we_o have_v now_o contain_v in_o our_o babble_n all_o that_o be_v write_v by_o a_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o intend_v as_o a_o rule_n to_o the_o church_n and_o no_o more_o that_o be_v how_o can_v we_o now_o be_v safe_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v able_a upon_o good_a ground_n to_o say_v what_o be_v canonical_a and_o what_o be_v not_o it_o be_v too_o apparent_a a_o truth_n that_o nothing_o by_o the_o power_n of_o its_o own_o worth_a and_o excellency_n have_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o escape_v contempt_n and_o reproach_n from_o the_o unruly_a will_n and_o debauch_a mind_n of_o corrupt_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n the_o bible_n have_v meet_v with_o its_o share_n in_o this_o kind_n some_o upon_o fanatical_a pretence_n have_v despise_v and_o reject_v the_o whole_a other_o have_v mangle_v and_o sever_v it_o as_o themselves_o think_v good_a receive_v some_o part_n only_o as_o divine_a and_o reject_v the_o rest_n as_o they_o please_v of_o this_o iraeneus_n tertullian_n epiphanius_n st._n austin_n and_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a writer_n have_v give_v we_o a_o large_a account_n the_o manichee_n reject_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n as_o come_v from_o a_o evil_a god_n the_o ptolemaite_v as_o epiphamus_n tell_v we_o reject_v all_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o gnostic_n with_o some_o other_o heretic_n reject_v the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n cerdon_n and_o after_o he_o martion_n reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n luke_n the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o divers_a other_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n as_o we_o find_v by_o tertullian_n the_o valentimans_fw-la reject_v all_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n john_n as_o we_o see_v in_o irenaeus_n other_o reject_v all_o that_o st._n john_n write_v the_o ebionite_n receive_v no_o gospel_n but_o that_o of_o st._n matthen_n and_o reject_v in_o gross_a all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v not_o one_o part_n of_o the_o bible_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o that_o have_v escape_v the_o reprobation_n of_o some_o bad_a men._n but_o all_o such_o attempt_n be_v soon_o blow_v away_o expire_v in_o the_o birth_n bear_v about_o they_o their_o own_o shame_n and_o reproach_n make_v no_o considerable_a battery_n upon_o the_o truth_n in_o any_o age_n nor_o do_v they_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o vitiate_a mind_n and_o corrupt_a breast_n of_o such_o profligate_v heretic_n as_o be_v the_o first_o author_n of_o they_o in_o answer_v to_o this_o question_n how_o we_o come_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v about_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o that_o those_o book_n now_o receive_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o other_o protestant_a church_n as_o such_o be_v all_o canonical_a and_o no_o other_o two_o thing_n only_o will_v occur_v that_o be_v of_o any_o seem_a moment_n in_o the_o due_a consideration_n of_o which_o all_o will_v be_v say_v that_o be_v needful_a about_o this_o 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by_o any_o divine_a inspiration_n nor_o send_v we_o from_o god_n as_o any_o part_n of_o those_o supreme_a law_n by_o which_o he_o intend_v to_o rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v within_o the_o canon_n will_v be_v make_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o reasonable_a judge_n upon_o these_o consideration_n follow_v first_o after_o the_o time_n of_o esdras_n and_o the_o erection_n of_o the_o second_o temple_n it_o be_v universal_o agree_v by_o all_o the_o most_o ancient_a jew_n and_o christian_n that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n among_o they_o nor_o do_v god_n raise_v up_o any_o man_n with_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n from_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n who_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o last_o prophet_n till_o john_n the_o baptist_n which_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o four_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n now_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a that_o these_o apocryphal_a book_n be_v all_o write_v after_o the_o time_n of_o malachi_n and_o so_o can_v be_v of_o no_o extraordinary_a mission_n and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o have_v be_v write_v before_o and_o have_v be_v extant_a in_o ezra_n time_n which_o they_o be_v not_o it_o have_v