mystery_n our_o faith_n stand_v upon_o this_o twofold_a bottom_n first_o that_o the_o be_v understanding_n and_o power_n of_o god_n do_v infinite_o transcend_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v reveal_v to_o we_o matter_n above_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n second_o that_o whatever_o god_n do_v reveal_v be_v undoubted_o true_a though_o we_o may_v not_o full_o understand_v it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o most_o undoubted_a principle_n that_o god_n can_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v any_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o reveal_v to_o man_n thus_o our_o first_o supposition_n be_v clear_v that_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o the_o second_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n who_o truth_n depend_v not_o on_o 2._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o infallible_a testimony_n be_v the_o full_a demonstration_n of_o they_o for_o these_o thing_n not_o be_v of_o 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a_o testimony_n to_o be_v believe_v or_o no._n 2._o because_o god_n will_v condemn_v the_o world_n for_o unbelief_n in_o which_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n proceed_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a argument_n to_o induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o can_v not_o be_v unless_o there_o be_v some_o certain_a way_n suppose_v whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a these_o three_o thing_n now_o be_v suppose_v viz._n that_o a_o doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a which_o depend_v not_o on_o evidonce_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o great_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v its_o be_v deliver_v by_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a way_n whereby_o a_o testimony_n may_v be_v know_v to_o be_v infallible_a our_o first_o principle_n be_v full_o confirm_v which_o be_v that_o where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v not_o on_o evidence_n of_o reason_n but_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o the_o only_a way_n to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o prove_v the_o testimony_n of_o he_o that_o reveal_v it_o to_o be_v infallible_a the_o next_o principle_n or_o hypothesis_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o a_o testimony_n be_v infallible_a 2._o then_o that_o it_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o god_n himself_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o depend_v upon_o a_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n in_o whatever_o way_n he_o discover_v himself_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o ultimate_a resolution_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o formal_a object_n must_v be_v alone_o into_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n reveal_v thing_n unto_o we_o for_o the_o principium_fw-la certitudinis_fw-la or_o foundation_n of_o all_o certain_a assent_n can_v be_v fetch_v no_o high_o neither_o will_v it_o stand_v any_o low_a than_o the_o infallible_a verity_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o the_o principium_fw-la patefactionis_fw-la or_o the_o ground_n of_o discovery_n of_o spiritual_a truth_n to_o our_o mind_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o divine_a testimony_n or_o revelation_n these_o two_o than_o not_o take_v asunder_o but_o joint_o god_n who_o can_v lie_v have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a faith_n to_o rest_v its_o self_n upon_o but_o now_o the_o particular_a exercise_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n lie_v in_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n as_o divine_o reveal_v and_o herein_o lie_v not_o so_o much_o the_o testimony_n as_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o incline_v the_o soul_n to_o believe_v peculiar_a object_n of_o faith_n as_o of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a object_n or_o the_o ratio_fw-la propter_fw-la quam_fw-la credimus_fw-la be_v the_o general_a infallibility_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o in_o a_o matter_n concern_v divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v two_o great_a question_n to_o be_v resolve_v the_o first_o be_v why_o i_o believe_v a_o divine_a testimony_n with_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o assure_v that_o what_o ever_o god_n speak_v be_v true_a the_o other_o be_v upon_o what_o ground_n do_v i_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o resolution_n of_o which_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v understand_v must_v be_v fetch_v from_o those_o rational_a evidence_n whereby_o a_o divine_a testimony_n must_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o mere_o humane_a and_o fallible_a for_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o work_n upon_o the_o mind_n do_v not_o carry_v it_o on_o by_o a_o brutish_a impulse_n but_o draw_v it_o by_o a_o spiritual_a discovery_n of_o such_o strong_a and_o persuasive_a ground_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v reveal_v that_o the_o mind_n do_v ready_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o that_o which_o it_o see_v such_o convince_a reason_n to_o believe_v now_o the_o strong_a reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n so_o clear_o discover_v to_o a_o true_a believer_n that_o he_o not_o only_o firm_o assent_v to_o the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o to_o the_o particular_a object_n propound_v as_o a_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o this_o latter_a question_n be_v not_o here_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o discourse_n our_o proposition_n only_o concern_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o rational_a and_o evident_a as_o no_o principle_n in_o nature_n can_v be_v more_o for_o if_o the_o testimony_n on_o which_o i_o be_o to_o rely_v be_v only_a god_n and_o i_o be_v assure_v from_o natural_a reason_n that_o his_o testimony_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o infallible_a wherein_o do_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n fall_v short_a of_o that_o in_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n upon_o which_o account_n a_o divine_a testimony_n have_v be_v regard_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n among_o all_o who_o have_v own_v a_o deity_n although_o they_o have_v be_v unacquainted_a with_o any_o certain_a way_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o any_o reject_v such_o a_o testimony_n among_o the_o heathen_n be_v either_o because_o they_o believe_v not_o a_o deity_n or_o else_o that_o the_o particular_a testimony_n produce_v be_v mere_a fraud_n and_o imposture_n and_o therefore_o no_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v give_v out_o to_o be_v but_o the_o principle_n still_o remain_v indisputable_a that_o on_o supposition_n the_o testimony_n be_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v there_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o although_o it_o come_v not_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o probation_n as_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o from_o which_o principle_n arise_v that_o speech_n of_o tully_n which_o he_o have_v translate_v cicer._n out_o of_o plato_n timaeus_n ac_fw-la difficillimum_fw-la factu_fw-la à _fw-la diis_fw-la ortis_fw-la sidem_fw-la non_fw-la haberâ—_n quanquam_fw-la nec_fw-la argumentis_fw-la nec_fw-la rationibus_fw-la certis_fw-la eorum_fw-la oratio_fw-la confirmetur_fw-la by_o which_o we_o see_v what_o a_o presumption_n there_o be_v of_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o no_o doubt_n upon_o the_o advantage_n of_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v the_o devil_n gain_v so_o great_a credit_n to_o his_o oracle_n for_o therein_o he_o do_v the_o most_o imitate_v divine_a revelation_n from_o hence_o then_o we_o see_v what_o a_o firm_a bottom_n faith_n in_o the_o general_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v nothing_o short_a of_o a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n other_o thing_n may_v conduce_v by_o way_n of_o subserviency_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o this_o but_o nothing_o
eorum_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la non_fw-la putamus_fw-la in_o manibus_fw-la esse_fw-la plumbatis_fw-la the_o accusation_n for_o treason_n lie_v in_o their_o refuse_v to_o supplicate_v the_o idol_n for_o the_o emperor_n welfare_n 2._o because_o they_o will_v not_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n thence_o 29._o saturnius_n say_v to_o the_o martyr_n tantum_n jura_fw-la per_fw-la genium_fw-la caesaris_fw-la nostri_fw-la if_o he_o will_v but_o swear_v by_o the_o genius_n of_o caesar_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v yet_o though_o they_o refuse_v to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n genius_n they_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o testify_v their_o allegiance_n and_o to_o swear_v by_o the_o emperor_n safety_n sed_fw-la &_o juramus_fw-la say_v tertullian_n sicut_fw-la non_fw-la per_fw-la genio_n caesarum_fw-la it_o ae_z 32._o per_fw-la salutem_fw-la corum_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la augustior_fw-la omnibus_fw-la geniis_fw-la 3._o because_o they_o will_v not_o worship_v the_o emperor_n as_o god_n which_o be_v then_o grow_v a_o common_a custom_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la deum_fw-la imperatorem_fw-la dicam_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la mentirinescio_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la illum_fw-la deridere_fw-la non_fw-la audeo_fw-la vel_fw-la quia_fw-la necipse_n se_fw-la deum_fw-la volet_fw-la dici_fw-la si_fw-la homo_fw-la sit_fw-la as_o the_o same_o author_n speak_v nay_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 33._o be_v very_o scrupulous_a of_o call_v the_o emperor_n dominus_fw-la hoc_fw-la enim_fw-la dei_fw-la est_fw-la cognomen_fw-la because_o the_o name_n lord_n be_v a_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o apply_v as_o his_o name_n to_o he_o in_o scripture_n the_o reason_n of_o this_o scrupulosity_n be_v not_o from_o any_o question_n they_o make_v of_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o prince_n or_o their_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n to_o they_o which_o they_o be_v very_o free_a in_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o but_o from_o a_o jealousy_n and_o just_a suspicion_n that_o something_o of_o divine_a honour_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o it_o when_o the_o adoration_n of_o prince_n be_v grow_v a_o custom_n therefore_o tertullian_n to_o prevent_v misunderstanding_n say_v dicam_fw-la plane_n imperatorem_fw-la dominum_fw-la sed_fw-la more_fw-it communi_fw-la sed_fw-la 34._o quando_fw-la non_fw-la cogor_fw-la ut_fw-la dominum_fw-la dei_fw-la vice_fw-la dicam_fw-la they_o refuse_v not_o the_o name_n in_o a_o common_a sense_n but_o as_o it_o employ_v divine_a honour_n 4._o because_o they_o will_v not_o observe_v the_o public_a festival_n of_o the_o emperor_n in_o the_o way_n that_o other_o do_v which_o it_o seem_v be_v observe_v with_o abundance_n of_o looseness_n and_o debauchery_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o as_o tertullian_n smart_o say_v malorum_fw-la 35._o morum_fw-la licentia_fw-la piet_fw-la as_o erit_fw-la &_o occasio_fw-la luxuriae_fw-la religio_fw-la deputabitur_fw-la debauchery_n be_v account_v a_o piece_n of_o loyalty_n and_o intemperance_n a_o part_n of_o religion_n which_o make_v the_o christian_n rather_o hazard_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o loyalty_n then_o bear_v a_o part_n in_o so_o much_o rudeness_n as_o be_v then_o use_v and_o thence_o they_o abhor_v all_o the_o solemn_a spectacle_n of_o the_o roman_n nihil_fw-la est_fw-la nobis_fw-la say_v the_o same_o author_n dictu_fw-la visu_fw-la auditu_fw-la cum_fw-la insania_fw-la circi_fw-la cum_fw-la impudicitia_fw-la theatri_fw-la cum_fw-la atrocitate_fw-la arenae_fw-la cum_fw-la 38._o xysti_fw-la vanitate_fw-la they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v either_o with_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o cirque_fw-la or_o the_o immodesty_n of_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o amphitheatre_n or_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o public_a wrestle_n we_o see_v then_o what_o a_o hard_a province_n the_o christian_n have_v when_o so_o many_o law_n be_v lay_v as_o birdlime_n in_o their_o way_n to_o catch_v they_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n and_o not_o run_v into_o a_o praemunire_n by_o their_o law_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v conceive_v that_o many_o out_o of_o affectation_n of_o novelty_n shall_v then_o declare_v themselves_o christian_n when_o so_o great_a hazard_n be_v run_v upon_o the_o profess_v of_o it_o few_o soft-spirited_n man_n and_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o ease_n but_o will_v have_v find_v some_o fine_a distinction_n and_o nice_a evasion_n to_o have_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o the_o public_a law_n by_o such_o thing_n which_o the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o unaenimous_o refuse_v when_o tend_v to_o profaneness_n or_o idolatry_n and_o from_o this_o discourse_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v with_o the_o apostle_n paul_n that_o the_o weapon_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n encounter_v the_o heathen_a world_n be_v not_o 5._o fleshly_a or_o weak_a but_o exceed_v strong_a and_o powerful_a in_o that_o they_o obtain_v so_o great_a a_o conquest_n over_o the_o imagination_n and_o carnal_a reason_n of_o man_n which_o be_v their_o strong_a hold_n they_o secure_v themselves_o in_o as_o to_o make_v they_o ready_o to_o forsake_v their_o heathen_a worship_n and_o become_v cheerful_a servant_n to_o christ._n thus_o we_o see_v the_o power_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o prevail_v over_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n though_o back_v with_o pretend_a antiquity_n universality_n and_o establishment_n by_o civil_a law_n but_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o education_n 2._o but_o because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v incredible_a to_o man_n natural_a reason_n that_o we_o can_v think_v person_n will_v be_v over_o forward_o to_o believe_v such_o thing_n every_o one_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o a_o religion_n which_o do_v so_o little_o flatter_v corrupt_a nature_n either_o as_o to_o its_o power_n or_o capacity_n in_o so_o much_o that_o those_o who_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n declare_v open_o to_o the_o world_n that_o such_o person_n who_o will_v judge_v of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o such_o principle_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v proceed_v upon_o such_o one_o i_o suppose_v it_o be_v who_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o that_o own_v nothing_o but_o 14._o natural_a reason_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o divine_a truth_n can_v not_o entertain_v matter_n of_o faith_n or_o of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o such_o thing_n will_v seem_v but_o folly_n to_o he_o that_o own_v no_o high_a principle_n than_o philosophy_n or_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o divine_a inspiration_n neither_o can_v such_o a_o one_o know_v they_o because_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o come_v to_o a_o through_o understanding_n of_o they_o and_o a_o person_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v such_o a_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n so_o that_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v upon_o a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o god_n himself_o by_o his_o son_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v reveal_v these_o deep_a mystery_n to_o the_o world_n on_o which_o account_n it_o be_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o receive_v they_o although_o they_o go_v beyond_o our_o reach_n and_o comprehension_n but_o we_o see_v general_o in_o the_o heathen_a world_n how_o few_o of_o those_o do_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o comparison_n who_o be_v the_o great_a admirer_n of_o the_o philosophy_n and_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o be_v then_o cry_v up_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o christianity_n not_o only_o contain_v far_o deep_a mystery_n than_o any_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o but_o deliver_v they_o in_o such_o a_o way_n of_o authority_n command_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n of_o it_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proposal_n of_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o which_o on_o that_o account_n they_o deride_v as_o not_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o exact_a method_n which_o their_o science_n proceed_v in_o no_o doubt_n have_v the_o apostle_n come_v among_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n and_o have_v feed_v man_n curiosity_n with_o vain_a and_o unnecessary_a speculation_n they_o may_v have_v have_v as_o many_o follower_n among_o the_o greek_n for_o their_o sake_n as_o christ_n have_v among_o the_o jew_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o loaf_n but_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o of_o inward_a worth_n and_o moment_n then_o of_o outward_a pomp_n and_o show_n the_o vain_a and_o empty_a greek_n present_o find_v a_o quarrel_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o propose_v they_o that_o they_o come_v not_o in_o a_o way_n of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o stand_v so_o much_o upon_o faith_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v deliver_v thence_o celsus_n and_o galen_n think_v they_o have_v
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
so_o great_a uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n so_o much_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n with_o each_o other_o it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o credibility_n of_o that_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n which_o be_v report_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n which_o will_v be_v the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o task_n book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v have_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a 1_o time_n give_v by_o those_o nation_n who_o have_v make_v the_o great_a pretence_n to_o learning_n and_o antiquity_n in_o the_o world_n we_o now_o proceed_v to_o evince_v the_o credibility_n and_o certainty_n of_o that_o account_n which_o be_v give_v we_o in_o sacred_a screpture_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v premise_v these_o follow_a hypothesis_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n so_o concern_v and_o remarkable_a shall_v not_o be_v always_o leave_v to_o the_o 1._o uncertainty_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n but_o shall_v be_v timely_o enter_v into_o certain_a record_n to_o be_v preserve_v to_o the_o memory_n of_o posterity_n for_o it_o be_v of_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o belief_n as_o to_o future_a thing_n to_o be_v full_o settle_v in_o the_o belief_n that_o all_o thing_n past_a be_v manage_v by_o divine_a providence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o certain_a record_n of_o former_a age_n or_o else_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v perpetual_o hover_v in_o the_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o one_o thing_n with_o another_o as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o the_o scripture-history_n for_o take_v away_o but_o any_o one_o of_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a history_n all_o the_o superstructure_n will_v be_v exceed_o weaken_v if_o it_o do_v not_o fall_v quite_o to_o the_o ground_n for_o man_n obligation_n to_o obedience_n unto_o god_n do_v necessary_o suppose_v his_o original_n to_o be_v from_o he_o his_o harken_v to_o any_o proposal_n of_o favour_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v his_o apostasy_n and_o fall_n god_n design_v to_o show_v mercy_n and_o favour_n to_o fall_v man_n do_v suppose_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o way_n whereby_o the_o great_a creator_n must_v reveal_v himself_o as_o to_o the_o condition_n on_o which_o fall_v man_n may_v expect_v a_o recovery_n the_o reveal_n of_o these_o condition_n in_o such_o a_o way_n whereon_o a_o suspicious_a because_o guilty_a creature_n may_v firm_o rely_v do_v suppose_v so_o certain_a a_o record_v of_o they_o as_o may_v be_v least_o liable_a to_o any_o suspicion_n of_o imposture_n or_o deceit_n for_o although_o nothing_o else_o be_v in_o its_o self_n necessary_a from_o god_n to_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n but_o the_o bare_a reveal_n in_o a_o certain_a way_n the_o term_n on_o which_o he_o must_v expect_v it_o yet_o consider_v the_o unbounded_a nature_n of_o divine_a goodness_n respect_v not_o only_o the_o good_a of_o some_o particular_a person_n but_o of_o the_o whole_a society_n of_o mankind_n it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o such_o a_o revelation_n shall_v be_v so_o propound_v as_o may_v be_v with_o equal_a certainty_n convey_v to_o the_o community_n of_o mankind_n which_o can_v not_o with_o any_o such_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n be_v do_v by_o private_a and_o particular_a revelation_n which_o give_v satisfaction_n only_o to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o partaker_n of_o they_o as_o by_o a_o public_a record_v of_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o such_o a_o person_n who_o be_v enable_v to_o give_v the_o world_n all_o reasonable_a satisfaction_n that_o what_o he_o do_v be_v not_o of_o any_o private_a design_n of_o his_o own_o head_n but_o that_o he_o be_v depute_v to_o it_o by_o no_o less_o than_o divine_a authority_n and_o therefore_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o where_o divine_a revelation_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a require_v of_o assent_n the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v shall_v have_v a_o certain_a uniform_a conveyance_n to_o man_n mind_n rather_o than_o that_o perpetual_o new_a revelation_n shall_v be_v require_v for_o the_o make_v know_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o record_v be_v not_o liable_a to_o so_o many_o imposture_n as_o the_o other_o way_n may_v have_v be_v under_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o than_o man_n be_v not_o put_v to_o a_o continual_a trial_n of_o every_o person_n pretend_v divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o the_o evidence_n which_o he_o bring_v of_o divine_a authority_n but_o the_o great_a matter_n of_o concernment_n be_v already_o record_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n their_o mind_n therein_o rest_v satisfy_v without_o be_v under_o a_o continual_a hesitancy_n lest_o the_o revelation_n of_o one_o shall_v contradict_v another_o for_o suppose_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n of_o divine_a 2._o revelation_n unrecord_v at_o all_o but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v discover_v in_o every_o age_n by_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o such_o a_o multitude_n as_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v the_o world_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o can_v but_o conceive_v that_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o croak_a enthusiast_n will_v be_v continual_o pretend_v commission_n from_o heaven_n by_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v leave_v in_o continual_a distraction_n because_o they_o will_v have_v no_o certain_a infallible_a rule_n give_v they_o whereby_o to_o difference_n the_o good_a and_o evil_a spirit_n from_o each_o other_o but_o now_o suppose_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o particular_a person_n not_o only_o to_o reveal_v but_o to_o record_v divine_a truth_n than_o what_o ever_o evidence_n can_v be_v bring_v attest_v a_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o will_v likewise_o prove_v the_o undoubted_a certainty_n and_o infallibility_n of_o those_o write_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o person_n employ_v by_o a_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v make_v it_o their_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n which_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a account_n why_o the_o wise_a god_n do_v not_o suffer_v the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n to_o lie_v still_o unrecord_v but_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o person_n to_o record_v it_o who_o give_v abundant_a evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o he_o act_v no_o private_a design_n but_o be_v peculiar_o employ_v by_o god_n himself_o for_o the_o do_v of_o it_o as_o will_v appear_v afterward_o beside_o we_o find_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n how_o liable_a the_o most_o certain_a tradition_n be_v to_o be_v corrupt_v in_o progress_n of_o time_n where_o there_o be_v no_o stand_a record_n though_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v by_o person_n of_o undoubted_a credit_n for_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o old_a world_n the_o flood_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o with_o the_o nature_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v at_o first_o spread_v over_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n in_o its_o first_o plantation_n yet_o we_o see_v how_o soon_o for_o want_n of_o certain_a conveyance_n all_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v into_o the_o great_a idolatry_n which_o may_v be_v less_o wonder_v at_o have_v it_o be_v only_o in_o those_o part_n which_o be_v further_a remote_a from_o the_o seat_n of_o those_o grand_a transaction_n but_o thus_o we_o find_v it_o be_v even_o among_o those_o family_n who_o have_v the_o near_a residence_n to_o the_o place_n of_o they_o and_o among_o those_o person_n who_o be_v not_o far_o off_o in_o a_o lineal_a descent_n from_o the_o person_n main_o concern_v in_o they_o as_o be_v most_o evident_a in_o the_o family_n out_o of_o which_o abraham_n come_v who_o be_v himself_o the_o ten_o from_o noah_n yet_o of_o they_o it_o be_v say_v that_o they_o
now_o if_o we_o prove_v that_o moses_n have_v no_o interest_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n and_o have_v all_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o his_o law_n we_o shall_v abundant_o evince_v the_o undoubted_a fidelity_n of_o moses_n in_o every_o thing_n record_v by_o he_o we_o begin_v then_o with_o his_o fidelity_n as_o a_o historian_n and_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o deceive_v and_o be_v deceive_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o any_o person_n where_o we_o can_v discern_v some_o peculiar_a interest_n that_o may_v have_v a_o strong_a bias_n upon_o he_o then_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o moral_n then_o in_o natural_n for_o in_o natural_n we_o see_v that_o every_o thing_n will_v leave_v its_o proper_a interest_n to_o preserve_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o moral_n there_o be_v nothing_o 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artificial_o in_o the_o statue_n of_o jupiter_n that_o one_o shall_v continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o other_o but_o what_o the_o other_o intend_v for_o the_o praise_n of_o his_o skill_n moses_n have_v do_v for_o his_o ingenuity_n that_o he_o have_v so_o interweave_v the_o history_n of_o his_o own_o fail_n and_o disobedience_n with_o those_o of_o the_o nation_n that_o his_o spot_n be_v like_a to_o continue_v as_o long_o as_o the_o whole_a web_n of_o his_o history_n be_v like_a to_o do_v have_v it_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o design_n to_o have_v his_o memory_n preserve_v with_o a_o superstitious_a veneration_n among_o the_o jew_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o have_v leave_v out_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v in_o the_o least_o entrench_v upon_o his_o reputation_n but_o we_o find_v he_o very_o secure_a and_o careless_a in_o that_o particular_a nay_o on_o the_o other_o side_n very_o studious_a and_o industrious_a in_o depress_v the_o honour_n and_o desert_n of_o 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inducement_n to_o assent_v by_o that_o evidence_n which_o he_o give_v that_o he_o be_v no_o pretender_n to_o divine_a revelation_n but_o be_v real_o employ_v as_o a_o peculiar_a instrument_n of_o state_n under_o the_o god_n and_o ruler_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o if_o it_o be_v make_v clear_a than_o all_o our_o further_a doubt_n must_v present_o cease_v and_o all_o impertinent_a dispute_n be_v silence_v when_o the_o supreme_a majesty_n appear_v impowr_v any_o person_n to_o dictate_v to_o the_o world_n the_o law_n they_o must_v be_v govern_v by_o for_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v repugnant_a to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v dictate_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a or_o that_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v prescribe_v any_o law_n but_o such_o as_o be_v most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a if_o we_o suppose_v a_o god_n we_o can_v question_v veracity_n to_o be_v one_o of_o his_o chief_a attribute_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o god_n of_o truth_n shall_v employ_v any_o to_o reveal_v any_o thing_n as_o from_o he_o but_o what_o be_v undoubted_o true_a so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a and_o unreasonable_a incredulity_n to_o distrust_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o come_v to_o we_o with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n because_o thereby_o we_o show_v our_o distrust_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n himself_o all_o that_o we_o can_v desire_v then_o be_v only_o reasonable_a satisfactisn_a concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o person_n who_o word_n we_o be_v to_o credit_v and_o this_o our_o gracious_a god_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o deny_v man_n that_o he_o have_v give_v all_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o for_o it_o imply_v no_o incongruity_n at_o all_o to_o any_o notion_n of_o
christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n in_o they_o and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v record_v by_o they_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n here_o we_o have_v more_o clear_a reason_n as_o to_o the_o primary_n motive_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o withal_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o last_o resolution_n of_o faith_n and_o while_o we_o assert_v such_o a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o unanimous_a consent_n from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o then_o so_o full_o attest_v by_o such_o uncontrollable_a miracle_n we_o can_v in_o the_o least_o understand_v to_o what_o end_n a_o power_n of_o miracle_n shall_v now_o serve_v in_o the_o church_n especial_o among_o those_o who_o all_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n indeed_o before_o the_o great_a harvest_n of_o convert_v in_o the_o primitive_a time_n be_v 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for_o faith_n nor_o that_o he_o will_v punish_v person_n for_o such_o a_o fault_n which_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o indeed_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o necessitate_v faith_n as_o to_o the_o act_n of_o it_o but_o he_o do_v so_o clear_o propound_v the_o object_n of_o it_o with_o all_o argument_n induce_v to_o it_o as_o may_v sufficient_o justify_v a_o believer_n choice_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n and_o prudence_n and_o may_v leave_v all_o unbeliever_n without_o excuse_n i_o can_v see_v what_o account_n a_o man_n can_v give_v to_o himself_o of_o his_o faith_n much_o less_o what_o apology_n he_o can_v make_v to_o other_o for_o it_o unless_o he_o be_v sufficient_o convince_v in_o point_n of_o the_o high_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o believe_v and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o conviction_n there_o must_v be_v some_o clear_a evidence_n give_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v have_v the_o impress_n of_o divine_a authority_n upon_o it_o now_o what_o conviction_n there_o can_v be_v to_o any_o sober_a mind_n concern_v divine_a authority_n in_o any_o person_n without_o such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n go_v along_o with_o he_o when_o he_o be_v to_o deliver_v some_o new_a doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v understand_v for_o although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o where_o ever_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o any_o person_n immediate_o he_o give_v demonstrable_a evidence_n to_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o come_v from_o himself_o yet_o this_o inward_a sense_n can_v be_v no_o ground_n to_o another_o person_n to_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n divine_a because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o act_n of_o another_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o another_o person_n to_o distinguish_v the_o act_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n from_o strong_a impression_n of_o fancy_n by_o the_o force_n and_o energy_n of_o they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o their_o divine_a commission_n object_n i_o answer_v first_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o all_o delusion_n imaginable_a answ._n for_o if_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o because_o they_o say_v so_o 1._o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o which_o say_v so_o and_o none_o be_v more_o confident_a pretender_n to_o this_o then_o the_o great_a deceiver_n as_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o age_n will_v sufficient_o witness_v second_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n for_o nothing_o more_o ordinary_a then_o for_o such_o confident_a pretender_n 2._o to_o a_o divine_a spirit_n to_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o same_o person_n in_o a_o little_a time_n contradict_v himself_o and_o must_v we_o still_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o they_o say_v if_o so_o no_o philosopher_n will_v be_v so_o much_o in_o request_n as_o those_o aristotle_n dispute_v against_o in_o his_o metaphysic_n who_o think_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n three_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o last_o will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n as_o far_o as_o 3_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o believe_v be_v capable_a of_o judge_v of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o person_n i_o be_o to_o believe_v have_v divine_a authority_n for_o what_o he_o say_v what_o ground_n can_v i_o have_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v so_o must_v i_o take_v his_o bare_a affirmation_n for_o it_o if_o so_o than_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n must_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o divine_a faith_n and_o that_o which_o it_o be_v last_o resolve_v into_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v the_o divine_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o speak_v when_o he_o speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n i_o answer_v the_o question_n will_v again_o return_v how_o i_o shall_v know_v he_o speak_v this_o from_o divine_a authority_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o progress_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o sound_v divine_a faith_n on_o a_o mere_a humane_a testimony_n if_o i_o be_o to_o believe_v divine_a revelation_n mere_o on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o person_n affirmation_n who_o pretend_v unto_o it_o for_o in_o this_o case_n it_o hold_v good_a non_fw-la apparentis_fw-la &_o non_fw-la existentis_fw-la eadem_fw-la est_fw-la ratio_fw-la if_o he_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n induce_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v excuse_v if_o i_o believe_v he_o not_o if_o my_o wilfulness_n and_o laziness_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o my_o unbelief_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v satisfy_v the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n 5._o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v wonderful_o true_a but_o all_o the_o question_n be_v de_fw-fr modo_fw-la how_o god_n will_v satisfy_v they_o whether_o mere_o by_o inspiration_n of_o his_o own_o spirit_n in_o they_o assure_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o speak_v in_o such_o person_n or_o by_o give_v they_o rational_a evidence_n convince_a they_o of_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o we_o assert_v the_o former_a way_n we_o run_v into_o these_o inconvenience_n first_o we_o make_v as_o immediate_a a_o revelation_n in_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v as_o in_o 1._o those_o who_o be_v to_o reveal_v divine_a truth_n to_o we_o for_o there_o be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o a_o object_n immediate_o to_o the_o mind_n viz._n that_o such_o a_o person_n be_v inspire_v of_o god_n and_o so_o be_v not_o after_o the_o common_a way_n of_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n in_o believer_n which_o be_v by_o enlighten_v the_o faculty_n without_o the_o proposition_n of_o any_o new_a object_n as_o it_o
resolve_v the_o particular_a emergent_a case_n concern_v prediction_n the_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n be_v no_o further_o a_o argument_n of_o prophetic_a spirit_n then_o as_o the_o foreknowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n hypoth_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o god_n challenge_v this_o to_o himself_o in_o scripture_n as_o a_o peculiar_a prerogative_n of_o his_o own_o to_o declare_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v and_o thereby_o manifest_v the_o idol_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o be_v no_o god_n because_o they_o can_v not_o show_v to_o their_o worshipper_n the_o thing_n to_o come_v isaiah_n 44._o 6_o 7._o from_o this_o hypothesis_n these_o two_o consectary_n follow_v 1._o that_o the_o event_n which_o be_v foretell_v must_v be_v such_o as_o do_v exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o any_o create_a intellect_n for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o true_a prophecy_n so_o that_o the_o foretell_v of_o such_o event_n as_o depend_v upon_o a_o series_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o such_o as_o though_o they_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n yet_o be_v not_o of_o the_o diabolical_a or_o such_o thing_n as_o fall_v out_o casual_o true_a but_o by_o no_o certain_a ground_n of_o prediction_n can_v none_o of_o they_o be_v any_o argument_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n 2._o that_o where_o there_o be_v any_o other_o evidence_n that_o the_o prophet_n speak_v by_o divine_a revelation_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o wait_v the_o fulfil_n of_o every_o particular_a prophecy_n before_o he_o be_v believe_v as_o a_o prophet_n if_o so_o than_o many_o of_o god_n chief_a prophet_n can_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v in_o their_o own_o generation_n because_o their_o prophecy_n do_v reach_v so_o far_o beyond_o they_o as_o isaiahs_n concern_v cyrus_n the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n concern_v josias_n and_o all_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o captivity_n and_o deliverance_n from_o it_o must_v not_o have_v be_v believe_v till_o fulfil_v that_o be_v not_o believe_v at_o all_o for_o when_o prophecy_n be_v accomplish_v they_o be_v no_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o sense_n where_o then_o god_n give_v other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n the_o credit_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o suspend_v upon_o the_o minute_n accomplishment_n of_o every_o event_n foretell_v by_o he_o now_o it_o be_v evident_a there_o may_v be_v particular_a divine_a revelation_n of_o other_o thing_n beside_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o if_o a_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o event_n once_o foretell_v may_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o credit_n of_o any_o prophecy_n shall_v be_v invalidate_v on_o that_o account_n because_o every_o event_n be_v not_o exact_o correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o ever_o come_v under_o divine_a knowledge_n may_v be_v divine_o reveal_v for_o the_o manifestation_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o any_o light_n may_v extend_v its_o self_n to_o all_o thing_n to_o which_o that_o light_n be_v extend_v but_o that_o light_a which_o the_o prophet_n see_v by_o be_v a_o divine_a light_n and_o therefore_o may_v equal_o extend_v it_o self_n to_o all_o kind_n of_o object_n but_o because_o future_a contingency_n be_v the_o most_o remote_a from_o humane_a knowledge_n therefore_o the_o foretell_v of_o these_o have_v be_v account_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n but_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o other_o thing_n in_o a_o low_a degree_n then_o future_a contingency_n which_o may_v immediate_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n and_o these_o be_v 1._o such_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v know_v by_o one_o particular_a man_n but_o yet_o be_v certain_o know_v by_o other_o man_n as_o the_o present_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n do_v by_o person_n at_o a_o remote_a distance_n from_o they_o thus_o elisha_n know_v what_o gehezi_n do_v when_o he_o 26._o follow_v nâ—aman_n and_o thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o heart_n depend_v upon_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n whereas_o every_o one_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o thought_n of_o his_o own_o heart_n and_o therefore_o to_o some_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v 25._o matter_n of_o sense_n or_o evident_a demenstration_n which_o to_o another_o may_v be_v a_o matter_n of_o immediate_a revelation_n 2._o such_o thing_n as_o relate_v not_o to_o future_a contingency_n but_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n exceed_v the_o reach_n of_o humane_a apprehension_n such_o thing_n as_o may_v be_v know_v when_o reveal_v but_o can_v never_o have_v be_v find_v out_o without_o immediate_a revelation_n such_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n hypostatical_a union_n the_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o mankind_n now_o the_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o object_n speak_v as_o much_o a_o true_o prophetical_a spirit_n as_o the_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n so_o that_o this_o must_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o just_a and_o adequate_a rule_n to_o measure_v a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n by_o because_o the_o ground_n of_o judge_v a_o prophetical_a spirit_n by_o that_o be_v common_a with_o other_o thing_n without_o that_o see_v other_o object_n be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a understanding_n as_o well_o as_o future_a event_n and_o therefore_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o must_v immediate_o flow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o the_o revelation_n of_o future_a event_n to_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v never_o the_o less_o immediate_a although_o the_o event_n may_v not_o be_v correspondent_a to_o the_o prediction_n so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o god_n immediate_o reveal_v such_o future_a contingency_n to_o a_o prophet_n he_o will_v be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a prophet_n whether_o those_o prediction_n take_v effect_n or_o no._n for_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v know_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o not_o by_o the_o success_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o as_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o hypothesis_n be_v no_o further_o a_o evidence_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n then_o as_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n a_fw-fr posteriori_fw-la to_o prove_v divine_a revelation_n by_o if_o then_o the_o alteration_n of_o event_n after_o prediction_n be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o it_o be_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophetical_a spirit_n the_o formality_n of_o which_o lie_v in_o immediate_a revelation_n the_o prophet_n can_v not_o declare_v any_o thing_n more_o to_o the_o people_n 2._o than_o be_v immediate_o reveal_v unto_o themselves_o what_o be_v present_o reveal_v so_o much_o they_o know_v and_o no_o more_o because_o the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n come_v upon_o they_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la impressionis_fw-la transeuntis_fw-la as_o the_o school_n speak_v and_o not_o per_fw-la modum_fw-la habitus_fw-la the_o lumen_fw-la propheticum_fw-la be_v in_o they_o not_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o corpore_fw-la lucido_fw-la but_o as_o lumen_fw-la in_o aëre_fw-la and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n in_o their_o spirit_n depend_v upon_o the_o immediate_a irradiation_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o prophet_n have_v not_o always_o a_o power_n to_o prophecy_n when_o they_o will_v themselves_o and_o thence_o it_o be_v say_v when_o they_o prophesy_v that_o the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v unto_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o school_n determine_v that_o a_o prophet_n upon_o a_o immediate_a revelation_n do_v not_o know_v omne_fw-la prophetabilia_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v in_o their_o barbarous_a language_n all_o thing_n which_o god_n may_v reveal_v the_o reason_n whereof_o aquinas_n thus_o give_v the_o ground_n say_v he_o of_o the_o connexion_n of_o diverse_a object_n together_o be_v some_o common_a tie_n or_o principle_n which_o 4._o join_v they_o together_o as_o charity_n or_o prudence_n be_v in_o moral_a virtue_n and_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o science_n be_v the_o ground_n why_o all_o thing_n belong_v to_o that_o science_n be_v understand_v but_o now_o in_o divine_a revelation_n that_o which_o connect_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v god_n himself_o now_o because_o he_o can_v be_v full_o apprehend_v by_o any_o humane_a intellect_n therefore_o the_o understanding_n of_o a_o prophet_n can_v comprehend_v all_o matter_n capable_a of_o be_v reveal_v but_o only_o such_o as_o it_o please_v god_n himself_o free_o to_o communicate_v to_o the_o prophet_n understanding_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n this_o be_v further_a evident_a by_o all_o those_o different_a degree_n of_o illumination_n and_o prophecy_n which_o the_o jew_n and_o other_o
not_o execute_v upon_o he_o so_o ahab'_v humiliation_n hezekiah_n his_o earnest_a prayer_n the_o ninivites_n 19_o repentance_n all_o interpose_a between_o sentence_n and_o execution_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o denunciation_n do_v not_o take_v effect_n but_o where_o the_o person_n continue_v the_o same_o after_o threaten_n that_o they_o be_v before_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o the_o sentence_n shall_v be_v suspend_v unless_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o mere_a effect_n of_o the_o patience_n and_o long-suffering_a of_o god_n lead_v man_n to_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n the_o jew_n give_v why_o the_o not_o fulfil_v of_o denunciation_n of_o judgement_n be_v never_o account_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o man_n a_o false_a prophet_n to_o which_o purpose_n these_o word_n of_o maimonides_n be_v observable_a in_o his_o jesude_v thorah_n where_o he_o treat_v particular_o on_o the_o subject_n of_o prophecy_n if_o a_o prophet_n foretell_v sad_a thing_n as_o the_o death_n of_o any_o 6._o one_o or_o famine_n or_o war_n or_o the_o like_a if_o these_o thing_n come_v not_o to_o pass_v he_o shall_v not_o be_v account_v a_o false_a prophet_n neither_o let_v they_o say_v hehold_v he_o have_v foretell_v and_o it_o come_v not_o to_o pass_v for_o eurbless_v god_n be_v slow_a to_o anger_n and_o rich_a in_o mercy_n and_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o it_o may_v be_v that_o they_o repent_v and_o god_n may_v spare_v they_o as_o he_o do_v the_o ninivites_n or_o defer_v the_o punishment_n as_o he_o do_v hezekiah_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o prophetical_a commination_n do_v not_o express_v god_n internal_a purpose_n and_o therefore_o the_o event_n may_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n 2._o prediction_n concern_v temporal_a blessing_n do_v not_o always_o 14._o absolute_o speak_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o event_n but_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v if_o they_o to_o who_o they_o be_v make_v continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o for_o which_o we_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n from_o that_o place_n of_o jeremiah_n 18._o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o so_o isaiah_n 1._o 19_o 20._o if_o you_o be_v willing_a and_o obedient_a you_o shall_v eat_v the_o good_a of_o the_o land_n but_o if_o you_o refuse_v and_o rebel_n you_o shall_v be_v devour_v with_o the_o sword_n for_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v it_o whereby_o we_o see_v it_o evident_a that_o all_o promise_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v absolute_o but_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o obedience_n but_o this_o the_o jew_n can_n by_o no_o mean_n digest_v who_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o prophecy_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v must_v necessary_o come_v to_o pass_v or_o he_o be_v no_o true_a prophet_n who_o speak_v they_o for_o say_v maimon_n whatever_o good_a thing_n god_n have_v promise_v although_o 8._o it_o be_v promise_v under_o a_o condition_n he_o never_o revoke_v it_o and_o we_o never_o find_v that_o god_n repent_v he_o of_o any_o good_a thing_n promise_v but_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o the_o first_o temple_n when_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o the_o righteous_a they_o shall_v not_o die_v with_o the_o wicked_a but_o it_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o word_n but_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v the_o jewish_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n that_o in_o they_o they_o have_v always_o a_o eye_n to_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o understand_v those_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o thwart_v their_o own_o interest_n as_o be_v most_o apparent_a in_o the_o present_a case_n for_o the_o grand_a reason_n why_o the_o jew_n insist_v so_o much_o on_o the_o punctual_a accomplishment_n of_o all_o promise_n of_o good_a to_o be_v the_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a prophet_n be_v to_o uphold_v their_o own_o interest_n in_o those_o temporal_a blessing_n which_o be_v prophesy_v of_o concern_v they_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n although_o one_o will_v think_v the_o want_n of_o correspondency_n in_o the_o event_n in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o may_v make_v they_o a_o little_a more_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o those_o prophecy_n which_o they_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a and_o have_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o full_a accompllshmenâ—_n of_o all_o those_o threaten_n which_o be_v denounce_v against_o they_o for_o their_o disobedience_n even_o by_o the_o mouth_n of_o moses_n himself_o deut._n 28._o from_o the_o 15._o to_o the_o end_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o plain_a and_o evident_a then_o that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o privilege_n confer_v upon_o they_o do_v depend_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o continue_v faithful_a to_o god_n covenant_n the_o only_a place_n of_o scripture_n produce_v by_o they_o with_o any_o plausibility_n be_v that_o jerem._n 28._o 9_o the_o prophet_n which_o prophesi_v of_o peace_n when_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v then_o shall_v the_o prophet_n be_v know_v that_o the_o lord_n have_v true_o send_v he_o for_o reconcile_a of_o which_o place_n with_o those_o already_o mention_v we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o here_o be_v a_o particular_a contest_v between_o two_o prophet_n hananiah_n and_o jeremiah_n jeremiah_n he_o foretell_v evil_a to_o come_v though_o unwilling_o five_o 6._o hananiah_n he_o prophesy_v peace_n now_o jeremiah_n according_a to_o god_n peculiar_a direction_n and_o inspiration_n appeal_v to_o the_o event_n to_o determine_v who_o prophecy_n be_v the_o true_a now_o say_v jeremiah_n if_o the_o prophecy_n of_o hananiah_n concern_v peace_n be_v fulfil_v than_o he_o be_v the_o true_a prophet_n and_o i_o the_o false_a and_o in_o this_o case_n when_o two_o prophet_n prophecy_n contrary_a thing_n it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o own_o prophet_n which_o shall_v not_o infallible_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o thereby_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o prophet_n may_v be_v full_o manifest_v beside_o jeremiah_n refer_v not_o mere_o to_o the_o event_n foretell_v but_o give_v a_o sudden_a specimon_n of_o his_o own_o truth_n in_o another_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o death_n of_o hananiah_n which_o be_v punctual_o accomplish_v the_o same_o year_n ver_fw-la 17._o and_o which_o be_v most_o considerable_a to_o our_o purpose_n both_o these_o prophet_n consider_v the_o same_o people_n under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o with_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o so_o jeremiah_n because_o of_o their_o incorrigibleness_n foretell_v desolation_n certain_o to_o come_v notwithstanding_o this_o hananiah_n foretell_v peace_n and_o safety_n which_o be_v contrary_a direct_o to_o god_n method_n of_o proceed_v and_o so_o the_o falsity_n of_o his_o prophecy_n will_v infallible_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o event_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o this_o instance_n it_o appear_v evident_a that_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n do_v suppose_v condition_n and_o so_o have_v not_o always_o the_o event_n fulfil_v when_o the_o people_n do_v not_o perform_v their_o condition_n of_o obedience_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v now_o lay_v down_o the_o rule_n whereby_o the_o truth_n of_o prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o which_o it_o appear_v what_o little_a need_v the_o constant_a prophet_n have_v to_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n to_o manifest_v the_o certainty_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o so_o we_o have_v finish_v our_o first_o proposition_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o try_v divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n god_n send_v among_o his_o people_n we_o now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o general_a proposition_n concern_v prop._n the_o prophet_n those_o prophet_n who_o god_n do_v employ_v upon_o some_o extraordinary_a message_n for_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o religion_n establish_v by_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n confer_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o that_o end_n so_o that_o we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o prophet_n which_o be_v either_o instruction_n or_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n among_o god_n own_o people_n from_o their_o peculiar_a message_n when_o they_o be_v send_v to_o give_v evidence_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o way_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v then_o settle_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n now_o the_o prophet_n general_o do_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o own_v by_o those_o they_o be_v send_v to_o and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v very_o needless_a employ_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n among_o they_o to_o
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
