of_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o soul_n it_o cheerful_o embrace_v that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v and_o cordial_o yield_v up_o its_o self_n in_o obedience_n to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o divine_a faith_n which_o the_o scripture_n acquaint_v we_o with_o and_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o mere_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o as_o to_o the_o production_n of_o this_o faith_n i_o acknowledge_v mere_a rational_a evidence_n to_o be_v insufficient_a because_o they_o proceed_v in_o 2d_o very_o different_a way_n the_o one_o be_v to_o satisfy_v man_n mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o other_o be_v to_o bring_v they_o effectual_o to_o adhere_v unto_o it_o the_o assert_v of_o the_o one_o therefore_o do_v no_o more_o tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o other_o than_o the_o say_n that_o a_o telescope_n will_v help_v we_o to_o discover_v very_o much_o of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n do_v imply_v that_o a_o blind_a man_n may_v see_v they_o if_o he_o make_v but_o use_v of_o they_o although_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v saving_o apprehend_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v so_o much_o rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o divine_a revelation_n that_o suppose_v reason_n to_o be_v pure_a and_o not_o corrupt_v and_o steep_v in_o sense_n as_o now_o it_o be_v it_o will_v discover_v spiritual_a evidence_n to_o be_v the_o most_o real_a and_o convince_a evidence_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o infallible_a testimony_n there_o be_v sufficient_a rational_a evidence_n go_v along_o with_o it_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v from_o god_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 aesculapius_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 believe_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 overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n kingdom_n of_o the_o daemoniack_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 of_o all_o rational_a evidence_n which_o tend_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n there_o can_v be_v none_o great_a than_o 5._o a_o power_n of_o work_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n that_o the_o testimony_n which_o be_v reveal_v be_v infallible_a the_o possibility_n of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n can_v be_v question_v by_o any_o who_o assert_v a_o deity_n and_o a_o providence_n for_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o thing_n be_v either_o at_o first_o produce_v or_o be_v still_o conserve_v which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o other_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v alter_v and_o thing_n cause_v which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o inferior_a cause_n for_o though_o that_o be_v a_o immutable_a law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o physical_a being_n that_o every_o thing_n remain_v in_o the_o course_n and_o order_n wherein_o it_o be_v set_v at_o the_o creation_n yet_o that_o only_o hold_v till_o the_o same_o power_n which_o set_v it_o in_o that_o order_n shall_v otherwise_o dispose_v of_o it_o grant_v then_o the_o possibility_n of_o miracle_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v that_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o follow_a consideration_n god_n alone_o can_v real_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n i_o speak_v 1._o not_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v apt_a only_o to_o raise_v admiration_n in_o we_o because_o of_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o or_o manner_n of_o their_o production_n which_o be_v thence_o call_v wonder_n much_o less_o of_o mere_a juggle_v and_o imposture_n whereby_o the_o eye_n of_o man_n be_v deceive_v but_o i_o speak_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o either_o contrary_n to_o or_o above_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n i._n e._n that_o order_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o the_o universe_n the_o devil_n no_o question_n may_v and_o do_v often_o deceive_v the_o world_n and_o may_v by_o the_o subtlety_n and_o agility_n of_o his_o nature_n perform_v such_o thing_n as_o may_v amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o sometime_o put_v they_o to_o it_o to_o find_v a_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o real_a miracle_n if_o they_o only_o make_v their_o sense_n judge_n of_o they_o and_o such_o kind_n of_o wonder_n though_o they_o be_v but_o spare_o do_v and_o with_o a_o kind_n of_o secrecy_n as_o though_o they_o be_v consult_v with_o catiline_n about_o the_o burn_a rome_n yet_o the_o devil_n will_v have_v some_o especial_o when_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n be_v ascendant_n to_o keep_v up_o his_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n or_o else_o when_o he_o be_v like_a to_o be_v dispossess_v and_o throw_v out_o of_o all_o he_o than_o try_v his_o utmost_a to_o keep_v as_o many_o to_o he_o as_o may_v be_v thus_o when_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n appear_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a church_n he_o then_o conjure_v up_o all_o the_o infernal_a power_n to_o do_v something_o parallel_v to_o keep_v possession_n of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v thus_o we_o find_v simon_n magus_n dog_v the_o apostle_n as_o it_o be_v at_o the_o heel_n that_o by_o his_o magic_n he_o may_v stagger_v the_o faith_n of_o people_n concern_v the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o apollonius_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n but_o his_o wonder_n be_v such_o pitiful_a thing_n compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n that_o it_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o malice_n in_o hierocles_n to_o mention_v he_o in_o competition_n with_o christ._n but_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o considerable_a then_o either_o of_o these_o be_v the_o cure_n of_o a_o blind_a man_n by_o vespasian_n in_o egypt_n 7._o mention_v by_o tacitus_n and_o suetonius_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o palpable_a imitation_n of_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o man_n tell_v vespasian_n restituturum_fw-la oculos_fw-la si_fw-la inspuisset_fw-la that_o he_o shall_v receive_v his_o sight_n by_o his_o spittle_n so_o spartianus_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o woman_n that_o be_v cure_v of_o her_o blindness_n by_o kiss_v the_o knee_n of_o the_o emperor_n adrian_n and_o boxhornius_n have_v produce_v a_o old_a fable_n in_o the_o temple_n of_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 alteration_n to_o creep_v into_o these_o record_n without_o their_o observe_n and_o discover_v it_o can_v we_o now_o think_v when_o all_o person_n be_v so_o exceed_o careful_a of_o their_o deed_n and_o the_o record_n whereon_o their_o estate_n depend_v that_o the_o christian_n who_o value_v not_o this_o world_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o to_o come_v shall_v suffer_v the_o magna_fw-la charta_fw-la of_o that_o to_o be_v lose_v corrupt_a or_o imbezzele_v away_o especial_o consider_v what_o care_n and_o industry_n be_v use_v by_o many_o primitive_a christian_n to_o compare_v copy_n together_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o pantaenus_n who_o bring_v the_o hebrew_n copy_n of_o matthew_n out_o of_o the_o indies_n to_o alexandria_n as_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o in_o pamphilus_n and_o the_o library_n he_o errect_v at_o caesarâ—a_n but_o especial_o in_o origen_n admirable_a hexapla_n which_o be_v main_o intend_v for_o this_o end_n 3._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o corruption_n of_o 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
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
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
therein_o shall_v be_v afterward_o confirm_v be_v the_o scripture_n a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n while_o this_o be_v want_v in_o it_o do_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n discharge_v their_o place_n when_o they_o leave_v something_o unrevealed_a to_o we_o be_v this_o a_o duty_n before_o these_o miracle_n or_o no_o if_o it_o be_v what_o need_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v it_o if_o not_o christ_n have_v not_o tell_v we_o all_o necessary_a condition_n of_o salvation_n for_o whatever_o be_v require_v as_o a_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o the_o neglect_n of_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o damnation_n last_o man_n faith_n will_v be_v leave_v at_o continual_a uncertainty_n for_o we_o know_v not_o according_a to_o this_o principle_n when_o we_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o do_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v practise_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n may_v still_o make_v new_a article_n of_o say_v or_o constitute_v new_a duty_n by_o fresh_a miracle_n i_o must_v go_v and_o inquire_v what_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o every_o place_n to_o see_v that_o i_o miss_v nothing_o that_o may_v be_v necessary_a for_o i_o in_o order_n to_o my_o happiness_n in_o another_o world_n if_o man_n pretend_v to_o deliver_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v not_o only_o necessary_a that_o they_o confirm_v it_o by_o miracle_n but_o they_o must_v manifest_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o miracle_n on_o which_o that_o doctrine_n be_v believe_v or_o else_o they_o must_v use_v another_o miracle_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v set_v his_o seal_n to_o confirm_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v the_o hard_a task_n of_o all_o have_v need_n be_v prove_v by_o very_o sufficient_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n such_o as_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o believe_v those_o be_v miracle_n and_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o so_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v utter_o destroy_v by_o the_o medium_n produce_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o by_o this_o discourse_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v clear_a first_o that_o no_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o when_o the_o doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v already_o establish_v by_o they_o if_o those_o miracle_n tend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o derogation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v establish_v by_o those_o former_a miracle_n second_o that_o when_o the_o full_a doctrine_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v establish_v by_o miracle_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o of_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o of_o the_o truth_n therein_o deliver_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o demand_v miracle_n of_o those_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v who_o do_v first_o solemn_o profess_v to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o second_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o any_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n but_o do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o their_o conscience_n they_o think_v every_o true_a christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v much_o more_o all_o magistrate_n and_o minister_n who_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v which_o be_v in_o their_o place_n to_o reform_v all_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n or_o practice_n of_o christianity_n through_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n or_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o most_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o papist_n when_o they_o require_v miracle_n from_o our_o first_o reformer_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n with_o have_v they_o pretend_v to_o have_v come_v with_o a_o immediate_a commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o have_v add_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o have_v be_v some_o plea_n for_o such_o a_o demand_n but_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o with_o they_o their_o only_a design_n be_v to_o whip_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n to_o purge_v the_o church_n from_o its_o abuse_n and_o although_o that_o by_o jerome_n be_v think_v to_o be_v one_o of_o our_o saviour_n great_a miracle_n yet_o this_o by_o we_o be_v conceive_v to_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o magistrate_n minister_n and_o private_a christian_n these_o by_o their_o prayer_n minister_n by_o their_o doctrine_n and_o magistrate_n by_o their_o just_a authority_n chap._n iu._n the_o fidelity_n of_o the_o prophet_n succeed_v moses_n in_o order_n of_o prophet_n to_o succeed_v moses_n by_o god_n own_o appointment_n in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o original_n and_o institution_n of_o they_o the_o city_n of_o the_o levite_n the_o occasion_n of_o their_o first_o institution_n the_o place_n of_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o institution_n there_o to_o a_o prophetical_a office_n of_o the_o music_n use_v in_o the_o school_n of_o the_o prophet_n the_o roman_a assamenta_n and_o the_o greek_a hymn_n in_o their_o solemn_a worship_n the_o two_o sort_n of_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n lieger_n and_o extraordinary_a ordinary_a prophet_n take_v out_o of_o the_o school_n prove_v by_o amos_n and_o saul_n but_o although_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v be_v complete_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 1_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n either_o to_o expect_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a miracle_n for_o confirm_v the_o old_a yet_o under_o the_o law_n god_n train_v up_o his_o people_n by_o degree_n till_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o a_o new_a supply_n of_o divine_a messenger_n call_v prophet_n to_o prepare_v the_o people_n and_o make_v way_n for_o the_o come_n of_o christ._n as_o to_o who_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v considerable_a first_o those_o prophet_n who_o work_n be_v to_o inform_v the_o people_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o reprove_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n or_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o be_v their_o chief_a task_n have_v no_o need_n to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o doctrine_n or_o commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o and_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o god_n do_v not_o consummate_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o ministry_n of_o moses_n but_o appoint_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n to_o be_v among_o they_o to_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n unto_o they_o now_o in_o this_o case_n when_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v establish_v among_o they_o what_o necessity_n be_v there_o thaâ—_n every_o one_o that_o come_v to_o they_o upon_o a_o errand_n from_o god_n shall_v prove_v his_o testimony_n to_o be_v true_a by_o miracle_n when_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o his_o office_n he_o deliver_v nothing_o dissonant_n from_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v one_o argument_n god_n intend_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o he_o lay_v down_o such_o rule_n in_o his_o law_n for_o tâ—e_v judge_v of_o they_o and_o to_o know_v whether_o they_o be_v true_o inspire_v or_o no_o deut._n 15._o 21_o 22._o and_o in_o that_o same_o place_n god_n do_v promise_v a_o succession_n of_o prophet_n deut._n 18._o 15_o 18._o a_o prophet_n will_v the_o lord_n god_n raise_v up_o unto_o thou_o like_o unto_o i_o to_o he_o shall_v you_o hearken_v which_o word_n though_o in_o their_o full_a and_o complete_a sense_n they_o do_v relate_v to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a prophet_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o whoever_o attend_v to_o the_o full_a scope_n of_o the_o word_n will_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o immediate_a sense_n of_o they_o do_v relate_v to_o a_o order_n of_o prophet_n which_o shall_v succeed_v moses_n among_o the_o jew_n between_o who_o and_o moses_n there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a similitude_n as_o to_o their_o birth_n call_v and_o doctrine_n though_o not_o a_o just_a equality_n which_o be_v exclude_v deut._n 34._o 10_o 11._o and_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v say_v there_o that_o the_o other_o prophet_n fall_v so_o much_o short_a of_o moses_n be_v in_o regard_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v as_o be_v there_o large_o express_v nor_o may_v it_o seem_v strange_a that_o by_o a_o prophet_n shall_v be_v understand_v a_o order_n or_o succession_n of_o prophet_n when_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o most_o protestant_n that_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n be_v understand_v a_o rank_n and_o succession_n of_o several_a person_n in_o the_o same_o name_n &_o function_n and_o that_o it_o be_v
sarcastical_o answer_v the_o argument_n from_o the_o common_a consent_n of_o man_n quasi_fw-la verò_fw-la quidquam_fw-la sit_fw-la tam_fw-la valdè_fw-la quam_fw-la nihil_fw-la sapere_fw-la vulgar_a as_o though_o nothing_o man_n do_v more_o general_o agree_v in_o then_o in_o be_v fool_n yet_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o scoff_n be_v from_o the_o several_a manner_n of_o divination_n then_o in_o use_n so_o it_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v a_o general_a impeachment_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o a_o thing_n so_o consequent_a upon_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n which_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o prove_v be_v as_o clear_v from_o reason_n as_o from_o that_o testimonium_fw-la gentium_fw-la in_o hac_fw-la una_fw-la re_fw-la non_fw-la dissidentium_fw-la as_o the_o christian_a cicero_n lactantius_n speak_v the_o consent_n of_o nation_n 2._o which_o scarce_o agree_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o which_o we_o now_o infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o mind_n in_o a_o way_n infallible_a though_o not_o immediate_a for_o in_o case_n of_o inspiration_n of_o mere_a man_n it_o be_v not_o they_o so_o much_o which_o speak_v as_o god_n by_o they_o and_o in_o case_n that_o god_n himself_o shall_v speak_v through_o the_o vail_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o testimony_n must_v needs_o be_v infallible_a though_o the_o appearance_n of_o the_o divinity_n be_v not_o visible_a those_o evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n may_v be_v know_v must_v be_v such_o as_o may_v not_o leave_v man_n mind_n in_o suspense_n but_o be_v 4._o of_o their_o own_o nature_n convince_a proof_n of_o it_o for_o although_o as_o to_o the_o event_n some_o may_v doubt_v and_o other_o disbelieve_v the_o testimony_n so_o prove_v yet_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o our_o purpose_n that_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o they_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o eviction_n that_o the_o testimony_n attest_v by_o they_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a i_o know_v it_o be_v a_o great_a dispute_n among_o many_o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o call_v the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n do_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n only_o induce_v a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n as_o probable_a which_o they_o be_v join_v with_o or_o else_o be_v they_o sufficient_a for_o the_o produce_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n as_o true_a i_o grant_v they_o be_v not_o demonstrative_a so_o as_o to_o enforce_v assent_n for_o we_o see_v the_o contrary_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o unprejudiced_a mind_n to_o establish_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v grant_v chief_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v lie_v upon_o every_o one_o to_o who_o these_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v sufficient_o discover_v and_o otherwise_o of_o all_o sin_n the_o sin_n of_o unbelief_n as_o to_o god_n reveal_v his_o mind_n be_v the_o most_o excusable_a and_o pardonable_a sin_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v little_o less_o than_o a_o part_n of_o prudence_n because_o what_o can_v it_o be_v account_v but_o temerity_n and_o imprudence_n in_o any_o to_o believe_v a_o doctrine_n as_o true_a only_a upon_o probable_a inducement_n and_o what_o can_v it_o be_v but_o wisdom_n to_o withhold_v assent_n upon_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n consider_v what_o the_o lyric_a poet_n have_v long_o since_o true_o tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o falsehood_n may_v frequent_o seem_v true_o to_o common_a understanding_n then_o truth_n its_o self_n and_o as_o menander_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o a_o mere_a verisimilitude_n may_v have_v more_o force_n on_o vulgar_a mind_n than_o truth_n have_v if_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n give_v sufficient_a to_o carry_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n beyond_o mere_a probability_n what_o sin_n can_v it_o be_v in_o those_o to_o disbelieve_v who_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o true_a what_o be_v only_o discover_v as_o probable_a i_o can_v therefore_o see_v how_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v consistent_a with_o their_o opinion_n who_o make_v the_o utmost_a which_o any_o outward_a evidence_n can_v extend_v to_o to_o be_v only_o the_o bare_a credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o i_o can_v very_o well_o satisfy_v myself_o with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n why_o the_o more_o subtle_a wit_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v essert_v this_o for_o if_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v produce_v by_o all_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n than_o here_o come_v in_o the_o fair_a pretence_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n for_o otherwise_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n which_o can_v reach_v no_o high_o than_o a_o moral_a inducement_n and_o beget_v only_o a_o probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o on_o what_o account_n those_o who_o disow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o the_o proposal_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v yet_o consent_v with_o those_o of_o it_o in_o a_o hypothesis_n take_v up_o in_o probability_n mere_o out_o of_o subserviency_n to_o that_o most_o advantageous_a piece_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v not_o easy_a to_o resolve_v unless_o the_o overfondness_n of_o some_o upon_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o school_n more_o than_o of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o how_o agreeable_a can_v that_o opinion_n be_v to_o the_o gospel_n which_o so_o evident_o put_v the_o most_o defensive_a weapon_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o unbelief_n for_o doubtless_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o rational_a person_n a_o mere_a probable_a persuasion_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n where_o a_o assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v require_v can_v never_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v according_a to_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v and_o these_o argument_n do_v only_o prove_v a_o probability_n of_o divine_a testimony_n my_o assent_n can_v be_v no_o strong_a than_o to_o a_o thing_n mere_o probable_a which_o be_v that_o it_o may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v true_a which_o be_v not_o proper_o assent_v but_o a_o suspending_a our_o judgement_n till_o some_o convince_a argument_n be_v produce_v on_o either_o side_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n those_o who_o see_v all_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v can_v not_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n but_o only_o to_o have_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o his_o person_n and_o doctrine_n as_o a_o thing_n which_o though_o not_o evidence_v to_o be_v true_a by_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v very_o pious_o credible_a but_o they_o must_v have_v a_o care_n withal_o of_o venture_v their_o belief_n too_o far_o only_o on_o such_o moral_a inducement_n as_o miracel_n be_v for_o fear_v they_o shall_v go_v far_o than_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n will_v carry_v they_o have_v not_o this_o opinion_n now_o think_v we_o be_v a_o very_a probable_a way_n to_o have_v convert_v the_o world_n upon_o the_o preach_a of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n when_o christ_n say_v though_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n 38._o that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o nay_o say_v this_o opinion_n that_o be_v more_o than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v though_o we_o see_v thy_o work_n we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v thy_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o certain_o true_a but_o we_o will_v do_v all_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v we_o will_v entertain_v a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o thy_o person_n and_o doctrine_n and_o wait_v for_o somewhat_o else_o but_o we_o do_v not_o well_o know_v what_o to_o persuade_v we_o to_o believe_v when_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o danger_n of_o unbelief_n because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v confirm_v by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n 4._o and_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o fair_a answer_n do_v this_o opinion_n put_v into_o the_o mouth_n of_o infidel_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o sign_n and_o wonder_n they_o be_v never_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n
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
