_a of_o judge_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o though_o person_n be_v never_o so_o high_o accomplish_v for_o part_n learning_n and_o experience_n yet_o if_o they_o want_v due_a information_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o deliver_v they_o may_v be_v still_o deceive_v themselves_o and_o if_o they_o preserve_v it_o for_o posterity_n be_v guilty_a of_o deceive_v other_o let_v we_o now_o therefore_o see_v whether_o moses_n have_v not_o as_o great_a advantage_n for_o understand_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o history_n as_o he_o have_v judgement_n to_o discern_v it_o and_o concern_v all_o those_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o four_o last_o book_n of_o he_o to_o his_o own_o death_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o shall_v have_v great_a than_o himself_o write_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o be_v pars_fw-la magna_fw-la himself_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v and_o can_v any_o testimony_n be_v desire_v great_a than_o his_o who_o action_n they_o be_v or_o who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o that_o not_o in_o any_o private_a way_n but_o in_o the_o most_o public_a capacity_n for_o although_o private_a person_n may_v be_v present_a at_o great_a action_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v guilty_a of_o misrepresent_v they_o for_o want_v of_o understand_v all_o circumstance_n precedent_n and_o
be_v in_o the_o work_n of_o grace_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n there_o must_v be_v immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o that_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o believe_v any_o one_o to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n second_o do_v 2._o not_o this_o make_v the_o fair_a plea_n for_o man_n unbelief_n for_o i_o demand_v be_v it_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o want_v that_o immediate_a illumination_n to_o believe_v or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v not_o their_o duty_n unbelief_n can_v be_v no_o sin_n to_o they_o if_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n it_o must_v be_v make_v know_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o how_o can_v that_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o to_o be_v a_o duty_n when_o they_o want_v the_o only_a and_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o will_v god_n condemn_v they_o for_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v unless_o god_n give_v it_o they_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v leave_v inexcusable_a who_o want_v so_o much_o as_o rational_a inducement_n to_o faith_n for_o of_o these_o i_o now_o speak_v and_o not_o of_o efficacious_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o there_o be_v rational_a argument_n for_o faith_n propound_v but_o last_o 3._o i_o suppose_v the_o case_n will_v be_v clear_v when_o we_o take_v notice_n what_o course_n god_n have_v always_o take_v to_o give_v all_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v employ_v in_o either_o of_o the_o forementioned_a case_n first_o for_o those_o who_o have_v be_v employ_v upon_o some_o special_a message_n and_o service_n for_o god_n he_o have_v send_v they_o forth_o sufficient_o provide_v with_o manifestation_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n whereby_o they_o act_v as_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o the_o present_a case_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 4._o 1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o where_o moses_n put_v the_o case_n to_o god_n which_o we_o be_v now_o debate_v of_o suppose_v say_v he_o that_o i_o shall_v go_v to_o the_o israelite_n and_o tell_v they_o god_n have_v appear_v to_o i_o and_o send_v i_o to_o deliver_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v say_v god_n have_v not_o appear_v unto_o i_o how_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v they_o god_n do_v not_o reject_v this_o objection_n of_o moses_n as_o favour_v of_o unbelief_n but_o present_o show_v he_o how_o he_o shall_v satisfy_v they_o by_o cause_v a_o miracle_n before_o his_o face_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o god_n give_v this_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o vers_n 5._o that_o they_o may_v believe_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o their_o father_n the_o god_n of_o abraham_n the_o god_n of_o isaac_n the_o god_n of_o jacob_n have_v appear_v unto_o thou_o it_o seem_v god_n himself_o think_v this_o will_v be_v the_o most_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o god_n appear_v to_o he_o if_o he_o wrought_v miracle_n before_o their_o face_n nay_o lest_o they_o shall_v think_v one_o single_a miracle_n be_v not_o sufficient_a god_n in_o the_o immediate_a follow_a verse_n adjoin_v two_o more_o which_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o further_o verse_n 21._o god_n give_v he_o a_o charge_n to_o do_v all_o those_o wonder_n before_o pharaoh_n which_o he_o have_v put_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o according_o we_o find_v pharaoh_n present_o demand_v a_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exodus_fw-la 7._o 9_o which_o according_o moses_n do_v in_o his_o presence_n though_o he_o may_v suppose_v pharoahs_n demand_n not_o to_o proceed_v from_o desire_n of_o satisfaction_n but_o from_o some_o hope_n that_o for_o want_n of_o it_o he_o may_v have_v render_v his_o credit_n suspect_v among_o the_o israelite_n indeed_o after_o god_n have_v deliver_v his_o people_n and_o have_v settle_v they_o in_o a_o way_n of_o serve_v he_o according_a to_o the_o law_n deliver_v 6._o by_o moses_n which_o he_o have_v confirm_v by_o unquestionable_a miracle_n among_o they_o we_o find_v a_o caution_n lay_v in_o by_o moses_n himself_o against_o those_o which_o shall_v pretend_v sign_n and_o wonder_n to_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o under_o the_o gospel_n after_o 3._o that_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o unparalleled_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o find_v frequent_a caution_n against_o be_v deceive_v by_o those_o who_o come_v with_o pretence_n of_o do_v great_a miracle_n but_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infringe_v the_o credibility_n of_o such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n that_o it_o yield_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o now_o assert_v for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o establish_v by_o miracle_n according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o such_o pretender_n now_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o when_o a_o religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n we_o shall_v not_o hearken_v to_o every_o whiffle_a conjurer_n that_o will_v pretend_v to_o do_v great_a feat_n to_o draw_v we_o off_o from_o the_o truth_n establish_v in_o which_o case_n the_o sure_a way_n to_o discover_v the_o imposture_n be_v to_o compare_v his_o pretend_a miracle_n with_o those_o true_a and_o real_a one_o which_o be_v do_v by_o moses_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v because_o every_o person_n be_v no_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o miracle_n for_o the_o devil_n by_o his_o power_n and_o subtlety_n may_v easy_o deceive_v all_o such_o as_o will_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o he_o in_o expectation_n of_o some_o wonder_n to_o be_v do_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o question_v the_o oertainty_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o moses_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n establish_v by_o those_o miracle_n and_o to_o make_v they_o my_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o person_n who_o shall_v pretend_v to_o work_v miracle_n because_o 1._o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o far_o god_n may_v give_v man_n over_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o lie_a wonder_n 1._o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o i._n e._n those_o that_o think_v not_o the_o christian_a religion_n sufficient_o confirm_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v at_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o it_o god_n in_o justice_n may_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o go_v further_o than_o otherwise_o he_o can_v and_o leave_v such_o person_n to_o their_o own_o credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o imposture_n and_o illusion_n of_o their_o sense_n for_o true_a miracle_n 2._o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o undoubted_a miracle_n have_v assure_v we_o of_o the_o come_n of_o lie_v 2._o wonder_n whereby_o many_o shall_v be_v deceive_v now_o this_o part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o certain_o true_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n for_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o same_o miracle_n that_o the_o other_o be_v and_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a come_n of_o such_o miracle_n be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o fall_v out_o so_o exact_o according_a to_o what_o be_v foretell_v so_o many_o hundred_o year_n since_o now_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v true_a then_o be_o i_o certain_a the_o intent_n of_o these_o miracle_n be_v to_o deceive_v and_o that_o those_o be_v deceive_v who_o hearken_v to_o they_o and_o what_o reason_n then_o have_v i_o to_o believe_v they_o 3._o to_o what_o end_n do_v these_o miracle_n serve_v be_v they_o to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n 3._o but_o what_o need_v they_o any_o confirmation_n now_o when_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o the_o doctrine_n by_o they_o preach_v come_v from_o god_n and_o so_o have_v be_v receive_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o miracle_n ever_o since_o be_v these_o truth_n sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v from_o god_n before_o or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o all_o former_a age_n have_v believe_v without_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v than_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o confirm_v we_o in_o they_o now_o certain_o god_n who_o never_o do_v anything_o but_o for_o very_o great_a purpose_n will_v never_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n mere_o for_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n vain_a curiosity_n but_o it_o may_v be_v it_o will_v be_v say_v it_o be_v something_o not_o full_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n but_o 7._o where_o have_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o anything_o not_o full_o reveal_v