as_o a_o certain_a truth_n and_o therefore_o they_o hope_v the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o neglect_v the_o salvation_n promise_v by_o the_o gospel_n i_o can_v conceive_v that_o man_n otherwise_o learned_a and_o sober_a 11._o shall_v with_o so_o much_o confidence_n assert_v that_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v insufficient_a to_o prove_v a_o doctrine_n true_a unless_o it_o be_v from_o hence_o that_o they_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o strong_a evidence_n many_o person_n continue_v in_o unbelief_n for_o say_v they_o if_o these_o argument_n be_v scientifical_a and_o demonstrative_a as_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n attest_v by_o they_o than_o all_o person_n to_o who_o they_o be_v propound_v must_v certain_o believe_v but_o this_o be_v very_o easy_o answer_v for_o we_o speak_v not_o of_o internal_a but_o outward_a evidence_n not_o of_o that_o in_o the_o subject_n but_o of_o the_o object_n or_o more_o full_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o not_o the_o event_n in_o we_o for_o doubtless_o there_o may_v be_v undoubted_a truth_n and_o evidence_n in_o many_o thing_n which_o some_o person_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o understand_v if_o epicurus_n shall_v contend_v still_o that_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n be_v no_o big_a than_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v will_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a demonstration_n of_o the_o contrary_a nay_o if_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v offer_v he_o and_o telescope_n put_v into_o his_o hand_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v resolve_v to_o maintain_v his_o credit_n and_o therefore_o his_o opinion_n and_o will_v not_o use_v the_o telescope_n or_o suspect_v still_o they_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o deceive_v his_o sight_n what_o possible_a way_n will_v there_o be_v of_o convince_a such_o a_o person_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o its_o self_n demonstrable_a now_o if_o the_o strength_n of_o prejudice_n or_o maintain_v of_o credit_n can_v prevail_v so_o much_o in_o matter_n of_o mathematical_a evidence_n to_o withhold_v assent_n what_o power_n may_v we_o think_v a_o corrupt_a interest_n may_v have_v upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o to_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o repugnant_a to_o that_o carnal_a interest_n which_o the_o heart_n be_v already_o devote_a to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n have_v himself_o give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o the_o original_n and_o cause_n of_o unbelief_n in_o the_o person_n he_o converse_v with_o that_o that_o may_v yield_v we_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o objection_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v not_o want_v of_o light_n nay_o there_o be_v light_n sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o but_o that_o those_o to_o who_o the_o light_n come_v love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o it_o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a that_o they_o can_v 19_o not_o believe_v while_o they_o receive_v honour_v one_o of_o another_o and_o seek_v not_o the_o honour_n which_o be_v of_o god_n only_o i._n e._n that_o they_o 44._o be_v so_o greedy_a of_o applause_n from_o each_o other_o that_o they_o will_v not_o impartial_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o do_v touch_v their_o sore_n so_o to_o the_o quick_a that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v they_o fester_v upon_o they_o then_o go_v to_o the_o trouble_n of_o so_o sharp_a a_o cure_n that_o the_o reason_n so_o few_o follow_v he_o be_v because_o the_o way_n be_v narrow_a and_o the_o gate_n straight_o which_o man_n must_v go_v in_o at_o and_o therefore_o no_o wonder_n so_o few_o of_o the_o rich_a 14._o and_o proud_a pharisee_n can_v get_v in_o at_o it_o they_o be_v partly_o so_o swell_v with_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o partly_o so_o load_v with_o their_o riches_n that_o they_o think_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o think_v of_o go_v in_o at_o so_o straight_o a_o gate_n while_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o part_v with_o neither_o that_o the_o final_a ground_n of_o the_o rejection_n of_o any_o be_v not_o want_v of_o evidence_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o believe_v nor_o want_v of_o readiness_n in_o christ_n to_o receive_v they_o if_o they_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o peevish_a wilful_a obstinate_a malicious_a spirit_n that_o they_o will_v not_o come_v 40._o to_o christ_n nor_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n for_o those_o import_n the_o same_o but_o when_o the_o most_o convince_a miracle_n be_v use_v they_o will_v rather_o attribute_v they_o to_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n 24._o then_o to_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o though_o our_o saviour_n present_o by_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n do_v prove_v the_o contrary_a to_o their_o face_n yet_o we_o see_v thereby_o it_o be_v a_o resolution_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v or_o yield_v to_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v now_o from_o this_o very_a instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n proceed_n with_o the_o pharisee_n by_o rational_a argument_n i_o demand_v whether_o these_o argument_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o a_o divine_a assent_n to_o that_o truth_n that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o his_o miracle_n by_o any_o diabolical_a but_o by_o divine_a power_n or_o no_o if_o they_o be_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o rational_a evidence_n may_v be_v a_o foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n or_o that_o some_o motive_n to_o believe_v may_v be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n if_o these_o argument_n be_v not_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o what_o our_o saviour_n speak_v then_o well_o fare_v the_o pharisee_n it_o seem_v they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v thus_o far_o justify_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o it_o can_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o if_o the_o evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v so_o great_a as_o some_o suppose_v that_o the_o pharisee_n can_v not_o but_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o be_v divine_a but_o out_o of_o their_o malice_n and_o envy_n they_o utter_v this_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o keep_v the_o people_n from_o follow_v christ_n then_o we_o hence_o infer_v two_o thing_n first_o how_o strong_a a_o evidence_n there_o be_v in_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n when_o it_o convince_v his_o most_o resolute_a enemy_n that_o they_o be_v divine_a second_o what_o power_n a_o corrupt_a will_n may_v have_v over_o a_o convince_a understanding_n for_o although_o the_o will_n may_v not_o hinder_v conviction_n yet_o it_o may_v soon_o stifle_v it_o by_o suggest_v those_o thing_n to_o the_o mind_n which_o may_v divert_v it_o from_o those_o conviction_n of_o truth_n and_o seek_v to_o find_v out_o any_o way_n to_o disgrace_v it_o it_o will_v be_v no_o difficult_a task_n to_o discover_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n wherein_o the_o unbelief_n of_o man_n be_v discover_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o the_o person_n guilty_a of_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v like_o rational_a man_n or_o such_o as_o desire_a truth_n but_o be_v whole_o carry_v away_o through_o passion_n interest_n prejudice_n disaffection_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n of_o that_o nature_n which_o may_v give_v we_o a_o sufficient_a account_n why_o those_o person_n do_v not_o believe_v although_o there_o may_v be_v clear_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o but_o although_o i_o assert_v that_o these_o rational_a evidence_n be_v sufficient_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o come_v to_o manifest_v yet_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o understand_v that_o i_o thereby_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o mere_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n and_o that_o no_o more_o power_n be_v require_v in_o the_o understanding_n to_o believe_v the_o gospel_n then_o to_o believe_v a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o be_v another_o objection_n some_o lay_n in_o the_o way_n of_o this_o opinion_n but_o it_o isâ—_n ot_fw-mi difficult_a get_n over_o it_o for_o the_o sufficiency_n which_o i_o attribute_v to_o rational_a evidence_n be_v not_o absolute_a and_o simple_a but_o in_o svo_fw-la genere_fw-la as_o a_o objective_a evidence_n notwithstanding_o this_o the_o whole_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o its_o peculiar_a energy_n and_o way_n of_o operation_n upon_o the_o soul_n be_v leave_v entire_a to_o its_o self_n but_o then_o when_o the_o spirit_n work_v as_o to_o the_o plant_n of_o a_o true_o divine_a faith_n i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o only_o persuade_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o withal_o represent_v the_o truth_n reveal_v by_o that_o testimony_n with_o all_o that_o excellency_n and_o suitableness_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o that_o by_o the_o most_o agreeable_a yet_o effectual_a influence_n 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
it_o to_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o thing_n by_o any_o real_a miracle_n for_o so_o it_o will_v invalidate_v the_o great_a force_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n if_o the_o same_o argument_n shall_v be_v use_v for_o the_o prove_v of_o that_o which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a person_n be_v not_o deliver_v when_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctriâ—e_n of_o christ_n be_v confirm_v by_o so_o many_o and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n but_o hereby_o we_o see_v what_o unconceivable_a prejudice_n have_v be_v do_v to_o the_o true_a primitive_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o stumbling-block_n have_v be_v lay_v in_o the_o way_n of_o considerative_a person_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o embrace_v the_o true_o christian_a faith_n by_o those_o who_o will_v be_v think_v the_o infallible_a director_n of_o man_n in_o it_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o broad-seal_a of_o heaven_n set_v only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o confirm_v their_o unwritten_a and_o superstitious_a way_n of_o worship_n for_o if_o i_o once_o see_v that_o which_o i_o look_v on_o as_o a_o undoubted_a evidence_n of_o divine_a power_n bring_v to_o attest_v any_o thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o divine_a revelation_n i_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o god_n may_v contradict_v himself_o by_o seal_v both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a or_o that_o that_o society_n of_o man_n which_o own_o such_o thing_n be_v not_o at_o all_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o christain_n doctrine_n but_o seek_v to_o set_v up_o a_o interest_n contrary_a to_o it_o and_o matter_n not_o what_o disadvantage_n be_v do_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o religion_n by_o such_o unworthy_a pretence_n and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v more_o rational_a and_o true_a let_v every_o one_o conscience_n judge_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n to_o have_v all_o such_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n discover_v which_o do_v so_o much_o disservice_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o be_v such_o secret_a fomenter_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n but_o how_o far_o that_o promise_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o they_o which_o believe_v in_o his_o name_n shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o miracle_n may_v extend_v 17._o even_o in_o these_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o such_o generous_a and_o primitive-spirited_n christian_n who_o out_o of_o a_o great_a and_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o tenderness_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n shall_v go_v among_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n to_o convert_v they_o only_o to_o christ_n and_o not_o to_o a_o secular_a interest_n under_o pretence_n of_o a_o infallible_a head_n be_v not_o here_o a_o place_n full_o to_o inquire_v i_o confess_v i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n why_o god_n may_v not_o yet_o for_o the_o conviction_n of_o infidel_n employ_v such_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n although_o there_o be_v not_o such_o necessity_n of_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v some_o evidence_n of_o the_o power_n of_o christianity_n now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o clear_a then_o as_o the_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n in_o the_o world_n the_o prevail_a of_o christianity_n notwithstanding_o force_v use_v against_o it_o the_o recovery_n of_o it_o from_o amid_o all_o the_o corruption_n which_o be_v mix_v with_o it_o the_o consent_n of_o those_o party_n in_o the_o common_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n which_o yet_o disagree_v froâ—_n each_o other_o with_o great_a bitterness_n of_o spirit_n though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o of_o that_o necessity_n now_o when_o the_o scripture_n be_v conuâ—yed_v to_o we_o in_o a_o certain_a uninterrupted_a manner_n yet_o god_n may_v please_v out_o of_o his_o abundant_a provision_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o employ_v good_a man_n to_o do_v something_o which_o may_v manifest_v the_o power_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v above_o the_o â—_z who_o they_o worship_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v far_o soon_o believe_v the_o relation_n of_o the_o miracle_n of_o xaverius_n and_o his_o brethren_n employ_v in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n than_o lipsius_n his_o virgo_fw-la hallensis_n and_o asprecollis_n can_v it_o but_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n have_v more_o of_o christianity_n than_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o be_v that_o they_o go_v more_o upon_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o infidel_n to_o heaven_n then_o to_o enlarge_v the_o authority_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n but_o whatever_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n or_o the_o design_n of_o those_o person_n be_v we_o have_v certain_a and_o undoubted_a evidence_n 8._o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n whereby_o christianity_n be_v first_o propagate_v and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n overthrow_v in_o the_o world_n christ_n thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o power_n be_v great_a than_o the_o devil_n who_o have_v possession_n because_o he_o overcome_v he_o take_v from_o he_o all_o his_o armour_n wherein_o he_o trust_v 22._o and_o divide_v his_o spoil_n i_o e._n dispossess_v he_o of_o man_n body_n and_o his_o idolatrous_a temple_n silence_v his_o oracle_n nonplus_v his_o magician_n and_o at_o last_o when_o christianity_n have_v overcome_v by_o suffering_n wrest_v the_o worldly_a power_n and_o empire_n out_o of_o the_o devil_n hand_n and_o employ_v it_o against_o himself_o neither_o may_v we_o think_v because_o since_o that_o time_n the_o devil_n have_v get_v some_o ground_n in_o the_o world_n again_o by_o the_o large_a spread_v of_o mahometism_n &_o the_o general_a corruption_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o therefore_o the_o other_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o divine_a power_n because_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n because_o such_o a_o fall_v away_o have_v be_v foretell_v in_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o it_o and_o because_o god_n himself_o have_v threaten_v that_o those_o who_o will_v not_o receive_v the_o truth_n in_o the_o love_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v up_o to_o strong_a de'usion_n do_v not_o this_o then_o in_o stead_n of_o abate_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n confirm_v it_o more_o and_o that_o nothing_o be_v fall_v out_o in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o be_v foretell_v by_o those_o who_o god_n employ_v in_o the_o convert_n of_o it_o but_o we_o be_v neither_o without_o some_o fair_a hope_n even_o from_o that_o divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v seal_v by_o uncontrolled_a evidence_n that_o there_o may_v be_v yet_o a_o time_n to_o come_v when_o christ_n will_v recover_v his_o church_n to_o their_o pristine_a purity_n and_o simplicity_n but_o withal_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v the_o future_a felicity_n of_o the_o church_n by_o outward_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o too_o many_o so_o strong_o fancy_v but_o by_o a_o recovery_n of_o that_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n which_o breathe_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o the_o outward_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n may_v be_v for_o if_o worldly_a greatness_n and_o ease_n and_o riches_n be_v the_o first_o impairer_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o the_o restore_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o true_a glory_n can_v be_v by_o the_o advance_n of_o that_o which_o give_v so_o great_a a_o occasion_n to_o pride_n and_o sensuality_n which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christian_a religion_n unless_o we_o suppose_v man_n free_a from_o those_o corruption_n which_o continual_a experience_n still_o tell_v the_o world_n the_o ruler_n as_o well_o as_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a society_n be_v subject_a to_o neither_o may_v that_o be_v wonder_v at_o when_o such_o uneveness_n of_o part_n be_v now_o discover_v in_o the_o great_a luminary_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o sun_n himself_o be_v find_v to_o have_v his_o maculae_fw-la as_o though_o the_o sun_n have_v a_o purple_a fever_n or_o as_o kiroher_n express_v it_o ipse_fw-la phoebus_n qui_fw-la rerum_fw-la omnium_fw-la in_o universo_fw-it naturae_fw-la theatro_fw-la aspectabilium_fw-la longè_fw-la pulcherrimus_fw-la omnium_fw-la opinion_n 2._o est_fw-la habitus_fw-la hoc_fw-la seculo_fw-la tandem_fw-la fumosa_fw-la fancy_n ac_fw-la infecto_fw-la vultu_fw-la maculis_fw-la prodiit_fw-la diceres_fw-la eum_fw-la variolis_fw-la laborare_fw-la senescentem_fw-la i_o speak_v not_o this_o as_o though_o a_o outward_a flourish_a condition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o its_o purity_n for_o then_o the_o way_n to_o refine_v it_o be_v to_o throw_v it_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o persecution_n but_o that_o
be_v 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
have_v believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o salvation_n have_v be_v deceive_v either_o we_o must_v deny_v altogether_o a_o divine_a providence_n or_o say_v the_o devil_n have_v more_o power_n to_o deceive_v man_n then_o god_n to_o direct_v they_o which_o be_v worse_o than_o the_o former_a or_o else_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o as_o either_o god_n or_o devil_n but_o that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v by_o chance_n and_o fortune_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v still_o more_o inexplicable_a why_o such_o multitude_n of_o rational_a and_o serious_a man_n and_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o such_o thing_n shall_v all_o be_v so_o possess_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o more_o profane_a wicked_a and_o ignorant_a any_o person_n be_v the_o more_o prone_a they_o be_v to_o mock_v and_o deride_v they_o if_o such_o man_n than_o see_v more_o into_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a part_n of_o mankind_n let_v we_o bid_v adieu_o to_o humanity_n and_o adore_v the_o brute_n since_o we_o admire_v their_o judgement_n most_o who_o come_v the_o near_a to_o they_o 3._o the_o multitude_n of_o these_o person_n thus_o consent_v in_o this_o testimony_n can_v have_v no_o other_o engagement_n to_o this_o consent_n but_o only_o their_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o it_o because_o those_o who_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o this_o thing_n be_v such_o person_n who_o other_o design_n and_o interest_n in_o this_o world_n differ_v as_o much_o as_o any_o man_n do_v if_o it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o consent_n of_o jew_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probable_a pretence_n to_o have_v suspect_v a_o matter_n of_o interest_n in_o it_o but_o as_o to_o this_o thing_n we_o find_v the_o jew_n divide_v among_o themselves_o about_o it_o and_o the_o stiff_a denier_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o do_v yet_o inviolable_o preserve_v those_o sacred_a record_n among_o they_o from_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v undoubted_o prove_v have_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v enforce_v upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o roman_a emperor_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o first_o promulgation_n there_o will_v have_v be_v some_o suspicion_n of_o particular_a design_n in_o it_o but_o it_o come_v with_o no_o other_o strength_n but_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n yet_o it_o find_v sudden_a and_o strange_a entertainment_n among_o person_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n in_o a_o short_a time_n it_o have_v eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o roman_a empire_n and_o make_v so_o large_a a_o spread_v therein_o that_o it_o make_v tertullian_n say_v hesterni_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o vestra_fw-la omne_fw-la implevimus_fw-la urbes_fw-la insulas_fw-la castella_fw-la municipia_fw-la conciliabula_fw-la castraipsa_fw-la tribus_fw-la decurias_fw-la 36._o palatium_fw-la senatum_fw-la forum_n sola_fw-la vobis_fw-la relinquimus_fw-la templa_fw-la we_o have_v but_o new_o appear_v say_v he_o &_o yet_o we_o have_v fill_v all_o place_n with_o our_o company_n but_o only_o your_o temple_n and_o before_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_n obsessam_fw-la vociferantur_fw-la civitatem_fw-la in_fw-la agris_fw-la in_fw-la castellis_fw-la in_fw-la insulis_fw-la christianos_n omnem_fw-la sexum_fw-la aetatem_fw-la conditionem_fw-la etiam_fw-la dignitatem_fw-la transgredi_fw-la ad_fw-la hoc_fw-la nomen_fw-la 3._o quasi_fw-la detrimento_fw-la moerent_fw-la all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n in_o all_o place_n be_v sudden_o become_v christian_n what_o common_a tie_n can_v there_o be_v now_o to_o unite_v all_o these_o person_n together_o if_o we_o set_v aside_o the_o undoubted_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v first_o preach_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o christ_n action_n and_o have_v leave_v sacred_a record_n behind_o they_o contain_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o those_o admirable_a instruction_n which_o be_v their_o only_a certain_a guide_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n 4._o because_o many_o person_n do_v join_v in_o this_o consent_n with_o true_a christian_n who_o yet_o can_v hearty_o with_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o true_a such_o be_v all_o those_o person_n who_o be_v sensual_a in_o their_o life_n and_o walk_v not_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o dare_v not_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o who_o can_v hearty_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n nor_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o they_o may_v indulge_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n without_o fear_n of_o another_o yet_o their_o conscience_n be_v so_o far_o convince_v of_o and_o awe_v by_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n that_o they_o raise_v many_o perplexity_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o will_v most_o willing_o be_v rid_v of_o which_o they_o can_v never_o thorough_o be_v till_o instead_o of_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n they_o come_v to_o live_v the_o life_n of_o christian_n and_o become_v experimental_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o religion_n and_o withal_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o man_n have_v be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o christianity_n the_o great_a evidence_n they_o have_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o be_v more_o full_o and_o rational_o persuade_v of_o it_o to_o such_o i_o grant_v there_o be_v such_o powerful_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n by_o the_o effectual_a work_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o soul_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n as_o to_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n may_v fall_v short_a of_o these_o as_o to_o which_o those_o verse_n of_o the_o poet_n dante_n be_v render_v into_o latin_a by_o f._n s._n be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o significant_a for_o when_o he_o have_v introduce_v the_o apostle_n peter_n ask_v he_o what_o it_o be_v which_o his_o faith_n be_v found_v on_o he_o answer_v deinde_fw-la exivit_fw-la ex_fw-la luce_fw-fr profundâ_fw-la quae_fw-la illic_fw-la splendebat_fw-la pretiosa_fw-la gemma_fw-la super_fw-la quam_fw-la omnis_fw-la virtus_fw-la fundatur_fw-la i_o e._n that_o god_n be_v please_v by_o immediate_a revelation_n of_o himself_o to_o discover_v that_o divine_a truth_n to_o the_o world_n whereon_o our_o faith_n do_v stand_v as_o on_o its_o sure_a foundation_n but_o when_o the_o apostle_n go_v on_o to_o inquire_v how_o he_o know_v this_o come_v at_o first_o from_o god_n his_o answer_n to_o that_o be_v larga_fw-la pluvia_fw-la spiritûs_fw-la sancti_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la diffusa_fw-la super_fw-la veteres_fw-la &_o super_fw-la novas_fw-la membranas_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la ille_fw-la qui_fw-la eam_fw-la mihi_fw-la conclusit_fw-la adâ—ò_fw-la acutè_fw-la ut_fw-la prae_fw-la illâ_fw-la demonstratione_fw-la omnis_fw-la demonstratio_fw-la alia_fw-la mihi_fw-la videatur_fw-la obtusa_fw-la i_o e._n that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n do_v so_o full_o discover_v its_o self_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n that_o all_o other_o argument_n be_v but_o dull_a and_o heavy_a if_o compare_v with_o this_o it_o be_v true_a they_o be_v so_o to_o a_o true_o enlighten_v conscience_n which_o discover_v so_o much_o beauty_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o ravish_v the_o soul_n although_o it_o be_v unable_a to_o give_v so_o full_a a_o account_n of_o this_o unto_o other_o who_o want_v the_o eye_n to_o see_v that_o beauty_n with_o which_o a_o heart_n true_o gracious_a have_v we_o see_v ordinary_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o attraction_n of_o beauty_n be_v a_o unaccountable_a thing_n and_o one_o may_v discern_v that_o which_o ravish_v he_o which_o another_o look_v on_o as_o mean_v and_o ordinary_a and_o why_o may_v it_o not_o be_v much_o more_o thus_o in_o divine_a object_n which_o want_v spiritual_a eye_n to_o discover_v they_o therefore_o i_o grant_v that_o good_a man_n enjoy_v that_o satisfaction_n to_o their_o own_o conscience_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o other_o can_v attain_v to_o but_o yet_o i_o say_v that_o such_o do_v likewise_o see_v the_o most_o strong_a rational_a and_o convince_a evidence_n which_o do_v induce_v they_o to_o believe_v which_o evidence_n be_v then_o most_o convince_a when_o it_o be_v second_v by_o the_o peculiar_a energy_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o true_a believer_n but_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n may_v be_v so_o great_a even_o upon_o such_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o yet_o mould_v into_o the_o fashion_n of_o true_a goodness_n that_o it_o may_v awe_v with_o its_o light_n and_o clearness_n where_o it_o do_v not_o soften_v and_o alter_v by_o its_o heat_n and_o influence_n now_o whence_o can_v it_o be_v that_o such_o