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 love_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o prepare_v themselves_o by_o mortification_n &_o self-denial_n for_o another_o world_n be_v a_o thing_n to_o humane_a reason_n incredible_a unless_o we_o suppose_v they_o act_v by_o a_o high_a spirit_n than_o mankind_n be_v ordinary_o act_v by_o for_o what_o be_v there_o so_o desirable_a in_o continual_a reproach_n &_o contumely_n what_o delight_n be_v there_o in_o rack_n and_o prison_n what_o agreeableness_n in_o flame_n and_o martyrdom_n to_o make_v man_n undergo_v some_o nay_o all_o of_o these_o rather_o than_o disow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o come_v to_o publish_v yet_o these_o do_v the_o apostle_n cheerful_o undergo_v in_o order_n to_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o deliver_v to_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o though_o they_o do_v foresee_v they_o they_o be_v not_o discourage_v from_o this_o undertake_n by_o it_o i_o confess_v when_o man_n be_v upon_o hope_n of_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v upon_o a_o design_n which_o they_o promise_v themselves_o impunity_n in_o have_v power_n on_o their_o side_n though_o afterward_o thing_n shall_v fall_v out_o contrary_a to_o their_o expectation_n such_o person_n may_v die_v in_o such_o a_o cause_n because_o they_o must_v and_o some_o may_v carry_v it_o out_o with_o more_o resolution_n partly_o through_o a_o innate_a fortitude_n of_o spirit_n heighten_v with_o the_o advantage_n of_o religion_n or_o a_o enthusiastic_a temper_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v that_o such_o person_n will_v have_v undertake_v so_o hazardous_a a_o employment_n if_o beforehand_o they_o have_v foresee_v what_o they_o must_v have_v undergo_v for_o it_o but_o now_o the_o apostle_n do_v foreknow_v that_o bond_n and_o imprisonment_n nay_o death_n its_o self_n must_v be_v undergo_v in_o a_o violent_a manner_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v yet_o not_o withstand_v all_o this_o they_o go_v bold_o and_o with_o resolution_n on_o with_o their_o work_n and_o give_v not_o over_o because_o of_o any_o hardship_n and_o persecution_n they_o meet_v withal_o one_o of_o the_o chies_a of_o they_o s._n peter_n and_o as_o forward_o as_o any_o in_o preach_v the_o gospel_n have_v the_o very_a manner_n of_o his_o death_n foretell_v he_o by_o christ_n himself_o 19_o before_o his_o ascension_n yet_o soon_o after_o we_o find_v he_o preach_v christ_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o who_o have_v crucify_v he_o and_o tell_v they_o to_o their_o face_n the_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o it_o and_o appeal_n to_o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n have_v do_v among_o they_o and_o bid_v they_o repent_v and_o believe_v in_o he_o who_o they_o have_v crucify_v if_o ever_o they_o will_v be_v save_v and_o this_o he_o do_v 5._o not_o only_o among_o the_o people_n who_o give_v their_o consent_n to_o the_o crucify_a of_o christ_n but_o soon_o after_o be_v conventedâ—ogether_o 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 dislodge_v from_o their_o body_n and_o if_o we_o do_v but_o grant_v this_o can_v we_o in_o any_o reason_n think_v that_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o person_n in_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v continue_v venture_v their_o soul_n upon_o a_o testimony_n which_o they_o have_v no_o assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o that_o none_o of_o all_o these_o person_n though_o man_n otherwise_o rational_a and_o judicious_a shall_v be_v able_a to_o discover_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o go_v upon_o if_o at_o least_o any_o upon_o consideration_n of_o it_o can_v imagine_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o reconcileable_a with_o the_o general_a presumption_n of_o humane_a nature_n concern_v divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n to_o suffer_v so_o many_o person_n who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o way_n which_o be_v most_o please_a to_o he_o to_o go_v on_o in_o such_o a_o continual_a delusion_n and_o never_o have_v it_o at_o all_o discover_v to_o they_o if_o all_o than_o who_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
that_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n undoubted_o divine_a that_o new_a miracle_n shall_v be_v wrought_v in_o the_o church_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o so_o chrysostome_n full_o express_v himself_o concern_v miracle_n speak_v of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a eton._n church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d miracle_n be_v very_o useful_a then_o and_o not_o at_o all_o useful_a now_o for_o now_o we_o manifest_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o speak_v from_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o they_o which_o that_o excellent_a author_n there_o full_o manifest_v in_o a_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n why_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v not_o now_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n austin_n speak_v where_o he_o discourse_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n accepimus_fw-la majores_fw-la nostros_fw-la visibilia_fw-la miracula_fw-la secutos_fw-la esse_fw-la 25._o per_fw-la quos_fw-la id_fw-la actum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la necessaria_fw-la non_fw-la essent_fw-la posteris_fw-la because_o the_o world_n believe_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v at_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o miracle_n be_v no_o long_o necessary_a for_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v at_o first_o induce_v to_o believe_v without_o manifest_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n for_o as_o chrysostome_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o if_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v without_o miracle_n which_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v have_v well_o express_v in_o the_o twenty_o four_o canto_n of_o paradise_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v there_o bring_v in_o ask_v the_o poet_n upon_o what_o account_n he_o take_v the_o scripture_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o answer_n be_v probatio_fw-la quae_fw-la verum_fw-la hoc_fw-la mihi_fw-la recludit_fw-la sunt_fw-la opera_fw-la quae_fw-la secuta_fw-la sunt_fw-la ad_fw-la quae_fw-la natura_fw-la non_fw-la candefecit_fw-la ferrum_fw-la unquam_fw-la aut_fw-la percussit_fw-la incudem_fw-la i_o e._n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o be_v the_o divine_a power_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v in_o those_o who_o deliver_v these_o thing_n to_o the_o world_n and_o when_o the_o apostle_n catechise_v he_o further_o how_o he_o know_v those_o miracle_n be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v viz._n that_o they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a his_o answer_n be_v si_fw-mi orbis_fw-la terrae_fw-la seize_v convertit_fw-la ad_fw-la christianismum_fw-la inquiebam_fw-la ego_fw-la sine_fw-la miraculis_fw-la hoc_fw-la unum_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la ejus_fw-la cente_fw-la sima_fw-la pars_fw-la i_o e._n if_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n without_o miracle_n this_o will_v be_v so_o great_a a_o miracle_n that_o other_o be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o it_o i_o conclude_v this_o then_o with_o that_o know_a saying_n of_o st._n austin_n quisquis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la prodigia_fw-la ut_fw-la credat_fw-la inquirit_fw-la magnum_fw-la est_fw-la ipse_fw-la prodigium_fw-la qui_fw-la mundo_fw-la credente_fw-la 8._o non_fw-la credit_n he_o that_o seek_v for_o miracle_n still_o to_o induce_v he_o to_o faith_n when_o the_o world_n be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n he_o need_v not_o seek_v for_o prodigy_n abroad_o he_o want_v only_o a_o look_a glass_n to_o discover_v one_o for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o unde_fw-la temporibus_fw-la erudit_fw-la be_v &_o omne_fw-la quod_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la respuentibus_fw-la sine_fw-la ullis_fw-la miraculis_fw-la nimium_fw-la mirabiliter_fw-la incredibiliter_fw-la credidit_fw-la mundus_fw-la whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o so_o learned_a and_o wary_a a_o age_n as_o that_o be_v which_o the_o apostle_n preach_v in_o the_o world_n without_o miracle_n shall_v be_v bring_v to_o believe_v thing_n so_o strange_o incredible_a as_o those_o be_v which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n preach_v so_o that_o by_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v that_o appear_v credible_a which_o otherwise_o will_v have_v seem_v incredible_a but_o to_o what_o end_n now_o when_o this_o divine_a testimony_n be_v believe_v in_o the_o world_n shall_v miracle_n be_v continue_v among_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v true_a and_o the_o scripture_n which_o contain_v both_o to_o be_v the_o undoubted_a word_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n then_o the_o huge_a outery_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v how_o ambition_n that_o church_n be_v of_o be_v call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o he_o who_o come_n be_v after_o the_o work_n of_o satan_n with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n and_o with_o all_o deceivableness_n 10._o of_o unrighteousness_n in_o they_o that_o perish_v because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o they_o may_v be_v save_v for_o have_v they_o receive_v the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o will_v have_v believe_v it_o on_o the_o account_n of_o those_o miracle_n and_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o not_o have_v go_v about_o by_o their_o juggle_n and_o imposture_n in_o stead_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n to_o make_v they_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o first_o miracle_n when_o they_o see_v so_o many_o counterfeit_n have_v we_o not_o great_a assurance_n the_o apostle_n be_v man_n of_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n then_o popish_a priest_n be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o now_o any_o such_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n as_o there_o be_v then_o when_o a_o divine_a testimony_n reveal_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v confirm_v by_o they_o those_o miracle_n can_v be_v divine_a which_o be_v do_v now_o for_o 2._o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o divine_a testimony_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o uncontrolled_a divine_a miracle_n the_o case_n be_v not_o the_o same_o now_o which_o be_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n for_o than_o though_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n yet_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v null_a the_o obligation_n of_o that_o law_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o divine_a because_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v the_o ceremonial_a law_n to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o there_o be_v many_o prophecy_n which_o can_v not_o have_v their_o accomplishment_n but_o under_o a_o new_a state_n but_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n god_n have_v declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n that_o now_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v accomplish_v and_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o new_a respect_n only_o the_o various_a condition_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n without_o any_o the_o least_o intimation_n of_o any_o further_a revelation_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o now_o the_o scripture_n be_v our_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o according_a to_o which_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o inspiration_n or_o miracle_n and_o according_a to_o this_o rule_n we_o be_v to_o proceed_v in_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v by_o any_o person_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o under_o the_o law_n after_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n its_o self_n by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n the_o rule_n of_o judge_v all_o pretender_n to_o miracle_n be_v by_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n if_o there_o arise_v 3._o among_o you_o a_o prophet_n or_o a_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n and_o give_v thou_o a_o sign_n or_o a_o wonder_n and_o the_o sign_n or_o the_o wonder_n come_v to_o pass_v whereof_o he_o speak_v to_o thou_o say_v let_v we_o go_v after_o other_o god_n which_o thou_o have_v not_o know_v and_o let_v we_o serve_v they_o thou_o shall_v not_o hearken_v unto_o the_o word_n of_o that_o prophet_n or_o that_o dreamer_n of_o dream_n for_o the_o lord_n your_o god_n prove_v you_o to_o know_v whether_o you_o love_v the_o lord_n your_o god_n with_o all_o your_o heart_n and_o with_o all_o your_o soul._n whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o after_o the_o true_a doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a miracle_n god_n may_v give_v the_o devil_n or_o false_a prophet_n power_n to_o work_v if_o not_o real_a miracle_n yet_o such_o as_o man_n can_v judge_v by_o the_o thing_n themselves_o whether_o they_o be_v real_a or_o no_o and_o
this_o god_n may_v do_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o mean_n faith_n whether_o they_o will_v forsake_v the_o true_a doctrine_n confirm_v by_o great_a miracle_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a thereto_o and_o be_v confirm_v by_o false_a prophet_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n now_o in_o this_o case_n our_o rule_n of_o trial_n must_v not_o be_v so_o much_o the_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o whether_o real_a or_o no_o as_o the_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o this_o which_o these_o wonder_n tend_v to_o the_o prove_v of_o therefore_o god_n people_n under_o the_o law_n be_v to_o examine_v the_o scope_n and_o drift_n of_o the_o miracle_n if_o they_o be_v intend_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o idolatry_n whatever_o they_o be_v they_o be_v not_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o do_v they_o so_o now_o under_o the_o gospel_n as_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v then_o the_o standard_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o miracle_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n and_o by_o the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o be_v the_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o pretender_n to_o work_v miracle_n so_o that_o let_v the_o miracle_n be_v what_o they_o will_v if_o they_o contradict_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n reveal_v to_o the_o world_n we_o be_v to_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o only_a trial_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o christ_n to_o see_v whether_o we_o love_v he_o with_o our_o whole_a heart_n or_o no._n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o examine_v all_o the_o particular_n of_o lipsius_n his_o relation_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o his_o diva_n virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n for_o if_o i_o see_v that_o their_o intention_n and_o scope_n be_v to_o set_v up_o the_o worship_n of_o daemon_n or_o a_o middle_a sort_n of_o deity_n between_o god_n and_o we_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v ignorant_a of_o on_o that_o very_a account_n i_o be_o bind_v to_o reject_v they_o all_o although_o i_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a to_o find_v out_o the_o difference_n between_o true_a miracle_n and_o they_o in_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n of_o their_o operation_n but_o this_o as_o it_o be_v of_o more_o curiosity_n so_o of_o less_o necessity_n for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n infinite_o above_o these_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o adhere_v to_o that_o and_o not_o to_o believe_v any_o other_o doctrine_n though_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v it_o much_o less_o although_o some_o popish_a priest_n may_v boast_v much_o of_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o doctrine_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o far_o god_n may_v in_o judgement_n give_v those_o image_n power_n to_o work_v or_o other_o faith_n to_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v now_o those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n which_o the_o scripture_n forewarn_v 9_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v viz._n such_o as_o lead_v man_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o lie_n or_o of_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o divine_a there_o the_o effect_n which_o 3._o follow_v they_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a i._n e._n the_o effect_n of_o believe_v of_o they_o be_v the_o drawing_z of_o man_n from_o sin_n unto_o god_n this_o the_o primitive_a christian_n insist_v much_o upon_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n that_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v they_o be_v the_o work_n of_o conversion_n of_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o idol_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o draw_v a_o people_n off_o from_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n so_o the_o effect_n which_o follow_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o purge_a man_n soul_n from_o all_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n to_o make_v they_o new_a creature_n and_o to_o live_v in_o all_o exactness_n and_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n and_o cels._n thereby_o origen_n discover_v the_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o antichrist_n that_o the_o intent_n of_o all_o antichrist_n wonder_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o deceivableness_n of_o unrighteousness_n whereby_o to_o destroy_v they_o but_o the_o intent_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o the_o deceive_a but_o the_o save_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v with_o any_o probability_n say_v that_o reformation_n of_o life_n and_o daily_a progress_n from_o evil_a to_o good_a shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o mere_a deceit_n and_o therefore_o he_o say_v christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v great_a work_n than_o he_o have_v do_v because_o by_o their_o preach_a and_o miracle_n the_o eye_n of_o blind_a soul_n be_v open_v and_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o as_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o goodness_n be_v open_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hearken_v to_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o foot_n of_o those_o who_o be_v lame_a in_o their_o inward_a man_n be_v so_o heal_v as_o to_o delight_n to_o run_v in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n commandment_n now_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o any_o evil_a spirit_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o all_o imposture_n and_o pretend_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o diabolical_a power_n be_v to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o god_n to_o sin_n and_o to_o dissolve_v that_o strict_a obligation_n to_o duty_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n thus_o it_o be_v in_o that_o early_a ape_n of_o the_o apostle_n simon_n magus_n who_o far_o outgo_v apollonius_n tyaneus_n or_o any_o other_o heathen_a in_o his_o pretend_a miracle_n according_a to_o the_o report_n which_o be_v give_v of_o he_o by_o the_o primitive_a christian_n but_o we_o see_v the_o intent_n of_o his_o miracle_n be_v to_o raise_v opusc_n a_o admiration_n of_o himself_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n off_o from_o all_o holiness_n of_o conversation_n by_o affert_v among_o other_o damnable_a heresy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o at_o all_o regard_n what_o man_n do_v but_o only_o what_o they_o believe_v wherein_o the_o gnostic_n be_v his_o follower_n now_o when_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v easy_o know_v from_o who_o they_o come_v those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n this_o 4._o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o because_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v out_o of_o man_n power_n to_o effect_v must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o a_o power_n divine_a or_o diabolical_a for_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v every_o kingdom_n 26._o divide_v against_o its_o self_n be_v bring_v to_o desolation_n and_o every_o city_n or_o house_n divide_v against_o its_o self_n can_v stand_v and_o if_o satan_n cast_v out_o satan_n he_o be_v divide_v against_o himself_o how_o shall_v then_o his_o kingdom_n stand_v now_o christ_n by_o his_o miracle_n do_v not_o only_o dispossess_v satan_n out_o of_o man_n body_n but_o out_o of_o his_o temple_n too_o as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o and_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o those_o miracle_n be_v in_o every_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n for_o 1._o the_o devil_n design_n be_v to_o conceal_v himself_o among_o those_o who_o worship_v he_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o discover_v he_o who_o the_o gentile_n worship_v to_o be_v a_o evil_a and_o malignant_a spirit_n that_o design_v nothing_o but_o their_o ruin_n now_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o whole_a history_n of_o gentilism_n the_o grand_a mystery_n of_o state_n which_o the_o devil_n use_v among_o the_o heathen_n be_v to_o make_v himself_o to_o be_v â—â—en_o and_o worship_v for_o god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o belieuâ—_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d â—â—ns_n be_v very_o good_a and_o benign_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d canonist_n and_o other_o philosopherâ—â—o_v â—o_z much_o 〈◊〉_d against_o the_o primitiâ—â—_n christian_n when_o thâ—â—_n 〈◊〉_d their_o daemon_n to_o be_v nothing_o â—he_v but_o inâ—â—â—al_a and_o wicked_a spirit_n which_o seek_v the_o
of_o that_o god_n who_o reveal_v it_o who_o authority_n extend_v over_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o its_o most_o secret_a and_o hide_a recess_n 3._o in_o a_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a manner_n in_o all_o other_o write_n how_o good_a soever_o we_o have_v a_o great_a mixture_n of_o dross_n and_o gold_n together_o here_o be_v nothing_o but_o pure_a gold_n diamond_n without_o flaw_n sun_n without_o spot_n the_o most_o current_a coin_n of_o the_o world_n have_v their_o alloyes_n of_o base_a metal_n there_o be_v no_o such_o mixture_n in_o divine_a truth_n as_o they_o all_o come_v from_o the_o same_o author_n so_o they_o all_o have_v the_o same_o purity_n there_o be_v a_o urim_n and_o thumim_n upon_o the_o whole_a scripture_n light_n and_o perfection_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o the_o philosopher_n we_o may_v meet_v it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o scatter_a fragment_n of_o pure_a metal_n amid_o abundance_n of_o dross_n and_o impure_a oar_n here_o we_o have_v whole_a 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of_o our_o predecessor_n when_o it_o may_v be_v our_o posterity_n may_v think_v we_o as_o ignorant_a as_o we_o do_v they_o but_o in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n we_o read_v not_o one_o age_n condemn_v another_o we_o find_v light_a still_o increase_v in_o the_o series_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n but_o no_o reflection_n in_o any_o time_n upon_o the_o ignorance_n or_o weakness_n of_o the_o precedent_n the_o dim_a light_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o age_n and_o be_v a_o step_n to_o further_a discovery_n quintilian_n give_v it_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n of_o grammar_n rule_v quia_fw-la non_fw-la analogia_fw-la demissa_fw-la coelo_fw-la formam_fw-la loquendi_fw-la dedit_fw-la that_o which_o he_o 6._o want_v as_o to_o grammar_n we_o have_v as_o to_o divine_a truth_n they_o be_v deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o therefore_o be_v always_o uniform_a and_o agreeable_a to_o each_o other_o 2._o by_o person_n of_o different_a interest_n in_o the_o world_n god_n make_v choice_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n to_o be_v enditer_n of_o his_o oracle_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o state_n policy_n or_o particular_a interest_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o his_o word_n which_o person_n of_o such_o different_a interest_n can_v not_o have_v agree_v in_o as_o they_o do_v we_o have_v moses_n david_n solomon_n person_n of_o royal_a rank_n and_o quality_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o mean_a thing_n which_o these_o think_v it_o their_o glory_n to_o be_v penner_n of_o we_o have_v isaiah_n daniel_n and_o other_o person_n of_o the_o high_a education_n and_o accomplishment_n and_o can_v it_o be_v any_o trivial_a thing_n which_o these_o employ_v themselves_o in_o we_o have_v amos_n other_o prophet_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o new_a of_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o all_o these_o join_v in_o consort_n together_o when_o god_n tune_v their_o spirit_n all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n of_o divine_a truth_n and_o give_v light_a and_o harmony_n to_o each_o other_o 3._o by_o person_n in_o different_a place_n and_o condition_n some_o in_o prosperity_n in_o their_o own_o country_n some_o under_o banishment_n and_o adversity_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n of_o which_o no_o alteration_n we_o see_v be_v make_v either_o for_o the_o flattery_n of_o those_o in_o power_n or_o for_o avoid_v misery_n and_o calamity_n and_o under_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n before_o under_o and_o after_o the_o law_n though_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n be_v different_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n and_o design_n be_v for_o substance_n the_o same_o in_o all_o all_o the_o different_a dispensation_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n the_o same_o ground_n of_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o obligation_n to_o duty_n be_v common_a to_o all_o though_o the_o peculiar_a instance_n wherein_o god_n be_v serve_v may_v be_v different_a according_a to_o the_o age_n of_o growth_n in_o the_o church_n of_o god_n so_o that_o this_o great_a uniformity_n consider_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o these_o thing_n come_v original_o from_o the_o same_o spirit_n though_o convey_v through_o different_a instrument_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o world_n 5._o in_o a_o persuasive_a and_o convince_a manner_n and_o that_o these_o way_n 1._o bring_v divine_a truth_n down_o to_o our_o capacity_n clothing_n spiritual_a matter_n in_o familiar_a expression_n and_o similitude_n that_o so_o they_o may_v have_v the_o easy_a admission_n into_o our_o mind_n 2._o propound_v thing_n as_o our_o interest_n which_o be_v our_o duty_n thence_o god_n so_o frequent_o in_o scripture_n recommend_v our_o duty_n to_o we_o under_o all_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v the_o great_a force_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o annex_v gracious_a promise_n to_o our_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o those_o of_o the_o most_o weighty_a and_o concern_v thing_n of_o grace_n favour_n protection_n deliverance_n audience_n of_o prayer_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o be_v these_o will_v not_o prevail_v with_o man_n what_o motive_n will_v 3._o court_v we_o to_o obedience_n when_o he_o may_v not_o only_o command_v we_o to_o obey_v but_o punish_v present_o for_o disobedience_n hence_o be_v all_o those_o most_o pathetical_a and_o affectionate_a strain_n we_o read_v in_o scripture_n o_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o heart_n within_o they_o that_o they_o will_v fear_v i_o and_o keep_v all_o my_o commandment_n always_o that_o it_o may_v go_v well_o with_o they_o and_o with_o their_o child_n after_o 29._o they_o wo_n unto_o thou_o o_o jerusalem_n will_v thou_o not_o be_v make_v clean_o when_o shall_v it_o once_o be_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o from_o your_o evil_a way_n s._n for_o why_o will_v you_o die_v o_o hâ—use_n of_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o give_v thou_o up_o ephraim_n how_o shall_v i_o deliver_v thou_o israel_n how_o shall_v i_o make_v thou_o as_o admah_n how_o shall_v i_o set_v thou_o as_o zâ—boim_n i_o heart_n be_v turn_v within_o i_o my_o repenting_n be_v kindle_v together_o o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thy_o 37_o child_n together_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o what_o majesty_n and_o yet_o what_o sweetness_n and_o condescension_n be_v there_o in_o these_o expression_n what_o obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n be_v it_o in_o man_n for_o they_o to_o stand_v out_o against_o god_n when_o he_o thus_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n of_o majesty_n and_o woo_v rebellious_a sinner_n to_o return_v unto_o he_o that_o they_o may_v be_v pardon_v such_o a_o matchless_a and_o unparallelled_a strain_n of_o rhetoric_n be_v there_o in_o the_o scripture_n far_o above_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o the_o most_o admire_a orator_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o peculiar_a excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o thus_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o it_o be_v a_o discovery_n of_o god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n or_o as_o a_o law_n of_o god_n which_o be_v give_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o life_n 2._o of_o man_n and_o therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o encouragement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n require_v which_o be_v most_o become_a god_n to_o require_v most_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o perform_v 1._o most_o become_v god_n to_o require_v as_o they_o be_v most_o suitable_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n the_o imitation_n of_o which_o in_o our_o action_n be_v the_o
origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la or_o a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n therein_o contain_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n rector_n of_o sutton_n in_o bedfordshire_n 2_o pet._n 1._o 16._o for_o we_o have_v not_o follow_v cunning_o devise_v fable_n when_o we_o make_v know_v to_o you_o the_o power_n and_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n but_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o his_o majesty_n neque_fw-la religio_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la sapientia_fw-la suscipienda_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la ulla_fw-la sine_fw-la religione_fw-la probanda_fw-la sapientia_fw-la lactant._n the_o fall_v relig_n cap._n 1._o london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1662._o to_o his_o most_o honour_a friend_n and_o patron_n sr._n roger_n burgoine_n knight_n and_o baronet_n sir_n it_o be_v the_o early_a felicity_n of_o moses_n when_o expose_v in_o a_o ark_n of_o nilotick_a papyre_n to_o be_v adopt_v into_o the_o favour_n of_o so_o great_a a_o personage_n as_o the_o daughter_n of_o pharaoh_n such_o another_o ark_n be_v this_o vindication_n of_o the_o write_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o excellent_a person_n expose_v to_o the_o world_n in_o and_o the_o great_a ambition_n of_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v to_o have_v it_o receive_v into_o your_o patronage_n and_o protection_n but_o although_o the_o contexture_n and_o frame_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v far_o below_o the_o excellency_n and_o worth_n of_o the_o subject_n as_o you_o know_v the_o ark_n in_o which_o moses_n be_v put_v be_v of_o bulrush_n daub_v with_o slime_n and_o pitch_n yet_o when_o you_o please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o you_o will_v not_o think_v it_o beneath_o your_o favour_n and_o unworthy_a your_o protection_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a present_n which_o god_n can_v bestow_v or_o man_n receive_v according_a to_o that_o of_o plurarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d then_o certain_o those_o oâ—â—â—_n truth_n deserve_v our_o most_o ready_a acceptance_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o of_o great_a importance_n and_o have_v the_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n and_o although_o i_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n of_o so_o near_a relation_n to_o you_o &_o acquaintance_n with_o you_o as_o to_o know_v how_o little_a you_o need_v such_o discourse_n which_o tend_v to_o settle_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v raise_v so_o happy_a a_o superstructure_n upon_o yet_o withal_o i_o consider_v what_o particular_a kindness_n the_o soul_n of_o all_o good_a man_n bear_v to_o such_o design_n who_o end_n be_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o religion_n for_o those_o who_o be_v enrich_v themselves_o with_o the_o inestimable_a treasure_n of_o true_a 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question_n the_o principle_n or_o that_o which_o despise_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o certain_o will_n more_o incline_v man_n to_o believe_v that_o we_o live_v in_o a_o age_n of_o prodigy_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o shall_v account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gentility_n to_o despise_v religion_n and_o a_o piece_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v atheist_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o true_a height_n and_o magnanimity_n of_o spirit_n if_o there_o be_v any_o solid_a reason_n and_o depth_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o but_o only_o attainable_a by_o a_o true_a generous_a spirit_n of_o religion_n but_o if_o we_o look_v at_o that_o which_o the_o loose_a and_o profane_a world_n be_v apt_a to_o account_v the_o great_a gallantry_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o make_v up_o of_o such_o pitiful_a ingredient_n which_o any_o skilful_a &_o rational_a mind_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o plead_v for_o much_o less_o to_o mention_v they_o in_o competition_n with_o true_a goodness_n and_o unfeigned_a piety_n for_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o observe_v such_o who_o will_v be_v account_v the_o most_o high_a and_o gallant_a spirit_n to_o quarry_n on_o such_o mean_a prey_n which_o only_o tend_v to_o satisfy_v their_o brutish_a appetite_n or_o flesh_n revenge_n with_o the_o blood_n of_o such_o who_o have_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o that_o airy_a title_n honour_n or_o else_o they_o be_v so_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o the_o in_o ward_n worth_a and_o excellency_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o envy_v the_o gallantry_n of_o peacock_n and_o strive_v to_o outvie_v they_o in_o the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o plume_n such_o who_o be_v as_o seneca_v say_v ad_fw-la similitudinem_fw-la parietum_fw-la extrinsecùs_fw-la culti_fw-la who_o imitate_v the_o wall_n of_o their_o house_n in_o the_o fairness_n of_o the_o outside_n but_o matter_n not_o what_o rubbish_n there_o lie_v within_o the_o utmost_a of_o their_o ambition_n be_v to_o attain_v enervatam_fw-la felicitatem_fw-la quâ_fw-la permadescunt_fw-la animi_fw-la such_o a_o felicity_n as_o evigorate_v the_o soul_n by_o too_o long_o steep_v it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n that_o they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o degree_n consume_v reason_n by_o effeminate_v and_o soften_a the_o intellectual_n must_v we_o appeal_v then_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sardanapalus_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o felicity_n or_o inquire_v of_o apicius_n what_o temperance_n be_v or_o desire_v that_o sybarite_n to_o define_v magnanimity_n who_o faint_v to_o see_v a_o man_n at_o hard_a labour_n or_o do_v now_o the_o conquest_n of_o passion_n forgive_a injury_n do_v good_a self-denial_n humility_n patience_n under_o cross_n which_o be_v the_o real_a expression_n of_o piety_n speak_v nothing_o more_o noble_a &_o generous_a than_o a_o luxurious_a malicious_a proud_a and_o impatient_a spirit_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o become_v and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n in_o exemplary_a piety_n and_o a_o holy_a well-orderd_a conversation_n then_o in_o the_o lightness_n and_o vanity_n not_o to_o say_v rudeness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o those_o who_o the_o world_n account_v the_o great_a gallant_n be_v there_o nothing_o more_o graceful_a and_o please_a in_o the_o sweetness_n candour_n and_o ingenuity_n of_o a_o true_o christian_a temper_n and_o disposition_n then_o in_o the_o revengeful_a implacable_a spirit_n of_o such_o who_o honour_n live_v and_o be_v feed_v by_o the_o blood_n of_o their_o enemy_n be_v it_o not_o more_o true_o honourable_a and_o glorious_a to_o serve_v that_o god_n who_o command_v the_o world_n then_o to_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o those_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o put_v man_n upon_o continual_a hard_a service_n and_o torment_v they_o for_o it_o when_o they_o have_v do_v it_o be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o commend_v religion_n
that_o perish_v if_o now_o the_o weight_n and_o consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n and_o the_o too_o great_a seasonableness_n of_o it_o if_o the_o common_a fame_n of_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o atheism_n among_o we_o be_v true_a be_v not_o sufficient_a apology_n for_o the_o publish_n this_o book_n i_o be_o resolve_v rather_o to_o undergo_v thy_o censure_n tben_fw-mi be_v behold_v to_o any_o other_o the_o intendment_n therefore_o of_o this_o preface_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o scope_n design_n and_o method_n of_o the_o follow_a book_n although_o the_o view_n of_o the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n may_v sufficient_o acquain_v thou_o with_o it_o how_o far_o i_o have_v be_v either_o from_o transeribe_v or_o a_o design_n to_o excusse_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o admirer_n the_o several_a write_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n or_o christianity_n in_o particular_a especial_o mornay_n groâ—ius_n amyraldus_n etc._n etc._n may_v easy_o appear_v by_o compare_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o book_n and_o this_o together_o have_v i_o not_o thought_n something_o may_v be_v say_v if_o not_o more_o full_o and_o rational_o yet_o more_o suitable_o to_o the_o present_a temper_n of_o this_o age_n then_o what_o be_v already_o write_v by_o they_o thou_o have_v not_o be_v trouble_v with_o this_o preface_n much_o less_o with_o the_o whole_a book_n but_o as_o the_o temper_n and_o genius_n be_v of_o age_n and_o time_n alier_n so_o do_v the_o arm_n and_o wâ—npons_n which_o â—â—theists_n employ_v against_o religion_n the_o most_o papular_a pretence_n of_o the_o atheist_n of_o our_o age_n have_v be_v the_o irreconcileableness_n of_o the_o account_n of_o time_n in_o scripture_n with_o that_o of_o the_o learned_a and_o ancient_a heathen_a nation_n the_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o account_n which_o may_v be_v give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 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it_o be_v not_o of_o great_a concernment_n for_o understand_v the_o thing_n its_o self_n in_o the_o second_o book_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n why_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v those_o several_a person_n who_o in_o several_a age_n be_v employ_v to_o reveal_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o world_n and_o with_o great_a particularity_n than_o have_v yet_o be_v use_v i_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o person_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o every_o of_o they_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n on_o which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v not_o only_o by_o the_o man_n of_o their_o own_o age_n but_o by_o those_o of_o succeed_a generation_n in_o the_o three_o book_n i_o have_v insist_v on_o the_o matter_n themselves_o which_o be_v either_o suppose_v by_o or_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o have_v therein_o not_o only_o manifest_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o 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impartial_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o thou_o will_v see_v as_o much_o reason_n for_o religion_n as_o i_o do_v the_o content_n book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o 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of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o hermes_n trismegistus_n of_o his_o inscription_n on_o pillar_n transcribe_v by_o manetho_n his_o fabulousness_n thence_o discover_v terra_fw-la seriadica_n of_o seth_n pillar_n in_o josephus_n and_o a_o account_n whence_o they_o be_v take_v pag._n 25_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o chaldean_a history_n the_o contest_v of_o antiquity_n among_o heathen_a nation_n and_o the_o way_n of_o decide_v it_o of_o the_o chaldean_a astrology_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n of_o the_o zabiâ—_n their_o founder_n who_o they_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o old_a chaldee_n of_o berosus_n and_o his_o history_n a_o account_n of_o the_o fabulous_a dynastye_n of_o berosus_n and_o manetho_n from_o the_o translation_n of_o the_o scripture_n history_n into_o greek_a in_o the_o time_n of_o prolomy_n of_o that_o translation_n and_o the_o time_n of_o it_o of_o demetrius_n phalereus_n scaliger_n argument_n answer_v manetho_n write_v after_o the_o septuagint_n prove_v against_o kircher_n his_o argument_n answer_v of_o rabbinical_a and_o arabic_a author_n and_o their_o little_a credit_n in_o matter_n of_o history_n the_o time_n of_o berosus_n inquire_v into_o his_o writing_n co-temporary_a with_o philadelphus_n pag._n 40_o chap._n iu_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o grecian_a history_n that_o manifest_v by_o three_o evident_a argument_n of_o it_o 1._o the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o poetical_a age_n of_o greece_n the_o antiquity_n of_o poetry_n of_o orpheus_n and_o the_o ancient_a poet_n whence_o the_o poetical_a fable_n borrow_v the_o advancement_n of_o poetry_n and_o idolatry_n together_o in_o greece_n the_o different_a censure_n of_o strabo_n and_o eratosthenes_n concern_v the_o poetical_a age_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o elder_a historian_n of_o greece_n be_v of_o suspect_a credit_n of_o damastes_n aristeus_n and_o other_o of_o most_o of_o their_o elder_a historian_n we_o have_v nothing_o leave_v but_o their_o name_n of_o other_o only_o the_o
reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o america_n pag._n 533_o chap._n v._o of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n that_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n preserve_v in_o the_o several_a nation_n after_o the_o dispersion_n how_o it_o come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o decay_n of_o knowledge_n increase_n of_o idolatry_n confusion_n of_o language_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o difficulty_n against_o the_o common_a opinion_n that_o language_n be_v confound_v at_o babel_n those_o difficulty_n clear_v of_o the_o fabulousness_n of_o poet_n the_o particular_a way_n whereby_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n arise_v attribute_v the_o general_a history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o their_o own_o nation_n the_o corruption_n of_o hebraism_n alteration_n of_o name_n ambiguity_n of_o sense_n in_o the_o oriental_a language_n attribute_v the_o action_n of_o many_o to_o one_o person_n as_o in_o jupiter_n bacchus_n etc._n etc._n the_o remainder_n of_o scripture_n history_n among_o the_o heathen_n the_o name_n of_o god_n chaos_n formation_n of_o man_n among_o the_o phaenician_o of_o adam_n among_o the_o german_n egyptian_n cilician_o adam_n under_o saturn_n cain_n among_o the_o phaenician_o tubalcain_n and_o jubal_n under_o vulcan_n and_o apollo_n naamah_n under_o minerva_n noah_n under_o saturn_n janus_n prometheus_n and_o bacchus_n noah_n three_o son_n under_o jupiter_n neptune_n and_o pluto_n canaan_n under_o mercury_n nimrod_n under_o bacchus_n magog_n under_o prometheus_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n among_o the_o phaenician_o jacob_n service_n under_o apollo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o bethel_n joseph_n under_o apis._n moses_n under_o bacchus_n joshua_n under_o hercules_n balaam_n under_o the_o old_a silenus_n pag._n 577_o chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o most_o universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n pag._n 599_o errata_fw-la page_n 11._o l._n 15._o r._n existence_n p._n 17._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 21._o l._n 19_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 22._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 27._o l._n 14._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 31._o l._n 2._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o l._n 16._o r._n anebo_fw-la p._n 36._o l._n 1._o r._n sebennyta_n p._n 37._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 52._o l._n 28._o r._n accederent_fw-la and_o causaubon_n p._n 57_o l._n 26._o r._n other_o p._n 61._o l._n 14._o r._n pisistratidae_n p._n 63._o l._n 35._o r._n hierocles_n apollonius_n p._n 64._o l._n 11._o r._n acusilaus_n p_o 83._o l._n 29_o 30._o r._n the_o patriarch_n tarasius_n p._n 91._o l._n 3._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 94_o l._n 23._o for_o but_o r._n by_o p._n 96._o l._n 26._o for_o to_o r._n and._n p._n 104._o l._n 22._o r._n hecataeus_n p._n 105._o l._n 33._o r._n panchotis_n p._n 112._o l._n 15._o r._n as_o to_o p._n 120._o l._n 14_o r._n he_o for_o we_o p._n 125._o l._n 4._o r._n provide_v l._n 20._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 126._o l._n 15._o r._n peteseph_n p._n 132._o r._n deceive_v p._n 140._o l._n 19_o r._n continue_v p._n 150._o l._n 16._o r._n deut._n 18._o p._n 149._o l._n 12._o r._n a_o order_n p._n 156._o l_o 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 167._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 171._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 180_o l._n 11._o r._n be_v p_o 182._o l._n 3â—_n r._n ordinat_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 184._o l._n 39_o before_o those_o insert_v though_o p._n 201._o l_o 18._o r._n employ_v l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 202._o l_o 14._o r._n vorstius_n p._n 209._o l._n 9_o r_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 226._o l_o 5._o r._n meanness_n p._n 254._o l._n 26._o r._n table_n p._n 267._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 293._o l._n 17._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 302._o l._n 28._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 323._o l._n 19_o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 328._o l._n 9_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 334_o l._n 11._o r._n barchochebas_n p._n 346._o between_o we_o and_o in_o insert_v a._n p_o 348._o l._n 21._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 349._o l._n 29._o r._n incredibilia_fw-la p._n 364._o l._n 17._o blot_n out_o the_o comma_n between_o euhemerus_n and_o messenius_n l_o 29_o and_o elsewhere_o r._n salve_n for_o solve_v p._n 365._o l._n 20._o r._n elastical_a p._n 395._o l._n 3._o r._n toupinamboult_n p._n 409._o l._n 21._o r._n peristaltic_n p._n 424._o l._n 15._o for_o it_o r._n they_o p._n 425._o l._n 7._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 427._o l._n r._n insert_v â—â—_o between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o r_o fluidane_a p._n 443._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 32._o for_o col_n r._n l._n nomine_fw-la appellasse_n p._n 464._o l._n 26._o r._n who_o surface_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v p._n 488._o l._n 36._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 493._o l._n 5._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 28._o r._n coaeterna_fw-la p._n 502._o l._n 29._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p_o 518._o l._n 35._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 520._o l._n 10._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d l._n 13._o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d origines_fw-la sacrae_fw-la the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n assert_v book_n i._n chap._n i._n the_o obscurity_n and_o defect_n of_o ancient_a history_n the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a perfection_n of_o the_o rational_a soul_n yet_o error_n often_o mistake_v for_o truth_n the_o account_n of_o it_o want_v of_o diligence_n in_o its_o search_n the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n thence_o come_v either_o reject_v truth_n for_o the_o error_n sake_n or_o embrace_v the_o error_n for_o the_o truth_n sake_n the_o first_o instance_a in_o heathen_a philosopher_n the_o second_o in_o vulgar_a heathen_a of_o philosophical_a atheism_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o the_o history_n of_o antiquity_n very_o obscure_a the_o question_n state_v where_o the_o true_a history_n of_o ancient_a time_n to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_a history_n or_o only_o in_o scripture_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n assert_v and_o prove_v by_o
of_o nabonasser_n which_o if_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o greedy_a of_o all_o empty_a conjecture_n which_o tend_v to_o our_o purpose_n as_o to_o take_v they_o for_o truth_n will_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o falsehood_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o chaldean_n in_o their_o great_a pretence_n to_o antiquity_n but_o as_o the_o case_n stand_v in_o reference_n to_o their_o history_n we_o find_v more_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n to_o assert_v their_o just_a antiquity_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v out_o of_o any_o undoubted_a record_n of_o their_o own_o which_o yet_o have_v be_v endeavour_v by_o a_o author_n both_o of_o some_o credit_n and_o antiquity_n the_o true_a berosus_n not_o the_o counterfeit_n of_o annius_n who_o vizard_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o pull_v off_o afterward_o this_o berosus_n be_v as_o josephus_n and_o tatianus_n assure_v we_o a_o priest_n of_o belus_n and_o a_o babylonian_a graecor_fw-la bear_v but_o afterward_o flourish_v in_o the_o isle_n of_o co_n and_o be_v the_o first_o who_o bring_v the_o chaldean_a astrology_n in_o request_n among_o the_o greek_n in_o honour_n to_o who_o name_n and_o memory_n the_o athenian_n who_o be_v never_o backward_o in_o applaud_v those_o who_o bring_v they_o the_o great_a news_n especial_o i_o suitable_a to_o their_o former_a superstition_n erect_v a_o statue_n for_o he_o with_o a_o guild_a tongue_n a_o good_a emblem_n of_o his_o history_n which_o make_v a_o fair_a and_o specious_a show_n but_o be_v not_o that_o within_o which_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v especial_o where_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a time_n and_o reckon_v up_o his_o two_o dynastye_n before_o the_o time_n of_o belus_n but_o of_o they_o afterward_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o some_o fragment_n of_o his_o history_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v from_o ruin_n by_o the_o care_n and_o industry_n of_o josephus_n tatianus_n eusebius_n and_o other_o have_v be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o heathen_n but_o also_o for_o illustrate_v some_o passage_n concern_v the_o babylonian_a empire_n as_o make_v nabopolasser_n the_o father_n of_o nebucadonosor_n of_o which_o scaliger_n have_v full_o temp._n speak_v in_o his_o note_n upon_o his_o fragment_n far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o to_o derogate_v any_o thing_n even_o from_o profane_a history_n where_o they_o do_v not_o enterfere_v with_o the_o sacred_a 5._o history_n of_o scripture_n and_o it_o be_v certain_o the_o best_a improvement_n of_o these_o to_o make_v they_o draw_v water_n to_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o serve_v as_o small_a star_n to_o conduct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n when_o we_o can_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o that_o great_a light_n of_o sacred_a history_n but_o that_o which_o i_o impeach_v these_o profane_a history_n of_o be_v only_o a_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n wherein_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v light_n to_o sacred_a record_n that_o the_o design_n of_o set_v of_o they_o up_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o they_o which_o may_v seem_v somewhat_o the_o more_o probable_a in_o that_o those_o monstrous_a account_n of_o the_o egyptian_a and_o chaldean_a dynastye_n do_v never_o public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n in_o the_o greek_a tongue_n till_o the_o time_n that_o our_o sacred_a record_n be_v translate_v into_o greek_a at_o alexandria_n for_o till_o that_o time_n when_o this_o authentic_a history_n of_o the_o world_n be_v draw_v forth_o from_o its_o privacy_n and_o retirement_n be_v as_o it_o be_v look_v up_o before_o among_o the_o israelite_n at_o judea_n into_o the_o public_a notice_n of_o the_o world_n about_o the_o time_n of_o ptolomaeus_n philadelphus_n these_o vain_a pretender_n to_o antiquity_n think_v not_o themselves_o so_o much_o concern_v to_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o own_o nation_n for_o till_o that_o time_n the_o onedulous_a world_n not_o be_v acquaint_v with_o any_o certain_a report_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v apt_a to_o swallow_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v give_v forth_o by_o those_o who_o be_v have_v in_o so_o great_a esteem_n as_o the_o chaldean_a and_o egyptian_a priest_n be_v because_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v free_v from_o other_o avocation_n have_v more_o leisure_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n and_o because_o of_o their_o mysterious_a hide_v what_o they_o have_v from_o the_o vulgar_a be_v presume_v to_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o they_o have_v but_o now_o when_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n be_v approach_v this_o horizon_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o the_o sacred_a history_n like_o the_o daystar_n be_v to_o give_v the_o world_n notice_n of_o it_o by_o which_o the_o former_a shadow_n and_o mist_n begin_v to_o fly_v away_o it_o concern_v all_o those_o who_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o former_a ignorance_n of_o mankind_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o raise_v all_o their_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la and_o whatever_n may_v tend_v to_o obscure_v that_o approach_a light_n by_o invalidate_v the_o credit_n of_o that_o which_o come_v to_o bespeak_v its_o acceptance_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a to_o consider_v what_o gradation_n and_o step_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o appearance_n of_o that_o grand_a light_n 6._o which_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o way_n thither_o how_o the_o world_n not_o long_o before_o be_v awaken_v into_o a_o great_a inquisitiveness_n than_o ever_o before_o how_o knowledge_n grow_v into_o repute_n and_o what_o method_n divine_a providence_n use_v to_o give_v the_o inquisitive_a world_n a_o taste_n of_o truth_n at_o present_a to_o stay_v their_o stomach_n and_o prepare_v they_o for_o that_o further_a discovery_n of_o it_o afterward_o in_o order_n to_o this_o that_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o be_v a_o enclose_a garden_n before_o be_v now_o throw_v open_a and_o many_o of_o the_o plant_n remove_v and_o set_v in_o foreign_a country_n not_o only_o in_o babylon_n where_o even_o after_o their_o return_n be_v leave_v three_o famous_a school_n of_o learning_n sora_n pombeditha_n and_o neharda_n but_o in_o egypt_n too_o where_o multitude_n of_o they_o by_o alexander_n favour_n be_v settle_v at_o alexandria_n where_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o season_v those_o two_o great_a fountain_n whence_o the_o current_n of_o knowledge_n run_v into_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o it_o be_v not_o in_o jewry_n only_o that_o god_n be_v know_v but_o he_o who_o name_n be_v great_a in_o israel_n do_v make_v way_n for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o among_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o allwise_o god_n who_o direct_v the_o magi_n by_o a_o star_n to_o christ_n make_v use_n of_o their_o former_a skill_n in_o astronomy_n to_o 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record_n and_o then_o it_o do_v far_o better_a than_o the_o old_a one_o of_o osymanduas_n of_o which_o historian_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v the_o inscription_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o shop_n of_o the_o soul_n physic_n but_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o much_o concernment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o better_a understanding_n the_o original_n of_o these_o vast_a account_n 7._o of_o time_n among_o the_o chaldaean_n and_o egyptian_n and_o a_o subject_n not_o yet_o touch_v by_o any_o we_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o improve_v the_o probability_n of_o it_o by_o take_v a_o more_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o scripture_n be_v first_o translate_v and_o the_o occasion_n may_v thereby_o be_v give_v to_o these_o egyptian_n &_o chaldaean_n to_o produce_v their_o fabulous_a account_n into_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n whether_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o before_o translate_v into_o the_o greek_a