be_v a_o unanswerable_a reason_n for_o their_o rejection_n now_o because_o they_o be_v not_o receive_v then_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o none_o of_o these_o book_n now_o in_o question_n be_v by_o he_o incorporate_v with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o bible_n nor_o be_v within_o the_o canon_n at_o that_o time_n settle_v that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n by_o who_o all_o part_n of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v write_v for_o the_o church_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o old-testament_n be_v call_v prophecy_n nor_o any_o man_n of_o a_o extraordinary_a spirit_n among_o they_o after_o the_o captivity_n both_o jew_n and_o christian_n general_o agree_v josephus_n be_v express_v in_o it_o in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o appion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o time_n of_o artaxerxes_n though_o certain_a book_n have_v be_v write_v yet_o they_o deserve_v not_o the_o same_o credit_n and_o belief_n that_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n do_v because_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n of_o propher_n among_o they_o saint_n austin_n in_o the_o 45th_o chapter_n of_o his_o 18_o book_n de_fw-fr civitate_fw-la dei_fw-la show_v at_o large_a that_o the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophecy_n after_o ezra_n time_n and_o the_o same_o eusebius_n affirm_v in_o his_o demonstrationes_fw-la evangelicae_fw-la post_fw-la zachartam_fw-la &_o malachiam_fw-la non_fw-la fuâ—sse_fw-la amplius_fw-la apud_fw-la judaeos_fw-la prophetam_fw-la et_fw-la a_fw-la reditu_fw-la ex_fw-la captivitate_fw-la ad_fw-la tempora_fw-la servatoris_fw-la nullum_fw-la babucrint_fw-la judaei_n sacrum_fw-la volumen_fw-la the_o jew_n have_v no_o prophet_n after_o zachary_n and_o malachi_n nor_o any_o sacred_a write_n after_o the_o captivity_n till_o our_o saviour_n time_n and_o some_o of_o these_o very_a book_n tell_v we_o as_o much_o themselves_o for_o in_o the_o first_o book_n of_o the_o maccabee_n chap._n 9_o it_o be_v there_o say_v that_o there_o be_v then_o great_a tribulation_n in_o israel_n such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v since_o the_o day_n that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o prophet_n in_o israel_n relate_v to_o ezra_n time_n and_o indeed_o it_o appear_v very_o plain_a from_o the_o scripture_n itself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o divine_a write_n publish_v between_o the_o prophecy_n of_o malachi_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o evangelist_n take_v thing_n up_o just_a where_o he_o leave_v they_o and_o begin_v the_o gospel_n from_o the_o end_n of_o malachi_n prophecy_n for_o he_o end_v his_o prophecy_n at_o john_n the_o baptist_n under_o the_o type_n and_o title_n of_o elias_n and_o the_o evangelist_n begin_v the_o gospel_n with_o he_o for_o st._n mark_v express_o declare_v the_o end_n of_o that_o prophecy_n to_o be_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v a_o visible_a combination_n from_o thence_o from_o that_o period_n of_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n together_o second_o all_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v prophet_n to_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o their_o write_n and_o prophecy_n be_v direct_v chief_o to_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v all_o writ_n except_o some_o passage_n in_o daniel_n and_o ezra_n that_o be_v write_v in_o the_o chaldee_n dialect_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v in_o their_o captivity_n be_v much_o accustom_v in_o their_o own_o native_a language_n the_o language_n of_o canaan_n which_o be_v the_o hebrew_n but_o these_o book_n be_v confess_o most_o of_o they_o first_o write_v in_o greek_a and_o can_v be_v of_o no_o use_n at_o all_o to_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o
to_o man_n of_o one_o persuasion_n whenever_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n of_o any_o science_n lay_v down_o position_n and_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o proceed_v if_o such_o principle_n be_v beyond_o the_o first_o and_o common_a rudiment_n of_o every_o man_n reason_n though_o in_o themselves_o never_o so_o true_a yet_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o debate_v and_o admit_v questionable_a in_o all_o reason_n about_o that_o very_a science_n not_o to_o admit_v some_o universal_a maxim_n be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v mankind_n certain_a of_o nothing_o and_o to_o admit_v any_o particular_a man_n opinion_n as_o