conviction_n shall_v stick_v so_o fast_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o will_v fain_o pull_v out_o those_o pierce_a arrow_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a power_n in_o they_o then_o they_o be_v mnster_n of_o and_o they_o can_v stand_v against_o the_o force_n whereby_o they_o come_v upon_o they_o nor_o find_v any_o salve_n to_o cure_v the_o wound_n which_o be_v make_v within_o they_o but_o by_o those_o weapon_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o when_o wicked_a person_n under_o conflict_n of_o conscience_n can_v ease_v themselves_o by_o direct_a atheism_n or_o find_v reason_n to_o cast_v off_o such_o conviction_n by_o discern_v any_o invalidity_n in_o the_o testimony_n whereon_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n depend_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v abundant_a truth_n in_o that_o testimony_n when_o man_n will_v fain_o persuade_v themselves_o to_o believe_v the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o can_v 5._o the_o truth_n of_o this_o consent_n appear_v from_o the_o unanimity_n of_o it_o among_o those_o person_n who_o have_v yet_o strange_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o in_o many_o controversy_n in_o religion_n we_o see_v thereby_o this_o unanimity_n be_v no_o force_a or_o design_v thing_n because_o we_o see_v the_o person_n agree_v in_o this_o do_v very_o much_o disagree_v from_o each_o other_o in_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o same_o ground_n and_o reason_n whereon_o they_o disagree_v as_o to_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v hold_v as_o to_o these_o too_o be_v there_o not_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n then_o of_o those_o they_o fall_v out_o about_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o become_v a_o question_n among_o those_o who_o differ_v so_o much_o about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n whether_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n although_o the_o very_a account_n on_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v so_o have_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o no_o mean_a controversy_n all_o the_o divide_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v yet_o full_o agree_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o he_o do_v many_o great_a miracle_n that_o he_o die_v on_o the_o cross_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a now_o these_o contain_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o multitude_n of_o other_o controversy_n in_o the_o world_n ought_v to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o man_n of_o weak_a judgement_n and_o atheistical_a spirit_n preâ—end_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o it_o when_o we_o see_v person_n which_o so_o peevish_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o about_o some_o inferior_a and_o less_o weighty_a part_n of_o religion_n do_v yet_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o the_o principal_a foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o such_o whereon_o the_o necessity_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n as_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v more_o immediate_o depend_v and_o this_o may_v be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n may_v suffer_v such_o lamentable_a contention_n and_o division_n to_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o thereby_o inquisitive_a person_n may_v see_v that_o if_o religion_n have_v be_v a_o mere_a design_n of_o some_o few_o politic_a person_n the_o quarrelsome_a world_n where_o it_o be_v not_o hold_v in_o by_o force_n will_v never_o have_v consent_v so_o long_o in_o the_o own_n such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o the_o other_o controversy_n be_v build_v upon_o and_o although_o it_o be_v continual_o see_v that_o in_o divide_a party_n one_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v from_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o other_o and_o man_n general_o think_v they_o can_v never_o run_v far_o enough_o from_o they_o who_o error_n they_o have_v discover_v that_o yet_o this_o principle_n have_v not_o carry_v any_o considerable_a party_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n out_o of_o their_o indignation_n against_o those_o great_a corruption_n which_o have_v creep_v into_o the_o world_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o disow_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v â—artly_o impute_v to_o the_o signal_n hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o partly_o to_o those_o strong_a evidence_n which_o there_o be_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o testimony_n which_o convey_v to_o uâ—_n the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n thus_o we_o see_v now_o how_o great_a and_o uncontrolled_a this_o consent_n be_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n deliver_v down_o from_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o they_o concern_v the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o authentical_a record_n of_o they_o and_o what_o a_o sure_a foundation_n there_o be_v for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n from_o so_o universal_a and_o uninterrupted_a a_o tradition_n thus_o far_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o miracle_n 20._o of_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o propagate_v it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o next_o thing_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v the_o admirable_a success_n which_o the_o gospel_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o world_n upon_o its_o be_v preach_v to_o it_o of_o whâ—ch_n no_o rational_a account_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o the_o action_n and_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v very_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a success_n upon_o its_o first_o preach_v have_v be_v partly_o discover_v already_o and_o be_v withal_o so_o plain_a from_o the_o long_a continuance_n of_o it_o in_o these_o european_a part_n that_o none_o any_o way_n conversant_a in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n can_v have_v any_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o that_o this_o strange_a and_o admirable_a success_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o these_o two_o consideration_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o that_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o be_v so_o much_o oppose_v by_o all_o worldly_a power_n 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n its_o self_n be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o general_a inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o to_o its_o credenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o to_o its_o agenda_fw-la or_o matter_n of_o life_n and_o practice_n both_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o world_n the_o former_a seem_v hard_a and_o incredible_a the_o latter_a harsh_a and_o impossible_a 1._o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o world_n be_v not_o such_o thing_n which_o we_o may_v imagine_v the_o vulgar_a sort_n of_o man_n will_v be_v very_o forward_o to_o run_v after_o nor_o very_o greedy_a to_o embrace_v 1._o because_o contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o religion_n they_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o 1._o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v very_o tenacious_a of_o those_o principle_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o be_v suck_v in_o in_o the_o time_n of_o infancy_n there_o be_v some_o religion_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o rational_a man_n shall_v believe_v they_o but_o only_o on_o this_o account_n because_o they_o be_v breed_v up_o under_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n any_o religion_n have_v against_o another_o that_o it_o come_v to_o speak_v first_o and_o thereby_o insinuate_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o its_o self_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v very_o hard_o remove_v it_o afterward_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v communis_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o therefore_o primi_fw-la sunt_fw-la possidentis_fw-la when_o a_o opinion_n have_v once_o get_v possession_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o usual_o keep_v out_o whatever_o come_v to_o disturb_v it_o now_o we_o can_v otherwise_o conceive_v but_o all_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v breed_v up_o under_o paganism_n and_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n must_v needs_o have_v a_o very_a potent_a prejudice_n against_o such_o a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v whole_o irreconcilable_a with_o that_o religion_n which_o they_o have_v be_v devote_v to_o now_o the_o strong_a the_o prejudice_n be_v which_o be_v convey_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o the_o force_n of_o education_n the_o great_a strength_n and_o power_n must_v there_o needs_o be_v in_o
possibility_n of_o existence_n what_o be_v it_o then_o which_o give_v actual_a existence_n to_o it_o that_o can_v be_v its_o self_n for_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_o existent_a if_o another_o than_o give_v existence_n this_o existence_n must_v whole_o depend_v upon_o he_o who_o give_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v continue_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n but_o what_o may_v give_v it_o to_o its_o self_n for_o it_o give_v it_o for_o the_o moment_n it_o continue_v it_o and_o what_o give_v existence_n to_o its_o self_n must_v necessary_o exist_v which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o create_v be_v so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v deny_v a_o possibility_n of_o nonexistence_n or_o annihilation_n in_o a_o creature_n which_o follow_v upon_o necessity_n of_o existence_n or_o else_o we_o must_v assert_v that_o the_o duration_n or_o continuance_n of_o a_o creature_n in_o its_o be_v do_v immediate_o depend_v on_o divine_a providence_n and_o conservation_n which_o be_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o frequency_n say_v to_o be_v a_o continue_a creation_n but_o yet_o further_o be_v a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n necessary_a to_o put_v thing_n into_o that_o order_n they_o be_v in_o and_o be_v not_o the_o same_o necessary_a for_o the_o govern_n of_o they_o i_o can_v see_v any_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n when_o set_v in_o motion_n shall_v either_o bring_v thing_n into_o that_o exquisite_a order_n and_o dependence_n which_o the_o part_n of_o the_o world_n have_v upon_o each_o other_o much_o less_o that_o by_o the_o mere_a force_n of_o that_o first_o motion_n all_o thing_n shall_v continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o perpetual_a motion_n be_v yet_o one_o of_o the_o desiderata_fw-la of_o the_o world_n the_o most_o exquisite_a mechanism_n can_v put_v a_o engine_n beyond_o the_o necessity_n of_o be_v look_v after_o can_v we_o then_o think_v this_o dull_a unactive_a matter_n mere_o by_o the_o force_n of_o its_o first_o motion_n shall_v be_v able_a still_o to_o produce_v the_o effect_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o keep_v it_o from_o tumble_v at_o least_o by_o degree_n into_o its_o pristine_a chaos_n it_o be_v a_o infinite_a power_n i_o grant_v which_o give_v that_o first_o moâ—ion_n but_o that_o it_o give_v power_n to_o continue_v that_o motion_n till_o the_o constagration_n of_o the_o world_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v prove_v some_o therefore_o find_v that_o in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n matter_n will_v not_o serve_v for_o all_o the_o note_a and_o common_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o the_o world_n have_v call_v in_o the_o help_n of_o a_o spirit_n of_o nature_n which_o may_v serve_v instead_o of_o a_o man-midwife_n to_o matter_n to_o help_v she_o in_o her_o production_n of_o thing_n or_o as_o though_o god_n have_v a_o plurality_n of_o world_n to_o look_v after_o they_o have_v take_v care_n to_o substitute_v he_o a_o vicar_n in_o this_o which_o be_v this_o spirit_n of_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v rather_o believe_v god_n himself_o to_o be_v perpetual_o resident_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o power_n which_o give_v life_n and_o be_v and_o motion_n to_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o his_o own_o providence_n especial_o since_o we_o have_v learn_v from_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v 28_o thus_o than_o we_o see_v a_o necessity_n of_o assert_v divine_a providence_n 4._o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o the_o case_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a but_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a objection_n behind_o which_o have_v be_v the_o continual_a exercise_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o inquisitive_a man_n almost_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n the_o one_o concern_v the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a the_o other_o concern_v the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o good_a man_n fare_v so_o hard_o in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o bad_a triumph_n and_o flourish_v if_o these_o two_o can_v be_v clear_v with_o any_o satisfaction_n to_o reason_n it_o will_v be_v the_o high_a vindication_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o give_v we_o such_o clear_a light_n and_o direction_n in_o these_o profound_a speculation_n which_o the_o dim_a reason_n of_o man_n be_v so_o much_o to_o seek_v in_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o hand_n of_o providence_n which_o order_v all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o come_v evil_a then_o into_o it_o without_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o which_o be_v a_o speculation_n of_o as_o great_a depth_n as_o necessity_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o entertain_v the_o high_a apprehension_n of_o god_n holiness_n and_o how_o far_o he_o be_v from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n and_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o matter_n of_o some_o difficulty_n so_o to_o explain_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a as_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o it_o i_o easy_o then_o assent_v to_o what_o origen_n say_v on_o this_o 207._o subject_n when_o celsus_n upon_o some_o mistake_a place_n of_o scripture_n have_v charge_v the_o scripture_n with_o lay_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a upon_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o any_o thing_n which_o call_v for_o our_o enquiry_n be_v of_o difficult_a investigation_n that_o which_o concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o simplicius_n well_o begin_v his_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 34._o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a not_o be_v well_o state_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o great_a impiety_n towards_o god_n and_o pervert_v the_o principle_n of_o good_a life_n anâ—_n involve_v they_o in_o innumerable_a perplexity_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o it_o so_o much_o then_o be_v it_o our_o great_a concernment_n to_o fix_v on_o sure_a ground_n in_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o important_a question_n in_o which_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o launch_v out_o into_o the_o depth_n and_o intricacye_n of_o it_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o any_o internal_a purpose_n of_o god_n will_v which_o be_v beyond_o our_o present_a scope_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v that_o account_n of_o it_o which_o the_o scripture_n plain_o give_v in_o relate_v the_o fall_n of_o the_o first_o man_n for_o the_o clear_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n 2._o that_o the_o account_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a do_v not_o charge_v it_o upon_o god_n 3._o that_o no_o account_n give_v by_o philosopher_n of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o evil_a be_v so_o clear_a and_o rational_a as_o this_o be_v 4._o that_o the_o most_o material_a circumstance_n of_o this_o account_n be_v attest_v by_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o 1._o that_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n for_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v true_a we_o be_v bind_v without_o hesitation_n to_o yield_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o their_o plain_a and_o direct_a affirmation_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o suspending_a assent_n as_o to_o any_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n but_o the_o want_n of_o certain_a evidence_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o no._n no_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o numerous_a controversy_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n especial_o to_o those_o bold_a dispute_n concern_v the_o method_n and_o order_n of_o god_n decree_n if_o the_o plain_a and_o undoubted_a assertion_n of_o scripture_n be_v make_v the_o rule_n and_o standard_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o ambiguous_a and_o can_v man_n but_o rest_n content_v with_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o mean_n in_o order_n to_o it_o which_o on_o that_o account_n be_v write_v with_o all_o imaginable_a perspicuity_n in_o scripture_n and_o the_o moment_n of_o all_o other_o controversy_n be_v judge_v by_o their_o reference_n to_o these_o there_o will_v be_v few_o controversy_n and_o more_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n now_o there_o be_v two_o grand_a principle_n which_o concern_v man_n eternal_a condition_n of_o which_o we_o have_v the_o great_a certainty_n from_o scripture_n and_o on_o which_o we_o may_v with_o safety_n rely_v without_o perplex_v our_o mind_n about_o those_o more_o nice_a and_o subtle_a speculation_n
subject_n they_o treat_v of_o and_o some_o fragment_n 3._o those_o that_o be_v extant_a either_o confess_v their_o ignorance_n of_o elder_a time_n or_o plain_o discover_v it_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v thucydides_n and_o plutarch_n several_a evidence_n of_o the_o grecian_n ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a original_n of_o nation_n of_o herodotus_n and_o his_o mistake_n the_o greek_n ignorance_n in_o geography_n discover_v and_o thence_o their_o insufficiency_n as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a history_n page_n 56_o chap._n v._o the_o general_a uncertainty_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o heathen_a history_n further_o prove_v from_o the_o uncertainty_n and_o confusion_n in_o their_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n that_o discover_v by_o the_o uncertain_a form_n of_o their_o year_n a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o different_a form_n of_o the_o egyptian_a year_n the_o first_o of_o thirty_o day_n the_o second_o of_o four_o month_n of_o both_o instance_n give_v in_o the_o egyptian_a history_n of_o the_o chaldaean_a account_n and_o the_o first_o dynastye_n mention_v by_o berosus_n how_o they_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o probability_n of_o the_o egyptian_a dynastye_n of_o manetho_n reason_n of_o account_v they_o fabulous_a because_o not_o attest_v by_o any_o credible_a authority_n and_o reject_v by_o the_o best_a historian_n the_o opinion_n of_o scaliger_n and_o vossius_fw-la concern_v their_o be_v cotemporary_a propound_v and_o reject_v with_o reason_n against_o it_o of_o the_o ancient_a division_n of_o egypt_n into_o nomi_n or_o province_n and_o the_o number_n of_o they_o against_o vossius_fw-la and_o kircher_n page_n 73_o chap._n vi_o the_o uncertain_a epocha_n of_o heathen_a chronology_n a_o account_n give_v of_o the_o defect_n of_o chronology_n in_o the_o â—ldest_a time_n of_o the_o solar_a year_n among_o the_o egyptian_n the_o original_n of_o the_o epact_n the_o antiquity_n of_o intercalation_n among_o they_o of_o the_o several_a canicular_a year_n the_o difference_n between_o scaliger_n and_o petavius_n consider_v the_o certain_a epocha_n of_o the_o egyptian_a history_n no_o elder_a than_o nabonasser_n of_o the_o grecian_a account_n the_o fabulousness_n of_o the_o heroical_a age_n of_o greece_n of_o the_o ancient_a grecian_a kingdom_n the_o beginning_n of_o the_o olympiad_n the_o uncertain_a origines_fw-la of_o the_o western_a nation_n of_o the_o latin_a dynastye_n the_o different_a palilia_n of_o rome_n the_o uncertain_a reckon_a ab._n v._o c._n of_o imposture_n as_o to_o ancient_a history_n of_o annius_n inghiramius_n and_o other_o of_o the_o character_n use_v by_o heathen_a priest_n no_o sacred_a character_n among_o the_o fews_n the_o partiality_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o heathen_a bistory_n with_o each_o other_o from_o all_o which_o the_o want_n of_o credibility_n in_o they_o as_o to_o a_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v clear_o demonstrate_v page_n 89_o book_n ii_o chap._n i._n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture-history_n several_a hypothesis_n lay_v down_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o preserve_v the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o certain_a record_n from_o the_o importance_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o inconvenience_n of_o mere_a tradition_n or_o constant_a revelation_n the_o second_o concern_v the_o certainty_n that_o the_o record_n under_o moses_n his_o name_n be_v undoubted_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n inquire_v into_o in_o general_a and_o prove_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a by_o universal_a consent_n and_o settle_v a_o commonwealth_n upon_o his_o law_n the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o imposture_n as_o to_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n demonstrate_v the_o plea_n to_o the_o contrary_a large_o answer_v page_n 107_o 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_n 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 fews_n manifest_v by_o rational_a evidence_n p._n 119_o chap._n iii_o moses_n his_o fidelity_n and_o integrity_n prove_v moses_n consider_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n his_o fidelity_n in_o both_o prove_v clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n freedom_n from_o private_a interest_n impartiality_n in_o his_o relation_n plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o stile_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n be_v come_v arm_v with_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n be_v fix_v on_o to_o be_v full_o prove_v from_o his_o action_n and_o write_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n two_o grand_a question_n propound_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o how_o know_v to_o be_v true_a no_o necessity_n of_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o a_o church_n two_o case_n alone_o wherein_o they_o may_v be_v expect_v when_o any_o thing_n come_v as_o a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o when_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v the_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o those_o case_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n assert_v objection_n answer_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v settle_v and_o own_a by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o revelation_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n in_o reformation_n of_o a_o church_n pag._n 134_o chap._n iu_o 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 assamâ—nta_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 pag._n 149_o chap._n v._o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a doctrine_n rule_n of_o try_v prophet_n establish_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o punishment_n of_o pretender_n the_o several_a sort_n of_o false_a prophet_n the_o case_n of_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n discuss_v the_o trial_n of_o false_a prophet_n belong_v to_o the_o great_a sanhedrin_n the_o particular_a rule_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o prophet_n be_v judge_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o a_o prophet_n not_o foretell_v future_a contingency_n but_o have_v immediate_a divine_a revelation_n several_a principle_n lay_v down_o for_o clear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o prophet_n 1._o that_o immediate_a dictate_v of_o natural_a light_n be_v not_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n several_a ground_n for_o divine_a revelation_n from_o natural_a light_n 2._o what_o ever_o be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n can_v be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n 3._o no_o divine_a revelation_n do_v contradict_v a_o divine_a positive_a law_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o god_n intention_n to_o repeal_v that_o law_n 4._o divine_a revelation_n in_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n but_o by_o the_o intention_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o prophetical_a office_n a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n pag._n 165_o chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_n hypothese_v premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o
truth_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o pre-conception_n or_o interest_n have_v be_v forbid_a entrance_n prejudice_n be_v the_o wrong_a bias_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o effectual_o keep_v it_o from_o come_v near_o the_o mark_n of_o truth_n nay_o set_v it_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o it_o there_o be_v few_o in_o the_o world_n that_o look_v after_o truth_n with_o their_o own_o eye_n most_o make_v use_n of_o spectacle_n of_o other_o make_v which_o make_v they_o so_o seldom_o behold_v the_o proper_a lineament_n in_o the_o face_n of_o truth_n which_o the_o several_a tincture_n from_o education_n authority_n custom_n and_o predisposition_n do_v exceed_o hinder_v man_n from_o discern_v of_o another_o reason_n why_o there_o be_v so_o few_o who_o find_v truth_n when_o so_o many_o pretend_v to_o seek_v it_o be_v that_o near_a resemblance_n which_o 7._o error_n often_o bear_v to_o truth_n it_o have_v be_v well_o observe_v that_o error_n seldom_o walk_v abroad_o the_o world_n in_o her_o own_o raiment_n she_o always_o borrow_v something_o of_o truth_n to_o make_v she_o more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o subtlety_n of_o grand_a deceiver_n to_o graft_v their_o great_a error_n on_o some_o material_a truth_n to_o make_v they_o pass_v more_o undiscernible_a to_o all_o such_o who_o look_v more_o at_o the_o root_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v then_o on_o the_o fruit_n which_o they_o bring_v forth_o it_o will_v hereafter_o appear_v how_o most_o of_o the_o gross_a of_o the_o heathen_a error_n have_v as_o plutarch_n say_v of_o the_o egyptian_a fable_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d some_o faint_a and_o obscure_a resemblance_n of_o truth_n nay_o more_o than_o so_o as_o most_o pernicious_a weed_n be_v breed_v in_o the_o fat_a soyl_n their_o most_o destructive_a principle_n have_v be_v found_v on_o some_o necessary_a and_o important_a truth_n thus_o idolatry_n do_v suppose_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o superstition_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o devil_n can_v never_o have_v build_v his_o chapel_n but_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n whereon_o god_n temple_n stand_v which_o make_v i_o far_o less_o wonder_n than_o many_o do_v at_o the_o meeting_n with_o many_o expression_n concern_v these_o two_o grand_a truth_n in_o the_o write_n of_o ancient_a heathen_n know_v how_o willing_a the_o devil_n may_v be_v to_o have_v such_o principle_n still_o own_v in_o the_o world_n which_o by_o his_o deprave_v of_o they_o may_v be_v the_o nourisher_n of_o idolatry_n and_o superstition_n for_o the_o general_a knowledge_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n suppose_v man_n ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a god_n do_v only_o lay_v a_o foundation_n to_o erect_v his_o idolatrous_a temple_n upon_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n survive_v the_o body_n after_o death_n without_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a way_n of_o attain_v happiness_n do_v make_v man_n more_o eager_a of_o embrace_v those_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o canie_n with_o a_o pretence_n of_o show_v the_o way_n to_o a_o bless_a immortality_n which_o may_v be_v a_o most_o probable_a reason_n why_o philosophy_n and_o idolatry_n do_v increase_v so_o much_o together_o as_o they_o do_v for_o 8._o though_o right_a reason_n full_o improve_v will_v have_v overthrow_v all_o those_o curse_a and_o idolatrous_a practice_n among_o the_o heathen_n yet_o reason_n only_o discern_v some_o general_a notion_n without_o their_o particular_a application_n and_o improvement_n do_v only_o dispose_v the_o most_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o people_n to_o a_o more_o ready_a entertainment_n of_o the_o most_o gross_a idolatry_n for_o hereby_o they_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n but_o can_v not_o find_v out_o the_o right_a way_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o greedy_o follow_v that_o which_o be_v commend_v to_o they_o by_o such_o who_o do_v withal_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o common_a sentiment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o and_o those_o person_n themselves_o who_o be_v the_o great_a maintainer_n of_o these_o sublime_a notion_n concern_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v either_o the_o great_a instrument_n of_o advance_v that_o horrid_a superstition_n among_o they_o as_o orpheus_n &_o apollonius_n or_o very_o forward_a complyer_n with_o it_o as_o many_o of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v although_o withal_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v a_o wonderful_a discovery_n of_o divine_a providence_n by_o these_o general_a notion_n to_o keep_v wake_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o man_n soul_n that_o thereby_o it_o may_v appear_v when_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v manifest_v to_o they_o that_o it_o bring_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o do_v only_o rectify_v the_o depravation_n of_o it_o and_o clear_o show_v man_n that_o way_n which_o they_o have_v long_o be_v ignorant_o seek_v after_o which_o be_v the_o excellent_a advantage_n the_o apostle_n make_v of_o the_o inscription_n on_o the_o altar_n at_o athens_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n who_o say_v he_o you_o ignorant_o serve_v he_o i_o declare_v 23._o unto_o you_o and_o which_o be_v the_o happy_a use_n the_o primitive_a learned_a christian_n make_v of_o all_o those_o passage_n concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o they_o find_v in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n thereby_o to_o evidence_n to_o the_o world_n that_o the_o main_a postulata_fw-la or_o supposition_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v grant_v by_o their_o own_o most_o admire_a man_n and_o that_o christianity_n do_v not_o race_n out_o but_o only_o build_v upon_o those_o common_a foundation_n which_o be_v entertain_v by_o all_o who_o have_v any_o name_n for_o reason_n though_o this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o happy_a effect_n of_o this_o build_a 9_o error_n on_o common_a truth_n to_o all_o that_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o discern_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o as_o to_o other_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o it_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o this_o twofold_a great_a inconvenience_n by_o it_o first_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o apparent_a rottenness_n of_o the_o superstructure_n to_o question_v the_o soundness_n of_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o they_o stand_v and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o considerative_a heathen_n who_o observe_v that_o monstrous_a and_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o worship_n obtain_v among_o the_o heathen_a and_o not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n through_o the_o want_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o deduce_v any_o certain_a institute_v worship_n they_o be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o renounce_v those_o principle_n when_o they_o can_v not_o but_o abhor_v the_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o they_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o usual_a then_o for_o man_n who_o exceed_o detest_v some_o absurd_a consequence_n they_o see_v may_v be_v draw_v from_o a_o principle_n suppose_v to_o reject_v the_o principle_n its_o self_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o it_o may_v be_v do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o it_o but_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n do_v appear_v to_o they_o to_o do_v so_o thus_o when_o the_o intelligent_a heathen_a do_v apparent_o see_v that_o from_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o soul_n do_v flow_v all_o those_o unnatural_a and_o inhuman_a sacrifice_n all_o those_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a rite_n all_o those_o execrable_a and_o profane_a mystery_n out_o of_o a_o loathe_n the_o immorality_n and_o impiety_n which_o attend_v these_o they_o be_v bring_v to_o question_v the_o very_a truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v thus_o abuse_v and_o therefore_o i_o be_o very_o prone_a to_o suspect_v the_o apology_n usual_o make_v for_o protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o such_o other_o of_o they_o 10._o who_o be_v account_v atheist_n to_o be_v more_o favourable_a than_o true_a viz._n that_o they_o only_o reject_v those_o heathen_a deity_n and_o not_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o account_n of_o their_o repute_a atheism_n rational_a be_v it_o any_o way_n evident_a that_o they_o do_v build_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n upon_o any_o other_o ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o those_o who_o worship_n they_o so_o much_o deride_v and_o therefore_o when_o the_o heathen_n accuse_v the_o christian_n of_o atheism_n i_o have_v full_a and_o clear_a evidence_n that_o no_o more_o can_v be_v mean_v thereby_o then_o the_o rejection_n of_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n from_o they_o that_o they_o do_v believe_v in_o a_o divine_a nature_n and_o a_o institute_v religion_n most_o suitable_a to_o the_o most_o common_a receive_v notion_n