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every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o be_v not_o present_a at_o the_o do_v of_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v peremptory_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o see_v he_o be_v fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o a_o voyage_n to_o anticyrae_n or_o to_o be_v sound_o purge_v with_o hellebore_n to_o free_v he_o from_o those_o cloudy_a humour_n that_o make_v he_o suspect_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v a_o imposture_n but_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o man_n so_o destitute_a of_o reason_n as_o â—o_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o every_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o do_v not_o see_v himself_o if_o he_o do_v then_o firm_o believe_v any_o thing_n there_o must_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o induce_v he_o to_o such_o a_o belief_n and_o then_o what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o question_v the_o certainty_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n as_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n have_v which_o he_o most_o firm_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v all_o we_o desire_v from_o he_o 3._o do_v we_o not_o see_v that_o the_o most_o concern_v and_o weighty_a 3._o action_n of_o man_n life_n be_v build_v on_o no_o other_o foundation_n than_o this_o moral_a certainty_n yet_o man_n do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o rely_v upon_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o all_o title_n to_o estate_n derive_v from_o ancestor_n either_o by_o donation_n or_o purchase_n in_o all_o trade_n which_o go_v upon_o the_o moral_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o the_o indies_n or_o france_n or_o spain_n etc._n etc._n in_o all_o journeying_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o that_o i_o be_o go_v to_o and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n thither_o for_o these_o we_o have_v but_o this_o moral_a certainty_n for_o the_o contrary_a to_o both_o these_o be_v possible_a and_o the_o affirmative_n be_v indemonstrable_a in_o eat_v and_o drink_v there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v poison_v by_o every_o bit_n of_o meat_n or_o drop_n of_o drink_n do_v we_o therefore_o continual_o doubt_v whether_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o or_o no_o chief_o this_o be_v see_v in_o all_o natural_a affection_n and_o piety_n in_o child_n towards_o parent_n which_o undoubted_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o can_v be_v witness_n of_o themselves_o viz._n their_o come_n out_o of_o their_o mother_n womb_n and_o do_v any_o one_o think_v this_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o question_v his_o mother_n because_o the_o contrary_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o he_o in_o short_a then_o either_o we_o must_v destroy_v all_o historical_a faith_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o believe_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o much_o attest_v but_o what_o we_o see_v ourselves_o or_o else_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n not_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la subesse_fw-la falsum_fw-la but_o such_o a_o one_o cui_fw-la non_fw-la subest_fw-la dubium_fw-la i._n e._n a_o assent_n undoubted_a though_o not_o infallible_a by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o little_a reason_n the_o atheist_n on_o one_o side_n can_v have_v to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o what_o little_a ground_n the_o papist_n on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v to_o make_v a_o pretence_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n as_o to_o the_o proposal_n of_o such_o thing_n where_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sufficient_a that_o be_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o fâ—ct_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o prove_v as_o to_o the_o subject_n in_o hand_n 4._o viz._n that_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n be_v undoubted_o he_o which_o i_o prove_v by_o a_o twofold_a argument_n 1._o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n 2._o the_o settle_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n upon_o the_o law_n 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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
ignes_fw-la theophylact_fw-mi be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n suppose_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n become_v daemon_n and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o daemoniack_n 28_o among_o the_o tomb_n but_o it_o be_v far_o more_o probable_a which_o grotius_n conceive_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o dead_a man_n do_v hover_v up_o and_o down_o about_o their_o body_n and_o that_o these_o be_v so_o long_o under_o the_o devil_n power_n which_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n to_o this_o day_n believe_v and_o make_v use_n of_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o pythonisse_fw-la raise_v samuel_n on_o which_o account_n the_o devil_n to_o favour_v a_o opinion_n so_o advantageous_a to_o their_o interest_n may_v appear_v with_o great_a terror_n and_o fury_n about_o their_o bury_a place_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v in_o those_o possess_a person_n but_o on_o whatever_o account_n it_o be_v we_o find_v it_o evident_a that_o about_o the_o time_n of_o our_o saviour_n appearance_n and_o some_o time_n after_o the_o true_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o frequent_a whether_o it_o be_v that_o the_o devil_n by_o such_o frequent_a possession_n of_o person_n and_o make_v they_o do_v such_o strange_a thing_n may_v thereby_o endeavour_v to_o invalidate_v the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v probable_a the_o pharisee_n raise_v their_o calumny_n that_o christ_n do_v miracle_n by_o belzebub_n because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o strange_a appearance_n cause_v by_o possess_v person_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v through_o the_o admirable_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o may_v give_v satan_n the_o great_a liberty_n at_o that_o time_n on_o purpose_n to_o heighten_v the_o glory_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o dispossess_v of_o he_o and_o thereby_o to_o give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n that_o his_o power_n be_v of_o god_n which_o tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n and_o hence_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v so_o much_o triumph_n and_o as_o it_o be_v insult_v over_o the_o devil_n where_o ever_o they_o find_v 5._o he_o make_v he_o to_o remove_v his_o lodging_n from_o possess_a person_n by_o a_o writ_n of_o ejection_n from_o the_o name_n of_o christ._n thence_o origen_n rational_o conclude_v that_o christ_n have_v his_o power_n give_v he_o from_o above_o because_o at_o his_o very_a name_n the_o devil_n forsake_v the_o body_n which_o they_o have_v possess_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 3._o and_o he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o christian_n without_o any_o ceremony_n but_o mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n do_v ordinary_o eject_v the_o devil_n out_o of_o man_n body_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 7._o ordinary_a christian_n say_v he_o most_o common_o do_v this_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n by_o its_o word_n thereby_o discover_v the_o contemptibleness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o ejection_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o want_v any_o learned_a or_o experience_a christian._n and_o for_o this_o they_o appeal_v to_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o as_o appear_v not_o only_o by_o the_o challenge_n of_o tertullian_n already_o mention_v but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o almost_o all_o of_o they_o who_o have_v write_v against_o the_o heathen_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thence_o minutius_n felix_n haec_fw-la omne_fw-la sciunt_fw-la plerique_fw-la pars_fw-la vestrum_fw-la ipsos_fw-la ouz_n daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la semetipsis_fw-la confiteri_fw-la quoties_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la torment_n be_v verborum_fw-la &_o orationis_fw-la incendiis_fw-la de_fw-la coâ—poribus_fw-la exiguntur_fw-la ipse_fw-la saturnus_n &_o serapis_n et_fw-fr jupiter_n et_fw-la quiequid_fw-la daemonum_fw-la colitis_fw-la victi_fw-la dolore_fw-la quod_fw-la sunt_fw-la eloquuntur_fw-la nec_fw-la utique_fw-la in_o turpitudinem_fw-la svi_fw-la nonnullis_fw-la praesertim_fw-la vestrum_fw-la assistentibâ—s_fw-la mentiuntur_fw-la ipsis_fw-la testibus_fw-la eos_fw-la esse_fw-la daemonas_fw-la de_fw-la se_fw-la verum_fw-la confitentibus_fw-la credit_n adjuratienim_fw-la per_fw-la deum_fw-la verum_fw-la et_fw-la solum_fw-la inviti_fw-la miseri_fw-la corporibus_fw-la inhorrescunt_fw-la et_fw-la vel_fw-la exiliunt_fw-la statim_fw-la vel_fw-la evanesount_n gradatim_fw-la prout_fw-la fides_fw-la patientis_fw-la adjuvat_fw-la aut_fw-la gratia_fw-la curantis_fw-la aspirat_fw-la can_v we_o now_o think_v the_o devil_n shall_v not_o only_o forsake_v his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o body_n of_o man_n but_o let_v go_v so_o advantageous_a a_o pillar_n of_o his_o tyranny_n over_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n in_o idolatroius_fw-la worship_n as_o the_o conceal_n himself_o be_v have_v he_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o a_o power_n far_o great_a than_o his_o own_o so_o cyprian_n ad_fw-la demetrianum_n appeal_v to_o he_o be_v the_o proconsul_n of_o africa_n about_o the_o same_o thing_n who_o have_v write_v sharp_o against_o the_o christian_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o devil_n who_o they_o worship_v in_o their_o idol_n o_o si_fw-la audire_fw-la eos_fw-la velles_fw-fr et_fw-la 12._o videre_fw-la quando_fw-la à _fw-la nobis_fw-la adjurantur_fw-la et_fw-la torquentur_fw-la spiritualibus_fw-la flagris_fw-la et_fw-la verborum_fw-la tormentis_fw-la de_fw-la obsessis_fw-la corporibus_fw-la ejiciuntur_fw-la quando_fw-la ejulantes_fw-la et_fw-la gemente_n voce_fw-la humana_fw-la et_fw-la potestate_fw-la divina_fw-la flagella_fw-la et_fw-la verbera_fw-la sentientes_fw-la venturum_fw-la judicium_fw-la confitentur_fw-la veni_fw-la et_fw-la cognosce_fw-la vera_fw-la esse_fw-la quae_fw-la dicimus_fw-la and_o a_o little_a after_o videbis_fw-la sub_fw-la manu_fw-la nostra_fw-la stare_v vinctos_fw-la et_fw-la tremere_fw-la captivos_fw-la quos_fw-la tu_fw-la suspicis_fw-la et_fw-la veneraris_fw-la ut_fw-la dominos_fw-la do_v ever_o any_o of_o the_o heathen_a magician_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n extort_v such_o thing_n from_o the_o devil_n as_o the_o christian_n do_v mere_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n do_v they_o ever_o make_v they_o confess_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v not_o only_o in_o possess_a body_n but_o in_o their_o temple_n too_o that_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o their_o ephesian_a letter_n or_o any_o of_o their_o magical_a incantation_n do_v the_o devil_n ever_o dread_a so_o much_o the_o name_n of_o socrates_n or_o aristides_n as_o they_o do_v that_o of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n of_o which_o lactantius_n thus_o speak_v quo_fw-la audito_fw-la 〈◊〉_d tremunt_fw-la exclamant_fw-la et_fw-la urise_fw-la verberarique_fw-la testantur_fw-la et_fw-la interrogati_fw-la qui_fw-la sint_fw-la quando_fw-la venerint_fw-la quando_fw-la in_o hominem_fw-la irrepserint_fw-la confitentur_fw-la sic_fw-la extorti_fw-la et_fw-la excruciati_fw-la virtate_fw-la divininuminis_fw-la exulant_fw-la propter_fw-la haec_fw-la verbera_fw-la et_fw-la minas_fw-la sanctos_fw-la et_fw-la justos_fw-la viros_fw-la semper_fw-la oderunt_fw-la and_o even_o apollo_n himself_o at_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n tremble_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o the_o pythian_a prophetess_n do_v in_o her_o great_a fury_n so_o prudentius_n tell_v we_o torquetur_fw-la apollo_n nomine_fw-la percussus_fw-la christi_fw-la nec_fw-la fulmina_fw-la verbi_fw-la apothâ—os_fw-la ferre_n potest_fw-la agitant_fw-la miserum_fw-la tot_fw-la verbera_fw-la linguae_fw-la quot_fw-la laudata_fw-la dei_fw-la resonant_n miracula_fw-la christi_fw-la to_o these_o we_o may_v add_v what_o firmicus_n say_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ecce_fw-la daemon_n est_fw-la quem_fw-la colis_fw-la cum_fw-la dei_fw-la et_fw-la christi_fw-la ejus_fw-la nomen_fw-la audierit_fw-la contremiseit_n et_fw-la ut_fw-la interrogantibus_fw-la nob_n be_v respondeat_fw-la relig_n trepidantia_fw-la verba_fw-la vix_fw-la se_fw-la colligit_fw-la adhaerens_fw-la homini_fw-la laceratur_fw-la uritur_fw-la vapulat_fw-la et_fw-la statim_fw-la de_fw-fr commissis_fw-la sceleribus_fw-la confitetur_fw-la by_o which_o testimony_n it_o appear_v what_o power_n over_o satan_n when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o kingdom_n the_o christian_n by_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n have_v not_o as_o though_o the_o bare_a name_n of_o christ_n have_v so_o great_a a_o efficacy_n in_o the_o ejection_n of_o devil_n as_o origen_n seemâ—_n to_o be_v of_o opinion_n in_o a_o discourse_n about_o the_o efficacy_n of_o name_n unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n but_o that_o god_n câ—ls_n may_v manifest_v to_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o name_n he_o do_v give_v a_o power_n to_o such_o as_o make_v use_v of_o it_o of_o work_a miracle_n by_o it_o and_o thence_o we_o read_v in_o scripture_n that_o some_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o christian_n but_o yet_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o power_n of_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n through_o his_o name_n by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n which_o may_v be_v 6._o produce_v out_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v a_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o our_o saviour_n promise_n to_o his_o disciple_n when_o he_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o they_o and_o these_o sign_n shall_v follow_v
17._o they_o that_o believe_v in_o my_o name_n shall_v they_o cast_v out_o devil_n etc._n etc._n this_o power_n then_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v a_o twofold_a argument_n in_o it_o both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o manifestation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o prediction_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o christ_n when_o his_o name_n so_o long_o after_o his_o ascension_n have_v so_o great_a a_o command_n over_o all_o the_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o that_o so_o evident_o that_o at_o that_o time_n when_o the_o christian_n do_v as_o it_o be_v tyrannize_v over_o satan_n so_o in_o his_o own_o territory_n yet_o then_o the_o great_a of_o his_o magician_n have_v no_o power_n to_o hurt_v the_o body_n of_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n origen_n take_v much_o notice_n of_o for_o when_o celsus_n say_v from_o diogenes_n aegyptius_n that_o magic_n can_v only_o hurt_v ignorant_a and_o wicked_a man_n and_o have_v no_o power_n over_o philosopher_n origen_n reply_v first_o that_o philosophy_n be_v no_o such_o charm_n against_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n as_o appear_v by_o maeragenes_n who_o write_v the_o story_n of_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n the_o famous_a magician_n and_o philosopher_n who_o therein_o mention_n how_o euphrates_n and_o a_o epicurean_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d no_o vulgar_a philosopher_n be_v catch_v by_o the_o magic_n of_o apollonius_n and_o although_o philostratus_n disow_v this_o history_n of_o maeragenes_n as_o fabulous_a yet_o he_o that_o think_v philostratus_n for_o that_o to_o be_v of_o any_o great_a credit_n be_v much_o deceive_v of_o who_o lud._n vives_n give_v this_o true_a character_n that_o he_o do_v magna_fw-la homeri_fw-la mendacia_fw-la majoribus_fw-la mendaciis_fw-la 5._o corrigere_fw-la mend_v one_o hole_n and_o make_v three_o but_o say_v origen_n as_o to_o the_o christian_n this_o be_v undoubted_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 302._o this_o say_v he_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a of_o and_o have_v find_v it_o by_o experience_n true_a that_o those_o who_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n do_v worship_n god_n over_o all_o through_o jesus_n and_o do_v live_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v constant_a in_o their_o solemn_a prayer_n night_n and_o day_n be_v not_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o power_n of_o any_o magic_a or_o devil_n whatsoever_o now_o than_o if_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v then_o so_o much_o power_n over_o other_o have_v none_o upon_o the_o true_a follower_n of_o christ_n and_o if_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o they_o have_v so_o great_a a_o command_a power_n over_o the_o devil_n even_o in_o thing_n which_o tend_v most_o to_o his_o disadvantage_n not_o only_a dislodging_n he_o out_o of_o body_n â—â—t_v out_o of_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a then_o that_o this_o power_n which_o be_v so_o efficacious_a for_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n must_v needs_o be_v far_o great_a than_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n be_v for_o it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a maxim_n in_o natural_a reason_n that_o whatever_o be_v put_v out_o of_o its_o former_a place_n by_o force_n and_o violence_n be_v extrude_v by_o something_o strong_a than_o its_o self_n for_o if_o the_o force_n on_o either_o side_n be_v equal_a there_o can_v be_v no_o dispossess_v sing_v of_o either_o if_o any_o thing_n then_o be_v cast_v out_o of_o its_o former_a possession_n unwilling_o it_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n there_o be_v some_o power_n great_a than_o his_o who_o be_v dispossess_v now_o we_o can_v conceive_v if_o there_o be_v such_o malignant_a spirit_n as_o by_o many_o undeniable_a proof_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v willing_o quit_v their_o possession_n to_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o tend_v to_o the_o unavoidable_a ruin_n of_o their_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n have_v overthrow_v the_o devil_n kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n wherever_o it_o have_v be_v true_o entertain_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o this_o power_n be_v far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o any_o damn_a spirit_n now_o what_o folly_n and_o madness_n be_v it_o in_o the_o heathen_n to_o worship_v those_o for_o god_n which_o they_o can_v not_o but_o see_v if_o they_o will_v open_v their_o eye_n be_v under_o so_o great_a slavery_n to_o a_o power_n above_o they_o which_o can_v make_v they_o confess_v what_o be_v most_o to_o their_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o their_o great_a adorer_n neither_o ought_v the_o many_o counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n which_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n in_o this_o kind_n since_o the_o establishment_n of_o 7._o christian_a religion_n among_o the_o advancer_n of_o particular_a interest_n and_o design_n make_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ._n for_o first_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o religion_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o appearance_n in_o the_o world_n if_o then_o the_o evidence_n be_v undoubted_a as_o to_o those_o first_o time_n we_o ought_v to_o embrace_v our_o religion_n as_o true_a whatever_o the_o imposture_n have_v be_v among_o those_o who_o have_v apparent_o go_v aside_o from_o that_o purity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v so_o great_a power_n then_o second_o if_o all_o that_o have_v be_v do_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o eject_v devil_n where_o christianity_n be_v own_v be_v acknowledge_v for_o imposture_n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v suppose_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o real_a possession_n by_o the_o devil_n or_o else_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o dispossess_v he_o if_o the_o first_o than_o hereby_o will_v be_v see_v a_o confirmation_n of_o our_o former_a argument_n that_o where_o christianity_n be_v own_v by_o the_o power_n of_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v more_o curb_v and_o restrain_v then_o where_o it_o be_v not_o or_o else_o be_v much_o overrun_v with_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o 10._o century_n to_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o 16._o current_n be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o the_o first_o all_o those_o who_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o place_n where_o paganism_n or_o gross_a idolatry_n do_v yet_o reign_v will_v bring_v in_o their_o creditable_a testimony_n how_o tyrannical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o among_o they_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o then_o where_o careful_a endeavour_n have_v be_v use_v for_o retrive_v the_o ancient_a pâ—rity_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n we_o ought_v to_o impute_v it_o to_o the_o power_n of_o he_o who_o be_v strong_a than_o satan_n who_o wherever_o he_o come_v to_o dwell_v do_v dispossess_v he_o of_o his_o former_a habitation_n if_o the_o second_o then_o be_v entertain_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o conclude_v all_o thing_n as_o imposture_n which_o be_v account_v dispossession_n of_o satan_n viz._n that_o he_o never_o be_v real_o dispossess_v than_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v that_o where_o he_o be_v once_o seize_v there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o eject_v he_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v a_o absolute_a and_o infinite_a power_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n great_a than_o he_o which_o be_v to_o own_v he_o for_o god_n or_o else_o that_o god_n suffer_v he_o to_o tyrannize_v where_o and_o how_o he_o will_v which_o be_v contrary_a to_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n god_n take_v of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n or_o else_o last_o that_o those_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o do_v it_o be_v not_o such_o person_n who_o be_v arm_v so_o much_o with_o the_o power_n of_o christ_n nor_o possess_v with_o such_o a_o due_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v command_v over_o these_o infernal_a spirit_n and_o this_o in_o the_o case_n pretend_v by_o the_o great_a juggler_n and_o impostor_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n the_o popish_a priest_n have_v be_v so_o notorious_a that_o none_o of_o their_o own_o party_n of_o any_o great_a faith_n or_o credit_n will_v stand_v to_o vouch_v they_o and_o we_o have_v this_o impregnable_a argument_n against_o all_o such_o imposture_n that_o the_o matter_n which_o they_o by_o such_o action_n will_v give_v a_o evidence_n to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o if_o not_o in_o some_o thing_n diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o first_o delivery_n and_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o way_n use_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o first_o publish_v of_o