they_o but_o astronomer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o optic_a tube_n and_o telescope_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o just_a magnitude_n of_o they_o so_o the_o jew_n ordinary_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o type_n and_o shadow_n than_o be_v visible_o represent_v to_o they_o but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o help_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o best_a telescope_n to_o discern_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a with_o can_v easy_o look_v through_o those_o prospective_n into_o the_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n these_o type_n be_v like_o triangular_a prisme_n that_o must_v be_v set_v in_o a_o due_a light_n and_o posture_n before_o they_o can_v represent_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o now_o the_o great_a office_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o administer_v this_o light_n to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o those_o excellent_a piece_n of_o perspective_n wherein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a glass_n they_o may_v see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n full_o represent_v to_o their_o view_n beside_o this_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n do_v interpret_v the_o pandect_n of_o the_o law_n ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o frequent_o show_v in_o what_o case_n god_n do_v dispense_v with_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o it_o to_o exalt_v the_o more_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o hence_o the_o prophet_n seem_v many_o time_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o outward_a prescribe_a 23._o ceremony_n when_o their_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o but_o to_o tell_v the_o people_n there_o be_v great_a thing_n which_o god_n look_v at_o than_o the_o outward_a observation_n of_o some_o ceremonial_a precept_n and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o that_o by_o way_n of_o commutation_n for_o real_a and_o internal_a goodness_n hence_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n do_v frequent_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o so_o indispensable_o oblige_v man_n but_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o regularity_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v of_o sacrifice_v upon_o high_a place_n not_o only_o before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o sometime_o after_o as_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o elijah_n on_o mount_n carmel_n 38._o even_o when_o high_a place_n be_v for_o bid_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v become_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o they_o grant_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n may_v sometime_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v in_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o he_o do_v not_o draw_v people_n to_o idolatry_n 7._o nor_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o this_o they_o restrain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o do_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o pass_v into_o a_o precedent_n or_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o therefore_o their_o rule_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o command_v in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n but_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o rule_v the_o people_n have_v to_o try_v the_o prophet_n doctrine_n by_o without_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_a hypothesis_n premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v â—ow_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o â—_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n about_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v the_o next_o thing_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v be_v 1_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v which_o god_n himself_o have_v lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n deut._n 18._o 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o grotius_n understand_v this_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n he_o will_v do_v some_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o say_v he_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v so_o for_o than_o his_o own_o mouth_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o lie_a prophet_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o refer_v rather_o to_o something_o future_a then_o present_a and_o be_v therefore_o general_o understand_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o prediction_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o difficult_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n so_o frequent_o interpose_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o event_n that_o place_n which_o make_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o prediction_n by_o the_o event_n be_v jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n i_o have_v think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o by_o which_o place_n it_o seem_v clear_a that_o even_o after_o the_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n god_n do_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o either_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o good_a that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v any_o people_n how_o then_o can_v the_o fidelity_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o event_n when_o god_n may_v alter_v the_o event_n and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n this_o be_v a_o case_n very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a will_v call_v for_o the_o more_o diligence_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o general_a hypothesis_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a resolution_n of_o it_o the_o general_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n reveal_v future_a contingency_n to_o the_o prophet_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o
they_o may_v be_v deliver_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o roman_a power_n the_o heathen_n as_o appear_v by_o celsus_n and_o other_o think_v it_o very_o strange_a that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v appear_v in_o the_o world_n with_o so_o little_a grandeur_n and_o have_v no_o great_a train_n than_o twelve_o such_o obscure_a person_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v for_o say_v celsus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o sun_n which_o enlighten_v all_o other_o thing_n dâ—th_v 2._o first_o discover_v himself_o so_o it_o be_v fit_v the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v do_v when_o he_o appear_v to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o we_o say_v he_o do_v to_o all_o such_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o blind_v through_o obstinacy_n and_o wilful_a ignorance_n for_o although_o this_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v please_v for_o the_o better_a carry_v on_o his_o design_n in_o the_o world_n to_o wrap_v up_o himself_o in_o a_o cloud_n yet_o his_o glory_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v within_o it_o but_o do_v break_v through_o that_o dark_a vail_n of_o his_o humane_a nature_n and_o do_v discover_v its_o self_n in_o a_o most_o clear_a and_o convince_a manner_n his_o appearance_n indeed_o be_v not_o like_o those_o upon_o mount_n sinai_n because_o his_o design_n be_v not_o to_o amuse_v man_n with_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o to_o terrify_v they_o from_o idolatry_n which_o be_v a_o great_a reason_n of_o those_o dreadful_a phaenomena_fw-la at_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o law_n but_o he_o come_v to_o draw_v all_o man_n to_o he_o by_o the_o power_n and_o energy_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o afford_v they_o all_o rational_a conviction_n in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o quality_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v considerable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o greatness_n of_o they_o the_o intent_n of_o they_o all_o be_v to_o do_v good_a and_o thereby_o to_o bring_v the_o world_n off_o from_o its_o sin_n and_o folly_n to_o the_o embrace_v of_o that_o holy_a doctrine_n which_o he_o come_v to_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n 2._o now_o that_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o our_o saviour_n have_v the_o great_a subserviency_n to_o the_o give_v full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o he_o be_v the_o person_n he_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v and_o that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v thereby_o so_o clear_o attest_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o obstinacy_n which_o can_v withhold_v assent_n will_v appear_v by_o these_o follow_a hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v it_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o 1._o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o there_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a several_a thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v prove_v for_o the_o clear_n this_o proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n its_o self_n by_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o understand_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n of_o it_o that_o every_o one_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n can_v but_o upon_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o the_o term_n yield_v a_o certain_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n that_o if_o we_o take_v away_o equal_a thing_n from_o equal_a the_o remainder_n must_v be_v equal_a now_o we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o as_o to_o all_o these_o common_a notice_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o carry_v such_o evidence_n with_o they_o the_o certainty_n of_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n abstract_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o