of_o god_n which_o they_o own_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o heathen_a worship_n which_o i_o find_v not_o in_o the_o least_o pretend_a to_o by_o any_o of_o the_o forementioned_a person_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o any_o different_a way_n of_o religion_n assert_v but_o only_o a_o destruction_n of_o that_o in_o use_n among_o they_o and_o although_o the_o case_n of_o anaxagoras_n clazomenius_fw-la and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o jonicke_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v very_o different_a 11._o from_o diagoras_n theodorus_n and_o those_o beforementioned_a because_o although_o they_o deny_v the_o god_n in_o vulgar_a repute_n to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v as_o anaxagor_n as_o call_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mere_a globe_n of_o fire_n for_o which_o he_o be_v condemn_v at_o athens_n to_o banishment_n and_o sin_v five_o talent_n 1._o yet_o the_o learned_a vossius_fw-la put_v in_o this_o plea_n in_o his_o behalf_n that_o he_o be_v one_o that_o assert_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n to_o flow_v from_o a_o eternal_a mind_n although_o therefore_o i_o say_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jonick_a philosopher_n may_v seem_v far_o different_a from_o the_o other_o because_o of_o their_o assert_v the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o from_o thales_n milesius_n be_v convey_v by_o anaeximander_n and_o anaximenes_n to_o anoxagoras_n yet_o to_o one_o that_o thorough_o consider_v what_o they_o understand_v by_o their_o eternal_a mind_n they_o may_v be_v soon_o clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o atheism_n than_o irreligion_n which_o two_o certain_o aught_o in_o this_o case_n to_o be_v distinguish_v for_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o man_n meet_v with_o such_o insuperable_a difficulty_n about_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n for_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o matter_n to_o assert_v some_o eternal_a mind_n as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o they_o may_v embrace_v only_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n in_o philosophy_n to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n with_o but_o yet_o not_o to_o make_v this_o eternal_a mind_n the_o object_n of_o adoration_n and_o so_o their_o assert_v a_o deity_n be_v only_o on_o the_o same_o account_n as_o the_o tragedian_n use_v to_o bring_v in_o their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d when_o their_o fable_n be_v bring_v to_o such_o a_o issue_n and_o perplex_v with_o so_o many_o difficulty_n that_o they_o see_v no_o way_n to_o clear_v they_o again_o but_o to_o make_v some_o god_n come_v down_o upon_o the_o stage_n to_o self_n the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v engage_v in_o or_o as_o seneca_n say_v of_o many_o great_a family_n when_o they_o have_v run_v up_o their_o genealogy_n so_o high_a that_o they_o can_v go_v no_o further_o they_o then_o fetch_v their_o pedigree_n from_o the_o god_n so_o when_o these_o philosopher_n see_v such_o incongruity_n in_o assert_v a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a series_n of_o matter_n they_o may_v by_o this_o be_v bring_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o active_a principle_n which_o produce_v the_o world_n though_o they_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o give_v any_o religious_a worship_n to_o that_o eternal_a mind_n thus_o even_o epicurus_n and_o his_o follower_n will_v not_o stick_v to_o 12._o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n so_o they_o may_v but_o circumscribe_v he_o within_o the_o heaven_n and_o let_v he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v on_o earth_n and_o how_o uncertain_a the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o they_o all_o be_v as_o to_o their_o opinion_n concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o their_o ged_n do_v full_o appear_v from_o the_o large_a discourse_n of_o tully_n upon_o that_o subject_n where_o be_v full_o manifest_v their_o variety_n of_o opinion_n and_o mutual_a repugnancy_n their_o self_n contradiction_n and_o inconstancy_n in_o their_o own_o assertion_n which_o have_v make_v i_o somewhat_o inclinable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o of_o they_o do_v to_o the_o world_n own_o a_o deity_n be_v that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v martyrsâ—or_a â—or_z atheism_n which_o tully_n likewise_o seem_v to_o acknowledge_v when_o speak_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o protagoras_n for_o that_o speech_n of_o he_o de_fw-fr diis_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la sint_fw-la neque_fw-la ut_fw-la non_fw-la sint_fw-la habeo_fw-la dicere_fw-la exit_fw-la quo_fw-la equidem_fw-la existimo_fw-la tardiores_fw-la ad_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la profitendam_fw-la 63._o multos_fw-la esse_fw-la factos_fw-la quip_n cum_fw-la poenam_fw-la ne_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la quidem_fw-la effugere_fw-la potuisset_fw-la so_o that_o for_o all_o the_o verbal_a assert_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o they_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a evidence_n of_o their_o firm_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o much_o less_o of_o any_o worship_n and_o service_n they_o owe_v unto_o it_o and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v they_o can_v not_o total_o excuss_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n partly_o through_o that_o natural_a sense_n which_o be_v engrave_v on_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n partly_o as_o be_v unable_a to_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n yet_o the_o observe_v the_o notorious_a vanity_n of_o heathen_a worship_n may_v make_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o mere_a philosophical_a speculation_n and_o not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o man_n life_n for_o as_o in_o nature_n the_o observe_v the_o great_a mixture_n of_o falsehood_n and_o truth_n make_v the_o academic_n deny_v any_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rule_v of_o judge_a truth_n and_o the_o sceptic_n take_v away_o all_o certain_a assent_n so_o the_o same_o consequence_n be_v nnavoidable_a here_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n and_o that_o make_v even_o plato_n himself_o so_o ambiguous_a and_o uncertain_a in_o his_o discourse_n of_o a_o deity_n sometime_o make_v he_o a_o eternal_a mind_n sometime_o assert_v the_o whole_a world_n sun_n moon_n star_n earth_n soul_n and_o all_o to_o be_v god_n and_o even_o those_o that_o be_v worship_v among_o the_o heathen_n as_o tully_n tell_v we_o out_o of_o his_o timaeus_n and_o de_fw-la legibus_fw-la which_o as_o velleius_n the_o epicurean_a there_o speak_v et_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la sunt_fw-la falsa_fw-la &_o sibi_fw-la inuicem_fw-la repugnantia_fw-la this_o be_v the_o first_o inconvenience_n follow_v the_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o falsehood_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n its_o self_n it_o be_v join_v with_o the_o other_o be_v as_o great_a which_o follow_v when_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v mix_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o embrace_v the_o falsehood_n 13._o which_o be_v a_o mistake_n as_o common_a as_o the_o other_o because_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n can_v never_o blend_v or_o be_v incorporate_a together_o therefore_o when_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v some_o truth_n they_o conclude_v no_o falsehood_n to_o be_v join_v with_o it_o and_o this_o i_o suppose_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o more_o credulous_a and_o vulgar_a heathen_a as_o the_o other_o be_v of_o the_o philospher_n for_o they_o find_v mankind_n to_o agree_v in_o this_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o that_o he_o must_v be_v worship_v do_v without_o scruple_n make_v use_n of_o the_o way_n of_o worship_n among_o they_o as_o know_v there_o must_v be_v some_o and_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o else_o and_o from_o hence_o they_o grow_v to_o be_v as_o confident_a believer_n of_o all_o those_o fable_n and_o tradition_n on_o which_o their_o idolatry_n be_v found_v as_o of_o those_o first_o principle_n and_o notion_n from_o which_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a worship_n do_v arise_v and_o be_v thus_o habituate_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o thing_n when_o truth_n itself_o be_v divulge_v among_o they_o they_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o corruption_n of_o some_o of_o their_o fable_n this_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a on_o all_o occasion_n in_o his_o book_n against_o the_o christian_n do_v fly_v to_o thus_o he_o say_v the_o build_n of_o the_o tower_n of_o babel_n and_o the_o confusion_n 179_o of_o tongue_n be_v take_v from_o the_o fable_n of_o the_o aloadae_n in_o homer_n odyssey_n the_o story_n of_o the_o flood_n from_o deucalion_n paradise_n from_o alcinous_n his_o garden_n the_o burn_a of_o sodom_n and_o gomorrah_n from_o the_o story_n of_o phaeton_n which_o origen_n well_o resute_v from_o the_o far_o great_a antiquity_n of_o those_o relation_n among_o the_o jew_n than_o any_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o therefore_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o they_o and_o not_o the_o jew_n which_o must_v be_v our_o only_a way_n for_o find_v out_o which_o be_v the_o original_a and_o which_o the_o corruption_n by_o
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 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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 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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
serve_v other_o go_n how_o unlikely_a then_o be_v it_o that_o this_o tradition_n 2._o shall_v be_v afterward_o preserve_v entire_a when_o the_o people_n god_n have_v peculiar_o choose_v to_o himself_o be_v so_o mix_v among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o so_o prone_a to_o the_o idolatry_n of_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o they_o and_o that_o even_o after_o god_n have_v give_v they_o a_o write_a law_n attest_v with_o the_o great_a miracle_n what_o will_v they_o have_v do_v then_o have_v they_o never_o be_v bring_v forth_o of_o egypt_n by_o such_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o have_v no_o certain_a record_n leave_v to_o preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o former_a age_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o much_o it_o stand_v to_o the_o great_a reason_n that_o so_o memorable_a thing_n shall_v be_v digest_v into_o sacred_a record_n we_o have_v as_o great_a certainty_n that_o moses_n be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o record_n go_v under_o his_o name_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o matter_n of_o 2._o fact_n do_v 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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 deliver_v by_o moses_n 1._o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o person_n most_o capable_a of_o judge_v in_o the_o case_n in_o hand_n i_o know_v nothing_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a and_o inquisitive_a mind_n can_v possible_o desire_v in_o order_n to_o satisfaction_n concern_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n beyond_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o such_o person_n who_o have_v a_o great_a capacity_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o then_o we_o can_v have_v and_o those_o be_v all_o such_o person_n who_o have_v live_v near_a those_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v do_v and_o have_v best_a understand_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o time_n when_o the_o thing_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v do_v can_v we_o possible_o conceive_v that_o among_o the_o people_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o transgress_v the_o law_n
subsequent_a or_o for_o want_n of_o understand_v the_o design_n of_o the_o chief_a instrument_n of_o action_n but_o when_o the_o person_n himself_o who_o be_v the_o chief_a in_o all_o shall_v undertake_v to_o write_v a_o exact_a history_n of_o it_o what_o evidence_n can_v be_v desire_v more_o certain_a than_o that_o be_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o defect_n as_o to_o information_n concern_v what_o be_v do_v the_o only_a scruple_n then_o that_o can_v be_v make_v must_v be_v concern_v the_o passage_n of_o former_a time_n which_o moses_n relate_v and_o here_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o insist_v only_o on_o all_o that_o can_v be_v desire_v in_o a_o bare_a historian_n set_v aside_o divine_a revelation_n he_o have_v as_o true_a and_o certain_a information_n of_o the_o history_n of_o those_o former_a age_n as_o any_o one_o can_v have_v of_o thing_n at_o that_o distance_n from_o themselves_o and_o that_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a â—â—interrupted_a tradition_n of_o they_o which_o will_v appear_v more_o clear_a and_o evident_a in_o that_o nation_n of_o which_o moses_n be_v then_o in_o any_o other_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o on_o these_o two_o account_n first_o the_o undoubted_a lineal_a deseent_n from_o father_n to_o son_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n second_o their_o interest_n lie_v so_o much_o in_o the_o preserve_n this_o tradition_n entire_a first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a unmix_a lineal_a descent_n from_o father_n to_o son_n in_o the_o jewish_a nation_n the_o great_a â—ause_n of_o most_o 9_o of_o the_o confusion_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o other_o nation_n be_v the_o frequent_a mix_n of_o several_a family_n one_o with_o another_o now_o that_o god_n may_v as_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n satisfy_v the_o world_n of_o the_o israelite_n capacity_n to_o preserve_v the_o tradition_n entire_a he_o prohibit_v their_o mixture_n by_o marriage_n with_o the_o people_n of_o other_o nation_n and_o family_n so_o that_o in_o moses_n his_o time_n it_o be_v a_o very_a easy_a matter_n to_o run_v up_o their_o lineal_a descent_n as_o far_o as_o the_o flood_n nay_o up_o to_o adam_n for_o adam_n converse_v sometime_o with_o noah_n sem_fw-mi his_o son_n be_v probable_o live_v in_o some_o part_n of_o jacob_n time_n or_o isaac_n at_o least_o and_o how_o easy_o and_o uninterrupted_o may_v the_o general_a tradition_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n be_v continue_v thence_o to_o the_o time_n of_o moses_n when_o the_o number_n of_o family_n agree_v in_o this_o tradition_n be_v increase_v and_o withal_o incorporate_v by_o a_o common_a ligament_n of_o religion_n i_o demand_v then_o where_o can_v we_o suppose_v any_o ignorance_n or_o cut_v off_o this_o general_a tradition_n in_o so_o continue_v a_o succession_n as_o here_o be_v can_v we_o imagine_v that_o the_o grandchild_n of_o jacob_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o own_o pedigree_n and_o whence_o they_o come_v into_o egypt_n can_v we_o think_v a_o thing_n so_o late_a and_o so_o remarkable_a as_o the_o account_n of_o their_o come_n thither_o shall_v be_v forget_v which_o be_v attend_v with_o so_o many_o memorable_a circumstance_n especial_o the_o sell_v and_o advancement_n of_o joseph_n who_o memory_n it_o be_v impossible_a shall_v be_v obliterated_a in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n can_v jacob_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o country_n whence_o his_o grandfather_n abraham_n come_v especial_o when_o he_o live_v so_o long_o in_o it_o himself_o and_o marry_v into_o that_o branch_n of_o the_o family_n that_o be_v remain_v there_o when_o he_o have_v serve_v his_o uncle_n laban_n can_v abraham_n when_o he_o be_v cotemporary_a with_o sem_fw-mi be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o flood_n when_o sem_fw-mi from_o who_o he_o derive_v himself_o be_v one_o of_o the_o person_n who_o escape_v it_o in_o the_o ark_n can_v sem_fw-mi be_fw-mi ignorant_a of_o the_o action_n before_o the_o flood_n when_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n live_v some_o part_n of_o his_o time_n with_o noah_n and_o can_v noah_n then_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o creation_n and_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n thus_o we_o see_v it_o almost_o impossible_a that_o any_o age_n among_o they_o then_o can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o precedent_n which_o they_o be_v so_o few_o generation_n remove_v from_o that_o they_o can_v with_o ease_n derive_v themselves_o from_o the_o first_o man_n what_o then_o can_v we_o say_v that_o any_o of_o these_o have_v a_o design_n of_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n and_o so_o corrupt_v the_o tradition_n but_o beside_o that_o it_o can_v be_v hardly_o possible_a at_o that_o time_n when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o remain_a testimony_n of_o former_a time_n what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v that_o any_o parent_n shall_v have_v in_o thus_o deceive_v their_o child_n or_o what_o advantage_n shall_v come_v to_o they_o by_o such_o a_o deceit_n nay_o i_o shall_v now_o manifest_v in_o the_o sicond_a place_n that_o the_o whole_a interest_n of_o their_o child_n lay_v in_o preserve_v this_o tradition_n certain_a and_o entire_a for_o their_o hope_n of_o possess_v canaan_n and_o title_n to_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o promise_n make_v to_o abraham_n 400_o year_n before_o which_o will_v not_o only_o keep_v awake_v their_o sense_n of_o divine_a providence_n but_o will_v make_v they_o careful_a during_o their_o bondage_n to_o preserve_v their_o genealogy_n because_o all_o the_o right_n they_o can_v plead_v to_o their_o pâ—ssessions_n in_o canaan_n be_v from_o their_o be_v of_o abraham_n seed_n and_o beside_o this_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o memorial_n to_o they_o of_o passage_n between_o god_n and_o abraham_n they_o have_v in_o their_o flesh_n a_o badge_n of_o circumcision_n which_o will_v serve_v to_o call_v to_o mind_v those_o transaction_n which_o have_v be_v between_o god_n and_o their_o forefathers_n these_o thing_n than_o do_v full_o demonstrate_v that_o insist_v only_o on_o rational_a evidence_n the_o israelite_n be_v the_o most_o certain_a conservator_n of_o the_o ancient_a history_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v we_o then_o think_v that_o moses_n who_o be_v the_o ruler_n among_o they_o shall_v not_o full_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o every_o israelite_n can_v scarce_o be_v ignorant_a of_o and_o may_v correct_v the_o mistake_n of_o moses_n in_o his_o history_n if_o he_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o any_o such_o these_o thing_n i_o suppose_v have_v make_v the_o first_o proposition_n evident_a that_o it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a moses_n shall_v be_v deceive_v himself_o or_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o report_v to_o other_o both_o because_o he_o have_v ability_n sufficient_a to_o discover_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o sufficient_a information_n of_o the_o passage_n of_o former_a time_n chap._n iii_o moses_n his_o fidelity_n and_o integrity_n prove_v moses_n consider_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n his_o fidelity_n in_o both_o prove_v clear_a evidence_n that_o he_o have_v no_o intent_n to_o deceive_v in_o his_o history_n freedom_n from_o private_a interest_n impartiality_n in_o his_o relation_n plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o stile_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n he_o come_v arm_v with_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n be_v fix_v on_o to_o be_v full_o prove_v from_o his_o action_n and_o write_n the_o power_n of_o miracle_n the_o great_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n two_o grand_a question_n propound_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n may_v be_v expect_v and_o how_o know_v to_o be_v true_a no_o necessity_n of_o a_o constant_a power_n of_o miracle_n in_o a_o church_n two_o case_n alone_o wherein_o they_o may_v be_v expect_v when_o any_o thing_n come_v as_o a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o when_o a_o divine_a law_n be_v to_o be_v repeal_v the_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n in_o those_o case_n as_o a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n assert_v objection_n answer_v no_o use_n of_o miracle_n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v settle_v and_o own_a by_o miracle_n in_o the_o first_o revelation_n no_o need_n of_o miracle_n in_o reformation_n of_o a_o church_n the_o second_o proposition_n contain_v the_o proof_n of_o moses_n his_o fidelity_n that_o he_o be_v as_o far_o from_o have_v any_o intent_n to_o 1_o deceive_v other_o as_o he_o be_v be_v deceive_v himself_o two_o way_n moses_n must_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o historian_n and_o as_o a_o lawgiver_n the_o only_a inducement_n for_o he_o to_o deceive_v as_o a_o historian_n must_v be_v some_o particular_a interest_n which_o must_v draw_v he_o aside_o from_o a_o impartial_a delivery_n of_o the_o truth_n as_o a_o lawgiver_n he_o may_v deceive_v if_o he_o pretend_v divine_a revelation_n for_o those_o law_n which_o be_v only_o the_o issue_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n that_o they_o may_v be_v receive_v with_o a_o great_a veneration_n among_o the_o people_n as_o numa_n pompilius_n and_o other_o do_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
they_o but_o astronomer_n by_o the_o help_n of_o their_o optic_a tube_n and_o telescope_n do_v easy_o discern_v the_o just_a magnitude_n of_o they_o so_o the_o jew_n ordinary_o think_v there_o be_v no_o more_o in_o those_o type_n and_o shadow_n than_o be_v visible_o represent_v to_o they_o but_o such_o as_o have_v the_o help_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n the_o best_a telescope_n to_o discern_v the_o daystar_n from_o on_o high_a with_o can_v easy_o look_v through_o those_o prospective_n into_o the_o most_o glorious_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ._n these_o type_n be_v like_o triangular_a prisme_n that_o must_v be_v set_v in_o a_o due_a light_n and_o posture_n before_o they_o can_v represent_v that_o great_a variety_n of_o spiritual_a mystery_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o now_o the_o great_a office_n of_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o administer_v this_o light_n to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o direct_v they_o in_o those_o excellent_a piece_n of_o perspective_n wherein_o by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o prophetic_a glass_n they_o may_v see_v the_o son_n of_o god_n full_o represent_v to_o their_o view_n beside_o this_o the_o prophetical_a office_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o chancery_n to_o the_o mosaic_a law_n wherein_o the_o prophet_n do_v interpret_v the_o pandect_n of_o the_o law_n ex_fw-la aequo_fw-la &_o bono_fw-mi and_o frequent_o show_v in_o what_o case_n god_n do_v dispense_v with_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o it_o to_o exalt_v the_o more_o the_o inward_a sense_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o hence_o the_o prophet_n seem_v many_o time_n to_o speak_v contemptible_o of_o the_o outward_a prescribe_a 23._o ceremony_n when_o their_o intent_n be_v not_o to_o condemn_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o but_o to_o tell_v the_o people_n there_o be_v great_a thing_n which_o god_n look_v at_o than_o the_o outward_a observation_n of_o some_o ceremonial_a precept_n and_o that_o god_n will_v never_o accept_v of_o that_o by_o way_n of_o commutation_n for_o real_a and_o internal_a goodness_n hence_o the_o prophet_n by_o their_o own_o practice_n do_v frequent_o show_v that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n do_v not_o so_o indispensable_o oblige_v man_n but_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o those_o action_n which_o be_v perform_v without_o the_o regularity_n require_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o thus_o he_o do_v of_o sacrifice_v upon_o high_a place_n not_o only_o before_o the_o build_n of_o the_o temple_n but_o sometime_o after_o as_o he_o accept_v of_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o elijah_n on_o mount_n carmel_n 38._o even_o when_o high_a place_n be_v for_o bid_v which_o the_o jew_n be_v become_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o they_o grant_v that_o a_o true_a prophet_n may_v sometime_o command_v something_o to_o be_v do_v in_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n so_o he_o do_v not_o draw_v people_n to_o idolatry_n 7._o nor_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o moses_n his_o law_n but_o this_o they_o restrain_v to_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d something_o do_v in_o case_n of_o necessity_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o pass_v into_o a_o precedent_n or_o a_o perpetual_a law_n and_o therefore_o their_o rule_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o prophet_n be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o command_v in_o a_o case_n of_o necessity_n but_o by_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o the_o prophet_n be_v not_o to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o by_o the_o end_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o thus_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v make_v it_o clear_v what_o rule_v the_o people_n have_v to_o try_v the_o prophet_n doctrine_n by_o without_o miracle_n chap._n vi_o the_o trial_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n and_o miracle_n the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o the_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o prophetical_a prediction_n from_o jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n some_o general_a hypothesis_n premise_v for_o the_o clear_n of_o it_o the_o first_o concern_v the_o ground_n why_o prediction_n be_v account_v a_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n three_o consectary_n draw_v thence_o the_o second_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o prophecy_n the_o three_o be_v that_o god_n do_v not_o always_o reveal_v the_o internal_a purpose_n of_o his_o will_n unto_o the_o true_a prophet_n the_o grand_a question_n propound_v â—ow_o it_o may_v be_v know_v when_o prediction_n express_v god_n decree_n and_o when_o only_o the_o series_n of_o cause_n for_o the_o first_o several_a rule_n lay_v down_o 1._o when_o the_o prediction_n be_v confirm_v by_o â—_o present_a miracle_n 2._o when_o the_o thing_n foretell_v exceed_v the_o probability_n of_o second_o cause_n 3._o when_o confirm_v by_o god_n oath_n 4._o when_o the_o blessing_n foretold_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a three_o rule_n for_o interpret_n the_o prophecy_n which_o respect_v the_o state_n of_o thing_n under_o the_o gospel_n 5._o when_o all_o circumstance_n be_v foretell_v 6._o when_o many_o prophet_n in_o several_a age_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o prediction_n prediction_n do_v not_o express_v god_n unalterable_a purpose_n when_o they_o only_o contain_v commination_n of_o judgement_n or_o be_v prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n the_o case_n of_o the_o ninivites_n hezekiah_n and_o other_o open_v of_o repentance_n in_o god_n what_o it_o imply_v the_o jewish_a objection_n about_o prediction_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n answer_v in_o what_o case_n miracle_n be_v expect_v from_o the_o prophet_n when_o they_o be_v to_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n instance_a in_o the_o prophet_n at_o bethel_n elijah_n elishah_n and_o of_o moses_n himself_o who_o divine_a authority_n that_o it_o be_v prove_v by_o miracle_n be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o modern_a jew_n and_o their_o pretence_n answer_v the_o next_o thing_n which_o the_o rule_n of_o trial_n concern_v be_v 1_o the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n concern_v which_o god_n himself_o have_v lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n deut._n 18._o 22._o when_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o thing_n follow_v not_o nor_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o speak_v but_o the_o prophet_n have_v speak_v it_o presumptuous_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o grotius_n understand_v this_o place_n of_o the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n he_o will_v do_v some_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v his_o doctrine_n but_o say_v he_o if_o those_o miracle_n be_v not_o do_v as_o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n of_o a_o false_a prophet_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v so_o for_o than_o his_o own_o mouth_n tell_v he_o he_o be_v a_o lie_a prophet_n but_o these_o word_n seem_v to_o refer_v rather_o to_o something_o future_a then_o present_a and_o be_v therefore_o general_o understand_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o prediction_n which_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o very_o difficult_a trial_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o goodness_n or_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n so_o frequent_o interpose_v between_o the_o prediction_n and_o the_o event_n that_o place_n which_o make_v it_o so_o difficult_a to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o prediction_n by_o the_o event_n be_v jerem._n 18._o 7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o pluck_v up_o and_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o destroy_v it_o if_o that_o nation_n against_o who_o i_o have_v pronounce_v turn_v from_o evil_n i_o will_v repent_v of_o the_o evil_n i_o have_v think_v to_o do_v unto_o they_o and_o at_o what_o instant_n i_o shall_v speak_v concern_v a_o nation_n and_o concern_v a_o kingdom_n to_o build_v and_o to_o plant_v it_o if_o it_o do_v evil_a in_o my_o sight_n that_o it_o obey_v not_o my_o voice_n then_o will_v i_o repent_v of_o the_o good_a wherewith_o i_o say_v i_o will_v benefit_v they_o by_o which_o place_n it_o seem_v clear_a that_o even_o after_o the_o prediction_n of_o prophet_n god_n do_v reserve_v a_o liberty_n to_o himself_o either_o to_o repent_v of_o the_o evil_a or_o the_o good_a that_o be_v foretell_v concern_v any_o people_n how_o then_o can_v the_o fidelity_n of_o a_o prophet_n be_v discover_v by_o the_o event_n when_o god_n may_v alter_v the_o event_n and_o yet_o the_o prophet_n be_v a_o true_a prophet_n this_o be_v a_o case_n very_o intricate_a and_o obscure_a will_v call_v for_o the_o more_o diligence_n in_o the_o unfolding_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o shall_v first_o premise_v some_o general_a hypothesis_n and_o then_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a resolution_n of_o it_o the_o general_a hypothesis_n will_v be_v concern_v the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o god_n reveal_v future_a contingency_n to_o the_o prophet_n without_o which_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o