indisputable_a principle_n be_v the_o way_n to_o enslave_v the_o world_n to_o every_o party_n the_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o christian_n but_o not_o of_o men._n the_o first_o of_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o of_o all_o science_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o begin_v their_o proof_n against_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n from_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o every_o man_n religion_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o thence_o induce_v a_o assent_n to_o their_o divine_a and_o sacred_a authority_n which_o we_o shall_v find_v god_n have_v make_v sufficient_o evident_a to_o a_o rational_a and_o impartial_a inquiry_n second_o the_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v give_v to_o they_o and_o that_o way_n god_n be_v please_v to_o reserve_v to_o himself_o of_o give_v man_n a_o unquestionable_a satisfaction_n about_o that_o and_o all_o other_o divine_a thing_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v urge_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o scripture_n against_o its_o profess_a adversary_n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n first_o because_o the_o bless_a spirit_n itself_o be_v not_o a_o common_a demonstrable_a principle_n among_o mankind_n and_o so_o can_v be_v make_v use_n of_o against_o those_o that_o know_v no_o such_o testimony_n nor_o admit_v the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o principle_n nothing_o but_o what_o a_o man_n do_v assent_v to_o can_v with_o any_o good_a reason_n be_v urge_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n by_o any_o evidence_n arise_v from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v needs_o be_v visible_o absurd_a because_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n in_o be_v as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o so_o that_o what_o i_o be_o about_o to_o prove_v must_v first_o be_v admit_v before_o i_o can_v make_v good_a the_o existence_n of_o that_o medium_fw-la i_o take_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o second_o whatever_o evidence_n the_o holy_a ghost_n give_v to_o any_o man_n to_o assure_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n that_o evidence_n as_o such_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o his_o own_o breast_n nor_o can_v i_o ever_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a and_o infallible_a evidence_n because_o such_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n communicable_a to_o another_o but_o in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n nothing_o be_v visible_a to_o another_o in_o such_o case_n but_o the_o reason_n i_o can_v produce_v the_o divine_a illumination_n i_o have_v within_o myself_o to_o convince_v i_o that_o such_o reason_n be_v cogent_n and_o prevail_a can_v never_o be_v so_o demonstrate_v as_o to_o convince_v another_o that_o have_v no_o such_o illumination_n the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o be_v conceive_v of_o then_o that_o he_o be_v please_v to_o propose_v the_o right_a ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n that_o they_o be_v so_o and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o conclusion_n by_o assertain_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n it_o be_v heterodox_n and_o false_a and_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o enthusiasm_n to_o say_v that_o divine_a illumination_n be_v not_o always_o accompany_v with_o rational_a evidence_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o which_o no_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v it_o be_v most_o unsuitable_a to_o a_o reasonable_a be_v and_o most_o contrary_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n deal_v with_o man_n all_o the_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v maintain_v by_o the_o true_a exercise_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o no_o otherwise_o whoever_o rest_v assure_v from_o a_o divine_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o come_v from_o god_n may_v deal_v with_o a_o antiscripturist_n by_o those_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o such_o testimony_n be_v build_v but_o will_v vain_o and_o to_o no_o purpose_n urge_v that_o satisfaction_n he_o receive_v of_o the_o validity_n of_o such_o ground_n and_o reason_n from_o such_o a_o testimony_n when_o that_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o further_o make_v evident_a then_o by_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v for_o it_o of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o