for_o these_o do_v not_o suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o no_o as_o whole_a or_o part_n the_o understanding_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o whole_a carry_v more_o in_o its_o representation_n then_o that_o of_o a_o part_n do_v this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n of_o mathematical_a truth_n not_o as_o some_o imagine_v because_o man_n have_v no_o interest_n or_o design_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o never_o question_v they_o but_o because_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o sensible_a but_o abstract_a matter_n which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o doubt_n as_o the_o other_o be_v for_o that_o a_o triangle_n have_v three_o angle_n no_o man_n question_n but_o whether_o such_o sensible_a part_n of_o matter_n make_v a_o triangle_n may_v be_v very_o questionable_a now_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o being_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o existence_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v so_o certain_a as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n appear_v from_o hence_o because_o the_o manner_n of_o conveyance_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o my_o mind_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a as_o in_o pure_o intellectual_a operation_n abstract_v from_o existent_a matter_n for_o the_o high_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v either_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o mind_n now_o proceed_v in_o a_o mere_a natural_a way_n there_o can_v be_v no_o infallible_a certainty_n in_o either_o of_o these_o for_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o mind_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v cause_v so_o much_o through_o those_o idea_n or_o phantasm_n which_o be_v convey_v to_o the_o understanding_n through_o the_o impression_n of_o sense_n if_o these_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v fallacious_a i_o may_v well_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o have_v be_v deceive_v by_o suppose_v than_o i_o shall_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v convey_v in_o a_o uncertain_a way_n to_o my_o mind_n i_o may_v soon_o out-go_v even_o pyrrho_n himself_o in_o real_a scepticism_n neither_o can_v i_o conceive_v how_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n though_o not_o come_v through_o the_o sense_n do_v necessary_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o it_o only_o imply_v a_o non-repugnancy_n of_o it_o to_o our_o natural_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a perception_n of_o any_o thing_n any_o long_a than_o it_o exist_v nay_o then_o we_o know_v it_o to_o exist_v for_o existence_n or_o nonexistence_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o understanding_n while_o it_o be_v not_o assure_v of_o either_o and_o it_o be_v withal_o evident_a that_o thing_n imaginary_a may_v clear_o affect_v the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o real_a for_o i_o may_v have_v as_o real_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o a_o phoenix_n in_o my_o mind_n as_o of_o a_o partridge_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o the_o one_o be_v real_o existent_a as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o assign_v a_o certain_a difference_n between_o imagination_n and_o pure_a intellection_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o actual_o existent_a yet_o imply_v no_o repugnancy_n at_o all_o to_o the_o faculty_n of_o man_n mind_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o there_o can_v be_v so_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n as_o there_o may_v be_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n and_o if_o that_o principle_n be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o physical_a certainty_n as_o to_o the_o be_v of_o thing_n viz._n that_o there_o 3_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a will_v not_o suffer_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o without_o which_o supposition_n we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o any_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n because_o we_o can_v know_v but_o we_o be_v so_o make_v that_o we_o may_v be_v then_o most_o deceive_v when_o we_o think_v our_o self_n most_o sure_o if_o this_o principle_n i_o say_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a knowledge_n then_o from_o it_o i_o infer_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o much_o advantageous_a to_o our_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o certainty_n lie_v in_o the_o necessary_a existence_n 1._o of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a so_o that_o unless_o i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o i_o know_v any_o thing_n in_o a_o certain_a manner_n and_o if_o i_o know_v there_o be_v a_o
mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o mathematical_a evidence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o way_n find_v out_o for_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o in_o all_o those_o thing_n who_o truth_n depend_v on_o testimony_n the_o more_o creditable_a the_o testimony_n be_v the_o high_a evidence_n be_v give_v to_o they_o but_o that_o testimony_n which_o may_v deceive_v can_v give_v so_o pregnant_a a_o evidence_n as_o that_o which_o can_v for_o then_o all_o imaginable_a objection_n be_v take_v off_o this_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o it_o need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o therefore_o the_o three_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o to_o know_v that_o a_o testimony_n deliver_v be_v infallible_a and_o that_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o 3._o these_o two_o argument_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o believe_v it_o now_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o duty_n in_o they_o to_o believe_v which_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
as_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o neglect_v the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o sober_a 11._o shall_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n assert_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v insufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n true_a unless_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o strong_a evidence_n many_o person_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v scientifical_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o than_o all_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v must_v certain_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o answer_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o internal_a but_o outward_a evidence_n not_o of_o that_o in_o the_o subject_n but_o of_o the_o object_n or_o more_o full_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o event_n in_o we_o for_o doubtless_o there_o may_v be_v undoubted_a truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o some_o person_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o understand_v if_o epicurus_n shall_v contend_v still_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v no_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o contrary_a nay_o if_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v offer_v he_o and_o telescope_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n and_o therefore_o his_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o use_v the_o telescope_n or_o suspect_v still_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o sight_n what_o possible_a way_n will_v there_o be_v of_o convince_a such_o a_o person_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o self_n demonstrable_a now_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o maintain_v of_o credit_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o mathematical_a evidence_n to_o withhold_v assent_n what_o power_n may_v we_o think_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o that_o carnal_a interest_n which_o the_o heart_n be_v already_o devote_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o person_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o that_o may_v yield_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n nay_o there_o be_v light_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o light_n come_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o can_v 19_o not_o believe_v while_o they_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v of_o god_n only_o i._n e._n that_o they_o 44._o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o applause_n from_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o impartial_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o do_v touch_v their_o sore_n so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v they_o fester_v upon_o they_o then_o go_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o cure_n that_o the_o reason_n so_o few_o follow_v he_o be_v because_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o which_o man_n must_v go_v in_o at_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n so_o few_o of_o the_o rich_a 14._o and_o proud_a pharisee_n can_v get_v in_o at_o it_o they_o be_v partly_o so_o swell_v with_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o partly_o so_o load_v with_o their_o riches_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o go_v in_o at_o so_o straight_o a_o gate_n while_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o neither_o that_o the_o final_a ground_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o any_o be_v not_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v nor_o want_v of_o readiness_n in_o christ_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o peevish_a wilful_a obstinate_a malicious_a spirit_n that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v 40._o to_o christ_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n for_o those_o import_n the_o same_o but_o when_o the_o most_o convince_a miracle_n be_v use_v they_o will_v rather_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 24._o then_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n present_o by_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o face_n yet_o we_o see_v thereby_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v now_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n proceed_n with_o