there_o may_v be_v clear_a perception_n where_o the_o object_n its_o self_n be_v above_o our_o capacity_n now_o whatever_o foundation_n there_o be_v in_o nature_n for_o such_o a_o perception_n without_o comprehension_n that_o and_o much_o more_o be_v there_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n though_o above_o our_o apprehension_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v be_v so_o strong_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o be_v above_o our_o apprehension_n as_o the_o revelation_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v believe_v the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v though_o our_o understanding_n lose_v themselves_o in_o strive_v to_o reach_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n second_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o a_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n be_v a_o principle_n most_o unreasonable_a in_o its_o self_n that_o we_o be_v 2._o to_o embrace_v nothing_o for_o truth_n though_o divine_o reveal_v but_o what_o our_o reason_n be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n on_o which_o account_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n satisfaction_n and_o consequent_o the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v reject_v as_o incredible_a and_o that_o on_o this_o bare_a pretence_n because_o although_o many_o expression_n in_o scripture_n seem_v to_o import_v all_o these_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n because_o this_o be_v incongruous_a to_o our_o reason_n but_o although_o christianity_n be_v a_o religion_n which_o come_v in_o the_o high_a way_n of_o credibility_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n although_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n mere_o because_o our_o reason_n be_v to_o seek_v as_o to_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a pretence_n and_o the_o assertor_n of_o it_o must_v run_v themselves_o on_o these_o unavoidable_a absurdity_n first_o of_o believe_v nothing_o either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n to_o 1._o be_v true_a but_o what_o they_o can_v give_v a_o full_a and_o satisfactory_a account_n of_o as_o to_o every_o mode_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o therefore_o let_v such_o person_n first_o try_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o then_o we_o may_v suppose_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o sun_n shine_v till_o they_o have_v by_o demonstrative_a argument_n prove_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o the_o ptolomaick_a or_o copernican_n hypothesis_n that_o they_o will_v never_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o flux_n and_o reflux_n of_o the_o sea_n till_o they_o clear_o resolve_v the_o doubt_n which_o attend_v the_o several_a opinion_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n till_o they_o can_v satisfactory_o tell_v we_o how_o the_o part_n of_o it_o be_v unite_v nor_o that_o there_o be_v any_o material_a being_n till_o they_o have_v resolve_v all_o the_o perplex_v difficulty_n about_o the_o several_a affection_n of_o they_o and_o that_o themselves_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o rational_a soul_n till_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n together_o and_o if_o they_o can_v expedite_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o difficulty_n about_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n about_o which_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o frame_v handsome_a and_o consistent_a hypothesis_n then_o to_o give_v a_o certain_a account_n of_o they_o then_o let_v they_o be_v let_v loose_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o divine_a revelation_n as_o to_o which_o yet_o if_o they_o can_v perform_v the_o other_o be_v there_o no_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o undertake_n for_o that_o be_v second_o to_o commensurate_a the_o perfection_n of_o god_n with_o the_o narrow_a capacity_n of_o the_o humane_a intellect_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o 2._o the_o natural_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o take_v up_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n for_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n do_v suppose_v incomprehensibility_n to_o belong_v to_o his_o nature_n and_o the_o manner_n whereby_o we_o form_n our_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v by_o take_v away_o all_o the_o imperfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o self_n from_o the_o conception_n we_o form_n of_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o by_o add_v infinity_n to_o all_o the_o perfection_n we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o nature_n now_o this_o method_n of_o proceed_v do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o vast_a distance_n and_o disproportion_n between_o a_o finite_a and_o infinite_a understanding_n and_o if_o the_o understanding_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a why_o may_v not_o he_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o our_o shallow_a apprehension_n can_v reach_v unto_o what_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o reason_n can_v we_o have_v that_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o understanding_n when_o it_o undertake_v to_o discover_v matter_n of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o concernment_n to_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o imperfect_a and_o narrow_a intellect_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v sufficient_a that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v do_v none_o of_o they_o contradict_v the_o prime_n result_v or_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n which_o none_o of_o they_o do_v but_o that_o every_o particular_a mode_n and_o circumstance_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o existence_n in_o god_n or_o the_o extent_n of_o his_o omnipotent_a power_n must_v pass_v the_o scrutiny_n of_o our_o faculty_n before_o it_o obtain_v a_o placet_fw-la for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n three_o it_o must_v follow_v from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o pretender_n to_o it_o must_v affirm_v the_o rule_n or_o maxim_n which_o they_o go_v by_o 3._o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o infallible_a standard_n of_o reason_n else_o they_o be_v as_o far_o to_o seek_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o other_o be_v they_o must_v then_o to_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o principle_n affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o absolute_a master_n of_o reason_n now_o reason_n consist_v of_o observation_n make_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n for_o so_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o judge_v viz._n as_o a_o systeme_n of_o infallible_a rule_n collect_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o who_o pretend_v to_o it_o must_v demonstrate_v these_o general_a maxim_n according_a to_o which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v collect_v from_o a_o universal_a undoubted_a history_n of_o nature_n which_o lie_v yet_o too_o dark_a and_o obscure_a for_o any_o to_o pretend_v to_o the_o full_a knowledge_n of_o and_o will_v be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o high_a arrogance_n after_o so_o many_o successless_a endeavour_n of_o the_o most_o search_a wit_n in_o any_o society_n of_o person_n to_o usurp_v it_o to_o themselves_o especial_o if_o such_o person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o very_o fair_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o the_o most_o dogmatical_a of_o all_o philosopher_n and_o that_o in_o such_o principle_n which_o the_o more_o inquisitive_a world_n have_v now_o find_v to_o be_v very_o short_a uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a and_o upon_o severe_a enquiry_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o grand_a principle_n which_o have_v be_v take_v by_o these_o adorer_n of_o reason_n for_o almost_o the_o standard_n of_o it_o have_v be_v some_o theory_n which_o have_v be_v take_v up_o mere_o from_o observation_n of_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n by_o such_o person_n who_o scarce_o own_v any_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n now_o it_o can_v otherwise_o be_v conceive_v but_o that_o these_o theory_n or_o principle_n form_v from_o such_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v make_v strange_a work_n when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v those_o thing_n to_o they_o which_o be_v never_o look_v at_o in_o the_o form_n of_o they_o whence_o come_v those_o two_o receive_v principle_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possible_a return_n from_o a_o privation_n to_o a_o habit_n but_o from_o those_o philosopher_n who_o believe_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n or_o if_o they_o do_v assert_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n yet_o suppose_v he_o unconcerned_a in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n whence_o come_v our_o master_n
people_n in_o a_o condition_n to_o be_v feed_v by_o manna_n as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wilderness_n god_n gracious_o suit_v the_o discovery_n of_o his_o power_n to_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o the_o people_n which_o they_o be_v make_v to_o and_o the_o dispensation_n they_o usher_v in_o those_o terrible_a sign_n at_o mount_n sinai_n be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o severity_n and_o rigour_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gracious_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o sweetness_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o on_o this_o account_n our_o saviour_n charge_v the_o jew_n with_o hypocrisy_n in_o require_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o something_o above_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prodigy_n rather_o than_o a_o miracle_n a_o evil_a and_o adulterous_a generation_n seek_v after_o a_o sign_n and_o there_o shall_v no_o sign_n 9_o be_v give_v it_o but_o that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jonas_n i._n e._n this_o people_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o faith_n of_o abraham_n and_o therefore_o be_v supposititious_a child_n that_o no_o miracle_n which_o i_o do_v will_v convince_v they_o but_o they_o seek_v only_o to_o have_v their_o humour_n gratify_v more_o than_o their_o faith_n confirm_v by_o some_o prodigy_n from_o heaven_n shall_v not_o by_o i_o be_v thus_o gratify_v but_o have_v do_v enough_o already_o to_o persuade_v they_o if_o they_o have_v any_o heart_n to_o believe_v instead_o of_o a_o sign_n from_o heaven_n they_o shall_v have_v only_o one_o from_o the_o earth_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o intend_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o such_o wilful_a unbeliever_n as_o for_o the_o testify_a my_o innocency_n to_o the_o world_n viz._n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o so_o elsewhere_o when_o the_o jew_n demand_v a_o sign_n it_o be_v upon_o the_o do_n of_o that_o which_o if_o they_o have_v attend_v to_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a sign_n to_o they_o viz._n his_o drive_v the_o buyer_n and_o seller_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n permit_v 18._o by_o the_o sanbedrim_n and_o the_o priest_n how_o can_v they_o think_v so_o mean_a a_o person_n in_o appearance_n as_o our_o saviour_n be_v can_v ever_o have_v effect_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o a_o divine_a majesty_n and_o power_n which_o appear_v in_o he_o it_o be_v not_o then_o the_o expectation_n of_o miracle_n which_o our_o saviour_n rebuke_v in_o the_o jew_n but_o be_v unsatisfied_a with_o the_o kind_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n it_o be_v their_o hypocrisy_n and_o unbelief_n which_o christ_n condemn_v notwithstanding_o the_o frequent_a miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v among_o they_o for_o we_o plain_o find_v our_o saviour_n very_o often_o appeal_n to_o his_o miracle_n as_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o divine_a commission_n if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v the_o 24._o work_n among_o they_o which_o no_o man_n else_o do_v they_o have_v not_o sin_n i._n e._n in_o not_o believe_v i_o whereby_o christ_n both_o set_v forth_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o work_a miracle_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o woâ—ld_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v he_o do_v those_o no_o man_n else_o have_v do_v no_o not_o moses_n and_o elias_n in_o cure_v all_o manner_n of_o disease_n by_o the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o those_o miracle_n which_o they_o have_v do_v he_o exceed_v they_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v they_o moses_n feed_v they_o with_o bread_n from_o heaven_n but_o christ_n multiply_v on_o earth_n some_o few_o loaf_n and_o fish_n to_o the_o feed_n of_o many_o thousand_o elias_n indeed_o raise_v one_o from_o the_o dead_a but_o christ_n raise_v more_o and_o one_o after_o he_o have_v be_v four_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n and_o upon_o this_o very_a evidence_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n we_o find_v many_o believe_v on_o he_o and_o even_o of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o far_o wrought_v upon_o as_o to_o become_v follower_n of_o christ_n as_o 11._o the_o only_a messiah_n yet_o we_o find_v they_o so_o far_o persuade_v by_o the_o power_n of_o his_o miracle_n that_o they_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o great_a prophet_n or_o one_o that_o be_v send_v from_o god_n so_o nicodemus_n who_o come_v first_o to_o christ_n more_o as_o a_o rational_a enquirer_n than_o a_o believer_n yet_o we_o see_v he_o be_v persuade_v that_o he_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n because_o no_o man_n can_v do_v 2._o the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n do_v unless_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o before_o he_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n at_o jerusalem_n believe_v in_o his_o 23._o name_n when_o they_o see_v the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v yet_o these_o person_n christ_n will_v not_o trust_v himself_o with_o because_o he_o know_v their_o heart_n be_v not_o subdue_v to_o his_o doctrine_n though_o their_o understanding_n be_v convince_v by_o his_o miracle_n and_o after_o this_o other_o of_o the_o jew_n that_o look_v not_o on_o he_o as_o the_o messiah_n yet_o it_o be_v say_v they_o believe_v on_o he_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o many_o of_o the_o people_n believe_v on_o he_o and_o say_v when_o christ_n come_v will_v he_o do_v more_o miracle_n than_o these_o which_o this_o man_n have_v do_v although_o herein_o they_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a in_o believe_v the_o evidence_n and_o not_o the_o truth_n attest_v by_o it_o in_o believe_v christ_n to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n by_o his_o miracle_n 31._o and_o yet_o not_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n attest_v by_o they_o not_o that_o mere_a miracle_n will_v prove_v the_o person_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n who_o do_v they_o but_o the_o miracle_n prove_v the_o testimony_n to_o be_v divine_a now_o that_o which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o they_o as_o a_o divine_a testimony_n be_v his_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o therefore_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n they_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v one_o send_v from_o god_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n for_o one_o send_v from_o god_n can_v never_o falsify_v in_o the_o main_a of_o his_o message_n as_o this_o be_v of_o our_o saviour_n preach_v and_o thence_o it_o be_v observable_a our_o saviour_n do_v not_o show_v forth_o his_o divine_a power_n till_o he_o enter_v upon_o his_o office_n of_o preach_v thereby_o make_v it_o appear_v he_o intend_v this_o as_o the_o great_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o preach_v to_o they_o and_o herein_o the_o blind_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n see_v more_o truth_n and_o reason_n then_o the_o whole_a court_n of_o sanhedrin_n before_o which_o in_o probability_n he_o be_v convent_v about_o his_o cure_n by_o christ_n for_o when_o they_o seek_v to_o get_v something_o out_o of_o he_o in_o disparagement_n of_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o miracle_n he_o sharp_o and_o round_o tell_v they_o when_o they_o say_v they_o know_v god_n speak_v to_o moses_n but_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v why_o herein_o say_v he_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o 33._o can_v do_v nothing_o as_o though_o he_o have_v say_v be_v it_o not_o plain_a that_o this_o man_n be_v employ_v by_o god_n in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v for_o otherwise_o god_n will_v not_o so_o ready_o assist_v he_o in_o do_v such_o great_a work_n for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n 31._o and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v i._n e._n if_o this_o man_n pretend_v a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n false_o whereby_o he_o will_v be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n can_v we_o think_v god_n will_v so_o miraculous_o assist_v he_o but_o we_o know_v by_o our_o law_n if_o one_o come_v with_o a_o commission_n from_o god_n and_o draw_v man_n not_o to_o idolatry_n which_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n such_o a_o one_o god_n be_v present_a with_o and_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v he_o and_o for_o this_o very_a miracle_n of_o cure_v one_o bear_v blind_a be_v the_o like_a ever_o hear_v of_o before_o do_v ever_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n do_v it_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o strong_a rational_a evidence_n there_o be_v in_o this_o miracle_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o this_o blind_a man_n which_o he_o utter_v with_o so_o much_o reason_n before_o the_o court_n of_o sanhedrin_n when_o he_o know_v how_o like_a he_o be_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o this_o very_a person_n be_v as_o yet_o ignorant_a that_o christ_n be_v the_o
their_o genuine_a follower_n they_o instead_o of_o the_o common_a and_o rude_a name_n of_o impostor_n give_v they_o a_o more_o civil_a title_n of_o philosopher_n and_o look_v upon_o their_o doctrine_n as_o a_o sublime_a kind_n of_o philosophy_n non_fw-la utique_fw-la divinum_fw-la negotium_fw-la existimant_fw-la sed_fw-la make_fw-mi be_v philosophiae_fw-la genus_fw-la as_o tertullian_n 46._o tell_v we_o because_o the_o philosopher_n pretend_v so_o much_o to_o moral_a virtue_n which_o they_o see_v the_o christian_n so_o excellent_a in_o but_o as_o tertullian_n there_o reply_v nomen_fw-la hoc_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la daemonia_fw-la non_fw-la fugat_fw-la the_o devil_n be_v never_o afraid_a of_o a_o philosopher_n beard_n nor_o be_v disease_n cure_v by_o the_o touch_n of_o a_o philosophic_a pallium_fw-la there_o be_v something_o more_o divine_a in_o christian_n then_o in_o the_o grave_a philosopher_n and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o life_n and_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v see_v in_o they_o but_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o doctrine_n it_o be_v a_o true_a character_n give_v of_o both_o by_o that_o same_o excellent_a writer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n veritatem_fw-la philosophi_fw-la quidem_fw-la affâ—ctant_fw-la possident_fw-la autem_fw-la christiani_n what_o the_o philosopher_n desire_v only_o the_o christian_n enjoy_v 4._o which_o be_v truth_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o more_o full_o speak_v mimicè_fw-la philosophi_fw-la affectant_fw-la veritatem_fw-la &_o affectando_fw-la corrum_fw-la punt_n ut_fw-la qui_fw-la gloriam_fw-la captant_fw-la christianieam_fw-la necessariò_fw-la appetunt_fw-la 46._o &_o integri_fw-la praestant_fw-la ut_fw-la qui_fw-la saluti_fw-la suae_fw-la curant_fw-la truth_n be_v the_o philosopher_n mistress_n which_o by_o court_v he_o vitiate_v and_o corrupt_v look_v at_o nothing_o but_o his_o own_o glory_n but_o truth_n be_v the_o christian_n matron_n who_o direction_n he_o observe_v and_o follow_v because_o he_o regard_v no_o glory_n but_o that_o to_o come_v and_o to_o let_v they_o further_o see_v what_o a_o difference_n there_o be_v between_o a_o christian_a and_o a_o philosopher_n he_o conclude_v that_o discourse_n with_o these_o word_n quid_fw-la adeo_fw-la simile_n philosophus_fw-la &_o christianus_n graeciae_fw-la discipulus_fw-la et_fw-la coeli_fw-la famae_fw-la negotiator_fw-la et_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la verborum_fw-la et_fw-fr factorum_fw-la operator_fw-la rerum_fw-la aedificator_n et_fw-la destructor_n amicus_fw-la et_fw-fr inimicus_fw-la erroris_fw-la veritatis_fw-la interpolator_n et_fw-la integrator_fw-la furator_fw-la ejus_fw-la et_fw-la custos_fw-la as_o much_o distance_n say_v he_o as_o there_o be_v between_o greece_n and_o heaven_n between_o applause_n and_o eternal_a glory_n between_o word_n and_o thing_n between_o building_n and_o destroy_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n between_o a_o plagiary_n and_o corrupter_n of_o truth_n and_o a_o preserver_n and_o advancer_n of_o it_o so_o much_o be_v there_o between_o a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian._n the_o heathen_n may_v suspect_v indeed_o some_o kind_n of_o affinity_n between_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ancient_a sophist_n of_o greece_n because_o of_o their_o frequent_a go_v from_o place_n to_o place_n and_o pretend_v a_o kind_n of_o enthusiasm_n as_o they_o do_v but_o as_o much_o difference_n as_o there_o be_v between_o a_o knight_n errant_a and_o hercules_n between_o a_o mountebank_n and_o hypocrates_n that_o and_o much_o great_a there_o be_v between_o a_o greek_a sophist_n and_o a_o apostle_n socrates_n in_o plato_n euthydemus_n have_v excellent_o discover_v the_o vanity_n and_o futility_n of_o those_o person_n under_o the_o person_n of_o euthydemus_n and_o dionysodorus_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o his_o protagoras_n their_o intent_n be_v only_o like_o the_o retiaries_n in_o the_o roman_a spectacle_n to_o catch_v their_o adversary_n in_o a_o net_n to_o entangle_v they_o with_o some_o captious_a question_n or_o other_o but_o how_o vast_o different_a from_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o abhor_v those_o endless_a contention_n which_o then_o be_v in_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o come_v to_o show_v they_o that_o truth_n which_o be_v reveal_v with_o a_o intent_n of_o make_v they_o better_a man_n we_o see_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o carry_v forth_o by_o any_o mean_a 12._o and_o vulgar_a motive_n neither_o do_v they_o drive_v on_o any_o private_a end_n of_o their_o own_o all_o that_o they_o mind_v be_v the_o promote_a of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v nay_o they_o account_v no_o hazard_n comparable_a with_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o world_n enjoy_v through_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o show_v a_o true_o noble_a and_o generous_a spirit_n in_o they_o which_o will_v not_o be_v hinder_v from_o do_v the_o world_n good_a though_o they_o find_v so_o bad_a entertainment_n from_o it_o yea_o they_o rejoice_v in_o their_o great_a suffering_n which_o they_o undergo_v in_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n wherein_o those_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o genuine_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o far_o imitate_v they_o that_o etiam_fw-la damnati_fw-la gratias_fw-la agunt_fw-la they_o give_v the_o judge_n 46._o thanks_o that_o they_o think_v they_o worthy_a to_o lose_v their_o life_n in_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o triumph_v in_o though_o they_o die_v for_o it_o and_o when_o any_o of_o they_o be_v apprehend_v they_o discover_v so_o little_a fear_n of_o punishment_n ut_fw-la unum_fw-la solummodo_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la ante_fw-la suerint_fw-la paeniteret_fw-la that_o nothing_o trouble_v they_o so_o much_o as_o that_o they_o have_v be_v christian_n no_o soon_o as_o one_o of_o fellix_fw-la their_o number_n speak_v and_o when_o the_o heathen_n usual_o scoff_v at_o they_o and_o call_v they_o sarmentitii_fw-la and_o semaxii_fw-la because_o they_o be_v burn_v upon_o the_o cross_n one_o of_o they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n answer_v hic_fw-la est_fw-la habitus_fw-la victoriae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la haec_fw-la palmata_fw-la vestis_fw-la tali_fw-la curru_fw-la triumphamus_fw-la the_o cross_n be_v only_o 50._o their_o triumphant_a chariot_n which_o carry_v they_o soon_o to_o heaven_n now_o this_o courage_n and_o resolution_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n make_v all_o serious_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n look_v more_o narrow_o into_o those_o thing_n which_o make_v man_n slight_a so_o much_o the_o common_a bugbear_n of_o humane_a nature_n suffering_n and_o death_n quis_fw-la enim_fw-la non_fw-la contemplatione_fw-la ejus_fw-la concutitur_fw-la adrequirendum_fw-la â—_o quid_fw-la intus_fw-la in_o re_fw-la sit_fw-la quis_fw-la non_fw-la ubi_fw-la requisivit_fw-la accedit_fw-la ubi_fw-la accessit_fw-la patiexoptat_fw-la these_o suffering_n make_v man_n inquire_v this_o enquiry_n make_v they_o believe_v that_o belief_n make_v they_o as_o willing_a to_o suffer_v themselves_o as_o they_o have_v see_v other_o do_v it_o before_o they_o thus_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d qâ—â—que_fw-la crudelitas_fw-la illecebra_fw-la magis_fw-la est_fw-la sectae_fw-la plures_fw-la â—fficimur_fw-la quâ—â—ties_fw-la metimur_fw-la a_o vobis_fw-la semen_fw-mi est_fw-la sanguis_fw-la christianorum_fw-la the_o cruelty_n of_o their_o â—_z do_v but_o increase_v their_o number_n the_o harvest_n of_o their_o pretend_a justice_n be_v but_o the_o seedtime_n of_o christianity_n and_o no_o seed_n be_v so_o fruitful_a as_o that_o which_o be_v steep_v in_o the_o blood_n of_o martyr_n thence_o justin_n martyr_v ingenuous_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o while_o he_o be_v a_o platonic_a philosopher_n he_o deride_v and_o scoff_v at_o the_o christian_n but_o when_o he_o consider_v their_o great_a courage_n and_o constancy_n in_o die_v for_o their_o profession_n he_o can_v not_o think_v those_o can_v possible_o be_v man_n wicked_a and_o voluptuous_a who_o when_o offer_v of_o life_n be_v make_v they_o will_v rather_o choose_v death_n then_o deny_v christ._n by_o which_o he_o find_v plain_o that_o there_o be_v a_o high_a spirit_n in_o christianity_n then_o can_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o sublime_a notion_n and_o speculation_n of_o plato_n and_o that_o a_o poor_a ignorant_a christian_n will_v do_v and_o suffer_v more_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n then_o any_o of_o the_o academy_n in_o defence_n of_o their_o master_n plato_n now_o since_o all_o man_n natural_o abhor_v suffering_n what_o be_v it_o which_o shall_v so_o powerful_o alter_v the_o nature_n and_o disposition_n of_o christian_n above_o all_o other_o person_n that_o they_o alone_o shall_v seem_v in_o that_o to_o have_v forget_v humanity_n that_o not_o only_o with_o patience_n but_o with_o joy_n they_o endure_v torment_n and_o abode_n the_o flame_n what!_o be_v they_o all_o possess_v with_o a_o far_o more_o than_o stoical_a apathy_n that_o no_o sense_n oâ—_n pain_n can_v work_v at_o all_o upon_o they_o or_o be_v they_o all_o besot_v and_o infatuate_v person_n that_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v they_o undergo_v â—t_z be_v true_a some_o of_o the_o