they_o which_o be_v sanctify_v by_o faith_n in_o christ._n and_o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o order_n to_o these_o great_a â—nds_n be_v abundant_o see_v in_o the_o preach_n of_o that_o apostle_n who_o be_v so_o instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n to_o piety_n and_o sobriety_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n what_o strange_a person_n be_v the_o corinthian_n before_o they_o become_v christian_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n have_v enumerate_v many_o of_o the_o vile_a person_n of_o the_o world_n he_o present_o add_v and_o such_o be_v some_o of_o you_o but_o you_o be_v wash_v but_o you_o be_v sanctify_v but_o 11._o you_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o god_n the_o more_o dangerous_a the_o distemper_n be_v the_o more_o malignant_a its_o nature_n the_o more_o inveterate_a its_o continuance_n the_o great_a the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o remedy_n which_o work_v a_o cure_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o grace_n be_v the_o more_o see_v in_o conversion_n the_o great_a the_o sin_n have_v be_v before_o it_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n in_o comparison_n to_o remove_v a_o disease_n at_o its_o first_o onset_n of_o what_o it_o be_v to_o cure_v it_o when_o it_o become_v chronical_a the_o power_n of_o the_o gospel_n wrought_v upon_o all_o sort_n and_o kind_n of_o person_n to_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o distemper_n of_o man_n soul_n so_o great_a but_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n of_o a_o remedy_n for_o it_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o pregnant_a and_o visible_a instance_n be_v give_v of_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o for_o they_o themselves_o show_v of_o we_o say_v the_o apostle_n what_o manner_n of_o enter_v in_o we_o have_v among_o you_o and_o how_o you_o turn_v to_o god_n from_o idol_n to_o serve_v the_o live_n and_o true_a 10._o god_n and_o to_o wait_v for_o his_o son_n from_o heaven_n who_o he_o raise_v from_o the_o dead_a even_o jesus_n which_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v now_o that_o which_o manifest_v the_o exceed_a great_a power_n and_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v that_o it_o not_o only_o turn_v man_n from_o one_o way_n of_o worship_n to_o another_o which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o no_o great_a difficulty_n but_o that_o it_o turn_v man_n together_o with_o that_o from_o their_o lust_n and_o sensuality_n to_o a_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n for_o be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n then_o with_o their_o opinion_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a power_n which_o draw_v man_n from_o the_o practice_n of_o habitual_a sin_n then_o that_o which_o only_o make_v they_o change_v their_o opinion_n or_o alter_v the_o way_n of_o worship_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o be_v that_o which_o origen_n throughout_o his_o book_n against_o celsus_n triumph_v in_o as_o the_o most_o signal_n evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o it_o wrought_v so_o great_a a_o alteration_n on_o all_o that_o true_o embrace_v it_o that_o of_o vicious_a debauch_a and_o dissolute_a it_o make_v they_o temperate_a sober_a and_o religious_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 21._o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v convert_v the_o most_o wicked_a person_n who_o embrace_v it_o from_o all_o their_o debauchery_n to_o a_o life_n most_o suitable_a to_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o virtue_n therefore_o certain_o the_o gospel_n can_v not_o want_v that_o commendation_n among_o all_o ingenuous_a moralist_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o excellent_a instrument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reform_v the_o life_n of_o man_n and_o to_o promote_v real_a goodness_n in_o it_o when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o so_o many_o person_n continual_o so_o bring_v off_o from_o their_o folly_n and_o vain_a conversation_n to_o a_o life_n serious_a sober_a and_o unblameable_a nay_o and_o some_o of_o the_o christian_n be_v of_o so_o much_o integrity_n and_o goodness_n that_o their_o great_a enemy_n be_v force_v to_o say_v that_o their_o only_a fault_n be_v that_o they_o be_v christian_n bone_fw-la vir_fw-la cajus_n sejus_n tantum_fw-la quod_fw-la christianus_n a_o very_a good_a man_n only_o a_o christian._n but_o one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v have_v make_v they_o have_v a_o high_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o do_v so_o sudden_o make_v so_o many_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o this_o power_n be_v so_o manifest_a on_o such_o person_n who_o be_v suppose_v uncapable_a of_o be_v reform_v by_o philosophy_n young_a illiterate_a and_o mean-spirited_n person_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v just_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n that_o this_o alteration_n be_v wrought_v within_o they_o but_o by_o that_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o tame_v the_o most_o unruly_a to_o instruct_v the_o most_o ignorant_a to_o raise_v up_o the_o most_o sordid_a person_n to_o such_o a_o generous_a temper_n as_o to_o slight_v the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o to_o come_v and_o so_o remarkable_a be_v the_o difference_n of_o life_n then_o between_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o as_o there_o be_v still_o between_o true_a christian_n and_o mere_a pretender_n that_o origen_n dare_v celsus_n to_o compare_v they_o in_o point_n of_o morality_n with_o any_o other_o society_n in_o the_o world_n 128._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v disciple_v to_o christ_n be_v compare_v with_o other_o society_n shine_v among_o they_o like_o light_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v but_o confess_v that_o even_o the_o worse_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n exceed_v the_o best_a of_o the_o popular_a assembly_n for_o as_o he_o go_v on_o the_o church_n of_o god_n which_o be_v at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a because_o it_o seek_v to_o approve_v its_o sell_v to_o god_n but_o the_o popular_a assemby_n at_o athens_n that_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d seditious_a and_o quarrelsome_a and_o in_o nothing_o comparable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n there_o so_o it_o be_v if_o we_o compare_v the_o church_n of_o corinth_n and_o alexandria_n with_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o people_n there_o so_o that_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n will_v exceed_o wonder_v how_o such_o fair_a island_n shall_v appear_v nante_n in_o gurgite_fw-la vasto_fw-la in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o a_o sea_n of_o wickedness_n as_o be_v in_o those_o city_n how_o these_o church_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v plant_v in_o such_o rude_a and_o profane_a place_n so_o the_o same_o author_n go_v on_o to_o compare_v the_o church_n senate_n with_o that_o of_o the_o city_n the_o church_n officer_n with_o they_o and_o appeal_v to_o themselves_o that_o even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o be_v most_o lukewarm_a in_o their_o office_n do_v yet_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o city_n magistrate_n in_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n from_o whence_o he_o rational_o conclude_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o how_o can_v it_o but_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o adore_v the_o divinity_n of_o jesus_n who_o be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v such_o great_a thing_n and_o that_o not_o upon_o one_o or_o two_o but_o upon_o such_o great_a multitude_n as_o be_v then_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o read_v of_o one_o phoedon_n and_o one_o polemon_n bring_v from_o their_o debauchery_n by_o socrates_n and_o xenocrates_n but_o what_o be_v these_o compare_v with_o those_o who_o be_v turn_v from_o their_o sin_n to_o god_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 50._o etc._n etc._n the_o twelve_o apostle_n be_v but_o the_o first_o fruit_n of_o that_o plentiful_a harvest_n of_o convert_n which_o follow_v afterward_o and_o although_o celsus_n like_o a_o epicurean_a seem_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n 150._o of_o any_o such_o thing_n as_o conversion_n because_o customary_a sin_n become_v a_o second_o nature_n that_o no_o punishment_n can_v reform_v they_o yet_o say_v origen_n herein_o he_o not_o only_o contradict_v we_o christian_n but_o all_o such_o as_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o own_v any_o generous_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o do_v not_o despair_v of_o recover_a virtue_n as_o a_o thing_n feasible_a by_o humane_a nature_n and_o give_v instance_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o ancient_a hero_n hercules_n and_o ulysses_n from_o the_o two_o philosopher_n socrates_n and_o musonius_n and_o the_o two_o famous_a convert_n to_o philosophy_n phoedon_n and_o polemon_n but_o yet_o say_v he_o these_o be_v not_o
seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o ever_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v see_v in_o one_o and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v still_o dissatisfy_v unless_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o he_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v from_o divine_a power_n and_o other_o can_v be_v now_o the_o main_a distinction_n be_v place_v here_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v and_o not_o as_o they_o bear_v any_o evidence_n to_o our_o understanding_n in_o stead_n of_o resolve_v doubt_n it_o increase_v more_o for_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o magician_n rod_n turn_v into_o scrpent_n as_o well_o as_o moses_n his_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v this_o yield_v to_o any_o spectator_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o in_o the_o one_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o not_o in_o the_o other_o unless_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v by_o some_o evidence_n from_o the_o thing_n that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o mere_a imposture_n and_o the_o other_o a_o real_a alteration_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o no_o general_a discourse_n concern_v the_o formal_a difference_n of_o miracle_n and_o wonder_n consider_v in_o themselves_o can_v afford_v any_o rational_a satisfaction_n to_o a_o inquisitive_a mind_n that_o which_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o give_v it_o must_v be_v something_o which_o may_v be_v discern_v by_o any_o judicious_a and_o considerative_a person_n and_o that_o god_n never_o give_v to_o any_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o he_o give_v some_o such_o ground_n of_o satisfaction_n concern_v they_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v to_o any_o this_o power_n of_o do_v miracle_n we_o have_v large_o make_v it_o manifest_v that_o the_o end_n of_o true_a miracle_n be_v to_o be_v a_o confirmation_n to_o the_o world_n of_o the_o divine_a commission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o have_v it_o and_o that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o now_o if_o there_o be_v no_o way_n to_o know_v when_o miracle_n be_v true_a or_o false_a this_o power_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n at_o all_o for_o man_n be_v as_o much_o to_o seek_v for_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o therefore_o if_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o person_n bring_v it_o as_o a_o evidence_n of_o it_o they_o must_v have_v some_o assurance_n that_o these_o miracle_n can_v not_o come_v from_o any_o but_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o from_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o if_o we_o own_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v permit_v the_o devil_n who_o only_a design_n be_v to_o ruin_v mankind_n to_o abuse_v the_o credulity_n of_o the_o world_n so_o far_o as_o to_o have_v his_o lie_a wonder_n pass_v uncontrolled_a which_o they_o must_v do_v if_o nothing_o can_v be_v find_v out_o as_o a_o certain_a difference_n between_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v only_o of_o diabolical_a and_o such_o as_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n if_o then_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v that_o there_o be_v a_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o act_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v produce_v strange_a thing_n either_o we_o must_v impute_v all_o strange_a thing_n to_o he_o which_o must_v be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a power_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a which_o cross_v this_o malignant_a spirit_n in_o his_o design_n and_o if_o so_o we_o can_v imagine_v he_o shall_v suffer_v he_o to_o usurp_v so_o much_o tyranny_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n as_o to_o make_v those_o thing_n pass_v in_o the_o more_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n for_o divine_a miracle_n which_o be_v only_a counterfeit_n and_o imposture_n if_o then_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o deep_o engage_v in_o the_o discover_v the_o design_n of_o satan_n there_o must_v be_v some_o mean_n of_o this_o discovery_n and_o that_o mean_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v no_o other_o in_o this_o case_n but_o some_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a evidence_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v when_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a thing_n be_v do_v by_o satan_n to_o deceive_v man_n and_o when_o by_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a say_v some_o that_o miracle_n shall_v be_v 2._o any_o ground_n on_o which_o to_o believe_v a_o testimony_n divine_a when_o christ_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o there_o shall_v arise_v false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n and_o shall_v show_v great_a sign_n and_o wonder_n in_o 24._o so_o much_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect_a and_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o come_n of_o antichrist_n will_v be_v with_o all_o power_n and_o sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n how_o then_o can_v 9_o we_o fix_v on_o miracle_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a testimony_n when_o we_o see_v they_o be_v common_a to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n and_o may_v seal_v indifferent_o either_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v 1._o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o do_v no_o small_a disservice_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o upon_o such_o weak_a and_o frivolous_a pretence_n they_o give_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o infidelity_n as_o to_o call_v in_o question_n the_o validity_n of_o that_o which_o yield_v so_o ample_a a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o once_o the_o rational_a ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a be_v take_v away_o and_o the_o whole_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v lay_v on_o thing_n not_o only_o deride_v by_o man_n of_o atheistical_a spirit_n but_o in_o themselves_o such_o as_o can_v be_v discern_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o any_o but_o themselves_o upon_o what_o ground_n can_v we_o proceed_v to_o convince_v a_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o we_o believe_v be_v true_a if_o they_o tell_v he_o that_o as_o light_v and_o fire_n manifest_v themselves_o so_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o it_o will_v be_v soon_o reply_v that_o self-evidence_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v imply_v nothing_o but_o either_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n concern_v the_o thing_n propound_v or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n it_o self_n that_o none_o who_o free_o use_v their_o reason_n can_v deny_v it_o the_o first_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o any_o other_o person_n any_o further_a than_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n who_o declare_v it_o to_o have_v such_o self-evidence_n to_o he_o do_v extend_v its_o self_n over_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o other_o and_o to_o one_o self_n it_o seem_v a_o strange_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o believe_v the_o scripture_n because_o they_o be_v true_a and_o they_o be_v true_a because_o i_o believe_v they_o for_o self-evidence_n imply_v so_o much_o if_o by_o it_o be_v mean_v the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a but_o if_o by_o self-evidence_n be_v further_a mean_v such_o clear_a evidence_n in_o the_o matter_n propound_v that_o all_o who_o do_v consider_v it_o must_v believe_v it_o i_o then_o further_o inquire_v whether_o this_o evidence_n do_v lie_v in_o the_o nâ—ked_a proposal_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o the_o understanding_n and_o if_o so_o than_o every_o one_o who_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n must_v likewise_o assent_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o whether_o do_v the_o evidence_n lie_v not_o in_o the_o naked_a proposal_n but_o in_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v propound_v then_o 1._o the_o self-evidence_n be_v take_v off_o from_o the_o write_a word_n which_o be_v the_o object_n and_o remove_v to_o a_o quite_o different_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n 2._o whether_o then_o any_o person_n who_o want_v this_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v or_o can_v be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v god_n word_n if_o they_o be_v bind_v the_o duty_n must_v be_v propound_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n but_o if_o all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n lie_v on_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o such_o as_o want_v this_o can_v have_v none_o at_o all_o but_o if_o â—astly_a by_o this_o self-evidence_n be_v mean_v
of_o rambam_n or_o r._n moses_n maimon_n it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o king_n of_o persia_n desire_v of_o he_o a_o sign_n and_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v cut_v off_o his_o head_n and_o he_o will_v rise_v again_o which_o he_o cunning_o desire_v to_o avoid_v be_v torment_v which_o the_o king_n be_v resolve_v to_o try_v and_o according_o execute_v he_o but_o i_o suppose_v his_o resurrection_n and_o mahomet_n will_v be_v both_o in_o a_o day_n although_o maimonides_n tell_v we_o some_o of_o the_o jew_n be_v yet_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o expect_v his_o resurrection_n several_a other_o impostor_n maimonides_n dau._n mention_n in_o his_o epistle_n de_fw-fr australi_fw-la region_fw-la one_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n because_o he_o cure_v himself_o of_o the_o leprosy_n in_o a_o night_n several_a other_o he_o mention_n in_o spain_n france_n and_o other_o part_n and_o the_o issue_n of_o they_o all_o be_v only_o a_o further_a aggravation_n of_o the_o misery_n and_o captivity_n of_o the_o poor_a jew_n who_o be_v so_o credulous_a in_o follow_v impostor_n and_o yet_o such_o strange_a infidel_n where_o there_o be_v plain_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o the_o true_a messiah_n we_o free_o grant_v then_o that_o many_o pretend_a miracle_n may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v man_n with_o but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o either_o there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n do_v in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a rule_n to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o but_o as_o origen_n yet_o further_o reply_v to_o celsus_n as_o a_o wolf_n do_v very_o much_o resemble_v a_o dog_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o a_o turtle_n dove_n and_o a_o pigeon_n so_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v by_o magic_n but_o as_o he_o argue_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v only_a deceit_n in_o the_o world_n and_o magical_a operation_n and_o can_v there_o be_v no_o true_a miracle_n at_o all_o wrought_v be_v humane_a nature_n only_o capable_a of_o imposture_n or_o can_v none_o work_v miracle_n but_o devil_n where_o there_o be_v a_o worse_o there_o may_v be_v a_o better_a and_o so_o from_o the_o imposture_n &_o counterfeit_n we_o may_v infer_v that_o there_o be_v true_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n otherwise_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v there_o be_v counterfeit_n but_o no_o jewel_n or_o there_o be_v sophism_n and_o paralogism_n but_o no_o legitimate_a demonstration_n if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o deceit_n there_o be_v true_a miracle_n too_o all_o the_o business_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strict_o and_o severe_o to_o examine_v the_o pretâ—nders_n to_o do_v they_o and_o that_o from_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o that_o do_v they_o and_o from_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_n of_o they_o whether_o they_o do_v good_a or_o hurt_n in_o the_o world_n whâ—ther_o thâ—y_v correct_v man_n manner_n or_o bring_v man_n to_o goodness_n holiness_n and_o truth_n and_o on_o this_o account_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o reject_v all_o miracle_n nor_o embrace_v all_o pretence_n but_o careful_o and_o prudent_o examine_v the_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o those_o which_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a may_v be_v know_v from_o such_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o diabolical_a and_o this_o now_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o this_o chapter_n 4._o viz._n what_o rule_v we_o have_v to_o procee_v by_o in_o judge_a miracle_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a which_o may_v be_v these_o follow_v true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o some_o 1._o divine_a testimony_n because_o we_o have_v manifest_v by_o all_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n that_o the_o intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o seal_v some_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o if_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n when_o no_o divine_a testimony_n be_v to_o be_v confirm_v god_n will_v set_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n to_o a_o blank_a if_o it_o be_v say_v no_o because_o it_o will_v witness_v to_o we_o now_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v deliver_v so_o many_o age_n since_o i_o answer_v 1._o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o seal_v at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o be_v convey_v down_o in_o a_o certain_a way_n to_o we_o be_v it_o not_o sufficient_a that_o the_o charter_n of_o a_o corporation_n have_v the_o prince_n broad_a seal_n in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o every_o succâ—ssion_n of_o man_n in_o that_o corporation_n must_v have_v a_o new_a broad_a seal_n or_o else_o they_o ought_v to_o question_v their_o patent_n what_o ground_n can_v there_o be_v for_o that_o when_o the_o original_a seal_n and_o patent_n be_v preserve_v and_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n so_o i_o say_v it_o be_v as_o to_o we_o god_n grand_a charter_n of_o grace_n and_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n through_o jesus_n christ_n be_v seal_v by_o divine_a miracle_n at_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n the_o original_a patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o charter_n be_v contain_v be_v convey_v in_o a_o most_o certain_a manner_n to_o we_o to_o this_o patent_n the_o seal_n be_v annex_v and_o in_o it_o be_v contain_v those_o undoubted_a miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o a_o new_a seal_n of_o this_o patent_n be_v whole_o needless_a unless_o we_o have_v some_o cause_n of_o suspicion_n that_o the_o original_a patent_n itself_o be_v lose_v or_o the_o first_o seal_v be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o lat_a than_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o true_a if_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v false_a because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v so_o much_o on_o the_o verity_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v then_o wrought_v if_o the_o first_o be_v suspect_v viz._n the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o patent_n viz._n the_o scripture_n some_o certain_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o suspicion_n must_v be_v discover_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a moment_n especial_o when_o the_o great_a and_o many_o society_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v all_o consent_n unanimous_o in_o the_o contrary_n nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o patent_n which_o we_o now_o rely_v upon_o be_v supposititious_a or_o corrupt_v in_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o account_n 1._o from_o the_o watchfulness_n of_o divine_a providence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n can_v we_o conceive_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o rule_v and_o take_v care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o to_o manifest_v his_o signal_n love_n to_o mankind_n shall_v not_o only_o grant_v a_o patent_n of_o mercy_n to_o the_o world_n by_o his_o son_n christ_n and_o then_o seal_v it_o by_o divine_a miracle_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n cause_v it_o by_o person_n employ_v by_o himself_o to_o be_v record_v in_o a_o language_n fit_a for_o its_o disperse_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n all_o which_o i_o here_o suppose_v can_v we_o i_o say_v conceive_v that_o this_o god_n shall_v so_o far_o have_v cast_v off_o his_o care_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o original_a ground_n of_o the_o grant_v itself_o as_o to_o suffer_v any_o wicked_a man_n or_o malignant_a spirit_n to_o corrupt_v or_o alter_v any_o of_o those_o term_n in_o it_o on_o which_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n depend_v much_o less_o whole_o to_o suppress_v and_o destroy_v it_o and_o to_o send_v forth_o one_o that_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o supposititious_a instead_o of_o it_o and_o which_o shall_v not_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n wherein_o that_o corrupt_a copy_n be_v set_v forth_o nor_o by_o any_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a christian_n ever_o since_o they_o who_o can_v give_v any_o the_o least_o entertainment_n to_o so_o wild_a absurd_a and_o irrational_a a_o imagination_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v in_o good_a disposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o next_o to_o the_o suspect_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v corrupt_v they_o may_v rational_o suspect_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n or_o that_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o spirit_n most_o malignant_a and_o envious_a of_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n only_o become_v those_o heathen_n among_o