the_o pharisee_n by_o rational_a argument_n i_o demand_v whether_o these_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o his_o miracle_n by_o any_o diabolical_a but_o by_o divine_a power_n or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rational_a evidence_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o some_o motive_n to_o believe_v may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v then_o well_o fare_v the_o pharisee_n it_o seem_v they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o far_o justify_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o suppose_v that_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a but_o out_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o envy_n they_o utter_v this_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v christ_n then_o we_o hence_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o strong_a a_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o convince_v his_o most_o resolute_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a second_o what_o power_n a_o corrupt_a will_n may_v have_v over_o a_o convince_a understanding_n for_o although_o the_o will_n may_v not_o hinder_v conviction_n yet_o it_o may_v soon_o stifle_v it_o by_o suggest_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o may_v divert_v it_o from_o those_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o disgrace_v it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o discover_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n wherein_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v like_o rational_a man_n or_o such_o as_o desire_a truth_n but_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o through_o passion_n interest_n prejudice_n disaffection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o those_o person_n do_v not_o believe_v although_o there_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o but_o although_o i_o assert_v that_o these_o rational_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v to_o manifest_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o i_o thereby_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o no_o more_o power_n be_v require_v in_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o to_o believe_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o be_v another_o objection_n some_o lay_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o it_o isâ—_n ot_fw-mi difficult_a get_n over_o it_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n which_o i_o attribute_v to_o rational_a evidence_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o simple_a but_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la as_o a_o objective_a evidence_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o peculiar_a energy_n and_o way_n of_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v entire_a to_o its_o self_n but_o then_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o true_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o only_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o withal_o represent_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o that_o testimony_n with_o all_o that_o excellency_n and_o suitableness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o by_o the_o most_o agreeable_a yet_o effectual_a influence_n
the_o advancement_n of_o the_o flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o mere_o by_o outward_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n and_o that_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o state_n of_o outward_a difficulty_n which_o the_o experience_n oâ—_n the_o primitive_a church_n give_v a_o irrefragable_a demonstration_n of_o thus_o much_o may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n conjoin_v with_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o that_o great_a antichrist_n the_o devil_n who_o have_v usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o world_n the_o last_o reason_n why_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v so_o necessary_a 9_o for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v because_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v propagate_v over_o the_o world_n without_o any_o other_o rational_a evidence_n than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o now_o the_o admirable_a success_n which_o this_o doctrine_n find_v in_o the_o world_n consider_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o do_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o certainty_n there_o be_v that_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v certain_a evidence_n that_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v from_o god_n now_o this_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o thing_n that_o no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o the_o apostle_n shall_v undertake_v to_o publish_v such_o a_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o have_v 1._o be_v undoubted_o certain_a that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v other_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v be_v give_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n why_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o so_o great_a acceptance_n in_o the_o world_n have_v there_o not_o be_v such_o convince_a evidence_n as_o may_v full_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o from_o the_o publisher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n 2._o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o i_o here_o require_v by_o way_n of_o a_o postulatum_fw-la or_o supposition_n be_v onlythese_fw-mi two_o thing_n which_o no_o man_n right_a in_o his_o wit_n i_o suppose_v will_v deny_v 1._o that_o man_n be_v so_o far_o rational_a agent_n that_o they_o will_v not_o set_v upon_o any_o work_n of_o moment_n and_o difficulty_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n induce_v they_o to_o it_o and_o by_o so_o much_o the_o great_a the_o work_n be_v the_o more_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a have_v the_o ground_n need_v to_o be_v which_o they_o proceed_v upon_o 2._o that_o the_o apostle_n or_o first_o publisher_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o man_n distract_v or_o bereave_v of_o their_o wit_n but_o act_v by_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n reason_n and_o understanding_n as_o other_o man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v which_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o beside_o his_o wit_n as_o to_o question_v if_o he_o have_v but_o patience_n and_o understanding_n enough_o to_o read_v and_o consider_v those_o admirable_a write_n of_o they_o which_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o as_o certain_a uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v be_v and_o by_o that_o time_n he_o will_v see_v cause_n to_o alter_v his_o judgement_n and_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o mad_a but_o speak_v the_o word_n of_o the_o great_a truth_n and_o soberness_n these_o thing_n suppose_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n which_o will_v be_v do_v by_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o know_v how_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v be_v to_o they_o second_o that_o no_o motive_n can_v be_v conceive_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o undertake_v such_o a_o employment_n but_o the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v three_o that_o the_o great_a assurance_n they_o have_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v by_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ._n first_o that_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o but_o understand_v the_o hazard_n of_o their_o employment_n notwithstanding_o which_o they_o cheerful_o undertake_v it_o that_o man_n arm_v with_o no_o external_a power_n nor_o cry_v up_o for_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n and_o carry_v a_o doctrine_n with_o they_o so_o contraâ—y_o to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o mankind_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n to_o part_v with_o the_o religion_n they_o own_v and_o be_v settle_v by_o their_o law_n and_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n as_o call_v they_o off_o from_o all_o the_o thing_n they_o 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â—ogether_z with_o john_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanbedrin_n probable_o the_o very_a same_o which_o not_o long_o before_o have_v sentence_v christ_n to_o death_n for_o a_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o they_o with_o what_o incredible_a boldness_n do_v he_o to_o their_o face_n tell_v they_o of_o their_o murder_a 12._o christ_n and_o withal_o that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o salvation_n but_o by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o all_o say_v peter_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n and_o to_o all_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o by_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n christ_n who_o you_o have_v crucify_v who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o by_o he_o do_v this_o man_n stand_v here_o before_o you_o whole_a neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v none_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v what_o