be_v the_o great_a seal_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n therefore_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n so_o frequent_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o themselves_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o jesus_n say_v peter_n have_v god_n raise_v up_o whereof_o we_o all_o be_v witness_n and_o again_o and_o kill_v the_o prince_n of_o life_n who_o 32._o god_n have_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a whereof_o we_o be_v witness_n and_o both_o peter_n and_o john_n to_o the_o sanhedrin_n for_o we_o can_v 15._o but_o speak_v the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o the_o 20._o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n afterward_o and_o we_o be_v his_o witness_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v also_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o god_n 32._o have_v give_v to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o in_o which_o word_n they_o give_v they_o that_o twofold_a rational_a evidence_n which_o do_v manifest_v the_o undoubted_a truth_n of_o what_o they_o speak_v for_o they_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v witness_n of_o and_o withal_o be_v declare_v to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o and_o upon_o believer_n afterward_o we_o read_v the_o sum_n oâ—_n the_o apostle_n preach_v and_o the_o manner_n use_v by_o they_o to_o persuade_v man_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o word_n of_o peter_n to_o cernâ—lius_n and_o his_o company_n how_o god_n anoint_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n with_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o with_o power_n who_o go_v about_o do_v good_a and_o heal_v all_o that_o be_v 42._o oppress_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o god_n be_v with_o he_o and_o we_o be_v witness_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v both_o in_o the_o land_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o jerusalem_n who_o they_o stew_n and_o hang_v on_o a_o tree_n him_n god_n raise_v up_o the_o three_o day_n and_o show_v he_o open_o not_o to_o all_o the_o people_n but_o unto_o witness_n choose_v before_o of_o god_n even_o to_o we_o who_o do_v eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o after_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o he_o command_v we_o to_o â—reach_v unto_o the_o people_n that_o it_o be_v be_v which_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a by_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o care_n god_n be_v please_v to_o take_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o rational_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o be_v discover_v concern_v our_o saviour_n christ_n because_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o person_n to_o be_v the_o preacher_n and_o writer_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o be_v the_o best_a able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n about_o they_o viz._n such_o as_o have_v be_v eye_n witness_n of_o they_o now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v it_o more_o full_o evident_a what_o 14._o strength_n there_o be_v in_o this_o testimony_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n we_o shall_v more_o full_o manifest_v the_o rational_a evidence_n which_o attend_v it_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n where_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o doctrine_n depend_v upon_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o manifest_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v evident_o prove_v in_o the_o high_a way_n it_o be_v capable_a 1._o of_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o story_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o the_o relation_n concern_v christ_n be_v true_a his_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o if_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o christ_n bear_v at_o bethlehem_n who_o do_v so_o many_o miracle_n and_o at_o last_o suffer_v the_o death_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o after_o he_o have_v lie_v three_o day_n in_o the_o grave_n rise_v again_o from_o the_o dead_a what_o reason_n imaginable_a can_v i_o have_v to_o question_v but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o this_o person_n be_v certain_o divine_a and_o consequent_o what_o ever_o he_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a truth_n so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o passage_n concern_v our_o saviour_n we_o must_v likewise_o believe_v his_o doctrine_n which_o come_v attest_v with_o such_o pregnant_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a commission_n which_o he_o have_v from_o god_n to_o the_o world_n no_o prince_n can_v think_v he_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o refuse_v audience_n to_o a_o ambassador_n when_o he_o find_v his_o credential_n such_o as_o he_o may_v rely_v upon_o although_o himself_o do_v not_o see_v the_o seal_n of_o they_o much_o less_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v christ_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o those_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v prove_v the_o great_a evidence_n which_o can_v be_v give_v to_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 2._o be_v the_o attest_v of_o it_o by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v eye-witness_n of_o it_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n whereon_o the_o firm_a assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o although_o we_o conceive_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o story_n as_o long_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v only_o in_o a_o general_a way_n by_o a_o uncertain_a fame_n and_o tradition_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v attest_v by_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o credible_a person_n who_o profess_v themselves_o the_o cye-witness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v account_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o distrust_v any_o long_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o especial_o in_o these_o two_o case_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n they_o bear_v witness_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v easy_o and_o clear_o perceive_v 2._o when_o many_o witness_n exact_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o testimony_n 1._o when_o the_o matter_n itself_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o may_v be_v full_o perceive_v by_o those_o who_o see_v it_o i._n e._n if_o it_o be_v a_o common_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o thus_o it_o certain_o be_v as_o to_o the_o person_n and_o action_n of_o jesus_n christ._n for_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o mankind_n and_o they_o have_v as_o great_a evidence_n that_o they_o converse_v with_o jesus_n christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o we_o converse_v one_o with_o another_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n be_v real_a and_o visible_a miracle_n they_o can_v be_v no_o illusion_n of_o sense_n nor_o deceit_n of_o their_o eye_n the_o man_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a and_o cure_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v bear_v blind_a through_o all_o the_o country_n and_o his_o cure_n be_v after_o as_o public_a as_o his_o blindness_n before_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o 26._o christ_n at_o the_o time_n of_o its_o be_v do_v when_o christ_n raise_v up_o the_o dead_a man_n at_o naim_n it_o be_v before_o much_o people_n and_o such_o 12._o person_n in_o probability_n who_o be_v many_o of_o they_o present_a at_o his_o death_n but_o least_o there_o may_v be_v any_o suspicion_n as_o to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o real_o dead_a the_o case_n be_v plain_a and_o beyond_o all_o dispute_n in_o lazarus_n who_o have_v be_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o person_n thereabouts_o dead_a four_o day_n here_o can_v be_v no_o deceit_n at_o all_o 39_o when_o the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o and_o lazarus_n come_v forth_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o they_o all_o and_o yet_o further_o the_o death_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n do_v in_o presence_n of_o his_o great_a adversary_n the_o soldier_n themselves_o be_v sufficient_a witness_n of_o his_o be_v real_o dead_a when_o they_o come_v to_o break_v his_o bone_n and_o spare_v he_o because_o they_o see_v he_o be_v dead_a already_o at_o his_o resurrection_n the_o stone_n be_v roll_v away_o from_o the_o sepulchre_n and_o no_o body_n find_v therein_o although_o the_o sepulchre_n be_v guard_v by_o soldier_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o christ_n all_o so_o fearful_a that_o they_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o several_a place_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o real_a body_n which_o he_o rise_v withal_o and_o no_o aerial_a vehicle_n appear_v by_o thomas_n his_o serupulosity_n and_o unbelief_n who_o will_v not_o believe_v unless_o â—e_n may_v put_v his_o hand_n into_o the_o hole_n of_o his_o side_n and_o see_v 27._o
aut_fw-la sine_fw-la deo_fw-la corum_fw-la tantas_fw-la animorum_fw-la ficri_fw-la conversiones_fw-la ut_fw-la cum_fw-la carnisices_fw-la unci_fw-la aliique_fw-la innumeri_fw-la cruciatus_fw-la quemadmodum_fw-la diximus_fw-la impendeant_fw-la credituris_fw-la uâ—luti_fw-la quadam_fw-la dulcedine_fw-la atque_fw-la omnium_fw-la virtutum_fw-la amore_fw-la correpti_fw-la cognitas_fw-la accipiant_fw-la rationes_fw-la atque_fw-la mundi_fw-la omnibus_fw-la rebus_fw-la praeponant_fw-la amicitias_fw-la christi_fw-la that_o no_o fear_n penalty_n or_o torment_n be_v able_a to_o mâ—ke_v a_o christian_a alter_v his_o profession_n but_o he_o will_v rather_o bid_v adieu_o to_o his_o life_n then_o to_o his_o saviour_n this_o origen_n likewise_o frequent_o take_v notice_n of_o when_o celsus_n 110._o have_v object_v the_o novelty_n of_o christianity_n the_o more_o wonderful_a it_o be_v say_v origen_n that_o in_o so_o short_a a_o time_n it_o shall_v so_o large_o spread_v its_o self_n in_o the_o world_n for_o if_o the_o cure_n of_o man_n body_n be_v not_o wrought_v without_o divine_a providence_n how_o much_o less_o the_o cure_n of_o so_o many_o thousand_o of_o soul_n which_o have_v be_v convert_v at_o once_o to_o humanity_n and_o christianity_n especial_o when_o all_o the_o pour_v of_o the_o world_n be_v from_o the_o first_o engage_v to_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n of_o god_n prevail_v as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o be_v stop_v by_o man_n and_o become_v master_n over_o all_o its_o enemy_n and_o not_o only_o spread_v its_o self_n quite_o through_o greece_n but_o through_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o convert_v a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o soul_n to_o the_o true_a worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n thus_o we_o have_v now_o manifest_v from_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n what_o evidence_n there_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a power_n accompany_v of_o it_o and_o how_o useful_a the_o first_o miracle_n be_v in_o order_n to_o it_o chap._n x._o the_o difference_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o false_a the_o unreasonableness_n of_o reject_v the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n because_o of_o imposture_n that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o distinguish_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a prove_v from_o god_n intention_n in_o give_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n the_o inconvenience_n of_o take_v away_o the_o rational_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o place_v it_o on_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o for_o resolve_v the_o question_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o pretend_a miracle_n of_o impostor_n and_o false_a christ_n as_o barchochelas_n david_n el-david_n and_o other_o the_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a 1._o true_o divine_a miracle_n be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n no_o miracle_n necessary_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n prove_v from_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v corrupt_v 2._o no_o miracle_n divine_a which_o contradict_v divine_a revelation_n of_o popish_a miracle_n 3._o divine_a miracle_n leave_v divine_a effect_n on_o those_o who_o believe_v they_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o simon_n magus_n 4._o divine_a miracle_n tend_v to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o the_o devil_n power_n in_o the_o world_n the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n design_n in_o the_o world_n 5._o the_o distinction_n of_o true_a miracle_n from_o other_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a go_n 6._o god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o divine_a miracle_n exceed_v create_v power_n this_o manifest_v from_o the_o unparallelled_a miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o saviour_n from_o all_o which_o the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v manifest_v as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o teach_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o far_o state_v the_o case_n wherein_o miracle_n may_v 1_o just_o be_v expect_v as_o a_o rational_a evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v by_o way_n of_o peculiar_a message_n to_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o discourse_n manifest_v the_o evidence_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o in_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o only_a remain_a question_n concern_v this_o subject_n be_v how_o we_o may_v certain_o distinguish_v true_a and_o real_a miracle_n from_o such_o as_o be_v only_o pretend_v and_o counterfeit_a for_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o there_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o real_a miracle_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n will_v be_v whole_o to_o seek_v when_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o divine_a authority_n in_o those_o person_n who_o do_v they_o unless_o a_o way_n be_v find_v out_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o each_o other_o but_o if_o we_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o unless_o man_n through_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n or_o incogitancy_n deceive_v themselves_o they_o may_v have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n than_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o want_v as_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v confirm_v by_o they_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o which_o have_v make_v man_n of_o better_a affection_n than_o understanding_n so_o ready_a to_o suspect_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n concern_v divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o multitude_n of_o imposture_n in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o miracle_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n its_o self_n tell_v we_o we_o must_v not_o hearken_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o lie_v wonder_n but_o may_v we_o not_o therefore_o safe_o rely_v on_o such_o miracle_n which_o we_o have_v certain_a evidence_n can_v not_o be_v wrought_v but_o by_o divine_a power_n because_o forsooth_o the_o devil_n may_v sometime_o abuse_v the_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n of_o unwary_a man_n or_o be_v it_o because_o the_o scripture_n forbid_v we_o to_o believe_v such_o as_o shall_v come_v with_o a_o pretence_n of_o miracle_n therefore_o we_o can_v rely_v on_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n himself_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v because_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v every_o spirit_n therefore_o we_o must_v believe_v none_o at_o all_o or_o because_o we_o must_v not_o entertain_v any_o other_o doctrine_n beside_o the_o gospel_n therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o the_o ground_n whereby_o we_o be_v assure_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o the_o testimony_n of_o christ_n be_v divine_a and_o therefore_o his_o doctrine_n true_a be_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o such_o miracle_n as_o he_o do_v now_o if_o that_o argument_n be_v insufficient_a which_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o great_a evidence_n of_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n we_o can_v give_v ourselves_o a_o sufficient_a account_n in_o point_n of_o evidence_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a but_o the_o only_a rational_a pretence_n of_o any_o scruple_n in_o this_o case_n must_v be_v a_o suppose_a uncertainty_n in_o our_o rule_n of_o judge_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o note_n of_o difference_n whereby_o to_o know_v divine_a miracle_n from_o delusion_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o apparent_a insufficiency_n in_o the_o evidence_n from_o miracle_n but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o proceed_v in_o this_o case_n we_o be_v to_o blame_v nothing_o but_o our_o incredulity_n if_o we_o be_v not_o satisfy_v by_o they_o for_o the_o full_a clear_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v first_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n find_v out_o whereby_o we_o may_v know_v true_a miracle_n from_o false_a and_o divine_a from_o diabolical_a and_o second_o inquire_v into_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o main_a note_n of_o difference_n between_o they_o first_o that_o there_o may_v be_v certain_a evidence_n whereby_o to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o miracle_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o difference_n ex_fw-la parte_fw-la râ—i_fw-la between_o miracle_n and_o those_o call_v wonder_n as_o that_o the_o one_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o create_a agent_n and_o the_o other_o do_v not_o for_o this_o leave_v the_o enquir_a as_o far_o to_o
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
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
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 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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 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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 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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
pimple_n any_o the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n with_o a_o word_n speak_v or_o the_o touch_n of_o the_o hand_n upon_o this_o arnobius_n challenge_v the_o most_o famous_a of_o all_o the_o heathen_a magician_n zoroastres_n armenius_n pamphilus_n apollonius_n damigero_fw-la dardanus_n velus_n julianus_n and_o baebulus_fw-la or_o any_o other_o renown_a magician_n to_o give_v power_n to_o any_o one_o to_o make_v the_o dumb_a to_o speak_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v or_o bring_v life_n into_o a_o dead_a body_n or_o if_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a with_o all_o their_o magical_a rite_n and_o incantation_n but_o to_o do_v that_o quod_fw-la à _fw-la rusticis_fw-la christianis_fw-la jussienibus_fw-la factitatum_fw-la est_fw-la nudis_fw-la which_o ordinary_a christian_n do_v by_o their_o mere_a word_n so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o high_a that_o can_v be_v do_v by_o magic_n and_o the_o least_o that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o name_n and_o power_n of_o christ._n where_o miracle_n be_v true_o divine_a god_n make_v it_o evident_a to_o 6_o all_o impartial_a judgement_n that_o the_o thing_n do_v exceed_v all_o create_a power_n for_o which_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v that_o though_o imposture_n and_o delusion_n may_v go_v far_o the_o power_n of_o magician_n further_o when_o god_n permit_v they_o yet_o when_o god_n work_v miracle_n to_o confirm_v a_o divine_a testimony_n he_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n do_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o all_o this_o be_v most_o conspicuous_a in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n and_o our_o bless_a saviour_n first_o moses_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v some_o miracle_n in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o the_o egyptian_n turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n but_o we_o do_v not_o find_v pharaoh_n at_o all_o amaze_v at_o it_o but_o send_v present_o for_o the_o magician_n to_o do_v the_o same_o who_o do_v it_o whether_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n be_v not_o material_a to_o our_o purpose_n but_o aaron_n rod_n swallow_v up_o they_o the_o next_o time_n 12_o the_o water_n be_v turn_v into_o blood_n by_o moses_n the_o magician_n they_o do_v so_o too_o after_o this_o moses_n bring_v up_o frog_n upon_o the_o land_n 22._o so_o do_v the_o magician_n so_o that_o here_o now_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_o contest_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o pharaoh_n and_o his_o people_n between_o 7._o moses_n and_o the_o magician_n and_o they_o try_v for_o victory_n over_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o moses_n do_v no_o more_o than_o they_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o he_o but_o as_o a_o magician_n but_o if_o moses_n do_v that_o which_o by_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o these_o magician_n themselves_o can_v be_v only_o by_o divine_a power_n than_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a that_o his_o power_n be_v as_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o magic_a as_o god_n be_v above_o the_o devil_n according_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o very_a next_o miracle_n in_o turn_v the_o dust_n into_o ciniphes_n which_o we_o render_v lice_n the_o magician_n be_v nonplus_v and_o give_v 19_o out_o say_v in_o plain_a term_n this_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o what_o great_a acknowledgement_n can_v there_o be_v of_o divine_a power_n then_o the_o confession_n of_o those_o who_o seem_v to_o contest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o imitate_v it_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a after_o this_o we_o find_v not_o the_o magician_n offer_v to_o contest_v with_o moses_n and_o in_o the_o plague_n of_o boil_v we_o particular_o read_v that_o they_o can_v not_o stand_v before_o 11._o moses_n thus_o we_o see_v in_o the_o case_n of_o moses_n how_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o power_n above_o all_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o do_v appear_v in_o moses_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o case_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o although_o simon_n magus_n apollonius_n or_o other_o may_v do_v some_o small_a thing_n or_o make_v some_o great_a show_n and_o noise_n by_o what_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o ever_o come_v near_o the_o do_v thing_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n which_o our_o saviour_n do_v cure_v the_o bear_v blind_a restore_v the_o dead_a to_o life_n after_o four_o day_n and_o so_o as_o to_o live_v a_o considerable_a time_n after_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o do_v they_o with_o a_o word_n a_o touch_n with_o that_o frequency_n and_o openness_n before_o his_o great_a enemy_n as_o well_o as_o follower_n and_o in_o such_o a_o uncontrolled_a manner_n that_o neither_o jew_n or_o heathen_n ever_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o after_o all_o these_o when_o he_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o grave_n after_o his_o crucifixion_n exact_o according_a to_o his_o own_o prediction_n he_o rise_v again_o the_o three_o day_n appear_v frequent_o among_o his_o disciple_n for_o forty_o day_n together_o after_o which_o in_o their_o presence_n he_o ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n and_o soon_o after_o make_v good_a his_o promise_n to_o they_o by_o send_v his_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o they_o by_o which_o they_o speak_v with_o tongue_n wrought_v miracle_n go_v up_o and_o down_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n with_o great_a boldness_n cheerfulness_n and_o constancy_n and_o after_o undergo_a a_o great_a deal_n of_o hardship_n in_o it_o they_o seal_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o they_o speak_v with_o their_o blood_n lay_v down_o their_o life_n to_o give_v witness_n to_o it_o thus_o abundant_o to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o good_a man_n have_v god_n give_v the_o high_a rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o the_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v finish_v the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o concern_v the_o rational_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n from_o the_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v to_o deliver_v god_n mind_n to_o the_o world_n and_o therein_o have_v i_o hope_v make_v it_o evident_a that_o both_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n our_o 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the_o atheist_n pretence_n examine_v and_o refute_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o argument_n whereby_o we_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o universal_a consent_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o to_o prove_v a_o deity_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n of_o necessity_n of_o existence_n employ_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n and_o how_o far_o that_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o and_o especial_o of_o man_n body_n a_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n some_o high_a principle_n prove_v to_o be_v in_o the_o world_n than_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o possibility_n of_o its_o subsist_v after_o death_n strange_a appearance_n in_o nature_n not_o solvable_a by_o the_o power_n of_o imagination_n have_v in_o the_o precedent_a book_n large_o give_v a_o rational_a 1_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o god_n employ_v to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o world_n if_o we_o can_v now_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o those_o sacred_a record_n which_o we_o embrace_v as_o divine_o inspire_v contain_v in_o they_o nothing_o unworthy_a of_o so_o great_a a_o name_n or_o unbecoming_a person_n send_v from_o god_n to_o deliver_v there_o will_v be_v nothing_o want_v to_o justify_v our_o religion_n in_o point_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v true_a and_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v divine_a for_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o come_v to_o we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v such_o as_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o question_v the_o general_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n as_o uncertain_a or_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o religion_n as_o not_o suitable_a to_o those_o general_a foundation_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o