their_o soul_n compound_v of_o who_o first_o fancy_v themselves_o to_o be_v immaterial_a what_o strange_a agitation_n of_o matter_n be_v those_o which_o first_o make_v man_n think_v of_o a_o eternal_a state_n which_o thought_n have_v ever_o since_o so_o stick_v upon_o these_o little_a spherical_a body_n that_o they_o can_v never_o yet_o disburden_v themselves_o of_o they_o whence_o come_v such_o amaze_a fear_n such_o dreadful_a apprehension_n such_o sink_a thought_n of_o their_o future_a condition_n in_o mind_n that_o will_v fain_o ease_v themselves_o by_o believe_v that_o death_n will_v put_v a_o period_n both_o to_o soul_n and_o body_n whence_o on_o the_o other_o side_n come_v such_o encourage_v hope_n such_o confident_a expectation_n such_o comfortable_a prepossession_n of_o their_o future_a state_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o good_a man_n when_o their_o body_n be_v near_a to_o the_o grave_n seneca_n who_o be_v somewhat_o dubious_a sometime_o as_o to_o the_o future_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n yet_o can_v tell_v his_o dear_a lucilius_n with_o what_o pleasure_n he_o can_v think_v of_o it_o and_o can_v elsewhere_o say_v of_o the_o soul_n eâ—_n hoc_fw-la habet_fw-la argumentum_fw-la natur._n divinitatis_fw-la suae_fw-la quod_fw-la illum_fw-la divina_fw-la delectant_fw-la nec_fw-la ut_fw-la alienis_fw-la interest_n sed_fw-la ut_fw-la suis_fw-la the_o soul_n have_v that_o mark_n of_o divinity_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v most_o please_v with_o divine_a speculation_n and_o converse_v with_o they_o as_o with_o matter_n which_o near_o concern_v it_o and_o when_o it_o have_v once_o view_v the_o dimension_n of_o the_o heaven_n contemnit_fw-la domicilii_fw-la prioris_fw-la angustias_fw-la it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o cottage_n it_o dwell_v in_o nay_o be_v it_o not_o for_o these_o speculation_n non_fw-la fuerat_fw-la operae_fw-la prâ—tium_fw-la nasci_fw-la it_o have_v not_o be_v worth_a while_n for_o the_o soul_n to_o have_v be_v in_o the_o body_n and_o as_o he_o go_v on_o detrahe_fw-la hoc_fw-la inaestimabile_fw-la bonum_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la vita_fw-la tanti_fw-la ut_fw-la sudem_fw-la ut_fw-la aestuem_fw-la can_v there_o be_v now_o so_o great_a a_o epicurism_n in_o contemplation_n be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n of_o epicurus_n his_o mould_n a_o mere_a complexion_n of_o atom_n will_v dull_a and_o heavy_a matter_n ever_o have_v delight_v to_o have_v search_v so_o much_o into_o the_o cause_n of_o thing_n to_o have_v go_v over_o the_o world_n in_o its_o speculation_n and_o find_v more_o sweetness_n in_o knowledge_n than_o the_o little_a epicure_n the_o bee_n taste_v in_o his_o choice_a flower_n epicurus_n his_o own_o philosophy_n be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o himself_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v not_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a nature_n than_o he_o fancy_v he_o will_v never_o have_v make_v his_o study_n of_o philosophy_n a_o part_n of_o his_o epicurism_n have_v his_o soul_n be_v such_o atom_n as_o he_o fancy_v when_o his_o brain_n have_v be_v well_o heat_v at_o his_o study_n those_o more_o vivid_n and_o spirituous_a particle_n like_o the_o spirit_n of_o wine_n have_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o evaporation_n and_o leave_v the_o more_o lumpish_a matter_n to_o complete_a his_o work_n of_o all_o person_n i_o most_o admire_v that_o philosopher_n who_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o their_o understanding_n shall_v so_o ungrateful_o requite_v they_o and_o serve_v they_o like_o old_a horse_n when_o they_o have_v make_v they_o do_v all_o the_o service_n they_o can_v turn_v they_o into_o the_o highway_n and_o let_v they_o die_v in_o a_o ditch_n but_o yet_o all_o philosopher_n have_v not_o be_v so_o unthankful_a some_o have_v understand_v the_o worth_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o assert_v it_o if_o they_o have_v not_o use_v too_o high_a i._n e._n platonical_a expression_n of_o it_o make_v it_o a_o particle_n not_o of_o matter_n but_o of_o the_o divine_a nature_n its_o self_n a_o little_a deity_n in_o a_o cottage_n that_o stay_v here_o a_o while_n and_o return_n to_o that_o upper_a region_n from_o whence_o it_o come_v as_o manilius_n speak_v a_o dubium_fw-la est_fw-la habitare_fw-la deum_fw-la sub_fw-la pectore_fw-la nostro_fw-la in_o coelum_fw-la que_fw-la redire_fw-la animas_fw-la caelóque_fw-la venire_fw-la 4._o and_o while_o the_o soul_n be_v here_o in_o its_o cage_n it_o be_v continual_o flutter_v up_o and_o down_o and_o delight_v to_o look_v out_o now_o at_o this_o part_n and_o then_o at_o another_o to_o take_v a_o view_n by_o degree_n of_o the_o whole_a universe_n as_o the_o same_o poet_n go_v on_o quid_fw-la mirum_fw-la noscere_fw-la mundum_fw-la si_fw-la possunt_fw-la homines_fw-la quibus_fw-la est_fw-la &_o mundus_fw-la in_o ip_n sis_fw-la exemplumque_fw-la dei_fw-la cuique_fw-la est_fw-la in_o imagine_v paruâ_fw-la the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o more_o delightful_a to_o it_o then_o knowledge_n and_o no_o knowledge_n so_o please_v and_o satisfactory_a as_o of_o he_o who_o image_n and_o superscription_n it_o bear_v who_o make_v himself_o most_o know_v to_o such_o as_o inquire_v after_o he_o seque_fw-la ipsum_fw-la inculcat_fw-la &_o offer_v ut_fw-la bene_fw-la cognosci_fw-la possit_fw-la i_o conclude_v this_o with_o that_o of_o seneca_n in_o that_o excellent_a preface_n to_o his_o natural_a question_n o_o quam_fw-la contempta_fw-la res_fw-la est_fw-la homo_fw-la nisi_fw-la supra_fw-la humana_fw-la se_fw-la erexerit_fw-la what_o a_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v man_n be_v it_o not_o that_o his_o soul_n be_v apt_a to_o soar_v above_o these_o earthly_a thing_n and_o by_o this_o aptness_n to_o soar_v so_o high_a above_o these_o terrene_a object_n and_o to_o converse_v with_o so_o much_o freedom_n with_o spiritual_a being_n as_o well_o as_o abstract_a notion_n we_o may_v certain_o infer_v that_o our_o rational_a soul_n be_v of_o a_o far_o more_o noble_a and_o refine_a nature_n than_o that_o more_o feculent_a principle_n of_o imagination_n which_o always_o converse_v in_o faece_fw-la romuli_n and_o can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o our_o sense_n carry_v it_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o proof_n that_o there_o be_v something_o above_o matter_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v from_o that_o immaterial_a be_v which_o be_v in_o man_n 2._o the_o next_o evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o be_v above_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v from_o the_o extraordinary_a effect_n which_o have_v be_v in_o nature_n i_o speak_v not_o now_o mere_o of_o such_o thing_n which_o by_o their_o nature_n and_o effect_n be_v manifest_v to_o proceed_v from_o some_o being_n which_o bear_v ill-will_n to_o mankind_n multitude_n of_o which_o be_v relate_v by_o man_n philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a with_o such_o enumeration_n of_o circumstance_n and_o particular_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a imposture_n that_o one_o may_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n question_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v as_o such_o relation_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o person_n without_o interest_n or_o design_n and_o such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o circumstance_n such_o be_v both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a philosopher_n physician_n statesman_n and_o other_o neither_o shall_v i_o insist_v on_o such_o prodigy_n which_o ofttimes_o presage_v revolution_n in_o state_n if_o we_o believe_v machiavelli_n himself_o who_o in_o a_o whole_a chapter_n design_o prove_v it_o and_o profess_v himself_o utter_o 56._o to_o seek_v for_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o some_o â—_z and_o intelligence_n in_o the_o air_n which_o give_v the_o world_n notice_n of_o such_o thing_n to_o come_v but_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o suppose_v have_v the_o most_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o true_a and_o undoubted_a miracle_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v affirm_v by_o eye-witness_n who_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o their_o life_n be_v those_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o there_o be_v only_o two_o way_n to_o evade_v either_o by_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n we_o have_v prove_v with_o as_o much_o rational_a evidence_n as_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o or_o else_o that_o the_o thing_n therein_o record_v may_v be_v salve_v without_o a_o deity_n for_o which_o only_o two_o way_n have_v be_v excogitated_a by_o atheistical_a spirit_n either_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n the_o foundation_n of_o which_o fond_a and_o absurd_a opinion_n have_v be_v take_v away_o by_o those_o many_o writer_n who_o have_v rational_o consute_v the_o whole_a art_n of_o judicial_a astrology_n or_o 17._o else_o that_o they_o be_v do_v by_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o imagination_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o avicenna_n and_o some_o other_o arabic_a writer_n which_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n that_o nothing_o do_v so_o much_o demonstrate_v the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o it_o as_o such_o
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
the_o greek_n receive_v from_o the_o barbarian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o put_v it_o into_o epinom_n a_o better_a fashion_n i._n e._n they_o disguise_v it_o alter_z and_o change_v it_o as_o they_o please_v and_o put_v it_o into_o a_o greek_a habit_n that_o it_o may_v never_o be_v suspect_v to_o have_v be_v a_o foreigner_n thence_o tertullian_n speak_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o freedom_n of_o such_o philosopher_n who_o do_v ingenii_fw-la sitim_fw-la de_fw-la prophetarum_fw-la fonte_fw-la irrigare_fw-la as_o he_o express_v it_o that_o quench_v their_o thirst_n after_o knowledge_n with_o the_o water_n of_o jordan_n though_o they_o do_v not_o like_o 47._o naaman_n cure_v the_o leproâ—ic_n of_o the_o head_n by_o wash_v in_o they_o for_o as_o tertullian_n say_v theâ—_n come_v only_o ex_fw-la negotio_fw-la curiositatis_fw-la more_o to_o please_v the_o i_o tch_n oâ—_n their_o curiosity_n then_o to_o cure_v it_o and_o wherein_o they_o seem_v most_o to_o agree_v with_o the_o scripture_n their_o difference_n be_v beyond_o their_o agreement_n siquidem_fw-la 2._o vera_fw-la quaeque_fw-la &_o consonantia_fw-la prophetis_fw-la aut_fw-la aliunde_fw-la commendant_fw-la aut_fw-la aliorsum_fw-la subornant_fw-la cum_fw-la maxima_fw-la injuria_fw-la veritatis_fw-la quam_fw-la efficiunt_fw-la aut_fw-la adjuvari_fw-la falsis_fw-la aut_fw-la patrocinari_fw-la whatever_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v agreeable_a to_o the_o scripture_n either_o they_o do_v not_o own_v whence_o they_o have_v it_o or_o turn_v it_o quite_o another_o way_n whereby_o they_o have_v do_v the_o truth_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o injury_n by_o mix_v it_o with_o their_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o make_v that_o little_a truth_n a_o plea_n for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o error_n neither_o be_v this_o only_a among_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o the_o primitive_a christian_n begin_v to_o discern_v the_o underhand_a work_n of_o such_o who_o seek_v to_o blend_v philosophy_n and_o christianity_n together_o for_o tertullian_n himself_o take_v great_a notice_n of_o such_o who_o do_v veritatis_fw-la dogmata_fw-la ad_fw-la philosophicas_fw-la sententias_fw-la adulterare_fw-la suborn_v christianity_n to_o maintain_v philosophy_n which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o viderint_fw-la qui_fw-la stoicum_fw-la &_o platonicum_n &_o dialecticum_fw-la christianismum_fw-la protulerunt_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o tamper_n there_o be_v betimes_o rather_o to_o bring_v christianity_n 7._o down_o to_o philosophy_n rather_o than_o to_o make_v philosophy_n truckle_n under_o the_o truth_n and_o simplicity_n of_o the_o scripture_n whether_o ammonius_n himself_o and_o some_o other_o of_o the_o school_n of_o alexandria_n may_v be_v guilty_a in_o this_o kind_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o that_o they_o rather_o seek_v to_o accommodate_v the_o scripture_n to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o school_n of_o plato_n then_o to_o reform_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n but_o i_o say_v however_o it_o be_v with_o those_o who_o be_v christian_n yet_o those_o who_o be_v not_o but_o only_a philosopher_n make_v their_o great_a advantage_n by_o it_o for_o when_o they_o find_v what_o be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o plato_n in_o the_o scripture_n do_v already_o to_o their_o hand_n by_o the_o endeavour_n chief_o of_o ammonius_n and_o origen_n they_o greedy_o embrace_v those_o improvement_n of_o their_o philosophy_n which_o will_v tend_v so_o much_o to_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o and_o as_o contemptuous_o reject_v what_o they_o find_v irreconcilable_a with_o the_o dictate_v of_o their_o philosophy_n now_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a thing_n be_v it_o when_o what_o ever_o be_v noble_a and_o excellent_a in_o the_o heathen_a philosophy_n be_v derivative_a from_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n as_o the_o sacred_a fountain_n of_o it_o that_o the_o meeting_n with_o such_o thing_n shall_v in_o the_o least_o redound_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v original_o derive_v when_o on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o who_o be_v profess_v philosopher_n and_o admirer_n only_o of_o reason_n do_v so_o ready_o embrace_v some_o of_o those_o grand_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o which_o we_o need_v no_o other_o instance_n then_o that_o before_o 14._o we_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o make_v out_o of_o which_o will_v tend_v to_o the_o clear_v the_o last_o thing_n mention_v concern_v it_o which_o be_v that_o the_o most_o material_a thing_n in_o it_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o and_o this_o honey_n which_o be_v gain_v out_o of_o the_o lion_n mouth_n must_v needs_o taste_v sweet_a than_o any_o other_o do_v for_o it_o be_v a_o weak_a and_o groundless_a mistake_n on_o the_o other_o side_n which_o be_v the_o second_o which_o arise_v from_o meet_v thing_n consonant_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o write_n of_o philosopher_n present_o to_o conclude_v from_o such_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v say_v some_o have_v late_o do_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o hierocles_n for_o there_o be_v such_o clear_a account_n give_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o grand_a difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v trouble_v with_o when_o these_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o who_o be_v of_o philosophic_a and_o inquisitive_a head_n we_o can_v but_o think_v they_o will_v meet_v with_o acceptation_n among_o they_o especial_o if_o they_o may_v be_v make_v consistent_a with_o their_o former_a speculation_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o our_o present_a case_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a we_o have_v already_o behold_v the_o lamentable_a perplexity_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v in_o about_o it_o what_o maeander_n they_o be_v lose_v in_o for_o want_v of_o a_o clue_n to_o guide_v they_o through_o they_o now_o it_o please_v god_n after_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flâ—shâ—o_o â—o_z declare_v to_o the_o world_n the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o recovery_n 〈◊〉_d soul_n and_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n the_o news_n of_o which_o be_v spread_v so_o far_o that_o it_o soon_o get_v among_o the_o philosopher_n can_v not_o but_o make_v they_o more_o inquisitive_a concern_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o they_o have_v search_v what_o the_o philosopher_n have_v former_o discover_v of_o it_o their_o curiosity_n will_v present_o prompt_v they_o to_o see_v what_o account_n of_o thing_n concern_v the_o soul_n of_o 〈◊〉_d deliver_v by_o the_o preacher_n of_o this_o new_a doctrine_n bâ—_n 〈◊〉_d they_o can_v not_o but_o present_o understand_v that_o they_o declare_v all_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v in_o a_o most_o degenerate_a and_o low_a condition_n by_o be_v so_o continual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a and_o unruly_a passion_n that_o they_o be_v estrange_v from_o god_n and_o prone_a to_o fix_v on_o thing_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o their_o nature_n as_o to_o all_o which_o their_o own_o inward_a sense_n and_o experience_n can_v but_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v notorious_o true_a and_o therefore_o they_o inquire_v further_o how_o these_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v so_o which_o they_o receive_v a_o full_a account_n of_o in_o scripture_n that_o man_n soul_n be_v at_o first_o create_v pure_a and_o holy_a and_o in_o perfect_a friendship_n with_o god_n that_o god_n deal_v bountiful_o and_o favourable_o with_o man_n only_o expect_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n that_o man_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n do_v abuse_v his_o liberty_n and_o disobey_v his_o maker_n and_o thence_o come_v the_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o feather_n of_o the_o soul_n whereby_o it_o soar_v up_o to_o heaven_n moult_v away_o and_o the_o soul_n sink_v below_o its_o self_n into_o a_o degenerate_a and_o apostate_n condition_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v recover_v without_o some_o extraordinary_a expression_n of_o divine_a favour_n now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o account_n but_o what_o be_v huge_o suitable_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o the_o general_a experience_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v try_v by_o it_o and_o those_o philosopher_n who_o be_v any_o thing_n ingenuous_a and_o lover_n of_o truth_n can_v not_o but_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o viz._n that_o man_n soul_n be_v in_o a_o very_a degenerate_a condition_n that_o the_o most_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o be_v that_o man_n by_o the_o act_n of_o his_o own_o will_n bring_v himself_o into_o it_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n soul_n there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o recovery_n out_o of_o this_o condition_n as_o to_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n this_o
the_o testimony_n and_o reason_n 2._o of_o simplicius_n and_o hierocles_n be_v as_o large_a and_o clear_a in_o it_o as_o the_o other_o with_o expression_n much_o of_o the_o same_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 258._o man_n nature_n lie_v between_o those_o being_n which_o perpetual_o contemplate_v gâ—a_n and_o those_o which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o it_o it_o sometime_o ascend_v to_o those_o and_o sometime_o descend_v to_o these_o according_a as_o it_o observe_v or_o reject_v the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o so_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o indifferency_n of_o the_o will_n be_v liable_a to_o take_v upon_o it_o the_o siâ—_n ilituâ—e_v of_o god_n or_o a_o beâ—â—st_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o whoever_o thorough_o consider_v this_o will_v easy_o understand_v how_o man_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o own_o evil_n and_o become_v unhappy_a and_o miserable_a through_o their_o own_o choice_n and_o self_n will_v which_o he_o bring_v in_o by_o way_n of_o explication_n of_o that_o true_o golden_a pythagorean_n verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d man_n be_v grow_v miserable_a through_o their_o ownfault_n and_o afterward_o hierocles_n excellent_o describe_v the_o nature_n of_o evil_n in_o these_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d both_o our_o natural_a and_o contract_a pravity_n be_v nothing_o elsâ—_n but_o the_o unnatural_a motion_n of_o our_o free_a will_n according_a to_o which_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o dare_v to_o contradict_v the_o law_n of_o god_n â—et_o be_v sensible_a how_o much_o we_o injure_v ourselves_o when_o we_o â—o_o it_o and_o only_o look_v at_o this_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o cast_v off_o the_o reins_o of_o 〈◊〉_d law_n from_o our_o neck_n and_o he_o true_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o liberty_n to_o offend_v god_n â—â—en_o we_o either_o do_v what_o he_o forbid_v or_o neglect_v what_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o on_o both_o side_n man_n bring_v misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o transgress_v the_o divine_a law_n both_o by_o not_o do_v what_o they_o be_v command_v and_o by_o do_v what_o they_o be_v forbid_v so_o that_o he_o tul_o ascribe_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o irregular_a motion_n of_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o we_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o soul_n recovery_n from_o this_o condition_n in_o order_n to_o her_o felicity_n we_o have_v these_o philosopher_n 3._o express_v their_o consent_n with_o the_o scripture_n porphyrius_n as_o st._n austin_n tell_v we_o in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o book_n de_fw-fr regressu_fw-la 33._o animae_fw-la do_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o way_n of_o recover_a soul_n which_o shall_v be_v universal_a cum_fw-la autem_fw-la dicit_fw-la porphyrius_n nondum_fw-la receptam_fw-la unam_fw-la quandam_fw-la sectam_fw-la quae_fw-la universalem_fw-la viam_fw-la animae_fw-la contineat_fw-la liberandae_fw-la nondumque_fw-la in_o svam_fw-la notitiam_fw-la eandem_fw-la viam_fw-la historiali_fw-la cognition_n perlatam_fw-la proculdubio_fw-la confitetur_fw-la esse_fw-la aliquam_fw-la sed_fw-la nondum_fw-la in_o svam_fw-la venisse_fw-la notitiam_fw-la but_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o purgation_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o its_o felicity_n be_v so_o large_o and_o full_o discourse_v of_o by_o all_o the_o platonist_n and_o pythagorean_n that_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o insist_v upon_o it_o thus_o far_o then_o we_o find_v the_o account_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o scripture_n to_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o sublimest_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n as_o most_o rational_a and_o satisfactory_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v neither_o do_v we_o sin_v only_o the_o main_a of_o this_o account_n acknowledge_v as_o rational_a but_o we_o may_v trace_v some_o not_o obscure_a 17._o footstep_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n which_o concern_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n among_o the_o heathen_n such_o as_o the_o devil_n envy_v of_o man_n happiness_n his_o disguise_a himself_o under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n and_o man_n be_v throw_v out_o of_o paradise_n upon_o his_o fall_n 1._o the_o devil_n envy_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n it_o have_v be_v true_o observe_v by_o a_o learned_a man_n that_o the_o original_n of_o that_o evil_n very_a ancient_a opinion_n among_o the_o heathen_a de_fw-fr inuidia_fw-la daemonis_fw-la have_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v make_v out_o so_o full_o that_o i_o shall_v the_o less_o need_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o undoubted_a tradition_n of_o some_o malignant_a spirit_n which_o envy_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o mankind_n appear_v by_o that_o ample_a testimony_n of_o 〈◊〉_d in_o his_o dio_fw-mi mention_v by_o the_o same_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n be_v much_o trouble_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o apparition_n which_o brutus_n and_o dio_n who_o be_v learned_a and_o philosophical_a man_n be_v haunt_v withal_o and_o doubt_v he_o can_v give_v no_o just_a account_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o embrace_v that_o very_o ancient_a tradition_n which_o yet_o seem_v absurd_a and_o incredible_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v certain_a wicked_a and_o malignant_a daemon_n which_o envy_v good_a man_n and_o withstand_v their_o enterprise_n by_o raise_v fear_n and_o trouble_n to_o they_o that_o so_o they_o may_v hinder_v they_o in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n lest_o if_o they_o continue_v steadfast_a and_o unmovable_a in_o good_a they_o shall_v be_v at_o last_o partaker_n of_o great_a felicity_n than_o they_o enjoy_v there_o be_v then_o so_o ancient_a a_o tradition_n of_o such_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o learned_a man_n mention_v have_v more_o full_o show_v in_o his_o note_n on_o this_o place_n of_o plutarch_n give_v a_o great_a confirmation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o scripture_n report_v concern_v the_o devil_n be_v so_o great_a a_o instrument_n in_o procure_v the_o fall_n of_o man_n to_o he_o therefore_o i_o refer_v the_o inquisitive_a reader_n and_o shall_v only_o add_v to_o the_o testimony_n of_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o xenocrates_n in_o plutarch_n de_fw-fr i_o side_n &_o osiride_n where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n and_o misfortune_n man_n meet_v with_o do_v not_o 361._o agree_v with_o that_o veneration_n which_o we_o have_v for_o the_o deity_n and_o good_a spirit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o air_n some_o great_a and_o potent_a being_n which_o be_v of_o a_o surly_a and_o malignant_a nature_n and_o rejoice_v to_o do_v man_n all_o the_o mischief_n they_o can_v jamblichus_n in_o his_o answer_n to_o porphyrius_n concern_v the_o egyptian_a mystery_n undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n 105._o of_o these_o evil_a spirit_n or_o daemon_n and_o that_o from_o they_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n be_v for_o thus_o he_o speak_v as_o he_o be_v translate_v by_o ficinus_fw-la si_fw-la verum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la de_fw-fr idolis_fw-la dicebamus_fw-la improbisque_fw-la daemonibus_fw-la hinc_fw-la sane_fw-la exoritur_fw-la multiplex_fw-la origo_fw-la malorum_fw-la simulant_fw-la enim_fw-la deorum_fw-la praesentiam_fw-la daemonumque_fw-la bonorum_fw-la ideoque_fw-la 〈◊〉_d suum_fw-la jubent_fw-la esse_fw-la justum_fw-la ut_fw-la ipsi_fw-la videantur_fw-la boni_fw-la sicil_n 〈◊〉_d dii_n quoniam_fw-la vero_fw-la natura_fw-la sunt_fw-la mali_fw-la rogati_fw-la mala_fw-la infer_v libenter_fw-la inferunt_fw-la atque_fw-la nobis_fw-la ad_fw-la injusta_fw-la conducunt_fw-la he_o sunt_fw-la omnino_fw-la qui_fw-la &_o in_fw-la oraculis_fw-la mentiuntur_fw-la &_o fallunt_fw-la &_o turpia_fw-la consulunt_fw-la atque_fw-la peragunt_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v he_o acknowledge_v some_o spirit_n whoâ—e_v nature_n be_v wicked_a and_o help_v man_n to_o do_v evil_a and_o that_o these_o very_a spirit_n may_v sometime_o command_v that_o which_o be_v good_a lest_o they_o shall_v be_v suspect_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v of_o a_o wicked_a and_o malignant_a nature_n which_o only_o design_v the_o ruin_n of_o man_n by_o which_o we_o have_v a_o good_a account_n of_o whatever_o be_v commendable_a deliver_v by_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n which_o yet_o may_v come_v from_o the_o devil_n still_o by_o this_o confession_n of_o jamblichus_n himself_o for_o the_o devil_n appear_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n it_o be_v very_o probable_o conjecture_v that_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o 2._o prince_n of_o those_o who_o contend_v with_o saturn_n be_v by_o that_o enigmatical_a writer_n pherâ—cydes_n syrius_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d celsus_n who_o have_v so_o little_a skill_n in_o antiquity_n as_o to_o think_v that_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n be_v as_o to_o many_o passage_n of_o it_o take_v out_o