be_v convert_v from_o plato_n to_o christ_n and_o then_o find_v that_o true_a which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o trypho_n that_o after_o all_o his_o inquiry_n into_o philosophy_n speak_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o find_v this_o at_o last_o to_o be_v the_o only_a sure_a par._n and_o profitable_a philosophy_n and_o when_o trypho_n after_o deride_v he_o as_o a_o man_n of_o very_o easy_a faith_n who_o will_v leave_v the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n for_o that_o of_o christ_n for_o it_o seem_v by_o he_o the_o jew_n than_o have_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o platonist_n then_o christian_n justin_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v move_v with_o such_o reproach_n that_o he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o christian_n do_v not_o give_v credit_n to_o empty_a fable_n and_o unprovable_a assertion_n but_o to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o be_v full_a of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n and_o power_n and_o flourish_v with_o grace_n the_o prove_v of_o which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o that_o discourse_n at_o alexandria_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o succession_n of_o excellent_a person_n all_o which_o be_v not_o only_a embracer_n themselves_o but_o defender_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o set_v aside_o there_o abilius_n justus_n cerdo_n eumenes_n marcus_n celadion_n agrippinus_n julianus_n demetrius_n and_o other_o who_o flourish_v about_o the_o second_o century_n i_o shall_v only_o fix_v on_o those_o person_n who_o be_v famous_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o note_v for_o excellency_n in_o heathen_a learning_n yet_o these_o person_n after_o all_o their_o inquiry_n find_v nothing_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o value_v no_o other_o discovery_n of_o truth_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o such_o be_v pantaenus_n who_o as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o be_v a_o excellent_a stoic_a before_o he_o become_v a_o christian_a and_o be_v after_o so_o eminent_a a_o one_o that_o in_o imitation_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o wenâ—_n into_o india_n to_o convert_v the_o inhabitant_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o at_o his_o return_n be_v make_v rector_n of_o the_o school_n at_o alexandria_n which_o as_o the_o same_o author_n tell_v we_o be_v much_o frequent_v by_o such_o who_o be_v 10._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d well_o skill_v in_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a learning_n how_o excellent_a pantaenus_n be_v in_o 20._o humane_a learning_n may_v appear_v in_o that_o origen_n and_o hierome_n both_o make_v his_o example_n their_o plea_n for_o the_o study_v of_o it_o after_o he_o succeed_v clemens_n alexandrinus_n pantaenus_n his_o scholar_n a_o person_n of_o great_a depth_n of_o learning_n and_o exquisite_o skill_v in_o all_o heathen_a antiquity_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o remain_a write_n the_o learning_n of_o origen_n be_v sufficient_o know_v which_o be_v in_o such_o great_a reputation_n in_o his_o own_o time_n that_o not_o only_a christian_n 18._o but_o philosopher_n flock_v to_o his_o lecture_n at_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o wherein_o he_o read_v the_o mathematics_n and_o other_o part_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o same_o author_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o philosopher_n do_v dedicate_v their_o book_n to_o he_o and_o sometime_o choose_v he_o as_o arbitrator_n between_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o dispute_n and_o porphyry_n himself_o in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n vouchsafe_v a_o high_a encomium_fw-la of_o origen_n for_o his_o excellent_a learning_n in_o origen_n time_n heraclas_n a_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n for_o five_o year_n together_o frequent_v the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o put_v on_o the_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 20._o be_v very_o conversant_a in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o grecian_a learning_n beside_o these_o we_o read_v of_o pierius_n and_o achillas_n two_o presbyter_n of_o alexandria_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 35._o as_o nicephorus_n callistus_n speak_v person_n well_o skill_v in_o the_o grecian_a learning_n and_o philosophy_n if_o from_o alexandria_n we_o go_v to_o caesarea_n there_o we_o not_o only_o meet_v with_o a_o school_n of_o learning_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o with_o person_n very_o eminent_a in_o all_o kind_n of_o learning_n such_o be_v the_o famous_a pamphilus_n and_o eusebius_n so_o great_a a_o admirer_n of_o he_o that_o ever_o since_o he_o be_v call_v eusebius_n pamphili_n at_o antioch_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o nicephorus_n 35._o speak_v a_o person_n verse_v in_o all_o kind_n of_o ingenuous_a literature_n anatclius_fw-la bishop_n of_o laodicea_n one_o verse_v in_o geometry_n astronomy_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o philosophy_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o 36._o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v how_o in_o those_o early_a day_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n what_o excellent_a person_n many_o of_o those_o be_v who_o be_v zealous_a professor_n of_o christianity_n and_o concern_v those_o of_o the_o latin_a church_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v that_o speech_n of_o st._n austin_n who_o be_v himself_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n among_o they_o nun_n aspicimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la auro_fw-la &_o argento_fw-la &_o uâ—ste_fw-la sâ—ffarcinatus_fw-la exierit_fw-la de_fw-fr 40._o aegypto_n cyprian's_n doctor_a suavissimus_fw-la &_o martyr_n beatissimus_fw-la quanto_fw-la lactantius_n quanto_fw-la victorinus_n optatus_n hilarius_n ut_fw-la de_fw-fr vivis_fw-la taceam_fw-la quanto_fw-la innumerabiles_fw-la graeci_fw-la quod_fw-la prio_fw-la ipse_fw-la fidelissimus_fw-la dei_fw-la servus_n moses_n fecerat_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la scriptum_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la eruditus_fw-la fuerit_fw-la omni_fw-la sapientia_fw-la aegyptiorum_n to_o who_o catalogue_n of_o learned_a person_n among_o the_o latin_a christian_n tertullian_n arnobius_n and_o several_a other_o may_v be_v deserve_o add_v but_o as_o st._n austin_n there_o well_o observe_v though_o the_o israclite_n go_v rich_a out_o of_o egypt_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o passover_n which_o save_v they_o from_o destruction_n so_o though_o these_o be_v accomplish_v with_o those_o perfection_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o ornament_n of_o learning_n yet_o it_o be_v their_o eat_v the_o true_a passover_n which_o be_v christ_n by_o their_o adhere_n to_o his_o doctrine_n be_v that_o which_o will_v be_v of_o more_o advantage_n to_o they_o than_o all_o their_o accomplishment_n will_v be_v now_o then_o since_o in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n we_o find_v not_o only_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o person_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o sobriety_n in_o their_o life_n embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o so_o many_o person_n that_o be_v curious_a enquirer_n after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v certain_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o distrust_v such_o a_o testimony_n which_o be_v receive_v in_o so_o unanimous_a a_o manner_n by_o person_n as_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o fearful_a of_o be_v deceive_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o as_o any_o now_o in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v 2._o as_o this_o testimony_n be_v receive_v by_o person_n inquisitive_a after_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o be_v a_o 19_o matter_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v conceive_v but_o person_n ordinary_o inquisitive_a about_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v more_o then_o ordinary_o so_o about_o this_o because_o their_o eternal_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n do_v depend_v upon_o it_o all_o person_n that_o be_v true_o religious_a must_v at_o least_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v person_n very_o inquisitive_a after_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n when_o they_o shall_v be_v 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it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a 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apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
who_o it_o be_v very_o frequent_a who_o worship_v the_o devil_n instead_o of_o go_n 2._o because_o of_o the_o general_a dispersion_n of_o copy_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o they_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o that_o record_n contain_v so_o weighty_a and_o important_a thing_n will_v be_v transcribe_v by_o all_o those_o church_n which_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o they_o we_o see_v how_o far_o curiosity_n will_v carry_v man_n as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o transcribe_v ancient_a mss._n of_o old_a author_n which_o contain_v only_o some_o history_n of_o thing_n past_o that_o be_v of_o no_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v those_o who_o venture_v estate_n and_o life_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o scripture_n will_v not_o be_v very_o careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o beside_o this_o for_o a_o long_a time_n the_o original_n themselves_o of_o the_o apostolical_a write_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o church_n which_o make_v tertullian_n in_o his_o time_n appeal_v to_o they_o age_fw-la jam_fw-la qui_fw-la voles_fw-fr curiositatem_fw-la melius_fw-la exercere_fw-la in_o negotio_fw-la salutis_fw-la tuus_fw-la 36._o percurre_fw-la ecclesias_fw-la apostolicas_fw-la apud_fw-la quasipsae_fw-la adhuc_fw-la cathedrae_fw-la apostolorum_fw-la suis_fw-la locis_fw-la praesidentur_fw-la apud_fw-la quas_fw-la ipsae_fw-la authenticae_fw-la corum_fw-la literae_fw-la recitantur_fw-la sonantes_fw-la vocem_fw-la &_o representantes_fw-la faciem_fw-la uniuscujusque_fw-la now_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o in_o that_o time_n the_o scripture_n can_v be_v corrupt_v when_o in_o some_o of_o the_o church_n the_o original_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v preserve_v in_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o person_n from_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o from_o these_o original_n so_o many_o copy_n be_v transcribe_v as_o be_v convey_v almost_o all_o the_o world_n over_o through_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o the_o christian_a church_n at_o that_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o a_o copy_n shall_v be_v corrupt_v in_o one_o church_n when_o it_o will_v so_o speedy_o be_v discover_v by_o another_o especial_o consider_v these_o three_o circumstance_n 1._o the_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o copy_n wh_z ch_z will_v speedy_o be_v take_v both_o consider_v the_o moment_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o easiness_n of_o do_v it_o god_n probable_o for_o that_o very_a end_n not_o