which_o every_o other_o man_n reason_n in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o judge_n to_o this_o present_a undertake_n there_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v this_o praeliminary_a consideration_n that_o as_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n of_o divers_a nature_n true_a so_o there_o be_v various_a way_n of_o render_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o evident_a and_o medium_n of_o proof_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o each_o this_o be_v visible_a in_o aethick_n in_o physics_n in_o mathematics_n and_o in_o all_o other_o science_n when_o we_o discourse_n of_o the_o bible_n divers_a thing_n will_v come_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o by_o various_a medium_n of_o proof_n must_v be_v establish_v first_o in_o the_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o supernatural_a law_n as_o this_o send_v from_o heaven_n or_o no_o this_o be_v to_o be_v clear_v from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o such_o natural_a religion_n as_o every_o man_n be_v bear_v with_o second_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o it_o be_v now_o propose_v to_o we_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o such_o as_o be_v likely_a to_o come_v from_o god_n and_o to_o be_v that_o law_n by_o which_o the_o supreme_a maker_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v rule_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n this_o must_v also_o be_v clear_v from_o that_o natural_a divinity_n that_o lodge_v in_o every_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n and_o those_o primary_n notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o all_o unprejudiced_a reason_n assent_v to_o and_o which_o be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o discourse_n of_o revelation_n and_o whatever_o be_v supernatural_a three_o whether_o this_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n it_o bear_v and_o in_o those_o time_n wherein_o it_o avow_v itself_o to_o be_v write_v whether_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v such_o prediction_n fulfil_v all_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n must_v be_v prove_v to_o we_o by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o can_v ascertain_v we_o about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o a_o thing_n long_o since_o past_a he_o that_o demand_v to_o be_v satisfy_v about_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o since_o past_a and_o yet_o deny_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o historical_a evidence_n be_v so_o absurd_a as_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o propose_v a_o doubt_n and_o resolve_v against_o all_o way_n of_o answer_n four_o whether_o this_o book_n as_o now_o we_o have_v it_o be_v the_o same_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o write_v and_o have_v not_o be_v since_o corrupt_v or_o change_v the_o proof_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o what_o may_v be_v rational_o urge_v to_o make_v it_o credible_a that_o this_o book_n shall_v still_o be_v secure_v by_o a_o divine_a care_n and_o to_o render_v the_o way_n and_o mean_v historical_o evident_a by_o which_o such_o a_o divine_a care_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n have_v be_v exert_v and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v in_o doubt_n about_o the_o bible_n there_o be_v proper_a inducement_n to_o our_o belief_n as_o will_v appear_v hereafter_o and_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o subject_n require_v and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o a_o belief_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o full_a and_o convince_a as_o some_o other_o thing_n will_v afford_v declare_v himself_o to_o be_v obstinate_o wilful_a and_o absurd_a nothing_o
perfect_a attribute_n the_o term_n of_o our_o pardon_n must_v come_v from_o god_n it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n to_o find_v out_o how_o god_n shall_v forgive_v he_o or_o to_o to_o chalk_n out_o the_o track_n of_o divine_a justice_n and_o mercy_n towards_o himself_o nor_o will_v his_o guilt_n be_v remove_v nor_o his_o thought_n be_v at_o rest_n till_o he_o know_v god_n mind_n about_o it_o nothing_o can_v assure_v we_o of_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n but_o what_o be_v from_o heaven_n appoint_v as_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o no_o natural_a knowledge_n can_v give_v we_o any_o certain_a direction_n about_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o shall_v if_o humane_a nature_n have_v no_o