atom_n or_o be_v it_o because_o we_o find_v in_o natural_a being_n how_o much_o these_o particle_n of_o matter_n serve_v to_o solve_v the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n but_o do_v it_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o now_o under_o divine_a providence_n which_o wise_o order_v the_o world_n and_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o these_o particle_n with_o their_o several_a affection_n and_o motion_n may_v give_v we_o a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o many_o appearance_n as_o to_o body_n that_o therefore_o the_o universe_n have_v its_o original_n mere_o by_o a_o concretion_n of_o these_o without_o any_o divine_a hand_n to_o order_n and_o direct_v their_o motion_n but_o of_o this_o more_o when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n our_o design_n now_o be_v only_o to_o compare_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o of_o the_o atheist_n hypothesis_n in_o point_n of_o perspicuity_n and_o evidence_n of_o reason_n of_o which_o let_v any_o one_o who_o have_v reason_n judge_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o the_o atheist_n in_o deny_v a_o deity_n must_v assert_v something_o else_o instead_o of_o it_o which_o be_v press_v with_o the_o same_o if_o not_o great_a difficulty_n and_o prove_v by_o far_o less_o reason_n the_o atheist_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n on_o which_o he_o deny_v a_o god_n 2._o must_v deny_v some_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o true_a which_o will_v be_v evident_a by_o our_o run_v over_o the_o most_o plausible_a pretence_n which_o he_o insist_o upon_o 1._o because_o the_o be_v of_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v but_o how_o do_v the_o atheist_n mean_v it_o be_v it_o because_o god_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v to_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v digito_fw-la monstrari_fw-la &_o dieier_fw-la hic_fw-la est_fw-la point_n at_o he_o with_o our_o finger_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v little_a of_o reason_n leave_v where_o sense_n be_v make_v the_o only_a umpire_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o being_n must_v all_o intellectual_a being_n be_v proscribe_v out_o of_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n because_o they_o can_v pass_v the_o scrutiny_n of_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o colour_n shall_v be_v dash_v out_o because_o they_o can_v be_v hear_v all_o noise_n silence_v because_o they_o can_v be_v see_v for_o why_o may_v not_o one_o sense_n be_v set_v to_o judge_v of_o all_o object_n of_o sense_n with_o far_o more_o reason_n than_o sense_n its_o self_n be_v set_v as_o judge_v over_o intellectual_a being_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v wise_o do_v of_o the_o atheist_n to_o make_v sense_n his_o judge_n for_o if_o we_o once_o appeal_v to_o this_o he_o know_v our_o cause_n be_v lose_v for_o as_o he_o say_v of_o a_o physician_n when_o one_o ask_v he_o whether_o he_o have_v any_o experience_n of_o he_o no_o say_v he_o si_fw-mi periculum_fw-la fecissem_fw-la non_fw-la viverem_fw-la if_o i_o have_v try_v he_o i_o have_v be_v dead_a ere_o now_o so_o here_o if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n he_o must_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n for_o how_o can_v a_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a be_v be_v discern_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a be_v he_o be_v not_o god_n but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o atheist_n meaning_n be_v not_o so_o gross_a but_o he_o intend_v such_o a_o demonstration_n to_o reason_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o or_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n with_o such_o a_o demonstration_n he_o will_v sit_v down_o content_v but_o will_v no_o less_o than_o this_o serve_v he_o what_o become_v then_o of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o sortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n be_v this_o as_o evident_a as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o and_o will_v the_o philosophical_a atheist_n real_o believe_v nothing_o in_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o he_o in_o material_a being_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o the_o part_n by_o any_o mean_n let_v atheist_n then_o write_v philosophy_n that_o at_o last_o the_o clock_n in_o london_n may_v strike_v together_o and_o the_o philosopher_n agree_v for_o i_o suppose_v none_o of_o they_o question_v that_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o atheist_n may_v in_o a_o good_a humour_n abate_v some_o thing_n of_o this_o and_o mean_v by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o take_v away_o all_o difficulty_n if_o he_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o assent_n we_o undertake_v it_o if_o as_o to_o the_o object_n apprehend_v we_o reject_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o be_v infinite_a shall_v be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o for_o if_o it_o can_v it_o be_v no_o long_o infinite_a but_o let_v we_o try_v this_o principle_n by_o other_o thing_n and_o how_o evident_a be_v it_o that_o on_o this_o account_n some_o thing_n must_v be_v deny_v which_o himself_o will_v confess_v to_o be_v true_a for_o instance_n that_o osprobrium_fw-la philosophorum_fw-la the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n or_o extend_v matter_n into_o finite_a and_o infinite_a part_n let_v he_o take_v which_o side_n he_o please_v and_o see_v whether_o by_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n on_o either_o side_n if_o he_o hold_v to_o this_o principle_n he_o must_v not_o be_v force_v to_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v well_o have_v a_o infinite_a empty_a space_n when_o by_o the_o force_n of_o this_o one_o principle_n both_o god_n and_o matter_n be_v banish_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o if_o the_o atheist_n will_v but_o come_v one_o step_n low_o and_o by_o his_o demonstration_n intend_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o will_v not_o only_o speak_v most_o consonant_o to_o reason_n but_o may_v be_v in_o some_o hope_n of_o gain_v satisfaction_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o like_a way_n of_o proof_n and_o that_o in_o some_o case_n the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n must_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o a_o undoubted_a assent_n what_o these_o proof_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o i_o come_v to_o the_o next_o ground_n of_o the_o atheist_n opinion_n which_o be_v 2._o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v a_o deity_n but_o let_v we_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n will_v not_o do_v it_o do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v do_v it_o what_o if_o some_o have_v prove_v the_o sun_n to_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n by_o very_o weak_a argument_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o question_v it_o what_o if_o epicurus_n have_v prove_v his_o atomical_a hypothesis_n by_o some_o silly_a sophism_n will_v the_o atheist_n therefore_o rather_o believe_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n than_o it_o what_o if_o the_o atheist_n may_v make_v himself_o sport_n at_o some_o story_n of_o apparition_n insist_v on_o to_o prove_v a_o dâ—ity_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o some_o person_n have_v be_v over-credulous_a what_o if_o some_o have_v more_o zeal_n than_o knowledge_n may_v attribute_v such_o thing_n to_o god_n immediate_a hand_n which_o may_v be_v produce_v by_o natural_a cause_n do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v no_o hand_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n at_o all_o what_o if_o fear_n and_o hope_n and_o persuasion_n may_v depend_v much_o on_o principle_n of_o education_n must_v conscience_n then_o be_v resolve_v whole_o into_o these_o what_o if_o some_o devont_a melancholist_n may_v embrace_v the_o issue_n of_o his_o own_o imagination_n for_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o strength_n of_o fancy_n improve_v by_o principle_n of_o education_n what_o if_o some_o of_o the_o numerous_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v cut_v off_o and_o only_o those_o make_a use_n of_o which_o be_v of_o great_a force_n will_v the_o truth_n suffer_v at_o all_o by_o that_o i_o grant_v advantage_n be_v often_o take_v against_o a_o thing_n more_o by_o one_o weak_a argument_n bring_v for_o it_o then_o for_o it_o by_o the_o strong_a proof_n but_o i_o say_v it_o be_v unreasonable_a it_o shall_v be_v so_o and_o be_v man_n rational_a and_o ingenuous_a it_o will_v not_o be_v so_o many_o time_n argument_n may_v be_v good_a in_o their_o order_n but_o they_o be_v misplace_v some_o may_v prove_v the_o thing_n rational_a which_o may_v not_o prove_v it_o true_a some_o may_v show_v the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o adversary_n reject_v the_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v it_o now_o when_o man_n number_n and_o not_o weigh_v their_o argument_n
wise_a and_o free_a who_o dispense_v this_o goodness_n of_o he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n and_o manner_n as_o be_v best_a please_v to_o himself_o though_o ever_o agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n as_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a in_o himself_o so_o whatever_o he_o do_v be_v suitable_a to_o this_o nature_n of_o he_o but_o the_o particular_a determination_n of_o the_o act_n of_o god_n beneficence_n belong_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v a_o most_o free_a and_o independent_a agent_n so_o that_o goodness_n as_o it_o import_v the_o necessary_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n imply_v a_o perfection_n inseparable_a from_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o expression_n of_o divine_a bounty_n to_o somewhat_o without_o as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o employ_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n as_o to_o his_o nature_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o free_a determination_n of_o his_o will._n we_o can_v then_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v the_o particular_a way_n of_o god_n bounty_n towards_o the_o whole_a universe_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o any_o further_a than_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o to_o we_o now_o we_o see_v the_o world_n exist_v we_o have_v cause_n to_o adore_v that_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o not_o only_o give_v a_o be_v to_o the_o universe_n but_o continual_o uphold_v it_o and_o plentiful_o provide_v for_o all_o the_o creature_n which_o he_o have_v make_v in_o it_o which_o the_o heathen_a be_v so_o sensible_a of_o that_o the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o abundant_a provision_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n not_o only_o for_o z._n man_n necessity_n but_o for_o delight_n and_o ornament_n cry_v out_o ut_fw-la interdum_fw-la pronaea_n nostra_fw-la epicurea_fw-la esse_fw-la videatur_fw-la god_n providence_n do_v abundant_o exceed_v man_n necessity_n we_o see_v then_o from_o this_o discourse_n how_o unsafe_a and_o unsatisfactory_a that_o i_o may_v not_o say_v bold_a and_o presumptuous_a those_o argument_n be_v which_o be_v draw_v from_o a_o general_a consideration_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o goodness_n without_o regard_n have_v to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o will_n as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v certain_o then_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o any_o great_a force_n with_o any_o candid_a enquirer_n after_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o have_v be_v late_o plead_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o that_o pythagorean_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n viz._n that_o if_o it_o be_v good_a for_o man_n soul_n to_o be_v at_o all_o the_o soon_o they_o be_v the_o better_a but_o we_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n will_v do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v themselves_o before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o terrestrial_a body_n it_o be_v better_a for_o they_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o than_o not_o they_o must_v be_v before_o they_o come_v into_o these_o body_n wherefore_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n be_v a_o necessary_a result_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n who_o can_v no_o more_o fail_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a than_o he_o can_v to_o understand_v it_o i_o now_o serious_o inquire_v of_o such_o who_o love_n reason_n above_o plato_n and_o pythagoras_n whether_o if_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v put_v into_o the_o argument_n instead_o of_o the_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n this_o argument_n will_v not_o hold_v as_o strong_o for_o that_o as_o it_o do_v for_o praeexistence_n and_o if_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o believe_v praeexistence_n on_o this_o ground_n i_o be_v not_o likewise_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o least_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n eternal_a if_o not_o the_o universe_n but_o how_o reconcileable_a the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n be_v to_o the_o pythagorick_a cabbala_n of_o the_o creation_n i_o be_o yet_o to_o understand_v but_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o at_o all_o infer_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v show_v it_o do_v not_o much_o less_o do_v it_o praeexistence_n of_o soul_n we_o have_v thus_o far_o consider_v the_o first_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o moses_n concern_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n 8._o which_o be_v that_o which_o assert_n the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o which_o attribute_n the_o formation_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v to_o god_n as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n but_o attribute_n eternity_n to_o the_o matter_n out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o who_o will_v be_v take_v for_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o conceive_v this_o hypothesis_n to_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o text_n of_o moses_n that_o they_o 4._o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o preaexistent_a matter_n out_o of_o which_o god_n form_v the_o world_n but_o i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o moses_n will_v have_v express_v that_o matter_n its_o self_n be_v create_v suppose_v it_o have_v be_v his_o intention_n to_o have_v speak_v it_o for_o although_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v not_o of_o its_o self_n imply_v necessary_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o i._n e._n out_o of_o no_o preaexistent_a matter_n yet_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o that_o no_o word_n use_v by_o the_o jew_n be_v more_o proper_a to_o that_o then_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v and_o p._n fagius_n cite_v it_o from_o r._n nachmani_n that_o the_o hebrew_n language_n have_v no_o other_o word_n to_o signify_v such_o a_o production_n out_o of_o nothing_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v therefore_o a_o very_a weak_a manner_n of_o argue_v that_o because_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o use_v for_o no_o more_o than_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o the_o world_n be_v create_v out_o of_o preaexistent_a matter_n all_o that_o can_v rational_o be_v infer_v be_v that_o from_o the_o mere_a force_n and_o importance_n of_o that_o word_n the_o contrary_n can_v be_v collect_v but_o if_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n compare_v and_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n do_v make_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o preaexistent_a matter_n which_o be_v uncreated_a than_o it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o creation_n must_v be_v take_v in_o its_o proper_a sense_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o not_o only_a jew_n and_o christian_n but_o even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o understand_v moses_n as_o be_v plain_a by_o galen_n where_o he_o compare_v the_o opinion_n 11._o of_o moses_n with_o that_o of_o epicurus_n and_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o of_o moses_n which_o attribute_v the_o production_n of_o thing_n to_o god_n to_o be_v far_o more_o rational_a and_o probable_a then_o that_o of_o epicurus_n which_o assign_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o thing_n to_o a_o mere_a casual_a concourse_n of_o atom_n but_o withal_o add_v that_o he_o must_v dissent_v from_o both_o and_o side_n with_o moses_n as_o to_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o such_o thing_n as_o depend_v on_o generation_n but_o assert_n the_o praeexistence_n of_o matter_n and_o withal_o that_o god_n power_n can_v not_o extendit_n self_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o matter_n which_o it_o wrought_v upon_o atque_fw-la id_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o in_o quo_fw-la ratio_fw-la nostra_fw-la ac_fw-la platonis_fw-la tum_fw-la aliorum_fw-la qui_fw-la apud_fw-la graecos_n de_fw-la rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la recte_fw-la conscripserunt_fw-la à _fw-la mose_n dissidet_fw-la how_o true_a these_o word_n be_v will_v appear_v afterward_o chaleidius_fw-la in_o his_o commentary_n on_o plato_n timaeus_n where_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o origine_fw-la of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o in_o he_o be_v still_o translate_v sylva_fw-la and_o inquire_v into_o the_o different_a opinion_n of_o all_o philosopher_n about_o it_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o according_a to_o moses_n this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d have_v its_o production_n from_o god_n hebraei_n sylvam_fw-la generatam_fw-la esse_fw-la confitentur_fw-la quorum_fw-la 372._o sapientissimus_fw-la moses_n non_fw-la humana_fw-la facundia_fw-la sed_fw-la divina_fw-la ut_fw-la ferunt_fw-la inspiratione_n vegetatus_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la libro_fw-la qui_fw-la de_fw-la genitura_fw-la mundi_fw-la censetur_fw-la ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la sic_fw-la est_fw-la profatus_fw-la juxta_fw-la interpretationem_fw-la lxx_o prudentium_fw-la initio_fw-la deus_fw-la fecit_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la autem_fw-la erat_fw-la invisibilis_fw-la &_o incompta_fw-la ut_fw-la vero_fw-la ait_fw-la aquila_n caput_fw-la rerum_fw-la condidit_fw-la deus_fw-la coelum_fw-la &_o terram_fw-la terra_fw-la porro_fw-la inanis_fw-la erat_fw-la &_o nihil_fw-la vel_fw-la nt_v symachus_n ab_fw-la exordio_fw-la condidit_fw
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
goodness_n to_o all_o and_o by_o his_o forbearance_n of_o so_o many_o teach_v the_o world_n more_o meekness_n and_o gentleness_n towards_o each_o other_o for_o if_o offence_n rise_v by_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o person_n against_o who_o they_o be_v commit_v no_o injury_n can_v be_v so_o great_a in_o one_o man_n to_o another_o as_o those_o affront_n be_v man_n put_v upon_o god_n by_o their_o continual_a provocation_n of_o he_o and_o if_o god_n then_o be_v of_o so_o infinite_a patience_n to_o forbear_v such_o who_o have_v offend_v he_o what_o justice_n and_o reason_n be_v there_o but_o that_o man_n shall_v express_v more_o lenity_n and_o patience_n towards_o each_o other_o so_o hierocâ—â—â—_n excellent_o speak_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o good_a man_n imitate_v god_n in_o the_o measure_n of_o friendship_n who_o hate_v no_o man_n and_o extend_v his_o love_a kindness_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o which_o seneca_n likewise_o somewhere_o speak_v ne_fw-fr deos_fw-la quidem_fw-la immortales_fw-la ab_fw-la hac_fw-la tam_fw-la effusa_fw-la benignitate_fw-la sacrilegi_fw-la negligentesque_fw-la corum_fw-la deterrent_fw-la utuntur_fw-la natura_fw-la sua_fw-la &_o cuncta_fw-la interque_fw-la illa_fw-la ipsos_fw-la munerum_fw-la suorum_fw-la malos_fw-la interpretes_n juvant_n the_o divine_a benignity_n extend_v its_o self_n to_o all_o even_o to_o such_o as_o affront_v and_o dishonour_v they_o and_o abuse_v the_o gift_n they_o bestow_v upon_o they_o and_o since_o there_o be_v so_o much_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o of_o plato_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o goodness_n to_o be_v like_a to_o god_n we_o see_v what_o excellent_a reason_n there_o be_v for_o thaâ—_n command_v of_o our_o saviour_n love_v your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o 36._o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a unto_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n be_v you_o therefore_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a 2._o god_n forbear_v present_o to_o punish_v wicked_a man_n to_o give_v they_o time_n to_o become_v better_o this_o the_o same_o excellent_a moralist_n give_v as_o another_o account_n of_o god_n patience_n that_o thereby_o he_o give_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o space_n to_o repent_v as_o 21._o the_o scripture_n call_v it_o for_o man_n say_v plutarch_n in_o their_o punishment_n look_v at_o nothing_o further_o than_o mere_a satisfy_v their_o revenge_n and_o malice_n and_o that_o make_v they_o pursue_v those_o that_o have_v offend_v they_o with_o so_o much_o rage_n and_o eagerness_n but_o god_n say_v he_o aim_v at_o the_o cure_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o incurable_a to_o such_o he_o give_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o time_n to_o reform_v in_o here_o he_o bring_v in_o the_o example_n of_o such_o who_o be_v bad_a at_o first_o and_o come_v afterward_o to_o be_v change_v from_o what_o they_o be_v for_o which_o he_o instance_v in_o cecrops_n who_o be_v thence_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o from_o a_o cruel_a severe_a prince_n he_o become_v gentle_a and_o mild_a and_o so_o gelon_n and_o hieron_n of_o sicily_n and_o pisistratus_n the_o son_n of_o hypocrates_n who_o from_o be_v usurper_n become_v excellent_a prince_n if_o miltiades_n say_v he_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o while_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o tyrant_n or_o cimon_n in_o his_o incest_n or_o themistocles_n in_o his_o debauchery_n what_o have_v become_v of_o marathon_n eurymedon_n dianium_n by_o which_o the_o athenian_n get_v so_o great_a glory_n and_o liberty_n and_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a spirit_n do_v nothing_o mean_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o sharp_a and_o active_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o they_o can_v never_o lie_v at_o rest_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o vigour_n but_o they_o be_v toss_v up_o and_o down_o as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o tempest_n till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o settle_a compose_a life_n but_o as_o the_o multitude_n of_o weed_n argue_v the_o richness_n and_o softness_n of_o the_o ground_n though_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o weed_n one_o not_o skill_v in_o husbandry_n will_v not_o account_v such_o ground_n worth_n look_v after_o so_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d great_a spirit_n usual_o bring_v forth_o no_o commenaable_a fruit_n at_o first_o which_o we_o consider_v the_o danger_n and_o hurtfulness_n of_o be_v present_o for_o cut_v they_o down_o but_o one_o that_o more_o wise_o consider_v the_o generous_a nature_n which_o may_v lie_v under_o this_o ill_a fruit_n wait_v time_n and_o leisure_n till_o reason_n and_o age_n begin_v to_o master_v these_o headstrong_a passion_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o prudent_a law_n of_o the_o egyptian_n the_o woman_n with_o child_n must_v be_v reprieve_v till_o the_o time_n of_o her_o delivery_n 3._o god_n spare_v some_o wicked_a man_n from_o punishment_n to_o make_v they_o instrument_n of_o his_o justice_n in_o punish_v other_o euâ—olâ—_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o plutarch_n go_v on_o god_n spare_v some_o from_o punishment_n that_o by_o they_o he_o may_v punish_v other_o which_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o tyrant_n and_o thereby_o cotta_n difficulty_n concern_v marius_n cinna_n sylla_n and_o those_o other_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a person_n who_o have_v usurp_v authority_n among_o they_o be_v clear_o take_v off_o for_o divine_a providence_n may_v let_v those_o tree_n grow_v from_o whence_o he_o intend_v to_o take_v his_o rod_n to_o scourge_v other_o with_o all_o god_n make_v the_o same_o use_n of_o tyrant_n say_v plutarch_n to_o commonwealth_n that_o physician_n do_v of_o the_o gall_n of_o a_o hyaena_fw-la and_o other_o hurtful_a creature_n which_o may_v be_v good_a for_o cure_v some_o dangerous_a disease_n so_o may_v the_o tyrannical_a severity_n and_o sharpness_n of_o such_o person_n be_v continue_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d till_o the_o disease_n of_o the_o political_a body_n be_v cure_v by_o these_o sharp_a medicine_n such_o a_o one_o be_v phalaris_n to_o the_o agrigentines_n and_o marius_n to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o oracle_n tell_v the_o sicyonian_o in_o express_a term_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o city_n want_v some_o severe_a discipline_n thence_o totilas_n when_o he_o find_v what_o strange_a success_n he_o have_v in_o his_o enterprise_n call_v himself_o flagellum_fw-la dei_fw-la and_o think_v god_n raise_v he_o up_o on_o purpose_n to_o be_v a_o scourge_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o no_o doubt_n those_o strange_a passage_n of_o the_o roman_a commonwealth_n which_o make_v cato_n at_o least_o dispute_v providence_n and_o say_v res_fw-la divinas_fw-la multum_fw-la habere_fw-la caliginis_fw-la when_o he_o see_v pompey_n successful_a as_o long_o as_o he_o serve_v his_o ambition_n but_o present_o overthrow_v when_o he_o stand_v for_o the_o commonwealth_n these_o thing_n i_o say_v have_v a_o high_a end_n than_o they_o look_v at_o which_o be_v to_o make_v both_o pompey_n and_o caesar_n the_o instrument_n of_o divine_a justice_n to_o punish_v the_o roman_n for_o their_o lust_n ambition_n and_o cruelty_n which_o be_v never_o great_a than_o in_o that_o age_n now_o than_o if_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v offender_n why_o may_v he_o not_o spare_v some_o to_o make_v they_o his_o instrument_n in_o the_o punish_n of_o other_o especial_o since_o after_o he_o have_v use_v his_o rod_n he_o may_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o fire_n too_o as_o be_v evident_a in_o the_o instance_n of_o caesar_n who_o after_o all_o his_o slaughter_n and_o triumph_n be_v murder_v in_o the_o senate_n and_o that_o by_o some_o who_o have_v be_v as_o active_a as_o any_o for_o he_o and_o herein_o divine_a justice_n both_o as_o to_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o person_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o it_o have_v be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o multitude_n of_o instance_n which_o every_a one_o read_v may_v afford_v he_o 4._o therefore_o another_o account_n why_o god_n may_v spare_v wicked_a man_n a_o great_a while_n be_v that_o divine_a providence_n may_v more_o remarkable_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o punishment_n afterward_o plutarch_n tell_v we_o of_o callippus_n who_o be_v stab_v by_o his_o enemy_n with_o the_o samd_a dagger_n with_o which_o he_o have_v kill_v dion_n under_o a_o pretence_n of_o friendship_n and_o when_o mitius_n the_o argive_a be_v kill_v in_o a_o tumult_n afterward_o upon_o the_o day_n of_o a_o solemn_a show_n a_o brass_n statue_n in_o the_o market_n place_n fall_v upon_o his_o murderer_n and_o kill_v he_o there_o but_o most_o remarkable_a be_v the_o story_n of_o belsus_n record_v by_o the_o same_o author_n who_o have_v kill_v his_o father_n and_o a_o long_a time_n conceal_v it_o go_v one_o night_n to_o supper_n to_o some_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 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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
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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
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