load_v the_o world_n with_o pandâ—cts_n and_o code_o of_o his_o law_n but_o contrive_v the_o whole_a instrument_n of_o man_n salvation_n in_o so_o narrow_a a_o compass_n that_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o preserve_v and_o transcribe_v by_o such_o who_o be_v passionate_a admirer_n of_o the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o great_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a man_n who_o soon_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o great_a care_n be_v to_o explain_v and_o vindicate_v the_o sacred_a scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v that_o all_o these_o watchman_n shall_v be_v asleep_a together_o when_o the_o â—vil_a one_o come_v to_o sow_v his_o tare_n which_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o in_o the_o write_n of_o all_o these_o learned_a man_n which_o be_v very_o many_o and_o voluminous_a so_o much_o of_o the_o scripture_n be_v insert_v that_o have_v there_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o copy_n themselves_o yet_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o write_n the_o corruption_n will_v be_v soon_o discover_v 3._o the_o great_a veneration_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o place_v the_o hope_n of_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v we_o then_o think_v these_o will_v suffer_v any_o material_a 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the_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n because_o of_o the_o great_a difference_n which_o be_v all_o along_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n between_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a so_o that_o if_o one_o party_n of_o they_o have_v foist_v in_o or_o take_v out_o any_o thing_n another_o party_n be_v ready_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o tell_v the_o world_n of_o it_o and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o god_n in_o his_o wise_a providence_n may_v permit_v such_o a_o increase_n of_o heresy_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o the_o church_n viz._n that_o thereby_o christian_n may_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o to_o have_v a_o special_a eye_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v always_o the_o great_a eyesore_n of_o heretic_n and_o from_o this_o great_a wariness_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v that_o some_o of_o the_o epistle_n be_v so_o long_o abroad_o before_o they_o find_v general_a entertainment_n in_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n because_o in_o those_o epistle_n which_o be_v doubt_v for_o some_o tâ—me_n there_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v some_o of_o the_o heresy_n then_o abroad_o but_o when_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v receive_v in_o all_o the_o christian_a church_n 4._o because_o of_o the_o agreement_n between_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n appear_v with_o their_o full_a accomplishment_n in_o the_o new_a which_o we_o have_v so_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o think_v the_o new_a shall_v be_v corrupt_v unless_o the_o old_a be_v too_o which_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v when_o the_o jew_n who_o have_v be_v the_o great_a conservator_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_n so_o that_o we_o can_v at_o all_o conceive_v it_o possible_a that_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n shall_v creep_v into_o the_o scripture_n much_o less_o that_o the_o true_a copy_n shall_v be_v lose_v and_o a_o new_a one_o forge_v suppose_v then_o that_o we_o have_v the_o same_o authentic_a record_n preserve_v and_o hand_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o care_n of_o all_o christian_a 5â—_n church_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n what_o necessity_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v work_v new_a miracle_n to_o confirm_v that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a way_n to_o we_o as_o be_v seâ—led_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a in_o the_o first_o promulgation_n and_o pen_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o first_o reason_n why_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n need_v not_o now_o be_v seal_v by_o new_a miracle_n 2._o another_o may_v be_v because_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n have_v appoint_v other_o thing_n to_o continue_v in_o his_o church_n to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o his_o people_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n such_o be_v outward_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o gospel_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n which_o be_v set_v apart_o to_o be_v as_o seal_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o covenant_n on_o god_n part_n towards_o we_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o great_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o pardon_v of_o sin_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o inward_o god_n have_v promise_v his_o spirit_n to_o be_v as_o a_o witness_n within_o they_o that_o by_o its_o work_n and_o strengthen_v grace_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o believer_n it_o may_v confirm_v to_o they_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o record_n of_o scripture_n when_o they_o find_v the_o counter_a part_n of_o they_o write_v in_o their_o heart_n by_o the_o singer_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o can_v then_o be_v with_o any_o reason_n at_o all_o suppose_a
from_o eternity_n together_o with_o matter_n it_o must_v necessary_o exist_v as_o matter_n do_v and_o so_o evil_a will_v be_v invincible_a and_o unavoidable_a in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o once_o grant_v render_v religion_n useless_a make_v god_n command_n unrighteous_a and_o destroy_v the_o foundation_n of_o god_n proceed_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n 3._o this_o opinion_n make_v god_n not_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o good_a while_o it_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o evil_n 3._o for_o either_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a in_o this_o eternal_a matter_n or_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a if_o nothing_o else_o but_o evil_a which_o do_v necessary_o exist_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o god_n to_o produce_v good_a out_o of_o it_o as_o to_o annihilate_v the_o necessary_o existent_a matter_n if_o thâ—re_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o be_v both_o there_o either_o necessary_o or_o contingent_o how_o can_v either_o of_o they_o be_v contingent_o in_o that_o which_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v necessary_o existent_a and_o no_o free_a agent_n if_o they_o be_v both_o there_o necessary_o 1._o it_o be_v hard_o conceive_v how_o two_o such_o contrary_a thing_n as_o good_a and_o evil_n shall_v both_o necessary_o be_v in_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n 2._o then_o god_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a then_o of_o evil_n in_o the_o world_n for_o he_o be_v say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o authâ—r_n of_o evil_a because_o it_o come_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o it_o appear_v good_a do_v too_o and_o so_o god_n according_a to_o this_o opinion_n be_v no_o more_o the_o author_n of_o good_a than_o he_o be_v of_o evil_a but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o good_a be_v not_o in_o matter_n but_o god_n produce_v that_o out_o of_o nothing_o then_o i_o reply_v 1._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o nothing_o why_o do_v he_o not_o produce_v matter_n out_o of_o nothing_o too_o iâ—_n he_o be_v so_o powerful_a as_o to_o do_v the_o one_o there_o can_v be_v no_o de_fw-la ect_fw-la of_o power_n as_o to_o the_o other_o what_o insufficiency_n be_v there_o in_o god_n nature_n for_o produce_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o 2._o if_o god_n do_v produce_v good_a out_o of_o evil_a why_o can_v he_o not_o have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n for_o good_a can_v not_o be_v produce_v but_o by_o the_o remove_n of_o some_o evil_n which_o be_v before_o that_o good_a and_o so_o god_n may_v have_v remove_v all_o evil_a out_o of_o matter_n and_o so_o by_o not_o do_v it_o when_o he_o may_v this_o opinion_n give_v not_o the_o least_o satisfaction_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n for_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n nor_o for_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o evil_a thus_o we_o have_v now_o compare_v the_o account_n give_v of_o it_o in_o scripture_n with_o that_o give_v by_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o 13_o find_v it_o in_o every_o thing_n more_o clear_a rational_a and_o satisfactory_a than_o they_o be_v which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o modern_a philosopher_n such_o as_o hierocles_n porphyry_n simplicius_n and_o other_o though_o otherwise_o great_a opposer_n of_o christianity_n do_v yet_o in_o this_o side_n with_o the_o scripture_n and_o attribute_v the_o original_n of_o evil_n not_o to_o matter_n but_o to_o the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o whoever_o be_v serious_o conversant_a with_o the_o write_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o sacred_a succâ—ssion_n out_o of_o the_o school_n of_o ammonius_n at_o alexandria_n such_o as_o plotinus_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n and_o hierocles_n will_v find_v they_o wriâ—â—_n in_o a_o high_a strain_n concern_v many_o weighty_a and_o important_a 〈◊〉_d as_o of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n soul_n from_o god_n and_o tâ—e_v way_n of_o the_o soul_n return_v to_o he_o than_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n have_v do_v which_o speculation_n of_o they_o no_o doubt_n arise_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n as_o of_o that_o great_a restorer_n oâ—_n philosophy_n ammonius_n of_o alexandria_n who_o sâ—bolars_n herâ—nnius_n origen_n and_o plotinus_n be_v who_o live_v and_o die_v a_o â—hristian_n as_o eusebius_n and_o hierom_n assure_v we_o whatever_o porphyrius_n suggest_v to_o the_o contrary_a do_v 6._o communicate_v to_o his_o scholar_n the_o sublime_a mystery_n of_o divine_a reuâ—lâ—tion_n together_o wâ—â—h_v the_o speculation_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n