absolute_a security_n in_o itself_o of_o its_o first_o state_n how_o can_v we_o expect_v it_o shall_v restore_v itself_o when_o once_o degenerate_v what_o do_v not_o remain_v perfect_a when_o it_o be_v so_o be_v much_o more_o unlikely_a to_o recover_v again_o out_o of_o imperfection_n to_o be_v so_o every_o man_n may_v know_v he_o be_v degenerate_v from_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o so_o may_v reasonable_o collect_v from_o what_o he_o once_o be_v but_o no_o man_n can_v reason_v himself_o into_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o recovery_n the_o whole_a world_n have_v subscribe_v to_o their_o own_o apostasy_n but_o can_v never_o agree_v upon_o any_o certain_a remedy_n how_o miserable_o have_v mankind_n tire_v themselves_o and_o to_o how_o little_a purpose_n in_o find_v out_o what_o will_v appease_v divine_a anger_n and_o compensate_a for_o their_o disobedience_n no_o man_n ever_o yet_o worsâ—_n ip_v any_o god_n but_o he_o make_v some_o offer_n to_o he_o in_o hope_n that_o may_v indemnisie_v he_o and_o be_v take_v in_o lieu_n of_o his_o own_o punishment_n man_n have_v at_o a_o venture_n offer_v up_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o sacrifice_n have_v try_v all_o experiment_n victimis_fw-la &_o lavacris_fw-la and_o by_o all_o other_o mean_v their_o best_a guess_n can_v suggest_v to_o they_o to_o obliterate_v their_o own_o gild_n and_o to_o procure_v d_o uâ—â—e_a favour_n but_o never_o be_v upon_o any_o suâ—er_a ground_n than_o their_o own_o vain_a fancy_n for_o acceptance_n agaâ—hias_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o the_o persian_a war_n that_o the_o persian_n be_v wont_a to_o solemnize_v a_o great_a holiday_n once_o a_o year_n which_o they_o call_v the_o death_n of_o vice_n in_o which_o as_o a_o eminent_a piece_n of_o devotion_n they_o slay_v multitude_n of_o serpent_n &_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o thereby_o think_v they_o shall_v execute_v all_o their_o corruption_n &_o safe_o bury_v their_o sin_n the_o philosopher_n abound_v with_o remedy_n foâ—_n this_o epidemical_a disease_n some_o thought_n to_o cure_v the_o evil_a of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o moral_a way_n some_o in_o a_o way_n mathematical_a and_o some_o by_o religious_a ceremony_n but_o alas_o the_o right_a way_n of_o do_v it_o have_v lie_v hide_v from_o age_n and_o generation_n till_o god_n himself_o make_v it_o know_v and_o reveal_v it_o from_o heaven_n what_o a_o trifle_n be_v the_o blood_n of_o a_o sheep_n or_o a_o ox_n to_o satisfy_v for_o a_o offence_n against_o a_o infinite_a justice_n at_o how_o easy_a and_o cheap_a a_o rate_n may_v man_n sin_n and_o god_n be_v satisfy_v and_o what_o a_o public_a toleration_n of_o evil_n be_v it_o if_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n may_v take_v away_o sin_n and_o the_o life_n of_o unreasonable_a creature_n commute_v for_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n the_o consideration_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n do_v direct_o steer_v we_o upward_o and_o point_v we_o to_o a_o dependence_n upon_o revelation_n to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a distinct_a and_o satisfy_a knowledge_n of_o god_n of_o ourselves_o and_o of_o this_o whole_a world_n how_o man_n come_v to_o rebel_n and_o sin_n first_o to_o enter_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v indemnity_n may_v be_v obtain_v and_o upon_o what_o term_n we_o may_v be_v again_o reconcile_v to_o god_n and_o accept_v this_o precious_a discourse_n the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v it_o a_o reasonable_a supposal_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o general_a some_o divine_a revelation_n some_o law_n supernatural_a promulge_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o mankind_n shall_v not_o be_v whole_o leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v no_o way_n ungrateful_a to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o possess_v with_o a_o due_a esteem_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o do_v assent_v to_o their_o verity_n because_o it_o be_v to_o reinforce_v one_o of_o the_o great_a support_n to_o all_o scripture-belief_n nor_o will_v it_o seem_v impertinent_a to_o those_o who_o be_v any_o way_n ingenious_a in_o their_o doubt_n and_o inquiry_n about_o this_o matter_n because_o it_o be_v natural_o &_o necessary_o the_o first_o step_n that_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o order_n to_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o may_v be_v very_o well_o offensive_a to_o such_o who_o shall_v design_n to_o