of_o heathen_a fable_n insist_o on_o this_o very_a story_n of_o ophioneus_n as_o the_o groundwork_n of_o that_o relation_n in_o genesis_n concern_v the_o fall_n but_o origen_n well_o answer_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 6._o see_v therefore_o if_o this_o rare_a antiquary_n who_o charge_v we_o with_o impiety_n in_o corrupt_v and_o alter_v the_o heathen_a fable_n be_v not_o himself_o â—erâ—_n just_o chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o fault_n not_o understand_v the_o far_o great_a antiquity_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moâ—es_n then_o either_o of_o heraclitus_n or_o pherecydes_n or_o homer_n himself_o which_o report_v the_o story_n of_o that_o evil_a one_o which_o fall_v from_o heaven_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o serpent_n from_o which_o o_o hioneus_a in_o pherecydes_n derive_v his_o name_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n be_v cast_v forth_o of_o paradise_n do_v intimate_v some_o such_o thing_n while_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o divinity_n and_o of_o a_o 〈◊〉_d condition_n 〈◊〉_d fi_fw-la st_z deceive_v the_o woman_n and_o by_o her_o mean_n 〈◊〉_d man_n câ—lius_n rhodiginus_fw-la câ—lls_v this_o ophioneus_n daemonicum_n serpentem_fw-la qui_fw-la antesignanus_fw-la fuâ—rit_fw-la 10._o agminis_fw-la à _fw-la divinae_fw-la mentis_fw-la placito_fw-la deficientis_fw-la this_o pherecydes_n as_o appear_v by_o eusebius_n have_v much_o converse_n with_o the_o phaenician_o where_o he_o purposely_o speak_v concern_v this_o ophioneus_n now_o the_o phaenician_o as_o eusebius_n likewise_o tell_v we_o worship_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n which_o probable_o may_v be_v occasion_v by_o the_o devil_n ambition_n and_o tyranny_n over_o man_n that_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v among_o they_o in_o that_o very_a form_n wherein_o he_o have_v do_v so_o much_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n do_v begin_v to_o adore_v their_o god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o serpent_n for_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o be_v attribute_v to_o taautus_n by_o eusebius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o be_v this_o only_a among_o the_o phaenician_o and_o egyptian_n but_o wherever_o the_o devil_n reign_v the_o serpent_n be_v have_v in_o some_o peculiar_a veneration_n thence_o justin_n martyr_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o serpent_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o 2._o adoration_n among_o they_o and_o be_v the_o proper_a indicium_fw-la or_o note_n of_o a_o consecrate_a place_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o that_o of_o persius_n pinge_fw-la duos_fw-la angues_fw-la pveri_fw-la sacer_fw-la est_fw-la locus_fw-la 1._o thence_o the_o scholiast_n on_o aristophanes_n on_o that_o place_n in_o plutus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o where_o ever_o any_o god_n or_o hero_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v there_o be_v serpent_n paint_v to_o denote_v so_o much_o so_o orus_n apollo_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v wont_a to_o 1627._o put_v the_o form_n of_o a_o golden_a basilisk_n to_o their_o go_n heinsius_n conceive_v that_o the_o first_o worship_n of_o apollo_n at_o delphi_n be_v under_o the_o form_n of_o a_o serpent_n whether_o nonnus_n tell_v we_o that_o cadmus_n the_o phaenician_n go_v upon_o his_o first_o come_v into_o boeotia_n and_o from_o hence_o he_o derive_v the_o name_n pytho_n from_o the_o hebrew_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v a_o serpent_n ut_fw-la non_fw-la dubitandum_fw-la sit_fw-la say_v he_o quin_fw-la pythius_n apollo_n hoc_fw-la est_fw-la spurcus_fw-la ille_fw-la spiritus_fw-la quem_fw-la hebraei_n ob_fw-la &_o abaddon_n hellenistâ—â—_n ad_fw-la verbum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d caeteri_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dixerunt_fw-la sub_fw-la hac_fw-la 〈◊〉_d qua_fw-la miseriam_fw-la humano_fw-la generi_fw-la invexit_fw-la primo_fw-la cultus_fw-la sit_fw-la in_o graecia_n and_o which_o be_v further_a observable_a the_o devil_n be_v always_o ambitious_a to_o have_v the_o world_n think_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v to_o come_v by_o the_o serpent_n still_o thence_o the_o famous_a oracle_n of_o apollo_n here_o at_o delphi_n thence_o come_v the_o use_n of_o serpent_n so_o much_o in_o divination_n thence_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o divine_a from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n and_o so_o among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n so_o that_o excellent_a glossographer_n hesychius_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o serpent_n be_v reckon_v among_o the_o pedestria_fw-la auspicia_fw-la by_o the_o roman_n and_o homer_n tell_v in_o that_o solemn_a divination_n concern_v the_o greek_n success_n at_o troy_n there_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d b._n which_o say_v heinsius_n be_v a_o exact_a description_n of_o the_o nachas_n who_o they_o will_v have_v so_o call_v from_o the_o mark_n on_o hâ—s_n back_o which_o they_o accurate_o observe_v in_o divination_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o careful_a the_o devil_n be_v to_o advance_v his_o honour_n in_o the_o world_n under_o that_o form_n wherein_o he_o have_v deceive_v mankind_n into_o so_o much_o folly_n and_o misery_n we_o meet_v with_o some_o remainder_n of_o man_n be_v cast_v out_o of_o paradise_n upon_o his_o fall_n among_o the_o heathen_n origen_n 3._o think_v that_o plato_n by_o his_o converse_n with_o the_o jew_n in_o egypt_n 189._o do_v understand_v the_o history_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n which_o he_o after_o his_o way_n enigmatical_o describe_v in_o his_o symposiack_n where_o he_o bring_v in_o porus_n the_o god_n of_o plenty_n feast_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o god_n after_o supper_n penia_n come_v a_o beg_n to_o the_o door_n porus_n be_v drink_v with_o nectar_n go_v into_o jupiter_n garden_n and_o there_o fall_v asleep_a penia_n observe_v it_o steal_v to_o he_o and_o by_o this_o deceit_n conceive_v by_o he_o in_o this_o fable_n of_o plato_n origen_n take_v notice_n what_o a_o near_a resemblance_n the_o garden_n of_o jupiter_n have_v to_o paradise_n penia_n to_o the_o serpent_n which_o circumvent_v adam_n and_o porus_n to_o man_n who_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o serpent_n which_o he_o conceive_v more_o probable_a because_o of_o plato_n his_o custom_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o wrap_v up_o thoâ—e_o excellent_a thing_n he_o know_v under_o some_o fable_n because_o of_o the_o ungar_n for_o which_o he_o after_o speak_v of_o his_o custom_n in_o alter_v and_o disguise_v what_o he_o have_v from_o the_o jew_n lest_o he_o shall_v too_o much_o displease_v the_o fabulous_a greek_n if_o he_o shall_v adhere_v too_o close_o to_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o some_o have_v think_v the_o story_n of_o paradise_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o heathen_n in_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o garden_n of_o adonis_n which_o come_v near_o that_o of_o eden_n but_o what_o footstep_n may_v be_v gather_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n in_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n will_v appear_v afterward_o thus_o much_o here_o then_o may_v serve_v to_o have_v manifest_v the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a by_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n to_o be_v in_o its_o self_n rational_a and_o attest_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o can_v be_v suspect_v of_o any_o partiality_n to_o the_o scripture_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o other_o grand_a difficulty_n which_o 20._o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a and_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a providence_n together_o which_o be_v that_o if_o sin_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n and_o there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o govern_v the_o world_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n do_v so_o frequent_o escape_v suffering_n and_o the_o best_a do_v so_o common_o undergo_v they_o this_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n where_o man_n have_v be_v philosophical_a and_o inquisitive_a one_o of_o the_o great_a inquiry_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n have_v be_v perplex_v about_o the_o true_a and_o full_a resolution_n of_o which_o question_n depend_v much_o upon_o those_o ground_n and_o principle_n which_o be_v discover_v to_o we_o by_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o god_n patience_n towards_o wicked_a man_n the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o suffering_n which_o good_a man_n be_v exercise_v with_o and_o certain_o this_o shall_v very_o much_o commend_v the_o scripture_n to_o all_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n that_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o certain_a ground_n of_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o such_o thing_n wherein_o they_o be_v otherwise_o so_o irresolved_a but_o of_o that_o afterward_o our_o present_a business_n be_v
after_o the_o flood_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o of_o the_o time_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o of_o the_o pretence_n of_o such_o nation_n who_o call_v themselves_o aborigines_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n the_o common_a opinion_n propound_v and_o reject_v the_o helen_n not_o the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n but_o the_o pelasgi_n the_o large_a spread_v of_o they_o over_o the_o part_n of_o greece_n of_o their_o language_n different_a from_o the_o greek_n whence_o these_o pelasgi_n come_v that_o phaleg_n be_v the_o pelasgus_n of_o greece_n and_o the_o leader_n of_o that_o colony_n prove_v from_o epiphanius_n the_o language_n of_o the_o pelasgi_n in_o greece_n oriental_n thence_o a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o many_o hebrew_n word_n in_o the_o greek_a language_n and_o the_o remainder_n of_o the_o eastern_a language_n in_o the_o island_n of_o greece_n both_o which_o not_o from_o the_o phaenician_o as_o bochartus_n think_v but_o from_o the_o old_a pelasgi_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o affinity_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o lacedaemonian_n of_o the_o people_n of_o amercia_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n 1._o of_o in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fiâ—â—t_a age_n of_o the_o world_n contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v the_o people_n of_o the_o world_n from_o adam_n which_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o we_o to_o understand_v not_o only_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o curiosity_n as_o to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n but_o also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o universal_a effect_n of_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n neither_o of_o which_o can_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v without_o this_o for_o as_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o effect_n of_o man_n fall_n shall_v extend_v to_o all_o mankind_n unless_o all_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v from_o adam_n so_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o the_o account_n of_o thing_n give_v in_o scripture_n shall_v be_v true_a if_o there_o be_v person_n existent_a in_o the_o world_n long_o before_o adam_n be_v since_o the_o scripture_n do_v so_o plain_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v make_v of_o one_o blood_n all_o nation_n of_o man_n for_o to_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n some_o greek_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d leave_v 26._o out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a follow_v the_o arabic_a version_n to_o explain_v both_o reads_z it_o ex_fw-la homine_fw-la or_o as_o de_fw-fr dieu_fw-fr render_v it_o ex_fw-la adamo_n uno_fw-la there_o be_v but_o the_o difference_n of_o one_o letter_n in_o the_o eastern_a language_n between_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o one_o denote_v blood_n and_o the_o other_o man_n but_o if_o we_o take_v it_o as_o our_o more_o ordinary_a copy_n read_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o thereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o all_o mankind_n be_v make_v of_o the_o same_o uniform_a matter_n as_o the_o author_n of_o the_o praeadamite_n weak_o imagine_v for_o by_o that_o reason_n not_o only_a mankind_n but_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o same_o blood_n since_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v at_o first_o form_v out_o of_o the_o same_o matter_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v there_o in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o it_o occur_v in_o the_o best_a greek_a author_n for_o the_o stock_n out_o of_o which_o man_n come_v so_o homer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v_o thence_o those_o who_o be_v near_a relation_n be_v call_v in_o sophocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thence_o the_o name_n of_o consanguinity_n for_o nearness_n of_o relation_n and_o virgil_n use_v sanguis_fw-la in_o the_o same_o sense_n trojano_n à _fw-la sanguine_fw-la duci_fw-la so_o that_o the_o apostle_n meaning_n be_v that_o however_o man_n now_o be_v so_o disperse_v in_o their_o habitation_n and_o differ_v so_o much_o in_o language_n and_o custom_n from_o each_o other_o yet_o they_o all_o be_v original_o of_o the_o same_o stock_n and_o do_v derive_v their_o succession_n from_o that_o first_o man_n who_o god_n create_v neither_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v on_o what_o account_n adam_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v call_v the_o first_o man_n and_o that_o he_o be_v make_v a_o live_a soul_n and_o of_o the_o 47._o earth_n earthy_a unless_o it_o be_v to_o denote_v that_o he_o be_v absolute_o the_o first_o of_o his_o kind_n and_o so_o be_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o that_o follow_v and_o when_o our_o saviour_n will_v reduce_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o beginning_n he_o instance_v in_o those_o word_n which_o be_v pronounce_v after_o eve_n be_v form_v but_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n god_n make_v they_o male_a and_o 7._o female_a for_o this_o cause_n shall_v a_o man_n leave_v father_n and_o mother_n and_o cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n now_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o easy_a then_o from_o hence_o to_o argue_v thus_o those_o of_o who_o those_o word_n be_v speak_v be_v the_o first_o male_a and_o female_a which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o creation_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o adam_n and_o eve_n and_o adam_n say_v this_o be_v now_o bone_n of_o my_o bone_n and_o flesh_n of_o my_o flesh_n 24._o therefore_o shall_v a_o man_n leave_v his_o father_n and_o his_o mother_n and_o shall_v cleave_v unto_o his_o wife_n if_o the_o scripture_n then_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v true_a it_o be_v most_o plain_a and_o evident_a that_o all_o mankind_n be_v descend_v from_o adam_n and_o no_o less_o conspicuous_a be_v it_o from_o the_o history_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o deliver_v by_o moses_n for_o how_o necessary_a have_v it_o be_v for_o moses_n when_o he_o be_v 2._o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o have_v discover_v by_o who_o the_o world_n be_v first_o plant_v if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o plantation_n before_o adam_n but_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o design_n of_o moses_n be_v only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la and_o history_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o that_o adam_n be_v only_o the_o first_o of_o that_o stock_n be_v manifest_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o not_o only_o from_o adam_n and_o noah_n but_o from_o sem_fw-mi abraham_n and_o isaac_n come_v other_o nation_n beside_o that_o of_o jew_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n only_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n in_o the_o history_n of_o adam_n it_o may_v as_o well_o be_v say_v that_o moses_n speak_v only_o of_o the_o make_n of_o canaan_n and_o that_o part_n of_o the_o heaven_n which_o be_v over_o it_o when_o he_o describe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o six_o day_n work_n for_o why_o may_v not_o the_o earth_n in_o the_o second_o ver_fw-la of_o genesis_n be_v as_o well_o understand_v of_o the_o land_n of_o judea_n and_o the_o light_n and_o production_n of_o animal_n and_o vegetable_n refer_v only_o to_o that_o as_o to_o understand_v it_o so_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o flood_n and_o in_o many_o other_o passage_n relate_v to_o those_o elder_a time_n but_o the_o author_n of_o that_o hypothesis_n answer_v that_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o genesis_n may_v relate_v to_o the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o but_o in_o the_o second_o moses_n begin_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o first_o man_n and_o woman_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n very_o probable_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o a_o put_v asunder_o those_o which_o god_n have_v join_v together_o nothing_o be_v for_o do_v not_o moses_n plain_o at_o first_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o formation_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o first_o six_o day_n and_o of_o his_o rest_n on_o the_o seven_o but_o how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o have_v rest_v then_o from_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n if_o after_o this_o follow_v the_o formation_n of_o adam_n and_o eve_n in_o the_o second_o chapter_n beside_o if_o the_o form_n of_o man_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 7._o be_v distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v gen._n 1._o 27._o then_o by_o all_o parity_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o generation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 2._o 4._o must_v be_v distinct_a from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n mention_v gen._n 1._o 1._o and_o so_o if_o there_o be_v another_o creation_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n belong_v to_o
the_o jew_n in_o gen._n 2._o we_o may_v likewise_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o new_a creation_n of_o man_n and_o woman_n in_o that_o chapter_n distinct_a from_o that_o mention_v in_o the_o former_a again_o further_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o such_o person_n in_o the_o world_n before_o adam_n no_o doubt_n adam_n himself_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o else_o it_o have_v be_v a_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o name_n of_o his_o wife_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n not_o of_o all_o live_a thing_n for_o that_o 20._o have_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a description_n of_o a_o ceres_n or_o magna_fw-la mater_fw-la or_o diana_n multimammia_n of_o our_o grandmother_n the_o earth_n but_o certain_o it_o extend_v to_o all_o of_o the_o kind_n that_o all_o live_a creature_n that_o be_v of_o humane_a nature_n come_v from_o she_o so_o the_o chaldeâ—_n paraphra_v understand_v it_o she_o be_v call_v hava_n because_o she_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o mother_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o man_n and_o so_o the_o arabic_a version_n quia_fw-la ipsa_fw-la fuit_fw-la mater_fw-la omnis_fw-la viventis_fw-la rationalis_fw-la to_o which_o 65_o purpose_n our_o learned_a selden_n cite_v the_o version_n of_o the_o mauritanian_a jew_n and_o the_o persic_a of_o tawasius_fw-la but_o what_o ever_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o these_o version_n be_v this_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o adam_n have_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o have_v give_v this_o name_n to_o his_o wife_n as_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o all_o live_n if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o of_o mankind_n exist_v in_o the_o world_n from_o other_o mother_n which_o have_v be_v long_o before_o eve_n be_v form_v so_o that_o we_o find_v it_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o if_o the_o report_n give_v of_o thing_n in_o scripture_n be_v true_a the_o hypothesis_n of_o praeadamite_n be_v undoubted_o false_a and_o certain_o who_o ever_o serious_o consider_v the_o frequent_a reflection_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v cast_v by_o the_o author_n of_o that_o fiction_n and_o his_o endeavour_v on_o all_o occasion_n to_o derogate_v from_o the_o miracle_n record_v in_o it_o may_v easy_o suspect_v the_o design_n of_o that_o author_n be_v not_o to_o gain_v any_o credit_n to_o his_o opinion_n from_o those_o argument_n from_o scripture_n which_o he_o make_v show_v of_o which_o be_v pitiful_o weak_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o have_v by_o the_o help_n of_o such_o argument_n make_v his_o opinion_n more_o plausible_a his_o hope_n be_v that_o his_o opinion_n will_v in_o time_n undermine_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o when_o he_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o account_v give_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v unsatisfactory_a since_o there_o be_v man_n before_o adam_n which_o the_o scripture_n to_o please_v the_o jewish_a nation_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o so_o that_o after_o he_o have_v attempt_v to_o prostitute_v the_o scripture_n to_o his_o opinion_n his_o next_o work_n have_v be_v to_o have_v turn_v they_o out_o of_o door_n as_o not_o of_o credit_n to_o be_v rely_v on_o by_o any_o when_o they_o be_v so_o common_a to_o every_o opinion_n but_o how_o impious_a absurd_a and_o rude_a that_o attempt_n be_v upon_o the_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v so_o full_o discover_v by_o his_o very_o many_o not_o unlearned_a adversary_n that_o it_o may_v seem_v needless_a so_o much_o as_o to_o have_v take_v notice_n of_o so_o weak_o ground_v and_o infirm_o prove_v a_o opinion_n have_v it_o not_o thus_o far_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n in_o order_n to_o the_o clear_v the_o true_a origine_fw-la of_o nation_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o fabulous_a opinion_n lie_v chief_o in_o the_o pretend_a antiquity_n of_o the_o chaldaean_n egyptian_n and_o other_o have_v be_v full_o take_v away_o in_o our_o first_o bsok_n where_o our_o whole_a design_n be_v to_o manifest_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o those_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v deliver_v by_o heathen_a nation_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o scripture_n there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o scripture_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o adam_n to_o the_o flood_n which_o seem_v to_o give_v any_o countenance_n to_o that_o figment_n but_o only_o what_o may_v be_v easy_o resolve_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a conciseness_n of_o the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o report_v that_o long_a interval_n of_o time_n which_o be_v between_o the_o fall_n of_o adam_n and_o the_o flood_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o conciseness_n such_o thing_n be_v report_v as_o speedy_o do_v because_o immediate_o succeed_v in_o the_o story_n which_o ask_v a_o very_a considerable_a time_n before_o they_o can_v be_v effect_v and_o beside_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v do_v before_o the_o flood_n be_v all_o quite_o obliterated_a by_o it_o and_o all_o the_o numerous_a posterity_n of_o adam_n be_v then_o destroy_v only_a noah_n and_o his_o family_n except_v to_o what_o purpose_n have_v it_o be_v any_o further_a to_o have_v report_v the_o passage_n before_o the_o flood_n otherwise_o then_o thereby_o to_o let_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o succession_n of_o person_n from_o adam_n and_o such_o action_n in_o those_o time_n which_o may_v be_v remarkable_a discovery_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o man_n wickedness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v most_o apparent_a at_o first_o in_o cain_n and_o his_o posteriry_n do_v by_o degree_n so_o spread_v its_o self_n over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o then_o inhabit_a world_n that_o the_o just_a god_n be_v thereby_o provoke_v to_o send_v a_o deluge_n among_o they_o to_o sweep_v away_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n to_o make_v room_n for_o another_o generation_n to_o succeed_v they_o this_o therefore_o we_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v viz._n the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o world_n 3_o from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n after_o the_o flood_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o history_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n as_o to_o which_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n 2._o if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o from_o such_o who_o yet_o have_v not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n there_o be_v only_o two_o thing_n which_o seem_v questionable_a to_o reason_n concern_v the_o flood_n the_o first_o be_v concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o flood_n its_o self_n the_o other_o be_v concern_v the_o capacity_n of_o the_o ark_n for_o preserve_v all_o kind_n of_o animal_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o flood_n as_o that_o be_v relate_v in_o scripture_n have_v be_v from_o hence_o that_o some_o have_v suppose_v it_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o water_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o air_n suppose_v it_o to_o fall_v down_o shall_v raise_v the_o surface_n of_o water_n upon_o the_o earth_n a_o foot_n and_o a_o balf_a in_o height_n so_o that_o either_o new_a water_n must_v be_v create_v to_o overflow_v the_o earth_n or_o else_o there_o must_v be_v suppose_v a_o rarefaction_n of_o the_o water_n contain_v in_o the_o sea_n and_o all_o river_n so_o that_o it_o must_v take_v up_o at_o least_o fifteen_o time_n the_o space_n that_o now_o it_o do_v but_o then_o they_o say_v if_o the_o water_n have_v be_v thus_o rarify_v it_o can_v neither_o have_v destroy_v man_n nor_o beast_n neither_o can_v noabs_n ark_n have_v be_v bear_v up_o by_o it_o any_o more_o than_o by_o liquid_a air_n to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v first_o i_o can_v see_v any_o urgent_a necessity_n from_o the_o scripture_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o flood_n do_v spread_v its_o self_n over_o all_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o all_o mankind_n those_o in_o the_o ark_n except_v be_v destroy_v by_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o scripture_n when_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o flood_n be_v thus_o express_v and_o god_n see_v that_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n be_v great_a â—_o upon_o earth_n and_o that_o every_o imagination_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o heart_n be_v only_o evil_a continual_o and_o the_o lord_n say_v i_o will_v destroy_v man_n who_o i_o have_v create_v from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n it_o can_v not_o be_v then_o any_o particular_a deluge_n of_o so_o small_a a_o country_n as_o palestine_n which_o be_v here_o express_v as_o some_o have_v ridiculous_o imagine_v for_o we_o find_v a_o universal_a corruption_n in_o the_o earth_n mention_v as_o the_o cause_n a_o universal_a threaten_a upon_o