which_o holstenius_fw-la conceive_v he_o do_v with_o a_o adjuration_n oâ—_n secrecy_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o porphyrius_n himself_o acknowledge_v that_o those_o three_o scholar_n of_o ammonius_n herennius_n origen_n and_o plâ—tinus_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o each_o other_o not_o to_o reveal_v and_o discover_v though_o it_o be_v after_o violate_v by_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o conceive_v what_o a_o excellent_a improvement_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o ancient_a platonic_a philosophy_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o one_o who_o be_v so_o well_o verse_v in_o both_o of_o they_o as_o ammonius_n be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v and_o how_o agreeable_a and_o become_a will_v that_o philosophy_n seem_v which_o have_v only_o its_o rise_n from_o plato_n but_o its_o height_n and_o improvement_n from_o those_o rich_a and_o true_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v inlay_v with_o they_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o viz._n whence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o excellent_a discourse_n in_o the_o late_a platonist_n have_v their_o true_a original_n have_v give_v occasion_n to_o several_a mistake_n among_o learned_a man_n as_o first_o the_o over_o value_v of_o the_o platonic_a philosophy_n as_o though_o in_o many_o of_o the_o discourse_n and_o notion_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o some_o who_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o philosophy_n then_o the_o scripture_n to_o outgo_v what_o be_v discover_v therein_o concern_v the_o same_o thing_n a_o most_o groundless_a and_o unworthy_a censure_n when_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a and_o may_v be_v large_o manifest_v be_v it_o here_o a_o fit_a opportunity_n that_o whatever_o be_v true_o generous_a and_o noble_a in_o the_o sublimest_n discourse_n of_o the_o platonist_n have_v not_o only_o its_o primitive_a rise_n but_o its_o accession_n and_o improvement_n from_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o it_o be_v still_o contain_v in_o its_o native_a lustre_n and_o beauty_n without_o those_o painting_n and_o impure_a mixture_n which_o the_o suâ—â—â—mest_a truth_n be_v corrupt_v with_o in_o the_o platonic_a writing_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v though_o these_o philosopher_n grow_v â—â—ddenly_o rich_a through_o the_o spoil_n they_o have_v take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n yet_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v know_v from_o whence_o they_o have_v they_o and_o will_v seem_v to_o have_v have_v that_o out_o of_o their_o own_o garden_n which_o be_v only_o transplant_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n therefore_o we_o find_v they_o not_o mention_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n without_o some_o contempt_n of_o its_o meanness_n and_o simplicity_n &_o what_o ever_o improvement_n they_o have_v gain_v by_o they_o they_o will_v have_v it_o less_o take_v notice_n of_o by_o profess_v their_o opposition_n to_o the_o christian_n as_o be_v notorious_a in_o those_o great_a philosopher_n porphyrius_n jamblichus_n hierocles_n simplicius_n and_o oâ—hers_n it_o be_v their_o design_n to_o take_v so_o much_o and_o no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o can_v well_o suit_n with_o their_o platonic_a notion_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o so_o disguise_v the_o face_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o steal_v that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o the_o right_a owner_n of_o they_o to_o know_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o grand_a artifice_n of_o their_o great_a master_n plato_n who_o doubtless_o by_o mean_n of_o his_o abode_n and_o acquaintance_n in_o egypt_n about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o jew_n begin_v to_o flock_n thither_o have_v more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o many_o truth_n of_o grand_a importance_n concern_v the_o deity_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n than_o many_o other_o greek_a philosopher_n have_v but_o yet_o therein_o lay_v his_o great_a fault_n that_o he_o wrap_v up_o and_o disguise_v his_o notion_n in_o such_o a_o fabulous_a and_o ambiguous_a manner_n that_o partly_o it_o may_v be_v less_o know_v from_o whence_o he_o have_v they_o and_o that_o they_o may_v find_v better_a entertainment_n among_o the_o greek_n than_o they_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v in_o their_o plain_a and_o native_a dress_n which_o plato_n himself_o seem_v somewhere_o to_o intimate_v when_o he_o say_v that_o what_o
ochus_n which_o say_v vossius_fw-la be_v in_o the_o second_o year_n of_o 107._o olympiad_n this_o manetho_n gebenyta_n be_v high_a priest_n of_o heliopolis_n in_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n at_o who_o 14._o request_n he_o write_v his_o history_n which_o he_o digest_v into_o three_o tome_n the_o first_o contain_v the_o 11._o dynastye_n of_o the_o god_n and_o hero_n the_o second_o 8._o dynasty_n the_o 3_o d._n 12._o all_o contain_v according_a to_o his_o fabulous_a computation_n the_o sum_n of_o 53535._o year_n these_o dynasty_n be_v yet_o preserve_v be_v first_o epitomise_v by_o julius_n africanus_n from_o he_o transcribe_v by_o eusebius_n in_o his_o chronica_fw-la from_o eusebius_n by_o georgius_n syncellus_n out_o of_o who_o they_o be_v produce_v by_o jos._n scaliger_n and_o may_v be_v see_v both_o in_o eusebius_n and_o his_o canon_n isagogici_fw-la now_o manetho_n as_o appear_v by_o eusebius_n vouch_v this_o as_o the_o main_a testimony_n of_o his_o credibility_n that_o he_o take_v his_o history_n 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o some_o pillar_n in_o the_o land_n of_o seriad_n in_o which_o they_o be_v inscribe_v in_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n by_o the_o first_o mercury_n tithe_n and_o after_o the_o stand_v be_v translate_v out_o of_o the_o sacred_a dialect_n into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n in_o hieroglyphic_n character_n and_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o book_n among_o the_o revestrye_n of_o the_o egyptian_a temple_n by_o agathodaemon_n the_o second_o mercury_n the_o father_n of_o tat._n certain_o this_o fabulous_a author_n can_v not_o in_o few_o word_n have_v more_o full_o manifest_v his_o own_o imposture_n nor_o blast_v his_o own_o credit_n more_o than_o he_o have_v do_v in_o these_o which_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n so_o many_o learned_a man_n have_v take_v so_o little_a notice_n of_o which_o have_v find_v frequent_a occasion_n to_o speak_v of_o manetho_n and_o his_o dynastye_n this_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o great_a improbability_n and_o other_o plain_a impossibility_n which_o be_v couch_v in_o they_o the_o improbability_n be_v first_o such_o pillar_n be_v in_o such_o a_o place_n as_o seriad_n and_o that_o place_n no_o more_o speak_v of_o either_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o any_o other_o egyptian_n nor_o any_o use_n make_v of_o these_o insâ—riptions_n by_o any_o other_o but_o himself_o as_o to_o this_o terra_fw-la seriadica_n where_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o very_a learned_a and_o inquisitive_a joseph_n scaliger_n plain_o give_v out_o and_o ingenuous_o profess_v his_o ignorance_n for_o in_o his_o note_n on_o the_o fragment_n of_o manetho_n in_o eusebius_n when_o he_o come_v to_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o only_o say_v quae_fw-la nobis_fw-la ignota_fw-la quaerant_fw-la studiosi_fw-la but_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la in_o his_o late_a discourse_n de_fw-la aetate_fw-la mundi_fw-la 10._o cry_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o confident_o persuade_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o seirath_n mention_v judg._n 3._o 16._o indeed_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o affinity_n of_o name_n it_o may_v well_o be_v the_o same_o but_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v the_o stone-quarry_n shall_v signify_v these_o pillar_n of_o mercury_n be_v somewhat_o hard_a to_o conceive_v the_o seventy_o render_v it_o as_o himself_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o they_o understand_v grave_v image_n so_o the_o word_n be_v use_v 2_o chron._n 33._o 19_o deut._n 7._o 5._o isai._n 10._o 19_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a render_v it_o ad_fw-la locum_fw-la idolorum_fw-la which_o be_v the_o certain_a interpretation_n if_o chytraeus_n his_o conjecture_n be_v true_a that_o eglon_n have_v late_o set_v up_o idol_n there_o but_o if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o pillar_n i_o can_v but_o approve_v of_o junius_n his_o interpretation_n which_o i_o conceive_v bid_v fair_a to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n viz._n that_o these_o stone_n here_o be_v the_o 12_o stone_n pitch_v by_o joshua_n in_o gilgal_n after_o the_o israelite_n pass_v over_o jordan_n and_o these_o stone_n be_v say_v 21._o to_o be_v by_o gilgal_n judg._n 3._o 19_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o handsome_a conjecture_n we_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o pillar_n of_o mercury_n as_o ever_o we_o be_v and_o may_v be_v so_o to_o the_o world_n end_n second_o the_o stand_n of_o these_o pillar_n during_o the_o stand_v which_o must_v be_v suppose_v certain_o to_o have_v some_o singular_a virtue_n in_o they_o to_o resist_v such_o a_o torrent_n of_o water_n which_o overthrow_v the_o strong_a build_v house_n and_o most_o compact_a city_n the_o plain_a impossibility_n be_v first_o that_o manetho_n shall_v transcribe_v his_o dynastye_n from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o history_n of_o egypt_n to_o almost_o the_o time_n of_o alexander_n out_o of_o sacred_a inscription_n of_o thoyth_fw-mi who_o live_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o very_a first_o dynasty_a according_a to_o his_o own_o computation_n sure_o this_o thoyth_fw-mi be_v a_o excellent_a prophet_n to_o write_v a_o history_n for_o above_o 0000_o year_n to_o come_v as_o manetho_n reckon_v it_o second_o it_o be_v as_o well_o still_o that_o this_o history_n after_o the_o flood_n shall_v be_v translate_v into_o hieroglyphic_n character_n what_o kind_n of_o translation_n be_v that_o we_o have_v think_v