themselves_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v it_o their_o province_n to_o weaken_v their_o authority_n and_o render_v all_o proof_n bring_v for_o they_o insufficient_a because_o it_o go_v far_o towards_o a_o evident_a and_o apparent_a determination_n of_o the_o whole_a cause_n against_o they_o do_v indeed_o petere_fw-la jugulum_fw-la of_o their_o chief_a pretence_n and_o virtual_o break_v the_o very_a backbone_n of_o all_o antiscriptural_a opposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o revelation_n mâ—de_v to_o the_o world_n as_o that_o which_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o the_o want_n of_o man_n seem_v necessary_o to_o call_v for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v to_o mankind_n a_o law_n supernatural_a where_o be_v this_o divine_a law_n to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o somewhere_o or_o other_o upon_o record_n this_o book_n we_o call_v the_o bible_n must_v needs_o be_v it_o and_o will_v certain_o carry_v it_o against_o all_o pretender_n the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n be_v judge_n what_o book_n or_o write_n be_v there_o extant_a under_o heaven_n that_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a colour_n counter_o plead_v the_o bible_n upon_o this_o account_n a_o man_n must_v be_v horrible_o hoodwinked_a in_o his_o intellectuals_n that_o do_v not_o evident_o see_v it_o be_v impar_fw-la coâ—gressus_fw-la between_o the_o bible_n and_o all_o other_o pretender_n from_o what_o paâ—ts_v of_o the_o world_n will_v you_o fetch_v such_o a_o supernatural_a lâ—w_n by_o which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n to_o govern_v mankind_n one_o either_o fit_a for_o he_o to_o give_v or_o for_o we_o to_o receive_v according_a to_o that_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o he_o and_o of_o ourselves_o and_o that_o rational_a judgement_n to_o which_o all_o supernatural_a pretence_n ought_v to_o be_v subject_v where_o wâ—ll_n you_o find_v a_o systeme_n of_o divinity_n that_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o a_o way_n suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o he_o the_o most_o of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o nature_n we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v deliver_v we_o from_o all_o the_o entanglement_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o way_n and_o method_n so_o proportion_v thereunto_o and_o discover_v to_o we_o certain_a track_n to_o the_o high_a happiness_n here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o be_v capable_a to_o enjoy_v shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o law_n of_o lycurgus_n and_o solon_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o revelation_n can_v any_o man_n be_v so_o stupid_a those_o law_n be_v chief_o municipal_a and_o make_v no_o pretence_n to_o what_o we_o inquire_v after_o shall_v we_o imagine_v the_o book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n because_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o many_o divine_a secret_n contain_v such_o revelation_n the_o great_a part_n if_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v proof_n sufficient_a they_o be_v none_o of_o those_o stand_a law_n by_o which_o god_n design_v to_o rule_n and_o judge_n mankind_n some_o excellent_a greek_a verse_n there_o be_v indeed_o extant_a at_o this_o day_n which_o go_v under_o their_o name_n but_o they_o be_v upon_o good_a ground_n by_o the_o most_o learned_a suppose_a to_o be_v none_o of_o they_o and_o iâ—_n they_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o truth_n contain_v in_o the_o bible_n be_v so_o clear_o describe_v and_o the_o pagan_a religion_n so_o direct_o and_o strong_o confute_v therein_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v scarce_o have_v a_o great_a testimony_n give_v to_o their_o divinity_n shall_v we_o go_v to_o the_o inspire_a enthusiastical_n poâ—ts_v for_o this_o revelation_n what_o a_o ridiculous_a foppery_n will_v that_o seem_v to_o one_o that_o have_v once_o converse_v with_o the_o bible_n and_o what_o a_o wild_a extravagant_a religion_n shall_v we_o