further_a satisfaction_n concern_v this_o difference_n of_o the_o chronology_n of_o the_o lxx_o from_o that_o of_o the_o present_a hebrew_n copy_n he_o may_v consult_v the_o learned_a dissertation_n of_o the_o late_a learned_a bishop_n of_o 7._o chester_n upon_o the_o lxx_o and_o the_o late_a discourse_n of_o isaac_n vossius_fw-la on_o this_o subject_n set_v a_o side_n then_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o present_a hebrew_n copy_n and_o the_o lxx_o in_o point_n of_o integrity_n and_o incorruption_n which_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o i_o can_v but_o subscribe_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o our_o judicious_a historian_n sir_n w._n raleigh_n that_o if_o we_o look_v over_o all_o and_o do_v not_o hasty_o satisfy_v our_o understanding_n with_o the_o first_o thing_n offer_v and_o thereby_o be_v satiate_v do_v slothful_o and_o drowsy_o sit_v down_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o more_o agreeable_a rather_o to_o follow_v the_o reckon_n of_o the_o lxx_o who_o according_a to_o some_o edition_n make_v it_o above_o 1072._o year_n between_o the_o flood_n and_o abraham_n birth_n then_o to_o take_v away_o any_o part_n of_o those_o 352._o year_n give_v for_o if_o we_o advise_o consider_v the_o state_n and_o ceuntenance_n of_o the_o world_n such_o as_o it_o be_v in_o abraham_n time_n yea_o before_o abraham_n be_v bear_v we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o be_v very_o ill_o do_v of_o we_o by_o follow_v opinion_n without_o the_o guide_n of_o reason_n to_o pare_v the_o time_n over_o deep_o between_o abraham_n and_o the_o flood_n because_o in_o cut_v they_o too_o near_o the_o quick_a the_o reputation_n of_o the_o whole_a story_n may_v perchance_o bleed_v thereby_o be_v not_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n supreme_a so_o as_o no_o objection_n can_v approach_v it_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o follow_v withal_o this_o precept_n of_o st._n austin_n that_o wheresoever_o any_o one_o place_n in_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v conceive_v disagree_v to_o the_o whole_a the_o same_o be_v by_o ignorance_n of_o misinterpretation_n understand_v for_o in_o abraham_n time_n all_o the_o then_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v people_v all_o region_n and_o country_n have_v their_o king_n egypt_n have_v many_o magnificent_a city_n and_o so_o have_v palestine_n and_o all_o border_a country_n yea_o all_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v side_n as_o far_o as_o india_n and_o those_o not_o build_v with_o stick_n but_o of_o hew_a stone_n and_o defend_v with_o wall_n and_o rampier_n which_o magnificence_n need_v a_o parent_n of_o more_o antiquity_n than_o those_o other_o man_n have_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o where_o the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o best_a agree_v with_o reason_n and_o nature_n to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o labour_v to_o beget_v doubt_n and_o scruple_n or_o draw_v all_o thing_n into_o wonder_n and_o marvail_n give_v also_o strength_n thereby_o to_o common_a caviller_n and_o to_o those_o man_n apish_a brain_n who_o only_o bend_v their_o wit_n to_o find_v impossibility_n and_o monster_n in_o the_o story_n of_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n thus_o far_o that_o excellent_a historian_n who_o word_n deserve_v consideration_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o first_o objection_n the_o second_o be_v from_o the_o great_a pretence_n of_o several_a nation_n that_o they_o be_v self-originated_n or_o come_v not_o from_o any_o other_o 2._o place_n this_o be_v the_o pretence_n of_o the_o egyptian_n grecian_n ancient_a inhabitant_n of_o italy_n and_o other_o but_o how_o little_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o give_v credit_n to_o these_o pretence_n will_v appear_v on_o these_o account_n 1._o the_o impossibility_n in_o nature_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v produce_v in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o they_o imagine_v which_o we_o have_v manifest_v already_o in_o our_o discourse_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 2._o that_o the_o nation_n which_o pretend_v this_o be_v never_o able_a to_o give_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o it_o to_o any_o other_o nation_n which_o demand_v it_o which_o be_v manifest_a by_o their_o want_n of_o any_o certain_a record_n of_o their_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v full_o prove_v in_o our_o discourse_n in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n 3._o the_o only_a probable_a reason_n which_o induce_v these_o nation_n to_o make_v themselves_o aborigines_n be_v because_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o first_o inhabitant_n of_o the_o country_n they_o live_v in_o which_o although_o i_o may_v allow_v to_o the_o egyptian_n and_o some_o other_o ancient_a nation_n yet_o i_o can_v do_v it_o to_o the_o helen_n or_o greek_n who_o most_o vain_o and_o arrogant_o pretend_v to_o it_o which_o because_o it_o may_v give_v more_o light_n into_o the_o great_a antiquity_n of_o greece_n and_o some_o other_o nation_n then_o have_v be_v yet_o discover_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o because_o it_o may_v further_o tend_v to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o nation_n i_o shall_v more_o particular_o inquire_v into_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n that_o it_o be_v first_o inhabit_v by_o some_o of_o noah_n posterity_n be_v out_o of_o question_n with_o all_o those_o who_o prefer_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o undoubted_a record_n of_o scripture_n before_o the_o fabulous_a imposture_n of_o man_n brain_n but_o by_o who_o immediate_a posterity_n the_o country_n of_o greece_n be_v first_o inhabit_v be_v not_o yet_o so_o clear_a as_o it_o have_v be_v general_o presume_v to_o be_v by_o most_o who_o have_v rather_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o other_o then_o spend_v time_n in_o such_o inquiry_n themselves_o which_o yet_o certain_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unworthy_a man_n labour_n and_o industry_n that_o nothing_o tend_v more_o clear_o to_o advance_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n than_o the_o reconcile_a the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o elder_a nation_n to_o what_o we_o find_v deliver_v of_o the_o plantation_n of_o the_o world_n from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a therefore_o of_o the_o first_o plantation_n of_o greece_n i_o shall_v first_o propound_v the_o opinion_n general_o embrace_v among_o learned_a man_n and_o then_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v defective_a and_o what_o other_o more_o true_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o moses_n gen._n 10._o 5._o that_o the_o posterity_n of_o japhet_n take_v possession_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n i._n e._n according_a to_o the_o hebrew_n idiom_n not_o only_o such_o as_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v but_o all_o those_o country_n which_o lay_v much_o upon_o the_o sea_n be_v at_o any_o distance_n from_o palestine_n especial_o such_o as_o lay_v between_o the_o ocean_n and_o mediterranean_a sea_n and_o so_o both_o greece_n and_o italy_n come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o gentile_n among_o the_o son_n of_o japhet_n none_o be_v conceive_v so_o probable_a to_o have_v first_o people_v greece_n as_o he_o who_o name_n be_v preserve_v among_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o greece_n with_o very_o little_a alteration_n and_o so_o as_o the_o mede_n from_o madai_n the_o assyrian_n from_o assur_n the_o thracian_n from_o thiras_n by_o the_o like_a analogy_n the_o jonians_n from_o javan_n from_o which_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o although_o among_o the_o greek_n themselves_o the_o jonians_n be_v but_o as_o one_o division_n of_o that_o people_n which_o inhabit_v greece_n yet_o other_o nation_n comprehend_v all_o under_o the_o name_n of_o jonians_n for_o which_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n from_o hesychius_n and_o the_o scholiast_n on_o aristophanes_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v hesychius_n and_o more_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o scholiast_n acharnâ—ns_n speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o the_o insertion_n of_o the_o aeolic_a digamma_n which_o be_v always_o do_v when_o two_o vowel_n meet_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n javones_n and_o stephanus_n byhantius_fw-la tell_v we_o that_o from_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d come_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o homer_n u._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o dionysius_n periegetes_n reckon_v up_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o one_o of_o the_o river_n of_o arcadia_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 416._o and_o which_o much_o confirm_v this_o opinion_n the_o hebrew_n word_n for_o javan_n before_o the_o point_v add_v by_o the_o masorite_n viz._n 〈◊〉_d bear_v a_o perfect_a analogy_n with_o the_o greck_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o scripture_n be_v take_v for_o greece_n and_o so_o dan._n 8._o 21._o alexander_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o lxx_o render_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o joel_n 3._o 6._o you_o have_v sell_v my_o son_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
chaos_n formation_n of_o man_n among_o the_o phaenician_o of_o adam_n among_o the_o german_n egyptian_n cilician_o adam_n under_o saturn_n cain_n among_o the_o phaenician_o tubalcain_n and_o jubal_n under_o vulcan_n and_o apollo_n naamah_n under_o minerva_n noah_n under_o saturn_n janus_n prometheus_n and_o bacchus_n noah_n three_o son_n under_o jupiter_n neptune_n and_o pluto_n canaan_n under_o mercury_n nimrod_n under_o bacchus_n magog_n under_o prometheus_n of_o abraham_n and_o isaac_n among_o the_o phaenician_o jacob_n service_n under_o apollo_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o from_o bethel_n joseph_n under_o apis_n moses_n under_o bacchus_n joshua_n under_o hercules_n balaam_n under_o the_o olâ—_n siolenus_fw-la the_o main_a particular_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n concern_v the_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v thus_o far_o 1_o clear_v there_o remain_v only_o that_o evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o those_o elder_a time_n in_o those_o footstep_n of_o it_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n for_o we_o can_v conceive_v that_o since_o we_o have_v manifest_v that_o all_o mankind_n do_v come_v from_o the_o posterity_n of_o noah_n that_o all_o those_o passage_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v present_o obliterated_a and_o extinguish_v among_o they_o but_o some_o kind_n of_o tradition_n will_v be_v still_o preserve_v although_o by_o degree_n it_o will_v be_v so_o much_o alter_v for_o want_n of_o certain_a record_n to_o preserve_v it_o in_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o hard_a matter_n to_o discover_v its_o original_n without_o a_o exact_a compare_v it_o with_o the_o true_a history_n its_o self_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v first_o take_v for_o it_o fare_v with_o this_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o with_o a_o person_n who_o have_v a_o long_a time_n travel_v in_o foreign_a part_n who_o by_o the_o variety_n of_o clime_n and_o country_n may_v be_v so_o far_o alter_v from_o what_o he_o be_v that_o his_o own_o relation_n may_v not_o know_v he_o upon_o his_o return_n but_o only_o by_o some_o certain_a mark_n which_o he_o have_v in_o his_o body_n by_o which_o they_o be_v assure_v that_o however_o his_o complexion_n and_o visage_n may_v be_v alter_v yet_o the_o person_n be_v the_o same_o still_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o this_o original_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n through_o its_o continual_a pass_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o the_o various_a humour_n temper_n and_o design_n of_o man_n it_o receive_v strange_a disguise_n and_o alteration_n as_o to_o its_o outward_a favour_n and_o complextion_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o such_o certain_a mark_n remain_v on_o it_o by_o which_o we_o find_v out_o its_o true_a original_n two_o thing_n then_o will_v be_v the_o main_a subject_n of_o our_o enquiry_n here_o 1._o by_o what_o mean_v the_o original_a tradition_n come_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o corrupt_v 2._o by_o what_o mark_n we_o may_v discern_v its_o true_a original_n or_o what_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o remainder_n of_o scripture_n history_n in_o the_o heathen_a mythology_n 1._o concern_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o tradition_n by_o degree_n come_v to_o be_v corrupt_v there_o may_v be_v some_o more_o 2._o general_a and_o other_o more_o particular_a the_o general_a cause_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o the_o gradual_a decay_n of_o knowledge_n and_o increase_n of_o barbarism_n in_o the_o world_n occasion_v by_o the_o want_n of_o certain_a record_n to_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o we_o at_o large_a discourse_v of_o in_o our_o entrance_n on_o this_o subject_n now_o 16._o in_o the_o decay_n of_o knowledge_n there_o must_v needs_o follow_v a_o sudden_a and_o strange_a alteration_n of_o the_o memory_n of_o former_a time_n which_o have_v then_o nothing_o to_o preserve_v it_o but_o the_o most_o uncertain_a report_n of_o fame_n which_o alter_v and_o disguise_v thing_n according_a to_o the_o humour_n and_o inclination_n and_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o hand_n it_o pass_v through_o 2._o the_o gradual_a increase_n of_o idolatry_n in_o the_o world_n which_o begin_v soon_o after_o the_o dispersion_n of_o nation_n and_o in_o who_o age_n we_o can_v at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n and_o in_o so_o great_a obscurity_n precise_o determine_v but_o assoon_o as_o idolatry_n come_v in_o all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v make_v subservient_fw-fr in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n and_o those_o person_n who_o memory_n be_v preserve_v in_o several_a nation_n by_o degree_n come_v to_o be_v worship_v under_o diversity_n of_o name_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o former_a tradition_n as_o will_v tend_v most_o to_o advance_v the_o great_a superstition_n in_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o confusion_n of_o language_n at_o babel_n be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o corrupt_v the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o world_n for_o in_o so_o great_a variety_n as_o sudden_o happen_v of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v conceive_v but_o such_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v preserve_v in_o some_o uniform_a manner_n have_v all_o nation_n use_v the_o same_o language_n will_v through_o the_o diversity_n of_o idiom_n and_o property_n of_o several_a tongue_n be_v strange_o alter_v and_o disguise_v as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o this_o alteratisn_a of_o language_n in_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o confusion_n of_o tongue_n at_o babel_n bring_v as_o great_a a_o confusion_n into_o the_o original_a tradition_n as_o it_o do_v among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o designer_n of_o that_o work_n and_o because_o this_o subject_n of_o the_o original_a and_o cause_n of_o this_o diversity_n of_o language_n among_o man_n do_v both_o tend_v to_o explain_v 3_o the_o present_a subject_n and_o to_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n i_o shall_v a_o little_a further_o inquire_v into_o it_o chief_o on_o this_o account_n because_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o such_o a_o confusion_n be_v needless_a which_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n for_o the_o produce_v such_o diversity_n of_o language_n which_o will_v arise_v through_o mere_a length_n of_o time_n &_o the_o variety_n of_o clime_n and_o custom_n in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o we_o only_o speak_v concern_v the_o sense_n of_o moses_n about_o it_o the_o enquiry_n be_v of_o great_a difficulty_n then_o at_o first_o view_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v for_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o moses_n nowhere_o speak_v of_o a_o diversity_n of_o language_n as_o we_o understand_v it_o but_o etc._n only_o of_o a_o confusion_n of_o their_o speech_n who_o be_v at_o babel_n which_o may_v well_o be_v although_o they_o all_o use_v the_o same_o language_n that_o be_v there_o may_v be_v a_o confusion_n raise_v in_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o their_o notion_n of_o thing_n be_v disturb_v so_o that_o though_o they_o hear_v one_o word_n they_o have_v different_a apprehension_n of_o it_o some_o think_v it_o signify_v one_o thing_n and_o some_o another_o as_o julius_n sâ—aliger_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o jew_n he_o have_v converse_v with_o do_v not_o understand_v 1._o by_o it_o a_o multiplication_n of_o tongue_n but_o only_o by_o that_o confusion_n their_o former_a notion_n of_o thing_n by_o the_o same_o word_n be_v alter_v as_o if_o one_o call_v for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o stone_n one_o by_o that_o word_n understand_v lime_n another_o water_n another_o sand_n etc._n etc._n this_o must_v needs_o produce_v a_o strange_a confusion_n among_o they_o and_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o desist_v from_o their_o work_n but_o suppose_v no_o such_o division_n of_o language_n there_o yet_o after_o their_o dispersion_n which_o may_v be_v cause_v by_o the_o former_a confusion_n by_o the_o different_a law_n rite_n and_o custom_n commerce_n and_o trade_v and_o tract_n of_o time_n there_o will_v have_v rise_v a_o division_n of_o their_o several_a tongue_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o division_n of_o tongue_n miraculous_o cause_v there_o that_o as_o it_o be_v common_o say_v all_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o same_o language_n go_v together_o in_o their_o several_a company_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o in_o their_o dispersisn_a we_o read_v of_o several_a family_n disperse_v which_o use_v the_o same_o language_n after_o their_o dispersion_n as_o all_o the_o son_n of_o canaan_n mention_v gen._n 10._o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18._o use_v the_o canaanitish_a tongue_n in_o greece_n javan_n and_o elisa_n have_v the_o same_o language_n in_o egypt_n misraim_n and_o pathrusim_n in_o arabia_n the_o son_n of_o joctan_n and_o chus_n in_o chaldaea_n aram_n and_o uz_n the_o inhabitant_n of_o syria_n mash_n of_o mesopotamia_n nimrod_n of_o babylon_n assur_n of_o assyria_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v if_o their_o several_a tongue_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o
the_o indian_n be_v in_o darkness_n while_o the_o bacchae_n enjoy_v light_n which_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v make_v every_o one_o that_o have_v judgement_n say_v as_o bochartus_n do_v ex_fw-la mirabili_fw-la illâ—_n concentu_fw-la vel_fw-la coecis_fw-la apparebit_fw-la priscos_fw-la fabularum_fw-la architectos_fw-la e_fw-la scriptoribus_fw-la sacris_fw-la multa_fw-la â—sse_fw-la mutuatos_fw-la from_o this_o wonderful_a agreement_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n with_o the_o scripture_n it_o can_v but_o appear_v that_o one_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o other_o that_o the_o memory_n of_o iâ—shua_n and_o samson_n be_v preserve_v under_o hercules_n tyrius_n be_v make_v 169._o likewise_o very_o probable_a from_o several_a circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n other_o have_v deduce_v the_o many_o rite_n of_o heathen_a worship_n from_o those_o use_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n among_o the_o jew_n several_a other_o may_v be_v insist_v on_o as_o the_o parallel_n between_o og_n and_o typho_n and_o between_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o balaam_n both_o note_v for_o their_o skill_n in_o divination_n both_o take_v by_o the_o water_n num._n 22._o 5._o both_o note_a for_o ride_v on_o a_o ass_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v lucian_n of_o the_o old_a silenus_n and_o that_o 203._o which_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o probable_a be_v that_o of_o pausanias_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o learned_a man_n have_v be_v much_o puzzle_v to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o and_o this_o conjecture_n which_o i_o here_o propound_v may_v pass_v at_o least_o for_o a_o probable_a account_n of_o it_o but_o i_o shall_v no_o long_o insist_v on_o these_o thing_n have_v i_o suppose_v do_v what_o be_v sufficient_a to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v what_o footstep_n there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o heathen_a mythology_n chap._n vi_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n concern_v matter_n of_o pure_a divine_a revelation_n in_o scripture_n the_o term_n of_o salvation_n only_o contain_v therein_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o disesteem_a of_o the_o scripture_n be_v tacit_a unbelief_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n manifest_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n which_o god_n have_v reveal_v therein_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o discovery_n of_o god_n nature_n which_o be_v in_o scripture_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o love_n of_o god_n in_o christ._n the_o suitableness_n of_o those_o discovery_n of_o god_n to_o our_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n the_o necessity_n of_o god_n make_v know_v himself_o to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o the_o scripture_n give_v the_o full_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v in_o they_o the_o only_a way_n of_o please_a god_n discover_v in_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n contain_v matter_n of_o great_a mysteriousness_n and_o mest_z universal_a satisfaction_n to_o man_n mind_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o manner_n wherein_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n in_o regard_n of_o clearness_n authority_n purity_n uniformity_n and_o perswasiveness_n the_o excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o a_o rule_n of_o life_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o they_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o encouragement_n to_o religion_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n the_o great_a excellency_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o order_n to_o man_n salvation_n have_v thus_o large_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o passage_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o concern_v the_o history_n 1_o of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n by_o all_o those_o argument_n which_o a_o subject_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o only_a thing_n leâ—t_v in_o order_n to_o our_o full_a prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o consideration_n of_o â—hose_v matter_n contain_v in_o it_o which_o be_v in_o a_o especial_a maâ—neâ—_n say_v to_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o historical_a passage_n though_o we_o believe_v they_o as_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n to_o have_v be_v divine_o inspire_v as_o well_o as_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o suppose_v no_o divine_a revelation_n may_v have_v be_v know_v sufficient_o to_o the_o world_n have_v not_o man_n bâ—en_o want_v to_o themselves_o as_o to_o the_o care_n and_o mean_n of_o preserve_v they_o but_o those_o matter_n which_o i_o now_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o be_v of_o a_o more_o sublime_a and_o transcendent_a nature_n such_o as_o it_o have_v be_v impâ—ssible_a for_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o reach_v have_v they_o not_o be_v immediate_o discover_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o those_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n on_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v upon_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o we_o assert_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o only_a authentic_a and_o infallible_a record_n of_o man_n may_v by_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o sagacity_n of_o their_o mind_n discover_v much_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lapse_v condition_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o purgation_n of_o they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o felicity_n but_o may_v in_o the_o general_n know_v what_o thing_n be_v please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n from_o those_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o be_v unalterable_o fix_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o which_o way_n to_o obtain_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o recover_v the_o grace_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n to_o enjoy_v perfect_a tranquillity_n and_o peace_n of_o conscience_n to_o be_v able_a to_o please_v god_n in_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n and_o by_o these_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o eternal_a bliss_n have_v be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o have_v ever_o find_v have_v not_o god_n himself_o be_v gracious_o please_v to_o reveal_v they_o to_o we_o man_n may_v still_o have_v bewilder_v themselves_o in_o follow_v the_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la of_o their_o own_o imagination_n and_o hunt_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n for_o a_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o heaven_n but_o can_v have_v find_v none_o unless_o god_n himself_o take_v pity_n of_o the_o wander_n of_o man_n have_v be_v please_v to_o hang_v out_o a_o light_n from_o heaven_n to_o direct_v they_o in_o their_o way_n thither_o and_o by_o this_o pharos_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o direct_v they_o so_o to_o steer_v their_o course_n as_o to_o escape_v split_v themselves_o on_o the_o rock_n of_o open_a impiety_n or_o be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o quicksand_n of_o terrene_a delight_n neither_o do_v he_o show_v they_o only_o what_o shelf_n and_o rock_n they_o must_v escape_v but_o what_o particular_a course_n they_o must_v steâ—re_v what_o star_n they_o must_v have_v in_o their_o eye_n what_o compass_n they_o must_v observe_v what_o wind_n and_o gale_n they_o must_v expect_v and_o pray_v for_o if_o they_o will_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n eternal_a bliss_n what_o more_o can_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a goodness_n promise_n or_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n ever_o wish_v â—or_a a_o reward_n to_o such_o who_o be_v so_o â—ar_o from_o deserve_v that_o they_o be_v still_o provoke_v glory_n to_o such_o who_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o their_o duty_n then_o of_o their_o offence_n but_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v a_o glorious_a reward_n but_o eternal_a too_o be_v that_o which_o though_o it_o infinite_o transcend_v the_o desert_n of_o the_o receiver_n yet_o it_o high_o discover_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o giver_n but_o when_o we_o not_o only_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o rich_a a_o mine_n of_o inestimable_a treasure_n but_o if_o the_o owner_n of_o it_o undertake_v to_o show_v we_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o give_v we_o certain_a and_o infallible_a direction_n how_o to_o come_v to_o the_o full_a possession_n of_o it_o how_o much_o be_v we_o in_o love_n with_o misery_n and_o do_v we_o court_v our_o own_o ruin_n if_o we_o neglect_v to_o hearken_v to_o his_o direction_n and_o observe_v his_o command_n this_o be_v that_o we_o be_v now_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a concern_v 2._o the_o scripture_n that_o these_o alone_o contain_v those_o sacred_a discovery_n by_o which_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n may_v come_v at_o last_o to_o enjoy_v a_o complete_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n one_o will_v think_v there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o needless_a in_o the_o world_n then_o to_o bid_v man_n regard_v their_o own_o welfare_n and_o to_o seek_v to_o be_v happy_a yet_o whoever_o cast_v his_o eye_n into_o the_o world_n will_v find_v no_o counsel_n so_o little_o hearken_v to_o as_o this_o nor_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o general_o look_v on_o