hieroglyphic_n have_v be_v representation_n of_o thing_n and_o not_o of_o sound_n and_o letter_n or_o word_n how_o can_v this_o history_n have_v at_o first_o be_v write_v in_o any_o tongue_n when_o it_o be_v in_o hieroglyphic_n do_v hieroglyphic_n speak_v in_o several_a language_n and_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o change_v their_o tongue_n but_o three_o it_o be_v as_o good_a still_o that_o the_o second_o mercury_n or_o agathodaemon_n do_v translate_v this_o history_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o flood_n into_o greek_a be_v the_o greek_a tongue_n so_o much_o in_o request_n so_o soon_o after_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o egyptian_a history_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o greek_n must_v be_v translate_v into_o their_o language_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o herodotus_n and_o diodorus_n that_o the_o grecian_n be_v not_o permit_v so_o much_o 67._o as_o any_o commerce_n with_o the_o egyptian_n till_o the_o time_n of_o psammet_n hicus_fw-la which_o sell_v out_o in_o the_o 26._o dynesty_n of_o manetho_n and_o about_o a_o century_n after_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o olympiad_n we_o see_v then_o how_o credible_a a_o author_n manetho_n be_v and_o what_o truth_n there_o be_v like_a to_o be_v in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n give_v by_o the_o egyptian_a historian_n when_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o so_o lamentable_o and_o ominous_o stumble_v in_o his_o very_a entrance_n into_o it_o and_o yet_o as_o fabulous_a as_o this_o account_n be_v which_o manetho_n give_v of_o his_o take_v his_o history_n from_o these_o pillar_n before_o the_o 12._o flood_n i_o can_v but_o think_v that_o josephus_n a_o author_n otherwise_o of_o good_a credit_n take_v his_o famous_a story_n of_o seth_n pillar_n concern_v astronomical_a observation_n before_o the_o flood_n from_o this_o story_n of_o manetho_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o as_o jealous_a a_o eye_n as_o on_o the_o other_o although_o i_o know_v how_o fond_a the_o world_n have_v be_v upon_o that_o most_o ancient_a monument_n as_o be_v pretend_v of_o learning_n in_o the_o world_n du_n bartas_n have_v write_v a_o whole_a poem_n on_o these_o pillar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v fit_a subject_n for_o poet_n then_o any_o else_o as_o will_v appear_v on_o these_o consideration_n first_o how_o strange_o improbable_a be_v it_o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o seth_n who_o as_o be_v pretend_v do_v foreknow_v a_o destruction_n of_o the_o world_n to_o be_v by_o a_o flood_n shall_v busy_v themselves_o to_o write_v astronomical_a observation_n on_o pillar_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v live_v after_o it_o can_v they_o think_v their_o pillar_n shall_v have_v some_o peculiar_a exemption_n above_o strong_a structure_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o the_o rough_a and_o furious_a water_n if_o they_o believe_v the_o flood_n absolute_o universal_a for_o who_o do_v they_o intend_v their_o observation_n if_o not_o to_o what_o end_n do_v they_o make_v they_o when_o the_o person_n survive_v may_v communicate_v their_o invention_n to_o they_o but_o second_o if_o either_o one_o or_o both_o these_o pillar_n remain_v whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o neither_o the_o chaldean_n nor_o any_o of_o the_o elder_a pretender_n to_o astronomy_n shall_v neither_o mention_v they_o nor_o make_v any_o use_n of_o they_o nay_o three_o whence_o come_v the_o study_n of_o astronomy_n to_o be_v so_o lamentable_o defective_a in_o those_o ancient_a time_n if_o they_o have_v such_o certain_a observation_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n gather_v
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place_n wherein_o they_o stand_v which_o eustathius_n in_o hexaemeron_n take_v out_o of_o josephus_n and_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o very_a same_o place_n with_o that_o in_o manetho_n the_o other_o be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o seth_n among_o the_o egyptian_n as_o not_o only_o appear_v by_o plutarch_n de_fw-fr â—_o side_n &_o osiride_n but_o by_o this_o very_a place_n of_o manctho_n where_o it_o follow_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o book_n of_o his_o bear_v the_o title_n which_o vettius_n valens_n antiochenus_fw-la tell_v we_o be_v not_o call_v 438._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d now_o therefore_o josephus_n who_o frequent_o use_v the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a writer_n and_o frequent_o of_o this_o manetho_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v this_o fabulous_a relation_n of_o manetho_n as_o near_o the_o truth_n as_o he_o can_v therefore_o in_o stead_n of_o thoyth_fw-mi he_o put_v seth_n and_o the_o fabulous_a 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as_o
sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n and_o let_v he_o extend_v his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o long_o as_o he_o please_v which_o be_v his_o great_a help_n for_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o sense_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o roman_a court_n when_o the_o case_n be_v not_o clear_a ampliandum_fw-la est_fw-la so_o epicurus_n will_v have_v the_o object_n represent_v every_o way_n it_o can_v be_v before_o he_o pass_v his_o judgement_n yet_o this_o prudent_a caution_n will_v do_v he_o no_o good_a for_o this_o hypothesis_n unless_o he_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o stay_v till_o this_o world_n be_v crumble_v into_o atom_n again_o that_o by_o that_o he_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o it_o there_o be_v but_o one_o way_n leave_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n inevident_a to_o sense_n as_o by_o epicurus_n his_o own_o confession_n all_o these_o atom_n be_v which_o be_v now_o the_o component_a particle_n of_o body_n much_o more_o those_o 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the_o way_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v this_o hypothesis_n be_v insufficient_a 2._o and_o that_o be_v by_o prove_v that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o world_n be_v compound_v of_o such_o insensible_a particle_n now_o grant_v the_o thing_n i_o deny_v the_o consequence_n for_o what_o though_o the_o composition_n of_o body_n be_v from_o the_o contexture_n of_o atom_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o these_o particle_n do_v casual_o produce_v these_o body_n nay_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v that_o because_o body_n upon_o their_o resolution_n do_v fall_v into_o insensible_a particle_n of_o different_a size_n figure_n and_o motion_n therefore_o these_o particle_n must_v be_v preaexistent_a to_o all_o body_n in_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v now_o a_o universal_a lump_n of_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o these_o insensible_a particle_n arise_v and_o whether_o they_o return_v on_o the_o dissolution_n of_o body_n and_o all_o these_o various_a corpuscle_n may_v be_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a substance_n only_o with_o the_o alteration_n of_o size_n shape_n and_o motion_n but_o what_o then_o do_v this_o prove_v that_o because_o particular_a body_n do_v now_o emerge_n out_o of_o the_o various_a configuration_n and_o motion_n of_o insensible_a paerticle_n of_o that_o matter_n which_o exist_v in_o the_o world_n that_o therefore_o this_o whole_a matter_n be_v produce_v by_o the_o casual_a occursion_n of_o these_o atom_n it_o will_v ask_v more_o time_n and_o pain_n than_o be_v usual_o take_v by_o the_o philosopher_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a to_o prove_v that_o those_o thing_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v whether_o element_n or_o particle_n out_o of_o which_o body_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v compound_v do_v exist_v separately_z from_o such_o compound_a body_n and_o antecedent_o to_o they_o we_o find_v no_o aristotelian_a element_n pure_a in_o the_o world_n nor_o any_o particle_n of_o matter_n destitute_a of_o such_o a_o size_n figure_n and_o motion_n as_o do_v make_v some_o body_n or_o other_o from_o whence_o then_o can_v we_o infer_v either_o the_o existence_n of_o aristotle_n materia_fw-la prima_fw-la without_o quiddity_n quantity_n or_o quality_n or_o the_o epicurean_a atom_n without_o such_o a_o contexture_n as_o make_v up_o some_o body_n in_o the_o world_n our_o profound_a naturalist_n dr._n harvey_n after_o his_o most_o accurate_a search_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o generation_n of_o thing_n deliver_v this_o as_o his_o experience_n and_o judgement_n concern_v the_o common_o repute_a element_n or_o principle_n of_o body_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o different_a opinion_n 72._o of_o empedocles_n and_o hypocrates_n and_o democritus_n and_o epicurus_n concern_v the_o composition_n of_o body_n he_o add_v ego_fw-la vero_fw-la neque_fw-la in_o animalium_fw-la productione_fw-la nec_fw-la omnino_fw-la in_o ulla_fw-la corporum_fw-la similarium_fw-la generatione_n sive_fw-la ea_fw-la partium_fw-la animalium_fw-la sive_fw-la plantarum_fw-la lapidum_fw-la mineralium_fw-la etc._n etc._n fuerit_fw-la vel_fw-la congregationem_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la vel_fw-la miscibilia_fw-la diversa_fw-la in_o generation_n be_v opere_fw-la unienda_fw-la praeexistere_fw-la observare_fw-la unquam_fw-la potui_fw-la and_o after_o explain_v the_o way_n which_o he_o conceive_v most_o rational_a and_o consonant_a to_o experience_n in_o the_o generation_n of_o thing_n he_o conclude_v his_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n idemque_fw-la in_o omni_fw-la generatione_n furi_fw-la crediderim_fw-la adeo_fw-la ut_fw-la corpora_fw-la similaria_fw-la mista_fw-la elementa_fw-la sua_fw-la tempore_fw-la priora_fw-la non_fw-la habeant_fw-la sed_fw-la illa_fw-la potius_fw-la element_n be_v suis_fw-la prius_fw-la existant_fw-la nempe_fw-la empedoclis_fw-la atque_fw-la aristotel_n be_v igne_fw-la aqua_fw-la aëre_fw-la terra_fw-la vel_fw-la chymicorum_fw-la sale_n sulphur_n &_o mercurio_n aut_fw-la democriti_n atomis_fw-la utpote_fw-la natura_fw-la quoque_fw-la ipsis_fw-la perfectiora_fw-la sunt_fw-la inquam_fw-la mista_fw-la &_o composita_fw-la etiam_fw-la tempore_fw-la priora_fw-la element_n be_v