as_o his_o minister_n to_o execute_v so_o many_o dreadful_a judgement_n upon_o the_o jew_n and_o therefore_o will_v establish_v he_o by_o those_o extraordinary_a act_n in_o the_o possession_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n which_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o against_o much_o probability_n to_o the_o contrary_n he_o obtain_v and_o as_o suetonâ—us_n say_v of_o he_o after_o he_o have_v obtain_v it_o want_v personal_a authority_n and_o majesty_n to_o manage_v such_o a_o dominion_n a_o clear_a instance_n concern_v this_o whole_a matter_n god_n give_v we_o at_o first_o in_o the_o magician_n opposition_n to_o moses_n wherein_o he_o give_v we_o to_o know_v that_o although_o divine_a truth_n may_v by_o miracle_n be_v oppose_v yet_o the_o superior_a luster_n of_o his_o own_o miracle_n shall_v be_v so_o visible_a to_o all_o as_o perfect_o to_o silence_n and_o vanquish_v the_o rest_n and_o both_o in_o number_n continuance_n and_o quality_n as_o then_o it_o be_v the_o difference_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o eye_n obvious_a and_o apparent_a three_o the_o matter_n for_o the_o establishment_n of_o which_o divine_a miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v afford_v we_o ground_n sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v always_o a_o doctrine_n lead_v we_o to_o that_o god_n of_o who_o we_o have_v a_o notion_n imprint_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n reveal_v he_o further_o to_o we_o and_o instruct_v we_o in_o all_o those_o holy_a virtue_n and_o excellent_a way_n of_o live_v that_o most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a light_n be_v most_o suitable_a to_o that_o natural_a divinity_n we_o be_v bear_v with_o and_o evident_o tend_v to_o make_v we_o most_o happy_a here_o and_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a reward_n hereafter_o whatever_o miracle_n we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n see_v wrought_v to_o justify_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v reject_v as_o a_o temptation_n and_o assure_v i_o that_o in_o the_o one_o case_n a_o miracle_n be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o ascertain_v i_o and_o in_o the_o other_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o enable_v in_o the_o high_a manner_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o try_v i_o and_o these_o three_o way_n in_o the_o case_n of_o miracle_n be_v we_o sufficient_o secure_v against_o all_o the_o attempt_n that_o can_v be_v at_o any_o time_n make_v to_o seduce_v we_o that_o way_n and_o may_v hereby_o rest_v abundant_o satisfy_v in_o the_o testimony_n of_o divine_a miracle_n give_v to_o divine_a truth_n by_o whatever_o way_n the_o devil_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o countenance_n and_o promote_v a_o contrary_a interest_n now_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v be_v attend_v with_o miracle_n in_o their_o conveyance_n be_v not_o as_o before_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o deny_v and_o that_o those_o miracle_n have_v the_o advantage_n of_o all_o the_o forego_n circumstance_n be_v likewise_o very_o evident_a the_o doctrine_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o first_o bâ—rn_n of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n god_n in_o the_o first_o place_n settle_v and_o consecrate_v that_o by_o a_o miraculous_a power_n before_o any_o other_o systeme_n of_o religion_n be_v extant_a and_o give_v it_o therein_o the_o precedency_n of_o all_o false_a prophet_n and_o impostor_n and_o whatsoever_o doctrine_n they_o shall_v by_o that_o mean_n oppose_v it_o withal_o and_o so_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v the_o natural_a product_n of_o the_o old_a be_v by_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n at_o the_o first_o and_o those_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n after_o upon_o the_o validity_n of_o both_o which_o it_o be_v establish_v secure_v against_o all_o opposition_n that_o can_v that_o way_n be_v make_v against_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n second_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o god_n work_v those_o miracle_n by_o which_o the_o scripture_n be_v justify_v to_o we_o to_o be_v his_o word_n have_v eminent_o distinguish_v they_o from_o all_o other_o operation_n of_o that_o kind_n so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o devil_n by_o the_o magician_n go_v further_a that_o way_n then_o ever_o he_o do_v after_o how_o far_o do_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n exceed_v his_o more_o miracle_n great_a miracle_n more_o continue_a miracle_n undeniable_a and_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n of_o god_n infinite_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o a_o way_n far_o superior_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bring_v about_o under_o the_o gospel_n the_o miracle_n have_v be_v such_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o work_n as_o leave_v no_o room_n to_o doubt_v of_o god_n intention_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o heaven_n â—â—ereby_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o â—â—â—â—rine_n if_o we_o consider_v first_o the_o grand_a â—â—â—â—sion_n of_o they_o to_o fullfil_v the_o old_a testament_n and_o establish_v the_o new_a and_o this_o by_o private_a man_n respect_v the_o world_n without_o the_o least_o clothing_n of_o humane_a power_n or_o authority_n who_o can_v imagine_v less_o than_o that_o a_o commission_n to_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n shall_v be_v seal_v from_o 〈◊〉_d heaven_n in_o extroardinary_a way_n to_o assure_v the_o world_n of_o their_o authority_n to_o do_v this_o second_o the_o admirable_a nature_n of_o those_o miracle_n raise_v dead_a person_n cure_v all_o sort_n of_o disease_n command_v wind_n and_o sea_n vanish_v in_o a_o moment_n out_o of_o the_o sight_n of_o multitude_n three_o their_o number_n be_v exceed_o many_o do_v in_o all_o place_n and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n where_o they_o come_v four_o their_o visibility_n open_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o present_a by_o multitude_n five_o without_o the_o use_n of_o any_o secondary_a mean_n or_o the_o least_o show_n of_o diabolical_a enchantment_n and_o as_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n say_v sine_fw-la â—lla_fw-la vi_fw-la carminum_fw-la sine_fw-la herbarum_fw-la aut_fw-la graminum_fw-la sâ—ccis_fw-la sine_fw-la ulla_fw-la aliqua_fw-la observatione_fw-la sollicita_fw-la sacrorum_fw-la libaminum_fw-la temporum_fw-la etc._n etc._n all_o most_o frequent_a in_o heathenish_a sorcery_n and_o enchantment_n six_o the_o long_a and_o last_a continuance_n of_o they_o not_o only_o during_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n and_o one_o of_o they_o the_o apostle_n john_n live_v till_o trajan_n time_n which_o be_v above_o a_o hundred_o year_n from_o christ_n birth_n but_o also_o for_o very_o many_o year_n after_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n what_o miraracle_n do_v the_o world_n pretend_v to_o that_o can_v compare_v themselves_o with_o these_o miracle_n upon_o all_o or_o any_o of_o these_o account_n no_o man_n noâ—_n devil_n ever_o do_v such_o work_n nor_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o these_o be_v what_o lamentable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n be_v those_o of_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n esculapius_n or_o any_o other_o compare_v with_o these_o and_o what_o a_o shameful_a and_o indeed_o ridiculous_a partiality_n do_v appear_v in_o hierocles_n and_o porphiry_n who_o design_v thereby_o to_o incense_v the_o emperor_n against_o the_o christian_n who_o much_o justify_v themselves_o upon_o the_o power_n oâ—_n miracle_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o under_o persecution_n have_v endeavour_v to_o draw_v a_o parallel_n between_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o apollonius_n we_o find_v by_o eusebius_n that_o hierocles_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v since_o lose_v compare_v apollonius_n and_o christ_n the_o evangelist_n who_o write_v our_o saviour_n story_n and_o philostratus_n the_o writer_n of_o apollonius_n his_o life_n upon_o that_o account_n together_o and_o prefer_v apollonius_n and_o philostâ—atus_n before_o the_o other_o but_o with_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n be_v eaâ—y_o to_o be_v see_v by_o any_o that_o wilâ—_n consult_v eusebius_n his_o answer_n to_o he_o one_o chieâ—_n miracle_n philostratus_n tell_v we_o off_o be_v that_o appollonius_n sit_v at_o meat_n be_v serve_v after_o wonderful_a manner_n with_o man_n of_o brass_n and_o another_o be_v that_o a_o elm_n three_fw-mi speak_v to_o he_o and_o salute_v he_o with_o many_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o to_o every_o common_a understanding_n appear_v at_o first_o sight_n very_o capable_a of_o deceit_n and_o delusion_n the_o sun_n be_v not_o in_o lustre_n more_o superior_a to_o the_o dim_a star_n than_o christ_n miracle_n be_v to_o all_o pretension_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o operation_n either_o of_o man_n or_o of_o angel_n visible_a in_o this_o world_n that_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o justice_n and_o truth_n can_v all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v put_v in_o balance_n with_o those_o eminent_o miraculous_a act_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n three_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o those_o that_o deliver_v they_o to_o we_o be_v most_o evident_o from_o god_n most_o correspond_v to_o our_o natural_a obligation_n to_o he_o and_o
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